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UK government unveils £130m boost for zero-emission vehicle technology

ByJustpaste.in

The British government has announced a joint public-private investment package worth nearly £130 million to advance zero-emission vehicle technologies across the United Kingdom.

The funding model combines almost £65 million in public investment alongside matching contributions from private automotive industry partners.

Under the initiative, nearly £50 million in government grants will go directly to car manufacturers and research institutions to develop and scale clean vehicle tech. An additional £17 million has been allocated to nine projects targeting connected and automated mobility, including advanced sensors, brake-by-wire systems, and artificial intelligence simulation platforms.

Industry Minister Blair McDougall stated that the package aims to secure the future of British manufacturing, noting that the country is determined to ensure next-generation vehicles are designed and produced domestically.

The financial injection aligns with the UK’s legal mandate to end sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, ahead of a complete transition to zero-emission new vehicles by 2035.

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    India’s Independence Day faces protests and boycotts

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    NEW DELHI: India’s Independence Day celebrations were met with protests, shutdowns and boycott calls in several regions on Saturday, including Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and parts of the country’s northeast. Several political, community and regional groups called for strikes and non-participation in official celebrations, with some organisations observing the day as a “Black Day”. In IIOJK, boycott and shutdown calls were reported ahead of the celebrations. Security was significantly increased in Srinagar, with additional personnel deployed around key locations and routes leading to the main Independence Day venue. The protests and boycott calls were also reported in several northeastern states, including Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. In Nagaland, Naga nationalist groups observed August 14 as their own Independence Day, recalling the Naga National Council’s declaration of independence in 1947. The groups continue to emphasise their separate political identity and longstanding demand for self-determination. Naga leader Thuingaleng Muivah reiterated that his group would not compromise on its demands concerning sovereignty, a separate flag and constitution. The Naga Students’ Federation also opposed the mandatory singing of Vande Mataram, citing concerns related to religious freedom and freedom of conscience. In Manipur, several organisations called a 12-hour general strike and shutdown. Black flags were reportedly displayed in parts of the state as groups urged people to stay away from official celebrations. Similar boycott calls were issued in Assam and neighbouring areas. Security forces were placed on alert around sensitive locations and border regions amid concerns over possible disruptions. The developments came as India held nationwide celebrations marking its Independence Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the main ceremony in New Delhi. Meanwhile, India’s opposition also remained divided over the official celebrations. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi did not attend Modi’s ceremony. Their absence was linked to continuing political differences, including disagreements over seating arrangements and protocol.

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    Chelsea sign Valentin Barco on seven-year contract

    ByJustpaste.in

    Chelsea have continued their active summer transfer business by completing the signing of Argentine defender and midfielder Valentin Barco on a seven-year contract. The 22-year-old becomes the club’s seventh signing of the current transfer window, further highlighting Chelsea’s determination to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season under head coach Xabi Alonso. Barco arrives from French side Strasbourg, becoming the second player to make the move from the Ligue 1 club to Stamford Bridge this summer after striker Emmanuel Emegha. The transfer also adds to the growing number of deals completed between Chelsea and Strasbourg since both clubs came under the same ownership group. Since the beginning of last season, the two clubs have conducted several player transfers as part of their long-term sporting strategy. Known for his versatility, Barco is capable of playing as a left-back, wing-back or central midfielder. His technical ability, attacking mindset and composure on the ball have made him one of Argentina’s promising young talents. Chelsea believe his flexibility will provide valuable options across multiple positions during the upcoming campaign. Barco is no stranger to English football. He previously joined Brighton & Hove Albion but struggled to establish himself in the Premier League. Seeking regular first-team football, he moved to Strasbourg on loan in 2024 before making the switch permanent the following year. His performances in France helped Strasbourg secure qualification for the UEFA Conference League, with Barco becoming one of the team’s standout performers. His consistent displays earned praise for his defensive work, creativity and ability to contribute in attack. On the international stage, Barco has also continued to build his reputation. He was part of Argentina’s squad that reached the FIFA World Cup final, gaining valuable experience alongside some of the country’s biggest stars. During the tournament, he attracted attention after an emotional exchange with England midfielder Jude Bellingham following Argentina’s passionate celebrations in front of England’s players after the semi-final victory. Chelsea’s latest signing reflects the club’s continued focus on recruiting young players with significant long-term potential. The Blues have invested heavily in emerging talent in recent transfer windows, aiming to build a squad capable of competing for major honours over the coming years. Barco joins a growing list of new arrivals at Stamford Bridge this summer. Chelsea recently confirmed the signing of experienced striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton, adding leadership and attacking depth to the squad. The club have also strengthened their defence with the arrival of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, while Morgan Rogers has joined from Aston Villa to boost the attacking midfield options. In addition to those signings, Chelsea have secured the services of Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda as part of their extensive recruitment drive. With pre-season preparations continuing, Chelsea hope the arrival of Barco and several other new faces will help the team adapt quickly to Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach. Expectations are high as the Blues look to challenge strongly in domestic competitions while returning to the top level of European football. Barco’s versatility, energy and international experience are expected to make him an important addition as Chelsea prepare for the new season.

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    Sharjeel Memon turns to NCCIA over social media al…

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has approached the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over what he described as a social media campaign aimed at damaging his reputation and that of his son, Rawal Memon. Memon filed a written complaint with the cybercrime agency on August 9, seeking an investigation into what he termed false, fabricated and malicious claims circulating online. The controversy centres on social media allegations linking Memon to a guesthouse in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi, where Mir Ali Raza was allegedly tortured and killed. Posts circulating on social media claimed that the property was owned by the Sindh minister. Taking notice of the allegations, Memon urged the NCCIA to investigate the matter and determine the facts behind the claims. He also expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the authorities during the investigation. The minister’s complaint comes as scrutiny surrounding the Mir Ali Raza case continues to generate discussion on social media, with competing claims being circulated online.

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    Faisal Qureshi defends Hania Aamir’s rising star power

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistani actor Faisal Qureshi has openly supported actress Hania Aamir’s growing popularity and commercial value, saying there is nothing wrong with the actress demanding a higher fee for brand collaborations. During a recent podcast appearance, Faisal was asked about Hania’s increasing influence in Pakistan’s entertainment industry and her growing presence in major advertising campaigns. In response, the veteran actor praised the actress and acknowledged that she has established herself as one of the country’s most recognisable stars. Faisal pointed out that Hania’s face can currently be seen across the country on billboards, signboards and various advertising campaigns. According to him, the fact that major companies continue to choose Hania to represent their products is a clear indication of her strong market position and popularity. Calling her a star, Faisal said that Hania has reached a stage in her career where leading brands are interested in associating their names with her. He suggested that her widespread visibility is not simply the result of her television and film projects but also reflects the strong connection she has built with audiences. The actor further explained that Hania is aware of her current position in the entertainment industry. With her popularity continuing to rise, brands are also aware of her market value and the attention she can bring to their campaigns. Faisal also defended Hania against criticism over reports that she charges a higher fee for brand endorsements. He argued that an artist’s fee naturally increases when their demand and commercial appeal grow. According to Faisal, there is no reason for an artist to feel guilty about asking for a higher payment when their popularity has increased significantly. He suggested that fees are often determined by an artist’s demand in the market, their ability to attract audiences and the value they bring to a commercial campaign. His comments come at a time when Hania Aamir has become one of the most prominent young faces in Pakistan’s entertainment and advertising industries. The actress has developed a substantial fan following through her television projects and social media presence, while her public image has also made her a sought-after choice for major brands. Faisal’s remarks highlight the changing dynamics of Pakistan’s entertainment industry, where an actor’s commercial value is increasingly influenced by their visibility, digital following and overall popularity. By supporting Hania’s decision to charge according to her market value, Faisal emphasised that successful artists should be able to benefit from the demand they have created. His comments also suggest that higher fees can be viewed as a natural outcome of an artist reaching a stronger position within the industry rather than as a matter of controversy.

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    New Delhi marks Pakistan’s Independence Day with zeal

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic spirit at Pakistani diplomatic missions in New Delhi, Dhaka and Tehran. Diplomats, Pakistani communities and local guests participated in the ceremonies. In New Delhi, the Pakistan High Commission organised a special Independence Day ceremony. Chargé d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Waraich attended the event along with officers, staff members and their families. Waraich hoisted the national flag at the Chancery lawn. The national anthem was played after the flag-hoisting ceremony. Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were also read out. In his address, Waraich highlighted the importance of the Two-Nation Theory. He said the creation of Pakistan fulfilled the longstanding desire of Muslims of the subcontinent to determine their own political future. He also paid tribute to the sacrifices made during the Pakistan Movement. Children took part in the New Delhi celebrations. They performed national songs and presented colourful tableaux. Their performances added to the festive atmosphere and reflected their patriotic spirit. Independence Day was also celebrated at the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka. Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider hoisted the national flag. The national anthem was played on the occasion. A large number of Pakistanis living in Bangladesh attended the ceremony. Bangladeshi friends also participated. Students, journalists and representatives of civil society were among the guests. Messages from President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were read out during the Dhaka ceremony. The messages highlighted Pakistan’s national progress, unity and commitment to peace. The high commission also organised an essay-writing competition for Bangladeshi students. The competition was titled “Historical Places of Pakistan”. Prizes and certificates were distributed among the students who participated in the activity. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Independence Day was marked at Pakistan House in Tehran. A flag-hoisting ceremony was held in the Iranian capital. A large number of members of the Pakistani community attended the event. The national flag was hoisted during the ceremony. Participants also celebrated the occasion by cutting a cake. The atmosphere reflected the community’s enthusiasm for Pakistan’s Independence Day. The Pakistani ambassador in Tehran read out the messages of the President and Prime Minister. He also highlighted the contribution of the Pakistani community to relations between Pakistan and Iran. The ambassador said the Pakistani community was playing an important role in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries. He said Pakistan and Iran were committed to increasing bilateral trade to $10 billion.

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    Fake spiritual guru arrested in Pune over alleged …

    ByJustpaste.in

    A 23-year-old man posing as a motivational speaker, social media influencer and spiritual guide has been arrested in Pune, India, over allegations of obtaining private images of a 22-year-old woman and later using them to harass and threaten her. According to Indian media reports, police launched an investigation after the woman filed a complaint against the accused, identified as Divya Jitendra Parmar. Police subsequently arrested the suspect and seized a mobile phone and laptop believed to have been used in the alleged offence. Investigators said the accused had built an online persona portraying himself as a trusted motivational speaker and spiritual figure. He allegedly contacted the woman through social media and gradually gained her confidence. According to the complaint, the accused later told the woman that she needed to follow a particular method to remove what he described as negative energy from her body. Under this pretext, he allegedly persuaded her to share private images and follow certain physical exercises. Police allege that the accused subsequently used the images to harass the woman and threatened to circulate them if she refused to establish a sexual relationship with him. The woman then approached police and lodged a complaint. During the investigation, authorities reportedly seized the suspect’s mobile phone and laptop, along with photographs, videos, messages and other digital evidence. Police are examining the material to establish the full circumstances of the case. Investigators are also looking into whether the accused may have targeted other women using a similar method. This aspect of the investigation could determine whether the alleged incident was isolated or part of a wider pattern of online manipulation. The case has also highlighted the risks associated with individuals who use social media to build false identities and gain the trust of vulnerable people. Authorities have increasingly emphasized the importance of verifying online identities and reporting threats involving private images. Police have registered a case against the accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations will be subject to the legal process. The case serves as another warning about the misuse of private digital content and the dangers of trusting unverified online personalities who claim to offer spiritual, motivational or personal guidance.

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