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Typhoon Dolphin hits Japan’s Okinawa as China prepares for landfall

Typhoon Dolphin has struck Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture, injuring five people and causing power outages across approximately 14,000 properties.

Major Japanese carriers ANA and Japan Airlines cancelled flights to the region as maximum sustained wind speeds reached 162 kph, with gusts hitting 216 kph.

China has issued high-level alerts along its eastern coast, halting port operations and suspending 162 ferry routes in Zhejiang province ahead of expected landfall between Sunday and Monday.

Airports and maritime hubs across eastern China, including Ningbo Lishe International Airport and Shanghai’s Yangshan port, have suspended operations or cleared vessels from harbors.

In Taiwan, authorities reported the cancellation of 63 international flights, whilst Taipei rejected maritime traffic control directives issued by Beijing for the Taiwan Strait as baseless.

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    US embassy alerts citizens over worsening security…

    The United States has issued a fresh security advisory for its citizens across the Middle East, urging them to remain vigilant and be prepared for possible evacuation as regional tensions continue to rise. The warning comes amid growing concerns over the security situation, with US officials cautioning that conditions could deteriorate without notice. Through its embassies in Israel, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, the US government advised American citizens to consider leaving the region if it is safe to do so or to be ready for immediate departure should the security environment worsen. According to the advisory, the current instability has increased the risk of unexpected security incidents, flight disruptions, and temporary airspace closures. Travelers were warned to expect airline cancellations, delays, and changes to flight schedules, and to remain informed through official sources and their airlines before making travel plans. The US Embassy in Oman noted that several airlines have delayed the resumption of scheduled services, while others have canceled flights on specific routes due to the evolving regional situation. Americans in the region were encouraged to review their travel plans and prepare for rapid evacuation if circumstances require. The advisory also urged US citizens outside the Middle East to carefully reconsider any plans to travel to the region or transit through it. Travelers were advised to monitor the latest airport and airline updates before departure and remain aware of changing security conditions. US officials warned that American diplomatic facilities, businesses, and other interests have previously been targeted during periods of heightened regional tension. The statement added that threats to US interests could extend beyond the Middle East and emphasized that areas previously considered safe may also face increased risks. The US Embassy in Jordan specifically advised American citizens to avoid visiting military installations and to stay informed through local government alerts, including emergency sirens and public safety announcements. Citizens were encouraged to follow instructions from local authorities and regularly check updates from the US Embassy. As part of the advisory, Americans were also instructed to avoid demonstrations, large public gatherings, and areas with a heavy security presence. They were encouraged to maintain a low profile, monitor local media, and remain alert at all times. The State Department further recommended enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which enables the US government to provide security updates and facilitate communication with citizens during emergencies.

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    Vicky Kaushal prepares for major transformation in Mahavatar

    Vicky Kaushal is reportedly preparing for one of the most demanding physical transformations of his career as he gears up to play the legendary warrior sage Parashurama in the upcoming mythological film Mahavatar. According to recent reports, the actor will undergo an intensive fitness programme that includes gaining more than 25 kilograms to achieve the larger-than-life physique required for the role. As reported by Mid-Day, Kaushal is set to reunite with celebrity fitness coach Tejas Lalwani, who previously helped him transform for the historical blockbuster Chhaava. The actor reportedly plans to begin training in September, nearly three months before the film goes on floors in December. The makers are said to be aiming for a transformation even more challenging than the one he underwent for Chhaava. For Chhaava, Kaushal increased his weight from 80 kg to 105 kg to portray Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. However, Mahavatar will reportedly require an even bigger and more muscular frame to accurately portray Parashurama, one of Hindu mythology’s most powerful warrior sages. According to the report, the character demands a commanding screen presence and the physical strength to convincingly perform intense action sequences involving the iconic parashu (battle axe). The report states that Kaushal’s preparation will focus on three key areas: training, nutrition and recovery. Fitness coach Tejas Lalwani and nutritionist Alkesh Sharotri have reportedly designed a rigorous programme to help the actor build size and strength while maintaining overall fitness. His workout routine is expected to revolve around compound exercises, including squats, deadlifts, bench presses and pull-ups, with the intensity gradually increasing over the training period. Alongside the workouts, Kaushal is reportedly expected to consume an additional 250 to 500 calories daily, following a protein-rich diet that includes nuts, dairy products and whole grains to support healthy muscle gain. Recovery is also expected to play a crucial role in the transformation. According to the report, Kaushal will follow a strict recovery schedule that includes eight hours of sleep every night and 48-hour rest periods for each muscle group to minimise fatigue and maximise muscle growth during the demanding preparation. Mahavatar reunites Kaushal with Tejas Lalwani after their successful collaboration on Chhaava, a performance that earned widespread praise for the actor’s commitment to physically embodying the Maratha ruler. The upcoming film is expected to present an even greater challenge as Kaushal steps into a mythological role requiring extraordinary physical presence. While Mahavatar remains one of his most anticipated future projects, Kaushal’s next major theatrical release will be Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama Love & War, scheduled to arrive in cinemas on January 21, 2027. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see the actor’s dramatic transformation once filming for Mahavatar begins.

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    Pakistan, allies condemn Israeli actions in Gaza

    Pakistan and seven Muslim-majority countries have jointly condemned Israel’s ongoing military actions in the Gaza Strip, describing attacks on civilians, healthcare facilities and essential infrastructure as serious violations of international law. In a joint statement released on Thursday, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressed strong concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. They said continued attacks on hospitals, medical personnel and civilian infrastructure, along with the mounting civilian death toll, particularly among women and children, represent grave breaches of international humanitarian law. The ministers warned that the ongoing violence undermines efforts to implement the next phase of the proposed peace roadmap and risks worsening instability across the region. They stressed that the protection of civilians, medical workers and humanitarian operations must remain a priority under international law, calling for unrestricted delivery of food, medicine and emergency aid throughout Gaza. The joint declaration also linked the situation in Gaza with developments in the occupied West Bank, citing settlement expansion, attacks by settlers and measures affecting East Jerusalem. According to the ministers, these actions weaken the prospects for a two-state solution and further erode the rights of the Palestinian people. The eight countries urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to take effective steps to ensure compliance with international law and hold those responsible for violations accountable. They said greater international action is needed to protect civilians, support humanitarian efforts and help secure a lasting ceasefire. The ministers also rejected any attempt to annex occupied Palestinian territories, impose Israeli sovereignty over them or forcibly displace Palestinians from their homeland. They reiterated that lasting peace can only be achieved through a credible political process leading to the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The statement comes as violence continues in Gaza despite ceasefire efforts. Recent airstrikes have caused further casualties, while negotiations over a US-backed roadmap remain stalled.

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    Bilawal calls AJK polls ‘bloody elections&#8…

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly criticised the recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, describing them as “bloody” and “rigged” while vowing to continue the party’s political and legal battle over the results. In a statement, Bilawal alleged that the elections were neither free nor fair. He claimed the polls were marred by rigging and violence, calling them “bullet elections,” “killer elections,” and “bloody elections.” Despite his criticism of the electoral process, Bilawal thanked PPP supporters for their backing, saying voters had enabled the party to secure victory on nine seats. He further alleged that several seats in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad had been “stolen” from the PPP and pledged to pursue all constitutional and legal avenues to reclaim what he described as the party’s rightful mandate. Bilawal said the PPP would not be discouraged by the election outcome and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to continuing its political struggle. “The Pakistan Peoples Party does not lose courage, does not retreat, and does not abandon the political field,” he said. The PPP chairman also announced that he would address a public gathering in Bagh district as part of the party’s ongoing election campaign. Inviting supporters from the Poonch region, Bilawal said he would visit the area on August 10 and urged party workers and supporters to prepare for the rally. His remarks come amid continuing political tensions following the AJK elections, with the PPP maintaining that it will challenge the disputed results through legal and constitutional channels.

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    Amaal Malik’s bizarre move at Awarapan 2 party

    Amaal Malik found himself at the center of attention after an unexpected incident outside the success party of Awarapan 2. The music composer, who was among the key members of the film’s team, surprised onlookers when he briefly appeared to encourage a fight among fans before stepping in to calm the situation. The Awarapan 2 success celebration was held on August 24 and brought together several members of the film’s cast and crew. Lead actors Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani attended the event, along with composer and music director Amaal Malik and other members of the production team. The gathering was organized to celebrate the film’s performance following its theatrical release. However, an incident outside the venue quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening. A video showing Amaal outside the event venue has been circulating widely on social media. In the footage, a fight can be seen breaking out among people gathered outside the venue. Instead of immediately walking away from the commotion, Amaal appeared amused by what was happening at first. He could be seen cheering the people involved and playfully shouting, “Laro laro,” meaning “fight, fight.” He also performed a small, humorous dance move while watching the confrontation. The situation, however, appeared to become more serious within moments. Realizing that the argument could escalate, Amaal changed his approach and moved toward the crowd. He stepped in to help stop the confrontation and attempted to bring the people involved under control. In a surprising turn, the composer not only helped separate the individuals but also hugged them, seemingly encouraging them to put the argument behind them. The unusual sequence of events quickly caught the attention of social media users, with many viewers amused by Amaal’s initial reaction and his decision to intervene moments later. Amaal also attracted attention for his appearance at the event. He opted for a relaxed yet stylish look, wearing a casual blue T-shirt paired with black jeans and a black leather jacket. His informal outfit complemented the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the film’s success. The composer has particular reason to celebrate the success of Awarapan 2. He was given the opportunity to create the music for the sequel to Emraan Hashmi’s much-loved 2007 film Awarapan. The original movie developed a strong following over the years, with its music becoming one of its most remembered aspects. Working on the sequel therefore represented an important opportunity for Amaal, especially given the popularity associated with the original film. The project brought together a new generation of talent while continuing the franchise connected to Hashmi’s earlier work. Awarapan 2 has reportedly performed well commercially since its release and has emerged as a notable success at the box office. The film also reportedly surpassed Sunny Deol’s Batwara 1947 in terms of box-office numbers, adding another achievement to its growing list. While the film’s commercial performance remains the main reason for the celebrations, Amaal Malik’s unexpected behavior outside the venue has given fans another memorable moment to discuss. His transition from playfully encouraging the argument to personally stepping in and embracing those involved made the incident particularly unusual. The viral video has since added another layer of attention to the film’s success party, putting Amaal in the spotlight beyond his contribution to the movie’s music.

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    Security forces intensify K-P anti-terror operatio…

    Security forces have stepped up intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the Azm-e-Istehkam campaign, targeting militant hideouts and disrupting terrorist networks in several areas over the past two months, according to security sources. Officials said one of the major operations was carried out in the Khatti Killi area of North Waziristan, where security forces raided suspected militant hideouts following intelligence reports. During the operation, several terrorists were killed after an exchange of fire, while others sustained injuries and managed to flee. Security sources said troops recovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition and communication equipment from the militants’ hideouts. The recovered material is expected to assist investigators in tracing the activities and support networks of militant groups operating in the region. According to officials, the operations specifically targeted members of Fitna al-Khawarij, the term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Authorities said the campaign was conducted with great care to protect civilians and prevent damage to local communities. Security officials emphasised that the ongoing operations are aimed at eliminating terrorist threats, restoring law and order, and ensuring lasting peace across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They reaffirmed that intelligence-led operations would continue until militant networks are dismantled and terrorism is eradicated. The latest operations are part of the broader Azm-e-Istehkam strategy launched to strengthen counterterrorism efforts nationwide. The campaign focuses on targeted intelligence operations against militant groups while enhancing the security of vulnerable areas. Last week, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said security forces had carried out more than 40,000 intelligence-based operations across Pakistan so far this year, with a significant number conducted in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said nearly 194 intelligence-based operations are being conducted daily across the country. According to the military spokesperson, security forces have eliminated more than 2,000 terrorists during 2026, reflecting the intensified pace of counterterrorism operations.

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