World-renowned football icon Cristiano Ronaldo and his fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez, have purchased residential units at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located within the Red Sea International destination in Saudi Arabia. The homes are part of the Red Sea Residences, a collection of exclusive properties spread across private islands stretching over 26 kilometers. Access to the area is limited to boats or seaplanes, ensuring complete privacy and exclusivity for residents. Nujuma features 19 fully autonomous luxury villas designed to offer a rare blend of privacy, individuality, and a close connection to nature. Ronaldo and Rodriguez have acquired two villas — one with three bedrooms and another with two bedrooms — allowing the family to enjoy a serene and secluded retreat at any time. Speaking about the decision, Ronaldo said that both he and Georgina felt an immediate connection to the destination during their first visit. “From our very first moment here, we felt a deep connection with the island and its extraordinary natural beauty,” he said. “It is truly a remarkable place — one where we find peace and tranquility.” The Red Sea Residences are part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Red Sea Global project, a flagship luxury tourism development along the Kingdom’s western coast. The initiative aims to establish world-class resorts and destinations while transforming the region into a unique global leisure hub. The project places strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. Designed to achieve a net positive environmental impact of 30 percent by 2040, it includes conservation and restoration efforts for coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and local ecosystems. The CEO of Red Sea International said Ronaldo and Rodriguez’s decision reflects the project’s unique appeal. “We are delighted to welcome Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez to the Red Sea Residences community,” he said. “This destination represents the perfect balance of luxury, nature, privacy, and adventure.” Enhancing its global accessibility, Red Sea International Airport now offers direct connections to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Doha, and Milan. The destination can be reached within three hours by approximately 250 million people, and within eight hours by 85 percent of the world’s population. The Red Sea project continues to gain international attention under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, attracting high-profile guests and global investors seeking exclusive, environmentally conscious luxury living.
Indonesia’s Gede Priandana Makes History With Five Wickets in a Single T20I Over
Indonesia fast bowler Gede Priandana created history by becoming the first player in men’s or women’s T20 International cricket to take five wickets in a single over, a remarkable feat achieved during the first T20I against Cambodia. The historic performance came at the Udayana Cricket Ground, where Indonesia secured a convincing 60-run victory after posting a total of 167 runs. Defending the target, the 28-year-old right-arm fast bowler turned the match on its head in the 16th over of Cambodia’s chase. At that stage, Cambodia were 106 for 5 after 15 overs and still very much in the contest. However, Priandana’s introduction into the attack proved decisive. He struck with his first three deliveries, claiming wickets on consecutive balls to complete a sensational hat-trick, dismissing Shah Abrar Hussain, Nirmaljit Singh, and Chanthon Rathnak. After delivering a dot ball, Priandana went on to remove Moung Dara Sok and Pel Venk, conceding just one wide in the over. Cambodia collapsed shortly thereafter, well short of the target. With this spell, Priandana etched his name into the record books as the first bowler in T20 International cricket history—across both men’s and women’s formats—to take five wickets in a single over where official fall-of-wicket records exist. Earlier in the match, Priandana also contributed with the bat, opening the innings alongside wicketkeeper-batter Dharma Kesuma, scoring six runs. Indonesia’s innings was anchored by a magnificent knock from Dharma Kesuma, who smashed an unbeaten 110 off 68 balls, including eight fours and six sixes, guiding the team to a competitive total of 167 runs. It is worth noting that while the feat of taking five wickets in an over has occurred twice in domestic men’s T20 cricket, this is the first time it has been achieved at the international level, making Priandana’s achievement truly historic.
Samsung Rumored to Launch ‘Wide Fold,’ a Bigger, Squarer Foldable Phone in 2026
Samsung may be gearing up to redefine the foldable smartphone category once again with a new device that could challenge both its own lineup and Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone. According to a report from South Korea’s Etnews (translated into English), Samsung is developing a device internally dubbed the “Wide Fold”. The phone is expected to debut in the second half of 2026 and would offer a unique display design that differs from Samsung’s current Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series. The company has also experimented with three-panel designs in the Galaxy Z TriFold, hinting at its continued push for innovative form factors. A wider, more tablet-like screen The standout feature of the Wide Fold is its screen design. Sources suggest the device would sport a 7.6-inch internal display when unfolded and a 5.4-inch external screen when folded. Unlike Samsung’s typical tall and narrow foldables, the Wide Fold’s main display is reportedly closer to a 4:3 aspect ratio, giving it a wider and more square-like appearance. This design could fundamentally change how the device is used. A squarer screen is generally better suited for reading, web browsing, photo viewing, and document editing, offering an experience more akin to a small tablet than a traditional smartphone. It could also help apps adapt more naturally to foldable screens, reducing awkward stretching or formatting issues. A potential Apple showdown The Wide Fold’s design appears to echo rumors surrounding Apple’s own first foldable iPhone, expected around the same timeframe. Industry speculation suggests Apple’s device may feature an unfolded display of about 7.7 inches and a similar 4:3 aspect ratio. If both companies release foldables of comparable size and shape in 2026, it could mark the first direct competition between Samsung and Apple in this emerging market. Samsung has led the foldable category to date, but Apple’s entry could bring mainstream credibility to the format. What’s still unknown Details about the Wide Fold remain scarce. Pricing, camera specs, processor information, and global availability are all unconfirmed. It’s also unclear whether “Wide Fold” is just an internal codename or the device’s official name. Samsung typically unveils its new foldables during summer or early fall Galaxy events. If the rumor proves accurate, the Wide Fold may join the 2026 lineup alongside other Galaxy devices, potentially reshaping the foldable smartphone market once again.
Three Bidders Submit Offers as First Phase of PIA Privatisation Concludes
The first phase of the privatisation process of the national airline has been completed, marking a significant step toward one of the country’s most anticipated divestments. According to officials, three pre-qualified bidders have submitted their bids for the acquisition of the national carrier. The bids are scheduled to be opened at 3:30 pm. Following the opening of bids, the Privatisation Commission (PC) Board will convene to determine the reference price. Once finalized by the Privatisation Commission Board, the reference price will be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation for approval. Speaking to journalists after the completion of the first phase of bidding, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali said that the process has successfully moved into its next critical stage. “The first phase of bidding for the sale of the national airline has been completed. We will now approach the Privatisation Commission Board, which will review and approve the reserve price,” he said. He emphasized that the reserve price remains confidential and is not known to any party. “After approval by the PC Board, the reserve price will be submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation for final endorsement,” he added. Muhammad Ali described the development as a major milestone, noting that no large-scale privatisation has taken place in the country over the past two decades. “This is a very important step forward,” he said, underscoring the significance of the process for economic reform and investor confidence.
Call of Duty Co-Creator Vince Zampella Killed in California Car Crash
Vince Zampella, one of the most influential architects of modern video gaming and the co-creator of the global phenomenon Call of Duty, has died in a car accident in California, Electronic Arts confirmed on Monday. He was 55. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the fatal crash occurred Sunday on a scenic mountain road north of Los Angeles. Zampella was driving a Ferrari when the vehicle suddenly veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and burst into flames. Authorities said both the driver and a passenger, who was ejected from the vehicle, died from their injuries. The victims were not officially identified by police, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Footage shared by witnesses on social media showed the mangled, cherry-red sports car engulfed in flames along the winding road, underscoring the severity of the collision. Zampella’s death has sent shockwaves through the global gaming community, where he was widely regarded as a visionary who helped define the first-person shooter genre. Over a career spanning more than three decades, his studios produced some of the best-selling and most influential video games in history. He first rose to prominence after co-founding Infinity Ward in 2002 and launching Call of Duty the following year. The franchise would go on to become one of the most successful in entertainment history, today boasting more than 100 million active monthly players worldwide. Activision later acquired Infinity Ward, cementing Zampella’s reputation as a driving force behind blockbuster game development. After departing Activision under contentious circumstances, Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010. The studio quickly earned acclaim for titles such as Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series. Electronic Arts acquired Respawn in 2017, and Zampella later assumed a broader leadership role at EA, where he oversaw efforts to revive the long-running Battlefield franchise. Earlier this year, following the record-breaking success of Battlefield 6, Zampella reflected on his career with characteristic humility. “We never take moments like this for granted,” he said, despite decades of commercial and critical success. In a statement, Electronic Arts described his passing as a devastating loss. “Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching,” the company said. “His work helped shape modern interactive entertainment, and his leadership inspired generations of developers.” Respawn Entertainment also paid tribute, praising Zampella’s leadership and creative philosophy. In a message shared on the official Battlefield account, the studio said he trusted his teams, encouraged bold ideas, and consistently put both players and creators first. Industry observers echoed those sentiments. Washington Post video game reporter Gene Park told NBC4 that Zampella possessed a rare ability to blend gameplay with powerful storytelling. “He knew how to create experiences that captured terror, heroism, and human emotion,” Park said, adding that Zampella’s work reflected the political and cultural realities of its time. Zampella is survived by his family and leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the video game industry. From Call of Duty to Battlefield, his creative vision not only defined a genre but also transformed interactive entertainment into a global cultural force.
From Trump to Taylor Swift: The Most Searched Names on Google in 2025
In 2025, global internet search trends were strongly dominated by politics, technology, and entertainment, reflecting how real-time events, media coverage, and digital platforms shape public attention. According to an analysis by PlayersTime based on Ahrefs search volume data, a handful of prominent public figures captured a disproportionate share of global online interest over the past year. Based on average monthly Google searches over the last 12 months, former US President Donald Trump emerged as the world’s most searched personality, attracting approximately 16 million searches per month. He was followed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, who ranked second with around 11 million monthly searches, underscoring the continued global influence of American politics and technology leadership. Music played a major role among the global top ten most searched personalities, with artists accounting for nearly half of the list. Pop icon Taylor Swift remained one of the most consistently searched figures worldwide, while Sabrina Carpenter, XXXTENTACION, and Romeo Santos also secured prominent positions, each drawing between 6 and 8 million monthly searches. The rise of streaming platforms and the global reach of digital fandoms have propelled musicians to unprecedented levels of international visibility. Film and television dominated the broader Top 100 list, contributing the largest share of total search volume. This trend has been largely driven by the worldwide expansion of streaming services, which have made entertainment content more accessible across borders and cultures. While sports ranked lower in overall representation, several athletes achieved remarkable global attention. Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo remained among the most searched athletes worldwide, while young Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal broke into the global top ten, highlighting growing interest in emerging talent alongside established sports icons. Search trends in 2025 were not limited to entertainment and sports. Global politics, religious leadership, and high-profile criminal cases also played a significant role in shaping online interest. In the religious sphere, Pope Francis was the most searched figure, while certain criminal cases generated unusually high search volumes due to sustained international media coverage. The data indicates that spikes in search interest are often driven more by breaking news and major events than by long-term popularity. An analysis by nationality reveals a strong concentration of global search interest around American public figures. US personalities featured in the Top 100 collectively received more than 237 million average monthly searches, exceeding the combined totals of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Six of the top ten most searched individuals worldwide were American, highlighting the global reach of US media, politics, and cultural influence. Search patterns also varied significantly by country. Donald Trump remained the most searched personality in the United States, while political leaders dominated searches in Canada. Tennis players attracted the most attention in Spain and Italy, footballers topped search lists in Brazil and Poland, and political figures led search trends in Germany and South Korea. Within the Top 100 most searched personalities, film and television accounted for 36 percent, music for 28 percent, and sports for 16 percent of total representation. Men made up 56 percent of the list overall; however, women were notably prominent in searches related to entertainment, fashion, and royal families. Overall, the data suggests that the global attention economy in 2025 was increasingly fast-moving and event-driven. Popularity was shaped less by sustained fame and more by political relevance, viral moments, digital platform reach, and continuous media exposure. Search trends reveal a world where public attention is concentrated around a limited number of names, shifts rapidly, and remains more volatile than ever before.
Bidding for 75% Stake in Pakistan International Airlines to Take Place Today
The bidding process for the privatization of a 75 percent stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will be held today, according to an official statement issued by the Privatization Commission. As per the schedule, bids will be received between 10:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., while the bids will be formally opened at 3:30 p.m. After submission, the sealed bids will be placed in a secured box. Subsequently, the Privatization Commission Board will convene to determine the reference price. The Cabinet Committee on Privatization will approve the reference price, which will be officially announced at the time of bid opening. If the submitted bids exceed the reference price, an open auction will be conducted. In case the bids fall below the reference price, preference will be given to the highest bidder. Under the privatization framework, 25 percent of PIA’s shares will remain with the government as a strategic asset. The successful bidder will have the option either to purchase the remaining 25 percent stake or leave it with the government. Following approval from the federal cabinet, the relevant documents received from bidders will be signed. The Privatization Commission will then complete all legal formalities within 90 days. In line with the government’s decision, the entire bidding process will be broadcast live on television networks. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization Muhammad Ali will hold a press conference at the conclusion of the bidding process. The privatization of the national flag carrier is being carried out under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s economic reform agenda, aimed at restructuring state-owned enterprises and improving overall economic efficiency.
