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World News / International

Israeli attacks on Gaza push death toll over 69,000  

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Israeli attacks

Gaza: The ceasefire has failed to halt Israeli attacks on Gaza, with over 69,000 people reported killed since October 8, 2023, according to Arab news sources.

Rescue teams are still searching through the rubble of destroyed buildings and other sites for the bodies of Palestinians buried under the debris. Meanwhile, Israel has handed over the bodies of 15 more Palestinian prisoners to Palestinian authorities.

In response, Hamas returned the body of another captive to Israel, leaving five captives’ bodies still in Gaza.

Elsewhere, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have also continued, resulting in the deaths of three people.

Cricket qualification formula for Los Angeles 2028 Olympics unveiled

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Cricket qualification

The participation formula for cricket teams at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics has been revealed, following detailed discussions at an ICC board meeting.

Cricket was last featured in the Olympics in Paris 1900, and its inclusion in 2028 marks a major return to the Games.

According to media reports, the ICC governing body has confirmed the participation of six men’s and six women’s teams in the Olympic cricket events. However, the proposed formula does not guarantee a Pakistan-India clash at the Olympics.

Earlier, there was an idea to have the top six teams from the ICC T20 rankings qualify directly, but the new proposal focuses on top teams from each continent. The sixth team will earn its spot through a Global Qualifier tournament.

An ICC board member explained that five teams will qualify from their respective continents, while the sixth team will come through the Global Qualifier. The ICC is expected to announce the official qualification details soon.

Based on current rankings, India (Asia), Australia (Oceania), England (Europe), and South Africa (Africa) are likely to qualify. The USA, as host nation, may receive a spot, or the West Indies could take the place. Further details regarding the Global Qualifier will be shared by the ICC in the coming months.

Rain causes multi-million dollar loss for Cricket Australia

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Cricket Australia

Brisbane: Heavy rain in Brisbane caused Cricket Australia to incur a loss of approximately AUD 1 million (around PKR 181.7 million) during the fifth T20 match between Australia and India.

The match was abandoned after less than six overs of play due to rain and lightning. As per T20 rules, with fewer than six overs bowled, fans were eligible for full refunds. 31,074 spectators attending the match received complete ticket refunds, making it one of the costliest nights for Cricket Australia.

India had scored 52 runs without loss in 4.5 overs before the match was halted. Lightning in nearby areas forced players off the field for safety, and the subsequent heavy rainfall led officials to call off the game entirely.

The abandoned match also meant that Australia lost the opportunity to level the T20 series, giving India a 2-1 series victory.

Pakistan clinches semi-final victory over Australia in Hong Kong Sixes

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Pakistan clinches

In a thrilling semi-final of the Hong Kong Sixes tournament, Pakistan edged out Australia by just one run to secure a place in the final.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 121 runs in 6 overs. In response, Australia managed 120 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 6 overs, falling just short of the target.

Khawaja Nafay was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings, scoring 50 runs off 14 balls before retiring hurt.

From Pakistan’s bowling lineup, Shahid Aziz, Abbas Afridi, and Mohammad Shehzad claimed one wicket each, playing key roles in restricting the Australian chase.

Another medal confirmed for Pakistan at Islamic Solidarity Games

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Another medal

RIYADH: Pakistan has locked in another medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, thanks to an impressive display by its athletes.

Pakistani boxer Qudratullah advanced to the semi-finals of the 55kg category at the Islamic Solidarity Games.

In the quarter-final bout, Qudratullah defeated Palestinian boxer Yousuf Abdul Aziz.

With the Pakistani boxer completely dominating the fight, the referee stopped the contest in the second round and declared Qudratullah the winner.

Earlier, Arusha Saeed made the nation proud by winning a bronze medal in Kurash at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games held in Riyadh.

Elon Musk set to become world’s first trillionaire with Tesla deal

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Elon Musk

NEW YORK: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been awarded the largest corporate pay package in history, bringing him closer to becoming the world’s first trillionaire.

According to international media reports, 75% of Tesla shareholders approved Musk’s compensation, linked to a record $1 trillion (approximately PKR 281 trillion) in company profits.

The company’s board had warned that Musk could leave Tesla, noting that the company’s future in artificial intelligence and robotics is closely tied to his vision.

The decision has sparked renewed debate over wealth inequality in the United States, with critics calling the package a symbol of the growing economic divide.

Musk’s compensation is tied to Tesla’s performance and ambitious projects, including self-driving vehicles, robotics networks, and the sale of humanoid robots. Some major investors and advisory firms had criticized the package as “excessive” and “unnecessary,” but the board defended it as essential for retaining Musk and ensuring long-term growth.

During Tesla’s annual meeting, Musk announced that production of the Cybercab—a two-seater robotic taxi—will begin in April, marking the next milestone in the company’s expansion into robotics and AI-driven transportation.

Pakistan beats South Africa by 5 wickets in Hong Kong Sixes QF

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Pakistan

HONG KONG: Pakistan registered a 5-wicket victory over South Africa in the second quarterfinal of the Hong Kong Sixes tournament.

Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi won the toss and opted to bowl first. South Africa posted 102 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted 6 overs.

Jork van scored 40 runs, while Abdullah Bayumi and captain Jordan Morris managed 1 run each. Balki Samjman and Yethan John remained unbeaten on 26 and 29 runs respectively. Mohammad Shehzad took 3 crucial wickets for Pakistan.

Chasing the target, Pakistan reached 105 for the loss of 1 wicket in just 3.5 overs to secure the win. Opener Abdul Samad played a spectacular innings, smashing six sixes in 10 balls to score 50 runs.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Khawaja Nafees contributed 36 runs, while captain Abbas Afridi added 12 runs off 2 balls, hitting 2 sixes.

Pakistan will advance to the semifinals following this convincing performance.

Pakistan’s Arusha Saeed wins bronze in Kurash at Islamic Solidarity Games

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Pakistan’s Arusha

RIYADH: Pakistan’s Arusha Saeed made the nation proud by winning a bronze medal in Kurash at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games held in Riyadh.

Arusha secured the bronze in the women’s 57kg Kurash category after delivering an impressive performance against some of the world’s top athletes. This is Pakistan’s first medal at the 2025 edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Displaying exceptional skill, determination and resilience, Arusha proved that Pakistani women are fully capable of competing — and excelling — on the global stage.

The Pakistan Kurash team was led by head coach Muhammad Saad, with Muhammad Rafiq and Shahzaib Nawaz playing key roles in preparing and training the athletes. Their dedication and professional guidance were instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Nawab Furqan Khan, Pakistan’s representative to the International Kurash Association (IKA), congratulated Arusha, the coaches, and the entire team. He said the achievement is a moment of pride for Pakistan and reflects the growing presence of Pakistani athletes in traditional and martial sports internationally.

He added that Arusha’s remarkable performance serves as an inspiration for young Pakistani women, encouraging them to participate in international competitions with confidence and ambition.

Nobel Laureate James Watson passes away at 97

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Nobel Laureate

NEW YORK: James Watson, the renowned American scientist who won the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work on the structure of DNA, has passed away at the age of 97 after a prolonged illness, U.S. media reported.

His death was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where Watson spent much of his scientific career.

Before his passing, Watson said in an interview that he had hoped to accomplish more in life, adding that his lifelong mission was “the pursuit of truth,” which he described as his ultimate purpose.

Watson was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1962, sharing the honor with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins for the discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953.

Their findings, first published in the journal Nature, are considered a monumental breakthrough in molecular biology, shaping modern scientific understanding of genetic material.

Afghanistan emerges as significant opium producer, says UNODC

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Afghanistan

Afghanistan continues to rank among the world’s major opium-producing countries, according to new findings released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

According to the UNODC’s 2025 assessment, opium cultivation covered 10,200 hectares in Afghanistan. The report notes a 19% increase in cultivation in 2024 compared to the previous year, followed by a 20% decline in 2025.

The report highlights rising opium cultivation in the provinces of Zabul, Kunar, and Takhar, although widespread drought has caused significant damage to crops in several regions.

Despite the fluctuations, the UNODC states that Afghanistan’s existing opium stockpiles are sufficient to meet global demand in 2026.

In 2025, Afghanistan produced 296 tons of opium, with prices averaging USD 570 per kilogram, the report adds.

The UNODC also warns of a sharp rise in the production of synthetic drugs—particularly methamphetamine (ice)—in Afghanistan, noting that criminal networks increasingly prefer synthetic drugs due to easier production and smuggling routes.