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    Türkiye condemns Black Sea drone strikes on cargo…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISTANBUL: Türkiye has strongly condemned drone attacks on two commercial cargo vessels in the Black Sea, warning that continued assaults on civilian shipping could jeopardize international maritime trade and global food security. According to international media reports, the vessels were attacked shortly after departing Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that several crew members were injured in the incidents and said their condition is being closely monitored. In a statement, the ministry expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea, noting that repeated warnings about the risks to civilian navigation have gone unheeded. It stressed that disruptions to commercial shipping could have serious consequences for global trade routes and food supply chains. Ankara urged all parties involved in the conflict to take immediate and effective measures to safeguard freedom of navigation and ensure the safety of commercial vessels operating in the region. Reports identified the targeted ships as Yasir and Nadezhda, sailing under the flags of Panama and Cameroon, respectively. Although registered abroad, both vessels are reportedly owned by Turkish companies. The attacks come amid a steady rise in hostilities across the Black Sea, where commercial shipping has increasingly been caught in the crossfire of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In late June, an attack near Crimea on a Turkish fishing boat left one person dead and four others injured, while another Turkish cargo ship was reportedly struck by a drone at the end of May. Meanwhile, separate security incidents have further heightened regional tensions. In the Russian-controlled Crimean city of Sevastopol, four people, including a soldier, were killed after a serviceman allegedly opened fire on both military personnel and civilians before being taken into custody. Authorities have launched an investigation into the motive behind the shooting. Elsewhere, Russian officials reported that a Ukrainian drone strike on the industrial area of Novoselki near Moscow killed five people and injured ten others. The attack also triggered multiple fires across the industrial zone. Analysts say the intensifying military activity in the Black Sea is increasing the risks to international commerce, energy transportation, and global food supplies, while further complicating efforts to ease the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

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    Brasilia reduces diplomatic presence in Buenos Aires following verbal attacks by Argentine leadership

    ByJustpaste.in

    Brazil has formally downgraded its diplomatic representation in Argentina to the level of chargé d’affaires following renewed verbal insults directed by Argentine President Javier Milei toward Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Brazilian Ambassador Julio Bitelli will not be returning to his post in Buenos Aires. The decision was triggered after Milei referred to the Brazilian head of state using derogatory terms, including calling him corrupt and an ex-convict, during a television interview with Argentine broadcaster LN+. Bitelli had initially been recalled late last month after Milei openly criticized Lula while appearing in São Paulo alongside opposition candidate Flavio Bolsonaro during the formal launch of his presidential campaign. Argentine Ambassador Daniel Raimondi was officially notified of the administrative downgrade in Brasília. The move marks a formal escalation in the deteriorating relations between South America’s two largest economies, whose leaders have not held a formal bilateral summit since Milei assumed office.

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    Pakistan wheat import faces Sindh opposition

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Sindh government has strongly opposed the federal government’s decision to import wheat, warning that the move could hurt local farmers and weaken the domestic agriculture sector. Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman said the province does not support wheat imports at a time when the country already has sufficient local production. He argued that bringing in imported wheat would reduce demand for locally grown crops and create financial difficulties for farmers who are already struggling with rising production costs. The minister also criticized the Punjab government for restricting the inter-provincial movement of wheat. According to him, Punjab currently has a surplus of around seven million metric tons of wheat, while Sindh faces a shortfall of nearly one million metric tons. He said that easing the movement of wheat between provinces would help address supply gaps without relying on imports. Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman added that the Sindh government plans to purchase wheat from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to meet the province’s procurement target. He stressed that local resources should be utilized before considering foreign imports. Commenting on flour prices, the food minister said wheat flour in Karachi is currently selling between Rs130 and Rs140 per kilogram. He maintained that better coordination between the federal and provincial governments, along with the efficient distribution of locally available wheat, would help stabilize supplies and protect the interests of both consumers and farmers.

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    New Delhi distances itself from scheduled online talk by ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi has formally clarified that the Indian government maintains no connection to or responsibility for an upcoming online address by former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Officials confirmed that the press gathering is an entirely independent initiative arranged by a private press entity. The official statement came following direct enquiries from diplomatic authorities in Dhaka seeking clarity regarding New Delhi’s position. Sheikh Hasina, the ousted head of the Bangladesh Awami League, is scheduled to deliver a remote address on 5 August during an international media event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi. The date coincides with the second anniversary of the mass student-led demonstrations that brought an end to her administration in 2024. Addressing the matter during a press briefing, an official spokesperson for the Indian foreign ministry emphasized that the gathering is strictly a private affair organised by the media body, adding that the state framework remains wholly unassociated with its coordination or proceedings.

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    Kyiv rocked by massive Russian missile and drone assault

    ByJustpaste.in

    More than 30 explosions shook Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, during a fresh wave of Russian missile and drone attacks, according to Russian media reports. The strikes triggered large fires in several parts of the city, with thick smoke rising over parts of the capital as emergency crews rushed to contain the damage. Initial reports confirmed that at least one person lost their life, while five others suffered injuries. Authorities also activated air raid sirens across Kyiv and its surrounding suburbs, warning residents to seek shelter as the attacks continued. The latest assault caused significant disruption across the city and raised concerns about damage to civilian infrastructure. Emergency responders remained on the ground to extinguish fires, assist the injured, and assess the full extent of the destruction. Russian media claimed that Moscow’s forces used advanced precision-guided missiles and drones during the operation. The reports also stated that Ukraine’s air defense systems failed to intercept several of the incoming weapons, allowing multiple strikes to reach their intended targets. Ukrainian authorities have not immediately commented on those claims. The attack marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict, as both sides continue to exchange long-range strikes while fighting persists on several fronts.

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    MQM-P rivals move toward reconciliation 

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Signs of reconciliation have begun to emerge within the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) after a violent confrontation at the party’s Bahadurabad headquarters, with senior leaders initiating behind-the-scenes contacts to ease tensions and restore unity. Two days after the clash, senior party figures, including Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and Anees Qaimkhani, visited the party’s central office to discuss organizational affairs. Speaking to reporters, Mustafa Kamal rejected speculation of an internal power struggle, insisting that the party remained united despite recent events. According to sources, communication has been established between the two rival camps—one led by Mustafa Kamal and the other by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui—in an effort to defuse tensions. A joint press conference is reportedly being considered as part of efforts to present a united front, although party leaders have neither confirmed nor denied the possibility. Notably, close associates of Siddiqui, who also serves as the party’s convener, did not attend the meeting at the headquarters. Despite the passage of two days since the confrontation, which reportedly involved a physical altercation and aerial firing, police have yet to register a First Information Report (FIR). Officials said no faction of the party has formally approached law enforcement to lodge a complaint. If neither side files a case, authorities are expected to register one on behalf of the state. Police sources said a draft FIR has already been prepared and is awaiting approval from senior officials before being formally registered. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have carried out raids and detained several MQM-P office-bearers and workers suspected of involvement in the violence. Officials said those currently in custody could face formal arrest once the FIR is registered, as investigations into the incident continue.

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    Iran says it is ready for war again

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iran has claimed that it has significantly strengthened its military and defense capabilities during the ceasefire with the United States, warning that its armed forces are fully prepared if diplomacy fails and hostilities resume. Speaking to Iranian state television, a military spokesperson said the armed forces used every moment of the ceasefire to reinforce the country’s defenses. According to the spokesperson, Iran upgraded existing weapons, developed new air defense systems, restored facilities damaged during the conflict, and accelerated work on advanced military technologies. The spokesperson also revealed that Iran deployed a new generation of drones during the recent conflict. While officials did not disclose technical details, they said more information about the drones will be released at a later stage. According to Arab media reports, Iran’s acting defense minister said missile and drone production continued without interruption throughout the ceasefire. He claimed that drone manufacturing has increased to nearly three times its pre-war level, reflecting Tehran’s efforts to rapidly rebuild and expand its military capabilities. The acting defense minister also stated that the Iranian armed forces maintained their command structure despite the deaths of several senior military commanders. He added that revised battlefield strategies enabled Iranian forces to surprise their opponents during the conflict. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Iran improved both the production speed and accuracy of its missile program during the ceasefire. However, officials declined to reveal the size of the country’s remaining weapons stockpiles or provide details about military losses suffered during the fighting. Several U.S. media outlets have also reported that Iran still possesses roughly 70 percent of its pre-war missile inventory and about 40 percent of its drone arsenal. Analysts believe those remaining capabilities could allow Tehran to sustain a prolonged campaign of asymmetric warfare if tensions escalate again. Arab media further reported that Iran could soon receive around 400 shoulder-fired air defense missile systems manufactured in China. However, both China and Pakistan have rejected those reports, while Iranian authorities have not issued any official comment on the claim. A former Iranian military commander also argued that thousands of U.S. and Israeli strikes failed to eliminate Iran’s military capabilities. He said the country continues to improve the range, precision, and destructive power of its domestically produced missiles while bringing newly developed weapons from underground missile and drone facilities into operational service. The latest statements highlight Iran’s determination to strengthen its military readiness despite international pressure, while also signaling that Tehran remains prepared for another confrontation if diplomatic efforts with Washington fail.

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    Mechanic nabbed in child apprentice abuse case

    ByJustpaste.in

    VEHARI: A motorcycle mechanic has been arrested in Punjab’s Vehari district after videos allegedly showing him assaulting two young brothers working as apprentices at his repair shop spread widely on social media, prompting swift police action. According to the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Karam Pur Police Station. The suspect, identified as Israr Ahmad, allegedly attacked the two boys—nine-year-old Faizan and 10-year-old Ali Ahmar—over what authorities described as a minor dispute while they were learning motorcycle repair skills at his workshop. Police said the frightened children ran to a nearby public bathhouse in an attempt to escape, but the mechanic allegedly chased them and continued the assault there. The incident gained widespread attention after videos of the alleged abuse went viral online. Following the public outcry, Vehari District Police Officer Tasawur Iqbal ordered immediate legal action against the suspect. Acting on the directive, Station House Officer Muhammad Zulfiqar Jatt and his team registered a case based on the complaint of a police official and arrested the accused. Authorities said the suspect has been booked under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including charges related to criminal intimidation and child abuse, while investigators continue to examine the case. District Police Officer Tasawur Iqbal said violence against children would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for abusing minors or taking the law into their own hands.

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    Punjab steps up Urban flood management

    ByJustpaste.in

    FAISALABAD: The Punjab Water and Sanitation Authority (PWASA) has stepped up its monsoon preparedness by deploying advanced machinery, completing large-scale desilting operations, and launching a modern command and control system aimed at improving flood management and emergency response across the province. Speaking to reporters, PWASA Director General Tayyab Fareed said the authority has cleared nearly 650,000 tonnes of solid waste while completing the cleaning of drains, sewer lines, and manholes before the peak monsoon season. He added that a state-of-the-art Central Command and Control Room equipped with 13 digital dashboards is now providing real-time monitoring of rainfall and drainage conditions across Punjab. Fareed said PWASA was established under the Punjab Water and Sanitation Act in June 2024, initially taking over the province’s five existing Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs). Since then, the Punjab government has expanded the network in phases, bringing the total number of district-level WASAs to 41. He noted that this year’s monsoon arrived nearly two weeks later than usual, with heavy rainfall recorded during the second half of July across central and northern Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Okara, and Nankana Sahib. According to the PWASA chief, a province-wide 45-day desilting campaign was completed ahead of the rainy season, with all activities digitally tracked to improve transparency and operational efficiency. To strengthen sanitation services, the Punjab government has invested heavily in new equipment. Machinery worth Rs6.5 billion has been procured for 15 major cities, while an additional Rs7.5 billion has been allocated to equip smaller WASAs established during the latest expansion phase. In total, around 950 machinery units, including dewatering pumps, cranes, tractor-trolleys, backhoe loaders, and other specialized equipment, are planned for deployment across Punjab. More than 300 units have already been delivered to field teams. Fareed said the central control room coordinates directly with field staff while working closely with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority, Rescue 1122, and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to ensure a faster and more effective response during heavy rainfall. He also highlighted several long-term infrastructure projects designed to improve water management. These include a proposed Rs55 billion wastewater treatment project in Lahore and another project of similar value that will treat water from the BRB Canal to provide a sustainable surface water supply, reducing dependence on groundwater. In addition, PWASA has constructed 18 underground rainwater storage tanks in Lahore and 10 more in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Okara, and Sahiwal. The tanks are currently being used to collect rainwater during the monsoon and are emptied after rainfall to prepare for future weather events, helping improve urban flood management across the province.

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    PSX jumps 2,100 points on global optimism

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a strong rally at the start of trading on Wednesday, with investors returning to the market after signs of easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East lifted global sentiment. The benchmark KSE-100 Index climbed by more than 2,100 points during the opening session, reflecting renewed optimism among market participants. By around 9:30am, the KSE-100 Index was trading at 179,216.20 points, registering a gain of 2,132.98 points, or 1.20 percent, compared with the previous close. Market analysts attributed the sharp recovery to encouraging remarks from officials in Qatar and the United States, which strengthened expectations that diplomatic efforts could help prevent further escalation of the Iran conflict. The improved global outlook encouraged investors to increase buying in key sectors of the local market. The rally was broad-based, with significant buying interest recorded in automobile assemblers, cement manufacturers, commercial banks, fertiliser companies, oil marketing firms, power generation companies and refineries. Among the major gainers were heavyweight stocks such as Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), Mari Energies (MARI), Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL), Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), MCB Bank, Meezan Bank (MEBL) and United Bank Limited (UBL), all of which traded in positive territory during the early session. Investor confidence also received support from reports that Pakistan has approached China to refinance a $1.3 billion commercial loan. According to reports, the financing is expected to be finalised later this month after both sides complete negotiations on the terms and conditions. Market participants believe the move could help strengthen Pakistan’s external financing position and provide support to the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The strong opening followed a volatile trading session on Tuesday, when the stock market closed significantly lower after investors engaged in widespread profit-taking. Although the KSE-100 Index had reached an intraday high of 178,768.83 points, selling pressure emerged later in the session as traders locked in gains following Monday’s impressive rally. Global financial markets also contributed to the positive sentiment. Asian equities advanced sharply after strong corporate earnings in the United States and continued enthusiasm for technology stocks pushed Wall Street to fresh record highs. Investors were further encouraged by hopes that diplomatic efforts would help keep the Strait of Hormuz open, easing concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies and putting downward pressure on oil prices and bond yields. Japan’s Nikkei index surged around 3 percent, while South Korea’s benchmark gained more than 4 percent. The broader MSCI Asia-Pacific Index outside Japan also posted strong gains, with Chinese blue-chip shares moving higher as investors welcomed improving market sentiment across the region. In the United States, stock futures remained stable after the S&P 500 reached another record high. However, trading in some technology stocks remained mixed. Chipmaker AMD declined in after-hours trading despite reporting earnings that exceeded analysts’ estimates, as investors had anticipated even stronger results. Concerns also persisted over the heavy capital spending required to support artificial intelligence infrastructure, with rising borrowing costs continuing to weigh on parts of the technology sector.