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Swiss government rejects proposed constitutional ban on non-UN sanctions ahead of neutrality vote

ByJustpaste.in

The Swiss government has formally rejected a popular initiative seeking to enshrine a rigid, absolute definition of neutrality into the country’s constitution, warning the move would cripple national security and diplomatic flexibility.

The constitutional referendum, scheduled for 27 September, was triggered after right-wing campaign groups backed by the Swiss People’s Party gathered over 100,000 signatures. Proponents argue Bern’s historical stance has been diluted by adopting European Union sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine and deepening training ties with NATO.

If passed, the amendment would constitutionally mandate that Swiss neutrality remain perpetual and armed, while explicitly barring non-UN sanctions and foreign military alliances.

Launching the official counter-campaign on Tuesday, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis insisted the nation’s neutrality remains intact without need for restrictive legal amendments.

“Switzerland has been and is neutral, and it will remain neutral,” Cassis said in a statement, adding that the proposal would severely hinder security cooperation with international partners prior to an actual crisis.

Current polling indicates low public support for the initiative, with a Tamedia survey showing 54 per cent of voters opposed compared to 34 per cent in favour.

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    Trump aide impersonator texts UK PM, sparking security scare

    ByJustpaste.in

    A security mystery has emerged after an individual posing as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly exchanged text messages with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The communications have raised concerns in both Britain and the United States. Officials are examining how the impersonator was able to establish contact with the British prime minister. According to reports, Burnham received a limited number of messages from the individual while he was campaigning for office. The communication reportedly continued for a short period after he became prime minister. Sources familiar with the matter said the messages were ultimately considered to be of no significant consequence. However, the incident triggered concerns because the impersonator claimed to represent a senior White House official. The matter was serious enough for the British embassy in Washington to raise the issue directly with the White House. British officials initially considered the possibility that the real Susie Wiles’ phone, contact information or communications may have been compromised. Authorities therefore examined whether the incident involved a wider security breach. The identity of the person behind the impersonation remains unclear. The incident has highlighted the growing risks posed by sophisticated impersonation scams. High-profile political figures are increasingly being targeted by individuals who attempt to gain their trust by pretending to be senior officials or influential public figures. Similar incidents have previously involved prominent American politicians and business leaders. In such cases, scammers have used false identities and digital communications to establish contact with their targets. The latest case has attracted particular attention because of the positions held by the people involved. Wiles is a senior figure within the White House, while Burnham is the UK prime minister. Despite the security concerns, there is currently no indication that sensitive information was exchanged during the messages. Sources described the content of the communications as having no significant impact. Downing Street has declined to discuss the specific details of the incident. British officials have maintained that national security matters are not normally discussed publicly. The White House has also declined to comment on the reported communications or the identity of the impersonator. The incident nevertheless raises questions about how the individual obtained access to Burnham and successfully presented themselves as a senior White House official. Officials are expected to examine the communication trail and other available evidence to determine how the impersonation occurred. The case also highlights the challenges faced by governments in verifying digital identities. Text messages and other online communications can make it easier for individuals to impersonate senior officials, particularly when they use convincing names, photographs or other identifying details. For now, the mystery surrounding the impersonator’s identity remains unresolved. Authorities have not publicly identified the person responsible or confirmed whether the incident was part of a broader campaign.

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    Rumesh Tharanga: Sri Lanka’s new javelin star

    ByJustpaste.in

    Sri Lanka’s athletics scene has a new rising star. At just 23, Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage has established himself as one of the most exciting young javelin throwers in the world. Tharanga’s remarkable 2026 season has already included a 92.62-metre national record, a Commonwealth Games gold medal, multiple Diamond League victories and a World Championships final appearance. His latest achievement came at the Lausanne Diamond League, where he edged India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra by just nine centimetres. From cricket to javelin Born on March 21, 2003, in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, Tharanga initially dreamed of making a career in cricket. He developed into a promising fast bowler and reportedly reached speeds of around 134 kilometres per hour as a teenager. His father’s involvement in throwing events eventually encouraged him to explore athletics. Tharanga first tried discus before turning his attention to javelin while studying at St Peter’s College in Colombo. His cricket background helped him develop explosive movement, speed and coordination — qualities that later became important parts of his javelin technique. Rapid rise in athletics Tharanga represented Sri Lanka at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships, gaining valuable international experience. By 2025, he had moved beyond the status of a promising prospect. He became the first Sri Lankan male javelin thrower to reach a World Athletics Championships final and finished seventh with a throw of 84.38 metres. His progress accelerated dramatically the following year. Breaking the 90-metre mark At the Rome Diamond League in 2026, Tharanga produced the biggest throw of his career, sending the javelin 92.62 metres. The effort set a new Sri Lankan national record and placed him among the world’s elite throwers. It also put him close to Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, whose 92.97-metre throw won gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Crossing the 90-metre barrier marked a major milestone. Tharanga had firmly established himself as a serious contender at the highest level of international javelin. Commonwealth Games champion Tharanga carried that momentum into the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he faced a star-studded field that included Chopra, Nadeem, Anderson Peters and Keshorn Walcott. He produced a huge 89.75-metre throw to claim the gold medal. Chopra finished second, while India’s Yash Vir Singh secured bronze. The victory gave Sri Lanka a major javelin success and further raised Tharanga’s profile on the international stage. Narrow win over Neeraj Chopra The rivalry with Chopra continued at the Lausanne Diamond League on August 21. Tharanga opened the competition with an 85.99-metre throw before improving to 87.06 metres with his second attempt. Chopra responded with an 88.05-metre throw, his season’s best at the time, and briefly moved into first place. Tharanga answered immediately. His third attempt travelled 88.14 metres, putting him back in the lead and securing the victory. The nine-centimetre margin highlighted just how closely matched the two athletes were. Lausanne Diamond League standings: 1. 🇱🇰 Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage — 88.14m 2. 🇮🇳 Neeraj Chopra — 88.05m 3. 🇬🇩 Anderson Peters — 86.69m 4. 🇹🇹 Keshorn Walcott — 83.71m 5. 🇺🇸 Marc Anthony Minichello — 80.06m The Lausanne victory added another important chapter to Tharanga’s breakthrough season and strengthened his position among the leading javelin throwers in the world. A new South Asian rivalry For years, South Asian javelin focused largely on the rivalry between Chopra and Nadeem. Tharanga’s rapid emergence has added another major contender from the region. His 92.62-metre national record demonstrates his enormous throwing ability, while his Commonwealth Games gold and Diamond League victories show that he can perform when the pressure is highest. At only 23, Tharanga still has considerable room to develop. Sri Lanka’s rising athletics star Tharanga’s success carries significance beyond javelin. Sri Lanka has long enjoyed a strong sporting identity through cricket, but his achievements are bringing renewed attention to the country’s athletics programme. His journey from teenage fast bowler to Commonwealth champion and Diamond League winner also highlights the unpredictable paths that can lead athletes to international success. With a 92.62-metre personal best, major titles already on his record and growing experience against the world’s best, Tharanga appears to have established himself as one of the leading young names in men’s javelin. At 23, his biggest achievements may still lie ahead.

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    Taylor Swift reportedly stands by Jack Antonoff am…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Taylor Swift is reportedly standing by longtime friend and collaborator Jack Antonoff following reports that he and actress Margaret Qualley have ended their marriage. According to recent reports, Antonoff and Qualley called it quits last month after nearly three years of marriage. While neither the music producer nor the actress has publicly commented on the reported split, new claims suggest that friends close to the former couple have begun taking sides as speculation surrounding their separation continues.  RadarOnline, citing an unnamed insider, claimed that Swift has remained firmly in Antonoff’s corner throughout the reported breakup. The source alleged that the Grammy-winning singer’s long personal and professional relationship with Antonoff has made her one of his strongest supporters during the difficult period.  “When a marriage like Jack and Margaret’s breaks up, and there aren’t any kids in the picture, the friends of the couple are forced to pick sides,” the insider reportedly said. The source also claimed that the separation did not come as a surprise to people who knew the couple closely. However, these claims have not been independently verified, and none of the individuals involved have addressed them publicly.  Swift and Antonoff have shared one of the music industry’s most successful creative partnerships for more than a decade. Since first working together on Sweeter Than Fiction in 2013, Antonoff has co-written and produced songs across several of Swift’s biggest albums, including 1989, Reputation, Lover, Folklore, Evermore, Midnights and The Tortured Poets Department. Their collaboration has earned multiple Grammy Awards and produced numerous chart-topping hits.  Reports of Antonoff and Qualley’s separation first surfaced in early July after the actress was absent from a high-profile event attended by Antonoff. Shortly afterward, multiple entertainment outlets reported that the couple had separated after what sources described as a rocky period in their relationship. Neither Antonoff nor Qualley has confirmed the reports, and their representatives have remained silent.  The latest speculation about Swift’s support comes from anonymous sources rather than official statements, making it difficult to verify the full picture. Even so, many fans believe it would not be surprising given the close friendship Swift and Antonoff have maintained for years, both inside and outside the recording studio.  For now, the reported split remains largely private, with the former couple choosing not to speak publicly about their relationship. Until Antonoff, Qualley or Swift address the situation themselves, much of the conversation continues to be driven by unnamed sources and media speculation. Meanwhile, Antonoff remains focused on his music career, while Swift continues her long-running collaboration with one of her closest creative partners. 

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    Celebrities slam ‘criminal negligence’ after PIMS fire

    ByJustpaste.in

    The deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has triggered grief and anger across the country, with several Pakistani celebrities using social media to demand accountability and action against those responsible. The tragedy, which claimed the lives of newborn children, has deeply affected the public. Showbiz personalities expressed sympathy for the bereaved families while questioning the safety standards and emergency arrangements at one of Islamabad’s major public hospitals. Actor Muhammad Ahmed criticised the repeated loss of children in incidents that later fade from public attention. In a video message, he questioned whether the deaths would also be forgotten after a few days without anyone being held responsible. He expressed his sorrow for the mothers who lost their newborns and called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable. Actress Azekah Daniel also criticised what she described as an incompetent system. She said tragedies often lead to public condemnation for a short period, after which attention shifts elsewhere until another incident occurs. Her remarks highlighted concerns about the lack of sustained institutional reforms following serious incidents involving public safety and healthcare. Actor Zara Noor Abbas also voiced her frustration over what she described as repeated failures to establish responsibility after major incidents. She said a series of such events was creating a sense of desperation among citizens, particularly when accountability remains absent. Zunaira Inam Khan took a stronger position, describing the PIMS incident as more than an unfortunate accident. In a social media post, she attributed the tragedy to what she called criminal negligence and mismanagement. Meanwhile, Sabeena Farooq expressed concern about the infants affected by the incident and sought information about their condition through social media. Actors Ahsan Khan and Nadia Afghan also shared a video showing a grieving mother carrying her child. They urged the authorities to ensure that the remains of the baby were handed over to the family. The reactions from the entertainment industry reflect wider public anger following the tragedy. Social media users have raised questions about hospital safety protocols, emergency preparedness, staffing and the ability of public healthcare facilities to respond effectively during crises. PIMS is one of the country’s major government-run healthcare institutions and serves a large number of patients from Islamabad and surrounding areas. Like several public hospitals, it operates under significant pressure because of high patient numbers and limited resources. The fire has therefore renewed calls for a comprehensive review of safety arrangements at public hospitals, including emergency exits, fire prevention systems, medical equipment and response procedures. Celebrities and members of the public are now demanding that the investigation into the incident be transparent and that responsibility be determined on the basis of evidence.

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    Israel launches second strike in Syria within a we…

    ByJustpaste.in

    DAMASCUS: Tensions in the region rose again after an Israeli drone strike near the Syrian capital Damascus injured several people, prompting Kuwait to strongly condemn the attack and call for international action to prevent further Israeli operations on Syrian territory. The strike reportedly targeted a civilian vehicle near a village southwest of Damascus. Several people were injured in the attack, according to reports, although the full extent of the casualties was not immediately clear. Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as repeated Israeli aggression against Syrian territory and urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to fulfil its responsibilities and work to stop further attacks. In a statement, the ministry said the targeting of a civilian vehicle had resulted in injuries among civilians. Kuwait called for an effective international response to what it described as continuing violations of Syria’s sovereignty. The incident is particularly significant because it marks the second Israeli attack in Syria within a week, raising concerns that the cycle of strikes could further aggravate tensions in an already volatile region. Israel, however, defended the latest operation. Israeli officials said the strike targeted what they described as “terrorists” and was carried out in response to an immediate threat faced by Israeli troops. The competing accounts highlight the broader security dispute surrounding Israel’s military operations in Syria. Israel has repeatedly said that its forces act to prevent threats from armed groups and to protect Israeli personnel and territory. Syrian and Arab officials, meanwhile, have frequently condemned such operations as violations of Syrian sovereignty. The latest strike comes at a time when the wider Middle East remains under intense pressure from overlapping conflicts and security crises. Any further escalation inside Syria could complicate efforts to maintain regional stability and increase diplomatic pressure on neighbouring countries. Kuwait’s appeal to the UN Security Council reflects growing calls from Arab states for greater international scrutiny of military operations on Syrian soil. The Kuwaiti ministry urged global powers to take concrete steps rather than allowing repeated attacks to continue unchecked. For residents near Damascus, the latest incident adds to concerns over the possibility of renewed violence. Although the immediate strike caused injuries rather than a large-scale loss of life, the frequency of military operations has raised fears that a wider confrontation could develop. With Israel maintaining that its actions are necessary for security and Arab governments calling for an end to attacks, Syria remains caught at the centre of a tense regional confrontation. The latest strike could therefore become another flashpoint in an increasingly fragile security environment.

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    TikToker arrested in Abdullah Tahir murder case

    ByJustpaste.in

    Police have arrested a female TikToker in connection with the murder case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Abdullah Tahir. According to police, the suspect allegedly honey-trapped the driver of the slain political leader. She was arrested from Sialkot during an investigation into the case. Police sources said the woman is a resident of Faisalabad. She had allegedly gone into hiding after the murder. Investigators had been searching for her as they traced the people linked to the incident. Officials said the suspected honey-trap is an important part of the investigation. The driver of Abdullah Tahir was allegedly targeted through the woman before the murder. Investigators are also looking into the alleged use of a drone camera in the case. Police are trying to determine who operated the drone and how it may have been used during the planning or execution of the crime. Abdullah Tahir was shot dead in the Ghalib Market area a few days ago. The killing triggered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Police are now questioning the arrested TikToker and examining her alleged links with other suspects. Investigators are also working to establish the motive behind the killing. Authorities are expected to gather further evidence as the investigation continues. Police are also looking into the role of other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged honey-trap operation.

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