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Trump claims progress in extended negotiations with Iran as warnings of escalation persist

ByJustpaste.in

US President Donald Trump stated in a televised interview that American officials engaged in an “all-day negotiation” with Iranian representatives, describing the discussions in optimistic terms while reiterating threats of severe military action should an accord fail to materialise.

Speaking on Fox News, President Trump indicated that diplomatic exchanges were advancing constructively, expressing expectations that the strategic Strait of Hormuz, closed since the onset of hostilties in late February, would reopen to commercial transit shortly.

However, the chief executive cautioned that failure to reach a finalised agreement would prompt intensive military strikes against Iranian targets.

The remarks stand in contrast to official statements from Tehran, where Iranian diplomatic representatives continue to deny direct bilateral engagements with Washington.

Qatari officials, serving alongside Omani representatives as regional mediators, verified that progress has been made toward establishing navigation protocols through the waterway.

The diplomatic friction occurs against the backdrop of broader international concern regarding potential strikes on energy and civil infrastructure, which legal scholars and human rights monitoring organisations note could constitute violations under the Geneva Conventions.

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    Abu Dhabi Police warn residents about rise in salary day online scams

    ByJustpaste.in

    Abu Dhabi Police have warned residents to stay alert as cybercriminals increase online fraud attempts around monthly salary payment periods. Officials said scammers often take advantage of the time when many people receive their salaries by using fake offers and deceptive schemes to steal money, banking details, and personal information. According to the police, fraudsters are creating fake promotions, counterfeit websites, and misleading online advertisements designed to appear genuine. They urged residents to deal only with trusted companies and verified service providers and to be cautious of offers that seem unusually attractive or promise unrealistic benefits. Authorities identified several scams that have recently become more common. These include fake advertisements for villas, holiday homes, and chalets, fraudulent residency visa services, counterfeit job offers, and fake recruitment agencies claiming to provide employment opportunities. Police also warned about unauthorized insurance plans and false advertisements offering vehicles allegedly seized by Abu Dhabi Customs. Scammers are also targeting buyers with fake listings for vehicle registration plates and luxury watches sold at heavily discounted prices. In addition, authorities highlighted fraudulent investment schemes that promise exceptionally high returns in a short period, a tactic commonly used to convince victims to hand over their savings. Police said criminals are increasingly using fake websites that imitate government departments and well known organizations to trick people into revealing sensitive information. Other scams involve persuading victims to install remote access software on their phones or computers, allowing fraudsters to gain access to personal data and banking accounts. Residents were also warned about requests for advance payments for products or services that do not exist. These include fake training courses, certificates, event tickets, and online shopping offers where the promised goods are never delivered after payment is made. Abu Dhabi Police strongly advised the public never to share banking information, passwords, or one time passwords with anyone, regardless of the reason given. Officials stressed that banks and government agencies do not ask customers to disclose such confidential information through phone calls, text messages, or online links. Authorities also encouraged residents to verify the identity of sellers and service providers before transferring money or making advance payments. They recommended accessing government services only through official websites and authorized mobile applications instead of clicking on links found through search engines or social media advertisements. Anyone who suspects they have encountered a scam or comes across suspicious online activity is urged to report it immediately through Abu Dhabi Police’s Aman service. Prompt reporting allows investigators to respond more quickly, prevent additional victims from being targeted, and strengthen efforts to combat cybercrime across the community. Police emphasized that staying cautious, verifying information before making payments, and protecting personal banking details are the most effective ways to avoid falling victim to online fraud, particularly during salary periods when scammers are most active.

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    Ferry fire off Lombok leaves one dead, 172 rescued

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    JAKARTA: Indonesian rescue teams have evacuated 172 people after a passenger ferry travelling from Bali to Lombok caught fire in the Lombok Strait early Wednesday. Officials said one Indonesian passenger was confirmed dead as rescue crews continued searching the surrounding waters for anyone who may still be missing. The KM Putri Yasmin was sailing from Padangbai port in Bali towards Lembar port in West Nusa Tenggara when the incident occurred. Local rescue authorities said the ferry caught fire at around 4:39am local time. Muhammad Hariyadi, head of the local rescue agency, said emergency teams immediately launched an evacuation operation after receiving information about the incident. Several rescue boats were sent to the area to assist passengers and coordinate with other vessels operating near the ferry. More than 200 personnel were reportedly involved in the rescue effort. Most of those rescued were Indonesian nationals, while one Australian citizen was also among the survivors. The evacuees were transported to ports in Bali and Lombok for further assistance. Authorities have not yet determined what caused the fire. Officials were also investigating whether the ferry may have been carrying more people than officially registered. An official at Padangbai port, Heri Wiyanto, said the vessel’s manifest listed 114 passengers and 17 crew members. The discrepancy between the registered figures and the number of people rescued has raised questions about passenger safety and possible overcrowding. The incident comes less than a month after another ferry accident in Indonesian waters. The KM Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire off Madura island, killing five people. That vessel was also reportedly carrying more passengers than listed on its official manifest. Indonesia depends heavily on ferries because its thousands of islands are separated by extensive stretches of sea. Ferry services are widely used by residents and tourists because they are generally more accessible and affordable than air travel. However, a series of maritime accidents has repeatedly raised concerns about safety enforcement, passenger capacity and emergency preparedness in the country’s ferry industry. Rescue officials said the search operation would continue as authorities work to establish the full number of people who were aboard the vessel and determine how the fire began.

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    Five-wicket star Mohammad Abbas dropped for key Test

    ByJustpaste.in

    PORT OF SPAIN: Pakistan’s team selection for the second Test against the West Indies has triggered widespread debate after experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas was left out of the playing XI despite delivering a match-winning five-wicket haul in the previous Test. The unexpected decision has raised eyebrows among cricket experts and fans, with many describing it as one of the most unusual selection calls in Pakistan’s recent Test history. Abbas was Pakistan’s standout performer in the opening Test at Tarouba, finishing with eight wickets across the match, including a brilliant five-wicket haul in one innings. Despite his efforts, Pakistan suffered a 90-run defeat, largely due to a disappointing batting display. However, instead of retaining their leading bowler, the team management opted to hand Ubaid Shah his Test debut for the series-deciding second match. Pakistan captain Babar Azam defended the move, saying the decision was based on pitch conditions and part of four changes made to the playing XI. According to Babar, the management believed the conditions in Port of Spain required a different bowling combination, and Abbas was rested with those factors in mind. The decision has nevertheless sparked criticism, particularly because bowlers who claim five wickets in an innings are rarely omitted from the very next Test. Cricket statisticians pointed out that this is believed to be the first time since 1980 that a Pakistan bowler has been dropped immediately after taking a five-wicket haul in a Test innings. The last comparable case dates back to Pakistan’s 1979-80 tour of India, when Ehteshamuddin was left out after claiming five wickets in an innings to make room for the returning Imran Khan. The debate intensified after Ubaid Shah endured a difficult start to his Test career. On the opening day of the second Test, the young pacer conceded 56 runs in just nine overs, making him Pakistan’s most expensive bowler of the day despite picking up a wicket. His costly spell has prompted fresh questions over whether the management made the right call by overlooking Abbas, whose experience and consistency have long been valued in red-ball cricket. With the series on the line, Pakistan’s selection strategy is now under intense scrutiny. Whether the bold gamble pays off could have a significant impact on the outcome of the Test and may shape discussions over team selection in the months ahead.

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    Brad Pitt responds as children continue dropping ‘Pitt’ surname

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    Hollywood star Brad Pitt has spoken publicly for the first time about several of his children choosing to remove “Pitt” from their surnames, saying he understands their decision as the family continues to deal with the fallout of his long-running split from ex-wife Angelina Jolie. His remarks came after weeks of renewed attention surrounding the legal name changes of several of the couple’s children. The issue resurfaced after Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, 18, filed a petition in Los Angeles County Superior Court to legally change her name to Vivienne Marcheline Jolie, citing “personal” reasons. She joins siblings Shiloh, Zahara and Maddox, who have either legally dropped or publicly stopped using the Pitt surname in recent years. According to reports, Pitt addressed the matter during a recent press interaction, acknowledging his children’s choice and expressing support despite the emotional toll it has taken on him. “I understand,” Pitt said when asked about the surname changes. He added, “And if they don’t want it, neither do I.” The Oscar-winning actor continued, “I want them to know that I stand with them as they bravely turn the page on the hell I put them through.” The remarks marked the first time Pitt has publicly commented on the issue since multiple children moved to distance themselves from his surname. Sources present at the event said the actor appeared emotional while discussing the situation. Pitt reportedly admitted it was painful to realise that some of his children no longer wished to be associated with his name. Reflecting on their decision, he said, “So when they decide that being associated with me is just an unacceptable way to live the rest of their lives.” Despite his disappointment, Pitt stressed that he respected their choice. “That’s what being a dad’s all about,” he said, adding that he offered his “100%” support to Shiloh, Zahara, Maddox and Vivienne as they move forward with their decisions. Pitt and Jolie finalised their divorce in December 2024, ending years of legal proceedings that began after Jolie filed for divorce in 2016. Since then, reports have consistently described a strained relationship between Pitt and several of the couple’s six children. The family rift has often been linked to an alleged altercation aboard a private plane in 2016, after which Jolie initiated divorce proceedings. While the actor had largely remained silent on the matter, reports suggested he had intentionally kept his distance from the public discussion to avoid escalating tensions within the family. On the same day his comments emerged, Pitt was photographed spending time with his girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, in Carmel Highlands, California. The couple, who have reportedly been together since November 2022, appeared relaxed during the outing despite continued public interest in Pitt’s relationship with his children. The surname changes continue to attract widespread attention, reflecting the ongoing estrangement within one of Hollywood’s most closely watched families. Pitt’s latest remarks suggest he is choosing acceptance over confrontation as his children make deeply personal decisions about their identities.

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    KP police put Rs285.8m bounty on 83 wanted terrori…

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    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have announced rewards for information leading to the arrest or identification of 83 wanted terrorists. According to a list issued by the police, the total reward amount stands at Rs285.8 million. The Central Police Office said financial rewards would be given to individuals who provide information that helps authorities locate, arrest or identify the wanted terrorists. Police said the identity of anyone providing information would be kept completely confidential. The rewards announced for the wanted individuals range from Rs500,000 to Rs100 million, depending on the importance and threat level of each suspect. The list includes wanted individuals from several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dera Ismail Khan, Kulachi, Darazinda, Daraban and Paharpur. Police urged citizens to remain vigilant and closely monitor suspicious activities linked to terrorists and Fitna al-Khawarij. Authorities appealed to the public to share credible information with law enforcement agencies. They stressed that the confidentiality of informants would be fully protected. The reward scheme is part of police efforts to locate wanted militants and strengthen security across the province. Officials said public cooperation could help prevent terrorist activities and improve the overall security situation in vulnerable areas.

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    Nawaz interviews candidates for AJK reserved seats

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    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership has accelerated consultations over the formation of the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), with party supremo Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz interviewing candidates for reserved seats. The interviews were held in Murree on Sunday for five women’s reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly. PML-N AJK regional president Shah Ghulam Qadir and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also attended the meeting. The party leadership reviewed the profiles of several women seeking PML-N tickets. The interviews reportedly lasted between five and 10 minutes for each candidate. Among those interviewed were Maryam Kashmiri, president of the PML-N AJK Women’s Wing, secretary general Nasira Azeem Khan, former reserved-seat MLA Sehrish Qamar, former Assembly member Nisara Abbasi, Maryam Idrees, Maria Iqbal Tarana and Zareeda Nisar. The widow of late Raja Abid Khan of Dadyal also appeared before the leadership. Her son, Raja Shoaib Abid, had withdrawn from the electoral contest in support of PML-N candidate and MLA-elect Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq. The PML-N leadership praised the participation of women in the recent AJK elections. The party said women had played an active and important role in the electoral process and described their involvement as a positive development for democracy. The PML-N has emerged as the largest party following the recent AJK elections. It secured 25 directly elected seats and has the support of an allied member. Based on its strength in the Assembly, the party is expected to win four of the five reserved seats for women. The party is also expected to secure the remaining three reserved seats allocated to religious scholars or Mashaikh, overseas state subjects, and technocrats and other professionals. The AJK Election Commission has scheduled polling for all eight reserved seats for August 24. The voting will take place at the AJK Legislative Assembly Hall in Muzaffarabad from 10am to 1pm. Candidates will submit nomination papers on August 20. The scrutiny process will be completed the same day, while appeals against decisions regarding nominations can be filed on August 21. The Election Commission will hear the appeals on August 22. Candidates will have until August 23 to withdraw their nominations, after which the final list of contestants will be issued. The AJK Assembly comprises 53 members. Of these, 45 are elected through direct voting, while eight seats are reserved for specific categories. However, elections could not be held in seven constituencies because of the law and order situation in parts of Poonch and Sudhnoti districts. As a result, 38 directly elected members will take part in the process of electing candidates to the reserved seats. Meanwhile, the Election Commission also issued notifications confirming the victories of PPP candidate Sardar Ziaul Qamar and PML-N candidate Sardar Mir Akbar in Bagh district. Qamar was declared successful from LA-15 Central Bagh, while Akbar was declared the returned candidate from LA-16 Eastern Bagh. Their notifications formally completed the electoral process in the two constituencies.

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