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Showing posts from January, 2024

No Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi after Al-Nassr player's injury

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The much-awaited match between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has been postponed because of the Portuguese international's ailment. Ronaldo will not play in Thursday's Riyadh Season Cup match between Messi and Inter Miami and Al-Nassr. According to his manager Luis Castro, the 38-year-old is presently addressing a muscle ailment and is not yet prepared to play again for the Saudi Pro League team. "We won't witness [Messi vs Ronaldo]. Ronaldo is in the final stages of his recovery to rejoin the group. We hope that in the next few days, he can start training with the team. He will be unavailable for the game," he stated. Due to Ronaldo's injury last week, Al-Nassr's two-game tour to China had to be cancelled. They were supposed to play Zheijang and Shanghai Shenhua. “As you know, in football some things you cannot control. I have played 22 years in football and I am a player that doesn’t have too many injuries. So I’m really sad because Al-Nassr a...

Jay Shah reappointed as ACC chairman for third successive year

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Jay Shah will lead the Asian Cricket Council for another year, while the Pakistan Cricket Board will chair the Asian Cricket Council next year, according to reports. The chairmanship of the Asian Cricket Council rotates among its members on a routine basis. After Bangladesh, it was Sri Lanka Cricket Board's turn, but last year, with the consent of the Sri Lankan Board, Jay Shah's tenure was extended by one year. Now, once again, in the annual general council meeting, Sri Lanka, sacrificing its turn for another year, requested an extension of Jay Shah's tenure, which was accepted by the member countries. Thus, the secretary of the Indian Cricket Board will continue to fulfill responsibilities in 2024. In 2025, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board will take over the position. Asia Cup agenda was not part of this meeting, so there was no formal discussion on it for its host. Pakistan's representation in the meeting was established by the acting chairman and election...

Babar Azam speaks out on struggles and performance concerns

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Former Pakistani captain Babar Azam spoke in an interview stating that he is not satisfied with where he is today and has many more milestones to achieve. The 29-year-old is representing Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and has scored 157 runs in four innings at 52.33 average and 112.94 strike rate. Azam recently gave an interview where he stated that he was not satisfied with where he is right now and wants to improve. “I am not satisfied with where I am right now, and there are still more milestones to achieve. When I fail, I talk to many people and learn from my mistakes,” Azam said. He then talked about the quality of spin bowling in the BPL, saying he tries his best to adapt to the conditions wherever he plays. “In the BPL, quality spinners pose a challenge, and I try to adapt my game according to the conditions everywhere. I have arrived here from New Zealand, and there is a difference in conditions between the two,” Azam said. “I make an effort to pl...

Uses for Vinegar: Beauty Tips

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Vinegar is a wonderful -- and inexpensive -- addition to your beauty regimen. Vinegar can help restore the natural acidity of your skin, which may clear up skin problems such as dryness, itching, flaking, and acne. This article includes beauty tips and tricks that will help you stay beautiful without spending a fortune. We'll start with the skin: Age Spots: Vinegar mixed with onion juice may help reduce the appearance of age spots. Mix equal parts onion juice and vinegar, and dab onto the age spots. After several weeks of this daily routine, the spots should lighten. Itchy Skin: To relieve itchy skin and/or aching muscles, add 8 ounces apple cider vinegar to a bathtub of warm water. Soak in the tub for at least 15 minutes. Vinegar can be a useful addition to your skincare routine for your face. Aftershave: Apple cider vinegar is a great aftershave for men that will help keep their skin soft and young looking. Keep a small bottle of it in the medicine cabinet, and splash on...

7 Foods That Can Help You Look Younger

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What we put in our bodies plays a huge role in what shows on our faces. For example, drinking water makes our skin look hydrated and fresh while eating sugary foods sometimes causes spots and acne. You may think creams and products are the only way to address skin ageing and dullness, but you're in for a surprise. According to skin expert Dr Wafaa El Mouheb, there are a few foods that can boost your skin's appearance and even help combat signs of getting older, The Sun reported. Here is a list of seven foods that make you look younger. Seafood for antioxidants Seafoods, such as salmon and prawns, contain a potent antioxidant called carotenoid astaxanthin. Its anti-inflammatory properties are great for protecting fatty membranes in our skin, which helps to keep it hydrated. Citrus fruits, leafy greens for vitamin C According to Dr Wafaa, Vitamin C plays an integral role in collagen synthesis. It brightens our skin complexion and has an anti-ageing effect. Poultry for ...

Usama Mir hits back at critics amidst recent setbacks

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Pakistan spinner Usama Mir is facing severe criticism from disillusioned fans following recent setbacks in the 2023 World Cup in India and the recently concluded five-match T20I series against New Zealand. In a recent interview with a local media channel, Usama expressed his frustration with the backlash, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of public opinion. "People talk like this, they even abuse me, so I think they forget everything, and whoever performs well, in a second, you will make them Don Bradman, you will make them Viv Richards, and for one bad performance, you will even call them source (parchi)," Usama Mir said. Clearly disheartened, the leg-spinner questioned the need for such extreme reactions, urging fans to maintain their support regardless of the team's performance. "I don't know which words will be used, but I think you should support because we are playing for your country, not for any other country. If there is something, so you should...

5 Ways to take care of your feet every day

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Your feet are probably the last part of your body you think about -- until they start hurting. They're too important to overlook, though: With some 26 bones and a complex framework of muscles, tendons and ligaments, your feet absorb the impact of your full body weight with every step, keeping you balanced and upright in the process. The problems that can afflict your feet are numerous. Foot odour, cracked skin, fallen arches, corns, ingrown toenails, fungal infections and even damaged bones can cause discomfort and reduced mobility. While some of these problems are congenital, you can avoid many of them with a little TLC. If that wasn't enough of an incentive, all of these problems tend to worsen as we age, so if foot care doesn't seem important now, it will be. The best way to keep your feet healthy is a simple regimen of daily care that will help keep the skin, bones and muscles of your feet functioning properly. Here are five foot care steps you can use every day. ...

Eating kiwifruit is shown to improve mental health very quickly

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It is well known that cuddling with fluffy dogs and kittens makes people feel better, but can consuming fluffy fruit have the same effect? Researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand have found that kiwifruit is a powerful mood booster. The research was published in the British Journal of Nutrition, reported Earth. The research team, led by Professor Tamlin Conner of the Department of Psychology and Dr Ben Fletcher, embarked on an eight-week dietary intervention involving 155 adults with low vitamin C levels. Their experiences of vitality, mood, flourishing, sleep quality and quantity, and physical activity were meticulously tracked through smartphone surveys. Remarkably, the study found that consumption of kiwifruit led to an improvement in mood and vitality within just four days, with peak effects observed around the 14 to 16-day mark. Let's talk about its benefits. Vitamin C Kiwifruit contains more vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C boosts your immune system, ...

Jasprit Bumrah fined for breach of ICC Code of Conduct

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Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah was reprimanded on Monday for breaching ICC Code of Conduct during the first Test against England in Hyderabad, which concluded on Sunday. Bumrah breached Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct for an incident on the fourth day of India's first Test against England in Hyderabad. “The incident occured in the 81st over of England's second innings when Bumrah deliberately stepped in Ollie Pope's way as he went for a run, leading to inappropriate physical contact,” the ICC said in a press release. “The pacer was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator during an International Match. “Since it was Bumrah's first offence in 24 months, one demerit point has been added to his record. “The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Paul ...

Atletico Madrid breeze past Valencia to move to third in La Liga

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Atletico Madrid replaced holders Barcelona at the third position in La Liga standings after registering a 2-0 victory over Valencia at Civitas Metropolitan Stadium on Sunday. Barcelona succumbed to a 5-3 loss at the hands of Villarreal on Saturday at home after having a 3-2 lead in the 80 minutes, leaving them at same number of wins with Atletico Madrid. Atletico entered their home ground on Sunday with three points shy of Barcelona, however, the victory over Valencia placed them in the third position with more wins. The home team spent the first half looking for the first goal, which they earned at the stroke of half-time as Samuel Lino hit from the centre of the box to the centre after an assist by Antoine Griezmann with a through ball. Memphis Depay doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half with a header from very close range to the centre of the goal after finding a cross by Nahuel Molina. Valencia made desperate efforts in the second half to reduce the deficit...

Home remedies for pink lips

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More blood vessels appear through the lip skin because the lip skin has very less melanin (natural skin pigment). This is the reason why your lip appears pink in colour. There are no sweat glands and hair follicles on the lips.1 Normal skin contains cells known as melanocytes, which produce melanin. When the skin contains too much melanin, it is known as hyperpigmented skin.2 What Causes Discoloured Lips? Causes of discoloured lips include: Excessive exposure to the sun: When the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun reach the skin, it causes the skin to make more melanin, which can further cause hyperpigmentation.3 Smoking cigarette4 Allergic reaction caused by lipstick or hair dye applied to the moustache5 Skin inflammation caused due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). PIH occurs when the skin makes more melanin after being injured or irritated. Hormonal disorders like Addison disease: Addison disease is a rare hormonal disorder that causes hyperpigmentation. Iron ...

England stun India in thrilling 28-run victory in first Test in Hyderabad

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Ollie Pope and Tom Hartley scripted a remarkable turnaround for England to set up a thrilling 28-run win in the first Test match against India. England’s win at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday was hailed as one of their “greatest ever” and gives them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. India had looked to be in the box seat after taking a lead of 190 in their first innings, but Pope’s epic innings of 196 runs resuscitated England, who posted 420 all out in their second innings to roar back into the contest. That left the hosts needing 231 to win the match. But slow left-arm bowler Hartley’s 7-62 in his debut Test wrecked India, who were all out for 202 in an extended final session on the penultimate day. India captain Rohit Sharma’s 39 was the top score by an Indian batter in the second innings as the hosts lost 4-24 in a mid-innings collapse. Ravichandran Ashwin (28) and Srikar Bharat (28) added 57 runs for the eighth wicket to try to take the mat...

Amazing health benefits of walnuts

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To say that walnuts are a nutritious food is a bit of an understatement. Walnuts provide healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals — and that’s just the beginning of how they may support your health. In fact, there’s so much interest in this one nut that scientists and industry experts have gathered annually for the past 50 years at the University of California, Davis, for a walnut conference to discuss the latest walnut health research. A new study looks at health benefits of walnuts A new study suggests that walnuts may be a particularly good choice. And this isn't the first time researchers have come to this conclusion. A previous analysis by the same researchers (including 365 study participants in 13 trials) found that diets enriched with walnuts led to lower total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol when compared with other diets. Since then, more studies with far more study participants and longer follow-up have been published. This latest analysis combined data f...

West Indies beat Australia by eight runs in Brisbane Test

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Shamar Joseph heroics helped inexperienced West Indies clinch a historic victory at the famous Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday, 28 January. Forced to retire hurt from a toe-crushing Mitchell Starc yorker the previous evening, Joseph bounced back to claim six wickets in a session and 7-68 overall to lift West Indies to their first test win Down Under since 1997, as Australia were bowled out for 207 in pursuit of 216. Australia’s new opener Steve Smith (91 not out) farmed the strike to protect Josh Hazlewood (0), but it was to no avail as Joseph sent the tailender’s off-stump flying to register the win which sent the tourists running in celebration at the Gabba. Before the West Indies were dismissed for 193 in their second dig, Australia skipper Pat Cummins had courageously declared at 289-9 with his side still behind the visitors’ first innings total of 311. Australia prevailed by 10 wickets in the first test in Adelaide, as the series ends 1-1. Joseph, who had been sent to the hospi...

Deadly pneumonia outbreak claims lives of 18 more children in Punjab

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Pneumonia claimed 18 more lives of children during the past 24 hours in Punjab. According to the Punjab Health Department, a total of 870 new pneumonia cases have been reported across the province in the last 24 hours, with Lahore confirming pneumonia in 177 new patients. Over the current month, Punjab has reported over 250 pneumonia-related deaths, with Lahore alone recording 50 fatalities. Health experts attribute the rapid increase in cases and deaths in Punjab to the environmental pollution caused by smog during the winter season. “Smog, prevalent during the winter months, contributes significantly to the rise in pneumonia cases,” the health department officials. Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs, often caused by viruses. It can manifest after symptoms of a cold or flu and can range from mild to severe. Typically, pneumonia is more common in children aged five or younger. The health authorities in Punjab are working to address the surge in pneumonia cases, emphasizing ...

PCB announces formation of Board of Governors

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Saturday the composition of Board of Governors (BoG) ahead of the elections. The BoG has been formed in accordance with Paragraph 10 of the PCB Constitution 2014. After the Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s nomination, Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi has replaced former chairman of the PCB Management Committee Zaka Ashraf, who resigned recently, in the BoG. The Board of Governors now stands as follows: 1. Mr Mustafa Ramday (PCB Patron’s nominee) 2. Mr Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi (PCB Patron’s nominee) 3. Mr Sajjad Ali Khokhar, President Regional Cricket Association AJK 4. Mr Zafarullah Jadgal, President Regional Cricket Association Dera Murad Jamali 5. Mr Tanveer Ahmed, President Regional Cricket Association Larkana 6. Mr Tariq Sarwar, President Regional Cricket Association Bahawalpur 7. Representative of Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) 8. Representative of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) 9. Representative of Gh...

Andy Flower praises Babar's extraordinary cricketing skills

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Former Zimbabwean cricketer, Andy Flower, has shared his thoughts on the ongoing ILT20 tournament, his absence from PSL 2024, his experience with Multan Sultans, and Pakistan's recent performance in Australia and New Zealand. In an interview, Flower acknowledged the significance of having Pakistan international cricketers participating in the ILT20 tournament. "It is great to have some Pakistan international cricketers playing in this tournament. Really good for the immediate coverage and the audience interest. I am looking forward to their participation this year and that will be a great thing for the tournament,” Flower said. Flower revealed that he won't be participating in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 due to time constraints and exhaustion. Reflecting on the previous year, where he juggled ILT20, PSL, and IPL without breaks, Flower admitted feeling drained and making mistakes. "Unfortunately, I haven't got the time or the energy at the moment (fo...

Surprising benefits of dried apricots

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There are absolutely no doubts that it’s one of nature’s most amazing fruits. This stone fruit, which looks like a peach but actually tastes like purple plums, is sometimes referred to as Armenian fruit. Apricot fruit usually weighs around 35 grams and can grow to be about 4-5cm in diameter. It has a single pit located in the middle, which is surrounded by its edible flesh that has a crunchy taste and aromatic smell. Inside the stony shell, lie encased Apricot seeds, which have their own powerful presence. 1. Increased Concentration of Nutrients The vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber present in apricots become significantly concentrated when they are dried. 2. Promoting Eye Health Dried apricots are a natural source of Vitamin E and Vitamin A, both of which have numerous amazing health benefits. Apricots contain Beta-Carotene, which the body breaks down into the active form. Growing evidence suggests that Vitamins A and E, and Beta-Carotene may play an important role in preve...

How to clean a hairbrush

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Dirty brushes and combs can damage your hair. In addition, head lice can be transmitted from one person to another indirectly, through the sharing of hats, scarves and hairbrushes. Girls tend to share their hair accessories and brushes are therefore are prone to catching head lice from one another. It's therefore very important to keep hairbrushes clean and sanitary, and to disinfect them when necessary. We will now describe how to clean your hairbrush. You will use two brushes in this process; the first one is the brush that you are cleaning while you will use a second one to help in the cleaning. Clean all the hair from the first brush. This can be done easily by running a comb through the bristles. Any remaining hair can be removed by running a cotton swab on the bristles. The hair will adhere to the cotton. Make a lather of warm soapy water. Dip the second brush into the lather. Scrub the first brush's bristles gently with the second, soapy brush's bristles. Rin...

Jurgen Klopp to leave Liverpool at end of the season

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announced in a shock decision on Friday that he will leave the club at the end of the season. Klopp, who led Liverpool into the final of the League Cup on Wednesday, had informed the club’s hierarchy that he would end his eight-and-a-half years at Anfield at the end of the current campaign. Assistant managers Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz are also leaving the club at the same time, Liverpool said. “It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy,” Klopp, 56, said on Liverpool’s website. “I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people, at this moment when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it or at least try to explain it. “I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take,” he said. “I ...

5 ways to care for your hands every day

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Like your face, your hands function as bridges to the world. You shake hands when you meet or greet someone for the first time and when you seal a deal. Your hands express your affection to those you love. They soothe sad children and those suffering from illness. Maybe you "talk" with yours. In any case, whenever you're interacting with others, your hands will probably spend some time in the spotlight. The problem is that your hands are also essential tools. You use them for complex maneuvers and lowly chores. And everyone is always telling you the importance of washing your hands. In the course of a day, your hands are exposed to all sorts of germs, dirt, harsh substances, sunlight and more. To make matters worse, the frequent washing that's designed to keep your hands sanitary also can keep them dry, cracked and wrinkled. If neglected, your hands' skin may end up needing medical help. That said, your fingernails (and your spirits) might benefit from a pro...

Why does the skin on my knuckles crack and bleed in winter?

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Along with snow and cold, winter brings dry, harsh air. If you're like most people, you find that your skin dries out and needs more moisturizer than usual during cold weather. You probably also suffer chapped lips, windburn and flyaway hair. And then there are those cracked, bleeding knuckles. During every other season, your hands are fine, but as soon as winter comes, those knuckles just dry up and break open. If you don't suffer from a condition like psoriasis or eczema, then it seems a mystery why this happens. And it sure is painful and annoying. But it does occur for a reason. During the winter, when the air turns cold and dry, skin is stripped of its natural moisture. Even when you're indoors, there's little moisture in the air to moisturize your skin, thanks to low humidity and central heating. As skin begins to dry out, it flakes off, and you lose the natural barrier that prevents your skin from losing moisture in the first place. You may notice in the win...

How often should you replace your hairbrush?

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You probably have a pretty standard morning routine that includes showering, brushing your teeth and then applying some makeup — or at least you did pre-pandemic. Now, though, at a bare minimum, you're likely to mindlessly run a brush through your hair to look presentable for those Zoom meetings. And you probably replace your toothbrush roughly every three months because your dentist tells you to, but have you ever asked your stylist the same about your hairbrush? If you're like most of us and haven't really given it much thought, here are a few guidelines and why you should care. When to Replace Your Hairbrush Overall, replacing your hairbrush about every six to 12 months is a good baseline for most value-priced brushes; higher quality ones can last years with proper care. That said, the actual length of time they last will depend on other factors such as your hair type, the type of brush and how often you clean them. You might not think using the incorrect brush fo...

PCB reschedules final of President's Trophy

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday announced to reschedule the final of the President’s Trophy Grade I 2023-24. The President’s Trophy final between the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) will now take place from 6 to 10 February in Karachi. Meanwhile, the venue for the final will be confirmed in due course. “After careful consideration and in the spirit of fairness, we have decided to accommodate the request from one of the finalist teams to reschedule the President Trophy final,” said Nadeem Khan, the Director of Domestic Cricket Operations. “The return of the departments to domestic cricket has been a welcome change. This tournament has been a success with 21 matches taking place in seven rounds among seven departmental teams. “We are confident that the final will also be played with the same competitive spirit and we wish good luck to both the finalists,” he concluded. For the unversed, SNGPL thumped the Hig...

How many steps should people take per day?

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We all must have at least once heard or been told that 10,000 steps a day are a must for a healthy lifestyle. For many of us, this number seems intimidating; however, according to new data, the 10,000-step rule is not based on any research but is rather just a popular phrase. So how many steps should you take to lead a healthy life? According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, there is no set amount of steps that should be adopted to lead a healthy life. Any step that you take is good for you. The study said that people who walked 8,000 steps a day or more significantly reduced their risk of death, but there were also many benefits for people who walked less. People who walked 2,600 or 2,800 steps a day reaped many benefits, including increased longevity and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. So what should you aim for? The crux of the study is that steps are good, no matter how many you take. For starters, you should aim for ove...

3 Best Fruits & Vegetables to help lower cholesterol

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It’s no surprise that the foods you eat can help lower cholesterol, and healthy choices like fruits and vegetables are fresh staples in a healthy eating pattern. But if you’re unsure of where to start and what produce will specifically help manage cholesterol, we have some answers for you. “Fruits and vegetables are naturally cholesterol-free and low in fat, making them an important part of managing high cholesterol,” cardiologist David Sabgir, M.D., tells EatingWell. “While I do typically recommend increasing your overall intake of fruits and vegetables, since many of us are not meeting our recommended daily intake, there are a few specific foods that I like to recommend to my patients.” Here’s what the doctor suggests. Dark Leafy Greens There are so many reasons to love leafy green vegetables, and this includes their health benefits. “Dark leafy greens include spinach, kale, collard greens and more,” the cardiologist explains. “They contain lutein and other carotenoids that ma...

Suryakumar Yadav wins ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year again

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Suryakumar Yadav has won the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award for the second year in a row. With his eclectic mix of shots, Suryakumar dominated 2023 with an average that closed in on 50 and a strike rate exceeding 150. The backbone of India’s middle order got starts throughout the year, delivering several match-winning contributions. This is the second consecutive year that the India batter has taken this award home. He overcame the challenge of Sikandar Raza, Alpesh Ramjani and Mark Chapman to take the award home. Looking to go back-to-back after winning the accolade in 2022, Suryakumar Yadav did not fall foul to second-year syndrome, dominating again in the shortest format. Yadav’s first innings of just seven to start the year against Sri Lanka was a mere speed bump in another prolific year, making scores of 51 (36) and 112* (51) in the next two matches. Consistent scoring in 20s to 40s continued, before an innings of 83 (44) against the West Indies in Providence pro...

Healthy Choice: Is your Mayonnaise good or bad?

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Mayonnaise, the ubiquitous condiment, often finds itself entangled in a love-hate relationship among Americans. Despite being a staple in numerous dishes, concerns about its calorie density, high-fat content, and potential bacterial risks have led to skepticism. This article endeavors to unravel the science behind mayonnaise, explore its health aspects, address misconceptions, and guide readers in making informed choices regarding this culinary delight. Mayonnaise is an alchemical blend of oil, egg yolk, an acidic component (like lemon juice or vinegar), and occasionally mustard. The magic lies in emulsion, a process uniting water-loving and oil-loving components. The emulsifier, often the egg yolk, binds these disparate elements, creating a stable, creamy concoction. Commercial brands may employ different emulsifiers and stabilizers, while homemade versions use lecithin from egg yolk and mustard. Is Mayonnaise A Healthy Indulgence? Contrary to its reputation, mayonnaise boasts h...

UK born cricketer of Pak descent denied visa by India

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Uncapped England spinner Shoaib Bashir has been ruled out of the opening test against India following a visa delay, according to media reports on Wednesday. Bashir, who is of Pakistani heritage, travelled with the squad to Abu Dhabi where England trained before the team arrived in India for the five-test series beginning in Hyderabad on Thursday. Uncapped Somerset spinner Bashir, however, has returned home to sort out his visa issues, according to the reports. “I find it particularly frustrating,” England captain Ben Stokes told the British media. “We announced the squad in mid-December, and now ‘Bash’ finds himself without a visa to get here.” “I am more frustrated for him. I didn’t want this type of situation to be his first experience of what it’s like to be in the England test team. I feel for him.” India and Pakistan have soured political relations, and they do not play each other outside multi-team events. People of Pakistani origin are required to submit additional detai...

WHO chief warns pandemic accord hangs in the balance

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The World Health Organisation chief fears plans for a global pandemic preparedness agreement will fall apart amid wrangling and disinformation, warning on Monday that future generations “may not forgive us”. Shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic, the WHO’s 194 member states decided more than two years ago to start negotiating an international accord aimed at ensuring countries are better equipped to deal with the next health catastrophe, or to prevent it altogether. The plan was to seal the agreement at the 2024 World Health Assembly, the WHO’s decision-making body, which convenes on May 27. But WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the momentum had been slowed down by entrenched positions and “a torrent of fake news, lies, and conspiracy theories”. And he warned that if nobody is prepared to seize the initiative or give ground, the whole project risks going nowhere. “Time is very short. And there are several outstanding issues that remain to be resolved,” Tedros told the WHO’s exec...