slash achieves lifelong
| |

Slash achieves lifelong goal as new snake species …

ByJustpaste.in

Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash has reached a milestone that even one of rock music’s biggest stars could hardly have imagined. A newly discovered species of snake has been named after him, giving the legendary musician a surprising connection to the world of science.

The new species has been officially named Lielaphis slashi. It was discovered in New Guinea and is a nonvenomous ground snake with dark brown scales and a lighter-colored underside. Scientists at Chicago’s Field Museum announced the discovery and explained that the species was named in honor of Slash’s lifelong passion for reptiles. (People.com⁠)

For Slash, the honor has a deeply personal meaning. The guitarist has been fascinated by reptiles since childhood and has long supported zoos, museums and natural-history organizations.

“I am extremely honored and humbled,” Slash said while reacting to the news. He also admitted that he never imagined such a moment would happen, making the recognition even more special. (People.com⁠)

The connection between Slash and snakes is hardly new. His interest in reptiles has been part of his identity for decades. In fact, his passion helped inspire the name of his rock project Slash’s Snakepit, the group he formed in 1994.

The scientist behind the naming also had a personal connection to the guitarist. Sara Ruane, associate curator of herpetology at the Field Museum and senior author of the research paper, said she had been a Guns N’ Roses fan since childhood.

Ruane recalled seeing Slash featured with a pet python when she was young. She was fascinated by his love of reptiles and his support for museums and zoos. Those memories eventually helped inspire her to consider the guitarist as a fitting namesake for the new species. (People.com⁠)

The discovery marks an unusual but fitting milestone for the rock star. Slash has spent decades building a reputation as one of the most recognizable guitarists in music, but his influence now extends into an entirely different field.

Unlike a music award or chart achievement, having a species named after him celebrates something much more personal. It recognizes an interest that Slash has carried since childhood and maintained throughout his career.

The discovery also highlights how science and popular culture can unexpectedly meet. For Slash, the moment is more than a quirky headline. It is a lifelong passion coming full circle.

After years of playing some of rock’s biggest stages, Slash now has another remarkable legacy: a species in New Guinea carrying his name.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Pakistan seeks $1.3 billion Chinese loan refinancing to strengthen forex reserves

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan has formally approached China to refinance a $1.3 billion commercial loan, as the government continues efforts to strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves and meet its external financing obligations. According to officials familiar with the matter, negotiations between Pakistani and Chinese authorities are currently in progress to finalise the terms and conditions of the refinancing arrangement. Once the discussions are completed, the funds are expected to be disbursed later this month. The anticipated inflow is expected to provide much-needed support to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, which remain under pressure due to significant external debt repayments and ongoing financing requirements. The refinancing would also help ease short-term liquidity pressures while supporting the country’s broader macroeconomic stability. Sources revealed that Pakistan repaid approximately $2.2 billion in external debt during July, including the settlement of the $1.3 billion Chinese commercial loan. The government’s request for refinancing is aimed at replacing the repaid amount, ensuring that reserve levels remain stable without placing additional strain on the country’s external account. The move comes as Islamabad continues to pursue a strategy of securing rollover agreements and refinancing facilities from friendly countries and international partners to meet its debt servicing commitments. Maintaining adequate foreign exchange reserves has remained a key priority for economic managers as Pakistan seeks to strengthen investor confidence and sustain financial stability. Economic experts believe that successful refinancing of the Chinese loan would provide temporary relief to the country’s external financing position while allowing policymakers greater flexibility in managing upcoming debt obligations. Officials said talks with Chinese financial institutions are progressing positively, although the final timeline will depend on the completion of documentation and agreement on financing terms. The refinancing request also reflects Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to manage its external debt profile prudently amid global economic uncertainties and higher financing costs in international markets.

  • | |

    Deepika Padukone shares candid pregnancy update

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has shared a light-hearted update on her second pregnancy, giving fans a glimpse into the challenges of balancing motherhood while preparing to welcome another child with her husband, actor Ranveer Singh. The actress posted a humorous video on her Instagram Stories that reflected the realities of parenting during pregnancy. The clip featured a heavily pregnant mother lifting her toddler despite common advice to avoid carrying heavy weight, highlighting how parents often find it difficult to refuse their children’s requests. Sharing the relatable post, Deepika appeared to acknowledge that her own pregnancy has been filled with similar moments as she continues caring for her young daughter while expecting her second baby. The actress has previously spoken about how motherhood has transformed her life. In an earlier interview, she described her daughter, Dua Padukone Singh, as the centre of her world and said becoming a mother had changed her priorities. Deepika and Ranveer Singh welcomed their first child, Dua, in September 2024 after announcing their pregnancy earlier that year. The couple later introduced their daughter’s name to fans in November 2024. In April this year, the pair announced they were expecting their second child through a heartwarming social media post featuring their daughter, delighting fans and fellow celebrities. Known for keeping their family life largely private, Deepika and Ranveer occasionally share personal moments with their followers. Her latest post was widely appreciated by fans, many of whom praised the actress for portraying the everyday realities of motherhood with honesty and humour.

  • | |

    PML-N rejects rigging claims as AJK polls head tow…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has strongly rejected allegations of election rigging in the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative assembly elections, maintaining that the electoral process has remained transparent and democratic despite criticism from opposition parties. The three-phase election, being held under heightened security arrangements, has become one of the most closely watched political contests in recent years. The process has been marked by the boycott of the polls by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusations of irregularities by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and weeks of unrest linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has challenged the existing electoral structure, particularly the controversial refugee constituencies. Addressing a press conference after the completion of the second phase of polling, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah expressed confidence that the PML-N had already secured enough seats to form the next AJK government. He predicted the party would strengthen its position further after the remaining constituencies complete voting in the final phase. Sanaullah described the elections as free, fair and credible, crediting election officials, law enforcement agencies and the AJK administration for ensuring a peaceful voting process under difficult circumstances. He dismissed the PPP’s allegations of rigging, arguing that any complaints should be formally presented before the Election Commission, which has the constitutional authority to investigate and order re-polling wherever necessary. The senior PML-N leader also alleged that elements associated with the PPP and JAAC attempted to create unrest in Muzaffarabad before polling day to discourage voter turnout in areas considered favorable to his party. He said the PML-N would seek an official investigation into those incidents. The PPP, however, continues to challenge the credibility of the elections. Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has alleged widespread irregularities and insisted that several constituencies require independent investigations, claiming that the electoral process has not provided a level playing field for all contestants. One of the central issues surrounding the election remains the 12 refugee constituencies, which represent refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir residing in different parts of Pakistan. Critics argue that these seats allow Islamabad greater influence over government formation in AJK, while the government maintains they are constitutionally protected. Earlier this year, the AJK Supreme Court ruled that the constituencies cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The political atmosphere has also been shaped by protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, which initially mobilized against rising electricity prices, taxation and the increasing cost of living before expanding its campaign to demand electoral reforms. Following weeks of demonstrations and clashes with security forces, the AJK government declared JAAC a banned organization under anti-terrorism laws. With unofficial results from the first two phases placing the PML-N in a leading position, attention has now shifted to the third and final phase of polling in Poonch Division, scheduled for August 10. The outcome will determine the composition of the next AJK government and conclude an election that has generated intense political debate across Pakistan.

  • |

    FIA arrests two in Rs533m gold loan fraud case

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a bank cashier and an approved goldsmith in connection with an alleged fraud worth more than Rs533 million at a bank branch in Faisalabad district. According to the FIA, the alleged financial irregularities surfaced during an internal inspection of the bank’s gold financing scheme at its Mamoon Kanjan branch. Investigators discovered that 17 bags containing pledged gold had gone missing, while several other cases involved gold that turned out to be fake, underweight or otherwise failed to match the details recorded in the bank’s loan documents. The investigation found irregularities in 107 gold loan accounts, raising concerns about the handling and verification of gold pledged against loans. The bank estimates that the alleged fraud caused financial losses of more than Rs533.62 million. The FIA has registered a case against goldsmith Tahir Mahmood, cashier Muhammad Arshad and another suspect, Abdul Razzaq. Officials have arrested the cashier and the approved goldsmith as part of the ongoing investigation. Investigators are now examining the records of the affected loan accounts and the procedures followed while assessing and approving the pledged gold. The FIA said it would determine the involvement of other individuals during the course of the investigation. Authorities are also expected to examine whether the suspects acted alone or worked with others to remove pledged gold, substitute genuine gold with counterfeit or lower-weight items, and facilitate loans against inadequate collateral. The case highlights serious concerns about oversight and verification procedures within gold financing schemes, where banks provide loans against gold deposited as security. The FIA said further action would follow as investigators establish the full scope of the alleged fraud and identify any additional people involved.

  • | | |

    PTI leadership backs Sept 27 long March as KP CM r…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership and the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance are fully supporting the planned long march towards Islamabad on September 27. Afridi said the date for the protest was finalised after consultations among PTI’s central and provincial leadership as well as its allied group. He stressed that the decision had been taken collectively and that the party’s leadership across the provinces was on board with the plan. Afridi’s comments came after reports that Aleema Khan, the sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, had questioned why the long march was scheduled for September 27 instead of an earlier date. Responding to the concerns, Afridi described Aleema as a non-political person who was speaking in her capacity as Imran Khan’s sister. He said he was confident that he could satisfy her concerns by explaining the reasons and circumstances behind the decision. The KP chief minister also rejected allegations made by some PTI leaders based abroad that he had agreed to the September 27 date as part of a secret deal with the government. Afridi said those making such accusations should have contacted him directly before discussing the matter publicly. He said such allegations could mislead PTI supporters and create unnecessary confusion. According to Afridi, individuals who were genuinely sincere with Imran Khan and the party should first seek clarification before making accusations against fellow party leaders. Responding to a specific allegation that he had met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and another government official on August 4 before announcing the date of the long march, Afridi categorically denied the claim. He described the allegation as completely baseless and said he had been present at the KP House in Islamabad from noon until around 4:30pm that day. Afridi explained that he had been attending meetings related to the province’s Pado KP and telemedicine initiatives during that period. He also rejected the suggestion that the alleged meeting had taken place in Peshawar, reiterating that he was in Islamabad at the time. The controversy comes as PTI prepares for what its leaders describe as a major mobilisation aimed at securing the release of Imran Khan. A day earlier, PTI leader Shafi Jan said the party had no option left except to launch the long march, which he described as its “last option”. Jan said PTI workers were protesting because they believed their concerns were not being heard. He claimed that the party would march from Peshawar towards Islamabad with around two million people and said the demonstration would have an impact across the country. Imran Khan, 73, has remained in prison since August 2023 following convictions in several cases. PTI has repeatedly rejected the allegations against its founder and described the legal proceedings as politically motivated. Since his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022, Imran Khan has faced numerous legal cases, including those involving state gifts and his marriage. Although some of his convictions have been suspended or overturned, several appeals are still pending before higher courts. Imran Khan and PTI continue to deny any wrongdoing and maintain that the cases against him are politically driven.

  • | |

    Sardar Yousaf renews call for creation of Hazara p…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has reiterated his demand for the creation of a separate Hazara province, saying there is broad political consensus on the issue and that administrative reforms are essential to improve governance and public service delivery. Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside Senator Talha Mahmood, the minister said the movement for Hazara province began in 2010 and has remained a longstanding demand of the region’s people. He said seven young people sacrificed their lives during the movement, adding that their contributions would always be remembered. According to the minister, people from different political parties have consistently supported the establishment of Hazara as a separate province. Sardar Yousaf noted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has passed constitutional resolutions in support of Hazara province on three occasions—in 2014, 2018, and 2020. He added that bills seeking the creation of the new province have also been introduced in both the National Assembly and the Senate and have been referred to the relevant standing committees on law and justice. The minister said the creation of new administrative units has become a necessity in view of Pakistan’s growing population, which now exceeds 250 million. He argued that additional provinces would improve governance, revenue collection, and the implementation of development projects. He stressed that the demand for Hazara province is not linked to any single political party but represents a united movement supported by people from all walks of life, including political leaders, lawyers, journalists, students, traders, and religious scholars. Sardar Yousaf said several national political leaders have publicly expressed support for the Hazara province during visits to the region and public gatherings. He maintained that smaller administrative units would bring government services closer to the people, help address public issues more effectively, and strengthen the federation. He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the Hazara province movement, noting that Hazara Martyrs’ Day is observed every year on April 12 in their memory.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *