Sports

England captain Stokes announces retirement from international cricket

LONDON — England captain Ben Stokes made the dramatic decision Sunday to announce his imminent retirement from international cricket midway through the deciding third test against New Zealand. “This is my last two days as your captain and my last two days representing England,” Stokes told his England teammates inside the dressing room at the […]

Kashmir

Omar Abdullah writes to Punjab CM over ‘unauthorised levy’ on livestock transport vehicles

SRINAGAR — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he has taken up the concerns of mutton dealers of Jammu and Kashmir with his Punjab counterpart, Bhagwant Mann, seeking his intervention in ensuring smooth movement of livestock vehicles through the neighbouring state. Abdullah informed Mann that livestock-laden vehicles bound for Jammu & Kashmir were allegedly […]

Jammu

SOG, NSG Jammu conduct joint mock drill ahead of Amarnath Yatra

JAMMU (KIMS) — As part of the comprehensive security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, the Special Operations Group (SOG), Jammu, in collaboration with the National Security Guard (NSG), conducted a joint counter-terror mock drill at Raghunath Temple. The exercise simulated a high-risk terrorist contingency involving rapid response, area domination, intervention tactics, hostage rescue, casualty […]

Asia

Pakistan suspends Geo News for 15 days over ‘offensive’ Muharram broadcast

KARACHI — Pakistan’s media regulator has suspended the broadcast licence of television channel Geo News for 15 days over ​content aired during a programme marking Muharram, one of ‌the most sensitive periods in the Islamic calendar. The regulator said Geo News aired “religious visualisations” during a June 26 programme that could offend religious sentiments, ​undermine […]