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Farwa

Bhatia and Hisatsune Share Lead at Pebble Beach as McIlroy Trails by Six

by Farwa February 14, 2026

written by Farwa

American golfer Akshay Bhatia shot an impressive eight-under-par 64 to share the second-round lead with Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune at 15-under overall. Hisatsune recovered well after early bogeys, finishing strong with four birdies in the last five holes. Defending champion Rory McIlroy posted a solid five-under 67, six shots behind the leaders, but ended on a positive note with a birdie on the 18th.

Rickie Fowler and Sam Burns are tied at 14-under, with Austria’s Sepp Straka leading the European players at 12-under. England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, alongside Keegan Bradley, Jordan Spieth, and Xander Schauffele, are close behind. Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry also remain in contention.

World number one Scottie Scheffler surged with three birdies and an eagle in a five-hole stretch, moving to six-under. Other notable players like Justin Rose, Harry Hall, and Robert MacIntyre are at five-under.

All players have completed one round each at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill; the final two rounds will be played solely at Pebble Beach. There is no 36-hole cut in this $20 million PGA Tour event, promising an exciting weekend on the California coast. Would you like me to help with anything else related to this tournament?

February 14, 2026 0 comment

Australia

Australian Police Defend Crackdown After Violent Clashes at Sydney Protest

by Farwa February 10, 2026

written by Farwa

By The Pak Global | Pakistan

Australian police have come under intense scrutiny after violent clashes erupted between officers and protesters during a demonstration against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Sydney.

Footage circulating online shows police charging into crowds and punching demonstrators during the rally on Monday night. Several protesters reported injuries, including a member of the New South Wales state parliament, who said they were hurt amid the chaos.

Police confirmed that 27 people were arrested during the protest. Of those, nine were later charged, while authorities also reported that 10 police officers were assaulted during the confrontation.

Despite the backlash, senior police officials strongly defended the response. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said on Tuesday that officers had shown “remarkable restraint” in a highly charged situation. He maintained that police “did what they needed to do” to maintain public order and ensure security during the visit.

The clashes followed a legal setback for protest organisers earlier in the day. A court rejected their bid to overturn special police powers that restricted demonstrations during President Herzog’s visit, limiting where and how protests could be held.

The incident has reignited debate in Australia over the balance between public safety and the right to protest, with critics accusing police of excessive force and authorities insisting their actions were justified under the circumstances.

February 10, 2026 0 comment

China

Thailand’s Shock Election Result Leaves Voters Asking: What Went Wrong for the Progressives?

by Farwa February 10, 2026

written by Farwa

By The Pak Global | Pakistan

As the dust settles after one of Thailand’s most closely watched elections in years, many voters are still trying to make sense of a result that few saw coming.

In the run-up to polling day, opinion surveys painted a clear picture: the progressive People’s Party was on course for a strong victory. Several polls suggested it could secure more than 200 seats in parliament, building on its impressive 151-seat performance in the 2023 election. The party’s youthful image, reformist agenda, and slick, tech-driven campaign seemed to resonate with a population eager for change.

Almost no polls, however, placed Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul’s party in the lead.

But when the ballots were counted, the narrative flipped dramatically.

Contrary to expectations, Anutin emerged with a stunning win. His Bhumjaithai Party is now projected to secure more than 190 seats, putting it firmly in pole position to form the next government, albeit with the support of coalition partners. The People’s Party, once seen as the frontrunner, instead suffered a significant setback.

The outcome has raised pressing questions about Thai politics and voter behavior. How did a young, progressive movement with a modern, imaginative campaign lose out to a more traditional, transactional party with little ideological branding beyond its strong loyalty to the monarchy?

Analysts point to several factors. Bhumjaithai’s deep local networks, its reputation for pragmatic deal-making, and its appeal to conservative and rural voters appear to have outweighed the People’s Party’s urban-centric and reform-heavy message. In a political system where alliances, patronage, and institutional power still matter greatly, old-style politics once again proved resilient.

For Thailand’s reformists, the result is a sobering reminder that online enthusiasm and favorable polls do not always translate into votes. For Anutin and his allies, it is a decisive mandate—one that reshapes the country’s political landscape and leaves many wondering what this means for Thailand’s democratic future.

February 10, 2026 0 comment

Japan

Japan’s Snap Election Gamble Pays Off as PM Sanae Takaichi Eyes Economic Revival

by Farwa February 10, 2026

written by Farwa

By The Pak Global Pakistan

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pulled off a rare political feat in Tokyo’s often-turbulent corridors of power. By calling a snap election, she rolled the dice—and won big.

Her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has emerged with a commanding 316 seats in the 465-member lower house, handing Takaichi one of the strongest mandates any Japanese leader has enjoyed in recent years. The victory stands in sharp contrast to the revolving door of prime ministers that has defined Japanese politics for much of the past decade.

Now comes the harder part.

With political stability temporarily secured, attention has shifted to whether Takaichi can finally tackle the deep-rooted economic challenges that have long plagued the world’s fourth-largest economy. Japan continues to struggle with sluggish growth, a rapidly ageing and shrinking workforce, and public debt that is the highest among advanced economies.

For decades, successive governments have promised reform, yet bold structural changes have often stalled due to weak mandates or internal party resistance. Takaichi’s decisive majority changes that equation. Supporters argue she now has the political capital needed to push through long-delayed reforms in labour markets, innovation policy, defence-linked industries, and fiscal management.

Tomohiko Taniguchi, a policy adviser and former speechwriter to the late prime minister Shinzo Abe, believes the moment is critical—not just for Japan, but for other ageing nations watching closely.

“If successful, it will serve as a premier case study for ageing societies worldwide,” Taniguchi said, highlighting the global implications of Japan’s policy direction.

Markets are also paying attention. Investors see Takaichi’s win as a signal of continuity mixed with opportunity—continuity in the LDP’s pro-business stance, and opportunity for decisive action after years of economic drift. How she balances growth-oriented reforms with Japan’s massive debt burden will be closely scrutinised at home and abroad.

For now, Takaichi stands at a political high point. Whether she can translate electoral dominance into economic renewal remains the defining question. If she succeeds, her tenure could mark a turning point for Japan—and offer lessons for ageing economies across the globe.

February 10, 2026 0 comment

Turkey

Turkey Moves to Restrict Social Media Use for Minors Amid Growing Safety Concerns

by Farwa February 8, 2026

written by Farwa

News (The Pak Global Pakistan):

ISTANBUL: Turkey is preparing to tighten restrictions on social media access for children and teenagers, as a new parliamentary report calls for sweeping measures to protect minors from harmful online content.

According to the report released this week, authorities are considering age-verification systems, mandatory content filtering, and limits on social media use for young people. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is expected to submit draft legislation soon.

Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas has said the proposed bill would include a social media ban for minors and require platforms to install content-filtering mechanisms. The report also recommends removing harmful content without prior notice and monitoring children’s video games and AI-enabled toys for inappropriate material.

Turkey’s move follows similar steps by other countries. Australia recently became the first nation to ban social media for children under 16, while Spain, Greece, and Slovenia are working on comparable measures. France, Britain, and Germany are also weighing restrictions for minors.

The Turkish parliamentary report further suggests night-time internet limits for devices used by those under 18, mandatory content filtering until the age of 18, and a complete social media ban for users under 16.

“We need to protect our children from moral erosion and all forms of addiction, including digital addiction,” said Harun Mertoglu, a senior AK Party lawmaker and member of parliament’s human rights inquiry committee.

Many parents support stricter rules. Belma Kececioglu, a shopkeeper, said her 10-year-old spends long hours on social media and mobile games. “Children are becoming addicted to social media, and harmful content makes the situation worse,” she said.

However, social media companies have raised concerns that bans could be ineffective due to weak age-verification technology and might push children towards unregulated online platforms.

Turkey already enforces strict regulations on digital platforms and frequently orders content removals and access bans. By the end of 2024, access to around 1.2 million web pages and social media posts had been blocked, according to local digital rights group IFOD.

Under existing laws, social media companies must act on official or user complaints within two days and comply with most takedown requests. Firms that fail to follow regulations can face advertising bans, reduced bandwidth, and fines of up to three per cent of their global revenue.

Several platforms, including gaming service Roblox, messaging app Discord, and story-sharing site Wattpad, have been banned in Turkey since 2024. Wikipedia was also previously blocked in the country for nearly three years.

February 8, 2026 0 comment

Turkey

NASA to Allow Astronauts to Carry Smartphones on Upcoming Space Missions

by Farwa February 8, 2026

written by Farwa

News (The Pak Global Pakistan):

NEW YORK: NASA has announced that astronauts traveling to the International Space Station under the Crew-12 mission, as well as those set to fly around the Moon on the Artemis II mission, will be allowed to carry advanced smartphones into space.

According to the US space agency, the decision is aimed at enabling astronauts to capture photos and videos of key moments during their missions and share them with people on Earth, bringing space exploration closer to the public.

This will mark the first time astronauts are officially permitted to take personal smartphones on space missions. NASA said comprehensive safety measures and strict protocols have been implemented to ensure the devices do not interfere with any critical spacecraft systems.

In earlier missions, including those aboard Soyuz spacecraft and the Space Shuttle, the use of personal mobile phones was prohibited due to technical and safety limitations. However, advancements in modern technology and extensive testing have now made it possible to safely integrate smartphones into spaceflight.

NASA officials believe the use of smartphones will not only improve communication and documentation but also help boost astronauts’ morale and engagement during long-duration missions.

The initiative comes as NASA prepares for its first human mission around the Moon since 1972 and reflects the agency’s increasing reliance on modern, human-centered technology to enhance the efficiency and experience of space exploration.

February 8, 2026 0 comment

Iran USA

Trump Signs Executive Order Warning of New Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran

by Farwa February 8, 2026

written by Farwa

News (The Pak Global Pakistan):

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order threatening additional trade tariffs on countries that continue commercial dealings with Iran, escalating pressure on Tehran amid renewed diplomatic engagement.

The order, issued on Friday, authorises the United States to impose import tariffs on goods coming from any country that “directly or indirectly purchases, imports, or otherwise acquires any goods or services from Iran.” While the document does not set a fixed tariff rate, it cites 25 per cent as a possible benchmark.

President Trump did not publicly comment on the executive order at the time of signing. However, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday night, he reiterated his long-standing position, stressing that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

The move comes shortly after talks were held between senior US and Iranian officials in Oman, marking rare high-level engagement following weeks of escalating rhetoric and mutual threats. While the discussions raised cautious hopes for de-escalation, the latest order signals Washington’s continued use of economic pressure as a key tool in its Iran policy.

Analysts say the executive order could have wide-ranging implications for global trade, particularly for countries maintaining energy, commercial, or indirect financial links with Iran. It also adds uncertainty for international markets already sensitive to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Iran has yet to issue an official response to the order, though Tehran has repeatedly criticised US sanctions and tariff threats as unlawful and counterproductive to diplomacy.

February 8, 2026 0 comment

Kuwait Pakistan

Pakistan’s IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja Leads AI Discussions at DCO General Assembly in Kuwait

by Farwa February 7, 2026

written by Farwa

News (The Pak Global Pakistan):
KARACHI – Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) Minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, arrived in Kuwait on Wednesday for a two-day visit to participate in the fifth Digital Cooperation Organization General Assembly (DCOGA), focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and its associated risks, her office confirmed.

The annual assembly convenes representatives from member states and international organizations to deliberate on the digital economy and the challenges of its growth. This year’s theme, “Inclusive Prosperity in the Age of AI,” highlights the need for responsible AI adoption across sectors.

During the event, Minister Khawaja will engage in high-level discussions with global policymakers, participate in the DCO thematic ministerial roundtable, and hold bilateral meetings with representatives of member countries to explore AI strategies, regulations, and collaborations.

Pakistan has been actively advancing its AI ecosystem. Following the approval of the National AI Policy in July last year, the country launched its first locally hosted AI cloud to integrate artificial intelligence into economic growth initiatives.

“Minister Khawaja will participate in the General Assembly and meet with global leaders to discuss AI and its regulatory and ethical challenges,” the IT Ministry stated.

The visit underscores Pakistan’s efforts to establish itself as a credible player in the global AI economy, aiming to leverage AI for productivity, innovation, and skills development while mitigating associated risks.

Pakistan has primarily engaged with Gulf countries on AI collaboration. Last October, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Saudi Arabia’s offer to provide free IT and AI training to Pakistani youth. In November, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates agreed to expand cooperation in AI, digital governance, and data innovation.

Domestically, Pakistan is also set to host “AI Indus Week 2026” from February 9 to 15, a week-long national initiative to promote responsible AI use and accelerate adoption across public and private sectors.

This visit signals Pakistan’s commitment to aligning with global AI developments while positioning itself as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and regulatory excellence in the digital age.

February 7, 2026 0 comment

Pakistan

Gold Prices Plunge in Pakistan Amid Global Market Slump

by Farwa February 7, 2026

written by Farwa

News (The Pak Global Pakistan):
KARACHI – Gold prices in Pakistan experienced a sharp decline on Friday, falling by over Rs21,000 per tola, mirroring a significant slump in international markets.

The All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Association (APGJA) reported that the price of gold decreased by Rs21,400 per tola, bringing it down to Rs507,762. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of gold dropped by Rs18,347, reaching Rs435,324.

On the global front, gold prices saw a steep fall of $214, closing at $4,850 per ounce, according to market dealers. Analysts say the decline reflects ongoing volatility in international commodities markets and could impact local jewellery and investment sectors.

This sudden drop has prompted buyers and investors to closely monitor trends, as fluctuations in gold prices continue to influence both domestic and international markets.

February 7, 2026 0 comment

Russia

Senior Russian Military Intelligence Officer Shot in Moscow Amid Rising Attacks

by Farwa February 7, 2026

written by Farwa

News (The Pak Global Pakistan):
MOSCOW – A senior Russian military official, Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, was rushed to hospital after being shot multiple times in Moscow on Friday, according to Russian investigators.

Alexeyev, who serves as deputy head of Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU), was attacked outside a residential building in northwest Moscow. The assailant fled the scene, and an investigation is currently underway.

The incident comes amid a series of attacks targeting high-ranking Russian military officials since the start of the Ukraine conflict. Russian authorities have blamed Ukraine for several of these incidents, while Ukrainian military intelligence has, in some cases, claimed responsibility.

Lieutenant General Alexeyev’s superior, GRU chief Igor Kostyukov, is currently leading Russia’s delegation in security-related talks with Ukraine in Abu Dhabi.

Officials confirmed that since December 2024, at least three other Russian lieutenant generals have been killed in or around Moscow. One of the most notable cases involved Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, head of the army training directorate, who was killed when a bomb detonated under his car in December last year.

The repeated attacks have sparked anger among prominent Russian war bloggers, who have questioned the lack of security for senior military figures, noting that some were killed just outside their homes.

Alexeyev previously handled relations between Russia’s Defence Ministry and the Wagner mercenary group, led by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin. He also played a key role in negotiations during Wagner’s brief mutiny in June 2023. Prigozhin later died in a plane crash two months after the incident.

If you want, I can also shorten it, add hashtags, or rewrite it in a more urgent breaking-news tone.

February 7, 2026 0 comment