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World News / International

India–South Africa fourth T20 match called off due to fog

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India–South Africa

LUCKNOW: The fourth T20 International between India and South Africa, scheduled to be played in Lucknow, was abandoned due to dense fog and extremely poor visibility.

According to reports, severe fog enveloped the ground, making it impossible to proceed with the match. While air pollution levels in Lucknow were also alarmingly high during the game — with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded above 400 — umpires were primarily concerned about the dangerously low visibility on the field.

Match officials conducted six inspections in an attempt to start play. During one inspection, an umpire stood near the square boundary and tried to spot a white ball raised by a colleague standing close to the pitch, but the ball could not be clearly seen due to the thick fog. Following repeated failed inspections, the match was officially called off.

As a result of the abandonment, India, who hold a 2-1 lead after three matches, extended their tally of unbeaten T20I series victories to 15. The series-deciding fifth and final match is scheduled to be played on Friday in Ahmedabad.

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.”

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.

Bondi Beach shooter’s use of Indian passport confirmed by officials

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Bondi Beach shooter

CANBERRA: New details have emerged regarding the Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, revealing that one of the attackers, Sajid Akram, traveled to the Philippines using an Indian passport, while his son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, entered the country as an Australian citizen, according to the BBC.

Reports indicate that both father and son arrived in the Philippines from Sydney on November 1, with their final destination listed as Davao in the southern province.

They later departed the Philippines on November 28. Australian police are investigating the purpose of their travel to the Philippines.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the attackers were influenced by ISIS ideology, adding that the world continues to face the extremist and hateful ideologies promoted by the group.

New South Wales Police Commissioner confirmed that a homemade bomb and two ISIS flags were recovered from the attackers’ vehicle.

The attack, which occurred two days ago at Bondi Beach, saw two armed individuals open fire on civilians, resulting in 16 deaths and 40 injuries. One attacker was killed in a police response, while the other was apprehended injured.

Following the Sydney incident, India and Israel attempted to link Pakistan to the attack, but these claims were widely discredited. Sources familiar with Naveed Akram’s associates confirmed that Sajid Akram’s father is of Indian origin, while his mother is Italian.

Ex-tennis star Sania Mirza opens up about battling depression

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Ex-tennis star

Mumbai: Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has revealed that she struggled with depression at the height of her career due to personal life challenges.

Mirza shared her experiences in a recent interview, praising cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues for openly discussing her anxiety during the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-final. Mirza said such candid conversations are vital to raising awareness about mental health issues.

“I realized the importance of mental health much later in life because I lacked awareness,” Mirza said. She added that over the past 8–10 years, society has begun to give mental health the attention it deserves, breaking previous misconceptions and stigma.

Mirza emphasized the responsibility of public figures to speak on topics often left unaddressed. “I am glad I spoke up. People like us, whose voices are more heard, have a duty to shed light on these issues,” she said.

Reflecting on her personal struggles, Mirza revealed, “There was a time when I was dealing with depression. Outside the tennis court, I faced numerous personal challenges, even at the peak of my career. Back then, I could not speak about it, but I am glad Jemimah has spoken openly.”

She noted that showing vulnerability while the world’s eyes are on you takes courage, especially during peak professional moments, and expressed empathy for Rodrigues.

Mirza hopes that Jemimah’s courage will encourage other athletes to understand that seeking help for mental health is not a weakness or a source of shame.