S.S. Rajamouli accused of ‘torture, harassment’ in a suicide video

Veteran filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli has been accused of torture and harassment by his friend, Uppalapati Srinivasa Rao, in an alleged suicide video.

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Indian film producer Uppalapati Srinivasa Rao, who called himself an old friend of celebrated South Indian filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli, alleged in his final video before suicide that the ‘RRR’ director ruined his life and is responsible for his personal and professional struggles.

In the video, reportedly sent by Rao with a suicide note to the Mettu Police Station, he purportedly claimed, “India’s number one director, S.S. Rajamouli and Rama Rajamouli, are the reason for my suicide.”

The film producer continued, “You might think I am doing this for publicity, but this is my final letter. Everyone from MM Keeravaani to Chandrasekhar Yeleti and Hanu Raghavapudi knows how close I have been to Rajamouli for years now. I never thought a woman could come between us.”

Rao also claimed in his suicide video that he and Rajamouli have a ‘triangle love story’ with the same woman. “He asked me to sacrifice my love for her, and while I didn’t agree at first, I did later on. He believed I’d told people about this, and he began torturing me after we got into an argument,” he divulged. “We worked together till Yamadonga (2007), but he ruined my life after that. He tortured me so much since he became a big shot.”

“I am 55 years old and have lived a single life. I have no option but to die by suicide,” Rao alleged and asked the police to do a lie detector test. “I request the police officials to inquire into this matter and do justice to me.”

The filmmaker and his team are yet to comment on the matter.

Also Read: ‘RRR’ sequel confirmed; S.S. Rajamouli to not direct?

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‘Till I met Ameer…’: Mawra Hocane opens up on finding love in her now-husband

Newlywed actor Mawra Hocane, who married Ameer Gilani, her best friend for years, shared that there was a point in her life when she had stopped being hopeful about ever finding love in her life.

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In a virtual interview with an Indian publication, actor Mawra Hocane opened up on the heartbreak after the initial failure of her maiden Bollywood movie ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’, nine years ago.

The actor shared that she had somehow connected to her character of Saru to the extent, that she didn’t know how to close that chapter and move on, and it became worse when the film didn’t meet with the anticipated response.

“It took me almost a year [to disconnect from Saru] and for that period I truly believed that a part of me and an artist in me had died and that the stars and the magic in me had exhausted,” Hocane told the host.

She continued to divulge, “I had even started believing what Saru used to say, ‘I’m so beautiful yet I have no one in my life’. And also because I was single at that time, I used to think that I had manifested Saru’s life into mine.”

“Till I met Ameer [Gilani – her husband], I had also stopped believing that I’d ever find love,” the actor disclosed.

It is pertinent to mention here that Mawra Hocane announced her marriage to fellow actor and close friend Ameer Gilani, on February 5. With their first pictures as the newlyweds, she wrote in the caption, “In the middle of chaos… I found you. BISMILLAH.”

 

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Meanwhile, her debut Bollywood film, Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru’s romance drama ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’, co-starring Harshvardhan Rane, which initially opened to mixed reviews from critics in 2016, but managed to gain a cult status over the years, was re-released in theatres on February 7.

Also Read: Mawra Hocane credits ‘marriage luck’ for ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ success

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Mustafa Amir murder: ATC extends Armaghan, Shiraz’s physical remand

KARACHI: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Karachi has extended the physical remand of accused Armaghan and Shiraz by five days in the Mustafa Amir murder case, ARY News reported.

During the hearing, the anti terrorism court directed authorities to conduct the medical check up of both accused and submit the progress report on next hearing.

Earlier, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior took notice of the case of Mustafa Amir, who was murdered last month in Karachi.

The committee issued a notice to the IG of Sindh, asking him to appear before the committee on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The notice states that the IG Sindh, along with other relevant police officials, should present details regarding the case, including information about Armaghan and the drug trade.

Read More: Girl had dispute with Mustafa Amir, was in contact with Armaghan: Victim’s mother

Prior to this, Police produced two accused of Mustafa Amir murder case before a magisterial court.

Police presented Armaghan and Sheeraz in the court of Judicial Magistrate South. “Did you issue notices to defence lawyers,” the court questioned the investigation officer.

The magistrate expressed disappointment over the I/O’s performance owing to which identification parade of accused could not be conducted. The witnesses’ statements could not be recorded under section 164.

It is worth mentioning here that Mustafa Amir was kidnapped and allegedly murdered by his friends in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) on January 6.

According to the police, the youth’s friends stuffed his body in the trunk of his car and torched it in the Hub area of Balochistan.

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BTS star V breaks the internet with new military photos; fans react!

K-pop star Kim Tae-hyung aka V of the boy band BTS, has fans in a serious meltdown as he shared some new glimpses from military enlistment.

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Taking to his Instagram handle on Sunday, Kim Tae-hyung aka V of K-pop sensation BTS took fans by a pleasant surprise, with his jaw-dropping physical transformation during military duty.

With a sneak peek of his military life, V also shared a message for his fans. “I came to report Sergeant Kim’s survival.! It’s D-107,” he wrote in the caption. “The scary winter is over and I’ll take care of yourself in the warm spring and get ready for it!”

 

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The picture post has garnered 14 million hearts so far, while the singer kept the comments option turned off.

Notably, K-pop septet is currently on a self-described hiatus, for all seven singers to fulfil their mandatory military duty.

Also Read: Korean military addresses allegations of favouritism towards BTS star V

Jin, the oldest member of the boys’ band, and J-Hope – the first ones to start their mandatory military service – have completed their duty. The remaining five members are still enlisted for the service. V, along with Jimin, Jungkook and RM, was the last one to start the service on December 11.

For the uninitiated, South Korea requires all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve between 18 and 21 months in the military or social service, but it revised the law in 2020 to let globally recognised K-pop stars delay signing up until age 30.

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Supreme Court: Govt seeks time for arguments in May 9 case

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government requested for time to present arguments in the Supreme Court case about attack on military installations in Rawalpindi in May 09 incidents, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi heard the case.

Additional Prosecutor General Punjab pleaded for time to submit JIT reports and present arguments over appeals of accused against cancellation of their bails.

The court granted time to the government to submit its joint investigation reports.

Chief Justice Yahya Afridi said that there are some appeals regarding transfer of the case, which have become infructuous. The additional prosecutor general said that the ATC Rawalpindi’s judge has been transferred. “There are 11 transfer applications, Rs two lac fine imposed in each”.

“There were remarks against the Prosecutor General Punjab in the decision,” prosecution lawyer said. As prosecutor it is painful when talked about creating obstacles in court proceedings”.

“Why remorse not felt about sending reference against the judicial officer,” Justice Shafi Siddiqui questioned. “If this is the matter we will summon the judicial officer to hear his point of view,” Justice Yahya Afridi said.

“The fine could not be cancelled without hearing the parties,” chief justice remarked. “It will be appropriate to get instructions again over the case transfer appeals,” CJP observed.

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Mawra Hocane, Harshvardhan Rane’s ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ creates history

Mawra Hocane and Harshvardhan Rane’s ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ has created history with its miraculous Box Office run upon re-release.

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As reported by Indian media, the cult romance drama ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ has created new history among the re-released movies, becoming the first Indian film to earn INR50 crores in its Box Office collection, during the second theatrical run.

Celebrating the smashing commercial success of the title, filmmaker Deepak Mukut’s Soham Rockstar Entertainment wrote in an Instagram post, “Highest grosser re-release. You didn’t just watch it, you lived it! Sanam Teri Kasam is breaking records, and it’s all because of your unstoppable love!”

 

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Notably, filmmaker duo Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru’s romance drama, backed by producer Deepak Mukut and starring Pakistani showbiz star Mawra Hocane with Harshvardhan Rane, initially opened to mixed reviews from critics in 2016. However, the title has managed to gain a cult following over the years, leading to its re-release earlier this month, during Valentine’s week.

Owing to its cult status, the title crossed the initial collection numbers within two days of hitting theatres and has previously broken multiple other box office records as well.

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor to star opposite Harshvardhan Rane in ‘Sanam Teri Kasam 2’?

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Pakistan’s exports reached Rs 5.4trillion in seven months

ISLAMABAD: The exports from the country in the rupee term witnessed an increase of 7.22 percent during the first seven months of the current fiscal year as compared to the corresponding period of last year, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported.

Exports during July–January (2024–2025) were recorded at Rs. 5,448,181 million as against Rs.5,081,403 million during the corresponding period of last year, according to provisional figures released by PBS.

According to the provisional figures compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, exports from Pakistan during January, 2025 amounted to Rs.822,732 million (provisional) as against Rs. 809,554 million in December, 2024 and Rs. 782,642 million during January, 2024 showing an increase of 1.63% over December, 2024 and of 5.12% over January, 2024.

On year-on-year (YoY) basis, the exports from the country increased by 5.12 percent During January 2025 as compared to the corresponding month of last year.

The exports in January 2025 were recorded at Rs. Rs.822,732 million against the export of Rs. 782,642 million recorded during last January.

On month-on-month (MoM) basis the exports in January 2025 went up by 1.63 percent when compared to exports of Rs.809,554 million in December, 2024.

The main commodities of exports during December, 2024 were were knitwear (Rs. 130,493 million), readymade garments (Rs.110,618 million), bed wear (Rs. 80,442 million), rice others (Rs. 67,228 million), cotton cloth (Rs. 45,995 million), towels (Rs.28,413 million), basmati rice (Rs.21,674 million), madeup articles, excluding towels & bedwear (Rs.20,749 million) cotton yarn (Rs.18,139 million) and sugar (Rs.17,927 million).

On the other hand, imports during July–January (2024-2025) totaled Rs. 9,202,815 million as against Rs. 8,829,214 million during the corresponding period of last year, showing an increase of 4.23%.

Imports into Pakistan during January, 2025 amounted to Rs. 1,469,202 million (provisional) as against Rs. 1,490,150 million in December, 2024 and Rs. 1,333,136 million during January, 2024 showing a decrease of 1.41% over December, 2024 but an increase of 10.21% over January, 2024.

On YoY basis, the imports into the country during January, 2025 increased by 10.21 percent to Rs. 1,469,202 million as against Rs. 1,333,136 million during January 2024.

On MoM basis, the imports into the country increased by 1.41 percent in January 2024 when compared to the imports of Rs. 1,490,150 million in December, 2024.

Main commodities of imports during January, 2025 were petroleum products (Rs.144,238 million), petroleum crude (Rs.121,365 million), palm oil (Rs. 96,059 million), natural gas liquified (Rs.87,295 million), electrical machinery & apparatus (Rs.86,104 million), plastic materials (Rs.64,902 million), iron & steel (Rs.60,804 million), mobile phones (Rs. 37,652 million), raw cotton (Rs.34,554 million) and petroleum gas, Liquified (Rs. 29,498 million).

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Macron to present Trump with ‘proposals’ on peace in Ukraine

WASHINGTON: French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with his US counterpart Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, saying he will present “proposals for action” to counter the “Russian threat” in Europe and ensure peace in Ukraine.

Macron is hoping to persuade Trump when the two leaders meet on the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine to include European leaders in talks between Russia and the United States.

Trump sent shock waves around Europe when he declared his readiness to resume diplomacy with Russian President Vladimir Putin and to hold talks without the involvement of European nations or Kyiv.

He has repeated Russian talking points about Ukraine’s responsibility in starting the war, raising concern in Europe that he would agree to Moscow’s terms.

Macron has tried to coordinate a European response to Washington’s sudden policy shift, hosting two meetings with key leaders last week. Russia is “an existential threat to Europeans,” he said at the time.

“You have a power that has overly armed itself… and continues to arm itself,” Macron said, before departing for Washington.

“We don’t know where it will stop today. So, we must all act to contain it.”

Macron will be representing Europe as a whole during his visit, following his meetings with leaders across the continent, including Moscow-friendly Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an advisor to the president said.

“He is going to Washington with proposals for action that reflect the convergences that emerged” from the talks, the advisor said.

Macron aims to persuade Trump to continue US support for Ukraine, respecting its sovereignty and ensuring that European interests are fully considered, the advisor noted.

He also seeks to convince Trump that Russia represents an “existential threat” to Europe, and that Putin “will not respect” a ceasefire, he added.

Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is due to visit the White House on Thursday, coordinated on messaging before to the French president’s departure for the United States this weekend.

Deployment of forces

Britain and France are also discussing the deployment of European forces in Ukraine after a peace agreement is reached, to deter Russia from future attacks.

“The idea is to deploy soldiers to a second line, not on the front line. This could be combined with a multinational operation, with non-European contingents,” said a French source close to the discussions.

Macron and Starmer are expected to ask Trump to provide “solid security guarantees” for the deployed forces.

Although the Trump administration has ruled out committing US soldiers to the war effort, Europe hopes it could provide other support, such as logistics or intelligence.

European leaders would also commit to increasing their defense spending as Trump seeks to reduce US commitment, no longer wanting to bear the burden of the region’s security.

“It is in his interest to work with the Europeans because Europe has a capacity for growth — an economic potential — to cooperate with Americans,” Macron said.

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Amgen to invest $200 million in India

US drugmaker Amgen will invest about $200 million this year in its new technology centre in southern India, with further investments planned, CEO Robert Bradway said at the inauguration of the site on Monday.

Amgen announced its plans to open a “technology and innovation” site in India last year that is focused on increasing the use of AI and data science to support development of new medicines.

“We have wanted for a long time to expand Amgen’s presence in India and that time has come. Amgen is investing an initial $200 million in this centre in 2025 and plan to make additional significant investments in future years,” Bradway said.

The site in Hyderabad city is expected to have a workforce of about 2,000 by year-end, with around 300 employees already working there, said Som Chattopadhyay, national executive for India at Amgen.

Hyderabad will also host the BioAsia conference this week, where executives from drugmakers including Amgen, Eli Lilly and Novartis, as well as several Indian pharmaceutical giants will be speaking.

Amgen is one of many global pharmaceutical players looking to expand their presence in India, the so-called “pharmacy of the world”.

India and the U.S. agreed this month to start talks to clinch an early trade deal and resolve their standoff over tariffs after talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and the Indian Prime Minister Modi.

“One significant outcome (of the talks) was the launch of the U.S.-India trust initiative, which is to promote collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, something that both our countries really need,” U.S. Consul General in Hyderabad, Jennifer Larson, said.

“Amgen’s decision to expand its foot here is a perfect example of how our nations can work together to harness innovation, talent and technology.”

Trump intends to impose “25% or higher” levies on pharmaceutical imports, a move likely to hit Indian firms since most generic drugmakers count the U.S. as their largest market.

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Mickey Arthur wants Pakistan player to back their skills in India clash

Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has advised the national players to back their skills in the high-intensity IND v PAK clash at the Champions Trophy 2025.

Arthur was the coach of the Pakistan cricket team when they defeated India in the Champions Trophy 2017 final at the Oval.

As the two sides are set to face off in Dubai later today, Mickey Arthur has urged Pakistan players to clear their minds of all negativities.

“It is a must-win game for them. They have to have the ability to back their skills against India. The thing is, once you back your skills, anything is possible,” he said while speaking to ARY News.

Micky Arthur was of the view that a single game could set the momentum for Pakistan in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025.

“Is it going to be Shaheen Afridi with the new ball or Babar Azam with the bat? Whoever it is, they need someone to lead them from the front and that will change momentum,” he said.

Read more: Fakhar Zaman says he almost missed Champions Trophy 2017 final

The former Pakistan coach expressed hope that a victory in the IND v PAK game will help Pakistan make a comeback in the Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan will be missing opening batter Fakhar Zaman in the game who made a match-winning ton in the IND v PAK final in the 2017 edition of the tournament.

In an earlier interview, the Pakistan batter revealed that he was not sure about his participation in the final against India.

“I was not well the day before the game. I even talked to Mickey Arthur [then Pakistan Men’s head coach] and said I won’t be able to play the game,” Fakhar recalled.

According to the Pakistan batter, Arthur convinced him to play the inning even if it meant that he scored a golden duck.

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US proposes Ukraine UN text omitting mention of occupied territory

UNITED NATIONS: The United States proposed Friday a United Nations resolution on the Ukraine conflict that omitted any mention of Kyiv’s territory occupied by Russia, diplomatic sources told AFP.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged UN members to approve the “simple, historic” resolution.

Washington’s proposal comes amid an intensifying feud between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky which has seen Trump claim it was “not important” for his Ukrainian counterpart to be involved in peace talks.

It also appeared to rival a separate draft resolution produced by Kyiv and its European allies, countries that Trump has also sought to sideline from talks on the future of the three-year-old war.

The Ukrainian-European text stresses the need to redouble diplomatic efforts to end the war this year, noting several initiatives to that end, while also blaming Russia for the invasion and committing to Kyiv’s “territorial integrity.”

The text also repeats the UN General Assembly’s previous demands for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

Those votes had wide support, with around 140 of the 193 member states voting in favor.

Washington’s text, seen by AFP, calls for a “swift end to the conflict” without mentioning Kyiv’s territorial integrity, and was welcomed by Moscow’s ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia as “a good move” — but stressed that it did not address the “roots” of the conflict.

“The United States has proposed a simple, historic resolution in the United Nations that we urge all member states to support in order to chart a path to peace,” Rubio said in a statement Friday, without commenting in detail on the contents of the proposed resolution.

In a break with past resolutions proposed and supported by Washington, the latest draft, produced ahead of a General Assembly meeting Monday to coincide with the third anniversary of the war, does not criticize Moscow.

Instead, the 65-word text begins by “mourning the tragic loss of life throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”

It then continued by “reiterating” that the United Nation’s purpose is the maintenance of “international peace and security” — without singling out Moscow as the source of the conflict.

France’s ambassador to the UN, Nicolas De Riviere, the EU’s only permanent member of the council, said he had no comment “for the moment.”

“A stripped-down text of this type that does not condemn Russian aggression or explicitly reference Ukraine’s territorial integrity looks like a betrayal of Kyiv and a jab at the EU, but also a show of disdain for core principles of international law,” said Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group.

“I think even a lot of states that favor an early end to the war will worry that the US is ignoring core elements of the UN Charter.”

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WATCH: Rohit addresses dropped catch that denied Axar Patel hat-trick

India captain Rohit Sharma has come up with a plan to make amends for his drop catch that denied Axar Patel a hat-trick during their Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh.

A day earlier in their opening game, the left-arm spinner dismissed Bangladesh’s Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim off the second and third deliveries of the ninth over.

However, India captain Rohit Sharma dropped an easy catch in the slips off the fourth ball to deny Axar Patel his hat-trick.

The India captain was seen furious with himself as he hit the turf multiple times in frustration. He was also seen apologising to Axar, who was stunned over the wasted chance.

When asked about how he would make it up to Axar Patel after the game, Rohit Sharma said that he would take the spinner to dinner someday.

“I’ll take him out for dinner on Friday night,” he said.

Rohit Sharma lamented the drop catch, saying that it was an easy one to grab onto.

 

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“That was an easy catch, I should have taken it. I’ve set high standards for myself in the slips, so it was a bit disappointing. But these things happen. More importantly, the way our bowlers performed set the game up for us,” he added.

India kicked off their Champions Trophy 2025 on a high after beating Bangladesh by six wickets on the back of a century from Shubman Gill and a five-wicket haul from Mohammed Shami.

India chased a modest total of a 229-run with a loss of four wickets with 21 balls remaining at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

The side will next face Pakistan, hosts of the Champions Trophy 2025, at the same venue on February 23.

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Cases registered under PECA 2025 over social media propaganda

LAHORE: Three more cases have been registered under Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2025 for spreading propaganda against Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz and state institutions on social media, ARY News reported on Thursday.

According to police, the cases were lodged at Shahdara, Shahdara Town, and Kot Lakhpat police stations under various serious charges, including provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

As per the FIRs, the accused ‘used’ artificial intelligence to create videos of Maryam Nawaz. These videos were reportedly designed to promote the agenda of anti-state elements on social media.

The FIRs further state that a specific political group was involved in fabricating fake videos as part of a conspiracy to spread unrest. However, no arrests have been made so far.

Read more: Tarar hints at amending PECA law

Earlier this month, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Shabbir Ahmed was arrested in Mansehra under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

According to reports, Ahmed was taken into custody after his speech against the government and state institutions on Kashmir Solidarity Day.

HRCP on PECA 2025

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concern over the passage of controversial PECA bill.

The HRCP while demanding thorough debate over the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Senate and apprehended that the enforcement of the bill, will result in targeting newsmen and political and social activists.

The human rights commission said that the PECA bill restricts the fundamental human rights, expressing concern over emphasis on the fake or false news in the legislation bill.

The human rights body also termed three years jail term suggested in the bill as unnecessarily harsh.

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Pakistan set unwanted record in CT 2025 game against New Zealand

Pakistan’s top-order batters found it tough to get going in their opening game against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025, setting an unwanted record in the ODI format.

Put to chase a 321-run target in Karachi, the hosts managed 22/2 in the first ten overs, their lowest in the first powerplay in ODIs at home.

The national side’s lowest-ever powerplay score also came against New Zealand, when they managed to score just nine runs in the first 10 overs with field restriction in 2018.

Pakistan vice-captain Salman Ali also acknowledged the dismal start with the bat after they were defeated by 60 runs in the opening game of the Champions Trophy 2025.

“Our thrive was to restrict New Zealand around 270 or a maximum 300 runs because the pitch was such that it was a chaseable total if you start well. But we could not get the desired start in batting due to which we could not get the momentum and eventually failed to score as many runs,” he said in a post-match conference.

Pertinent to note here that Pakistan’s top order batters, including Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Fakhar Zaman and captain Mohammad Rizwan played 164 balls combined and scored 97 runs.

Read more: Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan batters played 145 dot balls while chasing 321-run target

The four batters played 108 dot balls in the innings, while the rest of the batters played 37 dot balls while facing 120 balls.

Following a crushing defeat against New Zealand, the defending champions are set to depart for Dubai where they will clash with archrivals India on February 23.

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Teary-eyed Samay Raina breaks silence on ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy

Indian comedian Samay Raina gets tears in his eyes as he broke his silence on the ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy during a stand-up show in Canada.

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During what came as his first live stand-up since the controversy around his show ‘India’s Got Latent’, involving Indian YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia aka ‘Beer Biceps’, comedian Samay Raina reportedly got emotional and appeared visibly stressed as he thanked the Canadian audience for paying his lawyer’s fees.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, a fan named Shubham Dutta purportedly wrote, “For the first time, I saw a 25-year-old guy [Raina], weighed down by immense mental pressure, dark circles under his eyes, a sunken face, and unkempt hair, walk onto the stage in a dust-covered black hoodie.”

“His first words into the mic? ‘Thanks for paying my lawyer’s fees,'” the OP revealed.

The post further read, “For the first time, I saw about seven hundred so-called ‘degenerate’ members of today’s generation cheering for him, while he stood there, tears in his eyes, just before starting his set.”

 

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Reportedly, Raina said before starting his performance, “Iss show pe bahut mauka ayega, jahan aapko lag sakta hai ki main bahot funny kuch bol sakta hoon, par tab Beer Biceps ko yaad kar lena bhai (There will be many moments in this show where you might think I could say something really funny, but in those moments, just remember Beer Biceps).”

Concluding his stand-up on an emotional note, the comedian confessed, “Shayad samay kharab chal raha hai mera, par yaad rakhna doston, main samay hoon (Maybe my time is bad right now, but remember, my friends – I am the time).”

For the unversed, the controversy erupted last week after Ranveer Allahbadia aka Beer Biceps made obscene family comments on ‘India’s Got Latent’. Besides the decline in his Instagram followers and YouTuber subscribers count since the controversy, the digital creator also received backlash from the audience, and a formal complaint was registered against him as well as Raina, organizers of the show and social media influencer Apoorva Makhija aka the rebel kid, by a BJP functionary.

Allahbadia later posted a video message on social media, apologising for his inappropriate and offensive comments.

Also Read: B Praak wants people to forgive Ranveer Allahbadia

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Shoaib Akhtar questions Pakistan’s ‘intent’ after New Zealand loss

Former Pakistani speed-gun Shoaib Akhtar questioned Pakistan’s intent and expressed disappointment with the team’s performance in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand, losing by 60 runs.

Akhtar lashed out at team’s batting approach, saying, “Where is the intent to score a run-a-ball? He also questioned the decision not to open with captain Mohammad Rizwan after Fakhar Zaman’s injury, stating, “There is no strategy” in the team to win crucial matches.

Shoaib praised Salman Ali Agha’s aggressive knock, which gave Pakistani fans something to cheer about, but expressed disappointment that other batsmen couldn’t replicate his performance. “If Salman Ali Agha can score quick runs, why can’t the other batsmen score like him?” he asked.

We know the bowlers will be expensive, but the main fast bowlers are conceding too many runs with no breakthroughs”, the Rawalpindi Express added.

It is worth mentioning here that centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, combined with a strong bowling performance powered New Zealand beat Pakistan by 60 runs in the inaugural match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

Chasing a target of 321, Pakistan struggled to gain momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel opened the innings for Pakistan after their regular opener, Fakhar Zaman, was forced to sit out for at least 25 minutes due to leaving the field during Pakistan’s bowling.

Saud Shakeel departed early, caught by Matt Henry off Will O’Rourke. Captain Muhammad Rizwan also fell cheaply, caught by Glenn Phillips off Will O’Rourke, leaving Pakistan reeling at 22-2 after 10 overs – their lowest home ODI powerplay total.

Fakhar Zaman, who batted at No. 4, partnered with Babar Azam to add 47 runs, but their slow pace put pressure on the team. Fakhar Zaman’s departure marked the beginning of a collapse, with Salman Ali Agha’s 42 off 28 balls providing a brief glimmer of hope.

Read more: Khushdil Shah responds to criticism after Pakistan’s defeat to New Zealand

Tayyab Tahir failed to make an impact, scoring just a single before departing. Meanwhile, Babar Azam completed his fifty and went on to score 64 off 90 balls before being caught with the scoreboard reading 153-6.

Khushdil Shah along with tail-enders tried to get closer to the target but Pakistan fell short 60 runs. Khushdil Shah remained top scorer with 69 off 49.

For New Zealand Mitchell Santner and O’Rourke picked up three wickets each while Matt Henry grabbed two wickets.

Tom Latham was adjudged player of the match for his wonderful hundred.

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Rihanna shares first post after A$AP Rocky’s non-guilty verdict in assault trial

In her first social media post since the Los Angeles jury acquitted her partner A$AP Rocky in the gun assault case, Barbadian popstar and beauty mogul Rihanna is simply ‘thankful’.

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Soon after a Los Angeles jury announced the verdict on Tuesday, acquitting the Grammy-nominated rapper and Rihanna’s romantic partner, A$AP Rocky, in the two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic weapon, the Fenty founder turned to her Instagram stories to express her gratitude.

“The glory belongs to God and God alone! Thankful, humbled by His mercy,” she wrote, followed by a praying hand emoji.

The ‘Diamonds’ hitmaker was also present in the courtroom for Rocky’s support, and among the first ones he celebrated the non-guilty verdict with.

For the unversed, A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was accused of pointing a handgun at a former friend, Terell Ephron, during a 2021 altercation. He was accused of also firing twice in Ephron’s direction during a second confrontation, which caused the fellow rapper a minor injury when one of the bullets grazed his knuckles.

However, the jury found him not guilty of both felony counts of assault. “Thank y’all for saving my life,” he said to the 12-person jury panel after the verdict in his favour.

Meanwhile, on the personal front, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky started dating sometime in 2020, after years of friendship. They share two sons; RZA Athelston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers.

Also Read: Rihanna leads the Smurfs in exciting new trailer

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Pakistan launches mobile App for visa-on-arrival

ISLAMABAD: Travelling to Pakistan has never been as easy as it is now with the launch of a mobile app for visa-on-arrival to facilitate citizens of 120 countries, ARY News reported.

As per details, the “Pak ID” app, developed by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), enables users to apply for visas, check their application status, and obtain visas online.

The app is designed to provide a hassle-free experience for travelers, allowing them to apply for business and tourist visas, and even track the status of their applications. Additionally, the app features face reading, passport, and document reading capabilities.

Pakistan’s online visa system is now open to citizens of 192 countries, with 120 countries eligible for visa-on-arrival.

Also read: NADRA FRC: Types, process and fee in Feb 2025

In 2024, NADRA introduced the Pak ID mobile app through which people will be able to get a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and Family Registration Certificate (FRC) online.

According to details, the NADRA has provided modern facilities, refraining the citizens from long queues at the centers.  After completing the process through the app, the applicant could get their ID documents delivered to their doorstep.

Through NADRA Pak ID mobile app, photo upload, fingerprints verification and online payment have been made easy. NADRA spokesperson said that now CNICs, FRCs and even CNICs for overseas Pakistani could be issued online.

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Ranveer Allahbadia gets death threats amid ‘India’s Got Latent’ row

Indian YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia aka Beer Biceps reveals he has been getting death threats after his controversial comments on Samay Raina’s ‘India’s Got Latent’.

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A day after Mumbai police reported that they had failed to trace Ranveer Allahbadia for the probe, as his phone remained switched off, the YouTuber turned to his Instagram handle with another note on Sunday, revealing he has been receiving several death threats due to his obscene and inappropriate family comments during ‘India’s Got Latent’ appearance.

“My team and I are cooperating with the police and all other authorities. I will follow due process and be available to all agencies,” he wrote. “My remark about parents was insensitive and disrespectful. It is my moral responsibility to do better and I am genuinely sorry.”

 

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Allahbadia further disclosed, “I’m watching death threats pour in from people saying that they want to kill me and hurt my family. People have invaded my mother’s clinic posing as patients. I’m feeling scared and I don’t know what to do. But I’m not running away.”

“I have full faith in the police and the judicial system of India,” he concluded.

To note, the controversy erupted last week after Allahbadia made inappropriate family comments on ‘India’s Got Latent’. Besides the decline in his Instagram followers and YouTuber subscribers count since the controversy, the digital creator also received backlash from the audience, who even called for the show’s ban.

Additionally, a formal complaint was registered against him as well as organizers of the show, host Samay Raina and social media influencer Apoorva Makhija aka the rebel kid, by a BJP functionary.

Also Read: Urvashi Rautela distances herself from Ranveer Allahbadia; netizens react

Following the netizen’s ire, Allahbadia posted a video message on social media, apologising for his inappropriate and offensive comments.

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Governor Tessori seeks commission to probe rising accidents in Karachi

KARACHI: Amid rising number of traffic accidents and fatalities in Karachi, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, has penned a letter to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah for prompt action.

In his letter, Kmaran Tessori expressed concern over the reckless driving heavy traffic including dumpers, tanker, and water tanker drivers. He noted a noticeable increase in traffic violations and accidents in recent months.

The Sindh governor has requested Murad Ali Shah for the formation of a high-level commission, led by the Chief Secretary, to investigate the causes of these accidents and identify the responsible parties.

Kamran Tessori further said that the public is currently experiencing significant anxiety and concerns over these incidents and that adopting a strong strategy to prevent such accidents in the future is imperative for ensuring public safety.

Read more: Karachi traffic accidents claim 107 lives this year

It is to be noted that Karachi has witnessed a disturbing surge in traffic accidents, with a total of 107 lives lost in just the first 45 days of 2025, the rescue service said. The victims include 78 men, 14 women, 11 children and 4 girls.

According to a report by the Chhipa Welfare Association, in addition to the fatalities, at least 1493 citizens were injured in these accidents.  The injured include 6290 men, 193 women, 42 children and 18 girls.

The traffic police said that most accidents involved heavy vehicles, including dumpers, trailers, and oil tankers.

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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia vow to further cement economic ties

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have vowed to further strengthen economic ties for a shared future.

The commitment was expressed during a high-level meeting between Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and his Saudi counterpart Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan on the sidelines of the Emerging Markets Conference in historical Alula city of Saudi Arabia.

The meeting underscored a shared commitment to build bridges of economic cooperation and advance mutual prosperity.

The discussions highlighted opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade, investments, and financial collaboration, with both ministers expressing their dedication to unlocking the full potential of their countries’ strategic partnership.

Read more: Saudi Arabia offers new opportunities for Pakistani travellers

The ministers explored avenues for collaboration in key sectors, including infrastructure, energy, technology, and finance.

Both sides emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and joint initiatives to facilitate investment flows and economic opportunities that would benefit not only the two nations but also the broader region.

The meeting further reinforced the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, setting the stage for increased economic cooperation and collaboration in the years to come.

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Timothee Chalamet channels Bob Dylan with warning about cult-like figures

Timothee Chalamet learned from his roles as Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown’ and Paul Atreides in ‘Dune’ that cult-like figures should be approached with caution, the Oscar-nominated actor said at the Berlin Film Festival on Friday.

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“It’s in the nature of his music, the warnings against cult-like figures,” Timothee Chalamet told journalists when asked what he learned from the U.S. singer-songwriter about how to deal with the current state of the world.

“My interpretation is just be wary of any saviour-like figures,” said Chalamet, whose Bob Dylan biopic was being shown in the festival’s non-competition Special section.

“That’s honestly the warning in Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’, which was written in the same period in American history,” added Chalamet.

“Granted, Frank Herbert was on the West Coast, probably doing acid at a typewriter, and Bob Dylan was on the East Coast, but the messaging was still similar,” Chalamet said.

 

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The 29-year-old actor starred in both parts of Denis Villeneuve’s science-fiction epic ‘Dune’, based on author Herbert’s highly acclaimed 1965 novel of the same name.

Chalamet, a frontrunner in the race for best actor at next month’s Oscars for his turn as Dylan, said he was grateful for his chance to play the artist.

Also Read: Timothee Chalamet reveals surprising reason for losing action film roles

‘A Complete Unknown’, which also stars Edward Norton, Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro, chronicles Dylan’s arrival in New York in 1961, his rapid ascent in folk music circles, and his divisive turn to electric rock music in 1965.

“We (the cast) know these projects are few and far between now,” he said.

“I was looking at the Berlinale film programme, you guys have a lot of really intellectually driven, artistically driven projects, but I guess we do in the States too, but … these things are harder to come by.”

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Justice Mansoor Ali Shah responds to govt’s ‘reference plans’

Supreme Court (SC) Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Friday responded to Prime Minister’s Advisor Rana Sanaullah’s statement regarding a potential reference against two senior judges.

During an informal media talk with journalists, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah responded to a question regarding the judiciary’s efficiency.

When a journalist asked, “It is often said that you do not work?”, Justice Shah replied, “Look at the case disposal rate.”

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah further stated that the number of judgments published in law books is evident to all, and the complete record is available on the Supreme Court’s website.

“I have just come for tea after the oath-taking ceremony,” the judge remarked.

When asked about a possible reference against him, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah responded, “We will see when it comes. If I have done nothing wrong, why should I fear a reference? God is the ultimate judge.”

Read more: CJP Afridi administers oath to newly-appointed SC judges

He emphasized that he holds no personal grudges or disputes with anyone and stated, “If there is an elephant in the room and no one sees it, what can be said?”

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah also mentioned that he meets with all fellow judges regularly and even shares tea with them.

Earlier in the day six newly appointed judges took oath as the Supreme Court judges at a ceremony in Islamabad.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi administered the oath to them.

The newly sworn-in judges included: Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, Justice Shakeel Ahmad, Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim.

Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb of Islamabad High Court took oath as Acting Judge of the Supreme Court.

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