FARUKH SHEHZAD

MULTAN, JUL 9: Roundtable Discussion on “Food Security vis-à-vis Sustainable Agriculture in Pakistan: Policy Outcomes and Prospects” was jointly organized by Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, Hanns Seidel Foundation Pakistan and MNS University of Agriculture, Multan at Multan.

The Discussion commenced with the opening remarks by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Centre for Global& Strategic Studies, Islamabad. He welcomed the panelists and participants of the discussion.

He appreciated and acknowledged the hard work of the university particularly in the domain of food security. He stated that a follow up Conference on food security will also be organized inIslamabad.

Dr. Steffen Kudella, Resident Representative, Hanns Seidel Foundation Pakistan, in his welcome remarks, stated that the climate is changing, we are facing a global water crisis, land is degrading, the global population growing, diseases affect livestock and crops, food prices are rising – all at the same time: food is often being wasted, the environment is stressed – all these factors are influencing our food security.

He highlighted the UN’s definition of food security as  “all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life.”

He also mentioned the 1948 UN Declaration of Human Rights, where the UN recognized the “Right to Food.”

Dr. Kudella stressed that food is a necessity for the survival and well-being of people, and therefore, this necessity must be ensured by the people. Moreover, adaptation strategies and policy responses to food security risks must be developed.

Food security is one of Pakistan’s non-traditional security challenges and today’s roundtable discussion at the MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, which is located in the agricultural heartland of Pakistan, provides the perfect setting for experts to discuss food security and sustainable agricultural production.

Prof. Dr. Asif Ali (TI), Vice Chancellor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan was the Chief Guestat the occasion. He welcomed the worthy panelists. He stated that there are several non-traditional security challenges that Pakistan is facing. However, food security remains on top while climate change is second on the list.

He ensured specialized research and development in different domains of nontraditional security challenges particularly food security and climate change. He vowed to work together in collaboration with CGSS & HSF in the sectors of nontraditional security challenges.

He highlighted several initiatives that are being undertaken by the University in this regard. He stated that MNS university has built models for water security, clean and green environment and climate change.

Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Project Executive, CGSS presented a brief overview on the working of CGSS. She gave presentation on Food & Agriculture Security: An Emerging Nontraditional Security Challenge for Pakistan. She stated that food security is a multidimensional concept.There must be sufficient supplies of affordable food throughout the year to ensure a healthy and productive life.

She highlighted the four components of food security that are physical availability of food, economic access, utilization of food in body and stability. Furthermore, she also described in detail the situation of food security after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The discussion was conducted in two sessions. The theme of the first session one was “Understanding Food Security in Pakistan: Incorporating New Techniques and Policy Recommendations”.

This session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Sajjad Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur. He thanked all the participants for their contribution. He stated that we must highlight the potential of Pakistan in the agriculture sector on various forums.

The panelists of the first sessionstated that food security is about making food available to everyone at all times. Around 820 million people go to bed hungry at night. In Pakistan, the future of our nation i.e. children are suffering from hunger and do not have sufficient nutrition.

During session one, overview on the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the zero hunger agenda was also presented. It was discussed thatby 2030, there would be end to all forms of hunger and malnutrition.

People–especially children will have sufficient and nutritious food all year. Furthermore, it was stated that there is a need to promote sustainable agriculture, supporting small-scale farmers, technology and markets.

There must be international cooperation to ensure investment to improve agricultural productivity. The role of academia was also discussed in the perspective of food security, nutrition, and sustainable development.

During the discussion food security, sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and policy measures adopted in South Asian countries were also discussed. The panelists also presented facts and figures of food security in Pakistan including food utilization, food access and availability.

The panelists of session one included the following:

•             Dr. Umar Saeed, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Pakistan

•             Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Director ORIC, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan

•             Dr. Saeed Akhtar, Department of Food Science and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan

•             Ms. Rabia Sultan, Progressive Grower / Director Gurmani Foundation

•             Dr. Khalid Bashir, Assistant Professor, Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad

The theme of the second session was Critical Analysis of the Agriculture Sector in Pakistan: Ramifications and Policy Recommendations and the session was chaired by Syed Ibne Hussain, IGPolice (Retd), Member, Punjab Public Service Commission.

He thanked the panelists for their contribution. He stated that the panelists elaborately covered their topics. The panelists also presented innovative ideas and techniques.

The panelists of the second session discussed agriculture and economic cooperation for ensuring sustainability.

It was stated that there is a need to fully understand the major strategic importance of accelerating scientific and technological innovation and accelerate the resolution of some key issues restricting the development of scientific and technological innovation.

The panelists also discussed agriculture development issues and policy ramifications in Pakistan. It was stated that agricultural sector is indispensable to Pakistan’s economic growth, food security, employment generation and poverty reduction. Pakistan is essentially an agricultural country, generating more of its export from cotton, rice, and fruits.

Most of the people, i.e. 64% lives in rural areas depending on agriculture for livelihood. Several recommendations as the way forward were presented by the panelists.

It was stated that food security must include nutritional security. The political economy of food security must not compromise profitability of the farmer.

It was also stated that water is an indispensable ingredient to agricultural production and without water, farmers would not be able to grow their crops and feed their animals. Therefore, water insecurity means food insecurity.

The Panelists of the second session included:

•             Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq, Project Coordinator, MNS University of Agriculture Multan

•             Dr. Sofia Anwar, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Govt. College University, Faisalabad

•             Dr. Ayesha Hakim, Assistant Professor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan

•             Dr. Asif Kamran, Economists, Nuclear Institute of Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad

•             Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, MNS University of Agriculture Multan

Mr. Barak Ullah, Additional Secretary Agriculture (TF), South Punjab presented the concluding remarks. He congratulated MNS University, CGSS and HSF on organizing a successful discussion.

He was thankful to the farmer community who have reduced the usage of pesticides and have shifted towards bio-science.

The discussion was attended by approximately 70 participants including experts of the relevant fields, deans, faculty members and students.

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ISLAMABAD, JUL 9: AAA Associates, A leading group of Companies, has announced the names of its top employees in an annual award ceremony held in its corporate office.

The Event is graced by AAA Chairman Mr. Sheikh Fawad Bashir and Managing Director Lt. Col Shahzad Ali Kiani (Retd) along with other Senior Management ( or BOD members) who distributed Awards among best performing employees from each department based on their achievements and consistent results.

The ceremony intends to motivate hard working employees and acknowledge their exceptional performance infront of their team members ( or colleagues) to encourage others to follow their footsteps and earn recognition.

The selected employees have gone through strict evaluation criteria set by management to screen out most brilliant members based on their punctuality, Work ethics, Crisis management, Social interaction and situation handling.

The  awards goes to Umer Sheraz, Shahbaz Aslam, Nadeem Akhter, Ghulam Murtaza, Abid Niazi, Yasir Talib, Afraz Ali, Mariam Babar Abbasi, Fahim Shahzad Kiani, Mir Afzal, Qasim Abbas, Zurain Yousaf Khan, Tuba Azhar, Sher Bano, Shahzad Asghar, Mohsin Abbasi, Tajdar Alam, Moazam Ali, Saif Khan, Senir Silas, Zain Rishi, Danish Ali, Zain Mughal, Tariq Azeem, Imtiaz, Ali Raza Ansari, Adil Saeed, Ahmed Amin, Wajahat Ali, Hassan Javed, Babar Ali and Haseeb Abbasi…

It’s a proud moment for AAA associates that so many talented minds are working towards advancement of the Organization to make it a leading brand, Said AAA Chairman Mr. Sheikh Fawad Bashir.

He further added “Our aim is grooming our professionals with best of Industry practices and technological tools so when they go out in the industry they must standout, distinguished in terms of work ethics, Performance and industry practices.

Our company invest more in their character building and professional skills development to take best out of them.”

AAA Managing Director Lt. Col Shahzad Ali Kiani (Retd) has personally thanked awarded employees for their dedication and loyalty towards the organization.

He shared his thoughts” I’m grateful to our every employee who supported us in this successful journey. Our success is not possible without the contribution of each team member and I’m hopeful if we continue to work as a team AAA Associate will become one of Pakistan’s top company.

The awarded employees are our most valuable assets and driving force towards company’s excellence. We are honored to have such talented people among us who are the reason of our organisation’s success”.

Beside awards, the best employees are also promoted to senior level to offer a career path to polish their skills and explore their full potential. AAA associates strongly believes in employee centric approach and regards its workers as a real strength of the company.

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ISLAMABAD, JUL 8: Pakistan’s first reliable Smart Female Safety & Security App Iyzil is available now on Google Playstore with a 21-day Free Trial!

Iyzil is a futuristic and comprehensive solution that will revolutionize the Pakistani females’ lifestyle. It empowers all women in Pakistan with a sense of security so they ‘Feel Safe’ and ‘Stay Safe’.

According to a report, 93% of Pakistani females face some form of violence in their lifetime.

Therefore feeling unsafe is common among them, but Iyzil is going to change that. Iyzil will ensure that whether they are at home, work, school or college/university, or they are shopping, traveling, in a medical emergency, or being harassed, they always Feel Safe’ and ‘Stay Safe’.

In case of a threat or an incident, a female user can simply trigger a Panic Alert to inform their Personal Responders (up to five friends & family) and Iyzil’s 24/7 Professional Monitoring Service.

The Panic Alert is triggered by using an In-App Button, Pressing the Volume Button thrice or Shaking the Phone. 

Once alerted, the Iyzil Professional Monitoring Service will contact the female user instantly and ensure that the relevant emergency services (Police-15, Rescue-1122, Fire Brigade-16) are informed.

In addition, all her Personal Responders will also receive notifications about the incident and her whereabouts.

Moreover, a female user can stay in touch with her family and close friends without sending a single text with a range of smart and timed real-time notifications.

Let’s make Iyzil a product of choice for all women in Pakistan so that they 'Feel Safe' and 'Stay Safe'.

You can download Iyzil from Google Playstore now! Free Trial for 21 Days.

For more information, Please visit our website https://www.iyzil.com/

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ISLAMABAD, JUL 8: Systems Limited is ready to explore a new approach to design as it reimagines its creative workspace, Studio 77 - the company’s center of creative excellence where human-centrism meets cutting-edge technology to bring breakthrough ideas to life.

At Studio 77, the team re-thinks design processes, pushes the boundaries of technology, and innovates to create user experiences that align with the behaviors, expectations, and perspectives of the customers.

To celebrate the launch of Studio 77, Systems Limited hosted a physical event that welcomed prominent figures from the IT sector, senior management of its clientele, and country’s art & design fraternity. The launch was organized with all the precautionary COVID-19 SOPs in place.

Asif Akram, COO at Systems Limited, welcomed the guests and while sharing his vision behind Studio 77, commented, “We've seen a recent surge in the growth of workplaces with creative spaces. With Studio 77, we aim to introduce a creative atmosphere where our driven and motivated team has the right tools and technology at its disposal to bring its breakthrough ideas to fruition.

What you see today is the result of multiple brainstorming sessions, meticulous planning, and tireless commitment by our team to make sure that every nook and corner of Studio 77 screams innovation and creativity - something that Systems has become synonymous with.”

Systems Limited has used a modular design approach to bridge the gap between traditional office space and best-in-class technology to support the multiple phases of the creative and design process. Badar Khushnood, co-founder Bramerz and Fishery, commented, “I congratulate the entire team of Systems Limited for bringing a user-driven perspective in Pakistan emphasizing a problem-solving mindset.

It is the need of the hour, and more companies should adopt this well-structured approach of leveraging design to breaking big problems into smaller challenges.”

Further explaining the human-centric approach of Studio 77, Khurram Safdar, Head of Customer Experience and Design, added, “The two driving forces behind Studio 77 are digitization and human-centrism.

Digitization in today's world is happening at a fast pace, and we need to embrace it. And we need to work together and use all the technological innovations at our disposal to deliver human-centered experiences to our clients.

It is a space where we make impactful decisions while keeping humans at the center of everything we create. With Studio 77, we're bringing our creative ethos of collaborative ideation, constant innovation, and rapid implementation to the world.”

Learn more about Studio 77: https://www.systemsltd.com/blogs/studio-77-by-systems-limited

Systems Limited holds a staunch belief in creating the right working environment to stimulate creativity and innovation. Studio 77 is an open, creative space for the team to dive into their creative streams and design simple yet intuitive technology solutions that solve complex problems.

It is a place that fosters autonomy and incites people to be proud of their work, rethink how they navigate their challenges, and inspire each other.

Studio 77 got an overwhelmingly positive response from the honorable guests and attendees. Specific praise was given to the core philosophy of the initiative, which revolves around putting people at the center of every problem-solving approach and design process.

The guests enjoyed photo booths and other activities while engaging in highly interactive and insightful networking sessions.

Going beyond the confines of typical activities around design, user experience, and art direction, Studio 77 also caters to, marketing intelligence, copywriting, social media and content, and user research.

Through Studio 77, where people come first, and creativity knows no bounds, Systems Limited aims to fully embrace the culture of innovation, inclusivity, and human-centrism in the world of technology.

The company intentions to simplify and humanize technology, stimulate creativity, and facilitate employees to think beyond it.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 8: Systems Limited is ready to explore a new approach to design as it reimagines its creative workspace, Studio 77 - the company’s center of creative excellence where human-centrism meets cutting-edge technology to bring breakthrough ideas to life.

At Studio 77, the team re-thinks design processes, pushes the boundaries of technology, and innovates to create user experiences that align with the behaviors, expectations, and perspectives of the customers.

To celebrate the launch of Studio 77, Systems Limited hosted a physical event that welcomed prominent figures from the IT sector, senior management of its clientele, and country’s art & design fraternity. The launch was organized with all the precautionary COVID-19 SOPs in place.

Asif Akram, COO at Systems Limited, welcomed the guests and while sharing his vision behind Studio 77, commented, “We've seen a recent surge in the growth of workplaces with creative spaces. With Studio 77, we aim to introduce a creative atmosphere where our driven and motivated team has the right tools and technology at its disposal to bring its breakthrough ideas to fruition.

What you see today is the result of multiple brainstorming sessions, meticulous planning, and tireless commitment by our team to make sure that every nook and corner of Studio 77 screams innovation and creativity - something that Systems has become synonymous with.”

Systems Limited has used a modular design approach to bridge the gap between traditional office space and best-in-class technology to support the multiple phases of the creative and design process. Badar Khushnood, co-founder Bramerz and Fishery, commented, “I congratulate the entire team of Systems Limited for bringing a user-driven perspective in Pakistan emphasizing a problem-solving mindset.

It is the need of the hour, and more companies should adopt this well-structured approach of leveraging design to breaking big problems into smaller challenges.”

Further explaining the human-centric approach of Studio 77, Khurram Safdar, Head of Customer Experience and Design, added, “The two driving forces behind Studio 77 are digitization and human-centrism.

Digitization in today's world is happening at a fast pace, and we need to embrace it. And we need to work together and use all the technological innovations at our disposal to deliver human-centered experiences to our clients.

It is a space where we make impactful decisions while keeping humans at the center of everything we create. With Studio 77, we're bringing our creative ethos of collaborative ideation, constant innovation, and rapid implementation to the world.”

Learn more about Studio 77: https://www.systemsltd.com/blogs/studio-77-by-systems-limited

Systems Limited holds a staunch belief in creating the right working environment to stimulate creativity and innovation. Studio 77 is an open, creative space for the team to dive into their creative streams and design simple yet intuitive technology solutions that solve complex problems.

It is a place that fosters autonomy and incites people to be proud of their work, rethink how they navigate their challenges, and inspire each other.

Studio 77 got an overwhelmingly positive response from the honorable guests and attendees. Specific praise was given to the core philosophy of the initiative, which revolves around putting people at the center of every problem-solving approach and design process.

The guests enjoyed photo booths and other activities while engaging in highly interactive and insightful networking sessions.

Going beyond the confines of typical activities around design, user experience, and art direction, Studio 77 also caters to, marketing intelligence, copywriting, social media and content, and user research.

Through Studio 77, where people come first, and creativity knows no bounds, Systems Limited aims to fully embrace the culture of innovation, inclusivity, and human-centrism in the world of technology.

The company intentions to simplify and humanize technology, stimulate creativity, and facilitate employees to think beyond it.

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ISLAMABAD, JUL 7: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday appointed Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) chief and MNA Shah­zain Bugti as his special assistant on reconciliation and harmony in Balochistan.

The Cabinet Division, in a notification, said: "The Prime Minister [...] has been pleased to appoint Nawabzada Shah­zain Bugti MNA as Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Reconciliation and Harmony in Balochistan, with immediate effect. He shall hold the status of Federal Minister."

The appointment comes on the heels of the government working on holding talks with "disgruntled" Baloch leaders who are not associated with India.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, a day earlier, had said Balochistan would soon be a "cradle of peace" in the country, adding that those involved in Lahore's Johar Town blast — who the government earlier said have links with India — have been arrested by authorities.

PM Imran Khan, two days back, had said he was mulling over speaking to the insurgents in Balochistan, as the situation in the province had changed, and Pakistan was moving towards a better future.

The premier, addressing an event in Gwadar, had said the insurgents might be upset with the state due to some past grievances or India might have used them to spread terror in Pakistan.

The newly appointed SAPM was elected from Dera Bugti's NA-259 constituency. His party is also an ally of the PTI-led government in the Centre.

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COURTESY The News

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Starting a business in an online market is not tough if one has a fabulous business idea. Here’s a list of 8 profitable online businesses ideas that you can start with a minimum investment of Rs 25,000.

Starting a business may seem like a mammoth task, especially when the capital is limited. Thoughts like managing inventory, logistics, marketing etc., often shake a beginner’s confidence. 

It’s a long arduous journey, but when the plans are right, it reaps benefits for the founders, stakeholders, and several others who depend on it for their livelihood. 

Today, starting a business in the online medium with a small investment is not hard. SMBStory has made a list of eight profitable online businesses ideas, which can be started with a minimum investment of Rs 25,000.

Artificial jewellery

Jewellery never goes out of style neither its demand. Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, when most businesses were shut down, the demand for artificial minimalist jewellery pieces remained in constant demand. 

Setting up an artificial jewellery business is doable with an investment as low as Rs 25,000. Chinu Kala, Founder of Rubans — a Bengaluru-based jewellery brand — says launching an imitation jewellery business is a great idea, and suggests one can invest between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 in buying products in bulk.

“THERE ARE PORTALS LIKE TRADEINDIA, WHERE PEOPLE CAN GET CONNECTED TO GOOD MANUFACTURERS FOR PROCURING JEWELLERY AND SELLING BY SETTING UP AN ONLINE SHOP,” CHINU SAYS.

She adds that the first customers of the business can also be friends and family who can endorse the products in their circle and urge them to buy online. 

Home bakery

Setting up a basic home bakery business doesn’t require a hefty investment but a strong intent to bake and a handful of money to procure an oven and buy ingredients for baking. 

Mariam Mohuideen, Founder of Baker’s Treat, Mangalore, started from a small bakery set built out of passion. She says baking is a craft, and to set up a business in this industry, “one has to think out of the box to succeed.” 

“THERE’S NO NEED OF DOING BRANDING WHEN STARTING FROM A SMALL SCALE, BUT FOCUS ON THE QUALITY AND DELIVERING A FLAVOUR THAT CUSTOMERS WOULD RELISH,” SHE ADDS.

A home bakery can be started with an investment between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000.

Homemade candles

In the last few years, people are taking to buying more candles, especially scented candles, to enhance their home interiors and for gifting purposes.

One can start a candle business with a minimal investment either by making it at home or procuring it from a third party.

The raw materials used to start the business include wax, wick, moulds, thread, aroma oils, and more. 

Besides, you also need to have some candle-making equipment, which includes a melting pot, thermometer, pour pot, weighing scale, hammer, and an oven (to melt wax).

Many beginner candle-makers can start by listing their products on Itsy Bitsy — a one-stop shop for art and craft manufacturing to retail to D2C stack in the country.

It has 26 stores across the country, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Panjim, Ahmedabad, Mysore, Shimoga, and Delhi.

Bedsheets

Starting an online bedsheet business is quite pocket-friendly for founders as the products can be bought in bulk and at a cheaper cost from manufacturers.

Entrepreneurs can connect with manufacturers through Indiamart or can directly buy from cities like Panipat, Jaipur, Delhi, Surat, and Kolkata, which are famous for their bedsheets. 

JABALPUR-BASED ENTREPRENEUR REKHA SABHARWAL SAID SHE STARTED A BEDSHEET BUSINESS FROM HOME BY SOURCING PRODUCTS FROM DELHI’S SADAR BAZAAR. 

She started selling via WhatsApp groups, and today, she is running a successful business, selling in and around Jabalpur.

Papad

From plastic, areca to bamboo spoons, bowls, and plates, the market for disposable cutlery has a constant demand in India, especially from Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), retail, and from customers for several occasions. 

The disposable cutlery business is a low investment and a high-profit business, given the items procured are from local wholesalers or manufacturers. 

Spices

India is a big market for spices, with major demand coming from across the country. Earlier, we used to use fresh spices made at home, and continue to do so. Many spices, including garam masala, jeera masala, paratha masala, etc., are made at home and there is a constant demand for them.

Mother-daughter duo Urmila and Aarti Samant started Masala Tokri, a Mumbai-based spices brand, which they started by selling in their circle of family and friends. 

In a span of a little over two years, the duo now aims to touch the turnover of Rs 1 crore. 

The business is profitable and requires a small investment for procuring raw materials. 

The masalas are carefully curated by Urmila. Aarti says that their background of running a family business of masala chakkis helped them connect to premium raw material vendors from across the country. 

Buttons

Either in menswear, kidswear, or womenswear, buttons always enhanced the elegance of an outfit. The button business requires bare minimum investment and can be started from home to set up an online shop for selling.

From plastic to fabric and steel buttons, there are various categories in this niche that you can select depending upon your choice of business.

For selling purposes, creating a local group online on social media channels or messengers can be an initial step. SMB entrepreneurs can also set up their personalised online store within minutes on the MyEasyStore platform.

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COURTESY yourstory

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RAWALPINDI, JUL 6: Azerbaijan Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Alizada on Tuesday paid a farewell call to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at GHQ, said Inter Services Public Relations in a statement.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation, including the Afghan Peace Process and measures to further enhance bilateral and defence cooperation were discussed.

COAS thanked Ambassador for his services in Pakistan and acknowledged his contributions towards strengthening Pak-Azerbaijan relations.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and also pledged to contribute positively towards Afghan peace.

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COURTESY 24newshd

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MOSCOW, JUL 6: Wreckage from a plane that went missing Tuesday in Russia’s Far East region of Kamchatka was found around five kilometers (three miles) away from a runway at an airport on the coast where it was supposed to land, officials said.

The governor of Kamchatka, Vladimir Solodov, told the Interfax news agency that the aircraft’s fuselage was found on land near the coast, while other wreckage was found nearby in the Okhotsk Sea.

According to Russian media reports, none of the 28 people on board have survived the crash.

The plane belonged to a company called Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise. The plane has been in operation since 1982, Russian state news agency Tass reported. 

The company’s director, Alexei Khabarov, told the Interfax news agency that the plane was technically sound before taking off in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

A criminal investigation into the incident has been launched. Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise‘s deputy director, Sergei Gorb, said that the plane “practically crashed into a sea cliff,” which wasn’t supposed to be in its landing trajectory.

The plane was on approach for landing when contact was lost about 10 kilometers (six miles) away from Palana’s airport. The head of the local government in Palana, Olga Mokhireva, was aboard the flight, spokespeople of the Kamchatka government said.

In 2012, an Antonov An-28 plane belonging to Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise crashed into a mountain while flying from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsk and coming in for a landing in Palana. 

A total of 14 people were on board and 10 of them were killed. Both pilots, who were among the dead, were found to have alcohol in their blood, Tass reported.

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COURTESY Anews

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LONDON, JUL 6: Three cricketers and four staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Tuesday.

“In collaboration with Public Health England, Public Health Wales and Bristol Local Health Authority, those impacted will now observe a period of self-isolation from July 4 following the UK government’s protocol on quarantine,” the statement said.

The remaining members of the party have been deemed close contacts and will also isolate, the ECB statement said.

The first ODI will be played in Cardiff on July 8 (Thursday). The remaining ODIs will be played at Lord’s on July 10 and Edgbaston on July 13. The T20Is will take place on July 16 in Nottingham. July 18 in Leeds and July 20 in Manchester.

“The ECB have confirmed the Royal London ODIs and the Vitality IT20s against Pakistan will go ahead. Ben Stokes will return to England duties and captain the squad,” the statement said.

Commenting on the development, ECB chief Tom Harrison said that board was aware that the emergence of the Delta variant, along with the move away from the stringent enforcement of bio secure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak.

“We made a strategic choice to try to adapt protocols, in order to support the overall well-being of our players and management staff who have spent much of the last 14 months living in very restricted conditions,” he said.

“Overnight we have worked swiftly to identify a new squad, and we are grateful to Ben Stokes who will return to England duties to captain.

“We also recognise the impact this news will have on our First Class Counties and their men’s playing squads and thank them, along with our partners Sky and Royal London, for their ongoing support in dealing with this pandemic,” he said.

England announces new squad

Hours later, the ECB announced a new squad for the three ODIs against Pakistan.

“Ben Stokes will return to the squad to captain the side and Chris Silverwood, who had been due to take some time away during the white-ball series, is back as head coach,” the cricket board said, adding that there were nine uncapped players in the squad.

“It’s a great opportunity to play on the biggest stage, and for most of the players selected it’s not necessarily something they would have been expecting 24 hours ago,” said ECB Managing Director Ashley Giles.

“It’s an exciting group of players, with some young talent and some players who have impressed at domestic level over a long period of time,” he said.

Giles said that the cricket board was in “unprecedented territory” in terms of replacing an entire squad and management team. “I’d like to also put on record the thanks of the ECB to the Pakistan Cricket Board for their support and understanding during this time,” Giles said.

England’s ODI squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Jake Ball, Danny Briggs, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, David Payne, Phil Salt, John Simpson, James Vince.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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ISLAMABAD, JUL 5: “The Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood and his entire team deserve huge congratulations for announcing the single largest increase in the federal education development budget in over a decade. However, with merely 10% of the development budget earmarked for school education, there is an immediate need to rationalize this division of funds.”

This statement was made by Areebah Shahid, Executive Director Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA) in light of the recently announced education budget.

The federal government allocated a total of Rs. 140 billion for federal education for the fiscal year 2021-22, compared to the previous year’s Rs. 118 billion. A 44% increase was also observed within the education development budget taking it to Rs. 48 billion during FY 2021-22 compared to the Rs. 34 billion allocated for education development initiatives during the last two fiscal years.

While 10% of the development funds will be spent on school education, 90% have been earmarked for higher education.

“Although, after the 18thAmendment the primary responsibility of the federal government is higher education, however the schools in the federal area also come under its purview,” pointed out Mr. Hisham Khan, Program Coordinator at PYCA.

“An estimated 30,000 children remain out-of-school in the federal capital, making the current allocation of funds for school education inadequate to bring about any significant improvements in terms of greater enrolment, retention and improved learning among the most marginalized children.”

The need to prioritize school education has become all the more pronounced in the aftermath of the COVID-19 emergency.

Recent data emerging from Pakistan points at a potentially large exodus of children, especially girls from schools owing to the financial strain experienced at the household level.

At the same time, prolonged school closures have also contributed to huge learning losses among the most marginalize learners and any strategy to mitigate this situation will require additional and sustained funding over the next few years.

With these sobering realities threatening the educational future of thousands of the most marginalized children, the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood must empathetically review the situation and ensure that the educational needs of the most vulnerable young learners in the federal capital are not left unattended.

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