Elephants invade as habitat loss soars

Elephants invade as habitat loss soars

Entertainment SS   4:50 PM

These elephants have been invading farms. These are personal farms. So the people are really suffering,”  Leonard Akam told Mongabay over the phone. Akam is the head of Boje, one of the largest communities near the reserve. “The destruction an elephant can cause in a day is more than the job of three people. It is just like a bulldozer paving a path.”

This increase in human-wildlife conflict comes as habitat in the Afi River reserve and other nearby protected areas is disappearing

The region’s most iconic resident is arguably the Cross River gorilla, Africa’s most endangered ape. However, it is not clear whether the gorillas permanently reside in Afi River Forest Reserve or merely stray in at intervals. Regardless, the reserve is an important corridor that connects fragments of habitat that sustain the estimated 300-or-so surviving gorillas that live along the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.

Gorillas are known to inhabit three key protected areas in Cross River: Mbe Mountains Community Forest, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Cross River National Park. Afi River Forest Reserve joins these areas together, allowing what would be disjunct populations to interbreed.

Research suggests that, because there are so few gorillas left, failure to maintain connectivity between these fragmented populations would severely impede the exchange of genetic material, without which the subspecies would decline.

Hours-long standoff in Pittsburgh's

Hours-long standoff in Pittsburgh's

Entertainment SS   4:39 PM

The situation escalated as the suspect barricaded themselves inside a residence, leading to a prolonged standoff. Hundreds of rounds were reportedly discharged during the confrontation.

Despite the efforts of emergency crews and law enforcement, the confrontation concluded with the death of the gunman at around 5:08pm, as confirmed by Pittsburgh Public Safety officials. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provided assistance to local authorities throughout the incident.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased suspect. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement officers face while carrying out their duties, especially in situations that can unexpectedly escalate.

A spokesperson for the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office mentioned that the deputies were responding to a situation involving an eviction from a property obtained through a sheriff's sale. 

Twist could solve mystery of Lord Lucan’s

Twist could solve mystery of Lord Lucan’s

Article SS   2:32 PM

 He was last seen in the dead of night after being accused of murdering his family’s nanny. Officially, he was declared legally dead in 2016, but whispers of him being spotted hiding in places as far-flung as Africa and Australia have rumbled on for decades.

And now, a facial recognition expert has claimed that an 87-year-old Buddhist monk near Brisbane is a “definite match” for Lord Lucan, who himself would be 87.The suave Earl lived in upmarket Belgravia, in central London, with his wife Veronica and three children, however their marriage collapsed in 1972.Lord Lucan was accused of bludgeoning the family’s nanny, Sandra Rivett, to death with a lead pipe in November 1974.

Lady Lucan was also attacked that night and named her estranged husband as her assailant.His body was never found, leading some to claim the aristocrat “fell on his sword” by drowning himself at sea.Lady Lucan, who herself committed suicide in 2017, said she believed her husband took his own life “like the nobleman he was”.

But possible sightings in Portugal, Africa and Australia all suggest the peer may have faked his own death.One line of inquiry states that Lord Lucan attended a party in the Algarve, in Portugal, in the weeks after Rivett was murdered.

A woman who worked for one of Lord Lucan’s close friends, the casino owner John Aspinall, told the BBC in 2012 how she helped the aristocrat flee to west Africa.

Scientists: Fishing boats compete with whales.

Scientists: Fishing boats compete with whales.

Article SS   2:14 PM

Two huge fishing vessels make their way through the icy waters of the Southern Ocean, passing among a pod of dozens of whales while slowly hauling on board bulging nets hundreds of meters long. The scene recalls a bygone era before commercial whaling was banned. Now, however, the vessels are not fishing whales but whale food: swarms of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a small shrimp-like crustacean at the base of the Southern Ocean food chain.

“In the 20th century they used to follow large swarms of krill to help locate whales,” Matthew Savoca, a research scientist at the Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, told Mongabay. “And now potentially the krill fishery is doing the opposite, using whales to find krill.

In February, Savoca co-authored a  in the journal Ecology documenting a similar case that his co-authors had filmed a year earlier near Coronation Island, the largest of the South Orkneys. On that occasion, scientists encountered four trawlers fishing in the presence of what they described as a “remarkably large aggregation of foraging fin whales” numbering about 1,000 animals.

“This has been happening for years,” Savoca said. “It’s just what we were able to record. The point of the videos is alerting the scientific world that this is happening and will continue to happen, unless we change our policy about how we fish.

THE MAN FROM LARKANA

THE MAN FROM LARKANA

Article SS   1:42 PM

 

When Samo enrolled at school, the tempest followed him there. While his fellow students would be crying for their mothers, Samo would be yanking the ponytails of little girls to get attention. He would also pick fights. Samo was not easy to tutor, his teachers later said.Samo belonged to District Larkana in Sindh. To the surprise of everyone not from the province, he graduated college with top honours, and was admitted to an institute in Islamabad. As the reality of this new academic challenge dawned, however, the chaos finally caught up to him. The artist Samo was born out of academic failures at the university, he later confessed.
Throughout school and college, Samo never exhibited much interest in mathematics, science, or sporting activities. Despite desperate appeals from his parents that he needed to take formal education seriously, Samo never really understood what all the fuss was about. He was more interested in drawing, dancing, singing and comedy.
When he got admission into the university in Islamabad, it was a dream come true for his parents. This is where Samo would turn the corner, they hoped. Samo, however, had other plans. He was excited by the prospect of living away from his parents' watchful eye, but equally aware of the fact that the freedom would come at a personal cost

Donald Trump: The wrecking ball

Donald Trump: The wrecking ball

Article SS   4:48 PM

 Saturday, four years after Trump's shock victory over Hillary Clinton, Americans voted no-confidence in the 74-year-old's brazen claim, turfing him out of the presidency after just one term.As ever, Trump had gone into the fight against Joe Biden supremely sure of his powers.

Polls consistently found that a narrow majority of Americans opposed him, but those who did support Trump expressed rarely seen levels of adoration. The chance of another epic upset could not be ruled out.Yet Trump had taken office vowing to end "American carnage.

On the eve of the election, more than 230,000 had died from the coronavirus, while lockdowns have left millions in economic dire straits. Racial wounds, bared during a summer of protests, festered while Republicans and Democrats in Washington bickered and backstabbed

He was only the third US president to have been impeached and he faced a morass of courtroom probes, ranging from tax issues to accusations of rape and other sexual assault.

Pemra asks channels not to hold morning shows

Pemra asks channels not to hold morning shows

Article SS   10:44 AM

The authority’s advice titled: Advice regarding precautionary measures to control spread of coronavirus Covid-19, says, “it has been observed that some TV channels are conducting morning shows as well as satirical/comedy shows inviting live audience/general public and reward shows and sting programmes, engaging public.Pemra said that all media houses are advised to promote culture of social distancing and conduct such programmes without allowing/inviting any gathering/ live audience in view of precautionary measures advised by the health experts and guidelines issued by the government. Besides, public may also be educated on social distancing through short messages.
Pemra said that all media houses are advised to promote culture of social distancing and conduct such programmes without allowing/inviting any gathering/ live audience in view of precautionary measures advised by the health experts and guidelines issued by the government. Besides, public may also be educated on social distancing through short messages.
The media houses, it continued, are also advised to telecast programmes of public interest such as movies, popular dramas, award shows etc in order to motivating public to stay at homes and watch their favourite shows on TV instead of socialising and exposing themselves to this pandemic.

Ways To Avoid Scary,

Ways To Avoid Scary,

Article SS   4:09 PM

It may help to highlight the important parts as you read through everything. Take note of what the plan’s deductible is—that’s the amount you need to pay during a coverage period (usually one year) before your insurer will cover costs. If your plan’s deductible is $500, for instance, then you’ll pay claims until you’ve hit that amount; after that, your insurance will cover claims for the rest of the coverage period.

You’ll also want to know which services are covered in-full. For some preventative or essential services (think: the flu shot, your annual physical, etc.) all you’ll owe is a co-pay, and your insurance will foot the rest of the bill. These are basically freebies, so you’ll def want to take advantage.

That’s because the insurance company has negotiated rates with in-network providers.

For out-of-network providers, the insurance company has no agreement, so if the health care provider charges a higher rate, the insurance will only cover the amount they’ve established with their in-network providers, leaving you to pay the difference.ven if you go to an in-network doctor or facility, keep asking questions about coverage. “Asking a doctor or physician if your insurance covers specific treatments is a must,”

Pakistan's female creative leader makes it

Pakistan's female creative leader makes it

Article SS   12:55 PM

Sidra Salman works as an Associate Creative Director at Synite Digital and is proud to represent Pakistan on a global platform.

Sharing her thoughts over this feat, Sidra Salman said, “I am grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity and look forward to joining the company of some of the most inspiring women in the creative industry from around the globe. I feel honored that I will be representing Pakistan on such a prestigious global platform.”

The Spikes Asia creativity festival - scheduled to take place from September 25-27 in Singapore is a distinct event that provides female leaders with executive training, mentoring and exclusive networking opportunities, creating a nurturing community of like minded ambassadors who are encouraged and supported to bring the learning back.Mai Kaneda, Senior Copywriter/Senior Experience Designer, McCann Health Japan

MeyviWedelia, Associate Creative Director, Toaster Ltd, Singapore
Nikki Sunga, Creative Director, BBDO Guerrero, The Philippines
Paige Lee, Senior Art Director, Leo Burnett, Singapore
Priyanka Joshi, Creative Controller, Ogilvy, Mumbai, India
Their goal is to drive equal representation of female and male creative directors across the industry and since its inception, has grown to become one of the most competitive global development initiatives in the industry.

Solution to Kashmir issue: India should hold talks

Solution to Kashmir issue: India should hold talks

Article SS   12:44 PM

Kashmir Media Service reported. He said he will also talk to Pakistani prime minister on this account. It may be mentioned here that defence and commercial contracts have dominated the agenda during meetings between French and Indian leaders in recent years.

But this time, Modi and Macron met under the shadow of India’s illegal and unilateral move of 5th August to scrap Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that granted special status to India Held Kashmir (IHK). Prime Minister Imran held a telephonic conversation with German chancellor to discuss India’s illegal and unilateral actions aimed at altering the disputed status of the IHJK and changing its demographic structure. The prime minister informed the chancellor that India’s actions were in direct contravention of the UNSC resolutions, international law and its own solemn commitments.The Prime Minister emphasized that India’s actions had serious implications for peace and security in the region and the international community had the responsibility to act urgently.

In the meanwhile Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen M. Mazari called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at Prime Minister Office (PMO). The Minister briefed the Prime Minister about matters pertaining to Ministry of Human Rights.

Separately, the Prime Minister warned the world community about Indian bid to attempt a false flag operation to divert attention from its ethnic cleansing and genocide agenda in Indian Held Kashmir.

Pakistan sent 43,000 workers

Pakistan sent 43,000 workers

Article SS   2:25 PM

Following the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to create employment for youth in and out of the country, the Overseas Ministry is eyeing to increase the quota,” he remarked while expressing his resolve of accomplishing the target of sending 100,000 Pakistani to Qatar within this year. Zulfikar Bukhari said increased job opportunities in Qatar for Pakistani manpower would pave the way to making the national economy stronger and vibrant.

Highlighting his government efforts on diplomatic front, he said Qatar has established three visa facilitation centres at Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi to ensure swift processing of intending emigrants’ visas. Bukhari said special facilitation Centers were setup for the aspirants, who see Qatar as a prospective foreign job destination, to augment Pakistani manpower abroad, in addition to lessening chances of their exploitation by employers. He said those centers were aimed at protecting the rights of the workforce, who faced different problems at the hands of employers.

“Such a facility eases the visa getting process for Pakistanis, ensure their safety and legal rights in Qatar, giving a substantial boost to the receipt of remittances through legal means,” 

Nawaz complains

Nawaz complains

Article SS   2:54 PM

He has pain in the arm, which is most likely to be angina. He needs to be examined by the doctors who are privy to his complicated medical history,” wrote Maryam in her tweet. According to sources, cardiologist of former premier, Dr Adnan, was not granted permission for check-up in jail and was asked by the jail authorities to visit on Monday. As per the American Heart Association, angina is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying heart problem, usually coronary heart disease. In May 2016, Nawaz Sharif underwent an open heart surgery at a private hospital in London. It was his second cardiac procedure in five years at that time. Reportedly, the surgery was performed for “perforation of heart”, a complication from an earlier procedure in 2011. Besides, a cardiac patient Nawaz Sharif is also diabetic.
Many party leaders strongly criticised the government and jail authorities for their indifferent attitude. In his social media post, former federal minister Ahsan Iqbal alleged the government was deliberately denying medical facilities to Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif.Earlier, on January 7 night, Nawaz Sharif had complained to the jail authorities of fever with body pain. However, he was not immediately allowed to have access to his physicians. Sources in the Kot Lakhpat Jail said Nawaz Sharif was checked by the jail medical officer in the evening and his blood pressure and sugar levels were normal.

Constantly Tired Best Apps for Insomnia

Constantly Tired Best Apps for Insomnia

Article SS   4:31 PM

However, your phone doesn’t always need to be a force for bad in the bedroom. In fact, there are plenty of apps for Insomnia that can help when restlessness strikes, whether you prefer an audiobook, guided meditation or simply the soothing sound of background noise to help you get some kip.
Plus, now you don’t need to worry about scrolling through your phone to find those apps (and in the process submitting your already-addled brain to blue light) – link a new app called  to Siri and you can ask it to open these sleep-friendly apps without actually looking at your phone.
Here are our favourite free sleep apps, plus the fancier apps for insomnia but still cost less than a triple shot latte.

When your mind is all over the place, the soothing chatter of a podcast can provide the necessary distraction to help you focus, and subsequently drift off to sleep. For some, sleep-specific podcasts such as Sleep With Me do the job – the podcast promises to help you “drift off into dreamland” and is specifically created for insomniacs or those racing minds. which allows you to create your own sleep-inducing mix from a selection of 52 sounds and melodies. You can also add a meditation especially designed for sleep.

There are 13 soundscapes to choose from, including relaxing oceans, rain on grass, mountain forest or calming field. Each is customisable too, so you can dial up the birdsong to your heart’s content.