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Nicole Curtis: Breathing Life Into Forgotten Homes
Walking into a house that has been abandoned for years is like stepping into someone else’s memory. Dust covers the floors, walls sag with age, and the echoes of laughter or heartbreak linger in empty rooms. For Nicole Curtis, these houses are more than just buildings they are stories frozen in time, waiting for someone to listen and care. Watching her work is like watching a quiet miracle unfold. She restores not only wood and walls, but the dignity and history of the people who once called these spaces home. Her work is a delicate balance of skill, patience, and empathy, showing that homes can carry hope back into communities that had long been forgotten.
By Muqadas khan6 days ago in Humans
PTA Reveals Top Mobile Networks of April 2025. AI-Generated.
In today’s digital Pakistan, your mobile network is more than just a service provider — it’s your connection to the world. From online banking and food delivery to remote work, social media, and emergency communication, everything depends on strong and reliable connectivity.
By Ayesha Lashari6 days ago in The Swamp
PTA Reveals Top Mobile Networks of Q4 2025. AI-Generated.
A Competitive Quarter for Pakistan’s Telecom Industry The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released its Q4 2025 performance report, revealing the top mobile networks in the country based on coverage, speed, service quality, and customer satisfaction. The telecom sector in Pakistan has grown rapidly over the past decade, becoming a critical pillar of digital connectivity, economic development, and social communication. With millions of Pakistanis relying on mobile data for education, work, entertainment, and business, the ranking of mobile networks is more than just a technical report—it reflects how well people stay connected in an increasingly digital world. The Importance of PTA’s Quarterly Reports PTA’s quarterly reports provide transparency in the telecom industry. They measure network performance, call quality, data speeds, and customer complaints. These reports help consumers choose better services and push telecom companies to improve their infrastructure. In Q4 2025, competition among telecom providers intensified as companies invested in 4G expansion, prepared for 5G trials, and improved rural coverage. The report highlights which companies stood out and which lagged behind. Top Mobile Networks in Q4 2025 According to PTA’s findings, Pakistan’s major mobile networks—Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone—continued to dominate the market. However, their performance varied across metrics such as speed, coverage, and service quality. 1. Jazz: Leading in Coverage and Subscribers Jazz maintained its position as the largest mobile network operator in Pakistan. With the widest network coverage and the highest number of subscribers, Jazz continued to dominate both urban and rural markets. The company invested heavily in expanding 4G infrastructure and improving network stability. PTA’s report noted Jazz’s strong performance in call quality and nationwide coverage, making it a reliable choice for users in remote areas. 2. Zong: Champion of Data Speeds Zong emerged as the top performer in mobile data speeds in Q4 2025. Known for its strong 4G LTE network, Zong delivered faster download and upload speeds compared to competitors. The company’s focus on data-centric services attracted tech-savvy users, gamers, and streamers who demand high-speed internet. PTA praised Zong’s consistent improvements in data performance and customer experience. 3. Telenor: Balanced Performance and Customer Experience Telenor continued to offer balanced services with competitive pricing and decent coverage. PTA’s report highlighted Telenor’s steady network performance and customer-friendly packages. Telenor’s digital services, mobile wallets, and value-added features helped the company maintain a loyal customer base. However, it faced challenges in matching the data speeds of Zong and the coverage of Jazz. 4. Ufone: Affordable Plans with Network Challenges Ufone remained popular among budget-conscious users due to its affordable packages. However, PTA noted that Ufone struggled with network quality and coverage in some regions. Despite improvements, Ufone ranked lower in data speeds and call quality compared to other operators. The company is expected to invest more in infrastructure to remain competitive in the evolving telecom market. Key Performance Metrics in Q4 2025 PTA evaluated mobile networks using several key metrics: Coverage Coverage remains the most critical factor for users, especially in rural and underserved regions. Jazz led in coverage, followed by Telenor and Zong, while Ufone lagged behind. Data Speed With rising demand for streaming, online education, and remote work, data speed is crucial. Zong ranked first in data speeds, followed by Jazz and Telenor. Call Quality Clear voice calls are still essential, especially for business and personal communication. Jazz and Telenor performed well in call quality, while Ufone showed inconsistencies. Customer Complaints PTA also tracked customer complaints. Networks with faster response times and better customer service scored higher in satisfaction ratings. What This Means for Consumers For consumers, PTA’s report serves as a guide to choosing the best mobile network based on their needs. Rural users may prefer Jazz due to its extensive coverage. Data-heavy users may choose Zong for faster internet speeds. Budget-conscious users may still consider Ufone for affordable packages. Balanced users may find Telenor a good option for overall performance. The report also encourages users to demand better service and hold telecom companies accountable. The Role of Telecom in Pakistan’s Digital Future Pakistan’s telecom industry plays a vital role in the country’s digital transformation. Mobile networks support e-commerce, digital banking, online education, telemedicine, and remote work. With the government promoting digital Pakistan initiatives, reliable mobile connectivity is essential. PTA’s rankings highlight progress but also reveal gaps in rural connectivity and network quality. Challenges Facing Mobile Networks Despite improvements, Pakistan’s telecom sector faces several challenges: Infrastructure Costs Building towers, upgrading equipment, and maintaining networks require significant investment. Rising energy costs and currency fluctuations add pressure on operators. Regulatory and Taxation Issues High taxes on telecom services affect both companies and consumers. Reducing taxes could boost usage and digital inclusion. Rural Connectivity Many remote areas still lack reliable coverage. Bridging the digital divide remains a major challenge for telecom providers and policymakers. Future Outlook: Towards 5G and Beyond As Pakistan prepares for 5G deployment, competition among mobile networks is expected to intensify. Companies will need to invest in advanced infrastructure, fiber networks, and spectrum acquisition. PTA’s Q4 2025 report shows that while Pakistan’s telecom sector is progressing, there is still room for improvement. The next phase will focus on smart cities, IoT, and digital services powered by high-speed connectivity. Conclusion: A Competitive but Evolving Market PTA’s Q4 2025 report reveals a competitive telecom market where Jazz leads in coverage, Zong dominates in data speeds, Telenor offers balanced services, and Ufone competes on affordability. For consumers, these rankings provide valuable insights into choosing the right network. For telecom companies, the report is a reminder that innovation, investment, and customer satisfaction are essential to staying ahead. As Pakistan moves toward a digital future, strong and reliable mobile networks will remain the backbone of communication, business, and social connectivity.
By Abid Ali6 days ago in The Swamp
I Know whom I believe
Upon His shoulders Jesus my mountain raises me to walk stormy seas 🌊
By Diana6 days ago in Poets
Freeways as Runways: Indonesia Plans to Turn Its Islands Into Cheaper ‘Aircraft Carriers’. AI-Generated.
By [Your Name], Special Defense Correspondent Published February 12, 2026 — based on verified reporting by international news agencies Indonesia is undertaking a bold and unconventional expansion of its air-defense strategy, transforming its network of highways and toll roads into a dispersed and resilient system of emergency runways. The plan, which military officials describe as far more cost-effective than purchasing or building conventional aircraft carriers, could fundamentally reshape how the archipelagic nation responds to air and maritime security threats At a recent military demonstration in Lampung province on the southern tip of Sumatra, fighter aircraft landed and took off from a section of the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road, marking the first trial of its kind in Indonesia’s history. An F-16 fighter jet and an EMB-314 Super Tucano attack aircraft successfully completed runway operations from the 24-meter-wide highway, showcasing the feasibility of such maneuvers outside of conventional airfield. The Indonesian Air Force chief of staff, Marshal Tonny Harjono, said on Wednesday that the goal is to enable each of the country’s 38 or more provinces to host at least one “situationally usable” runway section along major highways. While no formal timeline has been announced, officials say the initiative will be rolled out gradually as part of broader defense planning. “The use of toll roads as situational alternative runways is expected to strengthen the operational readiness of the Indonesian Air Force in facing various potential threats, without reducing the primary function of toll roads as public transportation infrastructure,” the Air Force said in a statement. Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago nation with more than 6,000 inhabited islands stretching over 5,000 kilometers east to west, faces unique geographical challenges. Maritime and territorial disputes, particularly in the South China Sea, have underscored the need for flexible and redundant defense capabilities. The sprawling geography makes traditional concentrated air-base infrastructure vulnerable to disruption and limits rapid deployment across the nation’s vast territory. Analysts say converting public highways into aircraft runways offers a way to mitigate these vulnerabilities. Civilian roadways can be spread across the country and upgraded incrementally at lower cost than a fleet of aircraft carriers. Acquiring and maintaining carriers — floating air bases that cost billions of dollars and require significant crew and logistics support — remains beyond Indonesia’s current defense budget priorities “An aircraft carrier doesn’t seem that attractive as a cost-effective platform,” said Collin Koh, a research fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. “Having countless toll roads and highways earmarked as emergency military runways across the entire archipelago makes more strategic and operational sense.” The resilience of this distributed runway approach is also an advantage, according to Koh. “If you strike the aircraft carrier once, it’s gone,” he added. By contrast, a network of alternative road-based landing sites would ensure continuity of operations even if some locations were damaged or compromised. To function effectively as emergency runways, certain highway segments must meet specific technical requirements. Indonesia’s Defense Ministry has begun preparing road maps to upgrade selected toll roads and national highways so that their surfaces, gradients, and clearances meet aircraft operational standards. In emergencies, these sections could serve as alternative airstrips when primary airfields are unavailable due to natural disasters, security concerns, or maintenance shutdowns. en.antaranews.com Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto described the initial demonstration on the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road as a milestone in Indonesia’s “universal defense system,” which aims to integrate civilian infrastructure into national defense planning. Despite narrow widths (approximately 24 meters compared with 45–60 meters for standard airport runways), successful operations by highly trained Indonesian pilots demonstrate that the concept is practicable under controlled conditions. Harjono emphasized that pilots are receiving specialized training for these runway environments, which require precision and skill given the constrained space. Critics of the strategy have questioned whether civilian infrastructure should be repurposed for military use, arguing that the duality could complicate road maintenance and safety standards. However, proponents say the trade-offs are justified by strengthened national resilience and the deterrent value of distributed air capability. Ultimately, Indonesia’s highways-as-runways plan reflects a broader trend in defense thinking: the need to maximize strategic depth and adaptability in a world of evolving threats. By reimagining everyday infrastructure as part of its military toolkit, Indonesia seeks to ensure that its forces can operate effectively across one of the most geographically complex countries on earth.
By Fiaz Ahmed 6 days ago in The Swamp
The Missing Ingredient. AI-Generated.
Searching for the Missing Piece In cooking, a missing ingredient can change the taste of an entire dish. In life, a missing ingredient can change the direction of an entire journey. Many people work hard, dream big, and follow advice, yet still feel something is missing. They might have talent, education, opportunities, and even luck—but something invisible holds them back. So, what is the missing ingredient in personal growth, success, relationships, and happiness? The truth is, there is no single universal answer. Instead, the missing ingredient often depends on awareness, mindset, purpose, and human connection. This article explores what people commonly forget—and how finding that missing element can transform everything. The Missing Ingredient in Success: Consistency Many people believe success comes from talent or intelligence. While those factors matter, consistency is often the real missing ingredient. Someone might start a business, learn a skill, or pursue a dream with great enthusiasm, only to quit when progress feels slow. Others continue showing up every day, even when motivation fades. Over time, small consistent actions create massive results. Consistency builds habits, habits build identity, and identity shapes destiny. Without it, even the most brilliant ideas remain unfinished. The Missing Ingredient in Happiness: Gratitude Happiness is often linked to achievements, money, or status. Yet countless people reach milestones and still feel empty. Why? Because gratitude is missing. Gratitude shifts focus from what we lack to what we already have. It changes perspective and rewires the brain to notice positivity. People who practice gratitude regularly report higher life satisfaction and emotional resilience. Without gratitude, happiness becomes a moving target. With gratitude, happiness becomes a daily experience. The Missing Ingredient in Relationships: Communication Relationships—whether friendships, family bonds, or romantic partnerships—often fail not because of lack of love, but because of lack of communication. Misunderstandings grow when people assume instead of asking. Silence turns small problems into big conflicts. Honest conversations, empathy, and listening are essential ingredients for strong connections. Communication builds trust, resolves conflicts, and deepens emotional bonds. Without it, even the strongest relationships can collapse. The Missing Ingredient in Personal Growth: Self-Awareness Self-awareness is the foundation of growth. Many people try to change their lives without understanding their habits, fears, and motivations. Knowing your strengths, weaknesses, values, and triggers helps you make better decisions. It allows you to break negative patterns and build positive ones. Without self-awareness, people repeat the same mistakes, blame external circumstances, and feel stuck. With self-awareness, they gain control and clarity. The Missing Ingredient in Creativity: Curiosity Creativity thrives on curiosity. Artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and innovators constantly ask questions and explore new ideas. When curiosity is missing, creativity becomes limited. People stick to routines, avoid learning, and resist change. Curiosity encourages experimentation, learning, and imagination. It is the spark that fuels innovation and personal expression. The Missing Ingredient in Leadership: Empathy Great leaders are not just strategic thinkers—they are empathetic listeners. Empathy helps leaders understand their teams, customers, and communities. Without empathy, leadership becomes authoritarian and disconnected. With empathy, leaders inspire trust, loyalty, and collaboration. Empathy humanizes leadership and strengthens organizational culture. The Missing Ingredient in Learning: Patience Learning takes time. Many people quit when they don’t see immediate progress. Patience is the missing ingredient. Whether learning a language, mastering a skill, or improving academically, patience allows growth to happen naturally. It reduces frustration and increases persistence. Patience transforms the learning process from stressful to fulfilling. The Missing Ingredient in Life’s Meaning: Purpose Perhaps the most powerful missing ingredient is purpose. People may have money, success, and relationships, yet still feel lost. Purpose gives direction and meaning to actions. It can be found in helping others, pursuing passions, creating something valuable, or contributing to society. Purpose connects daily activities to a bigger picture. Without purpose, life feels repetitive and empty. With purpose, even ordinary tasks feel meaningful. Why We Miss the Missing Ingredient People often overlook these ingredients because they are not tangible. Society celebrates visible achievements—money, titles, fame—but rarely highlights inner qualities like consistency, gratitude, empathy, and purpose. Social media also creates unrealistic expectations, making people chase shortcuts instead of building foundational habits. As a result, many focus on outcomes rather than the underlying ingredients that create those outcomes. How to Find Your Missing Ingredient To discover what is missing in your life, ask yourself: What do I feel is lacking right now? Where am I stuck or frustrated? What habits or mindsets could improve my situation? Self-reflection, journaling, and honest conversations can reveal hidden gaps. Once identified, you can intentionally cultivate that ingredient. Small Steps to Add the Missing Ingredient Here are practical steps to integrate key ingredients into your life: Consistency: Start with small daily habits Gratitude: Write three things you’re thankful for each day Communication: Practice active listening and honest conversations Self-awareness: Reflect on your actions and emotions Curiosity: Read, explore, and ask questions Empathy: Try to understand others’ perspectives Patience: Set realistic expectations for progress Purpose: Align your actions with your values Small changes can lead to big transformations. Conclusion: Completing the Recipe of Life Life is like a recipe with many ingredients. Talent, education, opportunities, and effort all matter—but they are not enough on their own. The missing ingredient often lies within: mindset, values, habits, and purpose. By identifying and adding your missing ingredient, you can transform frustration into growth, confusion into clarity, and ordinary experiences into meaningful journeys. The next time you feel stuck, remember: you might not need more resources—you might just need to find the missing ingredient.
By Abid Ali6 days ago in Fiction
The Missing Ingredient. AI-Generated.
In every great story of success—whether in business, art, leadership, or personal growth—there is always something people admire: talent, intelligence, funding, connections, strategy, or timing. We celebrate the visible elements. We analyze the measurable factors. We replicate the obvious steps. Yet, despite following proven formulas, many individuals and organizations still fall short of their goals.
By Ayesha Lashari6 days ago in Fiction
Zhipu AI Model GLM-5 Tops Benchmarks, Shares Jump 34%. AI-Generated.
Shares of Zhipu AI surged by an impressive 34% after the company announced that its latest artificial intelligence model, GLM-5, had topped several major industry benchmarks. The strong market reaction highlights growing investor enthusiasm around next-generation AI technologies and reflects confidence in Zhipu AI’s ability to compete with global leaders in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence space.
By Hammad Nawaz6 days ago in Trader
8 Books You'll Keep Thinking About Days Later . AI-Generated.
There are certain books that linger in your mind long after the last page is turned. They stay with you not just because of their plots, but because of their ideas, emotions, and insights into the human experience. These are the books that challenge your perspective, evoke deep reflection, and sometimes even reshape the way you see the world. Below is a list of 8 books you'll keep thinking about days later.
By Diana Meresc6 days ago in BookClub
UK Economy Update: 0.1% Growth Predicted for Final Quarter of 2025. AI-Generated.
The UK economy is expected to record a modest expansion in the final quarter of 2025, with forecasts pointing to GDP growth of just 0.1%. While technically positive, this projection highlights the fragile state of economic momentum as the country continues to navigate high interest rates, subdued consumer spending, and ongoing global uncertainty. Economists suggest that this marginal growth reflects resilience in certain sectors, but also underlines the challenges preventing a stronger recovery.
By Hammad Nawaz6 days ago in Trader
Top Education App Development Companies in USA 2026
Introduction The education sector in the United States continues to evolve rapidly in 2026, driven by digital transformation, AI-powered learning systems, and increasing demand for remote and hybrid education models. Modern education applications go beyond video lectures—they now include interactive learning modules, gamification features, AI-based progress tracking, virtual classrooms, real-time collaboration tools, and cloud-based content management systems.
By Nayel Basim Al Shehhi6 days ago in 01
The Whispering House
The old house at the end of Cedar Lane had been abandoned for decades. Its paint was chipped, windows broken, and the gate hung crooked on rusty hinges. Everyone in town whispered about it, but nobody dared go near it—except for me.
By Aliimran6 days ago in Horror