Media tycoon Jimmy Lai, a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement, is currently on trial in Hong Kong, facing charges related to breaching national security and colluding with foreign forces. At 76, Lai, who has been in jail since December 2020, could potentially receive a life sentence if convicted. The trial is viewed as a significant test of Hong Kong's judicial independence and has sparked international concern.
In a remarkable achievement, Pakistani actor Wahaj Ali has earned the prestigious title of the top celebrity of 2023, according to the esteemed UK showbiz publication, Eastern Eye. Wahaj secured the ninth position globally in the coveted "Top 50 Asian Celebrities In The World" list, underscoring his exceptional contributions to the entertainment industry.
Zahid Ahmed is expressing strong dissatisfaction with Instagram's alleged censorship. The actor claimed that Instagram removed his post discussing what he referred to as the "real face of terrorism," featuring images of Benjamin Netanyahu, Rishi Sunak, and Joe Biden. Ahmed criticized Instagram for this action, stating, "To hell with you Instagram. Will love to see you burn in hell on judgement day." The deleted post, still available on his public Facebook profile, juxtaposes the mainstream portrayal of terrorists with those in suits who hold influential positions.
As 2023 draws to a close, Pakistani actor and former model Mikaal Zulfiqar shared valuable advice on finding a potential life partner during a guest appearance on a talk show hosted by actor Imran Ashraf. Emphasizing the significance of understanding and establishing a genuine connection with a person before contemplating marriage, Mikaal suggested taking the time to truly know the individual.
In Khan Younis and southern Gaza, Israeli air strikes reportedly resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including attacks on a UN school. The telecommunications blackout, caused by Israeli actions, has impeded rescue efforts in the besieged area. Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud highlighted intense firing in the eastern part of Rafah, where displaced Gazans were instructed to move for safety.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued notices to a former spymaster general (retd) Faiz Hameed and three others in the case related to the removal of former Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui. The notices were also extended to former IHC chief justice Anwar Khan Kasi, former Supreme Court registrar Arbab Muhammad Arif, and brigadier (retd) Irfan Ramay.
For the 2024 season, the Swiss Sauber team has returned to its original name after racing as Alfa Romeo since 2019. The naming rights deal with Alfa Romeo concludes this year as Sauber prepares for its transition into the factory Audi team in 2026. Audi's official association with the team will begin when they formally enter the championship. The team's new official name is Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, and the chassis will be referred to as a Kick Sauber. Sauber, which entered F1 in 1993, had raced under its own name until the rebranding as Alfa Romeo in 2019.
Shohei Ohtani has chosen to defer the majority of his record-breaking contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, totaling $680 million of his $700 million 10-year deal. The arrangement involves receiving $2 million annually until 2034, followed by $68 million per year until 2043. Ohtani, a two-time American League Most Valuable Player, emphasized that his decision aims to help the Dodgers succeed in Major League Baseball by providing them with more flexibility under salary cap rules.
The UFC 296 news conference in Las Vegas took an unpleasant turn when Colby Covington made a repulsive comment about Leon Edwards' late father, stating he was "in hell." Edwards, whose father was murdered in 2004, reacted angrily, throwing a bottle at Covington, leading to a security intervention. The fighters were separated, but tensions remained high.
The Las Vegas Raiders established a franchise record for points scored by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 63-21. Rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell had an impressive performance, completing 20 of 34 passes for 248 yards and four touchdowns. The Raiders dominated with a halftime lead of 42-0, falling just nine points short of the NFL's all-time regular-season record for points in a single game, set by Washington in 1966. The victory keeps the Raiders' slim AFC wildcard hopes alive as they move to a 6-8 record for the season.