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UK’s new PM Andy Burnham cuts electricity ta…

ByJustpaste.in


British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on Tuesday that his government would remove value-added tax from domestic electricity bills from October 1, cutting around £45 from the average annual bill of approximately £1,862 that households pay. The move, announced on his second day in office, is part of a series of early measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures and signaling his intent to deliver change after years of political instability.

Burnham said the tax cut would be funded by savings from the cancellation of a £1.8 billion digital ID programme, which was announced on Sunday. “We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope,” he said in a statement, having pledged to give people more money to spend.

The 56-year-old former Greater Manchester mayor wants to move quickly to show people he is “serious about helping them out.” He said on Monday that his early policies might not “take all of the pressure off” people struggling with rising prices, and that a longer-term plan would be set out later in the year. However, his calls for the governing Labour Party to get behind his agenda may have fallen on deaf ears. An ally of former prime minister Keir Starmer, Darren Jones, questioned whether the new leader had the money to cover his policy move on energy bills, saying the digital ID scheme was unfunded.

Burnham, dubbed the “King of the North” for his dogged defence of Greater Manchester, is currently the most popular leader of Britain’s main political parties. But Britain’s revolving door of prime ministers over the past decade has underlined how quickly parties can move against leaders who are not seen as delivering for voters. In his first speech as prime minister on Monday, Burnham said his ambition was to end rough sleeping in Britain. He is also expected to consider caps on bus fares, something he implemented in Manchester, and other measures to back up his assertion that “I will put the care of people at the heart of everything I do.”

The tax cut has drawn criticism from some quarters, with Ruth Curtice, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, saying the move could benefit higher income families because the cuts were not targeted. “With bills still set to rise over £150 this October, this money would have been better spent on more targeted support,” she said. Despite the criticism, Burnham has said he will unveil more early policies, telling reporters he wanted his new government “to do some things that people will feel and feel quite quickly,” especially those on the lowest incomes. As he navigates the challenges ahead, Burnham’s early moves will be closely watched as a test of his ability to deliver on his promises and restore public confidence in the UK’s political system.

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    Attaullah Tarar accuses PTI of violating court ord…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of filing a baseless contempt of court petition, claiming that the party, its founder and his family themselves violated the court’s directives. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar said the administration had fully implemented the court’s orders regarding the visit and medical examination of PTI founder Imran Khan. He questioned the gathering of groups of people outside Shifa Hospital and asked who had arranged their presence there. The minister alleged that the court had clearly directed that no political statements or media activity would take place. However, he said political activity and media talks were still held outside the hospital. He also claimed that the security arrangements were disrupted during the proceedings. Tarar said Imran Khan’s medical examination was conducted in the presence of his sister and doctors nominated by his family. He added that the initial medical report showed that the PTI founder was in good health. The information minister stressed that health-related matters should not be turned into a political issue. He said the government had ensured that the court’s directions were followed and that all necessary arrangements were made according to the judicial order. Referring to the political debate surrounding the matter, Tarar said that when Imran Khan was prime minister, he had also made derogatory remarks about his political opponents. He added that the government had raised the question in a respectful manner during the review process about whether similar facilities were available to other prisoners. Tarar maintained that the government had fulfilled all requirements set out by the court and rejected allegations that the administration had failed to comply with the judicial directives. The minister also commented on statements issued by members of the Pakistan and Punjab Bar Councils. He said some lawyers had expressed their personal opinions rather than an institutional position. He further alleged that a few lawyers were attempting to bring the bar councils into political controversy.

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    Southern and central China prepare for floods as Typhoon Noul moves inland

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    The remnants of Typhoon Noul continued to move deeper into China on Tuesday, raising concerns over widespread flooding across several southern and central provinces. Although the storm has weakened since making landfall, weather experts warned that it could remain over inland areas longer than expected, increasing the threat of heavy rain and related disasters. China’s National Meteorological Center said intense rainfall is expected to continue until Thursday across Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Henan and Guangxi. The downpours are being strengthened by the southern monsoon, creating conditions that could trigger floods, landslides and other emergencies in many parts of the country. Officials are particularly concerned because the storm is moving north through mountainous regions where heavy rain can quickly destabilize slopes and send large amounts of water rushing into rivers and towns. State media warned that the combination of steep terrain and prolonged rainfall could increase the risk of landslides, mudslides and flash floods before the storm eventually weakens. Typhoon Noul rapidly gained strength before striking Guangdong province over the weekend. According to state broadcaster CCTV, it was the strongest typhoon to hit China so far this year. Even though the storm has now lost much of its original power, authorities believe the danger is far from over because its remaining rain bands continue to bring significant rainfall over a wide area. The Chinese government has stepped up emergency preparations as the country faces the overlap of typhoon season and its annual flood season. Emergency management and housing authorities have instructed local governments to strengthen flood prevention efforts, inspect roads, bridges, reservoirs and other important infrastructure, and move rescue teams and emergency supplies into areas considered most vulnerable. Officials have also ordered safety inspections at industries that could face additional risks during severe weather, including mining operations and factories dealing with hazardous chemicals and fireworks. China experiences most of its typhoons between July and September, with August usually being the busiest period. Every year, powerful storms threaten coastal provinces before moving inland, where they often bring days of heavy rainfall that can cause serious damage far from the coastline. Other parts of the country are also facing weather related challenges. Provinces including Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan have been placed on high alert after repeated periods of heavy rain increased the likelihood of geological disasters. In Gansu, authorities issued their highest level warning for landslides and mudslides late Monday after rocks and large boulders fell from mountain slopes onto roads in several areas, creating dangerous conditions for residents and travelers. Meanwhile, rescue efforts are continuing in Chongqing following a deadly mountain collapse earlier this month. On July 17, part of a mountainside gave way and crashed onto buildings in a riverside township. Search teams are still looking for around 50 people who remain missing as authorities continue recovery operations in the affected area. The latest severe weather is expected to make those efforts even more challenging while increasing the risk of further disasters in already vulnerable regions.

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    Katy Perry slams Trump administration over ‘Fire…

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: Pop star Katy Perry has sharply criticized the Trump administration after the White House used her hit song “Firework” in a social media video showing US military strikes on Iran, saying the use of her music was completely contrary to the message behind the song. The White House’s official TikTok account shared a video on Thursday featuring footage related to US attacks on Iran. The clip used the familiar “boom, boom, boom” lyrics from Perry’s 2010 hit alongside images of military strikes. The post carried a blunt warning directed at Iran, adding a strikingly confrontational tone to a song that Perry has long described as being about hope, confidence and personal strength. Perry responded on social media on Saturday, making clear that she had not authorized the use of the song and did not support the way it had been presented. “I’m deeply shocked and angry,” Perry said in her statement, objecting to the song’s appearance alongside images of destruction and military action. She emphasized that no permission had been sought from her for the video and that she did not endorse its message. For Perry, the controversy goes beyond the question of whether her music was used without authorization. She argued that the video fundamentally changed the meaning of a song intended to encourage people facing difficult moments. “Firework,” released in 2010, became one of Perry’s biggest international hits. Its message centers on self-belief, resilience and finding inner strength during challenging periods. The song has also become closely associated with celebrations and inspirational moments. That made its use in a military video particularly jarring for the singer. Perry said her music was created to bring people together rather than celebrate war, arguing that pairing an uplifting song with images of destruction undermined its original purpose. The dispute comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain extremely high, with military action and threats dominating international headlines. The White House has not been reported as having received Perry’s approval for the video, while her comments have reignited a wider debate over the use of popular music in political and military messaging. The incident also highlights the complicated relationship between artists and governments when copyrighted music is used in political communications. Musicians have repeatedly objected when their songs appear in campaigns or political videos without their consent. For Perry, however, the central issue appears to be the message. A song written to tell people to find their light in dark times was suddenly placed against scenes of war — a contrast she clearly believes turns its meaning upside down.

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    Israeli banks plan to end services for Palestinian banks raising fears of financial crisis

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    Israeli banks have informed Palestinian financial institutions that they plan to end key banking services within the coming weeks, a move that has sparked concerns about serious economic disruption in the occupied West Bank. Officials on both sides say the decision could affect trade, salaries, and the daily financial operations that rely on cooperation between the two banking systems. The banking relationship allows Palestinian institutions to process transactions in Israeli shekels, the currency widely used in the Palestinian territories. These services are essential for paying for electricity, water, fuel, food imports, and other goods purchased from Israel. They also help transfer wages earned by thousands of Palestinians employed in Israel. According to Palestinian banking officials, five local banks that depend on Israel’s Bank Hapoalim for correspondent banking services have been told those arrangements will end on August 13. Other Palestinian banks that work through Discount Bank have reportedly been informed that their services will stop on September 1 unless a solution is reached. Israel’s Finance Ministry confirmed that both banks had announced plans to discontinue their correspondent banking services. The ministry said the decision reflects increasing legal and financial risks faced by Israeli banks while handling transactions for Palestinian institutions. In a statement, the ministry said it is holding discussions with the banks to find a way to continue these services while protecting Israel’s economic and security interests. Officials are exploring options that would allow financial cooperation to continue under conditions that reduce legal exposure for the banks involved. The banking arrangements have long depended on a government backed legal guarantee that shields Israeli banks from liability related to transactions carried out on behalf of Palestinian financial institutions. This protection is renewed every six months by the Israeli government. However, banking officials say commercial lenders no longer believe the existing guarantees provide enough protection. They argue that the risks of possible money laundering claims or allegations linked to terrorist financing have increased over time. According to one Israeli banking official, the banks believe the responsibility should now be taken over directly by the government instead of remaining with private financial institutions. Discount Bank confirmed that it had informed Israeli authorities of its concerns regarding the growing risks associated with these services. The bank said it has a responsibility to protect its depositors and shareholders while operating within an increasingly complex legal environment. Bank Hapoalim said the issue remains under review and did not provide further details. Economic experts warn that ending these banking links could have serious consequences for the Palestinian economy. Without access to correspondent banking services, businesses and individuals may be forced to rely more heavily on cash transactions. That shift could weaken the formal banking sector, reduce financial transparency, and encourage the growth of an informal economy. The decision could also place additional pressure on the Palestinian Authority, which already faces severe financial difficulties. The Authority depends heavily on local banks to finance public sector salaries and cover budget shortfalls. Financial analysts warn that if banks lose access to essential payment systems, the government’s ability to meet its financial obligations could be significantly weakened. A Palestinian businessman with close connections to the banking sector said the stability of local banks is closely tied to the stability of the Palestinian Authority. He warned that serious disruption to the banking system could have wider political and economic consequences across the West Bank. The latest development comes as the Palestinian Authority continues to struggle with reduced revenues after Israel suspended the transfer of customs and tax funds collected on its behalf. Those funds account for around two thirds of the Authority’s income, leaving its finances under increasing strain. Unless an agreement is reached soon, officials fear the planned banking cutoff could deepen the economic challenges already facing Palestinians in the occupied territory.

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    UK border crisis: new record as 230 migrants cross…

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    The UK’s ongoing small boat crisis has come under renewed scrutiny after around 230 migrants crossed the English Channel and arrived in Britain, raising fresh questions about the government’s efforts to tackle irregular migration. The latest arrival comes just 17 days after 165 people crossed the Channel in a single day, according to reports. The new figure has added to growing political pressure on the UK government as ministers face continued challenges in preventing dangerous journeys across one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Hundreds of people are believed to have reached the UK by small boats during the current week, with reports putting the number at more than 900. The continued crossings have become a major political issue, with the government under pressure to demonstrate that its border policies can reduce the number of people making the journey. People-smuggling networks are believed to charge migrants thousands of pounds for the dangerous passage. Critics say the criminal gangs running these operations make substantial profits while placing migrants’ lives at serious risk by using overcrowded and often unsuitable boats. The latest development follows an incident last week in which a small boat caught fire while attempting to cross the Channel. A total of 173 people were reportedly rescued following the incident, highlighting the dangers faced by those attempting the journey. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the French authorities over the continued crossings. He argued that French officials could have prevented boats of this size from entering deeper waters but failed to do so. The issue has also drawn strong criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. He has called for small boat crossings to be treated as a national security emergency, reflecting the increasingly prominent role of immigration in Britain’s political debate. The UK government has repeatedly pledged to tackle illegal immigration and disrupt the criminal networks responsible for organizing Channel crossings. However, the continued arrival of boats demonstrates the difficulty of stopping the journeys despite increased enforcement measures and cooperation with French authorities. The small boat crisis has become one of the most contentious issues in British politics, with politicians divided over how best to address irregular migration. While supporters of tougher policies argue that stronger border controls are urgently needed, others have stressed the need to address the criminal smuggling networks and the wider factors driving people to attempt dangerous crossings. With hundreds more people arriving in Britain, pressure on the government is likely to remain intense as it seeks to reduce Channel crossings and restore public confidence in its immigration strategy.

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    Shakeel Rehman spotted at Jinnah International Air…

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    ‎KARACHI, Pakistan: Shakeel Rehman was recently spotted at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi while traveling with his family, drawing attention to the digital personality’s recent public appearance. ‎Shakeel Rehman was seen at Jinnah International Airport accompanied by his family as he made his way through the airport. The sighting comes as the content creator continues his activities in Pakistan’s digital and social media space. ‎Known for his work as a content creator, Shakeel Rehman has around four years of experience in content creation. Over the course of his journey, he has developed an online presence through digital content and social media activities while also pursuing interests in entrepreneurship. ‎His recent appearance at Jinnah International Airport provided a glimpse into his activities away from his regular online work. Shakeel Rehman appeared to be traveling with his family, although specific details about his destination and the purpose of the trip were not publicly disclosed. ‎Airport sightings of public figures often attract attention, particularly when they are recognized through their online presence. Shakeel Rehman’s appearance was similarly noticed as he traveled with his family. ‎The Jinnah International Airport sighting comes during a period in which Shakeel Rehman continues to focus on his work in content creation and entrepreneurship. His four-year experience in the digital field has allowed him to establish a presence on social media and remain active within Pakistan’s growing creator community. ‎For Shakeel Rehman, the recent airport appearance was a departure from his usual digital activities, offering followers and observers a rare public glimpse of the creator outside his online environment. ‎While no further information has been released about his travel plans, the recent sighting has renewed attention around Shakeel Rehman as he continues to develop his career as a content creator and entrepreneur. ‎Shakeel Rehman remains active in the digital space, where he continues to work on content and explore entrepreneurial opportunities. His latest appearance at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi with his family has become a recent point of interest for those following his activities.

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