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US President claims unprecedented success in ending eight wars

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US President

US President claims unprecedented success in ending eight wars

Washington: US President Donald Trump claimed significant accomplishments during his address, stating that his administration ended eight wars in just ten months—something no one else could achieve.

Trump said, “A year ago, America was failing, on the brink of disaster, but in one year, we achieved what no one else could. We stopped eight wars in ten months.”

He criticized President Biden’s policies, asserting that illegal immigrants took jobs during the Biden era, while under his administration, all new jobs went to Americans.

Trump added that he received a strong mandate to end corruption, halt illegal immigration, and reduce drug trafficking. He claimed that drugs entering the U.S. via land and sea routes have been cut by 94 percent.

India–South Africa fourth T20 match called off due to fog

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India–South Africa

LUCKNOW: The fourth T20 International between India and South Africa, scheduled to be played in Lucknow, was abandoned due to dense fog and extremely poor visibility.

According to reports, severe fog enveloped the ground, making it impossible to proceed with the match. While air pollution levels in Lucknow were also alarmingly high during the game — with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded above 400 — umpires were primarily concerned about the dangerously low visibility on the field.

Match officials conducted six inspections in an attempt to start play. During one inspection, an umpire stood near the square boundary and tried to spot a white ball raised by a colleague standing close to the pitch, but the ball could not be clearly seen due to the thick fog. Following repeated failed inspections, the match was officially called off.

As a result of the abandonment, India, who hold a 2-1 lead after three matches, extended their tally of unbeaten T20I series victories to 15. The series-deciding fifth and final match is scheduled to be played on Friday in Ahmedabad.

Miss Finland loses title after posting racist content online

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Miss Finland

Finland’s reigning beauty queen has been stripped of her Miss Finland title after a controversial social media post mocking Asians sparked widespread backlash.

The 22-year-old Miss Finland, Sarah Dzafse, who represented Finland at the Miss Universe pageant held in Thailand last month, came under fire after sharing a photograph on social media. In the image, she was seen pulling the corners of her eyes, accompanied by a caption that read: “Having dinner with a Chinese.”

The post was widely condemned as racist, triggering strong reactions across Japan, South Korea, and China. Critics accused the beauty queen of promoting offensive stereotypes and disrespecting Asian communities.

Although Sarah later issued an apology for her actions, it was deemed insufficient by pageant authorities. As a result, the Miss Finland Organization decided to revoke her crown and title.

Reacting to the controversy, Finland’s Prime Minister described the act as “thoughtless and foolish,” adding that the ensuing backlash had damaged the country’s image internationally.

In a statement, the Miss Finland organizing committee said that racism in any form would not be tolerated, reaffirming its commitment to diversity, respect, and inclusivity.

Pakistan extends airspace closure for Indian aircraft until Jan 23, 2026

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Pakistan extends

KARACHI:  Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace to Indian aircraft for an additional month, the Pakistan Airports Authority announced following government approval.

According to the newly issued NOTAM, Pakistani airspace will remain closed to flights from India until January 23, 2026.

Pakistan had initially imposed the airspace closure on April 23, 2025, and has been extending it in phases since then.

Pakistan had initially imposed the airspace closure on April 23, 2025, and has been extending it in phases since then.

The airspace ban was initially imposed on April 23, 2025, and has since caused significant financial losses to Indian airlines, running into billions of rupees.

Authorities emphasized that the extension is a continuation of the previous restriction, underlining Pakistan’s strict control over its airspace regarding Indian carriers.

This move comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries and reflects Pakistan’s continued caution over civil and military air traffic from India.

Sydney Bondi Beach shooter faces 50 charges including terrorism

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Sydney Bondi Beach

SYDNEY: The suspected gunman involved in the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, Australia, has been formally charged, according to international news agencies.

Australian police confirmed that the injured attacker has been indicted on 50 charges, including terrorism-related offenses.

Meanwhile, Philippine presidential spokesperson Clarie Castro stated that there is no evidence of terrorist training during the attackers’ visit to the Philippines. She rejected reports suggesting that the country was used as a training hub by ISIS, saying no proof has been presented to support such claims.

Philippine military spokesperson Colonel Fransel Padilla added that no major counter-terrorism operations have taken place since the start of 2024, and insurgent groups in the country remain scattered and without leadership.

The Bondi Beach attack, which occurred three days ago, involved two armed assailants who killed 16 people and injured 40 others. One attacker was arrested on the scene, while the other was later taken into custody.

The deceased attacker has been identified as Sajid Akram, a resident of Hyderabad in India’s Telangana state. His son, Naveed Akram, who holds Australian citizenship, was also involved. Sajid Akram had arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998, while his son was born in Australia.

The incident has sparked international attention and raised concerns over security measures at public spaces in Australia.

Case filed against Bihar CM for pulling Muslim woman doctor’s veil

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Bihar CM

Patna, Bihar: a case has been filed against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for forcibly pulling the veil (niqab) of a Muslim woman doctor during a public event, according to Indian media reports.

The complaint was lodged in Lucknow by Samajwadi Party leader Samia Rana, citing the incident as a violation of the woman’s rights and dignity.

Amnesty International India condemned the act, stating that forcibly removing a woman’s hijab or niqab by any public official constitutes a serious attack on her honor, identity, and personal freedom.

The organization added that such actions not only infringe upon women’s fundamental rights but also create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in society.

The incident, which occurred two days ago, has drawn widespread criticism from political leaders, journalists, and human rights groups in India. Human rights activist Deepika Pushkar Nath described the act as a severe case of sexual harassment, while former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti strongly condemned it, calling it an insult to women.

Several voices, including Azharuddin, have demanded strict action against Nitish Kumar for this controversial act. The case highlights ongoing concerns over women’s rights and public accountability in India.

Cricketing icon Javed Miandad hospitalised for heart issues

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Cricketing icon

KARACHI: Pakistan’s cricketing icon Javed Miandad was admitted to a hospital due to heart-related discomfort, according to private media reports.

Following a thorough examination, doctors cleared him to return home.

The former Test captain visited the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Karachi, where doctors conducted necessary tests, including an angiography. After reviewing the results, they confirmed that Miandad was in stable condition.

Miandad expressed satisfaction with the facilities and treatment provided at NICVD.

Before leaving the hospital, he said, “I am feeling much better. By the grace of Allah and with the prayers of the nation, my health will continue to improve.”

Hina Niazi’s viral reception video sparks social media backlash

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Hina Niazi

Pakistani anchor and infotainment show host Hina Niazi, famous for her show Suno To Sahi, is making headlines once again—but this time for her personal life rather than her show.

Recently, Hina Niazi tied the knot with her chosen partner, and her elegant presence during the wedding festivities won the hearts of many fans.

A few days ago, her wedding reception was held, and a video from her official photoshoot has been rapidly circulating on social media.

In the clip, Hina Niazi can be seen wearing a stunning silver-colored outfit, posing gracefully with her husband. At one particular moment, she holds a bouquet of flowers in front of her face while posing in a way that appears as if she is kissing her husband.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mujeeb Chattah (@theshadiscene)

As always, social media users were divided in their reactions.

The younger audience largely supported Hina, saying that there is nothing wrong with showing affection toward one’s spouse. One user commented, “It’s her personal life, and she is married.”

On the other hand, some viewers criticized the display, claiming it goes against cultural norms and traditions. Others suggested that Hina Niazi is being influenced by Western culture.

The video has sparked a fresh debate on social media, with opinions sharply divided over the balance between personal freedom and cultural values.

Netflix gains edge as Warner Bros likely to reject Paramount takeover bid

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Warner Bros

(Reuters) – Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O) could announce as early as Wednesday that it will recommend shareholders vote against Paramount Skydance’s (PSKY.O) $108.4 billion takeover offer, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Such a decision would represent the latest development in the high-stakes battle for Warner Bros’ assets, which include its iconic film and TV studio, a vast content library spanning classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern hits such as Harry Potter, Friends, HBO, and the HBO Max streaming service.

A Warner Bros Discovery spokesperson declined to comment on the potential board decision.

The winner of the contest would gain a significant edge in the streaming wars by securing access to one of Hollywood’s most valuable content libraries.

Earlier this month, Netflix (NFLX.O) won approval with a $27 per share cash-and-stock bid for Warner Bros’ non-cable assets. Paramount CEO David Ellison then directly approached Warner Bros’ shareholders with a $30 per share all-cash bid for the entire company.

Paramount has argued in regulatory filings that its bid is superior to Netflix’s and offers a clearer path to regulatory approval.

The offer is backed by $41 billion in new equity from the Ellison family and RedBird Capital, and $54 billion in debt commitments from Bank of America, Citi, and Apollo.

Bloomberg reported that Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, one of Paramount’s financing partners, is exiting the deal.

Paramount and Affinity Partners did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Kashmir was never and will never be India’s, Pakistan tells UN

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Pakistan tells UN

Pakistan’s Consul General Gul Qaiser Sarwani has told the United Nations in unequivocal terms that Kashmir has never been, and will never be, part of India.

Speaking at the UN Security Council in response to remarks by the Indian representative, Sarwani said that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory, whose final status must be determined in accordance with UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

He accused India of repeatedly committing acts of aggression against Pakistan, stating that New Delhi’s conduct reflects the mindset of a “rogue actor.” Sarwani said India has not only engaged in open hostility but has also been involved in the sponsorship of terrorism.

The Pakistani diplomat said there is evidence that terrorist groups operating under Indian patronage, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have carried out multiple attacks inside Pakistan.

He further stated that India’s repeated acts of aggression against Pakistan constitute clear violations of international law and the UN Charter, and reiterated Pakistan’s demand that India immediately cease state-sponsored terrorism.

Addressing India’s remarks on the Indus Waters Treaty, Sarwani said New Delhi was deliberately distorting facts and misinterpreting an international agreement. He stressed that no provision of the Indus Waters Treaty allows for its unilateral suspension or amendment.

Pakistan, he added, remains committed to the treaty and to the peaceful resolution of all disputes in accordance with international law and UN principles.