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England’s Ollie Robinson celebrates taking the wicket of New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell on the opening day of the first Test at Lord’s cricket ground in London…
Polish world number 114 Maja Chwalinska made French Open history on Thursday as she beat Diana Shnaider in straight sets to become the first qualifier to go all the way to the final at Roland Garros in the professional era. The 24-year-old’s 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 victory over Russian 25th seed Shnaider made her only the second woman to come through qualifying and reach a Grand Slam final in any major since the Open era began, after Emma Raducanu’s title run at the US Open in 2021. Chwalinska will meet Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva in Saturday’s title-decider. Appearing in her first main draw in Paris, Chwalinska, who had on three previous occasions failed to qualify for Roland Garros, has won nine matches across her three-week French Open campaign to stand on the brink of glory. Chwalinska said her run to the final was “like a dream” moments after beating Shnaider. “I don’t know what’s going on, I just, I dunno what to say. I’m sorry, I’m just very happy,” she added to raucous applause on Court Philippe Chatrier. One aspect of run to the final has been the ice-cold composure she has displayed on court across all her matches. “I’m crazy sometimes also, yeah,” Chwalinska said of her emotions. “But I try to stay composed because I know it’s the best way for me… But inside there’s a storm believe me.” In an intriguing clash of styles between the variety of Chwalinska’s game and the power-hitting of Shnaider, it was the diminutive Pole who earned the first break to get 3-1 ahead. A deft drop-shot followed by a beautifully disguised deep backhand slice helped bring three break points, she converted the first when Shnaider drove a forehand into the tramlines. The Russian hit back straight away to wipe out the break, even drawing an admiring thumbs-up from Chwalinska after a perfectly-weighted backhand drop-shot. A wild forehand by Chwalinska gave Shnaider daylight at 3-1 in the tie-break but the patient Pole won six of the next seven points to claim the opener. With the sun peeking through the sides of the roof on centre court, the pair exchanged breaks of serve to start the second set. Shnaider called for a medical time-out to receive a back massage when leading 4-3. Chwalinska began drawing the rallies out in response and promptly broke Shnaider in the Russian’s next service game to move to the edge of victory. She sealed her spot in the final with a forehand winner. “I will give my all, it’s a Grand Slam final,” Chwalinska said. “Let me enjoy this moment for now… I just want to breathe a little, enjoy it today then just recover as best I can,” she added of preparations for her 10th and final match of the tournament. Related Story Source link
Pakistan said yesterday two river projects by arch-rival India would “weaponise” water and violate a major treaty between the neighbouring nations, threatening a response if they move ahead.India, which has announced the two initiatives separately this year, insists it is within its rights to press ahead with projects on the waters it controls, even though rivers flowing though both countries would be impacted.Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi told journalists that New Delhi had not consulted Islamabad on the two Chenab River projects that he said would undermine the Indus Water Treaty.”These projects confirm that India seems to weaponise water,” he said. “This carries dangerous implications not only for Pakistan’s economy but also for regional stability and international peace and security.”India announced last year it was suspending the bilateral Indus Water Treaty that governs the use of waterways relied on by hundreds of millions, in the lead up to armed conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours.Andrabi, however, said the treaty still binds both governments.Pakistan has previously said it would consider any attempt to change the flow of cross-border waterways an “act of war” and said there was no mechanism for either country to unilaterally withdraw from the 1960 pact that had survived three armed hostilities.In May, India’s government-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corp issued a tender notice for a proposed tunnel project that would transfer water from the Chenab River to the Beas basin.India’s power ministry said in January it was undertaking “sediment removal” at Salal Power Station on the Chenab River “following the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty”.Andrabi said that “any illegal measure to endanger Pakistan’s water, food and economic security as well as the survival and well-being of its 250mn people is unacceptable.””Pakistan will retain all options necessary for safeguarding rights under the treaty and to protect its vital national interest,” he said, without elaborating on a course of action.Water risks becoming a flashpoint in a region grappling with climate change and population growth, which are stretching resources in the agricultural sectors that form the backbone of both countries’ economies, experts say.India’s foreign ministry rejected a May 15 decision by what it termed the “illegally constituted so-called Court of Arbitration” — the Hague-based body used to resolve disputes between India and Pakistan related to the treaty.Pakistan said the decision supported its stance that the treaty remained in effect, which New Delhi denied.”India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance remains in force,” New Delhi’s foreign ministry said.The water treaty provided a rare avenue of diplomatic engagement between the rival sides until India suspended its involvement following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir in April 2025.New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the attack, which Islamabad denies.The two countries engaged in intense drone, missile and artillery exchanges the following month which left nearly 70 people dead on both sides. Source link
The curtains rose on an extraordinary showcase of talent, imagination, and literary excellence as Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) presented Drama Galore 2026, a multi-day theatrical festival that brought together students from the KG, Primary, Boys, Girls, and Cambridge Wings.Held at the Arbab Hall in May, the event provided students with a vibrant platform to express themselves through drama, strengthen their communication skills, and develop confidence through the performing arts. Drama Galore once again reflected PISQ’s commitment to holistic education by promoting creativity, teamwork, leadership, and appreciation for literature beyond the classroom.The festival commenced on May 6 with captivating performances by the KG and Boys Wings. The youngest performers enchanted the audience with “The Kingdom of Light & Shadow of Greed,” a colourful production that showcased confidence, imagination, and stage presence.The Boys Wing then presented Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” demonstrating impressive acting skills and a deep understanding of classical literature. On May 7, the Cambridge Wing took centre stage with a presentation of Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”, bringing one of the world’s greatest classical tragedies to life. The performance reflected the students’ literary understanding, stage discipline, and dedication to dramatic arts. The event was further honoured by the presence of distinguished guests, including Anwer Jawad.The final day, 10th May 2026, featured outstanding performances by the Primary and Girls Wings. The Primary Wing delighted the audience with the much-loved Urdu drama “Anarkali,” while the Girls Wing delivered a powerful adaptation of Christopher Marlowe’s “Dr Faustus.” Both productions captivated the audience through strong characterisation, engaging storytelling, and artistic excellence. The occasion was graced by special guests Ali Sikander and Dr Shafiqurehman. Impressive Participation Across WingsDrama Galore 2026 witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and mentors across all wings of the school. More than 180 students, mentors, hosts, and performers contributed to the festival, making it one of the largest co-curricular events of the academic year.The performances were the result of weeks of dedicated rehearsals, script preparation, costume design, stage planning, and teamwork. Students not only developed acting skills but also learned valuable lessons in collaboration, responsibility, and perseverance. Behind the ScenesThe success of Drama Galore 2026 was made possible through the collective efforts of teachers, coordinators, technical staff, and the organising team. Extensive rehearsals were conducted throughout early May to ensure polished performances and smooth stage transitions.Special appreciation is extended to the mentors of all participating wings, whose dedication and guidance enabled students to perform with confidence and professionalism. The efforts of the technical team, stage management crew, photographers, and support staff ensured the seamless execution of all three event days. Source link
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes the opening remarks to a meeting of Regional Mayors at the National STEM Learning Centre in York, yesterday. (AFP) UK leader Keir Starmer accused US tech tycoon Elon Musk yesterday of “trying to whip up division” in Britain following anger over the police handling of the murder of a white student by a Sikh man.The case of 18-year-old Henry Nowak, who was put in handcuffs by police as he lay mortally wounded after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, 23, in the southern city of Southampton in December, has become highly politicised in the UK.Digwa lied and told police he was the victim as Nowak had racially insulted him.Far-right figures have claimed the murder is evidence that police forces in Britain treat white people and ethnic minorities differently — an allegation Starmer’s Labour government and police chiefs vehemently deny.Musk, the billionaire owner of X, has posted numerous times on the platform about the police response to the stabbing.In one, he asked whether people knew that “official police policy requires them to be racist against Whites?”Musk has offered to fund a private prosecution against the police over its handling of the murder, and insulted the Hampshire Police force.”We need to also assert who we are as a country, because Musk, again, has been interfering in our politics in the last few days, trying to whip up division. That is not who we are in Britain,” Starmer told reporters.”In Britain, we are reasonable, tolerant people,” he added ahead of a meeting with Nowak’s family at his official Downing Street residence.”When we have a terrible case like Henry’s case… we react calmly, as his family have done,” the prime minister said, referring to pleas from Nowak’s father that his son’s murder should not be used “to create further division, hatred or tension”.Digwa was jailed for at least 21 years on Monday for stabbing Nowak to death using a ceremonial knife with a 21-centimetre (eight-inch) blade following an altercation about a mobile phone.Starmer has said there was “no justification” for violence at a Southampton protest on Tuesday night attended by far-right agitators, which saw demonstrators throw bricks, flares and chairs at police officers.A 44-year-old man on Thursday pleaded guilty to violent disorder and carrying an offensive weapon. Another person has been charged with assault.— ‘Lies and misinformation’ —The prime minister said it was “unforgivable” that hard-right firebrand Nigel Farage, whose Reform UK party leads opinion polls, had called for people to respond to the murder with “pure cold rage”.Farage, who has been accused of stoking racial tensions with his remarks, has defended his comments.Starmer has called bodycam footage of Nowak’s death, during which the victim can repeatedly be heard telling officers he could not breathe, as “harrowing”.He said “there are serious questions that need to be answered” about the police response.The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog is investigating and is expected to report back within the next three months.An inquest into whether police contributed to Nowak’s death will open in front of a jury in September 2027, officials announced yesterday.Musk has long been an outspoken critic of Starmer, who served as a chief state prosecutor before entering politics.The pair clashed last year over a decades-long “grooming gangs” sexual abuse scandal.In that case the prime minister accused the world’s richest man of “spreading lies and misinformation”. …
An army personnel walks past the burnt house in Sri Lanka’s Batagoda yesterday, a day after a fire broke out at an elder care home. (AFP)…
They were joined by renowned ocean advocate Sylvia Earle and explorer Fabien Cousteau to mark the imminent release of the World Ocean Assessment, a sweeping report…
Lebanese President, General Joseph Aoun, on Thursday expressed hope that ”the negotiations taking place in Washington among the Lebanese, American, and Israeli delegations will lead to positive outcomes, achieving a lasting ceasefire and ending the suffering of the Lebanese people in general and residents of the South in particular.During his meeting today with French presidential envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, President Aoun stressed the need to avoid giving Israel any pretext for not withdrawing from southern Lebanon, considering any effort in this regard to be positive for the course of negotiations.He underlined the necessity of international assistance in consolidating the ceasefire and moving to the next phases, which include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Lebanese territories they occupied in the south, and the deployment of the Lebanese army to the internationally recognized border.The two sides also discussed the post-UNIFIL phase, with Aoun welcoming the desire expressed by European and other countries to maintain a troop presence in the south to contribute to strengthening stability and supporting the Lebanese army after its deployment to the border. He noted that contacts are underway to find a suitable formula for the continued presence of these forces, in coordination with the United Nations and the relevant countries. Related Story Source link
Shaun Tait, the former Australian pacer, stepped down from his post of Bangladesh’s bowling coach, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed in a press release issued…
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and his Bahraini counterpart, Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani discussed regional developments today in a phone call today. The two ministers emphasized the importance of concerted efforts and enhanced coordination to maintain regional security and stability.At the beginning of the call, the Saudi Foreign Minister condemned the Iranian blatant attacks on Bahrain, affirming his country’s full support and solidarity with Bahrain and its backing for all measures taken by Bahrain to protect its security, territorial integrity, and citizens. Related Story Source link