south korea football
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South Korea football association apologises over old referee scandal

ByJustpaste.in

South Korea’s football association has apologised over a controversial old scandal involving claims that foreign referees were provided inappropriate entertainment during visits to the country more than a decade ago.

The apology came after a media report revived allegations surrounding incidents that reportedly took place between 2011 and 2012, including during visits by referees involved in qualifying matches for major international tournaments.

According to the report, foreign match officials were allegedly provided inappropriate entertainment on several occasions. It cited a 2016 investigation by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which reportedly found that such entertainment had been arranged seven times between March 2011 and March 2012.

The allegations included visits to massage establishments where the costs of sexual services were reportedly covered. The claims have renewed questions over the standards and practices surrounding officials during that period.

The Korea Football Association expressed regret over the matter and apologised for the controversy. The governing body also stressed that such practices are no longer taking place and that corporate cards are not being used in a similar manner.

The resurfacing of the allegations comes at a difficult time for the association, which is already facing scrutiny over the appointment of former national team coach Hong Myung-bo.

South Korean police reportedly raided the association’s offices on Thursday as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hong’s appointment, which has attracted significant criticism.

The latest developments have therefore placed the football body under renewed pressure to address concerns over governance and transparency.

While the historical allegations date back more than a decade, the association’s apology has once again brought the episode into the spotlight, raising fresh questions about accountability within South Korean football.

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    US appeals court allows thousands of social media …

    ByJustpaste.in

    SAN FRANCISCO: A US appeals court has cleared the way for thousands of lawsuits against major social media companies, including Meta Platforms, Google parent Alphabet, TikTok owner ByteDance and Snap, rejecting an attempt by the technology firms to use federal online protections to halt litigation over allegations that their platforms are deliberately designed to keep young users hooked. The ruling was issued Monday by the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, which declined to immediately consider an appeal filed by Meta and TikTok challenging a lower court decision that had allowed more than 3,000 lawsuits to continue in federal court. The lawsuits, brought by parents, children, school districts, local governments and state authorities, accuse social media companies of designing products and features that encourage excessive use among children and teenagers. Plaintiffs argue that the companies were aware of potential risks associated with prolonged social media use but failed to adequately protect young users or warn families about those risks. At the center of the companies’ legal argument is Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. The law generally protects online platforms from being held liable for content created and posted by their users. Meta and TikTok argued that the protection should also prevent lawsuits alleging that the companies failed to warn users about the allegedly addictive characteristics of their platforms. However, the appeals court determined that the companies had sought appellate review too soon. The court said Section 230 provides a defense against liability but does not give companies immunity from having to defend themselves in litigation. As a result, the companies cannot use the current appeal to stop the cases from proceeding through the lower courts. Meta’s attempt to delay multistate trial rejected The appeals court also rejected Meta’s request to postpone a major trial involving 29 US states. The case, brought by state attorneys general, accuses Meta of unlawfully collecting and using information relating to children, designing its platforms to encourage young users to remain engaged for extended periods and making misleading statements concerning the safety of its services. Meta had sought to delay the trial while its appeal concerning Section 230 was pending. The court rejected that request, meaning the proceedings can move forward as scheduled. The development represents another significant legal challenge for Meta, which has faced growing scrutiny from regulators, lawmakers and families over the impact of its platforms on children and teenagers. A Meta spokesperson declined to comment on the appeals court’s decision. TikTok representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Lawyers say trials could reveal what companies knew Attorneys representing thousands of individuals and school districts involved in the federal litigation welcomed the ruling. Lawyers Lexi Hazam and Previn Warren said the decision would allow the multistate case to proceed and would also clear the path for a separate trial involving school districts that is scheduled for February. The attorneys said court proceedings could provide the public with evidence about what social media companies knew regarding the potential effects of their products on children, when they became aware of those concerns and how they responded. The lawsuits have become part of a much broader legal battle in the United States over the responsibilities of technology companies toward minors. Plaintiffs contend that social media platforms can contribute to serious problems among young people, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and concerns about body image. They argue that companies intentionally use features such as recommendation algorithms, notifications and engagement mechanisms to encourage repeated and prolonged use. The technology companies have generally denied allegations that they deliberately designed their platforms to harm children. Thousands of cases consolidated The federal lawsuits have been centralized before US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California. The cases involve claims brought by a wide range of plaintiffs, including families, school districts, municipalities and state governments. They seek financial damages, penalties and other forms of relief from the technology companies. Meta and TikTok previously appealed rulings issued by Judge Rogers in 2023 and 2024 that largely permitted the litigation to continue. The companies also face hundreds of similar cases in state courts. Around 3,300 related cases have been consolidated in California state court, underscoring the scale of the legal challenge confronting the social media industry. Jury verdict adds pressure on technology companies The latest appeals court decision comes after several significant courtroom developments involving the alleged impact of social media on young users. In March, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google negligent in connection with claims that their social media products were designed in ways that could harm young people. The jury awarded $6 million to a young woman who said she became addicted to Instagram and YouTube after using the services as a child. The verdict was closely watched because it represented an early test of how juries may respond to similar allegations against major technology companies. Meta and Google have denied wrongdoing in the case and said they intend to appeal. New Mexico ruling increases scrutiny Meta has also suffered a major legal setback in New Mexico. A judge in the state recently ruled that the company had created a public nuisance and ordered it to pay $567 million into a fund intended to support teen mental-health initiatives, while also requiring the company to implement additional measures aimed at protecting young users. The New Mexico proceedings followed an earlier stage of litigation in which a jury found that Meta had misled consumers about the safety of its platforms and ordered the company to pay $375 million. Meta has rejected the allegations and indicated that it will challenge the findings through the appeals process. The growing number of lawsuits reflects increasing pressure on social media companies in the United States to explain how their platforms are developed, marketed and operated for younger audiences. The latest 9th Circuit decision does not resolve whether Meta, Google, TikTok or Snap will ultimately be held liable. Instead, it allows the underlying lawsuits to continue, potentially setting the

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    England on track to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030

    ByJustpaste.in

    More than 100,000 people in England have received potentially life-saving treatment for hepatitis C in the past decade, as the NHS steps up efforts to eliminate the virus as a public health threat by 2030. New NHS figures show that more than 100,000 people have been diagnosed and treated since pioneering antiviral medicines were introduced in 2015, putting England among a handful of countries that have already exceeded the World Health Organisation benchmark of treating 80% of known hepatitis C cases. (NHS England) Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can damage the liver and, if left untreated, can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions including cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. The infection can remain undetected for years because many people experience no noticeable symptoms until significant liver damage has already occurred. However, modern treatment has transformed the disease. A free course of antiviral tablets lasting between eight and 12 weeks can cure more than 95% of cases. The NHS says effective treatment could reduce the number of people requiring liver transplants by 80% over the next decade, while also reducing cases of liver cancer and cirrhosis. Deaths from hepatitis C have already fallen by 36% over the past ten years. (NHS England) NHS urges people at risk to get tested The latest figures have prompted the NHS to urge people who may be at greater risk of having undiagnosed hepatitis C to order a free and confidential home-testing kit. Those particularly encouraged to test include people who have moved to England from certain Eastern European countries, anyone who has had a tattoo abroad, and people who currently use or have previously used injectable drugs. Adults born in Ukraine, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Albania, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Czechia and Slovakia are also being urged to test. The NHS says some people from these countries may have been exposed to the virus through medical or dental procedures before 1991, when modern sterilisation standards were introduced. The free home-testing service is designed to reach people who may not otherwise come into contact with drug and alcohol services, sexual health services, GPs or A&E departments. Thousands of hidden cases identified The NHS has significantly expanded hepatitis C testing over the past five years. A first-of-its-kind programme offering hepatitis C testing to patients having blood tests in participating A&E departments has identified around 1,900 previously undiagnosed cases since 2022. GP practices are also asking new patients whether they received a blood transfusion before 1996, helping identify people who may have been infected through the contaminated blood scandal. The treatment programme was made possible on a large scale following a landmark 2019 agreement between the NHS and pharmaceutical companies Gilead Sciences, MSD and AbbVie, which enabled access to modern curative treatments. (NHS England) ‘Determined to finish the job’ Professor Frankie Swords, NHS national medical director, said hepatitis C could cause serious harm including liver failure and cancer, while many people could remain unaware they have the virus. He said treating more than 100,000 people in a decade was a major achievement but stressed that the NHS would continue looking for people with undiagnosed infections. “England is now leading the world in the mission to eliminate this disease and on course to beat the WHO’s 2030 target,” Professor Swords said. He added that the NHS was “determined to keep up the momentum and finish the job”. “With hepatitis C curable in more than nine out of ten cases, we are committed to finding and treating everyone who needs support,” he said. (NHS England). Patient urges others to take the test Among those treated is 65-year-old Paul Eatwell from Blackburn, Lancashire, who discovered he had hepatitis C after routine liver-function tests following a change of GP. His new doctor ordered additional tests, including screening for hepatitis C. Paul said he initially could not believe the result because he had no symptoms and could not understand how he might have contracted the virus. The precise source of his infection was never established, although possible risk factors included surgery in South Africa several decades ago. He said the specialist team helped answer his questions and reassured him about the condition. Paul said treatment was far less difficult than he had imagined, involving one tablet a day for 12 weeks and several blood tests. He urged anyone who believes they may have been exposed to hepatitis C to get tested, saying that knowing their status could provide peace of mind. ‘Leading the world’ Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said the progress demonstrated the impact of NHS treatment and prevention programmes. She said hepatitis C was now curable in the vast majority of cases and described the UK’s progress as part of efforts to “wipe out this disease for good”. “This is exactly the kind of preventative, forward-looking healthcare that we want the NHS to deliver across the board – catching illness earlier, easing pressure on hospitals, and giving people the chance to live longer, healthier lives,” Cooper said. (NHS England. Dr Sema Mandal, deputy director of Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STIs and HIV at the UK Health Security Agency, said the sharp fall in cases since 2015 demonstrated the impact of expanded testing and access to modern treatments. She said treating more than 100,000 people in ten years had brought England closer than ever to eliminating hepatitis C as a public health threat. The Hepatitis C Trust also called for continued long-term investment to maintain the progress made by the national programme, particularly among marginalised communities that can face barriers to healthcare. Rachel Halford, chief executive of The Hepatitis C Trust, said continued funding would be essential to ensure people at greatest risk were not left behind. Hepatitis B remains a challenge While England’s progress against hepatitis C is described as world-leading, health authorities stress that elimination of viral hepatitis as a whole also includes hepatitis B. Further work is therefore required to improve diagnosis and access to treatment for people living with hepatitis B. A national

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    Kourtney Kardashian calls Kylie Jenner her ‘magical little fairy’ in birthday post

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    Kourtney Kardashian could not help gushing over her little sister on her big day. The Lemme founder posted on Instagram on August 11 to celebrate Kylie Jenner turning 29, tying the tribute to an old childhood nickname involving Tinker Bell The post featured a throwback photo of the sisters from Kylie’s teenage years, snapped at what looks like a sports event. In the picture, Kylie is dressed casually in a white lace tank top and green pants, while Kourtney wears denim with a graphic tee layered under a blue jacket. Kourtney’s caption played on the fairy theme, marking the moment Kylie supposedly “earned” her magical nickname, and closed with a simple birthday shoutout to her sister. Kim Kardashian joined in too, posting her own set of throwback photos from their Keeping Up with the Kardashians years. One image showed a young Kylie in a yellow dress sitting on Kim’s lap. Kim’s caption was full of affection, calling her sister a princess and pouring on the love. The wave of birthday posts followed an early celebration Kylie threw for herself over the weekend. The party ran with a Princess Kitty theme, and every guest, Kylie included, showed up in pink dresses topped with tiaras and boas.

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    Pakistan moves to revive Steel Mills after earlier liquidation decision

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    The federal government has revived plans to restore Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), signaling a major policy shift after previously deciding to wind up the loss-making state-owned enterprise. The development follows renewed interest from international parties in bringing the dormant steel producer back into operation, with Russian company Industrial Engineering LLC emerging as a key potential partner for the revival, modernisation and restructuring of the mill. Well-informed sources said the government has initiated consultations with the Russian firm to assess the technical, financial and operational requirements for restoring PSM’s production capacity. Two protocols have already been signed between Industrial Engineering LLC and Pakistan Steel Mills under the Ministry of Industries and Production. The first agreement was signed in Moscow on July 10, 2025, and provides a framework for cooperation on the revival, modernisation and restructuring of PSM. The second protocol was signed on November 26, 2025, during the 10th session of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission. The second agreement focuses on assessing the operational and capital expenditure required to restart manufacturing activities at the steel mill. Feasibility assessment under way According to sources, the authorities have also carried out an exercise to calculate production costs and evaluate the commercial viability of restarting PSM. The assessment is expected to help determine whether the mill can operate sustainably and compete in the domestic and international steel markets after years of inactivity. The findings will form the basis for recommendations to the government before a final decision is taken on the future structure and operations of the enterprise. Sources said the relevant authority would submit recommendations to the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs), seeking an end to the liquidation process and approval to pursue the revival option with the participation of international investors. The move represents a reversal of the government’s earlier policy. Government had approved liquidation In May 2024, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) had decided to scrap Pakistan Steel Mills after efforts to find a buyer failed to produce a viable offer. The Cabinet Committee on Rightsizing subsequently approved the liquidation of the existing mill in August 2024. However, the government has now shifted its focus towards rehabilitation, apparently encouraged by renewed international interest and the possibility of securing foreign technical and financial support. A formal summary regarding the proposed policy shift has been submitted to the Ministry of Industries and Production for consideration, sources said. A parliamentary secretary also indicated that the government’s policy direction had changed and that efforts were now being made to restore PSM to operational status. He said the timeline agreed upon with the Russian company would be followed, with the relevant departments expected to take further steps after completion of the ongoing assessments. Power minister signals renewed revival efforts Separately, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari said recommendations for reviving Pakistan’s dormant steel giant would soon be presented to policymakers, reinforcing indications that the government is seriously reconsidering the future of PSM. Speaking at a webinar titled “Pakistan-Russia: Strengthening Trade, Education and Energy Collaboration,” jointly organised by the University of World Civilizations Moscow (UWCM) and the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Leghari highlighted the growing momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations. He said bilateral ties had strengthened over the past two decades on the basis of mutual trust, respect and a shared interest in regional stability. The minister’s remarks come as Pakistan explores greater Russian involvement in key economic and industrial sectors, including the possible rehabilitation of PSM. Financial burden remains a challenge Pakistan Steel Mills has remained largely dormant for years, creating a continuing financial burden for the government. Following the earlier decision to wind up the enterprise, the government has continued to bear the salaries and other expenses of its remaining employees. Meanwhile, some of the mill’s liabilities and operating costs have been met through proceeds generated from the sale of scrap. The proposed revival could therefore provide an opportunity to turn the idle industrial asset into a productive enterprise while reducing the recurring financial burden on the national exchequer. However, the government is expected to carefully evaluate the mill’s outstanding liabilities, infrastructure requirements, production costs, technology needs and long-term market prospects before committing substantial public resources. If the revival plan moves forward with foreign participation, the project could also open the door to new investment, technology transfer and employment opportunities in Pakistan’s steel and related industrial sectors.

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    Justice for Kashmir begins with implementing UN re…

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    Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Tipu Usman, has urged the international community to play a more proactive role in resolving the Kashmir dispute, declaring that “justice for Kashmir begins with implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions” and reaffirming that Pakistan’s support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir “remains unwavering and unconditional.” He was addressing a seminar organised by the Pakistan High Commission in London to observe Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, marking the anniversary of India’s August 5, 2019 decision to revoke the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The event brought together British parliamentarians, diplomats, community leaders and members of the British Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora, who condemned India’s revocation of Article 370 and reiterated support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. In his keynote address, Tipu Usman called upon the international community, particularly the United Kingdom, to stand on the side of justice by urging India to reverse the unilateral measures introduced on August 5, 2019, restore the rights and special status of Jammu and Kashmir, and honour the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. “Pakistan’s support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir remains unwavering and unconditional,” he said, adding that a peaceful and lasting settlement of the dispute must be achieved in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people as reflected in the UN resolutions. The seminar was attended by Lord Qurban Hussain, Baroness Nosheena Mobarik, Afzal Khan MP and Adnan Hussain MP, alongside prominent community figures including Councillor Yasmine Dar, UK-Pakistan Kashmiri Councillors Forum Chairman Liaqat Ali MBE, Jammu Kashmir Self Determination Movement International Chairman Raja Najabat Hussain and former Deputy Mayor of Peterborough Mohammad Nadeem. Speakers strongly criticised India’s constitutional changes of August 2019, describing them as illegal and unconstitutional. They expressed concern over the human rights situation in IIOJK and called for an immediate end to alleged rights violations. Participants stressed that the Kashmir dispute remains an internationally recognised issue that should be resolved through dialogue and in line with UN Security Council resolutions. The seminar also proposed a strategic roadmap to enhance engagement with policymakers, parliamentarians and international stakeholders to build support for a just and lasting resolution of the Kashmir dispute. Messages from the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were read out during the event, reiterating Pakistan’s continued diplomatic, political and moral support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The ceremony concluded with participants observing a minute’s silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the Kashmir conflict.

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    Scientists, Academics attend launch of ‘My Strug…

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    ISLAMABAD: A distinguished gathering of eminent scientists, academicians, former public sector officials, engineers, and professionals attended the launch ceremony of My Struggles; Journey of a Technologist, authored by renowned scientist and technologist Dr. Farid A. Malik, held at the Islamabad Club on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by former officers of the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), a former Director General of NUST, senior representatives from academia and industry, including the Director of the Thar Coal Project, and several distinguished personalities from Islamabad. Speaking on the occasion, participants paid rich tribute to Dr. Farid A. Malik’s lifelong contributions to science, engineering, higher education, and national development. They described the book as an inspiring account of perseverance, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s scientific and technological progress. The speakers shared personal experiences and memories of working with Dr. Malik, highlighting his visionary leadership, dedication to mentoring young professionals, and his relentless pursuit of technological advancement. They noted that his remarkable journey serves as a source of inspiration for students, researchers, engineers, and policymakers alike.   Addressing the audience, Dr. Farid A. Malik presented a brief overview of his life’s journey, reflecting on the challenges, opportunities, and milestones that shaped his career as a technologist, researcher, educator, and public servant. “Success is not achieved without struggle. Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, innovate, and contribute towards national development,” Dr. Malik remarked while sharing the key message of his book. He encouraged young professionals to remain committed to excellence, embrace innovation, and serve the country with integrity, determination, and dedication. The participants appreciated the publication as a valuable addition to Pakistan’s scientific literature, observing that it documents not only the personal journey of an accomplished technologist but also the evolution of science, engineering, and technology in the country over several decades. The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session followed by a book-signing ceremony, where attendees congratulated Dr. Malik on documenting his inspiring life journey and wished him continued success in promoting science and technology in Pakistan.

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