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41,000 people vaccinated in Kyrgyzstan during European Immunization Week
Of these, 19% are children under 1 year of age, according to the prospective coverage plan.
This year, EIW in Kyrgyzstan was marked by the launch of a large-scale catch-up immunization campaign. During EIW 2025, 15,521 people were vaccinated as part of this campaign.
The goal of the 2025 EIW was to raise public awareness of the importance of vaccination and ensure wide access to vaccines for every resident of the country, including remote and hard-to-reach areas. Vaccinations were carried out against diseases such as: viral hepatitis B, tuberculosis (BCG), poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae and pneumococcal infections, rotavirus, measles, rubella, mumps, and human papillomavirus.
To ensure access to vaccination throughout the country, 76 mobile teams were involved, including in mountainous and rural settlements.
Sports and mass events were held in seven regional centers, the Ak-Ordo residential complex and the Bishkek Park shopping center, bringing together more than 800 people. More than 20 round tables were also organized with the participation of doctors, representatives of local authorities and opinion leaders.
Earlier it was reported that Kazakhstan is to vaccinate boys against HPV starting from 2026.
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Structure Elucidation of Small Molecules Using Mass Spectrometry
Pittcon’s professional quality online Short Courses are an affordable opportunity for continuing education. All courses count towards building your Professional Hours. Courses take place on Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00 PM EST.
Course level: Intermediate
This hands-on course teaches step-by-step techniques for interpreting mass spectrometric data to identify molecular structures. Participants will learn elemental composition analysis, tandem MS interpretation, database use, and confidence level reporting, with a focus on manual (“pencil and paper”) methods. Real-world problems from CASMI and the Lockdown Challenge will highlight common pitfalls and effective strategies. Emphasis is on soft ionization and low-mass compounds (<400 Da), with examples from both natural and synthetic molecules. A take-home problem set will be provided for continued practice. Bring a pencil—let’s solve some spectra!
Who Should Attend This Course?
Students and professionals working in the fields that require compound identification using mass spectrometry, across fields such as natural products, environmental and forensic sciences.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Confidently determine elemental composition from MS data
2. Propose a reasonable structure from tandem mass spectral data
3. Understand origins of major fragment ions in tandem mass spectra
4. Assign confidence in the structure proposal and understand limitations of MS for structure elucidationAbout the Course Instructor
Dejan Nikolic is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, UIC. His research interests include structure elucidation of natural products using mass spectrometry, determination of ADME properties of plant ingredients and development of new assays for drug discovery from plant sources. For the past several years he has been actively involved in the Critical Assessment of Small Molecules Identification (CASMI) initiative aimed at unbiased assessment of different approaches used in structure elucidation by mass spectrometry. He has authored and co-authored more than 100 publications and trained numerous undergraduate and graduate students both through classroom and hands-on training.
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Galaxy Z Fold 7 leaks may give first real look at the slimmer foldable
Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 has been given the thinner, sleeker glow-up we expected, if leaked hands-on photos are any indication. The trio of images posted by leaker @Jukanlosreve seemingly show what the next-gen Galaxy foldable will look like in the real world from a few different angles.
The new photographs mostly line up with what we’ve seen in previous renders, including the larger, slimmer chassis that’s reported to be around 4.5mm thick when open. That’s slimmer than its 5.6mm Galaxy Z Fold 6 predecessor and allows it to better compete against some of the slimmest foldables on the market from rivals like Google and Oppo. We won’t know its official measurements until the launch event next week, but given the SIM tray appears to occupy all available vertical space, it looks very skinny indeed. The speakers and microphone are also visible along the bottom edge of the device.
The redesigned camera array on the rear is distinct from that featured on the Galaxy Z Fold 6, replacing the chunky black rings around the camera lenses with slim silver ones. It contrasts nicely with the striking blue color option, which might be the “Blue Shadow” colorway mentioned in previous leaks.
We also have some new Galaxy Z Fold 7 specs courtesy of an EU smartphone label revealed by MysteryLupin, which lists the device as having the same battery life as its predecessor, that’s expected to last for up to 40 hours and 28 minutes on a single charge. The phone reportedly has an IP48 rating, which means it can be submerged under water for short periods of time, but it’s still susceptible to fine dust particles (like many foldables).
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Seasonal affective disorder can strike in summer too: Expert
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is commonly associated with autumn and winter months, but it can also emerge during the summer season, causing significant psychological difficulties.
Summer is generally regarded as a time of happiness and vitality, characterized by warm weather, vacations and outdoor activities. However, for some individuals, summer can trigger symptoms such as low energy, restlessness, sleep disturbances, appetite changes and a general sense of inner unease.
Experts note that summer seasonal depression is often triggered by extreme heat, high humidity, disruptions in sleep patterns and the atypical effects of prolonged or intense sunlight exposure.
Expert insights
Özlem Balaban, a specialist in Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders at Bakırköy Mazhar Osman Research and Training Hospital, explained to Anadolu Agency (AA) that depression is a common condition, and seasonal depression is considered a subtype of this illness.
Balaban emphasized that seasonal depression is characterized by recurrent depressive episodes in specific seasons. “We generally expect individuals to recover during spring and summer. However, in some patients, depression recurs during these seasons rather than in autumn and winter, which is a less common pattern. This relates to factors causing depression, one of which is disruption in the biological rhythm of the body,” she stated.
Balaban explained that the human body operates on a 24-hour circadian rhythm, and disruption of this rhythm increases the risk of depression. She described depression as a state where a person feels significantly down, unhappy and lethargic compared to their usual self.
Symptoms of depression include loss of pleasure in life (anhedonia), lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, low energy, impaired attention and concentration, changes in sleep and appetite, slowed movements, and intense feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
In seasonal depression, similar symptoms are expected, including a pervasive sense of unhappiness and mood decline. Specifically in summer depression, patients often experience reduced sleep or insomnia, which can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, increased appetite, weight gain and cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods.
Importance of treatment
Balaban underlined that depression is a significant public health issue but is treatable. She stressed the importance of consulting a psychiatrist, as diagnosis and treatment require professional medical expertise.
“This is not something a person can overcome alone through casual conversation or home remedies. Treatment should be based on scientific medical knowledge,” she said.
The treatment of depression varies depending on the severity of symptoms. In mild to moderate cases, psychotherapy is usually the first step. For moderate to severe depression, medication is often necessary.
Balaban noted that depression treatments are consistent worldwide. “We are fortunate in our health care system; we have access to all treatments available internationally. Recently, bright light therapy has become more common, especially for seasonal depression. It is widely used in northern countries such as Norway and Sweden, where winters are longer and darker compared to our sun-rich, four-season climate. Bright light therapy has proven effective for treating seasonal depression,” she said.
Highlighting psychiatry as a successful medical field with many treatment options, Balaban encouraged individuals experiencing any mental health issues to seek professional help.
“In psychiatry, we have many treatment options tailored to fit the unique needs of each person. Therefore, anyone feeling psychological distress should definitely consult a psychiatrist,” she concluded.
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Afghan students arrive in Pakistan on HEC scholarship
ISLAMABAD: As many as 350 Afghan students have reached Pakistan to pursue studies in top-tier Pakistani universities across diverse disciplines under HEC Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships to Afghan Students (Prime Minister’s Directives).
HEC held a reception to welcome the students at the HEC Regional Centre Peshawar, said a press release on Friday.
The development marks a significant milestone in academic cooperation and people-to-people relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The students will undergo a specially designed preparatory course before their admission in the fall semester. In addition, 50 PhDs and 100 Master’s students will also join in September, 2025 to pursue their education in Pakistan.
The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Programme is a mega initiative of the Government of Pakistan, under which 4500 scholarships are being awarded to Afghan students.
On their arrival, the students were received by In-charge HEC Regional Centre Peshawar Mr. Nasir Shah and Project Director Allama Iqbal Scholarships Programme Jehanzeb Khan. Representatives of National University of Technology (NUTECH) Islamabad and National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (NUCES-FAST) Faisalabad were also present on the occasion.
The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Programme reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Afghanistan to deepening educational collaboration with a spirit of Islamic brotherhood and neighborhood.
Project Director Jehanzeb Khan expressed his enthusiasm in hosting the scholars, stating, “We are honoured to welcome these young ambassadors of Afghanistan to Pakistan. Their presence will not only enrich our academic institutions but will also strengthen the cultural and strategic bond between the two nations.”
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SNGPL denies link between power division payments and circular debt settlements
LAHORE — Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited on Friday issued a clarification dismissing speculation that recent payments from the Power Division were part of any circular debt settlement, affirming instead that they were routine disbursements within the company’s regular billing cycle.
In a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, SNGPL stated it had received payments on June 26 and 27, 2025, against invoices raised for gas supplies in April, May, and June. The company emphasised that these were ordinary commercial transactions and not connected to any broader financial adjustments in the energy sector.
“These are routine business transactions,” the company said, directly addressing reports circulating across social media and digital news platforms which implied the payments were part of a government-backed initiative to clear mounting circular debt.
The clarification comes as discussions over the growing circular debt burden in Pakistan’s energy sector continue to dominate economic discourse. With market participants closely watching for policy signals on debt resolution, SNGPL’s statement serves to distinguish its current receipts from any such intervention.
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F1 practice LIVE: British Grand Prix 2025 times, results, radio & updates from Silverstone – BBC
- F1 practice LIVE: British Grand Prix 2025 times, results, radio & updates from Silverstone BBC
- Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari driver says change at F1 team ‘work in progress’ amid ‘compromises’ to improve Sky Sports
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- F1 Returns to its Birthplace: All eyes on Silverstone for British Grand Prix India Today
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Microsoft ends operations in Pakistan after 25 years: Here’s why
Microsoft’s exit is linked to Pakistan’s economic instability
What’s the story
Microsoft has officially shut down its operations in Pakistan after a 25-year run. The decision comes amid economic instability and political turmoil in the country.
Jawwad Rehman, the founding country head who brought Microsoft to Pakistan in 2000, confirmed the development on social media.
He said, “Today, I learned that Microsoft is officially closing its operations in Pakistan.”Economic factors
Microsoft’s exit linked to Pakistan’s economic instability
Though Microsoft hasn’t publicly commented on its exit, the move is largely attributed to Pakistan’s economic instability and political unrest.
Frequent government changes, high taxation, currency fluctuations, and import challenges have made it difficult for multinational companies.
Pakistan’s trade deficit for FY2024 stood at $24.4 billion while foreign exchange reserves dropped to just $11.5 billion by June 2025—directly impacting tech imports and investor confidence.Political impact
Former President Alvi recalls Gates’s investment plans for Pakistan
Former Pakistani President Dr. Arif Alvi weighed in on Microsoft’s exit, blaming political instability for lost opportunities.
He recalled a meeting with Bill Gates in February 2022 where they discussed AI and quantum computing among other things.
During that meeting, Gates had hinted at a major Microsoft investment in Pakistan within two months but those plans were derailed by regime change.Digital impact
Microsoft’s digital transformation efforts in Pakistan
Beyond business, Microsoft had a major role in Pakistan’s digital transformation.
The company set up computer labs in rural schools, promoted digital adoption among small businesses, and collaborated with educational institutions.
Rehman said, “We tried to give Pakistani youth a real shot at opportunity.”Continue Reading
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British and Irish Lions: Owen Farrell call-up could be a ‘masterstroke’ – Danny Care
Owen Farrell’s call-up to the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia could be a “masterstroke”, says former England scrum-half and Danny Care.
Care, a long-time half-back partner of Farrell for England, backed the decision for Lions head coach Andy Farrell to call up his son, despite his injury struggles and lack of international game time.
The former England captain has replaced utility back Elliot Daly, who was ruled out of the tour after fracturing his arm in Wednesday’s win over Queensland Reds.
“Why would you not pick Owen Farrell?” Care told BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
“Whatever position he is going to play, whatever role he’s going to play in that squad, they are only a better squad for having him there.
Care has seen first hand how Farrell sets standards both on and off the pitch.
“If Owen turns up and delivers standards and delivers a better performance from the Lions, and overall and you see a more connected team, then you have to go ‘what a masterclass and a masterstroke from the coaches’,” he added.
Farrell, 33, has not played international rugby in nearly two years and recently returned to Saracens after a difficult season in Paris with Racing 92.
The fly-half, who can also play inside centre, has not played in nearly nine weeks after a concussion ended his season early.
Once he arrives in Australia, Farrell will be the only player in the squad to have gone on four Lions tours, where he will look to add to his six Tests.
“Whatever team Owen is in he makes them better. I have no doubt in whatever shape he is, he will slot in absolutely fine,” added Care.
“I hope he hits the ground running, and everyone just gets on with it.”
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