pogacar verge fifth
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Pogacar on verge of Fifth Tour de France title aft…

ByJustpaste.in

Defending champion Tadej Pogacar is on the verge of winning a record-equalling fifth Tour de France after taking a storming victory on stage 19 to Alpe d’Huez. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider pulled more than three minutes back on a breakaway group on the hors category final climb up to the famous ski resort, which was flanked by thousands of spectators from around the world.

Pogacar, 27, is aiming to become the joint-most successful rider in the Tour’s history with five wins, alongside legends Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain. He holds a dominant lead over Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel of seven minutes 11 seconds, despite the Belgian’s improved climbing form this year. Pogacar’s Mexican teammate Isaac del Toro remains third and in the white young riders’ classification leader’s jersey, nine minutes 42 seconds down.

The peloton will take on Alpe d’Huez once again on Saturday for the three-week race’s mountainous ‘queen’ stage, which includes an extra 2,000 metres of climbing. “It was very cool to win up here – it was a crazy atmosphere all climb and I’m thankful for the team that I could pull it off,” said Pogacar. “When I heard some of the guys [were] dropped when [teammate] Felix [Grosschartner] set a super good pace at the beginning of the climb, I was already going full gas, as the breakaway was so strong. Every kilometre of Alpe d’Huez I had good legs and not many could follow [me].”

Pogacar crossed the line six seconds ahead of France’s Lenny Martinez of Bahrain-Victorious, who thumped his handlebars several times in frustration as he crossed the line. Ecuador’s in-form rider Richard Carapaz of EF Education-Easypost, who won Thursday’s stage to Ocieres Merlette, finished a further three seconds behind in third.

A 40-plus strong breakaway had established a lead over the peloton and yellow-jersey wearer Pogacar by several minutes mid-stage, but the main pack began to slowly reel them in. It was Martinez, the USA’s Sepp Kuss of Visma-Lease a Bike, and a typically animated Carapaz who eventually emerged as the three seemingly set to battle for victory as they began Alpe d’Huez’s legendary twisting ribbons of tarmac. But Pogacar had other ideas and set a record time on the final climb of 35 minutes 27 seconds, beating the time set by Italy’s legendary Marco Pantani in 1997.

The victory puts Pogacar in a commanding position heading into the final stages of the Tour. With a lead of over seven minutes, he is all but assured of his fifth title, provided he avoids any mishaps in the remaining stages. The Slovenian rider has been in dominant form throughout the race, winning multiple stages and showcasing his incredible climbing ability. As the Tour enters its final days, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Pogacar can cement his place among the legends of the sport. His performance on Alpe d’Huez has already etched his name into Tour history, and a fifth victory would confirm his status as one of the greatest riders of all time. The final stages promise more excitement as the peloton battles for stage wins and final classification positions, but the spotlight remains firmly on Pogacar as he closes in on another historic achievement.

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    Punjab boards introduce digital result cards

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    All nine educational boards across Punjab have approved a new Digital Result Card System to modernise examination records and make student services more accessible. Under the new system, boards will stop issuing traditional printed result cards to students. Instead, candidates will receive digital result cards through newly developed online result portals. Students will be able to download and print their certificates from home or use commercial printing facilities when needed. The move will also end the Rs550 fee that boards currently collect from each candidate for issuing conventional result cards at the time of admission. As a result, the boards are expected to lose a significant source of revenue. The first phase of the system will cover Class IX and First Year annual examination results. Class X and Second Year students will join the digital system in the second phase. However, students whose results were scheduled for announcement on August 6 will continue to receive printed result cards under the existing system. Board officials said digital result cards for both regular and private candidates will become available online immediately after results are announced. Regular students will access their certificates through their institutions’ online portals, while private candidates will download them directly from their respective board websites. The new certificates will carry QR codes and other security features to prevent tampering and allow educational institutions and employers to verify them electronically. Officials have also confirmed that digital result cards will have the same legal and official status as conventional certificates. They will remain valid for university admissions, employment, scholarships, equivalence certificates, document verification and other academic and official requirements. The initiative marks a major shift towards paperless examination services and is expected to make the process faster, more convenient and easier for students across Punjab.

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    Iran appoints former revolutionary guards chief Mohsen Rezaei to National Security Council

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iran has appointed veteran military and political figure Mohsen Rezaei to a senior position within the country’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), replacing Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr and bringing one of the Islamic Republic’s most prominent former Revolutionary Guards commanders back into a central security role. The appointment was announced late Sunday by the office of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s deputy director of communications. No official explanation was immediately provided for the change, and it remains unclear whether Rezaei’s appointment will result in any significant shift in Iran’s security or foreign policy. Rezaei, 71, has extensive experience in Iran’s military, security and political institutions. He served as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from 1981 until 1997, a period that included most of the Iran-Iraq war. His return to a prominent security position comes at a particularly sensitive time for Iran, amid continuing tensions with the United States and Israel, as well as uncertainty surrounding the security of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The SNSC is one of Iran’s most important institutions for coordinating national security and foreign policy. Although the council is formally chaired by the elected president, it brings together senior military, intelligence and government officials, along with representatives of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Major strategic decisions ultimately remain subject to the authority of the supreme leader. Zolqadr’s short tenure ends Zolqadr had been appointed secretary of the SNSC only in late March. He took over the position following the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani, who was killed in an air strike during the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Unlike Zolqadr, Rezaei has maintained a considerably higher public profile over the course of his political career and has frequently spoken on major domestic, economic and foreign-policy issues. In a separate decree issued Sunday, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Rezaei as his representative to the SNSC. The decree referred to Rezaei’s extensive experience, including his service during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war. Hardline politician Saeed Jalili also serves as the supreme leader’s representative on the council. The same decree appointed Zolqadr as Khamenei’s political adviser, suggesting that his departure from the SNSC leadership does not represent a complete withdrawal from the country’s senior political establishment. Rezaei’s long political career Rezaei’s career has extended well beyond the military. After leaving his post as IRGC commander, he served for more than two decades as secretary of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, an influential body involved in resolving disputes between state institutions and advising the supreme leadership. He later entered the executive branch, serving as vice president for economic affairs from 2021 to 2023 during the administration of former President Ebrahim Raisi. Rezaei also holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Tehran. Despite his academic background, much of his professional life has been spent within Iran’s military, security and political establishment. His appointment therefore places an experienced figure with a long history in Iran’s national security apparatus at the center of a council responsible for coordinating some of the country’s most consequential strategic decisions. Strait of Hormuz remains key issue The leadership change comes as Tehran continues discussions over the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international energy route. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Saturday that Tehran and Oman were nearing an understanding on a possible new shipping route through the strait. The waterway has faced severe disruption during months of conflict and escalating regional tensions. However, Iranian officials have indicated that reopening the route would depend on broader conditions being met. These reportedly include demands related to US compensation for Iran and an end to what Tehran describes as American threats and aggression. Zolqadr had previously outlined several demands, including an end to US threats against Iran, the cessation of military action against Iran and its regional allies, the lifting of sanctions and blockade measures, and the release of Iranian assets. The demands highlight the wider diplomatic and security challenges facing Tehran as it attempts to manage relations with Washington while dealing with continuing regional instability. Policy direction remains uncertain The replacement of Zolqadr by Rezaei does not necessarily indicate an immediate change in Iran’s foreign-policy direction. The SNSC operates within a broader political system in which the supreme leader has ultimate authority over major matters of national security and international affairs. However, Rezaei’s extensive military background and long involvement in Iran’s senior political institutions could make his appointment significant, particularly as Tehran navigates negotiations, military tensions and economic pressure.

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    SC rules widow entitled to deceased’s pensio…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that the widow of a deceased retired employee is the lawful recipient of the employee’s pension and post-retirement benefits, clarifying that siblings cannot claim such benefits solely on the basis of being legal heirs. The ruling was issued in a detailed four-page written judgment authored by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi. The decision provides important legal clarification on the distribution of pension and retirement benefits after the death of a retired government employee. According to the judgment, pension is not treated as inherited property that can automatically be divided among all legal heirs. Instead, the court held that pension payments are governed by the relevant laws, service rules and institutional regulations. The Supreme Court stated that the widow of a deceased retired employee has the primary legal right to receive the pension and related benefits. It further observed that if a person has been legally nominated under the applicable rules, that nominee would also be entitled to receive the benefits. The court made it clear that brothers and sisters cannot claim a deceased employee’s pension merely because they are legal heirs under inheritance laws. It explained that pension rights arise from specific statutory provisions and are separate from the general rules governing inheritance. The judgment emphasised that all pension payments must be made strictly in accordance with the applicable laws and the regulations of the concerned institution. Authorities responsible for disbursing pensions must follow these legal provisions while determining the rightful beneficiary. The case reached the Supreme Court after the siblings of a deceased employee of the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) challenged an earlier court ruling and sought a succession certificate to claim pension-related benefits. After reviewing the case, the apex court dismissed the appeal and upheld the decision of the Peshawar High Court, which had ruled that the siblings were not entitled to receive the deceased employee’s pension. The Supreme Court observed that pension is a statutory benefit and cannot be distributed under ordinary inheritance principles unless specifically permitted by the relevant legal framework.

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    Pakistan seal seven-wicket win over County Select XI

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    BECKENHAM: Pakistan produced a strong second-half turnaround on Saturday, defeating the Professional County Club Select XI by seven wickets in their three-day practice match at the Kent County Cricket Ground. Chasing 262 runs for victory on the final day, Pakistan made the target look comfortable, reaching 265-3 in just 57.1 overs. The result provided an encouraging boost for the visitors ahead of their three-match Test series against England. The star of Pakistan’s successful chase was Saud Shakeel, who delivered a composed unbeaten century. Coming in at No. 3 after opener Azan Awais was dismissed for just one, Saud took control of the innings and finished with 100 not out from 147 balls, hitting 10 fours and three sixes. He found an ideal partner in Imam-ul-Haq, with the experienced opener producing an attacking 80 from 88 deliveries. Imam struck 13 boundaries and combined with Saud for a crucial 127-run partnership, effectively taking the game away from the hosts. Mohammad Rizwan added a useful 33, while Awais Zafar remained unbeaten on 30 to complete the chase. Earlier, the PCC Select XI resumed their second innings at 128-3, holding a 195-run lead. Pakistan’s bowlers, however, quickly turned the pressure into wickets. The hosts managed only 66 additional runs before being dismissed for 194. Falconer top-scored with 56, while Saif Zaib and Manny Lumsden contributed 24 each. Spinner Ali Usman was Pakistan’s standout bowler, finishing with an impressive five wickets for 42 runs. Ubaid Shah claimed two wickets for just nine runs, while Salman Ali Agha, Sajid Khan and Mohammad Ali took one apiece. The comeback victory comes at an important moment for Pakistan. With their first Test against England scheduled to begin in Leeds on August 19, the performances of Saud, Imam and the bowling attack offer Pakistan plenty of confidence. After struggling earlier in the match, Pakistan finished strongly — exactly the kind of response they will hope to carry into the Test series. Brief Scores Pakistan beat PCC Select XI by seven wickets PCC Select XI: 305 (S. Zaib 65, M. Fisher 62*, C. Falconer 59, T. Haines 51; M. Ali 3-23, M. Abbas 3-37) & 194 (C. Falconer 56, J. Rew 40; A. Usman 5-42, U. Shah 2-9) Pakistan: 238 (A. Shafique 61; S. Bashir 4-76) & 264-3 (S. Shakeel 100*, I. ul-Haq 80 retired not out) Result: Pakistan won by 7 wickets.

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    Caitlin Clark brightens young patient’s day with heartwarming hospital visit

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      Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is making headlines not only for her performances on the basketball court but also for her compassion off it. As the WNBA season enters its second half, the league’s rising superstar has earned widespread praise after taking time out of her busy schedule to visit a local children’s hospital, bringing joy to a young patient during his recovery. Clark has enjoyed an outstanding season with the Indiana Fever, helping the team secure 19 wins while establishing herself as one of the WNBA’s biggest stars. She was also among the standout names at this year’s WNBA All-Star Weekend, where her popularity and influence continued to grow. Despite her demanding schedule, the basketball sensation recently demonstrated that making a positive impact extends beyond the game. Last month, Clark visited Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, a full-service pediatric medical center dedicated to providing specialized healthcare for children and supporting their families. During her visit, she spent time with young patients, creating memorable moments for those undergoing treatment. One particularly touching encounter was with 12-year-old Ryker, a basketball fan who has been courageously recovering during an extended hospital stay. The hospital later shared photos of Clark’s visit on social media, showing the athlete smiling alongside Ryker as they enjoyed a heartfelt conversation. In the caption accompanying the images, the hospital praised Ryker’s determination and resilience throughout his recovery. Staff explained that the young patient has shown remarkable strength despite facing significant medical challenges. Knowing his passion for basketball, Clark’s visit became a special surprise that brought excitement and encouragement during a difficult period. Hospital officials also highlighted the unwavering support Ryker has received from his family. Throughout his recovery, his father and grandparents have remained by his side, offering constant encouragement and care. Clark’s visit added another meaningful moment to his journey, giving him a welcome distraction and a reason to smile during his hospital stay. The heartwarming images quickly attracted attention across social media, with fans applauding Clark for taking the time to connect with a young supporter. Many praised her kindness and willingness to use her platform to inspire children facing difficult circumstances. One social media user noted that acts of generosity like these often happen away from the spotlight but can have a lasting impact on patients and their families. Another described Clark as a role model for young people, commending her for bringing hope to children in need. Others applauded her character, crediting her family for raising not only an exceptional athlete but also a compassionate and humble individual. Clark has consistently demonstrated that her influence extends well beyond basketball. While her performances on the court continue to attract attention, her commitment to community engagement and helping others has further strengthened her reputation among fans. Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent is one of Indiana’s leading pediatric healthcare facilities. Located in Indianapolis, the hospital offers a wide range of specialized medical services, including pediatric heart care, brain and spine treatment, cancer care, orthopedic services, and fetal medicine. As the WNBA season continues, Clark remains focused on leading the Indiana Fever in their playoff push. At the same time, her thoughtful hospital visit serves as a reminder that some of an athlete’s greatest contributions come away from the game, where simple acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression on those who need them most.

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    Saudi Arabia forms 14-nation maritime defence alliance

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    RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced the formation of a new multinational maritime defence alliance with 13 other countries to strengthen security along some of the world’s busiest shipping routes amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The Saudi Ministry of Defence said the coalition has been created to protect freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. These waterways are critical for global trade and international energy supplies. The new alliance includes Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Djibouti, Somalia, Bangladesh, Yemen, Sudan and the Comoros. According to Saudi authorities, representatives from 43 of the 51 invited countries attended the meeting that led to the creation of the alliance. A delegation from the European Union also participated in the discussions. The ministry said the coalition aims to improve coordination among member states to address growing maritime security challenges. It will focus on intelligence sharing, joint operational planning, military exercises and coordinated maritime operations. Saudi officials stressed that the alliance is purely defensive and is not intended to target any country. They said its primary objective is to secure international shipping lanes and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade. The announcement comes as security concerns continue to grow across the region due to escalating tensions involving Iran and attacks on commercial vessels in strategic waterways. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait has become increasingly important for international shipping. It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a vital link between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. Experts estimate that around 10 to 12 percent of global maritime trade passes through the narrow waterway every year. Millions of barrels of crude oil and petroleum products are transported through the route daily, making it one of the world’s most strategically important sea lanes. Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on the Red Sea route for oil exports through its East-West pipeline, which transports crude from the country’s eastern oil fields to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast. However, ships departing from Yanbu must still pass through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait before reaching international markets. Regional instability has increased concerns over the safety of commercial shipping. Repeated attacks on vessels operating in the Red Sea have disrupted maritime traffic and raised fears of higher transportation costs and energy prices.

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