Research suggests that in the last five decades the Earth is rotating faster than it ever has. This has made experts realize that 2021 could become the shortest year in decades, even shorter than 2020.
Source: Facebook
However, this does not mean that we will be celebrating 2022 shortly. In fact, the time difference will be so nominal that we will not be able to notice that. The earth will move faster only a few milliseconds. That is, it!
All this is happening because our planet is moving faster on its axis. This is making days shorter and no one exactly knows the reason behind it yet.
Scientists believe that a number of factors are responsible for this difference including motion of the Earth’s molten core, its atmosphere and the oceans.
Understanding Time
One day is the time required by the Earth to complete its rotation around the sun. In order to measure this time period, experts have come up with hours, minutes and seconds.
It is anticipated that a day will be 0.05 milliseconds shorter than a regular 24-hour day in 2021 because of the Earth’s fast speed.
Source: Facebook
Understanding Leap Years and Leap Seconds
The concept of leap years is known to many of us. in leap years, after every four years, a day is added to February to ensure we match the pace of the Earth.
Similar to the concept of leap years, leap seconds were introduced and since 1972, 27 leap seconds have been added to our clocks. However, since 2016, no leap seconds have been added because the earth is now moving a little bit slower.
It is said, that if the situation goes around like this, we will soon have to take away a leap second from our clocks to match the movement of the earth.
Thinking about how this will be done? Let us leave this to the experts!
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[Karachi 15 January 2021] Muhammad Ayan and Muhammad Aman, born as conjoined twins to Mr. and Mrs. Israr Ahmed, are now living as two healthy children after a successful separation surgery performed at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) on 12 December 2020.
Ayan and Aman were Omphalopagus type of conjoined twins, in which the bodies of the two are joined at the abdomen and several internal organs are shared, including liver and sometimes the intestines. The twin brothers shared a small portion of the liver.
Credit: AKUH
‘It was an extremely challenging journey for us. Before coming to AKUH, I had a dream that Ayan and Aman were separate. That dream gave me hope’, said Israr, while narrating the events that led him to AKUH. ‘My family and I were convinced that this hospital is for the rich and receiving treatment from here will never be a possibility for us. But, my Allah made the Aga Khan University Hospital the saviour of my children. The doctors told us to not worry about the expenses, as they would be taken care of by the Patient Welfare Programme.’
Conjoined twinning is a very rare congenital anomaly, with an overall incidence of 1 in 250,000 births. This happens when the embryo does not separate successfully in the mother’s womb to form two individuals. Although there is no known cause for the conjoining, it can be diagnosed early in the pregnancy through an ultrasound.
While surgery is the only method of separating the conjoined twins, it cannot be performed in all cases. This is because the complexity of and survival rates after the surgery depends primarily upon the joining sites and the type and number of organs joined internally.
Credit: AKUH
To perform this exceptionally difficult surgery, a multi-disciplinary team of highly skilled healthcare experts came together to meticulously plan and organise their efforts. These teams included Doctors, Nurses and Technicians from Paediatric Surgery, Anaesthesiology, and Radiology amongst active participants, and Gastrointestinal Surgery and Neurosurgery amongst those on stand-by. The nature of this surgery is such that it demands double the amount of resources and concurrent functioning of all teams to manage and save both lives.
Prior to the surgery, an advanced imaging and three-dimensional prototyping was used to fully understand the nature of the conjoining, expertise required and necessary reshuffling of the resources. Dr. Zafar Nazir, Paediatric Surgeon at the Aga Khan University Hospital, led the efforts to perform the 8 hour-long surgery with the support of over 50 clinical and administrative staff.
‘This is a rare surgery that the Hospital has performed for the second time. A tremendous amount of effort went in to the rearrangement of the resources, both inside and outside the Operating Room. But, at the end of this procedure, it was a joy to watch both the boys get a new life’, commented Dr. Zafar Nazir as he recalled the events of the treatment.
The role of the anaesthesiologists was of great significance, as they had to ensure that both the babies were stable throughout the procedure. ‘The perioperative care of Ayan and Aman was like no other. As they were joined at the torso and facing each other, a complete incision required flipping them around. Therefore, we could not have intubated them, as it would have hampered the movement. We opted for an intravenous drug and ensured a thoroughly managed sedation throughout the procedure’, recalled Dr. Faisal Shamim, Anaesthesiologist at Aga Khan University Hospital.
Israr Ahmed and his wife are not the only parents to have gone through this pain and suffering of finding the appropriate treatment. There are many such families who are in dire need to receive compassionate care and high-quality treatment. Treating such rare and critical health conditions offers the experts at the Aga Khan University Hospital, a commendable opportunity to test and enhance our systems and capabilities, and learn to design innovative health solutions for our people in Pakistan. But, most importantly, it gives us immense joy to watch distressed families go back home healthy and happy with their loved ones.
Pakistan is amongst the few countries where polio virus is still spreading. While other countries have used vaccine and other preventive measures to get rid of this virus, Pakistan is still struggling to vaccinate children and change mindsets of people regarding this vaccine at the same time.
Recently, Polio Vaccine Drives have been happening frequently to contain the spread and eradicate the virus. For this very reason, frontline workers and their efforts must be appreciated. They go home to home in order to ensure that no child under the age of 5 remains deprived of the vaccine, no matter what the circumstances are.
From the current ongoing Polio drive, a video has been circulating on social media. The video is from a remote area of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), which seems almost inaccessible due to knee-high snow. However, the brave polio workers are still making their way to their designated areas. The objective is to make sure they give vaccines to the children and prevent the further spread of the poliovirus.
Our frontline polio heroes are unstoppable❕
As extreme cold weather ❄️ blankets Azad Jammu & Kashmir, these brave women make their way through several feet of snow to deliver vaccines to children 👧🏻👦🏻 during the ongoing #endpolio campaign.#SalamPolioWorkerpic.twitter.com/srwFotTM3S
Source: The official Twitter account of the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative
The video hails from the north-eastern part of the AJK.
In order to reach far-fetched areas, Polio Eradication Program has joined hands with the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). The goal is to make more and more children immune to the polio virus.
Soon after the video was uploaded, everyone started applauding the brave women who are moving ahead despite of obstacles and are dedicatedly doing their job.
Here is to hoping that we will soon be able to achieve a Polio-Free Pakistan.
The Role of Rotary International in Polio Eradication
Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.
As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we’ve reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.
Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.
Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.
More power to all frontline healthcare workers.
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A few months ago, Atif Aslam received a notice from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for tax evasions. Now the latest update on this news is that the renowned signer of Asia still has not paid his income tax. Considering this, another notice has been given to Atif Aslam by the FBR to submit his dues worth Rs 58 Million in a month.
According to reports, Tu Jaanay Na singer was sent the first notice by the FBR in November. He was informed that his flats in Dubai are not mentioned in his taxation details. This leads the FBR to send an official income tax notice to the singer.
Source: Instagram/Atif Aslam
Today, another follow-up notice has been sent to Atif Aslam after carefully auditing his 2018 income. The notice mentions that Aslam has to submit Rs 58 Million in 30 days, local media reported.
Aslam has been given a month’s time to submit this amount. Failing to do so in the given time will result in freezing his bank accounts. The FBR will then be able to recover the said amount from his frozen assets, claims the Federal Board of Revenue.
Source: Facebook
In the light of Tax Laws in Pakistan, people are allowed to pay their taxes in Pakistan or the country they have assets in. This saves them from paying the taxes twice.
The FBR in Pakistan is very active and every now and then, we see it sending notices to the artists. Earlier, it was Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sana Fakhar who were notified for the very same reason.
Saba Qamar and Noor Bukhari too have been investigated by the FBR for their incomes, however, the matter was sorted out when they showed evidence of not being involved in any kind of tax evasions.
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Nadia Khan Shares Here Valima Pictures and We Are Loving Them
Nadia Khan, a renowned actor, model, producer and budding YouTuber, recently tied the knot for the second time. She looked absolutely breath-taking on her big day.
Source: Instagram/NadiaKhan
Days later, she also introduced her husband, a retired Wing Commander, Faisal Mumtaz Rao, to her fans and we could not help but appreciate the couple and wished them all the best for their future life.
“My husband Wing Commander Faisal Mumtaz Rao is a retired PAF officer and fighter pilot. Born in Lahore in 1970, Faisal joined Pakistan Air Force as a commissioned officer in the 90th GDP course back in 1991. He is known to be one of the most competent and distinguished pilots with 30 years of Flying and Management experience with leading air forces of the world,” she wrote in the post.
Nadia Khan got married in an intimate ceremony and took to social media to share details about her wedding. Soon the pictures were everywhere and people were showering the newlywed couple with blessings and prayers.
Now Khan is again making it to headlines because of her valima pictures in which she looks even more beautiful. The Valima Reception, too, took place privately in the presence of family and friends. Here is a sneak peek into the event.
Nadia Khan was the centre of everyone’s attention in this pink attire with a no make-up look. She paired her dress with gold jewellery that was complimenting the look completely. Her husband Faisal Mumtaz Rao was dressed in a grey suit.
Nadia’s three kids from her previous wedding and Rao’s father can also be seen in the pictures. Khan has also shared her complete wedding and valima albums on YouTube. Click here for her Valima album.
Pakistan is heading towards a change, at least it seems so, and media is playing a major role in changing the mindsets of people. Thanks to our celebrity influencers who know how much their voices matter and are raising theirs to make a difference.
One of those celebrities is Zahid Ahmed who recently highlighted the dual standards of our society in an interview and said that “It is strange that we are allowed to slap women on TV but cannot show intimacy”.
Zahid’s statement has stirred a new controversy and people are now discussing this matter on social media. Celebrities have also come forward and defended his statement.
One of the celebrities who agree with Zahid is Osman Khalid Butt. Butt posted an Instagram story and wrote, “Strange Indeed”.
Source: Instagram Story
One of the users replied to Osman Khalid Butt’s story and said that this is “Just a pathetic excuse to get physical with female actors”.
Source: Instagram Story
The social media user also said, “Not to mention the influence it has on society and especially young children and young teens.”
Butt definitely did not agree with this definition of intimacy and decided to school the user. He commented, “Yeah, so reactions like this are wholly predictable,” he further said, “First off: intimacy is not just sex. Secondly, I’d rather my child see a healthy intimate relationship between fictional spouses than, you know, PHYSICAL ABUSE being normalized.” he added in the end, “The nerve to talk about ‘influence’.”
Osman Khalid Butt is very vocal about issues that require attention. Be it showing support for the “Me Too” movement or raising awareness about rape or abuse against women, Butt is always one of the few to raise is voice for the cause.
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Mira Sethi is one of the most talented and versatile artists we have got in Pakistan. From modeling to acting to doing theatres and talk shows, she has successfully done them all. The latest update about the model-turned-actor is her debut novel which is listed as one of the most awaited in 2021 by Vogue.
The list of 53 must-read novel is put together by Vogue Magazine and Refinery29. The Yeh Dil Mera famed actor has been mentioning her novel “Are You Enjoying” on her social media platforms for a while now. Senior editor, Vogue, Chloe Schama describes it as a book that is powerful and has a light touch. She also calls Sethi a great storyteller, which is a huge compliment.
Last year, while discussing her upcoming book, Mira Sethi revealed that her book will highlight the stories from the entertainment industry, politics and even what is happening behind the closed bedroom doors.
Source: Instagram @mira.sethi
Sethi is just not an amazing actor, she is a literature graduate as well. She also boasts the honour of being the first Pakistani to become Student Commencement Speaker at Wellesley College in 2010. Sethi has also spent some time in Oxford and now making headlines due to “Are You Enjoying”
Source: Instagram @mira.sethi
Mira Sethi tied the knot with her friend in 2019 and was in the news for her simple yet unforgettable wedding. Her book “Are You Enjoying” is expected to release in April 2021, however, it will be available in Pakistan by May 2021.
Source: Instagram @mira.sethi
At Digital Spartans, we wish Sethi all the best for her debut novel and hoping to read more of her books in the future.
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Nadia Khan got married in a small ceremony and took to Instagram to share her wedding pictures. The diva looked absolutely stunning on her big day and asked her followers to stay tuned for more pictures.
Khan, later on, shared her complete wedding album on YouTube and we cannot help but admire the beautiful sea green ensemble she donned and paired it with subtle make-up and pink lips.
Sharing the details about her husband and his family, Nadia Khan said, “My husband Wing Commander Faisal Mumtaz Rao is a retired PAF officer and fighter pilot. Born in Lahore in 1970, Faisal joined Pakistan Air Force as a commissioned officer in the 90th GDP course back in 1991. He is known to be one of the most competent and distinguished pilots with 30 years of Flying and Management experience with leading air forces of the world.”
She further added, “Faisal has over 4000 flying hours on Mirage, F-7, Hawk Grob, T-37, Cessna, and other aircrafts. Apart from that, he has topped all the major training courses both in Pakistan and the UAE. He retired from the Pakistan Air Force as Wing Commander in 2009 after serving for 18 years and joined the UAE Air Force first as Instructor Pilot and then as Chief of Safety.”
“Faisal is not new to media since he was featured in ISPR’s song Hawa ka Sipahi by Najam Sheraz.”
Telling about his son, Nadia wrote, “Faisal’s son Hayyan is pursuing his engineering degree in the US.”
Nadia Khan is now close to million subscribers and shares tips and tricks on her channel. She is well-known for her acting skills and has hosted renowned morning shows.
Here is wishing the newly married couple all the best for their married life.
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2020 was a challenging year for everyone. Calamities, eclipses, supermoons and a global pandemic, it saw it all. As if all this was not enough, it took away our favourite celebrities away from us, too.
Tariq Aziz
Source: Twitter
A whole generation grew up watching the Tariq Aziz Show, formerly known as Neelam Ghar, on PTV. The veteran actor started his career with Radio Pakistan and later on moved to television. He was 84 when he died on 17th June, 2020 in Lahore due to a heart attack.
Sabiha Khanum
Source: Twitter
Also known as the First Lady of Pakistan’s Silver Screen, Sabiha Khanum lost her life to renal complications at the age of 84 in the United States. She will always be remembered for her extraordinary roles in movies like Dulla Bhatti, Ek Gunah Aur Sahi, Sassi and Devar Bhabhi
Zara Abid
Source: Twitter
A renowned actress, model and an amazing human being, Zara was awarded the Best Female Model award in January. She also made her way to the movies and worked in a project with Azeem Sajjad. Sadly, she was one of the unfortunate passengers of flight 8303 which was crashed in Karachi this year.
Sushant Singh Rajput
Source: Twitter
The 34-year-old star apparently committed suicide in June, 2020. He was allegedly fighting depression and mentioned it several times before taking his own life. Sushant rose to the heights of fame with his movies like MS Dhoni, Kai Po Che! and Dil Bechara.
Irrfan Khan
Irrfan was suffering from cancer and was admitted in a hospital in Mumbai where he lost his life. He created his own identity in the industry with his remarkable performances in Piku and Maqbool. He was also appreciated globally for his movies like Slumdog Millionaire and Life of a Pi.
Chadwick Boseman
Celebrated for his role in Black Panther, Chadwick breathed his last at the age of 43 on 28th August this year. He was suffering from cancer since years.
Dear 2021, please be nice to us. We have lost enough in 2020.
More tsunamis, Cure for cancer and end of the world – Predicts Baba Vanga who also predicted 9/11 Attacks
Source: Twitter
Baba Vanga was a Bulgarian mystic who was gifted with the ability to see future. Although she died more than 20 years ago, the things she predicted before her death are still coming true. So far, her prophecies about ISIS, 9/11, Chernobyl accident, Diana’s death and dissolution of Soviet Union have turned out to be true. Baba Vanga, who was known for foreseeing future and contacting the dead, was born in 1911 and died in 1996.
More Tsunamis and Natural Cataclysms
Baba Vanga was the first one to mention about the catastrophic 2004 tsunami that killed nearly 220,000 people in Asia. She also said that this will not stop here and many more tsunamis, earthquakes and meteorite strikes will follow. In 2021, her predictions indicate towards more devastating tsunamis.
Source: Facebook
Will 2021 be End of the World?
Vanga said that the world will witness “Three Giants” uniting along with a Dragon. She alarmed us of devastating events that will change our fate and destiny.
And no, her followers believe that the world is not going to end before 5079, so we can relax for a while now.
Source: Twitter
Cure for Cance
“The day will come when cancer will be tied with iron chains”. Baba Vanga did not specifically state when the cure for cancer would be found. However, she predicted that the humanity will get rid of this deadly disease in the beginning of the 21st century. Could 2021 be that year?
Source: Medicalnewstoday.com
Was Baba Vanga Really Right About Her Predictions?
Well, most of the time she was. However, there were times when her prophecies did not make any sense and did not come true either. To be honest, no one exactly knows what the future holds, it is just that some people foresee somethings on the basis of their knowledge – sometimes it is a hit and sometimes it is a miss!
Let us see how Baba Vanga’s predictions unfold in 2021.
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