In moon race with China, US setbacks test role of private firms
PHOTO: REUTERSTwo US setbacks this week in the race to the moon with China illustrate the risks of NASA's plans to bet on a new strategy of relying heavily on private companies. Before humans arrive, each space power plans to first send several smaller robotic missions to examine the moon's surface. Although the lander won't make it to the surface intact, three other private moon missions sponsored by NASA, including a second Astrobotic attempt, are planned for this year. US moon lander startup Intuitive Machines is next up in the private sector's bid to reach the moon, and has spent about $100 million on the mission, the company's CEO Steve Altemus told Reuters last year. "We had to build an entire lunar program, not just a lander.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 14, 2024 17:38 UTC
Stocks edge up as momentum slows down
Next day, despite a substantial drop, the PSX stayed above the 64,000 mark in volatile trading where the KSE-100 index swung in a 908-point range. The following day, bulls took over control, pushing the stock exchange above the 64,500 mark following gains of nearly 700 points. Overall, the benchmark KSE-100 index recorded an increase of only 123 points, or 0.2% week-on-week (WoW), and settled at 64,638. Most importantly, the IMF board approved a second tranche of $700 million for Pakistan. During the week under review, foreign investors bought shares valuing at $1.9 million compared to net selling of $3.1 million last week.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 14, 2024 16:07 UTC
Working children
Poverty stands out as the primary root cause of numerous issues, particularly child labour in Pakistan, as highlighted in the UNICEF report. Approximately 3.3 million Pakistani children find themselves ensnared in child labour, contributing to the persistently low literacy rate in the country. Sadly, economic necessities often outweigh the importance of education for parents, compelling them to send their children to work at tender ages in the pursuit of securing basic necessities. In conclusion, a concerted effort is needed to combat child abuse. We earnestly request the government of Pakistan to address this critical issue promptly.
Source:The Nation
January 14, 2024 15:20 UTC
RCB greenlights poll advertisements
The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has granted permission to candidates participating in the national elections – slated for February 8, 2024 – to display advertising banners across the cantonment without the need for permits or charges. This decision was announced during a meeting on Thursday, chaired by RCB President Brigadier Ahmad Nawaz. RCB Vice President Malik Muneer Ahmad, Cantonment Executive Officer Ali Irfan Rizvi and elected and nominated members of the board were also present. The RCB president expressed his commitment to providing essential amenities to the Cantt residents. He highlighted his vision for creating a clean and green environment while ensuring the financial stability of the cantt board.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 13, 2024 20:12 UTC
Private schools demand postponement of matric exams
All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APSMA) have demanded the postponement of annual matriculation examinations, originally slated to start on March 1, due to the holy month of Ramazan and Eidul Fitr. They proposed examinations should be held after April 15 instead. In an official written request submitted after a meeting with Rawalpindi Education Board Chairman, Mohammad Adnan Khan, a delegation from the All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APSMA), led by President Abrar Ahmed Khan, emphasized the need to conduct matric examinations after the conclusion of Eidul Fitr. Read: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2446284/marks-sheets-of-8000-matric-students-blockedThe official demanded in the written application that matric examinations should be conducted after Eidul Fitr. APSMA President said the demand for an extension has been made because of the increase in winter holidays and the upcoming month of Ramazan.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 13, 2024 17:17 UTC
Competitive Examinations
The syllabus for CSS examinations spans a wide spectrum of subjects, including compulsory and optional ones. The success ratio in CSS examinations varies each year, showcasing the competitive nature of these assessments. This would encourage candidates from marginalized backgrounds to step forward and participate in the CSS examinations. In conclusion, CSS and PSC examinations are not just evaluative processes; they are transformative journeys that cultivate leaders, decision-makers, and catalysts for positive change. The competitive nature of these examinations is a testament to the caliber of individuals who aspire to serve their nation with distinction.
Source:The Nation
January 13, 2024 15:37 UTC
UN chief following ICJ case against Israel: Official
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is following South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, an official said Thursday. "The Secretary-General has full respect for the independence of the courts, its proceedings and its decisions," spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. His remarks came after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague held the first of a two-day hearing in the case concerning the Gaza Strip, where more than 23,000 people have been killed since Oct. 7. Israel has launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas, which Tel Aviv said killed around 1,200 people. At least 23,357 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and 59,410 injured, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Source:The Nation
January 13, 2024 00:52 UTC
Govt set to pay $27.5b debt by Nov
“The caretaker government has established the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to attract foreign investment and reduce reliance on external debt. The bank said in its latest update on Wednesday that $4.29 billion worth of debt and interest cost had to be paid in December 2023 alone. Between January and February 2024, Pakistan has to pay another $3.47 billion and from March to November 2024, it will pay $19.71 billion, according to the bank. Read Rs908b added to public debt in NovIn December 2023, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad announced that Pakistan had to pay a sum of $24.6 billion in foreign debt and debt servicing by the end of June 2024. Accordingly, the total liquid foreign reserves held by the country stood at $13.26 billion, according to the bank.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 12, 2024 16:36 UTC
Another resolution seeking delay in elections submitted in Senate
Another resolution was submitted in the Senate on Friday seeking to delay general elections scheduled for February 8 due to "security challenges". The resolution has been submitted by Senator Hidayatullah of the Independent Parliamentary Group in the Senate Secretariat. The resolution states that concerning the steps taken to comply with the constitutional obligation to conduct general elections across the country, this "House expresses deep concern over the continuous increase in the targeting of election candidates". Read: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452367/sc-moved-against-senates-election-postponement-resolutionAccording to the text, the resolution added that the Upper House recognises that holding the general elections is a constitutional obligation, and the Constitution equally emphasises free and fair elections and ensuring the safety and unhindered participation of all stakeholders. Hence, the Upper House urges the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court of Pakistan to postpone the elections, he added.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 12, 2024 16:24 UTC
Senate body for preparing plan to promote HG1 garlic variety
The plan will identify policy, investment, training and other support measures for which assistance is required from Export Development Fund (EDF) to increase NARC HG1 Garlic variety’s production and export surplus. PHDEC Punjab’s regional head Jafar Ali speaking on this occasion said that his organization was ready to extend assistance needed to promote HG1 garlic variety. He said it was the mandate of his organization to help promote the horticulture products and their export from Pakistan. Muhammad Luqman, President Garlic Growers Association, said that total consumption of the garlic in Pakistan was around 300,000 tons per annum and major chunk of it was imported. He stressed for keeping the garlic crop more organic to make it acceptable in the international market.
Source:The Nation
January 12, 2024 15:44 UTC
Man shot at Oporto Madrid intersection has died
From Tribune staff reportsBIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation after a man shot at an Oporto Madrid Blvd. intersection died from his injuries. At approximately 1:15 p.m., East Precinct officers were dispatched to a Shot Spotter alert at 7701 5th Avenue North. Officers were updated that a person was shot inside a vehicle in the 500 Block of Oporto Madrid Boulevard North. “The preliminary investigation suggests the victim was inside his vehicle when an unknown vehicle pulled next to him at the intersection of 5th Avenue North and Oporto Madrid Boulevard North,” Fitzgerald said.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 12, 2024 15:11 UTC
PSC announces schedule of competitive exams
PESHAWAR - The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission has scheduled competitive examinations for the positions of Civil Judge cum Judicial Magistrate, Alaqa Qazi in Peshawar High Court. The exams are set to take place from January 16 to January 24, 2024. Candidates are required to download their roll number slips from the Public Service Commission’s website www.kpsc.gov.pk. This can be done through a personal visit to the Public Service Commission office or by contacting the office via telephone at 091-9214131, 9212897, 9213750, and 9213563 (ext. Candidates are strongly advised to confirm their roll numbers and the location of the examination centre one day before the commencement of the examination to avoid any inconvenience.
Source:The Nation
January 12, 2024 01:27 UTC
Tribunal clears key PTI candidates
In a surprising development, the nomination papers of prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders were approved, stipulating the political bigwigs into the election arena. Candidates whose appeals were rejected plan to challenge the election tribunal's decision in the Lahore High Court Larger Bench on Thursday. Islamabad tribunalSeparately, an Islamabad appellate tribunal decided on 70 cases and approved 65 candidates’ appeals against the rulings of returning officers. Tribunal Judge Arbab Muhammad Tahir rejected two appeals against the approval of the nomination papers of a transgender candidate. The appeals of all PTI candidates including Shoaib Shaheen, Niaz Ullah Niazi, and Zafarullah Shah were approved.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 11, 2024 21:50 UTC
Friday weather outlook
According to the National Weather Service in Birmingham, there will be increased clouds Thursday night with a low of 46. Friday will bring showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 3 p.m., then showers likely. The Storm Prediction Center shows the Tribune area in a level two out of five for potential severe weather. “Limited low-level moisture, combined with warmer mid-level temperatures, will likely limit overall buoyancy, tempering updraft strength and storm severity,” James Span said via social media. “Some stronger storms are still possible, particularly if low-level moisture is better than forecast, with strong kinematics supporting the potential for some damaging convective gusts.
Source:The Express Tribune
January 11, 2024 21:36 UTC