The recent “extreme” solar storm, caused by several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun, triggered spectacular auroras visible across the globe. These auroras, commonly known as the northern and southern lights, occur when solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, producing colorful displays in the sky. The storm reached level five geomagnetic conditions—the highest on the scale—and was the first of its kind since 2003. Despite initial concerns, there were no major disruptions to power or communication networks, although there were reports of minor irregularities. The event sparked excitement worldwide, with people witnessing the phenomenon from various locations, capturing stunning photos of the night sky. While solar storms can pose risks to technology and even affect wildlife, this recent event served as a reminder of the Sun’s dynamic nature and its impact on Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field.

James Anderson, England’s legendary fast bowler, has decided to retire from Test cricket after his upcoming match against West Indies at Lord’s Cricket Ground. With an impressive record of 187 Test matches, Anderson has left an indelible mark on the sport. Throughout his 20-year career, he has been hailed as one of the greatest English fast bowlers, known for his skill, consistency, and dedication to the game. Anderson expressed gratitude for the support of his family, teammates, and coaches, acknowledging the privilege of representing his country. He looks forward to new challenges ahead and plans to indulge in his passion for golf. Anderson’s retirement marks the end of an era in English cricket, leaving behind a legacy of excellence on the field. His decision reflects his desire to step aside and allow younger players to fulfill their dreams, while also embracing new opportunities in life beyond cricket.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is introducing a new feature that restricts users from taking screenshots of profile pictures on iOS. This measure aims to protect users’ privacy by preventing unauthorized sharing of profile photos. When users attempt to take a screenshot, a notification will inform them that the action has been blocked. While this restriction won’t prevent users from capturing images through other devices, it will deter casual sharing within the app. By stopping users from taking screenshots without permission, WhatsApp aims to reduce the risk of profile photos being misused or distributed. Additionally, WhatsApp is testing a “filter” feature that quickly lists users’ favorites from the chats tab on Android, enhancing user experience. Overall, these updates demonstrate WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing privacy and user control within the app.

 Italy’s recent implementation of online non-quota work permits for remote workers marks a significant advancement for international business professionals. This new system, introduced in late 2023, allows non-EU employees with prior experience at Italian companies abroad to work in Italy without being limited by annual quotas. Known as the No-Quota Work Permit, it streamlines the process for intra-company transfers, enabling experienced foreign employees to relocate to Italy more easily. To qualify, applicants must have worked for the Italian company or its subsidiaries outside the EU for at least 12 months within the past 48 months. The introduction of electronic application submission further enhances convenience and efficiency. This initiative demonstrates Italy’s commitment to fostering diversity and embracing global talent, while also benefiting international businesses by facilitating smoother intra-company mobility and enabling the utilization of existing talent pools across borders.

The fire at Lahore airport, which erupted at the immigration counters due to a short circuit, has severely impacted flight operations. The blaze destroyed the entire immigration system, leading to a complete suspension of flight operations. Passengers were evacuated, causing a rush in the parking area. Despite efforts from the Airport Security Force and firefighters, the fire couldn’t be contained immediately. As a result, international flights inbound to Lahore were rerouted to alternate airports, while some were diverted mid-air. The first Hajj flight was delayed, and passengers were evacuated as a precaution. Several international flights were delayed or cancelled, affecting both local and foreign airlines. The suspension of international flights was extended several times as the immigration system was being updated. Domestic air operations were also halted, causing delays for flights between Karachi and Lahore.