Oman announced a series of relief measures on Sunday to ease the burden on residents during the summer of 2026, as rising temperatures drive up electricity consumption. The Sultanate’s Public Services Regulatory Authority confirmed a reduction in electricity tariffs for residential users from May until the end of August, according to the Oman News Agency. Read More: Heatwaves Put Children at Risk Here’s How to Protect Them In addition, the authority stated that electricity services will not be disconnected for residential consumers during this period. The move aims to protect households from service interruptions at a time when cooling demand peaks. To further support residents, the regulator has directed companies to introduce flexible payment plans. These arrangements will allow customers to manage their electricity bills more comfortably over the summer months. Officials expect the measures to provide financial relief while ensuring uninterrupted access to power during extreme heat. Hotter Gulf summer expected amid El Niño signals Residents across the Gulf region are likely to face a hotter and more humid summer. Meteorological indicators suggest a possible return of the El Niño later this year. Climate projections indicate that El Niño could begin between May and July 2026. Experts estimate a 61 per cent chance that the pattern will persist through the end of the year. Read More: Heatwave Alert Simple Steps to Stay Safe as Temperatures Rise The projections draw on updates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, along with modelling by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the North American Multi-Model Ensemble. Globally, El Niño tends to weaken the Atlantic hurricane season and disrupt the Indian monsoon. It also increases rainfall across parts of the Americas and contributes to additional global warming that can extend into 2027. Regional impact and energy demand concerns Across the Arabian Peninsula, El Niño may influence weather patterns in the coming months. Disruptions to the Indian monsoon could shift moisture westward. This shift may enhance humidity over the Arabian Sea and improve rainfall prospects for Yemen and Oman later in the season. However, higher humidity and temperatures will likely push electricity demand to new highs. Air conditioning remains the primary driver of energy use across Gulf households during summer. Read More: Heatwaves Trigger Rise in Domestic Violence Against Women Oman’s tariff reduction and payment flexibility come at a critical time. The measures align with broader regional efforts to manage energy demand while protecting consumers from rising costs. Authorities continue to balance supply stability with affordability. The latest steps highlight a proactive approach to seasonal challenges, as governments prepare for extreme weather conditions linked to global climate patterns.
Jemima Goldsmith Finds Love Again, Engagement Reports Surface
Jemima Goldsmith is reportedly set to marry again after finding love with Dublin-born businessman Cameron O’Reilly, according to media reports. A report by Daily Mail said the award-winning screenwriter has been in a relationship with the multi-millionaire financier for around 12 months. The outlet added that the couple is now engaged. Read More: Imran Khan’s Ex-Wife Convicted in London Speed Limit Breach Case O’Reilly, 62, is the son of late international rugby union player Sir Anthony O’Reilly. He is known for his business interests across Europe and has largely maintained a low public profile. The report said the couple met through shared professional interests, particularly in documentary projects. Their relationship reportedly developed from a friendship into a long-term partnership. A source familiar with the matter told the publication, “They first met through work and were friends for a while before that.” “They have been together as a couple for just over a year. He’s a very private person and Jemima is determined to protect that,” the source added. Living between Switzerland and London According to the report, the couple has been living together and divides time between O’Reilly’s residence in Switzerland and Goldsmith’s home in West London. Read More: Zayn Malik’s Family Asks Fans to Donate Instead of Sending Flowers The arrangement reflects a preference for privacy, with both individuals maintaining a low-key lifestyle despite public interest in their relationship. Goldsmith’s family has reportedly welcomed the development. Her brother, Robin Birley, who owns London’s private members’ club 5 Hertford Street, has met O’Reilly. Observers note that Goldsmith has remained active in film and television production in recent years. Her work includes projects that focus on social issues and political narratives. Past marriage to Imran Khan Goldsmith was previously married to former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan. The couple married in 1995 and separated in 2004 after nine years together. They have two sons, Kasim and Sulaiman, who are now adults. The former couple has maintained a degree of mutual respect in public appearances and statements over the years. Read More: American Finds Dream Life in China After Slashing Costs by 75% Goldsmith later built a career in the United Kingdom’s media and entertainment industry. She gained recognition as a producer and screenwriter, earning awards for her work in film. The reported engagement marks a new chapter in her personal life. However, neither Goldsmith nor O’Reilly has publicly confirmed the development.
PSL 11 Final Prize Breakdown: How Much Cash Is at Stake?
The stage is set for a high-stakes finale in the Pakistan Super League as Peshawar Zalmi take on debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. For Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, the final marks a return after four years. The former champions secured their spot with a commanding 70-run win over Islamabad United in the Qualifier. The captain has delivered consistent performances this season and now eyes a decisive innings in the title clash. Read More: IPL Built for Entertainment Not Development, Muttiah Muralithan Zalmi’s campaign has combined strong batting with disciplined bowling. Their earlier meeting with Kingsmen ended in a last-ball thriller, where Zalmi edged a four-wicket win. That result adds another layer of intrigue to the final. Kingsmen script fairytale debut run Hyderabad Kingsmen have emerged as the surprise package of the season. The debut franchise finished fourth in the league stage but lifted their game in the knockouts. They first eliminated Multan Sultans and then stunned a three-time champion side in Eliminator 2. Those back-to-back wins secured them a place in the final in their very first season. Their rise reflects a balanced squad and fearless approach under pressure. The team has relied on key contributions from both local and overseas players, showing depth in crucial moments. Read More: Historic Century Puts Babar Azam at Top of PSL Records A title win would mark one of the most remarkable debut seasons in PSL history. It would also reshape the competitive landscape of the league. PCB introduces new prize structure Off the field, the Pakistan Cricket Board has introduced a major financial shift. For the first time, franchises will receive separate prize money. The winning franchise will earn USD 500,000, while the runners-up will take home USD 300,000. The PCB has also allocated USD 200,000 for the team with the best player development programme. Players from the title-winning side will share an additional USD 500,000 pool. This brings the total prize pool for the final to USD 1.5 million. “In a first for the HBL PSL, a separate reward has been set for franchises. The winning franchise will receive USD 500,000, runners-up USD 300,000, while the best player development franchise will get USD 200,000. The tournament-winning prize for players will comprise USD 500,000,” the PCB said in a statement. Read More: Players Risk Red Cards for Covering Mouths at FIFA World Cup PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had announced the initiative last November as part of efforts to strengthen the league’s growth. The financial incentives add fresh significance to the final. Teams now compete not only for the trophy but also for long-term franchise rewards. With form, momentum, and history on the line, the PSL 11 final promises a gripping contest. Zalmi seek to end their title drought, while Kingsmen aim to complete a dream debut season.
Under-15 Ban Scrapped: What It Means for Hajj 2026 Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has withdrawn the 15-year age restriction on Hajj pilgrims and restored its earlier policy, allowing children aged 12 and above to perform the pilgrimage, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said on Saturday. The Saudi government reversed the rule just days before it was due to take effect on May 3. Officials confirmed that authorities will now reconsider visas rejected under the earlier restriction. Read More: What Pilgrims Must Know Before Hajj 2026 Begins “The Saudi government reversed the recently announced policy which was due to come into force on May 3,” the PAA said. Officials added that Hajj visas rejected under the 15-year restriction will now be reprocessed. The decision brings relief to families whose travel plans had stalled. The Directorate General of Hajj also confirmed the development after receiving communication from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Earlier restriction triggered visa cancellations Saudi authorities had earlier barred pilgrims under 15 from entering the Kingdom for Hajj 2026. The directive forced authorities to cancel visas issued to underage pilgrims, including those from Pakistan. Read More: Saudi Arabia Stocks 2.2 Million Bottles of Zamzam Water for Ramadan “Government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has restrained the entry of under 15 years pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and instructed that no flight departing from any country to Saudi Arabia shall be permitted to carry any pilgrim who will be under 15 years of age on 27th May 2026 (corresponding to 9th Zulhijjah 1447 Day of Arafat),” Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said in an earlier statement. Authorities had also announced a full refund of deposited amounts to affected pilgrims. Officials linked the restriction to crowd control and safety during peak Hajj days. The latest reversal shows a shift in policy as preparations for Hajj 2026 continue. Pakistan Hajj operations continue smoothly Hajj flight operations from Pakistan began on April 18. The first batch carried 160 pilgrims from Karachi through a private airline. Under the official scheme, around 119,000 Pakistani pilgrims will travel to Madinah and Makkah this year. Read More: Grand Mosque Launches Heart Attack Treatment Zone for Pilgrims Government data shows that 67,230 male pilgrims will travel under the programme. Meanwhile, 51,846 female pilgrims will also perform Hajj under the same scheme. Pakistan remains among the largest contributors to the global Hajj quota. Saudi Arabia allocates quotas based on population and logistics each year. Officials say the revised age policy will ease concerns among families. Airlines and Hajj operators have started updating passenger lists after the announcement. Saudi Arabia continues to upgrade Hajj management with digital systems and stricter compliance rules. Authorities aim to improve safety while managing large crowds.
Pakistan’s F-16 Fleet Gets Boost Under New US Contract
The United States Air Force has awarded a $488 million contract to Northrop Grumman for engineering and technical support of F-16 radar systems under its Foreign Military Sales programme, with Pakistan listed among the beneficiary countries. According to an official award notice, the firm fixed price, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract will support the F-16 System Programme Office’s foreign military sales operations, along with requirements of both the Air Force and the Navy. The agreement covers engineering and technical assistance for APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems, which form a critical part of the F-16’s combat capability. Read More: From Fighter Jet to Economic Asset: How JF-17 Is Redefining Pakistan’s Global Standing The contract specifies that work will take place in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and will run through March 31, 2036. Officials confirmed that the award was issued on a sole source basis. Multi-country support framework The contract includes foreign military sales to a wide range of partner nations. These include Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Thailand and Türkiye. The Air Force said it has already obligated $2,644,922 in fiscal 2026 non appropriated funds at the time of the award. The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base in Utah is overseeing the contract. This contract was awarded on April 27, 2026. Read More: Somalia Nears Historic $900M Deal to Buy 24 JF-17 Fighter Jets From Pakistan The APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems play a central role in target tracking, navigation and weapons delivery for F-16 aircraft. Analysts say sustained engineering support ensures operational readiness. It also extends the service life of aging fleets used by multiple allied air forces. Pakistan’s F-16 upgrades in focus The development comes months after the Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved a separate $686 million package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet in December 2025. That package includes Link-16 data link systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics upgrades, training and logistical support. In a letter to the US Congress dated December 8, the agency said the move aligns with Washington’s broader strategic objectives. It stated the sale “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.” The letter further noted that the upgrades aim to modernise Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid Life Upgrade aircraft. It added that the programme will “maintain Pakistan’s capability to meet current and future threats by updating and refurbishing its Block-52 and Mid Life Upgrade F-16 fleet.” Read More: From Bailouts to Battle Jets: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia in $4bn Defence Talks Pakistan operates one of the largest F-16 fleets outside NATO. Defence analysts say continued US support helps maintain operational standards and ensures compatibility with allied systems, especially in joint missions and counterterrorism operations.
