Australia secured a commanding 184-run victory over India in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. India, chasing 340 on the final day, was bowled out for just 155 runs. Pat Cummins and Scott Boland starred for the hosts, claiming three wickets each to destroy the Indian batting lineup.
Yashasvi Jaiswal stood out for India, scoring a resilient 84 runs. His efforts briefly raised hopes of a draw, but his dismissal to a Pat Cummins bouncer proved important. The bouncer sparked controversy as Jaiswal fell just when India appeared to stabilise. Rishabh Pant also contributed with a calm 30, showcasing a controlled approach that contrasted his usual aggression. However, no other Indian batsman managed to reach double figures, which left the team struggling.
India began the final day on a positive note, adding 79 runs without losing a wicket in the morning session. Jaiswal and Pant displayed determination, weathering Australia’s early attack. By lunch, India seemed assured to push for a draw, needing 228 runs from 38 overs with seven wickets in hand. However, Australia regained control in the afternoon session with disciplined bowling from Cummins and Boland.
This match also saw a historic attendance record at the MCG, with over 87,000 fans on the opening day alone. Across the five days, the stadium witnessed the highest attendance figures, reflecting the excitement of this tightly contested series. The final Test begins in Sydney on Friday, with India needing a win to level the series at 2-2.
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Pakistan's Mohammad Abbas (R) reacts as South Africa's Marco Jansen (L) and South Africa's Kagiso Rabada (C) celebrate South Africa winning during the fourth day of the first cricket Test match between South Africa and Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 29, 2024. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP)
When Mohammad Abbas ran through South Africa’s batting lineup at SuperSport Park, cricket fans around the world couldn’t stop talking about his brilliance. With match figures of 7/133, including a jaw-dropping 6/54 in the second innings, Abbas reminded everyone of his class. But as the applause poured in, the spotlight also shifted to a lingering question: Why did it take three long years for him to return to the national team?
Amir’s Sharp Critique
Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir didn’t hold back. He took to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration with the coaching staff that sidelined Abbas.
“Bring those coaches forward who dropped Abbas because of his pace,” Amir wrote. “It took Abbas three years to make a comeback—a slap in their faces.”
The tweet resonated with many fans who’ve long questioned the team’s selection policies. Abbas’ exclusion, despite his consistent performances in domestic and county cricket, baffled critics and supporters alike.
A Performance for the Ages
In the first Test against South Africa, Abbas was the standout performer for Pakistan. He set the tone early, dismissing Aiden Markram with a peach of a delivery. His spell on the final day dismantled South Africa’s middle order, sending David Bedingham and debutant Corbin Bosch back to the pavilion in consecutive deliveries.
By the time he finished his spell, South Africa were teetering at 99/8. While a late partnership from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen snatched victory for the hosts, Abbas’ efforts had given Pakistan a fighting chance.
Opening batter Ahmed Shehzad also lauded Abbas on X, acknowledging his incredible fight. “Pakistan lost the 1st Test despite a great fight from Mohammad Abbas,” he shared.
It’s hard to argue with Shehzad. Abbas wasn’t just Pakistan’s best bowler—he was their biggest hope in a tense contest.
Numbers That Speak Volumes
At 34, Mohammad Abbas remains a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket. His record—97 wickets in just 26 matches at an average of 22.73—places him among the best in the game. And in first-class cricket? A staggering 748 wickets underline his dominance in the longer format.
But the question remains: Why was someone with such talent and consistency kept out of the team?
Abbas’ performance is a reminder of what Pakistan missed during his absence. For years, the team’s selectors have been criticized for prioritizing raw pace over skill and precision. Abbas’ success—built on accuracy, control, and the ability to move the ball—proves that there’s more to fast bowling than sheer speed.
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The idea that a ninth planet exists in the far reaches of our solar system has fascinated astronomers for decades. While Pluto once held the title of the ninth planet, it was demoted to “dwarf planet” in 2006. Pluto’s demotion left a gap in our cosmic lineup. However, recent discoveries suggest that a mysterious Planet 9, otherwise known as Planet X, might be waiting to be found. Here is everything known about planet X and why this potential discovery could change our understanding of the solar system.
The Clues in the Outer Solar System
Astronomers began noticing something strange about the orbits of distant objects beyond Neptune, in a region called the Kuiper Belt. Some of these objects, like Sedna and 2012 VP113, follow highly unusual paths around the Sun. They orbit in a really elongated and tilted manner. Scientists assume they’re influenced by a massive, unseen gravitational force.
This odd behaviour led researchers to hypothesise the existence of a large planet that might be shaping these orbits. Scientists estimate that this hidden world could be several times the size of Earth but smaller than Neptune. Its incredible distance from the Sun, potentially hundreds of times farther than Earth, makes it extremely hard to detect with current technology.
Planet Nine
A Race to Find Planet 9
Mike Brown, an astronomer at Caltech, is one of the leading figures in the search for Planet 9. Ironically, he is also known for helping demote Pluto from its planetary status. Along with his colleague Konstantin Batygin, Brown has used mathematical models and observations of distant objects to build a case for Planet 9’s existence.
Despite these efforts, no one has directly observed the planet yet. Its immense distance means it reflects very little sunlight, making it almost invisible to traditional telescopes. However, hope is on the horizon. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile is set to begin operations soon. They are expected to scan vast areas of the sky with unprecedented precision. If it is out there, this powerful telescope might finally spot it or provide indirect evidence of its presence.
Discovering this would be a groundbreaking moment in astronomy. Moreover, it could help explain the formation and evolution of our solar system. The discovery could shed light on how planets and smaller objects interact in the outer reaches of space. A new discovery like this would also inspire further exploration and deepen our curiosity about the universe.
Moreover, such a discovery would mark the beginning of a new chapter in planetary science. It would validate years of research and speculation, proving that our solar system still holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. Whether or not it’s ever found, the search reminds us that the universe is vast and full of surprises.
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Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas made a dream comeback to the Test arena on Sunday, delivering a spell for the ages at SuperSport Park. His stunning 6/54 in South Africa’s second innings wasn’t just a personal milestone—it etched his name in history books as the best-ever Test bowling performance by a Pakistani against the Proteas.
For Abbas, this was a statement. After nearly three years away from the national team, he reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the finest red-ball bowlers. His fiery spell dismantled South Africa’s middle order, surpassing Mushtaq Ahmed’s 6/78 in Durban (1998) as Pakistan’s best figures against South Africa.
Here’s a look at the top Test bowling performances by Pakistani players against South Africa:
Mohammad Abbas – Centurion, 2024: 6/54
Mushtaq Ahmed – Durban, 1998: 6/78
Waqar Younis – Gqeberha, 1998: 6/78
Saeed Ajmal – Cape Town, 2013: 6/96
Tanveer Ahmed – Abu Dhabi, 2010: 6/120
Breaking into a list that features legends like Waqar Younis and Mushtaq Ahmed is no small feat. Abbas’s return has certainly reignited Pakistan’s pace attack, and his performance will be remembered for years to come.
The Drama at Centurion
But cricket isn’t just about individual brilliance—it’s about how those moments shape the game. Chasing a modest 148, South Africa found themselves in deep trouble at 99/6. Abbas had done most of the damage, but cricket is a game of comebacks.
Enter Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. The duo turned the tide with a gritty 51-run partnership. Rabada’s unbeaten 33 and Jansen’s valuable 20 sealed the deal for South Africa, giving them a nerve-wracking two-wicket win.
Earlier in the innings, Aiden Markram (37) and Temba Bavuma (40) steadily maintained the ship with a 43-run partnership after South Africa resumed at 27/3.
With this win, South Africa climbed to the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a points percentage of 66.67%. The victory also secured their spot in the WTC final, showcasing why they remain a dominant force in red-ball cricket.
As for Pakistan, the heartbreak in Centurion will sting. They were on the brink of victory, thanks to Abbas’s brilliance, but couldn’t cross the finish line. The team will now turn their focus to the second and final Test in Cape Town, scheduled from January 3-7, 2025.
A Spell to Remember
While the result didn’t go Pakistan’s way, Mohammad Abbas’s performance deserves all the applause. His precision, control, and ability to swing the ball on any surface make him a nightmare for batters. For Abbas, this match was more than just numbers—it was a declaration that he’s back, and he’s here to stay.
The second Test promises more drama, but one thing is certain: Abbas will be the bowler to watch. Can he weave more magic in Cape Town? Only time will tell.
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The crash of Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 on Sunday has left South Korea mourning its deadliest aviation disaster in nearly 30 years. The Boeing 737-800 plane, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, crashed at Muan International Airport. Only two crew members survived. Medics have identified 141 victims so far, while DNA tests are being conducted for the remaining 28 bodies. Families gathered at the airport to mourn as the names of the dead were announced. Rows of yellow tents were erected for relatives who stayed overnight.
Footage of the crash showed the plane sliding on its belly before hitting a wall and erupting in flames. Experts suspect that the undercarriage failed to deploy. Authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing, are investigating. Two black boxes have been recovered, but one suffered damage and has been sent to Seoul for analysis. The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport reported that the pilot attempted to land in the opposite direction after being warned about a bird strike.
Relatives of victims of the deadly Jeju Air crash gather at a makeshift shelter at Muan International Airport on December 30.
The victims of Sunday’s crash include 84 males, 85 females and 10 people whose gender could not be determined, according to the South Jeolla Fire Service. Both of the survivors were crew members, one man and one woman, according to the rescue team. Two Thai nationals were among those on board, according to the South Korean transport ministry. All the other passengers were South Koreans.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok declared seven days of national mourning and promised, “We will transparently disclose the progress of the investigation into the accident, even before the final results are released, and keep the bereaved families informed.” Choi is leading a centralised disaster response team. More than 700 police, military and coast guard personnel are assisting in response efforts. A memorial altar has been set up in Muan for the victims.
A father of one of the Thai victims, Boonchuay Duangmanee, told the Associated Press he “never thought that this would be the last time we would see each other forever.” His daughter, Jongluk, had been working in a factory in South Korea for several years, he told the AP. She had been in Thailand visiting family before departing on the flight from Bangkok to Muan. “I heard that the plane exploded in Korea this morning. But I did not expect at all that my daughter would be on this flight,” he said.
Another man, who lost his daughter, told Reuters he had not heard from her before the crash. “She was almost home so she didn’t feel the need to make a call,” 71-year-old Jeon Je-Young said of his daughter Jeon Mi-Sook. Another grieving parent, Jeon Je-Young, said, “She thought she was coming home. I figure in those last moments when she did try to reach out, the damage had already been done.”
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Babar vs. Kohli: Ian Smith Weighs In on Cricket’s Hottest Debate
Every year, the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year shortlist becomes a hot topic among cricket fans. But this time, the biggest headline isn’t who made the list—it’s who didn’t. Babar Azam and Virat Kohli, two of the modern greats, have been left out of the nominations for 2024. Shocking, right?
Instead, the ICC has spotlighted four other players who lit up the 50-over format this year. Let’s break down their phenomenal performances and what earned them a spot on this prestigious list.
Wanindu Hasaranga: The Spin Maestro
When it comes to white-ball cricket, Wanindu Hasaranga is in a league of his own. The Sri Lankan leg-spinner was unstoppable in 2024. Remember his jaw-dropping 7/19 against Zimbabwe in Colombo? That performance set the tone for his year.
Hasaranga didn’t just rely on one-off brilliance, though. His knack for striking every three overs made him a constant headache for batters. Whether he was facing Afghanistan, the West Indies, or India, Hasaranga proved he’s more than just a bowler—he’s a match-winner.
Azmatullah Omarzai: Afghanistan’s Versatile Star
Azmatullah Omarzai might not have the global stardom of a Kohli or Babar, but he’s been quietly building his case as one of cricket’s most complete players.
Kicking off the year with a dazzling 149* against Sri Lanka, Omarzai set the bar high. And he didn’t stop there. His all-around brilliance helped Afghanistan secure a historic series win against South Africa, with key contributions against Bangladesh along the way. Whether with bat or ball, Omarzai consistently delivered when it mattered most.
Kusal Mendis: Sri Lanka’s Rock
If consistency had a face in 2024, it might just belong to Kusal Mendis. Averaging over 50 in ODIs, the former Sri Lankan captain made sure his name was in the mix.
Mendis’ career-best 143 in Dambulla was a masterclass in anchoring an innings. But his value went beyond the bat—he was a wall behind the stumps too. With 19 dismissals to his name, he proved he’s as sharp with the gloves as he is with the bat.
Sherfane Rutherford: The Caribbean Powerhouse
Sherfane Rutherford has always been known for his explosive T20I batting, but in 2024, he showed the world he’s just as dangerous in ODIs.
The West Indies batter brought fireworks to the format, none more memorable than his blistering 113 off 80 balls against Bangladesh in St. Kitts. That knock not only secured a series win but also cemented Rutherford as a rising star.
The Elephant in the Room
Now, let’s address the obvious question—why no Kohli or Babar? While both legends had decent years, the ICC seems to have prioritized fresh faces and impactful performances. This isn’t to say Kohli and Babar were out of form; it’s just that the four nominees outshone them in the 50-over game this year.
Who Deserves the Crown?
It’s a tough call. Each of these players brought something unique to the game in 2024. Hasaranga’s wicket-taking spree, Omarzai’s all-around brilliance, Mendis’ consistency, and Rutherford’s explosive batting have all left cricket fans in awe.
So, who’s your pick for the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year? Let the debates—and the excitement—begin!
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New Year’s Eve is a time of joy, reflection, and unique traditions. People from all across the globe welcome the new year in creative, meaningful ways, often rooted in cultural beliefs and history. The traditions vary from jumping waves to eating a combination of lucky foods. As New Year’s Eve approaches, let’s look at the 10 most unique traditions that mark this day from around the world.
1. Eating Lucky Foods (Spain, Italy, U.S. South)
Food plays a central role in many New Year’s celebrations. In Spain and much of Latin America, people eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each chime of the clock. The belief behind it is to bring good fortune for the year ahead. Italians enjoy 12 spoonfuls of lentils for prosperity, while communities in the U.S. South serve collard greens and black-eyed peas, symbolising money and luck.
In Scotland, Hogmanay celebrations include the reddening of the house, where families deep-clean their homes to start the year fresh. At midnight, everyone gathers to sing the classic “Auld Lang Syne,” a nostalgic song celebrating friendship and memories.
Red houses
3. Wearing Polka Dots and Eating Round Fruits (Philippines)
In the Philippines, round shapes symbolise success. People wear polka-dotted outfits and prepare a display of round fruits like oranges and grapes. This tradition reflects the belief that round objects attract wealth and abundance for the coming year.
round fruits
4. Jumping Over Waves (Brazil)
In Brazil, many celebrate by wearing white to symbolise peace and spiritual cleansing. As midnight approaches, they jump over seven ocean waves, making a wish with each leap. This tradition connects to Lemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea, and is believed to bring blessings.
Jumping over waves
5. Walking with an Empty Suitcase (Mexico)
Mexicans embrace the travel bug by walking around with an empty suitcase on New Year’s Eve. Whether strolling around the house or taking a lap around the block, this quirky tradition is said to invite adventure and exciting journeys in the year ahead.
Empty suitcase tradition
6. Throwing Water Out the Door (Cuba)
In Cuba, people toss buckets of water out their front doors to symbolically cleanse their homes of negativity. This tradition ensures a fresh start, free of bad vibes, as the new year begins.
7. Melting Metal for Predictions (Germany)
In Germany, people melt small pieces of metal, now often replaced by tin, and drop them into cold water. The resulting shapes are interpreted to predict the year. A heart shape might mean love, while a circle could mean good fortune.
8. Jumping into the New Year (Denmark)
In Denmark, people literally jump into the new year by leaping off a chair or sofa at midnight. This playful act is believed to bring good luck. Skipping the jump? Well, that’s seen as inviting bad luck instead!
Jumping into the new year
9. Setting an Extra Plate (Ireland)
In Ireland, families honour loved ones who passed away by setting an extra plate at the dinner table. This heartfelt tradition ensures that the memory of those who are no longer with us is part of the celebration.
10. Exchanging Lucky Charms (Japan)
In Japan, the New Year’s tradition of Shōgatsu includes visiting temples to exchange old lucky charms for new ones. Families also enjoy symbolic foods like prawns for longevity and herring roe to boost fertility, starting the year with gratitude and hope.
Japanese lucky charms
New Year’s Eve traditions remind us of the beauty and diversity of cultures worldwide. People celebrate new beginnings through food, symbolic acts, and heartfelt rituals. Each tradition is a heartfelt way of welcoming the new year with hope and joy. As you celebrate this year, why not try incorporating a tradition from another culture?
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Punjab has been engulfed in dense fog, significantly reducing visibility. As a result, motorways M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 and the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway have been closed for all types of traffic.
The temperature in Punjab dropped to 8°C on Sunday morning. Meanwhile, severe cold gripped the upper regions as temperatures dropped below the freezing point, creating bone-chilling conditions for residents and tourists alike.
According to Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed, Motorway M2 (Lahore-Islamabad), M3 (Lahore-Abdul Hakeem), M4 (Pindi Bhattian-Multan), M5 (Multan-Rohri) and the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway have been shut down for public safety due to dense fog.
The spokesperson urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, emphasising the safer daylight hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during foggy weather. He added that motorways are closed to ensure public safety and secure travel. Travellers needing information or assistance are advised to call the Motorway Police helpline at 130.
Dense fog has severely impacted visibility in Narowal and its surroundings. Traffic on key roads, including Muridke Road, New Lahore Road, and Sialkot Road, is moving at a snail’s pace. Yesterday’s rainfall has intensified the cold, with Sunday’s temperature dropping to 8°C. The Arifwala region and nearby areas are also heavily impacted by dense fog, with traffic flow severely affected. Despite the disruptions, agricultural experts have considered the ongoing foggy spell beneficial for wheat crops.
In Naran, the mercury dropped to a staggering -14 degrees Celsius, while Kaghan recorded a -13 degree Celcius. Shogran, though relatively warmer, still experienced a biting chill at -2 degrees Celsius. The extreme cold froze the lake and waterfalls of Sakkinari Dam, adding surreal beauty to the region. Rivers and canals in the upper areas also turned to ice, further indicating the harsh winter atmosphere.
In Upper Dir and surrounding hilly areas, the dry cold wave continues. Tourist spots such as Lowari, Kishora and Lam Char have recorded temperatures as low as -7°C, while urban areas of Upper Dir have experienced -3°C. The dry cold has led to a surge in throat and chest-related illnesses.
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Petroleum prices in Pakistan are projected to rise with the start of the New Year, impacting the first half of January 2025. According to industry sources, high-speed diesel (HSD) prices may increase by Rs3.62 per litre, while petrol might see a minimal rise of Rs0.11 per litre. However, the government is considering maintaining petrol prices at their current level of Rs252.10 per litre. Kerosene and light diesel oil (LDO) are expected to increase by Rs0.05 and Rs3.03 per litre, respectively.
These estimates account for current government taxes and the Inland Freight Equalisation Margin (IFEM). For petrol, the IFEM stands at Rs7.92 per litre, while HSD has an IFEM of Rs4.18 per litre. Dollar exchange rate fluctuations were not included in these calculations. Sources suggested that the government might absorb some costs to prevent further increases in petrol prices.
Ex-refinery prices show mixed trends as well. While petrol’s ex-refinery price could drop by Rs2.81 per litre, HSD may rise by Rs3.62. Similarly, kerosene and LDO prices are likely to increase by Rs0.05 and Rs3.03 per litre. Respectively, HSD, a key fuel for transportation and agriculture, is currently priced at Rs255.38 per litre and could rise to Rs259 per litre.
The Petroleum Division, with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), is finalising pricing recommendations for submission to the Ministry of Finance. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will announce the revised prices after consulting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. These prices will take effect from January 1, 2025, and remain valid for the first 15 days of the year.
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Manchester City provided Pep Guardiola some relief with a 2-0 victory over Leicester to secure just their second win in 14 games for the crisis-hit English champions on Sunday.
Savinho and Erling Haaland struck either side of half-time as City ended a run of eight away games without a win. Despite the victory, the performance was still far from the high standards that Guardiola’s side have set during their unprecedented run of four consecutive English top-flight titles.
However, Haaland’s effusive celebrations of his header 16 minutes from time showed that, for now, three points were all that mattered for the visitors to temporarily halt their remarkable slump. The win lifted City to fifth place, but they remain 11 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have two games in hand. Leicester’s defeat leaves them still rooted in the bottom three, having now lost their last four games since a bright start to Ruud van Nistelrooy’s reign.
Guardiola made just one change from the 1-1 Boxing Day draw against Everton, bringing Kevin De Bruyne in for Jeremy Doku. De Bruyne’s fitness struggles have been a significant factor in City’s poor form, but he immediately showed what the team had been missing. Rico Lewis picked out De Bruyne, who cushioned a cross into the path of Haaland, but the striker’s low effort was well saved by Leicester’s stand-in goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk.
Leicester were left to feel regretted on their missed chances, as they appeared a major threat whenever they crossed into City territory during the first half. Jamie Vardy would have won a penalty if he had not strayed offside before being brought down by Stefan Ortega and James Justin’s header hit the post after a goalmouth scramble.
However, City got the crucial opening goal in the 21st minute, when Stolarczyk parried Phil Foden’s long-range effort into the path of Savinho, who swept the rebound into the roof of the net for his first City goal. Leicester continued to press early in the second half, with Justin missing a close-range chance that allowed Manuel Akanji to clear off the line. Vardy then had the biggest opportunity to level the score, but he prodded over Stephy Mavididi’s brilliant in-swinging cross.
In the end, Leicester were hit by a City sucker punch, which ended the defending champions’ miserable run on the road. Savinho turned from scorer to provider, sending in a cross that Haaland powered home for his 19th goal of the season, ending his four-game goal drought and sealing the victory for City.
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A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 737-800 made an emergency landing at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport on December 28, after experiencing difficulties during its approach.
The aircraft changed the direction from the runway following the landing, skidding into a grassy area. Fortunately, all 182 passengers and crew members aboard, 176 passengers and six crew members were unharmed. The plane, flight KL1204, had diverted to Sandefjord Torp, located about 110 kilometres from Oslo Airport, after departing Oslo earlier. The decision to land at Torp Airport came after the aircraft experienced a malfunction in its hydraulic system, which authorities believe contributed to the incident.
“Our passengers were transported to Oslo by bus last night and will be provided with hotel accommodation if required. KLM will send an aircraft this afternoon to pick up passengers in Oslo. They will be assisted both at Oslo Gardermoen airport and in Amsterdam,” KLM said in a statement. “KLM’s technical team will arrive in Sandefjord this morning to investigate the circumstances of the incident together with local authorities and the airport in accordance with aviation procedure and retrieve the aircraft as soon as possible.”
Additionally, an Air Canada flight was also forced to make an emergency landing on the same day due to a malfunction with its landing gear at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. As investigations continue, authorities are examining the possibility of a hydraulic system failure contributing to the crash at Oslo Torp.
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Elon Musk has taken a firm stance on the H-1B visa debate, sparking controversy on X, his social media platform. Musk defended the program, calling it critical to America’s success in innovation. He stated, “The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B.” Musk pledged to fight against opponents of the program, saying, “Take a big step back and F[**]K YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend.”
The debate intensified after Trump appointed venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan to an AI advisory role. Krishnan, a friend of Musk, faced criticism from MAGA populists over his support for green card reforms. This criticism escalated into broader anti-immigration rhetoric, with some comments turning into anti-Indian vitriol. Musk responded by advocating for removing “hateful, unrepentant racists” from the Republican Party, aiming to shift the discourse.
President-elect Trump, who has long focused on holding back illegal immigration, voiced support for Elon Musk’s position on H-1B visas. “I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program,” Trump told the New York Post. Earlier this year, Trump also proposed granting green cards to foreign graduates of U.S. universities and suggested working with Democrats to protect “Dreamers.”
The immigration debate reflects a division within Trump’s partnership. Technologists, including Musk, argue that legal immigration boosts innovation and economic growth by attracting global talent. MAGA activists counter that prioritizing Americans over foreign nationals in hiring is essential. As the conversation unfolds, Musk and Trump’s comments continue to shape the immigration discourse on X.
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England’s left-arm fast bowler, Luke Wood, has officially registered for the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 Draft, joining a growing list of international talent for the upcoming season. Known for his pace and adaptability, Wood adds to the rising prestige of the PSL, which continues to attract top cricket players from around the world.
Wood’s entry comes alongside several notable international cricketers who have registered for the 2025 PSL season. The list includes players from various countries, further elevating the competition’s global appeal.
Notable International Players Registered for PSL 2025 Draft:
England:
Jason Roy
Dawid Malan
Tom Curran
David Willey
Tom Kohler-Cadmore
Alex Hales
Joe Root
Adil Rashid
Australia:
Usman Khawaja
Alex Carey
Sean Abbott
Steve Smith
Josh Hazlewood
Daniel Sams
New Zealand:
Daryl Mitchell
Colin Munro
Tim Southee
Finn Allen
South Africa:
Rilee Rossouw
Corbin Bosch
Rassie van der Dussen
Tabraiz Shamsi
Bangladesh:
Shakib Al Hasan
Mustafizur Rahman
Zimbabwe:
Sikandar Raza
The inclusion of these top-tier international players highlights the PSL’s growing status as a premier T20 league, making it a key fixture in the global cricket calendar.
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In response to ongoing Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) protests at 12 locations across Karachi, the city’s traffic police have launched a 24/7 helpline to assist residents. The demonstrations, now in their third day, have led to significant road closures, causing frustration among commuters. To mitigate the impact, the Karachi Traffic Police have established continuous operations at their 1915 helpline office, working in three shifts to provide real-time traffic updates.
Sub-Inspector Ilyas Siyal stated, “We are utilizing four telephones exclusively for the helpline and monitoring the situation through cameras. While the protests have disrupted traffic for three days, we are guiding citizens on which routes are blocked and suggesting alternative paths to their destinations.”
The team is working tirelessly around the clock to ensure uninterrupted assistance. The protests have resulted in the closure of several major roads, including MA Jinnah Road, Numaish Chowrangi, Abul Hasan Ispahani Road near Abbas Town and Five-Star Chowrangi. University Road is also closed from Metro Shopping Center to Nipa Chowrangi. Main Shahrah-e-Faisal is closed from Kala Pul to Malir Road and the National Highway is closed near Malir 15 Bridge.
To manage traffic flow, diversions have been implemented. Traffic from Malir, Korangi Industrial Area and Clifton Defence can use the route from Sanghar Chowrangi to Shah Faisal Colony, Rita Plot, Shama Shopping Center and Shah Faisal Colony Bridge to reach the airport. Traffic from Pehlwan Goth to the airport can use the route via Karsaz, Drig Road, Millennium and Johar Chowrangi. Additionally, traffic from Power House Chowrangi has been diverted to Service Road.
Citizens are advised to check for updates before traveling, as traffic diversions are subject to change. Many have urged authorities to resolve the situation through negotiations to bring the sit-ins to an end.
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The owners of a California gas station who sold the fifth-largest Mega Millions ticket in history on Friday were thrilled to discover their store had played a role in the $1.22 billion jackpot win. This comes as the family continues to rebuild their business after a devastating fire three years ago.
Jaspal Singh’s family has owned the Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) in Cottonwood, Calif., for two decades and they learned of the store’s incredible luck just over an hour after the drawing.
Singh’s son, Ishar Gill, who serves as the store’s Director of Operations, was informed by lottery officials at 9:30 p.m. local time that their store had sold the winning ticket. According to KRCR, he initially couldn’t believe the news. “I had to read it two, three times,” Gill told the outlet. “I told my wife, and then we ran over to my dad’s room and told him, and he’s like, ‘Are you guys sure?… Did we really win?’ Everybody knows about it. Everybody’s excited,” he added.
The winning numbers were 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball of 6. Gill said he received confirmation from lottery officials at 11:30 p.m. and was informed that representatives would visit the store on Saturday to “cross our T’s and dot our I’s,” he told the Record Searchlight.
Singh and his family will be rewarded by the California Lottery for selling the billion-dollar ticket. Retailers are awarded one-half of one percent of the jackpot amount for selling a winning ticket, with a maximum payout of $1 million, according to state lottery rules.
The store staff remain unaware of who the jackpot winner is or which day the winning ticket was purchased. The lucky ticketholder, who has not yet been identified, can either choose the $1.22 billion jackpot paid in installments over 29 years or opt for a one-time lump sum of approximately $549.7 million.
A shopper offered advice to the store owners, suggesting they leave Cottonwood — a small town of 6,000 people located 145 miles north of Sacramento — and enjoy their newfound fortune. “Way to do it, man,” Christina, a resident of Shasta County, said to KRCR. “I hope you live the rest of your life in peace and happiness, just ride off into the sunset, forget this Podunk town.”
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
MrBeast announced on social media that Beast Games is currently the number one most-watched show on Amazon Prime Video in over 50 countries. Known as YouTube’s most subscribed content creator, MrBeast has gained fame for his extravagant videos, large budgets and viral stunts. From recreating Squid Game to spending days buried alive, his unique content has earned him millions of views throughout his career.
His new Amazon series, Beast Games, is setting new standards, breaking records in the reality TV genre, including having the largest cash prize ever offered and other notable achievements. After much anticipation, the first two episodes of Beast Games have premiered on Prime and according to MrBeast, the show is now ranked number one on the platform in over 50 countries globally.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), MrBeast shared that Beast Games is trending in the top spot on Amazon Prime across “almost half the countries on Earth.” The YouTuber highlighted countries like the US, UK, Australia and India among others where the show is trending. The full list of countries can be found in MrBeast’s social media post.
The series features 1,000 contestants competing in various challenges for the chance to win a $5 million cash prize. Reports state that the production of the series cost $100 million, which includes $14 million spent constructing “Beast City” in Toronto, Canada, where the competition was filmed.
As only the first three episodes have been released so far, the viewership numbers and milestones are likely to evolve in the coming weeks when more episodes are made available.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
At least 167 people have been killed when a passenger plane caught fire after skidding off a runway and crashing at an airport in South Korea’s Muan city, the country’s National Fire Agency stated.
The accident occurred on Sunday at 9.03am local time (00:03 GMT) as the Jeju Air flight, carrying 175 passengers and six crew from the Thai capital Bangkok, landed at Muan International Airport located about 289km (179 miles) southwest of the capital Seoul.
The National Fire Agency confirmed that 167 people – 57 women, 54 men and 13 others whose genders weren’t immediately identifiable – have been killed. Two people have been rescued – both crew members. The fire that engulfed the plane has been extinguished, the agency said.
Citing fire agency officials, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said that hopes are fading for survivors. “There seems to have been some kind of malfunction with the landing gear and images which have been on the media here do appear to show the plane landing on its belly, skidding along the runway, followed then by a huge explosion,” reporters said.
“Eyewitness accounts have talked then about a series of explosions and certainly images that we have been seeing have shown a catastrophic fire,” he said. The plane, a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet, was reported to be carrying two Thai passengers and the rest were believed to be South Koreans.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed deep condolences to the families of the crash victims. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been ordered to investigate if Thai passengers were on the plane and to provide “assistance immediately,” the prime minister said in a post on social media.
Black smoke billows into the air from the airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, after the plane crash on December 29, 2024 [Yonhap via Reuters]One photo shared by local media showed thick clouds of black smoke coming out of the plane. Another showed the tail section of the jet engulfed in flames on what appeared to be the side of the runway, with firefighters and emergency vehicles nearby.
The Yonhap news agency reports that the crash is believed to have been caused by “contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning landing gear” as the plane attempted to land at the airport. The country’s News1 agency reported that a passenger texted a relative to say a bird was stuck in the wing. The person’s final message was, “Should I say my last words?”
An official from South Korea’s Transport Ministry’s aviation department said a bird strike was among several theories for the accident that have not been verified and that an investigation was ongoing. South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok, meanwhile, ordered “all-out efforts for rescue operations” at Muan airport. “All related agencies… must mobilise all available resources to save the personnel,” he told officials in a statement.
Jeju Air, one of South Korea’s largest low-cost carriers, which was set up in 2005, issued an apology for the crash, saying it would “do everything in our power in response to this accident.”
The crash is the first fatal accident for Jeju Air, though in August 2007, a Bombardier Q400 operated by the airline and carrying 74 passengers came off the runway due to strong winds at the southern Busan-Gimhae airport, resulting in a dozen injuries. Experts say that South Korea’s aviation industry has a solid track record for safety.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
Infinix New Year 2025 celebration is designed to kickstart the year with energy and style, featuring a dynamic lineup of activities
Lahore, 28th December 2024 – Infinix, Pakistan’s leading smartphone brand, is set to ignite the New Year spirit with its much-anticipated WOOOW New Year 2025 campaign. Taking place at Emporium Mall Lahore, this exciting event promises a vibrant blend of entertainment, innovation, and celebration, creating unforgettable moments for Infinix users and fans.
The Infinix New Year 2025 celebration is designed to kickstart the year with energy and style, featuring a dynamic lineup of activities and thrilling surprises. Highlights include engaging challenges, interactive booths, and exclusive giveaways, with lucky attendees standing a chance to win the highly popular Infinix Hot 50 Pro+. The event offers a mix of hands-on tech experiences and festive fun, making it a must-attend gathering for the New Year.
In addition to the iconic Slot Machine, where participants can spin for exciting prizes. The Guests will also enjoy picturesque photo booths and meet their favorite popular influencers, who will add a spark of energy and excitement to the festivities.
“Infinix is thrilled to bring the New Year Celebrations 2025 campaign to life, offering our fans an opportunity to celebrate in a grand and unforgettable way,” said Simon Feng, CEO of Infinix. “This event reflects our commitment to connecting with our audience through groundbreaking technology and innovation, delivering user-focused experiences that combine technology, entertainment, and fun.”
From cutting-edge tech showcases to engaging interactions, the WOOOW New Year celebration at Emporium Mall Lahore promises to deliver an unparalleled experience. So, join Infinix as it rings in the New Year with a blend of technology, creativity, and excitement, setting the tone for 2025 with memories that will last a lifetime.
Protests by Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) in Karachi have entered their third day, causing major traffic disruptions across the city. Sit-ins, staged against the worsening crisis in Parachinar, have led to the closure of key roads, leaving commuters struggling to navigate alternative routes. Karachi Traffic Police confirmed closures at multiple locations, including Numaish Chowrangi, Abul Hasan Isphani Road and University Road near Samama Shopping Centre.
The demonstrations, reported at over ten sites, include Five Star Chowrangi in North Nazimabad, Malir 15 bridge and Shahra-e-Pakistan near Ancholi. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah urged demonstrators to avoid creating hardship for the public, stating, “Blocking roads in Karachi and Sukkur will not resolve the Parachinar issue.”
The protests highlight the worsening security situation in Parachinar, Kurram district, where clashes have claimed over 130 lives since November. Reports of over 100 children dying due to a medicine shortage were denied by KP government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif. Parachinar faces a humanitarian crisis, with medicine and oxygen shortages worsened by the highway’s closure.
In response, the Sindh governor’s office sent aid to Parachinar. A helicopter carrying medical supplies and relief items has reached the district to provide urgent assistance. As Karachi struggles with the protests’ impact, the focus remains on addressing the crisis in Parachinar and easing the city’s traffic woes.
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BML with the State Bank of Pakistan's regulatory capital requirements while enhancing its financial position.
Karachi, December 27, 2024: The shareholders of Bank Makramah Limited (BML) have overwhelmingly approved the Scheme of Arrangement for the restructuring of the bank in their Extraordinary General Meeting held on December 26, 2024. The scheme, filed before the Islamabad High Court, received an extraordinary 99.99% of votes in favor.
This pivotal initiative, undertaken under Sections 279 to 283 and 285(8) of the Companies Act, 2017, aims to align BML with the State Bank of Pakistan’s regulatory capital requirements while enhancing its financial position. The implementation of the restructuring scheme is projected to strengthen BML’s net assets by approximately Rs. 29.39 billion, reinforcing its foundation and positioning it as a resilient financial institution capable of effectively serving its stakeholders.
The Restructuring Scheme comprises four key stages: (i) the amalgamation of GHDL’s undertaking into BML; (ii) the issuance and allotment of fully paid ordinary shares of BML to GHDL shareholders; (iii) the settlement of the TFC Redemption Amount through the issuance and allotment of fully paid ordinary shares of BML to TFC Holders; and (iv) the reduction of BML’s share capital by canceling the Share Capital Unrepresented by Available Assets.
This restructuring initiative signifies a significant milestone in BML’s journey towards financial stability and growth.
