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BTS’ Toronto return sparks excitement among fans • Google brings Gemini AI features to Chrome on Android devices • Football great Roberto Carlos reportedly enters Islam • Misbah Arshad crowned Miss Universe Pakistan 2026 • Pakistan considers income tax on farmers to meet IMF targets • US military quietly establishes shipping corridor through Strait of Hormuz • Imran Khan likely to be taken to Shifa Hospital shortly   • Imran Khan not negotiating any deal, says Barrister Gohar • China unveils humanoid robot that can run faster than Usain Bolt • Sindh declares 6,220 school buildings unsafe, orders suspension of classes • Saba Qamar, Yasir Hussain’s dance at qawwali night goes viral • Iranian Army Chief warns countries hosting US attacks • First Test: Pakistan collapse to 171 against England • Pakistan govt decides to cut diesel price by up to Rs. 32 per liter • Oil prices hit three-week high for fourth straight day
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World Desk

Future Soch World Desk covers international politics, conflicts, markets, diplomacy and global developments with context for Pakistani readers.

FIFA World Cup 2026 to be biggest ever with record prize money

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FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to become the largest sporting event in history, with 48 teams competing across the United States, Mexico, and Canada starting June 11, 2026.

For the first time, 48 nations will participate up from 32 in the 2022 edition making it the most expansive World Cup ever.

Defending champions Argentina will look to retain their title, while teams like Jordan, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao are set to make their historic debut appearances.

Beyond the expanded lineup, the tournament will also feature record-breaking prize money. FIFA has allocated a total prize pool of $871 million nearly double that of the 2022 World Cup.

Each team will receive $2.5 million for preparation and $10 million upon qualification, guaranteeing at least $12.5 million per team. Additional earnings will depend on performance throughout the tournament.

The winning team will take home $53.5 million, significantly higher than the $42 million awarded in 2022. The runner-up will receive $36.5 million, while third and fourth place teams will earn $32.5 million and $30.5 million respectively.

Teams finishing between fifth and eighth place will each receive $22.5 million, while those ranked ninth to sixteenth will get $18.5 million. Teams placed seventeenth to thirty-second will earn $14.5 million, and those finishing thirty-third to forty-eighth will receive $12.5 million.

The tournament will also feature 104 matches up from 64 in 2022 further highlighting the масштаб and global reach of the event.

UAE air defenses intercept suspected Iranian missile threat

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UAE air defenses

The Ministry of Defence (United Arab Emirates) has said its air defense systems intercepted a suspected missile attack launched from Iran, preventing potential damage.

According to officials, four missiles were detected, three of which were successfully destroyed mid-air, while one fell into the sea without causing harm.

Meanwhile, media reports indicated that a fire broke out at a petroleum industrial facility in Fujairah following a suspected drone strike.

Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the site, and efforts to control the blaze are ongoing.

Authorities stated that the UAE’s air defense system remains on high alert and is fully prepared to respond to any further threats. Citizens have been reassured that security agencies are closely monitoring the situation.

The developments come amid rising regional tensions, prompting heightened security measures across the country.

PSL 11 team of tournament announced, Babar named captain

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PSL 11 team

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named the Team of the Tournament for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League 11, featuring several top-performing local and international stars.

According to the announcement, Babar Azam has been rewarded with the captaincy for his outstanding batting performances and leadership throughout the season.

The squad features strong representation from the champions Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen, with three players each included in the lineup.

Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United have contributed two players each, while Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators have one player each in the selected XI.

Notably, no player from the Rawalpindi team managed to secure a place in the final twelve-member squad.

The selection highlights consistent individual performances and standout contributions across the tournament, with the PCB recognizing top performers from multiple franchises.

The selected squad includes prominent players such as Fakhar Zaman, Shan Masood, and Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis.

Other inclusions are Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, and Hassan Khan, alongside pace spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hunain Shah, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

England’s Richard Gleeson has also been named in the side, reflecting strong overseas representation in the lineup.

Meanwhile, Hassan Nawaz has been selected as the 12th player in the squad.

The selection highlights standout performances across franchises, recognizing both batting firepower and bowling excellence throughout the tournament.

President Trump says US will not rush exit from Iran conflict

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President Trump

FLORIDA: US President Donald Trump has stated that the United States will not prematurely withdraw from the ongoing conflict involving Iran, warning that a hasty exit could lead to the issue resurfacing in the future.

According to reports by Reuters, Trump made the remarks while speaking in Florida, saying the US would not leave “without finishing the job” in Iran to avoid facing a similar crisis again in a few years.

He added that if the United States withdrew too quickly, the same problem could re-emerge within three years, stressing the need for what he described as a complete and long-term resolution.

Trump further stated that Washington seeks a proper solution to the Iran conflict and would not accept temporary arrangements or short-term strategies.

Although he did not specify what “finishing the job” entails, he has previously hinted at broader strategic changes, including leadership transitions in Iran.

The former president has also repeatedly described Iran’s current leadership under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as a threat, while earlier signaling support for regime change in Tehran.

The remarks come amid ongoing regional tensions and continued debate over the future direction of US policy toward Iran.

YouTube partners with FIFA as preferred platform for World Cup 2026

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YouTube partners

YouTube has officially entered into a strategic partnership with the FIFA to become a Preferred Platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026, aiming to transform how fans around the world engage with the tournament through digital-first content and creator-driven integration.

For the first time, media partners will have the option to livestream the opening 10 minutes of every match on their official YouTube channels, marking a significant shift in sports broadcasting access. Select matches will also be available for full live streaming via designated media partners.

As part of the collaboration, FIFA will launch its Digital Archive on its official YouTube channel, offering fans access to full-length classic matches and iconic historical moments from past tournaments.

The partnership also enables broadcasters and media partners to distribute extended highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, and video-on-demand content. In addition, YouTube’s short-form vertical video format will be used to reach younger and mobile-first audiences more effectively.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström welcomed the development, saying the agreement will help unlock new opportunities for media partners and creators while engaging global fans in innovative ways.

The initiative is designed to align the World Cup experience with evolving media consumption trends, combining official match coverage with creator-led content to connect with the next generation of sports audiences.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Google is also exploring further sports collaborations, including partnerships with national teams such as Argentina and France, with additional announcements expected in the coming weeks.

Babar Azam eyes first PSL title as captain with Peshawar Zalmi

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Babar Azam

Pakistan former Test captain Babar Azam is set for a golden opportunity to win his maiden Pakistan Super League title as a captain, with Peshawar Zalmi reaching the final for the first time under his leadership.

Babar, who joined Zalmi in 2022 after leaving Karachi Kings, previously featured in the inaugural PSL season in 2016 with Islamabad United under captain Misbah-ul-Haq, where he played only two matches and was not part of the squad that lifted the title against Quetta Gladiators.

From 2017 to 2021, Babar represented Karachi Kings, who won their first PSL title in 2020 under captain Imad Wasim by defeating Lahore Qalandars at the National Stadium in Karachi.

In that championship-winning season, Babar was the standout performer, scoring 554 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 132.53.

In the current PSL season, Babar continues his strong form, amassing 588 runs in 10 matches at an impressive strike rate of 146.26, making him one of the key players heading into the final.

Iran reportedly softens stance on US talks: report

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Iran reportedly

WASHINGTON: The The Wall Street Journal has claimed that Iran has eased its conditions for potential peace negotiations with the United States, signaling a possible shift in its diplomatic approach.

According to the report, Iran is willing to drop its demand for the immediate lifting of blockades and may also agree to hold talks in Pakistan next week, subject to US approval.

The report further states that Tehran has sent a 14-point proposal to Washington through Pakistan. Under the proposed framework, Iran’s nuclear and missile programs would not be included in initial negotiations.

It adds that discussions on reopening the Strait of Hormuz would be linked to the process of lifting blockades, while talks on easing US sanctions could be addressed at a later stage.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, speaking in Florida, reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. He warned that unresolved tensions could resurface in the future if left unaddressed.

Trump also claimed that US naval forces were effectively acting in a “pirate-like” manner by intercepting Iranian vessels and oil shipments, describing the operations as economically beneficial while defending US strategic objectives in the region.

However, Iranian military officials struck a contrasting tone. Sardar Asadi, deputy inspector at the Khatam al-Anbia headquarters, said Iranian armed forces remain on full alert, warning of the possibility of renewed confrontation between Iran and the United States.

Separately, senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mohsen Rezaei stated that the United States would “learn new lessons” in the Gulf region, criticizing US military leadership as inexperienced in regional geography and complexities.

Trump announces 25% tariff on EU-imported cars and trucks

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Trump announces

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, raising the rate to 25%.

In a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the European Union was not complying with the agreed trade deal. He added that tariffs on EU vehicles would be significantly increased starting next week.

The president stated that imported cars and trucks from the EU would now face a 25% tariff, while vehicles manufactured in the United States would not be subject to any such duties.

Trump further said that if European automakers establish production facilities in the United States, they would avoid tariffs entirely.

He noted that several automobile and truck manufacturing plants are currently under construction in the country, representing more than $100 billion in investment.

He emphasized that these factories would employ American workers and would be launched soon, claiming that the current level of industrial activity in the United States is unprecedented.

Pentagon signs deals with 7 major AI firms to integrate advanced systems

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Pentagon signs

WASHINGTON: The United States Department of Defense has announced agreements with seven major artificial intelligence companies to integrate their advanced capabilities into its classified defence networks.

In a statement, the Pentagon said the objective of these partnerships is to expand the number of AI providers supporting the military and enhance technological capabilities across defence operations. However, Anthropic was notably excluded from the list amid an ongoing dispute over AI usage rules and regulations.

According to reports, the Department of Defense earlier this year classified Anthropic as a “supply chain risk” and restricted its use, barring the company’s technology from being used by Pentagon contractors.

The newly included companies are SpaceX, OpenAI, Google, Nvidia, Reflection AI, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services. These firms will be integrated into the Pentagon’s IL6 and IL7 secure networks, providing broader access to AI tools for military personnel.

Officials said AI is increasingly being used in military planning, logistics, targeting, and other operational functions, helping improve the speed and efficiency of large-scale operations.

The Pentagon also noted that its central AI platform, GenAI.mil, has already been used by more than 1.3 million defence personnel over the past five months, highlighting the rapid expansion of AI adoption within the US military.

Iran sends negotiation proposal to US via Pakistan amid ongoing diplomatic efforts

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Iran sends

TEHRAN: Iran has reportedly sent a new proposal for negotiations to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries, according to Iranian state media outlet IRNA.

The report stated that the proposal was delivered on Thursday. Earlier Iranian proposals had demanded an end to hostilities, guarantees against future attacks, and included readiness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if maritime blockades were lifted, followed by discussions on the nuclear issue. However, those earlier proposals were rejected by the US President at the time.

News agencies reported that when asked about Iran’s use of Pakistan as a channel, the White House said it does not comment on private diplomatic communications, adding that discussions are ongoing.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that Pakistan is acting as the formal mediator in talks between Tehran and Washington. He said several countries are willing to assist, but Pakistan holds the official role of mediator in the process.

Baghaei added that if a formal decision is made to hold negotiations, it will be officially announced.

He also reiterated Iran’s position regarding recent tensions, calling the US seizure of an Iranian vessel “piracy at sea” and saying the matter is being raised through Pakistani mediation to secure the release of detained Iranian citizens.

Separately, he rejected US claims that recent strikes were defensive in nature, stating that the actions represented “open aggression against Iran” rather than self-defense.