Australia Archives - FutureSoch

Rani Mukerji honoured in Australia after 30 years in Bollywood

August 14, 2026 by Entertainment Desk

MELBOURNE: Indian actress Rani Mukerji has been honoured in Australia for completing three decades in Bollywood, receiving a special citation recognising her excellence in acting.

The 48-year-old actress was presented with the Special Citation for Excellence in Acting at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), in recognition of her contribution to Indian cinema and her role in taking Hindi-language stories to audiences around the world.

Mukerji was particularly praised for her performances in socially themed films including Black, Mardaani and Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, as well as for her philanthropic work.

Accepting the honour, Mukerji said she had never imagined when she entered the Indian film industry at a young age that her films and characters would travel across the oceans to Australia, where audiences would embrace her with such affection.

She said entertaining people around the world through films was one of the greatest gifts of her profession and praised Australia for consistently welcoming her and Indian cinema.

Mukerji said an artist’s real journey begins when a performance reaches someone’s heart. She added that seeing her films, characters and voice reach different parts of the world over three decades was a source of immense pride and humility.

The actress also said every role she had played throughout her career had helped her become a better artist and, ultimately, a better person.

Reports suggest Mukerji may soon reunite with Shah Rukh Khan in the action thriller King, which is expected to be released in cinemas worldwide on Dec. 24, 2026

Asim Azhar’s ‘Azaan’ video from Australia wins praise on social media

July 6, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

MELBOURNE: A video of Pakistani singer Asim Azhar delivering the Islamic call to prayer during a visit to Australia has gone viral, drawing widespread praise from fans on social media.

Azhar, one of Pakistan’s most popular young singers, is currently in Melbourne as part of a professional tour. In the widely shared video, he is seen wearing a black shalwar kameez while reciting the Azaan in a calm and melodious voice.

The video quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with many users praising the singer’s recitation and describing the moment as uplifting and spiritually moving.

Fans also commended Azhar for expressing his faith publicly, with many posting messages of appreciation and admiration for his performance.

Known for his successful music career in Pakistan and abroad, Asim Azhar has previously shared moments reflecting his personal and spiritual life with his followers on social media.

Australia set Pakistan 232-run target in second ODI in Lahore

August 13, 2026June 2, 2026 by World Desk

LAHORE: Australia posted 231 all out in 50 overs, setting Pakistan a target of 232 runs in the second match of the one-day series on Wednesday.

Batting first after Pakistan won the toss, Australia struggled to build big partnerships but managed to reach a competitive total despite regular wickets falling.

Cameron Green and captain Josh Inglis top-scored with 51 runs each, while Matt Renshaw made 43 and Oliver Peake added 31. Matthew Short scored 15, Marnus Labuschagne 5, Matthew Kuhnemann 5, and Alex Carey was dismissed for a duck.

For Pakistan, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Arafat Minhas, Abrar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf took two wickets each.

Pakistan will now chase 232 runs to take control of the series.

Pakistan opt to field against Australia in historic 1,000th ODI

August 13, 2026May 30, 2026 by World Desk

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first against Australia in the opening match of a three-match One-Day International series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said the occasion was particularly significant as Pakistan was playing its 1,000th ODI, becoming one of the few teams to reach the milestone in international cricket.

“It is an honor to captain Pakistan in its 1,000th ODI,” Afridi said at the toss. “It is a historic moment for the entire team, and we will try to deliver a strong performance and secure a victory.”

Pakistan handed an ODI debut to Arafat Minhas, one of several young players included in the lineup.

Pakistan Playing XI:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Moaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.

The match marks the beginning of a three-game ODI series between Pakistan and Australia, with the hosts aiming to celebrate their milestone appearance with a victory.

Pakistan to play 1,000th ODI in upcoming series against Australia

August 13, 2026May 29, 2026 by World Desk

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan are set to reach a major milestone as they will play their 1,000th One-Day International (ODI) during the three-match series against Australia starting Saturday in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan and Australia are set to face off in the opening match of their three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, scheduled to be played on Saturday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The ODI series between Pakistan and Australia will begin at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the second and third matches will be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

The milestone match will mark Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI appearance, a landmark moment in the country’s cricket history. Pakistan captain described the achievement as a special occasion for the team.

He said the side’s confidence is high following success in previous ODI series against Australia, adding that crowd support in Rawalpindi and Lahore always boosts player morale.

Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said Australia remain one of the strongest teams in the world, making contests between the two sides highly competitive.

He added that players have worked hard in the training camp and are fully focused on securing victory in the series.

Pakistan and Australia have faced each other in 111 ODIs so far, with Pakistan winning their last two bilateral series 2-1.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will also introduce live streaming of matches for the first time via PCB Live, while fans will be able to watch the series on PTV Sports.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and Australia are set to face off in the opening match of their three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, scheduled to be played on Saturday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The Australian team is currently in Pakistan for the series, which will see the first ODI played in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two matches are scheduled in Lahore.

The second ODI will be held on June 2, followed by the third and final match on June 4 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Both teams are expected to hold training sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday as preparations intensify ahead of the series opener.

Australia have made a squad change, with Cooper Connolly replacing Mitchell Marsh for the tour.

Pakistan, Australia unveil ODI series trophy ahead of opener in Rawalpindi

August 13, 2026May 29, 2026 by World Desk

RAWALPINDI: The trophy for the Pakistan-Australia ODI series was unveiled on Friday ahead of the opening match of the three-match contest.

Captains of both sides participated in a joint photoshoot with the trophy as preparations intensified for the series opener scheduled for Saturday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The Australian team is currently in Pakistan for the three-match ODI series, with the first match set to be played in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two games will be held in Lahore.

The second ODI will take place on June 2, followed by the third and final match on June 4 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Both teams are also scheduled to hold practice sessions at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium ahead of the opening fixture.

Australia have made a change to their squad, bringing in Cooper Connolly as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh.

Cooper Connolly replaces injured Mitchell Marsh in Australia ODI squad

August 13, 2026May 28, 2026 by World Desk

SYDNEY: Australia Captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the upcoming One-Day International series against Pakistan due to an ankle injury, Australian media reported.

In his place, Cooper Connolly has been included in the Kangaroos squad for the series.

Marsh, who was expected to captain Australia in the ODI series, will miss the tour after sustaining the injury.

Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has been named captain in Marsh’s absence for the three-match series.

The first ODI between Pakistan and Australia will be played on May 30 in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two matches are scheduled to take place in Lahore.

Australia made the squad change following Marsh’s unavailability as the team prepares for the limited-overs series in Pakistan.

Australia imposes sanctions on BLA leadership over terror financing concerns

August 13, 2026May 8, 2026 by World Desk

CANBERRA: Australia has imposed strict sanctions on the banned militant group Baloch Liberation Army and its senior leadership in an effort to curb terror financing and extremist activities.

According to a statement issued by Australia’s foreign ministry, the government has formally placed the BLA and three of its senior leaders on its sanctions list for involvement in and support of terrorist attacks.

The statement said the BLA has been linked to multiple violent attacks across Pakistan, targeting civilians, critical infrastructure, foreign nationals, and state institutions.

Australian authorities said the sanctions are aimed at disrupting terror financing networks, limiting operational funding, blocking recruitment efforts, and preventing the spread of extremist ideology.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners against networks that pose threats to regional and global security.

Under the sanctions regime, using the assets of listed individuals or organizations, conducting financial transactions with them, or providing them with economic resources will be considered a serious criminal offense punishable by heavy fines and up to 10 years imprisonment.

Pakistan has long urged the international community and global institutions to designate the BLA as an international terrorist organization.

The group has been accused of carrying out several major attacks, including the hijacking of the Jaffar Express hijacking in March 2025, during which more than 400 passengers were reportedly taken hostage before security forces killed 33 militants in a rescue operation.

Earlier this year, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations Security Council called for the immediate inclusion of the BLA in the UN 1267 sanctions list, a request currently under consideration.

The United States had already designated the BLA and its Majeed Brigade faction as foreign terrorist organizations last year.

Five Iranian women footballers seek asylum in Australia after anthem protest

March 10, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

Gold Coast: Five players from Iran’s visiting women’s national football team have sought asylum in Australia after they were reportedly branded “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a tournament match.

The players remained silent as the anthem played ahead of a match against South Korea during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Gold Coast, an act widely interpreted as a protest against authorities in Iran.

According to officials, five players — including team captain Zahra Ghanbari — quietly left the team hotel late at night and approached Australian authorities to request protection.

Anthony Albanese confirmed that the players had been granted safety in the country. “Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They’re safe here, and they should feel at home here,” he said.

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government had held several days of confidential discussions with the players before transferring them to a secure location after they left the hotel. He added that they were granted special humanitarian visas to remain in Australia.

Following the decision, Burke said the players celebrated and expressed relief, while noting that the rest of the Iranian squad would also be welcome to stay in Australia if they wished.

The situation drew international attention, with Donald Trump urging Australia to grant the athletes asylum, warning it would be a “terrible humanitarian mistake” to send them back to Iran.

The controversy began after the players stood silently during the Iranian national anthem before the match. An Iranian state television presenter later labeled them “wartime traitors,” intensifying fears about their safety if they returned home.

Exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi also called on the Australian government to ensure the players’ safety, saying they were under significant pressure and threat from authorities in Iran.

The issue sparked demonstrations outside the stadium in Gold Coast, where supporters gathered chanting slogans such as “Let them go” and “Save our girls,” while calling for political change in Iran.

It remains unclear whether the rest of the Iranian squad will return home or seek similar protection in Australia.

Global moves to limit social media for children and teens

February 18, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

In recent months, several countries have announced plans to limit or block social media access for children and teenagers in an effort to protect their mental health and well-being.

Australia

Australia became the first country to implement such a ban at the end of 2025, restricting children under 16 years from using platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Reddit.

WhatsApp and YouTube Kids are exempt.

Companies failing to enforce the ban could face fines of up to AUD 34.4 million.

The government requires social media apps to use robust age verification methods, rather than relying on self-reported ages.

Denmark

Denmark plans to restrict social media for children under 15 years.

In November 2025, government and opposition parties agreed on the proposal.

The law is expected to be introduced mid-2026, along with a dedicated age-verification app.

France

In January 2026, the French Parliament approved a bill to block social media access for children under 15 years.

The French President supports the law, stating it will help keep children away from excessive screen time.

The bill will next move to the upper house before returning to the lower house for final approval.

Germany

Germany’s Chancellor’s party began consultations in early 2026 on restricting social media for children under 16, though approval remains uncertain due to reluctance within the ruling coalition.

Greece

Media reports in February 2026 indicate Greece will soon announce a ban for children under 15 years.

Malaysia

The Malaysian government announced in November 2025 that it plans to restrict social media access for children under 16 years, with implementation expected later in 2026.

Slovenia

Slovenia has drafted legislation to regulate social media for minors and control shared content, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister in February 2026.

Spain

Spain is planning a social media ban for children under 16, with parliamentary approval required.

The government is also considering laws to hold platform officials accountable for spreading harmful content.

United Kingdom

The UK is exploring ways to restrict social media access for children under 16 years, with ongoing consultations with stakeholders.

These initiatives reflect a growing global concern about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, with countries seeking to balance digital access and safety.