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    Electricity tariff may rise by Rs1.34 per unit under quarterly adjustment

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Electricity consumers may face higher power bills for the next three months as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) considers a proposal seeking to recover an additional financial burden from consumers through the quarterly tariff adjustment mechanism. Nepra has reserved its decision on a request submitted by electricity distribution companies seeking to pass on around Rs34 billion in additional costs to consumers. According to sources, the proposed adjustment could increase the electricity tariff by approximately Rs1.34 per unit each month for three months. If approved, the additional charge would be reflected in consumers’ electricity bills during the applicable period. The quarterly tariff adjustment is used to account for changes in various costs incurred by power distribution companies, including fluctuations in generation and other sector-related expenses. The adjustment is subsequently passed on to consumers after regulatory scrutiny. Sources said Nepra has not yet issued its final decision on the request. The regulator will examine the financial details and relevant data submitted by the distribution companies before determining whether the proposed increase should be approved in full, partially accepted or rejected. The final decision is expected to clarify the exact amount to be recovered from consumers and the period over which the additional charges will apply. Until Nepra announces its decision, the proposed Rs1.34 per-unit increase remains under consideration and should not be treated as a final tariff hike.

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    Global oil prices decline as OPEC cuts 2026 demand forecast

    ByJustpaste.in

    Global crude oil prices fell by more than $1 a barrel on Thursday after a period of gains, as concerns over weaker oil consumption in 2026 outweighed ongoing supply risks linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Brent crude futures declined by $1.29, or around 1.5%, to $87.69 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped $1.30, or about 1.6%, to $81.97 per barrel. Market sentiment was pressured by fresh estimates indicating that global oil demand could grow more slowly than previously expected next year. The weaker demand outlook has encouraged investors to reassess the strength of the oil market despite continued uncertainty over supplies from the Middle East. The latest decline came after the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) lowered its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2026 to 580,000 barrels per day in its monthly oil market report. This marks the fourth consecutive reduction in the organisation’s demand-growth projection. The ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States and Israel has disrupted energy supplies and shipping routes, creating significant uncertainty in international oil markets. However, analysts say the economic and logistical disruptions are also weighing on fuel consumption and broader global demand. Despite the latest decline, supply concerns continue to provide some support to crude prices. Traders remain focused on developments in the Middle East, particularly the impact of the conflict on oil production, exports and major shipping routes. Analysts are therefore expecting continued volatility in global oil prices as markets balance two opposing factors: the risk of supply shortages caused by geopolitical tensions and the possibility of weaker demand resulting from disruptions to economic activity. The latest OPEC forecast is likely to remain an important factor for investors in the coming sessions, particularly as traders assess whether weaker demand can offset the supply risks currently affecting the global energy market.

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    Norway’s Foreign Minister arrives in Islamabad f…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide arrived in Islamabad on Thursday for an official two-day visit, marking the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to Pakistan in a decade and opening a fresh chapter in bilateral engagement. Eide, who is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, was received at Islamabad International Airport by Additional Foreign Secretary for Europe Ambassador Ayesha Ali. He later held a meeting with Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the two sides are expected to discuss a broad range of issues concerning Pakistan-Norway relations. According to the Foreign Office, Eide’s visit will continue through August 14 and include delegation-level talks between the two countries. The discussions are expected to focus on areas where Islamabad and Oslo see potential for stronger cooperation. Trade and investment will be among the key subjects, while climate change, renewable energy and education are also expected to feature prominently in the talks. The two sides will additionally explore ways to strengthen people-to-people contacts. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking to deepen economic and diplomatic partnerships with European countries, particularly in areas linked to investment, clean energy and sustainable development. Beyond bilateral matters, the foreign ministers are also expected to exchange views on important regional and international developments. This could give the two sides an opportunity to discuss shared concerns and assess developments affecting the wider region. The Foreign Office said the visit builds on a series of high-level contacts between Pakistan and Norway in recent months. Dar and Eide held telephone conversations in March and April, while Norwegian State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik visited Islamabad in May. The two countries have also maintained engagement through diplomatic channels, with both sides showing interest in expanding cooperation beyond traditional areas. Eide’s arrival therefore carries significance not only because of its timing but also because of the gap since the last visit by a Norwegian foreign minister. The trip provides an opportunity to translate recent diplomatic contacts into practical cooperation. For Islamabad, stronger ties with Norway could bring opportunities in trade, investment, renewable energy and education. For Oslo, deeper engagement with Pakistan offers a chance to strengthen relations with an important South Asian partner. The Foreign Office described the visit as an opportunity to further strengthen the “longstanding and cordial relations” between the two countries and identify new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. With formal talks now underway, attention will turn to whether the two-day visit produces concrete initiatives that can give Pakistan-Norway relations fresh momentum.

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    Love marriage turns fatal in Khanewal as father allegedly kills daughter

    ByJustpaste.in

    KHANEWAL: A young woman was allegedly murdered by her father and other family members in Khanewal after she married a man of her choice, police said. The incident took place in Chak No. 170, Tens-R, within the jurisdiction of Sadar police station. According to the initial information, the victim, identified as Iqra, had married Muhammad Sohail three days before the incident. Police said Iqra’s father, Falak Sher, allegedly went to his daughter’s in-laws’ residence and persuaded her to accompany him, reportedly assuring the family that she would be sent off respectfully. However, after taking her with him, he allegedly killed her with the assistance of his two brothers and son. The incident came to light after Iqra’s husband, Muhammad Sohail, approached the police and filed a complaint. A murder case was subsequently registered against the deceased’s father, Falak Sher, and his three sons. Following the registration of the case, police arrested Falak Sher and initiated further investigation. Authorities are also working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the killing and the alleged involvement of other suspects. Rescue officials shifted Iqra’s body to the district headquarters hospital, where doctors conducted a post-mortem examination to establish the cause and nature of her death. The case has once again raised concerns over violence against women who choose to marry according to their own wishes. Police said further legal action would be taken in light of the investigation and evidence collected from the crime scene.

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    Diesel price rises as government increases petroleum levy

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government has increased the price of high-speed diesel after raising the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) on the fuel by Rs1 per litre, adding further pressure on consumers and transport-related costs. Following the latest adjustment, the price of high-speed diesel has gone up by 54 paisas per litre, reaching Rs382.89 per litre. The increase comes despite a decline in the ex-refinery price of diesel, with the higher petroleum levy pushing up the final price paid by consumers. The government has raised the diesel levy by Rs1 per litre as part of the latest petroleum price adjustment. The PDL on high-speed diesel now stands at Rs76.28 per litre. The latest increase follows another adjustment made on August 12, when the government raised the petroleum levy on diesel by Rs2 per litre. The successive increases have resulted in a significant rise in the levy component of the retail price. Petrol price reduced In contrast to diesel, the government has reduced the price of petrol by 94 paisas per litre. The price of petrol has now been fixed at Rs324.98 per litre. The Petroleum Development Levy on petrol, however, has remained unchanged at Rs80 per litre. The differing price movements for petrol and diesel are largely linked to changes in their respective pricing components. While the ex-refinery price of diesel declined, the increase in the government levy more than offset the reduction, resulting in a higher retail price. The latest adjustment is expected to have an impact on transportation and logistics costs because diesel is widely used by commercial vehicles, buses, trucks, agricultural machinery and other heavy transport. Higher diesel prices can also influence the cost of goods and services by increasing transportation expenses across supply chains. Meanwhile, the reduction in petrol prices provides limited relief to motorists using petrol-powered vehicles. The government periodically reviews petroleum prices based on international oil prices, exchange-rate movements, taxation and other components of the domestic pricing mechanism. The latest changes reflect the impact of adjustments in the petroleum levy and ex-refinery prices on consumers.

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    Amitabh Bachchan and Parveen Babi’s complicated bond revisited

    ByJustpaste.in

    Amitabh Bachchan and Parveen Babi were among the most popular on-screen pairs of their era. Their chemistry was widely appreciated, particularly in films such as Deewaar and Kaala Patthar. The two actors developed a friendship while working together, but their relationship later became surrounded by speculation and controversy. At the time, rumours circulated that Amitabh and Parveen were romantically involved, despite Amitabh being married to actress Jaya Bachchan. However, these claims were never established as fact. Reports suggested that Amitabh eventually distanced himself from Parveen, something she reportedly found difficult to accept. Parveen later made disturbing allegations against Amitabh in an interview with a magazine. She claimed that he was an international gangster who wanted to harm her and alleged that his associates had kidnapped her. She further claimed that she had been taken to an island, where she believed doctors performed surgery on her and placed a transmitter or electronic chip beneath her ear. Her allegations attracted considerable attention, but they were later understood in the context of her deteriorating mental health. Parveen had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, a serious mental health condition that can affect a person’s perception, thoughts and behaviour. Amitabh subsequently addressed her claims and explained that her illness had caused her to become extremely fearful of other people and experience delusions and hallucinations. Despite the painful circumstances surrounding their past, another emotional episode involving Parveen occurred years later when she unexpectedly encountered her former boyfriend, actor Kabir Bedi. The meeting took place at a hotel in 2004, approximately a year before Parveen’s death. Kabir later recalled the encounter during a conversation with Siddharth Kannan. According to his recollection, he approached Parveen and greeted her warmly. However, she responded with visible sadness and spoke about how people believed she was mentally unwell. Kabir tried to reassure her, but the conversation reportedly took an emotional turn. He remembered seeing a sudden change in her expression, reflecting the difficult state she appeared to be in at the time. The meeting left a lasting impression on him, particularly because he had known Parveen closely during their relationship years earlier. Parveen Babi’s life and career remain a complicated chapter in Bollywood history. She rose to extraordinary fame during the 1970s and became one of the industry’s most recognisable actresses. Yet, behind her glamorous public image, she struggled with serious mental health difficulties and increasing isolation. Her story has continued to generate discussion because of the contrast between her remarkable success as an actress and the personal struggles she experienced later in life. Her relationships with prominent actors, including Amitabh Bachchan and Kabir Bedi, have also remained subjects of public interest, although many claims surrounding her personal life were based on rumours and accounts that cannot always be independently verified.

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    Akanksha Chamola opens up about divorce from Gaurav Khanna

    ByJustpaste.in

    Akanksha Chamola has once again spoken openly about her separation from actor Gaurav Khanna, revealing that their divorce is now definitely moving forward. The actress had previously surprised viewers of Lock Upp Season 2 when she casually disclosed that she and Gaurav were heading towards divorce. The revelation came as a shock to many fans because Akanksha had never publicly discussed problems in her marriage before appearing on the reality show. Her comments on Lock Upp marked the first time she spoke about the situation in such a direct manner, leaving viewers surprised by the sudden disclosure. During her time on the show, Akanksha also opened up about several personal aspects of her life. She spoke candidly about her bisexuality and revealed that she does not want to have children. Her decision to discuss such private matters on television sparked considerable interest among viewers. Now, during a recent event covered by NewsX, Akanksha addressed questions about her divorce and confirmed that the separation is indeed taking place. She clarified that the decision was not a recent development and had actually been made well before she entered Lock Upp Season 2. According to Akanksha, the divorce process had already begun before Gaurav participated in Khatron Ke Khiladi. However, the couple has not yet completed the formalities because their busy professional schedules have made it difficult for them to find the right time to sit together and sign the necessary documents. Akanksha explained that life can be particularly complicated for actors, especially when both partners are working and trying to manage demanding schedules. She suggested that despite their decision to separate, completing the legal process has taken longer than expected because of their conflicting commitments. The actress further revealed that she and Gaurav had spent considerable time thinking about their relationship before reaching the decision to end their marriage. She said the decision was made around two months before she entered Lock Upp, while also placing it before Gaurav’s stint on Khatron Ke Khiladi. Akanksha explained that the couple did not arrive at the decision suddenly. Instead, they took around 18 months to understand their relationship and determine whether they could continue their marriage. After spending that time reflecting on their future together, they eventually concluded that the relationship was no longer working for them. Her latest comments provide further clarity about the couple’s separation and indicate that the divorce is now expected to be completed once they are able to manage their schedules and finish the required formalities. Akanksha’s decision to speak about the matter publicly has also given fans a clearer understanding of why the divorce process has taken time, while making it clear that the separation was a carefully considered decision rather than a sudden development.

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    US senators demand probe into conditions aboard US…

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: US senators are demanding an investigation into reported conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, as concerns grow over food shortages, broken plumbing, contaminated water and mental health problems during the aircraft carrier’s unusually long deployment in the Middle East. Democratic senators called for answers from the US Navy on Wednesday, citing reports that the nuclear-powered carrier has remained at sea for more than 250 days and has not come ashore for more than 200 days. Senator Richard Blumenthal, in a letter to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, urged the Pentagon to explain the conditions facing personnel aboard the ship. He said the extended deployment had been accompanied by reports of shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing failures and deteriorating mental health. The concerns have also reached the Senate Armed Services Committee, with Senator Ruben Gallego calling for an official oversight visit involving a bipartisan Senate delegation. In a post on X, Gallego said lawmakers should be allowed to inspect the carrier and investigate what he described as alarming reports from personnel and their families. The USS Abraham Lincoln left San Diego, California, on November 21, 2025, initially heading for duty in the South China Sea. It was later redirected towards the Middle East as tensions escalated ahead of US and Israeli attacks on Iran that began on February 28. The prolonged deployment has reportedly placed significant pressure on the approximately 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard the carrier. During recent meetings, family members reportedly confronted Navy officials over shortages of food and other basic necessities while seeking clarity about when their relatives might return home. Some accounts have also raised serious concerns about mental health among crew members. Reports cited by lawmakers included alleged suicide attempts and threats by personnel to jump from the ship. Gallego highlighted claims of moldy showers, irregular hot water, rationed meals and soap, broken toilets and exhausting 12-to-16-hour work shifts without regular days off. “These are frightening alarm bells,” Gallego said, arguing that the reported conditions require immediate attention. The allegations come as the Lincoln continues a deployment that has already broken records for consecutive days at sea. Extended deployments can place additional physical and psychological demands on military personnel, particularly when access to supplies, recreation and shore-based support is limited. The US Navy had not immediately responded to an AFP request for comment. For the senators, the immediate priority is accountability and determining whether sailors and Marines aboard the carrier have adequate food, water, medical care and safe working conditions. The growing calls for oversight could now put pressure on the Pentagon and Navy leadership to provide answers about one of the longest and most demanding carrier deployments in recent US military history.

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    X blocks Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree’s…

    ByJustpaste.in

    SANAA: Social media platform X has reportedly suspended the account of Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, removing an important online channel used to communicate statements and announcements by the Yemen-based group. The account had more than 121,500 followers and was widely used for posts concerning the Houthis’ military activities and claims of attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. According to the report, visitors to the account were shown an “Account Suspended” notice. X’s standard message on suspended accounts says the platform takes action against accounts that violate its rules. The specific reason for the suspension was not immediately clear. Saree has been a prominent public voice for the Houthi movement, frequently appearing in televised statements and issuing announcements concerning military operations. His statements have included claims about attacks on vessels in the Red Sea as well as operations targeting Saudi Arabia and other regional adversaries. The suspension could therefore affect one of the group’s most visible channels for communicating directly with its supporters and the wider public. Saree’s online presence has faced restrictions before. His earlier Twitter account was suspended in 2022, after which another account was created for continued communication. Historical reporting also shows that Houthi-affiliated accounts have faced changes to their verification status and other platform restrictions. The latest reported action comes amid continuing tensions surrounding Yemen and the Red Sea, where Houthi attacks on shipping have drawn international attention. The group has repeatedly said its operations are linked to the wider regional conflict and has issued statements claiming responsibility for attacks against vessels. The Houthis’ military statements are often closely watched because they provide the group’s own account of operations, although claims about attacks and damage are not always independently verified. The reported suspension also raises broader questions about how social media platforms handle accounts belonging to armed groups and their spokespeople, particularly when those accounts are used both for political messaging and military announcements. While the immediate reason for the latest action remains unclear, the removal of Saree’s account could make it more difficult for the Houthi movement to communicate through one of its established social media channels. For now, attention is likely to remain on whether X provides a specific explanation for the suspension and whether Saree or the Houthi authorities establish another account to continue distributing official statements.

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    Sean “Diddy” Combs gets relief as he exits solitary confinement

    ByJustpaste.in

    Sean “Diddy” Combs has received some relief ahead of his upcoming court proceedings.The music mogul is reportedly out of solitary confinement at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Fort Dix in New Jersey. Combs was placed in solitary confinement last month after an alleged fight with another inmate. The incident reportedly took place inside the prison. According to reports, the dispute began after another inmate allegedly insulted Combs. The situation then turned physical. The two men reportedly pushed each other and exchanged punches. Prison staff later stepped in and separated them. Following the incident, Combs was placed in solitary confinement while prison officials dealt with the matter. He has now reportedly been moved out of solitary confinement. The development comes as he continues to serve his prison sentence. It is still unclear whether Combs will face any further punishment over the alleged fight. Prison officials have not publicly provided many details about the incident. Diddy linked to Tupac Shakur murder case The latest update comes shortly after Combs was named on a witness list linked to the Tupac Shakur murder trial. On August 4, Clark County, Nevada, issued a supplemental witness list. Combs’ name was reportedly included in the document. The list also included Marion “Suge” Knight, the co-founder of Death Row Records. Knight has been linked to the case for years and was previously removed from the list of potential witnesses. The trial began on August 10. It is expected to continue through September. Prosecutors are expected to call several witnesses during the proceedings. The case focuses on the 1996 shooting death of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. Tupac was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996. He was just 25 years old at the time. His death became one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in hip-hop history. The case has continued to attract worldwide attention for nearly three decades. Combs’ appearance on the witness list does not mean that he will definitely testify. It remains unclear whether prosecutors will eventually call him to the stand. For now, the rapper is serving his prison sentence while dealing with continued legal attention. His move out of solitary confinement marks a significant change in his current prison situation. At the same time, his reported inclusion in the Tupac case has added another layer of interest to his ongoing legal troubles. The latest developments are likely to keep Combs in the spotlight as both his prison situation and the high-profile Tupac trial continue to unfold.:::