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Newsdesk

2,000 Afghan arrivals in US found to have terror links, officials say

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2,000 Afghan

Washington: The Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has revealed that among Afghan nationals who entered the United States under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, approximately 2,000 individuals have direct or potential links to terrorist organizations.

In an interview with US media, Gabbard criticized the slow vetting process for Afghans who arrived under the program, which saw 18,000 Afghan nationals resettled in the US.

She stated that under Operation Allies Welcome, each Afghan arrival is now undergoing close scrutiny, with multiple agencies actively involved in the review process.

Gabbard highlighted that terrorist groups, including ISIS, are reportedly planning attacks on US soil and are seeking individuals capable of carrying out such operations. She emphasized that this threat is being taken extremely seriously by US authorities.

The intelligence chief also noted that in recent years, the number of individuals entering the US illegally has increased, adding another layer of concern for national security agencies.

Netherlands defeat Pakistan in goal-filled Pro Hockey League clash

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Netherlands defeat

SANTIAGO: In the ongoing Pro Hockey League in Santiago, Argentina, Pakistan faced its third consecutive defeat during the first phase of the tournament.

The Netherlands defeated Pakistan 7-3 in the third match, adding to Pakistan’s earlier losses against Argentina (3-2) and Netherlands (5-2).

During the match, Muhammad Sufyan Khan scored two goals and Rana Waheed Ashraf added one, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.

Pakistan is scheduled to play its fourth match against host Argentina on December 15, aiming to recover in the tournament.

The team has struggled to find form, facing tough competition from both the Netherlands and Argentina, as they look to improve results in upcoming matches.

Hospitals overwhelmed as ‘Super Flu’ cases rise globally

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Super Flu

LONDON/ ISLAMABD: A wave of super flu has led to a worrying increase in hospital admissions across various regions worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a new strain of influenza, A(H3N2) sub-group ‘subclade K’, has caused a rapid rise in flu cases in the UK and several European countries.

The UK Department of Health reported that hospitals are admitting an average of over 2,600 patients daily, marking a 50% increase compared to last week.

UK Health Minister described the situation as the greatest pressure on hospitals since COVID-19, while WHO noted that the new strain is not more dangerous, though its spread began earlier than usual.

Children and the elderly are among the most affected, prompting some schools to temporarily close or reduce operational hours to curb transmission.

Denmark considers social media ban for children over mental health issues

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Denmark considers

DENMARK: Denmark is planning to restrict social media access for children under 15, following Australia’s example, to address the growing mental health risks associated with online platforms.

According to Danish authorities, the proposed reforms will limit access to social media platforms for children below 15 years of age. However, in certain specific cases, children may be allowed to use social media with parental consent.

The government has stated that in recent years, children have become excessively engaged in the digital world, exposing them to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, mental stress, and other psychological challenges.

Officials warned that the overuse of social media is negatively affecting children’s mental health, academic performance, and social behavior, prompting the need for regulatory intervention.

Denmark’s Minister for Digital Affairs emphasized that the initiative is not intended to curtail children’s freedom, but rather to safeguard their future and support healthy mental development. The minister added that protecting children from online risks is a shared responsibility of both the state and parents.

Meanwhile, a recent survey has revealed a rise in anxiety among children linked to excessive social media use, further strengthening the case for stricter digital regulations.

Gulf States impose ban on Indian film ‘Dhurandhar’

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Gulf States

RIYADH: The Indian film Dhurandhar has been banned from theatrical release in six Gulf countries over the inclusion of content considered hostile towards Pakistan.

According to news agencies, authorities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman have imposed a ban on the screening of the film.

Gulf regulators reportedly objected to what they described as biased and anti-Pakistan material portrayed in the movie.

The report stated that an application was submitted for the film’s release across Gulf countries; however, it was rejected, resulting in a complete halt to its release in the region.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time Indian films have faced restrictions in the Middle East. Several productions in the past have also been subjected to bans due to political, cultural, or content-related concerns.

PM warns of new terror threat from Afghanistan at Global Peace Forum

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PM warns

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted a rising terrorism threat originating from Afghanistan, urging the international community to press the Afghan government to fulfill its responsibilities.

Speaking at a Global Peace Forum in Ashgabat, he welcomed the designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace.

PM Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s active role in promoting global peace, noting that conflict resolution through dialogue remains the cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy.

He cited Pakistan’s support in securing the Gaza peace initiative, expressing gratitude to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, UAE, Jordan, and Iran for cooperating on ceasefire efforts. The UN Security Council Resolution 2788 aligns with Pakistan’s vision for long-term peace and humanitarian aid in the Middle East.

He stressed that sustainable peace and sustainable development are inseparable, calling for equitable access to advanced technologies, financial inclusion, and empowering women economically.

Addressing global challenges, PM Sharif described Pakistan’s clean and green development model as a global example while highlighting climate change and inequality as major hurdles for developing nations.

He urged the forum to translate discussions into practical actions, advocating collective cooperation over a zero-sum mindset, and emphasizing the need to build bridges connecting trade, people, and ideas

Delhi High Court grants Salman Khan major legal victory

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Delhi High Court

Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has achieved a significant legal win as the Delhi High Court directed social media platforms to remove, within three days, all content violating his personality and publicity rights.

According to Indian media reports, the order came in response to a petition filed by Salman Khan seeking protection against unauthorized commercial use of his name, voice, image, and identity.

The court instructed social media platforms to treat Salman Khan’s petition as a complaint under the Information Technology Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code.

This comes shortly after the actor was summoned by the Consumer Court regarding a case involving a Pan Masala advertisement.

The complaint, filed by senior BJP leader and Rajasthan High Court lawyer Inder Mohan Singh Hony, named both Salman Khan and the Pan Masala manufacturer as parties.

The petitioner challenged claims in the advertisement stating that the Pan Masala contained saffron, questioning how saffron, priced around ₹4 lakh per kilogram, could be included in a product sold for ₹5.

This legal order reinforces the protection of celebrities’ image and identity against unauthorized commercial exploitation on digital platforms.

New Zealand crushes West Indies by 9 wickets in second test

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New Zealand

Wellington: New Zealand defeated the West Indies by 9 wickets in the second Test of the series, held in Wellington.

Winning the toss, New Zealand invited the West Indies to bat first. The visitors were dismissed for 205 runs, with Blair Tickner taking 4 wickets, Michael Rae 3, and Jacob Duffy and Glenn Phillips one each.

New Zealand declared their first innings at 278/9, with Mitchell Hay scoring 61 and Devon Conway 60. The West Indies bowlers included Anderson Phillip (3 wickets), Kemar Roach (2), and one each for Jaden Seales, Odean Shields, Justin Greaves, and Roston Chase.

In their second innings, West Indies managed only 128 runs, as Jacob Duffy took 5 wickets, Michael Rae 3, and Zack Folkes 1.

Chasing a modest 56-run target, New Zealand achieved it comfortably, losing just one wicket. Devon Conway scored 28* and Ken Williamson 16*; captain Tom Latham made 9.

With this win, New Zealand leads the three-Test series 1-0. The third and final Test will be played in Mount Maunganui from December 18, forming part of the World Test Championship.

How did Pakistan cricket team perform in 2025?

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cricket team

LAHORE: In 2025, the Pakistan cricket team showed significant progress in T20 cricket, combining impressive wins with a bold, modern playing style.

Statistics show a marked improvement in Pakistan’s six-hitting ability. Across 34 T20 matches, the team faced 3,872 balls and hit 235 sixes, averaging 7 sixes per match and one six every 16 balls.

In comparison, in 2024, Pakistan hit just 152 sixes in 27 matches, averaging one six every 19 balls and fewer than 6 sixes per match.

The change in playing style reflects a more attacking approach, attributed in part to head coach Mike Hesson’s strategies.

Pakistan won 21 out of 34 T20 matches this year, and ahead of the next T20 World Cup, the team’s evolving white-ball strategy highlights its progress and potential for further success

Why Akshay Khanna and Karisma Kapoor didn’t tie the knot

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Why Akshay Khanna

Bollywood actor Akshay Khanna is currently in the spotlight due to his film “Dhurandhar”. Amid this, Indian media revisited an interesting chapter from his past, revealing that he was once reportedly set to marry renowned actress Karisma Kapoor, though the marriage never materialized.

According to reports, Akshay and Karisma became close friends following Karisma’s breakup with Ajay Devgn, and their friendship even sparked marriage talks.

 Karisma’s father, Randhir Kapoor, was reportedly supportive and intended to discuss the alliance with Akshay’s father, Vinod Khanna.

However, Karisma’s mother, Babita, opposed the match, preferring her daughter focus on her flourishing career rather than marriage at the time.

Akshay Khanna, known for keeping his personal life private, has never publicly discussed this alleged romance. Karisma later married industrialist Sanjay Kapoor, a marriage that eventually ended in divorce.