• Hidden signs of liver disease

    ByJustpaste.in

    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.

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    Gold prices rise in Pakistan

    ByJustpaste.in

      KARACHI: Gold prices climbed in Pakistan on Monday, even though international gold rates experienced a slight decline. The increase in local prices was mainly attributed to continued uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict, concerns over rising inflation, and investor caution ahead of key US economic data expected later this week. According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association, the price of 24-karat gold increased by Rs1,700 per tola, taking it to Rs428,436. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of goldrose by Rs1,457, reaching Rs367,314. The latest increase came after a significant decline on Saturday, when gold prices had fallen by Rs3,700 per tola to settle at Rs426,736. In contrast, the international gold market remained under slight pressure. Spot gold slipped by 0.1% to $4,037.01 per ounce, while US gold futures for August delivery declined by 0.3% to $4,035.80 per ounce during trading. Despite the minor drop, analysts believe global investors remain cautious because of ongoing geopolitical tensions and expectations of fresh economic developments in the United States. Silver prices in Pakistan also moved higher. The price of silver gained Rs54 per tola, taking it to Rs6,291, reflecting continued demand for precious metals in the local market. Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities, said that international gold prices had eased slightly after fluctuating throughout the trading session. According to him, gold touched a high of $4,080 per ounce before falling to a low of$4,019, eventually stabilising near $4,038. He noted that gold remains under pressure and the market is closely monitoring upcoming US economic indicators, particularly employment data, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s future monetary policy decisions. Agar added that gold has remained within a broad trading range of approximately $3,950 to $4,250 per ounce since June. However, he expects this range to break within the next one or two weeks, potentially leading to a stronger upward or downward price movement depending on market conditions. Market participants are now awaiting a series of important US labour market reports, as these will provide further insight into the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook. Higher interest rates generally reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold, while expectations of rate cuts tend to support bullion prices. Another factor attracting attention in the global market is reports that South Korea’s central bank intends to purchase gold from domestic producers, a move that could provide additional support to demand in the coming months. Meanwhile, oil markets have also remained highly volatile. Brent crude futures surged by more than 20% last month, driven largely by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns that higher energy prices could fuel inflation worldwide. Edward Meir, an analyst at Marex, said gold has traded within a narrow range of $4,000 to $4,200 per ounce for over a month. He explained that the possibility of inflation picking up again, particularly after July’s economic data, is helping support gold prices despite the recent weakness. Separately, the Pakistani rupee posted another modest gain against the US dollar. The local currency appreciated by 0.01%, closing at Rs277.77 per dollar, compared with Rs277.80 at the end of the previous trading session, reflecting continued stability in the foreign exchange market.

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    Gaza holds funeral for 112 victims recovered nearl…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Funeral prayers have been held in Gaza for 112 Palestinians whose bodies were recovered nearly three years after the destruction of residential buildings in the Al-Sabra neighborhood during the 2023 Gaza conflict. The remains were retrieved from beneath the rubble following an extended rescue operation, bringing long-awaited closure to many grieving families. According to local civil defense authorities, the bodies were recovered after approximately 136 hours of continuous search and rescue efforts at the site of collapsed residential buildings in Gaza City. The operation was carried out under challenging conditions, including damaged infrastructure, limited heavy machinery, and shortages of fuel. The funeral procession drew large crowds as mourners carried flag-draped coffins to the cemetery. Family members and residents gathered to pay their final respects, with many expressing the pain of waiting years before they could bury their loved ones. Several families reportedly lost multiple relatives in the same incident, making the ceremony particularly emotional. Civil defense officials stated that many of those recovered belonged to the Abu Sharia family, while around 40 children were among the victims identified. Authorities also warned that an estimated 157 additional bodies may still remain trapped beneath the rubble, highlighting the scale of the destruction and the ongoing recovery challenge. The buildings collapsed during an Israeli airstrike on November 22, 2023, in the Al-Sabra area of Gaza City. According to Palestinian authorities, more than 300 people were killed in the attack. Due to the intensity of the bombardment and the limited rescue capabilities at the time, only a small number of bodies were initially recovered, leaving many victims buried beneath the debris. Israeli authorities have previously stated that military operations in Gaza target armed groups and military infrastructure, while emphasizing that measures are taken to reduce civilian casualties. The humanitarian impact of the conflict, however, has been widely documented by international organizations, which have repeatedly called for greater protection of civilians. Meanwhile, Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar have expressed concern over reported violations of the Gaza ceasefire and urged all parties to fully implement the terms of the agreement. The three countries stressed the importance of protecting civilians, hospitals, and medical facilities in accordance with international humanitarian law. Rescue workers continue to search through destroyed neighborhoods, warning that thousands of people may still be missing beneath collapsed structures across Gaza. They say recovery efforts remain slow because of damaged infrastructure, equipment shortages, and difficult working conditions. The latest mass funeral serves as a solemn reminder of the lasting human cost of the conflict and the enduring grief faced by affected families.

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    Two women killed, two girls injured in Lahore dome…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A man has been arrested in Lahore after allegedly killing his mother and a neighboring woman during a domestic dispute in the Harbanspura area. The incident also left two girls injured, prompting a swift response from police and forensic investigators. According to police, the attack took place in Kotli Pir Abdul Rehman, a locality in Harbanspura, where the suspect allegedly assaulted multiple people using a screwdriver. Authorities said the victims suffered serious injuries during the attack, resulting in two fatalities and two injuries. The deceased have been identified as 70-year-old Kaneez Fatima, the suspect’s mother, and 52-year-old Sultana Imran, a neighboring resident. Police said both women died after sustaining multiple injuries during the incident. Two girls, identified as 23-year-old Aqsa and 13-year-old Arifa, were also injured in the attack. They were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where they received medical treatment. Officials have not yet released further details about their current condition. Police officers, forensic experts, and investigators arrived at the scene shortly after receiving reports of the incident. The area was secured while evidence was collected to assist in the investigation. Authorities also documented the crime scene and interviewed witnesses to determine the sequence of events. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the suspect was arrested at the scene along with the alleged weapon used in the attack. The accused has been identified as Aurangzeb, and investigators have begun formal legal proceedings. Police stated that the motive appears to be linked to a domestic dispute, although the exact circumstances remain under investigation. The bodies of the deceased were transferred to a hospital for medico-legal procedures and post-mortem examinations, while investigators continue to gather evidence and record witness statements. Officials said additional details will be released as the inquiry progresses. Incidents of domestic violence remain a serious concern, with authorities emphasizing the importance of early intervention in family disputes and improved access to conflict resolution and mental health support where appropriate. Police have urged the public to report threats or violent behavior promptly to help prevent similar tragedies. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to present the suspect before the relevant court in accordance with legal procedures. As with all criminal cases, the allegations against the accused remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.

  • Why Airplanes turn off the AC before takeoff

    ByJustpaste.in

    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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    Trump criticizes oil companies over high profits a…

    ByJustpaste.in

    US President Donald Trump has criticized major oil companies over their growing profits, saying that energy firms are earning excessive amounts of money amid rising fuel prices. His remarks come as global oil markets face uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions and disruptions affecting energy supplies. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he supports free markets but expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as unusually high earnings by oil companies. He stated that while businesses have the right to operate freely, current market conditions have allowed some energy companies to generate profits beyond what he considers reasonable. The increase in crude oil prices has significantly boosted the revenues of several major energy companies worldwide. Market uncertainty linked to tensions between the United States and Iran has contributed to higher oil prices, creating favorable conditions for large oil producers and companies. Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco reported a significant increase in quarterly profit, announcing earnings of $33.4 billion, compared with $25.2 billion during the same period last year. This represents a substantial rise in profits. US-based energy companies have also recorded strong financial results. ExxonMobil reported quarterly earnings of $14.5 billion, more than double compared with the previous year. Meanwhile, Chevron posted a profit of $12.1 billion, marking a significant increase from the same period previously. British energy company Shell also reported nearly $10 billion in quarterly profits, making it one of the company’s strongest financial performances in recent years. While energy companies benefit from higher crude oil prices, consumers in the United States have faced increased fuel costs. Average petrol prices have risen significantly since the beginning of the conflict-related market disruptions, adding further pressure on households already dealing with inflation. Fuel prices have become a major political issue ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Lowering petrol costs has emerged as a key priority for the Trump administration, as high energy prices often influence public opinion and economic sentiment. A major factor behind the rise in oil prices has been disruption in key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Reduced oil transportation through the region has affected global supply and contributed to market volatility. Although diplomatic efforts have reportedly aimed at reducing tensions and improving shipping access, uncertainty remains in global energy markets. Security concerns in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait have also affected oil transportation routes. Energy analysts believe that major oil companies may continue benefiting from elevated prices in the short term. However, they suggest that increased global supply or improved conditions in strategic waterways could eventually push crude oil prices lower. The ongoing debate highlights the challenge faced by governments worldwide: balancing energy company profits, market stability, and the need to provide affordable fuel for consumers.

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    An alien planet

    ByJustpaste.in

    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

    ByJustpaste.in

    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.  

  • Easy tips for dark circles

    ByJustpaste.in

    Dark circles under the eyes are common and can appear for many reasons including lack of sleep and tiredness. They can make the face look dull but they are not always caused by poor sleep. Lifestyle habits aging allergies and genetics can also play a role. Getting enough sleep every night is one of the most important steps.  Resting well may help reduce the appearance of dark circles especially if they are caused by fatigue. If dark circles remain even after getting enough sleep you can try a few simple home remedies. Cucumber slices Place chilled cucumber slices over your closed eyes for a few minutes.  The cool feeling may help soothe tired eyes and reduce puffiness for a short time. Some people also use potato slices for dark circles. While they are a popular home remedy there is limited scientific evidence that they provide long term results. Eat healthy fruits A balanced diet is important for healthy skin.  Fruits such as bananas papaya and guava provide vitamins and nutrients that support overall skin health. However eating these fruits alone cannot guarantee that dark circles will disappear. Lemon juice and Oil Some home remedies suggest mixing lemon juice with jasmine oil and applying it around the eyes. However you should be very careful because lemon juice can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes and should never get into the eyes. Dark circles can have different causes in different people including genetics aging allergies skin tone and lack of sleep. If they continue for a long time or are accompanied by swelling or other unusual symptoms it is best to consult a dermatologist.

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    Pakistan stock exchange slides over 1,100 points 

    ByJustpaste.in

      KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a volatile trading session on Tuesday as strong gains recorded in early trading quickly disappeared, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index ending the day more than 1,100 points lower. Widespread profit-taking in major sectors, combined with cautious investor sentiment influenced by global market uncertainty, weighed heavily on the market. The benchmark KSE-100 Index initially climbed to an intraday high of 178,768.83 points, reflecting optimism among investors during the opening hours. However, the momentum proved short-lived as selling pressure gradually intensified across the market. By the close of trading, the index had fallen to 177,083.22 points, registering a decline of 1,116.80 points, or 0.63%, after touching an intraday low of 177,043.10 points. Market participants attributed the sharp reversal to extensive profit-booking in several heavyweight sectors. Commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, cement manufacturers, investment firms, and fertiliser stocks all came under significant selling pressure, dragging the benchmark index into negative territory despite its promising start. Investor confidence also remained subdued due to mixed developments in international financial markets. Asian stock markets traded without a clear direction as investors balanced encouraging corporate earnings from the United States against continuing geopolitical tensions. At the same time, international oil prices climbed by more than two percent as uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran persisted. Concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies through major shipping routes also contributed to market caution. Commenting on the day’s performance, Ahmed Sheraz, an equity trader at KTrade Securities, said the KSE-100 Index remained under pressure throughout the session because the market lacked fresh positive catalysts capable of sustaining its recent upward momentum. According to him, the absence of encouraging economic or corporate developments prompted investors to lock in profits after recent gains. Sheraz noted that selling activity was widespread across key sectors, particularly banking, oil and gas, cement, investment companies, and fertilisers. He added that despite Brent crude oil trading between $84 and $86 per barrel, investors largely preferred to stay on the sidelines while waiting for stronger economic indicators and corporate earnings announcements before making new investment decisions. Looking ahead, Sheraz believes the stock market is likely to remain highly sensitive to news flow. Upcoming corporate earnings reports, macroeconomic indicators, and foreign investment activity are expected to play a decisive role in shaping market sentiment over the coming weeks. He also identified the 176,500 to 177,000-point range as an important technical support level for the benchmark index, suggesting that maintaining this level could help stabilise the market. Trading activity slowed compared with the previous session. Total market volume declined to 711.2 million shares, down from 785.3 million shares recorded on Monday. Meanwhile, the total value of traded shares stood at Rs25.8 billion. A total of 495 companiesparticipated in trading during the session. Among them, 161 stocks closed higher, 295 stocks ended in negative territory, while 39 stocks remained unchanged. Pakistan International Bulk Terminal emerged as the session’s most actively traded stock, with approximately 89.8 million shares changing hands. The company’s share price declined by Rs0.34, closing the session at Rs16.74.