1982 Versus 2024: A Tale of Three Cities
When how unrelenting Israel’s assault on Gaza would be became clear, many Arab Americans of my age had a bit of PTSD. This story can best be told by Arab American progress in three cities: Chicago IL, Dearborn MI, and Paterson NJ. Chicago is home to the US’s largest Palestinian community; Arab Americans make up 4–5% of the city’s electorate. This and similar events hosted by other Chicago-based Arab American political groups now draw practically every candidate for public office. Michigan’s Arab American population is so large and well organized that they can be the margin of victory or defeat in a close presidential election.
Source:The Nation
February 25, 2024 06:08 UTC
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Block cheap Chinese auto imports, say US makers
“The commercial backdoor left open to Chinese auto imports should be shut before it causes mass plant closures and job losses in the US,” the report said. The Chinese embassy in Washington said in response that China’s automobile exports “reflect the high-quality development and strong innovation of China’s manufacturing industry... The leapfrog development of China’s auto industry has provided cost-effective products with high quality to the world.”Read US, EU protectionism against China's auto industry hurts their long-term development: spokespersonThe issue has received new interest after news reports that China’s BYD plans to set up an EV factory in Mexico. In October, Mexico said a Chinese Tesla supplier and a Chinese technology company would invest nearly a billion dollars in the state. A group of lawmakers urged US Trade Representative Katherine Tai to boost the 27.5% tariff on Chinese vehicles.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 25, 2024 05:21 UTC
Spain book Olympic place with Nations Cup
World Cup winners Spain guaranteed their place at this year's Olympics in Paris with a crushing 3-0 win over the Netherlands in Seville in the Nations Cup semi-final on Friday. Jenni Hermoso put the Spanish on track, latching on to a neat pass from Aitana Bonmati to net the opener after 43 minutes. In Lyon, an unmarked Kadidiatou Diani put France ahead against the Germans with a low half-volley four minutes before the break. Giulia Gwinn pulled one back from the penalty spot eight minutes from the end but France held on for the win. France will now meet Spain in the Nations League final on Wednesday while Germany and Netherlands will battle it out in the third-place play-off with an Olympic place on the line.
Source:The Nation
February 25, 2024 03:42 UTC
Serving the nation
I humbly request the higher authorities to please disallow the entry of technical experts (engineers, doctors, IT specialists etc) into the civil services through the CSS and PMS exams. The talents of these skilled professionals are more needed and better spent in their respective sectors, where they can better contribute to the technical advancement and uplift of Pakistan. Sohail NasirRawalpindi
Source:The Nation
February 25, 2024 03:32 UTC
Is Gmail going to shut down in a few months? Google responded
Google’s e-mail service ‘Gmail’ is known as the most popular e-mail communication service in the world, It has been rumored for the past few days that it will shut down in August 2024. Internet is a basic necessity for everyone including office workers, students, and financial institutions and emails are done for many official tasks that use Gmail. Recently, a post surfaced on social media sharing a screenshot of an email with the title ‘Google is sunsetting Gmail’, after which social media users were in dire straits as to whether Gmail would be shutting down. Gmail will officially shut down by 2024’. To further quell the rumours, Google tweeted on its official Gmail X account stating that all these reports are false and Gmail will continue its service without interruption.
Source:The Patriot
February 25, 2024 01:20 UTC
The new government should be empowered to deal with the problems facing Pakistan: US Senator
US Senator Kirs Van Hollen says that the new government should be empowered to deal with the problems faced by Pakistan. US Senator Kirsty Van Hollen wrote a letter to Pakistani Ambassador Masood Khan regarding the new government to be formed in the country. Also read thisThe United States has once again demanded an investigation into the rigging of elections in PakistanWants to see full probe into claims of election rigging in Pakistan: USIn his letter, he also said that the new government should be empowered to deal with the problems facing Pakistan. The letter said that the Pakistani authorities should fully investigate the allegations of rigging and election interference. Apart from this, the American senator also paid tribute to the people of Pakistan for their full participation in the elections.
Source:The Patriot
February 24, 2024 22:02 UTC
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Students exhibit magic of art
The exhibition, hosted by the Art One 62 Gallery in Clifton, is not only a celebration of art but also a communal experience. PHOTO: EXPRESSThe Punjab Arts Council (PAC) organised on Thursday the First Punjab Painting Competition 2024 at the Government Post Graduate College Attock. Sara Hafeez, Umm Salma and Saleha Tariq won the first, second and third positions respectively in the painting competitions. Read: Art exhibit held on climate changeSpeaking on the occasion, DC Rao Atif Raza said that civilisation and culture were the mirror of any nation. The council wanted to bring the hidden talent of the youth to the world through painting competitions, he added.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 24, 2024 21:09 UTC
Landslide debris on KKH in Bhasha cleared
All types of vehicles have been restored in the Bhasha area of the Upper Kohistan district on Friday after removing debris from the landslide-hit Karakoram Highway (KKH). Earlier in the day, the highway in Bhasha was opened only for one-way traffic. The first closure of the highway in Bhasha took place from 8am to 10am. Making matter worse, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued an advisory to all provincial authorities expecting thunderstorms forecasted across the country. The NDMA has urged all provincial disaster management authorities, Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Management Authority, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, National Highway Authority, National Highways and Motorway Police, Frontier Works Organisation, Rescue 1122, dam authorities, line departments, ministries, and federal agencies to undertake necessary measures in line with their respective mandates.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 24, 2024 18:33 UTC
UAE dropped from FATF's financial crime watch list
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a body that groups countries from the United States to China to tackle financial crime, on Friday dropped the UAE from its 'grey list' of around two-dozen nations considered risky. Markus Meinzer, director of policy at the Tax Justice Network, which campaigns for financial transparency, said the removal of the UAE showed the FATF list was ineffective. Jonny Bell, director of financial crime compliance and payments at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, said the UAE would likely continue strengthening its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures. There is increasing competition among Gulf states to develop non oil sectors such as financial services, trade and logistics, and tourism. Measures taken by the UAE include increasing financial investigations and prosecutions, boosting international cooperation, and aligning virtual asset regulation with international standards.
Source:The Nation
February 24, 2024 17:43 UTC
UAE dropped from financial crime watch list in win for nation
The United Arab Emirates, home to the financial hub of Dubai, has been dropped from a global watchdog’s list of countries at risk of illicit money flows, a win for the nation that could bolster its international standing. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a body that groups countries from the United States to China to tackle financial crime, on Friday dropped the UAE from its ‘grey list’ of around two-dozen nations considered risky. John Kartonchik, a director at UAE think tank Re/think, said the move could boost confidence in the country and attract more money from overseas. Markus Meinzer, director of policy at the Tax Justice Network, which campaigns for financial transparency, said the removal of the UAE showed the FATF list was ineffective. Measures taken by the UAE include increasing financial investigations and prosecutions, boosting international cooperation, and aligning virtual asset regulation with international standards.
Source:The Nation
February 24, 2024 14:10 UTC
Prolonged conflict
The Kashmir conflict, an enduring and unresolved issue with roots in the partition of British India, has left a lasting impact on the region. However, the Maharaja’s decision to align with India ignited a dispute that has persisted for decades, becoming a prolonged and complicated geopolitical challenge. This failure perpetuated the contentious issue between India and Pakistan, leading to conflicts, militarisation, and ongoing human rights concerns. The conflict in Kashmir is characterised by the presence of Indian security forces, resulting in significant human rights challenges. Emphasising the need to safeguard and celebrate the cultural heritage of the Kashmiri people becomes increasingly important in the pursuit of a just and lasting resolution to the Kashmir conflict.
Source:The Nation
February 24, 2024 02:05 UTC
Debt Freedom
The nation has now fallen into a severe debt trap as a result of the failure of succeeding governments to enact reforms aimed at reducing the high budget deficit by increasing revenues and eliminating unnecessary spending. This has forced the government to take on more debt in order to make up the difference in funding and settle existing debt.It makes sense, given that total external and domestic loans and liabilities increased from $145.7 billion to $271 billion between 2011 and 2011, that Pakistan’s external debt has nearly doubled to $124.6 billion and its domestic debt has grown six-fold in nominal terms to $146.4 billion. This indicates that during the same period, per capita GDP decreased by 6%, from $1,295 to $1,224, while per capita debt increased by 36%, from $823 to $1,123. The government must implement reforms to address Pakistan’s long-standing issues if it hopes to lower the country’s debt load and free up funds for demands related to social protection, health, education, and climate-related disasters and adaptation plans. When negotiations for a new loan from the IMF begin, the next government’s commitment to enacting reforms to control the enormous debt and stabilize the economy will be put to the test.
Source:The Patriot
February 24, 2024 01:31 UTC
Private, parochial school scholarship fight set to repeat in Nebraska
The bill (LB1402), if passed, would provide $25 million in grants to private school scholarship funds. Best private high schools in Nebraska Best private high schools in Nebraska #30. Kearney Catholic High School #24. Roncalli Catholic High School #13. Gross Catholic High School #12.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 23, 2024 19:19 UTC
ICCI invites Saudi importers to import agri products from Pakistan
ISLAMABAD - The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari on Thursday invited the Saudi importers to import agricultural products from Pakistan to meet their consumption. He said that Pakistan produces quality food products and Saudi Arabia is an import-based market receiving supplies from foreign markets. He urged Saudi Arabia to import agricultural products from Pakistan at competitive prices to meet the needs of its consumers. He said this while talking to Fadel Abdallah, General Manager, Al-Shaqaq Trading Est of Saudi Arabia during his visit to ICCI. He said that Pakistani meat, poultry products, textiles, IT products, surgical instruments, sports goods, leather products, and construction materials can also find good a market in Saudi Arabia.
Source:The Nation
February 23, 2024 17:32 UTC
India confirms citizens 'signed up' for Russian army
PHOTO: REUTERSIndia's foreign ministry confirmed Friday that some of the country's citizens had signed up for "support jobs" with the Russian army and said it was working with Moscow to secure their discharge. But it said in a statement that it was "aware that a few Indian nationals have signed up for support jobs with the Russian army". "We urge all Indian nationals to exercise due caution and stay away from this conflict." The Hindu's report alleged that Indians had been conned by Dubai-based recruiters with promises of high wages and a Russian passport. Upon arriving in Moscow, the Indians were reportedly trained to handle "arms and ammunition by the Russian Army" and shipped to the frontlines in January.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 23, 2024 16:47 UTC