China successfully powered up its “artificial sun” nuclear fusion reactor for the first time, state media reported Friday, marking a great advance in the country’s nuclear power research capabilities. The HL-2M Tokamak reactor is China’s largest and most advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device, and scientists hope that the device can potentially unlock a powerful clean energy source. It uses …

irus ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has recorded 3,119 new cases and 44 deaths due to the COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. In the past 24 hours, 44 more people succumbed to the disease, taking the death toll to 8,303. 2,224 patients have recovered from the virus during the last 24 hours and 2,441 patients are in critical condition including 46 reported …

QUETTA: For the first time in history, the anti-polio teams have reached the far-flung area of Dera Bugti, Quetta. According to the health department officials, the police teams after covering a distance of miles through vehicles and after walking reached UC Gandui and Sham Kheran of Dera Bugti. The teams administered anti-polio drops to as many as 63 children in …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to contact the World Bank for COVID-19 vaccine funding, citing sources. Pakistan will seek $153mn from the WB for advance purchases of the COVID-19 vaccines. The request will be formally made by the Economic Coordination Division, said the sources. In this context, the Health ministry has penned a letter to the Economic Coordination Division advising it …

CAPE TOWN: England have questioned the strength of their bio-secure environment in Cape Town after a South African player tested positive for Covid-19, forcing the postponement of the first One-day International that was scheduled for Newlands on Friday. The game was moved to Sunday in Paarl just an hour before it was due to start after the result of the …

CANBERRA: Concussion substitute Yuzvendra Chahal took three wickets as India beat Australia by 11 runs in the first Twenty20 International in Canberra on Friday but the win was soured by an apparent hamstring injury to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. In a contest laced with controversy, Jadeja top-edged into his helmet in the final over but was not tested for concussion on …

KARACHI: Tailender Ahmed Safi Abdullah proved an unlikely batting hero against Sindh to put Central Punjab on brink of their much-awaited first victory in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at the National Stadium here on Friday. After starting the championship with two straight defeats, Central Punjab are almost certain to seal Sindh’s fate on Saturday’s final day of this sixth-round fixture. After …

LAHORE: Former Pakistan hockey captain and legendary forward Shahbaz Ahmad Senior has termed his transfer from Islamabad to Karachi by his parent body PIA as an act of revenge and vows to get a stay-order against the harsh decision. Shahbaz, who led Pakistan to win its last World Cup in 1994 and the Champions Trophy title the same year, while …

HAMILTON: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson hit the highest Test score of his career on Friday with a majestic 251 as the hosts posted an imposing 519 for seven declared on day two of the first Test against the West Indies in Hamilton. In reply, the injury-hit West Indies were 49 without loss with John Campbell on 22 and Kraigg …

KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqir said on Friday that persons with disabilities could economically support themselves and contribute to the society when provided with adequate education, rehabilitation and financial and moral support. He said this in an online meeting with President Dr Arif Alvi which was also attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister …