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Newsdesk

Elon Musk reveals simple protein-rich breakfast routine

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Elon Musk

Elon Musk: The world’s richest person and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX has revealed that his morning routine is far less luxurious than many might expect, despite his immense wealth.

In a podcast appearance, Musk said he prefers a simple, protein-rich breakfast to start his day, typically including eggs and steak. He said he avoids bread and carbohydrate-heavy foods in the morning.

“I don’t like eating bread for breakfast, but I do eat eggs and steak,” Musk said, adding that protein helps maintain his energy levels throughout the day.

He explained his belief that carbohydrates may provide a quick boost in energy but can also lead to a rapid decline later in the day.

Nutrition experts note that protein-rich foods can help support muscle health and improve overall well-being, while eggs also provide essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, iodine and choline, which supports brain function.

Studies further suggest that high-protein breakfasts can help regulate appetite and keep people feeling full for longer, reducing the likelihood of frequent snacking.

Gold prices jump sharply in Pakistan

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Gold prices

Karachi: Gold prices across Pakistan surged by more than Rs10,000 per tola on Monday, tracking a strong rally in the international bullion market, according to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Association.

The price of gold per tola increased by Rs10,800 to reach Rs455,136, while the rate of 10 grams rose by Rs9,720 to settle at Rs389,600.

In the global market, gold climbed by $108 per ounce to $4,327, reflecting continued bullish momentum in precious metals trading worldwide.

Silver prices witnessed a notable increase in both international and domestic markets, reflecting a broader bullish trend in precious metals.

In the global market, the price of silver per ounce rose by $2.30 to reach $70.30.

Following the international rally, local bullion markets also recorded gains. In Pakistan, the price of silver per tola increased by Rs. 230 to settle at Rs. 7,509, while the price of 10 grams rose by Rs.197 to reach Rs6,396.

Punjab budget 2026-27 to be presented in assembly on June 16

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Punjab budget

Punjab: Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman will present the provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in the assembly for approval on June 16.

The provincial minister will brief assembly members on key budget proposals and overall fiscal outlines, officials said.

Before its presentation, the budget will be approved by the provincial cabinet.

This will be the third budget of the Punjab government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Officials said the upcoming budget reflects the government’s “pro-people vision” and will focus on expanding provincial revenue, broadening the tax base, and promoting business and industrial growth.

Employment generation, education, healthcare, and social protection have been identified as key priorities, with existing welfare programmes expected to continue in the new fiscal year.

The finance minister said budget resources will be directly linked to public welfare initiatives, aiming to ensure broader economic and social development across the province.

Sindh proposes Rs522 billion development budget for FY2026-27

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Sindh proposes

KARACHI: The provincial government of Sindh has prepared its Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the fiscal year 2026-27, proposing a total allocation of Rs522 billion.

Officials said the overall development programme size stood at Rs1,018 billion in the current fiscal year, while the ADP allocation was Rs520 billion.

For the upcoming fiscal year, Rs296 billion has been proposed for foreign-funded development projects, compared to Rs367 billion allocated under the Foreign Project Assistance programme in the current year.

The Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation is proposed at Rs50–60 billion, down from Rs76 billion in the current fiscal year.

Similarly, Rs50 billion has been proposed for the District Annual Development Programme (DADP), compared to Rs55 billion allocated this year.

Authorities said the proposed budget aims to balance ongoing development needs with available fiscal space, while prioritizing key infrastructure and social sector projects across the province.

SBP keeps policy rate unchanged at 11.5% amid inflation pressures

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SBP keeps

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan has decided to keep its key policy rate unchanged at 11.5%, the central bank announced on Monday following a meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee chaired by Governor Jameel Ahmad.

The central bank said inflation had re-entered double digits in April and May, adding that it expects price pressures to remain in the double-digit range in the coming months before gradually easing.

It noted that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed up energy, transport and production costs, increasing inflationary pressure on the economy.

The SBP said its provisional estimate for real GDP growth in fiscal year 2025-26 stands at 3.7%, reflecting an improvement over the previous year.

It added that large-scale manufacturing grew by 6.5% from July to March, with industry and services contributing significantly to overall growth.

The current account recorded a $300 million deficit in April, but the central bank expects the full-year deficit to remain at the lower end of earlier projections due to strong remittances.

Foreign exchange reserves stood at $17.2 billion as of June 5 and are projected to reach $18 billion by the end of the month.

The SBP said the government has set a primary budget surplus target of 2.5% of GDP for FY2025-26 and 2% for the following year, while stressing the need for fiscal discipline, tax base expansion and reforms in state-owned enterprises for sustainable growth.

The Monetary Policy Committee said it will continue to closely monitor inflation trends, global developments, and changes in fuel, electricity and food prices.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) rejected the decision, saying high interest rates are harming industry, exports and investment, and urged the SBP to bring rates down to single digits in the next policy meeting.

US deports migrants to Central African Republic amid criticism

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US deports migrants

BANGUI: The Trump administration has deported a group of about 20 migrants from countries including Afghanistan and Iran to the Central African Republic, according to media reports and an immigration lawyer, as part of its expanding third-country deportation policy.

The group reportedly included two Iranian women, with one identified by an immigration attorney as a pro-democracy activist who had fled Iran and was previously granted legal protection by a U.S. immigration court.

The Central African Republic, a conflict-affected nation classified at the highest U.S. travel advisory level, has been designated “Level 4,” with the State Department warning Americans not to travel there “for any reason” due to violence, crime, kidnapping and instability.

Human rights advocates say the country, one of the world’s poorest, remains heavily affected by armed conflict, political instability and ongoing reports of human rights abuses.

An unnamed U.S. official said migrants from Armenia and Iraq were also among those deported to the Central African Republic, according to reports.

The State Department has previously advised against all travel to the country, citing security threats including terrorism, violent crime and kidnapping.

The deportations have renewed concerns among rights groups and immigration lawyers, who argue that sending individuals some with legal protections to third countries with no ties raises serious legal and humanitarian questions.

Iran pardons 139 death row inmates in rare mass clemency decision

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Iran pardons

TEHRAN: Iran has granted amnesty to 139 prisoners sentenced to death in an unprecedented decision approved by the country’s supreme leader, according to judicial officials.

Judiciary spokesman Ali Asghar Jahangir said the pardons were issued for the first time for inmates on death row, bringing relief to 139 individuals convicted in various cases.

He said the decision was approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to Jahangir, the pardoned prisoners had no private complainants against them and did not have a record of security-related offenses. He added that they qualified for clemency after showing remorse, good conduct and participation in rehabilitation programs while in prison.

The judiciary did not provide further details on the specific cases or the offenses involved.

Mass pardons of death row inmates are rare in Iran, where capital punishment remains widely used under the country’s legal system.

United States defeats Paraguay 4–1 in FIFA World Cup match

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United States

LOS ANGELES:  The United States secured a commanding 4–1 victory over Paraguay in a World Cup match played in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The U.S. took control early, leading 3–0 by halftime after a dominant first-half performance.

The opening goal came via an own goal by Paraguay’s Buba Dela, followed by a strike from American midfielder Brenden Aaronson. Just seconds before the halftime whistle, Aaronson scored again to give the U.S. a 3–0 advantage.

Giovanni Reyna added the fourth goal in the closing stages to seal the win for the Americans.

Paraguay managed to pull one goal back in the 73rd minute through Marcio, but it proved only a consolation as the United States maintained control until the final whistle.

The result gives the United States a strong start to its World Cup campaign, while Paraguay will look to regroup ahead of its next fixture.

England team equipment stolen ahead of World Cup opener

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England team

KANSAS CITY, United States: Items belonging to England’s football team were stolen ahead of their World Cup opening match, British media reported.

According to reports, locks on a vehicle transporting the team’s equipment were broken in Kansas City, where items including training boots and footballs may have been taken.

The Football Association is working to determine the full extent of the missing equipment, British media said.

Reports added that the team’s kit and luggage were scheduled to arrive in Kansas City ahead of the squad, with players and coaching staff expected to arrive on Saturday.

Police are investigating the incident in coordination with the Football Association, and two people have reportedly been arrested on suspicion of involvement.

The theft could potentially disrupt England’s preparations ahead of their opening match against Croatia, with the team scheduled to hold its first training session on Sunday.

Pakistan football team invited to inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup

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Pakistan football

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national football team has been invited to participate in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, marking a major milestone for the country’s football development, officials said.

According to sources, FIFA extended a formal invitation to Pakistan, which was subsequently confirmed by the Pakistan Football Federation regarding the national team’s participation.

The tournament is scheduled to be held in Indonesia from Sept. 21 to Oct. 6, where Pakistan will compete in Division One against teams including India, hosts Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Officials said this will be a significant opportunity for Pakistan, as it will mark the national team’s first appearance in a FIFA-affiliated competition outside World Cup qualifiers or Asian qualifying events.

Sources added that Pakistan’s inclusion in the tournament was facilitated by PFF President Mohsin Gilani’s engagement and diplomatic contacts with FIFA officials.

Experts say participation in the event could provide Pakistan with valuable international exposure and a chance to assess its football progress on a competitive regional stage.