Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Houthis threaten more attacks on US, British warships in Red Sea

Houthi Military Spokesman, Yahya Sarea
Yemen’s Houthi group said it would keep up attacks on US and British warships in the Red Sea in what it called acts of self defence, stoking fears of long-term disruptions to world trade.

According to international media reports, in a statement, the group’s military spokesperson said all American and British warships participating in “aggression” against its country were targets.

The US and Britain have launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, and returned the militia to a list of terrorist groups as turmoil from the Gaza conflict spreads through the region.

The Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen, have been attacking ships in and around the Red Sea, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians.

As per reports, a ship carrying around 14,000 sheep and 2,000 cattle is marooned off the coast of Australia in sweltering heat after it was forced to abandon a trip through the Red Sea, causing an outcry from people concerned about the animal’s welfare.

The vessel left Australia on Jan 5 for Israel, where it was to unload, but diverted from its course in mid-January due to the threat of attack by Yemen’s Houthi fighters before being ordered home by the Australian government.

The animals are now in limbo and could be discharged in Australia, where biosecurity rules would require them to quarantine, or sent back to sea for a month-long journey to Israel around Africa, avoiding the Red Sea, industry officials and the government said.

Babar Azam speaks out on struggles and performance concerns

Babar Azam
Former Pakistani captain Babar Azam spoke in an interview stating that he is not satisfied with where he is today and has many more milestones to achieve.

The 29-year-old is representing Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and has scored 157 runs in four innings at 52.33 average and 112.94 strike rate.

Azam recently gave an interview where he stated that he was not satisfied with where he is right now and wants to improve.

“I am not satisfied with where I am right now, and there are still more milestones to achieve. When I fail, I talk to many people and learn from my mistakes,” Azam said.

He then talked about the quality of spin bowling in the BPL, saying he tries his best to adapt to the conditions wherever he plays.

“In the BPL, quality spinners pose a challenge, and I try to adapt my game according to the conditions everywhere. I have arrived here from New Zealand, and there is a difference in conditions between the two,” Azam said.

“I make an effort to play by staying on the wicket for partnership-building. Youngblood is a good thing in T20 cricket, but it needs to be accompanied by experience.”

Azam then said as an experienced player, he knows how to handle pressure. He also talked about how he has mastered playing cover drives.

“An experienced player knows how to handle pressure. Asian players find it challenging in Australia, New Zealand, England, and South Africa. The solution to this is preparation for both bounce and money,” Azam added.

“My cover drive is my strength; playing this shot boosts my confidence. I have worked hard for the cover drive, and now I am considered an expert to some extent.”

Uses for Vinegar: Beauty Tips

Uses for Vinegar: Beauty Tips
Vinegar is a wonderful -- and inexpensive -- addition to your beauty regimen. Vinegar can help restore the natural acidity of your skin, which may clear up skin problems such as dryness, itching, flaking, and acne.

This article includes beauty tips and tricks that will help you stay beautiful without spending a fortune. We'll start with the skin:

Age Spots: Vinegar mixed with onion juice may help reduce the appearance of age spots. Mix equal parts onion juice and vinegar, and dab onto the age spots. After several weeks of this daily routine, the spots should lighten.

Itchy Skin: To relieve itchy skin and/or aching muscles, add 8 ounces apple cider vinegar to a bathtub of warm water. Soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes.

Vinegar can be a useful addition to your skincare routine for your face.

Aftershave: Apple cider vinegar is a great aftershave for men that will help keep their skin soft and young looking. Keep a small bottle of it in the medicine cabinet, and splash on face after shaving.

Cleansers and Toners: Use a mixture of half vinegar, half water to clean your face. Then rinse with vinegar diluted with water, and let your face air dry to seal in the moisture.

Problem skin: Oily skin can be controlled with a mixture of half apple cider vinegar and half cool water. The mixture works as an astringent. You can also freeze this solution into ice cubes and use it as a cooling facial treatment on a hot summer day.

Make a paste of honey, wheat flour, and vinegar, then use it to lightly cover a new outbreak of pimples. Keep the paste on overnight, and rinse it off in the morning. This should accelerate the healing process.

Help Your Hands

People judge us by how our hands look. Vinegar can make a difference.

Chapped Skin: Mix equal parts vinegar and hand cream to help chapped hands.

Nail Polish: Make your nail polish last longer on your fingers by soaking fingertips for 1 minute in 2 teaspoons vinegar and 1/2 cup warm water before applying the polish.

Scrub: Clean very dirty hands by scrubbing with cornmeal that has been moistened with a little bit of apple cider vinegar. Rinse in cool water, then dry.

Healthy Hair

Yes, vinegar can make your hair cleaner and shinier.

Conditioning: Vinegar is a great hair conditioner and can improve cleanliness and shine. For simple conditioning, just add 1 tablespoon vinegar to your hair as you rinse it.

Dandruff: Massage full-strength vinegar into your scalp several times a week before shampooing. This can help create healthy hair and control dandruff.

As you've seen, vinegar can be just as effective as high-priced beauty products. The next time you want to pamper yourself, think of vinegar.

Elon Musk says Neuralink has implanted its first brain chip in human

Elon Musk says Neuralink has implanted its first brain chip in human
Elon Musk, the billionaire founder of the neurotechnology company Neuralink, has said the first human received an implant from the brain-chip startup and is recovering well.

The surgery is not a surprise: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had given the company clearance in September to carry out the first trial of its implant on humans.

“Initial results show promising neuron spike detection,” Musk said in a post on X on Monday, a day after the chip was implanted.

Spikes are activity by neurons, which the National Institute of Health describes as cells that use electrical and chemical signals to send information around the brain and to the body. Musk did not provide further details.

In follow-up tweets sent in between arguing about video games and bantering with far-right influencers, the businessman said the first Neuralink product was called Telepathy.

”It enables control of your phone or computer, and through them almost any device, just by thinking,” he wrote. “Initial users will be those who have lost the use of their limbs. Imagine if Stephen Hawking could communicate faster than a speed typist or auctioneer. That is the goal.”

Musk has a long history of bold promises but a spottier record of fulfilling them. In 2016, he wrongly predicted that within two years it would be possible for a Tesla to drive autonomously from New York to Los Angeles. That year he said his SpaceX rocket company would fly to Mars in 2018 – it still has not.

In 2017, Musk suggested Neuralink’s first product would be on the market “in about four years”. However, Tuesday’s news was a “significant milestone” towards that goal, said Anne Vanhoestenberghe, a professor of active implantable medical devices at King’s College London.

“For the brain-computer interface community, we must place this news in the context that while there are many companies working on exciting products, there are only a few other companies who have implanted their devices in humans, so Neuralink has joined a rather small group,” she added.

“I expect Neuralink will want to give the participant time to recover before they start training their system with the participant. We know Elon Musk is very adept at generating publicity for his company, so we may expect announcements as soon as they begin testing, although true success in my mind should be evaluated in the long-term, by how stable the interface is over time, and how much it benefits the participant.”

The startup’s study, Prime, is a trial for its wireless brain-computer interface to evaluate the safety of the implant and surgical robot. Researchers will assess the functionality of the interface, which enables people with quadriplegia to control devices with their thoughts, according to the company’s website. Neuralink and Musk did not immediately respond to a request for further details.

Musk replied to a crypto influencer on X who quoted him as saying the company would “help in restoration of eyesight” to add that Blindsight was another product Neuralink was working on.

Reuters reported this month that Neuralink was fined for violating US Department of Transportation (DoT) rules regarding the movement of hazardous materials.

During inspections of the company’s facilities in Texas and California in February 2023, DoT investigators found the company had failed to register itself as a transporter of hazardous material, the agency’s records show.

They also found improper packaging of hazardous waste, including Xylene, a flammable liquid that can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, loss of muscle coordination and death, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Neuralink received FDA clearance last year for its first trial to test the company’s implant in humans, a critical milestone for the startup. Reuters reported in June that the company was valued as high as $5bn, based on private stock trades.

Neuralink announced the implant trial in September. The company said during the study a robot developed by the company would surgically place the implants’ “ultra-fine” threads that helped transmit signals in participants’ brains.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

7 Foods That Can Help You Look Younger

These 7 foods will make you look younger
What we put in our bodies plays a huge role in what shows on our faces. For example, drinking water makes our skin look hydrated and fresh while eating sugary foods sometimes causes spots and acne.

You may think creams and products are the only way to address skin ageing and dullness, but you're in for a surprise.

According to skin expert Dr Wafaa El Mouheb, there are a few foods that can boost your skin's appearance and even help combat signs of getting older, The Sun reported.

Here is a list of seven foods that make you look younger.

Seafood for antioxidants
Seafoods, such as salmon and prawns, contain a potent antioxidant called carotenoid astaxanthin.

Its anti-inflammatory properties are great for protecting fatty membranes in our skin, which helps to keep it hydrated.

Citrus fruits, leafy greens for vitamin C
According to Dr Wafaa, Vitamin C plays an integral role in collagen synthesis. It brightens our skin complexion and has an anti-ageing effect.

Poultry for zinc
Zinc helps to balance hormones and testosterone levels in our body. It is essential for the production of collagen, which heals the skin from spots and marks.

Eggs for biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, that helps our skin look younger and fresh, not having enough of the nutrient can lead to brittle nails and hair, scaly skin, and dry eyes.

Avocados for vitamin E
Avocados are packed with healthy fats and vitamin E, which help to moisturise the skin and prevent water loss, Dr Wafaa said.

Nuts for omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids
Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, contain essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, that help reduce inflammation in the gut and skin, Dr Wafaa said.
They regulate the skin's oil production, improve hydration, and minimise the appearance of fine lines, she explained.

Water for hydration
Health experts are always banging on about how important water is. According to Dr Wafaa, "water is like fertiliser for your skin".
"When you drink enough, it's like giving your skin cells a regular drink, keeping them plump and healthy," she said.

"When skin lacks moisture, fine lines and wrinkles may appear more noticeable, and dehydrated skin can develop rough, flaky patches."

Usama Mir hits back at critics amidst recent setbacks

Usama Mir
Pakistan spinner Usama Mir is facing severe criticism from disillusioned fans following recent setbacks in the 2023 World Cup in India and the recently concluded five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

In a recent interview with a local media channel, Usama expressed his frustration with the backlash, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of public opinion.

"People talk like this, they even abuse me, so I think they forget everything, and whoever performs well, in a second, you will make them Don Bradman, you will make them Viv Richards, and for one bad performance, you will even call them source (parchi)," Usama Mir said.

Clearly disheartened, the leg-spinner questioned the need for such extreme reactions, urging fans to maintain their support regardless of the team's performance.

"I don't know which words will be used, but I think you should support because we are playing for your country, not for any other country. If there is something, so you should support us in every situation. In happiness, every person will be with us and if we are struggling, no one will stand with us in difficult times, then what is the need for this thing," he concluded.

In the ODI World Cup 2023 match against Australia last year, Usama Mir missed a crucial catch of David Warner at a pivotal moment. This lapse allowed Warner to score 163 runs off 124 balls, contributing to Pakistan's defeat in a must-win scenario.

In his T20I debut series against New Zealand, the 28-year-old faced challenges with his performance, participating in three matches and managing to take only two wickets. He conceded 111 runs in the series, with an economy rate of 9.25.

Webb telescope captures 'stunning' images of 19 spiral galaxies

James Webb telescope brings new photos of 19 galaxies
A number of new and mesmerising images by the James Webb Space Telescope opened new doors of understanding for scientists about the life cycle of stars as the photographs of 19 spiraling galaxies are captured from near our Milky Way.

The detailed photographs were released by the experts of the project Physics at High Angular resolution in Nearby GalaxieS (PHANGS).

As per the scientists, among the 19, the distant galaxy is NGC1365 at a distance of around 60 million light-years from Earth, whereas the nearest one is NGC5068, about 15 million light-years.

A distance of 5.9 trillion miles in which light travels in a year is called a light year.

The remarkable James Webb Space Telescope was launched in 2021 and began its operations in 2022. It drastically changed the understanding of the scientists about the origins of the universe with its pictures from deep space.

The captured spiraling galaxies are a common type such as our Milky Way.

University of Oxford astronomer Thomas Williams, who led the team's data processing on the images, said: "These data are important as they give us a new view on the earliest phase of star formation."

Williams noted: "Stars are born deep within dusty clouds that completely block out the light at visible wavelengths — what the Hubble Space Telescope is sensitive to — but these clouds light up at the JWST wavelengths.

“We don't know a lot about this phase, not even really how long it lasts, and so these data will be vital for understanding how stars in galaxies start their lives."

The astronomer also stated: "The commonly held thought is that galaxies form from the inside-out, and so get bigger and bigger over their lifetimes. The spiral arms act to sweep up the gas that will form into stars, and the bars act to funnel that same gas in towards the central black hole of the galaxy."

These photographs allowed scientists to answer the question about the structure of the clouds formed by gas and dust — the source from where stars and plants come into being — in great detail.

A principal investigator and astronomer of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore Janice Lee stated that "the images are not only aesthetically stunning, they also tell a story about the cycle of star formation and feedback, which is the energy and momentum released by young stars into the space between stars."

Lee also added: "It actually looks like there was explosive activity and clearing of the dust and gas on both cluster and kiloparsec (roughly 3,000 light years) scales. The dynamic process of the overall star formation cycle becomes obvious and qualitatively accessible, even for the public, which makes the images compelling on many different levels."

"Using Hubble, we would see the starlight from galaxies, but some of the light was blocked by the dust of galaxies," Erik Rosolowsky, University of Alberta astronomer, said while adding that "this limitation made it hard to understand parts of how a galaxy operates as a system.

"With Webb's view in the infrared, we can see through this dust to see stars behind and within the enshrouding dust."

Israel kills 20 Palestinians in new Gaza massacre

Israel kills 20 Palestinians in new Gaza massacre
Israel's brutal war and invasion in Gaza — now in its 116th day — has killed at least 26,637 Palestinians and wounded 65,387, as extremist Israeli ministers call for reoccupation of Gaza.

 

Israel has struck a family home in the Sabra neighbourhood of besieged Gaza, killing over a dozen Palestinians and wounding others.

Israeli shelling targeted a house in the Sabra neighbourhood, killing at least 20 civilians and wounding several others, it said.

"Israeli warplanes also launched a strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Citing sources, an international news agency said the Israeli artillery targeted the vicinity of a residential building in Khan Younis, in the south.


UN chief to meet donor nations after refugee agency accusations

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres will meet with key donors to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees after 12 of its staff were accused by Israel of involvement in the October 7 surprise Hamas blitz, his spokesperson said.

"The secretary general is personally horrified by the accusations against employees of UNRWA," Guterres's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

"But his message to donors — especially those who have suspended their contributions — is to at least guarantee the continuity of UNRWA's operations, as we have tens of thousands of dedicated staff working throughout the region."

Guterres already met with Washington's representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, on Monday, and "he will be hosting a meeting here in New York with the major donors for UNRWA [Tuesday] afternoon here," Dujarric said.

"The secretary general has also been engaging with the UNRWA leadership and donors to UNRWA, as well as regional leaders, such as King Abdullah of Jordan, whom he spoke to a short while ago, and President [Abdel Fattah] el-Sisi of Egypt."

Israel's ally US slams 'incendiary' comments from top Israeli ministers

The US has sharply denounced comments from a number of extremist Israeli ministers who called for the reoccupation of the besieged Gaza and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians as the war continues to ravage the blockaded enclave.

"You got a couple of ministers in the cabinet using this reckless behaviour, or conducting this reckless behaviour, and making these incendiary comments," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters at the White House.

"These are individual cabinet members. They can speak for themselves and what they said and what they did. It doesn't comport with our view, and we find it reckless," he added.


US holds Iran responsible for attack on its forces in Jordan

Iran is responsible for a recent drone attack killing three US soldiers in Jordan near the Syrian border, a Pentagon spokesperson said.

"We hold Iran responsible, as they are supporting these groups. These groups that continue to inflict casualties on our forces, whether it be in Jordan, Iraq or Syria," said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh at a news briefing.

"We absolutely hold Iran responsible because we know that they fund and train and support and equip these militias that operate in Iraq and Syria," Singh added.

New Zealand suspends funding to embattled UN agency

New Zealand has joined the list of countries that have suspended funding to the embattled UN Palestinian refugee agency following Israeli allegations that some staff participated in the October 7 Hamas surprise blitz.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealand had paused funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees [UNRWA] until the allegations are investigated.

The agency has fired several staff members over Israel's accusations and promised a thorough investigation into the claims, which were not specified.

"The allegations are incredibly serious. It's important they are properly understood and investigated," Luxon told reporters.

New Zealand will not "be making any further contributions" to UNRWA until Foreign Minister Winston Peters "says it's good to do so", Luxon added.

Monday, January 29, 2024

Aeromexico passenger opens plane door and walks on wing

Aeromexico passenger opens plane door and walks on wing
A Guatemala-bound flight from Mexico City faced an unusual twist last Thursday when a passenger, frustrated by a lengthy delay and stifling conditions, opened the emergency door and walked onto the wing.

The Aeromexico flight, scheduled to depart at 8:30am, was grounded on the tarmac for three hours due to a maintenance issue. With no air conditioning or water available, tempers reportedly flared among passengers.

In a dramatic act of protest, one unidentified passenger took matters into his own hands, opening the emergency door and stepping onto the wing. While the Mexico International Airport authorities confirmed no harm was caused, the man was detained by police.

However, fellow passengers rallied in his support, signing a handwritten statement circulated on social media. "All passengers on the flight from CDMX [Mexico City] to Guatemala [flight] AM 0672 state that the passenger on board who opened the emergency window was for the protection of everyone , with the support of everyone, since the delay and lack of air created dangerous conditions for the health of the passengers."

"He saved our lives," the note declared, emphasizing the dangerous conditions caused by the delay and lack of air. The passengers expressed their support for the man's actions, arguing they were taken for everyone's protection.

A report on the incident said that a change of plane had become necessary after the passenger's dramatic move. It was not clear whether the man was still in custody, or what charges he may face.

 

 

Jasprit Bumrah fined for breach of ICC Code of Conduct

Jasprit Bumrah
Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah was reprimanded on Monday for breaching ICC Code of Conduct during the first Test against England in Hyderabad, which concluded on Sunday.

Bumrah breached Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for an incident on the fourth day of India's first Test against England in Hyderabad.

“The incident occured in the 81st over of England's second innings when Bumrah deliberately stepped in Ollie Pope's way as he went for a run, leading to inappropriate physical contact,” the ICC said in a press release.

“The pacer was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match.

“Since it was Bumrah's first offence in 24 months, one demerit point has been added to his record.

“The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, third umpire Marais Erasmus and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit.

“Level 1 breaches usually carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

“Bumrah pleaded guilty to the offence and has accepted the sanction levied upon him by Richie Richardson of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, thus requiring no formal hearing.”

Atletico Madrid breeze past Valencia to move to third in La Liga

Atletico Madrid breeze past Valencia to move to third in La Liga
Atletico Madrid replaced holders Barcelona at the third position in La Liga standings after registering a 2-0 victory over Valencia at Civitas Metropolitan Stadium on Sunday.

Barcelona succumbed to a 5-3 loss at the hands of Villarreal on Saturday at home after having a 3-2 lead in the 80 minutes, leaving them at same number of wins with Atletico Madrid.

Atletico entered their home ground on Sunday with three points shy of Barcelona, however, the victory over Valencia placed them in the third position with more wins.

The home team spent the first half looking for the first goal, which they earned at the stroke of half-time as Samuel Lino hit from the centre of the box to the centre after an assist by Antoine Griezmann with a through ball.

Memphis Depay doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half with a header from very close range to the centre of the goal after finding a cross by Nahuel Molina.

Valencia made desperate efforts in the second half to reduce the deficit but failed to get a breakthrough, ending the match goalless.

Meanwhile, Girona once again claimed the top spot in the La Liga points table, sliding Real Madrid to second after a 1-0 away victory over Celta Vigo at Estadio de Balaídos.

Portu scored the match-winner for the visitors as he found Miguel Gutiérrez’s cross in the 20th minute and rocketed it from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner.

In other La Liga matches, Cadiz and Athletic Club settled for a goalless draw, while a ten-men Sevilla drew 1-1 with visiting Osasuna.

7 killed as small plane crashes in Brazil

7 killed as small plane crashes in Brazil
Brazilian authorities said Sunday at least seven people were killed in a small plane crash that is said to have broken up in midair in the Minas Gerais state with firefighters responding to the site of the incident.

According to international media reports, firefighters said that they have "found seven dead victims [who were] on board the aircraft," the department said in a statement.

Earlier it announced that three bodies were found from the crash site.

Images captured by the locals and uploaded on social media show the wreckage of the plane shortly after falling on the side of a hill covered with grass and trees.

This plane crash comes as in September last year, 14 people were killed during a small plane crash in Amazon.

Amazon state Governor Wilson Lima had wrote on his social media post that twelve passengers and two crew were killed in the accident, that occurred in the northern town of Barcelos — a tourist destination.

The plane was an 18-passenger EMB-110, a twin-engine turboprop manufactured by Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer, reported a news site G1.

It had been travelling from the state capital, Manaus, to Barcelos, about a 90-minute flight.

Located on the Rio Negro, an Amazon tributary, it is bordered by several national parks and other protected areas.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

How to transfer WhatsApp chat without backup

How to transfer WhatsApp chat without backup
The Meta-owned messaging application – WhatsApp – in its latest update introduced a feature, that allows its users to easily transfer their data from one mobile to another.

According to WABetainfo, WhatsApp users will be able to transfer their messages to another mobile phone safely without leaving WhatsApp with the latest chat transfer feature.

Also, WhatsApp’s chat transfer feature allows the users to transfer their complete account information including all personal messages, photos, videos, and documents excluding the call history.

It is worth mentioning here that the backup feature in WhatsApp was introduced in October 2015 through which users can save their WhatsApp history to Google Drive.

Requirements to use Chat Transfer feature

  • Android OS Lollipop 5.1, SDK 23 or above, or Android 6 or above installed on both your old and new Android phones.Use the same phone number as your old phone on your new phone.
  • Your new phone must not be registered on WhatsApp until you start the migration on your old phone.
  • Your phones must be close to each other.
  • Both of your phones should be connected to a power source.
  • Both of your phones need to have WiFi enabled. They don’t need to be connected to a network.
  • Certain device permissions are required to initiate the transfer. Precise location permissions are required by the device in Android 12 and below, but WhatsApp does not collect your precise location.

Transfer your chat history

Old phone

  • Open WhatsApp on your old phone.
  • Tap More Options > Settings > Chats > Transfer chats > Start.
  • Accept requested permissions and prepare to scan the QR code that will be shown on your new phone.

New phone

  • Download and then open WhatsApp on your new phone. Go through the setup.
  • Tap Accept terms and conditions > Verify your phone number.
  • Tap Start on Transfer chat history from old phone.
  • Accept requested permissions and then you’ll see a QR code.
  • On your old phone scan the QR code shown on your new phone.
  • Accept the invitation to connect on your new phone to link your new phone to your old phone.
  • While your chat history is transferring, a percentage bar will track the progress. Keep both phones unlocked and don’t leave WhatsApp.
  • Messaging is paused during the chat history transfer. You can Cancel the process at any time.
  • Once the import is complete, tap Done.

West Indies beat Australia by eight runs in Brisbane Test

West Indies beat Australia by eight runs in Brisbane Test
Shamar Joseph heroics helped inexperienced West Indies clinch a historic victory at the famous Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday, 28 January.

Forced to retire hurt from a toe-crushing Mitchell Starc yorker the previous evening, Joseph bounced back to claim six wickets in a session and 7-68 overall to lift West Indies to their first test win Down Under since 1997, as Australia were bowled out for 207 in pursuit of 216.

Australia’s new opener Steve Smith (91 not out) farmed the strike to protect Josh Hazlewood (0), but it was to no avail as Joseph sent the tailender’s off-stump flying to register the win which sent the tourists running in celebration at the Gabba.

Before the West Indies were dismissed for 193 in their second dig, Australia skipper Pat Cummins had courageously declared at 289-9 with his side still behind the visitors’ first innings total of 311.

Australia prevailed by 10 wickets in the first test in Adelaide, as the series ends 1-1.
Joseph, who had been sent to the hospital for scans, recovered sufficiently by day four to bowl over Cameron Green (42) and Travis Head, who made a king pair, in consecutive deliveries to keep alive West Indies’ hopes.

Mitchell Marsh (10) fell next, juggled between the slipsmen, and Alex Carey (2) soon had his stumps rattled as the 24-year-old’s fiery afternoon rampage continued.

Resuming from 33 overnight, Smith continued to accumulate while Starc opted for aggression, blasting a 14-ball 21 before presenting debutant Kevin Sinclair at backward point his third catch for the game.

Cummins, caught-behind, added two before becoming Joseph’s sixth victim in a lionhearted 11 over spell which reduced the hosts to 187-8 at the major break.

Alzarri Joseph (2-62) captured Nathan Lyon’s (9) bottom-edge one ball after spilling a caught-and-bowled chance to have Australia nine down and trailing by 21, forcing Smith to up the ante by scooping a six over fine leg but in the end the hosts, sensationally, fell just short.

The final margin embodies an enthralling contest in which both sides experienced periods of ascendancy, however the West Indies, who fielded four debutantes in the series, had to overcome their share of bad luck.

With Australia reeling at 72-5 in their first innings, Shamar Joseph fired a full ball through Carey, on eight of an eventual 65, only to have the heavier light-up bails stay within the grooves.

Further misfortune befell Joseph, who lit up the first test in with a debut five wicket haul and handy runs from number 11, when his Starc-induced injury prevented him from when extending the lead, and later bowling, at the end of day three.

Deadly pneumonia outbreak claims lives of 18 more children in Punjab

Deadly pneumonia outbreak claims lives of 18 more children in Punjab
Pneumonia claimed 18 more lives of children during the past 24 hours in Punjab.

According to the Punjab Health Department, a total of 870 new pneumonia cases have been reported across the province in the last 24 hours, with Lahore confirming pneumonia in 177 new patients.

Over the current month, Punjab has reported over 250 pneumonia-related deaths, with Lahore alone recording 50 fatalities.

Health experts attribute the rapid increase in cases and deaths in Punjab to the environmental pollution caused by smog during the winter season.

“Smog, prevalent during the winter months, contributes significantly to the rise in pneumonia cases,” the health department officials.

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs, often caused by viruses. It can manifest after symptoms of a cold or flu and can range from mild to severe. Typically, pneumonia is more common in children aged five or younger.

The health authorities in Punjab are working to address the surge in pneumonia cases, emphasizing the need for public awareness and preventive measures to curb the spread of the infection.

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:

  • Chest pain when you breathe or cough
  • Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)
  • Cough, which may produce phlegm
  • Fatigue
  • Fever, sweating and shaking chills
  • Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath

26,422 Palestinians martyred in Israeli bombing since Oct 7

Israeli atack on Gaza
The health ministry in Gaza said at least 26,422 people have been martyred in the Palestinian territory since October 7.

A ministry statement said at least 165 people were martyred over the previous 24 hours, while another 65,087 have been wounded since the conflict began.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society says oxygen supplies have run out at the besieged Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis.

Israeli tanks and troops closed in on several hospitals last week with Israel saying the southern city is now the main Hamas headquarters. Fighting around hospitals has made the provision of medical care nearly impossible and halted most ambulance services, cutting the wounded off from medical care.

Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, just like all the hospitals in southern Gaza, is also under intense attack as it shelters thousands of terrified civilians.

The largest hospital in besieged Khan Younis city remains crippled and faces collapse as Israel’s offensive continues nearby.

Gaza’s Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said in a statement that Nasser Hospital lacked anaesthesia and other medicine for intensive care units, and had “dangerous” shortages of blood.

“These are the only painkillers left we have. If you want to count them, they are only for maybe five or four patients,” Dr Muhammad Harara said.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has denounced what it called a double standard after eight countries, including the US, suspended their funding for UNRWA.

“Suspending UNRWA funding for and continuing support for Israel in the genocide of our people are collective punishments and miserable double standards,” it said in a statement.

Palestinian officials have warned that cutting off funding to the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees amid an intensifying humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip could have devastating consequences.

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Nawaz Sharif unveils election manifesto days before Feb 8 polls

PML-N unveils much-awaited party manifesto
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday launched its much-awaited election manifesto.The manifesto was unveiled by PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.

Speaking at the launch event of the manifesto, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, who is the party’s Manifesto Committee Chairman, said there is nothing in the manifesto that the PML-N will not be able to do when it comes to power.

Siddiqui emphasized that the PML-N leader instructed the committee to include only achievable commitments in the manifesto.

“Nawaz Sharif prohibited us from making unrealistic promises in the manifesto,” he stated.

The delayed manifesto announcement was attributed to the party’s focus on comprehensive reforms, involving the formation of 32 committees to draft it, including an assessment of the party’s past performance.

PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal, present at the event, commented on the disparity between social media narratives and reality, taking a dig at social media campaigns led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Here's a breakdown of the PML-N's "Pakistan ko Nawaz do" manifesto:

  • Provide interest-free loans to small farmers.
  • Use of modern technology to overcome crop damage.
  • All government offices will be made environment-friendly.
  • Supremacy of Parliament will be ensured.
  • Articles 62 and 63 will be restored to their original form.
  • Introduction of Panchayat System for alternate dispute resolution.
  • Judicial, legal and justice system will be reformed.
  • Timely and efficient judicial system will be implemented.
  • Limit adjudication time to one year, especially for cases affecting life of a common citizen.
  • Minor cases will be decided in two months.
  • NAB will be abolished.
  • Strengthen existing anti-corruption institutions and agencies.
  • Comprehensive amendments in Civil Procedure Code, 1908 and Criminal Procedure Code, 1898 to standardise the procedural laws.
  • Effective, fair and timely prosecution.
  • Court proceedings will be telecast live.
  • Commercial courts will be established.
  • Courts of overseas Pakistanis will be made better and stronger.
  • Digital system will be established in judiciary.
  • Inflation will be reduced by 10% by fiscal year 2025.
  • Inflation will be brought down to 4 to 6% in next 4 years.
  • Over 10 million jobs to be offered in 5 years.
  • Maintain a low CAD for next 5 years by keeping it in range of around 1.5 % of GDP.
  • To achieve exports of goods & services of more than $58 billion by the end of 2029.

Cipher case: Imran, Qureshi lose temper before Judge

Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi
PTI Founder Imran Khan and his aide Shah Mahmood Qureshi reportedly lost their temper before the special court judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain on Saturday.

The special court is hearing the cipher case against the PTI leaders who face charges of leaking state secrets under the Official Secrets Act and other laws.

It has been holding hearings inside the Adiala jail. On Saturday, when Judge Hasnat opened the hearing, he found defence lawyers absent from the courtroom.

The judge expressed his displeasure over the absence of lawyers and issued a warning — a third in the case so far. Meanwhile, Shah Mahmood Qureshi snatched a file from the state defence counsel and threw it on the wall.

Qureshi also tried to engage the judge in an altercation. Judge Hasnat warned Qureshi for his conduct. This was when Imran Khan also used strong words for the judge.

The lawyers for Khan and Qureshi have been absent from the court for the past several hearings, prompting Judge Hasnat to write to the High Court, which has provided state counsel to both accused.

Black Hole breakthrough: Scientists may finally unravel mystery of cosmic giants

Black Hole Breakthrough: Scientists May Finally Unravel Mystery Of Cosmic Giants!
A recent preprint proposes that numerous minor black hole explosions produced the gigantic black holes of the early cosmos.

While direct observation of black holes remains challenging, the presence of supermassive black holes is inferred from the observation of quasars, powerful sources of radiation fuelled by these enigmatic objects.

The traditional model of star formation suggests that huge clouds of hydrogen gas collapse into smaller pockets, giving rise to stars rather than black holes.

However, this new study from astronomers at UCLA and the University of Tokyo introduces the concept of utilizing tiny black holes to prevent premature fragmentation of hydrogen gas clouds.

The proposal hinges on the ability of small black holes, which are theorized to have formed in the intense conditions of the early universe, to emit Hawking radiation as they evaporate. This radiation could effectively regulate the cooling of hydrogen gas clouds, allowing them to steadily collapse into massive black holes without fragmenting into stars.

Early Universe Black Hole Formation

The compelling aspect of this concept lies in its reliance on established principles of conventional physics, as opposed to relying on unconventional energy sources or introducing additional forces of nature.

This distinctive feature adds to its appeal by emphasizing compatibility with existing scientific frameworks and avoiding the need for exotic or unfamiliar theoretical constructs.

The researchers aim to further explore this concept through comprehensive simulations, seeking to validate their model’s ability to account for the abundance of giant black holes observed in the early universe.

Ultimately, this study underscores the intricate interplay of fundamental physics in shaping the universe’s evolution, shedding light on the potential mechanisms behind the formation of colossal black holes in its nascent stages.

In the forthcoming years, as advancements in telescope technology, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, continue to evolve, there is the potential for further investigations that could provide valuable data to either substantiate or enhance our understanding of this captivating hypothesis.

Friday, January 26, 2024

Pakistan ‘seeks’ rollover of $2bln loan from China

Pakistan ‘seeks’ rollover of $2bln loan from China
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has formally requested China's envoy for a debt rollover of $2 billion in a letter.

Kakar is seeking an extension of the loan payment period for one year, with ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Finance and Chinese officials for the possible rollover.

Under the current terms and conditions, Pakistan is obligated to deposit the $2 billion loan by March 24, 2024.

In his letter, Kakar expressed gratitude to China for its financial assistance during the economic crisis. The move comes after Pakistan recently secured a safe deposit of a $4 billion loan, alleviating mounting pressure on external debt payments and stabilizing foreign exchange reserves.

Sources reveal that the formal discussions between the Ministry of Finance and Chinese officials are progressing, indicating the possibility of a one-year rollover for the $2 billion loan.

SC allows PTI president Ch Pervaiz Elahi to contest elections

Supreme Court of Pakistan
The Supreme Court of Pakistan allowed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf President Pervaiz Elahi to contest elections on Friday.

However, Elahi’s lawyer said that he will only contest elections for the provincial assembly and will not run for the National Assembly.

The court ordered the ECP to allot Elahi an electoral symbol and include his name on the ballot paper.

The SC also allowed PTI’s Tahir Sadiq and Umar Aslam to contest elections, ruling that a person cannot be stopped from contesting elections simply because they are absconders.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah made the ruling in favour of the two PTI leaders by overturning a decision of the Lahore High Court.

During the hearing he asked the Election Commission of Pakistan’s counsel if any provision of the law barred a person who had been absonding or had been declared a proclaimed offender.

The ECP counsel replied that the absconders have been charged with violating the law.

However, the judge said that contesting the elections was a fundamental right and the court could not take away.

In another case, PTI candidate Sanam Javed’s case was adjourned as ECP’s lawyer was not available to argue the case.

However, PTI candidate Arif Abbasi was denied the opportunity to contest elections after a bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa upheld the decision of the election tribunal.

Justice Isa remarked that the candidate had not obtained bail in the cases he had been nominated in and had not answered about his son’s properties in London.

5 ways to care for your hands every day

5 ways to care for your hands every day
Like your face, your hands function as bridges to the world. You shake hands when you meet or greet someone for the first time and when you seal a deal.

Your hands express your affection to those you love. They soothe sad children and those suffering from illness. Maybe you "talk" with yours. In any case, whenever you're interacting with others, your hands will probably spend some time in the spotlight.

The problem is that your hands are also essential tools. You use them for complex maneuvers and lowly chores.

And everyone is always telling you the importance of washing your hands. In the course of a day, your hands are exposed to all sorts of germs, dirt, harsh substances, sunlight and more. To make matters worse, the frequent washing that's designed to keep your hands sanitary also can keep them dry, cracked and wrinkled.

If neglected, your hands' skin may end up needing medical help. That said, your fingernails (and your spirits) might benefit from a professional manicure now and then.

Taking good care of your hands doesn't have to be a major production. There are things you can do every day to help your hands look and feel good. Develop a good routine and give your hands a helping hand.

5. Wash with Care

You've heard it a million times: Washing your hands is the best thing you can do to keep from spreading bacteria, viruses and other nasty things to yourself, and from yourself to others.

Wash your hands frequently. If you make it a practice to wash your hands the right way, their look and feel shouldn't be a casualty of your healthy habits.

A little knowledge about skin can help you understand how to wash your hands properly. Skin is composed of layers. The outer layer (the stratum corneum) is mostly made of dead skin cells surrounded by natural oils produced by the living cells in the layer beneath. The natural oils make a protective shield that keeps water inside the body and germs and other irritants out. If the outer layer doesn't have enough natural oils, it won't retain enough water -- and your skin may be dry, rough, red, cracked and itchy.

When you want to get all the oil or grease off dirty dishes, you use very hot water with a strong soap that will leave them squeaky clean. That's exactly what you don't want to do with your hands. You want to remove germs and grime, but you don't want to strip all the natural oils from your hands. Wash with warm water instead.

You should also avoid harsh soaps. Dermatologists recommend nondrying soaps like Dove, Neutrogena, Basis, Purpose and Oil of Olay [source: Iowa]. Liquid nonsoap cleansers like Cetaphil also work well. Antibacterial soaps aren't necessary and may even dry skin more. They also can kill good bacteria on the hands and encourage bad bacteria that resist antibiotics [source: Mayo Clinic].

Rinse hands well and dry by patting or blotting gently. Don't rub.

Keep reading to learn all about moisturizers.

4. Moisturize

Good moisturizers can help prevent or treat dry skin on your hands. They hold that needed water in the outer layer of skin, making your hands smoother and softer. They also help your outer skin act as a temporary protective shield.

Many people like to use some sort of water-based lotion, but that may not be the best choice. Lotions may make your hands feel great at first, but the water will evaporate quickly, drying your skin anew.

Creams are thicker and longer-lasting than lotions. Most creams are water-based, but folks with extremely dry skin may want to use an oil-based cream. Oil will hold water inside your skin longer, but the cream will leave a residue on your hands.

When choosing a moisturizer for daily use, make sure you read the ingredients:

Humectants such as glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids and urea actually draw moisture from the air around you into your skin. They don't work if the air is dry.
Emollients get into the spaces between the cells on the outer layer of skin. They replace oils that have been washed away to make the skin smoother. Emollients may be primarily water- or oil-based.
Most products will include a preservative -- often, several -- to keep bacteria from damaging them after you open the container. If your skin is sensitive, some preservatives may irritate it. Trial and error may help you learn which ones work for you.
Fragrances also may cause irritation or contact allergy. Avoid them or find ones that you can tolerate.

Washing carefully and moisturizing should be important parts of your daily hand-care routine -- but they're not everything.

3. Treat Hands with Kid (or Other) Gloves

Your hands have a hard enough time as it is. Give them a break by protecting them from unnecessary exposure to anything that will make things worse.

All you have to do is make wearing gloves part of your daily routine. Until you get into the habit, taking a couple of minutes to put on gloves before various activities might seem bothersome. You might find wearing them uncomfortable at first, but it's worth the time.

Wear gloves anytime you plan to use harsh cleaning products. There's no use being careful about the soap you use to wash your hands if you're also exposing your hands to household cleaners. Keep a couple of pairs of elbow-length rubber gloves around for heavy cleaning. Use an inexpensive pair of cotton gloves as a liner to prevent sweating and itching.

You can find inexpensive white, cotton gloves at most drugstores. You can also use them to cover your hands after you've moisturized them at night or after applying medication for absorption.

Keep disposable gloves like those used by medical professionals and food-service workers around the house also. If preparing onions, tomatoes or other strong or acid foods irritates your hands, the gloves can help.

Wear gloves when gardening or doing yard work to protect hands and nails.

In cold weather, wear gloves when you go outside. It's not just to keep your hands from feeling cold. The gloves will also keep them from drying or chapping in the wintry air.

Year-round, whenever you'll be out in the sun, protect your hands with the invisible shield of sunscreen. The backs of hands, especially, need protection with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 every day. A moisturizer that includes a sunblock of SPF 15 will also work.

2. Give Yourself a Mini-cure

A manicure may be a mood-elevating treat or preparation for a special occasion. Most of us won't get a manicure every day, but we can give ourselves a mini-cure, or the little things that help keep nails healthy and attractive. For example:

Don't bite your fingernails.
Use moisturizer on your nails as well as on your skin. For an extra treat at night, warm a favorite essential oil and give your nails a therapeutic soak.
Don't cut cuticles, push them back too far or use chemicals on them.
When cuticles are soft and moist, push them back gently with a soft cloth.
Buff nails with a soft cloth.
If nails become discolored, stop using polish for a while.
The acetone in nail polish remover can damage nails, so use it sparingly.
Keep your nails clean.
Prepare your nails and cuticles for grooming by cutting a lemon in half, sticking your fingernails inside and twisting them around to clean them.
Use a file with a fine texture to shape nails and remove snags.
File nails to a rounded point to preserve their strength.
Need more ideas to help your hands every day? Read on.

1. Take Care of Your Whole Self

Many of the tips medical professionals offer for skin care amount to tips for general good health. That makes sense. The body is a unit made of many separate, but intertwined parts. The skin and nails on your hands will benefit from a basic, everyday healthful routine.

If you want to keep your hands and fingernails healthy, smooth and young-looking, think about what you eat. Research has found that a diet that has plenty of vitamin C but goes easy on the fats and carbohydrates may help skin look younger [source: Mayo Clinic]. Make sure that you stay well hydrated as well. External conditions -- dry air, harsh soaps and the like -- can cause dry skin. Drinking plenty of water helps your skin retain moisture.

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Use a moisturizer with sunblock or a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more on the backs of your hands every day. Avoiding cigarettes also helps: Smoking makes your skin -- including that on your hands -- look older and more wrinkled. It also stains the fingernails.

Stress that isn't managed well can damage skin and nails. If you have problems with rashes or eczema on your hands, stress is likely to cause a flare-up. Stress also can make the nails more brittle. And if you're prone to nail-biting, stress can send you back to your old, bad habit.

NASA's historic ingenuity helicopter mission on Mars ends

NASA's historic ingenuity helicopter mission on Mars ends
Ingenuity, the little Mars helicopter that became the first aircraft in history to make a powered, controlled flight on another planet, can no longer fly due to rotor blade damage, NASA announced Thursday.

Considered by the space agency as a 30-day technology demonstration of no more than five experimental test flights, the 4-pound chopper hitched a ride on NASA's Perseverance rover, landing on the Red Planet in 2021. The aircraft performed 72 flights for nearly three years at Mars and accumulated more than two hours of flight time.

Its success prompted NASA in 2022 to add two mini helicopters to a future Mars mission.

"The historic journey of Ingenuity, the first aircraft on another planet, has come to end," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement Thursday. "That remarkable helicopter flew higher and farther than we ever imagined and helped NASA do what we do best – make the impossible, possible."

According to NASA, imagery of its last flight beamed back this week indicated that one or more of Ingenuity's rotor blades sustained damage during landing, deeming the aircraft "no longer capable of flight."

The helicopter ascended to 40 feet on its final flight last week, hovering for a few seconds before descending. It mysteriously lost contact with the nearby rover — its communication relay — while still 3 feet off the ground. Once communication was restored, the damage was confirmed.

The reason for the loss of communication is under investigation.

"A rotocraft pushes atmosphere to generate lift. When there is that little atmosphere the roto system has to spin really fast," Ingenuity's project manager Mimi Aung explained in 2021. "In fact, it spins at over 2,500 revolutions per minute for the flight."

After an issue with its flight software delayed the historic mission in 2021, Ingenuity successfully spun up its high-speed blades and lifted about 10 feet off the ground, hovered for 30 seconds, and landed. The historic moment was captured on several cameras including a video camera on the Perseverance rover, which was standing by.

Aung said watching the incredible footage of the flight gave her goosebumps.

"It looks just like the way we tested in our space simulator test chamber here. Absolutely beautiful flight. I don't think I can ever stop watching it."

Thursday, January 25, 2024

When and where to see the Wolf Moon, first full moon of 2024

Wolf Moon
Get ready to witness the first full moon of the year, also known as the "Wolf Moon", as this spectacular celestial event is scheduled to illuminate the sky on Thursday night, with Venus, Mercury and Mars also expected to appear early Friday morning, thanks to the moon's rays.

According to an international news magzine , the "Wolf Moon" will hit its peak at 12:54pm ET, with most of the Northern Hemisphere able to see it later in the evening.

The name "Wolf Moon" comes from the packs of wolves that howl outside villages during winter, usually around January.

You'll have a limited time to enjoy this marvellous lunar event, as moonrise is expected at 4:56pm, followed by sunset just eight minutes later at 5:04pm.

Other planets will be illuminated under the full moon's light: Venus will rise at 5:11 am on Friday, and Mercury will rise almost an hour later at 6:05am, followed by Mars at 6:09am.

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa), the moon's 29.5-day cycle gives a full moon every month, which may not always occur on the same day.

The moon undergoes eight phases during this time: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter and waning crescent.

During the full moon phase, the moon appears as a perfect circle in the sky because the entire side of the moon that's facing the Earth is lit up by the Sun's rays.

According to an international news website, if you use binoculars, you will be able to see Venus glowing brightly just before dawn on Saturday

Meanwhile, Mercury will be visible 45 minutes before sunrise, lower in the sky. Clear skies may allow gazers to get a glimpse of Mars, which will be dimmer next to Mercury.

Nasa predicts the waning moon — the phase between full and half moon — will pass near the brightest star in the Leo constellation, Regulus, on Saturday morning.

Sheikh Rashid rushed to hospital over chest pain issue

Sheikh Rasheed
Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed was rushed to the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) after he complained of a heart problem.

Rashid Shafique, the former minister’s nephew told media that he was informed by the jail administration that Sheikh Rasheed was shifted to RIC after reporting a heart problem.

Incarcerated Sheikh Rasheed on Wednesday filed a plea in the anti-terrorism court (ATC) seeking medical examination.

The former minister filed the plea through his lawyer, Sardar Shehzad, and urged the Court to transfer the AML chief to a government hospital.

The plea stated that Sheikh Rasheed’s health had deteriorated, but he was not allowed to meet his lawyer. Furthermore, the plea urged the Court to order a medical examination and summon the medical report of the jailed former interior minister amid health concerns.

Moreover, the ATC issued a contempt court notice to the jail superintendent for not allowing Sheikh Rasheed to meet his lawyer. After hearing the contempt plea filed by the AML chief’s lawyer, the Court summoned the jail superintendent, Asad Javed Warraich, on January 26 in a personal capacity.

Myanmar ethnic minority fighters claim control of port town

Myanmar
Fighters from a Myanmar ethnic minority armed group have seized control of a port town after more than two months of intense clashes with junta troops, they said.

The Arakan Army (AA) said late Wednesday it “completely controlled” Pauktaw, a town of 20,000 people close to a crucial deepwater port in the capital of western Rakhine state.

AA fighters briefly seized Pauktaw in November, shattering a fragile ceasefire that had largely held since the military’s coup in 2021.

The junta has used artillery and naval ships to bombard the town almost daily since, and strafed it with gunfire from helicopters, residents have told reporters.

New Google Earth images of Pauktaw showed a block of the downtown area reduced almost entirely to rubble and damage to several buildings near its harbour.

Several buildings in the police station compound were destroyed too.

On Tuesday the AA said “intense” clashes were ongoing in the town.

The junta has not commented on recent clashes in Pauktaw.

Around 18,000 people had been displaced from the area due to fighting, the United Nations said in November.

Pauktaw is 25 kilometres (16 miles) east of the state capital Sittwe, home to a deepwater port partly financed by India as it seeks to deepen economic linkages with Myanmar.

Earlier this week Myanmar’s chambers of commerce hosted talks with an Indian business delegation on “upgrading” operations at Sittwe port, junta-backed media reported Thursday.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

‘No safe zone’ in Gaza as Israeli army intensifies attack on Khan Younis

Khan Younis, Gaza
As a days-long, intense Israeli bombing campaign continues in Khan Younis, the UN reports that almost 90,000 residents and 425,000 displaced people have been ordered by the Israeli military to leave certain residential areas in the city in southern Gaza.

The Israeli military has killed three Palestinian civilians in strikes on the headquarters of the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, the organisation says.

“Three displaced people were martyred and two others were injured as a result of the occupation’s targeting in front of the northern gate of the association’s headquarters in Khan Yunis,” the medical charity wrote on X.

Red Crescent official Nebal Farsakh warned yesterday that there has been a “systematic targeting of PRCS premises” by Israeli forces. Eight PRCS members have been killed in Gaza since October 7.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says it’s “deeply concerned for the safety of the people” trapped inside Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza.

“They must all be protected and allowed to leave if they wish,” the medical group wrote on X.

MSF earlier reported several streets in Khan Younis city, including where Nasser Hospital is located, received orders to evacuate from the Israeli army.

The group warned it’s impossible to evacuate the “thousands of people” inside the facility as nearby roads are “inaccessible or too dangerous” because of battles between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters.

Speaking at the UNSC meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Espen Barth Eide reiterated Norway’s call for a “sustained and enduring humanitarian ceasefire” in Gaza.

Regarding humanitarian efforts, the Norwegian foreign minister said, “We cannot only count trucks.”

“We call for a radical step-up of humanitarian efforts, not only volumes,” he said. “We also must look at the content, the efficiency, the access [of humanitarian aid] throughout the whole territory of Gaza. And we must improve coordination.”

Eide also called for a “political track” towards Palestinian statehood.

“Norway recognises the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to have their own state. Not only in theory, but also in practice,” he said.

Japanese scientists film plants 'Talking' for the 1st time in remarkable discovery

Japanese scientists film plants 'Talking' for the 1st time in remarkable discovery
A team of Japanese scientists have made an incredible discovery, capturing real-time footage of plants "talking" to each other", Earth reported.

The research, headed by molecular biologist Masatsugu Toyota from Saitama University, was published in the journal Nature Communications.

The study was carried out by observing undamaged plants responding to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by other plants experiencing mechanical damage or insect attacks.

The study involved setting up caterpillars on leaves while the responses of a second, insect-free plant were placed nearby.

These plants weren't typical, they were genetically modified to have biosensors in their cells that fluoresced green in response to calcium ion inflow. Human cells also employ calcium signalling for communication.

How do plants communicate?

The use of chemical signals is fundamental to plant communication. VOCs serve as messages to neighbouring plants. They can transmit information about environmental conditions, such as drought or pest attacks.

For example, when a plant is attacked, it emits specific VOCs that can be detected by nearby plants. After getting the signal, these nearby plants strengthen their chemical defences in case another attack occurs.

Plants also communicate through electrical signals — a method reminiscent of the nervous system in animals. When a plant is stressed or damaged, it generates electrical impulses that travel throughout its structure.

These signals can prompt physiological changes in the plant, such as closing stomata to prevent water loss during drought conditions.

Scientists first discovered these plant defences in 1980, but only now do they have real-time footage showing this communication.

Oil prices fall amid strong dollar and weak demand

Oil prices fall amid strong dollar and weak demand
In a nuanced market scenario, oil prices experienced a slight downturn on Wednesday, as concerns surrounding lackluster demand and the strength of the U.S. dollar outweighed the impact of escalating geopolitical tensions.

The front-month March contract for Brent crude slipped by 14 cents, or 0.1%, settling at $79.41 per barrel at 0333 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude saw a modest decrease of 11 cents, or 0.2%, closing at $74.26 per barrel.

A notable factor influencing market sentiment was the reported 6.67 million-barrel decline in U.S. crude stocks for the week ending January 19, according to sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures. However, a simultaneous 7.2 million-barrel increase in gasoline inventories raised concerns about potential repercussions for fuel demand in the world's leading oil consumer.

Adding to the market complexity was the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar, causing buyers in other currencies to pay more for dollar-denominated oil and subsequently dampening global demand.

Middle East crisis

The looming question of geopolitical stability played a dual role in market dynamics. On one hand, the coalition of 24 nations, led by the U.S. and UK, conducted strikes against Houthi fighters in Yemen, aiming to quell attacks on global trade.

Simultaneously, the U.S. executed strikes against Iran-linked militia in Iraq, responding to an attack on an Iraqi air base that had wounded U.S. forces.

Vikas Dwivedi, global energy strategist at Macquarie, commented on the situation, stating, "Without current geopolitical tensions, we believe crude would sell off meaningfully. Over time, we expect supply risk premiums to decouple from conflict risk."

However, Dwivedi also expressed a cautious outlook, emphasizing that, "Barring escalation in the Middle East, we expect crude prices to stay in the current range for 1Q24. We do not anticipate supply loss."

On the supply side, Libya's Sharara oilfield, producing 300,000 barrels per day (bpd), resumed operations on January 21 after a protest-related pause since early January.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., North Dakota, the third-largest oil-producing state, began restoring some oil output after weather-related disruptions. However, output remained below normal, down by as much as 300,000 bpd, following a mid-January dip of up to 425,000 bpd due to extreme cold.

As the market navigates the intricate interplay of demand, supply, and geopolitical dynamics, industry experts and investors closely await the Energy Information Administration's release of data later today, anticipating insights into the future trajectory of oil prices.

 

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

SC directs Qasim Suri to submit written reply in stay order case

Qasim Suri
The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday directed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former deputy speaker of National Assembly Qasim Suri to submit his written reply in a stay order case.

Balochistan National Party’s (BNP) Lashkari Raisani challenged the victory of Qasim Suri, who contested the 2018 general election.

On September 27, 2019 election tribunal declared Suri’s election from the National Assembly seat, NA-265 null and void, however, he moved to the Supreme Court and served his term on a stay order until the PTI government ended.

A three-member bench headed by CJP Justice Qazi Faez Isa took up the plea against Qasim Suri. How Qasim Suri remained MNA on stay order, the CJP asked at the outset of the hearing from his counsel.

Your counsel enjoyed the whole term as MNA on stay order and now you are saying the tenure of NA is completed and the case has become ‘ineffective’.

The court ordered Qasim Suri to submit his written reply in the stay order case in three weeks.

Meanwhile, the court also issued notice to the Registrar’s Office of the SC to submit an inquiry report into the matter within three weeks as to why the ex-NA deputy speaker’s case was not fixed for hearing after the stay order.

Scientists say eating too late could increase your risk of heart disease

Scientists say eating too late could increase your risk of heart disease
Most of us have done it: Late-night noshing while streaming our favorite series. Or maybe it’s that your schedule is so chaotic that you often find yourself eating dinner at 10 p.m. And sure, you know it's not ideal, but is it actually harmful?

Well, a recent study looked at the link between patterns of eating late and heart disease. “Meal timing regulates the biological clocks that are involved in several circadian functions like regulating blood pressure, metabolism and hormonal secretion,” says Bernard Srour, PharmD, PhD, MPH, professor of epidemiology, INRAE, Inserm, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, co-author of the study.

“Former studies have found possible links between breakfast-skipping and less favorable metabolic health. But not much is known on the link between meal timing and cardiovascular diseases.”

Researchers looked at the habits of more than 103,000 adults to assess whether the times they ate food could have a link with the risk of cardiovascular disease — beyond the nutritional quality of the diet, says Srour. Understanding this possible connection could be helpful as a strategy for protecting heart health.

What the scientists discovered is that having a first meal later than 9 a.m. (compared to earlier than 8 a.m.) and a last meal of the day after 9 p.m. (compared to earlier than 8 p.m.) was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, especially among women.

While the results are interesting, it’s too early to make sweeping statements about meal timing and heart health. “Our study shows it could be beneficial to eat early in the morning and stop early in the evening to ensure a long enough nighttime fast duration,” says Srour. “But these are only epidemiological signals that need to be confirmed in other studies and cohorts and randomized controlled trials.”

So, should you eat late at night?

It depends. “It’s not unreasonable. For example, if you ate dinner at 5, and now it’s 9, and you’re hungry, [you should eat],” says Deborah Cohen, DCN, RDN, associate professor in the department of clinical and preventive nutrition science at Rutgers University's School of Health Professions. “But what you eat and how much you eat matters."

You should also take stock of why you want to eat at night. “We’re surrounded by food all day so we may not recognize when we’re hungry,” says Jason Ewoldt, MS, RDN, dietitian with Mayo Clinic. “Check in and ask yourself if you’re actually hungry, or you just want to eat because you’re tired, bored or are doing it out of habit because you’re watching your favorite show.”

What are the best foods to eat before bed?

Cohen and Ewoldt suggest snacking on whole, unprocessed foods and snacks (no ice cream, cookies or chips, which are what we often gravitate towards at night!), and opting for smaller portions.

Good choices include foods like these:

Fresh, frozen or canned fruit (in juice, not syrup)
Popcorn (use a microwave popper so you don’t have to add fat)
Low-fat mozzarella cheese stick
Breakfast cereal such as Cheerios or Shredded Wheat
Plain Greek yogurt with berries or a drizzle of honey
Cut veggies and a little hummus
Banana or apple smeared with nut butter
Small serving of nuts
These, and other nutritionist-approved late-night snacks, could also help you sleep better.

What are the best drinks to have before bed?

Avoid anything that contains sugar and caffeine, which can interfere with sleep, including coffee, some types of tea and colas, say Cohen and Ewoldt. The best drinks before bed include:

Water with a citrus slice
Sparkling water with no added sugar
Herbal non-caffeinated teas

How to protect your online privacy?

How to protect your online privacy?
In today’s digital age, where everything is online, it is very difficult to keep our data protected and safe from being exposed, as the breaches have progressed from minor cyber security issues to causing financial loss for netizens.

Despite a greater emphasis being placed on data security, hackers are continually finding new ways to circumvent walls to gain access to valuable corporate data and credentials, Bitdefender, a software company stated.

So what type of data is most frequently exposed?

Financial Information: Bank details, card details.
Personal information: address, phone numbers, email and password combinations, biometrics, medical records and Identity numbers.

Which online activity exposes what type of data?

Online shopping exposes: Personal information including home address and phone number, online purchase history, credit card details and IP address.
Dating apps reveal: Personal information, private chats, photos, interests
Browsers track your: Browsing history, shopping history, passwords, online interests
Social media reveals your: Photos including the deleted ones, chats, personal information

So how can we check if our data is being exposed?

There are several data leak checkers online that let you see if your data has been compromised, for example, data leak checkers by Cybernews or Bitefinder digital identity protection.

These websites let you monitor your activity and map your digital footprint, which lets you know when and where your data was leaked.

In addition, it also informs you if someone is impersonating you on social media.

Other ways include:

Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Look for unauthorised transactions or new accounts opened in your name.
Change your passwords regularly and enable two-factor authentication on your accounts to add an extra layer of security.
Be cautious of phishing attempts and unsolicited communication asking for personal information. Scammers may try to exploit leaked data for fraudulent purposes.
Use a search engine: You can use a search engine like Google to search for your name, email address or other personal information. If any of your personal information appears in search results, it may have been leaked online.

Major 7.0 earthquake hits China-Kyrgyzstan border

Major 7.0 earthquake hits China-Kyrgyzstan border
At least fifty people were injured after a 7 magnitude earthquake struck along the mountainous China-Kyrgyzstan border on Tuesday, authorities said.

The major quake was registered just after 2:00 a.m. (1800 GMT Monday) at a depth of 13 kilometers in China’s Xinjiang region, about 140 kilometers (85 miles) west of the city of Aksu.

Local authorities dispatched a team to the quake’s epicenter, Beijing’s state news agency said, while around 800 people were on standby for any large disaster relief mission.

The health ministry in Kazakhstan said that 44 people suffering “various” injuries had sought medical help in the city of Almaty, the country’s largest city.

Images posted on social media and by local news outlets showed citizens streaming outside following the quake.

In China’s Akqi County, six people suffered injuries - two of which were “serious” - according to a Weibo post by a Xinjiang government media account.

A total of 47 buildings in the county collapsed, while a further 78 were damaged, the post said.

Two residential houses and livestock sheds collapsed in the area near the epicenter, in rural Wushi County, chinese news agency reported, while electricity was temporarily knocked out.

Video circulating on Chinese social media showed household appliances crashing to the floor as wild shaking rocked homes.

More footage shared by state broadcaster CCTV showed firemen entering a damaged building with cracked walls and police helping an injured local.

Local TV channels in the Indian capital New Delhi reported strong tremors in the city, about 1,400 kilometers away.

One Aksu resident told Xinhua that people rushed outside for safety during the shaking despite the frigid early morning temperatures hovering around -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).

Cao Yanglong, in the city on a business trip, told the state news agency that while on the 21st floor of a hotel, he felt like he was “going to be shaken out of bed.”

People also fled their homes to seek refuge in the street in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek, according to an international news agency reporter, after the quake caused walls to shake and furniture to shift.

Bohobek Azhikeev, head of the Kyrgyz Ministry for Emergency Situations, said in a video message that “no casualties or damage have been registered” in the city.

Five villages are located within 20 kilometers of the epicenter, according to chinese news agency, and a slew of small aftershocks followed in the area, with magnitudes as high as 5.5.

And on Tuesday morning the Kazakh seismological agency reported two new tremors of magnitude 5.2 and 5.3 around 10:00 local time (06:00 GMT) in the same area.

The tremors were felt in Almaty, where schools were closed, according to an international news agency correspondent.

Tuesday’s earthquake came the day after a landslide buried dozens of people and killed at least eight in the southwest of China.
A December quake in the northwest of the country killed 148 people and displaced thousands in Gansu province.

That quake was China’s deadliest since 2014, when more than 600 people were killed in southwestern Yunnan province.

In the December earthquake, subzero temperatures made the aid operation launched in response even more challenging, with survivors huddled around outdoor fires to keep warm.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Tried the turmeric shot yet? Your body will thank you for it!

Tried the turmeric shot yet? Your body will thank you for it!
Turmeric has always been known for its medicinal properties but we add only a pinch of it while cooking, right? But what if we told you that there are healthy as well as yummy ways of incorporating this magic spice in our diets? Presenting, the turmeric shot! This is a great way to add turmeric to your diet.

While they may sound potent, turmeric shots are quite yummy and can be made more delicious by adding other ingredients in them such as ginger, apple cider vinegar and even pineapple! Honey can also be added to complement the sweetness of this concentrated drink.

Health Shots got in touch with nutritionist Kejal Shah who tells us all about turmeric shots = how to make them and why are they so good!

What is a turmeric shot?

A turmeric shot is a small concentrated drink made from fresh turmeric root or powdered turmeric. It is usually combined with other ingredients like ginger, lemon juice, black pepper, or honey to enhance its flavor and health benefits. “Turmeric shots are known for their high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and they are often consumed for their potential immune-boosting, digestive, and anti-cancer properties. These shots are typically consumed quickly in one gulp,” explains Shah.