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Sana Mir announces retirement

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LAHORE – Sana Mir today called it a day on her glittering 15-year cricketing career during which she played 226 internationals, including 137 as captain from 2009 to 2017.

Sana Mir said: “I want to extend my gratitude to the PCB for giving me an opportunity to serve my country for 15 years. It has been an absolute honor and privilege. I extend my gratitude to all the support staff, players, ground staff, and everyone behind the scenes for their contribution in my career and development of women’s cricket.

“I also want to thank my family and mentors who provided unconditional support that allowed me to fulfill my dreams of representing Pakistan at a global stage and would also like to thank my departmental team ZTBL for their support throughout my career. I look forward to continue serving them if department cricket continues.

“The last few months have provided me with an opportunity to contemplate. I feel it is the right time for me to move on. I believe I have contributed to the best of my ability for my country and the sport.

“During my cricket journey, I have met and built strong friendships and bonding with some amazing cricketers in women’s cricket. Listening about their stories and philosophies have not only made me a tougher and stronger athlete but have also taught me great things about life, which are beyond yourself or the sport or winning and losing.

“When I reflect on my debut, it gives me great satisfaction that I have been part of the process that has eventually resulted in a packed-to-capacity Lord’s for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 final, something that was further boosted by a record 87,000 spectators for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These are great success stories for women’s cricket.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to ICC for its continuous support to women’s cricket. Tournaments like ICC Women’s Championship have been a real game-changer, especially for teams like Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka as they proved vital in helping us express our talent at the international level.

“Last but not least, all cricket fans and supporters around the world. Words fall short when I want to thank all of you for your love, support, and encouragement you extended in the past 15 years. It has been an honor to serve Pakistan in cricket and to wear the green jersey with absolute pride. It is time for me to move on. InshaAllah the service will continue in essence and in a different form. Pakistan Zindabad.”

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan paid tribute to Sana Mir: “On behalf of Pakistan cricket, I congratulate Sana Mir on a highly successful career. She has been the face of Pakistan women’s cricket for many years and the real source of inspiration for the young generation of women cricketers.

“Through her determination and passion, Sana broke the glass ceiling for women cricketers in the country. Through her performances, she not only improved the profile of women’s cricket in Pakistan, but also enhanced the image of Pakistan globally.

“Sana is a true legend of women’s cricket who attracted, inspired, and motivated young women athletes. Moving forward, I am sure she will continue to contribute positively to women’s cricket.”

 

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University of Tennessee sues Anthropic over AI patent infringement

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The image is AI-generated and used for illustration purposes only

ISLAMABAD – The research arm of the University of Tennessee has filed a lawsuit against artificial intelligence company Anthropic, accusing it of infringing patents related to neural networks and machine-learning technology. The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the District of Delaware, alleges that Anthropic’s artificial intelligence systems unlawfully use technology protected under patents owned by the University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF).

About the patented technologies

According to the lawsuit, the patents represent significant innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, neuromorphic computing and neuroscience-inspired computing. Professors at the University of Tennessee developed the patented technologies, which remain protected under US patent law.

The foundation argued that Anthropic’s alleged disregard for intellectual property extends beyond copyright issues and includes patented AI technologies.

“Anthropic’s cavalier approach to others’ intellectual property rights in the development of its products extends beyond the use of copyrighted material,” the complaint states. The university is seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order preventing Anthropic from continuing the alleged patent infringement.

Anthropic and the University of Tennessee representatives

The lawsuit is believed to be the first patent infringement case filed against Anthropic. It comes shortly after a California federal judge approved the company’s $1.5 billion settlement in a class-action copyright lawsuit brought by authors over the use of their works for AI training.

The outcome of the case could become another closely watched legal battle in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence industry, where disputes over copyrights, patents and intellectual property continue to increase.

Key points:

  • University of Tennessee Research Foundation has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Anthropic.
  • The lawsuit alleges Anthropic’s AI systems violate two patents related to neural networks and machine learning.
  • The case was filed in Delaware federal court.
  • The university claims the patented technology covers AI, neuromorphic computing, and neuroscience-inspired computing.
  • The foundation is seeking monetary damages and a court order preventing further alleged infringement.
  • The lawsuit comes a day after a California judge approved Anthropic’s $1.5 billion copyright settlement involving authors.

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Education

Central Park Medical College gaslights students into a fee reduction

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The image is AI-generated and used for illustration purposes only

LAHORE – Central Park Medical College(CPMC) on 18th July, 2026, issued a notification after students stormed the vicinity demanding a fee reduction. The notification explicitly stated that CPMC has filed an appeal with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council(PMDC) for a revision of the fee structure of Session 2024-25 and Session 2025-26.

A student contacted an Upfront official and explained the situation, as to how the management tricked so many students. The protestors returned to their homes, satisfied with their success, until, allegedly, the principal deleted the notification claiming the fee reduction. According to the student, the principal said the students would be required to pay their original fee in full despite the notification showing otherwise.

Read more: How Is Load-Shedding Poisoning Pakistan’s Economy?

The student alleged that Central Park Medical College was taking Rs. 25 lac for the first year and Rs. 28 lac for the second year, while the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has revised the fee to Rs. 20 lac for each year.

Read more: Why HBO Max Canceled Titans and What It Means for DC’s Future

Note: This is a developing story for further updates and videos. Visit our social handles. Upfront

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Entertainment

Netflix officially begins Queenstown production in New Zealand

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KARACHI – Netflix has officially begun production on Queenstown, marking the streaming giant’s first original television series commissioned in New Zealand after more than a decade of offering content in the country.

The eight-episode drama is currently being filmed on location in Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s most popular luxury ski destinations on the South Island. Set against the backdrop of the town’s affluent ski-resort community, Queenstown follows a wealthy family whose internal conflicts spill over into the lives of the people who work for them.

The story explores themes of power, loyalty, family conflict and desire.

What is Queenstown centered on?

Netflix described the series as a drama centered on “a wealthy family at war with itself,” unfolding within the glamorous yet competitive world of Queenstown’s elite. The writer and creator of Queenstown is Chloe Stearns, who also serves as an executive producer. Moreover, Glendyn Ivin will direct the series and executive-produce it, while New Zealand filmmaker Roseanne Liang will direct selected episodes.

Read more: 350,000 Google Career Certificates Open to Pakistanis

The cast of Queenstown

The cast is led by Emmy Award nominee Rufus Sewell, alongside Frances O’Connor, Alycia Debnam-Carey, and New Zealand actor Te Kohe Tuhaka. Amanda Duthie, Netflix’s Content Director for Australia and New Zealand, described the project as a significant milestone for the company.

Read more: PTA SIM Card Fines Imposed on Mobile Operators

She said that producing the first locally commissioned Netflix series in New Zealand represents an important step for the platform and praised the drama as a compelling story about class, family, and power set in the world of a luxury ski resort. On the other hand, Executive producers Jodi Matterson and Libbie Doherty also expressed confidence in the project, calling creator Chloe Stearns an exceptional new storytelling talent and predicting the series would become a favourite among audiences.

Where is the production of Queenstown taking place

Furthermore, Netflix’s original productions in the region have so far largely focused on Australia, producing successful titles including Heartbreak High, Boy Swallows Universe, and Apple Cider Vinegar.  The production has received support from the New Zealand Film Commission and the country’s Screen Production Rebate programme.

Read more: PTA recommends giving licenses to Starlink, OneWeb: PTA Chairman

Netflix has not yet announced an official release date for Queenstown.

Category Details
Series Title Queenstown
Platform Netflix
Type Original Drama Series
Episodes 8
Significance Netflix’s first original series commissioned in New Zealand
Filming Location Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand
Story Power struggles, family conflict, loyalty and desire among a wealthy family and their employees
Creator & Writer Chloe Stearns
Lead Directors Glendyn Ivin and Roseanne Liang
Main Cast Rufus Sewell, Frances O’Connor, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Te Kohe Tuhaka
Executive Producers Chloe Stearns, Glendyn Ivin, Jodi Matterson, Libbie Doherty, Jeremy Platt and Erika North
Production Support New Zealand Film Commission and Screen Production Rebate
Release Date Not announced

Key Points:

  • Netflix has started production on Queenstown, its first original series commissioned in New Zealand.
  • The drama consists of eight episodes and is being filmed in Queenstown.
  • The story revolves around a wealthy family and the people working for them amid power struggles, loyalty and desire.
  • Rufus Sewell, Frances O’Connor, Alycia Debnam-Carey and Te Kohe Tuhaka lead the cast.
  • The series is created by Chloe Stearns and directed by Glendyn Ivin and Roseanne Liang.

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