Vivo is preparing to launch its new flagship smartphone, the iQOO 15 Ultra, in early February, according to a fresh leak from China. The timing aligns with earlier reports that suggested the phone would arrive before the Chinese New Year on February 17. Vivo has now confirmed the device will debut ahead of the holiday, narrowing the launch window.
According to early updates, the main focus of the iQOO 15 Ultra is performance. The device is expected to feature the largest active cooling fan ever used in a smartphone. This design points to an emphasis on sustained performance, especially during long gaming sessions. Reports also suggest the phone will include physical shoulder buttons, underlining its gaming-first positioning.
The handset will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, placing it among the top-tier Android devices expected this year. It will be paired with a 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED display, offering a 1440×3168 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The screen is also said to reach a peak brightness of 6,000 nits, making it suitable for both gaming and outdoor use.
These display specifications are similar to the standard iQOO 15. However, the Ultra variant adds extra hardware aimed at heavier workloads. According to industry sources, the enhanced cooling system is designed to maintain stable performance under pressure, where regular smartphones may throttle.
Meanwhile, details about pricing and storage options have not been confirmed. Vivo has also not shared full specifications officially. Initial reports say more information may surface closer to the launch date.
What remains unclear is the phone’s availability outside China. So far, there is no confirmation of an international release for the iQOO 15 Ultra. Fans in other markets, including Pakistan, may need to wait for further updates.
The February launch is expected to clarify Vivo’s plans for the device. Tech watchers, including PakistaniBano News, are closely tracking the development as the launch date approaches.
Laughter Chefs Season 3 has once again turned weekend television into a lively mix of comedy and chaos. The show’s unique blend of cooking challenges and unpredictable celebrity humour has created a strong fan wave, and interest in the upcoming Episode 4 is growing quickly. Viewers are eager to know when and where they can watch the new episode as the series continues to pull attention with its lighthearted kitchen battles. The show arrived this season with high expectations. Fans were curious about what the makers would bring after the success of the previous instalment. The early response confirmed the buzz, as social media filled with clips, reactions, and memes from the first few episodes. The mix of burnt dishes, loud laughter, and surprising kitchen mistakes set the tone for another entertaining run. Episode 4 is now the main focus for viewers. The weekend format has built a steady routine, and many are waiting to see what new challenges and unexpected moments will unfold. The early hype suggests more fast-paced comedy and cooking disasters that have become a trademark of the show. Laughter Chefs Season 3 features a star-studded lineup this time. Tejasswi Prakash, Vivian Dsena, Eisha Singh, and Isha Malviya have entered the kitchen, ready to try a completely different side of performance. Real-life couple Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee have also joined, bringing strong chemistry and fun energy to the show. Fan favourites from previous seasons have returned as well. Aly Goni, Karan Kundrra, Krushna Abhishek with Kashmira Shah, Elvish Yadav, Abhishek Kumar, Samarth Jural, and Jannat Zubair are all back to recreate their earlier charm and compete in the new season’s unpredictable kitchen challenges. Keeping the show’s spirit alive are host Bharti Singh and Chef Harpal Singh. Their humour, guidance, and reactions hold the format together, balancing the fun with expert judgment. Their presence remains one of the strongest elements that keep the audience hooked. The next episode is set to air tonight, November 30. The third episode will be broadcast on television, continuing the Saturday and Sunday release pattern that has worked well for fans who look for weekend entertainment. The makers have kept the rhythm steady, ensuring regular episodes for viewers who follow the show closely. For those who prefer streaming platforms, each episode of Laughter Chefs Season 3 is available on JioHotstar. Viewers can enjoy the show anytime and even rewatch earlier episodes to keep up with the ongoing kitchen madness. The platform makes it easy for users to stay updated even if they miss the television broadcast. Watching Episode 4 online is simple. First, download the JioHotstar app from the Play Store or App Store. Those who do not want to install the app can open the official website instead. After launching the platform, type the show’s name into the search bar to access the episode list. Some episodes may require a subscription. If the episode is locked behind a premium plan, users can select a package that suits their budget. Once logged in with a registered mobile number or email, viewers will get full access to the show’s library. Choosing Episode 4 will start the stream instantly, giving fans a fresh dose of jokes, confusion, and culinary surprises. The show continues to deliver a break from routine, offering a light and entertaining viewing option for the weekend. The excitement around Laughter Chefs Season 3 shows how the mix of celebrity presence, kitchen challenges, and spontaneous comedy keeps audiences engaged. With every new episode, the show manages to bring unexpected moments that viewers enjoy sharing online. The anticipation around the next set of challenges and funny mistakes remains strong, as fans look forward to another weekend filled with chaotic fun and memorable scenes from the kitchen studio.
The Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad is gradually taking shape as the mega event draws closer. Over the last two years, Pakistan’s T20I performance has slipped in key areas such as powerplay control, strike-rate and death-overs impact, and the numbers reflect that decline. According to the latest figures, Pakistan currently sit in 7th position on the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings with a rating of 235. Since the last T20 World Cup, they have played 34 T20 Internationals, winning 21 matches. With the next tournament just months away, attention has turned firmly towards the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad and how it will line up on the opening day. Pakistan are scheduled to start their campaign on 7 February, when they face the Netherlands. Team management will be keen to begin the World Cup on a strong note and reverse recent trends with a more settled and confident unit. Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Takes Shape Under Salman Ali Agha Against this background, T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has indicated that the core of the side for the World Cup is already clear. He has conveyed to officials that no major changes are expected and that the current balance of the team is likely to be carried into the tournament, providing continuity and stability. This approach means the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad is expected to feature a settled top order, a middle phase strengthened by all-round options, and a bowling unit built around high-quality spin and established pace. According to the present thinking inside the camp, the combination looks structured and aligned with the captain’s longer-term vision for the format. Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad 2026 (Probable) Player Name Primary Role Abdul Samad Top-order batter Babar Azam Batter Hasan Nawaz Top-order batter Sahibzada Farhan Middle-order batter Saim Ayub Top-order batter Usman Khan (†) Wicketkeeper-batter Salman Ali Agha (c) All-rounder (off-spinner) Faheem Ashraf Bowling all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz All-rounder (left-arm orthodox spinner) Abrar Ahmed Leg-spinner / mystery spinner Mohammad Wasim Jnr Fast-medium bowler Naseem Shah Fast bowler Salman Mirza Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi Left-arm fast bowler Usman Tariq Off-spin bowler The probable Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 squad appears balanced across departments. At the top, names such as Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Abdul Samad and Hasan Nawaz offer a mix of stability and stroke-play for the powerplay overs. The middle overs are expected to be controlled by captain Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Nawaz, with Faheem Ashraf adding further depth as a bowling all-rounder. The bowling group stands out as one of Pakistan’s major strengths, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jnr leading the pace attack alongside left-arm quick Salman Mirza. In spin, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq provide variety and control in the middle overs. Taken together, the structure suggests a clear, strategy-driven approach as Pakistan prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup, a topic closely followed by readers of Pakistani Bano and regular visitors of PakistaniBano News.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the full schedule for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, confirming that the much-anticipated match between Pakistan and India will be played on 15 February in Colombo. This will be one of the most watched fixtures of the tournament. The event will begin on 7 February and will end on 8 March, with matches taking place across India and Sri Lanka. According to the ICC, the tournament’s opening day will feature Pakistan vs Netherlands, West Indies vs Bangladesh, and India vs USA at different venues. Pakistan’s group matches will be held entirely in Colombo. The ICC stated that this decision was taken due to security concerns linked to tensions between the two countries. Pakistan have been placed with India, Netherlands, Namibia and USA in the opening stage. Pakistan’s second match will be against the USA on 10 February, also in Colombo. The team will then face India on 15 February in a headline clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Their final group match is scheduled for 18 February, when they will take on Namibia at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. The tournament will continue with daily matches, with fixtures set across Colombo, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Kandy. The schedule also confirms games such as New Zealand vs Afghanistan (8 February in Chennai), England vs West Indies (11 February in Mumbai), and Australia vs Sri Lanka (16 February in Kandy), along with several other league-stage fixtures. The Super Eight round will begin on 21 February, followed by the semi-finals on 4 March in Kolkata and Colombo, and 5 March in Mumbai. The final of the tournament will be held on 8 March, with the venue depending on qualification — either Ahmedabad or Colombo. The ICC said the schedule marks another major global event returning to South Asia and expressed confidence that cricket fans would witness a competitive and high-energy tournament across both host nations. Full T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule (Date-Wise, One Line Per Match) 07 February 2026 – Pakistan vs Netherlands, SSC Colombo 07 February 2026 – West Indies vs Bangladesh, Kolkata 07 February 2026 – India vs USA, Mumbai 08 February 2026 – New Zealand vs Afghanistan, Chennai 08 February 2026 – England vs Nepal, Mumbai 08 February 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Ireland, R. Premadasa Colombo 09 February 2026 – Bangladesh vs Italy, Kolkata 09 February 2026 – Zimbabwe vs Oman, SSC Colombo 09 February 2026 – South Africa vs Canada, Ahmedabad 10 February 2026 – Netherlands vs Namibia, Delhi 10 February 2026 – New Zealand vs UAE, Chennai 10 February 2026 – Pakistan vs USA, SSC Colombo 11 February 2026 – South Africa vs Afghanistan, Ahmedabad 11 February 2026 – Australia vs Ireland, R. Premadasa Colombo 11 February 2026 – England vs West Indies, Mumbai 12 February 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Oman, Kandy 12 February 2026 – Nepal vs Italy, Mumbai 12 February 2026 – India vs Namibia, Delhi 13 February 2026 – Australia vs Zimbabwe, R. Premadasa Colombo 13 February 2026 – Canada vs UAE, Delhi 13 February 2026 – USA vs Netherlands, Chennai 14 February 2026 – Ireland vs Oman, SSC Colombo 14 February 2026 – England vs Bangladesh, Kolkata 14 February 2026 – New Zealand vs South Africa, Ahmedabad 15 February 2026 – West Indies vs Nepal, Mumbai 15 February 2026 – USA vs Namibia, Chennai 15 February 2026 – India vs Pakistan, R. Premadasa Colombo 16 February 2026 – Afghanistan vs UAE, Delhi 16 February 2026 – England vs Italy, Kolkata 16 February 2026 – Australia vs Sri Lanka, Kandy 17 February 2026 – New Zealand vs Canada, Chennai 17 February 2026 – Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Kandy 17 February 2026 – Bangladesh vs Nepal, Mumbai 18 February 2026 – South Africa vs UAE, Delhi 18 February 2026 – Pakistan vs Namibia, SSC Colombo 18 February 2026 – India vs Netherlands, Ahmedabad 19 February 2026 – West Indies vs Italy, Kolkata 19 February 2026 – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, R. Premadasa Colombo 19 February 2026 – Afghanistan vs Canada, Chennai 20 February 2026 – Australia vs Oman, Kandy 21 February 2026 – Super Eight Match (Y2 vs Y3), R. Premadasa Colombo 22 February 2026 – Y1 vs Y4, Kandy 22 February 2026 – X1 vs X4, Ahmedabad 23 February 2026 – X2 vs X3, Mumbai 24 February 2026 – Y1 vs Y3, Kandy 25 February 2026 – Y2 vs Y4, R. Premadasa Colombo 26 February 2026 – X3 vs X4, Ahmedabad 26 February 2026 – X1 vs X2, Chennai 27 February 2026 – Y1 vs Y2, R. Premadasa Colombo 28 February 2026 – Y3 vs Y4, Kandy 01 March 2026 – X2 vs X4, Delhi 01 March 2026 – X1 vs X3, Kolkata 04 March 2026 – Semi-final 1, Kolkata 04 March 2026 – Semi-final 1, R. Premadasa Colombo 05 March 2026 – Semi-final 2, Mumbai 08 March 2026 – Final, R. Premadasa Colombo 08 March 2026 – Final, Ahmedabad
The Pakistan Super League has taken a major step toward expansion, announcing that the auction for two new PSL franchises will take place on 6 January 2026. The move follows the completion of market valuations for existing teams and commercial assets, allowing the league to proceed with its long-awaited growth plans. According to the PSL, only bidders who meet the technical requirements will be allowed to participate in the January auction. Officials say the aim is to ensure that only committed and financially capable groups enter the competition, keeping the league’s standards intact. The inclusion of two new teams is expected to reshape the tournament’s structure. It will expand PSL’s presence across Pakistan, create new rivalries, and open the door for more young cricketers to showcase their talent. This development comes at a time when the league is looking to strengthen its national footprint and improve commercial opportunities. As part of the pre-auction process, the PCB has shortlisted six cities from which bidders can select their franchise identity: Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. Successful bidders will be free to choose any of these as their official team name once the auction is complete. PSL and PCB officials said they are excited to welcome new stakeholders into the league’s ecosystem, noting that the expansion reflects Pakistan cricket’s broader ambitions both on and off the field. With the auction date now confirmed, the arrival of two new teams is set to add depth, opportunities, and fresh energy to the country’s biggest cricket event.
The federal government has confirmed two public holidays across Pakistan in December 2025, giving citizens a welcome break before the new year. The holidays will be observed nationwide and apply to all public and private institutions. According to the official notification, December 25 will be a full public holiday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The day also coincides with Christmas celebrations, allowing both events to be observed together throughout the country. In addition, December 26 has been declared a public holiday for the Christian community to continue their Christmas festivities. On this day, government offices, educational institutions, and most private organizations will remain closed, giving citizens an extended two-day weekend. The announcement has been widely welcomed by students, employees, and families who see it as a chance to relax and spend time with loved ones. Many citizens also view it as an opportunity to participate in community events and year-end gatherings before the start of 2026. Officials confirmed that both holidays are part of the national holiday calendar for 2025, ensuring that citizens across all provinces will enjoy the same observance days.
Dell Technologies has confirmed plans to launch a new class of ultra-slim, entry-level Alienware gaming laptops, marking a shift in its gaming hardware strategy. The move comes ahead of CES 2026, as the company responds to changing demand where portability now matters as much as graphics power. According to company disclosures linked to the event, Dell is repositioning Alienware to better match current market needs. Buyers are increasingly looking for gaming laptops that are easier to carry and suitable for daily use, instead of large machines built only for gaming. Executives said the upcoming Alienware models will focus on thinner designs and broader access, while still offering dedicated graphics cards. The aim is to balance performance with everyday usability. Dell believes this approach reflects how many users now want one device that can handle gaming, work, and study. The strategy also allows Alienware to move beyond its traditional high-end space. By introducing lighter, more portable systems, Dell is targeting students, casual gamers, and content creators. This group has often preferred thin productivity laptops or gaming consoles over heavy gaming rigs. The timing fits wider changes across the PC industry. AI-powered workloads, tighter heat limits, and rising component costs are pushing manufacturers to rethink design priorities. Recent market data shows PC shipments are stabilising after a long slowdown. Growth is now strongest in thin premium laptops and AI-ready systems, not large desktop-style gaming machines. Meanwhile, chipmakers such as Intel, AMD, and Nvidia are releasing more efficient processors and graphics chips made for compact laptops. These advances are reducing the old trade-off between size and sustained performance. As a result, slimmer gaming laptops are becoming more practical. Dell has not shared full specifications yet. However, executives indicated that the new Alienware laptops will feature slimmer chassis designs, updated cooling methods, and mid-range discrete GPUs. The focus will be on efficiency rather than high power draw. This matches industry trends toward vapor chambers, improved airflow, and smarter power control to manage heat in thin systems. Analysts see this shift as a response to changes in how people play games. Cloud gaming, cross-platform titles, and esports have lowered the need for extreme desktop-level performance. Many popular games now run well on mid-range hardware, especially when combined with modern graphics optimisation. Attention is now turning to CES 2026, where Dell is expected to reveal pricing, final designs, and positioning. Industry watchers say the launch will show whether this approach can reset expectations for entry-level gaming laptops or remain a careful test in a fast-changing PC market. The announcement is already drawing interest from technology observers, including PakistaniBano News.
Realme has shared its plans for 2026 with the launch of the Realme 16 Pro+, placing clear focus on camera quality, refined design, and steady performance. The company says the new phone is meant to offer practical upgrades rather than chasing specs alone, setting the direction for its smartphones this year. At the centre of the device is Realme’s new LumaColor Image processing technology. According to the company, the system is designed to deliver natural skin tones, improved colour accuracy, and lighting closer to real-life scenes. The Realme 16 Pro+ is among the first phones from the brand to use this image processing pipeline. The main camera features a 200MP Samsung HP5 sensor with a 1/1.56-inch size and an f/1.8 aperture. It supports full-pixel auto zoom with 1x and 2x lossless zoom, allowing users to crop images without losing detail in everyday shots. Realme says this setup is aimed at users who rely heavily on smartphone photography. According to early updates, the phone also includes 21 customised colour tones through the LumaColor system. Five portrait styles are offered, named Lively, Vintage, Fresh, Neon, and Vivid. Other camera tools include HyperRAW, InstantSnap, and anti-distortion algorithms, which are designed to improve sharpness, handle motion better, and reduce edge distortion. For zoom photography, the Realme 16 Pro+ carries a 50MP periscope telephoto camera using Samsung’s JN5 sensor. It offers 3.5x optical zoom and supports up to 120x Super Zoom. An 8MP ultra-wide camera completes the rear setup. Video features include 4K HDR recording at multiple zoom levels and dual-focal 4K 60fps support at 1x and 3.5x. Design remains a major highlight this year. The 16 Pro series follows Realme’s Urban Wild Design philosophy and was developed with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa. The Pro+ model uses a bio-based organic silicone back, made from plant-based straw, reflecting a focus on sustainable materials. On the hardware side, the phone runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset. It comes with 8GB or 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB or 512GB storage options. The front features a 6.8-inch curved AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. A 16MP front camera and an optical fingerprint scanner are also included. Power is supplied by a 7,000mAh battery with 80W wired charging. The device carries IP69 water and dust resistance and runs realme UI 7.0 based on Android 16. Colour options include Master Gold, Master Grey, and Camellia Pink, with availability details expected to be shared later, according to PakistaniBano News.
Awais Naseem Vohra has been appointed acting chief executive officer following PTCL’s full acquisition of Telenor Pakistan, according to company updates. The move comes as the telecom sector enters a new phase of consolidation and future planning. Officials have not shared details on the duration of the acting role. Vohra is not new to the organisation. He served as Chief Technology Officer at Telenor Pakistan since October 2021, where he led network strategy, digital innovation, cybersecurity, and sustainability initiatives. His role placed him at the centre of operations in one of Pakistan’s most competitive telecom markets. With more than 20 years of experience in telecom, Vohra joined Telenor Pakistan in 2004 during its pre-launch phase. He worked across network operations and strategic roles before moving to Jazz as Vice President Network Operations from 2018 to 2020. He later returned to Telenor in 2020 as VP Technology Operations and was promoted to CTO the following year. His academic background includes an engineering degree from UET Lahore, a business management degree from LUMS, and executive training from INSEAD’s Strategy Execution Programme. The mix of technical and business education has shaped his leadership approach, according to industry observers. In 2025, Vohra became a visible voice on artificial intelligence, sustainability, and cybersecurity. He delivered the keynote at Telenor Pakistan’s AI Day in September 2025, where he spoke about infrastructure gaps, AI literacy, policy needs, and ethical AI use. Under his leadership, Telenor won top honours at the PTA Telecom Cyber Security Awards 2025, marking the second consecutive year for compliance with Critical Telecom Data and Infrastructure Security Regulations. He also led several major initiatives, including a Huawei Core Cloud Modernisation agreement in December 2025 to support AI-based services, ZTE microwave trials reaching 1.9 Gbps transmission, and Pakistan’s first low-carbon ESaaS project with Brillanz Group, aimed at reducing diesel use. Other projects included a SAP-based commission management system launched in May 2025 and smart metering pilots in AJ&K in December 2024. As Telenor prepares for merger integration and future 5G readiness, Vohra’s technical leadership is expected to guide the transition, according to PakistaniBano News.
