Friday, January 30th, 2026
Trump says Putin agrees to pause Kyiv strikes amid harsh cold
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Russia’s Vladimir Putin agreed to a personal request to halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, after Moscow’s strikes left millions without heating during an “extreme” cold snap. Trump’s claim comes as Russian strikes on Ukraine’s power infrastructure have disrupted light, heating and water supplies, with temperatures plummeting and leaving the war-battered country facing a fresh humanitarian crisis. The Kremlin did not immediately confirm any truce. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Trump and said he was counting on Washington to secureRead More
ICC announces match officials for T20 World Cup
The match officials for the T20 World Cup have been announced, with Pakistan’s Ahsan Raza and Asif Yaqoob named among the umpires. For the high-profile Pakistan vs India match, Richard Illingworth and Dharmasena have been appointed as on-field umpires. In the opening match between Pakistan and the Netherlands, Dharmasena and Owen Knights will serve as on-field umpires. The match referees for the tournament include Andy Pycroft, Jagmohan Srinath, and Dane Cosker. Additionally, Ranjan Madugalle, Richie Richardson, and David Gilbert have also been included as match referees for the event.
Sri Lanka orders 250 state institutions to set up internal affairs units
COLOMBO, Jan 30: The Sri Lankan government has instructed 250 state institutions to establish Internal Affairs Units as part of a nationwide anti-corruption drive, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement. Authorities said Internal Affairs Units were previously set up in 106 state bodies, with officers receiving training to improve oversight and ethical standards. The PMD said the new units will help foster a culture of accountability within state institutions and provide channels for citizens to report misconduct, strengthening public trust in government services. The initiative is partRead More
Spanish Ambassador leaves Pakistan prematurely after controversial tenure
ISLAMABAD, JAN 30 /DNA/ – The Spanish Ambassador to Pakistan José Antonio de Ory Peral has departed nearly a year before completing his expected three-year term, leaving after just under two years in office. His early exit has raised eyebrows within diplomatic circles, though many in Islamabad’s media and political community have expressed relief at his departure. Traditionally, Spanish ambassadors in Pakistan have been regarded as approachable, warm, and popular figures, but this envoy proved to be an exception. From the beginning of his tenure, he was perceived as unusuallyRead More
PRCS Chairperson meets global humanitarian leaders in Geneva
GENEVA, JAN 30 /DNA/ – The Honorable Chairperson of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Mrs. Farzhana Naek, held a series of high-level meetings with the leadership of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) during her visit to their Headquarters in Geneva. This was her first official visit to Geneva after assuming office as Chairperson of PRCS. During her visit to the IFRC Headquarters, Mrs. Farzhana Naek met with the IFRC Secretary General, Mr. Jagan Chapagain.Read More
HEC set to pilot research excellence framework in varsities
ISLAMABAD, JAN 30 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, has finalised Research Excellence Framework (REF) model for Pakistan, after a detailed five-day consultative workshop to strengthen research quality, accountability, and global competitiveness. The policy framework – ready to pilot in 10 universities before its full-scale roll-out – has been designed to promote a transparent and internationally compatible mechanism to examine quality, environment, and real-world impact of research. The HEC workshop held in partnership with the British Council Pakistan under the Pak-UK Education Gateway covered a series of detailedRead More