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  • CM house march sparks police crackdown in Karachi

    CM house march sparks police crackdown in Karachi

    Karachi faced severe traffic jams on Monday after police used tear gas and water cannons to stop protesting government employees. The protesters, part of the Sindh Employees’ Alliance (SEA), were marching towards the Chief Minister’s House to demand better salaries and pensions. Police intervened when talks between the protest leaders and government officials failed to reach an agreement.

    DIG South Syed Asad Raza said the protesters wanted a 70% pay and pension raise for grades 1 to 22 employees. They also demanded a 50% Disparity Reduction Allowance and post-retirement benefits similar to those in Balochistan. After talks collapsed, the protesters began moving from the Karachi Press Club towards the CM House, where police had already blocked roads.

    To stop them, law enforcement used water cannons and fired tear gas near Aiwan-e-Saddar Road, close to the Governor House. Protesters were pushed back and redirected to the Karachi Press Club. Police confirmed that no arrests were made, but protest leaders claimed officers used force and “tortured” some demonstrators.

    SEA leaders said that Planning and Development Minister Nasir Shah had accepted their demands. However, CM Murad Ali Shah asked for three days to finalize discussions. The protest leaders are now planning their next move, possibly marching to Bilawal House in Clifton if their demands remain unmet.

    The protest caused chaos on Karachi’s roads. Major roads like Aiwan-i-Saddar, Dr Ziauddin Ahmad, and Din Muhammad Wafai were closed. As a result, traffic from 4pm to 7pm was badly affected, especially on I.I. Chundrigar, Abdullah Haroon, and Saddar. Police diverted vehicles to alternative routes to manage the congestion.


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  • 5 lesser-known benefits of consuming pomegranate peel

    5 lesser-known benefits of consuming pomegranate peel

    From lowering blood pressure to reducing blood sugar levels, pomegranates are known for their many health benefits. But did you know that the peels are equally nourishing and a powerhouse of nutrients too? According to a study, the peel is a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological effects. It is a rich reservoir of antioxidants, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and vitamins, which contribute to its remarkable bioactivity. Studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, wound-healing, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties of pomegranate peel owing to the presence of phytochemicals, such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, and punicalagin. This piece of information explores the 5 key benefits of consuming pomegranate peel regularly.


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  • Fognini forces fifth set against Alcaraz in Wimbledon opener – ATP Tour

    1. Fognini forces fifth set against Alcaraz in Wimbledon opener  ATP Tour
    2. Wimbledon 2025: All About the Players, Schedule and Where to Watch  People.com
    3. Wimbledon 2025 day one: Alcaraz in action, Sabalenka wins but Medvedev out – live  The Guardian
    4. Wimbledon 2025: David Beckham impressed by mammoth Carlos Alcaraz and Fabio Fognini rally  BBC
    5. Wimbledon 2025 LIVE RESULTS: Action on NOW from sweltering opening day at SW19  The Sun

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  • Japan’s Himawari Weather Satellites Catch Previously Unseen Cloud Changes On Venus

    Japan’s Himawari Weather Satellites Catch Previously Unseen Cloud Changes On Venus

    The planet Venus is like Earth’s worst twin – roughly the same size but with a thick layer of acid clouds over a crushing, hellish atmosphere. Its clouds in particular have been a source of interest, but it is difficult to understand how they change long-term: most missions around the planet don’t last long. New observations might have finally filled that gap in knowledge, thanks to weather satellites orbiting our planet that caught a glimpse of Venus accidentally.

    The Himawari-8 and -9 satellites, launched in 2014 and 2016, are Japanese meteorological satellites. They were designed to study global atmospheric phenomena, something that they do well thanks to a particular type of instrument: multispectral Advanced Himawari Imagers (AHIs). This device can – when the alignment is right – capture Venus just at the edge of Earth.

    A team from the University of Tokyo, led by visiting researcher Gaku Nishiyama, realized that the instrument would be able to measure variation in the temperature on top of the Venusian clouds. They collected data from 2015 to 2025, providing crucial monitoring of the nearby rocky planet.  

    “The atmosphere of Venus has been known to exhibit year-scale variations in reflectance and wind speed; however, no planetary mission has succeeded in continuous observation for longer than 10 years due to their mission lifetimes,” Nishiyama said in a statement. “Ground-based observations can also contribute to long-term monitoring, but their observations generally have limitations due to the Earth’s atmosphere and sunlight during the daytime.” 

    The team was able to find 437 occurrences of the alignment in total, and they were able to show that temperatures did indeed change across the 10 years. Such methods will be very useful for continuous monitoring of Venus before future missions get there, though, while the European EnVision mission to Venus is still scheduled for the next decade, NASA’s two missions to Venus are in jeopardy following the Trump administration’s cuts.

    “We believe this method will provide precious data for Venus science because there might not be any other spacecraft orbiting around Venus until the next planetary missions around 2030,” said Nishiyama.

    It might not just be a tool for Venus either. The team believes that they can use accidental photobombs in weather satellites to study other worlds of the Solar System. The advantage of orbital observations is the lack of atmosphere, which affects what we can do from the ground.

    “I think that our novel approach in this study successfully opened a new avenue for long-term and multiband monitoring of solar system bodies. This includes the moon and Mercury, which I also study at present. Their infrared spectra contain various information on physical and compositional properties of their surface, which are hints at how these rocky bodies have evolved until the present,” added Nishiyama.

    The study is published in the journal Earth, Planets and Space.

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  • DLA Piper Canada welcomes associate Vijay Dhillon

    DLA Piper (Canada) LLP welcomes Vijay Dhillon to the firm’s Capital Markets group.‎ Vijay’s practice is focused on corporate and securities law. 

    Vijay advises both public and private companies on a variety of transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, public and private financings, and corporate reorganizations. He also provides ongoing advice to clients with respect to corporate governance, securities regulatory compliance, continuous disclosure obligations, stock exchange matters and general corporate law. 

    Prior to joining DLA Piper, Vijay practiced at a leading Canadian law firm. He obtained his J.D. from Thompson Rivers University. 

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  • Rethinking Planetary Protection: An Island Biogeographical Analysis

    Rethinking Planetary Protection: An Island Biogeographical Analysis

    On November 14, 1963, an Icelandic fisherman noticed a plume of smoke rising from the open water. Within a day, Surtsey, a new volcanic island, had formed off the southern coast of Iceland This image was acquired on June 12, 2001, by Space Imaging’s IKONOS satellite. The data are archived by the NASA Scientific Data Purchase. Source

    We reconsider the problem of planetary protection using, by the analogy of planets as islands, the theory of island biogeography.

    We show that although the notion of equilibrium populations that emerge from the effects of immigration and extinction generally breaks down when applied to interplanetary scales, the mean-time to extinction resulting from the combined effects of growth and death rates can be quantified.

    We reconsider the probabilistic model of planetary protection, discuss how mean-time to extinction can instead be used to assess contamination risk, and we propose a research direction for planetary protection based on these ideas.

    We discuss more broadly the applicability of island biogeography to considering biotic transfer at interplanetary scales.

    Rethinking planetary protection: an island biogeographical analysis, Journal of the Royal Society (open access)

    Astrobiology, Planetary Protection,

    Explorers Club Fellow, ex-NASA Space Station Payload manager/space biologist, Away Teams, Journalist, Lapsed climber, Synaesthete, Na’Vi-Jedi-Freman-Buddhist-mix, ASL, Devon Island and Everest Base Camp veteran, (he/him) 🖖🏻

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  • BBC Says It ‘Should Have Pulled’ Stream

    BBC Says It ‘Should Have Pulled’ Stream

    UPDATED: The BBC has issued a statement regarding the controversy sparked by Bob Vylan‘s Glastonbury set on Saturday, with the broadcaster saying it “should have pulled” the livestream of the performance. UTA has also dropped the band as a client, sources tell Variety, and an official criminal investigation has been launched.

    The punk-rap duo led the crowd in several chants during their show on Saturday afternoon — right before Irish rap group Kneecap’s highly anticipated set on the West Holts stage — including “death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces].”

    While the BBC did not air Kneecap’s performance after recent controversy over their political statements — leading to member Mo Chara recently being charged under the U.K.’s Terrorism Act — Bob Vylan’s set was shown live. In addition to the “death to the IDF” chant, Bob Vylan also led the crowd in chanting “free, free Palestine” and “from the river to the sea, Palestine must be free.”

    “The team were dealing with a live situation but with hindsight we should have pulled the stream during the performance. We regret this did not happen,” the BBC said on Monday. “The BBC respects freedom of expression but stands firmly against incitement to violence. The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves. In light of this weekend, we will look at our guidance around live events so we can be sure teams are clear on when it is acceptable to keep output on air.”

    A police investigation has also been officially launched into both Bob Vylan and Kneecap’s comments. An update from the Avon and Somerset Police on Monday reads in part: “Following the completion of that assessment process we have decided further enquiries are required and a criminal investigation is now being undertaken. A senior detective has been appointed to lead this investigation. This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our enquiries are at an early stage. The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.”

    On Sunday, Glastonbury organizers said they were “appalled” by Bob Vylan’s statements. “Their chants very much crossed a line and we are urgently reminding everyone involved in the production of the festival that there is no place at Glastonbury for antisemitism, hate speech or incitement to violence,” the festival said in a statement.

    Later on Sunday, lead singer Bobby Vylan put out a statement via Instagram with the caption “I said what I said,” writing: “It is incredibly important that we encourage and inspire future generations to pick up the torch that was passed to us. Let us display to them loudly and visibly the right thing to do when we want and need change. Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organizing online and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered.”

    Representatives for Bob Vylan did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment on the BBC’s statement.

    Deadline was the first to report the news about Bob Vylan being dropped by UTA.


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  • L’Oréal signs an agreement to acquire Color Wow, one of the world’s fastest growing and most innovative professional haircare brands

    Clichy, June 30, 2025 – L’Oréal today announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire Color Wow, one of the world’s fastest growing and most innovative professional haircare brands.

    Founded in 2013 by Gail Federici, Color Wow, based in the US and UK, offers a unique range of products that have gained a loyal and devoted following amongst stylists, media and consumers alike. With over 130 beauty awards, Color Wow provides a wide range of innovative solutions to solve the toughest hair problems – including frizz-control, thickening and volumizing. The brand’s hero products include ‘XL Bombshell Volumizer’ and ‘Dream Coat’. 

    Color Wow is a renowned prestige brand in the US haircare market, and is experiencing rapid growth, thanks in part to advocacy and its highly engaged online community. Still true to its professional origins, the brand is now omnichannel, and is already distributed in salons, selective distribution and e-commerce platforms.

    This acquisition further strengthens L’Oréal’s Professional products portfolio, with a proven track record of success and strong potential for global growth. 

    “We are delighted to welcome Color Wow to the L’Oréal family.” explained Omar Hajeri, President of L’Oréal’s Professional Products Division. “As a premium haircare brand, with high levels of proven efficacy at an accessible price point, this acquisition will give us an increased foothold in haircare and in the styling category. Convinced of its strong potential, our ambition is to make Color Wow a powerful brand worldwide.”

    “Joining L’Oréal is an incredible opportunity for the entire Color Wow team,” said Gail Federici, Founder & CEO of Color Wow. “Becoming part of the world’s number one beauty company, will set the stage for Color Wow’s continued success and help drive our innovation to new heights.” 

    The deal will close following the customary closing conditions, including the standard regulatory approvals. 

     

    About L’Oréal         
    For 115 years, L’Oréal, the world’s leading beauty player, has devoted itself to one thing only: fulfilling the beauty aspirations of consumers around the world. Our purpose, to create the beauty that moves the world, defines our approach to beauty as essential, inclusive, ethical, generous and committed to social and environmental sustainability. With our broad portfolio of 37 international brands and ambitious sustainability commitments in our L’Oréal for the Future programme, we offer each and every person around the world the best in terms of quality, efficacy, safety, sincerity and responsibility, while celebrating beauty in its infinite plurality.
    With more than 90,000 committed employees, a balanced geographical footprint and sales across all distribution networks (ecommerce, mass market, department stores, pharmacies, perfumeries, hair salons, branded and travel retail), in 2024 the Group generated sales amounting to 43.48 billion euros. With 21 research centers across 13 countries around the world and a dedicated Research and Innovation team of over 4,000 scientists and 8,000 Digital talents, L’Oréal is focused on inventing the future of beauty and becoming a Beauty Tech powerhouse.
    In 2025, L’Oréal Groupe has been named the most innovative company in Europe by Fortune magazine, out of 300 companies, in a ranking spanning 21 countries and 16 industries in Europe.
    More information on https://www.loreal.com/en/mediaroom 

    “This press release does not constitute an offer of sale or solicitation of an offer to purchase L’Oréal shares. If you wish to obtain more comprehensive information about L’Oréal, please refer to the public documents registered in France with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers, also available in English on our website www.loreal-finance.com.

    This press release may contain forecast information. While the Company believes that these statements are based on reasonable assumptions as of the date of publication of this press release, they are by nature subject to risks and uncertainties which may lead to a discrepancy between the actual figures and those indicated or suggested in these statements.”

     

    CONTACTS L’ORÉAL

    Switchboard 
    +33 (0)1 47 56 70 00

     

    Individual shareholders  
    Pascale GUERIN 
    +33 (0)1 49 64 18 89 
    [email protected]

     

    Financial analysts and institutional investors 
    Eva QUIROGA 
    +33 (0)7 88 14 22 65 
    [email protected]
     

    For further information, please contact your bank, stockbroker of financial institution (I.S.I.N. code: FR000012031) and consult your usual newspapers or magazines or the Internet site for shareholders and investors, www.loreal-finance.com, the L’Oréal Finance app or call the toll-free number from France: 0 800 66 66 66. 0 800 66 66 66

    Follow us on LinkedIn @L’Oréal

    Follow us on Instagram @lorealgroupe

    www.loreal.com


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  • Pakistan’s PR to UN in Vienna elected UNIDO president

    Pakistan’s PR to UN in Vienna elected UNIDO president

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    Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, has been elected president of the 53rd session of the United Nations Industrial Development Board (UNIDO). This marks the first time Pakistan has been awarded this prestigious position.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed pride in Pakistan’s achievement on X. “Pakistan continues to make significant contributions to the UN system and remains deeply committed to an international order based on the UN Charter & international law,” he said.

    The election reflects the trust placed in Pakistan by UNIDO Member States, reaffirming the country’s active diplomatic role within Vienna-based international organisations.

    Pakistan’s commitment to industrial development, particularly in developing countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), has been central to its profile at UNIDO.

    Ambassador Akhtar expressed gratitude to UNIDO Member States for their trust and outlined his commitment to further enhancing the organisation’s role in promoting industrial development globally. He highlighted Pakistan’s focus on sustainable, inclusive growth, particularly in vulnerable nations.

    The director general of UNIDO congratulated Ambassador Akhtar, praising Pakistan’s ongoing contribution to the organisation’s core mission.

    Pakistan has one of the largest portfolios with UNIDO, with over 350 million Euros invested in ongoing and planned projects across various sectors, including textiles, leather, fisheries, food safety, climate action, and renewable energy.

    Key initiatives such as PAIDAR and PAFAID have been instrumental in poverty alleviation, job creation, and the sustainable development of rural communities in Pakistan.

    This year, Pakistan is set to launch a new cycle of its Country Partnership Programme with UNIDO, alongside several new projects across diverse sectors aimed at fostering industrial development and economic growth.


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  • ‘These mistakes happen’ – Toto Wolff defends Kimi Antonelli after Max Verstappen clash on tough Austria weekend for Mercedes

    ‘These mistakes happen’ – Toto Wolff defends Kimi Antonelli after Max Verstappen clash on tough Austria weekend for Mercedes

    Toto Wolff was left to rue a challenging Austrian Grand Prix for Mercedes after Kimi Antonelli’s first-lap collision with Max Verstappen and George Russell’s lonely run to fifth position.

    Winners last time out at the Canadian Grand Prix, Mercedes continued where they left off with a pace-setting display in first practice at the Red Bull Ring, but that would prove to be the high point of their weekend.

    After Qualifying fifth and ninth respectively, Mercedes’ hopes of turning the situation around were severely dented at the start of the race when Antonelli lost control of his car under braking for Turn 3 and collected Red Bull rival Verstappen.

    From there, Russell was the Silver Arrows’ sole representative and had to settle for converting his starting position – finishing a minute behind the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

    Asked to reflect on the race, beginning with Antonelli’s incident, which earned the rookie a three-place grid drop, Mercedes boss Wolff said: “We always knew that eventually… No, I word it differently. These mistakes happen.

    “The rears blocked on the car. I’m not entirely sure it was his [Antonelli’s] fault or a system. I haven’t seen any data or heard anything, because obviously we were concentrating on the race. But that happens, you know.

    “It’s unfortunate for Max and Red Bull that Kimi hit him, but it’s racing.”

    Asked if he had spoken with Antonelli about what happened, Wolff shared: “Yeah, he came into the garage quickly. I said, ‘Well, that wasn’t great’, which he obviously knew, but he said the tyres just blocked and we need to analyse that.

    “It’s a shame that Max… that we took another car out with us, but that can happen to the great ones, to the inexperienced ones, to the experienced ones – it’s just part of F1.”

    Wolff then reflected on Mercedes’ wider weekend performance, having gone from pole position and victory with Russell in cooler Montreal conditions to finishing third-best behind McLaren and Ferrari amid the Spielberg heat.

    “When you look at our performance last year, we won, we won the race here,” said Wolff, pointing to Russell capitalising on Verstappen and Norris’ clash. “We were, I don’t remember, 10-15 seconds behind the leaders, and that was a very solid performance.

    “This year we’re a minute behind the leaders, so that is clearly out of the ordinary what happened today. We do experiment at the moment a little bit, how to position, how to put the car on track, where we put the balance, and clearly this one we got wrong – and we know that.

    “I think it’s not only down to asphalt, long corners and heat. Clearly that’s not our sweet spot, but it doesn’t explain the gap, and I think we know why, but in hindsight you always know.”

    Mercedes dropped back to third in the Teams’ Championship standings following Sunday’s race, a point behind Ferrari, who scored strongly with Charles Leclerc in P3 and Lewis Hamilton in P4.

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