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Ancient fossils in Laos cave reveal early human presence in Asia

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Ancient fossils found in Laos challenge human migration theories, indicating early humans reached Asia 86,000 years ago, much earlier than previously thought.

According to Kira Westaway, the lead author of the study from Macquarie University, Australia, this early migration may have been unsuccessful, but the fact that Homo sapiens had reached the region during that time is a remarkable achievement. Earlier studies using DNA analysis and archaeological evidence had suggested that modern humans left Africa around 50,000 to 60,000 years ago, following coastal routes and islands towards Australia. 

However, the discovery of older human remains in China and the Levant has complicated this narrative, implying the possibility of earlier migrations that did not contribute to the modern gene pool.

The fossils found in Tam Pa Ling cave, including a leg bone fragment and part of a skull, exhibited physical characteristics typical of early modern humans. Dating these fossils was challenging since they were too old for radiocarbon dating. Instead, the researchers utilised luminescence dating of sediment minerals and electron-spin-resonance dating of animal teeth found in the same layer as the human remains. These methods estimated the fossils to be between 68,000 and 86,000 years old, significantly expanding the timeline of human presence in the region.

This discovery not only raises questions about the timing and routes of human migration but also challenges the conventional belief that early human journeys in the area primarily followed coastlines and islands. The cave’s location, situated inland and at a considerable altitude of approximately 1,100 meters (3,609 feet), indicates that early Homo sapiens had the capability to adapt and disperse through upland forested regions much earlier than previously assumed.

The findings from this cave, along with other sites in the region, have the potential to provide further insights into early human history and paleoanthropology. Ongoing excavations and future discoveries in the area will continue to contribute to our understanding of the complex migration patterns and adaptations of early Homo sapiens.

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Pakistan launches first-ever lunar mission with iCube Qamar

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China’s Chang’E6 spacecraft carried Pakistan’s first satellite mission to the moon, iCube Qamar, into orbit.

The Institute of Space Technology states that IST worked with Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO and China’s Shanghai University SJTU to design and develop the satellite ICUBE-Q.

The launch event was streamed live on both Chinese state television and the IST website.

Two optical cameras are carried by the ICUBE-Q orbiter to capture images of the lunar surface. ICUBE-Q has now been successfully integrated into the Chang’e6 mission after qualification and testing.

The sixth in China’s sequence of lunar exploration missions is called Chang’e6.

China’s Lunar Mission, Chang’6, will land on the Moon’s far side in order to gather surface samples and bring them back to Earth for analysis.

Pakistan would benefit from the mission since it will carry a Pakistan CubeSat Satellite, called iCube-Q, which was created by IST.

Small satellites known as “CubeSats” are typified by their uniform design and compact size. They are built in the form of a cube and are made up of modular parts that follow predetermined dimensions.

These satellites are regularly placed in orbit for a variety of uses and only weigh a few kilos.

Cubesats are primarily used to support space exploration education, technology development, and scientific research. Many different missions are carried out by these satellites, such as telecommunication, astronomy, remote sensing, Earth observation, atmospheric research, and technological demonstration.

CubeSats provide universities, research centers, and commercial organizations with the chance to engage in space missions and acquire important data for scientific advancement and innovation because of their small size and very low cost when compared to regular satellites.

They act as test beds for novel ideas and technology, opening up space to a wider spectrum of users and encouraging cooperation amongst members of the space community.

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The green colour of WhatsApp ‘angers’ some users.

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After changing its display colour from blue to green, WhatsApp, which was before well-known for its blue motif, caused its users to hold divergent views.

New upgrades to the Meta app always spark a lot of discussion, regardless of how big or small the changes are.

Still, Meta-owned WhatsApp hopes that these modifications would “make it more accessible as well as easier to use” and offer a “modern, new experience” with relation to the updated display color.

A statement from the firm claimed that they had altered WhatsApp’s “looks and feels, including spacing, colors, icons, and more.”

Both iOS and Android users can now view the new WhatsApp update; the green tint on the latter has changed from the previous version.

However, iPhone users will notice that every display element, including the chat-list window and status bar, has changed with the recent design update. WhatsApp used to have a blue color scheme on iPhones.

Furthermore, the formerly blue links shared within the app are now displayed in green.

In addition, WhatsApp has made other improvements to improve its user experience outside of the color shift.

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Punjab will provide fifty thousand solar kits.

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On Tuesday,Tuesday, while presiding over a review meeting on solar household solutions, the CM gave the order to begin the installation of one kilowatt solar systems right away. She also gave the order to introduce the newest solar systems.

Phase-I solar systems would be balloted for by 50,000 protected users who use 100 units each month, at a cost of Rs 12.6 billion.

Home-based solar systems will eventually be made available to other Punjabi consumers. A solar system will consist of a battery, inverter, sophisticated solar plate, and more related accessories.

Attending the meeting were Provincial Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, MPA Sania Ashiq, Former Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning and Development, Secretaries of Energy, Finance, and Punjab Power Development Board (PPDB) Managing Director, in addition to other pertinent officers.

During his inaugural speech as Punjab’s chief minister, Maryam Nawaz outlined her five-year plan and promised to develop a strategy for customers who use fewer than 300 units of power.

According to Maryam Nawaz, the PML-N’s main goals for her term will be to provide jobs, healthcare, and education.

She said, “I am working on a plan to provide solar panels to consumers using up to 300 units of electricity or less in installments.”

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