With the widespread use of plastic products, a large amount of microplastics have entered soil ecosystems, leading to a continuous decline in soil environmental quality and posing unknown risks to both the environment and human health.
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Clinical prognostic value of C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte ind
Introduction
Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women in China, occurring predominantly in the breast glandular epithelial tissue.1 Its incidence and mortality rates are increasing annually, posing a significant threat to…
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Rupee stays broadly stable amid stronger reserves and steady foreign inflows-INP
Moaaz Manzoor
The Pakistani rupee remained broadly stable during the third week of December, recording only marginal movements against major global currencies as improved foreign exchange inflows and a sharp rise in reserves supported market confidence.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the rupee opened the week on Monday at 280.0800 (buying) and 280.5051 (selling) against the US dollar. It edged slightly higher on Tuesday to 280.0768 and 280.5019, before firming further midweek at 280.0236 and 280.4487 on Wednesday. The trend remained largely steady on Thursday at 280.0203 and 280.4454, with the rupee closing the week on Friday at 280.0067 and 280.4318, reflecting a mild appreciation over the period.
In the euro market, the rupee showed limited volatility. It traded at 328.6395 (buying) and 329.1308 (selling) at the start of the week before moving to 329.1235 and 329.6221 on Tuesday. It eased midweek to 328.3466 and 328.8445, then traded at 328.6979 and 329.1938 on Thursday, closing the week slightly lower at 328.1022 and 328.5930.
The British pound recorded comparatively firmer levels. It opened the week at 374.2124 (buying) and 374.8059 (selling), edged up to 374.2894 and 374.8777 on Tuesday, and strengthened further to 374.7434 and 375.3203 midweek. The currency remained elevated on Thursday at 374.3595 and 374.9345, ending the week near 374.4986 and 375.0916.
The Chinese yuan traded in a narrow range throughout the week. The exchange rates were 39.7352 and 39.7861 on Monday, rising slightly to 39.7750 and 39.8260 on Tuesday, and hovering around 39.7814 and 39.8319 midweek. It eased marginally on Thursday to 39.7712 and 39.8217, before closing at 39.7748 and 39.8252.
Similarly, the Saudi riyal remained stable, fluctuating within a tight band from 74.6437 and 74.7513 at the start of the week to 74.6499 and 74.7585 by Friday. The Japanese yen also saw limited movement, trading between 1.8048 and 1.8074 early in the week and closing at 1.7945 and 1.7971, reflecting modest week-long variation.
Brokerage houses attributed the rupee’s stability to a sharp improvement in external buffers. Arif Habib Limited noted that the rupee appreciated 0.023% week-on-week to close at PKR 280.25 per US dollar, while SBP-held reserves rose by USD 1.3 billion to USD 15.9 billion during the week. The brokerage added that commercial bank reserves increased by USD 0.2 billion to USD 5.2 billion, lifting overall liquidity conditions.
Echoing this view, AKD Securities reported that the rupee gained 0.02% week-on-week against the greenback, ending the week at PKR 280.25 per US dollar, while SBP-held foreign exchange reserves climbed USD 1.3 billion following the receipt of IMF disbursements under the EFF and RSF.
Analysts said the rupee’s calm performance reflected strengthened reserve buffers, controlled demand for foreign exchange, and improving external inflows, with expectations that stability may persist in the near term barring any major external shocks.
Credit: INP-WealthPk
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There’s a side of the Moon we never see from Earth. Scientists think they’ve worked out why it’s so strange
Contrary to what Pink Floyd say, there is no dark side of the Moon. The Moon rotates on its axis once every orbit around Earth, and so, like us, experiences day and night periods (albeit very protracted).
But this tidal locking does mean that one…
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Chaos could be coming for children's vaccines – Axios
- Chaos could be coming for children’s vaccines Axios
- RFK Jr. wanted to endorse the Danish vaccine schedule. He was forced to pull back. Politico
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is poised to make a seismic shift. He is expected to announce…
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This simulation reveals what really happens near black holes
After decades of steady progress, computational astrophysicists have reached a major turning point in black hole research. A new study presents the most detailed and complete model yet of luminous black hole accretion, the process by which black…
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This simulation reveals what really happens near black holes
After decades of steady progress, computational astrophysicists have reached a major turning point in black hole research. A new study presents the most detailed and complete model yet of luminous black hole accretion, the process by which black…
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Singing with Ariana Grande in Wicked ‘a dream come true’
Lily’s acting career is supported by her father Malcolm, who is also an actor.
While Lily’s scene did not make it to the cinema cut – despite it being used in the trailer – she hopes that it will feature in the extended edition.
Malcolm said:…
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Judgment on strike out application in £1.3BN Quincecare case
In Arena Television Limited (in liquidation) v Bank of Scotland plc & Lloyds Bank plc [2025] EWHC 3036 (Comm), Butcher J dismissed strike out applications by two banks in respect of so-called Quincecare claims said to be in excess of £1.3bn, on the grounds that the directors of Arena had actual authority to authorise payments out of the company’s bank account pursuant to a fraud on asset based lenders.
On the main issue in the applications, the Judge accepted that it is arguable with a realistic prospect of success that the relevant law is that (at least in the absence of express agreement of the principal otherwise) an agent only has actual authority to act honestly in pursuit of the interests of the principal and there is no realistic or workable distinction which can be drawn in a case like this between frauds on and by the principal. The judgment includes detailed consideration of the Supreme Court’s decision in Philipp v Barclays Bank UK plc [2024] AC 346.
However, the banks succeeded in their application for strike out in relation to the claim advanced for damages representing the difference between the customers’ liability to lenders as at a date in 2008 or 2009 and their liability to lenders upon their administration. Applying the scope of duty principle set out in Manchester Building Society v Grant Thornton [2022] AC 783 and related ‘SAAMCO’ cases, Butcher J held that in the normal case the purpose of the bank’s duty is to avoid the making of unauthorised payments, and its liability for damages is limited accordingly to the quantum of those unauthorised payments.
Butcher J also left open the argument that where the claimant is a ‘one-man company’, the reasoning in Singularis Holdings Ltd v Daiwa Capital Markets Ltd [2020] AC 1189 will not apply. He therefore declined to strike out the banks’ contingent counterclaims in deceit and unlawful means conspiracy.
William Day was led by Lance Ashworth KC at the hearing, instructed by Alex Jay, Elaina Bailes and Harry Spendlove of Stewarts Law. The judgment can be found here.
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Will Google’s long game pay off? Maybe with this guy – Morning Brew
- Will Google’s long game pay off? Maybe with this guy Morning Brew
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- Gemini 3 Flash is now…