Pakistan announces 20-man squad for FIH Hockey World Cup 2026

The global semiconductor industry is on track to surpass $1 trillion in annual revenue in 2026, driven largely by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. AI-related chips are reshaping the semiconductor business. Although advanced AI processors represent only a tiny share of total chip shipments, they are expected to generate almost half of the industry’s overall revenue this year. The surge reflects the enormous investment being made in AI data centres around the world. The five largest global technology hyperscalers have allocated more than $600 billion to AI data-centre infrastructure in 2026. The growing demand is also increasing the importance of advanced chip manufacturing. Producing a sophisticated 3-nanometre processor can take around six months, highlighting the complexity and limited capacity of the global supply chain. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) remains central to the production of the world’s most advanced processors. The company manufactures an estimated 90% of the most sophisticated chips, making it a critical supplier for the rapidly expanding AI industry. This concentration has also raised concerns about supply-chain vulnerability. Any major disruption to advanced chip production could affect technology companies, AI developers and governments that are investing heavily in artificial intelligence. Nvidia has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI boom. The company reported revenue of $215.9 billion, strengthening its position as a leading supplier of processors used to train and operate advanced AI models. The chip industry’s challenges extend beyond processors. High-bandwidth memory (HBM), which is essential for AI computing, has become another major supply constraint. Much of the available HBM production capacity is already committed through 2026. The global memory market is also expected to generate substantial revenue, with estimates putting fiscal 2026 revenue at around $594.7 billion. The figures underline how quickly AI is transforming the global semiconductor industry. Demand is shifting toward fewer but far more valuable advanced chips, while manufacturers face pressure to expand capacity and secure critical components. As AI investment continues to grow, semiconductor production is increasingly becoming a strategic issue for technology companies and governments. The ability to manufacture advanced processors and memory at scale could determine how quickly the next phase of AI development progresses.

Iran has warned that it will respond firmly to any future military action by the United States, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivering the message during separate conversations with senior officials from Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic outreach comes as tensions in the region remain high amid growing speculation about possible American military action against Iran. According to statements released through Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Araghchi held separate telephone discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir. During the conversations, he stressed that Iran would react decisively to what he described as any new act of aggression by the United States or its allies. He said Tehran would respond proportionately to any attack targeting the country’s territory or critical infrastructure. In his discussion with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, both sides reviewed the latest developments in regional diplomacy and ongoing negotiations related to the current crisis. Fidan later confirmed the conversation on social media, saying the two officials exchanged views on recent diplomatic efforts and the evolving regional situation. Araghchi also used his conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to repeat Iran’s warning that any military action by the United States, Israel or other regional actors would receive a strong and direct response. Iranian officials have consistently maintained that the country’s defence policy is based on responding to attacks with equal force rather than initiating conflict. Last week, Araghchi reinforced this position through a social media post, describing Iran’s defence strategy as an “eye for an eye” approach. He said any strike against Iranian infrastructure would be met with a comparable response, signalling that Tehran remains prepared to retaliate if its security is threatened. The latest statements come as reports continue to circulate about possible military planning in Washington. Michael Doran, a former senior official on Middle East affairs at the US National Security Council, said President Donald Trump is reportedly close to deciding whether to authorise a large scale military operation against Iran. Citing an Israeli official quoted by Israel’s Kan 12 television channel, Doran said the US military has reached its highest state of readiness, although no final decision has been made. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has publicly confirmed the reports. However, the speculation has added to concerns that the already fragile security situation in the Middle East could worsen if diplomatic efforts fail. Regional governments have been closely monitoring developments, with many countries urging restraint and encouraging dialogue to prevent a wider conflict. Analysts say continued communication between Iran and neighbouring states reflects growing efforts to avoid further escalation while preparing for the possibility of increased military tensions. Iran has repeatedly said it prefers diplomacy but insists it will defend its territory and national interests if attacked. As uncertainty continues over Washington’s next move, the exchange of warnings and diplomatic contacts highlights the delicate balance facing the region, where any military confrontation could have far reaching consequences beyond Iran and the United States. Focused keyword:

WASHINGTON: US Senator Richard Blumenthal has called on the Pentagon to explain why the USS Abraham Lincoln has remained at sea for more than 250 days, raising concerns about the health, safety and readiness of thousands of sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier. Blumenthal, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao seeking detailed information about the carrier’s prolonged deployment. The senator said the USS Abraham Lincoln left Naval Base San Diego on November 21, 2025, for what was originally expected to be a seven-month mission. Its deployment was scheduled to end in May but has since been extended, with no publicly announced date for its return. According to Blumenthal, the carrier has spent more than 200 consecutive days without a port visit, setting a record for the length of time it has remained at sea without such a stop. The prolonged deployment has triggered concerns about conditions aboard the carrier, including reported shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, plumbing problems and difficulties with mail deliveries. Blumenthal also raised concerns about the mental health and morale of crew members, as well as deck safety and general living conditions. He said reports of fatigue, deferred maintenance and limited opportunities for rest could increase the risks faced by personnel working aboard an aircraft carrier. The USS Abraham Lincoln carries around 5,000 sailors and Marines and operates in an environment involving aircraft, fuel, weapons, heavy machinery and complex electrical systems. Blumenthal warned that prolonged exposure to these conditions could create additional safety risks if crews are exhausted or equipment maintenance is delayed. The senator asked the Pentagon to provide information about reported habitability problems aboard the carrier, including issues involving hygiene supplies, mould, toilets, laundry facilities and water systems. He also requested details about the Navy’s measures for monitoring crew fatigue, morale, mental health and operational readiness. Blumenthal wants officials to disclose whether the extended deployment has been linked to increases in safety incidents, medical problems or disciplinary cases. Reports cited by US military publications have also described incidents in which sailors aboard the carrier allegedly attempted to go overboard during its prolonged deployment, intensifying concerns about the psychological pressure on personnel. The senator has asked the Navy to explain what measures are being taken to address such concerns and protect the wellbeing of the crew. The extended deployment comes as the United States continues military operations and maintains a significant naval presence connected to tensions involving Iran and the wider Middle East. Blumenthal questioned the Pentagon about the strategic purpose of keeping the carrier deployed for such an extended period. He asked officials to explain the military objectives linked to the Lincoln’s continued presence in the region and how the Navy determines whether the carrier remains operationally necessary. The senator also sought details about every extension of the carrier’s deployment, including who approved the extensions and what operational requirements were cited. He further questioned whether the Navy’s existing fleet structure and deployment system can maintain the current demand for aircraft carriers without undermining crew welfare, equipment readiness and future maintenance requirements. Blumenthal warned that maintaining a high operational tempo for an extended period could create a readiness problem in the future if the impact on personnel and equipment is not properly addressed.