Smogged Nation
Avoiding such vehicles could have saved us the need to build countless flyovers and underpasses; while also significantly reducing pollution. If we had curbed the use of oversized vehicles in other cities; we wouldn’t have to close schools and colleges now. It’s ironic because our country’s founder urged us to work, work, and only work; yet we interpreted it to mean rest, rest, and only rest. In this “lively” nation, sometimes it feels like no one works. We have two-day weekends, yet we are far behind in research, and our schools, colleges, and universities remain closed on every occasion.
Source:The Nation
November 26, 2024 12:50 UTC
Nation has rejected politics of ‘chaos and anarchy’: Tarar
- Advertisement -RAWALPINDI, Nov 25 (APP): Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Monday called out the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for pursuing the politics of “chaos and anarchy”, citing its violent conspiracy of May 9 arson. Tarar called the two countries’ friendship and partnership “exemplary” while lauding the sentiments of the President for the people of Pakistan. He said today Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar had welcomed the Foreign Minister of Belarus and both had discussed matters of mutual interest. He said the Belarusian President had visited Pakistan during the tenure of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who also visited Belarus on official visit. He said a warm welcome has been accorded to the President on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan.
Source:The Nation
November 25, 2024 19:38 UTC
Punjab installs air quality monitors to tackle smog in major cities
Photo: NNIListen to articleTo monitor air pollution levels, advanced air quality monitors have been installed in several cities across Punjab. As a result, 30 air quality monitors have been installed in Lahore and other cities with high pollution levels. With this recent development, Lahore now has eight monitors tracking air pollution. This system will enable continuous monitoring of air quality, representing a step towards a permanent solution. According to Maryam Aurangzeb, this advanced digital system will also be integrated with the global AQI (Air Quality Index) information network.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 25, 2024 19:34 UTC
China pushes to ease Pak-Afghan tensions
China seems to have launched a fresh diplomatic effort aimed at defusing brewing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the terrorist sanctuaries that Kabul has yet to dismantle despite Islamabad's repeated demands. China's Special Envoy for Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong held talks with Afghan Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Maulvi Abdul Kabir, Defence Minister Mullah Yaqub and others. It is believed that the visit of the Chinese envoy to Kabul and Islamabad was part of Beijing's latest push to ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to the statement, Mr Yue Xiaoyong commended Afghanistan's progress over the past three years and stressed the significance of fostering improved relations and mutual understanding among Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China. The reference to Pakistan, Afghanistan and China, according to observers, shows that Beijing is keen to see issues between Islamabad and Kabul are sorted out.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 25, 2024 19:13 UTC
This is about the nation, not just my husband: Bushra Bibi rallies PTI supporters
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, has called on party supporters to press forward with their march towards Islamabad, vowing that the movement will continue until the former prime minister is released from Adiala Jail. Addressing PTI workers near the Hazara Interchange, Bushra Bibi emphasized the significance of their cause, asserting that the march is not just about her husband but about the future of Pakistan and its leadership. Bushra Bibi joined the convoy to uplift the spirits of PTI workers and energize their resolve. Meanwhile, PTI convoys from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have crossed into Punjab, making their way towards the federal capital. Despite these obstacles, the PTI march remains resolute, with supporters determined to reach Islamabad and voice their demands.
Source:The Nation
November 25, 2024 17:48 UTC
Pakistan’s Stock Market Defies Economic Realities
Pakistan’s stock market has been on a tear, defying economic logic and political turmoil. Despite the grim economic landscape, characterized by high inflation, a struggling currency, and a ballooning debt, the stock market has shown remarkable resilience. While the short-term outlook for the stock market appears positive, investors must exercise caution. The surge in the stock market also raises questions about the role of speculative trading and insider information. Without a solid foundation of economic stability and political certainty, the stock market’s rally may prove to be unsustainable.
Source:The Patriot
November 25, 2024 17:44 UTC
Negotiations between the government and PTI for the location of the sit-in are ongoing.
Negotiations are underway between the leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the government committee regarding the location of the sit-in. According to Express News, negotiations are underway between the government and PTI regarding the location of the rally. The government committee includes Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Amir Muqam and Rana Sanaullah, while the PTI delegation includes Asad Qaiser and Shibli Faraz. According to reports, the negotiations between the two committees are taking place at the Speaker National Assembly’s residence in Minister Enclave. Shibli Faraz made it clear that the PTI’s peaceful protest will continue until the founder’s release.
Source:The Patriot
November 25, 2024 15:29 UTC
Harassment allegations surface after Minecraft YouTuber Iskall85 resigns
Minecraft YouTuber Viktor "Iskall85" has resigned from the popular Hermitcraft server following multiple allegations of inappropriate behavior. The controversy escalated when former moderator @Kasszi_ shared a nine-page document on X, formerly Twitter, detailing allegations against the 38-year-old Swedish creator. In the document, @Kasszi_ claimed their interactions with Iskall85 became personal in August 2023 and escalated to inappropriate behavior by August 2024. According to @Kasszi_, Iskall85 attempted to apologize, citing account hacks as an excuse for his behavior. https://t.co/bWkuqBzktN https://t.co/U3FBzv7pXa — Kasszi_ 🚦 (@Kasszi_) November 24, 2024Further allegations emerged from former Vaulthunter SMP member Mefallit, who shared her account in a Discord statement later circulated on X.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 25, 2024 12:12 UTC
India’s Alarming Descent
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has used divisive rhetoric to consolidate its base, leaving minorities, especially Muslims, increasingly vulnerable. For India’s minorities, the message is clear: the country is becoming a more perilous place to exist. Yet, at home, the BJP is systematically eroding the very pluralism that once underpinned India’s global appeal. For now, India’s minorities are left navigating an increasingly hostile landscape, while the BJP’s brand of politics promises only more division. Otherwise, the “Incredible India” of tomorrow may be remembered as a country that allowed extremism to define its destiny.
Source:The Nation
November 25, 2024 02:52 UTC
In South Korea, nations meet in final round to address global plastic crisis
Negotiators gathered in Busan, South Korea, on Monday in a final push to create a treaty to address the global crisis of plastic pollution. It’s the fifth time the world’s nations convene to craft a legally binding plastic pollution accord. Island nations are grappling with vast amounts of other countries’ plastic waste washing up on their shores. China, the United States and Germany led the global plastics trade by exports and imports in 2023, the association said. It changed its position this summer, saying the US is open to considering global targets for reductions in plastic production.
Source:The Nation
November 25, 2024 01:53 UTC
SPB Q3 pre-tax profit rises to RM41.8m
KUCHING: Sarawak Plantation Bhd (SPB) has posted higher group pre-tax profit of about RM41.8 million in third quarter ended September 30, 2024 (3Q2024) against RM36.5 million in 3Q2023 despite a sharp drop in group revenue to RM149.1 million from RM172.7 million. Group net profit rose to about RM31.1 million from RM27.1 million in 3Q2023. Estate operation recorded a segment revenue and segment profit of RM71.8 million and RM28 million respectively whereas mill operations registered segment revenue and profit of RM133.9 million and RM6.2 million respectively. “The group’s operating profit before tax was RM73.5 million for the current financial period compared to operating profit before tax of RM67.6 million for the corresponding period of the preceding year. In 9m2024, SPB’s estate operations generated revenue of RM181.8 million and profit of RM61 million whereas the mill operations recorded revenue of RM372.3 million and profit of RM17.2 million.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 24, 2024 23:58 UTC
Investing in IT
His commitment to personally oversee IT sector reforms, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission, signals a recognition of the sector’s potential as a catalyst for growth and skill development. While Pakistan boasts a large and talented population, realising this potential requires creating an ecosystem that nurtures and accelerates IT sector development. Achieving this export target requires robust internet infrastructure, consistent electricity supply, and modern digital banking solutions to facilitate seamless international transactions. Furthermore, dismantling restrictive internet policies and firewalls is essential to fostering a freer, more open digital economy. Without addressing these fundamental issues, the Prime Minister’s vision will remain an ambitious target rather than a tangible reality.
Source:The Nation
November 24, 2024 23:13 UTC
American Airlines expands tech to Curb 'Gate Lice' across 100+ US airports
American Airlines has announced the expansion of its new boarding technology to manage “gate lice”—eager passengers who queue at the gate before their boarding group is called. A message also appears on the screen for airline staff, allowing them to direct overly eager passengers to wait until their boarding group is called. For passengers traveling with a companion in an earlier boarding group, the gate agent can override the alert to permit boarding. Feedback from the trials indicates the system not only reduces pre-boarding congestion but also helps pace the boarding process and provides better insight into the arrival times of connecting flights, according to American Airlines. Major airports such as Austin-Bergstrom International and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International are among those introducing the system to curb gate queue-jumping.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 24, 2024 22:49 UTC
This is not politics
Motorways have been closed, and it has been claimed that the closures are due to repair and maintenance. Motorways have recently been closed, and the official narrative claims these closures are necessary for repair and maintenance work. Wouldn’t it have been better if the government had been honest and stated that the motorways are being closed to prevent the PTI protest? It should have been plainly stated that the politics of anarchy will not be tolerated any longer. Has there ever been a situation in the world where all motorways were simultaneously closed for maintenance?
Source:The Patriot
November 24, 2024 21:04 UTC
Contest of Ideologies
Throughout the GWOT, the USA/ allies implemented several initiatives aimed at countering the ideologies of AQ and ISIS. While considerable focus has been placed on these countries’ military capabilities, including their nuclear ambitions, considerably less attention has been paid to understanding and fighting their ideologies. Therefore, the USA and its allies need to fight both the military capacity as well as the ideologies of strategic adversaries in a synergistic way where both are undermined simultaneously; while remaining extremely careful of increased apocalypticism in our adversaries’ ideologies. Therefore, while fiercely guarding own National Ideology, Pakistan can neither afford to ignore the extremist policies/ ideology of Modi-led BJP in India and pursuance of the Greater India Dream threatening Pakistan and other SAARC countries, nor disregard ideologies of different non-state actors/ terrorist outfits in order to successfully contest them in all dimensions. Any short-circuiting in the suggested steps is prone to make a secure and stable Pakistan a distant dream.
Source:The Nation
November 24, 2024 20:30 UTC