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‘Kumkum Bhagya’ actress Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide at 22

‘Kumkum Bhagya’

MUMBAI: Indian television actress Sanchita Ugale, known for her role in the popular drama “Kumkum Bhagya,” has allegedly died by suicide at the age of 22, according to Indian media reports.

Police said Ugale was found hanging at her residence in Palghar district, Maharashtra. Authorities added that no suicide note or suspicious items were recovered from the scene.

Police further stated that the actress’s father has not raised any suspicion or accused anyone in connection with her death. The body has been shifted to a hospital for post-mortem examination.

According to reports, Ugale shared her final social media post just hours before her death, in which she was seen singing the popular song “Dafli Wale.”

Following the news, fans and followers expressed grief and shock over the young actress’s sudden death.

Pakistan playing mediator role in complex US–Iran situation

Pakistan playing

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is handling a highly complex issue involving the United States and Iran in a mediating capacity, senior security officials said on Tuesday.

Speaking to journalists, top security officials said Pakistan’s role in the matter is that of a facilitator, adding that the leadership’s primary focus is peace and stability in the region.

Officials said Pakistan does not engage in “headline diplomacy” and has fulfilled all requirements of mediation, adding that the international community is gradually recognizing Pakistan’s efforts. They described the situation as a conflict that, in their view, was averted without escalation through what they called diplomatic skill and strategic engagement.

Security sources said that several regional countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, also played a role in supporting de-escalation efforts.

They added that attempts to destabilize the situation continue, alleging that certain international actors exert influence over global media narratives.

Officials said Pakistan maintains separate and balanced relations with Iran, the United States and Gulf countries, and emphasized its desire for stable ties with Afghanistan.

On reports regarding Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to India, security sources said Pakistan is not concerned with bilateral engagements between other states and views such developments with an open diplomatic approach.

Security officials also provided details of internal security operations, stating that 32,092 intelligence-based operations were conducted by June 15, 2026, with 2,170 terrorist incidents recorded. They said 1,861 militants were killed, while 640 members of security forces and civilians were martyred. Officials added that hundreds of militants were killed in operations in Afghanistan and within Pakistan.

Commenting on unrest in Azad Kashmir, security sources said groups involved in incitement would be dealt with under legal and constitutional procedures. They said the state continues to prioritize dialogue but will not allow violence or threats against civilians.

Officials also said modern warfare is increasingly technology-driven, noting that defense budget constraints are being discussed within military and political leadership circles.

On the Indus Waters Treaty, security sources reiterated that Pakistan rejects any unilateral move by India and will safeguard its water rights under international agreements.

Security officials also denied any meeting between the military leadership and former prime minister Imran Khan, and said those involved in the May 9 violence would be brought to justice through legal processes.

US authorities bust alleged drone attack plot ahead of major White House event

US authorities

WASHINGTON: US security agencies have thwarted an alleged plot to carry out a drone attack on a White House event marking the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, according to American media reports.

The reported conspiracy was disrupted through a joint operation by the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. Authorities have taken five suspects into custody in connection with the alleged plot.

US media reported that investigators are also examining the possible involvement of 23 additional individuals.

According to reports, the alleged plot was uncovered on June 10, prompting authorities to begin arresting those suspected of involvement.

Citing sources, a US television network reported that the plan involved the use of drones loaded with explosive materials. The drones were allegedly intended to target buildings in the area surrounding the event.

Global oil prices hit three-month low after Iran-US agreement

Global oil prices

Global crude oil prices fell to their lowest level in three months, extending losses in international markets following the Iran-U.S. agreement.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropped by $3.20 per barrel to $79 per barrel.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also declined, falling $2.86 to $77 per barrel. Meanwhile, UAE Murban crude was trading at $72 per barrel.

The decline continues a downward trend seen in recent trading sessions, with oil prices also posting losses a day earlier amid expectations of improved supply flows and reduced geopolitical tensions.

Punjab sets higher revenue targets, cuts development projects in budget

Punjab sets

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday received the provincial budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, featuring a modest increase in salaries and pensions for government employees and a significant reduction in development spending, amid noisy protests from opposition lawmakers.

Punjab Finance Minister Shujaur Rehman presented the budget during a session chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. The proceedings began one hour and 40 minutes behind schedule and were attended by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

Opposition members staged a protest as the budget speech began, chanting slogans against what they described as a “fake budget.” The demonstration intensified when lawmakers moved toward the speaker’s dais and protested in front of the chief minister.

Under the budget proposals, salaries of government employees will increase by 7%, while pensions will rise by 3.5%. Government officials said the measures were intended to provide relief from inflationary pressures.

The provincial government also proposed a major reduction in development spending. The development budget has been set at 752 billion rupees, down from 1.45 trillion rupees.

According to budget documents, the development allocation for the outgoing fiscal year stood at 1.24 trillion rupees, meaning the new proposal represents a reduction of 488 billion rupees.

The number of development projects has also been cut significantly. The budget includes 3,560 projects compared with 5,755 in the previous year, while the number of new projects has fallen from 1,662 to 420.

The budget documents show a proposed 42.7% increase in the province’s own-source revenue targets. Revenue targets for the Board of Revenue have been increased by 25%, while the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has been assigned a 77% higher target.

Before the budget was presented in the assembly, the Punjab Cabinet approved the financial plan during its 35th meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The cabinet reviewed fiscal targets, budget proposals and their impact on various sectors.

The cabinet also approved a resolution related to the reported agreement between Iran and the United States and held detailed discussions on budget recommendations before giving final approval for its presentation in the assembly.

King Charles leads Royal Family at annual Garter Day ceremony

King Charles

WINDSOR, England: King Charles III led members of the British Royal Family at the annual Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle, one of the most significant events on the royal calendar.

The monarch was joined by Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate and other senior royals for the centuries-old tradition held at St George’s Chapel.

In a statement shared on the Royal Family’s official social media account, Buckingham Palace said the King and Queen, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, attended the Service for the Most Noble Order of the Garter at Windsor Castle.

Founded by King Edward III nearly 700 years ago, the Order of the Garter is Britain’s oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry. Membership is limited to the Sovereign, the Queen, members of the Royal Family and a select group of individuals honored for distinguished public service.

Ahead of the ceremony, senior royals attended a luncheon at Windsor Castle before taking part in the traditional procession to St George’s Chapel. Following the service, members of the royal party returned to the castle by carriage.

Prince William participated in the procession wearing the order’s signature blue velvet robes. The Prince of Wales was invested as the order’s 1,000th Knight by Queen Elizabeth II in 2008.

Princess Kate, Duchess Sophie and Sir Tim Laurence watched the procession from the Galilee Porch as crowds gathered to witness the historic event.

Imran Khan given fifth eye injection during hospital visit

Imran Khan

RAWALPINDI: Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has received the fifth dose of an intravitreal injection as part of his ongoing medical treatment, party officials said.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan confirmed that Khan underwent a medical examination and was taken from Adiala Jail to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Hospital late Sunday night.

According to Gohar, the PTI founder received the scheduled injection and was subsequently transferred back to Adiala Jail.

“I was informed this morning that the PTI founder underwent a follow-up checkup at PIMS,” Gohar said.

He reiterated the party’s demand that Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for medical care and that family members be granted access to meet him.

No official statement was immediately issued by prison authorities regarding the medical visit.

US, Iran sign memorandum of understanding, says Vice President Vance

US

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: US Vice President J.D. Vance said that the United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding, marking a significant step toward easing tensions between the longtime adversaries.

According to Vance, he and President Donald Trump signed the document on behalf of the United States, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signed on behalf of Iran.

The announcement came after reports by The Wall Street Journal that Washington had agreed to a deal with Tehran and that President Trump would soon make a formal statement.

Trump later declared that the agreement with Iran had been completed, adding that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports had been lifted and calling on global shipping operators to resume commercial activities and oil transportation.

In an interview with The New York Times, Trump also warned that the United States would take military action again if Iran failed to reach a final nuclear agreement.

Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the U.S. naval blockade would end overnight and that the text of the memorandum would be released after the signing. He said Iran would begin implementing the agreement on Friday.

Gharibabadi stressed that the memorandum does not mean Iran trusts its adversaries, adding that negotiations on a final agreement are expected to continue over the next 60 days. He warned that Tehran would respond if the terms of the agreement were not honored.

Separately, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the agreement does not mean that Iran will forgive or forget what it describes as crimes committed during the conflict.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development and announced that Pakistan would host a ceremony related to the Iran-U.S. agreement in Geneva on Friday.

Addressing the National Assembly, Sharif described the development as a historic milestone for peace, saying the world had moved beyond the darkness of war toward a new era of diplomacy.

Kajol jokes about Aamir Khan’s ‘great taste’ in films and women

Kajol jokes

Indian actress Kajol made a lighthearted remark about Aamir Khan during the 25th anniversary celebration of the film Lagaan, joking that the actor has an excellent eye not only for films but also for women.

Speaking at the event, Kajol said Aamir Khan’s production choices have consistently reflected outstanding judgment, beginning with Lagaan and continuing throughout his career. She added humorously that his taste in women is equally impressive.

Fellow actress Juhi Chawla also joined in the light-hearted exchange, saying she had plenty to say about Aamir Khan and had known him since the early days of his career.

According to reports, Aamir Khan is expected to marry Gauri Spratt on July 5.

MrBeast becomes first YouTuber to reach 500 million subscribers

MrBeast becomes

World-renowned YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has become the first content creator on YouTube to surpass 500 million subscribers.

According to reports, nearly 40% of MrBeast’s subscriber base consists of teenagers aged 13 to 17, while around 20% are young adults between 18 and 24 years old.

MrBeast first became the most-subscribed individual digital creator in November 2022. In June 2024, he overtook all other channels on YouTube to become the platform’s most-followed creator.

His viral video Squid Game In Real Life is widely credited with helping drive his extraordinary growth and global popularity.

In an interview with Time, MrBeast previously revealed that his YouTube-related businesses generate between $600 million and $700 million annually.