Pashto Medium

Rising diagnoses among younger people

Early-onset bowel cancer is no longer limited to older age groups. Health data shows rising diagnoses among adults under 50. This pattern appears across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.

In the UK, national cancer records confirm steady growth since the 1990s. Rates among people aged 25 to 49 have increased by about 3 percent yearly. Experts describe the trend as worrying.

Scientists study long-term evidence

Researchers at St Mark’s The National Bowel Hospital are leading investigations. They are analysing preserved bowel cancer samples spanning nearly 100 years. The aim is to track biological and environmental changes over time.

Professor Sarah Berry from King’s College London explained the issue to BBC. She said younger generations face higher risks than those born mid-century. People born after 1990 show nearly double the diagnosis rate.

Understanding actual risk levels

Despite increases, absolute risk remains relatively low for young adults. Current UK figures show around 12 to 15 cases per 100,000 people annually. However, growth speed concerns public health researchers.

 Early-onset bowel cancer often appears at advanced stages. Late diagnosis reduces treatment options and survival outcomes.

Lifestyle and environmental factors

• Scientists link modern lifestyles to early-onset bowel cancer patterns.
• Dietary shifts play a major role.
• High processed meat intake raises colorectal cancer risk.
• Low fibre diets also increase inflammation in the gut. 
• Sugary drinks contribute indirectly through weight gain and metabolic changes. 
• Alcohol consumption further increases cancer risk. 
• Environmental exposure is another focus.
• Studies now examine air pollution and microplastic ingestion. 
• These factors may alter gut biology over time.

The gut microbiome connection

• Research suggests lifestyle affects gut bacteria balance. 
• An unhealthy microbiome may promote tumour development.
• King’s College London works with the ZOE research platform.
• Their PREDICT studies analyse diet responses in thousands of participants.

Similar population studies support these findings internationally.

Screening gaps and prevention

• UK bowel cancer screening usually begins at age 50. 
• Younger patients often miss early detection opportunities. 
• Symptoms include blood in stool, pain, or bowel habit changes. 

These signs often appear late. 

If detected early, early-onset bowel cancer responds well to treatment. 

Around 60 percent of colorectal cases link to diet and lifestyle choices. 

Experts say prevention strategies offer hope.

A video of a human-like robot from China is trending online. The robot's face shows blinking, rapid eye movements, and subtle expressions. Many viewers compare it to the sci-fi series Westworld. The realistic design captures attention, making interactions seem nearly human.

The robot, named AheadForm Origin M1, integrates a full facial actuation system. It uses up to 25 micro motors to mimic human gestures. Moving eyes and synchronized speech enhance the robot's realism. According to the company, these features help robots convey emotions clearly.

AheadForm showcases other humanoid robots under the “Lan Series.” An elven character robot, ELF V1, is also part of their lineup. These creations demonstrate the company’s focus on blending AI with imagination.

Founder Hu Yuhang spoke about robotics in a recent interview. He predicts robots will feel almost human within ten years. In twenty years, robots could walk and perform tasks like humans. Such advancements suggest AI-driven humanoids may soon enter daily life.

The viral video shows the potential of human-like robot design. AheadForm continues developing AI robots that interact naturally with people. The rise of humanoid robotics may transform how humans communicate with machines.

The Venezuela oil industry faces an uncertain future. Recent political upheaval has sparked global interest. The nation holds the world's largest proven crude reserves. Yet its current production is critically low. This defines a stark paradox for the sector.

The Reserve Powerhouse With Broken Pumps

Venezuela's potential is enormous. It sits on roughly 303 billion barrels of oil. This constitutes about 17% of global reserves. The deposits surpass even Saudi Arabia's resources.

Most reserves are heavy crude in the Orinoco Belt. This oil is costly but technically simple to produce. Historically, output peaked at 3.5 million barrels daily. That was in the 1970s.

Today, the situation is tragic. Production has catastrophically collapsed. It now averages just 1.1 million barrels per day. This is less than 1% of worldwide output. The table below illustrates this dramatic decline:

Decades of Decline and Disrepair

Several intertwined factors caused the fall. Mismanagement and corruption drained the state company, PDVSA. Nationalization under Hugo Chávez scared away foreign investors. Firms like ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips left.

U.S. and international sanctions further crippled operations. They limited investment and access to markets. Infrastructure decayed without proper maintenance. The result is an industry in profound disrepair.

Export routes also shifted dramatically. The U.S. was once the primary buyer. Sanctions later redirected most oil to China. Recent blockades have now halted most shipments.

A Long Road to Recovery

Reviving the Venezuela oil industry requires staggering effort. Experts agree on the primary needs. Political stability is the first and foremost requirement. Investors demand credible contracts and governance.

Financial investment needed is colossal. Estimates suggest $100 billion is required. This could lift output to 4 million barrels daily. The timeline for this spans roughly a decade.

Major legal hurdles also exist. Debt restructuring is essential. Venezuela owes about $190 billion to foreign creditors. Legal battles over assets like CITGO continue.

Global Market & Strategic Implications

Short-term global oil price impact may be minimal. Current markets have a supply surplus. Venezuela's share of production is now very small.

Long-term strategic shifts are possible. More Venezuelan oil could pressure Russia. Both are major heavy crude producers. U.S. Gulf Coast refineries are optimized for this heavy grade.

China's role remains a key question. It was the top buyer under sanctions. The future of this trade partnership is now unclear. It depends on new political and commercial arrangements.

The path forward for the Venezuela oil industry is fraught with difficulty. Its vast potential is locked behind immense challenges. Stability, investment, and legal resolution are non-negotiable prerequisites. The world is watching to see if this resource giant can rise again.

The first commercial air taxi services are scheduled to begin in 2026. The United Arab Emirates and China are leading this global initiative. They are integrating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into urban transport. This marks a pivotal moment for urban mobility.

The UAE's Dual-City Strategy

Dubai is a primary launchpad for this technology. Joby Aviation holds an exclusive six-year deal there. The company completed piloted test flights in the city in 2025. It plans to connect Dubai International Airport with key destinations. A trip to Palm Jumeirah could take just 12 minutes. Construction on vertiports at the airport and other sites is underway.

Concurrently, Archer Aviation is targeting Abu Dhabi. It finished a desert flight test campaign for its Midnight aircraft. The company is adapting existing helipads into "hybrid vertiports". Archer aims to start paid passenger flights in 2026 as well. This two-emirate approach accelerates the UAE's advanced air mobility vision.

China's Certified and Autonomous Approach

China's progress is equally significant. EHang received the world's first air operator certificates for a pilotless eVTOL. This certification was granted in March 2025. It authorizes commercial "human-carrying" flights. Initial services will focus on aerial tourism in cities like Guangzhou.

This forms part of China's strategic "low-altitude economy". The autonomous EH216-S aircraft has achieved a full suite of regulatory approvals. This regulatory milestone provides China with a distinct advantage. The path from scenic flights to urban commutes is now formally opened.

The Global Race Intensifies

This rapid deployment has triggered a wider competitive response. In the United States, the FAA initiated an integration pilot program. Joby also plans to significantly increase its U.S. production rate. The company views international operations as a way to advance its technology.

Meanwhile, Japan's partnerships aim for a 2027 launch. This timeline places it slightly behind the pioneering markets. The global air taxi race is clearly accelerating. Regulatory support and infrastructure development are key differentiators.

The year 2026 is poised to transform urban transportation. The UAE and China are turning a long-held vision into an operational reality. These first air taxi networks will test the practical future of daily flight.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority held its 120th open licence plate auction. Dubai licence plate auction. Officials offered ninety special plates for bidding across two to five digit combinations.

The event recorded total proceeds exceeding AED1.09 billion. Dubai licence plate auction set a new emirate record for licence plate transactions.

Collectors and enthusiasts attended with serious financial intent. Low digit and distinct combinations attracted the highest bids at the event.

Plate BB12 achieved the top price of AED9.66 million. That plate sale roughly equated to Rs734 million in local currency.

Plate AA25 sold for more than AED8 million at the auction. BB30 fetched AED6.74 million from a private bidder.

CC100 closed at AED4.21 million, as reported by officials. Market observers note these plates function as status symbols and investments.

Investors often prize rare combinations for resale and display value. Dubai licence plate auction confirmed steady appetite for motoring markers in Dubai.

These sales underline a wider trend in high-value asset markets. RTA said the auction proceeds surpassed previous totals by a significant margin.

Traders and collectors expect demand to remain strong in coming cycles. Prices reflect scarcity, buyer competition, and perceived long term value.

Experts say such plates rarely depreciate in niche collector circles. The event drew regional and international bidders to the live sale.

Transparency measures were in place to ensure fair competitive bidding. Each lot included verified registration details before bidding commenced.

Authorities emphasised compliance with auction rules and documentation protocols. Analysts compared this auction to prior high value sales in the region.

Some commentators called the outcome historic for Dubai’s licensing market. The auction highlighted the Emirate’s continuing motoring culture and market.

Practical owners view plates as personal identifiers and cultural signifiers. Several plates attracted multiple bids within minutes of opening.

The live format encouraged rapid competitive offers from serious buyers. Transaction settlements followed standard payment and transfer procedures promptly.

Official summaries listed total figures and individual lot outcomes publicly. Future auctions may adopt similar formats to maximise participation and value.

Collectors now track low digit releases closely after this outcome. Market watchers advised careful verification before high value plate purchases.

Legal transfer processes protect both buyer and seller interests in sales. Some buyers purchase plates for investment portfolios alongside expensive cars.

The market remains small but highly liquid among targeted buyers. The auction demonstrated Dubai’s role as a hub for notable motoring icons.

Documentation confirmed all bids and final sale prices for transparency. Collectors often seek prestigious combinations for social display and long term value.

The auction results may influence similar sales across the Gulf region next year significantly. Full lot and price details published.

A University of Lahore student has died after a fall from a campus building. The pharmacy department undergraduate was reportedly involved in a classroom attendance dispute beforehand. The incident has ignited a campus-wide discussion on institutional policies.

The student has been identified as Owais Sultan. He was a fifth-semester student from Kamalia. He was enrolled in the university's pharmacy programme.

Classroom Incident Precedes Fall

Authorities report an interaction before the fall. The student's attendance had fallen below required levels. He cited personal hardships affecting his engagement. A faculty member did not grant him access to the class. He sought leniency due to his circumstances.

He subsequently fell from a fourth-floor level. Paramedics transferred him to General Hospital. Medical staff were unable to save him.

University rules mandate minimum attendance per subject. Failure in one course can preclude semester examination entry. Fellow students described Owais as a dedicated learner.

The university administration has not provided an official account. Student groups are calling for a transparent inquiry. They demand revised academic policies and enhanced counselling services.

This event underscores broader concerns about student welfare. Many argue support systems must evolve alongside academic standards.

This loss highlights a critical need for community awareness. Proactive support and institutional empathy are vital. The campus community awaits further official communication.