Russia strikes from Iranian soil

For the first time since World War II, Iranian soil has been used by the Russian airforce to send bombers destined for Syria.

Russian meanwhile became the first military operator to use the an Iranian Airbase after the Worls War II.

Neil MacFarquhar from the New York Times have a rather deep analysis on the issue. He states," Besides enabling Moscow to bring more firepower to the Syrian conflict, analysts said the new arrangement would expand Moscow’s political influence in the Middle East and speed the growing convergence between Moscow and Tehran".

You can read the full article in the New York Times here.

The main reason behind the decision taken by the Russian Ministry of Defence is that the bombers are too heavy to use the airbases established in Syria. The bombers have been carrying out missions from Russia while usage of Iranian air base of Hamadan in the north west of Iran makes the trip a thousand miles shorter.

While pangs of Russian-Iranian cooperation have been sung, a lot of people have been saying that the United States' decision of not using the fighter planes have made way for the Russia to enter the war in the Middle East.

Costa won it late for Chelsea on the opening weekend

Diego Costa's late strike gave Antonio Conte a dramatic winning start as Chelsea manager as his side secured a season-opening victory over West Ham.

The Spain striker found the net from 20 yards in the 89th minute to spark wild scenes at Stamford Bridge, with Conte celebrating among supporters.

Eden Hazard had put the Blues in front from the spot after Michail Antonio fouled Cesar Azpilicueta.
James Collins levelled for the Hammers, but Costa's finish settled it.

After a disastrous start to last season, which led to Jose Mourinho's sacking in December and a 10th-place finish, Conte's arrival at Chelsea will at the very least inject passion and animation into a side routinely accused of lacking commitment last term.

The former Juventus coach, where he won Serie A three times, is fresh from taking Italy to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, where he displayed tactical nous alongside animated touchline antics.

And Chelsea supporters hugged their new manager in delight as he sprinted along the front of the stands following Costa's low shot had crept into the net.

But the 27-year-old had been fortunate to still be on the pitch when, having already been booked for remonstrating with the referee, he escaped a second booking when he caught Hammers keeper Adrian high up on the shin with a late

The question of whether Chelsea can mount a strong title challenge will still remain after this display, with the Blues dominating possession but failing to finish off the visitors until late on.

But the all-action, energetic performance of £30m midfield signing N'Golo Kante - who won the title with Leicester City last season - and the vibrancy of Hazard, were positive signs.

Pakistan Cricket Team fined over slow over rate.

Pakistan Cricket Team (PCT) have been fined for maintaining slow over rate in 4th Test match,

It is interesting to note that PCT was only one over short.

The decision was made after taking all rules and regulations into consideration.

Misbah-ul-haq was fined 20% of the match fees and the rest team players were penalized 10% of their match fee.

Misbah might face suspension, if there is another violation of this kind within the specified time period.

Top Ten 2016 Games

The year 2016 brings some of the best games of the new gaming era. This year schedules some of the best games for which we have been waiting so long. Here is a list of top 10 games which are going to be launched in 2016 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC as well. All of these games make us excited and we have tried our best to select these prominent games launching this year:

1. Dues Ex: Mankind Divided

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is an upcoming cyberpunk-themed action, roleplaying stealth video game. developed  by Eidos Montreal and published by Square Enix as a sequel to the 2011 Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Set two years after Human Revolution, Mankind Divided features the return of Adam Jensen, with new technology and body augmentations. It is played from the first-person perspective, with a third-person perspective cover system.

Release Date: 23 August 2016

2. Mafia 3:

Mafia III is an upcoming action-adventure video game developed by Hangar 13 and published by 2K Games. It is the third installment in the Mafia series and the debut title for Hangar 13. Set in 1968 in the city of New Bordeaux, a fictional recreation of New Orleans, the story revolves around Lincoln Clay, an orphan and a Vietnam War veteran, who is on a quest to build a new crime organization to confront the Italian mob.

Release Date: 7 October 2016

3. Fifa 17:

FIFA 17 is an upcoming association football video game in the FIFA series, scheduled to be released on 27 September 2016 in North America and 29 September 2016 for the rest of the world. This will be the first FIFA game in the series to use the Frostbite game engine. EA Sports announced at E3 2016 that they will have all 20 Premier League managers' likenesses in the game (face scan, etc.). The new features in FIFA 17 include new attacking techniques, physical player overhaul, active intelligence system and set piece rewrite. The game will feature a new single-player story campaign mode titled The Journey for PS4, Xbox One and PC where players assume the role of Alex Hunter, a young footballer trying to make his mark in the Premier League. The player will be able to select one of 20 Premier League clubs to play for at the beginning of the season. The player can play any position including the goalkeeper. The story mode also features a dialogue wheel, similar to the Mass Effect series.

Release: 27 September 2016

4. XCOM 2:

XCOM 2 is a turn-based tactics video game developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games. It was released for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux on February 5, 2016, and will be released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in September 2016. XCOM 2 is the sequel to 2012's reboot of the series, XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Taking place 20 years after the events of Enemy Unknown, it follows the continuity that XCOM, a military organization trying to fight off an alien invasion, has lost the war, and is now a resistance force against their occupation of Earth.

Release: 6 September on PS4 and Xbox One.

               5 February 2016 on PC

5. Battlefield 1:

Battlefield 1 is an upcoming first-person shooter video game developed by EA DICE and published by Electronic Arts. Despite its name, it is the fourteenth installment in the Battlefield franchise, the first main entry in the series since Battlefield 4 (2013),  and the first World War I video game published by Electronic Arts since Wings of Glory in 1994. Similar to previous entries in the series, Battlefield 1 is a first-person shooter that emphasizes teamwork. The game is set in the period of World War I, and is inspired by historical events. Players can make use of World War I weapons, including bolt-action rifles, automatic and semi-automatic rifles, artillery, flamethrowers, and mustard gas to combat opponents. The game's multiplayer is planned to support up to 64 players.^[11] The new squad system allows a group of players to enter and leave game servers together.

Release: 21 October 2016

6. Final Fantasy XV:

Battlefield 1 is an upcoming first-person shooter video game developed by EA DICE and published by Electronic Arts. Despite its name, it is the fourteenth installment in the Battlefield franchise, the first main entry in the series since Battlefield 4 (2013),  and the first World War I video game published by Electronic Arts since Wings of Glory in 1994. Similar to previous entries in the series, Battlefield 1 is a first-person shooter that emphasizes teamwork. The game is set in the period of World War I, and is inspired by historical events. Players can make use of World War I weapons, including bolt-action rifles, automatic and semi-automatic rifles, artillery, flamethrowers, and mustard gas to combat opponents. The game's multiplayer is planned to support up to 64 players. The new squad system allows a group of players to enter and leave game servers together.

Initial Release: 30 September 2016.

7. Civilization VI:

Civilization VI is an upcoming 4X video game in the Civilization series. It is being developed by Firaxis Games, published by 2K Games, and distributed by Take-Two Interactive. Development of Civilization VI is being led by the teams that produced the expansions for Civilization V, and will include many of the gameplay mechanics introduced from those expansions. A critical design focus was to avoid having the player follow a pre-set path of improvements towards their civilization which they had observed from earlier games. Civilization VI places more emphasis on the terrain by "unstacking" city improvements from the main city space and giving bonuses for placing improvements near certain terrains. Other new features include research on the game's technology tree based on nearby terrain, a similar technology tree for cultural improvements and a better government civics structure for those playing on a cultural victory path, and new artificial intelligence mechanics for computer-controlled opponents that include secret goals and randomized engagements to disrupt an otherwise stable game.

Release: 21 October 2016 on PC

8. Gears of War 4:

Gears of War 4 is an upcoming third-person shooter video game developed by The Coalition and published by Microsoft Studios for Microsoft Windows and Xbox One. It will be the fifth installment in the Gears of War series and the fourth main installment. Gears of War 4 takes place 25 years after the Imulsion Countermeasure weapon destroyed all Imulsion on the planet Sera, taking the Locust and the Lambent with them as well. Many gameplay elements from the previous games are retained such as taking cover to avoid damage and performing active reloads. A new feature is the Combat Knife, which can be used for melee attacks and allows new ways to perform executions. New weapons have been introduced as well such as the Dropshot weapon that fires explosive drills and the Buzzkill that fires ricocheting sawblades. Players can also perform a short distance shoulder charge, knocking enemies off balance and enemies can also pull players out of cover and perform their own takedowns. The game features 4 categories of weather: from heavy breeze (trees, leaves, dust kicking up) and grows into violent category 3 windstorms that can affect combat and weapon usage.

Release: 11 October 2016 on PC and Xbox One.

9. Call of Duty Infinity Warfare:

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare is an upcoming first-person shooter video game developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision. Development of Infinite Warfare began during 2014. It is the first title by Infinity Ward under the new three-year development cycle for the Call of Duty series. The game's campaign is centered on a battle for the Solar System, which the Settlement Defense Front (SDF), a hostile force who are the main antagonists, are attempting to take over. The player takes control of Captain Nick Reyes of the Special Combat Air Recon (SCAR). They will have their own transforming fighter, named "Jackal", that they can customize as well as a central hub world named Retribution. Special editions of Infinite Warfare come with a remastered version of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, entitled Modern Warfare Remastered, developed by Raven Software. Infinite Warfare's official trailer was met with a mixed reception from game critics and journalists and a negative reception from the Call of Duty community. Similar to the previous games in the series, Infinite Warfare is a first-person shooter. As the game introduces a new setting, outer space, new gameplay mechanics, such as zero-gravity environments, are included. Assuming control of Captain Nick Reyes, a Tier 1 Special Operations pilot, players will engage in aerial combat with enemies using his transforming fighter, the Jackal. According to Infinity Ward, space combat is one of the game's key focuses, Transition between space combat and boots-on-the-ground combat is described as "seamless". Players gain access to Retribution, a central hub world.

Release: 4 November 2016

10. Watch Dogs 2:

Watch Dogs 2 is an upcoming open world action-adventure third-person shooter video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It is the sequel to 2014's Watch Dogs. Following Chicago, San Francisco becomes the next city to install the ctOS surveillance system, (the Central Operating System), which connects everyone with everything. The game features a new protagonist named Marcus Holloway (Ruffin Prentiss), a young and intelligent hacker from Oakland, California. He was wrongly framed for a crime he did not commit when he was still a child by the upgraded ctOS system, ctOS 2.0, which connects his personal information to the crime. Realizing the system brings harm to the innocent citizens of San Francisco, he decides to work with the hacking group DedSec to take down the city's ctOS 2.0, and Blume, the creator of the ctOS system. The  game features an open world set in a fictionalized version of San Francisco, for players to explore. The city of San Francisco consists of six different areas: the downtown area, Civic, Coast, Oakland, Marin, and Silicon Valley, all of which have different characteristics and aesthetics. The game's environment is more than twice as large as the setting from Watch Dogs. Players can navigate the city on foot or by the various vehicles featured in the game, such as cars, trucks, motorbikes, quad bikes and boats. The driving mechanic was overhauled and was designed to be more accessible. The players can also shoot their weapons while driving. Marcus also has improved acrobatic skills and has the ability to parkour around the city.

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10 Most popular places in Lahore

10 Most Popular Places in Lahore

Lahore is Pakistan's 2nd largest city, Provincial Capital of Punjab and 16th most populous city in the world. It is considered to be Pakistan's most developed city with modern infrastructure. Apart from Modern attractions Lahore has rich history and culture. One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Lahore remains an economic, political, entertainment and educational hub of Pakistan.

If you have never been to Lahore and have plans to visit Lahore, following are the places you must visit to experience the essence of Lahore.

1. Lahore Fort:

     Lahore fort is also known as 'Shahi Killa'. It was constructed by mughal emperor Akbar between 1556-1605. Fort is a treasure of culture and history.

2. Badshahi Mosque:

Badshahi masjid was build by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1673. It Pakistan's second largest mosque by capacity and fifth in the world. It is part of UNESCO world heritage sites since 1993.

3. Minar-e-Pakistan:

          It is located in Iqbal Park besides Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque . It was constructed between 1960-1968. It has historical importance that connects it back to the foundation of Pakistan.

4. Shalimar Gardens:

       Shahimar Gardens is another historic attraction in lahore. It was constructed during ShahJhan's reign. It is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.

5. Masjid Wazir Khan:

          Masjid Wazir Khan is another jewel of historical art and culture. It was constructed between 1634-1635 during the reign of Shah Jahan. This mosque is famous for its tile works.

6. Walled City of Lahore:

     Basically, this is old formation of Lahore. The whole city used to be a gatted community within 12 gates. You should visit walled city to observe essence of Lahore.

7. Food Street:

        It is located within the walled city of Lahore. It serves as a food hub with traditional taste.

8. Lahore Zoo:

              Lahore zoo was established in 1872 by British government. Lahore zoo is one of the largest zoos in south Asia. The zoo houses a collection of 1380 animals of 136 species.

9. Lahore Museum:

    It was established in 1865 by British government. Lahore Museum is the largest museum of Pakistan.

10. Fortress Stadium:

     Fortress Stadium is one of the finest entertainment and shopping hub of the city. Fortress Square has Play lands and shopping malls.

The Beautiful Game

"Game after game after game! Now I realize what is most important in my life: Football! Show me something more thrilling than a perfect volley, tell me you've never dreamed of that immaculate strike and that passionate moment when an entire nation holds its breath. Tell me that football is not our one common language when the whole world stops for ninety minutes to be witness to that one thing we all understand.

You could tell me I am wrong, some may it is just a game. But, this is about heroes and tribes, about loyalties and devotion, it's our commitment and our passion, our battle and our belief."

 -Intro to FIFA 06

The above excerpt, arguably the best intro ever to any FIFA game, simply explains the feeling of every single footballer, no matter professional or amateur, out there. Yeah, it may be just a game from your point of view, but for us this is more than just a game. It is something that runs through one's veins. The moment we have a football, we suddenly transcend the boundaries of this world. All the problems suddenly disappear and, at least for an hour or so, all that matters is the beautiful game! All that matters is the ball at your feet. It isn't about goals either, it is just the game, it is about getting out there and dancing with the ball. It is about a beautiful dodge, about a perfect backheel, a sudden dribble out of nowhere. No, you don't need to be the greatest player to enjoy this game. It is all about the current that suddenly rushes through your body as soon as touch the ball. No matter how many times you fail, the love of the game just doesn't let you quit it. You go into the game again harder, with renewed passion. I rest my case with some awesome words from one of the greatest of the game 

"Some People think that football is a matter of life and death, I assure you it is much more serious than that."

Supercopa: Barca secure win in the first leg!

An exciting match ended with Barca beating the Europa experts Sevilla 2-0.

Preview:

Luis Enrique employed a 4-4-2 rather than the usual 4-4-3 with Arda dropping deep into midfield instead of occupying the left flank in place of Neymar. The choice of Matheu as a left back raised many questions. The defender has not performing well recently and there was a better option available in the form of the newly signed Lucas Digne.
Sevilla has undegone drastic changes since their 3-1 win over Liverpool back in May to lift their third consecutive Europa League title; their much successful coach Uney Emery decided to switch to PSG and their striker Kevin Gameiro left for Atletico madrid. Luciana Vietto, a part of the aforementioned deal, is now their striker.

The Match:

The first half ended on a level note. Barca were disappointing as Sevilla pressed very hard. Busquets, the pivot, was not performing well which was one of basic reason as to why Barca could not retain much possession which is their style of play. Matheu and Iniesta had to be taken off, both within 30 minutes, due to injuries. They didn't look serious but an official statement is yet to come. They were replaced by Lucas Digne and Denis Suarez.

The second half proved much better for the men in stripes. The overall team play was much better. The first goal came in 55th minute. A beautiful cross over the Sevilla defense by Denis Suarez found Arda Turan who chested it into the path of Luis Suarez who bulleted it into the net. The second one came late in 8tst minute as purely awesome Messi through ball found Munir, who had just been subbed in for Arda, and his first touch found the back of the net. Both sides found some beautiful chances near the ending minutes of the game but failed to convert. 

Barca go into the second leg, being played on Wednesday, as favorites with two away goals. They are in a prime position to get the first silverware of the season.