Senior Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik has ruled out quitting international cricket and set his sights on playing the 2019 ODI World Cup and 2020 World T20 Cup.
"If my form does not desert me and If I can maintain my current fitness standards, I will call it a day after playing in the 50-over World Cup and then the World T20," Malik said in an interview.
"My ambition is to become the first Pakistani player to have featured in teams that have won three ICC events," he said.
Malik, a former Pakistan captain from 2007 to 2009, said in cricket everything is dependent on form and fitness.
"Everything will depend on how much I can continue contributing to the team as a senior player. I myself would not like to remain part of the national team if I feel I am becoming a burden. I will retire. But right now after winning the Champions Trophy I am very optimistic we can win the next World Cup in England," he said.
Malik, 35, said that he knew some former players and critics believed that he should give way to youngsters in the Pakistan team.
"I retired from Test cricket in November 2015 after scoring a double hundred in the series against England because I wanted to focus on ODIs and T20 cricket. And I think I have vindicated and justified my place in the team. I think my performances since my retirement from Test cricket speak for themselves," he said.
Malik said that he was still enjoying playing for Pakistan and in foreign T20 leagues especially after deciding he would never be captain of any team.
"I feel no pressure now and I know every time I go out for Pakistan I can add value to our performances. Not getting a big score in the Champions Trophy was disappointing but I did everything I could to make my presence felt as a senior pro," he said.
"But winning the Champions Trophy is certainly one of the most memorable moments of my career. I am fortunate to have also been part of the team that won the World T20 in 2009 in England."
Malik who has played 35 Tests, 252 ODIs and 86 T20 Internationals said as the senior most player in the side he took it upon himself to meet the targets set for him by the captain and coach.
"I try to give my best because since last two years I have charted out my remaining international career carefully.
I don't want to let anyone down. I feel good looking at the younger players coming up and taking responsibility," he said.
Modi announced the launch of 'Mission Sudarshan Chakra' to develop an indigenous air-defence system to protect vital installations and respond to any enemy threat. (Photo: Reuters)
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday (15 August) said India will focus on achieving self-reliance in energy and defence, vowing to protect the country’s interests “like a wall”.
Delivering his Independence Day address from the Red Fort in Delhi, Modi spoke as India faces pressure from the United States over crude oil imports from Russia and the threat of higher tariffs.
"Self-reliance is the foundation of developed India," he said after a military flypast showered flower petals on the crowd. "Freedom becomes meaningless if someone becomes too dependent on others."
The US has said it will raise import tariffs on India from 25 per cent to 50 per cent by August 27 if New Delhi does not change crude suppliers. Ties between the two countries have been strained by Washington’s call for India to stop buying Russian oil, a key source of revenue for Moscow during the Ukraine conflict.
India has said it “stands ready” to support efforts to end the Ukraine war and backs a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.
"We know that we remain dependent on many countries to meet our energy needs," Modi said. "But to build a truly self-reliant India, we must achieve energy independence."
US secretary of state Marco Rubio, in a message on India’s Independence Day, called relations between the two countries “consequential and far-reaching” and said both sides aim to “ensure a brighter future”.
Launch of ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’
Modi announced the launch of “Mission Sudarshan Chakra” to develop an indigenous air-defence system to protect vital installations and respond to any enemy threat. He did not elaborate on the system, but urged scientists and engineers to develop fighter jet engines, semiconductor chips and other military technologies within the country.
"We will have India-made semiconductor chips in the market by the year's end," he said, adding that India was also working on building a space station and a “defence shield” in the next decade.
Modi linked the defence mission to Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra, saying it reflects how India draws on its cultural heritage for modern innovations. He said the mission would ensure rapid and precise responses to threats and strengthen offensive capabilities.
Pakistan threat and water treaty suspension
The announcement came days after Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir was reported to have hinted at targeting Indian assets along the border in the event of a conflict.
Modi also referred to the four-day conflict with Pakistan in May, saying, "India will give a befitting reply to any other misadventure by the enemy," and reiterated India’s suspension of its cross-border water sharing treaty with Pakistan.
"India has decided that blood and water will not flow together," he added.
Push for domestic jet engine production
Modi urged young innovators to develop jet engines domestically. The call comes amid delays in a proposed deal between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and US firm GE Aerospace for co-producing jet engines for India’s next-generation combat aircraft.
India’s earlier effort to develop an indigenous engine, the Kaveri project launched in 1989 for the Light Combat Aircraft programme, has yet to be completed despite over Rs 2,000 crore spent on it.
Indigenous weapons and Operation Sindoor
Modi also hailed Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, as proof of India’s capacity to act independently using indigenous weapons.
"When economic selfishness is rising day by day... we must not just sit and worry about the crisis but instead focus on our strengths," he said.
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Bollywood’s most inspiring women-led films to stream this Independence Day
Yami Gautam shines in dual roles in A Thursday and Article 370
Deepika Padukone delivers a fierce performance as an Air Force officer in Fighter
Alia Bhatt’s Raazi portrays a young spy’s patriotic sacrifice during the 1971 war
Priyanka Chopra’s Mary Kom celebrates the journey of India’s boxing legend
Kangana Ranaut plays strong roles in Tejas and Manikarnika
Sonam Kapoor brings to life the heroic story of flight attendant Neerja Bhanot
From A Thursday to Fighter, some of Bollywood’s most unforgettable patriotic and inspirational films have been led by women who delivered performances that left a lasting impact. These films inspire courage, celebrate determination, and tell stories of women who rise above all odds.
Here’s our pick of powerful female-led films to revisit this Independence Day.
1. Yami Gautam in A Thursday
In A Thursday, Yami Gautam plays Naina Jaiswal, a sexual assault survivor who takes 16 children hostage, shocking the nation. Balancing vulnerability with cold determination, Yami’s intense performance keeps you hooked till the final reveal, making it one of her most memorable roles.
Yami Gautam delivers a gripping performance as Naina Jaiswal in A Thursdaygetty images
2. Deepika Padukone in Fighter
As Squadron Leader Minal Rathore, Deepika Padukone soars, quite literally, in this high-octane action drama. Fighting deadly terrorist threats in the skies and on the ground, she brings grit, charm, and emotional depth to the role, making Fighter a perfect Independence Day watch.
Deepika Padukone soars as Squadron Leader Minal Rathore in Fightergetty images
3. Yami Gautam in Article 370
In this political thriller inspired by true events, Yami Gautam plays Zooni Haksar, an intelligence officer at the heart of high-stakes operations in Jammu & Kashmir. Her bold and commanding performance captures the tension, urgency, and patriotism behind the historic abrogation of Article 370.
Yami Gautam commands the screen as intelligence officer Zooni Haksar in Article 370images
4. Alia Bhatt in Raazi
Alia Bhatt delivers one of her career-best performances as Sehmat Khan, a young Indian spy who marries into a Pakistani military family during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Adapted from Calling Sehmat, the film is a gripping tale of sacrifice, duty, and quiet heroism.
Alia Bhatt brings quiet heroism to life as Indian spy Sehmat Khan in Raazigetty images
5. Priyanka Chopra in Mary Kom
Priyanka Chopra brings the legendary boxer Mary Kom’s life to the big screen in this inspiring sports biopic. From gruelling training sequences to emotional moments of resilience, her performance captures the grit and glory of one of India’s most celebrated athletes.
Priyanka Chopra transforms into legendary boxer Mary Kom in the inspiring biopic Mary Komgetty images
6. Kangana Ranaut in Tejas
Playing Wing Commander Tejas Gill, Kangana Ranaut embodies the courage and commitment of women in the Indian Air Force. The film follows her on daring missions while navigating personal struggles, a tribute to military bravery with a strong emotional core.
Kangana Ranaut embodies courage as Wing Commander Tejas Gill in Tejasgetty images
7. Sonam Kapoor in Neerja
Based on the real-life heroism of flight attendant Neerja Bhanot, this biographical thriller sees Sonam Kapoor deliver one of her finest performances. Her portrayal of Neerja’s bravery during the 1986 Pan Am hijacking is both moving and unforgettable.
Sonam Kapoor honours the real-life bravery of Neerja Bhanot in Neerja getty images
8. Kangana Ranaut in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Kangana Ranaut steps into the armour of Rani Lakshmi Bai, one of India’s first female freedom fighters, in this sweeping historical drama. From fierce battle scenes to emotional sacrifices, she brings the warrior queen’s spirit to life on screen.
Kangana Ranaut channels warrior spirit as Rani Lakshmi Bai in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansigetty images
This Independence Day, these films remind us that courage knows no gender, and that some of the most powerful stories of patriotism have been told through the eyes of extraordinary women.
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People click photographs beside an unmanned combat aerial vehicle on display at a military exhibition during Pakistan's Independence Day celebrations in Islamabad on August 14, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said the United States wanted to explore areas of economic cooperation with Pakistan, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, as the country marked its independence day on Thursday (14).
Rubio’s greetings came after Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s second visit to the US last week, where he met political and military leaders.
“We look forward to exploring new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering dynamic business partnerships, which will promote a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis,” Rubio said in a statement.
“The United States deeply appreciates Pakistan’s engagement on counter-terrorism and trade,” he added.
Pakistan and the US have renewed their ties after several years of strained relations. Both countries resolved their differences over levies, and the US announced 19 per cent tariffs on Pakistani goods.
This week, the two sides held a counterterrorism dialogue in Islamabad and agreed to deepen cooperation against groups including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), ISIS-Khorasan, and the Taliban.
In Islamabad, president Asif Ali Zardari and prime minister Shehbaz Sharif called for unity as Pakistan celebrated its 79th Independence Day. Sharif raised the national flag at the Pakistan Monument, and special prayers were offered in mosques for peace, solidarity, and prosperity.
Buildings in Islamabad and other cities were decorated with national flags and lights.
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Jason Ralph fuels speculation over Rachel Brosnahan marriage after controversial Instagram activity
Jason Ralph, husband of Superman star Rachel Brosnahan, liked a controversial Instagram comment hinting at trouble in their marriage.
The comment accused Brosnahan of having inappropriate chemistry with co-star David Corenswet.
Ralph has since turned off Instagram comments, but screenshots of the ‘like’ are circulating widely.
Fans are split on whether the action was accidental, sarcastic, or a genuine reflection of marital issues.
Rachel Brosnahan’s husband, actor Jason Ralph, is at the centre of a heated social media debate after he liked a provocative Instagram comment about her on-screen chemistry with Superman co-star David Corenswet. The online reaction has been swift, with fans speculating whether his action was a subtle dig, a careless mistake, or simply a misunderstood joke.
The comment in question accused Brosnahan of crossing boundaries with a co-star and suggested Ralph should “stand up for himself” and “leave her.” Within hours, screenshots of Ralph’s ‘like’ were circulating across Reddit, X, and Instagram gossip pages. Soon after, Ralph disabled comments on his posts, but by then, the digital trail was impossible to erase.
Jason Ralph fuels speculation over Rachel Brosnahan marriage after controversial Instagram activity Getty Images
When did Rachel Brosnahan and Jason Ralph get married?
Brosnahan and Ralph first met while working on the indie film I’m Obsessed With You in 2013. After several years of dating, the pair quietly tied the knot—so quietly, in fact, that the public only learned about it years later.
In a 2019 interview, Brosnahan revealed that she had been wearing her wedding ring for some time before speculation began, adding: “We’ve been married for years and been together for even longer. We had a good laugh when the news came out that we had just got married like, ‘Happy six-month anniversary, honey!’”
The couple’s decision to keep their marriage private was intentional. Brosnahan explained that she disliked the double standard in media coverage, where she was constantly asked about her relationship while Ralph was not.
Rachel Brosnahan and Jason Ralph at a public event Getty Images
Have they worked together professionally?
Yes. Ralph appeared alongside his wife in the hit series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, joining in seasons four and five as Mike Carr. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Ralph praised Brosnahan’s leadership on set, saying: “She’s just the best, and I feel very lucky to see her command a set like that.”
Their collaboration was warmly received by fans, and until now, the couple has maintained an image of mutual respect and professional admiration.
Jason Ralph sparks rumours with Instagram like about Rachel Brosnahan marriageGetty Images
What did Jason Ralph ‘like’ on Instagram?
The controversy began when Ralph liked a comment on one of his posts that read: “It’s genuinely sad to see your career being tucked out to be remembered as a cuckold because your wife couldn’t handle herself with her co-actor. Like bro, let’s have some self-love and stand up for yourself, leave her to be with him if she wants that much.”
The remark, widely interpreted as targeting Brosnahan’s scenes with David Corenswet in Superman, was seen by many as insulting and sexist. Fans immediately questioned why Ralph would engage with it at all.
Jason Ralph’s social media move raises questions about his marriageGetty Images
Was it intentional or a mistake?
Social media reactions are split. Some argue that it was likely an accidental double-tap, noting that Ralph’s Instagram activity is minimal and sporadic. Others believe it was deliberate, citing his history of dry humour and occasional trolling behaviour online.
Regardless of intent, the timing has amplified speculation. Brosnahan’s chemistry with Corenswet has been heavily discussed since the film’s release, and this incident has only fuelled more rumours about their personal lives.
Instagram drama fuels talk of tension between Jason Ralph and Rachel BrosnahanGetty Images
What’s next for the couple?
Neither Brosnahan nor Ralph has publicly commented on the incident. Given their preference for privacy, it’s unlikely they will address the speculation directly. Still, with screenshots continuing to circulate, the story has already left its mark on fan discussions around the couple. Whether the Instagram ‘like’ was a slip of the finger or a calculated move, it has put an unusually public spotlight on one of Hollywood’s most private marriages. For now, the internet is left to debate: accident, sarcasm, or subtle message?
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Players will be able to traverse these environments using vehicles
Insider claims Resident Evil Requiem will feature a combat system similar to The Last of Us Part II.
Leon Kennedy reportedly returns as one of the protagonists despite official silence.
Players will be able to travel through open-level areas using vehicles.
New lighting, shadow, hair, and environmental physics systems have been implemented.
Release date set for 27 February 2026.
With just days to go before Resident Evil Requiem is showcased at Gamescom’s Opening Night Live, new leaks suggest the game will deliver its most ambitious mechanics yet. According to reliable insider Dusk Golem, the next entry in Capcom’s survival horror series will blend innovations with influences from The Last of Us Part II, introduce open-level exploration with vehicles, and push technical boundaries with upgraded visuals and AI.
A combat system inspired by The Last of Us
Dusk Golem reports that combat in Resident Evil Requiem has been heavily reworked, drawing inspiration from The Last of Us Part II while adding unique elements of its own. Leon Kennedy, who Capcom has not confirmed as a protagonist, is said to feature prominently in these combat sequences.
Open-level design and vehicles
The game will reportedly feature open-level areas such as Raccoon City, designed to perform smoothly despite their scale. Players will be able to traverse these environments using vehicles, adding a new layer of mobility and exploration to the series.
Switch between first and third person
One of the officially announced features is the ability to swap between first-person and third-person perspectives at any time. Dusk Golem notes that this has required Capcom to design and balance the gameplay as if developing two separate games simultaneously.
— (@)
Technical upgrades
Capcom has reworked its development tools to accommodate the game’s ambitions, introducing a new lighting and shadow engine, improved hair rendering first seen in Pragmata, and expanded environmental physics. Interactivity has been increased in sequences featuring the character Grace, while the interplay between light and darkness is expected to be a key gameplay element.
Smarter enemies
A new dynamic AI system powers an enemy that actively pursues the player, adapting its behaviour on the fly for a more unpredictable and tense experience. This AI will respond intelligently to the player’s actions, creating varied encounters across playthroughs.
Jason Ralph fuels speculation over Rachel Brosnahan marriage after controversial Instagram activity
Rachel Brosnahan marriage speculation grows after Jason Ralph’s controversial Instagram activity
Highlights
Rachel Brosnahan’s husband, actor Jason Ralph, is at the centre of a heated social media debate after he liked a provocative Instagram comment about her on-screen chemistry with Superman co-star David Corenswet. The online reaction has been swift, with fans speculating whether his action was a subtle dig, a careless mistake, or simply a misunderstood joke.
The comment in question accused Brosnahan of crossing boundaries with a co-star and suggested Ralph should “stand up for himself” and “leave her.” Within hours, screenshots of Ralph’s ‘like’ were circulating across Reddit, X, and Instagram gossip pages. Soon after, Ralph disabled comments on his posts, but by then, the digital trail was impossible to erase.
When did Rachel Brosnahan and Jason Ralph get married?
Brosnahan and Ralph first met while working on the indie film I’m Obsessed With You in 2013. After several years of dating, the pair quietly tied the knot—so quietly, in fact, that the public only learned about it years later.
In a 2019 interview, Brosnahan revealed that she had been wearing her wedding ring for some time before speculation began, adding:
“We’ve been married for years and been together for even longer. We had a good laugh when the news came out that we had just got married like, ‘Happy six-month anniversary, honey!’”
The couple’s decision to keep their marriage private was intentional. Brosnahan explained that she disliked the double standard in media coverage, where she was constantly asked about her relationship while Ralph was not.
Have they worked together professionally?
Yes. Ralph appeared alongside his wife in the hit series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, joining in seasons four and five as Mike Carr. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Ralph praised Brosnahan’s leadership on set, saying:
“She’s just the best, and I feel very lucky to see her command a set like that.”
Their collaboration was warmly received by fans, and until now, the couple has maintained an image of mutual respect and professional admiration.
What did Jason Ralph ‘like’ on Instagram?
The controversy began when Ralph liked a comment on one of his posts that read:
“It’s genuinely sad to see your career being tucked out to be remembered as a cuckold because your wife couldn’t handle herself with her co-actor. Like bro, let’s have some self-love and stand up for yourself, leave her to be with him if she wants that much.”
The remark, widely interpreted as targeting Brosnahan’s scenes with David Corenswet in Superman, was seen by many as insulting and sexist. Fans immediately questioned why Ralph would engage with it at all.
Was it intentional or a mistake?
Social media reactions are split. Some argue that it was likely an accidental double-tap, noting that Ralph’s Instagram activity is minimal and sporadic. Others believe it was deliberate, citing his history of dry humour and occasional trolling behaviour online.
Regardless of intent, the timing has amplified speculation. Brosnahan’s chemistry with Corenswet has been heavily discussed since the film’s release, and this incident has only fuelled more rumours about their personal lives.
What’s next for the couple?
Neither Brosnahan nor Ralph has publicly commented on the incident. Given their preference for privacy, it’s unlikely they will address the speculation directly. Still, with screenshots continuing to circulate, the story has already left its mark on fan discussions around the couple. Whether the Instagram ‘like’ was a slip of the finger or a calculated move, it has put an unusually public spotlight on one of Hollywood’s most private marriages. For now, the internet is left to debate: accident, sarcasm, or subtle message?