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Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael’ trailer sparks buzz ahead of release

Michael Jackson

The first trailer of Michael, the highly anticipated biopic based on the life of American music legend Michael Jackson, has been released, quickly becoming a major topic of discussion across social media and film circles.

Following the trailer’s release, fans have reacted enthusiastically, expressing confidence that the biopic will portray the Pop King’s career in a powerful and compelling manner. The film is scheduled to hit cinemas on April 14.

According to the filmmakers, the project brings together different phases of Michael Jackson’s life, highlighting his musical journey, rise to global fame, and the professional challenges he faced along the way.

The biopic deliberately avoids making long-standing controversies and allegations the central focus, instead emphasizing his artistic struggle, achievements, and the highs and lows of his career.

Michael Jackson is portrayed by his real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson, marking his debut in a major feature film.

 In the trailer, Jaafar is seen capturing Jackson’s iconic walk, speech, singing style, and the legendary moonwalk. His vocal tone and precise dance moves have impressed many viewers, though some fans feel makeup and visual styling could have been enhanced to achieve an even closer resemblance.

Several scenes show a young Michael Jackson singing under a producer’s guidance, while brief yet striking moments highlight his signature dance moves and electrifying stage presence.

Despite its short duration, the trailer has successfully heightened anticipation, with fans now eagerly awaiting the film’s release in April.

PSL sets new record with 149% surge in international media rights value

PSL sets new record

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has created fresh history after witnessing a landmark surge in the value of its international media rights, recording a massive 149 percent increase compared to last year.

A Pakistani company has acquired the international media rights for the HBL Pakistan Super League at a record-breaking price, setting a new benchmark for the league’s commercial growth.

The winning bid surpassed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) reserve price, underlining the tournament’s rising global appeal.

The sharp increase in valuation highlights the PSL’s expanding popularity and strengthening brand value on the international stage.

PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said the league is steadily cementing its position among the world’s leading T20 competitions.

He added that the significant jump in international media rights reflects strong global confidence in the HBL PSL, driven by competitive, high-quality cricket that continues to attract fans worldwide.

Salman Naseer further noted that the new agreement boosts confidence in the league’s long-term business growth and positions the PSL for even greater international recognition in the years ahead.

Spain to ban social media use for children under 16

Spain to ban

Madrid: Spain has decided to impose a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of stricter measures to protect minors online.

According to international media reports, the Spanish government is introducing tough new regulations that will require social media platforms to implement mandatory age-verification systems.

The Spanish Prime Minister said the new measures aim to safeguard children from the risks associated with social media, including harmful content and negative impacts on mental health.

He also urged other European countries to adopt similar policies to ensure the protection of minors across the region.

The Prime Minister revealed that Spain has joined the “Coalition for Digital Wellbeing” alongside five other countries to better coordinate cross-border digital regulations.

Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16 in December.

Following this move, several other countries have begun taking steps to introduce age-based restrictions on social media platforms.

Spain is also preparing to table a bill that will hold social media executives accountable for illegal content, criminalize algorithmic manipulation, and mandate robust age-verification mechanisms across digital platforms.

Meanwhile, Greece is expected to announce a ban on social media use for children under 15 in the near future. Senior government sources told Reuters on Tuesday that Greece is “very close” to making the announcement.

Globally, growing concerns over children’s mental health and rising negative online trends have prompted governments to introduce restrictions, reforms, and stricter legal frameworks for social media regulation.

France

In France, the lower house of parliament has overwhelmingly approved a bill banning social media use for children under 15. However, the legislation still requires approval from the Senate before it can be enforced.

According to Reuters, the move is aimed at protecting children from online harassment, psychological stress, and increasing mental health risks. The bill was passed with 116 votes in favor and 23 against. It will now be debated in the Senate before returning to the lower house for final approval.

The bill states that excessive social media use among minors has led to an alarming rise in mental health issues, making regulatory intervention unavoidable. It also proposes extending the existing ban on smartphone use in middle schools to high schools.

United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates, a new Child Digital Safety Law has been implemented to ensure safer online environments for children.

According to Gulf News, the law prohibits the use of personal data of children under 13 without explicit, written, and verifiable parental consent.

The legislation also requires social media platforms to provide parents with an easy and immediate option to withdraw consent at any time, without the need to provide justification.

Nipah-like virus detected, experts warn of silent human transmission

Nipah-like virus

Islamabad: Scientists have identified a new bat-borne virus resembling the deadly Nipah virus, raising concerns that it may already be spreading silently among humans without being detected.

According to details, the virus was discovered in patients who initially showed symptoms similar to Nipah virus infection but later tested negative for Nipah. Researchers fear that the newly identified virus may have been circulating undiagnosed in humans.

Nipah virus is considered one of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases, known to cause severe brain inflammation, with a fatality rate of up to 75 percent.

Experts from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health have named the newly discovered pathogen Pteropine Orthoreovirus (PRV). Clinically, its symptoms closely resemble those of Nipah virus, including severe respiratory and neurological complications.

Researchers believe the virus may have gone undetected for a long time due to similarities with Nipah virus symptoms and limited diagnostic surveillance.

The virus was identified in five patients in Bangladesh whose throat swab samples tested negative for Nipah virus. All patients had recently consumed raw date palm sap, which is widely known as a transmission source for bat-borne viruses such as Nipah, rabies, and Marburg.

Patients developed severe respiratory and neurological symptoms. In some cases, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and problems with mobility persisted for months after the initial illness. One patient later died, although it could not be conclusively determined whether PRV was the direct cause of death.

In a study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, researchers advised healthcare professionals to consider PRV infection in patients presenting with Nipah-like symptoms.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Nishesh Mishra, said the discovery highlights that consumption of raw date palm sap can facilitate the spread of dangerous viruses beyond Nipah, underscoring the urgent need for expanded surveillance systems.

Meanwhile, UK health authorities have confirmed that they are closely monitoring the recent Nipah virus outbreak in India’s West Bengal state, where testing of nearly 200 individuals is currently underway.

US shoots down Iranian drone near aircraft carrier in Arabian Sea

US shoots down

Washington: The United States military has shot down an Iranian drone that was approaching a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, according to foreign news agencies.

Reports said a US F-35 fighter jet intercepted and destroyed the drone as it moved toward the aircraft carrier. A US official, quoted by the news agency, confirmed that the Iranian drone was heading in the direction of the USS Abraham Lincoln when it was neutralized.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) also confirmed the incident, stating that a US F-35C fighter aircraft carried out a defensive action and shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone.

CENTCOM said the drone was downed to ensure the safety and security of the aircraft carrier and its onboard crew. No US personnel or military equipment were harmed during the incident.

The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region, where US naval forces remain on high alert to counter potential threats in international waters.

Trump administration sued over visa freeze on immigrants from 75 countries

Trump administration

A group of civil rights organizations has filed a lawsuit in a New York court challenging the Trump administration’s decision to suspend immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Pakistan.

The lawsuit argues that the policy undermines decades of established immigration law and requests the court to issue an order halting the administration’s visa suspension.

The Trump administration’s order, which came into effect on January 21, affects immigrant visas for countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Bosnia, and several others.

The legal challenge marks the first major judicial pushback against the policy, which has sparked concerns among immigration advocates and affected communities worldwide.

Shab-e-Barat observed tonight across Pakistan

Shab-e-Barat

Muslims across Pakistan are observing Shab-e-Barat tonight, commencing after Maghrib prayers, marking one of the most spiritually significant nights in the Islamic calendar.

Falling on the 15th of Sha’ban, the night is dedicated to prayers, reflection, and seeking divine forgiveness.

Worshippers are engaging in Quran recitations, voluntary (Nafl) prayers, and heartfelt supplications, asking for mercy and blessings for themselves and their families.

Many believers are also visiting graveyards to remember departed loved ones, continuing a longstanding tradition of reverence.

Known as the Night of Forgiveness, Shab-e-Barat emphasizes introspection, repentance, and spiritual renewal in preparation for Ramadan. Religious scholars highlight its profound significance, encouraging devotees to practice compassion, humility, and piety.

Communities across the country are also participating in charitable acts, distributing food, and supporting the less fortunate, reflecting the night’s spirit of generosity and benevolence. Mosques nationwide have arranged extended night prayers, allowing devotees to engage in sustained worship.

Shab-e-Barat continues to unite Muslims across South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, offering a moment for collective devotion and spiritual fortification.

Peshawar Zalmi to retain Babar Azam, Saim Ayub released

Peshawar Zalmi

KARACHI: In the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Peshawar Zalmi has decided to retain captain Babar Azam for the upcoming season, sources confirmed.

According to insiders, the franchise has chosen to release Saim Ayub, who, along with Babar Azam, was listed in Peshawar Zalmi’s Platinum category. PSL rules allow franchises to retain only one player per category, making this a strategic decision.

Sources added that Saim Ayub will now be available for selection by other franchises in the PSL players’ draft.

Franchises are expected to finalize their retention decisions today, determining which players will remain with their teams for PSL 11.

Ahead of the 11th season of the PSL 11, franchises have announced their player retentions as the league introduces a major change in the player selection process.

For the first time in PSL history, the traditional draft system has been replaced with an auction-based model. Under this system, franchises can now retain only one player per category instead of eight, while remaining players will be added to their squads through the auction.

Retentions by Franchises:

Lahore Qalandars – The defending champions have retained captain Shaheen Afridi in the Platinum category. They released Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman from Platinum. In other categories, Abdullah Shafiq (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), and Mohammad Naeem (Silver) were retained, while several players including Salman Mirza, Zaman Khan, Jahandad Khan, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Mohammad Ikhlaq, and Mohammad Azab were released.

Karachi Kings – The franchise retained fast bowler Hasan Ali in Platinum, Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), and Saad Baig (Emerging).

Islamabad United – Shadab Khan remains in Platinum, Salman Irshad in Gold, and Andres Goos in Silver. The team released players including Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan, Haider Ali, Roman Rais, Mohammad Faiq, and Haneen Shah across various categories.

Quetta Gladiators – The franchise retained Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hassan Nawaz (Gold), and Hussain (Emerging). Players released include Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Khurram Shehzad, Hasibullah Khan, Khawaja Nafees, Danish Aziz, and Mohammad Zeeshan.

The retentions mark the first step in the PSL 11 preparations, with the new auction-based player draft set to determine final team squads for the season.

After falling trend, Gold rates shoot up across Pakistan

After falling trend

KARACHI: After a period of continuous decline, gold prices have surged sharply across Pakistan, rising by tens of thousands of rupees in a single day.

According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Association (APGJA), the price of gold increased by Rs24,000 per tola, taking the new rate to Rs514,362 per tola nationwide.

Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold rose by Rs20,576, reaching Rs440,982.

Meanwhile, in the international market, gold prices also recorded a significant jump, increasing by $240 to $4,916 per ounce.

Market analysts attribute the sharp rise to global economic uncertainties and fluctuations in international bullion markets, which continue to influence local gold prices.

Silver prices witnessed a notable increase in the local market on Monday, following the upward trend in precious metals.

According to market sources, the price of one tola silver rose by Rs741, reaching Rs9,146. Meanwhile, the price of 10 grams of silver increased by Rs636 to settle at Rs7,841.

Pakistan invited to participate in US–Iran talks: Foreign Office confirms

Pakistan invited

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has confirmed that Islamabad has been invited to participate in talks between the United States and Iran.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said that Pakistan has received a formal invitation to attend the US–Iran negotiations.

According to diplomatic sources, the talks are scheduled to take place this week in Istanbul. The sources revealed that the negotiations were made possible through back-channel diplomatic efforts, with Pakistan and Türkiye playing a key role in facilitating the process.

Meanwhile, a foreign news agency quoted Iranian officials as saying that US–Iran nuclear talks will resume on Friday in Türkiye. The negotiations had remained stalled since May 2023, following five previous rounds.

A regional official stated that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Pakistan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates have also been invited to Istanbul to attend the talks.

Iranian diplomatic sources said Tehran is neither optimistic nor pessimistic about the Istanbul negotiations, adding that the talks will determine whether the United States is serious about pursuing meaningful and result-oriented dialogue.

The Iranian sources further emphasized that Iran’s defensive preparedness remains at its highest level, stressing that the country is ready for any situation and that Iran’s defense capabilities are non-negotiable.