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  • Army soldiers missing in Lithuania: Urgent search underway

    Army soldiers missing in Lithuania: Urgent search underway

    A major search operation is currently underway after several Army soldiers went missing in Lithuania during a military exercise. Authorities and NATO allies have launched an extensive rescue mission, deploying advanced surveillance equipment and personnel to locate the missing soldiers. The incident has raised serious concerns, drawing attention from military officials and political leaders alike.

     

    Details of the Incident

    According to official reports, the missing soldiers were last seen during a routine training exercise near Pabradė, a region frequently used for NATO military drills. The exact circumstances leading to their disappearance remain unclear, but initial assessments suggest an unforeseen mishap during maneuvers.

    Military authorities, including representatives from the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the U.S. Army, have issued statements confirming the urgency of the situation. The U.S. Embassy in Lithuania has also acknowledged the incident, expressing confidence in the ongoing search and rescue operations.

     

    Search and Rescue Operations

    As part of the urgent response, Lithuanian and NATO forces have mobilized a comprehensive search effort. The operation involves multiple military units, local law enforcement, and international allies, all working together to locate the missing personnel.

     

    Technology and Resources Deployed

    • Drones and Thermal Imaging: Unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with night vision and heat-sensing technology are scanning vast areas for any signs of movement.

    • Helicopters and Ground Teams: Special forces and search squads have been deployed to navigate the dense forests and challenging terrain.

    • Water Rescue Teams: Since nearby lakes and rivers are potential risk zones, divers and naval units have been deployed to search water bodies in the region.

     

    Challenges Faced by Rescuers

    Despite the advanced technology being used, search teams are facing several challenges:

    • Unpredictable Weather: Lithuania’s late winter conditions make visibility poor and movement difficult.

    • Dense Forest Areas: The location of the exercise is surrounded by thick forests, making it difficult for aerial and ground units to cover large areas quickly.

    • Time Sensitivity: With every passing hour, concerns over the well-being of the soldiers continue to grow.

     

    Previous Similar Incidents

    The disappearance of military personnel during training exercises is rare but not unprecedented. There have been past cases of Army soldiers killed in Lithuania due to accidents and harsh environmental conditions.

    For example, in previous years, incidents involving drowning, extreme cold exposure, and combat simulation mishaps have been reported. Each case has led to improved safety measures, yet the latest disappearance raises new concerns regarding the adequacy of current protocols.

    On a broader scale, similar incidents have occurred in other NATO training regions. In 2021, several soldiers went missing during a U.S. Army drill in Germany, later found stranded due to equipment failure. These comparisons highlight the unpredictable nature of military training environments.

     

    Reactions & Future Implications

     

    International Response

    The U.S. and NATO have reacted swiftly, pledging full cooperation in the rescue efforts. Pentagon officials are closely monitoring the situation, while Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anušauskas has reassured the public that every possible resource is being utilized to find the missing personnel.

     

    Security Concerns in the Baltic Region

    Given Lithuania’s strategic position as a NATO ally bordering Russia and Belarus, the incident has raised questions about regional security. Some analysts speculate whether external factors could have contributed to the disappearance, though no evidence has been found to support this theory.

     

    Expected Updates

    Authorities are expected to hold frequent press briefings, providing real-time updates on the search progress. Military officials have urged the public and media to avoid speculation and rely only on verified sources for information.

     

    Conclusion

    The Army soldiers missing in Lithuania remain the focus of an intensive search operation. With advanced technology, joint military efforts, and international cooperation, there is hope for a swift resolution.

    For a deeper dive into related military incidents, check out our detailed coverage on past cases of missing soldiers: “Seven soldiers martyred in Balochistan attacks”. Stay updated as more details emerge on this developing situation.

  • SRH vs LSG IPL 2025: Key Players, Pitch Report & More

    SRH vs LSG IPL 2025: Key Players, Pitch Report & More

    The much-anticipated SRH vs LSG IPL 2025 clash is set to be an electrifying showdown, capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 heats up, this face-off between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) holds immense significance for both teams. With crucial points at stake, this match could play a decisive role in shaping the IPL standings.

     

    Match Details & Live Updates

    • Date & Time: March 27, 2025 | 7:30 PM IST

    • Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

    • Where to Watch: Fans can catch the SRH vs LSG live action on Star Sports Network and stream it online via JioCinema.

    For a comprehensive IPL 2025 schedule, visit this guide.

     

    Team Analysis & Key Players to Watch

     

    Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

     

    Squad for IPL 2025

    SRH has built a strong squad for this season, blending experienced players with young talent. The current squad includes:

    1. Aiden Markram (Captain)

    2. Heinrich Klaasen

    3. Rahul Tripathi

    4. Mayank Agarwal

    5. Abhishek Sharma

    6. Marco Jansen

    7. Washington Sundar

    8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

    9. Umran Malik

    10. T Natarajan

    11. Fazalhaq Farooqi

     

    Strengths & Weaknesses

    • Strengths: SRH boasts a formidable pace attack led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umran Malik, while Heinrich Klaasen and Rahul Tripathi bring firepower to their batting lineup.

    • Weaknesses: The middle order has been inconsistent, and their performance under pressure will be crucial.

     

    Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

     

    Squad for IPL 2025

    LSG enters the competition with a well-balanced squad, featuring top-class all-rounders and power hitters:

    1. KL Rahul (Captain)

    2. Quinton de Kock

    3. Marcus Stoinis

    4. Deepak Hooda

    5. Nicholas Pooran

    6. Krunal Pandya

    7. Mark Wood

    8. Ravi Bishnoi

    9. Avesh Khan

    10. Mohsin Khan

    11. Naveen-ul-Haq

     

    Strengths & Weaknesses

    • Strengths: LSG has a robust batting lineup, with KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock being key run-scorers. Their spin attack, led by Ravi Bishnoi, provides versatility.

    • Weaknesses: The team’s pace attack has struggled in previous matches, and handling pressure in crunch moments remains a concern.

     

    Pitch & Weather Report

    • The Hyderabad pitch is known for its balanced nature, assisting both batsmen and bowlers. A score of 170+ could be competitive.

    • The weather forecast predicts clear skies, ensuring an uninterrupted game.

     

    Head-to-Head Stats & Previous Encounters

    • SRH vs LSG stats reveal that LSG has won 3 out of 4 encounters against SRH in previous IPL seasons.

    • Last season’s match saw Lucknow Super Giants clinching victory by 7 wickets, with Nicholas Pooran playing a stellar knock.

    • For fans who missed the previous clashes, check out SRH vs LSG highlights on official IPL platforms.

     

    Dream11 Prediction & Fantasy Cricket Tips

    Fantasy cricket players are keen to select the best SRH vs LSG Dream11 lineup. Here’s a breakdown:

     

    Best Picks

    • Batsmen: KL Rahul, Rahul Tripathi, Quinton de Kock

    • Bowlers: Umran Malik, Mark Wood, T Natarajan

    • All-rounders: Marcus Stoinis, Washington Sundar

    • Wicketkeeper: Heinrich Klaasen

     

    Captain & Vice-Captain Choices

    • Captain: KL Rahul / Aiden Markram

    • Vice-Captain: Nicholas Pooran / Quinton de Kock

     

    Match Prediction & Final Thoughts

    Given the current form and squad depth, LSG holds a slight edge. However, playing at home, SRH could pull off a surprise victory. The match is expected to be a closely fought battle, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

    Stay tuned for post-match coverage, including full match highlights, stats, and analysis on our website.

  • Govt obtains Rs1.67 trillion through treasury bill auctions

    Govt obtains Rs1.67 trillion through treasury bill auctions

    The most recent treasury bill auctions have allowed the government to obtain 1.67 trillion rupees from private banks and other institutions. As per reports, a staggering Rs1.67 trillion was secured from Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) and Market Treasury Bills (MTBs) auctions that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) conducted on Wednesday.

    For reference, treasury Bills are issued by the SBP on behalf of the government to raise funds. They are sold at a discounted price and generate a return when the government repays the full face value at maturity to the investor. For instance, if an investor buys a bill for 95 rupees, they receive 100 rupees at maturity, with the five-rupee difference being their profit.

    The total submitted bids for the PIB auction reached a respectable 1,132.5 billion rupees, leading to an accepted bid value of Rs980.505 billion – which comprised competitive bids of Rs972 billion and non-competitive bids valued at Rs8.505 billion.

    However, the two-year PIBs received no accepted bids in this round, while the five-year investment tenor managed to rake in Rs 16.903 billion at a cut-off rate of 96.8291. The auction leader was the 10-year PIB, which pulled in Rs 963.602 billion at the cut-off price of 92.6071.

    Some believe that the reason behind investors choosing longer investment periods is the belief that interest rates will plummet even further, causing investors to prefer locking their funds in at current rates. Alternatively, a rise in investor confidence and the belief that the economy is stabilizing could have caused 10-year PIBs to attract such large investment amounts.

    Conversely, concerns regarding the drop in interest rates seem to result in investors favouring short-run investments over locking funds over the medium run. Expectations of further interest rate cuts could be the reason behind this phenomenon as investors believe that interest rates will drop even lower in the coming months.

    The State Bank of Pakistan received 1,084.95 billion rupees in MTB bids but chose to accept 689.768 billion rupees, which included 609.95 billion rupees from competitive processes and 29.818 billion rupees from non-competitive processes. The highest cut-off yield of 12.3898 percent appeared in the one-month MTBs, with 12-month MTBs receiving 12.01 percent and three-month MTBs finishing at 11.9999 percent.

    Reports substantiate the aforementioned hypothesis as short-to medium-term tenors received stable investor sentiment, according to the measured weighted average yields that spanned between 11.8256 percent and 12.2483 percent.

    As per reports, the banking sector demonstrates its dependency on government borrowing through its high demand for longer-dated PIBs, according to the recent results. This is not a new phenomenon as advance deposit ratios (ADR) have remained suboptimal in recent years – as banks remain hesitant to extend credit to the private sector.

  • Pakistan has run out of water, experts say

    Pakistan has run out of water, experts say

    With the Kharif season set to begin in a few days, water experts are struggling to plan irrigation supplies as Pakistan is grappling with an alarming water shortage.

    According to reports, an official stated, “There is no water in the dams, river flows have decreased, and the snow reserves in the mountains are not providing the expected runoff.”

    This situation is expected to have a severe impact on crop production.

    The Advisory Committee of the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has decided that water will only be supplied for drinking purposes during April. A further assessment will be conducted before deciding on future allocations.

    This is an unusual move, as IRSA has historically managed water distribution for entire seasons in two or three phases rather than making monthly decisions.

    Officials revealed that amid the lack of stored water in all three major reservoirs, discharge from rim stations fell short by 51 percent, and shortages exceeded 60 percent by the time water reached provincial canal heads.

    In its advisory meeting, IRSA approved water availability for April based on uncertain climate patterns and weather forecasts provided by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The forecast indicates a 43 percent system shortfall.

    The meeting, chaired by IRSA Chairman and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa representative Sahibzada Muhammad Shabbir, also reviewed water availability projections for the entire Kharif season, spanning April 1 to September 30. High-ranking officials, including all IRSA members, chief engineering advisors, and provincial irrigation secretaries, attended the meeting.

    A review of the Rabi season (October–March) indicates that the overall system faced an 18 percent shortfall by 20 March, compared to the anticipated 16 percent deficit.

    The PMD has predicted below-average rainfall and higher-than-normal temperatures in both the northern and southern regions of the country from April to June.

    Additionally, the snowfall in Sindh and Jhelum’s water basins has been significantly below normal. This year, only 26.8 inches of snowfall was recorded in these regions, compared to the usual 49.7 inches.

    Both Sindh and Punjab have agreed to allocate water only for April, allowing them to manage their immediate irrigation needs. The situation will be reassessed after one month.

    However, Sindh has raised objections to the controversial Three-Tier Water Distribution Formula and demanded that water allocation follow the Water Accord’s Paragraph 2. Under this condition, the estimated water shortage in April could exceed 55 percent.

    The Kharif season runs from April to September, with major crops including rice, sugarcane, cotton, maize, and mash. With the current water crisis, the production of these crops could be at serious risk.

  • Govt to provide power relief to consumers

    Govt to provide power relief to consumers

    The federal government has decided to partially alleviate financial strains on households that high power bills were causing. Despite initial hesitations to revise tariffs, the IMF allowed lawmakers to cut tariffs by 1 rupee per kilowatt-hour (kwh) for consumers. Reports claim that the slash in tariffs will be sustained by diverting revenues generated from levies on captive power plants.

    The international lender’s greenlight to pass relief to the general public could allow for households to collectively witness savings of PKR100 billion. While the government collects sizable revenue inflows from taxes on CPPs, authorities still intend to find other avenues to boost both fiscal budget and household savings.

    As per credible reports, Islamabad has recently renegotiated the terms of its agreements with several Independent Power Producers (IPPs) allowing for a great deal of savings.

    The federal government was able to secure better deals with IPPs largely because of the change in global oil prices. Islamabad managed to reach agreements with seven IPPs earlier this week and attained a tariff reduction of 0.5 rupees per unit.

    While the tariff cut seems measly at first glance, key officials from the power division have estimated that the tariff revisions could result in 920 billion rupees in savings over the life of the IPP agreements. Details from reports suggest that the savings are linked to capacity payments that have to be made to the IPPs.

    Moreover, reports have revealed that a PM Office announcement earlier this month declared that petroleum prices would remain unchanged despite the existence of an opportunity to slash prices of the commodity by 13 rupees per liter.

    Previously, the IMF had instructed the government to not pass on power relief to the general public and instead, was tasked with collecting this amount to consolidate Pakistan’s fiscal position. Moreover, after reaching a staff-level agreement with the international lender, Islamabad had decided to effectively disregard the IMF’s cautionary advice and slashed tariffs.

    However, the IMF has approved revisions to the tariff and the government can enact the cut without backlash from the international lender.

    While the magnitude of the tariff cut remains unknown, initial estimates quoted in reports suggest that the general public could soon receive good news. This is because the tariff cut that has been approved by the cabinet is expected to be substantial and will be announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the coming days.

    Reports claim that Shehbaz Sharif deliberately delayed the announcement of tariff cuts to not get in hot water with the visiting IMF delegation. This is because if the international creditor believed that Pakistani authorities were not committed to following austerity measures, an agreement may not have been reached during Islamabad-IMF discussions.

    Initially, Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to announce the reduction in tariffs in a speech on March 23 but, he was unable to do so given the ongoing negotiations with the IMF.

    Many believe that the tariff cuts will free up purchasing power of households which they can allocate towards other expenditures. This could allow businesses to experience a surge in sales volume and boost profit margins.

  • PML-N assures to replace Governor Punjab’s old car

    PML-N assures to replace Governor Punjab’s old car

    A commitment has been made during negotiations between the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and its major ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), to replace the Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider’s old car, a leading Urdu media outlet has reported.

    The PPP had initially raised concerns about the governor’s old car. However, as per the media outlet, the issue has been resolved after the PML-N assured that the old car would be replaced.

    The PML-N has also assured that other complaints about Sardar Saleem Haider will be resolved soon.

    According to the media outlet, during this round of negotiations, the PML-N guaranteed that there would be no political or administrative interference in the governor’s ancestral constituency and that all complaints related to the elected district would be addressed. It added that the Punjab government would release special funds for development work in Attock.

    Haider has served as a former federal minister and prime minister’s aide for overseas Pakistanis during the previous tenure of the PML-N. He is also president of the Rawalpindi division chapter of the PPP.

  • At least six passengers killed by armed men in Gwadar

    At least six passengers killed by armed men in Gwadar

    At least six passengers were killed on Wednesday night in a brutal attack on a Karachi-bound bus in the Kalmat area of the Gwadar district, Balochistan.

    According to Gwadar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hamoodur Rehman, armed men intercepted the bus, offloaded the passengers, and executed five of them.

    Earlier, the death of five passengers had been confirmed. However, one of the injured later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the hospital. The authorities have confirmed that one of the deceased hailed from the Punjab district of Multan, while the other victims were all travelling to Karachi.

    The brutal act of violence occurred just days after armed assailants killed four workers from Punjab in Mangochar, Balochistan.

    Gunmen targeted and killed the workers who were involved in the installation of tube wells in Langzai. Local officials confirmed that the victims were from Sadiqabad, Punjab.

    Separately, seven people were killed in an attack on a house in a village in the Sohbat Pur district when unidentified individuals opened fire and then set the house ablaze.

    According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Yousaf Banghar, the deceased were from the same family and included a woman and three children. He said the incident was related to a land dispute between the victims and the attackers.

    President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in separate statements, prayed for peace for the departed souls and condemned the killing of the five passengers in the shooting incident in Gwadar’s Kalmat area on Thursday, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

    The president remarked, “The terrorists are the enemies of the country’s development and prosperity of Balochistan. They cannot see progress in Balochistan.”

    Condemning the Gwadar attack on passengers, the PM expressed sorrow and grief over the loss of lives and directed relevant authorities to probe the attack and bring those responsible to justice. “We will never allow the anti-state designs of miscreants to succeed,” Shehbaz Sharif added.

    Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the prime minister vowed to thwart any anti-state agendas. He also commended the security forces and law enforcement agencies for their efforts in protecting the country, expressing national pride in their actions.

    Condemning the incident, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Offloading innocent passengers from a bus and murdering them based on their identity is a heinous and cowardly act.”

    Extending his condolences to the bereaved families, CM Bugti pledged that the “war against hardcore terrorists would continue and they would be brought to justice by all means”.

  • ‘Why did you call her Hania?’; Shoaib Malik teases Fahad Mustafa, faces backlash

    ‘Why did you call her Hania?’; Shoaib Malik teases Fahad Mustafa, faces backlash

    Social media is stirred up after national cricketer Shoaib Malik teased show host and actor Fahad Mustafa about his co-star Hania Aamir from Kabhi Mein, Kabhi Tum during a Ramzan game show. The moment, which quickly went viral, sparked criticism from fans.

    During the show, Shoaib asked Fahad, “This contestant’s name is Rania, but why did you call her Hania?” To this, Fahad replied, “Let me tell you an interesting fact; I’ve never called Hania Amir by her name. I always call her Sharjeena.”

    Not letting it slide, the cricketer added, “There’s no need to take it so seriously.” However, social media users didn’t find his remarks amusing. Many accused him of unnecessary flirtation, with some even bringing up his past controversies.

    A user commented, “Shoaib Malik should stay within his limits. He probably considers everyone like him, just like he cheated on Sania Mirza.” Another wrote, “Now after his second marriage, Shoaib probably wants others to remarry too.”

    This is not the first time Shoaib Malik has faced criticism over his personal life and behavior. His separation from Sania Mirza and second marriage to Sana Javed have already been widely discussed on social media.

  • ‘I’m coming back’: Mysterious Imran Khan posters pop up in Lahore

    ‘I’m coming back’: Mysterious Imran Khan posters pop up in Lahore

    An undated video has been making the rounds online, showing an unidentified individual putting up posters featuring incarcerated former premier Imran Khan’s image, along with the Urdu text “main wapas aa raha hoon” (I’m coming back), across various directional signboards in Lahore.

    In the 51-second clip, which has now gone viral, an unknown man wearing a black cap and black trousers can be seen putting up the poster on multiple directional signboards around the city.

    Some of the apparent locations where the posters were put up include signs reading “Sharif Medical City Road,” “Jati Umra Chowk,” and “Raiwind City.”

    The video has stirred some debate online, with many netizens expressing concern that the posters could obscure important road directions.

    A user asked on X (formerly Twitter), “Poster in jagon ke bajai kaheen aur lagai toh acha nahee? aisa toh aik din pura shehr ganda hojai ga. (Wouldn’t it be better to put posters somewhere else instead of these places? Otherwise, one day the whole city will become dirty).

    One social media user wrote, “This is wrong; it should be stopped. Posting posters on traffic signs is a crime.” Another netizen slammed, “Why is there litter everywhere? This message can be conveyed more appropriately and respectfully.”

    “Itny choty sey poster se lag raha hai k Khan bs a hi jayega (Such a small poster makes it seem like Khan will arrive any moment now.),” quipped another user, with one netizen mocked, “Imran Khan’s picture has been placed in the wrong spot. It should have been put on the U-turn sign.”

    Meanwhile, one user asked, “Why is he hiding his face while putting up the posters?” with another urging authorities to take legal action against those who damage signboards.

  • Pedro Pascal & cast confirmed for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’—Fantastic four joins the battle

    Pedro Pascal & cast confirmed for ‘Avengers: Doomsday’—Fantastic four joins the battle

    Marvel Studios has officially confirmed that Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will return as the Fantastic Four in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release in 2026.

    Pascal stars as Reed Richards (Mr Fantastic), with Kirby as Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Quinn as Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm (The Thing). Their return signals a major role for the Fantastic Four in Phase 6 of the MCU.

    With The Fantastic Four: First Steps arriving in cinemas on 25 July 2025, Marvel is ramping up promotion. The film introduces Galactus as the main villain, but fans are already speculating that Doomsday will see them face off against Doctor Doom, possibly played by Robert Downey Jr.

    Unlike previous Avengers films, Doomsday is bringing in newcomers first, suggesting the Fantastic Four will be central to the storyline. Since First Steps takes place in a 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic universe, their crossover in Doomsday hints at them merging into the main MCU timeline.

    Excitement for First Steps is growing fast. Paul Walter Hauser, rumoured to play Mole Man, recently stated the film “will go down in history” and compared it to Guardians of the Galaxy and Black Panther in terms of impact.

    A new countdown teaser from Marvel India has further fueled anticipation worldwide.

    With Natasha Lyonne in a mystery role and Julia Garner as Silver Surfer, the stakes are higher than ever. Their return in Doomsday, alongside legacy Avengers and Fox’s X-Men, promises an epic battle in Marvel’s most ambitious crossover yet.