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Gulf States urge US to avoid Iran attack, warn of oil market shock

Gulf States

According to The Wall Street Journal, Gulf countries led by Saudi Arabia have expressed strong opposition to potential US military action against Iran.

The newspaper reported that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman have warned Washington that an attack on Iran could severely disrupt the global oil market and negatively impact the U.S. economy.

While Gulf States appear quiet publicly, sources say they are lobbying behind the scenes to prevent a U.S. strike, citing concerns over disruptions to oil shipments and regional stability.

 Saudi officials reportedly assured Tehran that they would not participate in any conflict with Iran and would deny U.S. forces the use of their airspace, a move aimed at distancing themselves from potential U.S. military action.

The Wall Street Journal highlighted that Gulf leaders fear an attack on Iran could affect tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway at the mouth of the Persian Gulf that separates Iran from its Arab neighbors. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow passage.

While the Trump administration has not clarified the nature of any potential military action, officials indicate that the possibility of a strike remains high.

A White House official told the newspaper that President Trump retains all options to address the situation, listening to various viewpoints but ultimately making his own decisions.

The report also noted that President Trump recently addressed Iranian protesters directly, urging them to oppose government crackdowns and take action against state institutions. On his social media platform, Truth Social, he wrote: “Help is coming.”

Thailand train collides with fallen crane, 22 dead

Thailand train collides

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand: A passenger train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani collided with a crane in the Thai city of Nakhon Ratchasima, resulting in a devastating accident that has killed at least 22 people and injured over 50 others, according to local authorities.

Officials said the train struck the crane on the tracks, producing a loud impact that caused the train to derail. The remaining structure of the crane also fell onto the derailed train, worsening the damage.

Rescue teams reported that approximately 190 passengers are still trapped inside the wrecked carriages, and efforts are ongoing to extract them safely.

The incident has raised concerns about rail safety measures, as authorities work to secure the site and assist survivors.

This accident comes amid a series of global train disasters, including derailments in Mexico and India, highlighting the need for heightened safety protocols.

XPeng unveils SUV that can cover 1,058 miles without stopping

XPeng unveils SUV

Beijing: Automakers worldwide are increasingly focusing on environmentally friendly fuels as alternatives to conventional energy sources, with electric vehicles (EVs) leading the charge.

Chinese company XPeng has now introduced a breakthrough: the G7 SUV, an electric hybrid capable of traveling up to 1,058 miles on a single charge.

The G7 SUV features a 55.8 kWh battery pack paired with a small petrol engine, supported by a 60-liter fuel tank.

Unlike traditional hybrid systems that rely on small battery packs and electric motors, the G7 combines its battery and petrol engine to recharge the battery during travel, significantly extending the driving range.

According to the company, the vehicle can travel distances equivalent to Beijing to Shanghai—or roughly Karachi to Lahore—without stopping.

Alongside the G7 SUV, XPeng also unveiled the P7 Plus sedan, which employs a similar super-extended range technology.

The sedan’s battery allows 267 miles per single charge, with a total range of 963 miles when combining battery and petrol usage.

Pricing for the G7 SUV is set at CNY 195,800, while the P7 Plus sedan starts at CNY 180,800.

XPeng plans to market these vehicles outside China, targeting Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, positioning them as competitors to Tesla in the global EV market.

This development underscores the rapid advancements in hybrid and extended-range electric vehicles, offering consumers both eco-friendly driving and unprecedented travel distances on a single charge.

Trump urges Iranians to continue protests as help is on the way

Trump urges Iranians

Washington: US President Donald Trump has issued a strong statement regarding the ongoing protests in Iran, urging what he described as “patriotic Iranians” to continue their demonstrations, saying that assistance is on the way.

In a message posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump called on Iranian protesters to sustain their movement and “take control of their institutions.”

He further warned those involved in violence and repression, saying their names should be remembered and that they would “pay a very heavy price” for their actions.

Trump also stated that he has cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until what he termed the “killing of protesters” comes to an end.

Concluding his message, the US president reiterated that “help is coming,” without providing further details.

Ex-PM Imran Khan meets wife Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail

Ex-PM Imran Khan

RAWALPINDI:  Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was allowed to meet his wife Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail, jail sources confirmed.

According to prison officials, the meeting lasted for around 30 minutes and was held in the conference room of the jail.

Sources said such meetings between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are arranged once a week in line with jail regulations.

It is pertinent to note that Bushra Bibi had also met Imran Khan last week. During that meeting, the couple reportedly spent about 45 minutes together, inquiring about each other’s well-being.

Jail authorities stated that the meetings are facilitated under standard procedures and security protocols.

Salman Ali Agha creates new milestone in T20 cricket

Salman Ali Agha

KARACHI: The third T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka proved disappointing for the national side in terms of result, but Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s sensational and aggressive batting display won the hearts of cricket fans.

Played in Dambulla, the match saw Salman Ali Agha produce an extraordinary innings, scoring 45 runs off just 12 deliveries, an effort that included five fours and three towering sixes. His blistering knock came at a staggering strike rate of 375.0.

This performance set a new world record in T20 International cricket, marking the highest strike rate ever achieved by a captain (minimum 10 balls faced) against a full-member team.

Previously, the record belonged to Kieron Pollard, who scored 38 runs off 11 balls at a strike rate of 345.5 against Sri Lanka in 2021. Salman Ali Agha has now surpassed that milestone with his breathtaking innings.

Notably, the elite list of fastest T20I innings by captains also features renowned batters such as Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, and Darren Sammy, but Salman Ali Agha’s explosive knock has propelled him to the top.

Although Pakistan failed to secure victory in the match, the captain’s historic batting effort is expected to be remembered for a long time and is being seen as a positive sign for the team’s future.

Four India-backed terrorists killed in Kalat IBO: ISPR

ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Four terrorists were killed as security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Kalat district of Balochistan, the military’s media wing ISPR said on Tuesday.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in Kalat District of Balochistan, on reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan.

During the conduct of operation, own forces effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, and after an intense fire exchange, four Indian sponsored terrorists were sent to hell.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored terrorist found in the area. Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

Who Is the Villain ‘Amma’ in Mardaani 3?

Who Is the Villain

Yash Raj Films unveiled the trailer for ‘Mardaani 3’, featuring Malika Prasad in the role of the antagonist ‘Amma’.

In the film, Rani Mukerji reprises her role as police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy, who is shown investigating the mysterious disappearance of 93 young girls over three months. The trailer hints that the mastermind behind these crimes is a woman known only as ‘Amma’.

Who is Villain ‘Amma’?

Malika Prasad, a National School of Drama-trained actor, has made a name for herself in theater and television. Born in Bangalore, she has also worked as a director.

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A post shared by Mallika Prasad Sinha (@mallikaprasadsinha)

She made her debut in 1999 with Kanwar Heggadithi and gained recognition in Kannada cinema through films such as Masanja Kathe Parsinga, Garva, and Magha Meury.

Prasad has shared the screen with actors like Manoj Bajpai and Konkona Sen Sharma, and collaborated with director Anurag Kashyap. Her short film “For My Ella” won achievement awards at both the Sundarban International Film Festival and the LA Indie Film Festival.

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A post shared by Mallika Prasad Sinha (@mallikaprasadsinha)

Directed by Abiraj Minwala, ‘Mardaani 3’ is set to release in cinemas on January 30, 2026, and fans are eagerly anticipating Rani Mukerji’s return and the intense showdown with the formidable villain, Amma.

Taapsee Pannu reveals dark side of bollywood

Taapsee Pannu

Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu has opened up about the hidden realities of the film industry, expressing concern over the increasing influence of public relations (PR).

In a recent interview, the 38-year-old actress said that she deliberately reduced her workload over the past few years, which gave her insight into how PR is being used within the industry.

“Earlier, PR was mostly about highlighting one’s films or work. Today, the situation has changed,” Taapsee stated. She added that some individuals are not only spending money to promote themselves but also running negative campaigns to undermine others.

The actress questioned why someone’s success is now often linked to someone else’s loss. She also noted that many artists are creating artificial images just to stay in the news, while failing to achieve the same recognition through their work.

Taapsee emphasized that she prefers to spend her earnings on herself and her loved ones, rather than funding negative PR campaigns.

Recently, she appeared in Mudassar Aziz’s film “Khel Khel Mein” and is set to star in the upcoming revenge drama “Gandhari”, directed by Divashish Mukherjee.

This candid revelation has sparked discussion about the evolving role of publicity and media manipulation in Bollywood.

Yuzvendra Chahal–Disha Patani rumors stir online speculation

Yuzvendra Chahal

Speculation about a possible relationship between Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and Bollywood actress Disha Patani has set social media abuzz, though neither of the two has confirmed the rumors publicly.

The chatter has largely emerged through social media posts and memes, despite the absence of any concrete evidence or verified images. Both Chahal and Patani have remained silent on the matter, which has further fueled online discussions.

Fans appear highly enthusiastic about the potential cricket–Bollywood connection, with the topic trending across various platforms. Interestingly, Patani’s name has also been linked with Punjabi singer Talvinder, adding another layer to the ongoing speculation.

The rumors gained more attention following Nupur Senan’s wedding to singer Stebin Ben, where Patani was seen holding a man’s arm in photographs shared from the event.

Social media users speculated that the man could be Talvinder, who previously kept his face covered during public appearances, stating that he wanted attention to remain on his music and emotions.

In the past, Patani has also been linked to actor and close friend Tiger Shroff, though no confirmation ever emerged.

For now, the alleged link between Yuzvendra Chahal and Disha Patani continues to dominate social media conversations, with fans eagerly awaiting an official statement.