Heavy fighting has erupted once again between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters along the volatile border separating Pakistan and Afghanistan, leaving dozens dead and escalating one of the most serious confrontations between the two sides since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The clashes, centered around Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, have plunged relations between Islamabad and Kabul to a new low, with both governments trading accusations over who initiated the latest round

Paul Kapur, a noted American academic and expert on South Asian security, has been appointed as the new Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in the United States government. Known for his hardline stance against Pakistan’s military establishment, Kapur’s appointment marks a significant shift in Washington’s regional approach, especially amid renewed tensions in South Asia. His selection comes as the US seeks to redefine its engagement with both India and Pakistan whil

The United States has approved the supply of AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Pakistan, marking a new phase in defence cooperation between the two countries. The US Department of War announced the inclusion of Pakistan as one of several international buyers under a recently modified arms contract with Raytheon, the American defence manufacturer responsible for producing the missile systems. According to the department’s notification, Raytheon received

The streets of Asbury Park are once again set to be overrun by the undead, as the 17th annual Asbury Park Zombie Walk takes place this Saturday. What started as a quirky idea has now grown into one of the city’s most anticipated community events, drawing participants and spectators from across New Jersey and beyond. Each year, thousands of people gather to transform themselves into zombies, complete with costumes, makeup, and theatrical performances, all while moving together in an orde

Cricket lost one of its most iconic and beloved figures as legendary umpire Dickie Bird passed away on September 23, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on April 19, 1933, in Barnsley, Yorkshire, Bird was not only an umpire but a symbol of the spirit of cricket, respected for his fairness, humanity, and ability to bring warmth to the game. The Yorkshire County Cricket Club confirmed his death with “profound sadness,” recognising him as a national treasure

Saudi Arabia’s decision to sign a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Pakistan has stirred debates across South Asia and the Middle East. The pact, which promises that an attack on one country will be treated as an attack on both, resembles a NATO-style commitment. For Pakistan, struggling with economic and diplomatic challenges, this deal is seen as a significant political win and a potential deterrence against India. Yet, beneath the surface, exper

At the Doha emergency summit attended by leaders from over 40 Muslim countries, the idea of an Islamic Nato gained momentum, with Pakistan aggressively pitching for an Arab-Islamic task force. The meeting followed Israel’s strike in Qatar and brought together Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and others under one forum. Pakistan, represented by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Is

The emergency Arab-Islamic summit held in Doha on Monday has triggered renewed calls for a NATO-style military alliance of Muslim nations. The push, spearheaded by Egypt, comes in the wake of Israel’s strike in Doha that killed Hamas operatives and a Qatari officer. While leaders differed on concrete action against Israel, the summit may have set in motion the groundwork for an Arab-Islamic defense pact. Egypt,

The International Cricket Council has turned down the Pakistan Cricket Board’s request to remove veteran referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 after the controversial no-handshake episode in the India-Pakistan clash. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council, had alleged that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss not to engage in a handshake with India’s Suryakumar Yadav, sparking outrag

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially addressed the controversy surrounding the handshake row during the Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan. Following India’s 7-wicket victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates did not exchange handshakes with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha or the opposing team. This move sparked outrage from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which lodged a formal complaint with the Asian

Cape May police are investigating an act of vandalism that has left the community frustrated and saddened after a well-known and beloved boardwalk statue was damaged in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident took place at the Ocean Putt mini golf course near the intersection of Jackson Street and Beach Avenue, a popular destination for families, tourists, and longtime residents. Authorities say the suspects were caught on camera around 4 a.m. when they climbed over a fence

India issued a sharp rebuttal to Switzerland during the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva after the Swiss delegation expressed concerns about the treatment of minorities in India. Representing New Delhi, Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, described Switzerland’s comments as “surprising, shallow, and ill-informed.” He emphasized that as the current president of the UNHRC, Switzerland sho

The Indian government has made its position clear regarding sports engagements with Pakistan, especially in the context of upcoming international events. In a new policy unveiled by the Sports Ministry, the government declared that India will not participate in any bilateral sporting events with Pakistan, even if hosted at neutral venues. The policy, which has been implemented immediately, aims to limit interactions with Pakistan in sports following the strai

Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until September 23, further escalating the ongoing standoff with India. The Pakistan Airports Authority issued a fresh Notice to Airmen confirming the extension, which will apply to all Indian aircraft, both civilian and military, as well as those leased or owned by Indian carriers. This extension marks another chapter in the tit-for-tat measures that have defined the strained relationship betw

As the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 approaches, speculation has intensified over the inclusion of Shubman Gill in India’s squad. Despite his stellar performance in the recently concluded England Test series, reports suggest that the in-form batter might not make the cut for the upcoming tournament. Set to begin on September 9, 2025, the Asia Cup will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where India is expected to field a team with significant e

A former superintendent of the Alum Rock Union School District in East San Jose is speaking out about what he describes as an abrupt and unjust firing. German Cerda, who was appointed to lead the district in September 2024 after the termination of his predecessor, said his dismissal on July 31 was the result of challenging board members over questionable reimbursements and improper use of district funds. Cerda’s tenure lasted less than a year, and he maint

Former England wicketkeeper-batter Jack Russell, once a fierce rival to cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has traded his bat for a paintbrush, and he’s now making a name for himself as a full-time painter in London. After a career spanning from 1988 to 1998, Russell played 54 Tests and 40 ODIs for England, facing off against some of the biggest names in cricket, including Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, and Mohammad Azharuddin. However, these days, he is more lik

Dassault Aviation shares saw renewed upward movement for the second straight day after India officially denied reports that any of its Rafale fighter jets were shot down during Operation Sindoor. On July 8, the company's stock opened slightly higher at €297.40, marginally up from the previous close of €297. The development follows weeks of pressure on the stock, which had declined by about 3 percent over the past month, largely due to speculation surrounding the Indian Air Force&rs

Rishabh Pant continues to make history in the cricketing world. On Day 4 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, the India vice-captain shattered yet another monumental record. After coming to the crease following KL Rahul's dismissal, Pant wasted no time and struck England pacer Josh Tongue for a six, marking his 22nd six in Tests in England. With this powerful shot, Pant set the record for the most sixes by any batter in Test matches

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, one of the most iconic cricket captains of all time, has officially filed for a trademark on his beloved nickname, 'Captain Cool'. The name, which fans have affectionately used for years to describe Dhoni's calm and composed leadership style, has now become part of his commercial identity. Dhoni seeks exclusive rights to use 'Captain Cool' for sports training, coaching services, and training centers.