Costs of Communalism
This targeted act of violence is just one among many across the country, manifesting the deep-rooted divisions that plague India. The arrest of Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable Chetan Singh, who openly endorsed Modi and Adityanath after the shooting on board the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express train, highlights the dangerous extent of communalism. The current state of communal violence in India is deeply disturbing, yet it remains inadequately highlighted on the international stage. The divisive rhetoric and policies promoted under the BJP government have contributed to an atmosphere where intolerance and hate thrive. It is essential for the international community to recognise and address this pressing issue, supporting efforts to restore peace, harmony, and inclusivity in India.
Source:The Nation
August 02, 2023 00:13 UTC
Nuggets from the Texas media availabilities with Steve Sarkisian and his coordinators
AUSTIN — With the Texas Longhorns preparing for the start of preseason camp on Wednesday, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian, offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Kyle Flood, defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, and special teams coordinator Jeff Banks all met with the media. But going into it, my plan is to play probably a few more than we have in the past,” Sarkisian said. With 27 sacks, Texas was tied for 71st nationally and fifth in the conference, but missed roughly 13 sacks. The hope is that if the Texas defense can start generating turnovers, it will jumpstart a positive feedback loop. “That probably took away from Xavier’s opportunities to return the ball, but I’m excited to kind of see where he goes [this season],” Banks said.
Source:The Nation
August 02, 2023 00:06 UTC
Fuel Price Hike
By creating a dependency on subsidies and artificially controlling fuel prices, the government set unrealistic expectations among the public, leading to a harmful economic situation. Instead of allowing market forces to dictate fuel prices, the government intervened, causing distortions and making the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations. The IMF’s involvement only highlights the extent of the government’s economic mismanagement. To break free from this vicious cycle, Pakistan needs leaders who prioritise economic stability over short-term political victories. The government must abandon the dangerous practise of subsidising fuel prices to garner public support.
Source:The Nation
August 01, 2023 21:16 UTC
Cowardly attacks can’t weaken nation’s resolve against terrorism: PM
Cowardly attacks can’t weaken nation’s resolve against terrorism: PMPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the Interim Afghan government to undertake concrete measures towards denying its soil to be used for transnational terrorism. He was speaking during his visit to Peshawar along with Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir. The Prime Minister instructed the concerned authorities to render best possible healthcare services to the wounded patients until their full recovery. He said these cowardly attacks by terrorists cannot weaken our resolve to eradicate the menace of terrorism from Pakistan. Earlier on arrival, the Prime Minister and the Army Chief were received by Commander Peshawar Corps.
Source:The Nation
August 01, 2023 20:32 UTC
Atta Tarar rebukes PTI chief
Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Interior Attaullah Tarar rebuked on Tuesday the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief. The PTI chief said that he did not receive any gifts directly". Tarar asserted: "The PTI chief had not declared the gifts he received. The person who used to ask for receipts from others has no answer today," Tarar said. Speaking about the petroleum levy, Tarar said that the levy had been imposed due to the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Source:The Nation
August 01, 2023 19:01 UTC
At least five killed in Hindu-Muslim clashes south of New Delhi
Policemen patrol in a riot affected area after clashes erupted between people demonstrating for and against a new citizenship law in New Delhi, India, February 25, 2020. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILEAt least five people, including two police personnel, were killed in clashes between Hindus and Muslims that erupted on Monday around 50 km (30 miles) south of the capital New Delhi, police officials told Reuters. The violence erupted after a Hindu religious procession passed through the Muslim dominated Nuh region, in Haryana state, the officials said. Local government officials from Nuh and Gurugram met with representatives of the Hindu and Muslim communities on Tuesday to appeal for calm. Another 60 people, including 10 police personnel, were injured in the clashes, local government officials said.
Source:The Express Tribune
August 01, 2023 19:00 UTC
Recrudescence of TTP violence
TTP violence has staged a comeback after assumption of power by the Afghan Taliban regime in Afghanistan. According to a think tank’s report, the TTP attacks had increased by 27% in 2022 compared to 2021, and 70 attacks have been witnessed since May 23 alone. Hard targets like Brigade Headquarters Zhob have also not been spared signifying desperation and rashness in TTP terrorism. The sanctuaries once provided by TTP to TTA inside Pakistan are being reoccupied by TTP as their staging posts for attacks on Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies. Development in NMDS, better border control, strengthening of civilian counterterrorism and administrative apparatus along with a lead civilian role in governance and stabilisation of NMDs is the key to arrest the recrudescence of TTP violence.
Source:The Express Tribune
August 01, 2023 12:21 UTC
Bajaur suicide attack unites Muslim world in condemnation
Security personnel examine the site of a bomb blast in Bajaur district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on July 31, 2023. PHOTO: AFPThe suicide attack that took place in Bajaur on Sunday, which killed at least 46 people and left over 200 injured, has drawn strong condemnations from across the Muslim world. The leadership of the Muslim nations as well as the heads of the Muslim world bodies condemned the heinous crime and sympathised with the bereaved families. At least 46 people were killed in a suicide blast at a Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) workers’ convention in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s (K-P) Bajaur district on Sunday. #Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation and denunciation of the attack that took place in #Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which resulted in deaths and injuries.
Source:The Express Tribune
August 01, 2023 11:53 UTC
Beyond colonial legacies
However, it is, by all merits, unfair to attribute all of Pakistan’s woes solely to a predatory colonial legacy. As a result, the British Crown established a colonial system that operated in conjunction with the local elite rather than seeking to eliminate them. The colonial legacy undoubtedly plays a role in Pakistan’s challenges, exacerbating economic and political instability. Given the context, it is pertinent to question the extent to which the colonial system is accountable for Pakistan’s current challenges. To understand the real problem plaguing Pakistan, we must look beyond the colonial legacy.
Source:The Nation
August 01, 2023 11:47 UTC
Toxic waste
Plastic bags have become a necessity in our lives and provide us with ease and convenience. They break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and enter the food chain. One of the main reasons why sewage channels get jammed is because of plastic bags. When burned, they release toxic gases like nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide. The government needs to take stringent steps to improve plastic waste management to prevent it from poisoning the ecosystem.
Source:The Nation
August 01, 2023 05:49 UTC
Preventing brain drain
The emigration of skilled professionals and talented individuals in search of better opportunities abroad, known as the brain drain, is now a major concern in Pakistan. The curse of brain drain could cast a perpetual shadow on our future if we don’t act now. Raising awareness, advocating for policy reforms, and supporting the youth are some ways civil society organisations can contribute to addressing the brain drain. The multifaceted challenge of the brain drain in Pakistan necessitates a comprehensive and collaborative approach. Brain drain can be turned into brain gain if the government, private sector, civil society, and youth work together.
Source:The Nation
July 31, 2023 21:09 UTC
Demanding Solutions
The recent tragic suicide blast at a political gathering in Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), has laid bare the persistent threat of terrorism in Pakistan’s northwestern regions. Despite the government’s claims of initiating investigations, there are growing concerns that such actions may fall short of delivering justice and accountability. However, their concerns were brushed aside, leaving the regions vulnerable to the spillover of extremism through porous borders. A lack of proactivity in addressing the escalating situation in KP and Balochistan is deeply concerning. By heeding the warnings of political actors and involving them in crafting solutions, the government can take decisive steps towards dismantling terrorist networks and fostering peace in KPK and Balochistan.
Source:The Nation
July 31, 2023 21:00 UTC
Fisher-Price® Introduces New Sensory Bright™ Line—Inspiring Kids 3 and Up to Custom-Create Their Own Sensory Experience That’s as Unique as They Are
North Andover, MA (01845)TodayPartly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly this evening. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..TonightPartly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly this evening. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Source:The Express Tribune
July 31, 2023 18:17 UTC
Calgary Stampeders open as 8.5-point home underdogs to Toronto Argonauts
The Calgary Stampeders were once considered unbeatable at home but have opened as heavy underdogs to the Toronto Argonauts this week. Calgary had a remarkable run at home from 2012 to 2019, posting a combined record of 60-12. The Stampeders were mere mortals at McMahon Stadium coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, going 8-8 during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Calgary dominated their matchup against the Argos at McMahon Stadium in 2022, earning a 29-2 victory. Friday’s game between Toronto and Calgary is schedule for Aug. 4 with kickoff slated for 9:00 p.m. EDT.
Source:The Nation
July 31, 2023 15:44 UTC
Pak-China to enhance technical collaboration producing hybrid chilli
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China will soon sign a deal to have technical collaboration on hybrid chilli and subsequent export of chilli to China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Chairman of Pakistan Hitech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) Shahzad Ali Malik has said that besides ongoing hybrid rice collaboration between Pakistan’s Guard Agri and China’s Longping, another agreement is going to be signed for the cultivation of hybrid chilli and subsequent export of chilli to China. “Hybrid chilli seed will be provided by Peppara Seeds along with technical support for commercial cultivation and buyback of dried chilli for export to China will be through Litong Food,” he added. Hybrid seed development in Pakistan has a significant impact on food security by increasing crop productivity, resilience, and nutritional value. To ensure its effectiveness, there must be continued investment in research, infrastructure, and extension services to facilitate the adoption of hybrid seed technology by farmers across the country.
Source:Pakistan Today
July 31, 2023 14:52 UTC