CPSC Monitor (Nov 11th – Nov 18th, 2024)
CENTRAL ASIA1. Pakistan invites New York firms to expand in South, Central Asia by offering investment incentives https://tribune.com.pk/story/2510009/pakistan-invites-new-york-firms-to-expand-in-south-central-asia-by-offering-investment-incentives2. PBF signs MoU with Azerbaijan’s private sector to strengthen regional trade ties https://www.app.com.pk/national/pbf-signs-mou-with-azerbaijans-private-sector-to-strengthen-regional-trade-ties/3. Can Central Asia and the Caucasus become world’s next green energy hub? Central Asian and Turkic Youth Climate Leaders Speak Out at COP29 in Baku https://astanatimes.com/2024/11/central-asian-and-turkic-youth-climate-leaders-speak-out-at-cop29-in-baku/
Source:The Express Tribune
November 18, 2024 17:22 UTC
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Zayn Malik lookalike contest in New York goes viral: "They look like Disney princes"
Following the success of the Timothée Chalamet lookalike competition, the Zayn Malik lookalike contest in New York wowed fans. Unlike Timothée Chalamet, who attended his lookalike contest, Zayn Malik did not make an appearance at the event dedicated to him. Meanwhile, other comments on X included: “They look more like flynn rider than zayn malik,” an X user said. “Maybe they dont look like Zayn but they’re definitely winning in the look department,” a netizen said. Although many agreed the viral duo didn’t closely resemble Zayn Malik, netizens were captivated by their appearance, noting how attractive they looked.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 18, 2024 16:38 UTC
Indian Cricket Board active in thwarting Champions Trophy, offering huge sums of money to participating nations
Lahore: To thwart the organization of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, the Indian Cricket Board has taken a new trick, under which it has been revealed that millions of dollars have been offered to the countries participating in the event. According to the sources, the Indian Cricket Board has offered to give a huge amount of money to the boards of the participating countries in the Champions Trophy to convince them to conduct the event under a hybrid model or to shift the matches to India. According to the sources, the teams participating in the trophy are being assured that the Indian board will share the profits with the boards of other countries from the income of the Champions Trophy, while the additional matches of the predetermined series with the Indian team will also be arranged. will be doneThe Pakistan Cricket Board has already rejected the hybrid model, while PCB sources are of the opinion that if India refuses to come to Pakistan and play, then it is better to include another team in the tournament and announce the schedule, the question of transferring the event to another country. It is not born.
Source:The Patriot
November 18, 2024 15:27 UTC
Actions against tax defaulters should be expedited, Prime Minister
Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that action against tax defaulters should be speeded up. Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif chaired a review meeting on the state of the economy in which the Finance Ministry gave a briefing on the meetings with the IMF delegation. Jaye, are taking all possible measures to fulfill the promises made to the public. The Prime Minister said that the country’s foreign exchange reserves have increased due to the increase in domestic exports and record remittances. The Chief Minister of Punjab and the Punjab government pay tribute to the reforms in the agricultural sector.
Source:The Patriot
November 18, 2024 14:37 UTC
UN climate chief to nations at COP29: ‘cut the theatrics’
But the wars which have bitterly divided G20 members are also set to feature prominently in the discussions. A Brazilian foreign ministry source said Monday that some countries wanted to renegotiate a draft summit communique. “For Brazil and other countries the text is already finalized, but some countries want to open up some points on wars and climate,” he told AFP. G20 leaders are also under pressure to try rescue UN climate talks in Azerbaijan, which have stalled on the issue of greater climate finance for developing countries. Conspicuously absent from the summit is Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose arrest is sought by the International Criminal Court over the Ukraine war.
Source:The Nation
November 18, 2024 11:35 UTC
Japan Launches World’s First Wooden Satellite
Japan Launches World’s First Wooden Satellite Innovative LignoSat aims to pave the way for sustainable space explorationWhen you think of satellites, you probably picture shiny metallic objects hurtling through space, right? Well, here’s something completely different: Japan has made history by launching the world’s first wooden satellite, named LignoSat. The aim of this unique satellite is to conduct trials on the use of wood for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Materials scientists, environmentalists, and engineers are increasingly drawn to sustainable solutions, and this wooden satellite is simply the latest piece of evidence showcasing innovation at its brightest. Overall, LignoSat signifies both the potential for greener space missions and the ingenuity of human craft and foresight.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 18, 2024 10:07 UTC
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Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good announce engagement at EBONY Power 100 Gala
At the prestigious EBONY Power 100 Gala held on November 17, 2024, in Los Angeles, acclaimed actor Jonathan Majors and actress Meagan Good announced their engagement. The couple, who began dating in May 2023, shared the news during the event, celebrating Black excellence and achievement. Good, star of "Harlem" and "Think Like a Man," added, "Jonathan's unwavering support and love have been a blessing. Their relationship has been in the public eye, with Good standing by Majors during his legal challenges earlier this year. The couple's engagement announcement at the EBONY event underscores their commitment and shared journey.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 18, 2024 09:49 UTC
Call for multi-sector approach to combat smog
Experts have called for a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to tackle smog and improve air quality in Pakistan while targeting the root causes of pollution. The smog, they added, has become a serious health emergency for millions in India and Pakistan driven by crop burning, industrial emissions and vehicles. Pakistan, particularly Punjab, has been grappling with a severe smog crisis in recent years, affecting cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Bahawalnagar. In Lahore, during peak smog season, the air quality index (AQI) can reach hazardous levels, equivalent to smoking dozens of cigarettes daily. Punjab, one of Pakistan's most industrialised provinces, is facing longer and more severe smog episodes, he added.
Source:The Express Tribune
November 18, 2024 04:51 UTC
The closure of border trades will increase economic misery and hunger, Sadiq Sanjrani
Former Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani said in a statement about the importance of border trade that the closure of border trades will increase economic depression and hunger. Former Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani said that border trade is the only source of livelihood for people living on the border in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and instead of closing border trades, a modern system of regulation should be introduced. He said that due to the closure of daily border trade, millions of people will go below the poverty level and especially in Balochistan, severe economic depression and despair will spread. Sadiq Sanjrani said that in difficult economic conditions, the economy cannot bear the burden of unemployment and poverty any more and thus, by restricting the livelihood of the people, the youth of the country will become the fuel of anti-national elements.
Source:The Patriot
November 18, 2024 03:52 UTC
Becoming a proud nation
Ensuring political unity and cooperation between the different political factions, especially during crises, is key to national stability. Addressing income inequality and improving access to healthcare, housing, and education can foster a more inclusive society, which leads to greater social stability. A robust social safety net can protect the most vulnerable members of society, reducing poverty and promoting social cohesion. In the digital age, investing in cybersecurity and digital defense systems is crucial to protecting national interests from external threats. Creating a favorable environment for technological innovation, including fostering research hubs, incubators, and tech startups, can improve a nation’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Source:The Patriot
November 18, 2024 03:46 UTC
Digital Disconnect
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s call for a digital revolution is a stark contrast to such regressive rhetoric. However, aspirations for a digital Pakistan ring hollow when internet services are repeatedly disrupted under the pretext of security, stifling economic and social growth. The scars of the YouTube ban, which hampered the nation’s digital growth for years, remain a cautionary tale. While other countries advanced their digital footprints during that time, Pakistan lost invaluable opportunities, both economically and in global perception. The digital revolution is inevitable; it is time we decide whether to lead it or be left behind.
Source:The Nation
November 18, 2024 03:07 UTC
Kashmir in Quandary
The continued denial of the right to self-determination under UN resolutions and international law has exacerbated the grievances of the Kashmiri population, leading to widespread disillusionment and leaving the people of occupied Kashmir in a quandary. The international community has remained oblivious to the complete shutdown and curfews in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) since August 2019. It is assessed that Modi and his team may ultimately stage-manage a plebiscite in occupied Jammu and Kashmir to resolve the Kashmir issue on the UN Security Council agenda. Ironically, Israel supports India in occupied Kashmir, a stance akin to betraying its own history while perpetrating the brutal genocide of Palestinian Muslims in Gaza. This could ultimately pave the way for resolving the Kashmir issue, the Indus Water Treaty dispute, and other territorial conflicts.
Source:The Nation
November 18, 2024 02:59 UTC
Lahore's AQI improves slightly but smog crisis persists in Punjab
Lahore experienced a slight improvement in its air quality on Sunday, with its Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 295, moving out of the "hazardous" range. However, the city remains in the "very unhealthy" category, ranking as the second most polluted city globally, according to Swiss air quality monitoring group IQAir. The megacity, home to over 14 million residents, continues to grapple with the persistent smog crisis that has plagued Punjab. Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb declared a health emergency in Lahore and Multan, labeling the smog situation a national disaster. Other cities in Pakistan, including Multan (228), Peshawar (166), Rawalpindi (145), Islamabad (144), and Karachi (134), have also reported unhealthy to moderate AQI levels.
Source:The Nation
November 17, 2024 16:52 UTC
India test-fires its maiden long-range hypersonic missile
India on Sunday announced the successful flight test of its first long-range hypersonic missile. The test was conducted late Saturday night off the coast of Odisha in eastern India, the Defense Ministry said in a statement. “This hypersonic missile is designed to carry various payloads for ranges greater than 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) for the Armed Forces,” it said. According to the ministry, the missile was tracked by various range systems deployed in multiple domains, and flight data confirmed "the successful terminal manoeuvres and impact with a high degree of accuracy." This is India's second major test this week, following the maiden flight of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile on Tuesday.
Source:The Nation
November 17, 2024 16:19 UTC