saudi crown prince
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Saudi Crown Prince receives PM Shehbaz Sharif in M…

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was received by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah on Friday, where the two leaders commenced high-level bilateral talks aimed at further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia strategic ties.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, and Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

The meeting is expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, with discussions focusing on defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, regional developments, and ways to deepen the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

The talks come amid heightened regional diplomatic activity and underscore the close coordination between Islamabad and Riyadh on key geopolitical and economic issues.

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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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    Ellie Goulding sues former managers over alleged hidden Live Nation ownership

    British singer Ellie Goulding has launched legal proceedings against her former managers, Ben Mawson and Ed Millet of TaP Management, alleging that they failed to disclose a business connection to Live Nation while representing her. The dispute centers on HNOE, the parent company associated with TaP Management. Goulding alleges that the company was owned by Live Nation during the period in which Mawson and Millet managed her. According to the claims, the alleged ownership was not disclosed to her, despite the managers receiving a 20 percent commission on her earnings between 2018 and 2025. The lawsuit argues that the undisclosed relationship created a potential conflict of interest. During those years, Goulding entered into several agreements involving Live Nation-related companies, including deals connected to touring, merchandise and film projects. She claims she was unaware of the alleged ownership connection when those agreements were made. The case also reportedly points to contractual arrangements that prevented her managers from reducing or avoiding their business ties with Live Nation. Goulding’s legal action therefore raises questions about whether decisions made on her behalf were influenced by interests that had not been fully revealed to her. The allegations have drawn attention across the music industry because of TaP Management’s wider history with major recording artists. Online discussion has also connected the dispute with Dua Lipa’s departure from TaP and the management links surrounding Lana Del Rey, although those circumstances are separate from Goulding’s legal claims. Goulding’s lawsuit remains at an early stage, and the allegations have not been established in court. The case is expected to focus on the nature of the relationship between TaP, HNOE and Live Nation, as well as what Goulding was told about those business interests during her management agreement. Neither Mawson nor Millet has publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication. The outcome of the proceedings could have broader implications for artist-management relationships, particularly when managers have financial or corporate connections to companies with which their clients conduct business. As the legal process continues, the central issue will be whether Goulding was adequately informed about the alleged ownership structure and whether the relationship created a conflict that affected business decisions made during her seven-year management period. https://variety.com/2026/music/news/ellie-goulding-sues-former-managers-live-nation-1236826769/

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    Tata chairman to step down amid trust tensions

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    Yash reveals Radhika’s reaction to Toxic romance

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    Pakistan, google sign “historic” MOU

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    US car leasing declines as higher costs hit buyers

    Car leasing in the United States has dropped significantly in recent years as automakers reduce incentives and consumers struggle with rising monthly payments. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, leasing accounted for nearly 30% of new vehicle deals in the US. However, the share fell sharply during the post-pandemic vehicle shortage and has not fully recovered. In the first half of 2026, leasing represented around 23% of new car transactions. Industry experts say one of the biggest reasons behind the decline is the end of attractive lease offers that previously encouraged customers to choose leasing over buying. Automakers have become less willing to provide low-cost lease deals as they focus on maintaining tighter vehicle inventories and reducing discounts. As a result, many customers returning after the end of their lease terms are facing significantly higher monthly payments. Dealers say some customers are surprised to find their next lease costing hundreds of dollars more than their previous agreement, causing many to reconsider leasing altogether. The decline in leasing has added pressure to vehicle affordability in the US market. Some buyers are now choosing longer financing plans, including loans lasting up to seven years, to manage higher vehicle prices. Leasing usually allows customers to drive newer vehicles with lower monthly payments compared with traditional financing. The average lease payment remains lower than loan payments, but industry analysts say the gap has narrowed significantly. Experts believe automakers changed their approach after the 2021–2023 vehicle shortage caused by semiconductor supply disruptions. Limited inventories helped companies reduce incentives and maintain stronger pricing power. The decline in leasing is also affecting the used-car market. Vehicles returned after three-year leases have traditionally provided dealerships with a steady supply of affordable pre-owned cars. With fewer leased vehicles coming back to the market, used-car supplies have tightened and prices have increased. Data from industry analysts shows that average prices for three-year-old used vehicles have risen substantially compared with pre-pandemic levels. Dealers warn that fewer lease customers could also weaken long-term customer loyalty, as leasing often brings buyers back to showrooms every few years for new vehicles

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