Author: admin

  • Circular Debt of Pakistan: Understanding the Crisis

    Circular Debt of Pakistan: Understanding the Crisis

    Circular debt is a major financial problem in Pakistan’s energy sector, created by a mismatch between the cost of generating electricity and the revenue collected from consumers. It involves a complex chain of payments between different stakeholders, including power generation companies (IPPs), suppliers, distributors (Discos), gas utilities, and the government.

    As of now, Pakistan’s energy sector faces a massive deficit, with circular debt accumulating to around Rs2.3 trillion. This growing debt has significant economic implications, leading to inefficient power supply, higher electricity costs, and fiscal stress on the government.

    What is Circular Debt?

    Circular debt refers to the financial shortfall in Pakistan’s energy sector, where various entities involved in electricity generation, supply, and distribution owe large amounts of money to each other. The problem is rooted in poor management, delayed payments, and inefficiencies in revenue collection.

    The key players involved in this circular chain include the federal government, independent power producers (IPPs), government-owned power supply companies (Gencos and Discos), energy suppliers, and the financial institutions that finance the sector. These players often fail to pay one another on time, causing the debt to spiral out of control.

    How Circular Debt Has Grown

    Circular debt in Pakistan’s energy sector has grown significantly over the years due to several factors:

    Low Recoveries & Theft: Power companies struggle to recover payments from consumers, and widespread theft further exacerbates financial losses.

    Unreimbursed Tariff Subsidies: The government has failed to fully compensate power companies for the tariff subsidies, increasing the debt burden.

    Misaligned Billing Cycles: Billing inefficiencies and long delays in the collection process lead to a backlog of unpaid dues.

    Capacity Payments: IPPs are required to make large capacity payments, regardless of whether electricity is generated or consumed. This contributes to the increasing debt as power plants get paid without generating enough electricity to cover costs.

    As a result, the total circular debt has reached staggering amounts, leading to an unbalanced energy market where costs are passed down to consumers and institutions that are unable to meet their obligations.

    Key Components of Circular Debt

    The circular debt issue in Pakistan is divided into three main components:

    Payables of PSC (Power Supply Chain): These are the costs incurred by the power supply chain, including losses from electricity theft, unpaid bills, and support for life-line consumers.

    Payables of ESC (Energy Supply Chain): The ESC is burdened by unpaid fuel bills, especially for gas and other essential energy resources.

    Payables of GOP (Government of Pakistan): The government owes significant amounts due to subsidies for power generation and distribution, as well as unpaid payments to energy companies.

    Government’s Response and Proposed Solutions

    To address the growing circular debt, the Government of Pakistan has begun implementing several measures to resolve the issue. These steps focus on managing the debt more effectively, streamlining payments, and negotiating better terms with stakeholders.

    Debt Settlement Efforts: The finance ministry has started discussions with IPPs and other stakeholders to settle the existing circular debt. Negotiations include restructuring payment terms and adjusting tariffs to lower the debt.

    Debt Service Surcharge (DSS): A new DSS of Rs3.23 per kWh has been introduced, which will be added to electricity bills. This surcharge will help generate funds to pay off the outstanding debt to banks and other financial institutions.

    Interest Rate Adjustments: The KIBOR (Karachi Interbank Offered Rate) has been adjusted to ease the debt burden, which will reduce the overall financial pressure on the sector.

    Improving Cash Flow Management: The government has stressed the importance of transparent and real-time tracking of financial flows to better manage the circular debt and ensure timely payments.

    Why Circular Debt Has Spiraled

    The circular debt crisis in Pakistan’s energy sector has spiraled out of control for several reasons:

    Low Payment Recoveries: One of the main causes of the growing debt is the inability of power companies to recover payments from consumers. This is exacerbated by inefficiencies in billing and distribution.

    Theft and Mismanagement: Power theft is rampant across the country, leading to significant financial losses. Poor management and a lack of accountability have only worsened the situation.

    Structural Inefficiencies: The energy sector suffers from misaligned tariff structures, inadequate infrastructure, and weak planning, which causes delays in generating sufficient revenue to cover costs.

    Governance Failures: A lack of effective governance and sector regulation has led to inflation in power tariffs and inefficiencies that have compounded the financial crisis.

    Solutions and Future Roadmap

    Moving forward, the Pakistani government must focus on comprehensive reforms to tackle circular debt in the energy sector:

    Improving Billing and Collection Systems: The government needs to reform the billing process to ensure timely payments and minimize losses due to inefficient systems.

    Better Financial Management: Effective cash flow management, including real-time tracking of payments, will help reduce inefficiencies and increase accountability.

    Addressing Structural Inefficiencies: Tariffs must be reviewed and aligned with actual costs to ensure the sector remains financially viable in the long term.

    Governance Reforms: Stronger governance and accountability measures will help improve sector management, reduce financial mismanagement, and ensure that funds are used effectively.

    The circular debt problem in Pakistan’s energy sector is a complex challenge that requires a multi-pronged solution. While the government has made strides in addressing the issue, long-term success depends on structural reforms, improved financial management, and better governance. By implementing these measures, Pakistan can begin to reduce its circular debt, improve energy supply, and create a more sustainable energy market for the future.

    Continue Reading

  • Former swimming coach to be extradited to Ireland

    Former swimming coach to be extradited to Ireland

    BBC George Gibney has thinning hair, glasses, a blue shirt, and a green fleece and is walking across a car park. He looks down at the groundBBC

    George Gibney left Ireland more than 30 years ago

    Former Irish national swimming coach George Gibney, who is wanted in the Republic of Ireland to face historical sexual abuse charges, is to be extradited there, a court in the United States has ruled.

    A US district magistrate made the order at a hearing in Orlando, Florida, on Friday.

    The Irish government has sought Mr Gibney’s return to face 78 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape against four girls aged between eight and 14 at the time of the alleged offences.

    Mr Gibney had consented to his extradition and asked the court to expedite his departure to Ireland.

    He left Ireland more than 30 years ago and has not been back since.

    Mr Gibney was arrested in Florida by US Marshals at the start of this month.

    He has been remanded in the custody of the US Marshals at Orange County Jail, pending arrangements being made to transport him to Ireland.

    Mr Gibney sat in a wheelchair in the courtroom and was dressed in a uniform issued by Orange County Jail, Irish national broadcaster RTE said..

    The judge asked Mr Gibney a series of questions about the affidavit he signed giving up his right to contest his detention and his right to contest the extradition request.

    Mr Gibney replied “yes” to the questions.

    It was previously reported that gardaí (Irish police) reopened an investigation into Mr Gibney after a number of people made allegations against him on the BBC podcast Where is George Gibney? five years ago.

    The criminal investigation was commenced in 2020 by a specialist team within the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.

    A file was sent to the Director for Public Prosecutions (DPP) three years later.

    The DPP examined the file and recommended that Mr Gibney was charged.

    Continue Reading

  • Sperry x Colbo Deconstructs the Authentic Original Boat Shoes

    Sperry x Colbo Deconstructs the Authentic Original Boat Shoes

    Sperry has teamed up with New York-based brand and retailer Colbo on its latest shoe.

    For this tie-up, the duo deconstructed Sperry’s Authentic Original boat shoe and rebuilt it into a soft, flexible silhouette. They style is made of premium materials and produced in muted earth tones for a shoe made for the summer.

    More specifically, the silhouette features distressing techniques and carefully pre-washed materials for a timeworn patina. The result is a shoe available in two rich, buttery leather colorways: Distressed Taupe and Weathered Sahara. Plus, leather outsoles are inspired by Sperry’s archival designs of the ‘70s and ‘80s, while a collapsible heel can be styled up or down for any occasion.

    And the attention to detail extends itself onto the shoes’ packaging. Each pair is wrapped in thick butcher paper and comes with a jute dust bag inside a co-branded shoe box.

    Tal Silberstein, co-founder and designer of Colbo, said in a statement that he has been wearing the same pair of Sperry Authentic Original boat shoes for years.

    “Down to the wash, wear, and suppleness, I mimicked the elements of my own boat shoes to create something that felt comfortable right off the bat but elevated enough to wear out,” Silberstein said.

    The Sperry x Colbo Authentic Original boat shoes.

    Courtesy of Sperry

    “Reflecting on 90 years of craftsmanship, innovation was always at the root of Sperry’s success,” Jonathan Frankel, president of Sperry, added. “Colbo’s unprecedented approach to men’s and womenswear offers a fresh interpretation of style, making this crossover a true embodiment of what Paul Sperry envisioned for the brand when he founded it in 1935.”

    The Sperry x Colbo Authentic Original boat shoes, which retail for $225, are now available exclusively via Colbo (online and in-store). A general release on Sperry.com will follow on July 14. And a second, limited edition collab style will be announced in fall 2025.

    This is the latest collaboration for the 90-year-old footwear brand. In June, Sperry released its latest collection with Todd Snyder, which featured new versions of the CVO sneaker and the Authentic Original boat shoe.

    Other recent collaborations from Sperry include shoes with Aritzia, J.Crew, Colour Plus Companie and Beams Plus.

    Continue Reading

  • EMA Lifts Chikungunya Vaccine Restriction – With Care

    EMA Lifts Chikungunya Vaccine Restriction – With Care

    The European Medicines Agency (EMA)’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has issued a safety update on the chikungunya vaccine after review of the Ixchiq live-attenuated jab. It said that it would now lift the temporary restriction put in place in May on vaccinating people aged 65 years and above as a result of reports of serious side effects.

    However, the committee emphasized that the vaccine should only be used after careful consideration of risks and benefits when there is significant risk of chikungunya infection.

    Chikungunya is a viral disease that is most common in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South and Central America, with a few cases also reported in Europe and the US. It is carried by mosquitoes, most often Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, that may also transmit dengue and Zika viruses. Person-to-person transmission does not occur, though rarely the infection may be passed on via blood.

    Crippling Joint Pain 

    The incubation period is 3-7 days. Common symptoms are fever, rash, muscle pain, and severe arthralgia. The name chikungunya comes from a Tanzanian word to describe the way severely affected patients often assume a stooped appearance due to crippling pain. Most infections are mild, with only about 2% leading to severe symptoms. There may be a risk of encephalitis, but this is rare and unclear.

    Most of those affected recover within a week to 10 days of the start of symptoms. But 30%-40% of those affected develop ongoing chronic joint pain and chronic arthritis that can last for months or even years. Treatment is largely symptomatic.

    Side Effect Risk Groups

    Ixchiq was authorized in the EU in June 2024. When the recent PRAC review began, around 36,000 doses of the vaccine had been used worldwide. Safety data recorded 28 cases of serious side effects, mainly in people aged 65 years and older and those with multiple underlying comorbidities, particularly chronic or uncontrolled medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, or chronic kidney disease. There had been three deaths.

    Although serious vaccine side effects most often affected this group, these were also the people at highest risk of severe chikungunya infection, the PRAC noted. Many of the serious side effects reported were similar to symptoms of chikungunya infection itself, the committee said. These could include fever, malaise, anorexia, and confusion, which can lead to falls. In some cases, vaccine side effects had worsened patients’ medical conditions or caused deterioration in their general health, in some instances resulting in hospitalization.

    Avoid Vaccinating Immunocompromised People

    The committee also reminded healthcare professionals that Ixchiq must not be given to people whose immune system is weakened because of disease or medical treatment, as they are at greater risk of having complications from vaccines containing live-attenuated viruses. This contraindication remains in place following the review.

    The product information for Ixchiq will be updated with the latest recommendations following the review. A direct healthcare professional communication will be sent to healthcare professionals prescribing, dispensing, or administering Ixchiq and will be published on a dedicated page on the EMA website.

    The PRAC recommendations will now be sent to the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, which will adopt the agency’s opinion before adoption by the European Commission of a legally binding decision applicable in all EU Member States.

    Continue Reading

  • The Surprising Royal Table Rules The British Royal Family Follows

    The Surprising Royal Table Rules The British Royal Family Follows

    This week, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte visited the U.K. for the first time in 17 years. The Macrons stayed at Windsor Castle as guests of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and on July 8th, a banquet was held in their honor at St. George’s Hall.

    The state banquet included three courses—at least one of which was prepared by chef Raymond Blanc—plus dessert, and so many different beverages that each table setting had to have five glasses. Which made us wonder—why? What exactly does a royal table setting entail? Here’s what we found out:

    The Food

    According to the Independent, the table took staff six days to prepare. Typically, the menu for a State Banquet leans heavily on local ingredients, procured on royal properties. For the Macron visit, the banquet included vegetables and herbs from the garden, as well as “Supreme of Rhug Estate Chicken with Norfolk Asparagus and Tarragon Cream, followed by Iced Blackcurrant Parfait on a Blackcurrant-soaked Sponge with Elderflower Jelly for dessert.” The menu, per tradition, was written in French.

    Pool//Getty Images

    The Setting

    Typically, when a State Banquet is held at St. George’s Hall, a 164-foot, horseshoe shaped table is set using the Grand Service, made from silver-gilt when George IV was the Prince of Wales–from 1762–1830. However, for the Macron visit, the royals eschewed the horseshoe shape in favor of one long 50-meter mahogany table with guests sitting on either side. But, the china was still on display.

    The China

    In the set are “140 dishes, 288 dinner plates, 118 salts, 12 ice pails, 58 dessert stands and centrepieces and 107 candelabra,” according to the Royal Collection Trust, and the “service is so large and so magnificent that it has never been replaced.” Though a few updates have been made over the years, like the addition of Kings Charles’s cipher to the gold-edged side plates.

    state visit by the president of the french republic day one

    Pool//Getty Images

    The Glasses

    When the table is set, the space between each item is measured, inspected by staff (and, historically, by the Queen), and the napkins are folded in the Dutch bonnet style. As for all those glasses? They’re for wine, red and white, water, a bespoke, event-specific cocktail, and champagne for a toast. Though we’re seeing five glasses, typically, there’s a sixth. Did someone go without port? Perhaps. Times change.


    Continue Reading

  • “Robot Walks Across the Graduation Stage”: China’s Humanoid Stuns Teachers and Students as It Earns a Real High School Diploma, Triggering Nationwide Debate

    “Robot Walks Across the Graduation Stage”: China’s Humanoid Stuns Teachers and Students as It Earns a Real High School Diploma, Triggering Nationwide Debate

    IN A NUTSHELL
    • 🤖 Shuang Shuang, a humanoid robot, made headlines by participating in a high school graduation ceremony in Fujian, China.
    • 🌍 China’s rapid advancements in robotics highlight its growing role in integrating technology into cultural events and everyday life.
    • 🇺🇸 The United States, with companies like Tesla, competes fiercely with China in the development of humanoid robots, despite facing technical challenges.
    • 🔍 The presence of robots at traditional ceremonies raises questions about the future of human-robot interactions and societal adaptation.

    In a world rapidly embracing technological innovation, the sight of a humanoid robot participating in a high school graduation ceremony in China is emblematic of the startling pace at which robotics is integrating into everyday life. This event, featuring the humanoid robot Shuang Shuang, also known as ‘Bright’, took place during the 25th commencement ceremony at Shuangshi High School in Fujian, China. As the robot shook hands with a professor and received a ‘certificate’, it became a symbol of China’s burgeoning prowess in the field of humanoid robotics. But what does this mean for the future of human-robot interactions, and how is this development perceived on the global stage?

    The Rise of Humanoid Robots in China

    China is swiftly becoming a leader in the field of humanoid robotics, as demonstrated by Shuang Shuang’s appearance at a high-profile cultural event. This phenomenon underscores the country’s commitment to advancing its technological capabilities and integrating them into societal milestones. Shuang Shuang’s participation in the graduation ceremony was not just a display of advanced technology but also a testament to the growing acceptance of robots in public life. The event was met with enthusiasm and applause, highlighting China’s readiness to embrace these technological advancements.

    The demand for humanoid robots in China is on the rise, driven by both governmental initiatives and private sector investments. This surge is part of a broader trend that sees robots, both humanoid and otherwise, becoming more prevalent in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and security. As the country continues to invest heavily in robotics, it sets the stage for further integration of these machines into daily life, potentially reshaping societal norms and expectations.

    “Robot Jumps 41% Higher”: MIT’s New AI Outsmarts Human Engineers With Record-Breaking Design That Defies Gravity

    Global Competition: The Race for Robotic Supremacy

    The United States remains one of China’s most formidable competitors in the realm of robotics. Companies like Tesla, led by Elon Musk, are at the forefront of this competition. Tesla’s development of the Optimus humanoid robot, designed to perform household chores and potentially replace human workers, exemplifies the intense focus on robotics in the U.S. However, technical challenges have delayed Optimus’s release, illustrating the complexities involved in bringing such advanced technologies to market.

    In addition to humanoid robots, the U.S. is also exploring the use of security robots in real-world scenarios. Robot dogs, for example, are being deployed to assist with security at high-profile locations like Mar-a-Lago. These developments highlight the diverse applications of robotics and the ongoing efforts by various nations to harness the potential of these technologies not just for economic gain, but also for societal benefits.

    “These Robot Eyes See What We Can’t!”: Breakthrough Technology Lets Machines Outspeed Human Vision by Reacting to Blinding Light Five Times Faster

    The Symbolism Behind Shuang Shuang’s Graduation

    While Shuang Shuang’s participation in the graduation ceremony was visually striking, questions remain regarding the significance of the event. The robot’s receipt of a ‘certificate’ during the ceremony was symbolic rather than indicative of any academic achievement. This raises intriguing questions about the role of robots in educational settings and whether they can truly be integrated into such traditional institutions.

    The lack of information about Shuang Shuang’s intellectual capabilities further complicates the narrative. Despite this, the robot’s presence at the ceremony represents a broader trend of automation and robotics intertwining with cultural and social events. The symbolism of the event may outweigh its practical implications, but it nevertheless marks an important step in the evolving relationship between humans and machines.

    This Bizarre Electronic Ink Morphs in Real Time and Could Power a Whole New Class of Bendable, Wearable Devices

    Looking to the Future: The Impact of Robotics on Society

    As we continue to witness events like Shuang Shuang’s graduation, it becomes clear that robotics will play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future. These machines are not just tools but potential partners in our daily lives, capable of performing tasks, assisting in education, and even participating in cultural ceremonies. The rapid advancements in robotics signal a future where humans and robots coexist more closely than ever before.

    As China and other nations push the boundaries of what robots can achieve, we are left to consider the implications of these developments. How will society adapt to the presence of robots in traditional settings? What ethical considerations must be addressed as we invite robots into more intimate aspects of our lives? These questions will guide the discourse on the role of robotics in the coming years, inviting us to ponder the possibilities and challenges of a tech-driven future.

    This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies.

    Did you like it? 4.5/5 (23)

    Continue Reading

  • Exclusive: Meta won't tweak pay-or-consent model further despite risk of EU fines, sources say – Reuters

    1. Exclusive: Meta won’t tweak pay-or-consent model further despite risk of EU fines, sources say  Reuters
    2. Why the Commission’s Decision Undermines the Goals of the DMA  Meta Store
    3. Meta Thumbs its Nose to EU Charges After Refusing to Alter Ad Model  TipRanks
    4. EU’s top court adviser sides with Italy in Meta Platforms dispute  Yahoo Finance
    5. Meta appeals to EU top court against lower court’s ‘consent or pay’ rejection  MLex

    Continue Reading

  • ‘Advanced stage of decomposition’: Pak actress Humaira Asghar Ali’s body found filled with insects, ‘black-coloured mass’; police say remains lay in Karachi flat for 8–10 months

    ‘Advanced stage of decomposition’: Pak actress Humaira Asghar Ali’s body found filled with insects, ‘black-coloured mass’; police say remains lay in Karachi flat for 8–10 months

    In a disturbing case, Pakistani actress and model Humaira Asghar Ali was found dead in her Karachi apartment, with forensic experts saying she likely died between eight to ten months ago.Her body was discovered last week by a police team executing a court order to vacate the flat.According to Geo News, which cited the initial post-mortem findings, the body was in an “advanced stage of decomposition.” Facial muscles had deteriorated, fingers and nails were reduced to bone, and large parts of the body had no muscle tissue left. The bones reportedly began to fall apart when touched.Humaira had acted in several television serials and two films. She lived alone in an apartment in the upscale Defence Housing Society. The report also said that her internal organs had turned into a “black-coloured mass” and brain matter was entirely decomposed due to autolysis. Cartilage in the joints was gone, though no bone fractures were found. While the head and spine remained intact, the spinal cord was missing. Brown-coloured insects were reportedly present, especially in the hair, but no maggots were found.Because of the severe state of decay, experts were unable to determine the exact cause of death at this stage. However, DNA profiling and toxicology tests are underway and are expected to offer further insight.Initially, police said that her family refused to take the body. “Her family members have flatly refused to own her or take the body for burial,” DIG South Zone Asad Reza said, adding they claimed to have severed all ties with her two years ago. He said the case posed unusual challenges, especially since her death had gone unnoticed for such a long time and no neighbours appeared to have raised any concerns.Geo News later confirmed that her family received the remains on Thursday and transported them to Lahore by ambulance.


    Continue Reading

  • Drinking Water Contaminants Linked to Higher Chronic Kidney Disease Risk

    Drinking Water Contaminants Linked to Higher Chronic Kidney Disease Risk

    Long-term exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs), specifically brominated compounds, and even at levels below current US regulatory limits, may increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a large cohort study published in JAMA Network Open.1

    The US Safe Drinking Water Act requires monitoring and regulation of nearly 100 contaminants.2 However, thousands of potentially harmful chemicals are still unregulated, and research has shown that nearly one-third of Americans have been exposed to unregulated contaminants, with Hispanic and Black communities disproportionately impacted. These substances enter groundwater and surface waters through industrial activities and consumer products, posing a hidden threat to public health.

    The new prospective study included 89,320 women teachers and school administrators enrolled between 1995 and 1996, with CKD outcomes tracked from 2005 to 2018.1 Investigators found a significant exposure-response association between THM concentrations in community water supplies and CKD incidence, particularly for brominated THMs, which are not separately regulated under current standards.

    Over the follow-up period, 6242 incident CKD cases were identified. Researchers estimated residential exposure by calculating time-weighted mean concentrations of 4 THMs, 3 brominated (bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform), and chloroform, using annual measurements from community water systems between 1995 and 2005. Median total THM exposure was 5.5 μg/L (IQR, 0.5–24.1 μg/L; 95th percentile, 57.8 μg/L). For brominated THMs alone, the median was 2.7 μg/L (IQR, 0.7–11.3 μg/L; 95th percentile, 30.0 μg/L).

    Regulators and clinicians should re-evaluate potential nephrotoxic risks from commonly used water treatment methods, researchers suggest.

    Image Credit: Dusan Petkovic – stock.adobe.com

    Compared with those in the lowest exposure quartile (< 0.7 μg/L), participants exposed to brominated THM levels in the 75th percentile range had a 23% higher risk of developing CKD (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.13–1.33). For those at or above the 95th percentile (≥ 30.0 μg/L), the risk increased by 43% (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.23–1.66; P < .001).

    Mixture analysis found that brominated THMs accounted for 52.9% of the observed CKD risk, followed by uranium (35.4%), arsenic (6.2%), and chloroform (5.5%).

    The biological plausibility is supported by prior animal studies showing that brominated THMs, particularly bromodichloromethane, can cause proximal tubular damage and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). These compounds are also more mutagenic when metabolized via glutathione S-transferase theta 1, an enzyme abundant in renal tissue, and may disrupt collagen scaffold assembly in the glomerular basement membrane.

    Additional analysis revealed that chronic exposure to bromodichloromethane within California’s proposed public health goal range (5.8–16.3 μg/L) was associated with a 15% increased CKD risk compared with ≤ 0.2 μg/L, while exposure above 16.4 μg/L (≥ 95th percentile) was linked to a 32% increased risk.

    “[Total] THM exposure in this study population was well below the regulatory limit (≤ 80 μg/L), suggesting that current policy may not protect against long-term risk,” the authors wrote. “In our study, brominated THMs were associated with the greatest CKD risk and emerged as the largest contributor in our mixture analysis. Brominated THMs are not separately regulated from [total] THM, although prior evidence suggests that they may be more nephrotoxic than chloroform.”

    The researchers acknowledged limitations, including the inability to account for individual-level water use behaviors, filtration practices, or nonresidential exposures. CKD diagnoses were based on administrative data, and the cohort lacked biomarkers such as proteinuria or GFR measurements. The study’s strength lies in its longitudinal design, large sample size, and detailed residential exposure tracking, the study noted.

    Based on the findings, the authors suggest that regulators and clinicians alike should re-evaluate potential nephrotoxic risks from commonly used water treatment methods, especially as the global burden of CKD continues to rise.

    References

    1. Medgyesi DN, Mohan S, Bangia K, et al. Community water trihalomethanes and chronic kidney disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(7):e2518513. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.18513
    2. Grossi G. Nearly one-third of Americans face unregulated contaminants in water, Hispanic, Black communities hit hardest. AJMC®. January 15, 2025. Accessed July 11, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/nearly-one-third-of-americans-face-unregulated-contaminants-in-water-hispanic-black-communities-hit-hardest

    Continue Reading

  • Music and motorsport in Baku with Anyma and Martin Garrix to play 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend

    Music and motorsport in Baku with Anyma and Martin Garrix to play 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend

    Baku is gearing up to host one of the most electrifying weekends on the F1 calendar, pairing high-octane racing with immersive music experiences at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (19-21 September).

    A Formula 1 weekend is not just the race on Sunday. It’s a festival celebrating speed, culture, and community that brings together the sights and sounds of music and motorsport, blending entertainment and epic experiences.

    By day, fans in Azerbaijan’s capital can marvel at sheer speed as Formula 1 cars blast flat-out down the 2.2km main straight before being threaded through the tight, twisting old town section with its medieval castle walls.

    By night, four-day ticket holders can swap the roar of engines for pulsing beats when Anyma – one of the world’s most innovative electronic music projects – and global sensation Martin Garrix take to the stage.

    On Friday 19 September, fans will be transported into an otherworldly audio-visual odyssey courtesy of Anyma. The Italian-American producer, half of the famed Tale of Us duo, will blend melodic house, techno, ambient and classical motifs with dynamic real-time animations.

    Futuristic lighting designs and evocative visuals will synchronize with ethereal soundscapes, turning the arena into a digital dreamscape that mirrors the city’s vibrant energy.

    The spotlight then switches to global superstar Martin Garrix, who’ll deliver his world-famous anthems – think Animals, Scared to Be Lonely, In the Name of Love and Don’t Look Down – in concert on Saturday 20 September.

    Don’t miss thrilling F1 action and world-class music together on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

    Continue Reading