Osamu Suzuki, who led Suzuki Motor for over 40 years, passed away on Christmas Day at 94. He died because of lymphoma, said the company. In his capacity as chairman and CEO, Suzuki ambitiously led Suzuki Motor outside of the primary Japanese minicar market. His focus on cost-cutting established itself in the automaker’s culture. He was known for his grounded behaviour, which included flying in economy class and requesting lower factory ceilings to save on air conditioning.
Born Osamu Matsuda, he took his wife’s family name through adoption, a common practice in Japan when families lack a male heir. Joining Suzuki Motor in 1958, he became president two decades later. Suzuki prevented the company’s demise in the 1970s by convincing Toyota Motor to provide engines that complied with new emission regulations. The company’s expansion was further solidified in 1979 with the introduction of the Alto minivehicle.
Osamu Suzuki has left a legacy in automative industry for all times to come.
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The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is turning 10, and it’s gearing up to celebrate in style. Adding to the excitement, New Zealand’s star all-rounder, Daryl Mitchell, has officially signed up for the PSL 10 draft. The announcement came through PSL’s social media channels on Friday, sparking buzz among cricket fans worldwide.
A New Chapter for Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell, a mainstay in New Zealand’s cricket team, is no stranger to the T20 circuit. With experience in top leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and England’s Vitality Blast, Mitchell is a proven performer. However, this will be his first foray into the PSL, and fans can’t wait to see him in action on Pakistani soil.
With 11 centuries and 26 fifties to his name across formats, Mitchell’s track record speaks volumes. Whether it’s his powerful batting, handy bowling, or sharp fielding, he brings a lot to the table. Currently, Mitchell is busy representing New Zealand in a three-match T20I series at home, but his PSL debut promises to add a new dimension to his already impressive career.
Mitchell isn’t the only big-name joining the PSL draft this year. He’s the 10th foreign player to sign up, joining a roster that already includes global stars like Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Tom Curran, David Willey, Dawid Malan, Jason Roy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, and Sikandar Raza.
This year’s draft will be extra special, as it’s being hosted in the stunning coastal city of Gwadar, Balochistan, for the first time ever. Mark your calendars—January 11, 2025, is the big day!
Daryl Mitchell’s inclusion is more than just another name on the roster; it’s a testament to PSL’s growing stature as a premier T20 league. Over the years, PSL has attracted top-tier talent, providing fans with thrilling cricket and unforgettable moments. Mitchell’s participation adds another layer of excitement to a tournament already brimming with talent and passion.
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The Boxing Day Test between Australia and India is known for its fierce competition, but this year, it’s Virat Kohli who has stolen the spotlight—not for his batting, but for his on-field antics. The incident in question? A heated clash with 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas left cricket fans and media buzzing.
What Exactly Happened?
On Day 1 of the Test, Kohli, ever the fiery competitor, was seen deliberately shoulder-bumping Konstas after the young batter had struck a few stunning shots against Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah. It wasn’t just a brush—Kohli’s actions seemed calculated as if trying to rattle the young player’s confidence.
Konstas, to his credit, had shown incredible poise for a debutant. His flashy strokes against Bumrah likely got under Kohli’s skin, leading to verbal taunts and the physical confrontation.
The Australian press didn’t hold back. One newspaper headlined the story with a scathing label, calling Kohli a “clown.” The term quickly caught fire on social media, sparking heated debates between fans of both sides.
Some former Australian cricketers jumped into the fray, calling Kohli’s actions “cowardly” and “unsportsmanlike.” For a player of his stature, they argued, such behaviour was unbecoming.
The ICC Steps In, But Was It Enough?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) took note of the incident and fined Kohli 20% of his match fee while slapping him with one demerit point. But the punishment didn’t sit well with Australian critics.
They believed the penalty was far too lenient, with many calling for a one-match suspension to send a stronger message. The local media even went as far as labelling Kohli a “crybaby” for his apparent inability to handle the pressure brought on by a teenager.
Indian Media Fires Back
Back home, Indian media and fans were quick to defend their star. Many saw the “clown” remark as an insult to one of cricket’s biggest icons. For them, Kohli’s aggression is part of his charm—a display of passion and competitiveness that has defined his career.
But not everyone in India stood by him. Some questioned whether such actions were necessary, especially against a debutant, and whether this tarnished his legacy as a global cricketing ambassador.
Aggression has always been part of cricket, especially in high-stakes series like this one. Players like Virat Kohli thrive on intensity, and his combative nature often brings out his best. But when does aggression cross the line into unsportsmanlike conduct?
For young Sam Konstas, the incident could be a defining moment. If anything, it’s a testament to his skill that he managed to unsettle one of the modern greats.
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Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s premier pacer and a fan favorite, finds himself at the center of a controversy. Despite being in red-hot form, he was shockingly left out of Pakistan’s Test squad for the series against South Africa. This decision has sparked questions, debates, and even a few raised eyebrows in the cricketing world.
Let’s unpack the drama.
A Stellar ODI Series
Afridi was Pakistan’s standout bowler in the ODI series against South Africa. His fiery spells earned him seven wickets, the highest in the series, and played a huge role in Pakistan’s historic whitewash. Yet, when the Test squad was announced, his name was nowhere to be found.
Why? The official explanation was “workload management.” But there seems to be more to the story.
Before the squad announcement, Afridi reportedly received a call from one of the selectors. The message? Play a four-day match to prove his readiness for the Test series. For reasons not entirely clear, Afridi couldn’t participate. This decision was allegedly seen as “disobedience,” and the result was his exclusion from the Test side.
What’s puzzling is the inconsistency. Babar Azam also didn’t follow the same directive yet retained his place in the squad.
Tension in the Dressing Room?
Sources suggest a deeper issue—a growing dissatisfaction among players with one particular selector. Recently retired, this selector reportedly carries an overly authoritative attitude, even towards his former teammates.
Afridi, committed to red-ball cricket, was said to be deeply hurt by his exclusion. After the ODI series, he even offered to stay for the Tests if the management needed him. Strangely, no one followed up on his offer.
Pakistan’s pace attack in Centurion felt incomplete without a left-arm pacer. Despite having Mir Hamza, another talented left-arm bowler, he wasn’t included among the four pacers selected for the match. This decision left many scratching their heads.
The decision to rest Afridi for the Tests under “workload management” doesn’t entirely add up. While the team management deemed him unfit for the gruelling Test series, they allowed him to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Afridi will represent Fortune Barishal in the upcoming BPL, with an NOC allowing him to play five matches. If he’s fit enough for franchise cricket, why not Tests?
South Africa’s pace-friendly pitches are tailor-made for bowlers like Shaheen Afridi. His absence was felt not just in terms of skill but also the energy and aggression he brings to the field.
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Beloved Pakistani actress Sarah Khan has not been hesitant to share about her personal life, particularly regarding her deep love for her husband, singer Falak Shabir.
On Falak’s birthday, Sarah shared her dreams of expanding her family with Falak, indicating that she wants to grow from a family of three to eight. This heartfelt revelation touched the hearts of many, further solidifying the bond between the couple and their commitment to one another.
The Beautiful Love Story of Sarah Khan and Falak Shabir
The relationship between Sarah Khan and Falak Shabir has always been something of admiration. Their connection is nothing short of magical, where the two support and uplift each other in their personal and professional lives. Falak, especially, has set trends by doing thoughtful gestures that show deep love for Sarah.
One of the most loving acts is his tradition of gifting her roses without any specific occasion but with the mere intention of making her smile. This kind of love, built on kindness and affection, makes their relationship stand out as one of the most adored in the industry.
Sarah wished Falak a very special birthday through Instagram. The photos she posted reflect deep affection and bonding. Among the posted images, one sweet picture showed the moment Sarah kissed Falak on the cheek, depicting how much she cherished him. With the quirky caption, “Happy Birthday to my sugar daddy,” she was sure to make her followers smile at the lighter aspect of their relationship.
But it was what followed that tugged at the heartstrings. Sarah, in her usual witty humour, said, “I could give you something special today, but let’s be real, I already gifted you the best present ever; your child.”This lighthearted remark speaks not only to her wit but also to the depth of love they share in being parents. In the same post, she also expressed gratitude by saying “Thank you for being mine, and grow old with me.”
Expanding Their Family: From Three to Eight
In the birthday message, Sarah disclosed her dream to expand their family. She said, “I want to expand our family from three to eight.” Many of the fans were very touched by the idea that Sarah and Falak could increase their family with even more children.
She described Falak as the “best husband, the best father, and the best human being.”In her post, she called him the provider and protector of their family, describing him as her “safe haven.”The emotional and sincere message was a clear depiction of their loving partnership and values.
Sarah’s Tribute to Falak Shabir: A Family’s Protector
In Sarah’s touching tribute to Falak, she also referred to herself as “Mrs. Falak”with pride, expressing how fortunate she feels to have him by her side. The message ended with Sarah writing, “Thank you for everything you do for me, Falak Shabir,”a simple but powerful statement of gratitude. It reflects how much Sarah values not just the romantic side of their relationship but also the support and care they share as parents and partners.
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Authorities in Makkah have introduced free luggage storage services for Umrah pilgrims, providing added convenience during their spiritual journey. According to the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, these storage facilities are located to the east of the Grand Mosque near the Makkah Library and to the west near Gate 64.
Pilgrims can access the service by presenting their permits via the Nusuk app, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The facilities allow storage of bags weighing up to 7kg for a maximum of four hours. Loose items, valuables, prohibited goods, food and medicine are not accepted. Pilgrims must provide a claim ticket to retrieve their belongings. The authority has announced plans to expand this service to all areas surrounding the Grand Mosque to further enhance visitor convenience.
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For New Year’s Eve, Commissioner Karachi has imposed Section 144 Karachi-wide for two days, December 31 and January 1, banning aerial firing, the use of firecrackers and carrying firearms.
“I do hereby impose a complete ban on carrying/ display of arms, aerial firing and use of firecrackers on New Year’s Eve 2025 within the limits of Karachi Division for a period of two days, with effect from December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2025,” said Commissioner Karachi, Naqvi.
The ban has been imposed at the request of the deputy inspector general (DIG) of the police, South Zone. The DIG said a slew of youngsters will go to the Seaview area on motorcycles and cars for the celebrations of New Year. This creates traffic jams and inconvenience to the residents of the area.
“It has been further observed that on New Year’s Eve, some individuals get involved in aerial firing that may cause untoward incidents or even loss of human lives,” the official added. Hence, he requested, that a ban may be imposed to safeguard the precious lives of the citizens.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has paid a rich tribute to Shaheed Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto on her 17th death anniversary. In his message on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, ”Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a champion of democracy and a staunch advocate of the power of dialogue and reconciliation in the political process.”
PM Shehbaz’s message on Shaheed Benazir Bhutto on @X
”Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto remains an icon of courage and resilience. The Charter Of Democracy, signed between Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif, stands as a testament to her enduring legacy,” he added.
The Prime Minister offered his deepest respect to Mohtarma’s family, especially President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and to her followers, who are proudly carrying forward her vision and advancing her ideals.
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The United States Centres of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated on Thursday its analysis of the first severe case of bird flu in the country. According to the CDC, the patient’s sample showed mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene- the part of the virus that plays a significant role in its attaching to host cells.
Bird Flu Virus Shows Mutations in First Severe Human Case in the US: CDC Says
First Severe Case
Last week, the United States reported its first severe case of the Bird Flu in a human when a 65-year-old resident of Louisiana reported suffering from the disease. The patient had been infected by the D1.1 genotype, recently detected in wild birds and poultry across the US. Due to the rising cases in wildlife, California also declared a state of emergency.
The Mutations
Although the mutations seen are rare, other countries have reported them before mostly during severe infections. Such mutations were also seen in a case in British Columbia, Canada. Currently, there is no evidence of the virus spreading from the Louisiana patient to others, the CDC added.
The CDC is working with the Louisiana Department of Public Health to generate genetic sequences of samples taken later in the person’s infection. This is to find out if additional mutations have developed.
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Protests by the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) over the ongoing crisis in Parachinar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district, have disrupted traffic across Karachi. The sit-ins, which began on Thursday, continued into Friday. Protesters blocked major roads, causing chaos during the morning rush hour.
The crisis in Parachinar has claimed over 130 lives. Reports suggest a shortage of medicines has led to the deaths of over 100 children. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif dismissed these reports, calling them baseless.
The protests have led to several road closures across Karachi:
MA Jinnah Road:Numaish Chowrangi remains blocked, with traffic diverted through Secretariat Chowrangi and Guru Mandir to Soldier Bazaar.
Abu Al Hasan Isphahani Road: Blocked towards Super Highway, rerouting vehicles via Paradise Bakery to Fariya Chowk.
Five Star Chowrangi: Closed, forcing vehicles to use the service road.
Shahrah-e-Faisal: Parts, including Star Gate and Malir, are shut, with traffic diverted via Drigh Road to Rashid Minhas Road.
National Highway: Blocked at Malir 15 Bridge towards Quaidabad. Vehicles are rerouted from Malir Halt to Model Colony and other areas like Manzil Pump to Younus Chowrangi.
MWM leader Allama Hasan Zafar Naqvi, speaking at Numaish Chowrangi, urged the government to ensure lasting peace in Kurram, particularly in Parachinar. Authorities have advised commuters to use alternate routes as the protests continue, worsening the already challenging traffic situation.
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South African fast bowlers, especially Dane Paterson and debutant Corbin Bosch, dominated the entire Pakistani batting line-up on the opening day of the ‘Boxing Day’ Test match at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Aiden Markram also grabbed the limelight with the bat later in the day as the Proteas seized full dominancy over the visitors by stumps on Day 1.
Pakistan openers Shan Masood and Saim Ayub survived South Africa’s opening pace attack by batting out the first 14 overs of the day, marking 36 important runs for their team. However, after seeing off the Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen’s new ball threat, Masood nicked one towards slips off Proteas debutant Corbin Bosch to hand hosts their first breakthrough of the day.
Dane Paterson, operating from the other end, also soon dismissed Saim Ayub and number three Babar Azam in quick succession as Pakistan’s top-order crashed to 41-3 in 17.2 overs.
In an extended spell, Bosch earned his second wicket of the innings in the form of Saud Shakeel for just 14 as the visitors lost their fourth wicket in the space of four overs after their 36-run opening stand.
Kamran Ghulam at number four punched out a fighting 54 from just 71 balls and shared a counterattacking 81-run partnership with white-ball skipper and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. Ghulam’s energetic and boundary-laden effort attained some respectability for the stable Pakistan innings until he lost his wicket by becoming Paterson’s third wicket of the day.
Tails up at the halfway stage of the day, South African pacers Paterson and Corbin Bosch mopped up the remainder of Pakistan’s line-up at just 211 from 57.3 overs. Paterson bagged his second Test five-fer and his career-best spell with figures of 5-61, while Bosch had a debut to remember with figures of 4-63.
South Africa lost opener, Tony de Zorzi, with an absolute peach from Khurram Shahzad earlier in the innings. The right-arm fast bowler also had Ryan Rickelon nick one towards Mohammad Rizwan for just eight as the hosts lost its second wicket for just 24 on the board.
Steadying South Africa’s sinking ship, senior opening batter Aiden Markram counterattacked with a swift 47* from 67 balls, punching out nine boundaries in the process to take his team to 82 from 22 overs until stumps.
Along the way, Markram lost Tristan Stubbs to a jaffa from Mohammad Abbas as the Proteas will now resume their first innings on Day 2 by trailing another 129 runs away from Pakistan.
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Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister who governed the South Asian country for two terms and liberalised its economy in an earlier stint as finance minister, has died, local media reported on Thursday. He was 92.
Singh, an economist-turned-politician who also served as the governor of the central bank, was ailing and admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, local media reported late on Thursday.
Singh served as Prime Minister from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for a historic 3,656 days. His tenure made him the third longest-serving Prime Minister in Indian history, following Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
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South Africans pacers made the most out of the seaming conditions on offer at Centurion by restricting Pakistan to 211 in their first innings. After a mini-collapse saw Pakistan struggling at 56-4, it was the 81-runs 5th wicket stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam that took the Pakistan team towards a respectable first innings total. Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson cashed in after a superb opening hour of bowling from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, which openers Shan Masood and Saim Ayub rode their luck to survive.
The story of the opening session changed the moment Temba Bavuma gave the ball to debutant Bosch. He began with a loosener well outside off stump. Masood, who had been forced to deal with an unerring fourth stump all of the first hour, had his eyes light up as he slashed at it, with a thick outside edge carrying to Jansen at third slip to give Bosch a first-ball wicket.
All of a sudden, the good balls that kept missing edges started to find them. Paterson nipped one away to Ayub, who was uncharacteristically defensive, accumulating a painstaking 14 off 34 balls till that point. It kissed the outside edge, and both openers were back in the pavilion. Paterson wasn’t done, because Babar Azam, returning to the side, also had a prod at one well outside off stump, the tentativeness of his stroke revealing his lack of confidence; it was meat and drink for the slips again.
The only bright spot for Pakistan was the knock of Kamran Ghulam, who scored 54 runs. However, his dismissal triggered another collapse, with Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Aamer Jamal also falling prey to the South African bowlers.
With the conditions serving as a paradise for the pacers, much hopes are pinned to the pace battery of Pakistan team, especially Mohammad Abbas who makes a comeback to the red-ball format after 2021.
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JS Investments introduces a ground-breaking digital account opening solution tailored for Separately Managed Account clients.
Lahore, 26th December, 2024 – JS Investments, Pakistan’s premier asset management company, has launched Lahore’s first Digital Wealth Centre in DHA Phase 6, marking a transformative step in the country’s wealth management sector.
The Digital Wealth Centre is designed to empower clients with seamless, self-service financial tools and expert guidance. Visitors will experience an advanced, user-friendly ecosystem where they can explore JS Investments’ diverse product suite through interactive screens and engage with goal-based and risk-based investment planning.
In addition, JS Investments introduces a ground-breaking digital account opening solution tailored for Separately Managed Account clients. This process streamlines the opening of bank, brokerage, and investment accounts by connecting them through one powerful unified platform.
Speaking at the launch, Iffat Mankani, CEO of JS Investments, emphasized the company’s commitment to redefining wealth management in Pakistan: “The launch of Lahore’s first Digital Wealth Centre reflects our vision to make wealth management accessible, innovative, and client-centric. We aim to empower individuals to achieve their financial aspirations through personalized, tech-driven solutions that bring efficiency and confidence to their investment journeys.”
JS Investments warmly invites prospective clients, media, and industry partners to experience the future of wealth management at the new Digital Wealth Centre in Lahore.
Apple’s visionary plans to eliminate bezels from future iPhones have encountered major technical challenges. This has forced the tech giant to push the launch timeline beyond 2026, according to industry sources familiar with the matter.
The upcoming setback emerges from ongoing technical discussions with display manufacturers Samsung Display and LG Display, who are struggling to perfect the necessary thin film encapsulation (TFE) technology required to protect OLED screens from environmental damage, The Elec reports.
However, implementing this vision requires overcoming several engineering hurdles, including the development of specialised optical clear adhesive (OCA) processes and resolving antenna interference issues.
A key challenge lies in reconfiguring the iPhone’s OLED bezel circuits, which must be folded beneath the display to achieve the zero-bezel design. This modification necessitates careful consideration of antenna placement and potential signal interference, according to supply chain sources. The integration of an under-display camera system adds another layer of complexity to the manufacturing process, as engineers work to maintain image quality while eliminating visible screen elements.
Industry analysts now speculate that the technology might debut in the iPhone 18 or iPhone 19 series, though no official timeline has been confirmed. The delay comes as smartphone manufacturers continue their push toward slimmer bezels. Currently, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models already feature reduced border dimensions compared to previous generations.
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Iqra Aziz has captured millions of hearts through her remarkable performances over the years. She is widely admired for her natural talent and a very graceful presence on screen and has delivered outstanding roles in many popular dramas. Apart from her acting skills, her personal life, especially her relationship with actor and husband Yasir Hussain, has gained her a lot of attention. The love story of the couple is one that fans cherish, often viewing them as an inspiring duo in the entertainment world.
Sharing a Glimpse of Her Future Goals
Early December saw Iqra Aziz sharing a special moment with her fans on Instagram. She posted a family picture from Kareena Kapoor’s Christmas celebration and gave her fans a peek into her personal life.
Along with the image, Iqra also spoke about her future aspirations in a conversation with her husband, Yasir Hussain. The post was a mix of warmth and personal reflection as she spoke about her life goals.
Iqra Hussain on Instagram
Iqra’s Life Goals: A Personal Revelation
In the Instagram story, Iqra said, “This is my life goal in our way,”while addressing Yasir. The couple is known to be very close to each other and continue supporting each other’s personal as well as professional growth.
Iqra’s words not only reflected her aspirations but also how Yasir was supporting her dreams. It was a touching moment for fans as they got to see the couple sharing their vision for their future.
In this intimate reflection, Iqra Aziz once more proved that her strength is not only in her work but also in personal relationships that she values just as much.
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The fitness landscape in 2024 shifted drastically from the basic gym and home workouts to blending in technology, personalisation and holistic well-being. 2024 was full of the hottest fitness trends, be it AI-powered training or pop Pilates. So, as we head toward the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to look back at these trends, for they might even carve their way into the future as well. Let’s dive in.
AI Personal Training
Well, if you can’t beat it, you might as well befriend it. That is what we all did with artificial intelligence in 2024. The year saw some great developments in the field of AI both in the tech world and health and fitness sectors. AI-powered workouts became a popular thing as various apps began to emerge and people adopted them quite quickly.
AI-Powered Training
Pop Pilates
2024 also came with a wave of elegantly styled women flooding Instagram, channelling the grace of ballerinas with a contemporary twist. Though Pilates has been around for over a century, 2024 solidified its spot in the fitness mainstream. Other than the aesthetic appeal, pop Pilates is also one of the most effective workout regimes we saw last year.
Community Workouts
If there is anything better than a good workout, it is hitting your workout goals with your best buddy. Believe it or not, one’s fitness journey can be strongly benefitted if it’s shared with a partner, which is why community workouts became a raging phenomenon in 2024. In fact, according to a report, volleyball reservations surged by 256% since 2023, soccer by 158%, and ice skating by an incredible 698% in bookings, making community workouts the surprising trend of all.
Community Workout
Cryotherapy
We all were amazed seeing Shalini Passi jump into her very own cryo-chamber in Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives. Now of course, not everyone can’t afford one but there are plenty of wellness bars that offer the service. Cryotherapy became the ‘cool’ thing in fitness in 2024, quite literally. This practice exposes one’s body to extremely low temperatures for a few minutes, numbing nerve irritating and reducing arthritic pain.
In 2024, we bid farewell to ‘go hard or go home,’ because this year was all about finding a balance when it comes to achieving one’s dream body. Fitness influencers no longer stressed over or promoted a certain waist length or digit on the weigh scale but rather a body and mindset that one feels comfortable in. The fitness industry focuses on creating routines that work for different individuals. Alas, the generation is finally understanding that consistency is more important than intensity.
Sustainability over Intensity
Fitness became a central focus for many in 2024. As we move ahead and step into 2025, let’s embrace these changes.
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26 December marks 20 years to the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami that caused 250,000 people to perish. Among the deadliest natural disasters in history, it transformed global disaster management practices. A few important lessons stand out: early warning systems, building community resilience, the importance of coastal defences and the impact of climate change.
1. The Importance of Early Warning Systems
The high mortality toll in 2004 was partly caused by the absence of an effective early warning system. For instance, even though the tsunami didn’t reach the shore of Sri Lanka until two hours after the earthquake, some 35,000 people died there.
Considerable progress has been made since then. For example, the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System can send out alerts in as little as eight minutes and currently covers 27 nations. After an earthquake off the Indonesian coast in 2012, this method was able to successfully warn of a tsunami. Similarly, with the Noto earthquake in 2024, Japan’s quick tsunami warnings prevented fatalities.
However, these systems can be flawed. For example, in 2022, an underwater volcano near Tonga erupted, resulting in a tsunami that was missed by warning systems. Improved volcanic activity monitoring might have prevented the impact.
Lessons from the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami: Preparing for the Future
2. Building Community Resilience
Early warnings are important, but they are insufficient in and of themselves. At the local level, preparedness and education are crucial. Individuals must be aware of the dangers and know what to do in case of a tsunami. For instance, following the 2011 tsunami tragedy, engineers improved evacuation routes in the Japanese community of Jike. Despite the community being destroyed, no one was killed when the Noto tsunami struck in 2024 because the residents quickly evacuated using new stairs.
Many nations made investments in coastal defences including seawalls and breakwaters in the years after the 2004 tragedy. These defences have limits even if they offer some protection. For instance, even strong defences, such as a wall five meters high, were unable to stop severe flooding in the city of Watari during the 2011 tsunami. These incidents show that no building is completely resistant to a huge wave. Power plants and other vital infrastructure, however, must be constructed to survive severe weather conditions. The goal is for the structures to be functional enough to support evacuation attempts, even though some may fail.
The two categories of tsunami risk are currently distinguished by engineers in Japan as Level 1 (less severe but more frequent) and Level 2 (rare but devastating). Even if it means that buildings could flood without being destroyed, infrastructure should be built to endure Level 2 tsunamis.
While hard defences have their place, there’s also value in planning more sustainable coastal communities. In some cases, nature-based solutions, like strengthening coral reefs or planting coastal forests, might be more effective and environmentally friendly.
4. The Impact of Climate Change
Despite significant progress, there are still challenges to overcome. Many places around the world still lack proper data sharing and communication regarding tsunami risks. Over time, memories of past disasters fade, and people become less prepared.
Additionally, climate change is raising sea levels and increasing the frequency of extreme weather. While climate change doesn’t cause more tsunamis, it can make them more destructive. Rising sea levels can also weaken existing coastal defences, making them less reliable.
While the lessons from the 2004 tsunami have led to improvements in early warning systems, community preparedness, and coastal defences, there is still work to be done. By continuing to invest in research and strengthening our global disaster management systems, we can reduce the impact of future tsunamis and protect lives.
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When astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams put on Santa hats beside a miniature Christmas tree aboard the International Space Station (ISS), social media lit up with curiosity. Launched on an eight-day mission in June, their stay had been extended due to Boeing’s Starliner capsule issues.
Social Media Buzzes Over Space Logistics
Online users were quick to ask playful yet pointed questions about the holiday décor of the astronauts. “Did they pack Santa hats just in case?” wondered one user, while another joked, “They must’ve knitted them up there!” Many expressed scepticism about how such non-essential items made the cut in a tightly packed spacecraft.
Source: Times
The light-hearted humour extended even to the mystery of a candy cane vanishing on camera. “Did anyone else notice the candy cane vanish at 1:22? NASA’s got some explaining to do!” quipped a viewer, reflecting the mix of wonder and humour that such moments inspire.
Unplanned Stay, Unbroken Spirit
After a technical failure with thrusters in the Starliner capsule, the mission for Wilmore and Williams lasted far beyond its planned schedule. Now, they depend on the ingenuity of NASA to keep morale high during the unplanned months they will spend in orbit. Solution: A little bit of holiday spirit among the challenges.
While the Starliner returned unmanned to Earth in September, the astronauts’ delayed return is now expected in March 2025. This underlines the logistical complexities of modern space travel.
Space Celebrations: Symbolism
To many, the decorations represent resilience and hope. In the face of technological failure, the astronauts show that human beings can recreate traditions in the clean environment of the ISS with a good amount of humour.
A Lesson in Preparedness
The NASA tradition of stowing holiday gear illustrates the agency’s thoughtfulness regarding mental health during long-duration space missions. Whether the event was planned or happened in the spur of the moment, it reminded us that even in space, human connection and the need to celebrate prevail.
Source: Yahoo
As the world looked on, Wilmore and Williams made their extended mission an appropriate reminder that festive spirit knows no bounds. Their celebrations prove that while space exploration brings all kinds of challenges, it can bring so many wonderful moments too.
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Pakistan cricket is no stranger to bold decisions, but resting Shaheen Shah Afridi for the upcoming Test series against South Africa has sparked quite the debate. Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur, never one to shy away from sharing his thoughts, made his disbelief crystal clear.
Shaheen’s Absence: Strategic or Senseless?
After a dominant 3-0 whitewash in the ODIs against South Africa, the green shirts are gearing up for the red-ball leg of the tour. But there’s a glaring omission—Shaheen Shah Afridi. The ace left-arm pacer, who was instrumental in the white-ball series, has been rested for the two-match Test series.
Why? The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants to keep him fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for February. Sounds logical, right? Except Arthur isn’t buying it.
“If Not in South Africa, Then Where?”
Arthur didn’t hold back when discussing Shaheen’s absence. For him, South Africa is the dream destination for pacers, thanks to its seam-friendly pitches and bouncy tracks.
“I can’t believe it. If he’s not bowling in South Africa, then where the hell are they bowling him? It’s the best place to bowl in the world, almost,” Arthur exclaimed.
He emphasized that Shaheen isn’t just any pacer—he’s a match-winner. While Pakistan has other left-arm options like Mir Hamza, Arthur was clear: Shaheen is irreplaceable.
Is BPL the Real Reason?
Adding fuel to the fire, Shaheen isn’t exactly taking a break. Instead, he’ll be playing for Fortune Barishal in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He’s been granted a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by the PCB, allowing him to play the first five matches of the tournament.
This has raised eyebrows. If he’s fit enough to play franchise cricket, why isn’t he leading Pakistan’s attack in South Africa?
Arthur pointed out that South Africa’s conditions are tailor-made for someone like Shaheen. The 24-year-old’s pace, accuracy, and ability to move the ball make him a nightmare for batters, especially on South African pitches.
“Shaheen is a game-breaker and match-winner,” Arthur stated firmly.
And he’s right. Pakistan’s bowling attack is good, but Shaheen’s presence adds a level of intimidation and class that few can replicate.
PCB’s decision highlights a growing trend of managing players’ workloads to ensure longevity. While the intention is understandable, fans and experts argue that certain series—like one in South Africa—deserve priority.
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