BREAKING NEWS
Advertise with us >

Severe water crisis hits Tehran amid record low rainfall

water crisis

TEHRAN: Thee Iran’s capital, Tehran, is facing a severe water shortage, officials have warned, as central reservoirs contain only enough water for the next two weeks.

Addressing the nation on Iranian television, President Masoud Pershkian cautioned that if rainfall does not occur in the coming days, the city could experience acute water scarcity.

He added that rationing will begin by late November or early December, and if rains fail during the rationing period, parts of Tehran may need to be evacuated.

Authorities reported that rainfall in Iran this year has dropped by 40%, with several provinces facing 50-80% water shortages, while many other areas continue to experience drought conditions. Residents have been urged to conserve water and prepare for the emergency measures.

Sania Mirza opens up about challenges of motherhood and life after divorce

Sania Mirza

MUMBAI/DUBAI: Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza spoke candidly about the toughest period of her life during a conversation with filmmaker Farah Khan on her show “Serving It Up with Sania”.

Discussing the challenges of raising her son alone after her divorce, Farah Khan remarked, “Sania is now a single mother, and there is no task harder than being a single parent. Each of us has our own journey in life, and we must choose what’s best.”

Sania shared that balancing motherhood, work, and studies often leaves her exhausted. She revealed that there was a moment when she was in extreme distress, and it was Farah Khan’s support on set that enabled her to go live for the show. “If Farah hadn’t been there, I couldn’t have done the show,” she said.

Farah Khan admitted that she was shocked to see Sania experience a panic attack, something she had never witnessed before, and was deeply concerned during her friend’s most difficult time.

Sania Mirza and cricketer Shoaib Malik finalized their divorce in 2024. The couple shares a son, Izhaan Mirza Malik.

Actor Sunny Deol angrily confronts media for spreading fake news

Actor Sunny Deol

MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Sunny Deol lashed out at media representatives outside his residence after false reports of his father Dharmendra’s death circulated, using strong language to express his anger.

A video shared on Indian media Thursday morning shows Sunny Deol confronting journalists, asking, “Do you have parents or children at home?” He further criticized them for posting the misleading news, saying, “If you do, then why are you sharing this video? Don’t you feel ashamed?”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)

Meanwhile, veteran actress and Dharmendra’s wife, Hema Malini, addressed the media regarding her husband’s health. She confirmed that Dharmendra is improving, stating that although his health had been a major concern and their children were unable to sleep, the family is relieved he has been discharged from the hospital.

Hema Malini added, “This is not an easy time for me, but I cannot falter because of my responsibilities. We are happy he is back home; everything else is in God’s hands.” She also requested fans to keep Dharmendra in their prayers.

The false news of Dharmendra’s death had been reported two days ago by major Indian outlets, including, prompting strong condemnation from his family. Hema Malini tweeted, “What is happening is unforgivable! How can responsible channels spread false news about someone undergoing treatment and recovering? Please respect our family’s privacy.”

Zimbabwe Cricket team arrives in Islamabad for Tri-Nation T20 series

Zimbabwe Cricket

ISLAMABAD: The Zimbabwe cricket team has arrived in Islamabad to participate in the upcoming Tri-Nation T20 Series. The team will rest today ahead of the start of the tournament.

The series, featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, is scheduled to begin on 18 November in Rawalpindi.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revised the tournament schedule, with all matches now set to be played in Rawalpindi from 18 to 29 November. Previously, matches were planned in both Rawalpindi and Lahore from 17 to 29 November.

Lahore ranks second globally as smog crisis deepens

Lahore ranks

LAHORE: Air pollution in Punjab has surged to alarming levels, with Lahore emerging as the world’s second most polluted city, posing serious health risks to residents.

According to data from a global environmental monitoring website. The city’s average smog level has surged to an alarming AQI of 437.

In Lahore, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 667 in Allama Iqbal Town, 663 on Sanda Road, 649 near Government College University, 605 on Muratib Ali Road, 554 near Punjab University, 503 in Model Town, 498 in Shalimar, and 445 in Cantt.

Environmental experts warn that these readings fall in the “hazardous” category, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.

Meanwhile, New Delhi remains the most polluted city globally, with an AQI of 678. In other Punjab cities, the AQI was measured at 639 in Gujranwala, 460 in Faisalabad, and 429 in Multan.

Medical experts said that the ever-increasing pollution has become a serious threat to citizens, citizens should avoid unnecessary travel, make sure to use masks and avoid outdoor activities in the morning hours.

On the other hand, the weather forecasters say that today the maximum temperature of Lahore city was recorded at 26 while the minimum was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius, the wind is blowing at a speed of 3 km per hour in the city while the humidity ratio in the atmosphere was recorded at 80 percent.

ECP announces schedule for Quetta local bodies’ polls

ECP

QUETTA: Authorities in Quetta have formally released the schedule for the upcoming local government elections, which will take place in 172 union councils and 641 wards across the city..

The preparations for the December elections are already underway, with public notices displayed outside the offices of returning and district returning officers.

According to the Election Commission, nomination papers will be received and issued from November 13 to 17, while the list of nominated candidates will be published on November 18. The scrutiny of nomination papers is scheduled to take place from November 19 to 24.

The last date for filing appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers is November 28.

The last date for decision on the appeals by the Appellate Tribunal is December 3, the revised list of candidates will be published on December 4 and the revised list after withdrawal of candidates will be published on December 5.

The final list of candidates and election symbols will be allotted on December 6, while polling for the local body elections will take place on Sunday, December 28.

Sri Lankan squad stays in Pakistan after PCB’s security assurance

Sri Lankan

KARACHI: The Sri Lankan cricket team’s manager has confirmed that no player will be returning home and that all members of the squad will remain in Pakistan for the ongoing series.

The team manager clarified that “all Sri Lankan players are staying in Pakistan, and no one is leaving the tour.”

Earlier, reports had suggested that some Sri Lankan players were considering returning home, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take urgent measures to ensure the continuation of the ODI and Tri-Nation series.

PCB Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with the Sri Lankan players and assured them of enhanced security arrangements. Following these assurances, the Sri Lankan team decided to continue the tour.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) also confirmed that Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had personally briefed the players regarding security protocols. The board stated that if any player opted out of the remaining matches, suitable replacements would be arranged.

Sri Lanka is scheduled to play the remaining two ODIs against Pakistan before participating in the Tri-Nation Series, also to be held in Pakistan.

TikTok introduces new features for Pakistani users

TikTok introduces

ISLAMABAD: TikTok has announced the rollout of new features for Pakistani users aimed at improving user safety, content management, and engagement with followers.

One of the key additions is the Creator Care Mode, which allows users to better manage their comment sections. When enabled, the mode automatically hides comments that are abusive, harassing, or inappropriate.

It also filters comments from users whose previous comments have been reported, disliked, or deleted. This feature leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure more effective moderation.

Another feature, Content Check Lite, is currently available on the TikTok Studio web version. It helps users determine whether their videos will reach the “For You” feed and allows them to make adjustments to maximize reach while staying compliant with community guidelines.

TikTok has also introduced Creator Inbox, a messaging hub designed to make interaction with followers faster and more organized. It includes instant reply templates, unread messages, and separate folders for starred messages, helping creators maintain better communication with their audience.

These updates aim to give Pakistani users more control over their content and interactions on the platform while enhancing overall safety and reach.

US submits revised resolution to UNSC for Gaza Stability Force

US submits

UNITED NATIONS: The United States has presented a revised resolution to the UN Security Council proposing the establishment of a Gaza Stability Force.

Under the US-drafted resolution, the force would be overseen by a Board of Peace, chaired by President Trump. The board is tasked with monitoring economic recovery programs in Gaza and supervising efforts to disarm non-state actors through various subsidiary bodies.

According to foreign media, the draft includes Trump’s comprehensive 20-point peace plan.

Last month, during President Trump’s visit to Egypt, an agreement was reached regarding Gaza’s administration, approving the transfer of governance to technocrats.

However, the Palestinian group Hamas insisted that Gaza’s management should remain under Palestinian technocrats.

Turkish C-130 crash in Georgia claims lives of 20 onboard

Turkish C-130

ANKARA: Turkey has confirmed that all 20 personnel aboard a military cargo plane that crashed in Georgia have died, according to the Turkish Defense Minister.

The C-130 military cargo aircraft went down in Georgia while returning to Turkey after taking off from Azerbaijan.

Turkish authorities had earlier reported the crash but had not provided details on the cause or the fatalities. It was confirmed that all 20 Turkish crew members on board lost their lives in the accident.