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World News / International

Pakistan street child football team to compete in 2026 World Cup in Mexico

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Pakistan street child

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Street Child Football Team is set to depart for Mexico on Friday to participate in the Street Child World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place from May 5 to 15, featuring teams from 30 countries.

The tournament will include separate events for both boys and girls and serves as a global platform advocating for the rights, protection, and identity of street-connected children through youth-led initiatives.

The Pakistan team, participating under the banner of Muslim Hands an organization dedicated to promoting education and social change through sports will also attend a session of the United Nations General Assembly during their visit.

It is worth noting that Pakistan secured the silver medal at the Street Child Football World Cup 2022 held in Qatar, finishing as runners-up in the international tournament.

Ronaldo hits 970 career goals as Al Nassr strengthen Saudi Pro League lead

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Ronaldo hits 970

Cristiano Ronaldo has added another major milestone to his legendary career, scoring his 970th professional goal as Al Nassr secured a 2-0 victory over Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday.

The match remained goalless until the second half, before Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 76th minute with a decisive strike. Kingsley Coman later sealed the win with a late goal in the 90th minute.

The result keeps Al Nassr firmly at the top of the Saudi Pro League table with 79 points from 26 wins, one draw, and three defeats, extending their eight-point lead over Al Hilal.

Ronaldo was named Player of the Match and celebrated the victory on social media, posting: “YALLA!! WE ARE AL NASSR.”

The club’s remarkable form continues, with a 20-match winning streak across all competitions that began in January.

Al Nassr are now preparing to face Al Qadsiah on May 3 in the 31st league round, followed by a high-profile fixture against Gamba Osaka in Riyadh on May 16. With momentum on their side, the team remains strong favourites to maintain their title charge.

Cloudburst Chaos: 40 minutes of rain kill 10, flood streets in Bengaluru

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Cloudburst Chaos

BENGALURU: Torrential rain lasting just 40 minutes caused widespread devastation in Bengaluru, leaving at least 10 people dead in rain-related incidents and submerging large parts of the city.

According to Indian media reports, several roads were flooded, with water levels rising up to knee height in many areas, severely disrupting traffic and daily life. Power supply was also affected in multiple localities.

Authorities have warned of more severe weather ahead, forecasting heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours along with strong winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h.

Reports also indicate that hailstorms were recorded in several parts of the city, with further intensification expected in the coming hours, raising concerns of additional damage and disruptions.

Mojtaba Khamenei says Gulf future lies without US presence

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Mojtaba Khamenei

TEHRAN: Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has stated that the future of the Persian Gulf will be “bright without the presence of the United States,” asserting that regional countries share a common destiny and there is no space for foreign forces in the region.

In a message released by state media and published by Islamic Republic News Agency on the occasion of National Persian Gulf Day, Khamenei said a “new chapter” is emerging in the Strait of Hormuz following what he described as the failure of US plans after two months of regional tensions.

He described the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic waterway that has historically attracted global powers, adding that the region’s future should be shaped by its own nations. Referring to recent tensions, he claimed that Iranian forces had demonstrated resilience and vigilance.

Khamenei held US military presence responsible for instability in the region, saying American bases and allied operations have contributed to insecurity in the Gulf. He also criticized Israel alongside the US, accusing them of actions that have escalated tensions.

The Iranian leader further stressed that Iran will firmly safeguard its nuclear and missile capabilities, calling them a national asset. He said the Iranian people would defend these capabilities just as they protect their territorial integrity across land, air, and sea.

He concluded that regional peace, development, and prosperity depend on cooperation among Gulf nations without external interference.

US plans new maritime alliance to restore shipping security in Strait of Hormuz

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US plans

WASHINGTON: The United States is reportedly planning to form a new international coalition aimed at restoring maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The proposed initiative, named the “Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC)”, was referenced in a diplomatic cable sent by the US State Department to American embassies on Tuesday.

The report says US diplomats have been instructed to encourage other countries to join the alliance, which would focus on information sharing, diplomatic coordination, and enforcement of sanctions.

The plan reportedly envisions joint coordination between the State Department and the US Central Command (CENTCOM), where diplomacy would be handled by the State Department, while CENTCOM would provide real-time maritime intelligence for commercial shipping and coordinate information sharing with partner forces.

A senior US official described the proposal as one of several diplomatic and policy options available to former President Donald Trump, as Washington seeks broader international involvement in managing current and future developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

The move comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, where maritime security and freedom of navigation remain key strategic concerns for global energy and trade routes.

Batter Hasan Nawaz says India matches bring extra motivation

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Batter Hasan Nawaz

KARACHI: Pakistani middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz has said that matches against India naturally create an aggressive mindset and extra motivation for players.

Speaking to a local news channel, Hasan Nawaz said that when playing against India, cricketers feel an added intensity and tend to play more attacking cricket.

He remarked that he personally feels a strong urge to score against their bowlers, adding in an emotional statement that he “dislikes all their bowlers.”

However, the batter also clarified that modern-day cricket is not about targeting any specific opposition player but is instead focused on adapting to match situations.

He explained that batting strategy depends largely on the required run rate rather than focusing on individual bowlers, noting that at the highest level all players are world-class and preparation is made accordingly.

Hasan Nawaz further said that whether the required rate is 10, 12, or 15 runs per over, the objective remains to score as many runs as possible against any bowler.

The young batter made his T20 debut in 2025 against New Zealand and has so far scored 457 runs in international matches, including two half-centuries and one century, at an average of 20.77 and a strike rate of 154.39.

Peshawar Zalmi beat Islamabad United by 70 runs to qualify for PSL final

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Peshawar Zalmi

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi secured a comprehensive 70-run victory over Islamabad United in the Qualifier of the Pakistan Super League Season 11, booking their place in the final.

Batting first after Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and opted to field, Zalmi posted a strong total of 221 for 7 in 20 overs.

Babar Azam led the charge with a brilliant 103 off 59 balls, marking his 13th T20 century and fourth PSL century. Mohammad Haris contributed 35 runs, while Kusal Mendis scored 41 and Aaron Hardie added 20 runs.

For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan took 3 wickets, while Richard Gleeson claimed 2 wickets.

In reply, Islamabad United were bowled out for 151 runs, falling well short of the target. Sameer Munir top-scored with 44 runs.

Zalmi’s bowlers dominated, with Aaron Hardie taking 3 wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit picking up 2 wickets each.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi have qualified for the PSL 11 final for the fifth time, becoming the most frequent finalists in the tournament’s history.

Despite the loss, Islamabad United are not eliminated and will get another chance to qualify for the final through the next stage of the competition.

UAE exit from OPEC+ a major blow to oil alliance, says Reuters

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UAE exit from

ABU DHABI: The decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave the OPEC and OPEC+ groups is being viewed as a significant setback for the oil-producing bloc, according to Reuters.

The report noted that the UAE had been a member of OPEC for more than six decades, and its exit comes at a time when the global economy is already under strain due to tensions involving Iran. The move is expected to weaken the cohesion of the group.

Reuters added that despite internal disagreements, OPEC has traditionally tried to project unity. However, the ongoing regional tensions and energy crisis have exposed divisions among Gulf countries, particularly between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, widely regarded as OPEC’s leading member.

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei said the decision was made carefully, taking into account regional energy priorities and future production needs.

He emphasized the country’s commitment to meeting growing global energy demand in a reliable and responsible manner.

Experts believe the move could allow the UAE to expand its share in global markets, as it would no longer be bound by OPEC’s quota system and could increase oil production once regional routes stabilize.

According to Reuters, the decision may also be seen as a political win for Donald Trump, who has frequently criticized OPEC for high oil prices.

The report added that the UAE has expressed concerns over the lack of adequate support from fellow Gulf states during periods of heightened tensions, including threats of attacks.

UNICEF warns Afghanistan could lose 25,000 female teachers by 2030

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UNICEF warns

KABUL: The UNICEF has warned that Afghanistan could face a severe shortage of female professionals if restrictions on girls’ education and women’s employment continue under the Taliban regime.

In a new report, UNICEF stated that around one million girls have already been affected by the restrictions, with the number expected to rise to two million by 2030.

The report further highlighted that Afghanistan may lose up to 25,000 female teachers and approximately 5,400 lady health workers by the end of the decade if current policies remain in place.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban administration has imposed wide-ranging restrictions on women’s employment in government sectors.

Additionally, girls in Afghanistan are barred from receiving education beyond the age of 12, raising serious concerns about the country’s future workforce and social development.

Trump recalls his mother’s ‘crush’ on King Charles

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Trump recalls

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has shared a personal anecdote, saying his mother had admired King Charles III since his childhood.

Speaking at an event held in honor of King Charles at the White House, Trump said he clearly remembers his mother often remarking that Charles was “very charming.”

“My mother had a crush on Charles can you believe it?” Trump said, drawing attention to her long-standing admiration.

He added that his mother was also fond of Charles’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, noting that whenever she saw her on television, she would praise her beauty and elegance.