1+ hour, 55+ min ago (208+ words) The unique 339-gram coin, which had a starting price of 2 million Swiss francs, was auctioned by Numismatica Genevensis SA, confirming it has broken the European record for the highest-priced coin. Known as the Centen, or 100 escudos in the former Spanish currency, the coin was made in the central Spanish city of Segovia from gold brought from the Americas. According to auction house founder Alain Baron, it was a symbol of royal wealth and power, equivalent to several years" salary, and remains the largest coin in modern European history. The coin was lost for several centuries before resurfacing in the United States around 1950, where a New York collector purchased it. A decade later, it was sold to a Spanish buyer, and eventually it was auctioned to another private collector, whose identity remains undisclosed. Baron described it as "truly a royal gift,…...

1+ hour, 56+ min ago (161+ words) LONDON: More than 11,000 Pakistani nationals reportedly took advantage of loopholes in the UK visa system to apply for political asylum Pakistan tops charts in UK Asylum applications this year Out of 40,000 asylum applications filed in the UK this year, over 11,000 were submitted by Pakistanis. LONDON: More than 11,000 Pakistani nationals reportedly took advantage of loopholes in the UK visa system to apply for political asylum in 2024, according to The Telegraph. Out of 40,000 asylum applications filed in the UK this year, over 11,000 were submitted by Pakistanis, marking a five-fold increase since 2022. With these numbers, Pakistan ranks first among 175 countries, and all applicants had entered the UK legally via visit, work, or student visas. UK Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the misuse of the border visa system as a "complete failure" of the government, emphasizing that strong and decisive measures are urgently…...

1+ hour, 56+ min ago (316+ words) In recent developments, there are signs of possible progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with President Donald Trump expressing optimism on his Truth Social platform. Trump hinted that some positive steps may be underway, though he urged skepticism until tangible results are seen. At the White House, spokesperson Karoline Leavitt acknowledged that while a few disagreements remain, confidence persists that these issues can be resolved. However, she clarified that no immediate meeting between President Biden and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is scheduled. Trump, who returned to office this year with promises to swiftly end the conflict, has shifted US policy, moving away from unwavering support for Kyiv towards accepting some Russian perspectives on the invasion. His approach has been characterized by a degree of unpredictability, exemplified by the recent Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which raised concerns…...

2+ hour, 17+ min ago (137+ words) Pakistani superstar Ayeza Khan could hardly contain her excitement after attending the sensational Lady Gaga concert in Paris, sharing her euphoric experience with fans on Instagram. On Monday, the actress shared a heartfelt note along with a series of adorable moments with her close-knit group, writing:Me and my cute little gang in Paris! A VIP treat for my [email protected] @sai_scorpio @noel.video @elizapopiolek P.S. my heart skipped a beat twice during the concert first when the opening beat dropped, and second when Lady Gaga looked directly at me This isn't the first time Ayeza Khan has shown her admiration for Lady Gaga. Last July, she recreated one of Gaga's iconic looks, captioning the post: A picture from another life, where I'm a pop star. Lady Gaga better watch out...

2+ hour, 18+ min ago (140+ words) KARACHI: A bizarre incident occurred in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Karachi, where burglars who had looted a house returned the stolen items after two days. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Malir Abdul Khaliq Pirzada, the theft took place at the residence of UC Chairman Raza Jatoi, where cash and gold jewelry were stolen. Shockingly, the burglars later threw the stolen items back into the house and escaped. Raza Jatoi told police that the theft involved PKR 4 million in cash and gold jewelry worth PKR 2 million. His wife discovered the returned items in a bag while feeding cats in the courtyard. Expressing surprise, Jatoi said it is extremely unusual for thieves to return stolen property, especially in this day and age. The police have confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine the motive behind this unusual act....

2+ hour, 57+ min ago (182+ words) ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to construct a dam on the Chenab River at Chiniot as part of efforts to counter what officials describe as India's ongoing water aggression. The update was shared during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources, chaired by Senator Shahdat Awan. The committee was informed that the feasibility study for the dam has been completed, while the PC-I is currently under preparation. Officials also briefed the committee that the National Flood Protection Plan, costing Rs 824 billion, is awaiting approval from the Council of Common Interests (CCI). Additionally, the Senate committee directed all provincial governments to immediately remove encroachments from riverbanks to ensure smooth water flow and prevent future hazards. The Chairman Committee expressed strong displeasure at not ensuring the removal of encroachments from the river channels including Punjab and Sindh, saying that if these…...

2+ hour, 58+ min ago (245+ words) Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed on Tuesday that Pakistan conducted overnight airstrikes in Afghanistan's Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces, killing nine children and a woman." In a post on social media platform X, he said that Pakistan had "bombed" Khost province, and carried out air strikes in Kunar and Paktika provinces. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated recently, largely due to Islamabad's concerns over the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban government to prevent militants from using Afghan territory for attacks, a charge Kabul denies. Efforts to ease tensions have seen multiple rounds of talks, including meetings in Turkey facilitated by mediators Turkiye and Qatar. While the dialogue was briefly revived, it collapsed again on November 7 when Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared the negotiations suspended indefinitely due to major unresolved issues. Following the breakdown…...

2+ hour, 58+ min ago (245+ words) Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid claimed on Tuesday that Pakistan conducted overnight airstrikes in Afghanistan's Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces, killing nine children and a woman." In a post on social media platform X, he said that Pakistan had "bombed" Khost province, and carried out air strikes in Kunar and Paktika provinces. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated recently, largely due to Islamabad's concerns over the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban government to prevent militants from using Afghan territory for attacks, a charge Kabul denies. Efforts to ease tensions have seen multiple rounds of talks, including meetings in Turkey facilitated by mediators Turkiye and Qatar. While the dialogue was briefly revived, it collapsed again on November 7 when Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared the negotiations suspended indefinitely due to major unresolved issues. Following the breakdown…...

3+ hour, 11+ min ago (275+ words) For the first time in Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an emergency warning. Ash clouds from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano have traveled thousands of kilometers and entered Pakistani airspace, posing potential risks to aviation safety. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia's Afar region, erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending thick plumes of smoke and ash high into the sky for several hours. The volcano lies in the geologically active Rift Valley, where tectonic plates meet and shift. According to international monitoring centers, the ash plumes reached heights of up to 14 kilometers and drifted over Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan. Within Pakistan, the ash was detected 60 nautical miles southwest of Gwadar at an altitude of 45,000 feet. Domestic flights generally operate at 34,000 to 36,000 feet, International flights fly at 40,000 to 45,000 feet, where aircraft engines could…...

3+ hour, 11+ min ago (275+ words) For the first time in Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an emergency warning. Ash clouds from Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano have traveled thousands of kilometers and entered Pakistani airspace, posing potential risks to aviation safety. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia's Afar region, erupted for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, sending thick plumes of smoke and ash high into the sky for several hours. The volcano lies in the geologically active Rift Valley, where tectonic plates meet and shift. According to international monitoring centers, the ash plumes reached heights of up to 14 kilometers and drifted over Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan. Within Pakistan, the ash was detected 60 nautical miles southwest of Gwadar at an altitude of 45,000 feet. Domestic flights generally operate at 34,000 to 36,000 feet, International flights fly at 40,000 to 45,000 feet, where aircraft engines could…...