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World News / International

UAE announces strict penalties for harboring or employing illegal residents

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UAE announces

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced harsh penalties and fines for individuals who provide residency, employment, or any form of assistance to people residing in the country illegally, citing public safety concerns.

According to Gulf News, the new measures target those who employ or shelter undocumented foreign nationals, as such actions pose significant risks to public security and may facilitate illegal activities. The UAE government emphasized that enforcing strict laws is essential to ensure social stability and the safety of citizens.

Under the 2021 laws governing entry and residence, violators face fines ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 5 million and minimum imprisonment of two months.

The report further noted that individuals on visit or tourist visas working in the UAE are committing a serious offense, punishable by AED 10,000 fine. Those using fraudulent residency documents could face up to 10 years in prison.

These measures are part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to maintain law and order and protect its residents from risks associated with illegal immigration.

Bangladesh to announce national election date on Dec 11

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Bangladesh

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s Election Commission will announce the date for the upcoming parliamentary elections on Thursday, a commission official confirmed.

The elections are scheduled for February 2026, following a student-led uprising in 2024 that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India.

Since August 2024, Bangladesh has been governed by an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, after deadly street protests toppled Hasina’s long-standing government.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will reveal the election schedule in a national broadcast at 6:00 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters.

A national referendum on the so-called ‘July Charter’, a state reform plan drafted after the unrest, is also expected to be held on the same day. The charter proposes curbs on executive powers, strengthening the independence of the judiciary and election authorities, and preventing misuse of law-enforcement agencies.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, is widely considered the frontrunner in the polls. They will compete alongside Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh’s largest Islamic party, which has returned to electoral politics after restrictions were eased by the interim government.

Jamaat had been barred from elections since a 2013 court ruling, which declared that its registration as a political party conflicted with Bangladesh’s secular constitution. The country has a population of 173 million, with a Muslim majority.

Meanwhile, Hasina’s Awami League, barred from contesting the upcoming election, has warned of potential unrest if the ban is not lifted.

PCB fixes base price for PSL’s new franchises ahead of auction

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PCB fixes

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly almost tripled the value of all six existing Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, while setting a price of PKR 1.3 billion per year for each of the two new franchises.

Although no official announcement has been made by PCB regarding the exact figures, media reports suggest that the new valuations are significantly higher than before. Unlike 2016, when franchise prices were quoted in US dollars, all financial transactions are now being conducted in Pakistani rupees.

To attract investors for the two new franchises and the Multan Sultans, PCB organized a grand roadshow in London.

The Board has shortlisted six cities—Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Hyderabad, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit—from which two cities will be selected to expand the PSL to eight teams.

PCB also plans to hold a roadshow in New York as part of its global investment strategy, aiming to draw international investors’ attention before the auction of the two new franchises.

The initiative highlights the PSL’s commercial potential, international following, and long-term growth prospects.

How many matches will each team play before T20 World Cup?

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T20 World Cup

KARACHI: The preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have reached their final stage, with full-member teams concluding their pre-tournament commitments. The mega event will take place from 7 February to 8 March in India and Sri Lanka.

With the schedule tightening, no full-member nation is expected to play any additional bilateral series before the tournament begins.

Pakistan will play six T20Is ahead of the World Cup — three against Sri Lanka in January and three at home against Australia.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland and Zimbabwe will go into the tournament without playing any pre-World Cup matches. Australia, however, will play three T20Is against Pakistan, while England will feature in a three-match series in Sri Lanka in January.

India will be the busiest team, playing 10 T20Is in December and January, including a five-match home series against New Zealand. South Africa are currently touring India, and West Indies will tour South Africa for a three-match T20I series.

In total match exposure before the World Cup:

India: 10 matches

South Africa: 8 matches

Pakistan: 6 matches

Sri Lanka (hosts): 6 matches

New Zealand: 5 matches

Australia, England, West Indies: 3 matches each

With final preparations underway, teams are now gearing up for the global showdown beginning in early February.

Lionel Messi secures second consecutive MLS MVP title

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Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi has become the first player in Major League Soccer history to win the MVP award in back-to-back seasons.

The Inter Miami superstar played a pivotal role in his team’s 3-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps, registering two assists to help the club secure its first MLS Cup. Messi also claimed the MLS Golden Boot, finishing the 2025 regular season with 29 goals.

Across 28 matches in 2025, the 38-year-old contributed to 48 goals, combining goals and assists—the second-highest total for a single season. Messi recorded at least three goal contributions in nine different matches, setting another MLS record.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also became the first MLS player to achieve 10 multi-goal games in a single season, surpassing the previous record of eight held by Stern John, Mamadou Diallo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Additionally, Messi scored in five consecutive matches from May 28 to July 12, marking the first time an MLS player recorded a multi-goal streak longer than four games and netting 10 goals during that period.

Messi recently extended his Inter Miami contract through the end of the 2028 season. He has been named in two MLS Best XI selections and won over 70% of the MVP vote, far ahead of runner-up San Diego winger Anders Dreyer, who received just over 11%.

The MLS MVP award, presented since 1996, is voted on by club technical staff, media, and current players.

The Argentine legend adds this accolade to a glittering career that includes the 2022 World Cup, three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, two World Cup Golden Balls, three UEFA Men’s Player of the Year awards, six European Golden Shoes, eight Pichichi trophies, and 15 Argentine Footballer of the Year awards.

Messi has yet to confirm whether he will represent Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Baba Vanga’s major predictions for 2026 revealed

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Baba Vanga

Baba Vanga, the renowned blind mystic from Bulgaria, is known for making startlingly accurate predictions about major global events. Born in 1911 and passing away in 1996 at the age of 85, she reportedly foretold some of the most significant incidents in modern history, including the 9/11 attacks.

Raised in Romania, Baba Vanga lost her eyesight at the age of 12 due to a severe dust storm. Beyond her knowledge of herbal medicine, she was considered a spiritual guide and made predictions extending to the year 5079, believing the world would end thereafter.

Predictions for 2026:

Devastating natural disasters

Baba Vanga predicted that in 2026, natural calamities such as major earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and extreme weather could destroy 7–8% of the Earth’s surface. Given recent global events like wildfires in Australia and Canada, heatwaves in Europe, and earthquakes in Myanmar, this forecast has drawn significant attention.

Rising global conflicts

She also foresaw growing international tensions, marking 2026 as a critical year. According to her, conflicts may escalate among global powers including China, Russia, and the United States. Some reports suggest potential disputes over Taiwan and possible direct confrontations between Russia and the U.S.

First contact with other civilizations

Another prediction indicates that humans may make contact with extraterrestrial life or other civilizations in 2026. Reports speculate that a large spacecraft could approach Earth, possibly linked to interstellar origins.

Challenging year for the global economy

Baba Vanga predicted that 2026 could be an extremely difficult year for the world economy, potentially marked by instability and financial hardships.

AI turning point

She also foresaw artificial intelligence gaining dominance across major sectors in 2026, which could disrupt jobs and create significant societal challenges.

These predictions highlight Baba Vanga’s continued influence on global curiosity and speculation about the future.

Trump calls tariffs his ‘favorite word’ amid billion-dollar economic gains

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Trump calls

Pennsylvania: Speaking at a major event in Pennsylvania, US President Donald Trump said that “tariff” has become his favorite word as billions of dollars are flowing into the US economy through them.

During his address, Trump made several claims regarding economic growth, investment, foreign policy, and border security.

He stated that the government has provided $12 billion in aid to American farmers using tariff revenues and announced that an energy company will invest $10 billion in Pennsylvania, calling it a positive step for the US economy.

Trump also claimed that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have pledged $4 trillion in investment in the United States. According to the leaders of these countries, the US has become a powerful state again within a year.

On the economic front, he asserted that oil prices have fallen below $2 per gallon and that the income of the working class has doubled under his administration.

Criticizing former President Biden, Trump said that his government was “hostile to the working class” and allowed 25 million people to enter the US illegally during his tenure.

Highlighting border security, Trump claimed that North Korea has the world’s toughest border while the U.S. is witnessing reverse migration for the first time in its history.

On global peace, Trump said his administration has actively worked to maintain international stability, mediating ceasefires between Pakistan and India, as well as easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

Pakistan women’s football team included in FIFA series for first time

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Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Women’s Football Team has been officially included in the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) series for the first time.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) confirmed that the FIFA’s approval acknowledges the growing development of women’s football in Pakistan. This marks a new era for the national team, providing players with opportunities to compete at the international level.

The FIFA women’s series is scheduled to take place in March and April 2026, beginning in Brazil, Ivory Coast, and Thailand. Additionally, all groups for the women’s FIFA series are expected to be announced in early 2026.

PCB issues NOCs to nine national cricketers for BPL

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PCB issues

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to nine national cricketers for participation in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

The updated NOC list allows these players to take part in the tournament until January 23, 2026.

Among the notable names granted NOCs are Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, and Sahibzada Farhan. Other players include Hussain Talat, Ihsanullah, Haider Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Khawaja Nafay, and Salman Arshad.

The Bangladesh Premier League is scheduled to take place from December 26, 2025, to January 24, 2026.

Australia announce squad for third Ashes Test against England

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Australia announce

Adelaide: Australia have named a 15-member squad for the third Ashes Test against England, with captain Pat Cummins returning to lead the side. Usman Khawaja has also been retained despite concerns over a back injury.

Cummins, who missed the first two matches, will resume captaincy duties in Adelaide. Khawaja was dropped from the playing XI in the second Test, where debutant opener Jack Weatherald impressed with a maiden half-century at the Gabba, but the veteran batter has been included in the squad for the upcoming Test.

Due to the strong opening partnership between Travis Head and Jack Weatherald, Khawaja’s return as opener appears unlikely. However, his versatility keeps him in contention for a middle-order slot. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are set to continue at No.3 and No.4, while the final middle-order combination remains undecided with Cameron Green, Alex Carey, and Josh Inglis under consideration.

All-rounder Beau Webster has also been included and is being viewed as a strong option for both middle-order batting and bowling depth, especially if there are fitness concerns over Cummins or other pacers.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who starred in the second Test, said the team have started the series strongly but must not become complacent. He stressed that despite leading 2-0, the Ashes are far from over as England remain a formidable opponent.

Australia, mindful of the 2023 Ashes where they let a 2-0 advantage slip to finish 2-2, are aiming to approach the third match with caution and a solid strategy.

Fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser may miss out on the final XI due to Cummins’ return and the expected inclusion of Nathan Lyon, who was left out of a home Test for the first time in 13 years in Brisbane.

Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the series due to hamstring and calf injuries, while Jhye Richardson is recovering from shoulder surgery and will train with the squad in Adelaide.

The third Ashes Test begins on December 17 at Adelaide Oval.

Australia Squad:

Pat Cummins (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jack Weatherald, Beau Webster.