Malik states government needs multilateral input to change petroleum levy targets

Gilbert F. Houngbo visited the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi on Wednesday, where he and the federal minister laid floral wreaths at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Chaudhary Salik Hussain accompanied Houngbo during the visit.

A contingent from the Pakistan Navy presented the visitors with a guard of honour. Officials present highlighted the preservation work managed by the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture through the QMMB.

Sadaqat Hussain Lodhi was elected as a member of the FCCI Executive Committee following the introduction of the education sector to the chamber platform this year. Mian Muhammad Adrees spoke at a ceremony organised by the All Pakistan Private Schools Alliance (APPSA).

Arif Ehsan Malik, President of FCCI, characterised education as a sacred profession. He further stated that the private sector plays a vital role in complementing government education efforts.

The FCCI platform, according to the organisation, helps address issues faced by private educational institutions. Officials advised private educational institutions to invite representatives to the FCCI platform to resolve problems.

Furthermore, the discussion highlighted that emphasis should be placed on technical education within the curriculum. Sadaqat Hussain Lodhi and Rana Muhammad Sikandar Azam Khan expressed confidence in the FCCI platform.

Mian Muhammad Adrees stated, “We are not running the chamber by sitting in drawing rooms”.

Mian Muhammad Adrees

Brighto Paints released a new Digital Video Commercial titled “Mr. & Mrs. Thoda Sa” featuring Ali Safina and Hiba Bukhari. The company claims that Brighto is Pakistan’s first multinational paint company.

This multinational presence spans over 30 countries, and the company boasts a history spanning 50 years. During the advertisement, the character known as Mrs. Sa stated, “Behtar nahi, perfect hai.”

Conversely, Mr. Sa remarked, “Yehi chahiye.”

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi made remarks on Wednesday concerning the imposition of governor's rule or an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Governor Kundi stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) must conclude its government to address law and order issues and impose an emergency in Balochistan.

Furthermore, the Governor asserted that the Centre had cautioned the PTI-led KP government regarding potential emergency measures or governor's rule. Mohsin Naqvi, the Interior Minister, previously called upon Governor Kundi to discuss the prevailing political and security situation.

Accusing the provincial government, Governor Kundi alleged that it was facilitating acts of terrorism.

Carlos Alcaraz won the Japan Open final in Tokyo, defeating Jiri Lehecka with scores of 7-6 (7/4), 6-4. This victory represents Alcaraz's third title of the current year.

The win also marks his first title since returning from a four-month injury layoff. Entering the final, Alcaraz held a 3-1 career head-to-head advantage over Lehecka.

Following the tournament, Alcaraz is scheduled to compete at the Shanghai Masters starting Wednesday. Alcaraz previously withdrew from last year's tournament after achieving a title win in Tokyo.

Regarding his recovery, Alcaraz stated, "A lot of negative thoughts come to your mind, if you're going to come back healthy, if you're going to be the same as I was before."

OGRA revised petroleum prices, increasing petrol by Rs1.82 per litre and decreasing high-speed diesel by 91 paisa per litre. The new petrol price will retail at Rs396.65 per litre, while high-speed diesel will cost Rs394.94 per litre.

These revised rates are set to take effect starting 8 October 2026. Previously, the high-speed diesel price had fallen from a peak of Rs520.35 recorded on 3 April 2026.

The petroleum minister stated that the cabinet and the prime minister decided to grant the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) the duty of setting fuel prices daily. Furthermore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a “relief scheme” for owners of motorcycles, autos, and vehicles up to 800cc on 13 September 2026.

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra announced they are expecting their second child. Advani stated, "Blessed once again with the greatest gift of all. Our hearts are so full of love and gratitude."

The pair previously welcomed a daughter, Saraayah Malhotra, following the announcement of their first pregnancy in February 2025. The couple first met at the wrap-up party for Kiara’s Lust Stories.

Their marriage took place on February 7, 2023. Kiara Advani has appeared in films such as Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups and War 2, alongside Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr..

Malhotra has worked on projects including Vvan: Force of the Forest, while the film Sershaah was released in 2021.

Advani stated, "Blessed once again with the greatest gift of all. Our hearts are so full of love and gratitude."

Advani

Mahmood Khan Achakzai stated that meaningful dialogue necessitates consultation with Imran Khan. He further declared that he would refrain from taking part in formal negotiations unless Imran Khan was consulted.

Achakzai asserted that every major political leader must participate in any political dialogue. Additionally, the analyst claimed that the Election Commission of Pakistan requires fresh appointments.

Finally, Achakzai stressed that the international community must contribute towards regional peace and stability.

PAMA asked the government to suspend the new rules governing the commercial import of used vehicles. The association raised concerns regarding an Engineering Development Board (EDB) notification that was issued on 30 September 2026.

These revised rules effectively relax safeguards that were established under a prior notification issued in September 2025. Specifically, the new notification eliminates the minimum capital requirement for importing companies and removes the mandate for adequate after-sales service.

Furthermore, the notification shifts the duties for both pre-shipment and post-shipment inspection from the EDB to the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA). Data shows that commercial imports of used vehicles increased from 48 units in May 2026 to 843 units in June.

By July, the volume of commercial used vehicle imports reached 1,938 units.

Wittington Investments will take ownership of Boots’ UK and Irish retail operations and opticians chain, following the Weston family's purchase for $8.9 billion. The acquisition, which is supported by Fairfax, also includes the No7 beauty brand and a franchise arm operating in Thailand.

The transaction is anticipated to complete during the first quarter of 2027. Galen Weston stated that Boots represents one of Britain’s most enduring businesses, possessing a rich heritage, a trusted name, and a vital role in daily life across the UK and Ireland.

Stefano Pessina noted that Boots is an iconic brand and a British institution. Previously, Walgreens put Boots up for sale in 2022.

Richard Hyman commented that the Weston family provided “the most encouraging ownership of Boots for many, many years”.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will assume management of Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium for a period spanning two decades, according to reports. Under the new arrangement, the PCB will gain complete administrative authority, alongside rights covering commercial and broadcasting activities at the venue.

Furthermore, the agreement stipulates that the board must upgrade the stadium to meet international standards. In exchange for control, the PCB will pay a monthly rent of Rs. 10,000 to HMC.

HMC, meanwhile, will receive twenty percent of the revenue generated from the stadium's gate tickets. The stadium, which has a capacity of roughly 15,000 spectators, previously saw the PCB manage it for eleven years.

Previously, the Qasimabad Municipal Committee reclaimed control of the facility on 20 April 2018. Separately, Pakistan's rights for home cricket broadcasting were sold for Rs. 350 Million.

PlayStation will launch a new Crunchyroll anime hub directly onto the PlayStation 5 home screen. Hideaki Nishino, PlayStation president and CEO, announced the PS5-Crunchyroll collaboration.

Sony also unveiled its new Crunchyroll Storyworks division. Furthermore, Sony launched a feature called "Live TV on PS5."

This service offers access to over 100 free ad-supported video channels. The PlayStation 5 FAST channel offering debuted in August.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu addressed the nation, confirming the release of 10 million barrels of diesel fuel. During his address, Lecornu also stated that the Education ministry saw no reductions in the budget proposal for the last week.

Furthermore, the government must reduce its public deficit to 5%, according to the Prime Minister. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) previously urged France to 'get your house in order'.

Microsoft announced that the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box is available for preorder, with shipments scheduled for November. The Dev Box will launch concurrently with the Surface Laptop Ultra.

This development kit is specifically optimized for running local artificial intelligence models. It supports running models that surpass 120 billion parameters.

The device carries a $6,000 price tag. Key specifications include 128GB of unified memory and a 100-watt thermal envelope.

Furthermore, the Dev Box ships with a developer-optimized Windows 11 Pro setup. Developers will find the unit preinstalled with essential tools such as Visual Studio Code, Git, GitHub CLI, GitHub Copilot, WSL, Python, and Node.

Charlie Puth appeared as a special guest on Celebrity Substitute at a public elementary school in New York City. The performance occurred after Puth welcomed a son with his wife, Brooke Sansone.

During the session, one student scraped the teeth of a comb into the microphone, and another student peeled masking tape from a roll. The educational side quest followed Puth concluding the North American segment of his Whatever’s Clever! Tour.

Following the tour's North American leg, Puth cancelled the scheduled dates for New Zealand and Australia. His most recent album, Whatever’s Clever!, reached the forty-sixth spot on the Billboard 200 chart.

Puth and the kids stated, “All of my friends, they all like music/ They love the beat when it goes da da da da da da”.

Puth and the kids

Lionsgate will receive $30.8 million in state tax incentives for the "Michael" sequel film. The "Michael 2" sequel represents one of 35 films that will receive $226 million in total tax incentives from the California Film Commission.

Disney’s Pixar will collect $40.1 million for an untitled film. Furthermore, a previous allocation of $28.7 million was granted to another untitled Pixar film back in June.

Disney will also collect an additional $30 million for two separate untitled projects. This funding package covers 28 independent films, including an untitled project from Mike Mills and “Leaves of Glass,” which is set in L.A.’s Chicano communities.

Victoria Alonso and Tom Culliver stated, "We are incredibly excited to showcase a side of Los Angeles rarely seen on camera, and work with the greatest crews in the world."

Victoria Alonso and Tom Culliver stated, "We are incredibly excited to showcase a side of Los Angeles rarely seen on camera, and work with the greatest crews in the world."

Victoria Alonso and Tom Culliver

Microsoft introduced a magnetic charging solution for its Surface Laptop Ultra, which utilises a USB-C port. This new charging cable attaches magnetically to the right-side USB-C port on the device.

Microsoft has named this charging method 'Magnetic Connect'. Pavan Davuluri stated that the connection is designed to "bring the connector close, and it snaps right into place."

The Surface Laptop Ultra incorporates Nvidia’s RTX Spark chip. Customers can preorder the Surface Laptop Ultra now, with shipments commencing on 16 October 2026.

The starting price for the Surface Laptop Ultra is $2,599, featuring an 18-core CPU, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) authorised Fatima Fertilizer’s acquisition of shares in Agritech Limited. The CCP completed its Phase-I competition review on Tuesday.

This transaction involved the acquisition of Agritech shares across two distinct stages. The Commission assessed the total shareholding resulting from both purchases as a single aggregate transaction.

The CCP identified urea and SSP as the relevant product markets for its assessment. Investigators noted a horizontal overlap between Fatima Fertilizer and Agritech specifically within the urea market.

However, the CCP determined that Fatima Fertilizer held no market share in the SSP market, meaning Agritech’s standing in that sector remained unchanged. Ultimately, the CCP concluded that the transaction did not present a risk of substantially lessening competition.

The Commission authorised the transaction under Section 31(1)(d)(i) of the Competition Act, 2010. Furthermore, the records show that Fatima Fertilizer divested its entire shareholding in Agritech.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz received the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award for the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ project in Oman. The UN-Habitat Executive Director, Anacláudia Rossbach, welcomed the chief minister and other attendees.

Maryam dedicated the award to the citizens who constructed their residences through the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ programme. The Punjab government formally launched the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” programme on 21 August 2024.

More than 200,000 homes have been delivered across Punjab to date. Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb described the award as a historic, deeply proud and emotional moment for Punjab and Pakistan.

Punjab Education Minister Sikander Hayat praised Bilal Yaseen, the housing minister, for executing the chief minister’s vision.

Andrew Garfield used ChatGPT for research purposes while working as an actor. Garfield also played Sam Altman in the film 'Artificial', an outing that occurred in 2023.

Following his work, Garfield stated that he no longer requires ChatGPT in his life. The portrayal of Altman garnered positive attention, receiving rave reviews at the New York Film Festival.

Variety's Clayton Davis praised Garfield's performance, specifically noting his "Norman Bates-inspired turn." Furthermore, Davis predicted that Garfield could become a frontrunner for a best supporting actor nomination at this year's Academy Awards.

Altman complimented Garfield's ability to replicate his walk and mannerisms. Meanwhile, data from the Pew Research Center indicates that more than 50% of Americans feel more concerned than excited about AI.

Jennifer Nettles, Carter Faith, Margo Price, and Carly Pearce are leading the soundtrack for the Netflix film 'Heartland'. The soundtrack for 'Heartland' is scheduled to release on Netflix Music on 13 November 2026.

The cast list for the film includes Jennifer Nettles and Carter Faith. Jessica Chastain stars in 'Heartland' as the character Misty Jones.

Within 'Heartland', Jennifer Nettles assumes the role of Winnie Jo Lean. Garrett Hedlund and Wynn Everette also feature in the film 'Heartland'.

Previously, Jessica Chastain portrayed country singer Tammy Wynette in the 2022 Showtime miniseries 'George & Tammy'. For her work on 'George & Tammy', Jessica Chastain secured the Actor Award for outstanding female actor in a miniseries or television movie.

Mike Flanagan revealed his intention to adapt Stephen King’s 1974 novel of the same name into a miniseries for Samantha Sloyan. Samantha Sloyan previously appeared alongside Flanagan in the 2016 film "Hush".

Furthermore, Sloyan portrayed the character Bev Keane in the series "Midnight Mass". Sources confirm that Samantha Sloyan maintains a close friendship with Kate Siegel, Flanagan's wife and frequent collaborator, dating back to their twenties.

Additionally, Sloyan has taken on recurring parts in television shows such as "Scandal" and "Grey's Anatomy".

Lionel Messi participated in an international friendly match against Benin, securing a 3-0 victory for Argentina. During the fixture, Messi registered one goal and provided two assists for the team.

Messi stated, "Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white. I know I’m making the right decision." Ronaldo praised Messi, saying, "Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you’ve made history that will last forever. I have the utmost respect for what you’ve accomplished with Argentina. A hug."

Previously, Messi captained Argentina to wins in the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 Copa America, and the 2024 Copa America. Separately, Ronaldo remains involved in a dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo: "Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you’ve made history that will last forever. I have the utmost respect for what you’ve accomplished with Argentina. A hug."

Ronaldo

Marco Rubio delivered a speech in Athens, Greece, where he urged Europe to 'awaken from its slumber'. The US senator rejected globalist politics, attributing the current problems in America and Europe to such ideologies.

Rubio stated that the United States must pursue national power to rebuild its defence and reindustrialise. He invoked Abraham Lincoln’s first inaugural address from 1861 during his address.

Furthermore, Rubio asserted that the agreement between the US, Denmark, and Greenland will strengthen NATO security. The US senator also suggested that Greece should adopt the US model in areas of partnership.

Speaking on the matter, Rubio stated, “The word nationalism became a dirty word, so we tore down our monuments”.

“The word nationalism became a dirty word, so we tore down our monuments,” Rubio said.

Rubio

Apple Watch Series 12 configurations receive a $50 discount across the board. At Amazon and Target, the 42mm Series 12 is priced at $349.99.

Consumers can find the 46mm Series 12 starting at $399.99 from both Amazon and Target. During the sale period, the 5G version of the 46mm Series 12 costs $499.99.

Furthermore, the SE 3 model is available for $199.

Opposition leaders met Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence, according to reports. The gathering included Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, Maulana Lutfur Rehman, Muhammad Aslam Ghouri, Senator Kamran Murtaza, and Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai.

Rehman stated that the All-Parties Conference (APC) must formulate a joint agenda after consulting all political parties. He further asserted that the government has left no room for political negotiations.

Rehman also claimed that a long march represents everyone's democratic right. Furthermore, the Maulana argued that neither governor's rule nor imposing an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would resolve the existing problems.

Addressing national security, Rehman maintained that eliminating terrorism requires national-level consultation. Separately, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas suggested that politicians should pursue a joint political struggle.

Salman Akram Raja added that the relationship of coercion between the people and the state must conclude.

Piero Antonio Franco De Benedictis passed away at the age of 81 years old. The singer was born in Gallipoli, Italy.

His musical career included the release of his debut album, Mi Viejo. During the 1970s, Piero resided in Spain and Colombia.

He returned to Argentina in 1981. Furthermore, Piero received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy in 2016.

Margaret Hamilton passed away at the age of 90, according to MIT. During the Apollo 11 mission, the spacecraft encountered an onboard computer alarm just before reaching the Moon's surface.

Hamilton stated that the software proved capable of more than just reporting a hardware issue; it actively compensated by restarting and re-establishing critical tasks, as the error detection and recovery mechanisms provided aid. Barack Obama presented Margaret Hamilton with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Obama remarked, “Our astronauts didn’t have much time, but thankfully they had Margaret Hamilton.” The Guardian noted that Hamilton was drawn to the field because, “I was attracted both by the sheer idea and the fact that it had never been done before. I was the first programmer to join and the first woman they hired.”

MIT confirmed that Hamilton is survived by a daughter, a son-in-law, two grandsons, and four great-grandchildren.

“Our astronauts didn’t have much time, but thankfully they had Margaret Hamilton,” said Barack Obama.

Barack Obama

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released the Pakistan Financial Inclusion Index (P-FII) for the year 2025, confirming the index reached 59.5. This figure marks an increase from the 58.1 recorded in 2024.

Growth in the usage, access, and quality sub-indices supported this positive trend in the index. Implementation of digital initiatives under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2024-28 provided notable drivers.

Key contributors included the RAAST merchant on-boarding and payment ecosystem, the launch of digital banks, and various account opening drives.

A committee formed after a fire at the Children’s Nursery at PIMS, which claimed the lives of 15 infants, began its work. The committee held its first session on Wednesday.

Mustafa Kamal, AzamNazeerTarar, Barrister Nabeel Awan, Chaudhry AamirRehman, Syed Tariq Rafi, Laeeq Ahmed, and Maj Gen (R) DrAzhar Mahmood Kayani attended the meeting. During the session, participants discussed necessary reforms concerning the hospital's administration and governance.

The committee reviewed the clinical and administrative performance of PIMS. Recommendations were put forward aiming for a sustainable restructuring of the facility.

Ultimately, the committee agreed to establish a viable system that possesses a clear legal foundation.

Disney unveiled its newest cruise ship, Believe,. The vessel will debut its first journey on 18 December 2027, departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Believe will showcase the first stage adaptation of "Disney Encanto," a feature developed solely for the Disney Believe. This addition means Disney Believe joins the existing fleet of sister ships, which include Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny.

Furthermore, Disney Cruise Line's entire fleet is set to grow to thirteen ships by the end of 2030.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued a notification on Wednesday detailing new conditions for units seeking tax credits for electronic resources. The FBR imposed new conditions on units seeking tax credit.

Claimants must now integrate with the Board’s computerised system for real-time monitoring or reporting. Furthermore, the electronic resource must be installed, integrated, and configured within the tax year.

The tax credit allowed will equal ten percent of the sum actually invested in the electronic resource. Equipment must be used directly and exclusively for the required integration purposes.

Evidence of integration must come from a record generated by the Board’s computerised system. Support for the claim requires a tax invoice, bill, agreement, licence, or other acquisition document.

The total amount actually invested encompasses the purchase price alongside one-time costs for installation, configuration, interface development, integration, testing, and implementation.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal contacted Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Deputy Amir Liaquat Baloch regarding the matter. During this contact, Iqbal conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's message to JI Amir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman.

The Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, contacted the Jamaat-e-Islami Amir and asked him to withdraw the protest call. Consequently, the Jamaat-e-Islami postponed its planned protest.

Iqbal stated that the meeting agreed upon during the Prime Minister’s conversation with the JI Amir would happen soon by mutual agreement. He further noted that providing relief to the people remains among the government’s priorities.

The government, according to Iqbal, will sit with Jamaat-e-Islami representatives to discuss further measures aimed at providing relief to the public.

Rihanna hosted a TikTok Live for her Fenty Beauty brand on 7 October 2026. During the live broadcast, Rihanna claimed she possesses at least 170 unreleased songs.

The artist further stated, "If there are 10 products in a vault, then I have at least 17 vaults." Separately, A$AP Rocky stated that Rihanna was in the studio during August.

It is noted that Rihanna's previous album, ANTI, saw its release over a decade ago.

Farooq Naek resigned as a member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). In a letter, Naek stated, "I am unable to carry out my responsibilities as a member of the JCP".

Previously, Naek had represented the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) in the Commission. His appointment to the JCP originated from the Treasury Benches under Article 175A(2) of the Constitution.

The Senator has served as a representative from Sindh since 2003. Furthermore, Naek previously represented PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari before the Supreme Court in the presidential reference moved by President Asif Ali Zardari.

His political career included serving as the law minister following the 2008 general elections. In April 2012, Naek received reappointment after completing his three-year term as Senate chairman.

Records show that Naek dispatched a letter to Swiss Legal authorities in November 2012.

Tim Walker's Fairyland: Love and Legends exhibition opens at London's National Portrait Gallery on Friday, showcasing his photographic work. The exhibition will remain on display at the National Portrait Gallery until 7 February 2027.

Among the featured pieces is a nude portrait of Harry Styles. The overall collection explores themes of queer identity, community, and love.

The National Portrait Gallery views the project as a celebration spanning over 50 years of queer activism, community, and love. Walker created the exhibition following five years of work, during which he photographed approximately 250 individuals linked to queer culture, activism, and history.

The National Portrait Gallery advises visitors that the exhibition contains a content warning regarding nudity, adult themes, and some sexually explicit imagery. Harry Styles joins a lineup of notable artists, including Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, Hunter Schafer, Frank Ocean, Ian McKellen, and Miriam Margolyes.

Amazon and Bissell offer the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus carpet cleaner for $209.99 during October Prime Day sales event. Previously, the author bought the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus carpet cleaner for $279.99 approximately one month ago.

The Bissell ProHeat 2X model features deep-cleaning brushes, substantial reservoirs for both soiled water and cleaning fluid, and an accessory port. Furthermore, a large container of the necessary cleaning solution costs around $23.

Attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz reached a weekly peak, according to reports. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) noted ongoing harassment and attempted attacks by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards within the Strait of Hormuz.

Specifically, the week spanning 28 September to 5 October saw at least twelve attacks targeting oil, liquefied natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas tankers near the Strait of Hormuz. This period marked the highest number of attacks recorded in a single week since the US war with Iran commenced on 28 February.

Separate data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) documented nine incidents involving vessels during that same week. Furthermore, India reported that twelve crew members sustained injuries after an unidentified projectile struck the Panama-flagged oil tanker On Peace while it transited the Strait of Hormuz.

The Punjab government issued an alert to all chief executive officers and medical superintendents across the province regarding COVID-19 and seasonal flu. Flu presents heightened danger for pregnant women and individuals managing chronic illnesses.

Health officials maintain that flu vaccination remains the most effective preventative action, particularly for the elderly and expectant mothers. Lahore hospitals are reportedly observing an increase in patients presenting with symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, body aches, breathing difficulties, and flu-like signs.

Health authorities noted that over 2,000 patients within a 24-hour period have not received independent verification, and they have not confirmed that all these cases relate to coronavirus.

Meta joined forces with Walmart, Stripe, and the AI startup Sierra to build the Personal Agent Protocol, an open standard allowing AI agents to interact with corporate websites and services with proper authorization. Furthermore, Meta and Sierra are spearheading an effort with Walmart, Stripe, Shopify, Genesys, Instinct, and Rocket to develop this open standard for personal AI agents.

The goal of this industry effort is to define how software acting on behalf of consumers can authenticate, gain permission, and interact with various systems. Separately, Meta and Microsoft are reportedly decreasing their internal dependence on Anthropic's Claude.

Elon Musk stressed that his companies will build and operate the planned semiconductor complex themselves. TSMC's involvement in the Terafab facility is restricted to subleasing a portion of the complex.

Intel will continue its collaboration with Musk regarding the Terafab project. Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel, stated that the firm will remain engaged in Musk's plan to manufacture cutting-edge chips.

Federal Reserve policymakers voted unanimously to increase interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, according to reports. The dollar index remained steady at 102.23.

The US dollar reached a level near its strongest point since 9 April 2025. Westpac analysts stated that most participants still consider further tightening appropriate.

Futures pricing indicates a 19% probability of a 0.25 basis-point hike for the Fed funds rate. Currency movements showed the US dollar falling 0.2% against the Japanese yen at 157.815 yen.

Meanwhile, the Australian dollar traded flat at $0.6960. Against the Chinese yuan, the US dollar remained flat at 6.7015 yuan.

The Euro held steady at $1.1201. Bitcoin slipped 0.2% to reach $83,233.40.

The Art Scene Gallery in Karachi is currently hosting an exhibition titled In Each Other's Frame, featuring works by Adeen Habib and Safwan Sabzwari. Habib stated that art serves as a method for reflecting upon society and its inherent contradictions.

The artist's output frequently concentrates on social subjects, such as economic disparity and class differences. Furthermore, Habib observed that modern society attaches significant value to luxury items and material goods.

Expressing his gratitude, Habib stated, "I am very grateful. The response has been very good."

Aerosmith will perform two concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, an event set to feature guest appearances from Run-D.M.C., Billy Idol, Eric Church, and Slash. Citi cardmembers can begin purchasing tickets during a presale on 8 October 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PT.

The general sale for the concerts is scheduled for 10 October 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Previously, the group cancelled its 2023 “Peace Out: The Farewell Tour.”

Steven Tyler’s fractured larynx caused the cancellation of the 2023 tour. Furthermore, Aerosmith announced its retirement from touring in August 2024.

The group stated that Tyler’s “recovery from his vocal injury is not possible.” The band shared that, “It has been the honor of our lives to have our music become part of yours.”

Steven Tyler performed at a Grammy Awards watch party in February 2025. He also appeared as part of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s farewell concert in July 2025.

The band stated, “It has been the honor of our lives to have our music become part of yours.”

the band

Electricity consumers will pay an extra 1.11 Rs per unit in their October 2026 bills. Nepra approved a fuel cost adjustment amounting to 1.1086 Rs per kilowatt-hour.

This additional levy applies to customers served by ex-Wapda distribution companies and K-Electric across all categories, excluding lifeline consumers, electric vehicle charging stations, and prepaid electricity consumers who selected prepaid tariffs. The adjustment reflects the disparity between the actual fuel cost of 8.2084 Rs per unit and the reference fuel cost of 7.0998 Rs per unit.

Billing for this extra charge will appear in the October 2026 statements and will calculate usage recorded in August.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to use railway land for commercial purposes to fund the upgradation of Main Line-1 (ML-1). He further instructed authorities to develop ML-1 commercially by utilising railway land valued at billions of rupees.

Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for corporate-style reforms to strengthen the railway system. Removing obstacles hindering financing for housing, agriculture, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was another directive from Shehbaz.

Shehbaz also asked the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to enhance the capacity of SMEs. The Prime Minister welcomed the National Bank of Pakistan’s 76 percent loan approval rate for housing finance.

Finally, Shehbaz urged other provinces to adopt the Punjab model for digitising their land records.

The Pakistan Super League 12 is scheduled to take place from 18 March 2027 until 2 May 2027. Eight franchises will participate in the upcoming PSL 12.

The PSL Governing Council convened in London on 1 September 2026. Peshawar Zalmi secured the PSL 11 title by defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in the final on 3 May 2027.

The final match at Gaddafi Stadium drew an attendance of 32,461 spectators. Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB Chairman, stated that the board remains committed to delivering another outstanding season.

Salman Naseer, the PSL CEO, described the recent window announcement as the initial step toward preparations for the 2027 tournament. Furthermore, the PCB plans to take over the major stadium for a twenty-year period to facilitate PSL upgrades.

The Sindh High Court suspended recent rulings from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) and its appellate tribunal regarding K-Electric’s multi-year tariff structure. This suspension effectively reduced the federal government's subsidy to K-Electric, which is estimated at approximately 200 billion Rupees. Muhammad Aurangzeb, the Finance Minister, chaired the Steering Committee on Power Sector Regulatory Regime and Reform Options on Wednesday. During this meeting, the government is considering political risk guarantees from multilateral agencies and accelerating regulatory reforms for power privatization. Furthermore, prospective bidders requested binding legal guarantees, clearer financial risk allocation, and license terms exceeding the current 20-year limit.

The court issued notices to the respondents and set the next hearing date for 15 October.

Ambassador of Pakistan to France Mumtaz Zahra Baloch highlighted the vital contributions of women to international relations at a conference on “Women in Global Diplomacy” today. The Zonta Club International organised the conference, where Ms. Baloch attended as the guest of honour.

She asserted that women diplomats play an indispensable role in advancing global peace, conflict resolution, and meaningful dialogue.

Donald Trump stated he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize after engaging with eight conflicts since assuming office last January. The Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday.

Trump also acknowledged that he remains uncertain about his prospects of winning the award. Leaders from Cambodia, Israel, and Pakistan reportedly nominated Trump for the honour.

Fighting has resumed in the Democratic Republic of Congo and along the border separating Cambodia and Thailand. Furthermore, US-Israel strikes targeting Iran resulted in a period of seven months of simmering conflict.

Among the potential recipients this year are Pope Leo, the International Criminal Court, and the special rapporteur for the Palestinian Territories.

Carlos Alcaraz will headline the popular AO 1 Point Slam alongside Jannik Sinner, Coco Gauff, and Naomi Osaka next year. This specific tournament constitutes the opening week of the Australian Open.

Jordan Smith secured A$1 million after defeating Taiwan professional Joanna Garland in the final match. The final contest is scheduled for 13 January 2027 at Rod Laver Arena.

Furthermore, the main draw for the Australian Open will take place between 17 January and 31 January 2027. The winner of the 2027 event will receive a distinctive AO 1 Point Slam trophy made from Australian silver.

Prof. Dr. Naved Ahmed Shaikh, Vice Chancellor of Shaikh Ayaz University, Shikarpur, visited several examination halls where the 2nd Mid Term Examination 2026 was conducted. During his visit, the Chancellor communicated with students, extending best wishes for their success.

The Chancellor emphasized that maintaining discipline, academic standards, and transparency remains crucial throughout the examinations. Riaz Ahmed Soomro, Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, accompanied the Chancellor, alongside Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Rajper, Dr. Attaullah Sahito, and other officials.

The Chancellor also expressed satisfaction regarding the arrangements put in place for the smooth running of the examination process.

Cristiano Ronaldo accused his coach of breaking his word regarding his professional commitments. Meanwhile, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is currently hearing an appeal concerning the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to award the Africa Cup of Nations to Morocco.

In other sporting news, Marlon Reusser claimed her fifth women’s title, defeating Demi Vollering and Juliette Berthet. ASVEL secured a victory over Paris with a final score of 98-96 in the EuroLeague competition.

Patty Mills scored 21 points, while Nadir Hifi registered 30 points during a recent match. At the Shanghai Masters 1000, Arthur Gea, Adrian Mannarino, and Quentin Halys all won their respective first-round matches.

Coco Gauff faced defeat at the Beijing tournament, losing to Elise Mertens. Looking ahead, Coco Gauff is scheduled to confront Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals.

Primoz Roglic won the European time trial event, beating Bruno Armirail and Maxime Decomble.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) predicts that mushroom sightings across the United Kingdom could reach record levels this autumn. A shift from drought conditions to wetter weather may allow certain species to flourish.

Colin Unsworth observed that fly agaric and blushers appeared in good numbers during his recent foraging trip. However, Unsworth noted that porcini mushrooms had been somewhat scarce on the ground.

He also mentioned that an EU-wide shortage of edible fungi was present. Unsworth cautioned that people must be aware of look-alike mushrooms.

Following the drought in 2025, the RHS recorded a 43% increase in enquiries concerning garden fungi. Experts generally view fungi as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem.

A typical foraging area can yield twenty to thirty different edible mushroom types.

Google will display live fuel prices on Google Maps starting Thursday, a move expected to increase transparency at petrol pumps and stimulate market competition. The AA president, Edmund King, stated that Google Maps transparency represents a massive step forward for the industry.

Furthermore, Polly Billington, the minister for energy consumers, asserted that locating the cheapest fuel should be straightforward for consumers. Diesel prices have seen a significant increase, with the average diesel price in the UK reaching a record £2 per litre.

This price hike means diesel costs have risen by more than 40% since late February. Previously, the government introduced its Fuel Finder scheme in February.

The CMA issued a recommendation in 2023, and later cautioned fuel retailers in August.

Beverley Knight stars as Emmeline Pankhurst in the show at Birmingham Hippodrome. The musical, titled Sylvia the Musical, recounts the story of suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst and the family disagreements stemming from the campaign for women's voting rights.

The performance covers British history spanning the years 1903 to 1928. Emmeline Pankhurst led the suffragettes in their fight for the vote for women.

Naomi Katiyo features in the show as Sylvia Pankhurst. The musical incorporates genres including R&B, funk, soul, garage, gospel, and house.

The music forms the core of the show, which is delivered through singing, rapping, or speaking. Knight described her role as a 'gift of a role'.

Knight expressed her hope that audiences feel 'empowered' and believe their voices can make a difference.

Portugal moved up two places to occupy the fifth position in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings following its recent tournament play. The team secured this improved ranking after winning all four of its matches in the UEFA Nations League.

Spain currently holds the top ranking after achieving a clean sweep across the first four Nations League fixtures. Argentina maintains its second-place standing after defeating Benin with a score of 3-0 on Tuesday night.

Brazil and Morocco each saw a one-place drop within the top ten rankings. The United States retained its position at number 16 in the rankings.

Rwanda advanced nine positions, reaching the 119th spot in the rankings. Sierra Leone experienced an eight-place decline, settling at the 130th position.

Dhananjaya de Silva gave up the captaincy of the Test team with immediate effect, confirming his departure from the leadership role. The Sri Lankan cricket board confirmed that the team will undertake two Test matches in Pakistan.

The first Test match is set to commence in Rawalpindi on 9 November 2026. Following the initial fixture, the second Test is scheduled to take place in Lahore on 17 November 2026.

Sri Lanka Cricket stated that they welcomed de Silva’s continued availability to play as a player. Throughout his career, de Silva has participated in 69 Test matches.

His recorded batting achievements include 4,431 runs scored. As a bowler, de Silva has secured 43 wickets in his Test career.

Furthermore, the cricketer has conceded 2,348 runs across his Test appearances.

Saudi Arabia introduced a change to its family visa process for skilled expatriates, allowing dependents to apply for entry visas while the head of household completes their work visa process. The Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development introduced this change.

This new procedure enables the work visa and family entry visa processes to advance at the same time. Eligible family members under this provision include spouses, sons under the age of 25, and unmarried daughters.

Family members can enter the Kingdom via this new method, after which residency procedures follow. The ministry stated that this measure supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve living conditions and facilitate the relocation of eligible expatriate workers with their families.

Security forces killed 18 terrorists during operations conducted across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to reports. These operations included the killing of 13 terrorists in North Waziristan.

Furthermore, five terrorists were killed in Mastung, Balochistan. President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the security forces for eliminating 13 Khawarij in North Waziristan and five members of Fitna al-Hindostan in Mastung.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for eliminating 18 terrorists, whom he stated were sponsored by India. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed that operations against Fitna al-Khawarij will continue until all terrorism is completely eliminated.

Simon Pegg revealed he has been diagnosed with ADHD, a behavioural syndrome characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. The actor, who is 56 years old, discussed this diagnosis on the podcast I'm ADHD! No You're Not on Thursday.

Pegg stated that he felt his poor driving was linked to undiagnosed ADHD. This diagnosis followed an incident where Pegg reversed into a post while on holiday in Greece.

Furthermore, Pegg admitted to looking up 'Do people with ADHD get into more car accidents than people who don't have it' on his phone. ADHD symptoms encompass inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Globally, estimates suggest that between 3-5% of people are affected by ADHD. In England alone, an estimated 2.5 million people have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Data from the Lancet Regional Health Europe indicates that 1.2% of adults in England received an ADHD diagnosis.

Karachi will experience stronger-than-usual winds tomorrow, according to forecasts. Wind gusts are anticipated to reach as high as 45 kilometres per hour.

The city is also expected to remain partly cloudy and humid over the next three days. Meteorological Department had previously predicted hot and humid weather for Karachi spanning the next three days.

Maximum temperatures in Karachi are forecast to range between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius.

The Directorate of Health Islamabad (DHO Islamabad) reviewed hepatitis C screening and outreach activities following a meeting with the Project Director of the Prime Minister’s National Programme for Elimination of Hepatitis C. DHO Islamabad confirmed that free hepatitis C screening and treatment are available at designated health facilities and via outreach services.

Furthermore, teams are currently working to extend screening services to more health facilities and Union Councils. Citizens should utilise screening services and receive prompt treatment to safeguard their health and eliminate hepatitis C.

Ramon Vega intends to run in the FIFA presidential election against Gianni Infantino. Infantino is seeking re-election in March.

The Swiss Football Association withdrew its support for Infantino's bid for another term. Furthermore, England, Wales, France, and Serbia withdrew endorsements for Infantino.

Vega stated that his purpose is to serve football and the people who give the game its life. He also claimed that his aims include modernising FIFA, restoring stability, rebuilding trust, delivering lasting reform, and reuniting the global football family.

Vega represents the first candidate to publicly confirm his intention to challenge Infantino. Vega asserted that football belongs to the people, not presidents, confederations, or administrators.

UEFA pledged to present a rival candidate before the November deadline. In a separate move, Infantino wrote to FIFA's 211 member associations proposing an independent review of decision-making processes.

A Russian glide bomb attack on two civilian buses in Kramatorsk killed 33 people, and 18 people were wounded in the incident. Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that attacks on Thursday resulted in three fatalities and injured 14 others.

Vadym Filashkin, the Donetsk regional head, accused Russia of aiming to kill numerous civilians by targeting a bus carrying passengers. Local water authorities in the capital warned on Thursday that power outages caused dropping pressure across the city's right bank.

The Ukrainian leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that Ukraine's partners must provide "concrete action." Intelligence suggests plans for a major Russian onslaught, warning the Ukrainian leader this week.

Kramatorsk and neighbouring Slovyansk form part of a fortress belt Russia seeks to capture.

Louis Garrel will portray John Elkann in a forthcoming biopic focusing on Sergio Marchionne's career. The film's narrative details Marchionne's efforts to rescue FIAT from financial collapse.

Historical accounts show that Marchionne had previously offered to take control of Chrysler in 2009. The U.S. Treasury Department subsequently accepted the proposal put forward by Marchionne.

This union of Fiat and Chrysler established the seventh-largest vehicle manufacturer. Filming for the project is scheduled to take place in Toronto.

The production involves Simone Gattoni for Kavac Film, Mattia Mor for Emotion Network, and RAI Cinema. Separately, Marco Bellocchio, who is 86 years old, released his film "The Traitor" in the U.S. in 2020.

Bellocchio also shot "Kidnapped" during 2023. Furthermore, the six-episode television series "Portobello" by Bellocchio is set to launch on HBO Max in 2026.

The Rupee appreciated by 03 paisa against the US Dollar, finishing the trading session at Rs 277.02. This closing rate marks a slight dip from the previous day's close of Rs 277.05.

The open-market buying rate for the Dollar stood at Rs 277.45, while the selling rate was recorded at Rs 278.05. Separately, the Euro price saw a decrease of Rs 1.33, settling at Rs 310.09.

This figure contrasts with the Euro's rate of Rs 311.42 recorded on the preceding day. The Japanese Yen maintained its value, remaining unchanged at Rs 1.75.

Furthermore, the British Pound experienced a decline of 01 pasia, closing at Rs 366.76. Its rate on the day before was Rs 366.77.

The Emirate Dirham fell by 01 paisa, concluding at Rs 75.42.

The Punjab Provincial Transport Authority clarified the fitness certificate requirements for motor cars on 15 September 2026. The authority stated that motor cars with engines up to 1,000cc must obtain a fitness certificate five years after their manufacture.

For vehicles with engines between 1,001cc and 2,000cc, the required fitness certificate must be obtained six years post-manufacture. Motor cars possessing engines exceeding 2,000cc need a fitness certificate seven years after they were built.

Furthermore, the authority confirmed that the fitness certificate itself remains valid for a period of one year. Vehicle owners are granted thirty days to secure valid fitness certificates before enforcement commences.

Legal action against vehicles operating without the necessary certification is scheduled to begin on 15 October 2026.

The show, titled Cupertino, airs on CBS and centres on a Silicon Valley law firm taking on Big Tech companies. The narrative follows a case-of-the-week format, detailing the law firm's legal actions against major technology corporations.

The setting for the drama encompasses a wide array of modern tech roles, including data brokers, rationalists, underpaid AI trainers, software developers, gerontocratic judges, and petty billionaires. The production is poised to reach an audience that may not follow the intricate details of the Hugging Face hack.

The cast includes Michael Price, Olivia Siffre, and Christy Palladino. Wired previously covered the show back in 2013.

Australia commences a three-test series against South Africa in Durban on 8 October 2026. The Australian team is scheduled to tour India and England in the coming year.

Furthermore, the side aims to defend its 2023 ODI World Cup title. Mitchell Starc stated that securing three away test series and a World Cup would equate to Rory McIlroy winning four majors in a single season.

He also noted that playing three major series away from home within a twelve-month period is unusual. Historically, Australia has not secured a test series victory in England since 2001.

Moreover, the nation has not won a test series in India since 2004. Winning a test series in South Africa has eluded the team since 2014.

The squad's core players are currently in their thirties. The team expressed a desire to achieve comprehensive success.

Zong launched Z HomeFi, Pakistan's first 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) home broadband service,. The service is currently accessible across the top ten cities in Pakistan.

Zong Head of Marketing Sajid Munir stated that Z HomeFi delivers 5G technology directly into Pakistani residences, providing a dependable and simple broadband experience without needing complex fibre installation or fixed-line setup. Customers can obtain the service exclusively from Zong’s Customer Service Centres, though the company intends to expand availability to franchises later.

Z HomeFi offers twelve prepaid bundles, featuring speeds between 10 Mbps and 50 Mbps, alongside monthly data allowances ranging from 100 GB to 500 GB. These prepaid packages cost between PKR 4,500 and PKR 11,000 monthly, inclusive of all applicable taxes.

Furthermore, the 5G indoor Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) unit is priced at PKR 22,000.

The fee payment option becomes available only after the application receives approval, a process that may take up to 48 hours. Applicants need no action if the application remains in the approval stage for a period of up to 48 hours.

Should the fee payment option not appear after exceeding 48 hours, applicants can reach NADRA by calling the helpline at 1777 from a mobile phone or 051-111-786-100. Alternatively, applicants may visit their nearest NADRA Registration Centre to obtain further details.

Netflix has ordered a new limited series spinoff set within the 'Bridgerton' universe, specifically focusing on Lady Violet. Tom Verica will direct and serve as executive producer for this forthcoming spinoff.

Betsy Beers will also take on the role of executive producer for the new series. Meanwhile, production for Season 5 of 'Bridgerton' is currently underway in London.

Previously, Season 4 of 'Bridgerton' achieved the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s Global English TV list. Furthermore, the prequel 'Queen Charlotte,' which comprised six episodes in 2023, debuted at No. 1 across 91 countries.

Bangladesh is likely to take Pakistan's place in the six-team Asian Hockey Champions Trophy tournament. The tournament is set to take place in India between 27 October and 5 November 2026.

Hockey India rejected the request for a neutral venue for Pakistan's matches. Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, President of PHF, stated that the decision stemmed from a sensitive bilateral situation and security concerns.

Conversely, Bhagwant Mann stated that multinational tournaments present no issues. India secured the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy title in 2023 in Chennai.

Pakistan previously withdrew from the Junior World Cup hockey tournament held in Tamil Nadu last year.

Lauren Cohen, Director of Programming at Miami Film Festival, announced that John Turturro will receive the Variety Creative Vanguard Award at the Miami Film Festival GEMS. The Miami Film Festival GEMS is set to take place on 2 November.

Turturro's professional career encompasses more than four decades of work. His accolades include a Golden Globe nomination for his role in "Quiz Show."

Furthermore, Turturro secured an Emmy Award for his guest appearance on the television show Monk. Miami Dade College hosts two yearly cinema events: the Miami Film Festival GEMS and the Miami Film Festival.

The Miami Film Festival itself remains the leading event for showcasing Ibero-American cinema within the United States. The annual Festival typically welcomes over 45,000 audience members alongside more than 400 filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals.

Iranian intelligence services are reportedly targeting US military installations within Germany. These targeted US military installations reportedly include the Ramstein and Spangdahlem air bases.

Concerns persist regarding potential covert attacks linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. Israel had previously warned its US and German partners about a potential threat three weeks ago.

However, the US European Command Spokesperson stated that discussing intelligence matters is inappropriate. The Spokesperson added that the US European Command remains vigilant and continuously assesses the security environment across the European theater.

Furthermore, the US removed B-1 bombers from the British air base RAF Fairford because of a threat connected to Iran.

President Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting with the Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Germany, Salman Sharif, to discuss bilateral ties. During the meeting, President Zardari called for further strengthening of the relationship between Pakistan and Germany.

Pakistan attaches great importance to its long-standing relationship with Germany. Germany currently serves as Pakistan's largest export destination within the European Union.

Furthermore, President Zardari urged continued defence cooperation between the two countries. The President also expressed his hope that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz would visit Pakistan.

Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, and former Federal Minister Syed Naveed Qamar were in attendance at the gathering.

Tom Cruise stars in the film Digger, where he portrays an oil tycoon named Digger Rockwell. The narrative centres on Digger Rockwell, an oligarch who reportedly faces considerable difficulties.

A major disaster unfolds in the film when an explosion at an oil rig dislodges an iceberg comparable in size to Maryland, sending it toward Europe. President Compson and his hawkish advisers convene with Rockwell to discuss the looming catastrophe.

Furthermore, industry predictions suggest that the movie Digger might become a significant failure in 2026.

Gianni Infantino addressed football association presidents at a conference in Cape Verde on Thursday, promising further FIFA support for African football. During his address, Infantino stated that FIFA invested one billion dollars in Africa over a ten-year period via the FIFA Forward programme.

The FIFA leadership confirmed that the organisation intends to continue its investment within the continent. Furthermore, Infantino indicated that FIFA will seek additional resources and funding increases to boost African football.

The conference was set to host all presidents from the 54 associations comprising the Confederation of African Football. Infantino also noted that FIFA has supported African football since his election in 2016.

BJ, a builder, created the Retro Song Bird, a media player built to play music and sound effect files from Game Boy cartridges. The device features a stereo line out connection, allowing users to link it to external speakers or use it for recording and sampling.

Furthermore, each of the Game Boy's four sound channels provides its own distinct USB audio stream. Currently, only a small number of prototypes of the Retro Song Bird exist.

Retro Dodo stated that BJ intends to potentially crowdfund or sell the music player directly once the hardware and design reach completion.

Tate McRae will release her new single, "Housewife," on 15 October 2026. Previously, the artist performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago during August.

Her third studio album, So Close to What, reached the top spot on the Billboard 200 in March 2025. The collaboration "What I Want" with Morgan Wallen secured the number one spot on the Hot 100 in May 2025.

Additionally, the single "Tit for Tat" reached the third position on the charts. The single "Sports Car" previously peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Furthermore, Tate McRae received the Billboard Hitmaker award at the 2026 Billboard Women in Music ceremony.

Remi Wolf released her third studio album, Mud, on 9 October 2026. The album's creative foundation draws inspiration from the songwriting of Lucinda Williams.

Previously, Wolf appeared on an episode of the Amazon show Off Campus this year. Her 2024 hit song, "Cinderella," reached the No. 48 position on Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.

Regarding the recording process, Wolf stated, "Making this album felt like a very cleansing process for me." She further commented, "Once you’re out of it, you’re left with all these beautiful minerals and your skin’s all clear."