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World News / International

Dubai approves largest-ever budget for 2026

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Dubai approves

DUBAI: The Dubai has approved its largest-ever budget for 2026, according to international media reports.

The three-year budget totals AED 302.7 billion (USD 82.41 billion). UAE’s official news agency stated that Dubai’s revenue is expected to increase by 5% to AED 329.2 billion (USD 89.63 billion), resulting in a projected surplus.

For 2026, Dubai’s expenditure is estimated at AED 99.5 billion, while expected revenue is AED 107.7 billion.

Reports indicate that 48% of the budget is allocated to infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and public transport, while 28% is dedicated to social sectors.

Cristiano Ronaldo stuns fans with spectacular bicycle kick goal at 40

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, even at the age of 40, continues to outshine younger players with his exceptional skill and fitness.

Ronaldo, who has become one of the world’s most popular footballers due to his mastery, speed, and precision, has further boosted his fame since joining the Saudi Arabian league.

In a recent match, the star forward scored a stunning overhead bicycle kick goal, leaving fans in awe.

Remarkably, Ronaldo executed this brilliant goal in the 96th minute, a time when most players are usually exhausted, showcasing his extraordinary fitness and endurance.

Ash cloud from Ethiopia’s volcano reaches Indian cities

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Ash cloud

Ash clouds from a volcano that erupted in Ethiopia after 12,000 years have now drifted over several Indian cities, while Pakistan’s airspace has fully cleared, according to officials.

The volcanic ash, which earlier impacted parts of Pakistan, has now reached Gujarat, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana, India’s Meteorological Department confirmed.

Due to the ash cloud, flight routes are being adjusted, and Air India has cancelled flights operating through affected corridors as a precaution.

India’s Met Department also stated that the ash cloud is moving toward China and is expected to exit Indian airspace by 7:30 PM on Tuesday.

On the other hand, Pakistan Meteorological Department spokesperson Anjum Nazir said the ash cloud has completely shifted toward India, leaving Pakistan’s airspace clear. He added that the ash will move toward Rajasthan, and Pakistan’s northern areas will remain unaffected.

He clarified that the ash travelled above Sindh from the Arabian Sea without impacting the ground.

Nazir noted that, for the first time in Pakistan’s history, an aviation advisory for volcanic ash was issued. The ash cloud rose to over 45,000 feet, while domestic flights operate at around 36,000 feet and international flights between 40,000 and 48,000 feet, necessitating precautions for flight safety.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026 schedule to be announced today

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ICC T20

The schedule for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be unveiled today in Mumbai, with the tournament set to run from 7 February to 8 March. India and Sri Lanka are jointly hosting the mega event.

According to sources, the 20 participating teams have been divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the Super Eight stage—similar to the previous format. The eight teams in the Super Eight will be placed into two groups, from which the top two sides will advance to the semi-finals.

Sources confirm that Pakistan and India have been placed in the same group, which also features the USA, Namibia and the Netherlands. The much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash is scheduled for 15 February.

Other group allocations include:

Sri Lanka, Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, Oman in one group

England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, Italy in another

South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, Canada in the remaining group

Sources also indicate that Pakistan and India will face each other in Colombo, and the Pakistan team will play all its matches in Sri Lanka.

Matches in India are planned for Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lankan venues include Colombo and Kandy.

Ahmedabad is being considered as the venue for the final; however, if Pakistan qualifies, the final will be moved to Colombo.

For the semi-finals, Mumbai and Kolkata have been shortlisted, but again, if Pakistan reaches the last four, the semi-final will take place in Colombo.

Quetta Gladiators renew PSL agreement for another 10 years

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Quetta Gladiators

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators have become the third franchise—after Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi—to renew their partnership with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for an additional 10 years.

The PSL officially confirmed the extension, stating that the new agreement with Quetta Gladiators has been finalized under an updated valuation conducted by international firm EY MENA.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his satisfaction over the renewed partnership, praising franchise owner Nadeem Omar for his longstanding contributions to the league. He highlighted that Omar’s continued trust reflects the PSL’s growing credibility.

PSL CEO Salman Naseer also welcomed the extension, noting that the partnership with Quetta Gladiators will become even stronger. He commended the franchise’s passion and commitment, adding that Nadeem Omar’s support goes “beyond expectations,” and that Quetta Gladiators remain one of the PSL’s most solid franchises due to their popularity and performance.

Pakistan tops list of countries seeking asylum in UK

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Pakistan tops

LONDON: A new investigation by The Telegraph has revealed that more than 11,000 Pakistani nationals exploited loopholes in the United Kingdom’s visa system to seek asylum in 2024.

According to the report, over 40,000 asylum applications were filed in the UK this year, of which more than 11,000 were submitted by Pakistanis. This figure marks a five-fold increase since 2022, placing Pakistan at the top among 175 countries from which asylum seekers originated.

The report highlights that all these individuals entered the UK legally through visit, work, or student visas before filing asylum claims.

UK Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the misuse of the border visa system as a “complete failure” of the government, emphasizing that strong and decisive measures are urgently needed to prevent further exploitation.

Israel claims killing Hezbollah Chief of Staff Ali Tabbatabai in airstrike

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Israel claims

BEIRUT: Israeli forces have claimed responsibility for killing Hezbollah’s Chief of Staff, Ali Tabbatabai, in an airstrike carried out in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

Israel continues to violate the ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, launching fresh aerial assaults in Beirut. According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, the Israeli strike resulted in five fatalities and 28 injuries.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the target of the operation was Haitham Ali Tabbatabai, also known as Ali Tabbatabai, a senior Hezbollah commander.

Ali Tabbatabai was regarded as the second most important figure in Hezbollah’s hierarchy after Secretary-General Na’im Qassem. The Israeli military confirmed his killing, describing him as a seasoned leader who joined Hezbollah in the 1980s and held several key positions over the decades.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), after many Hezbollah leaders were successfully targeted in the ongoing conflict, operational command against Israel had effectively shifted to Tabbatabai.

He was officially appointed Chief of Staff in November 2024 following the end of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The IDF claims he had been overseeing the group’s organizational restructuring.

Hezbollah, however, has not yet confirmed whether Haitham Ali Tabbatabai was injured or killed in the attack.

A senior U.S. official stated that Israel did not notify Washington prior to the strike. Another U.S. official noted that the U.S. was aware for several days that Israel intended to intensify operations in Lebanon.

According to international media reports, the U.S. had imposed sanctions on Tabbatabai in 2016 and announced a reward of up to $5 million for information on him.

Pakistan clinch ACC Rising Stars title after dramatic super over win

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Pakistan clinch

Pakistan Shaheens edged out Bangladesh A in a thrilling final to win the ACC Rising Stars T20 Asia Cup title, sealing victory in the Super Over after the match ended in a tie.

Both teams posted 125 runs each in their 20 overs, forcing the match into a Super Over decider.

In the Super Over, Bangladesh A were bowled out for just 6 runs, while Pakistan comfortably chased the 7-run target in four deliveries, securing the championship.

Earlier in the Doha final, Bangladesh A won the toss and opted to field first. On a challenging pitch for batting, Pakistan Shaheens were bowled out for 125 runs in 20 overs.

Saad Masood top-scored with 38, followed by Arafat Minhas with 25 and Muaz Sadaqat with 23. Bangladesh’s Rapon Mondol took three wickets.

Pakistan’s bowlers then put Bangladesh A under pressure from the outset. By the 18th over, Bangladesh A were struggling at 96 for 9, still requiring 27 runs off the final two overs with only one wicket remaining.

A tight 19th over from Shahid Aziz, which went for 20 runs, revived Bangladesh’s hopes. However, Ahmed Daniyal delivered an exceptional final over, restricting the opposition to 125 and forcing the match into a Super Over.

Pakistan dominated the Super Over to claim the title in dramatic fashion.

Trump confirms no discussion on Netanyahu’s arrest with Mamdani

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Trump confirms

Washington, D.C.: Newly elected New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where they discussed mutual interests and cooperation on city and national matters.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, President Trump described the discussion as “good and productive,” expressing hope that Mamdani would manage New York’s affairs effectively. He added, “We will support him and provide every possible assistance to meet the expectations of the people.”

Trump also remarked that the mayor’s decisions could surprise conservatives, saying, “I hope Mamdani will astonish some conservatives.”

Responding to a question regarding the possible arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump clarified that the issue was not discussed during the meeting.

On international affairs, Trump highlighted his efforts in establishing peace in the Middle East, stating that he had facilitated eight peace agreements, including initiatives to end conflicts between Pakistan and India. He emphasized that both he and Mamdani share the goal of reducing wars globally.

During the meeting, Mamdani, without naming any country, criticized U.S. funding policies for Israel, stating that supporters of both he and Trump agree that American taxpayer money should not fund countries violating human rights.

When asked by a journalist whether he considered Trump a fascist, Mamdani began to respond, but Trump interjected, saying he had no objection if Mamdani called him that, noting, “It’s easier to say than explain, and I don’t mind.”

Mamdani also confirmed that he discussed the issue of alleged genocide in Gaza with President Trump during their meeting.

ICC T20 World Cup groups and Pakistan-India match details revealed

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ICC T20

The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be played from February 7 to March 8, with the official schedule set to be announced on November 25.

According to media reports, 20 teams will be divided into four groups of five teams each. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 8 stage. Pakistan and India have been drawn in the same group, with their clash scheduled on February 15 in Colombo.

It is expected that Netherlands, Namibia, and USA will also be in the Pakistan-India group, while the host nation Sri Lanka will have Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman in its group.

Meanwhile, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Italy are likely to form one group, while South Africa, New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE, and Canada will be in another.

Match venues in India include Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, while Sri Lanka will host matches in Colombo and Kandy. Pakistan will play its group-stage matches in Sri Lanka.

Ahmedabad has been selected as the final venue, but if Pakistan reaches the final, it will be played in Colombo. Semi-finals are scheduled for Mumbai and Kolkata, with venue selection dependent on the semi-finalist teams; Pakistan’s semi-final, if qualified, will be held in Sri Lanka.