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Australia captain Steve Smith has declined to rule out a surprise return for fast bowler Pat Cummins in the second Ashes test against England, while backing middle-order option Josh Inglis to make a difference if picked by selectors. Regular skipper Cummins missed Australia’s eight-wicket win in the Perth opener while recovering from a back injury and was omitted from the second test squad named last week. Smith, however, said Cummins appeared in good condition at training and may be part of selectors’ conversations for the pink-ball match. “He looks pretty good to me, the way he’s bowled in the nets,”…

Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery’s studios and streaming unit is expected to reduce streaming costs for consumers by bundling Netflix and HBO Max, according to two people familiar with the proposal. In recent talks with Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix said the potential combination of its streaming service with HBO Max would benefit consumers by lowering the cost of a bundled offering, the sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters. They requested anonymity to discuss confidential negotiations. Netflix’s argument seeks to address potential regulatory concerns that combining one of the nation’s leading subscription video streaming services with a top…

Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has welcomed Pakistan’s new roadmap to fast-track Phase-II of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), calling it a transformative move toward high-tech industrialisation, stronger provincial cooperation, and sustainable growth. PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain said the shift toward innovation-led expansion through industrial upgradation, digital transformation, and modern governance—along with declaring 2026 as the “Year of Reform and Modernization”—signals a bold, future-focused national commitment to institutional efficiency and investment-friendly reforms.

ISLAMABAD : President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed the national commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full participation in the national life. In a message on the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities,’ being observed today (Wednesday), he called on citizens, public and private institutions, civil society and international partners to support persons with disabilities and recognise their identity with respect. “Their participation in education, entrepreneurship, public service and national development is vital for Pakistan’s future,” he added. The president said the Government of Pakistan, through federal and provincial bodies, was taking…

LAHORE : The Punjab School Education Department has released a revised schedule for the ongoing recruitment of School Teacher Interns (STIs), outlining fresh dates for merit lists, interviews, objections, and final appointments. The updated timeline for STIs is intended to enhance transparency and help applicants monitor each stage of the process more effectively. According to new updates the first merit list will be posted on school notice boards on December 3, allowing candidates to check their standings and prepare for the upcoming phases. Candidates intending to file objections may do so at their respective tehsil offices on December 4 and…

The Trump administration on Tuesday said it paused all immigration applications, including green card and US citizenship processing, filed by immigrants from 19 non-European countries, citing concerns over national security and public safety. The pause applies to people from 19 countries that were already subjected to a partial travel ban in June, placing further restrictions on immigration – a core feature of US President Donald Trump’s political platform. The list of countries includes Afghanistan and Somalia. The official memorandum outlining the new policy cites the attack on US National Guard members in Washington last week in which an Afghan man…

Pakistan’s trade sector took a severe hit in the first five months of the current fiscal year, with fresh data showing a sharp fall in exports and a steep rise in imports. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics attributes the worsening performance primarily to regional tensions and growing trade barriers. According to the newly issued report card, Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by more than 37%, increasing by $4.19 billion compared to the same period last year. Between July and November, the deficit rose to over $15.46 billion, driven largely by shrinking exports and rising import volumes. During the same five-month stretch…

After 25 years, kite flying has officially returned to Punjab, with the provincial government issuing a detailed ordinance to allow the celebration of Basant under strict and regulated conditions. The legislation, signed by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, marks the revival of a cultural tradition long awaited by many. The new law grants conditional permission for kite flying across Punjab. According to the ordinance, Basant celebrations are allowed but only within a framework of strict rules designed to ensure public safety and prevent past tragedies. The government has emphasized that this controlled revival aims to preserve Punjab’s cultural heritage while…

Mild earthquake tremors were felt in Sibi district on Wednesday morning, prompting concern among residents though no damage was immediately reported. According to the National Seismic Center, the earthquake measured 4.0 on the Richter scale. The tremors originated from an epicenter located 50 kilometers southwest of Sibi, with a depth recorded at 10 kilometers, indicating a shallow quake more likely to be felt on the surface. Authorities said the tremors were brief but noticeable. No casualties or structural losses have been reported so far. Local disaster management teams remain on alert as aftershocks cannot be ruled out.

Tajikistan is in talks with Russia and a Moscow-led regional security grouping about the possibility of Russia deploying troops to jointly patrol the volatile border with Afghanistan, three Tajik security sources told Reuters on Tuesday. Five Chinese nationals have been killed and five wounded near the border in the past week as a result of attacks launched from Afghanistan. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon held talks with the heads of his security agencies on Monday about the situation and China has advised its citizens, who are engaged in various mining and business activities, to urgently leave the border area. One of the three sources,…