Home Blog Page 2714

Pak-Australia series to aid selection of playing XI for T20 World Cup: Salman Agha

By
bilawalmaskin@gmail.com
-
0
Pak-Australia series to aid selection of playing XI for T20 World Cup: Salman Agha

Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha speaking during the pre-series press conference ahead of the three-match T20I series against Australia in Lahore on January 28, 2026. — PCB

LAHORE: Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha on Wednesday said that the upcoming T20 series against Australia would help the team finalise their playing XI for the T20 World Cup.

During the pre-series press conference, Agha said: “We are moving in our own direction. The next three matches are very important. This series will give us a good idea about our 11 players.”

He stressed the importance of collective performance over individual accolades as the team prepares to take on Australia in the three-match series, which kicks off on Thursday.

During the pre-series press conference, Agha highlighted that the team is focused on carving its own path rather than being influenced by media attention or star players.

The right-handed batter expressed his desire for the media to shift focus away from star batter Babar Azam and pay attention to the other players in the squad.

“I hope that when I attend the press conference, there are no questions about Babar. There are 14 other players, batsmen in the team, so think about them as well and talk about them too. Let him be and focus on batting,” he stated.

The middle-order batter emphasised the significance of the series, underlining that every team member is aware of their role and the need for adaptability based on match situations.

“The series against Australia is very important for us. Roles are clear for every player; we know exactly what we need from each one. We should play according to what the team requires. If a run rate of 6 is needed, I will play accordingly; if 10 is needed, I will adjust,” he added.

Addressing Australia’s strength and consistency, he noted that the absence of key players will not diminish their challenge. Agha framed the series as a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to assert themselves.

“Australia’s mindset is consistent; even if their main players are missing, it doesn’t make a difference. For us, this is an opportunity to win the series. You have to play according to what the team demands; you can’t choose your own position. Usman Tariq can prove to be a trump card for us,” he concluded.

The second and third T20Is of the series will also be played at the same venue on January 31 and February 1, respectively. The toss for each match is scheduled for 5:30pm PKT, with the first ball to be bowled at 6:00pm PKT.

The series will offer vital match practice for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Pakistan has been drawn in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, while Australia is in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.

This marks Australia’s third visit to Pakistan since March–April 2022, when they toured for a historic Test series, followed by an ODI series and a single T20I.

The Kangaroos also played three matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, including a narrow three-wicket T20I win at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on April 5, 2022.

Historically, Australia and Pakistan have faced off 28 times in T20 internationals, with Australia claiming 14 wins and Pakistan 12. One match ended in a tie and another produced no result.

Trophy for Pakistan-Australia T20I series unveiled

Earlier, the glittering trophy for the highly anticipated three-match T20I series between hosts Pakistan and Australia was unveiled.

The silverware was presented by Pakistan captain Agha and his Australian counterpart Mitchell Marsh before the pre-series press conference at Gaddafi Stadium.

Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha (left) and Australia’s Mitchell Marsh pictured with the T20I series trophy at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 28, 2026 — PCB
Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha (left) and Australia’s Mitchell Marsh pictured with the T20I series trophy at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 28, 2026 — PCB

The series opener is scheduled for Thursday, with the second and third T20Is also set to be played at the same venue on January 31 and February 1, respectively.

The toss for each match will take place at 5:30pm PKT, with the first ball scheduled for 6:00pm PKT.

The series will provide crucial match practice for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Pakistan has been drawn in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia, while Australia is in Group B with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and Oman.

This marks Australia’s third tour of Pakistan since March–April 2022, when they played a historic Test series, followed by an ODI series and a single T20I.

Australia also played three matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, including a narrow three-wicket T20I win at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on April 5, 2022.

Australia and Pakistan have faced each other 28 times in T20 internationals, with Australia winning 14 matches and Pakistan 12. One match ended in a tie and another produced no result.

‘NFL RedZone’ host Scott Hanson explains why Sam Darnold is top Super Bowl LX ‘human interest story’

By
bilawalmaskin@gmail.com
-
0
'NFL RedZone' host Scott Hanson explains why Sam Darnold is top Super Bowl LX 'human interest story'

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The Super Bowl averaged 127.7 million viewers on FOX last year, ranging from die-hard NFL fans, to the casuals hanging out at a party enjoying the “Big Game.”

While some know the X’s and O’s more than others, there are usually many human interest stories leading up to kickoff, and “NFL RedZone” host Scott Hanson already knows the greatest one of all in the matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. 

“Sam Darnold is that story,” Hanson told Fox News Digital about the Seahawks’ starting quarterback. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

NFL Network’s Scott Hanson speaks on stage during the during the third day of the 2025 NFL Draft on April 26, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

The human interest isn’t always the starting quarterback of one of the teams playing, but given Darnold’s journey to get to this point in his career, Hanson feels anyone with “no horse in the race” has to root for him. 

“Sam Darnold, cast aside, dismissed. Every NFL player has felt that at some point in their life,” Hanson said, while also discussing while also discussing his excitement for Lowe’s “Earn Your Sunday Bucket Belt.” “Every human being that’s listening to me has had someone in their life tell them, ‘You’re not good enough. You can’t do it. We tried it, it didn’t work. Goodbye.’ Whether that’s at work, a relationship, or whatever have you. 

“Sam Darnold has found a way to rise above it, block out the critics, and play his best football when it matters the most.”

‘NFL REDZONE’ HOST SCOTT HANSON EXPLAINS WHY PATRIOTS-SEAHAWKS SUPER BOWL LX MATCHUP IS THE ‘HOPE BOWL’

When Darnold was coming out of USC in the 2018 NFL Draft, he was a potential first overall selection to the Cleveland Browns. Instead, after the Browns took Baker Mayfield, Darnold was selected by the New York Jets third overall to be their hopeful savior for the franchise. 

The Jets hadn’t made the playoffs in nearly a decade, but Darnold was supposed to be the guy to get them out of that funk. Unfortunately, for him and the Jets, that never happened. 

Darnold’s time in New York lasted just three seasons before GM Joe Douglas shipped him off to the Carolina Panthers, ending a roller-coaster tenure that could’ve been the end of his starting days in the league. 

But Darnold rose through the adversity, as Hanson pointed out. After 17 starts for the Panthers across two seasons, his contract wasn’t renewed and he was on the hunt for his next opportunity. It was the San Francisco 49ers and head coach Kyle Shanahan who brought in Darnold, and he eventually beat out Trey Lance for the backup role to Brock Purdy – another fun story given his rise from Mr. Irrelevant as the last pick of the NFL Draft to a Super Bowl-playing quarterback. 

Sam Darnold warms up before a game

Sam Darnold of the Carolina Panthers throws before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Nov. 20, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland.  (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Darnold has spoken about how the 49ers got him back on track, and that was clearly the case after joining the Minnesota Vikings last season. 

“Back-to-back 14-win seasons for two different teams and playing in the biggest game of his life,” Hanson said, referencing what Darnold did for the Vikings in his 14-3 season. “The first-ever quarterback to start a Super Bowl from USC. Think about the great history of the Trojans. No USC quarterback has made it to start a Super Bowl.”

When Darnold joined the Seahawks, he told Fox News Digital in May 2025 that he felt it was the right fit, especially given his relationship with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak during their time together in San Francisco. Seems poetic they’re both back in Santa Clara in two weeks for the biggest game in American sport. 

Sam Darnold raises the Halas Trophy

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold lifts the winner’s trophy next to Michael Strahan, left, after a win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Darnold is a great story about staying true to yourself, understanding you have the talent, and making the best of every situation, good or bad. 

“Even Jets fans have got to be like, ‘You know what, Sam? We drafted you to win championships over the New England Patriots. Go out there on Super Bowl Sunday and do just that, even though you’re wearing the J-E-T-S in front of your chest there,'” Hanson said. “I think it’s a fantastic human interest story, and if you have no horse in the race, why not root for Sam Darnold to have a great, great Super Bowl Sunday.”

EARNING YOUR SUPER BOWL SUNDAY WITH LOWE’S

All season long, Lowe’s has been finding ways to help NFL fans “Earn Their Sundays,” and their best way for Super Bowl LX is something Hanson is very excited about.

The “Earn Your Sunday Bucket Belt” looks like a regular tool belt that would go around a five-gallon Lowe’s bucket, but Hanson wants to see snacks, beverages, grilling tools and more on it for the Big Game.

Lowe's Bucket Belt

Lowe’s introduces the Bucket Belt ahead of this year’s Super Bowl LX matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. (Lowe’s)

Gameday essentials are reimagined, and Hanson believes everyone should have one for Feb. 8.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“Theoretically, it’s for all your tools. But on Super Bowl Sunday, it’s beverages, it’s snacks. The only tools are grilling tools that we want to see in there,” Hanson said. “Straps on top of the bucket here, and you can fill it up with ice for your favorite beverages. There’s some football goodies and you will earn your Super Bowl Sunday and enjoy Super Bowl LX in Lowe’s style.”

The bucket belt can be purchased now exclusively for MyLowe’s Rewards and MyLowe’s Pro Rewards members.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Access Denied

By
bilawalmaskin@gmail.com
-
0
Access Denied


Access Denied

You don’t have permission to access “http://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/6-delicious-and-healthy-oats-dishes-kids-love-in-their-tiffin-boxes-10899772” on this server.

Reference #18.cc711102.1769604994.10a9aaf8

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.cc711102.1769604994.10a9aaf8

My dog’s treatment cost £1,600 – vet bills are shocking

By
bilawalmaskin@gmail.com
-
0
My dog's treatment cost £1,600 - vet bills are shocking

The government sets out proposals as data finds vet prices rose at nearly twice the inflation rate.

Meet the Alpine Salamander: Nature’s record holder for longest pregnancy | – The Times of India

By
bilawalmaskin@gmail.com
-
0
Meet the Alpine Salamander: Nature’s record holder for longest pregnancy | - The Times of India

Meet the Alpine Salamander: Nature’s record holder for longest pregnancy (Image source: Wikipedia)

If you’re looking for the animal with the longest pregnancy on Earth, don’t think of whales or elephants. It’s actually the Alpine salamander. It is a small, dark amphibian tucked away in the high mountains of Europe. This little creature is a record-breaker. Its pregnancy can drag on for years. At lower altitudes, it’s about two to three years, but climb higher, where it gets colder, and some females carry their young for four or even five years.Most amphibians lay eggs in water, but not these salamanders. They skip the whole egg stage and give birth to fully formed babies. It’s a smart move, honestly, since life in the mountains isn’t easy and their babies need every advantage they can get. This extraordinary reproductive strategy has made the Alpine salamander a fascinating subject of study for scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Nature’s slowest pregnancy: How the Alpine salamander carries babies for years

The Alpine salamander doesn’t just set records, they blow the competition away when it comes to gestation. These little creatures hang onto their developing young for a jaw-dropping 37 to 38 months, and that’s just the average. In the colder, higher parts of the mountains, they can stretch it out to four or even five years. That’s wild, especially when you remember humans are done in nine months. This marathon pregnancy gives the embryos time to fully develop in tough conditions. As per a study titled “Epitheliophagy: intrauterine cell nourishment in the viviparous alpine salamander, Salamandra atra (Laur.)“, published in PubMedCentral, it is believed that this long gestation actually lets the embryos grow up completely, even in tough environments. That way, they’re more likely to survive once they’re born. It’s a pretty rare case where you can see the environment shaping how wild animals reproduce.

What is gestation and why does it vary

Gestation is the time between conception and birth when the embryo grows inside the mother. How long this takes really depends on the animal, as things like metabolism, size, and how developed the baby needs to be at birth all matter. Temperature makes a big difference, too. In colder places, embryos develop more slowly because their metabolism slows down, so the gestation period becomes longer.

Unique reproductive strategy of alpine salamanders

Most amphibians lay their eggs in water, but Alpine salamanders do things differently; they actually give birth to live young. Their babies grow inside the mother for a long time, getting all their nourishment from her, so they skip the usual larval stage. Because of this, the young salamanders are born fully developed and ready to handle life on their own. Plus, since they spend so much time growing before birth, these salamanders come out bigger and stronger than most, which helps them compete and stay safe from predators. This kind of reproductive strategy is really rare for amphibians and just goes to show how creative evolution can get.

Where Alpine Salamanders live and why it matters

Where Alpine Salamanders live and why it matters (Image source: Wikipedia)

Where Alpine Salamanders live and why it matters (Image source: Wikipedia)

Alpine salamanders are found throughout the European Alps. They thrive in rocky, cool habitats, where traditional so the egg-laying process would be risky. The cold mountain climate slows their metabolism, which in turn extends the development time of their young. Their adaptation to such extreme habitats shows how environmental pressures shape not only life cycles but also survival strategies.

Alpine Salamander vs. other long-gestation animals

Elephants carry their young for almost two years, and frilled sharks can be pregnant for about three and a half. But the Alpine salamander takes things to a whole new level. No other land animal has a gestation period that long. Even creatures we usually call “slow developers” can’t keep up with this little amphibian. The salamander proves you don’t have to be big or warm-blooded to pull off some truly wild reproductive strategies. It flips the script on what we think we know about size and pregnancy, showing that the environment can matter a whole lot more than how big you are when it comes to how long it takes to develop.

World’s first ‘Gold Street’ — here’s where it will be built

By
bilawalmaskin@gmail.com
-
0
World's first ‘Gold Street' — here's where it will be built

Over 1,000 retailers are expected to operate within the Dubai Gold District. — Reporter

DUBAI: Dubai is set to shine once again as a global hub for gold and jewellery with the official launch of its new Dubai Gold District, officials announced.

The Emirate will also be home to the world’s first “Gold Street,” a unique road constructed entirely from gold, designed as a major tourist attraction in Deira, Dubai.

Authorities said the project will bring together retail, wholesale trading, bullion, and investment under one roof, creating a unified ecosystem for the gold and jewellery sector.

Over 1,000 retailers are expected to operate within the district, highlighting Dubai’s continued reputation as the “City of Gold.”

Officials added that the plans, designs, and exact location of Gold Street will be unveiled in phases.

“The Gold District and Gold Street will represent both Dubai’s commercial heritage and its standing as a global centre for gold trade,” said a UAE government official.

‘Leader’ Bellingham the ‘cornerstone’ of Real Madrid’s future – Arbeloa

By
bilawalmaskin@gmail.com
-
0
'Leader' Bellingham the 'cornerstone' of Real Madrid's future - Arbeloa

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa praised Jude Bellingham on Tuesday, calling the midfielder “a leader” who will be a “cornerstone of this team for many years.”

Arbeloa’s Madrid visit Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday, where a win would guarantee their qualification for the knockout phase.

Bellingham had a slow start to 2025-26 — recovering from shoulder surgery last summer — but has impressed in Madrid’s performances under new coach Arbeloa in recent days, scoring in last week’s 6-1 win over Monaco.

“It’s not that [Bellingham] was a surprise, but from day one, I’ve seen a player with exceptional quality and abilities,” Arbeloa said in a news conference on Tuesday. “Anyone who’s seen him on television knows it, but when you’re up close, it’s even more surprising.

“Beyond his football quality, I’ve seen a player who wants to be a leader, a role model. The other day, 48 hours after a game, I told him — and I never, ever say this — ‘stop running.’ The performance he’s giving in training, his commitment and his leadership … I’m very proud of having a player like Jude Bellingham.”

Bellingham has scored four goals in 17 LaLiga appearances this season, and two goals in six Champions League games.

He was one of a number of players singled out by fans at the Bernabéu for whistles after the sacking of Arbeloa’s predecessor, Xabi Alonso, and celebrated last week’s goal against Monaco with a ‘drinking gesture’ celebration aimed at online rumours about his behaviour off the field.

– Mourinho bids Madrid’s Arbeloa success — except vs. Benfica
– How teams can qualify for 2025-26 Champions League knockouts

“There’s two ways you can take it: you can cry about it and moan, or send a lawyer, or you can just roll with it and enjoy it,” Bellingham told TNT Sports. “I know the truth, I know what really goes on in my personal life, I know what I give to the game and the team. All the outside noise doesn’t really matter.”

Arbeloa has been consistent in his praise of Bellingham since taking charge of the team earlier this month.

“On the pitch, he’s capable of doing so many things well,” the coach said on Tuesday. “He’s a player who makes runs into space, gets into the box, has a good shot, he reads the game. He’s young, but he has a lot of experience. And he’s going to be the cornerstone of this Real Madrid for many years.”

Amazon cuts 16,000 jobs globally to undo pandemic-era hiring amid AI push

By
bilawalmaskin@gmail.com
-
0
Amazon cuts 16,000 jobs globally to undo pandemic-era hiring amid AI push

Workers unload Amazon packages from a vehicle on Cyber Monday in New York, US, on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

Bess Adler | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Amazon said on Wednesday it was cutting 16,000 jobs worldwide in the second major round of layoffs at the ⁠company in three months, as it restructures after pandemic-era over-hiring and expands the adoption of artificial intelligence ‍tools.

Reuters first reported last ‍week that Amazon was ‍planning a second round of job cuts as part of a broader goal of trimming about 30,000 corporate roles, with the layoffs expected to affect workers in Amazon Web ‌Services, ‌retail, Prime Video and human resources departments.

Amazon slashed 14,000 ​white-collar jobs in late October, with CEO Andy Jassy stressing the need for the company to eliminate excessive bureaucracy by trimming operational levels and reducing the number of managers.

“Some of you might ask ⁠if this is the beginning of a new rhythm – where we announce broad reductions every few months. That’s not our plan,” said Beth Galetti, senior vice president of people experience and technology at Amazon.

Rising AI adoption

The job cuts also underscore how artificial intelligence is changing corporate workforce dynamics. Significant improvements in AI assistants are helping enterprises execute duties from routine administrative tasks to complex coding problems with rapid speed and precision, driving widespread adoption.

Jassy had said last summer that the increased use of AI tools would lead to more automation of duties, resulting in corporate job losses.

Earlier this month, top executives at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting said while jobs would disappear, new ones would ‍spring up, with two of them telling Reuters that

AI would be used ‌as an excuse by companies planning to cut jobs anyway.

The 30,000 jobs ⁠would together represent a small portion of Amazon’s 1.58 million employees, but nearly 10% of its corporate workforce. The majority of Amazon’s ‍workers are in fulfillment centers and warehouses.

Tech giants, including Amazon, Facebook-parent Meta Platforms and Microsoft, had sharply ramped up hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic demand surge and have lately been restructuring their workforce.

Amazon has also been investing in robotics at its warehouses to speed up packaging and deliveries for its e-commerce segment, reduce the ⁠reliance on human labor and cutting ‌costs.

The company is set to report quarterly results next week.

Patrick J. Adams, wife Troian Bellisario announce birth of third child

By
bilawalmaskin@gmail.com
-
0
Patrick J. Adams, wife Troian Bellisario announce birth of third child

Patrick J. Adams, wife Troian Bellisario announce birth of third child

Patrick J. Adams and his wife, Troian Bellisario, have announced the birth of their third baby.

The Suits actor took to his Instagram handle on Tuesday to share the exciting news of the baby’s arrival.

“Tag, you’re it,” Adams penned while sharing a black-and-white snap of him holding his little baby’s tiny hand.

For those unversed, the couple already shares two daughters – Aurora, 7, and Elliot, 4.

In November 2025, Adams announced on Instagram that he and Troian were expecting their third child, penning a sweet message to the unborn baby.

“We don’t know your name yet. We don’t know your gender. We don’t know what your smile looks like or what your first laugh will do to our hearts. We don’t know what will make you laugh or cry or what food you will fall in love with first,” he wrote.

The 44-year-old actor further penned, “What we do know is that we have an infinite supply of love waiting for you. Love, laughter, tears, dance parties, lullabies, and lessons.”

“We’ll show you some stuff, but you will teach us everything else. We don’t know much, but we know there is nothing we want to be more than your parents,” continued the Wayward star.

Concluding his message, Adams added, “It’s a strange stage you’re about to walk out on, but we’ll be right there with you for the whole terrifying, wonderful and beautiful show. Thanks for choosing us. We will always choose you. Soon.

Millionaire Liverpool GP behind asylum seeker hotels

By
bilawalmaskin@gmail.com
-
0
Millionaire Liverpool GP behind asylum seeker hotels

But soon after a hotel in Seel Street in Liverpool owned by one of the firms was found to be unsuitable, people in one of their Liverpool housing complexes were told they had to move out over “urgent” fire safety issues, unaware that 116 asylum seekers had seemingly been lined up to replace them almost immediately.

1...2,7132,7142,715...3,022Page 2,714 of 3,022