ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Thursday approved amendments to Pakistan’s financial institutions law that would allow banks to take possession of properties of loan defaulters after issuing multiple notices.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Naveed Qamar, approved the Financial Institutions (Amendment) Bill 2026 during a meeting in Islamabad.

Under the proposed amendments, banks will be allowed to take control of mortgaged properties in cases of loan default after sending three notices to borrowers within a 90-day period.

The bill also bars borrowers from renting out properties financed through house loans to third parties.

The bill said that borrowers would still be able to arrange payment and submit a written request to the relevant bank within 30 days to seek relief.

The proposed legislation also grants authorities powers to take possession of defaulted properties through deputy commissioners after banks approach the government for assistance.

Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani told the committee that banks would first submit requests to the government, which would then authorise relevant authorities to proceed.

Lawmakers and officials, however, raised concerns over several provisions of the bill.

Committee member Javed Hanif questioned the practice of publishing the names and addresses of defaulters in newspapers, while law ministry officials said similar provisions already existed under Order 37 of the law.

Law ministry officials also said tenants renting such properties should not be penalised, adding that authorities would not hand over leased properties directly to banks without settling tenancy-related matters.

Officials further told the committee that authorities could also help resolve payment disputes between banks and borrowers.

Pakistan People’s Party lawmaker Nafisa Shah said that in many countries people obtain bank loans to build houses and later rent them out, questioning restrictions proposed in the bill.

Committee chairman Naveed Qamar also expressed reservations over granting deputy commissioners or banks powers related to property possession decisions.

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NEW DELHI: Iran on Thursday urged BRICS nations to condemn what it described as violations of international law by the United States and Israel over the ongoing war on Iran, exposing growing divisions within the expanded bloc during a foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told the two-day gathering that Tehran expected BRICS members and the broader international community to explicitly denounce “illegal aggression” by Washington and Israel.

“Iran therefore calls upon BRICS member states and all responsible members of the international community to explicitly condemn violations of international law by the United States and Israel,” Araqchi said.

He criticised Washington’s role in the conflict, calling it “illegal expansionism and warmongering,” while adding that Iran remained open to diplomacy but was prepared to defend itself “with all available means.”

The remarks underscored differences within BRICS, which now includes regional rivals Iran and the United Arab Emirates, complicating efforts to forge a unified stance on the conflict.

The war, which began on February 28, has sharply raised geopolitical tensions and triggered a global energy crisis after the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for nearly a fifth of global oil shipments.

The disruption in tanker traffic has driven crude oil prices higher and fuelled fears of renewed inflation and slower global economic growth, particularly for energy-importing countries such as India.

BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China before South Africa joined in 2011, was later expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE.

India, which holds the BRICS chair for 2026, sought to strike a balanced tone at the meeting.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar avoided directly criticising any country but stressed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and uninterrupted maritime trade flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

“The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention,” Jaishankar said.

He also criticised the increasing use of unilateral sanctions, saying such measures disproportionately affected developing nations and could not replace diplomacy.

“There is a growing expectation, particularly from emerging markets and developing countries, that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilising role,” Jaishankar added.

Separately, India’s foreign ministry said an Indian-flagged ship was attacked off the coast of Oman on Wednesday, though all crew members were reported safe.

“The attack is unacceptable and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted,” the ministry said.

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KARACHI: The Sindh government plans to open the Shahrah-e-Bhutto expressway later this month, a move that will help ease Karachi’s worsening traffic congestion and improve connectivity with the M-9 motorway.

Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said on Thursday that the project would provide a major transport facility for residents of Pakistan’s largest city.

“The Sindh government is going to fully open Shahrah-e-Bhutto this month,” Memon told reporters in Karachi. “The road will directly connect to the M-9 motorway and help address traffic-related problems faced by citizens.”

Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial hub, has long struggled with traffic congestion, deteriorating infrastructure and public transport shortages amid rapid urban expansion.

Memon said that the provincial government’s top priority remained the completion of major infrastructure projects in the city, including the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and other transport initiatives.

He said authorities were working to complete the projects as quickly as possible despite challenges associated with large-scale urban development.

“We apologise to citizens for the inconvenience caused by construction work,” Memon said, adding that Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the local government department were jointly working on several mega projects.

He also said some stalled projects had been revived, while a “state-of-the-art” BRT line was under construction.

Separately, Memon said that Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding during President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China for the installation of a desalination plant in Karachi.

Under the agreement, he said, a Chinese company will install a plant aimed at converting seawater into usable water, which officials hope will help address the city’s chronic water shortages.

Memon also said that the government was considering relief measures for salaried individuals in the upcoming budget and hinted at the launch of another major development project in the near future.

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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced the match officials for the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Australia, scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from May 30 to June 4.

Sri Lanka’s Graeme Labrooy, who featured in nine Tests and 44 ODIs between 1986 and 1992, will serve as match referee for all three ODIs.

The on-field umpiring panel includes Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza, England’s Richard Kettleborough and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Dharmasena, all members of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires.

The series will open with the first ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30, where Dharmasena will be joined by Pakistan’s Asif Yaqoob (ICC Emerging Umpires Panel) as on-field umpires. Richard Kettleborough will serve as third umpire, while Faisal Khan Afridi will be fourth umpire.

The second ODI will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on June 2, with Kettleborough and Faisal Khan Afridi standing as on-field umpires. Kumar Dharmasena will act as third umpire, while Asif Yaqoob will be fourth umpire.

The third and final ODI, also in Lahore on June 4, will be officiated by Kumar Dharmasena and Ahsan Raza as on-field umpires. Kettleborough will be third umpire, while Nasir Hussain will serve as fourth umpire.

Pakistan’s Nasir Hussain, a member of the ICC International Panel of Umpires, will take fourth-umpiring duties in the final match.

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Good Omens season 3 has officially arrived on Prime Video, but for many fans, excitement quickly turned into confusion after discovering the show’s final instalment consists of just one 90-minute episode.

The fantasy series, based on the 1990 novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, follows the unlikely friendship between demon Crowley, played by David Tennant, and angel Aziraphale, portrayed by Michael Sheen, as they attempt to stop the apocalypse.

Unlike the first two seasons, which both ran for six episodes, Good Omens season 3 wraps up the story in a single feature-length finale.

So, why the sudden change?

Prime Video had originally announced in 2023 that the show would return for a third season with six episodes. However, plans reportedly shifted after author Neil Gaiman stepped back from production following sexual assault allegations made against him, which he has denied.

Gaiman was no longer involved in the final production process, while his production company, Blank Corporation, also did not participate as filming moved forward in Scotland.

Rather than expanding the story over multiple episodes, the final chapter was condensed into a 90-minute send-off aimed at bringing closure to Crowley and Aziraphale’s story.

The shorter format has already sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans praising the emotional focus while others questioned whether one episode was enough to conclude the beloved fantasy drama.

There is one thing viewers should know before pressing play: this really is the end.

Prime Video has confirmed Good Omens season 3 will be the show’s final instalment, meaning there are currently no plans for a fourth season.

Still, for longtime fans invested in Crowley and Aziraphale’s relationship, the final chapter promises one last journey through the strange and chaotic world that made Good Omens a cult favourite.

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BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump that the Taiwan issue remains the most sensitive and central matter in China-US relations, and warned that mishandling it could lead to confrontation and jeopardise overall ties, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

In a statement social media platform X, Mao said that Xi stressed that if the Taiwan question is handled properly, bilateral relations would remain stable, but if not, it could lead to clashes and even conflict between the two countries.

She said that Xi described “Taiwan independence” and cross-strait peace as “as irreconcilable as fire and water,” adding that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait represents the “biggest common denominator” between Beijing and Washington.

In a separate post, Mao Ning said Xi also told Trump that trade wars produce no winners, and reiterated that China-US economic ties are “mutually beneficial and win-win in nature.”

She said Xi stressed that differences between the two sides should be managed through equal-footed consultations, adding that recent discussions between their economic teams had produced “generally balanced and positive outcomes.”

Mao said the results were “good news for the people of the two countries and the world,” and called on both sides to maintain the positive momentum achieved in bilateral engagement.

China and the United States have long been at odds over Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory, as well as over trade, technology and regional security issues.

Earlier, Xi Jinping welcomed what he described as positive progress in trade negotiations with the United States as he opened a high-stakes two-day summit with Trump in Beijing.

The visit marks the first trip to China by a sitting US president since Trump’s previous visit in 2017 and comes at a politically sensitive time for the US leader, whose approval ratings have been affected by Washington’s involvement in the Middle East conflict.

“You’re a great leader, sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway,” Trump told Xi during a lavish welcoming ceremony at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, featuring an honour guard and children waving Chinese and American flags.

“There are those who say this may be the biggest summit ever,” Trump said. “It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.”

Xi, in his opening remarks, said a stable relationship between China and the United States benefits the entire world.

“When we cooperate, both sides benefit; when we confront each other, both sides suffer,” Xi said.

According to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, Xi also said preparatory trade talks held by economic teams from both countries in South Korea on Wednesday had produced an “overall balanced and positive outcome”.

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Demi Moore arrived at the Cannes Film Festival as one of this year’s biggest stars, but online conversation around the actress has quickly shifted from fashion to something more uncomfortable.

Instead, some viewers say the reaction to Moore’s Cannes appearance feels eerily close to the warning at the centre of her own film, The Substance.

The 62-year-old actor, serving as a jury member at this year’s festival, has drawn attention for a series of sculpted Jacquemus looks, including a strapless polka-dot gown and a sequinned floor-length dress worn during Cannes events. Yet for some audiences, the discussion surrounding Moore has become less about couture and more about what Hollywood increasingly expects women to look like as they age. 

For some viewers, the parallels to The Substance have been difficult to ignore.

The acclaimed body-horror film, which earned widespread attention for its critique of ageing, desirability and the pressure placed on women to remain youthful, follows a woman confronting impossible beauty standards in a culture obsessed with perfection.

For some viewers, that tension no longer feels confined to cinema.

Across X, some users linked Moore’s Cannes appearance to a broader shift they say has become increasingly visible in Hollywood, with celebrity women appearing noticeably slimmer and conversations around Ozempic and GLP-1 medications becoming harder to avoid.

One widely shared post, viewed more than one million times, suggested that for some viewers, the discussion around Moore felt difficult to separate from The Substance, the very film that critiqued impossible standards placed on women and the pressure to remain physically desirable.

Still, many online have been careful to separate broader cultural commentary from speculation about any one person.

Nobody knows what is happening privately in anyone’s life, and bodies naturally change for countless reasons. But Moore’s Cannes moment appears to be tapping into a wider unease around what ageing in Hollywood increasingly looks like, particularly for women.

Beauty publication Allure recently argued that a growing celebrity ideal centred on extreme thinness may be especially troubling for women over 50, warning that visible frailty has increasingly become tangled up with ideas of “ageing well” in celebrity culture. 

The conversation arrives at a moment when ultra-thin beauty standards appear, to some, to be quietly resurfacing. From social media’s “SkinnyTok” culture to the mainstream rise of GLP-1 medications, the aesthetic shift has become difficult for many audiences to ignore.

For many women who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s, the discussion feels particularly loaded. After years of pushing back against punishing beauty ideals, some say the return of ultra-thin aesthetics feels unsettlingly familiar.

Yet not every Hollywood star has embraced those expectations.

Kate Winslet has repeatedly spoken about wanting to age naturally, pushing back against cosmetic pressure and rejecting the idea that women should feel obligated to erase visible signs of ageing.

That contrast may be what makes the reaction to Moore feel especially layered.

If The Substance explored the pressure women face to remain desirable at any cost, some viewers now wonder whether Hollywood has quietly stopped treating that story like fiction.

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have begun budget talks for fiscal year 2026–27, with the government handing the budget formulation process to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar after initial work was found below par, officials said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-level committee headed by Dar to review and refine tax policy proposals prepared by the Tax Policy Office, which operates under the Finance Division.

The committee includes Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema and other senior officials.

The committee has been tasked with reviewing proposals and submitting workable recommendations for the upcoming budget.

A separate enforcement committee, headed by Cheema, has also been formed to oversee measures aimed at improving tax compliance and revenue collection.

In its first meeting, the committee directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to introduce modern digital systems, including artificial intelligence-based tools, to identify tax evasion, under-reporting and fake tax returns.

The government is targeting around Rs15.3 trillion in tax revenue for the next fiscal year, officials said.

Sources said that the authorities are considering introducing new taxes worth around Rs215 billion, while also offering relief in selected sectors. Under its agreement with the IMF, Pakistan is required to implement fiscal measures worth about Rs430 billion, including Rs215 billion in new taxes and Rs215 billion through improved enforcement and compliance, according to a report in The Express Tribune.

An IMF review mission, led by Mission Chief Iva Petrova, is currently in Pakistan and is expected to stay until May 20, officials said.

During the initial meeting with Finance Minister Aurangzeb and the economic team, discussions focused on budget preparations, macroeconomic stability, fiscal reforms and energy and privatisation agendas. The State Bank governor and senior FBR officials also attended the first session.

During the meeting, the IMF delegation emphasised the importance of maintaining reform momentum, fiscal discipline and structural adjustments to support long-term economic stability and growth, according to the Finance Ministry.

Officials said the budget is expected to be presented in parliament after the Eidul Azha holidays, once final approvals are aligned with IMF requirements and domestic consultations are completed.

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After years of rumours and cast teases, Grown Ups 3 is officially happening.

Netflix has confirmed that a third instalment in the comedy franchise is now in development, marking the first official acknowledgement of the long-speculated sequel.

Adam Sandler is set to return, with the actor also co-writing the screenplay alongside longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy.

However, Netflix is still keeping one major detail under wraps: who exactly will return for the reunion.

While fans are already hoping to see Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James and Rob Schneider back alongside Sandler, the streamer has yet to officially confirm casting.

The film will be directed by Kyle Newacheck, who previously worked with Sandler on Netflix projects including Murder Mystery and Happy Gilmore 2.

The original Grown Ups, released in 2010, followed a group of childhood friends reconnecting with their families during a Fourth of July getaway. The comedy became a major box office success, earning more than $270 million worldwide.

Its 2013 follow-up, Grown Ups 2, also performed strongly, bringing in nearly $250 million globally and cementing the franchise as one of Sandler’s most commercially successful comedy series.

Beyond Sandler and the core cast, the films also featured stars including Salma Hayek, Maya Rudolph, Maria Bello, Steve Buscemi and Colin Quinn.

The new project marks another chapter in Sandler’s long-running partnership with Netflix, which has produced hits including Leo, Hubie Halloween, Murder Mystery and legacy follow-ups such as Happy Gilmore 2.

For now, Netflix is keeping most details under wraps, but for longtime fans of the franchise, one thing is finally clear: the Grown Ups gang may be heading back for another reunion.

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Scarlett Johansson may have global fame, blockbuster success and an estimated fortune worth millions, but the actress says there is one thing she has learned is simply impossible to achieve.

The Black Widow star recently opened up about the pressures of balancing career, family and personal life, admitting she no longer believes true work-life balance actually exists.

“I think actually admitting that there is no work-life balance is the first step to getting there in a way because it’s just not possible,” Johansson said during an interview with CBS Sunday Morning.

The actress explained that no matter how successful someone becomes, there will almost always be compromises, whether at work or at home.

“There will always be some kind of deficit somewhere,” Johansson suggested, adding that over time she has learned to be kinder to herself rather than striving for perfection.

“You can’t do all of these things all the time,” she said. “There’s just like, ‘Is it good enough?’”

Johansson, who is raising two children while balancing marriage, acting and business ventures, said her understanding of success has shifted over the years.

The actress, who also launched her skincare brand The Outset, said parenting has especially changed how she measures achievement, even if it sometimes means not being the “most popular”.

“Somebody once told me, ‘If you’re successful as a parent like 75% of the time, that’s good,’” Johansson said.

Best known for films including Lost in Translation, Marriage Story and Marvel’s Black Widow, Johansson remains one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses, with an estimated net worth reportedly reaching $165 million.

Yet despite her success, the actress suggested fulfilment does not come from doing everything perfectly, but from accepting that balance may never look ideal.

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KYIV: Russia launched a large-scale aerial assault on Ukraine, striking Kyiv and several regions overnight and killing at least one person while injuring dozens, Ukrainian officials said on Thursday.

The attack marked the first combined missile and drone barrage since the end of a brief US-brokered ceasefire and came hours after Moscow carried out hundreds of drone strikes in a daytime assault that killed six people, officials said.

Kyiv regional authorities said one person was killed and several dozen were wounded in the overnight strikes, which Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said targeted civilian infrastructure and residential buildings.

Images released by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service showed rescuers searching through the rubble of a collapsed apartment block for survivors, while Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said at least 11 people had been pulled alive from the debris.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the timing of the attack, during US President Donald Trump’s visit to China, showed Moscow’s intent to continue the war despite international diplomatic efforts.

“There should be no illusions or wishful thinking: only pressure on Moscow can force him to stop,” Sybiha wrote on X. He added that US and Chinese leaders had sufficient leverage to push Russian President Vladimir Putin toward ending the conflict.

Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said the strikes also hit railway infrastructure and port facilities in the southern Odesa region.

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia fired 675 drones and 56 missiles in the latest barrage, most of which were intercepted, though 38 strikes were recorded across 24 locations.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russia had launched more than 1,560 drones since a sustained aerial campaign began earlier in the week.

“In total, since midnight yesterday, Russia has used more than 1,560 drones against our cities and communities,” Zelenskiy wrote on X, adding that the attacks showed Moscow was not preparing to end the war.

The conflict, now in its fifth year, has continued despite renewed US-backed peace efforts that have so far yielded little progress.

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Michelle Williams is drawing fresh attention online after Stephen Colbert admitted the actress once left him so unexpectedly flustered that he struggled to focus during an interview.

The television host made the candid confession on the Strike Force Five podcast when fellow late-night star Jimmy Kimmel asked whether a celebrity guest had ever been so attractive that it became distracting.

To many fans’ surprise, Colbert did not hesitate before naming Michelle Williams.

“I’ll tell you who I did not expect to be wildly attracted to,” Colbert said. “Like, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I did not know what to do with my eyeballs when Michelle Williams was on for the first time.”

The longtime Late Show with Stephen Colbert host said he was caught off guard the first time the actress appeared on his programme.

The 62-year-old comedian went on to gush over Williams, praising both her “vibe” and her appearance, while describing the actress as “so beautiful”.

Best known for projects including The Fabelmans, Brokeback Mountain and Dawson’s Creek, Williams has long been considered one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed stars, though Colbert admitted he had not expected to be so completely thrown off by her presence.

The unexpected confession comes as Colbert prepares to wrap up his 11-year run on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, with the host recently sharing more personal and behind-the-scenes stories from his years interviewing A-list celebrities.

Williams was not the only star to leave Colbert starstruck.

The host also admitted he once had a “Rachel Weisz problem”, joking that he would sometimes leave the building before interviews because he feared saying something foolish. He also reflected on actor Andrew Garfield, laughing that he found him “so attractive” after the pair shared an on-screen kiss during a 2017 episode of The Late Show.

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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) is preparing to introduce a premium “Meet and Assist” service at the Islamabad International Airport, offering fast-track assistance, transport facilitation and lounge access for passengers, an official said on Thursday.

The service will be available only through advance booking and a digital system, with reservations required at least six hours prior to travel, according to PAA Director Commercial Rabia Salma.

She said that the facility will cater to a wide range of travellers, including senior citizens, business passengers and diplomats, and will include pick-up and drop-off services between home and airport.

Under the proposed system, passengers will be assisted through fast-track boarding and clearance processes. However, the official said that passport and travel document handling would remain strictly outside the scope of the service in line with regulatory rules.

The premium offering will also include access to CIP lounges, dedicated premium assistance, buggies and wheelchair support for eligible passengers.

According to the plan, the platinum package will be priced at $100, while gold and silver packages will cost $75 and $50 respectively.

The PAA is expected to earn around $23,000 per month from the service along with a 10 per cent revenue share, Rabia Salma said.

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Tayler Holder has cancelled his upcoming When No One’s Around tour, revealing he is stepping back from performing as he struggles with his mental health.

The 28-year-old country singer and social media personality shared the announcement in an emotional Instagram post on May 12, apologising to fans and admitting he had reached a breaking point after quietly struggling for months.

Holder said he had been dealing with his mental health “in ways that I can no longer ignore”, describing the decision to cancel the tour as one of the hardest he has ever made.

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A post shared by Tayler Holder (@taylerholder)

“I’ve tried for a while now to put my head down and just push through this and give everything I have to the music and the people who support me, but truthfully, I’ve reached my limit right now and I need to take a step back and focus on getting healthy,” Holder wrote.

The singer acknowledged fans had made plans and spent money to attend the shows, saying he was “deeply sorry” for the disappointment.

Despite achieving many of the goals he once dreamed of, Holder admitted he has continued to struggle with loneliness and feeling unfulfilled.

“I’m doing everything I’ve ever dreamed of and I still feel so lonely, still feel so unfulfilled,” he wrote, adding that performing for fans remained “the greatest privilege” of his life.

Holder said he plans to use the time away from touring to rest, seek support and reconnect with himself, with hopes of returning “stronger” and “healthier”.

The former TikTok star, who has more than 19 million followers on the platform and over 4.5 million on Instagram, has increasingly spoken openly through his music about emotional struggles and isolation.

His latest song, When No One’s Around, released in April, touches on themes of loneliness and feeling lost despite outward success. In a TikTok video shared in April, Holder encouraged fans to see the song as a reminder to check in on their “happy” friends.

The cancelled tour had included stops in St. Louis, Kansas City, Atlanta and Jacksonville.

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TEHRAN/DUBAI: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has warned that those collaborating with Israel against Iran would be held accountable, while the United Arab Emirates rejected media reports claiming an unannounced visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Iran conflict.

Araqchi said that anyone aligning with “enemy forces” against Iran would face consequences, calling cooperation with Israel against Tehran an “unforgivable act”.

“Creating hostility against Iran in coordination with Israel is an unforgivable gamble, and those standing with enemy powers must answer for their actions,” Araqchi said in a statement.

He also criticised the United States, saying Washington’s “threat-based and pressure-driven approach” remained the biggest obstacle to peace efforts in the region.

Araqchi added that Iran supported regional stability and dialogue but would not compromise on national security or sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the UAE foreign ministry denied reports that Netanyahu had visited the country or met its leadership during the Iran conflict, dismissing the claims as baseless.

“The UAE affirms that no such visit or meetings took place,” the ministry said in a post on X, adding that relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords were transparent and did not include any secret engagements.

The denial comes after media reports suggested Netanyahu had made a covert visit during the Iran war and held high-level discussions with Emirati officials, including on security cooperation and regional tensions.

Israeli authorities had earlier described the reported engagement as a significant development in bilateral relations. The reports also claimed expanded defence and intelligence cooperation between Israel and the UAE during the conflict, including discussions on missile defence systems.

However, the UAE reiterated that such claims were “rumours” and urged media outlets to verify information before publication.

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, normalised relations between Israel and the UAE, making it the first Gulf state to establish formal diplomatic, commercial and security ties with Israel.

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Instagram has rolled out Instagram Instants, a new feature designed to make sharing feel quicker, more casual and less curated.

Launched globally on Wednesday, the update allows users to send spontaneous photos to friends that disappear after being viewed, marking Instagram’s latest move towards more private sharing.

Unlike Stories, Instagram Instants is built for smaller circles. Users can share photos with Close Friends or mutual followers directly through Instagram’s inbox, where the feature appears as a mini stack of images in the bottom-right corner.

What is Instagram Instants?

Instagram Instants allows users to send casual, unfiltered photos with captions that disappear once friends have viewed them.

Users can react and reply to instants, with responses sent directly to DMs. Instagram also allows people to undo a post moments after sharing if they change their mind.

The feature differs from Stories in one key way: while Stories stay up for 24 hours and reach a wider audience, Instants are designed for private, in-the-moment sharing.

There’s also a separate app

Instagram is also testing a standalone Instants app in select countries for users who want faster camera access.

The app links to an existing Instagram account, meaning anything shared there will still appear for friends on Instagram and vice versa.

Instagram said shared instants are privately archived for up to a year and can later be turned into recap Stories.

The platform added that Teen Account protections, parental supervision tools, Sleep Mode and screen time limits will automatically apply to Instants.

Instagram Instants is available globally inside Instagram, while the standalone app remains limited to select countries.

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NEW DELHI: Nearly 90 people were killed after a violent storm accompanied by heavy rain and hail battered India’s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Thursday.

According to a state official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, around 89 people lost their lives in storm-related incidents, including lightning strikes and rain damage.

Storms are common across northern India during the hot weather season between March and June, before the arrival of the annual monsoon rains.

Television footage showed powerful winds uprooting trees and billboards in several areas of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. Some of the falling structures crashed onto vehicles as thick clouds of dust and debris swept through streets and markets.

Wooden furniture at roadside stalls was also blown away by the strong gusts.

A state relief official said several people were killed after trees and walls of homes collapsed during the storm. However, authorities did not immediately provide details regarding rescue or relief operations.

Senior government officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state with more than 240 million residents, frequently experiences severe weather events during the pre-monsoon season.

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BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday welcomed what he described as positive progress in trade negotiations with the United States as he opened a high-stakes two-day summit with US President Donald Trump in Beijing, where discussions are also expected to cover the Iran war and US arms sales to Taiwan.

The visit marks the first trip to China by a sitting US president since Trump’s previous visit in 2017 and comes at a politically sensitive time for the US leader, whose approval ratings have been affected by Washington’s involvement in the Middle East conflict.

“You’re a great leader, sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway,” Trump told Xi during a lavish welcoming ceremony at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, featuring an honour guard and children waving Chinese and American flags.

“There are those who say this may be the biggest summit ever,” Trump said. “It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.”

Xi, in his opening remarks, said a stable relationship between China and the United States benefits the entire world.

“When we cooperate, both sides benefit; when we confront each other, both sides suffer,” Xi said.

According to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, Xi also said preparatory trade talks held by economic teams from both countries in South Korea on Wednesday had produced an “overall balanced and positive outcome”.

Officials familiar with the negotiations said the talks aimed to preserve the trade truce reached last October and establish mechanisms to support future trade and investment ties.

A number of prominent US business leaders joined Trump’s delegation, including Elon Musk, Jensen Huang and Tim Cook. Huang was reportedly added to the delegation at the last minute.

Trump has repeatedly said he wants China to further open its markets to American businesses.

Musk briefly spoke to reporters after the opening session, describing the talks as “wonderful”.

The summit is expected to include extensive engagement between the two leaders. Following Thursday’s formal talks, Trump and Xi are scheduled to tour Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven and attend a state banquet, before holding further meetings over tea and lunch on Friday, according to the White House.

Shift in power dynamics

Analysts say the balance of power between Washington and Beijing has shifted considerably since Trump’s 2017 visit, when China sought to showcase its growing economic strength and purchased billions of dollars in American goods.

Ali Wyne, senior adviser for US-China relations at the International Crisis Group, said this time the United States appeared more willing to acknowledge China’s global status.

Trump enters the talks facing mounting domestic and international pressure. US courts have limited his ability to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, while the Iran war has fuelled inflation concerns and political risks ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Although China’s economy has slowed in recent years, Xi is not facing the same level of political pressure at home.

Still, both governments are keen to maintain the trade truce reached last October, under which Trump suspended triple-digit tariffs on Chinese goods while Beijing eased restrictions on exports of rare earth materials essential for industries ranging from electric vehicles to defence manufacturing.

The two sides are also expected to discuss frameworks for future trade, investment cooperation and dialogue on artificial intelligence.

Washington hopes to increase exports of Boeing aircraft, agricultural products and energy supplies to China in an effort to reduce the long-running US trade deficit. Beijing, meanwhile, wants the United States to ease restrictions on exports of advanced semiconductors and chipmaking equipment.

Iran and Taiwan expected to dominate talks

Beyond trade, Trump is expected to urge China to persuade Iran to negotiate with Washington to help end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

However, analysts say Beijing is unlikely to significantly pressure Tehran, given Iran’s strategic importance as a counterweight to US influence.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said aboard Air Force One that China also had an interest in resolving the crisis because disruptions in Gulf shipping and the global economy could hurt Chinese trade.

For Xi, US military support for Taiwan is expected to remain a central concern during the talks.

China reiterated on Wednesday its opposition to American arms sales to Taiwan, including a proposed $14 billion package still awaiting Trump’s approval. The United States is legally required to provide Taiwan with defensive capabilities despite lacking formal diplomatic relations with the island.

Ronan Fu, an assistant research fellow at Taiwan’s Academia Sinica think tank, said Trump appeared to believe he still held significant leverage in the negotiations despite growing constraints.

Xi is also tentatively expected to visit the United States later this year in what would be his first trip there since Trump returned to office in 2025.

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WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is expected to ask Chinese President Xi Jinping for help in dealing with the Iran conflict during their upcoming meeting, but reports suggest Beijing is unlikely to fully agree.

Washington reportedly wants China to use its influence over Iran to push Tehran back into negotiations and help bring an end to the ongoing conflict that has shaken global oil markets and increased pressure on the US economy and Trump’s leadership.

However, experts believe China will not reduce its close economic and strategic ties with Iran. Beijing remains Iran’s biggest oil buyer and considers Tehran an important partner in the Middle East as well as a counterbalance to US influence in the region.

At the same time, China is also concerned about stability in key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by tensions. Still, analysts say China is unlikely to take strong steps against Iran that could harm its own interests.

US officials believe Beijing is one of the few powers capable of influencing Iran’s leadership, but Washington’s options to pressure China are limited due to the risk of major economic backlash.

While the US has already imposed sanctions on some Chinese firms linked to Iran, experts say these actions have had little impact. Tougher measures, such as targeting major Chinese banks, could escalate tensions and possibly restart a wider trade conflict between the two countries.

Beijing has criticized US sanctions and insists that the priority should be preventing further escalation rather than increasing pressure on other nations.

Overall, analysts say China is likely to stay cautious and avoid deep involvement in the Middle East crisis, prioritizing its own economic and strategic interests over US requests.

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NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans (GT) continue to lead the IPL 2026 points table after delivering consistent performances throughout the season.

GT currently sit at the top with 16 points from 12 matches, having secured eight wins and suffered four defeats. Their strong net run rate of +0.551 has also helped them maintain the number one position in the standings.

One of the main reasons behind Gujarat’s dominance has been their balanced performances in both batting and bowling departments. The team has managed to stay consistent under pressure and has picked up crucial victories at important stages of the tournament.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) remain close behind in second place with 14 points from 11 matches and an impressive net run rate of +1.103. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are also on 14 points from 12 games but trail RCB due to a lower net run rate.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are placed fourth with 13 points, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) occupy the fifth and sixth spots respectively with 12 points each.

Further down the table, Delhi Capitals (DC) have 10 points, while Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) remain in eighth place with nine points from 10 matches.

Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are struggling at the bottom of the table with only six points each, making their playoff hopes increasingly difficult.

With the playoff race heating up, Gujarat Titans remain the team to beat as they continue to lead the front in IPL 2026.

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