PAKISTAN BECOME CERN’S NEWEST ASSOCIATE MEMBER

LONDON: Pakistan on Friday beat India in the race to become an associate member of Cern (European Organization for Nuclear Research), the world’s largest nuclear physics laboratory that recently found evidence of “God particle”.

A senior official of Cern had told in an exclusive interview in London that bureaucratic red tape in India had slowed down the country’s intentions of joining Cern as an associate member.

On Friday, Cern director general Rolf Heuer and the chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission Ansar Parvez signed in Islamabad in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, a document admitting Pakistan to Cern Associate Membership, subject to ratification by the government of Pakistan.

“Pakistan has been a strong participant in CERN’s endeavors in science and technology since the 1990s,” said Rolf Heuer. “Bringing nations together in a peaceful quest for knowledge and education is one of the most important missions of Cern. Welcoming Pakistan as a new associate member state is therefore for our organization a very significant event.”

PARENTS USING GIFTS TO MOTIVATE KIDS MAY RAISE MATERIALISTIC ADULTS

Washington: A new study has revealed that certain parenting tactics can lead to materialistic attitudes in adulthood. Parents who use material goods as part of their parenting techniques may be setting children up for difficulties later in adulthood.

Study:

The study from the University of Missouri and the University of Illinois at Chicago found that parents who use material goods as part of their parenting techniques may be setting children up for difficulties later in adulthood. Researcher Marsha Richins said that their research suggests that children who receive many material rewards from their parents will likely continue rewarding themselves with material goods when they are grown, which could be problematic. Richins added that their research highlights the value of examining childhood circumstances and parenting practices to understand consumer behaviors of adults. Richins found that rewarding children with gifts when they have accomplished something, such as making the soccer team or getting straight As, giving gifts as a way to show affection and punishing children by taking away their possessions, such as a favorite toy or video game are three parenting strategies that lead to greater materialism. Richins said that loving parents tend to provide their children with material rewards and one explanation for the link between material rewards and later materialism is that children who receive these rewards are more likely than others to use possessions to define and enhance themselves, an essential element of materialism.

The researchers also found that a relationship exists between parental rejection and materialism. Children who felt that their parents either did not have time for them or were disappointed in them were more likely to be materialistic and adults who received both material rewards and material punishments as children are more likely to admire people with expensive possessions. Lan Chaplin suggested that its ok to want to buy things for your children, but remember to encourage them to be grateful for all the people and things they have in their lives and each time children express their gratitude, they become more aware of how fortunate they are, which paves the way for them to be more generous and less materialistic. Spend time with your children and model warmth, gratitude and generosity to help curb materialism. 

The study has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Consumer Research. 

TOP 4 TASTY FOODS FOR WINTER

People who live in countries which receive all four seasons are thought to be lucky, both; in terms of nature and economically. They enjoy all the seasons and the blessings they bring along. For some of us the delicious food products and eatables are on top yet for others it’s the weather.

Winter, along with the winter sports and outdoor activities brings the widest range of food products and eatables. Things one consumes all round the year become special during winters.

People are seen gathered around fires, huddled up, conversations, sharing moments, making memories for the future.

Following are the top 4 tasty foods for winter:

Chocolate:

The winter along with its other goodies, brings a great weather for hot chocolate. Imagine sitting in your veranda or balcony on a foggy winter morning and enjoying a mug of creamy hot chocolate. Ahhh! There’s nothing like it. Is there?

And it’s not that hard to make either. Heat up milk to a desired temperature - Careful! Because when too hot it can cause serious burns - and add either chocolate powder or chocolate syrup and stir to mix it uniformly. For a topping, either add cream or some more chocolate powder.

Hot Coffee:

Hot Coffee’s another one of winter’s blessings. Coffee can be enjoyed although the year but especially in winter.

There’s nothing better than brewing your own coffee with coffee beans. But if you aren’t the ‘earn your coffee’ type; you can always visit a coffee shop for a mug. And of course there always will be the instant coffee which comes in ready to make sachets.

Soups:

Winter is almost incomplete without a soup. Winter also brings the common cold with it. It’s a menace. You can’t hang out with friends (it’s contagious) and what not. But what it does is that it makes your mom’s/ wife’s / girlfriend’s heart melt. What does that mean? Yes, it’s Soup time.

Well you don’t have to be sick to enjoy soup. One can make their own at home, go out to a restaurant and order, get an instant packet from the market or just get it delivered from the nearest Chinese place.

Dry Fruits:

Dry fruits such as almonds, cashew, walnuts, peanuts, nuts, etc. are a winter weakness. Although available throughout the year, they are best enjoyed in the winter season.

People use them as ingredients in soups, sweet dishes, stews, recipes of rice and Chinese dishes.

Roasted almonds are served as starters/ appetizers in restaurants.

7 SURPRISING WAYS SALT CAN RESTORE YOUR SKIN AND BODY

Salt is loaded with minerals, including iodine and sodium, all of which play a key role in our skin’s health, function, and cellular communication. When the skin’s mineral balance is not nomral, symptoms such as dryness, dullness, irritation, and blotchiness ensue, especially as the colder, dryer weather in Pakistan sets in. Bringing salt from the kitchen into your beauty routine can help balance and improve hydration, strengthen the protective barrier of our skin, reduce bloating and kick-start the cell-to-cell communication signals that slow down with age. 

Balancing Mask

Both salt and honey have anti-inflammatory properties to soothe skin and calm breakouts and irritation. They also help to balance oil production and retain hydration in the layers of skin where it’s needed most.

Try it: Mix two teaspoons of salt (preferably iodised) with four teaspoons raw honey to create a spreadable paste. Apply evenly to clean, dry skin, avoiding eye area. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Before rinsing, soak a washcloth in very warm water, and gently wring out. Lay the warm washcloth on your face for 30 seconds. Use your fingers to gently exfoliate in a circular motion while rinsing your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water. Follow with your usual skin-care routine.

Softening Body Scrub

Salt is a gentle natural exfoliate that sloughs off dead skin cells. It also has minerals to soften skin and restore hydration and moisture.

Try it: Mix a quarter-cup of salt and a half-cup of olive oil into a thick paste. If desired, add 10 drops of your favourite essential oil. Apply in the shower with a washcloth, loofah, or the palms of your hands, gently scrubbing your skin in a circular motion. Your skin will instantly feel baby soft and smooth.

Anti-Dandruff Scalp Treatment

Salt helps loosen and remove existing flakes while stimulating blood circulation for a healthy scalp. The ingredient also absorbs excess oil or sebum and moisture to prevent fungal growth and inhibit the root of dandruff.

Try it: Part your hair a few times, and sprinkle one to two teaspoons of salt on your scalp. Using wet fingers, massage your scalp gently and thoroughly for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash and condition your hair with your regular products. The results will be immediate and very satisfying.

Teeth Whitener

Salt and baking soda are both gentle abrasives that will help remove hard stains and brighten teeth almost instantly. Salt also contains a natural source of fluoride, which is a bonus for your teeth and gums.

Try it: Mix one teaspoon of salt and two teaspoons of baking powder. Dip a damp toothbrush in the mixture, and brush teeth normally. If the taste is too intense for you, try putting a dab of toothpaste on the brush before dipping it in the mixture.

Natural Mouth Wash

Salt acts as a natural disinfectant to kill the bacteria and plaque that builds up between teeth and also is the main cause of bad breath and gingivitis.

Try it: Mix together a half-teaspoon of salt, a half-teaspoon of baking soda, and a quarter-cup warm water until the salt dissolves in it completely. Swish the solution around in your mouth for two minutes and between teeth. Spit, then rinse.

Nail brightening treatment

Salt softens cuticles and skin plus strengthens nails. Baking soda and lemon work to reduce yellowing and stains for brighter, healthier-looking nails.

Try it: Mix one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and a half-cup warm water in a small bowl. Soak nails in the solution for 10 minutes, and then scrub with an unused soft tooth brush. Rinse hands, and moisturize.

Relaxing bath

Salt absorbs dirt, grime, and toxins and cleanses your skin’s pores deeply. Salt’s mineral content helps restore the protective barrier in skin and helps it hold hydration. You may notice that your skin won’t wrinkle or prune after a good, long soak in salted water, which is evidence that a salt bath helps the skin retain its moisture. The naturally occurring minerals in salt may also help reduce water retention or bloating in the body.

Try it: Add one-third cup of salt to a tub filled with warm water, and make sure to dissolve the salt. Soak for 15 to 30 minutes. 

LIST OF SOUTH ASIAN COUNTRIES

South Asia Map

South Asia:

South Asia or Southern Asia is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities, adjoining countries to the west and east. Topographically, it is dominated by the Indian Plate, which rises above sea level as northern parts of India south of the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush. South Asia is bounded on the south by the Indian Ocean and on land (clockwise, from west) by West Asia, Central Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

List of South Asian Countries:

Following is the list of South Asian countries:

•  Afghanistan

•  Bangladesh

•  Bhutan

•  India

•  Maldives

•    Nepal

•  Pakistan

•  Sri Lanka

Capitals of South Asian Countries:  

Following are the capitals of South Asian countries:

• Colombo

• Dhaka

• Kabul

• Kathmandu

• Islamabad

• Malé

• New Delhi

• Thimphu

PROVINCES OF PAKISTAN

PAKISTAN: Pakistan is basically divided into 4 provinces and other territories but now Gilgit Baltistan is also called a province. Previously, Gilgit was under control of Federal Government but now she has given a separate status. 

Pakistan came into being on Aug 14, 1947. It is a large country almost 1.5 times that of France. To distribute the job and perform country’s work efficiently, Pakistan is divided into 4 provinces. Each province has lawmaking national assembly which is directed by Chief Minister of Province. The names given to the provinces of Pakistan are in reference to the major language spoken in it. 

Punjab:

PUNJ means five and AB means water. Punjab’s literal meaning is the province of 5 rivers. The name Punjab is also in accordance with the major language Punjabi spoken in it. This is the most productive and fertile land of the country because of the five rivers. Like other provinces, people of Punjab also have their own characteristic and distinctive traditions. Lahore is the capital Punjab.

Sindh:

As Sindhi is the foremost language spoken in Sindh so, this province is given the name of Sindh. Karachi, the largest city of Pakistan is located in Sindh. Karachi is located along Arabian Sea so, Pakistan has also a beach in Karachi. Moen Jo Daro, an ancient civilization is also located in Sindh. Sindh is also credited to the Indus river and is also housed of the Indus civilization.

Khyber Pakhtoon Khuwah:

NWFP is the old name of Khyber Pakhtoon Khuwah. The name changed to KPK is in accordance with the Pakhtoons living in this province. Pathans or Pakhtoon live in this province. Strict Tribal system dominates the province.

Baluchistan:

The southwestern province is very famous because this is not only the largest province of Pakistan but also has many natural resources. Baluchistan accounts for 40% of total are of Pakistan.  

Gilgit Baltistan:

This is the site of great beauty in Pakistan. If you're lucky enough to travel to Pakistan, then you should definitely travel to Gilgit. One of the nature's marvel in Gilgit is the Heart-Shaped lake.

Heart Shaped lake in Astore, Gilgit, Pakistan

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN PAKISTAN

In Pakistan, some specific days of Public Holidays are:

Sacrifice of imam Hussain(R.A):

The sacrifice took place on 10th of Muharam the first month of Hijera Calander (Islamic Calendar). This sacrifice has very great importance in Islam so a public holiday was is announced on 10^th Muharam.

Eid-ul-Fitr:

People celebrate Eid-ul-Firt on the start of the holy month of Shawwal. This is the largest holiday of the year. People are invited to the home for a feast. Businesses close for at least a couple days if not a week. People celebrate it for 3 days.

Eid-ul-Azha 

This is the festival of sacrifice, commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. People sacrifice goats, lambs, ox and camel.

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi: 

Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W) varies according to Hijera calendar.

Pakistan Day: 

On March 23^rd

Labour Day:

1^st May

Independence Day:

14 Aug

Quaid-e-Azam's deathday:

11 Sep

Quaid-e-Azam's birthday:

25 Dec

Ramadan: 

Ramadan is the 9th and holiest month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims fast every day for its duration and most restaurants will be closed until the fast breaks at dusk. Nothing (including water and cigarettes) is supposed to pass through the lips from dawn to sunset.