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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that escalating regional tensions could pose a serious threat to Pakistan’s economic recovery, potentially dampening investor confidence and slowing growth. During the ongoing economic review talks, IMF officials also proposed new taxes on fertilizers and pesticides to bridge a Rs200 billion shortfall in the first quarter. IMF officials, in discussions with Pakistani authorities, expressed concern that heightened regional tensions may disrupt external stability. They cautioned that such developments could increase uncertainty for foreign investors and put pressure on commodity prices — both of which may slow down economic momentum. According to IMF representatives,…

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its panels of umpires and match referees for the 2025-26 cricket season, highlighting a mix of experienced officials and emerging talent across men’s and women’s cricket. Ali Naqvi leads the list in the ICC International Panel of Match Officials. ICC international panel The International Panel of Match Officials includes five top referees and umpires: Ali Naqvi (Match Referee) Asif Yaqoob (Islamabad) Faisal Khan Afridi (Sargodha) Rashid Riaz Waqar (Lahore) Saleema Imtiaz (Karachi) These officials are now part of the ICC International Panel, eligible for officiating in international matches. PCB national panels Elite panel of…

Australia has revealed its ODI and T20 squads for the highly anticipated white-ball series against India, starting October 19. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh will captain the team in the absence of Pat Cummins, while Mitchell Starc makes a return to bolster the bowling attack. ODI squad highlights The ODI series, set to be played on October 19, 23, and 25, sees Starc, Matthew Renshaw, Matt Short, and Mitchell Owen called up. Renshaw is returning to the ODI fold for the first time since 2022, adding depth to Australia’s batting lineup. With Pat Cummins recovering from lumbar bone stress ahead of the…

As global economic pressures continue, several countries have experienced a decline in the cost of living in 2025. This trend offers new opportunities for expatriates, retirees, and digital nomads seeking budget-friendly alternatives without compromising on quality of life. 1. Vietnam Vietnam maintains its position as one of the most affordable countries for expatriates. According to the 2025 InterNations Expat Insider Survey, 89% of expatriates reported satisfaction with the cost of living, and 87% felt their disposable income was sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle. The country’s blend of affordability and vibrant culture continues to attract long-term residents. 2. Colombia Colombia has…

Greta Thunberg arrived in Athens, Greece, on Monday to a warm welcome from a pro-Palestinian crowd after being deported by Israel alongside hundreds of other activists attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. She criticized Israel’s military actions, calling them a “genocide” and decrying the international system’s failure to protect Palestinians. Israel expelled 171 activists on Monday, bringing the total deported so far to 341 out of 479 detained during the flotilla attempt to breach its naval blockade of Gaza. Among those arriving in Athens were 22 Swedish activists, including Thunberg, 27 Greeks, and citizens from nearly 20 other countries. “The…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using drones and missiles packed with parts from Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, as he urges allies to step up sanctions. The revelation comes amid ongoing attacks and heightened tensions in Europe. Zelenskyy stated in a social media post that hundreds of missiles and drones fired by Russia in the last two nights contained over 100,000 components sourced from countries such as the US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and China. According to Ukrainian intelligence, US companies supply converters for Kh-101 missiles and…

Astronomy enthusiasts in Pakistan have a celestial treat tonight as the first supermoon of 2025 lights up the night sky. The moon will be closer to Earth than usual, appearing brighter and larger to the naked eye. According to a spokesperson for Suparco (Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission), the supermoon will become visible at 8:47 pm, rising from the east shortly after sunset and setting in the west before sunrise. What is a supermoon? A supermoon occurs when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. This proximity makes the full moon appear…

The first day of resumed indirect peace talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt concluded on a promising note Monday, raising hopes for progress in implementing US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. Negotiators are set to return for further discussions on Tuesday. Day one focuses on prisoners, ceasefire, and aid Sources familiar with the Sharm el-Sheikh talks described the first session as “positive”, noting that a roadmap was drawn up for continuing negotiations. The discussions covered: Proposed exchange of prisoners and captives A potential ceasefire Humanitarian aid entering Gaza The Hamas delegation highlighted that Israeli…

Famous YouTuber Rajab Butt has strongly denied accusations made by TikToker Fatima Khan, who alleged sexual harassment and fraud. Rajab Butt clarified that he never gave her gifts or engaged in any personal relationship and confirmed plans to take legal action against her. In a recently released podcast trailer, Rajab Butt addressed multiple controversies surrounding him. On the allegations by Fatima Khan, he said: He did not give her any gifts, not even worth a single rupee. There was no sexual relationship or engagement with her. He questioned Fatima Khan’s mental state and credibility. He stated, “If I have given…

Taylor Swift’s latest album rollout has hit an unexpected controversy. Her interactive Google scavenger hunt, meant to excite fans worldwide, instead sparked debate as viewers accused the singer of using AI-generated videos in the campaign. To promote her twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift teamed up with Google to create a digital scavenger hunt that sent fans on a global quest. When users searched “Taylor Swift” on Google, a message appeared: “12 cities, 12 doors, 1 video to unlock.” Fans were then tasked with finding these doors in real-world locations and scanning QR codes that led to…