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Romanian forces execute controlled detonation on Danube to safeguard nuclear energy supply

Romanian naval forces detonated 180 kilogrammes of explosives to clear a massive rock obstruction in the drought-stricken Danube River, attempting to channel essential cooling water towards the country’s sole remaining functional nuclear reactor at Cernavoda.

The blast was designed to clear the riverbed and facilitate the construction of a temporary dam to boost water volume heading to the facility. The intervention follows Romania’s declaration of a nationwide state of emergency for August after record-low water levels forced one reactor to shut down entirely. Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruta defended the costs of the operation, emphasising that maintaining operational capacity at the facility even for a few additional days far outweighs the financial expenditure.

Regional energy strains are mounting simultaneously in neighbouring Hungary, where severe water depletion at the Paks nuclear power station has drastically cut output. Prime Minister Peter Magyar warned that a complete plant shutdown could occur next week without weather relief, urging regional coordination and energy restraint to avoid a wider crisis as low rainfall continues across Eastern Europe.

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    Initial report suggests Mir Raza Ali was shot from…

    KARACHI: An initial medical report has reportedly indicated that businessman Mir Raza Ali sustained a gunshot wound from behind, while several signs of physical violence were also found on his body following his exhumation for a fresh post-mortem examination. According to investigation sources, the preliminary report has addressed all 14 questions raised by police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed during the medical examination. The findings reportedly include a gunshot injury to the rear of the body, fractured ribs and multiple injuries to Ali’s head and face. The report also noted marks of violence on different parts of the deceased’s body. However, investigators have yet to officially receive the medical findings. SSP SIU Samiullah Somroo, who is leading the police investigation, said the investigation team had not been informed about the report or its findings. The exhumation process lasted around three hours and was conducted under the supervision of forensic experts. During the procedure, 17 samples were collected from the body for further examination. Four samples were preserved for DNA testing, while the remaining samples were collected for chemical analysis. Two additional reference samples were obtained from Ali’s parents to assist with DNA matching. Investigators said the collected samples have been preserved and will be submitted to the forensic laboratory at the University of Karachi on Monday. The chemical and DNA examination reports are expected to be available within three to four days. Ali’s body was exhumed earlier as part of efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. After the medical examination was completed, his remains were reburied at a graveyard near Tariq Road. Ali, an IBA graduate and businessman, had returned home from his shop on the night of July 28. He later left the house again, telling his family that he would return within 10 minutes. He did not return, and his body was subsequently recovered from Gulistan-e-Jauhar. His father, Mir Hussain, has maintained that his son was murdered and rejected suggestions that he died by suicide. During the latest proceedings, members of the medical board collected various samples from Ali’s grave as part of the renewed examination. His family members and their lawyer, Jibran Nasir, were present at the graveyard, while a heavy police contingent was deployed to maintain security. The authorities had restored the original eight-member medical board responsible for supervising the exhumation after the family objected to the replacement of the panel with a five-member board. The disagreement had earlier prevented officials from carrying out the scheduled exhumation. Mir Hussain later said he was satisfied with the latest proceedings. He expressed hope that the fresh examination would provide clarity about what happened to his son. The family has also alleged that a fake audio recording attributed to Ali was circulated in an attempt to influence the case and create confusion around the circumstances of his death. The family’s lawyer had earlier raised concerns about changes to the medical board and questioned the decision to replace the original panel. He later said the family was satisfied with the renewed proceedings, which were conducted in the presence of the judicial magistrate, investigation officer and members of the medical team.

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    Joe Root ends England curfew ahead of Pakistan Tests

    BECKENHAM: England Test captain Joe Root has removed the midnight curfew previously imposed on the team, signalling a shift towards greater personal responsibility ahead of the three-match Test series against Pakistan. Root, speaking to Sky Sports, said he did not believe strict curfews were necessary and instead wanted England players to behave like adults and take responsibility for their actions both on and off the field. “There’s not going to be a curfew. I don’t think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest,” Root said. The experienced batter explained that players needed the freedom to make sensible decisions without constant supervision. In his view, responsibility away from the cricket field should go hand in hand with the standards expected from players representing England. Root said the team would focus on managing itself effectively, with players expected to “self-police” and look after one another. He also stressed that everyone in the squad understood the responsibilities that come with playing international cricket. The decision marks a notable change from the approach taken under former captain Ben Stokes, when a midnight curfew was introduced as part of the team’s discipline and culture. For Root, however, the priority is creating a strong environment rather than enforcing rigid rules. He said England should be remembered for their performances on the field rather than stories about incidents away from cricket. The captain also acknowledged that players should be able to celebrate victories, enjoy themselves and have a drink when appropriate, provided they understand their responsibilities. “Let’s be adults. Look after yourselves, look after each other,” Root said, emphasising the importance of a healthy team culture. England are now preparing for a challenging Test series against Pakistan, with Root and head coach Stephen Fleming expected to establish clear standards for the squad. The message from Root is straightforward: England’s players will have more freedom, but with that freedom comes accountability. The captain hopes the approach will strengthen team unity while keeping attention firmly on cricket.

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    Environmental groups warn Trump-linked Albania resort is harming protected coastline

    Environmental groups and scientists have warned that early work on a luxury resort linked to the Trump family has already caused lasting damage to one of Albania’s most environmentally sensitive coastal areas. They say construction activity has affected wildlife habitats and fragile ecosystems even before the main development has begun. According to satellite images reviewed by AFP, major changes took place over a period of 25 days in May. Workers cleared a new road, removed large areas of forest and built a bridge across the channel connecting the Narta Lagoon to the Adriatic Sea. Conservationists argue that these early activities have already disrupted a protected landscape known for its rich biodiversity. Marine biologist Olsi Nika, who heads the environmental organization EcoAlbania, said heavy machinery operating on the beaches has damaged nesting areas used by endangered loggerhead sea turtles. He also said the construction of access roads through sand dunes and the removal of trees have disturbed important breeding grounds for many bird species. Environmental experts further warned that work on the water channel linking the lagoon to the sea has interfered with the natural flow of water that is essential for maintaining the surrounding wetlands. Scientists describe the impact as severe, warning that the destruction of habitats could have long term consequences for local wildlife. Ferdinand Bego, a professor at the University of Tirana, said much of the damage to the protected area cannot easily be reversed, even though some construction work has been paused following public protests. The project, valued at approximately 4.5 billion euros, was first announced in 2024 by Jared Kushner, the son in law of US President Donald Trump. Plans include the construction of luxury hotels near flamingo habitats and on a nearby uninhabited island. Trump’s daughter Ivanka has previously spoken publicly about the site’s attractive coastline, lagoon and white sand beaches, describing it as an exceptional location for tourism development. Opposition to the project has grown steadily over recent months. Local residents and environmental activists have staged daily demonstrations, with protests becoming more intense after barbed wire fencing was installed to mark the boundaries of the planned resort. Tensions increased further when private security guards confronted demonstrators during one of the protests, leading to continued public rallies against the development. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended the investment, describing it as one of the country’s most important tourism projects. His government argues that the development will attract international investment, create jobs and help Albania compete with neighboring coastal destinations such as Montenegro, Greece and Croatia. Officials believe the project could significantly strengthen the country’s tourism industry and economic growth. In June, a team of scientists visited the site to assess the environmental impact of the preparatory work. Their report concluded that turtle nesting sites, bird habitats and coastal sand dunes had already been affected. Researchers warned that continued development without stronger environmental protections could place additional pressure on the area’s unique ecosystem. The campaign against the project has also received international attention. British singer Dua Lipa, whose family has roots in Kosovo, has publicly expressed support for those opposing the development. Environmental campaigners hope that growing international concern will encourage Albanian authorities to strengthen protections for the coastline. The European Union has also raised concerns as Albania continues its efforts to join the bloc by 2030. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos recently said Albania had agreed to reverse changes made to laws governing protected areas and strategic investments. Environmental experts say such reforms will be important if the country wants to meet European environmental standards during its accession process. Professor Friedrich Schiemer of the University of Vienna, who inspected the site in June, stressed that immediate action is needed to limit further damage. He warned that large tourism developments in ecologically sensitive areas could permanently alter the region’s natural environment if stronger safeguards are not introduced before construction continues.

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    Jennifer Garner sends heartfelt message as Ben Aff…

    Jennifer Garner has seemingly paid a touching tribute to Ben Affleck’s late mother, Chris Anne Affleck, during a difficult time for the actor and his family. Although Garner did not release an official statement, fans quickly noticed a subtle yet meaningful gesture that many believe was dedicated to the beloved family matriarch following her passing.  Over the weekend, the 13 Going on 30 actress was spotted at the Brentwood Farmers Market in Los Angeles wearing a casual white T-shirt featuring the French phrase, “Maman Je T’aime,” which translates to “I love you, Mom.” The heartfelt message sparked widespread speculation online, with many interpreting it as a quiet tribute to Chris Anne Affleck, who died peacefully in her sleep on June 2 after battling pancreatic cancer. She was 83 years old.  Chris Anne Affleck, a Harvard graduate and longtime elementary school teacher, was admired not only for raising Oscar-winning actors Ben and Casey Affleck but also for her lifelong dedication to education, civil rights, and community service. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December 2025 and spent her final months surrounded by family. One of her last wishes was to attend her grandson’s high school graduation, a milestone she proudly celebrated just two days before her passing.  Garner and Ben Affleck were married from 2005 until their separation in 2015 and finalized their divorce in 2018. Despite ending their marriage, the former couple has remained committed to co-parenting their three children—Violet, Fin, and Samuel—and has often been praised for maintaining a respectful and supportive relationship.  Jennifer also shared a close bond with Chris Anne throughout her marriage and long after the divorce. The two were frequently photographed together at family gatherings, school events, and outings with the children, highlighting a relationship that extended beyond legal ties. Friends and fans have long admired the warmth and mutual respect they shared, making Jennifer’s recent gesture even more meaningful.  Ben Affleck has often credited his mother for shaping his life and career. In past interviews, he praised her intelligence, dedication to public education, and unwavering encouragement as he pursued acting. Her influence extended beyond her family through decades of teaching and activism, leaving behind a legacy that touched countless lives.  While Jennifer Garner has not publicly addressed Chris Anne Affleck’s passing, her understated message has resonated with many fans. At a time when Ben Affleck and his family continue to grieve, the simple expression of love serves as a reminder that meaningful relationships and lasting family bonds often endure, even after life takes unexpected turns. 

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    Akshay Kumar to shoot alien thriller ‘Samuk’ in London

    Akshay Kumar is stepping into unfamiliar territory with his next project, an ambitious alien thriller titled “Samuk.” Filming is set to begin on August 23 in London. The film is being produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, according to a report by Variety India. It marks a fresh direction for Kumar, who is best known for action, comedy and patriotic dramas rather than science fiction. Nearly 90% of the shoot will take place in London, with the production later moving to Mumbai to wrap up the remaining portions. Rather than splitting the shoot into multiple phases, the makers plan to complete it in one continuous schedule. This is not the first time Kumar and Shah have worked together. The 58-year-old actor and the 57-year-old filmmaker have previously collaborated on hits including “Aankhen,” “Namastey London” and “Singh Is Kinng.” Their latest project, however, marks a clear departure from their earlier work. Venturing into alien thriller territory is a genre rarely explored in mainstream Indian cinema, making “Samuk” a notably ambitious undertaking. The film is being directed by Kanishk Varma, who is helming what’s being described as an alien survival thriller. The project aims to push Indian cinema into largely uncharted creative territory. To bring the film’s vision to life, the production has brought in international talent for its technical execution. Renowned creature-effects specialist Alec Gillis has been attached to the project, alongside action expert Luke Tumber. Their involvement suggests the makers are aiming for a globally competitive standard in both visual effects and action choreography, elements crucial to pulling off a convincing alien thriller. With shooting now just weeks away, anticipation is building around how Kumar will adapt to this unfamiliar genre. “Samuk” is currently slated for a theatrical release sometime in 2027, giving the team ample time to bring its ambitious vision to the screen.

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    Indian ex-editor jailed 10 years for rape

    An Indian court has sentenced former investigative magazine editor Tarun Tejpal to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment after convicting him in a rape case involving a junior colleague, bringing a high-profile legal battle that has spanned more than a decade to a major turning point. The case stems from allegations that Tejpal sexually assaulted a female journalist inside a lift at a luxury hotel in the coastal state of Goa during a media event in November 2013. A trial court had acquitted Tejpal in 2021 of charges including rape, sexual harassment and wrongful restraint. However, the Goa government challenged the verdict before the Bombay High Court, which overturned the acquittal and found him guilty. The court ordered Tejpal to surrender within two weeks to begin serving his sentence. In addition to the prison term, he was directed to pay a financial penalty imposed by the court. Following the verdict, Tejpal announced that he would challenge the conviction before India’s Supreme Court. He maintained that the case against him was politically motivated and claimed he had faced a prolonged campaign against him over the past 13 years. Tejpal was first arrested in 2013 after the allegations surfaced and spent several months in custody before being granted bail by the Supreme Court. Throughout the proceedings, he consistently denied the allegations and argued that the prosecution was driven by political considerations. The case attracted nationwide attention because it emerged during a period of heightened public concern over violence against women in India. Public debate over sexual assault had intensified following the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman in New Delhi, which led to widespread protests and significant reforms to India’s criminal laws on sexual offences. The conviction also had a lasting impact on Tehelka, once regarded as one of India’s leading investigative publications. The scandal severely damaged the magazine’s reputation and influence, despite continuing operations under new management.

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