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Newsdesk

Sydney Bondi Beach shooter faces 50 charges including terrorism

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Sydney Bondi Beach

SYDNEY: The suspected gunman involved in the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, Australia, has been formally charged, according to international news agencies.

Australian police confirmed that the injured attacker has been indicted on 50 charges, including terrorism-related offenses.

Meanwhile, Philippine presidential spokesperson Clarie Castro stated that there is no evidence of terrorist training during the attackers’ visit to the Philippines. She rejected reports suggesting that the country was used as a training hub by ISIS, saying no proof has been presented to support such claims.

Philippine military spokesperson Colonel Fransel Padilla added that no major counter-terrorism operations have taken place since the start of 2024, and insurgent groups in the country remain scattered and without leadership.

The Bondi Beach attack, which occurred three days ago, involved two armed assailants who killed 16 people and injured 40 others. One attacker was arrested on the scene, while the other was later taken into custody.

The deceased attacker has been identified as Sajid Akram, a resident of Hyderabad in India’s Telangana state. His son, Naveed Akram, who holds Australian citizenship, was also involved. Sajid Akram had arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998, while his son was born in Australia.

The incident has sparked international attention and raised concerns over security measures at public spaces in Australia.

Case filed against Bihar CM for pulling Muslim woman doctor’s veil

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Bihar CM

Patna, Bihar: a case has been filed against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for forcibly pulling the veil (niqab) of a Muslim woman doctor during a public event, according to Indian media reports.

The complaint was lodged in Lucknow by Samajwadi Party leader Samia Rana, citing the incident as a violation of the woman’s rights and dignity.

Amnesty International India condemned the act, stating that forcibly removing a woman’s hijab or niqab by any public official constitutes a serious attack on her honor, identity, and personal freedom.

The organization added that such actions not only infringe upon women’s fundamental rights but also create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in society.

The incident, which occurred two days ago, has drawn widespread criticism from political leaders, journalists, and human rights groups in India. Human rights activist Deepika Pushkar Nath described the act as a severe case of sexual harassment, while former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti strongly condemned it, calling it an insult to women.

Several voices, including Azharuddin, have demanded strict action against Nitish Kumar for this controversial act. The case highlights ongoing concerns over women’s rights and public accountability in India.

Cricketing icon Javed Miandad hospitalised for heart issues

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Cricketing icon

KARACHI: Pakistan’s cricketing icon Javed Miandad was admitted to a hospital due to heart-related discomfort, according to private media reports.

Following a thorough examination, doctors cleared him to return home.

The former Test captain visited the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Karachi, where doctors conducted necessary tests, including an angiography. After reviewing the results, they confirmed that Miandad was in stable condition.

Miandad expressed satisfaction with the facilities and treatment provided at NICVD.

Before leaving the hospital, he said, “I am feeling much better. By the grace of Allah and with the prayers of the nation, my health will continue to improve.”

Hina Niazi’s viral reception video sparks social media backlash

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Hina Niazi

Pakistani anchor and infotainment show host Hina Niazi, famous for her show Suno To Sahi, is making headlines once again—but this time for her personal life rather than her show.

Recently, Hina Niazi tied the knot with her chosen partner, and her elegant presence during the wedding festivities won the hearts of many fans.

A few days ago, her wedding reception was held, and a video from her official photoshoot has been rapidly circulating on social media.

In the clip, Hina Niazi can be seen wearing a stunning silver-colored outfit, posing gracefully with her husband. At one particular moment, she holds a bouquet of flowers in front of her face while posing in a way that appears as if she is kissing her husband.

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A post shared by Mujeeb Chattah (@theshadiscene)

As always, social media users were divided in their reactions.

The younger audience largely supported Hina, saying that there is nothing wrong with showing affection toward one’s spouse. One user commented, “It’s her personal life, and she is married.”

On the other hand, some viewers criticized the display, claiming it goes against cultural norms and traditions. Others suggested that Hina Niazi is being influenced by Western culture.

The video has sparked a fresh debate on social media, with opinions sharply divided over the balance between personal freedom and cultural values.

Netflix gains edge as Warner Bros likely to reject Paramount takeover bid

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Warner Bros

(Reuters) – Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O) could announce as early as Wednesday that it will recommend shareholders vote against Paramount Skydance’s (PSKY.O) $108.4 billion takeover offer, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Such a decision would represent the latest development in the high-stakes battle for Warner Bros’ assets, which include its iconic film and TV studio, a vast content library spanning classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern hits such as Harry Potter, Friends, HBO, and the HBO Max streaming service.

A Warner Bros Discovery spokesperson declined to comment on the potential board decision.

The winner of the contest would gain a significant edge in the streaming wars by securing access to one of Hollywood’s most valuable content libraries.

Earlier this month, Netflix (NFLX.O) won approval with a $27 per share cash-and-stock bid for Warner Bros’ non-cable assets. Paramount CEO David Ellison then directly approached Warner Bros’ shareholders with a $30 per share all-cash bid for the entire company.

Paramount has argued in regulatory filings that its bid is superior to Netflix’s and offers a clearer path to regulatory approval.

The offer is backed by $41 billion in new equity from the Ellison family and RedBird Capital, and $54 billion in debt commitments from Bank of America, Citi, and Apollo.

Bloomberg reported that Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, one of Paramount’s financing partners, is exiting the deal.

Paramount and Affinity Partners did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Kashmir was never and will never be India’s, Pakistan tells UN

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Pakistan tells UN

Pakistan’s Consul General Gul Qaiser Sarwani has told the United Nations in unequivocal terms that Kashmir has never been, and will never be, part of India.

Speaking at the UN Security Council in response to remarks by the Indian representative, Sarwani said that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory, whose final status must be determined in accordance with UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

He accused India of repeatedly committing acts of aggression against Pakistan, stating that New Delhi’s conduct reflects the mindset of a “rogue actor.” Sarwani said India has not only engaged in open hostility but has also been involved in the sponsorship of terrorism.

The Pakistani diplomat said there is evidence that terrorist groups operating under Indian patronage, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have carried out multiple attacks inside Pakistan.

He further stated that India’s repeated acts of aggression against Pakistan constitute clear violations of international law and the UN Charter, and reiterated Pakistan’s demand that India immediately cease state-sponsored terrorism.

Addressing India’s remarks on the Indus Waters Treaty, Sarwani said New Delhi was deliberately distorting facts and misinterpreting an international agreement. He stressed that no provision of the Indus Waters Treaty allows for its unilateral suspension or amendment.

Pakistan, he added, remains committed to the treaty and to the peaceful resolution of all disputes in accordance with international law and UN principles.

FIFA introduces $60 supporter tickets after fan backlash over prices

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FIFA introduces $

PARIS: World Cup organisers unveiled a new lower-priced ticket category for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following widespread criticism from fans over soaring ticket prices for the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In a statement, football’s global governing body FIFA announced the introduction of a limited “Supporter Entry Tier,” priced at a fixed $60 for all 104 matches, including the final. FIFA said the initiative is aimed at supporting travelling fans who wish to follow their national teams throughout the competition.

According to FIFA, the $60 (€51) tickets will be reserved exclusively for supporters of teams that have qualified for the tournament and will account for 10 per cent of each national federation’s ticket allocation.

However, fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which last week described ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup as “extortionate” and “astronomical,” said the move falls short of addressing the wider issue of affordability.

“While we welcome FIFA’s apparent recognition of the damage its original plans were likely to cause, the revisions do not go far enough,” FSE said in a statement.

FSE had earlier noted that ticket prices for 2026 are nearly five times higher than those at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, calling FIFA’s pricing strategy a “monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup.” The group estimated that a fan following their team from the opening match to the final would need to spend at least $6,900, despite a 2018 bid document promising ticket prices starting from $21.

Reacting to Tuesday’s announcement, FSE described FIFA’s decision as an appeasement measure in response to global backlash, arguing that ticket pricing had been set hastily and without proper consultation.

 The group also warned that only a few hundred fans per match and team would realistically benefit from the $60 tickets, while most supporters would still face record-high prices. FSE further criticised the lack of provisions for supporters with disabilities and their companions.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed those concerns, saying FIFA should do more to ensure affordability. “I welcome FIFA’s announcement of some lower priced supporters tickets,” Starmer wrote on X, “but I encourage FIFA to go further so that the World Cup does not lose touch with the genuine supporters who make the game so special.”

FIFA said national federations have been asked to ensure the discounted tickets are allocated to loyal supporters closely connected to their national teams. It also announced that fans who purchase knockout-stage tickets but see their team eliminated earlier will have administrative fees waived when refunds are processed.

The governing body added that the announcement comes amid unprecedented global demand, with around 20 million ticket requests already submitted. The first-round draw for tickets across all price categories is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 13.

Trump administration expands travel ban to 20 more countries

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Trump administration

US President Donald Trump has announced new travel restrictions on citizens of 20 additional countries, with the policy set to take effect from January 1.

Under the expanded measures, students, family members of US citizens, and holders of Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) from the affected countries will also fall under the scope of the restrictions.

According to US media reports, the new ban includes travelers from Syria, South Sudan, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, as well as individuals whose travel documents are issued by the Palestinian Authority.

Several countries will face partial travel restrictions, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Earlier,  President Trump had already imposed travel bans on citizens of 12 countries, including Afghanistan. Following a shooting incident involving an Afghan national and the National Guard outside the White House, Trump had also signaled a broader move to halt migration from what he described as “third-world countries.”

With the latest announcement, the total number of countries affected by US travel restrictions has risen to 35. The Trump administration is also reportedly considering imposing similar bans on citizens of 15 more countries, most of them in Africa.

A White House spokesperson said the measures are aimed at preventing the entry of foreign nationals deemed to pose security or stability risks to the United States.

Drama in Ashes: Steve Smith pulled out 20 minutes before toss

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Drama in Ashes

SYDNEY: Australia suffered a major blow ahead of the third Ashes Test after star batter Steve Smith was ruled out due to an ear-related issue.

Cricket Australia confirmed that Smith failed a fitness test after experiencing discomfort in his inner ear and was forced to withdraw just 20 minutes before the toss.

Following the late development, Usman Khawaja was recalled to the squad at the eleventh hour. Khawaja replaced Smith in the playing XI and batted at number four.

Speaking at the toss, Australian captain Pat Cummins said Smith had made an effort to play on the morning of the match but did not feel fit enough to take the field. Cummins added that the team was fortunate to have an experienced player like Khawaja available to step in at short notice.

Australia went on to announce their playing XI for the third Test of the Ashes series. At the Adelaide Test, the hosts won the toss and elected to bat first.

Usman Khawaja played a crucial innings, scoring 82 runs off 126 deliveries, including 10 boundaries. Australia were struggling at 94 for four when Khawaja stitched together a vital 91-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Alex Carey.

It is worth noting that Khawaja had suffered a back injury during the first Test and was not considered for selection in the second and third Tests initially.

Australia currently lead the five-match Ashes series 2-0.

Samina Baig achieves another historic milestone for Pakistan

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Samina Baig

KARACHI. Pakistan’s renowned female mountaineer Samina Baig has taken another major step toward completing the prestigious Explorer Grand Slam after successfully reaching the South Pole.

Hailing from Gilgit, Samina Baig traveled to the South Pole via the Union Glacier, undertaking the journey using a challenging skiing route. Her brother and fellow mountaineer, Mirza Ali, confirmed that the expedition involved demanding conditions, making the achievement even more significant.

Upon reaching the South Pole, Samina Baig proudly hoisted the Pakistani flag along with a community flag, marking the milestone with a powerful symbol of national pride.

Samina Baig is now just one step away from completing the Explorer Grand Slam, a rare achievement that requires climbers to scale the highest peaks of all seven continents—known as the Seven Summits—and reach both the South and North Poles. To complete the challenge, she now needs to successfully reach the North Pole.

It is worth noting that Samina Baig has already made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to complete the Seven Summits, having conquered the highest peaks across all seven continents.