The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively exploring a two-tier Test cricket system, which, if implemented, would likely begin with the 2027-2029 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
According to recent reports, Pakistan is likely to be placed in the second division of this proposed two-tier system.
Here’s a breakdown of the proposed structure:
* Two Divisions: The system would feature two divisions, each consisting of six teams.
* First Division (Likely teams): South Africa, Australia, India, England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. These are generally considered the top-ranked sides.
* Second Division (Likely teams): Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland. The latter three (Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ireland) are expected to be added to the expanded WTC format if this proposal goes through.
This proposal is currently being reviewed by an eight-member working group formed by the ICC, with recommendations expected by the end of 2025. If approved, it would mark a significant change in Test cricket’s structure, including a promotion and relegation mechanism between the divisions.

The effectiveness of blood pressure medication can be influenced by the time of day it’s taken, a concept known as chronotherapy. While historically many doctors recommended morning dosing, recent research suggests that taking blood pressure medication at night (bedtime) may offer significant benefits for many people, especially in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Here’s a breakdown of the current understanding:
Arguments for Bedtime Dosing:
* Improved Cardiovascular Outcomes: Several studies, most notably the Hygia Chronotherapy Trial, have shown that taking blood pressure medication at bedtime can significantly lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and death due to cardiovascular conditions. Some studies even report a reduction in risk by almost half.
* Better Nighttime Blood Pressure Control: Blood pressure naturally dips at night during sleep. However, some individuals with hypertension, known as “non-dippers,” don’t experience this healthy nocturnal drop, which is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Taking medication at night can help normalize this circadian rhythm and better control blood pressure during sleep.
* Reduced Morning Surge: Blood pressure tends to surge in the morning upon waking. Nighttime dosing may help to mitigate this morning surge, which is also a risk factor for cardiovascular events.
* Potential for Diabetes Risk Reduction: Some research suggests that taking blood pressure medication at night may also lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Considerations and Exceptions:
* Diuretics (Water Pills): Medications like diuretics that increase urination are generally best taken in the morning or at least several hours before bedtime to avoid disrupting sleep.
* Individual Variation: Not everyone may experience the same benefits from nighttime dosing. Factors like your individual “chronotype” (whether you’re a “morning lark” or “night owl”) may play a role. Some studies have suggested that aligning medication timing with one’s chronotype could offer additional protection.
* Consistency is Key: Regardless of the time of day, the most crucial aspect of blood pressure medication is to take it consistently every day at the same time and not miss doses.
* Doctor’s Recommendation: It’s essential to always consult with your doctor before changing the timing of your blood pressure medication. They can assess your individual health, specific medications, and blood pressure patterns (possibly through 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring) to determine the most effective dosing schedule for you.
Ongoing Research:
While there’s strong evidence supporting bedtime dosing for many, some studies have had conflicting results or suggest that the difference in cardiovascular outcomes between morning and evening dosing may not be as substantial as initially thought. Therefore, research in this area is ongoing, and personalized approaches are becoming more emphasized.
In summary, for many individuals, taking blood pressure medication at bedtime appears to be the most effective time, particularly in reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular problems. However, always discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs.

Current scientific consensus does not support the idea that sugar substitutes in beverages are effective against cancer. In fact, the research is primarily focused on whether they cause cancer or have other negative health effects, and the findings are complex and sometimes conflicting.
Here’s a summary of what the major health organizations and research suggest:
* No strong evidence of causing cancer: Many regulatory bodies, like the FDA, and organizations like Cancer Research UK and the World Cancer Research Fund, generally state that there is no strong evidence that approved artificial sweeteners cause cancer in humans at typical consumption levels.
* “Possibly carcinogenic”: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B) in 2023. This classification means there is limited, but not convincing, evidence of cancer in humans, or convincing evidence in experimental animals but not both. It’s not a definitive link and highlights the need for more research.
* Some studies suggest a link: Some observational studies, like a 2022 study of over 100,000 French adults, have suggested a potential link between higher consumption of artificial sweeteners (particularly aspartame and acesulfame-K) and an increased overall cancer risk, including breast and obesity-related cancers. However, these are observational studies, which means they can show an association but not necessarily a direct cause and effect. Other factors could be at play.
* Focus on reducing sugar: A more established link is between high sugar consumption (especially from sugar-sweetened beverages) and an increased risk of weight gain and obesity, which in turn is a known risk factor for many cancers. Therefore, the general recommendation from health organizations is to limit sugar-sweetened drinks and prioritize water or unsweetened alternatives.
* Not a “cure” or “treatment”: There is no evidence whatsoever that sugar substitutes act as a treatment or are “effective against” cancer. Cancer treatment involves specific medical interventions.
In conclusion, while sugar substitutes are often used to reduce calorie intake and manage weight (which can indirectly impact cancer risk by preventing obesity), there is no scientific basis to claim they are “effective against cancer” in a direct sense. The ongoing research is mainly concerned with their safety and potential long-term effects on human health.

Yes, solar panels generally generate more electricity in strong sunlight. Here’s why:
* More Photons: Solar panels work by converting light (photons) into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Stronger sunlight means a higher intensity of light, which translates to more photons hitting the solar cell’s surface. More photons mean more electrons are dislodged from the atoms in the solar cell material, leading to a greater flow of electric current.
* Direct Relationship: The short-circuit current (a measure of current output) from a solar cell is directly proportional to the light intensity. So, if the sunlight intensity doubles, the current output will also roughly double.
* Optimal Conditions: Solar panels typically achieve their peak performance under conditions of about 1000 W/m² of sunlight, which is characteristic of clear, sunny days with direct sunlight. This is often referred to as “peak sun hours.”
However, there are some nuances:
* Temperature: While strong sunlight provides more photons, it also increases the temperature of the solar panel. Solar panels are actually more efficient in cooler temperatures. Excessive heat can decrease their efficiency, even if the sunlight is intense. Manufacturers specify a “temperature coefficient” which indicates how much power output will drop per degree Celsius above 25°C.
* Indirect Sunlight: Solar panels can still generate electricity from indirect or diffuse sunlight (e.g., on cloudy days), but their output will be significantly lower (sometimes 10-25% of their peak output) compared to direct sunlight.
* Angle of Incidence: The angle at which sunlight strikes the panel also plays a crucial role. Panels are most efficient when the sun’s rays hit them perpendicularly. This is why solar panel installations often consider optimal tilt angles and some advanced systems use trackers to follow the sun’s path throughout the day.
* Panel Quality and Technology: Modern solar panels, especially monocrystalline ones and those with half-cut cell technology, are designed to perform better in lower light conditions and to mitigate the impact of partial shading.
In summary, for maximum electricity generation, solar panels thrive on strong, direct sunlight, ideally combined with cooler temperatures.

Ahmed Daniyal is a Pakistani fast bowler. He was born on July 3, 1997, in Lahore, Pakistan, making him 28 years old as of the current date (July 22, 2025).
He is a right-arm fast-medium bowler and a right-handed batter. He made his Twenty20 debut on February 21, 2021, for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He has also played for other domestic and franchise teams including Central Punjab, Lahore Region Whites, Nurpur Lions, Eshaal Associates, Pakistan Shaheens, and Peshawar Zalmi. He recently made his international debut for Pakistan in the second T20I against Bangladesh on July 22, 2025, where he impressed by clocking 146 kmph in his first over and taking two wickets. This performance led to comparisons with legendary Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.