Blackhawks Announce Leadership Group for 2023-24 SeasonBlackhawks head coach Luke Richardson officially announced the team’s leadership group for the coming season. Defensemen Connor Murphy and Seth Jones and forwards Nick Foligno and Corey Perry will serve as assistant captains. Veteran forwards Tyler Johnson and Taylor Hall could also get an A at some point this season if injuries arise. Richardson indicated they would alternate who wears the letters at home and on the road, and might switch that rotation mid-way through the season. The Blackhawks previously announced they will not replace Jonathan Toews wearing the C this season out of respect for the longest-tenured captain in franchise history.

After 9/11, the world has changed and started re­alizing the painful effects of terrorism and its disastrous consequences. As per report of Global Terrorism Index (GTI), South Asia remains the region with average GTI scorein 2022. The region recorded 1,354 deaths from terrorism in 2022, a decrease of 30% com­pared to 2021. Deaths in Pakistan rose significantly to 643 in 2022, a 120% increase from 292 deaths in 2021 and nine times higher than 2021 terrorism deaths. Over the last one decade, the pattern and trend of terrorism has changed but we have not equipped ourselves to combat the terrorism in the language of terrorists.

New government data says that despite the rupee recovering significantly against the dollar, inflation actually went up, rising past 30% again. Annual inflation rose to 31.4% in September against 27.4% in August, and was up by 2% month-on-month in September, compared to 1.7% in August. Given that petroleum products — which are almost entirely imported — have a massive impact on inflation, a successful crackdown could have very quick results. A large chunk of inflation earlier this year was also attributed to the tough IMF conditions. Currently at record highs to help check inflation, the high rate also discourages investment, which is critically needed to meet broader economic goals.

HYDERABAD, India: Having once played in the same South Africa team as Dale Steyn, AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis, Roelof van der Merwe has finally made it to a World Cup -- with the Netherlands. Van der Merwe appeared in 13 ODIs for South Africa between 2009 and 2010 before switching allegiance to the Dutch in 2019. “I love competing, so I think that helps me stay fit, stay hungry for the game,” said Van der Merwe on Sunday. So, it doesn´t change whether I´m playing in a World Cup or in a local competition,” said Van der Merwe. Van der Merwe said his team will not be over-awed by facing Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra who both hit undefeated centuries in the win over England.

NEW DELHI - At least 14 persons died and several others were in­jured when a fire broke out inside a firecracker store in India’s southern state of Karnataka overnight through Saturday and Sunday, local police said. The fire occurred in the Attibele area of the state capital Bengaluru. The in­jured were admitted to a local hospital. Most of the dead were employees of the store, police said, add­ing that efforts were be­ing made to ascertain the identity of the deceased. The store owner and land owner were blamed for flouting fire-safety norms.

The Taliban government in Kabul called the decision “unacceptable” while maintaining that Afghans were not to blame for Pakistan’s security problems. “We have to make Pakistan an investment-friendly country,” Achakzai told a news conference at a local hotel in Karachi. “We have decided to expel the illegal immigrants once and for all,” he added. In response to a question, Achakzai said Pakistan would also keep the finger prints of all illegal immigrants while deporting them to prevent their return. “But now we have decided that sending back illegal immigrants is our state policy and we will not tolerate any pressure on us on the basis of this.”

Caretaker Provincial Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Agriculture, SM Tanveer, on Saturday, revealed plans to unveil a comprehensive 10-year agricultural promotion strategy in the upcoming two months, with a strong focus on conserving water resources. While speaking at a ceremony organised by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association to mark World Cotton Day, the minister appreciated the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his team in boosting cotton cultivation and production. Tanveer emphasised the significant progress made in the cotton sector, leading to an expected production of over 10 million cotton bales this year. Tanveer also mentioned the ongoing Greater Thal Kanal project and the activation of 58 small dams in the Potohar region. Emphasising the need for modern technology in cotton production, the minister stressed the unique position of South Punjab in terms of cotton cultivation.

What’s the Blackhawks Plan For Kevin Korchinski? Since earlier this summer, many of us have been openly wondering what the Blackhawks will do with their top defensive prospect, Kevin Korchinski. As I wrote earlier in the preseason, there are going to be mistakes from young Blackhawks players this season — including Korchinski. The Blackhawks’ power play is better with Korchinski on the point. We’ll find out soon what the Blackhawks’ plan is for Korchinski this season.

AVM Tariq Mehmood Ghazi underscores significance of multinational air exercises to achieve common objectivesISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in a magnificent display of international camaraderie and airpower, on Sunday inaugurated its 14th Nation Multinational Air Exercise, Indus Shield-2023, at Airpower Centre of Excellence of Pakistan Air Force. Air Officer Commanding, Central Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mehmood Ghazi was the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony, a PAF news release said. Addressing the participants of exercise, Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command emphasized on the significance of multi-national air exercises in achieving common objectives in the face of the evolving dynamics of air warfare. Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mehmood Ghazi highlighted that the exercise would prove to be a step forward, to promote warm and brotherly relations amongst the leading air powers of the region. Exercise Indus Shield-2023 will witness participation from 14 esteemed Air Forces including Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, China, and Hungary.

Great Roster Battles, Who Stays? Zaitsev Can Go, Foligo’s a Gem, PK Changes, and Other Blackhawks BulletsThe Blackhawks put a cap on their preseason last night with a loss in St. Louis. I was impressed by MacKenzie Entwistle, who finished as one of two Blackhawks with two goals during the preseason (Corey Perry the other). But Zaitsev really provides zero value to the NHL roster and, more importantly, takes opportunity away from a better player who deserves a shot like Isaak Phillips. After the Blackhawks switched to a diamond penalty kill formation last season, their kill rate improved from 71.0% to 80.2%.

DNAISLAMABAD, OCT 8: In a magnificent display of international camaraderie and airpower, PAF has proudly inaugurated its 14 Nation Multinational Air Exercise, Indus Shield-2023, at an operational air base of Pakistan Air Force today. Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mehmood Ghazi, Air Officer Commanding, Central Air Command, Pakistan Air Force, was the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony. While addressing the exercise participants Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command emphasized on the significance of multi-national air exercises in achieving common objectives in the face of evolving dynamics of air warfare. Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mehmood Ghazi highlighted that the exercise would prove to be a step forward, to promote warm and brotherly relations amongst the leading air powers of the region. Exercise Indus Shield-2023 will witness participation from 14 esteemed Air Forces including Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, China, and Hungary.

However, it has also triggered an environmental crisis marked by high carbon emissions and the unwelcome reality of climate change. A carbon market operates as a platform where nations or corporations can buy or sell carbon credits, which are essentially certificates for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon markets can have two broad formats: cap-and-trade systems and carbon offset markets. This distinction affects the strategies these countries adopt, the scope for trade dynamics in the carbon market and eventually the equilibrium in carbon credit pricing. South Asia’s combined population and increasing industrial activity make it a significant contributor to global carbon emissions.

ISLAMABAD-Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has closed admissions for matriculation and FA programs offered in the semester autumn 2023. According to the admissions department, students who applied manually and paid the fee but have not sent the admission form and documents to the university are instructed to send these documents by October 13, 2023. Admission will not be granted in the said semester and the candidate will be responsible for not dispatching documents in the given time. In case of any delay, Admission will not be granted, and students will be responsible for that. In this regard, the admission department has sped up admission verification to complete the admission process within the stipulated time frame.

The current political, economic, and security situation has reached alarming and perilous levels. Two: Consider postponing the elections due to the current societal bitterness stemming from political discord, economic challenges, high inflation, and security threats. It remains a temporary solution because political forces, deprived of power, will unite against the establishment and its supported setup. It is an unsustainable path that could prompt extreme measures by the establishment, likely backfiring and plunging the nation into prolonged civil strife. Swiftly address emerging disturbances in specific regions, including AJK, through political and economic measures.

ISLAMABAD-The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued a warning advising the general public against investing in fraudulent investment schemes of Meilleuretech Services, a sole proprietorship concern. The SECP has noticed that the entity, owned by Zeeshan Munir, is prima facie accepting deposits from the public illegally by offering various illegal “advertisement watching packages” and promising unrealistic daily and weekly returns. It is clarified that the said entity does not hold any license to collect deposits from the public. The name of Meilleuretech Services (SMC-Private) Limited has been added to the “List of Companies engaged in Unauthorized Activities” available on SECP’s website. Therefore, SECP hereby warns the public not to deposit/ invest funds with M/s Meilleuretech Services, Meilleuretech Services (SMC Private) Limited, and Zeeshan Munir in any form or arrangement, as they are not allowed to accept deposits/investments from anyone.