As the transfer window deadline day is fast approaching, it looks like Liverpool are reportedly making a one last attempt to sign Alexander Isak this summer for Newcastle United. (more…)
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Public holiday announced in flood-hit Gujrat, Sialkot
GUJRAT: The districts authorities have declared a public holiday on Wednesday as flooding intensifies in Gujrat and Sialkot districts of Punjab.
Heavy inflows from India into the Sutlej and Chenab rivers have triggered a flood alert across Punjab. The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) issued an urgent warning of extraordinary flooding in the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, urging immediate evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas.
According to NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider, more than 190,000 people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas of Punjab as rising water levels continue to threaten lives and property.
Gujrat Deputy Commissioner Noor-ul-Ain Qureshi and Sialkot Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali visited Head Marala to oversee the situation. Meanwhile, 20 people trapped under Shahbazpur Bridge were successfully rescued, DC Qureshi confirmed.
Mobile phone service has been disrupted across Gujrat, with internet services also reported to be extremely slow and unavailable in several areas.
Read More: Pakistan Army troops requisitioned in Punjab for flood relief activities as India releases water
Meanwhile, in view of the potential flood threat following the release of water by India, the Pakistan Army has been called in to assist the civil administration in Punjab, ARY News reported on Wednesday.
As per details, the water level is rising in Pakistan rivers as India opened all gates of the dam on the River Ravi.
The move has created a flood-like situation in Punjab’s rivers, prompting the provincial government to deploy army units in seven districts.
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Punjab rivers in extreme flooding, Sialkot rainfall surpasses record
LAHORE: Sialkot recorded 364mm rainfall in last 24 hours, surpassing the previous 299.2mm record of maximum rain set on July 31, 1961.
Rainfall at Sialkot airport recorded 198mm according to the weather department.
Chenab River has been flowing in extremely high flood at Marala Headworks, the flood control room shared. The water’s inflow at Marala has been recorded as high as 6,71,148 cusecs and outflow of the river has been 6,64,618 cusecs, barrage sources said.
The maximum barrage capacity has been 11,00,000 cusecs, a spokesman of Sialkot district administration has said.
Yesterday Gujrat received 115mm rainfall, Narowal 102mm, Mangla 48mm, Jhelum 47mm, Gujranwala 34mm and Lahore city 27mm rainfall.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has decided to open Tarbela Dam’s spillways at 12:30pm today expecting release of 2,50,000 cusecs water flow.
The NDMA in an advisory said that heavy rainfall forecast across Indian states upstream, could further increase flows in rivers and streams heading towards Pakistan.
The NDMA has also issued a heavy rain alert for Punjab, warning rainfall in more rainfall in next 12 to 24 hours in Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Nankana Sahib, Chunian, and Pakpattan.
The rains may cause flooding in urban low-lying areas and in rivers and canals across the region.
Lahore being stated at the risk of flooding, with entry of 23,000 cusecs of water in the Ravi River near the city, raising water levels. The district administration has cautioned against a possible very high flood level in the next 48 hours.
The Sutlej River continued to rise after another release of water by India, inundating multiple villages in Tehsil Burewala.
Provincial irrigation officials have reported an inflow of 48,564 cusecs at Islam Headworks, and outflow of 46,564 cusecs. The upsurge has destroyed crops over thousands of acres.
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NDMA issues alert as Tarbela Dam spillways to open today
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced that the spillways of Tarbela Dam will be opened today (Wednesday) at 12:30 p.m., with water discharge expected to reach up to 250,000 cusecs.
Pakistan is facing high floods due to heavy rains and water discharge from India.
In its advisory, the NDMA cautioned residents against moving close to the River Indus due to the possible increase in water flow.
The authority has already alerted all relevant departments and urged residents of low-lying areas to remain vigilant and extend full cooperation to local administration.
The NDMA also noted that despite the developing flood situation, no formal alert has been issued by the Indus Water Commissioner.
Read more: Pakistan Army troops requisitioned in Punjab for flood relief activities as India releases water
In a separate development, a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said the provincial government has taken an urgent decision to seek military assistance for immediate relief operations in seven districts of Punjab including Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narrowal, Faisalabad, Okara and Sargodha.
The spokesperson added that the district administration, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and police are already active on the ground.
The interior ministry has been officially approached to facilitate the deployment of the armed forces.
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North West channels aunt Kylie in dramatic new transformation
North West, the firstborn daughter of reality TV star Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West, has debuted a dramatic new hairstyle, inspired by her aunt Kylie Jenner.
The eldest daughter of ex-couple Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, North, 12, is growing up fast, and being around models, socialites and beauty moguls in her family, the second generation of the Kardashian-Jenner clan is as fashionable as it can get for a teenager.
Lifestyle News – Latest Entertainment News, Celebrity Gossip
North recently took out a page from her aunt, Kylie Jenner’s style books, debuting an all-new blue-hair look, quite close to the former’s ‘King Kylie’ era.
She debuted the dramatic transformation on a recent dinner outing with mom Kim Kardashian in Pierluigi, Rome. The star kid styled her blue hair in low-tied pigtails, and paired it with a mini-skirt, a black corset top and a matching heart-shaped handbag, while she towered over the ‘Kardashians’ star in chunky platform boots, completing her outfit with glasses.
Also Read: Kim Kardashian’s latest blonde look sets social media ablaze
Notably, North is the eldest child of Kim Kardashian and rapper-entrepreneur Ye, who also share Saint, Chicago and Psalm. After being married for seven years, the high-profile couple filed for divorce in 2021. They reached a post-divorce settlement, including the joint custody of their four kids, by the following November.
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Zverev eases past Tabilo in US Open first round
Germany’s Alexander Zverev eased past Alejandro Tabilo of Chile in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6 (4), 6-4, in the opening round of the US Open on Tuesday. (more…)
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Flour prices surge, dealers warn of further hike
PESHAWAR: Flour prices have sharply increased across the city, with a 20-kilogram bag now costing up to Rs300 more, ARY News reported on Wednesday, quoting dealers.
According to local flour dealers, the price of flour per kilogram has risen by Rs15 to Rs20. A 20kg bag of mixed flour is now being sold at Rs1,800, while fine flour has reached Rs1,900.
Dealers attributed the price hike to large-scale wheat hoarding, saying stockists have purchased bulk quantities directly from farmers and stored them, creating an artificial shortage in the market.
They also warned that flour prices may rise further if hoarding continues and government intervention is delayed.
Read more: Tribunal reduces fine on Pakistan Flour Mills Association in price-fixing case
Meanwhile, in Punjab wheat and flour prices are increasing at an alarming pace, with the cost of wheat rising by Rs. 300 in just the past week to Rs. 3,100 per 40kg (maund).
Wheat has become nearly Rs. 1,000 costlier per 40kg, while flour prices have risen by around Rs. 500 per 20kg bag over the past month.
The sudden hikes have sparked widespread concern among consumers and traders alike, with many attributing the volatility to the Punjab government’s abrupt decision to withdraw from regulating the wheat market.
Critics argue the move has created space for hoarders and speculators to manipulate prices, further fueling inflationary pressure on staple foods.
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PSL begins asset valuation to determine renewal franchise fees
LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) management on Wednesday launched a comprehensive valuation process of all its commercial assets to reinforce transparency, fairness, growth, and long-term sustainability, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
The contract has been awarded to Ernst & Young (EY MENA), a leading global professional services firm, following a public tender process initiated in July.
According to PCB, the process will begin later this month and is expected to conclude within five weeks. EY MENA will consult stakeholders, conduct market research, benchmarking, and prepare projections and valuations.
The firm will assess the fair market value of all existing franchises, commercial rights — including media, live-streaming and in-stadia sponsorships — as well as title sponsorship and potential new franchises.
This process with respect to determining the Fair Market Value and renewal franchise fee for the existing franchises is in line with the terms and conditions of the existing franchise agreements which are nearing completion, PCB said.
Commenting on the development, PSL CEO Salman Naseer said: “This valuation marks a pivotal step in the evolution of the PSL which has cemented its place as one of the leading cricket franchises in the world. By engaging an independent global leader like EY MENA, we are ensuring absolute transparency and fairness in determining the fair market value of our franchises and commercial rights”.
“As we look toward the renewal cycle and addition of new team(s), this process will give current and prospective stakeholders complete confidence in the league’s growth trajectory and long-term sustainability. Once the valuation report has been reviewed internally, the PCB will take informed and strategic decisions that will shape the future of the league.”
The PCB added that the PSL remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s sporting landscape, driving cricketing excellence, commercial success, and international recognition. With its upcoming renewal cycle, the league aims to unlock greater opportunities for investors, fans, and players alike.
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Street Fighter movie unveils Ken’s iconic look in live-action adaptation
The upcoming Street Fighter movie has given fans their first look at a major character, as Noah Centineo revealed his transformation into Ken Masters.
Production on the highly anticipated live-action Street Fighter movie is officially underway, and the actor teased his new look via Instagram.
Noah Centineo, best known for roles in romantic comedies, appears dramatically different for the role of Ken in the Street Fighter movie.
He has bulked up considerably and now sports blond, shoulder-length hair to match the iconic character’s appearance from the video game series.
The sneak peek comes after recent excitement surrounding WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes, who was earlier teased as Guile in the film.
Although the image posted by Noah Centineo was not an official studio release, it offers the first proper glimpse at his preparation for the Street Fighter movie.
View this post on Instagram
The actor shared the picture from his trailer on set, hinting at the intense physical transformation required for the role.The new Street Fighter movie boasts a star-studded cast alongside Noah Centineo, including Jason Momoa as Blanka, Andrew Koji as Ryu, Cody Rhodes as Guile, David Dastmalchian as M. Bison, Joe Anoa’i as Akuma, and 50 Cent as Balrog.
Other cast members include Orville Peck as Vega, Callina Liang as Chun-Li, Vidyut Jammwal as Dhalsim, Andrew Schulz as Dan Hibiki, and Hirooki Goto as E. Honda. Kitao Sakurai directs the film, which is based on a script by Dalan Musson.
The Street Fighter movie follows several previous attempts to adapt the legendary video game franchise.
The 1994 live-action film became infamous for poor reviews despite earning nearly $100 million worldwide. Later adaptations, including 2009’s Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li and the 2014 web series Assassin’s Fist, saw mixed success.
With Noah Centineo leading as Ken and Legendary Entertainment backing the project, the latest Street Fighter movie aims to deliver a fresh and authentic take on the franchise. The film is set to hit cinemas in 2026.
Also Read: Street Fighter movie: First look at Cody Rhodes as Guile revealed
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When and where did Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce get engaged?
After Taylor Swift and her beau, Travis Kelce, announced their engagement on Tuesday, his father, Ed, revealed when and where the NFL star actually popped the question to the pop megastar.
After being together for two years, power couple Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement via an Instagram post yesterday. “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” the pop star wrote in the caption of the five-slide carousel post, featuring their engagement pictures.
Taylor Swift – News and Updates
This came a month after the Kansas City Chiefs tight end finally launched his relationship with the Grammy winner on Instagram, before she made a special appearance on the ‘New Heights’ podcast of Travis and Jason Kelce, to announce her 12th studio album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.
However, his father, Ed Kelce, has now revealed that the NFL star actually proposed to the ‘Lover’ hitmaker much earlier than they broke the news on social media.
View this post on Instagram“Maybe two weeks, not quite two weeks ago,” he confirmed in a new interview, adding that Kelce and Swift got engaged at the Chiefs star’s home.
“He was going to put it off till this week. I think she was getting maybe a little antsy, but he was going to put her off till this week, to, you know, make some grand thing, to make it a big special event. [But] I told him repeatedly, you know, you could do it on the side of the road, do it any place that makes it a special event … when you get down on one knee and ask her to marry you,” he explained.
Travis Kelce – News and Updates
“He got her out there, they were about to go out to dinner, and he said, ‘Let’s go out and have a glass of wine’ … They got out there, and that’s when he asked her,” Kelce’s father detailed. “It was beautiful.”
“They started FaceTiming me and their mother and her folks to make sure everybody knew. So, to see them together is great,” he shared.