Carly Rae Jepsen loves to squirrel away killer songs for her now-standard B-side collections. The opener to The Loveliest Time (the companion to 2022’s The Loneliest Time) evinces several CRJ trademarks: a love of odd production in the drily funky guitar and playful percussion, breathy falsetto – and obsessive, intense lyrics about being willing to do anything for love.
19. This Kiss (2012)
You can plot Jepsen songs on a spectrum of “laser-eyed intensity” to “dreamy reverie”. This Kiss, from her first pop album Kiss (after her dreary post-Canadian Idol debut, 2008’s Tug of War), epitomises the former, with EDM-era synths that rattle and gleam like arcade machines and a sledgehammer vocal performance about wanting forbidden pleasures.
18. Cry (2016)
In Austin, Texas in 2016. Photograph: Rick Kern/WireImage
CRJ is a fiend for pure sensation who literally called an album Emotion: often her lyrics skip over any specific object of affection and cut straight to the feeling, as a song later in this list spells out. So when she sings “he never wants to strip down to his feelings” on this pained ballad from Emotion Side B, you know it’s terminal.
17. No Drug Like Me (2019)
Anyone who’s only ever heard the radioactively perky Call Me Maybe and (wrongly) considers CRJ a one-hit wonder might be stunned to learn that she’s elite at genuinely sultry come-ons. No Drug Like Me lives up to its narcotic premise – a risky cliche to sell – with its slinky, muted boogie and Jepsen’s gasped promises to “blossom for you”.
16. All That (2015)
Avant garde collaborators love Jepsen, but unlike, say, Caroline Polachek or Charli xcx, she’s never made leftfield cool her brand. Those moments feel more like surprise gems in her enjoyably wayward catalogue: All That, made with Ariel Rechtshaid and Dev Hynes, is a sparkling devotional that forms a perfect period trifecta with Sky Ferreira’s Everything Is Embarrassing and Solange’s Losing You.
15. Joshua Tree (2022)
The verse to Joshua Tree is all sharp, hungry anticipation of – what else – some kind of sensory high. Jepsen makes it worth the wait when the tension breaks into a chorus of rapturous satisfaction, à la Jessie Ware’s sultrier disco moments: “I need it / I feel it,” Jeppo sings, her unusually fragmentary lyrics evoking the strobe-lit half-memories of an ecstatic night out.
14. Boy Problems (2015)
The cutely funky Boy Problems solidified CRJ’s gay icon status – you’ll seldom see a crowd yell louder than when she sings, “Boy problems, who’s got ’em?” – and gave the concept a self-aware spin, acknowledging how bored her friends are of hearing about her messy love life. The sing-songy chorus sends up her predicament and is totally addictive.
13. Tiny Little Bows (2012)
Intended for Jepsen’s scrapped second album Curiosity, Tiny Little Bows got a glow-up from its coffee shop-pop demo to the machine-tooled whirling strings and snapping bass of its incarnation on Kiss. The lyric about chasing Cupid and his dinky arrow makes little sense (how do you think it goes with those tiny little bows? Err, fiddly?) yet hits like the best of Scandi-pop nonsense.
12. Everything He Needs (2019)
CRJ performing in LA in 2019. Photograph: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
CRJ had failed to clear this song’s sample of He Needs Me, from Disney’s 1980 Popeye film. So, naturally, she went to Disneyland and got Mickey Mouse to sign a fake contract approving it, then sent it to the publishers: “The big star boss says it’s OK.” They relented, and thank god, otherwise this slice of flirty madness, with its chorus that ascends like a starlet climbing a light-up staircase on a TV special, would never have existed.
11. Gimmie Love (2015)
“‘Cause I want what I want / Do you think that I want too much?” could be the Jeppo MO. On Gimmie Love, she lunges for, then suddenly withdraws from her crush, scared by the enormity of the feeling. It echoes within the cavernous, bass-wobbling production, offset by her effervescent vocals – and a determined cheerleader chant pivot in the middle eight.
10. Julien (2019)
No stranger to gothic intensity, Jepsen sings that she’s “forever haunted by our time” on this sleek, sumptuous recollection of a formative romance. It was originally written for a scrapped disco album, its cool bass and enveloping sparkle hinting at a student of the French touch sound.
Carly Rae Jepsen circa 2012. Photograph: PR Company Handout
9. The Sound (2019)
The Sound offers a rarity in the Jeppo catalogue: unequivocal exasperation, anger flashing as she rebukes an unpredictable lover. “Love is more than telling me you want it,” she sings over an abrupt beat, craving – once again – the feeling. The tender piano in the verses drives home what she’s missing.
8. Want You in My Room (2019)
Not to accuse co-producer Jack Antonoff of recycling, but this song’s bass/percussion intro very much recalls his work on Lorde’s Hard Feelings/Loveless. Anyway, it sets up a fantastically feral CRJ moment: “I wanna do bad things to you!” she rhapsodises, with teeth-baring pep to rival early Madonna and robotic zip out of the Daft Punk playbook.
7. Western Wind (2022)
Jepsen’s lead singles have sometimes failed to recreate former glories: see Call Me Maybe redux I Really Like You, a red herring for the depth of Emotion. But for the first taste of The Loneliest Time, she ditched her bangers-first approach for this gorgeous, dusky Rostam collab, a pandemic rumination on memory.
Charli xcx (left) and and Carly Rae Jepsen in LA, 2018. Photograph: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
6. Charli xcx – Backseat (ft Carly Rae Jepsen) (2017)
Charli has form for drawing out unexpected sides of well-known artists, and the first taste of mixtape Pop 2 showed off an unusually, captivatingly desolate CRJ. The pair spun a tale of powerless self-sabotage in relationships, their Auto-Tuned voices fluttering “all alone, all alone, all alone” over AG Cook and Easyfun’s tweaky ghost-in-the-machine ballad.
5. Shy Boy (2023)
Jepsen may be as good a successor to Kylie as we’ve ever had: a beloved, benign pop presence with an endless thirst for cheeky disco. Shy Boy is Minogue-worthy: a commanding, tart invitation to the dancefloor, although CRJ fabulously overplays her hand in a wordy bridge that reveals just how frazzled desire has left her.
4. Cut to the Feeling (2017)
One billion times better than a song written for an animated kids’ film about a ballerina should be, Cut to the Feeling is raw Jepsen ID: she’s sticking her hand straight in the socket of desire, and conducting it through the rowdy, euphoric chorus, written at peak leaping-around tempo. It’s basically Run Away with Me 2.0, but this is a song about overcoming reason, so just give in to it.
3. Call Me Maybe (2012)
The first time I heard Call Me Maybe I thought it “wasn’t that catchy”. Like biting into a chilli and declaring it “not very spicy”, only to be left weeping and demanding pints of milk, its delirious strings, pogoing beat and Carly’s nuclear-force yet endearingly innocent crush got the better of me. And rightly so.
2. Run Away With Me (2015)
Emotion arrived a year after Taylor Swift’s 1989, the latter laden with lyrical Easter eggs that clearly identified her songs’ subjects. Emotion hit certain listeners hard because it felt so free from subtext, hungering instead for BIG FEELINGS shot straight to the heart. The brazen sax and “oh-oh-whoa / OH-OH WHOA!” of RAWM are a direct hit.
1. Warm Blood (2015)
The moment a crush becomes reality is rare and beautiful. Often, it simply never happens. If it does turn into a relationship, that moment of tingling anticipation can still only happen once. Here, Jepsen and Rostam precisely capture the feverishness of finally being so close to someone’s face, you can feel their breath. Their subtle rapture softens the arpeggiated judder of Robyn’s Call Your Girlfriend into a beat that rushes like adrenaline, the song’s body heat contrasting the parched desperation in Jepsen’s voice. It skips the cathartic peak of many of her hits to circle this precious feeling, willing it to last as long as possible.
On Aug. 1, 2025, the SpaceX Crew-11 astronaut mission launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, headed for the International Space Station (ISS), which sits in low Earth orbit (LEO) at around 260 miles (418 kilometers) above our planet. As its name suggests, Crew-11 is the 11th contracted crewed mission that SpaceX has flown to the ISS for NASA, via the agency’s Commercial Crew Program.
What is it?
SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft is a fully autonomous orbital vehicle designed to ferry astronauts and cargo to and from the ISS and other LEO destinations.
To make spaceflight more efficient and cost-effective, the spacecraft is reusable, capable of withstanding multiple reentries, and can remain docked at the ISS for extended stays. Launched atop SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, it can carry up to six passengers, though NASA missions typically fly only four crew members alongside cargo and research equipment.
Where is it?
This image was taken from the ISS, while the orbiting lab was over central Pakistan.
Crew-11’s Dragon capsule, “Endeavour,” approaches the International Space Station for docking on Aug. 2, 2025. (Image credit: NASA)
Why is it amazing?
Endeavour docked at the ISS Harmony module on Aug. 2, less than 15 hours after launch, the fastest Crew Dragon rendezvous to date.
Crew-11 will stay docked with the station for six to eight months, during which time the four astronauts will conduct a variety of scientific experiments and do maintenance work on the ISS.
The Crew-11 astronauts will be on board the ISS during the 25th anniversary of continuous human presence on the station, which will occur in early November.
Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!
Want to learn more?
You can read more about research on the ISS and SpaceX’s Crew-11 mission.
The cryptocurrency market is riding near-record levels for Bitcoin BTC/USD and Ethereum ETH/USD, but Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan believes several overlooked factors could still drive prices sharply higher.
What Happened: In a note to clients on Wednesday, Hougan pointed to improving regulatory clarity, growing stablecoin adoption, increased corporate treasury purchases, and steady institutional ETF inflows as widely recognized drivers of the current rally, according to The Block.
He added that Ethereum’s renewed momentum has helped reinvigorate altcoin markets.
Yet, according to Hougan, the real upside lies in developments the market has not fully priced in.
One such catalyst is potential government Bitcoin purchases.
Hougan said that while ETFs and corporate treasuries have been aggressive buyers, absorbing far more BTC than has been mined this year, government adoption remains limited.
Recent moves by Pakistan and Abu Dhabi have been small, but Hougan suggested that interest from central banks, including the Czech Republic, could turn into market-moving announcements.
Hougan also noted that Bitcoin’s resilience near all-time highs is occurring despite elevated interest rates.
Also Read: Bitcoin Taps $124,000 Overnight But This Solana Setup Is The Real Story
Why It Matters: While traders expect some rate cuts by year-end, he argued that policy signals from the Trump administration suggest a deeper shift toward a weaker dollar and more aggressive easing.
Disclosure: 82% of retail CFD accounts lose money
The recent nomination of Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve, an advocate for substantial rate reductions, could lead to more cuts than markets currently anticipate.
Another factor is Bitcoin’s declining volatility since spot ETFs launched in January 2024.
Hougan said this has made Bitcoin comparably stable to certain high-growth tech stocks, encouraging institutional investors to consider portfolio allocations of 5% or more.
ETF inflows have surged, with $5.6 billion recorded since July, and Hougan expects the pace to quicken in the coming months.
Lastly, Hougan highlighted a potential resurgence of initial coin offerings under the SEC’s “Project Crypto” initiative, which proposes tailored disclosures and safe harbors for ICOs, airdrops, and network rewards.
If implemented, Hougan sees this framework enabling a new phase of capital formation for crypto projects.
“The market is underestimating the scale of this bull cycle,” Hougan said. “These underappreciated catalysts could extend its momentum well beyond current expectations.”
Claims of an exodus of wealthy “non-doms” in response to tax rises may be overblown, according to a report that suggests that the number leaving the country is in line with official forecasts.
In April the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, scrapped the non-domiciled tax status, which allowed wealthy individuals with connections abroad to avoid paying full UK tax on their overseas earnings.
Since then a wave of reports has suggested that changes to the status and other tax policies are triggering an exodus of high net worth individuals.
However, early monthly payroll data from HM Revenue and Customs appears to indicate that the number of non-dom departures are in line with official predictions, according to sources cited by the Financial Times
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecast in January that 25% of non-doms with trusts would leave the UK in response to the abolition of the tax status, while 10% of those without trusts would leave. Official data suggests that this prediction was broadly correct, people briefed on the findings told the FT.
Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor’s Conservative predecessor, first announced moves to phase out the 225-year-old non-dom status that protected overseas earnings from being taxed in exchange for a flat annual fee. However, Labour took the proposals a step further by replacing them with a regime that will include overseas assets in the UK’s 40% inheritance tax rate.
Many non-doms earn income from work or their pensions in the UK, which means they appear in the PAYE (pay as you earn) figures in the payroll data that businesses send to the tax office each month. If they fall off PAYE figures, that suggests that they have left the country.
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The FT reported that some of those briefed on early HMRC data said payroll figures suggested that fewer people were leaving than projected by the OBR, while others said the departures were in line with forecasts.
The numbers do not capture the movements of those non-doms who do not work in the UK, which could include some of the richest, but with a shortage of reliable data they will provide some relief to Reeves amid a debate about whether the policy could backfire.
Payroll data is now a more helpful indicator of potential non-dom movement as more than 120 days have passed since the start of the tax year, which started on 6 April. It is likely that anyone who did not want to be considered as a UK tax resident would have left the country.
HMRC has said previously that it will not have official data on how many non-doms who earn UK income have left until January 2027, when people submit self-assessment tax returns for the year 2025-26.
A government spokesperson said: “If you make your home in Britain, then you should pay your taxes here too. That is why we abolished the non-dom tax status to invest in our public services, including the NHS.
“But the UK remains a highly attractive place to live and invest. Our main capital gains tax rate is lower than any other G7 European country and our new residence-based regime is simpler and more attractive than the previous one, whilst it also addresses tax system unfairness so every long-term resident pays their taxes here.”
A biology team pitched their tents one night inside Thailand’s Kaeng Krachan National Park. While checking rocks near camp, the group lifted a flat slab and met a tiny brown scorpion, Scorpiops krachana, staring back with a startling array of eight bright eyes.
Scorpiops krachan, a species new to science, was formally described and submitted for review on March 6, 2024 by zoologist Wasin Nawanetiwong and colleagues from Chulalongkorn University and partner institutions.
The team’s account appears in an open access journal and details three males and one female found during that expedition.
Sizing up Scorpiops krachan
Males reach just over one inch from head to tail,” noted Nawanetiwong at the end of the description. Adults top out between 0.85 and 1.06 inches from head to stinger, placing the species among the smallest members of its subgenus. “
Color divides the sexes. Females wear a deeper chocolate shell, whereas males look more tan, a point co author Natapot Warrit emphasized when cataloging the specimens.
Like other Euscorpiops relatives, Scorpiops krachan carries elongated pedipalps ending in slim, straight claws and sports a distinctive map of sensory trichobothria along the pincers. These touch sensitive hairs help the animal judge air currents and target prey in near total darkness.
Field measurements show that its slender claws still snap shut with surprising speed, allowing the animal to hold prey larger than its own body.
That combination of light frame and firm grip likely compensates for the reduced reach of its short tail.
A rainforest laboratory
Kaeng Krachan sits along the Tenasserim Range near Thailand’s western border and became part of the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex World Heritage Site in 2021.
UNESCO lists at least 459 animal species in the complex, including 48 endemic animals and 81 considered rare.
Inside this lush mosaic, the scorpion preferred transitional patches where secondary forest blends into older growth. Researchers found all four individuals under a single rock resting on moist leaf litter beside a seasonal stream.
Daytime highs in the area can crest 95°F, but thick canopy keeps the forest floor humid and cool enough for small arachnids. Night temperatures drop into the 70s, giving the nocturnal hunter a predictable window for activity.
The same micro stream supports frogs, crickets, and small beetles, giving the Scorpiops krachana scorpion buffet line of soft bodied prey.
Seasonal flooding rearranges the leaf litter, so a well chosen rock can double as both hunting platform and storm shelter.
Scorpiops krachana uses ambush
Most scorpions are classic ambush predators, remaining motionless until vibrations betray a meal on foot. The Animal Diversity Web notes that many species use this sit and wait tactic rather than roaming in search of prey.
Scorpiops krachana fits that profile. Warrit’s field notes describe the animals crouched against stone, claws half open, waiting for wandering insects.
Because the new scorpion is so small, its stinger likely subdues prey quickly to avoid dangerous struggles.
The researchers suggest that the venom dose may be tuned for tiny arthropods and could pose little risk to humans, though no toxicity tests have yet been run.
Researchers suspect S. krachan measures ground vibrations through slit sensilla on its feet, a trick that lets it judge prey size before striking.
By remaining still, the scorpion also conserves the limited energy budget typical of miniaturized arachnids.
Why eight eyes matter
Scorpion heads normally carry a single pair of median eyes flanked by two to five pairs of lateral eyes. S. krachan maxes out the arrangement with eight total, a configuration that may sharpen depth perception during its stationary hunts.
Vision, however, does not stop at the eyes. Researchers have proposed that a scorpion’s entire shell acts like one huge light sensor, fluorescing under ultraviolet light and guiding the animal toward shelter in moonlight.
If that hypothesis holds, Scorpiops krachana may combine eight optical windows with a full body alarm system to spot threats and prey at night.
Such redundancy makes sense for a creature that never ranges far from the underside of a single stone.
Microscopic sections reveal that each lateral eye contains photoreceptors tuned to green wavelengths, the same color produced when the exoskeleton fluoresces. That spectral match supports the idea that the body’s glow channels useful light back toward the eyes.
Endemism and the conservation question
“This new taxon may represent one endemic element for the scorpion fauna of Thailand,” wrote Nawanetiwong, stressing the species’ narrow range.
A short walk beyond the find site, habitat shifts from intact forest to farmland, underscoring that vulnerability.
The park itself has faced scrutiny over land rights and planned dam expansions, any of which could alter microhabitats critical for leaf litter specialists. Small invertebrates like Scorpiops krachana seldom drive policy, yet their presence often signals healthy soil and water cycles.
Documenting hyper local species therefore gives conservationists concrete measures of ecosystem change. Each new entry on the checklist argues for leaving at least a slice of forest undisturbed.
Local guides already promote night walks to spot glowing scorpions, so park managers may leverage the discovery for eco tourism, provided visitors stick to trails and resist turning every stone.
Responsible tourism could turn the tiny arachnid into an ambassador for forest protection.
Scorpiops krachan‘s in its family tree
The find raises the number of described Euscorpiops species in Thailand to thirteen and nudges the global Scorpiops tally past 115.
Taxonomists continue to debate relationships within the group, but the new morphology data provide fresh clues for sorting the family tree.
Future surveys in the park’s limestone caves and higher ridges could uncover close cousins, much as recent work in nearby provinces has done.
Each related species enriches understanding of how geography, climate, and isolation shape body size and hunting style.
Genetic sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene is underway, which should clarify whether S. krachan split from its nearest relative during Pleistocene rainforest contractions. Those data will feed into a broader phylogeny covering more than 200 Asian scorpion species.
From a single overturned rock, scientists gained another piece of Southeast Asia’s intricate biodiversity puzzle, reminding us how much life hides in plain sight.
The study is published in ZooKeys.
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President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called for rising beyond divisions and standing united for a Pakistan that is built on justice, equality, and service to all, as the nation celebrates Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day today.
They said the day served as a reminder of courage, unity, and sacrifices that led to the creation of Pakistan and paid homage to founding father Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the workers of the Pakistan Movement for their struggle and sacrifices.
In his message on the occasion, President Zardari emphasised that the nation had “reaffirmed its strength, resolve, and unity in the face of external aggression”.
“Our success in Marka-i-Haq and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos is a landmark moment in our history,” he said. “It was a demonstration of unshakable national will, professional excellence, and united purpose.”
In July, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said this year’s Independence Day would be marked as “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth). The term is used by the state for the conflict with India from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos with a ceasefire on May 10.
The clash began after India blamed Pakistan for the attack without evidence, leading to air strikes and a week of missile exchanges stretched until a US-brokered ceasefire.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes at the provincial headquarters, Radio Pakistan reported.
Special prayers were offered in mosques for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country. Various renowned buildings across the country have also been decorated with the national flag and lights as the nation celebrates Independence Day with fervour.
The main flag hosting ceremony was held at the Pakistan Monument in the federal capital, where PM Shehbaz unfurled the national flag.
Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, cabinet members, parliamentarians and school students were present on the occasion, according to Radio Pakistan.
A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held at the Supreme Court, where Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi unfurled the national flag.
In his message, President Zardari noted that “faced with unjustified Indian aggression, Pakistan responded with clarity, courage and restraint.
“The world witnessed a nation that is peace-loving, but fully capable of defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
“Today, the world sees Pakistan as a country that seeks peace but does not bow to coercion.
“But this moment is about more than military success. It is a reminder of what we can achieve when we are united, focused, and committed to a common goal,” the president said.
He asserted that this victory gave the people of Pakistan a sense of renewed confidence. It has lifted the morale of the people, restored faith in our institutions, and enhanced Pakistan’s stature on the global stage, he added.
President Zardari urged the nation to channel this spirit into economic revival, educational reform, technological advancement, institutional development, and environmental resilience.
“The same discipline, courage, and clarity that led to our recent success against India can lead us toward victory in eradicating poverty, creating opportunities for our people, and building a just and inclusive society.”
He also expressed solidarity with the people of India-occupied Kashmir, saying that “their courage and struggle for justice and their right to self-determination remain close to our hearts.
“Pakistan will continue to extend its unwavering diplomatic, moral, and political support until their right to self-determination is realised.”
In his message, PM Shehbaz paid tribute to Jinnah and national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who along with other resolute leaders and workers of the Independence Movement, united the nation under one vision, one mission and one goal.
“Their relentless efforts changed the course of the history with the establishment of an independent, ideological state, thus realising a seemingly impossible dream into a reality,” he said in a statement.
“The past 78 years tell a tale of resilience, strong faith and a hope of a bright future when as a nation, we braved several difficult challenges”, he stated. “Despite this, Pakistan achieved a series of milestones of success and achievements in every field.”
He also paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of Pakistan’s freedom, saying Marka-i-Haq was not just a military conquest, but also the victory of validation of the Two-Nation Theory.
“Pakistan’s historic victory in Marka-i-Haq during the four-day war imposed by India has not only reinforced the sanctity of our freedom, but has also instilled a renewed sense of ambition and national spirit in the hearts of our people, magnifying the pride and fervour of this Independence Day.”
He continued: “With the blessings of Almighty Allah, our brave armed forces revived their past glory and shattered the false pride of enemy by acting as a Bunyanum Marsoos — a solid fortified wall.
“The military capability, valour and faith of our brave soldiers and air warriors forced the enemy to kneel down. We pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of our freedom and offer prayers for the elevation of their ranks in eternal life.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hoists the national flag at the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad on Aug 14, 2025. — X/GovtofPakistan
While expressing his resolve to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty, PM Shehbaz said: “We reiterate our belief in the principles of peaceful coexistence and resolving the regional and global issues through dialogue and diplomacy.”
He said India needs to demonstrate the same will for the resolution of all disputes, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
PM Shehbaz also highlighted the government’s initiatives for the welfare of the common people, such as a reduction in electricity prices. “The government is utilising all resources to make the country effectively meet the economic, industrial technological demands of the present era.”
He called for demonstrating the spirit of Marka-i-Haq and Pakistan Movement for a strong and stable economy, which is inevitable for an impregnable national defence and sovereignty.
Celebrations across country
Islamabad
The armed forces are showcasing defence equipment at Shakarparian Parade Ground.
The exhibition, which opened in the morning, featured various weapons, aircraft, tanks and other military equipment used during Marka-i-Haq, Radio Pakistan reported.
The display included artillery, rocket launchers, military vehicles and armoured carriers. Radars that played an important role during the May conflict were also showcased.
The Pakistan Air Force was also set to perform a fly-past and para-jumping demonstration.
Sindh
In Karachi, a change of guard ceremony was held at Quaid-i-Azam Mazar, where smartly tuned-out cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy (PNA) assumed the duties of ceremonial guards at the mausoleum, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam and called for unity against terrorism, poverty and ignorance. Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and members of the provincial cabinet were also present.
The Pakistan Navy’s ceremonial guard comprised two contingents — one of sailors and the other of cadets from the PNA. The sailors’ platoon was led by Lieutenant Ali Hassan, while the cadets’ platoon was commanded by Chief Cadet Captain Muhammad Zain.
PNA Commandant Commodore Tassawar Iqbal attended the event as the chief guest, while the parade commander duties were performed by Lt Commander Samiullah.
Pakistan Navy guards presented a national salute to Jinnah, after which the chief guest inspected the newly deployed guards. Commodore Iqbal then laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum, offered fateha and recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book.
In a statement on X, Tessori said: “This day reminds us of unity, sacrifice and renewed resolve. This year, the joy of freedom has increased manifold after defeating India decisively in the battle of truth on May 10.”
Punjab
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in a statement, expressed her gratitude to God for “providing the chance to live a dignified life on a free land”.
“Pakistan is a bright lamp whose light is shining on the world. Pakistan is our pride and glory; we are nothing without Pakistan,” Maryam said.
The chief minister urged people to hold themselves “accountable”, saying: “Pakistan gave us respect and independence. What did we give back to the country?”
A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Directorate General of Public Relations office in Lahore, attended by the office’s Director General Ghulam Sagheer Shahid.
Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora also raised the national flag at a separate event at his department. He also planted a sapling and cut a cake with the participants to celebrate the day, APP reported.
A change of guard ceremony was held at Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum, where Acting Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan laid a wreath on the poet’s grave.
Badshahi Masjid Khateeb Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad also offered prayers for the country’s peace, stability and development, APP reported.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held at Governor House in Peshawar, where Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi raised the national flag and cut a cake.
The event was attended by the Consul Generals of the United States, Iran and Afghanistan in Peshawar, along with the Governor’s House staff and other distinguished guests, according to APP.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthem, followed by a salute presented by the police.
“In Marka-i-Haq, Pakistan not only shattered India’s arrogance but also defended its borders and independence with full strength,” Governor Kundi was quoted as saying.
The governor highlighted that the people of KP, along with the entire nation, were celebrating the joy of freedom and sovereignty, standing firmly alongside the armed forces for the dignity and independence of the country.
At the Dera Ismail Khan Police Lines, KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur hoisted the national flag, planted a sapling and paid respects at the Martyrs’ Memorial, a post on his X account said.
Senior officials from the divisional and district administration, along with police, political and social figures, students, and a large number of the public attended the ceremony.
“At the conclusion of the event, special prayers were offered for peace, security, and prosperity in the country,” the post added.
Balochistan
Balochistan CM Sarfraz Bugti, in a post on X, said: “On this joyous Independence Day, every heart in Balochistan beats with love for Pakistan.”
“This sacred land is fragrant with the blood of those martyrs who sacrificed their everything to keep our flag flying high,” the chief minister said, pledging to “never back down from laying down our lives in defence of our motherland”.
“Pakistan is our pride, our identity, and the symbol of our existence. We will never allow any harm to come to this land,” Bugti vowed.
Speaking at a flag-hoisting ceremony on the lawns of Balochistan Assembly, Bugti stressed that this year’s celebration carried “exceptional significance, as the nation has defeated an adversary stronger than an enemy steeped in arrogance and pride”, APP reported.
“Our brave armed forces have achieved a victory that fills every Pakistani with pride,” said CM Bugti, extending heartfelt gratitude to the armed forces, particularly the army chief, as well as PM Shehbaz and President Zardari.
The Balochistan CM also announced a cash prize of Rs500,000 for the schoolchildren who performed during the celebration. He also met with provincial ministers, legislators, religious leaders and citizens from various walks of life, extending Independence Day greetings.
“From Gwadar to Zhob, the people celebrated Independence Day with unmatched enthusiasm. This is the spirit of a vibrant nation,” the chief minister asserted.
He underscored the cultural richness of Balochistan’s diverse communities, which include Baloch, Pashtun, Hazara, and others, while condemning the actions of terrorist groups that violate tribal and societal values.
“Targeting innocent women, children, and travellers is not just terrorism; it’s a betrayal of our traditions,” APP quoted him as saying.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir
The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day with patriotic fervour, holding a series of events that reflected the institution’s deep commitment to national unity and the Kashmir cause, APP reported.
The national and state flags were raised at the Administration Block by Registrar Prof Dr Saadat Hanif Dar, Controller of Examinations Prof Dr Wajid Aziz Lone, and Finance Director Prof Dr Muhammad Basharat.
Faculty members, administrative staff and university employees gathered to mark the historic occasion, offering special prayers for the stability, peace, and prosperity of Pakistan and the early freedom of those in India-occupied Kashmir (IoK). The programme featured speeches, patriotic songs and a cake-cutting ceremony.
Additional Chief Secretary (General) Midhat Shehzad, who attended as the chief guest, said that true appreciation of freedom comes from contrasting life in AJK with that in IoK, terming freedom a great blessing from Allah Almighty that must be honoured with gratitude and responsibility.
Meritorious Prof Dr Syed Nadeem Haider Bukhari, dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, underscored that no blessing was greater than freedom for humankind.
He called for recognising those who work quietly for the nation’s defence, progress and development, and paid tribute to the valiant armed forces. Bukhari observed that while India “faltered in war, global politics and regional power dynamics, Pakistan continues to stand firm”, APP stated.
‘Unbreakable bond between armed forces, people’
The military top brass congratulated the nation on Independence Day as they vowed to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and unity, according to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu extended “heartfelt felicitations to the nation on the auspicious occasion” of Independence Day, “marking the triumph of unity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to a shared vision for a brighter future”.
“As guardians of national security, we reaffirm our unwavering resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, uphold the Constitution, and protect the values that define our national identity,” the statement said.
“The unbreakable bond between the armed forces and the people is the cornerstone of our collective strength.”
The military top brass paid homage to the founding fathers and honoured their “indomitable spirit, resolute determination, and unparalleled sacrifices”, which paved the way for independence“. “Their courage, foresight, and unshakeable faith in the cause of freedom remain an enduring beacon of guidance,” it highlighted.
The armed forces also paid solemn tribute to the “visionaries, statesmen, and soldiers who laid our nation’s foundations, cherishing their legacy with deep reverence and gratitude”.
“On this Independence Day, let us renew our resolve to strive for peace, progress, and unity, upholding the ideals of Faith, Unity, and Discipline to realise the dream of a resilient, prosperous, and progressive Pakistan.”
‘Freedom preserved by truth, justice and dignity in international engagements’
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, in a pre-recorded message, highlighted the importance of truth, justice and dignity in international engagements, in view of Pakistan’s intensified diplomacy in the wake of the May conflict.
Celebrating Marka-i-Haq, Dar said: “We are reminded that freedom is preserved not only by defending our borders but also by upholding the principles of truth, justice and dignity in our international engagements.
“Our foreign policy will continue to project Pakistan as a responsible, peace-loving nation — ready to build partnerships, resolve disputes through dialogue and play an active role in shaping a stable and prosperous region,” the foreign minister asserted.
He lauded the resolve of the armed forces and the people who “stood together to safeguard our sovereignty”. “This collective resilience reflects not only formidable military readiness but also a principled foreign policy that has earned widespread international support,” Dar noted.
“I pay tribute to the immortal sacrifices made by our forebears, affirming that Pakistan was born out of their indomitable spirit and devotion to truth. I reaffirm that our nation cannot be defeated as long as we stand united,” he stated.
The deputy PM reiterated that Pakistan remained “steadfast in its commitment to a diplomatic approach grounded in mutual respect, regional tranquillity and peace”.
“Today, we renew our dedication to fortify Pakistan’s global standing, advance our strategic and economic interests, and foster a peaceful neighbourhood.”
He urged all citizens to “remain united, protect democratic values and collectively contribute to building a strong, dignified, and prosperous Pakistan — for today and times to come”.
Rubio, others extend greetings
Meanwhile, leaders from various countries also felicitated Pakistan on its Independence Day.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement: “On behalf of the United States, I extend our warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day on August 14.”
He added that the US “deeply appreciates Pakistan’s engagement on counterterrorism and trade”.
“We look forward to exploring new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering dynamic business partnerships which will promote a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis,” Rubio said, building upon the two countries’ intensified economic and military in recent weeks.
Russian Embassy in Pakistan hailed the country’s “significant progress in many areas”, while the Chinese embassy wished for the “ironclad friendship” between the two nations to grow stronger.
Scientists have discovered hundreds of giant sand bodies beneath the North Sea that appear to defy fundamental geological principles and could have important implications for energy and carbon storage.
Using high-resolution 3D seismic (sound wave) imaging, combined with data and rock samples from hundreds of wells, researchers from The University of Manchester in collaboration with industry, identified vast mounds of sand — some several kilometers wide — that appear to have sunk downward, displacing older, lighter and softer materials from beneath them.
The result is stratigraphic inversion — a reversal of the usual geological order in which younger rocks are typically deposited on top of older ones on a previously unseen scale.
While stratigraphic inversion has previously been observed at small scales, the structures discovered by the Manchester team — now named “sinkites” — are the largest example of the phenomenon documented so far.
The finding, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, challenges scientists understanding of the subsurface and could have implications for carbon storage.
Lead author Professor Mads Huuse from The University of Manchester, said: “This discovery reveals a geological process we haven’t seen before on this scale. What we’ve found are structures where dense sand has sunk into lighter sediments that floated to the top of the sand, effectively flipping the conventional layers we’d expect to see and creating huge mounds beneath the sea.”
It is believed the sinkites formed millions of years ago during the Late Miocene to Pliocene periods, when earthquakes or sudden shifts in underground pressure may have caused the sand to liquefy and sink downward through natural fractures in the seabed. This displaced the underlying, more porous but rigid, ooze rafts — composed largely of microscopic marine fossils — bound by shrinkage cracks, sending them floating upwards. The researchers have dubbed these lighter, uplifted features ‘floatites’.
The finding could help scientists better predict where oil and gas might be trapped and where it’s safe to store carbon dioxide underground.
Prof Huuse said: “This research shows how fluids and sediments can move around in the Earth’s crust in unexpected ways. Understanding how these sinkites formed could significantly change how we assess underground reservoirs, sealing, and fluid migration — all of which are vital for carbon capture and storage.”
Now the team are busy documenting other examples of this process and assessing how exactly it impacts our understanding of subsurface reservoirs and sealing intervals.
Prof Huuse added: “As with many scientific discoveries there are many skeptical voices, but also many who voice their support for the new model. Time and yet more research will tell just how widely applicable the model is.”
This research has been published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.
On the opening day of the WTT Europe Smash in Malmö, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) joins fans and players in celebrating a defining moment for the sport in Europe.
The inaugural event is a landmark for elite table tennis on the continent and an important step on the road to the centenary of the ITTF World Championships in London next year. Europe last staged the ITTF World Championships in 2019, in Budapest, Hungary.
ITTF President Petra Sörling said: “Hosting the first-ever Europe Smash in Malmö is a remarkable milestone for table tennis. It reflects our sport’s global reach and Malmö’s unique diversity, a city that truly welcomes the world. This is a special opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate the sport we love, and watch the very best players compete at the highest level. For me, as someone who grew up here and first picked up a racket in this city, it is incredibly moving to see world-class table tennis take centre stage in my hometown.”
This follows a wave of inspiring European performances at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with players such as Sweden’s Truls Moregardh capturing the imagination of fans worldwide.
“After the Olympics it’s definitely one of the biggest, if not the biggest, sports in Sweden, in terms of how many players are playing again,” said Moregardh. “So many younger players and older people are playing table tennis again, it’s really hyped in Sweden! But of course, (the popularity) leans on big results still and I always need to keep up a good performance.”
Until 24 August, Moregardh and the Swedish squad will take on the world’s best players at the Malmö Arena, with fans set to witness world-class action in an electric atmosphere.
Steve Dainton, ITTF Group CEO, said: “Sweden is synonymous with table tennis greatness, and hosting Europe Smash in Malmö is a tribute to both the legends of the past and the rising stars of today. Moreover, Europe Smash – Sweden 2025 completes our WTT Grand Smash lineup, bringing table tennis’ pinnacle events to four unique locations around the world. We can’t wait to see the world’s best players take to the stage in Malmö next August.”
Europe Smash is the latest inaugural Smash event to join the WTT Series, following Singapore Smash in 2023, China Smash in 2024, and US Smash earlier this year.
Michael Phelps has launched a scathing attack on USA Swimming’s leadership, with the 23-times Olympic gold medallist branding the body weak and demanding sweeping reforms after what he sees as years of organizational decline.
“I’ve watched too many teammates struggle to compete in a sport they love without the support they need,” Phelps, who retired from competitive swimming in 2016, wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. “I’ve also seen the sport struggle to return its membership numbers to pre-pandemic levels, and I’m done pretending this system works just because it produces medals.
The 40-year-old, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, delivered his broadside while revealing he may not want his four young sons competing in the sport given the current state of swimming in the United States.
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Phelps traced his frustrations back through his competitive career, saying he often felt that his voice went unheard, was “told to be grateful for the chance to compete” and that it was more important to stay quiet and to keep the peace.
“First, I must be clear that I have the utmost respect for the US swimmers that competed at the World Championships,” Phelps wrote.
“My criticism is in no way directed at them – I know how hard they work and how honoured they are to represent the US national team. My criticism is about the system, its leadership, and how it’s failing. There have always been cracks in the system but in the last nine years, I’ve seen those cracks grow.”
Phelps volunteered to help address the issues he raised, and also proposed several solutions, including increased support of young swimmers and prioritizing the needs of elite swimmers over coaches.
“My door is open and there is work to be done,” he wrote.
Phelps his not the only US swimmer to criticize the organization recently. During the recent world championships, Phelps’s former teammates, Ryan Lochte, posted an image of a mock funeral for USA Swimming.
Phelps compared the success of the US swim team at the Rio Olympics in 2016, where they won 33 medals, to the Paris Games last year when they slumped to their lowest medal haul in the pool (28) since the 2004 Games in Athens.
