Author: Faheem Rafique

In a strategic shift, Saudi Arabia pauses its oil capacity expansion, aligning with global energy transition goals. Story Snapshots: Saudi Arabia suspends plans to expand oil capacity. The decision aligns with the global energy transition and the kingdom’s net-zero emissions target by 2060. Saudi Aramco to maintain a maximum sustained capacity of 12 million bpd, 1 million bpd below the previous target. The kingdom maintains a significant “cushion” of spare oil capacity. Why has Saudi Arabia decided to halt its oil capacity expansion plans? Saudi Arabia has halted its oil capacity expansion plans due to the global energy transition, choosing…

Takefusa Kubo’s extended contract with Real Sociedad sets a long-term foundation for the club’s attacking ambitions. Story Snapshots: Takefusa Kubo renews his contract with Real Sociedad until 2029. His renewal comes as the team prepares for a Champions League clash with PSG. Kubo is critical to La Real’s offense, especially in the absence of Mikel Oyarzabal. Has Takefusa Kubo signed a new contract with Real Sociedad? Yes, Japanese international Takefusa Kubo has committed his future to Real Sociedad by signing a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2029. In the bustling football city of Madrid, Japanese…

Jahangir Khan Tareen steps back from the political fray with a resignation from his party’s leadership, signaling a turning point for IPP. Story Snapshots: Jahangir Khan Tareen resigns from the leadership of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). He announces stepping away from politics entirely, expressing gratitude for the support. Tareen founded IPP last year and recently faced an electoral defeat. Has Jahangir Khan Tareen resigned from his political party and departed from politics? Yes, Jahangir Khan Tareen has announced his resignation from the IPP’s leadership and has decided to step away from all political activities. In a move that has sent…

In a striking display of accountability, Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Siraj-ul-Haq resigns following the party’s electoral setback. Story Snapshots: Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Siraj-ul-Haq resigns after the party’s poor performance in the general elections. The party did not secure any National Assembly seats and won only a handful of provincial seats. His resignation is concurrent with Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party leader Jahangir Khan Tareen stepping away from politics. Has Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Siraj-ul-Haq resigned following the general elections? Yes, Siraj-ul-Haq has resigned from his leadership position in Jamaat-e-Islami, accepting responsibility for the party’s underwhelming performance in the general elections of 2024. When accountability echoes through the corridors…

Is the US set to bolster Ukraine with a substantial aid package? Story Snapshots: US Senate advances a significant foreign aid bill with $60 billion for Ukraine. The bill overcame a procedural hurdle with a 67-27 vote. Opposition from right-wing Republicans presents a potential roadblock to the bill’s final approval. The recent Senate vote marked a pivotal step for a sweeping US foreign aid package, proposing a staggering $60 billion in aid for Ukraine. This move signals substantial legislative support amidst a time of global scrutiny and geopolitical tensions. What is the status of the US foreign aid package for…

In a sudden and grave escalation, the death toll from a severe landslide in the Philippines has surged to 54. Key Takeaways: The landslide occurred in the southern mountain village of Masara, near a gold mine. The death toll has risen to 54, with 63 people still reported missing. The landslide also injured 32 individuals and buried infrastructure and homes. How devastating was the landslide near the Philippine gold mine? The landslide in the mountain village of Masara was catastrophic, claiming 54 lives, injuring 32 people, and leaving 63 individuals missing as rescuers continue to search the rubble. The tranquility…

What is the DR Congo government’s stance on capital punishment for treason among soldiers? The DR Congo government proposes lifting a 20-year moratorium on the death penalty for soldiers convicted of treason, as conflict with M23 rebels intensifies, signaling a severe approach to addressing treason within the military ranks. As the Democratic Republic of Congo grapples with renewed conflict, a momentous shift looms over its justice system. The government has signaled intentions to revive the death penalty for soldiers committing treason—a move that would end a two-decade-long moratorium. Key Takeaways: The DR Congo government considers reinstating the death penalty for…

What is causing political uncertainty in Pakistan after the recent elections? The recent elections in Pakistan have been marred by allegations of rigging and fraud, resulting in a lack of a clear winner. The main political parties, PML-N, PTI, and PPP, have entered a complex negotiation process to form a government, with no party yet securing a decisive victory. In the wake of the recent elections in Pakistan, the international community has turned its watchful eye as accusations of electoral rigging and fraud surface, spotlighting the country’s struggle for a fair democratic process. Key Takeaways: Widespread election fraud allegations trigger…

US military action results in 17 Houthi fighter fatalities amidst escalating regional tensions. Key Takeaways: The US confirms strikes against Houthi missile launchers in Yemen. Houthi official media acknowledges the death of 17 fighters following the strikes. Tensions escalate as Houthis retaliate, marking US and British interests as legitimate targets. What did the Houthi official media report concerning the US strikes in Yemen, and what was the aftermath? The Houthi official media reported that 17 Houthi fighters were killed as a result of US strikes in Yemen, and in retaliation, the Houthis have declared US and British interests as legitimate…

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari articulates PPP’s post-election position and strategy. Key Takeaways: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expresses gratitude to voters nationwide. Asserts PPP’s vital role in forming future governments. Emphasizes aim to end divisive politics and ensure economic stability. What is the PPP’s stance on forming the government according to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari? Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) states that the party is integral to the formation of upcoming governments and is focused on fostering political consensus and economic stability, moving away from divisive politics. In a series of interviews with journalists on various…