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Bollywood screenwriter Salim Khan on ventilator after health complications

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Bollywood screenwriter

Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood screenwriter and father of actor Salman Khan, Salim Khan, has been placed on a ventilator following a sudden health deterioration.

According to Indian media reports, Salim Khan suffered a rupture in the blood vessels on the right side of his brain due to a spike in blood pressure.

He was admitted to Lilavati Hospital around 8:30 am yesterday and later moved to the ICU as his condition worsened. Surgery is expected to be performed today, depending on his health status.

Salim Khan, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday on 24 November 2025, is renowned for co-writing iconic films such as Sholay, Haathi Mere Saathi, Zanjeer, and Mr. India with his former writing partner Javed Akhtar.

Hospital sources noted a slight improvement in his condition after ICU transfer. Meanwhile, social media users across India and abroad have been offering prayers and well-wishes for his speedy recovery.

JD Vance emphasizes priority to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons

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JD Vance

US Vice President JD Vance stated that the United States’ top priority is to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.

In a recent statement, Vance described the second round of negotiations with Iran as constructive in certain areas, but noted that Tehran is still not prepared to discuss some of the red lines set by President Trump.

“We will continue to work on this issue,” Vance said, adding that the President has the authority to declare at any time that diplomatic efforts have run their course.

Vance expressed hope that such a situation would not arise, stressing that any decision to end talks would ultimately depend on the President. He declined to specify the red lines in his comments.

The remarks underline the ongoing U.S. focus on nuclear non-proliferation in the Middle East while maintaining diplomatic engagement with Iran.

Ramadan moon sighted in Pakistan

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Ramadan moon sighted

KARACHI:  The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon for Ramadan 1447 Hijri, confirming that the first fast will begin tomorrow, 19 February 2026.

The central meeting, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, was held in Peshawar. Simultaneously, zonal committee meetings were conducted in Karachi, Quetta, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and other regions. Eyewitness reports of the crescent sighting from these areas were collected and submitted to the central committee.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the chairman said that multiple verified testimonies had been received from across the country. Based on these reports, it was unanimously decided that Ramadan will commence nationwide tomorrow.

Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad formally announced the moon sighting, confirming that Ramadan 1447 Hijri had been observed throughout Pakistan.

Initially, the central committee received 21 sighting reports from Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, and Islamabad. In addition, the zonal committees submitted 6 additional testimonies, confirming the crescent’s visibility.

This announcement ensures a unified start of Ramadan across Pakistan, aligning with the tradition of moon sighting for the holy month.

KP CM announces formation of “Imran Khan Release Force” following PTI protests

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KP CM announces

PESHAWAR:  Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, stated that the responsibility for managing protests and negotiations had been assigned to Allama Nasir Abbas and Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) entrusted them with preparing a street movement, under which the “Imran Khan Release Force” is being established.

Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Afridi said the force will include members from all PTI factions, including the Insaf Students Federation (ISF) and the party’s Women Wing. The official oath-taking ceremony is planned for Peshawar after Eid, followed by an announcement of the movement’s future strategy.

Allama Raja Nasir Abbas highlighted that the PTI founder’s medical report regarding his eyes has been submitted to the Supreme Court. He described the founder’s eye condition as critical and accused jail authorities of criminal negligence, adding that legal action will be taken against those responsible.

Abbas said the Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Aeen Pakistan had decided to hold a sit-in outside Parliament to protest government negligence. He condemned the arrest of lawmakers and the filing of terrorism charges, calling it an unconstitutional and unjustified approach that suppressed peaceful protest.

He also stated that Mahmood Khan Achakzai had threatened a hunger strike in response to the PTI founder’s eye injury. While some improvement has been reported, continuous monitoring is still necessary. Abbas urged that Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Asim Yousuf be given access, and that the family and legal team be involved in ongoing care.

Abbas further noted that when lawyer Salman Safdar reported that 80% of the founder’s vision was affected, it caused widespread concern. He described delays in treatment as criminally negligent, emphasizing that while there has been some improvement, uncertainties remain.

Finally, Abbas said the PTI founder had sent a message requesting a meeting with Dr. Faisal Sultan. In light of the start of Ramadan, the sit-in has been concluded, but a detailed plan of action for the future will be finalized soon.

Italian pilot performs daring landing on moving train in Turkey

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Italian pilot performs

An Italian pilot has amazed the world by successfully landing a plane on a moving train in Turkey.

According to international news agencies, the daring stunt involved a cargo train speeding at 120 kilometers per hour.

The plane landed on one of the train’s containers, marking one of the most dangerous stunts in aviation history.

Pilot Dario Costa not only executed the landing flawlessly but also took off from the train seconds later, setting a new global record. Video footage shows Costa skillfully bringing the aircraft onto the moving train before taking off again within seconds.

Speaking about the feat, Costa described it as a “blind landing,” where even a minor mistake could have been fatal. He credited months of hard work, precision, and determination for making this seemingly impossible mission possible.

This is not Costa’s first remarkable aviation stunt. In 2023, he made headlines by landing a plane on the helipad of Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.

To achieve the historic landing on the train, the aviation team made extensive modifications to the aircraft. Costa also completed 650 practice runs to perfect the maneuver within a 27-meter landing zone.

This latest achievement has further cemented Costa’s reputation as one of the most daring stunt pilots in the world.

Sri Lanka defeat Australia by 8 wickets to seal Super Eight spot

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Sri Lanka defeat Australia

In the 30th match of the ICC T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka national cricket team defeated Australia national cricket team by eight wickets to qualify for the Super Eight stage.

The match was played in Kandy, where Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first.

Australia, batting first, posted 181 runs in their allotted 20 overs but were bowled out in the final over. Travis Head scored 56 runs, while Mitchell Marsh contributed 54.

For Sri Lanka, Dushan Hemantha claimed three wickets, and Dushmantha Chameera picked up two crucial scalps.

In response, Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the 182-run target in just 18 overs, losing only two wickets to confirm their qualification from Group B.

The highlight of the match was a magnificent unbeaten century by Pathum Nissanka, who smashed 100 runs off 52 balls, including 10 fours and five sixes. He was well supported by Kusal Mendis, who scored 52 off 38 deliveries.

With this dominant victory, Sri Lanka secured their place in the Super Eight phase of the tournament.

Actress Zhalay Sarhadi’s humorous Valentine’s Day video goes viral

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Actress Zhalay Sarhadi

Zhalay Sarhadi, a renowned actress and host from Pakistan’s entertainment industry, has gone viral on social media after sharing a humorous Valentine’s Day-themed video.

The actress posted the clip on Instagram, where she is seen lip-syncing to a witty dialogue in connection with February 14.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Zhalay Sarhadi Official (@zhalay)

In the video, she jokingly says, “My plan for February 14 is completely fixed — whenever I see a couple, I’ll shout loudly, ‘Brother, yesterday’s one was better!’”

She further adds in a playful tone, “Then it’s up to him and his girl to deal with it.”

The lighthearted video quickly gained traction online, with fans appreciating her comic timing and humorous take on Valentine’s Day.

Former all-rounder Imad Wasim announces second marriage, appeals for privacy

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Former all-rounder

Imad Wasim, former all-rounder of the Pakistan national cricket team, has announced his second marriage through a statement shared on social media.

In his message, Imad revealed that his first marriage did not succeed, describing it as one of the most difficult phases of his life. However, he emphasized that the period also brought him “the greatest blessings” in the form of his children, whom he said he loves deeply and unconditionally.

The cricketer acknowledged that he tried for a prolonged period to salvage his previous relationship, exercising patience and holding on to hope.

He admitted that certain decisions he made during that time led to unintended consequences, including criticism directed at an “innocent person” who, according to him, did not deserve it. He accepted responsibility for the situation.

Imad further shared that, with the blessings of Allah and guidance from his parents, he has now solemnized his nikah with Naila.

 He described the decision as thoughtful and intentional, aimed at building a life founded on peace, stability, and mutual respect. He said Naila has brought dignity, calm, and stability into his life.

Highlighting his commitment to fatherhood, Imad stated that being a father goes beyond financial responsibility and includes presence, love, and guidance.

He expressed regret over not being able to see his children despite his efforts, adding that his only wish is to play an active and meaningful role in their lives.

He also urged the public and media to respect the privacy and dignity of his personal life, saying not every matter requires public debate or commentary and that empathy and boundaries are sometimes the most respectful way forward.

Imad Wasim married Sania Ashfaq in 2019, and the couple has three children. In December 2025, he filed for separation, stating at the time that longstanding differences between the two could not be resolved despite considerable thought and effort.

India to purchase additional 31 Rafale fighter jets from France

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India to purchase

India is set to expand its fleet of Rafale fighter jets by acquiring 31 more carrier-based aircraft from France, according to a report by Militarni.

Under the existing MRFA program, India had already planned 114 Rafale jets.

With the new order, the total number of Rafale jets in India’s fleet will rise to 145.

Reliance Defence and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will manufacture the airframe domestically, while France will provide certain components and the production rights for advanced AASM weapons.

In 2016, India signed an intergovernmental deal with France for 36 Rafale jets worth €7.87 billion, which have already been fully delivered.

In 2025, India ordered 26 Rafale M jets specifically for the Indian Navy.

The latest expansion demonstrates India’s continued focus on modernizing its air power and strengthening its defense capabilities in the region.

Pakistan team management considers bench strength changes after loss to India

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Pakistan team management

Following a humiliating defeat to India in the T20 World Cup, the Pakistan cricket team management is reportedly disappointed with the performance of senior players and is considering changes ahead of the next mach.

Sources indicate that captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Afridi could be rested in the upcoming match to give opportunities to other players from the bench.

Possible Team Changes

For the crucial clash against Namibia on February 18, the management is evaluating two to three changes in the playing XI.

The move aims to strengthen bench depth and give lesser-used players a chance to perform on the big stage.

Match Importance

Pakistan must beat Namibia to secure a spot in the Super Eight stage of the tournament, making the match a “do-or-die” scenario. Even if the game is affected by rain, Pakistan will still advance to the Super Eights.

The management’s strategy highlights a push to balance experience with fresh talent, addressing concerns over senior players’ inconsistent performances in the tournament so far.

Earlier, in a high-stakes ICC T20 World Cup group match, India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs to secure a place in the Super Eight stage. The match was played at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and invited India to bat first. Notably, the two captains did not shake hands at the toss.

India posted 175/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Opener Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck by Salman Agha in the first over.

Eshan Kishan scored 77 off 40 balls before being bowled by Saim Ayub.

Saim Ayub also dismissed Tilak Varma (25) and Hardik Pandya (0) in the 15th over.

Indian captain Surya Kumar Yadav made 32 before being out off Usman Tariq, while other contributions included Dubey (27) and Axar Patel (0).

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub claimed three wickets, Usman Tariq took one, and both Shahin Afridi and Salman Agha picked one each. One player was run out.

Chasing 176, Pakistan was bundled out for 114 in 18 overs.

Top scorer: Usman Khan (44)

Other contributions: Shadab Khan (14), Faheem Ashraf (10)

India’s bowling highlights included Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, and Axar Patel taking two wickets each, while Tilak Varma and Kuldeep Yadav claimed one apiece.

Team Changes

Pakistan fielded the same playing XI as before: Saeem Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shahin Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq.

India made two changes, bringing in Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav into their playing XI.

The win ensures India’s progression to the Super Eight stage, leaving Pakistan’s campaign under pressure.