Niger's military ruler warns against foreign meddling

Niger's new military ruler lashed out at neighbouring countries and the international community in a nationally televised speech Wednesday night, and he called on the population to be ready to defend the nation.

In one of few addresses to the West African country since seizing power from Niger’s democratically elected president a week ago, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani warned against foreign meddling and military intervention against the coup.

Tchiani, who commands Niger's presidential guard, also promised to create the conditions for a peaceful transition to elections following his ouster of President Mohamed Bazoum.

His speech comes amid rising regional tensions as the West African regional bloc ECOWAS threatens to use military force if Bazoum isn't released from house arrest and reinstated by Aug. 6.

The bloc has imposed severe travel and economic sanctions.

Tchiani said that Niger is facing difficult times ahead and that the “hostile and radical” attitudes of those who oppose his rule provide no added value.

He called the sanctions imposed by ECOWAS illegal, unfair, inhuman and unprecedented.

A two-day meeting of defense chiefs of the ECOWAS bloc opened Wednesday in Nigeria’s capital to confer on next steps.

Abdel-Fatau Musah, the bloc's commissioner for political affairs, peace and stability, said the meeting in Abuja would deal with how to “negotiate with the officers in the hostage situation that we find ourselves in the Republic of Niger.”

The sanctions announced by ECOWAS on Sunday included halting energy transactions with Niger, which gets up to 90% of its power from neighbouring Nigeria, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

PM inaugurates Bhara Kahu bypass project in Islamabad

Islamabad witnessed a momentous occasion on Thursday as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Bhara Kahu bypass.

This was a transformative infrastructure project that is set to alleviate traffic congestion and facilitate smoother transportation for the people of Murree, Galyat, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The ambitious project, which spans 5.4 kilometers, includes a 1350-meter-long overhead bridge, and its completion was achieved in just 9 months.

With a total cost exceeding Rs6 billion, the bypass is expected to significantly ease the burden of traffic flow and provide a much-needed sigh of relief for both commuters and tourists alike.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his satisfaction with the project’s completion and its potential impact on the region.

He explained the crucial role the bypass would play in easing traffic congestion in Bhara Kahu, which had become a persistent issue affecting locals and tourists alike.

The prime minister acknowledged the challenges faced during the project’s execution, particularly the acquisition of land, which proved to be a hurdle in its initial stages.

He highlighted that during the tenure of the PML-N government, all development projects had faced delays due to various issues.

He expressed his disappointment that the project could not be completed during the tenure of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, stating that external factors, possibly alluding to alleged conspiracies, were a hindrance.

Shehbaz Sharif also praised the role played by the army chief in the successful completion of the Bhara Kahu bypass project.

He confidently stated that speculations regarding his relationship with the establishment did not affect his determination to deliver on development projects that benefit the people of Pakistan.

As the new bypass commences operation, it promises a better, smoother travel experience for residents and tourists visiting the scenic regions of Murree, Galyat, and Azad Kashmir.

The completed project reflects the commitment of the government to addressing infrastructure needs and enhancing connectivity across the country, he added.

6 Foods One Should Have For Healthy, Germ-Free Teeth

When talking about the health of your teeth, you are what you eat. Sugary foods, such as candies and fizzy beverages, resulting in tooth decay. A healthy diet is important for good oral health. Nutrition has an immediate effect on your teeth and gums.

Impoverished nutrition may result in tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Doctors have also associated oral diseases with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and premature/low-weight births. You can use this healthy foods list to enhance your diet and the health of your oral health.

1. Cheese: If you're one of the many people who affirm a passion for cheese, you instantly have another explanation to relish this delicious food. A survey interprets that consuming cheese lifts the pH in the mouth and lowers the risk of tooth decay. It's believed that the chewing needed to chew cheese boosts saliva in the mouth. Cheese also includes calcium and protein, nutrients that provide strength to teeth.

2. Leaf Green Vegetables: Leafy greens normally uncover their way onto any healthy diet plan. They're rich in vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. Leafy greens such as kale and spinach also improve oral health. They're high in calcium, which creates enamel on your teeth.

3. Apples: While doctors recommend steering clear of most sweet foods, there are some exceptions. Fruits, such as apples, might be sweet, but also have high water and fibre content. Eating an apple generates saliva in your mouth, which rinses away bacteria and food grains. The fibrous composition of the fruit also promotes gum health. Eating an apple isn't equal to brushing your teeth with toothpaste that includes fluoride, but it can tide you over until you have an opportunity to brush.

4. Yoghurt: Similar to cheese, yoghurt is rich in calcium and protein, which creates it to be an ideal choice for the strength and health of your teeth. The probiotics, or helpful bacteria, found in yoghurt moreover benefit your gums because the good bacteria rinse out bacteria that induce cavities. If you choose to add more yoghurt to your diet, preferably go for a plain variety with no added sugar.

5. Carrots: Like apples, carrots are crunchy and rich in fibre. Eating several raw carrots after every meal raises saliva production in your mouth, which lessens your threat of cavities. Along with being rich in fibre, carrots are a considerable source of vitamin A. Top a salad with a few slices of raw carrot, or enjoy some baby carrots on their own.

6. Almonds: Almonds are beneficial for your teeth because they are a decent source of calcium and protein while being low in sugar. Enjoy a handful of almonds with your lunch. You can also add a handful to a salad or a stir-fry dinner.

Can Tooth Decay Lead to Death?

The idea that tooth decay can be life-threatening may seem absurd at first, but there's evidence to suggest that what goes on inside your mouth may have far-reaching implications for your whole body health.

One of the most widely believed connections is the one between poor oral health and heart disease.

This long acknowledged potential relationship was further cemented by a 2015 study published in an international medical Journal  which found a solid link between less than stellar oral hygiene and hypertension (high blood pressure), itself a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

There are a couple of theories that may explain why there's a link between heart disease and gum disease. In one, oral bacteria get into the bloodstream through sores in bleeding gums and attach themselves to the fatty plaques lining the blood vessels in the heart.

Once there, they obstruct blood flow, which can lead to a heart attack. In another theory, arterial inflammation caused by periodontal bacteria restricts blood flow, eventually causing a heart attack. The 2015 Journal of Periodontology study suggests that inflammation and blood pressure elevation could be the connection between periodontitis and potentially heart disease-inducing hypertension.

Although there's no definitive proof yet that poor oral health causes heart disease, it does seem to be a risk factor, lending support to the possibility that the mouth and body connection plays a much larger role in human health and wellness than we've suspected until now, including quality of life issues and longevity. However, research has yet to establish with rock-solid certainty that treatment of periodontal disease will lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Poor oral health has also been associated with other diseases like stroke, dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, some cancers, diabetes, respiratory infection, pregnancy problems, kidney disease and even erectile dysfunction! In most scenarios, the thinking is that bacteria from infected teeth gets into a patient's bloodstream and causes harm. If that last disease risk doesn't get men to floss, nothing will!

Evacuation of foreign nationals under way in Niger as regional tensions rise

Foreign nationals have lined up outside an airport in Niger's capital waiting for a third evacuation flight, while a regional bloc continued talks about its response to the coup that took place last week.

According to international media reports, after a third flight was cancelled the night before, hundreds of people lined up outside the terminal at Niamey’s airport before sunrise on Wednesday, hoping to leave.

France, Italy and Spain all announced evacuations for their citizens and other Europeans following last week’s military coup, which ousted and detained President Mohamed Bazoum.

The United States has yet to announce plans for an evacuation. However, some have left with the help of the Europeans.

French forces in the capital, Niamey, evacuated hundreds of mostly French nationals to Paris on two flights on Tuesday, following concerns that their citizens and other Europeans risked becoming trapped by the coup.

The first of two French flights that landed in Paris overnight had 12 babies among 262 people aboard, most of them French but including evacuees from Niger, Portugal, Belgium, Ethiopia and Lebanon, France's Foreign Ministry said.

An Italian military aircraft landed in Rome Wednesday with 99 passengers, including 21 Americans and civilians from other countries, said the Italian defence minister.

Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi climb up in ICC Test rankings

Pakistan's skipper Babar Azam and frontline pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi have got promotions in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings.

Babar, who managed to score just 76 runs in the recently concluded Test series against Sri Lanka, got benefitted from the demotion of Australia's Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head.

Labuschagne (328) and Head (362) lost their rating despite finishing seventh and eighth highest-scorer in the Ashes Test series.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, who bagged six wickets in two Tests against Sri Lanka, has jumped three positions to sixth.

Pakistan's Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Shafique are currently ranked 15th and 21st respectively. Both the batters scored their maiden double-hundred against Sri Lanka in their backyard.

After the Ashes series retention, Australia's Steve Steve Smith jumped from fifth to third position. England's Joe Root (412), the third-highest run-scorer in the Ashes Tests, grabbed second position.

New Zealand's Kane Williamson, who last played a Test back in March this year, retained the top position with a ranking of 883. Williamson got injured during this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) and his participation in the upcoming World Cup is also unlikely.

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin leads the bowlers' chart with the rating of 879. His compatriot Ravindra Jadeja climbed up to third position.

England's veteran pacer Stuart Broad grabbed fourth position which would be his last ranking as the latter took retirement from Test cricket.

Pakistan has ability to defend itself against all threats: FO

Foreign Office Spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra says Pakistan has the ability to defend itself against all threats, national or foreign.

She was responding to media queries about yesterday's remarks of Foreign Minister on the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.

She said Pakistan has always remained engaged with Afghanistan to ensure that Afghan territory does not become a launching pad for terrorist acts inside Pakistani territory.

Mumtaz Zahra said Foreign Minister's remarks are neither new nor extraordinary.

FO Spokesperson said Foreign Minister clearly reiterated our policy to engage with Afghanistan for it to abide by its commitments to the international community including Pakistan.