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  • Night or Morning when to charge your phone?

    Many smartphone users wonder whether it is better to charge their phone overnight or wait until the morning. Some people plug in their phone before going to bed while others prefer charging it after they wake up.  According to technology experts both methods are generally safe but one may be better for your battery’s long term health. Modern smartphones are designed with smart charging technology that helps protect the battery. Once the battery reaches 100%, the phone automatically reduces or stops charging to prevent overcharging. This means leaving your phone plugged in overnight is usually not dangerous and it is very unlikely to cause the battery to explode or become damaged under normal conditions. However experts say that keeping the phone connected to the charger for many hours is not always the best habit. Even after the battery is full a small amount of voltage can remain which may slowly add stress to the battery over time. If this happens every night for months or years it could slightly reduce the battery’s overall lifespan. For this reason many experts recommend charging your phone in the morning whenever possible.  You can unplug it as soon as it reaches the charge level you need helping reduce unnecessary stress on the battery. Battery experts also suggest keeping your phone’s battery between 20% and 80% most of the time.  Staying within this range reduces chemical wear inside the battery and can help it last longer. If overnight charging is your only option there is no need to worry.  Most modern Android phones and iPhones include features such as Adaptive Charging or Optimized Battery Charging. These features learn your daily routine and slow down charging overnight reaching 100% only shortly before you usually unplug the phone. This helps reduce long term battery wear. Heat is another important factor that affects battery life. Using your phone for heavy gaming video editing or other demanding tasks while it is charging can cause it to become very hot. High temperatures can shorten the battery’s lifespan more quickly than charging overnight. Experts also recommend using the original charger or a trusted high quality replacement. Cheap or low quality chargers and cables may not provide stable power and could affect battery performance. It is also a good idea to avoid charging your phone under a pillow blanket or in any place where heat cannot escape easily. Another useful tip is to avoid letting the battery drop to 0% on a regular basis. Instead try to charge it when it falls to around 20%, and if possible unplug it when it reaches about 80%. In the end overnight charging is much safer than it used to be because of modern battery technology. However if you want your phone’s battery to stay healthy for as long as possible charging when needed using adaptive charging features avoiding excessive heat and keeping the battery between 20% and 80% are the best habits to follow.

  • Morning vs Evening walk, Which is better for health?

    Medical experts say that walking in the morning or evening is equally beneficial for weight loss, improving heart health and getting better sleep. However, the real key to good health is maintaining a regular walking routine. According to health experts, 30 to 45 minutes of brisk walking every day can play an effective role in improving heart health, losing weight, strengthening muscles and reducing mental stress. However, choosing to walk in the morning or evening depends on an individual’s routine, health condition and personal preference. Benefits of Morning walks Morning walks provide the body with natural sunlight which helps regulate the body’s internal clock, improve sleep at night and support the production of vitamin D. In addition, walking in the morning promotes the release of hormones associated with happiness which can improve mood, increase concentration and help maintain energy throughout the day. Experts say that people who exercise in the morning are also more likely to maintain their exercise routine consistently. Evening walks also have several benefits Experts say that after a full day, an increase in body temperature makes the muscles and joints more flexible. As a result, walking briskly and for longer periods may feel easier. According to experts, an evening walk can also help reduce mental stress, relieve fatigue and provide mental relaxation after a busy day. Regarding weight loss, experts say that walking in both the morning and evening can be effective provided that a healthy diet is maintained and a calorie deficit is created. Some people consider walking before breakfast better because the body may use stored fat for energy during this time. However, in the long term, weight loss depends on overall diet and physical activity. Morning and evening walks are also equally beneficial for heart health. Regular walking improves blood circulation and helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle-related diseases. Walking and sleep When it comes to sleep, morning walks can help improve the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle while light or moderate-intensity evening walks can reduce stress and support better sleep. However, intense exercise shortly before bedtime may cause difficulty sleeping for some people. Experts say the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Whether you walk in the morning or evening, maintaining consistency is the real key to a healthy lifestyle.

  • Don’t ignore sprouted potatoes

    During the rainy season higher humidity can cause stored potatoes to develop sprouts.  Many people wonder whether these potatoes are still safe to eat or if they should be thrown away. Health experts say the answer depends on the condition of the potato. If a potato has only one or two small sprouts you can remove the sprouts and the surrounding area before cooking it. However potatoes with many sprouts green patches a soft texture or a shriveled appearance should be thrown away. Experts explain that these potatoes may contain higher levels of two natural toxins called solanine and chaconine. In large amounts these compounds can cause food poisoning and lead to nausea vomiting diarrhea stomach pain and other health problems. Sprouting is a natural process but it also shows that the potato is changing. As the sprouts grow the potato uses its stored nutrients loses moisture becomes soft and some of its starch turns into sugar. At the same time the levels of natural protective compounds called glycoalkaloids including solanine and chaconine may increase. These chemicals help protect the potato from insects and disease but can be harmful to people if consumed in high amounts. A study published in the Food and Chemical Toxicology journal in 2002 found that eating potatoes with high levels of solanine may cause nausea vomiting diarrhea and stomach cramps. In more serious cases symptoms such as headache dizziness fever drowsiness changes in heart rate and even nervous system problems may develop within a few hours. Doctors advise seeking medical care if severe or long lasting symptoms appear after eating potatoes. Experts also warn that people with diabetes should avoid heavily sprouted potatoes because some of the starch changes into sugar which may increase the potato’s glycemic index and raise blood sugar levels more quickly. Who should avoid sprouted potatoes? Health experts say young children older adults pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should not eat sprouted green or spoiled potatoes because they are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of these natural toxins. How to store potatoes properly Experts recommend storing raw potatoes in a cool dry and dark place.  They should not be kept in the refrigerator because cold temperatures can turn starch into sugar. When these potatoes are cooked at high heat they may produce higher levels of acrylamide a compound considered potentially harmful. Potatoes should also be stored away from onions as onions can speed up the sprouting process

  • Lower protein may boost longevity

    Protein rich foods such as cereals coffee water and many other products have become increasingly popular. However a new study suggests that for many people eating less protein instead of more may actually be better for overall health and could even help people live longer. The review published on July 31 in the journal Cell Press Blue examined more than 350 scientific studies exploring the connection between lower protein intake and healthy aging. Researchers found that reducing protein intake may improve metabolism help cells respond better to nutrients lower cell damage and support normal cell function. Together these effects may promote better health and a longer lifespan. The study’s lead author Dudley Lamming said that protein is important for people who exercise regularly because it helps build muscle and improves workout results. However he added that most people are not very physically active which means they may be eating more protein than their bodies actually need. In some cases this could have negative effects on health. Experts also noted that the right amount of protein is different for everyone.  It depends on factors such as age overall health physical activity and lifestyle. They recommend following a balanced diet and getting advice from a healthcare professional before making major changes to protein intake.

  • Migraine warning signs and treatment options

    Migraine is a serious neurological condition that is often described as a severe headache affecting one side of the head. The pain can begin suddenly and become so intense that it is difficult to work, study or carry out daily activities. Doctors say the pain usually starts on one side of the head and may spread behind one eye or to the other side. During a migraine attack bright lights loud noises and strong smells can make the pain worse. Many people prefer to rest in a quiet dark room until the attack passes. Migraine is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea the feeling of vomiting tiredness and weakness. Experts explain that migraines are linked to unusual brain sensitivity.  If migraine attacks happen often or start affecting your daily life you should see a doctor instead of ignoring them. People with chronic migraine may experience attacks on many days each month. Research suggests that about 15% of people worldwide have migraines and around one in two people experience severe headaches at some point in their lives. Common migraine triggers include stress poor eyesight bright lights loud noise smoke strong perfumes lack of sleep, dehydration skipping meals too much caffeine hormonal changes and eating large amounts of sugary or ultra processed foods. Doctors say medicines made specifically for migraines are usually more effective because they target certain serotonin receptors in the brain to help reduce pain. These medicines should only be taken under a doctor’s advice. Common painkillers such as paracetamol or aspirin may provide temporary relief but they do not treat chronic migraine. Symptoms like nausea sensitivity to light tiredness and weakness may continue. If migraines keep coming back it is important to get a proper medical evaluation and the right treatment instead of relying on self-medication.

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    Solar boom needs battery storage, grid reforms to sustain momentum

    Islamabad: Pakistan’s rapid expansion of solar energy has already generated billions of dollars in savings, but experts and policymakers on Tuesday warned that battery storage, grid modernization and supportive policies are now essential to sustain the country’s clean energy transition. Speaking at the Solar, Storage and Flexibility 2026 Conference, Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari said Pakistan’s energy mix is already 50% clean and is targeted to reach 90% by 2035. He stressed that local manufacturing of battery storage systems and the introduction of a daytime Time-of-Use (ToU) tariff would be key to integrating growing solar generation into the national grid. Addressing the conference, PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman said solar energy has already saved Pakistan US$12 billion, with another US$6.3 billion in savings expected this year. She said the country now faces an energy management challenge rather than a generation shortfall, calling for major investments in battery storage, smart grids and modern transmission infrastructure. Rehman said one in every five Pakistani households now uses solar energy and urged international climate finance to prioritize distributed renewable energy, battery storage and affordable financing for households and small businesses instead of focusing mainly on large utility-scale projects. She also opposed the proposed 18% GST on solar equipment, saying it would have slowed Pakistan’s clean energy transition, and called for targeted subsidies, microfinance and supportive regulations to expand access to renewable energy, particularly in underserved and off-grid communities. Renewable energy experts noted that Pakistan has installed an estimated 38 gigawatts of distributed solar capacity, while imports of lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) surged 220% in 2025, signalling rapidly growing demand for energy storage. Global renewable energy leaders, including Global Solar Council CEO Sonia Dunlop and Renewable Energy Council Asia Pacific representative John Grimes, described Pakistan’s consumer-led solar revolution as a model for other countries but stressed that a comprehensive battery storage policy and modern electricity grid are now critical to maintaining the momentum.

  • Hidden signs of liver disease

    Liver specialists in the United Arab Emirates are warning that liver disease can develop silently for many years.  Many people do not know they have a liver problem until the damage becomes severe. Doctors explain that the liver does not have pain sensing nerves so it usually does not hurt even when it is damaged.  It is also a very strong organ that can keep working normally even after 70% to 80% of it has been affected. Because of this fatty liver disease and other liver conditions may progress quietly for 10 to 30 years without clear symptoms. If they are not found early they can lead to liver scarring (cirrhosis) liver failure and in some cases the need for a liver transplant. Fatty liver cases are increasing Experts estimate that around 30% to 40% of adults in the UAE have fatty liver disease.  The condition is now called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) because it is mainly linked to problems with the body’s metabolism. Without treatment MASLD can progress to liver inflammation scarring cirrhosis and even complete liver failure. Young adults are also at risk Doctors say liver disease is no longer a problem only for older adults. Rising rates of obesity type 2 diabetes excess weight and metabolic syndrome are increasing the number of cases among younger people as well. As obesity and diabetes continue to rise experts expect more people to develop serious liver disease in the future.   Why Symptoms Often go unnoticed The liver stays “silent” for two main reasons. First it does not have pain nerves. Second the healthy part of the liver continues to do its job even when a large portion is damaged. Early symptoms if they appear are often mild. These may include ongoing tiredness low energy weakness or slight discomfort in the upper abdomen.  Many people ignore these signs. Who is most at risk? People with type 2 diabetes obesity high cholesterol metabolic syndrome heavy alcohol use or a lack of physical activity have a higher risk of developing fatty liver disease. Research suggests that about 60% of people with type 2 diabetes also have fatty liver disease. However experts stress that even people with a healthy weight can develop the condition especially if they have a family history of liver disease an unhealthy diet or low levels of exercise. Gym goers should be careful too Doctors say they are seeing more people with fatty liver who do not drink alcohol are not overweight and consider themselves healthy. Experts warn that  eating too much sugar taking low quality supplements especially muscle building products getting too little sleep dealing with long-term stress, and sitting for many hours can all harm the liver. Unnecessary medicines and unregulated herbal supplements may also put extra pressure on the liver. Warning Signs that need medical attention Although liver disease may not cause symptoms at first you should see a doctor if you experience •Constant tiredness or weakness •Unexplained weight loss •Loss of appetite •Pain or swelling in the abdomen •Ongoing nausea •Seek urgent medical care if you notice. •Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice) •Dark colored urine •Very pale stools •Swelling in the legs or abdomen •Easy bruising •Confusion or changes in mental alertness •Vomiting blood or blood in the stool Early detection can make a difference Experts say many liver diseases can be slowed down if they are diagnosed early.  In some cases part of the damage can even improve with proper treatment and healthy lifestyle changes. Losing excess weight controlling blood sugar and cholesterol eating a balanced diet exercising regularly and staying active are all important for keeping the liver healthy. Get regular liver checkups Doctors recommend that people at higher risk have liver function tests blood sugar and cholesterol checks and a liver ultrasound or FibroScan at least once a year. A FibroScan is a quick painless test that can detect fat buildup and scarring in the liver within minutes. Experts say the liver often gives no warning signs making regular screening one of the best ways to protect your liver health.

  • Why Airplanes turn off the AC before takeoff

    Have you ever noticed that the cabin feels warmer just before a plane takes off? Many passengers wonder why the air conditioning seems to stop working at that moment. The reason is not a technical problem it is part of the aircraft’s normal operating procedure. When passengers board the plane the cabin is usually cooled by an external air conditioning system at the airport. This keeps everyone comfortable while the aircraft is parked at the gate. Just before departure the external power and cooling supply are disconnected.  At that point the aircraft switches to its Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) a small onboard engine that provides electricity and cool air until the main engines are fully running. During takeoff pilots need as much engine power as possible to safely lift the aircraft into the air.  To help achieve this some systems that are not essential during takeoff including parts of the air conditioning and climate control system may be temporarily reduced or switched off. This allows more engine power to be used for takeoff instead of running cabin cooling systems. Former American pilot John Cox explains that this short changeover happens because the aircraft moves from ground power to its own power systems. Once the engines are operating normally and the plane reaches a stable stage of flight the air conditioning returns to normal and the cabin quickly becomes comfortable again. So, if the cabin feels a little warm before takeoff there is usually no reason to worry. It is a normal part of the flight process designed to support a safe and efficient departure.

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    An alien planet

    Imagine living on a world where the start of the day and the end of the day aren’t just different times, but entirely different environments. On one horizon, morning arrives in a chilly mist where vaporized rocks might condense into glittering, mineral clouds. On the opposite horizon, evening sets in as a roaring, hyper-heated furnace hot enough to shred water molecules into raw hydrogen and oxygen. This isn’t sci-fi world-building, it is the reality of WASP-121 b, an extreme exoplanet located roughly 850 light-years from Earth. Astronomers analyzing data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have uncovered unprecedented details about this distant world, proving for the first time that its morning and evening twilight zones are fundamentally different from one another. A World Locked in Perpetual Extremes WASP-121 b belongs to a class of cosmic objects known as hot Jupiters: giant gas planets that orbit extraordinarily close to their parent stars. Because of this extreme proximity, the planet is tidally locked. Just as the Moon always presents the same face to Earth, WASP-121 b always presents the exact same hemisphere to its star. One side endures an unrelenting, eternal day with scorching temperatures topping 2,500 degrees Celsius (4,500 degrees Fahrenheit). The opposite side faces permanent night, staring into cold space. For years, astrophysicists hypothesized that the narrow transition zones between day and night. The planet’s terminators might harbor complex, asymmetrical weather patterns. However, confirming this required measuring subtle variations in starlight as the planet passed in front of its star. How Jet Streams Reshape Alien Skies Using JWST’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec), researchers tracked how starlight filtered through different parts of WASP-121 b’s atmosphere. The findings revealed a dramatic contrast between the morning transition and the evening transition. The driver behind this strange weather is a planetary-scale jet stream. Superheated air on the dayside doesn’t stay still; it rushes toward the cooler nightside at extreme speeds. Because the planet rotates toward the east, these violent winds carry thermal energy around the globe and dump the bulk of that heat directly into the evening region. As a result, WASP-121 b’s evening atmosphere grows significantly hotter than its morning counterpart. Heat causes gases to expand, puffing up the evening sky like a inflated balloon. When starlight filters through this swollen atmospheric layer, it reveals an environment so fierce that water molecules cannot survive intact. Clouds of Metal and Torn Molecules In the searing furnace of the evening sky, chemical bonds break. Water vapor brought in from the dayside is torn apart by the heat, leaving behind a sky depleted of chemical stability. As those same winds continue their journey around the cold nightside, the atmosphere gradually cools down. By the time the air sweeps around to form the morning twilight, the story flips. Here, temperatures drop enough for chemical compounds to reassemble. Scientists suspect that in this cooler morning zone, minerals such as silicates condense out of the gas phase. Instead of water clouds like those on Earth, WASP-121 b’s morning sky likely features reflective clouds made of liquid rock or iron droplets. These metallic clouds block radiation from deeper layers, making the morning side appear even cooler to space observatories. A New Era of Exoplanet Meteorology Until recently, studying alien worlds meant treating entire planets as single, uniform points of light. This discovery demonstrates that modern space telescopes can resolve climate dynamics across distinct regions of a world hundreds of light-years away.   By capturing the contrast between a planet’s morning and evening, astronomers are moving from simply discovering exoplanets to mapping their active weather systems. WASP-121 b may be far too hostile for life as we know it, but understanding its violent atmospheric currents brings us one step closer to reading the skies of smaller, cooler, and potentially habitable worlds in the future.

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    Creative expression as survival in times of crisis

    In times of severe military occupation, state violence, and political trauma, art and literature undergo a fundamental transformation. They shift from aesthetic expression to vital tools for survival, record-keeping, and resistance. When conventional channels of news, speech, and movement are heavily restricted or censored, art and literature fulfill critical functions within a society. Documenting Counter-Narratives and Resisting Erasure In occupied zones, official narratives often frame political conflict using terms like normalcy or integration. They sanitize structural violence and human suffering. Kashmiri writers, poets, and essayists use narrative to preserve collective memory against state-enforced amnesia. Through poetry, fiction, and memoirs, literature captures the psychological reality of curfews, enforced disappearances, communication blackouts. It reminds of the loss of autonomy, rendering the lived experience of civilians indelible. Fine arts, illustration, and graphic art record incidents and emotional states that photojournalism or state-approved media often cannot access or transmit.  Processing Collective and Intergenerational Trauma Art creates a necessary intellectual and emotional container for a traumatized populace. Concepts such as unheimlich (the uncanny, or feeling un-homed in one’s own land) or grief over exile and displacement find structural expression through creative metaphors. Poetic forms allow writers to articulate loss, mourning, and fear in ways that transcend direct prose. The work of iconic Kashmiri poets such as the late Agha Shahid Ali, whose poetry continues to resonate. It demonstrates how verse can turn localized grief into a universal cry for human dignity. Artists frequently turn to raw mediums like paint, installation, and physical textiles to project the interiority of living under siege, using symbolic motifs like barren land, barbed wire, cages, or domestic objects disrupted by violence. Evading Censorship Through Metaphor and Allegory When direct political discourse leads to state surveillance, detentions, or legal suppression, creative expression relies on metaphor, symbolism, and myth. Playwrights and novelists weave political critiques into historical, mythological, or surreal settings, allowing themes of oppression, tyranny, and liberation to be discussed safely. On the ground, quick visual mediums like graffiti, posters, and digital art become decentralized tools. The mediums act for mass communication and solidarity, circulating rapidly across networks even during communication rollbacks.  Transcending Boundaries and Building Global Solidarity Art and literature serve onnect the isolated region to the global diaspora and international human rights communities. On memorial dates like August 5 (observed as Youm-e-Istehsal or Black Day by Kashmiris and solidarity groups worldwide), exhibitions, literary readings, poster competitions, and performance art allow communities across the world to bear witness to the ongoing struggle. Art transforms passive sympathy into active political consciousness. It forces the global audiences to confront physical realities of occupation beyond distant headlines. In times of intense crisis, art does not exist as an escape from reality. Rather, it becomes the definitive site where human dignity, historical truth, and resistance are actively preserved.