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From Mentor to Rival: Schwartz and Sonnenblick head to Oscars

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From Mentor to Rival

Los Angeles: Legendary composer Stephen Schwartz, known for Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin, and rising star Mark Sonnenblick, composer for K-pop hit Demon Hunters, are set to face off at the upcoming Oscars.

At the start of 2025, Schwartz and Sonnenblick shared a mentor-mentee relationship after meeting at the ASCAP Foundational Musical Theatre Workshop, where Schwartz guided Sonnenblick on his work. That bond has now evolved into a friendly rivalry as both vie for top honors.

Both composers are on the Academy Awards shortlist for Best Original Song and have also earned Golden Globe nominations, putting their tracks in direct competition.

Schwartz contributed two original songs for Wicked: “For Good”, Cynthia Erivo’s “No Place Like Home”, and Ariana Grande’s “The Girl in the Bubble”. Sonnenblick co-wrote “Golden”, the breakout hit from Demon Hunters, which has dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart for several weeks.

Reflecting on his Golden Globe nominations, Schwartz said he had forgotten about the awards until receiving a congratulatory text from director Jon M. Chu, calling it “a perfect moment.” Sonnenblick has yet to comment publicly on facing his mentor.

The Golden Globe Awards will air on January 11, 2026, while the Oscars premiere live on March 15, 2026.

Pakistani astrologer Samiah Khan makes predictions for 2026

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Pakistani astrologer

ISLAMABAD: Renowned Pakistani astrologer Samiah Khan has shared her predictions for the year 2026, expressing optimism about Pakistan’s growth and political developments.

 Samiah Khan said, “I had previously mentioned that May 15, 2025, would mark a turning point for Pakistan. The country would begin its journey towards becoming a favored partner of superpowers. This vision, which our forefathers dreamed of, started unfolding from that date—and it has.”

She added that the “new Pakistan” currently emerging will continue to progress in the coming year without any slowdown.

When asked about the future of the current government, Samiah Khan stated that a new political system may be established, with its foundations possibly laid in 2026.

On the political front, Samiah Khan identified three leaders with strong and stable political stars, including Shahbaz Sharif, noting that any changes are likely to happen through mutual understanding.

Regarding Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, she said his political grooming has been impressive but suggested he may not have a long political trajectory. However, she highlighted Aseefa Bhutto Zardari as someone who will carry forward Benazir Bhutto’s legacy.

Commenting on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Samiah Khan indicated that there may be possibilities of a deal in early January and February, but the chances diminish afterward.

Xi Jinping says no one can stop China-Taiwan reunification

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Xi Jinping

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that no one can prevent China and Taiwan from reunifying, emphasizing that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship.

In his New Year address, Xi said that reunification with Taiwan is unavoidable and cannot be stopped. His remarks came a day after the conclusion of two-day Chinese military exercises near Taiwan, which were conducted shortly after the US approved arms sales worth over $11 billion to Taiwan.

Xi stressed that the shared heritage of Chinese people across the strait makes reunification a matter of historical inevitability. “The motherland’s reunification is the call of time, and it cannot be prevented,” he said.

The Chinese president also reaffirmed China’s commitment to global peace and development, noting that China stands ready to cooperate with all countries to promote humanity’s common future.

Xi praised the decision to observe Taiwan Recovery Day on October 25, commemorating the end of Japanese occupation of Taiwan after World War II.

He further highlighted China’s achievements in artificial intelligence and the space industry, noting that the country is advancing rapidly in AI models and has made significant progress in chip research and development. Xi said these advancements position China among the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Usman Khan confident Pakistan can win T20 World Cup under Coach Mike Hesson

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Usman Khan

Dhaka: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan has expressed confidence that Pakistan has an excellent chance of winning the 2026 T20 World Cup, thanks to the thorough preparation under head coach Mike Hesson.

Speaking during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Usman said, “Our coach Mike Hesson has ensured we are well-prepared ahead of the World Cup. Next month, we will play matches against Sri Lanka and Australia to further fine-tune our skills. The team combination is strong, and we are very confident.”

Representing Dhaka Capitals in the BPL, Usman Khan will join the Pakistan squad in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on January 7 for a three-match T20 series. He emphasized that playing in Sri Lanka will give the team a good opportunity to understand the pitches ahead of the World Cup.

“I am visiting Sri Lanka for the first time. We are focusing on improving our play against fast bowlers, and our goal is to win the series there,” he added.

Usman also highlighted that playing in Bangladesh helped him adjust to different conditions. “I have also played in the UAE, but Pakistan is my priority. Pakistan is my country, and these are my people. I thank Allah for giving me the opportunity to represent Pakistan,” he said.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will begin on February 7 in India, with Pakistan playing all of its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka.

Australia unveils spin-heavy provisional squad ahead of T20 World Cup

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Australia unveils

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been named in a spin-friendly 15-man provisional Australian squad for this year’s Twenty20 World Cup, despite injuries affecting their recent Ashes campaign.

Test skipper Cummins featured in only one of the five Ashes Tests against England in Adelaide, as he continues to recover from a lower back issue, while Hazlewood missed the entire series due to an Achilles injury.

Cummins is scheduled for another back scan later this month to determine his fitness for the tournament, which begins on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. Hazlewood and big-hitter Tim David (hamstring) are also on the comeback trail but are expected to be ready.

“Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are tracking well, and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup,” said chief selector George Bailey. He added that this is a preliminary squad and changes could be made ahead of the support period.

Left-arm spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly are new additions alongside experienced tweaker Adam Zampa and part-timer Glenn Maxwell. Australia’s group-stage matches will be played in Sri Lanka, where spin-friendly pitches are expected.

In a surprise move, the selectors chose no backup wicketkeeper for Josh Inglis and no left-arm pace replacement for Mitchell Starc, who has retired from T20 internationals. The fast-bowling attack will be led by Cummins and Hazlewood, supported by Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Cameron Green, and Marcus Stoinis.

Australia will open their tournament campaign against Ireland on February 11 in Colombo. A separate squad will be named for a T20 series against Pakistan preceding the World Cup.

Provisional Squad: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

Sana Javed rings in New Year 2026 with Shoaib Malik, shares festive moments

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Sana Javed

DUBAI: Renowned Pakistani model and actor Sana Javed welcomed the New Year in Dubai alongside her husband, former cricketer Shoaib Malik, sharing memorable moments from the celebration with her fans.

Photos and videos posted by the actor quickly gained traction on social media, drawing widespread attention and engagement.

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A post shared by Sana Shoaib Malik (@sanajaved.official)

Sana Javed shared stunning images taken against the iconic backdrop of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, along with dazzling fireworks lighting up the sky.

The pictures captured the festive spirit of New Year celebrations, with Sana and Shoaib seen in a cheerful and relaxed mood.

Through multiple posts on the photo and video-sharing platform, the actor not only extended New Year wishes to her followers but also gave them a glimpse into her joyful celebrations. The vibrant visuals reflected the excitement and glamour of the occasion.

Social media users have warmly appreciated the couple’s pictures, flooding the comments section with congratulatory messages, best wishes, and enthusiastic reactions for the duo.

 Saba Qamar faces social media backlash over bold styling in new drama

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 Saba Qamar

KARACHI: Renowned and fashion-forward Pakistani actor Saba Qamar, widely admired for her powerful portrayals of complex and serious characters, has once again found herself in the spotlight — this time for her wardrobe choices.

Over the years, Saba has earned critical acclaim for her performances in hit dramas such as Pani Jaisa Pyar, Baaghi, Besharam, Cheekh, Digest Writer, Sangat, Fraud, Sar-e-Raah and Tumhare Husn Ke Naam. Currently, she is receiving praise for her strong performances in Case No. 9 and Pamaal, while her role in the newly aired drama Muamma has also attracted significant attention.

However, Saba’s appearance in Muamma has sparked controversy on social media, with viewers reacting strongly to what many described as an unusually bold outfit worn by the actor in the show.

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A post shared by MHF Magazine (@mhf.magazine)

Adding to the debate, images from her recent photoshoot — featuring Saba in a modern, form-fitting gown — have gone viral across digital platforms.

Social media users have shared mixed opinions, with some criticizing the styling as inconsistent with the family-oriented nature of Pakistani television, while others questioned the role of broadcasters and regulatory authorities.

Several commentators stressed that actors should maintain grace and defined boundaries in their on-screen attire, whereas others emphasized the distinction between personal fashion choices and professional screen appearances.

40 killed in explosion at luxury ski resort bar in Switzerland

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40 killed

At least 40 people have been killed after a powerful explosion ripped through a bar at a luxury ski resort in Switzerland, foreign media reported.

According to Swiss police, the blast occurred at a bar in the upscale Crans-Montana ski resort, triggering a massive fire inside the premises.

Police officials told an international news agency that several people were killed and injured in the incident, though they initially refrained from confirming exact casualty figures or the cause of the explosion.

Later, Italy’s foreign ministry, citing Swiss police, said that around 40 people were killed in the blast. The Swiss police commissioner also confirmed that nearly 100 people were injured in the ensuing fire, with many reported to be in critical condition.

Swiss authorities said some of the victims were foreign nationals, adding that the incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack.

Police said the explosion occurred at around 1:30 am between Wednesday and Thursday night, at a time when a large number of people were gathered at the bar to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the popular ski resort.

BYD sets new global EV sales record in 2025, overtakes Tesla

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BYD sets

Chinese automaker BYD has set a new global record for electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2025, selling a total of 2.26 million units worldwide, the company said in a statement.

The milestone marks the highest annual EV sales ever achieved by a single manufacturer and places BYD ahead of US rival Tesla for the first time on a yearly basis.

Tesla had reported sales of 1.22 million electric vehicles by the end of September 2025, with its full-year results expected to be released on Friday.

According to a foreign news agency, BYD disclosed the sales figures in a statement submitted to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

The report noted that while BYD and other Chinese automakers face steep tariffs in the United States, the company’s sales continue to grow strongly across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

It is worth noting that in 2024, Tesla narrowly outperformed BYD, selling 1.79 million electric vehicles during the year, compared to BYD’s 1.76 million units.

Bloomberg confirms sharp decline in inflation, policy stability in Pakistan

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Bloomberg confirms

A leading US publication Bloomberg has confirmed a significant improvement in inflation and greater policy stability in Pakistan, citing recent economic data and policy measures.

In its latest review on Pakistan, Bloomberg reported that price stability and economic management are improving, with inflation easing to 5.6 percent in December, lower than market expectations and down from 6.1 percent in November.

The report noted that pressure on food prices has declined, with food inflation limited to 3.24 percent.

According to Bloomberg, better food availability has helped stabilize markets and provided visible relief to the public. Inflation coming in below market estimates has boosted confidence and reinforced the credibility of the government’s policy direction.

The report highlighted that the State Bank of Pakistan, taking account of improving stability, has reduced the policy rate to its lowest level in nearly three years. A 50 basis points cut in interest rates was seen as a clear signal that inflationary pressures are now manageable.

Bloomberg said lower interest rates are expected to make financing more favorable for businesses and investors, supporting economic activity.

The easing of inflation has sent a positive signal for the investment climate, reducing uncertainty in the economy.

The publication further noted that lower inflation is improving purchasing power and increasing the likelihood of relief for consumers.

December’s figures indicate that the impact of policy measures is beginning to materialize, while the continued downward trend in inflation points toward medium-term economic stability and stronger governance.