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The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is facing a revenue shortfall of Rs198 billion in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025, official sources confirmed on Wednesday. From July to September, FBR collected Rs2,885 billion against the target of Rs3,083 billion. The biggest dent came in September alone, when collections fell short by Rs138 billion. Against a target of Rs1,368 billion for the month, the FBR managed to collect Rs1,230 billion, according to sources. Officials say the final figures for September are expected in the coming days, with a possibility of some reduction in the reported shortfall. Despite the…

The United States government has officially entered a shutdown, its 15th since 1981, after sharp partisan divisions blocked a funding deal in Congress. The closure, which began Wednesday, is expected to furlough 750,000 federal employees, disrupt key services, and cost the economy $400 million per day. The deadlock will immediately halt the release of the closely watched September jobs report, slow air travel, suspend scientific research, withhold pay from U.S. troops, and freeze thousands of federal programs. Independent analysts warn the standoff could last longer than previous shutdowns, intensifying economic and social strain. At the heart of the dispute is…

A senior Hamas figure has told the BBC that the group is unlikely to accept United States President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan, arguing it “serves Israel’s interests” and “ignores those of the Palestinian people.” The official said Hamas is not prepared to disarm or surrender its weapons—one of the central conditions of Trump’s 20-point framework. The group also opposes the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, calling it “a new form of occupation.” While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the plan during talks in Washington, Hamas has yet to deliver a formal response. Qatar’s foreign ministry…

United States President Donald Trump has given Hamas “three or four days” to respond to his Gaza ceasefire plan, warning that failure to accept it could have grave consequences. The proposal, already backed by Israel and some Arab states, lays out a framework for ending the two-year war in Gaza. Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said Hamas must decide quickly. “Hamas is either going to be doing it or not, and if it’s not, it’s going to be a very sad end,” the US president remarked. Asked whether there was space for negotiation, he replied: “Not much.”…

At least 26 people have been killed and nearly 150 injured after a strong earthquake struck off the central Philippine island of Cebu late Tuesday, toppling buildings, cutting power, and sending terrified residents rushing into the streets. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the magnitude 6.9 quake hit at 9:59 pm local time (13:59 GMT) near the northern tip of Cebu Island, close to Bogo City, which has a population of about 90,000. The initial tremor was followed by at least four aftershocks above magnitude 5, intensifying fears in the region. By early Wednesday, the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk…

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and US President Donald Trump used a Pentagon gathering last week to criticize top U.S. military leaders and outline controversial new priorities. Hegseth, who has overseen widespread shake-ups since Trump took office, opened the event by blasting what he called a “woke” Pentagon. “Foolish and reckless political leaders set the wrong compass heading and we lost our way,” he declared. “But not anymore.” He defended his decision to fire senior officers, including the military’s top general, who is Black, and the Navy’s top admiral, who is a woman, saying they represented a broken…

Many people see potatoes only as a starchy food that contributes to weight gain. But few know that, when prepared properly, potatoes can actually be beneficial for people with high blood pressure. Potatoes are naturally rich in potassium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Potassium helps the body flush out excess sodium, which is often a major factor in hypertension. By reducing sodium levels, potassium supports better blood vessel function and helps keep blood pressure in check. Low in calories, high in fiber Another hidden advantage of potatoes is their fiber content, which aids…

Brisbane Heat have announced the creation of a special fan zone named the “Shaheen’s Fan Bay” in recognition of Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is set to take part in the Big Bash League (BBL) for the first time. This dedicated fan bay will be established for all five home matches at the Gabba. The initiative aims to allow the Pakistani community and cricket fans to celebrate Afridi’s participation in the league. Tickets for the “Shaheen’s Fan Bay” will be made available shortly. Shaheen Bay will feature during Brisbane Heat’s home matches scheduled for December 19, December 27,…

West Indies claimed a consolation victory by ten wickets, with 46 balls to spare, in the third and final T20I against Nepal at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The win came after the Caribbean side had already lost the three-match series, with Nepal having convincingly won the opening two fixtures. The result denied Nepal a historic clean sweep over the two-time T20 World Cup champions. Chasing a modest target of 123, openers Amir Jangoo and Ackeem Auguste saw West Indies home with an unbroken partnership. Jangoo struck an unbeaten 74 off 45 deliveries, including five fours and six sixes, while…

China on Tuesday honored 50 foreign experts with the 2025 Chinese Government Friendship Award for their outstanding contributions to the country’s development. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin extended congratulations to the experts at a ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. She said that together with the Chinese people, foreign experts have made outstanding contributions to China’s modernization drive, and to fostering friendly exchange and cooperation between China and other countries, which the Chinese people will always remember. China is confident in and capable of achieving long-term, stable development, thereby bringing new momentum and opportunities to…