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UN raises alarm, 2 aid mission staff detained in A…

ByJustpaste.in

NEW YORK: The United Nations has called for the immediate protection of its personnel in Afghanistan after two staff members of the UN aid mission were detained by the country’s intelligence authorities.

The UN said the two personnel were taken into custody but have not been informed of the allegations or charges against them. The organisation also said it has so far been denied access to the detained staff members.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the detentions and urged Afghan authorities to respect the special legal status of UN personnel.

Guterres called on the Taliban authorities to fully uphold the privileges and immunities granted to the United Nations and its staff under international agreements.

The UN has continued to provide humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan despite the country’s difficult security and political environment. The detention of its personnel has raised concerns about the ability of international organisations to operate safely and independently in the country.

The circumstances surrounding the arrests and the identities of the detained personnel have not been disclosed publicly, while the United Nations continues to seek access to them.

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    South Korea records highest-ever temperature as extreme heatwave intensifies

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    South Korea has experienced its hottest day since national weather records began more than 100 years ago, as an intense heatwave continues to grip the country and raise concerns over the growing impact of climate change. According to reports, the southeastern city of Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius (108.5 degrees Fahrenheit) at 1:26 p.m. local time on Sunday, setting a new national record. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) confirmed that the reading surpassed all previously recorded temperatures since the country began maintaining official weather data more than a century ago. The latest milestone comes amid a prolonged period of extreme heat across South Korea. Yangsan has now recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for five consecutive days, highlighting the severity of the current heatwave. Weather officials have warned that the scorching conditions are expected to continue, with temperatures in many parts of the country remaining well above seasonal averages. Heatwave warnings remain in place across much of South Korea, where daytime temperatures have climbed into the upper 30s Celsius in numerous cities. More than 20 regions were placed under emergency heatwave alerts on Sunday, reflecting the widespread nature of the dangerous weather conditions. The emergency heatwave warning is the highest level of heat alert introduced by South Korean authorities this year to better respond to increasingly intense summer temperatures. The alert is issued when weather forecasts predict either a perceived temperature of at least 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or an actual air temperature of 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher, even if only for a single day. Meteorological data also indicates that South Korea has experienced a dramatic rise in the frequency of extreme heat over recent decades. According to the KMA, the average number of annual heatwave days has more than doubled over the past five years, increasing to 19 days compared with an average of just eight days during the 1970s. The weather agency defines a heatwave day as one in which the highest daytime temperature reaches at least 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 degrees Fahrenheit). It also classifies a tropical night as one in which overnight temperatures remain above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), preventing residents from receiving relief from the daytime heat. Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves around the world. Rising global temperatures are contributing to more severe weather events, placing additional pressure on public health systems, infrastructure, agriculture, and energy supplies.South Korea’s record-breaking temperatures come during a year marked by numerous climate-related disasters across the globe. Several countries have experienced devastating droughts, destructive wildfires, severe flooding, and powerful storms, underscoring the growing challenges posed by extreme weather. Elsewhere, Europe continues to battle its own climate-related emergencies. Wildfires fueled by scorching temperatures and strong winds have spread across parts of Greece, forcing authorities to evacuate residents from threatened communities. Meanwhile, Spain and France remain under hot and dry conditions, increasing the risk of additional wildfires as firefighters remain on high alert. Experts say the latest record in South Korea serves as another reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and strengthen preparedness for increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events.

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    AJK election results: PML-N, PPP in close contest

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    NSYNC star Lance Bass drops bittersweet fatherhood…

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    Iran has appointed veteran Revolutionary Guards commander Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), placing a prominent security figure in a senior position at a sensitive time for the country. Rezaei, 71, replaces Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as secretary of the council. Zolqadr has instead been appointed as a political adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The SNSC plays a central role in coordinating Iran’s national security and foreign policy. It is formally chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian and includes senior military, intelligence and government officials. Rezaei brings decades of military and political experience to the position. He joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and became its commander in 1981, when he was only 27. He remained at the helm of the IRGC for 16 years. Much of his tenure coincided with the Iran-Iraq war from 1980 to 1988. During that period, he oversaw the development of the organisation’s land, naval and air capabilities. After leaving the IRGC command, Rezaei remained an influential figure within Iran’s political and security establishment. He later served for more than two decades as secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council. He also entered electoral politics and repeatedly sought the presidency of Iran. From 2021 to 2023, he served as vice president for economic affairs under former President Ebrahim Raisi. Rezaei holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Tehran, although much of his career has been focused on military, security and political affairs. His relationship with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is another significant factor behind his new appointment. Rezaei was named a military adviser to Khamenei after the latter assumed the supreme leadership earlier this year. Khamenei also issued a decree appointing Rezaei as his representative on the SNSC. The decree highlighted Rezaei’s extensive military experience, particularly his role during the Iran-Iraq war. During the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, Rezaei has frequently made public statements on security and foreign policy issues. He has expressed strong opposition to concessions in negotiations with Washington and has repeatedly taken a hard-line position on Iran’s security interests. His appointment therefore places an experienced IRGC commander at the centre of Iran’s national security decision-making structure. Rezaei’s political journey began even before the Islamic Revolution. As a teenager, he became involved in opposition activities against Iran’s Pahlavi monarchy. He was arrested by SAVAK, the Shah’s security service, in 1973.

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    Rashid Latif urges PCB chairman to utilize Younis …

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    Former Pakistan Test captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif has called on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to make better use of former captain Younis Khan’s expertise for the growth and development of cricket in the country. Latif believes that experienced former players like Younis Khan can play a significant role in nurturing young talent and strengthening Pakistan’s cricket structure. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Younis Khan Cricket Academy at KHA Legend Arena in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Rashid Latif stressed the need to put Pakistan cricket on the right path by involving accomplished cricketers in the development process. He said Younis Khan’s vast experience and commitment to the game make him one of the best individuals to guide the next generation of players. Latif also reflected on Karachi’s rich cricketing history, noting that there was a time when the Pakistan national team featured a large number of players from the city. However, he said the situation has changed over the years, and Karachi no longer contributes players at the same level as it once did. Highlighting the importance of Karachi’s Malir district, Rashid Latif said the area has produced several outstanding cricketers, including Saeed Anwar, Khurram Manzoor, Asim Kamal, Younis Khan, and himself. According to him, the region has long been a breeding ground for cricketing talent and deserves continued investment in player development. The former captain also pointed out that while many of Younis Khan’s contemporaries are seeking positions within the Pakistan Cricket Board, Younis has remained focused on serving the game by working directly with aspiring cricketers. Latif praised this dedication, saying it reflects Younis Khan’s genuine passion for Pakistan cricket. Rashid Latif expressed confidence that the Younis Khan Cricket Academy will help revive grassroots cricket in Karachi by providing young players with quality coaching and professional guidance. He emphasized that similar initiatives can strengthen the country’s cricketing future if supported by the PCB and other stakeholders. Concluding his remarks, Latif paid tribute to Younis Khan’s remarkable achievements, describing his record of more than 10,000 Test runs and 34 Test centuries as an extraordinary milestone. He said cricketers of Younis Khan’s caliber are produced only once in a generation, making it essential for Pakistan cricket to benefit from his experience and leadership.

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