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Newsdesk

Guardian fined AED 50,000 after child spotted riding bike in Dubai

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Guardian fined

Dubai: The Dubai Police have fined a child’s guardian AED 50,000 after a minor was found riding a recreational electric motorbike on a public street, officials confirmed.

Traffic patrol officers stopped the child, who was accompanied by another minor, to prevent risks to them and other road users. The bike was impounded.

The guardian was summoned and must pay the 50,000-dirham fee to recover the vehicle, in accordance with Dubai traffic regulations, which permit authorities to seize vehicles involved in dangerous behavior.

Legal action was also taken under the UAE Child Protection Law, which criminalizes putting children in danger or neglecting their safety.

Dubai Police warned parents against allowing underage children to ride or drive vehicles on public roads, emphasizing that children are not physically or mentally equipped to handle traffic.

Officials stressed that strict enforcement will continue against anyone endangering children or public safety.

Striker Neymar hints at possible retirement by year-end

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Striker Neymar

Brazil: Superstar striker Neymar, who recently extended his contract with his childhood club Santos FC, has suggested he may retire by the end of 2026.

The 34-year-old forward returned to Santos in January 2025 and played a pivotal role in helping the club avoid relegation in the Brazilian top flight, scoring five goals in their last five matches.

However, Neymar, who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, remains uncertain about participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026. “I don’t know what will happen from now on, I don’t know about next year. It may be that when December comes, I’ll want to retire. I’m living year to year now,” he told Brazilian online channel Caze on Friday.

“This year is a very important year, not only for Santos, but also for the Brazilian national team, as it’s a World Cup year, and for me too,” Neymar added.

Having recently undergone successful knee surgery, Neymar holds the record for Brazil with 79 international goals, but he has not played for the national team since October 2023.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized that only fully fit players will be considered for the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Wedding bells ringing in my parents’ minds, says Mrunal Thakur

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Wedding bells

MUMBAI: Indian actress Mrunal Thakur has revealed that her parents frequently discuss her marriage, joking that wedding bells are constantly ringing in their minds.

The actress has been busy promoting her latest film Do Deewane Shehar Mein, in which she stars alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi. The film has now been released in cinemas.

‘Settle Down’ Talks at Home

Speaking to Shosha India, Mrunal shared that conversations about marriage and settling down have become increasingly common in her household.

“My parents always have wedding bells ringing in their minds,” she said, adding that while her family sees it as the next step, for her it still feels like a dream.

She revealed that just the previous night, her father advised her that it was time to settle down in life.

A Light-Hearted Exchange

Mrunal said she jokingly suggested that her father should take the initiative and look for a suitable match himself.

“I told him, why don’t you call your sister and ask if she knows a good boy?” the actress shared with a laugh.

According to Mrunal, her father responded by asking, “But where is the boy?” to which she replied, “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

Previous Rumours Addressed

Earlier, the actress had dismissed rumours linking her to South Indian star Dhanush, particularly speculation that the two were planning to marry on Valentine’s Day. Mrunal categorically denied the claims, calling them baseless.

Stocks surge as Supreme Court blocks key Trump-era tariffs

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Stocks surge

Washington: Global financial markets surged after the Supreme Court of the United States delivered a 6–3 ruling striking down most of President Donald Trump’s signature tariffs.

Following the decision, the S&P 500 climbed 0.6%, while the Nasdaq advanced 1%. The rally extended beyond the United States, with European shares, as well as markets in South Korea and India, posting notable gains.

Companies With Heavy Tariff Exposure Lead Gains

The strongest market reaction was seen among companies heavily exposed to tariffs, particularly those reliant on imports from China.

E-commerce giant Amazon rose 2%, reflecting investor optimism as nearly 70% of its goods are sourced from China. Footwear brands Deckers Outdoor, Birkenstock, and Crocs each gained more than 2%.

Furniture retailers also recorded strong performance, with Wayfair and Floor & Decor surging approximately 4%.

Uncertainty Over Tariff Refunds

Despite the positive market response, uncertainty remains regarding the potential repayment of billions of dollars in tariffs already collected.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted that the ruling “says nothing about whether, and how, if so, the Government should go about returning the billions of dollars that it has collected.”

Concerns have emerged that possible refunds could widen the federal deficit. Reflecting these worries, U.S. Treasury yields edged higher, with the 10-year yield rising 2 basis points to 4.096%. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar weakened slightly.

Decision Comes Amid Soft Economic Data

The court’s ruling comes at a time of underwhelming economic performance. Fourth-quarter GDP expanded at an annualized rate of 1.4%, falling short of expectations, partly due to the impact of a government shutdown.

Core inflation remained elevated at 3%, still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, underscoring continued economic challenges despite the market’s upbeat reaction to the court’s decision.

Actress Alizeh Shah announces forgiveness in Ramadan message

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Actress Alizeh Shah

KARACHI: Pakistani showbiz actress Alizeh Shah, who has frequently remained in the spotlight due to public controversies, has announced that she has forgiven everyone in a heartfelt message shared during the holy month of Ramadan.

Taking to Instagram, the actress shared a reflective note declaring that she has chosen to forgive all those who hurt her, embracing a new spiritual path during the blessed month. Shah, who enjoys over 4.3 million followers on the platform, expressed her desire for inner peace and personal growth.

A Year of Emotional Struggles

In her Instagram note, Alizeh Shah revealed that the past year had been the most difficult period of her life. She admitted feeling distant from Allah and spiritually lost, describing her faith at times as being “darker than darkness.” However, she shared that Ramadan has inspired her to take a different path this year.

“I choose to return. I choose to soften my heart. I choose to forgive everyone who hurt me — not because they deserve it, but because my soul deserves peace,” she wrote. She also sought forgiveness from Allah first, expressing hope that she would be forgiven just as she is learning to forgive others.

Past Controversies

The actress has previously been involved in public disputes with several figures from the entertainment industry, including Yasir Nawaz, Shazia Manzoor, and Minsa Malik, among others.

Reflecting on her personal journey, Shah acknowledged going through a dark phase in life, crediting the hope instilled in her heart by Allah and the patience of her parents for helping her endure difficult times.

She further noted that pride can often prevent individuals from admitting their mistakes, turning them into the “villains of their own story.” Urging her followers to prioritize repentance over regret, she advised, “Return while there is still awareness in your heart. Forgive while you still can.”

Positive Public Response

A large number of social media users praised her decision, describing forgiveness as a powerful step toward mental peace and spiritual healing. Many commended her honesty and courage in publicly acknowledging her struggles and choosing a path of reconciliation during Ramadan.

US Supreme Court strikes down President Trump’s trade tariffs

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US Supreme Court

WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court has struck down President Donald Trump’s global trade tariffs, ruling that he exceeded his authority when imposing them, severely impacting international trade.

According to reports, the court stated that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the President the power to impose such tariffs.

The decision is being seen as a major judicial setback for Trump’s economic agenda, as tariffs were considered a key tool of his trade policy.

Experts warn that the ruling could also affect trade agreements made earlier this year, establishing new limits on what policies the President can implement without Congressional approval.

It is noteworthy that Trump had imposed tariffs on multiple countries, including Pakistan. Last month, he had warned that a court ruling against these measures could put the US at a disadvantage.

5.6 magnitude earthquake rocks Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cities

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5.6 magnitude earthquake

PESHAWAR: Residents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Malakand, Lower Dir, Hangu, Kohat, Bajaur, Swat, Buner, Shangla, and North Waziristan, reported feeling tremors from a recent earthquake.

The tremors were also felt in Swabi, Upper Dir, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi.

The earthquake registered a magnitude of 5.6, with its epicenter in the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan at a depth of 73 kilometers.

Following the quake, residents reportedly recited Kalma Tayyiba as they evacuated their homes.

No casualties or property damage have been reported so far.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have advised people to remain alert for aftershocks.

Rain threat looms over Pak vs NZ Super 8 T20 World Cup match

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Rain threat looms

COLOMBO: Weather concerns are rising ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8 clash between Pakistan and New Zealand, scheduled for Saturday at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting encounter, but similar to other matches in Sri Lanka, rain poses a significant threat.

According to AccuWeather, there is a 74% chance of rain in Colombo tomorrow, along with predictions of strong winds.

ICC rules state that there is no reserve day for Super 8 matches in the T20 World Cup 2026.

If rain prevents at least 5 overs per innings for either team, the match will be abandoned, and both teams will be awarded one point each.

Fans and teams alike will be keeping a close eye on the weather, as conditions could play a decisive role in this high-stakes Super 8 encounter.

Mike Hesson confident in Babar Azam’s specialized role

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Mike Hesson

COLOMBO: Ahead of Pakistan’s Super 8 T20 World Cup match against New Zealand, Pakistan cricket team head coach Mike Hesson expressed full confidence in captain Babar Azam, highlighting his specialized skills and the strategic role he plays in the team.

Hesson emphasized that Babar knows what is expected of him and that after the Asia Cup, he has been brought back for a specific role in the middle order.

He noted that Babar’s strike rate in powerplays is below 100, which is not the role required from him. The coach referenced Babar’s performance in the match against the USA, where he successfully increased his strike rate.

Hesson stated that at times, other players may execute certain roles more effectively, but Babar possesses unique skills critical for Pakistan’s strategy.

Hesson confirmed that Fakhar Zaman remains in the squad and will play when needed.

He highlighted that in Sri Lankan conditions, spinners will play a significant role, and team combinations will be adjusted accordingly.

Usman Tariq was praised for his exceptional skills, capable of both attack and defense simultaneously.

Hesson also clarified that Salman Agha’s reaction during his dismissal was only due to being upset, and no further discussion occurred.

Pakistan and New Zealand will clash in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Saturday.

Hesson expressed confidence that the team is well-prepared and hopes to take full advantage of the playing conditions.

This press conference reaffirmed Pakistan’s strategic planning, emphasizing Babar Azam’s central role and the adaptability of the squad in critical T20 match scenarios.

Mahira Khan wants Humayun Saeed to play villain in upcoming film

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Mahira Khan

ISLAMABAD: Renowned Pakistani actress Mahira Khan expressed her desire to see senior actor Humayun Saeed in a villainous role, revealing her thoughts during a promotional appearance for her upcoming film “Aag Lage Basti Mein”.

Mahira Khan and Fahad Mustafa participated in comedy show “Hansna Mana Hai”, where host Tabish Hashmi engaged them in games and interactive questions.

When asked what advice she would give to Humayun Saeed, Mahira Khan said she would love to see him in a unique villain role, similar to characters like Noori Nath, and mentioned that Humayun also enjoys action-hero roles.

Fahad Mustafa, asked about performing action sequences, shared that he also enjoys action but faces challenges due to limited facilities in Pakistan.

He revealed that during the ongoing film shoot, he had a finger injury, highlighting the physical demands of action filming.

The discussion not only gave fans a glimpse into the actors’ preferences for diverse roles but also highlighted the growing interest in action and unique character-driven performances in Pakistani cinema.