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  • Bangladesh protest leader’s killing sparks unrest ahead of elections

    Bangladesh protest leader’s killing sparks unrest ahead of elections

    Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a prominent leader of Bangladesh’s 2024 student-led uprising, who was flown to Singapore after being critically wounded in an assassination attempt, has died, Singaporean authorities have confirmed.

    “Despite the best efforts of the doctors… Hadi succumbed to his injuries,” Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, confirming his death after days of intensive medical treatment.

    Hadi, 32, was shot in the head on December 12 while traveling in a battery-powered autorickshaw in Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, according to local media.

    The student leader was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after the shooter opened fire from a motorcycle and fled the scene.

    Local physicians told the newspaper that Hadi’s brain stem had been damaged. As his condition deteriorated, he was evacuated to Singapore on December 15 and admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) for advanced treatment.

    Hadi was a senior leader of the student protest group Inqilab Mancha – platform for revolution – who had emerged as a key figure during the 2024 uprising. 

    Additionally, he was being regarded as a possible independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the February national elections.

    Known for his vocal criticism of India, Hadi’s political profile increased dramatically in recent months as Bangladesh experienced political turmoil after Sheikh Hasina’s removal. The former premier remains in self-imposed exile in India.

    Announcing his death on Facebook late Thursday, Inqilab Mancha described him as a martyr. “In the struggle against Indian hegemony, Allah has accepted the great revolutionary Osman Hadi as a martyr,” the group said.

    Police have launched a large-scale hunt for those involved in the shooting, releasing photographs of two key suspects and announcing a reward of five million taka (approximately $42,000) for information leading to their arrest. 

    According to a Bangladeshi newspaper, at least 20 people linked to the incident have been arrested so far, though investigations into the murder remain ongoing.

    The killing triggered immediate political condemnation and expressions of grief across the country. Bangladesh’s interim government head Muhammad Yunus said Hadi’s death “is an irreparable loss for the nation”.

    “The country’s march towards democracy cannot be halted through fear, terror, or bloodshed,” Yunus said in a televised address on Thursday.

    The government declared a half-day of national mourning on Saturday and organised special prayers at mosques following Friday prayers. Condolence messages were also released by political parties.

    “We are deeply saddened by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Manch and independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency,” Bangladesh National Party (BNP) acting chairman Tareq Rahman said in a Facebook post.

    In a separate press statement, the National Citizen Party (NCP) said it was “deeply saddened” by Hadi’s death, and extended condolences to his family.

    Within hours of learning of Hadi’s passing, protests erupted in Dhaka and other cities throughout Bangladesh. Hundreds of protesters went to the streets to express their outrage over what they claimed was a politically motivated murder.

  • Mawra Hocane bids emotional farewell to megahit Jama Taqseem

    Mawra Hocane bids emotional farewell to megahit Jama Taqseem

    Actress Mawra Hocane has said goodbye to her superhit drama serial Jama Taqseem, expressing gratitude to fans and her team for making the project a success.

    The actress shared a series of stunning pictures on social media with the caption: “Dressed up to say Bye-Bye ???????? JAMA TAQSEEM ????,” marking the end of what she described as a “special run.”

    Styled by @khojiiii [Tabesh Khoja] in @phool_by_yawar [PHOOL by yawar], with makeup by @nirmalwadher_official [Nirmal Wadher] and hair by @nabila_salon [NABILA], Mawra looked radiant in the farewell snaps. 

    She used the post to thank her supporters, writing, “Just want to say THANKYOUUUUU to all of you for endless & continuous love…. Such a special run… our hearts are soooo full Alhumdulillah ????????????.”

    The actress also thanked her entire team for their hard work and dedication, promising followers more exciting content ahead. “On behalf of my whole team… see you all again with something bigger, better & more entertaining… Thank you so so much,” she added.

    Fans flooded the comments section with emotional tributes. 

    “Laila will be surely missed ❤️,” one user wrote, while another commented, “So proud of you, girl.” Others praised the drama’s quality, with one viewer noting, “Thank you for this masterpiece!! Indeed a special run! ❤️” Another fan declared it the “Best script everrrrrr .”

    Mawra played the lead role of Laila in Jama Taqseem, a drama that explored complex family dynamics and societal pressures. 

    The drama aired its final episode on Thursday night.

  • Cars in the driveway, peace in the family: Jama Taqseem’s perfect ending

    Cars in the driveway, peace in the family: Jama Taqseem’s perfect ending

    In one of the best finales of any drama this year, Jama Taqseem’s finale will make you smile and full of warmth with the real happily ever after.

    The family gets together for Abba Jee (Javed Shaikh) and Amma’s wedding anniversary and the one part that we were all wary off is settled with the best stinger: Sidra rises like the confident girl we all knew she would.

    Even though Faisal, her cousin, wants to marry her, she rejects him, telling him and Zeeshan that she wants to make something of herself and needs no one’s pity to be who she is meant to be.

    She rightfully says that she wants to become something for her parents and she and her sister would show that to everyone when they do. And we can’t help but smile and literally clap for her and girls everywhere – this is the episode we were all waiting for.

    And the finale doesn’t end there. It allows the bitter Abba Jee to realise that every woman – including his wife – deserves her own house. And only when massively pushed does he agree to live with his son Majeed, whose wife needs her elders with her, making this all about a choice, a choice on who to live with and who not to.

    And to his credit, Abba Jee fills our hearts even further, by saying that his other son cannot live with him and can only visit – a silent nod to Zeeshan that Zeeshan’s crime might have been forgiven by the elders but it was and will not be forgotten. All is well but all will not be forgotten that easily. 

    Qais (Talha Chahour) also apologises to Laila (Mawra Hocane) for not realising what a toll pregnancy can take on a woman and her, and Laila also apologises for being insecure.

    The moments in the finale are what truly can move you to tears because you have felt them too. The cars in a driveway, highlighted to show a full house, the family whatsapp group where everyone is connected, watching your kids laugh and play with each other and remembering the bad times that in memory, become the good times like stealing milk.

    It is a beautiful ode to family and when it ends, you will want to call your family, or write in your family whatsapp group because it teaches you that there is nothing except family, understanding, and respect. And that is what life is all about. Letting others live and living with them in love and harmony.

  • Bill Gates, Noam Chomsky seen in latest Epstein estate photos

    Bill Gates, Noam Chomsky seen in latest Epstein estate photos

    Congressional Democrats on Thursday released dozens of new images from the estate of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a day before the U.S. Justice Department is legally required to release unclassified files from its investigation of the disgraced financier.

    The most recent collection features 68 images that reveal unsettling details: detailed close-ups of phrases from Lolita written in black ink on various parts of a woman’s body, including her chest, foot, neck, and back; redacted identification cards belonging to women from Russia, Morocco, Italy, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Ukraine, and Lithuania; and a late-night conversation via text about sending girls to someone referred to as “j” for $1,000 each.

    These images are among approximately 95,000 that Epstein’s estate submitted to the House Oversight Committee. Recently, Democrats unveiled 19 photographs, including a few featuring current President Donald Trump, who dismissed the images as “no big deal.” 


    The new release also shows Bill Gates, professor and political activist Noam Chomsky, and former Trump aide Steve Bannon. Representatives for Gates, Chomsky, and Bannon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    Committee Democrats said the photos “were selected to provide the public with transparency into a representative sample of the photos” and “to provide insights into Epstein’s network and his extremely disturbing activities.”

    They noted that thousands more images, “both graphic and mundane,” are still being examined.

    “Oversight Democrats will continue to release photographs and documents from the Epstein estate to provide transparency for the American people,” said California Representative Robert Garcia, top Democrat on the Oversight Committee. 

    “As we approach the deadline for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, these new images raise more questions about what exactly the Department of Justice has in its possession. We must end this White House cover-up, and the (United States Department of Justice) DOJ must release the Epstein files now.”

    White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson responded, saying the latest release changes nothing. “President Trump has been consistently calling for transparency related to the Epstein files and his administration has delivered,” she said in a statement.

  • Ducky Bhai reveals how much he earned from his comeback vlogs

    Ducky Bhai reveals how much he earned from his comeback vlogs

    Pakistani YouTuber Saad ur Rehman, better known as Ducky Bhai, has revealed that authorities have stripped him of full access to his YouTube channel, leaving him unable to earn from his content.

    “I don’t have access to my YouTube channel. I have only editor access. There are no details regarding my revenue because I don’t have access to my own channel,” he explained in a vlog posted Thursday.

    The content creator now has limited editing privileges similar to what channel editors typically receive. “I can’t see information regarding earnings. I don’t have my YouTube channel anymore. They have blocked my AdSense,” he added.

    Ducky Bhai emphasized the financial impact of these restrictions. “Those who say I made a lot of money from videos should know that I earned zero money.”

    He also opened up about troubles at his restaurant, which his associate Areeb (Iqra Kanwal’s husband) currently manages, handling all expenses.

    Ducky Bhai’s legal troubles began in August when authorities arrested him at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency accused him of promoting illegal online gambling and betting applications on his social media platforms, alleging that his endorsements persuaded users to invest in apps lacking regulatory approval and caused financial losses to the public. 

    An FIR named several apps and included video links from his channel that authorities said promoted these platforms.

    After his arrest, Rehman was placed under physical remand and later judicial remand as investigators pursued the case under various sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and the Pakistan Penal Code. Courts initially rejected his bail pleas, and his legal team filed petitions and appeals that led to the Lahore High Court reviewing his case.

    In late November, the Lahore High Court granted Ducky Bhai bail against surety bonds of Rs1 million. Authorities released him on November 26 after he spent more than three months in custody.

    During and after his detention, Rehman publicly alleged he suffered physical and verbal abuse while in NCCIA custody, describing his experience as deeply stressful and difficult.

  • Security Council report rubbishes Kabul’s denial, supports Pakistan’s claims of support for TTP

    Security Council report rubbishes Kabul’s denial, supports Pakistan’s claims of support for TTP

    A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) monitoring report has rejected the Taliban’s claim that Afghan territory is not being used by militant groups for cross-border attacks, calling the assertion “not credible” and warning that neighbouring countries increasingly see Afghanistan as a source of regional insecurity.

    The assessment appears in the 16th report from the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, presented to the UNSC, over four years after the Taliban assumed control in August 2021. 

    The report states that despite repeated denials by the de facto Afghan authorities, multiple terrorist organisations continue to operate from Afghan soil.

    “The de facto authorities continue to deny that any terrorist groups have a footprint in or operate from its territory. That claim is not credible,” the report said, directly contradicting Taliban statements made under the 2020 Doha Agreement, in which they pledged not to allow Afghan soil to be used to threaten other states.

    According to the UN assessment, member states consistently report the presence of Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISIL-K), Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al Qaeda, the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM/TIP), Jamaat Ansarullah and Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan among other militant groups inside Afghanistan.

    Some of these groups, the report warned, continue to use Afghan territory to plan and prepare attacks beyond its borders.

    Although the Taliban have aggressively targeted ISIL-K, described as their main rival, the UN noted a clear difference in how they handle other groups. ISIL-K’s territorial control has been degraded, but the group remains resilient, continuing to carry out attacks inside Afghanistan and abroad.

    By comparison, Al Qaeda is assessed to maintain close ties with the Taliban, operating quietly across several provinces in what the UN called a “permissive environment” that allows training and reorganisation.

    The report highlighted that the TTP represents the most pressing and immediate risk to regional stability. It characterised the group as operating from Afghan safe havens, receiving backing from segments within the Taliban.

    “Taliban authorities continue to deny and deflect responsibility for failing to restrain TTP,” the report said, adding that sympathy and allegiance toward the group exist within Taliban ranks.

    While some senior Taliban figures reportedly see TTP as a liability that strains relations with Pakistan, others remain openly supportive. Given the historical ties between the two groups, the report concluded that the Taliban are unlikely to act decisively against TTP, even under sustained pressure from Islamabad, and may lack the capacity to do so even if they wished.

    According to the UN, TTP has executed “numerous high-profile attacks in Pakistan from Afghan soil”, marking it as the most destabilising element in Pak-Afghanistan relations. 

    The frequency of these attacks has gradually risen throughout 2025, with estimates indicating over 600 incidents this year.

    Many of these attacks have been described as complex and coordinated, featuring vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and teams of suicide bombers conducting operations on foot. 

    Alarmingly, the report noted that the majority of suicide attackers involved in Pakistan were reported to be Afghan nationals.

    The UN estimates that approximately 6,000 TTP fighters are currently located in Afghanistan, predominantly in Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar, Paktika and Paktia, while the group’s leader, Noor Wali Mehsud, is allegedly residing in Kabul.

    One unnamed member state asserted that Mehsud’s family receives a monthly stipend of three million Afghanis (approximately $43,000) from the Taliban.

    The ongoing dispute over TTP’s presence has significantly compromised relations between Kabul and Islamabad, leading to cross-border military confrontations, casualties and recurrent interruptions in trade. The report estimated that the closure of border crossings with Pakistan is costing the Afghan economy around $1 million each day.

    Despite the wider militant footprint, the report acknowledged counterterrorism gains by Pakistan, including the arrest of ISIL-K spokesperson Sultan Aziz Azam on May 16. It also cited the mid-2025 arrest of Ozgur Altun, also known as Abu Yasir al-Turki, by Turkish and Pakistani authorities as a key factor behind the suspension of ISIL-K’s media outlet Voice of Khorasan.

  • ‘Out of this world’: Internet reacts to 59-meter goal in Arab Cup final

    ‘Out of this world’: Internet reacts to 59-meter goal in Arab Cup final

    Oussama Tannane produced a moment of magic that sent social media into meltdown as Morocco claimed their second FIFA Arab Cup title with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Jordan in Doha.

    The Qatar-based midfielder on Thursday stunned a packed Lusail Stadium in the fourth minute when he spotted Jordanian goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila off his line and unleashed an audacious strike from 59 meters. 

    The ball sailed over the backpedaling keeper, who desperately scrambled back and collided with the post in a failed attempt to keep it out.

    The collision forced a four-minute stoppage as medical staff attended to Abulaila before he received clearance to continue.

    Football fans worldwide flooded social media with praise for the spectacular opener. 

    “OUT OF THIS WORLD,” one user wrote, while another declared it “Goal of the season.” One viewer demanded, “Give him Puskas award right now,” referring to FIFA’s annual award for the best goal.

    However, not everyone shared the enthusiasm. “The keeper was totally complicit there,” one skeptical user commented, suggesting Abulaila’s positioning made the goal possible.

    Despite Tannane’s remarkable start, the final transformed into a rollercoaster affair. 

    Jordan, runners-up at the 2025 AFC Asian Cup, fought back when Ali Oliwan headed home from close range three minutes into the second half following a well-worked corner.

    Oliwan then converted a penalty in the 68th minute after Mahmoud Almardi’s shot struck Achraf El Mahdioui’s raised hand inside the box, giving Jordan the lead for the first time.

    Morocco substitute Abderrazak Hamdallah salvaged extra time by tapping in from the goal line in the 88th minute after a scramble from a corner. Oliwan nearly sealed victory and his hat-trick with virtually the final kick of regulation, but the keeper denied his one-on-one chance.

    Extra time brought more controversy when Video Assistant Referee (VAR) disallowed Mohannad Abutaha’s spectacular left-footed volley for handball. 

    Hamdallah then scored the winner, tapping in his second after Marwane Saadane’s bicycle kick from set piece fell into his path.

    Morocco previously won the Arab Cup in 2012 with a final victory over Libya in Saudi Arabia.

  • India leads world in sports ‘doping violations’ for third consecutive year

    India leads world in sports ‘doping violations’ for third consecutive year

    India has topped the global rankings for doping violations in sports for the third year running, the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) annual report, released on Tuesday has shown. 

    India’s National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) collected 7,113 urine and blood samples in 2024, with 260 testing positive, WADA reported. 

    The findings deliver a significant setback to India as it prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and pursues its ambition to host the 2036 Olympics.

    Athletics recorded the highest number of violations with 76 cases, followed by weightlifting with 43 and wrestling with 29. Among those suspended was under-23 wrestling champion and Paris Olympics quarter-finalist Reetika Hooda, who tested positive in July.

    At India’s University Games earlier this month, only one athlete appeared for some track and field events after others reportedly fled when anti-doping officials arrived.

    With a population of 1.4 billion, India has held the unwanted distinction of leading global doping statistics since 2022. 

    France recorded the second-highest number of positive cases in 2024 with 91, followed by Italy with 85. Russia and the United States each reported 76 cases, while Germany had 54 and China had 43.

    NADA defended its anti-doping efforts following the report’s release. “In recent years, India has witnessed a significant strengthening of its anti-doping framework,” the agency said in a Wednesday statement. 

    “To tackle the menace of doping in sports, NADA India has not only increased the number of tests but also increased the emphasis on education and awareness.”

    The agency added that it had conducted 7,068 tests through December 16 this year, resulting in 110 positive cases.

    The WADA report arrives months after the International Olympic Committee raised concerns about widespread performance-enhancing drug use in India and called on the country to address the problem. 

    The Indian Olympic Association responded in August by forming a new anti-doping panel.

    Indian government has also passed new national anti-doping legislation in August this year, to strengthen enforcement, expand testing facilities and ensure the highest standards of integrity in sports.

  • Social media turns Dhurandhar into hilarious content reels

    Social media turns Dhurandhar into hilarious content reels

    The release of Dhurandhar’s teaser has led to a wave of humorous content on Pakistani social media, with users turning the film’s spy storyline into parody-driven reels.

    Since the teaser surfaced online, Instagram and TikTok creators have been posting short videos centred on the idea of a character operating as a spy in Pakistan. The content focuses on exaggerated scenarios, mock intelligence setups, and everyday situations framed as “covert missions.”

    Several reels reference the film’s depiction of Karachi and Lyari, using humour to play off familiar Bollywood tropes. Instead of engaging with the plot seriously, creators have leaned into satire, turning the premise into punchlines and visual gags.

    The trend has gained traction across timelines, with users sharing clips, tagging friends, and remixing audio from the teaser to fit local contexts.

    Here are some of our favourite content videos that capture how social media is having fun with Dhurandhar’s spy narrative.

    Instagram Post
  • Fashion, food and coaching: Top 2026 trends predicted

    Fashion, food and coaching: Top 2026 trends predicted

    Early trend indicators heading into 2026 point to shifts in consumer behaviour across fashion, food, sports and wellness, with Google search data showing rising interest in quality apparel, niche food ingredients and specialised coaching services.

    Search interest in natural fibres increased by more than 55% over the past year with cotton emerging as the most searched natural material.

    The most popular material-related apparel search was “100% cotton clothing”, and queries on synthetic textiles also experienced a significant increase.

    According to data, “is polyester bad” hit a record high while “is polyester high quality” emerged as the most often searched term in questions concerning clothing quality.

    Overall, searches for “quality” clothing reached an all-time high, narrowing the gap with “cheap” apparel searches.

    Meanwhile, food-related trends showed a notable rise in interest around black sesame.

    In 2025, the volume of searches for “black sesame” reached its highest level to date, rising by almost 30%.

    Hair loss was the most often searched topic along with “black sesame for hair” ranking as the top related query. 

    Additionally, searches for “black sesame latte”, “black sesame recipes” and “black sesame benefits” reached an all-time high. Chinese black sesame soup, paste, rolls, cakes and black sesame aioli were among the most popular black sesame foods.

    In sports, data suggests a decline in pickleball’s momentum for the first time since 2020. Search interest in pickleball dropped nearly 10% over the past year while padel reached an all-time high in 2025. 

    Searches for pickleball and tennis courts declined whereas searches for padel courts increased by approximately 30%. Interest in pickleball-related terms also fell, including “pickleball rules”, “pickleball set” and “pickleball lessons”.

    Search trends further indicated growth in demand for specialised coaching services. Queries such as “ADHD coach” reached an all-time high, while “autism coach” recorded its highest level in more than 15 years. 

    Several niche coaching categories emerged as breakout searches, including “backflip coach”, “energy coach” and “screen time coach.” Searches for “birth coach”, “grief coach”, “learning coach” and “reading coach” also reached record or multi-year highs.