AI Revolution & Tech Industry Transformation: Jobs, Innovation and Disruption

A large fire erupted at the Al Najeeb mobile market in Karachis Saddar area on Monday evening around 7:45 PM, prompting a major emergency response from fire services and rescue teams. The blaze broke out on the 7th floor parking area, quickly engulfing three vehicles before being brought under control.

According to Rescue 1122 officials, two people were rescued safely from the building while two others were adversely affected by smoke inhalation and received immediate medical attention at the scene. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in the incident.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed that the situation was brought under control with Karachi Metropolitan Corporation fire tenders and snorkels present at the scene. Cooling operations continued late into the evening to prevent any rekindling of the flames.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about fire safety in Karachis commercial buildings, coming just over two weeks after the catastrophic Gul Plaza fire on January 17, 2026, which claimed 73 lives. That tragedy highlighted serious deficiencies in building safety standards, emergency exits, and fire prevention measures across the city.

Initial investigations suggest the fire may have started due to an electrical short circuit in one of the parked vehicles, though authorities are conducting a thorough inquiry. The mobile market will remain closed while safety inspections are conducted and repairs are completed.

The stage is set for an epic Super Bowl LX showdown as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots prepare to meet on February 8 at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara, California, marking the 10th Super Bowl rematch in NFL history and rekindling memories of their controversial 2015 encounter.

The Seahawks enter as 4.5-point favorites, with some Vegas sportsbooks listing them at -5. The betting public has backed Seattle in pretty much all markets, demonstrating confidence in Mike Macdonalds defensive unit that allowed the fewest points in the NFL during the regular season at just 16.4 per game.

For the Patriots, this represents a remarkable turnaround from their 4-13 record in 2024 to 14-3 in 2025. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye led the NFL in Total QBR at 77.1 this season, establishing himself as one of the leagues elite signal-callers and giving Patriots fans hope for a dynasty revival.

The matchup revives memories of Super Bowl XLIX at the end of the 2014 season, when Malcolm Butlers goal-line interception sealed a 28-24 Patriots victory in one of the most dramatic finishes in Super Bowl history. That play remains forever ingrained in both franchises lore and adds an extra layer of intrigue to Sundays clash.

The betting total has moved slightly, with several sportsbooks dropping from 46 to 45 points, suggesting defensive-minded game planning from both coaching staffs. Weather conditions in Santa Clara are expected to be clear with mild temperatures, ideal for football.

NBC will broadcast the game starting at 6:30 PM ET, with extensive pre-game coverage beginning in the early afternoon. International audiences across more than 180 countries will tune in, making it one of the most-watched sporting events of 2026.

The Government of Pakistan has officially announced that the national cricket team will boycott their scheduled T20 World Cup group match against India on February 15, 2026, dealing a significant blow to the tournaments credibility and sparking an immediate response from the International Cricket Council.

In a formal statement, Pakistani officials confirmed the team is approved to travel to Sri Lanka for the tournament but explicitly stated that the Pakistan cricket team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15 February 2026 against India. The government did not specify reasons for the decision, though it follows weeks of tension after Bangladesh were removed from the tournament.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously raised concerns about double standards in ICC decision-making, particularly after Bangladesh requested an alternate venue due to security concerns about playing in India. Pakistan was the only country that vocally supported Bangladeshs request, leading to speculation about political motivations behind the boycott.

The ICC issued a stern warning about the consequences of the boycott, stating that selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competition. Pakistan will forfeit two points from the match, and their net run rate will be negatively impacted, potentially jeopardizing their advancement to the knockout stages.

Pakistan are scheduled to play Netherlands on February 7, USA on February 10, and Namibia on February 18 in Group A. The teams performance in these matches will now be crucial for their tournament survival. Back-channel discussions are reportedly underway between cricket boards to find a resolution, though time is running short before the tournament begins.

The NBA trade deadline on Thursday, February 5 at 3 PM ET is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory, with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and future Hall of Famer James Harden at the center of blockbuster trade discussions.

According to ESPN sources, the Milwaukee Bucks have submitted counteroffers to teams aggressively pursuing Giannis, with the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks among the most active suitors. The Bucks appear willing to listen to offers but are setting a historically high price for the Greek Freak.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have held advanced discussions about a deal that would send James Harden to Cleveland and Darius Garland to Los Angeles. ESPNs Shams Charania reported that the Clippers and Harden have worked together in an effort to find a deal ahead of the deadline, suggesting the 10-time All-Star is open to a change of scenery.

The Cavaliers, currently leading the Eastern Conference with a 40-9 record, view Harden as a veteran presence who could help them navigate the playoffs. For the Clippers, acquiring the younger Garland would provide a long-term solution at point guard as they retool around Kawhi Leonard.

Other notable names generating trade buzz include Anthony Davis, with the Dallas Mavericks reportedly engaging the Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, who has attracted interest from both the Miami Heat and Sacramento Kings.

Several deals have already been completed, including the Cavaliers trading DeAndre Hunter to Sacramento for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis in a three-team arrangement involving the Chicago Bulls. The Atlanta Hawks also moved Vit Krejci to Portland for Duop Reath and future picks.

Pakistani security forces have killed 177 militants in sweeping counter-terrorism operations across Balochistan over the past 48 hours, military officials confirmed Sunday. The operations followed coordinated attacks that resulted in the deaths of 15 security personnel and 18 civilians in Quetta and other towns across the restive province.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military conducted intelligence-based raids in multiple districts including Harnai, Panjgur, and Mastung. The operations were launched in response to recent terrorist attacks that shocked the nation and prompted calls for decisive action against militant networks operating in the region.

Internet services remain suspended across Balochistan as authorities continue operations to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. The province has experienced a surge in militant activity in recent months, with armed groups targeting both security forces and civilian populations.

China strongly condemned the recent attacks in Balochistan and pledged unwavering support for Pakistan in combating terrorism. Chinese officials expressed solidarity with Pakistan and emphasized the importance of regional stability for ongoing infrastructure projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The military spokesperson stated that security forces recovered a significant cache of weapons, explosives, and communication equipment during the operations. Several high-value targets were among those eliminated, though their identities have not been disclosed for operational security reasons.