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Newsdesk

Avalanche in Chitral’s Domel kills 9, injures 1 child

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Avalanche in Chitral

Chitral: Tragedy struck in Domel, Chitral, when an avalanche hit a house, killing nine people and injuring a child, officials confirmed.

According to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Chitral, the deceased include five men and four women. The bodies have been recovered, and rescue efforts at the site have concluded.

Meanwhile, in Wadi Tirah, Khyber District, heavy snowfall has left internally displaced persons (IDPs) stranded. Rescue operations are underway to transfer affected families to safe locations.

Deputy Commissioner Khyber, Bilal Shahid, said that timely action under district administration supervision ensured that all affected families were safely relocated, preventing further casualties.

Authorities continue to monitor snow-affected areas to prevent additional incidents and ensure public safety.

Snap elections called as Japan’s PM dissolves parliament

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Snap elections

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has declared that it is now up to the public to decide whether she should continue as the country’s leader, following her announcement to dissolve the lower house and call for snap elections on February 8.

According to international news agencies, Takaichi stated that the purpose of the new elections is to secure a parliamentary majority to push forward key initiatives, including economic reforms, changes to defense policies, and stricter immigration laws.

“I am putting my political credibility on the line to obtain a clear mandate from the people,” Takaichi said, emphasizing that a strong parliamentary majority is essential for implementing her agenda.

The dissolution of the lower house has triggered a 12-day election campaign for all 465 seats, with parties intensifying efforts to secure voter support.

In the 2024 elections, the ruling coalition held a slim majority, while the upper house lacked a clear majority, creating obstacles for smooth lawmaking. Increasing disagreements and competing interests within the coalition further complicated governance.

After longtime ally Komeito broke away, Takaichi formed an alliance with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, agreeing on key policies such as a stronger military, male-only imperial succession, and the restart of closed nuclear reactors.

Meanwhile, Komeito has joined opposition forces under the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan to form a “Centrist Reform Alliance”, promoting agendas on gender equality, inclusive society, and prioritizing citizens’ needs.

The upcoming elections are being widely seen as a referendum on Takaichi’s leadership and her ambitious reform agenda.

Five Nipah virus cases confirmed in West Bengal, India

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Five Nipah virus

Authorities in West Bengal, India have confirmed five cases of Nipah virus, including infections among doctors and nurses, local media reported. One patient’s condition is reportedly critical.

According to international news agencies, affected individuals are receiving treatment in Kolkata and nearby hospitals, while approximately 100 people have been placed under precautionary home quarantine. The health department has intensified monitoring to contain the situation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Nipah virus as a high-risk pathogen. Experts note that the virus is primarily transmitted from bats to humans, often through contaminated fruits. Currently, no vaccine or specific treatment exists for the infection.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that early symptoms of Nipah virus, such as fever, headache, and weakness, are nonspecific, making timely diagnosis challenging. The virus has an incubation period ranging from 4 to 21 days.

Health authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures and report any symptoms immediately to prevent further spread.

Psychologist criticizes Fiza Ali’s over daughter’s social media exposure

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Psychologist criticizes

LAHORE: Pakistani clinical psychologist and social media influencer Maheen Anwari has strongly criticized actress and host Fiza Ali for frequently featuring her young daughter on social media, warning that such exposure can have long-term psychological consequences for children.

In a video shared on her social media account, Maheen Anwari expressed concern over what she described as a growing trend among parents — particularly mothers — who showcase their minor children online to gain views and public attention.

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A post shared by Mahin Anwari (@iammaheenanwari)

Fiza Ali often shares photos and videos of her 10-year-old daughter Faraal Fawad on Instagram alongside her daily activities.

Commenting on one such video, the psychologist said she felt “deeply disappointed” by the practice, stressing that turning children into social media content could negatively impact their mental well-being in the future.

To highlight the issue, Maheen Anwari cited an example of a 15-year-old girl she had counseled, who reportedly suffered emotional distress due to her mother’s online behavior. She urged parents to protect their children’s innocence and avoid using them for digital content.

Addressing Fiza Ali directly, the psychologist advised her to reflect on the potential psychological effects such exposure may have on children as they grow older.

Following the video’s circulation, the issue sparked widespread debate on social media. While many users praised the psychologist for raising awareness about child protection, others came forward in support of Fiza Ali, defending her parenting choices.

 Rare wedding in China as twin brothers tie knot with twin sisters

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 Rare wedding

FUYANG, CHINA: In a remarkable ceremony in central China’s Fuyang region, twin brothers tied the knot with twin sisters, creating a wedding that has captured the imagination of netizens worldwide.

The families had known each other for over 20 years, but the couples themselves were introduced in 2022, leading to a blossoming relationship between the siblings. The wedding gained further attention when it was revealed that both families’ twin uncles were also present at the ceremony.

Photos from the wedding quickly went viral on Chinese social media, amassing over 10 million views, leaving viewers amazed by the unusual family alignment.

A wedding guest remarked, “In my 60 years, I have never seen anything like this.” One bride shared that her in-laws often struggle to distinguish between her and her twin sister, while even her parents sometimes mix up the two brothers.

The brothers now live in separate homes, and both families are reportedly planning to submit the event for Guinness World Records, seeking recognition for a family hosting four sets of twins in such a unique union.

Death toll in Gul Plaza fire rises to 67 as search operation continues

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Death toll

KARACHI: The recovery and search operation at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road continued for the sixth consecutive day on Thursday, as authorities recovered additional human remains, raising the death toll to 67.

According to a spokesperson for the Sindh Health Department, post-mortem examinations of all recovered bodies have been completed. A total of 45 DNA samples have been collected from bodies and body parts, while eight victims have been positively identified through DNA testing.

The spokesperson added that six bodies were recovered intact, while one victim was identified through a national identity card.

Earlier, rescue officials stated that the search operation is being carried out with the support of the plaza association and is expected to be completed soon.

They confirmed that debris removal is ongoing, during which more remains were discovered and shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi for legal formalities.

Rescue teams also reported that 16 out of 61 motorcycles parked on the rooftop have been removed so far.

Building declared unsafe

Following a joint inspection by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and the Pakistan Engineering Council, the technical committee declared Gul Plaza structurally unsafe and recommended its demolition after completion of the rescue operation.

Officials said the plaza covers 8,124 square yards and consists of 1,102 shops. Adjacent buildings have also been inspected for safety concerns.

Karachi Mayor visits affected families

Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the homes of victims, including Rahman, Hissam, and Sarfaraz, to offer condolences.

“Human life has no substitute. We will not rest until the affected families are fully rehabilitated,” the mayor said.

He also announced financial and business rehabilitation support for the victims, adding that rescue personnel of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation remain actively engaged in the operation.

Authorities reiterated that every effort is being made to recover and hand over victims’ remains to their families at the earliest.

Babar Azam leaves BBL early to join Pakistan squad

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Babar Azam leaves BBL

LAHORE:Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam has concluded his stint in Australia’s Big Bash League as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called him back to prepare for the upcoming T20 series against Australia. He will no longer be available for the remaining matches with the Sydney Sixers.

PCB officials confirmed that Babar’s early return was due to his national duties, and he is expected to report to the Pakistan team’s training camp shortly.

Speaking on his departure, Babar said, “It has been a great experience playing for the Sydney Sixers. I am grateful for the love and support of the fans. Now it’s time to focus on my national duties. Playing in the Big Bash has taught me a lot, and the memories will always stay with me.”

He added that he would continue to support the Sydney Sixers in their upcoming matches.

During his 11-match stint, Babar scored 202 runs, including 19 fours and 3 sixes. With his departure, all Pakistani players have now exited this season of the Big Bash League.

PCB’s Pakistan vs Australia T20 promo takes subtle dig at India, goes viral

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PCB’s Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released a promotional video for the upcoming Pakistan vs Australia T20 series, featuring a subtle satirical reference to India that has quickly gone viral on social media.

The video highlights Pakistan’s hospitality and passion for cricket, showing an Australian passenger thanking a taxi driver who refuses payment.

When the passenger forgets to shake hands, the driver jokes, “Looks like you also visited the neighbors.” This lighthearted jab was widely interpreted as a playful reference to India.

In the promo, a character named Aga Ji says, “We are hospitable by nature, but when it comes to cricket, we are ready to compete.”

The three-match T20 series will kick off on January 29, with the second and third games scheduled for January 31 and February 1, all taking place at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Taylor Swift texts leak expose strains in longtime friendship

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Taylor Swift

LOS ANGELES:  Friendship tensions between pop superstar Taylor Swift and longtime friend Blake Lively have come to light following the public release of their private text messages.

The exchanges emerged as part of legal documents related to Blake Lively’s ongoing case against Justin Baldoni, revealing that the friendship had been strained before the public was aware.

In one message, Lively wrote, “I don’t have a particular reason to ask, but for some reason I feel like I should—are you okay?” She added, “I feel like I’ve been a bad friend because I’ve been sad for months and only focused on myself, but during this time, you not only supported me wholeheartedly but also forgave me for being in that state.”

Swift responded approximately an hour later, expressing her own struggles. “I feel exhausted in every aspect of my life, and for the past few months, I’ve sensed that your way of talking to me has changed,” she wrote.

She continued, “I miss my cheerful, slightly sarcastic, straightforward friend who used to speak to me, and I know you face criticism from all sides, which is why you try to explain everything excessively. That’s why a little distance came between us, and you don’t need to apologize—just come back, please.”

In another message, Lively acknowledged Swift’s concerns, admitting that she sometimes exaggerated simple matters out of fear of being misunderstood. She reflected, “Good people, my lifelong friends, quietly drifted away, which left me feeling very scared.”

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A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift)

The texts, sent just days before the conclusion of Swift’s Eras Tour, highlight the misunderstandings and pressures that ultimately contributed to the strain in their friendship.

Aamir Khan praises Sunil Grover’s hilarious imitation in laughter show

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Aamir Khan

MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, famously known as “Mr. Perfectionist,” has reacted warmly to comedian Sunil Grover’s imitation of him on the popular comedy show ‘The Great Indian Laughter Show’, which has gone viral across social media.

In the show’s latest fourth-season episode on Netflix, actors Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday appeared to promote their film ‘Tu Meri, Main Tera’. However, the spotlight quickly shifted to Sunil Grover, whose performance stole the audience’s attention.

Grover’s impeccable mimicry of Aamir Khan drew widespread praise online. He has previously parodied renowned Bollywood figures, including Gulzar, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Kapil Dev.

When asked about Grover’s impression during a recent Golf Foundation event, the 60-year-old Aamir Khan laughed and praised Grover in a lighthearted and affectionate manner, signaling his approval of the comedian’s humorous tribute.