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FDA approves Lilly’s once-weekly insulin injection for type 2 diabetes

September 24, 2026 by World Desk

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Eli Lilly’s once-weekly basal insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes, giving patients an alternative to daily long-acting insulin injections.

Lilly said its Onswik, chemically known as insulin efsitora alfa-globe, is indicated alongside diet and exercise to help control high blood sugar.

The company said the once-weekly treatment could reduce the injection burden by more than 300 injections a year compared with once-daily basal insulin.

Onswik is expected to become available in the United States in the coming months as a prefilled KwikPen in concentrations of 500 units per milliliter and 1,000 units per milliliter.

The FDA approval was based on four clinical trials involving more than 3,400 adults with type 2 diabetes. Onswik met the primary objective in each study, producing reductions in A1C, a measure of average blood sugar levels, that were not inferior to those achieved with daily insulin glargine.

Insulin glargine is used to control blood sugar in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and is sold under brands including Sanofi’s Lantus and Lilly’s Basaglar.

Lilly said Onswik has previously received regulatory clearance in Europe, Japan and Mexico.

PM Shehbaz, Iranian president discuss bilateral ties and regional situation

September 24, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with the two leaders discussing Pakistan-Iran relations and the regional situation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi attended the meeting, along with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Before the meeting, Sharif told reporters that unexpected developments following the signing of an Islamabad memorandum of understanding had affected the peace process.

Sharif said Pakistan was playing the role of a “sincere and honest mediator” between Iran and the United States and remained focused on efforts to prevent further escalation. He said Islamabad had not lost hope of making progress toward de-escalation.

Asked about the possibility of another meeting between the U.S. and Iranian presidents, Sharif said the engagement process was continuing and that friendly countries were making efforts to promote peace in the region.

Trump, Xi seek stronger US-China cooperation in White House talks

September 24, 2026 by World Desk

WASHINGTON: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at the White House on Thursday, where U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed him for talks focused on bilateral relations, trade, security and artificial intelligence.

Trump said the United States and China had made significant progress in their relationship and were working toward a more balanced trading relationship.

Trump also highlighted his friendship with Xi, saying the relationship between the two countries was based on mutual respect and the interests of their people.

The U.S. president said the two leaders would also discuss security, technology and artificial intelligence, adding that decisions made during the meeting could have implications for peace and prosperity in the coming decades.

Trump said it was an honor for the United States to host Xi and his delegation and that Washington would continue working with Beijing toward a better future.

Xi said China was willing to work with the United States and expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation.

The Chinese president said the interests of the world’s two largest economies were closely intertwined and called for greater cooperation and communication between Washington and Beijing. Recent reporting also identified trade, AI safeguards and broader geopolitical issues as key subjects of the summit.

Ashley Noffke decides to step down as Pakistan bowling coach

September 23, 2026 by Sports Desk

LAHORE: Pakistan national cricket team bowling coach Ashley Noffke has decided to leave the Pakistan Cricket Board, according to sources cited by local media.

Noffke has informed the PCB that he does not wish to continue in the role, the sources said. He will remain with the national team until the Asian Games.

Noffke was previously given responsibility for red-ball coaching after former bowling coach Umar Gul was removed from the position.

Meanwhile, the PCB has begun the process of appointing a new bowling coach for the national team and has advertised the position.

According to the board, candidates must hold a Level 3 coaching qualification to apply. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 8.

iPhone 20 Pro leaks emerge a year before expected launch

September 23, 2026 by Technology Desk

SAN FRANCISCO: Leaks about Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup have begun circulating, even though the iPhone 18 Pro series was introduced only recently.

Apple is expected to mark the iPhone’s 20th anniversary next year, with reports suggesting the company could skip the iPhone 19 name and launch an iPhone 20 series instead.

A new report has offered details about the possible design and display sizes of the iPhone 20 Pro and iPhone 20 Pro Max.

According to the report, the iPhone 20 Pro could feature a 6.41-inch display, slightly larger than the iPhone 18 Pro, while the Pro Max model could have a 6.9-inch display.

The most notable change could be the design. Apple is reportedly considering a borderless, quad-curved display for the iPhone 20 Pro series.

Current iPhone models use flat displays, but the upcoming devices could replace the Dynamic Island with a punch-hole design for the front-facing camera.

However, the iPhone 20 Pro series is still about a year away from its expected launch, and the leaked specifications may change before the final products are released.

Peshawar Umrah travelers face mandatory vaccination from Oct. 15

September 23, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

KARACHI/Peshawar: The deadline for Umrah pilgrims traveling from Karachi without vaccination has been extended by 15 days, while vaccination will become mandatory for Umrah pilgrims and Saudi visit visa travelers departing from Peshawar, officials said Wednesday.

Dr. Syed Murtaza Shah Bukhari, focal person for the Federal Airport Health Department and Border Health Services, said Karachi-based Umrah pilgrims could travel without vaccination until Oct. 10.

He said the extension was granted to facilitate pilgrims. Five National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) facilitation centers have been established at the Karachi airport dispensary, while vaccination will begin next week at the Jacob Lines dispensary.

For travelers departing from Peshawar, vaccination will be mandatory from Oct. 15 for Umrah pilgrims and Saudi visit visa travelers. Umrah pilgrims from Peshawar can travel without vaccination until Oct. 14.

A vaccination center has been established at the Civil Surgeon’s Office in Peshawar, with 20 counters for men and women. Two NADRA facilitation centers are also being established there.

Bukhari advised travelers to get vaccinated at least 10 days before their departure.

Oil prices fall as US-Iran talks show signs of progress

September 23, 2026 by Business Desk

ISLAMABAD: Oil prices fell Wednesday as signs of progress in talks between the United States and Iran and improving crude supplies eased concerns over disruptions.

Brent crude fell about 4% to around $99 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude was trading at about $89 a barrel. Murban crude stood at around $108 a barrel.

Meanwhile, Iran announced that restoration work had begun at the Pars gas field, which was damaged in U.S. strikes in March.

Iranian Deputy Oil Minister said about half of the field’s capacity had been restored, according to reports.

Vivek Oberoi speaks out against criticism of Katrina’s post-pregnancy weight

September 23, 2026 by Entertainment Desk

MUMBAI, India: Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has spoken out against social media criticism of actress Katrina Kaif over changes in her weight following childbirth.

In an interview, Oberoi urged people to avoid negative comments about Kaif, saying there were many more positive things to focus on rather than criticizing others.

Oberoi said gaining weight after becoming a mother was a natural process and added that Kaif could regain her fitness when she returned to films.

Earlier, actor Salman Khan also criticized people who mock celebrities over their appearance, body shape and personal lives on social media during a recent episode of his reality show Bigg Boss 20.

Pakistani singer Ali Zafar has also expressed support for Kaif, sharing a video clip in her defense.

Pezeshkian says Iran will not surrender to US military pressure

September 23, 2026 by World Desk

UNITED NATIONS: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Wednesday that Iran would not surrender to U.S. military pressure but remained committed to diplomacy to end the conflict, during his address to the U.N. General Assembly.

Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of attacks that he said had killed civilians and damaged schools and hospitals. He displayed images of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and children killed in an attack on a school in Minab.

The Iranian president said Tehran was not seeking war and had exercised what he described as its right to self-defense. He also criticized what he called double standards in the international response to the conflict.

Responding to US President Donald Trump’s remarks at the General Assembly, Pezeshkian rejected accusations that Iran was a terrorist state and said threats against Iran would strengthen national unity.

Pezeshkian also addressed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran would not allow the waterway to be used to transport weapons intended for use against Iran.

The speech came as U.S. and Iranian officials engaged in indirect discussions through mediators on the sidelines of the General Assembly. The contacts were aimed at exploring a possible path toward ending the conflict, although the two sides remained apart on key issues.

A member of the U.S. delegation left the General Assembly chamber as Pezeshkian began his address, according to reports.

19 militants killed in security operations in Quetta and Kech: ISPR

September 23, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

QUETTA: Security forces killed 19 militants in separate intelligence-based operations in Balochistan’s Quetta and Kech districts on Sept. 22 and 23, the military said Wednesday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, 13 militants were killed during an operation in the Shaban area of Quetta after intelligence reports indicated the presence of hideouts linked to militant groups.

The military said several militant hideouts were destroyed, while weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the sites.

In Kech, six militants were killed during an intense exchange of fire, according to the ISPR. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the militants.

The military said Subedar Muhammad Jameel was killed during the exchange of fire. He belonged to Taunsa Sharif tehsil in Dera Ghazi Khan district.

The ISPR said security forces conducted the operations to counter militant threats and protect local communities.