Pakistan boxer Qudratullah disappearsThe Pakistan Boxing Federation is once again facing uncomfortable questions after one of its own boxers went missing from the team's hotel in Glasgow, just as the Commonwealth Games drew to a close.
A Pakistani boxer has vanished from his team hotel in Glasgow right after the Commonwealth Games wrapped up — and this isn't the first time the Pakistan Boxing Federation has had a competitor go missing on foreign soil, despite passports staying with officials.Pakistan boxer Qudratullah disappearsThe Pakistan Boxing Federation is once again facing uncomfortable questions after one of its own boxers went missing from the team's hotel in Glasgow, just as the Commonwealth Games drew to a close. And the twist that's raising the most eyebrows? His passport never left the team manager's custody.Boxer vanishes right after his boutAccording to a source close to the Pakistan Olympic Association, boxer Qudratullah disappeared from the contingent's hotel shortly after competing in his weight category at the Games. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity on Tuesday, flagged the passport detail as particularly puzzling, noting that Qudratullah managed to slip away even though his travel documents were still being held securely by the team management — which is standard practice for the contingent precisely to prevent such incidents.A troubling pattern, not a one-offThis isn't an isolated case for Pakistani boxing. The federation has repeatedly found itself in similar controversies at major international tournaments over the years, with athletes going off the grid in foreign countries on more than one occasion.The most recent precedent came at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where two Pakistani boxers, Suleman Baloch and Nazeerullah Khan, both went missing from their contingent — again, reportedly, with their passports still in the possession of the team's contingent head at the time.An even more serious incident unfolded in 2024, when Pakistan's Asian gold medal-winning boxer Zohaib Rasheed disappeared during the World Olympic Qualifiers held in Busto Arsizio, Italy. In that case, Rasheed didn't just go missing — he allegedly made off with foreign currency and valuables belonging to his roommate before vanishing from the town.Games end on a modest note for PakistanThe disappearance adds another layer of embarrassment to what was already a fairly underwhelming outing for Pakistan at these Commonwealth Games. The country's 36-member contingent returned home from Glasgow with just a single medal to show for the entire campaign — a bronze, won by female boxer Fatima Zehra, who emerged as one of the few bright spots for the squad at the tournament.Why this keeps happeningCases like these have become something of a recurring headache for Pakistani sporting federations, particularly in combat and individual sports where athletes travel with smaller support staff and looser day-to-day supervision compared to larger team sports. Passports being retained by team officials is typically meant to act as a safeguard against precisely this kind of disappearance, yet the pattern suggests that determined athletes are finding ways around the system regardless.About the AuthorAnjali ThakurAnjali Thakur is a Senior Assistant Editor with Mint, reporting on trending news, entertainment and health, with a focus on stories driving digital conversations. Her work involves spotting early signals across news cycles and social media, sharpening stories for SEO and Google Discover, and mentoring young editors in digital-first newsroom practices. She is known for turning fast-moving developments—whether news-driven or culture-led—into clear, tightly edited journalism without compromising editorial rigour. Before joining Mint, she was Deputy News Editor at NDTV.com, where she led the Trending section and covered viral news, breaking developments and human-interest stories. She has also worked as Chief Sub-Editor at India.com (Zee Media) and as Senior Correspondent with Exchange4media and Hindustan Times’ HT City, reporting on media, advertising, entertainment, health, lifestyle and popular culture. Anjali holds a Bachelor of Arts degr
A heat dome pushed temperatures near record highs across the western US on Saturday, prompting heat warnings and raising wildfire risks. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and hydrated as extreme heat, dry conditions and strong winds fuelled fires across several states.Forecasters warned that the combination of extreme heat, dry vegetation and strong winds is increasing wildfire risks across the western US.(AFP)A powerful heat wave gripped large parts of the western United States on Saturday, pushing temperatures close to record highs, worsening wildfire risks and prompting authorities to urge people to stay indoors and hydrated.According to the Associated Press (AP), a ridge of high pressure -- commonly known as a heat dome -- is trapping hot air over states from Arizona to Montana. While forecasters expect the heat wave to be relatively short-lived, dangerous temperatures and dry conditions have triggered warnings across the region.Temperatures near record levelsLas Vegas recorded 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46.1°C) by late afternoon, the city's hottest temperature of the year and just one degree below its daily record. Phoenix was forecast to reach 116F (46.7°C), while El Centro in California was expected to hit a record 118F (47.8°C). Great Falls, Montana, was forecast to reach 104F (40°C), potentially setting a new record.Meteorologists warned that overnight temperatures in parts of Nevada would remain in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, offering little relief from the extreme heat."There’s just no relief overnight," National Weather Service meteorologist Morgan Stessman told AP.Authorities advised residents to remain indoors where possible, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor activity.Cooling centres see surge in visitorsCooling centres across the region reported increased demand as residents sought refuge from the heat.At Phoenix's Justa Center, which serves senior citizens and operates as a public cooling centre during afternoons, around 200 people were expected to visit on Saturday.In Billings, Montana, the Montana Rescue Mission opened its doors earlier than usual to shelter people from the extreme temperatures, while public swimming pools and splash pads in Great Falls saw heavy crowds.Heat fuels wildfire dangerForecasters warned that the combination of extreme heat, dry vegetation and strong winds is increasing wildfire risks across the western US.Most of Montana remained under a Red Flag Warning, while the US Forest Service warned of an enhanced wildfire threat across much of Southern California through Sunday.In Nevada, low humidity levels have further heightened fire danger as the heat dome dries out vegetation.Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency on Saturday after high temperatures and strong winds intensified multiple wildfires across the state. He also banned most outdoor and agricultural burning through the end of September.The National Weather Service issued a rare "particularly dangerous situation" Red Flag Alert for eastern Washington, where more than 312 square miles are burning in 12 major wildfires.A Red Flag Warning was also in effect in eastern Oregon, where firefighters continued battling several large blazes, including the Rowe Creek Complex Fire, which has expanded to nearly 490 square miles and is 57% contained.Stay updated with the latest Trending, India, World and US news. Follow CJP Protest LIVE updates as Sonam Wangchuk ends his 26-day hunger strike following government assurances, while the Jantar Mantar protest continues. Get the latest updates on talks between the CJP delegation and the Centre, the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, possible arrests, Delhi security measures and developments in Parliament.HomeNewsUs NewsUS heat dome pushes temperatures near record highs, raises wildfire risk across WestMore
Migrants filmed walking around the breakwaters at Tarajal beach and onto local roads, were mostly young men, while some were families with small children.Migrants from Morocco react as they crossed into Ceuta by sea, at the border between the Spanish enclave of Ceuta and Morocco, as seen from Ceuta, Spain, July 30, 2026.(REUTERS)Thousands of migrants swam from Morocco into a tiny Spanish village territory Cueta on Thursday, with nine individuals dying in the process, following which the central government has decided to deploy military in the area to restore order at its border.Madrid made the announcement after local authorities of the region asked the government to supply them with reinforcements in order to manage the border crisis.The government has said that the Armed Forces would be sent to Cueta in order to help the Civil Guards “maintain security in the city of Ceuta.” The Prime Minister of the country, Pedro Sanchez, will be visiting Cueta on Friday with the Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.“The situation is absolute chaos,” the head of the association that represents Spain's border security police, the Civil Guards, said to the Associated Press. “It’s not possible to give precise numbers, but there are thousands of migrants crossing,” he told the publication, adding that the border between the two countries had “totally collapsed.”“The Tarajal border was opened under unusual circumstances this morning and people crossed," AP quoted Achraf Maimouni, a member of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights in northern Morocco, as saying.Migrants filmed walking around the breakwaters at Tarajal beach and onto local roads, were mostly young men, while some were families with small children.The Spain government delegation in the region revealed that nine people have died while attempting to cross the border. While no details were provided about the deceased, AP revealed that bodies could be seen floating in the water. Local authorities have reported that dozens have died this year in their attempts to reach Cueta.The reason behind this jump in migrants arriving into Cueta remains unclear.The Spain government revealed that it was “closely cooperating” with its Moroccan counterpart to handle the situation, and that the latter is stopping "numerous people" from crossing the border. It revealed that both countries are working “for the return, as soon as possible, of all the people who entered Ceuta illegally.”Authorities in Cueta had early linked the surge in migrants crossing over to a ruling by the country's Supreme Court earlier this month which barred authorities from immediately returning migrants who arrive by sea without due process. However, the ruling does not apply to those who cross into Spain by land, including climbing over the border fence, AP reported.In order to reach Cueta, migrants often swim from Morocco's Fnideq and cover around 5 km to reach Spanish territory. Some also attempt to cross from the town from Belyounech, from where the distance is shorter.With AP inputsStay updated with the latest Trending, India, World and US news. Follow CJP Protest LIVE updates as Sonam Wangchuk ends his 26-day hunger strike following government assurances, while the Jantar Mantar protest continues. Get the latest updates on talks between the CJP delegation and the Centre, the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, possible arrests, Delhi security measures and developments in Parliament.HomeNewsWorldNine dead as thousands of migrants swim to Spain's Ceuta from Morocco; military to be deployed to restore orderMore
The wildfire broke out near the villages of Los Gallardos and Bédar in Almeria province, a region popular with foreign tourists and expatriates.Smoke and flame rises amid deadly wildfires affecting Almeria province, in Los Gallardos, Almeria, Spain, July 10, 2026. REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura (REUTERS)One of Spain's deadliest wildfires in recent years has killed at least 12 people and left 19 others missing after a fast-moving blaze swept through the Los Gallardos-Bédar area in the southern region of Andalusia. Authorities say many victims died after attempting to flee instead of following official evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions.Here's what happened and the latest developments.What happened?The wildfire broke out near the villages of Los Gallardos and Bédar in Almeria province, a region popular with foreign tourists and expatriates. Fanned by strong winds and extreme heat, the blaze spread rapidly through rugged, forested terrain, engulfing roads and cutting off escape routes.The fire has already burned more than 3,200 hectares (7,900 acres) of forest and farmland, making it one of Spain's worst wildfires in recent years.Death toll rises; most victims believed to be foreignersAuthorities have confirmed:-12 people have died, while 23 remain missing.-Ten of the dead appear to be foreign nationals, with one confirmed Spaniard.-Four suspected British nationals died inside a right-hand-drive vehicle.-Several victims abandoned their vehicles and attempted to escape on foot before being overtaken by the flames.-Authorities are using DNA testing to identify many of the charred bodies.Victims died while trying to fleeEmergency officials said authorities issued different safety instructions depending on residents' locations.People living in the mountains above Los Gallardos were told to evacuate using a designated route.Residents of nearby Bédar were instructed to shelter in place, as officials believed staying indoors was safer than attempting to escape through the fire.However, many residents panicked as thick smoke reduced visibility and flames approached homes. Several people chose alternative escape routes instead of those recommended by authorities.According to Andalusia's emergency chief Antonio Sanz, one group tried to escape through a dry riverbed, which became a "death trap" as the fire spread rapidly.Cause of fire under investigationThe exact cause remains under investigation.Witnesses reported seeing a fallen power line ignite dry vegetation, while regional authorities said a broken power cable may have started the blaze. However, utility company Endesa disputed that explanation, saying the cable reportedly involved was not carrying electricity.Rescue and firefighting effortsSpain has launched a major emergency response:-Around 500 firefighters and military personnel have been deployed.-About 800 residents have been evacuated, with nearly 200 housed in emergency shelters.-Eight people have been injured, including four seriously.-Firefighters continue working to contain the blaze as changing winds threaten to worsen conditions.Why is Spain facing such severe wildfires?Spain is experiencing another intense heatwave, with temperatures approaching 40°C across parts of the country.Officials say:-Early summer heatwaves have dried vegetation weeks earlier than usual.-More than 57,000 hectares have already burned this year.-Last year, Spain recorded its worst wildfire season in decades, with nearly 400,000 hectares destroyed.Scientists say rising temperatures linked to climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, creating ideal conditions for large, fast-moving wildfires across southern Europe.Why is this wildfire significant?The Los Gallardos blaze is already among Spain's deadliest wildfires in recent years and has drawn comparisons with the 2017 Portugal wildfire, where dozens of people died while attempting to escape in their vehicles.PM expresses condolencesSpanish Prime Minister Pedro Sa
Discussion (0)