Author: admin

Pakistan is still struggling to recover $304.5 million from five countries that have defaulted on their payments for decades, audit officials have revealed on Tuesday. Despite multiple diplomatic and official efforts, the debts remain unsettled after more than 40 years. According to official documents, these defaulting nations include Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iraq, Sudan, and Guinea-Bissau. The debts originated from export credits extended in the 1980s and 1990s, mainly for trade projects and supplies. In Pakistani currency, the unpaid amount exceeds Rs86 billion, with Iraq alone owing $231.3 million — the largest share of the debt. Sudan owes $46.6 million, while…

Apple has rolled out the sixth developer beta of iOS 26, introducing fresh ringtones, speedier app launches, and a key change to the Camera app ahead of the software’s September public release. What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 6 Six New Ringtones: All based on the popular “Reflection” tone, with “Dreamer” already trending online for its upbeat vibe. Camera App Reversal: Apple has scrapped its controversial swipe direction change after user backlash, restoring the familiar interface and removing the “Classic Mode” toggle added in beta 5. Snappier App Launches: New open and close animations make transitions faster and smoother. …

Health experts are calling flax seeds a powerhouse for heart health, thanks to their rich nutritional profile that includes omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. Flax seeds contain both soluble fiber, which supports digestive health, and insoluble fiber, which promotes better bowel function. They are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals — with vitamin B playing a key role in maintaining cardiovascular wellness. Benefits backed by research A 2018 study found that flax seeds may help in preventing certain cancers, including blood and skin cancer, by boosting enzymes that neutralize carcinogens and reducing inflammation that fuels cancer cell growth.…

Nepal will allow climbers to scale 97 Himalayan peaks free of charge for the next two years in an effort to draw visitors to its lesser-known mountain regions, officials said Monday. The initiative targets mountains in Karnali and Sudurpaschim — two of Nepal’s most remote and least developed provinces — where peaks range from 5,970m to 7,132m. Promoting ‘unexplored destinations’ Himal Gautam, director of Nepal’s Tourism Department, said the policy aims to showcase “unexplored tourism products and destinations” while creating jobs and strengthening local economies. “Despite their breathtaking beauty, the number of tourists and mountaineers here is very low as…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for “new offensive operations” in Ukraine, dismissing any notion that Moscow is ready for a ceasefire ahead of this week’s peace talks in Alaska with U.S. President Donald Trump. In a late-night video address on Monday, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate Russia is redeploying troops and military resources, particularly in the Zaporizhia region, for fresh assaults. ‘Not preparing for peace’ “He is definitely not preparing for a ceasefire or an end to the war,” Zelenskyy said. “On the contrary, they are moving in ways that suggest…

Beating a 12-year-old rival was once child’s play for an elite swimmer, but it has become an unlikely badge of honour when China’s Yu Zidi is in the race. Only the very best in women’s swimming were able to beat Yu at the world championships where the prodigy became the youngest medallist in the global meet’s 52-year history. Yet even as the swimming world marvelled at Yu’s talent, her age raised questions about the ethics of someone so young competing at the highest level. In a sport where the mental and physical toll can prove overwhelming for adults, Yu’s success…

Apple may soon release a new MacBook with an OLED screen at the high end of the price range. However, new leaks suggest that it may also offer a new, more affordable MacBook. The list of best MacBooks could soon include a model priced closer to the company’s iPad line than its laptops. This new 12.9-inch MacBook may be the first to use the same mobile chips found in the iPhone to cut costs while still providing adequate performance. What does the most recent information tell us about the new MacBook? Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who specializes in Apple information, told…

Travelers flying from the UAE have been reminded to check what they can and cannot carry in their cabin baggage, as airport authorities in Dubai and Sharjah update guidance on banned and restricted items. The advisory follows Emirates’ recent ban on using power banks onboard from October. Banned items in hand baggage – Dubai airport Dubai Airports has a strict list of prohibited items that cannot be carried in cabin luggage. These include: Sharp work tools such as hammers, nails, and screwdrivers Scissors with blades longer than 6cm Swords, handcuffs, firearms, and ammunition Laser guns, walkie-talkies, and martial arts weapons…

China’s Ministry of Commerce announced Tuesday that it will continue to suspend or remove certain measures related to the unreliable entity list affecting some U.S. companies, effective from Tuesday. Earlier the same day, China and the United States issued a joint statement following their economic and trade meeting in Stockholm. The statement confirmed that China would take or maintain necessary actions to suspend or cancel non-tariff countermeasures against the U.S. To implement the consensus reached during the high-level economic and trade talks, starting August 12, 2025, China will continue suspending the measures announced on April 4 for 90 days and…

China on Monday called on the Philippines to immediately cease its infringement and provocative actions near Huangyan Dao, reaffirming China’s firm stance on safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the intrusion by multiple Philippine Coast Guard vessels, official ships, and fishing boats into China’s territorial waters on Monday, adding that a Philippine military aircraft also intruded into the air space of Huangyan Dao. Lin pointed out that the Philippines’ actions have seriously infringed upon China’s sovereignty and rights, seriously undermining peace and stability at sea. “These moves are of a malign nature,” he…