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Pakistan Army extends lead with 48 gold medals in National Games

Pakistan Army

KARACHI: Pakistan Army has strengthened its lead in the National Games by securing 48 gold medals. WAPDA stands second with 14 golds, while Pakistan Navy holds the third position with 7 gold medals.

Nine-year-old Kainat Ibrahim from Sindh became the youngest athlete to win a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters event.

In men’s football, teams from Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force have advanced to the semi-finals. The semi-final matches are scheduled for December 10, with the final set for December 12.

WAPDA athletes Samiullah and Faiqa Riaz claimed gold in the 100 meters sprint, earning the titles of Pakistan’s fastest male and female athletes, respectively.

Arshad Nadeem also won gold in the javelin throw. So far, 11 gold medals have been decided in the athletics events at the National Games.

UK grants visas to thousands despite failing English test

UK grants

LONDON: It has emerged that thousands of immigrants were granted UK visas despite failing their English language test.

According to a British newspaper, around 80,000 candidates received incorrect results in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam.

The report highlights that evidence of malpractice was found in countries including China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, with some candidates passing the exam after purchasing leaked test papers.

In response, the UK Conservative Party has called for the deportation of individuals who obtained visas through fraudulent scores.

The government, however, stated that investigations are ongoing and that stricter measures will be implemented in the future to prevent such incidents.

Australian Cricket delegation arrives in Lahore ahead of T20 series

Australian Cricket

LAHORE: A recce team from Cricket Australia has arrived in Lahore to assess arrangements for the upcoming tour of Pakistan.

According to sources, the team is scheduled to inspect the venues, including Gaddafi Stadium, the National Cricket Academy (NCA), and the LCCA Ground.

During the visit, officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and security agencies will brief the delegation on preparations and security measures.

Australia’s T20 squad is expected to tour Pakistan late next month, with a three-match T20I series planned between the two sides. Sources indicate that all three fixtures are likely to be hosted in Lahore.

Taliban arrest four youth for wearing ‘Peaky Blinders’-inspired outfits

Taliban

The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have detained four young men in Herat for wearing outfits inspired by the British TV series Peaky Blinders.

According to Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, the arrests were made in Jebrael Township on charges of “promoting foreign culture.”

Reports from Afghan media indicate that photos of the young men, dressed in long coats and flat caps resembling the Shelby family characters from the hit series, had been circulating on social media for several days.

In an interview broadcast on a YouTube channel earlier, the youths said they adopted the style because of their liking for the show and claimed they received positive reactions from locals. One of them stated that they also planned to showcase traditional clothing of Afghanistan’s various ethnic groups in the future.

However, the Taliban labeled the fashion choice as contrary to “Islamic values and Afghan culture.” The spokesperson also shared a video in which one of the detained youths expressed regret over his attire.

This is not the first instance of such action, as the Taliban have previously arrested numerous individuals for alleged dress code violations.

Tensions rise between China and Japan over air force exercises

Tensions rise

TOKYO: Tensions between China and Japan have escalated following Chinese air force exercises near Japan’s Okinawa islands.

Reuters reports that Japan claimed Chinese aircraft targeted Japanese fighter jets with radar during two dangerous incidents, a charge that China has denied.

Japanese Prime Minister Sani Takachi described the radar targeting as “a dangerous act that exceeded the necessary limits for safe flight” and confirmed that Japan has formally protested the incidents with China.

China, in turn, warned Japan to cease what it called “defamation and slander,” asserting that Japanese aircraft had interfered with Chinese naval vessels conducting training east of the Miyako Strait. Both sides have issued stern statements, highlighting rising tensions in the region.

Prime Minister Takachi warned that any further violations will come at a “high price,” emphasizing Japan’s commitment to safeguarding its airspace.

Iran confirms deportation of 55 citizens by US

Iran confirms

TEHRAN: Iran has confirmed that 55 of its citizens have been deported by the United States. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the deportees are expected to arrive in Iran in the coming days.

Officials said this marks the second mass deportation of Iranian nationals under former President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown policy. In September, the US had identified nearly 400 Iranians for deportation, while earlier, 120 Iranians were deported via Doha to Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, also criticised the US for not issuing visas to the Iranian football team delegation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw.

Heavy rainfall brings cold wave and stunning views over Masjid Nabawi

Heavy rainfall

MADINAH: Heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning lashed Madinah and surrounding areas, bringing a noticeable dip in temperature.

Dark clouds suddenly covered the sky before the downpour began, turning the city’s atmosphere serene and refreshing.

During the rainfall, spiritually uplifting scenes were witnessed around Masjid Nabawi (PBUH), with the Green Dome glistening under the rain.

Pilgrims expressed gratitude to Allah for the blessing of Baran-e-Rahmat, capturing the peaceful and faith-inspiring moments.

Following the rain, the weather became pleasant across Madinah and nearby regions, while the intensity of cold increased.

Geoffrey Boycott slams England after second Ashes Test defeat

Geoffrey Boycott

LONDON: Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has strongly criticised the national side following their defeat against Australia in the second Ashes Test, labelling the team “irresponsible and useless”.

Boycott lashed out at Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, saying they believe only they understand modern Test cricket. “We should stop listening to them now,” he remarked.

Boycott termed the performance in Brisbane a “horror show”, blaming reckless batting and short-length bowling. He insisted that this Australian side was beatable. With England trailing 0-2 in the five-match series, the former captain said the team now needs a miracle. “With this batting and bowling, England can’t win,” he added.

He further stated that England had been planning for this Ashes series for four years, but are now performing poorly. “No one in the England setup is willing to listen to anyone outside their camp. Test cricket has changed, and they think they alone know modern-day cricket,” said Boycott.

Commenting on batter Harry Brook, Boycott questioned his shot selection and footwork, saying fans want to know what is going on in his mind, as he is failing to move his feet effectively on Australian pitches.

Australia won the first two Tests convincingly to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series.

PSL promotion drive held at Lord’s to attract new investment

PSL promotion

LONDON: A promotional roadshow for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was organised at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London to enhance global outreach and invite fresh investment into the league.

The event aimed to highlight PSL’s vision, commercial model, and future strategy. Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, along with other national cricketers, attended the roadshow, while Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was also present and briefed participants about the league’s structure and future prospects.

The PSL continues to gain popularity internationally and is among the most-searched sports events on Google, even drawing strong traction from India.

HBL PSL is recognised as one of the fastest growing T20 leagues in world cricket.

“The Beast”: The ultra-secure state car of US President

“The Beast”

“The Beast” is considered one of the most secure vehicles in the world, designed exclusively for the safety of the US President. Renowned for its luxury and advanced features, this armored limousine is a symbol of both elegance and protection.

Manufactured by General Motors, “The Beast” is equipped with a powerful aircraft-grade engine and heavily armored body, making it more akin to a mobile fortress than a regular car.

 Though it appears to have a standard Cadillac exterior, it has been specially built since 2018 under strict instructions from the Secret Service to ensure the President’s security at all times.

Key features of “The Beast” include:

Weight: Between 15,000 to 20,000 pounds, with thick, heavy doors.

Windows: 5-inch-thick bulletproof glass.

Tires: Run-flat tires capable of operating even after gunfire.

Interior Protection: Shielded against chemical and biological attacks, with an emergency stock of the President’s blood type on board.

Communication Systems: Advanced secure communication equipment allows the President to stay connected safely from anywhere in the world.

Control Room-Like Interior: The inside resembles a mini control room, not a standard limousine.

The decision to use heavily armored vehicles came after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, leading to continuous upgrades in each subsequent model. The suspension system is so robust that the car remains operational even after a bomb explosion.

“The Beast” is not just a car—it is a state-of-the-art security fortress on wheels, designed to protect the highest office in the world under any circumstance.