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Progressive Abdul El-Sayed and moderate Haley Stevens lock horns in high-stakes Michigan Democratic Senate primary

ByJustpaste.in

Voters across Michigan headed to the polls on Tuesday for a pivotal Democratic Senate primary that has emerged as a major battleground testing the ideological direction of the party. Former public health director Abdul El-Sayed faced four-term US Representative Haley Stevens in a fierce contest to secure the nomination to replace retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.

The election night watch party for El-Sayed in Detroit saw left-wing commentator Hasan Piker launch a sharp critique against the Democratic political establishment while speaking to media representatives. Piker praised El-Sayed’s campaign as an “issues-first” movement, asserting that grassroots engagement carried greater weight than financial backing.

Piker drew specific attention to external campaign funding, taking aim at the more than $30 million (£23.5 million) poured into the race by political action committees affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in support of Stevens. Describing the influx of negative advertising against El-Sayed as a “heinous smear campaign”, Piker expressed hope that mainstream Democrats would learn from El-Sayed’s approach.

He also dismissed suggestions that the candidate or his high-profile backers would prove to be a general election liability, arguing that voters are disillusioned with personality-driven politics and seeking structural policy changes.

Throughout the primary, the candidates presented starkly contrasting visions for the party’s future in the battleground state. El-Sayed, who gained endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders, focused his platform on reducing corporate influence in politics, expanding healthcare access, and providing economic support to working families.

Responding to characterisations regarding his political stance, El-Sayed clarified that he advocates for regulated capitalism rather than socialism.

Conversely, Stevens leaned on her tenure in the US House of Representatives and her previous role in the Obama administration, positioning herself as a pragmatic candidate with the legislative track record needed to retain the seat. While earlier polling indicated El-Sayed held a slight edge, surveys suggested Stevens might hold broader appeal amongst moderate voters in the upcoming general election.

The political friction surrounding the primary also drew public commentary from US President Donald Trump, who characterised the race as a contest between a “communist and a socialist.”

The winning Democratic nominee will move on to face Republican candidate Mike Rogers in the November general election, a race anticipated to play a crucial role in determining party control of the US Senate.

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    Ishaq Dar inaugurates 983rd Urs of Hazrat Data Gan…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, formally inaugurated the 983rd Annual Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA), widely revered as Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), by performing the traditional Chadar Poshi ceremony and inaugurating the ceremonial Sabeel-e-Doodh. On this auspicious occasion, he also unveiled the Punjab Auqaf & Religious Affairs Department’s special publication, “Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) – Kamalaan Raa Rahnuma,” and reaffirmed that Pakistan was founded upon the eternal principles of Islam and the sovereignty of Almighty Allah, ideals that were magnificently exemplified and disseminated by the great Sufi saints through their scholarship, spirituality, and exemplary character. He observed that the timeless teachings of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), centred on compassion, tolerance, justice, fraternity, piety and selfless service to humanity, continue to illuminate the path towards peace, national cohesion and social harmony. The ceremony was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab Ali Dar, Provincial Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin, Provincial Minister for Finance Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Senior Member Board of Revenue Nabeel Javed, Secretary Excise Masood Mukhtar, Commissioner Lahore Nauman Yousaf, Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Director General Religious Affairs Hafiz Anees-ur-Rehman, Director Administration Auqaf Muhammad Shakir Sandhu, Director Projects Auqaf Rafiq Noor Wattoo, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Ali Ijaz, Administrator Data Darbar Muhammad Ali Khan, GM NESPAK Adil Nazir, and senior officers of the Auqaf Department, civil administration, law enforcement and security agencies. The annual Chadar Poshi ceremony was gracefully conducted by Maulana Mufti Kashif Jameel as Naqeeb-e-Mehfil, while the honour of Qur’anic recitation was bestowed upon Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali and Qari Ghulam Fareed Al-Hassani. Renowned Naat Khawans—Qari Muhammad Anas Mukhtar, Dr. Sarwar Hussain Naqshbandi, Hafiz Muhammad Waseem Abbas, Hafiz Noor Sultan Siddiqui, Marghoob Ahmad Hamdani, Abdul Razzaq Jami and Habib-ur-Rehman Bhatti—presented heartfelt tributes in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), while Umar Chishti Group and Riaz Hussain Group presented soul-stirring Manqabat and Salaam. Floral tributes were offered at the sacred shrine, distinguished guests were ceremonially honoured with traditional turbans, and special collective prayers were led by Allama Mukhtar Ahmad Nadeem, Khateeb of Jamia Masjid Data Darbar. Following the ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister officially launched the commemorative publication and received an extensive briefing from officials of the Communication & Works Department and NESPAK regarding the Data Darbar Expansion Project. Commending the Government of Punjab for its exceptional arrangements, Senator Ishaq Dar described the service of millions of devotees as a profound religious obligation and a matter of immense privilege, while paying rich tribute to the comprehensive security architecture, sanitation, healthcare, traffic management and public facilitation measures, and especially acknowledging the outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication of Dr. Ehsan Bhutta and his entire team. Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab Ali Dar remarked that the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) remains an enduring symbol of spirituality, peace and interfaith harmony across the Subcontinent, adding that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, every possible resource has been mobilised to ensure a secure, dignified and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims. Dr. Ehsan Bhutta further stated that, under the continuous supervision of the Chief Secretary Punjab, all Urs arrangements had been completed well in advance and to the highest professional standards, with special emphasis on security, Langar, Sabeel, medical services, cleanliness, parking, traffic management, control rooms and guidance centres. Multi-tier security measures were implemented throughout the shrine complex in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, including comprehensive search operations, deployment of armed personnel on surrounding high-rise buildings and stringent surveillance protocols, while additional personnel from the Tourism Department were also deployed to facilitate visitors. The inaugural day of the Urs witnessed an extraordinary influx of devotees from across Pakistan who thronged the sacred shrine to offer chadars, floral tributes and prayers, as the atmosphere resonated with devotional fervour, traditional drum performances and the continuous distribution of Langar. The first day also featured four prestigious spiritual and scholarly gatherings, including a Mehfil-e-Husn-e-Qira’at, an academic and educational session at Jamia Hajveria, a scholarly discourse titled “The Life and Legacy of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA)”, and a grand Mehfil-e-Naat, while the three-day Urs celebrations will continue with the inauguration of the traditional Mehafil-e-Samaa on 3 August at 10:00 a.m. at Rashid Events Complex, Chowk Sardar, Chappal Factory, Bilal Ganj, Lahore, where some of Pakistan’s most distinguished Qawwals will participate in the revered musical assemblies.

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    Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powers India to T20I series sweep

    ByJustpaste.in

    Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered another impressive performance as India defeated Zimbabwe by 35 runs in the third T20I at Harare Sports Club on Sunday. The victory helped India complete a 3-0 series sweep and bounce back strongly after disappointing T20I series defeats against Ireland and England. India were invited to bat first and posted 192-5 in their 20 overs. Sooryavanshi led the charge with a blistering 81 off 49 balls, smashing eight fours and four sixes. The 15-year-old immediately showed his attacking intent, hitting Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza for a boundary from the opening delivery. He reached his half-century from 31 balls before being dismissed in the 14th over. Sooryavanshi has enjoyed a remarkable series in Zimbabwe. He began with a stunning half-century from just 18 balls in the opening match and followed it with a quick 20 off nine deliveries in the second game. His latest innings further underlined his growing reputation as one of India’s most exciting young batting talents. Ishan Kishan also contributed with a brisk 29, hitting four boundaries before being dismissed by Raza. Zimbabwe struggled during the chase and slipped to 65-4, with opener Brian Bennett and captain Raza both departing without scoring. Ryan Burl provided some resistance with an unbeaten 54, while Wessly Madhevere added 28. The pair shared a 60-run partnership for the fifth wicket, but Zimbabwe could not maintain the required scoring rate. The hosts eventually finished at 157-7, falling 35 runs short of India’s target. The result gave India a much-needed boost after their recent struggles overseas. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive T20I series defeat after losing 2-1 to Bangladesh.

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    Children’s fight turns deadly as gunfire erupts …

    ByJustpaste.in

    A young man was killed in Lahore after a dispute between children reportedly escalated into a violent confrontation involving adults and gunfire in the city’s Ghaziabad area. According to police and local reports, the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Ghaziabad Police Station. The trouble reportedly began when children got into an argument while playing. What initially appeared to be a minor dispute soon intensified after adults from the two sides became involved. The disagreement reportedly escalated rapidly with the opposing sides allegedly pulling out firearms. Gunshots were then fired during the confrontation leaving a young man seriously injured. Police said the victim suffered critical injuries in the shooting. He was immediately taken to Services Hospital in Lahore, where doctors attempted to save his life. However, his condition remained critical and he eventually died while receiving treatment. Following the incident, police launched an investigation and took suspects allegedly involved in the shooting into custody. Authorities said legal proceedings have been initiated against those arrested while investigators are working to establish the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation. Police also completed the necessary legal procedures regarding the victim’s body before handing it over to his family. The incident has highlighted the serious consequences that can arise when minor disagreements turn into violent disputes. What reportedly began as a quarrel between children eventually escalated into an armed confrontation, resulting in the death of a young man. Authorities are expected to investigate whether the weapons used in the incident were legally held and determine the exact role of each suspect. Further details may emerge as the investigation progresses. Residents in the area have expressed concern over the escalation of disputes into armed violence. Such incidents can pose serious risks not only to those directly involved but also to nearby residents and bystanders. Police have urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to contact authorities when disputes become serious. Officials said those responsible would face legal action according to the law. The case remains under investigation, while the arrest of the suspects is expected to help authorities determine what triggered the shooting and how the confrontation escalated so quickly.

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    Guterres to make historic Syria visit after 17 years

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    United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will visit Syria on Saturday. It will be the first visit by a serving UN secretary-general to the country since 2009. The visit comes at a major turning point for Syria. The country is trying to rebuild after years of war, political instability and international isolation. Syria’s conflict began in 2011. It continued for almost 14 years. The war killed hundreds of thousands of people. Millions more were forced to leave their homes. The conflict ended with the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Syrian opposition forces removed Assad from power after a rapid offensive. The country is now being led through a transitional period under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. His administration is seeking to establish a new political system and restore Syria’s relations with the international community. Guterres is expected to meet Sharaa during his visit to Damascus. He will also hold talks with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. The UN secretary-general is also expected to meet other Syrian officials. He will hold discussions with representatives of civil society as part of his visit. The United Nations says Guterres will focus on Syria’s future. He is expected to underline the importance of creating a stable, inclusive and prosperous country. The visit is also expected to highlight the need for national reconciliation. Syria faces major challenges after years of destruction and displacement. The country’s transition has not been without difficulties. Sectarian violence remains a serious concern. Large numbers of Alawites were killed in violence in Syria’s coastal region last year. The Alawite community was closely associated with the former Assad government. Violence later affected the Druze community in southern Syria. Hundreds of people were reportedly killed during clashes. Guterres has expressed concern over both episodes of violence. He has called for accountability and protection for Syria’s minority communities. The new Syrian government is also working to restore diplomatic relations. Damascus wants to move beyond the alliances that dominated the country during Assad’s rule. Syria had long relied heavily on Russia and Iran. The new leadership is now seeking broader international engagement. Sharaa has already taken steps towards rebuilding Syria’s global diplomatic presence. Last year, he became the first Syrian president since 1967 to attend the UN General Assembly in New York. Washington has also taken steps towards improving relations with Damascus. The United States has removed most of its broad sanctions on Syria. US President Donald Trump has also indicated that Washington intends to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Guterres is expected to address Syria’s new parliament on Monday. The speech could focus on the country’s political transition and its future relationship with the international community. He will also visit a UN peacekeeping force operating near the Israeli-Syrian frontier. The force has maintained a buffer zone between Israeli and Syrian forces for decades. The situation in southern Syria remains sensitive. Israeli forces have occupied additional areas in the region since Assad’s removal. The Syrian government has demanded the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Damascus has also called for a return to the 1974 disengagement agreement. Guterres’ visit therefore carries significant diplomatic importance. It comes as Syria attempts to rebuild its institutions, economy and international relationships. For the United Nations, the visit also provides an opportunity to engage directly with Syria’s new leadership.

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    Rick and Morty season 9 finale leaves fans heartbroken

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    The season 9 finale of Rick and Morty has left fans emotional after delivering one of the series’ darkest and most heartbreaking endings. Titled Field of Dreams, the episode shifts its focus to Morty as he embarks on an emotional journey across different realities, forcing him to confront difficult truths about himself, Rick and the meaning of family. The finale has since sparked widespread discussion among viewers, many calling it one of the show’s most powerful episodes to date. The episode begins with Morty travelling through multiple dimensions, attending the funerals of alternate versions of himself in search of a sense of belonging. His journey eventually leads him to a parallel Smith family mourning the loss of their own Morty. Unlike the dysfunctional family he knows, this version has distanced itself from Rick because of his destructive behaviour and alcoholism, creating what appears to be a healthier home environment. For a brief moment, Morty experiences the warmth and stability he has always wanted. The alternate family treats him with kindness, making him question whether his own life could have been different. However, the illusion of a perfect family soon begins to unravel as Morty’s presence unintentionally changes their lives, proving that no reality is truly free from pain or consequences. The emotional core of the finale centres on Professor Rick, a version of Rick who abandoned his destructive lifestyle and spent years attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings after losing Diane. Morty eventually tells him the truth about Diane’s fate, offering him comfort but also reopening old wounds. The revelation ultimately pushes Professor Rick back toward alcohol, suggesting that even the best versions of Rick cannot completely escape their past. As Morty watches yet another family fall apart, he begins blaming himself for the destruction around him. Believing that he brings chaos wherever he goes, he returns to his own dimension emotionally defeated. The closing scene features Rick taking Morty on a motorcycle ride before drunkenly declaring that he is Morty’s father. Rather than rejecting the statement, Morty quietly accepts it, implying that he now sees his future as inseparable from Rick’s influence. The ending has particularly resonated with fans because it suggests Morty is finally accepting that he may become more like Rick than he ever wanted. Instead of offering hope, the finale presents a bleak emotional conclusion in which Morty sees himself as someone who damages the lives of those around him. Critics have described the episode as one of the series’ most mature explorations of identity, trauma and family relationships. A post-credit scene hints that more interdimensional chaos lies ahead, setting up future storylines for season 10. While the finale leaves several questions unanswered, it succeeds in delivering an emotionally devastating conclusion that has earned praise from critics and viewers alike. Many fans have called Field of Dreams one of the strongest Rick and Morty finales ever produced, applauding its willingness to place emotional storytelling above spectacle.

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    La Liga chief urges FIFA president Infantino to step down

    ByJustpaste.in

    MADRID: La Liga President Javier Tebas has called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down, accusing world football’s governing body of damaging the sport through controversial decisions and expanding its control over the global football calendar. In an interview with an Italian newspaper, Tebas said he believed Infantino’s leadership had reached its limit and claimed FIFA’s current direction was harming domestic football competitions around the world. The Spanish league chief argued that FIFA was placing too much emphasis on the FIFA World Cup while ignoring the importance of national leagues, which he said provide the foundation of professional football and support thousands of jobs. Tebas criticised proposals to further expand the World Cup, including discussions about increasing the tournament to 64 teams. He said such plans would place unnecessary pressure on players and weaken domestic competitions. He also questioned FIFA’s decision to introduce mandatory hydration breaks during World Cup matches regardless of weather conditions. According to Tebas, the policy was not always necessary and appeared to benefit commercial broadcasting rather than player welfare. The La Liga president also criticised the unusually long half-time show during the World Cup final, saying football should not be altered to accommodate entertainment and commercial interests. Tebas further referred to the controversy surrounding United States forward Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was lifted before a knockout match. He suggested the incident raised serious concerns about FIFA’s decision-making process and governance. He claimed many people within international football privately disagreed with FIFA’s leadership but were unwilling to speak publicly because of the organisation’s political structure. Tebas maintained that football’s future depends on protecting domestic leagues, reducing the growing number of international matches and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of the sport rather than commercial considerations

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