news and current affairs.
Shoaib nukes skipper Agha after Asia Cup drubbing
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar delivered harsh criticism toward captain Salman Agha following the team's defeat against India during the Asia Cup 2025. The 50-year-old cricket analyst questioned Agha's leadership abilities and declared him unfit for the captaincy role. Akhtar targeted both Agha and coach Mike Hesson for tactical errors during the match. He described the captain as the team's weakest performer and challenged his batting position at number six. The former pacer compared Agha unfavorably with Indian players like Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma. Akhtar condemned the team selection process and suggested that Hasan Nawaz should have received a place in the lineup instead of inexperienced players. He noted Pakistan's...
Seoul's $40b export sprint smacks into Trump tariff trap
South Korean trade data revealed strong performance during September's initial three weeks, with overseas shipments climbing 13.5 percent compared to the previous year. The Korea Customs Service reported total export values of $40.12 billion against $35.36 daily from the same 2024 period. Import figures reached $38.22 billion, creating a positive trade balance of $1.9 billion. However, average shipment values per working day fell 10.6 percent because September featured 3.5 additional business days. This decline reflects ongoing challenges from American tariff policies affecting Korean manufacturers. Semiconductor sales drove export growth with a remarkable 27 percent increase, generating $9.49 billion in revenue and representing nearly...
Ali calls China CPEC sinkhole draining Islamabad $9.5b
Pakistan faces mounting financial pressure from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which has generated $9.5 billion in debt rather than expected economic benefits. The infrastructure initiative encountered numerous setbacks and failed to meet projected outcomes. Energy and transportation projects experienced significant delays while costs spiraled beyond original estimates. Foreign currency dependencies within CPEC agreements conflicted with Pakistan's domestic economic policies. The nation currently carries $7.5 billion in power plant obligations plus $2 billion owed to Chinese energy companies through unpaid bills. Political disputes between the Pakistan Muslim League and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf parties disrupted project...
Dwivedi mocks Murugadoss' moan, says Salman's late is great
Producer Nikhil Dwivedi challenged filmmaker AR Murugadoss regarding comments about Salman Khan's punctuality on film sets. Dwivedi argued that Khan has maintained consistent Eid release schedules for over a decade, demonstrating his commitment to deadlines. He questioned how the actor could achieve such reliability without adequate shooting time and professional dedication. The producer emphasized that large-scale productions require 120 to 180 shooting days, during which Khan works continuously for six months. Dwivedi defended artistic flexibility, stating that performers deserve autonomy over their working schedules rather than adhering to rigid morning call times. He noted Khan's reliability on television commitments and other...
Modi's GST Bachat Utsav slashes India soap, TV prices
Middle-class families across India received significant tax relief as revised Goods and Services Tax rates took effect Monday. Essential household products such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo faced reduced taxation from 18 percent to 5 percent. Families spending 5,000 rupees monthly on groceries and personal care items will save approximately 500 rupees each month. Food products received favorable treatment under the new structure. Items like paneer and bread carry zero tax rates, while butter, cheese, and biscuits moved to the 5 percent bracket from higher categories. Educational supplies became more affordable, with school kits costing 150 rupees less per 1,000-rupee purchase. Medical benefits expanded as cancer medications...
Mumbai giggles as Sonakshi roasts Zaheer's Insta horoscope
Sonakshi Sinha published a video featuring her husband Zaheer Iqbal examining her horoscope on his mobile device. The footage demonstrates the couple's playful dynamic while they sit inside a vehicle. Zaheer reads aloud personality traits associated with women born in June, describing characteristics such as emotional intensity and need for verbal affection. Sonakshi responds by questioning his behavior, while he acknowledges her June birth month tendencies with affection. Recently, Zaheer marked Sonakshi's 15-year Bollywood career milestone with celebratory social media content. The actress reciprocated with appreciation for his support throughout her professional journey. The couple married on June 23, 2024, following seven years of...
BCG says UPI turbocharges global pay to $2.4T by 2029
Boston Consulting Group forecasts worldwide payments revenue will reach $2.4 trillion within the next five years. The financial technology sector faces fundamental transformation as artificial intelligence systems and digital currencies reshape traditional business models. India's Unified Payments Interface demonstrates this shift by processing more than 19 billion monthly transactions through real-time account transfers. Growth rates will decelerate from the current 8.8 percent annually to approximately 4 percent during this period. Market leaders must adapt to emerging technologies that will define the industry's future trajectory. Payment-focused fintech companies generated $176 billion in revenue during 2024 while maintaining 23...
Manish Tewari roars at Sonipat summit, vows democracy 2047
Former Union Minister Manish Tewari addressed the Jindal Policy Conclave on India's path toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. He emphasized the need for political stability, social cohesion, and economic prosperity as India navigates global conflicts and changing world orders. Tewari highlighted the importance of maintaining democratic values while pursuing self-reliance and strategic autonomy. The conclave brought together policymakers, academics, and industry experts to discuss actionable ideas for national development. Sessions covered electoral reforms, environmental policies, urban governance, and media regulation. O.P. Jindal Global University hosted the two-day event to foster dialogue between various sectors. Professor...
Roja star Madhoo hammers 110 km of Spain's holy Camino
Actress Madhoo embarks on a sacred pilgrimage through Spain, traversing the renowned Camino de Santiago route with a lifelong companion. The 56-year-old performer has successfully covered 110 kilometers on foot during her weeklong spiritual expedition. Authorities awarded her the official completion certificate, recognizing both her physical achievement and religious dedication. The document serves as formal acknowledgment for pilgrims who finish this challenging journey. Social media posts from Madhoo document her adventures with childhood friends during the expedition. Her online content captures moments of joy and camaraderie throughout the religious walk. The Camino de Santiago attracts thousands of travelers annually to the...
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