Research Work & Projects

He should have made the long outstanding demands on Kashmir in his speech which he missed . It looks that he was not briefed fully the real points to be focussed as the irrelevant issues i.e. History ,money laundering and transformation of Al Qaeda were not the need of the hour but the only pressing subject was Kashmir issue. It is long fight ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2o6DkDO

Rahul Gandhi in his recent speech with congress members talked about the increasing division within India and suggested that no cricket team can win if the baller is not talking to the batsman, and the batsman is not talking to the wicket keeper. He further mentioned that India can never be strong if it is divided and also mentioned that for the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2msq4cl

President Trump’s remarks calling for the expansion of Indo-US cooperation in security and other fields at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with the Indian expatriates at Houston on 22 September was the latest reminder of the rapidly growing strategic partnership between the two countries. This partnership, promoted by ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2o5tPFi

Edward Said throwing a stone on the Lebanon-Israel border, July 2000. Edward Said born on November 1, 1935, in the city of Jerusalem in the words of Noam Chomsky was one of the most important thinkers of the past century. Said was a Palestinian American academic, political activist and above all a literary critic. He was one of the first few ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2o77EOF

It is no secret that Pakistan has an abysmal record when it comes to protecting religious minorities and ensuring that their rights are safeguarded. But legislation and government action can only do so much; ultimately, it is the attitude of the masses which will determine whether we as a nation wish to protect religious plurality or not. Thus far, that seems rather unlikely. A torrential downpour of blasphemy cases, forced conversions and the fleeing of religious minority groups from Pakisatn has only led to the increasing marginalisation of those who belong to a religious minority in the country. There is however a ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2nNl6Hw

Punjab Domestic Workers Act 2019 is a win for attempting to regulate a section of the informal economy of Pakistan along with enshrining rights to a rather neglected but a very important segment of the community. These rights are extended to all domestic workers, however, a question that stands out is whether this Act truly protects minors ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2opYJrZ

“The Hawdy!” Modi should have been named as How Dare You Modi!, after what he has done to Indian Occupied Kashmir. But on the contrary, his reception in Houston has boggled the concerned but naive minds. These interested individuals in media and other spheres of life spread dejection, making Muslim masses feel that Modi has earned ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2oixv6r

The Prime Minister, while sharing his vision of an environmentally responsible Pakistan at a high-level event co-hosted by Malaysia and Pakistan at the United Nations in New York on 26 September 2019, stated that such a vision should encompass measures to alleviate poverty, generate livelihood and create jobs. The prime minister highlighted the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2nKsBiA

“Why should they ask me to put on a uniform and go 10,000 miles from home and drop bombs and bullets on Brown people in Vietnam while so-called Negro people in Louisville are treated like dogs and denied simple human rights? No I’m not going 10,000 miles from home to help murder and burn another poor nation simply to continue the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2m6iDY8

Prime Minister Imran Khan just delivered a much awaited speech at the United Nations General Assembly on 27th Sept as the highlight of that 45-minutes long address was Kashmir. Although he took a good start and displayed confident face of Pakistan in his speech but I feel that he could have done better had he not consumed time on other ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2nzS1z0

Thousands of people in Pakistan die due to road traffic accidents (RTA) every year, more than killed by terrorism and earthquakes combine. The number of RTAs occurred only during Eid holidays crossed the figure of a thousand, with 4,677 only in Punjab. According to World Health Organization, 2.69% of Pakistanis lose their lives in RTAs annually. ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2nsQIC5

Not enough can be said or cherished about Prime Minister Imran Khan’s heartfelt speech at the United Nations General Assembly, on Friday. It was persuasive; it was gutsy; it was emotive; and above all, it was honest. I, for one, cannot recall the last time that a Pakistani leader – nay, a Muslim leader – spoke with such passion ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2mJDelg

“There are two Mustafa Kemals. One is the flesh-and-bone Mustafa Kemal who now stands before you and who will pass away. The other is you, all of you here who will go to the far corners of our land to spread the ideals, which must be defended with your lives if necessary.” –Mustafa Kemal   Every year on 30th August, Turkey ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2nsQYB3

Developing countries are less multicultural and diverse than the rich Western countries. Pakistan has not yet become multicultural. Well, it has a colonial history, and that resulted in English becoming the main language in the country, with cultural dimensions, and especially the upper classes have contacts abroad, and many have received higher ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2niIyvY

In the lead up to his address to the General Assembly, Prime Minister Imran Khan has met President Trump, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Turkish President Tayyab Erdogan, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, US lawmakers including Senate Leader Chuck Schumer, Chairman ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2lIBE2F

By this time the Prime Minister would have addressed the UNGA. It goes without saying that his address would be an up scaling of his Kashmir Diplomacy; assertive, factual and persuasive with a profound element of humility and pain. Though President Trump refrained from addressing Kashmir in his scripted speech, the pressure thus mounted compelled ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2mp9Bpe

“Every revolution was first a thought in one man’s mind.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson With Glorious Revolution the absolutist theory propounded by Bishop Bossuet became ineffective.   T he Glorious Revolution of 1688 was a very English revolution given the fact that it began at an Oxford college and escalated to a ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2nXI3rD

On our September 27, 2019 roundtable episode of the Longreads Podcast , Head of  Audience  Catherine Cusick , Head of Fact-Checking Matt Giles , and Contributing Editor Aaron Gilbreath share what they’ve been reading and nominate stories for the Weekly Top 5 Longreads . This week, the editors discuss stories in The New Yorker, The Guardian , and Politico . Subscribe and listen now everywhere you get your podcasts. 0:45 Will Hunter Biden Jeopardize His Father’s Campaign?  ( Adam Entous , July 1, 2019, The New Yorker ) 13:33 Dark Crystals: The Brutal Reality Behind a Booming Wellness Craze  ( Tess McClure , September 17, 2019, The Guardian ) 21:36 These 5 Places Tried Bold Political Experiments. Did They Work?  ( Amelia Lester , Jill Filipovic , Todd N. Tucker , Astra Taylor , Ruairi Arrieta-Kenna , September 21, 2019, Politico ) * * * Produced by Longreads and Charts & Leisure .

Research provides new view of the critical role of plankton in marine carbon storage Insights into important roles of plankton in carbon dioxide storage More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299285&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

High carbon dioxide can create 'shrinking stems' in marshes High levels of carbon dioxide cause marsh plants to grow shorter, denser stems More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299286&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Atlantic Ocean circulation may get a jump-start from the other side of the world New insights into Atlantic’s main circulation system More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299283&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Rocks at asteroid impact site record first day of dinosaur extinction Rocks tell story of asteroid that doomed the dinosaurs More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299284&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Amidst growing fears of violence during the elections, the people of Afghanistan will head to the polls September 28th to decide their future president. A country which has been riddled with war, tenuous stalemates, and terror since the Soviet invasion, finds itself having to now contend with an uncertain future because of the resurgence of the Taliban. The knife’s edge on which Afghanistan is precariously balancing at the moment received another shock recently when talks between the United States (US) and the Taliban collapsed. Donald Trump’s pledge to pull US troops out of Afghanistan seems to have fallen by ... Read Full Post from The Big Picture – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2m8kOe1

Owing to a “weaker than expected outlook” for domestic demand in India, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that India’s growth rate will undergo a downward revision by 0.3% for the fiscal year 2019-20. As the Indian media and government keeps deflecting rising economic concerns, the massive economic slowdown that seems to impact a vast majority of the Indian public has led to the ringing of alarm bells in some quarters. The government statistics for the first quarter of the year (Q1) showed that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5%, the lowest Q1 growth rate India has ... Read Full Post from The Big Picture – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2mjcgRt

The intelligent machines like the drones and the cruise missiles that hit Saudi oil facilities, demolished the myth of security, which the multi-billion dollar US ‘Iran-dome’ air defense system was to provide. With one stroke it has exposed the vulnerability of eight military bases of America in the Middle East region, and all the oil ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2nDuIEI

With Moodi’s second term in office he is now looking at creating a fascist Hindu Empire while Benjamin Netanyahu is struggling for power in Israel. He too desires to create a fascist Jewish state. Between the two of them both fascism and empire building is back in the 21st century. Hindustan and Yahudistan may be in the making. While Arabs ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2n6KUhh

In view of the recent developments in New York wherein the international community almost ignored the Kashmir Issue and despite all efforts Pakistan could not file a request to table a resolution in United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Kashmir. Similarly Pakistan has not yet moved any resolution to UN for time line for plebiscite. Now ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2n4krRs

The civil war in Jordon in the month of September 1970 will remain forever in the collective memory of Palestinians. Many remember the event Black September. Basically, the civil war was an attempt by Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine to topple the Jordanian King Hussein and take control ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2mZNbLi

Her backache is better, and she is feeling relieved for more than one reason. An hour ago, Azra got an Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) which she calls a challa (ring) inserted, with her own free will; the IUCD will potentially give her a break of five years from conceiving a child. This 30-plus years old mother of three, who does not know even her own exact age, knows well now that to remain healthy to look after her three children, and to possibly give birth to healthy children in the future, her body needs a break. Azra had come to the Naudero ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2nr06WJ

Grains in the rain New study opens the door to flood-resistant crops More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299271&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Livia Gershon  | Longreads | September 2019 | 9 minutes (2,264 words) Andrew Yang, presidential candidate, serial entrepreneur, and icon of Silicon Valley futurism, has a vision. As you know if you’ve ever heard his name, Yang supports a universal basic income, $1,000 a month paid by the government to every American citizen, from part-time baristas to millionaire bond traders. To Yang, the UBI, as it’s called, is the answer to nearly every question about the economy. For out-of-work machinists, it’s a cushion that would make it possible to reorient to a new job. For would-be entrepreneurs, it’s the cost of ramen and a bed while they hustle to get off the ground. For stay-at-home parents, it’s recognition and support for crucial unpaid labor. For down-on-their-luck towns, it’s an economic stimulus plan. “This is the trickle up economy from our people, families, and communities—up,” Yang told Face the Nation in August. “It will create over two million new jobs in our communities becau

For Imran Khan, one of the greatest drawbacks of being granted endless screen time is that it only ends up providing ample proof of his unending claims and circular statements. For every U-turn that Imran takes, there is substantial evidence to suggest he may well also have a contrary stance, so much so that he has acceded to not just accepting his flip flop behaviour but has also justified it by terming it as a trait which all great leaders possess. In this context, the prime minister’s trip to the United States, for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2mWPcrt

Once again there is a tug of war between the mesmerising, mountainous capital Islamabad and the province of Sindh, where the world’s oldest civilization blossomed and the region praised by Alexander the great himself. The centre through its Law Minister hinted towards invoking Article 149(4) of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2le3AeE

“I came across the Indonesian genocide in 2001, when I found myself making a film in a community of survivors. They were plantation workers, and it turned out they were struggling to organize a union.” –Joshua Oppenheimer   Suspected leftists rounded up by Indonesia’s military in 1965.   While the united and free ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2mN57bM

Given the new evolving realignments on the international chessboard, Pakistan has to strike a balance in the core relationship between United States and China to weather fresh geo-economic and geostrategic challenges. A see-saw situation and policy of preferring China to US and vice versa will weigh heavy on future of country. Pakistan cannot ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2mIkbaM

Republic of Moldova : Fourth and Fifth Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility Arrangements, Completion of the Inflation Consultation, and Request for Extension of the Arrangements and Rephasing of Access-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Moldova Published September 25, 2019 at 09:00AM

Coastal birds can weather the storm, but not the sea Bird populations can recover from hurricane impacts in two decades More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299263&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

New study finds U.S. and Canada have lost more than 1 in 4 birds in past 50 years Birds have declined by 29% since 1970 More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299264&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Hurricane Nicole sheds light on how storms impact the deep ocean Hurricane ultimately triggered an algae bloom More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299265&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Study explores how rock expands near soil surface in Sierra Nevada Expansion dominates the rock weathering process More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299266&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Before September 20th, the last time I marched for the climate was a decade ago outside the venue of the Copenhagen Climate Summit in 2009. It was a cold, dark day and there had been skirmishes with the Danish police. It was a depressing march and as protestors huddled around bonfires made of banners, I thought it a fitting end to a summit that had failed to deliver a climate deal. The world had not come together to cut carbon emissions as we had all hoped. In fact, key governments bought themselves a few more years until the Paris Agreement. ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2l2O2Kx

Last week, in a bizarre turn of events, the British-Pakistani author Kamila Shamsie was informed that she would no longer receive the Nelly Sachs Prize on account of the fact that Shamsie supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel (BDS) movement. The withdrawal of the prize, which has been welcomed by some and was initially conferred upon Shamsie by the German city of Dortmund, speaks more about the lingering fault-lines which remain entrenched in Germany than it does about Shamsie’s personal politics.   But before one dives into this particular incident and how it is representative of a wider ... Read Full Post from The Big Picture – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2n2UEJu

A major challenge to address the maternal mortality issue is the strengthening of awareness campaigns. It has been witnessed that despite an extensive network of infrastructure and significant amount of resources spent on maternal health programmes, maternal mortality indicator does not show a promising picture. Safe and healthy maternal care is ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2n1hm4R

‘Jai Shri Ram’ is primarily a religious uttering used by the Hindus to hail the victory of Lord Ram, the Prince of Ayodhia; but unluckily it has entered the political life of India carrying a fatal threat to minorities. People in charged mobs bearing deep puckers on foreheads and bosoms overflowing with hatred for minorities chanting ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2kZJbde

Prime Minister Imran Khan has done well by making a pit stop in Saudi Arabia while on his way to the US. The markets have reacted sharply to the drone attacks on Abqaiq and khurais, wiping off (albeit temporarily) nearly 5.7 million barrels per day from the global crude supplies – Crude since touched $60/barrel, an unprecedented rise of ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2mpUj3j

“Because I was politically involved (in Algeria’s war), the bourgeois establishment wanted to cover up my ‘past errors’. Now there’s an admission! And so they gave me the Nobel Prize. They ‘pardoned’ me and said I deserved it. It was monstrous!” –Jean Paul Sartre   Sartre attending the ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2mxF8Fa

Chile : Technical Assistance Report-Introducing and Institutionalizing Spending Reviews Published September 24, 2019 at 09:00AM

Sea lions may inspire 'strokes' of genius Engineering the swimming maneuvers of sea lions could advance underwater robotics More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299250&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Brazil : Technical Assistance Report-Strengthening the Framework for Subnational Borrowing Published September 24, 2019 at 09:00AM

“Houston, we have a problem.” Well, not really. It’s more like, “Pakistan, you have a Modi problem.” The ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event, touted as a celebration of the culture and unity of America and India, was nothing less than a grand advertisement and exhibition of the Donald Trump-Narendra Modi bromance – the likes of which one has hardly ever seen before. The gathering that managed to bring almost 50,000 people to the NRG Football Stadium in Houston, Texas was a radical development on so many different levels. The attendance of luminaries from all sides of the political spectrum – Ted Cruz, ... Read Full Post from The Big Picture – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2lkLgAp

According to the Cambridge English dictionary, contradiction is “a fact or statement that is the opposite of what someone has said or that is so different from another fact or statement that one of them must be wrong”. In classical logic, a contradiction consists of a logical incompatibility between two or more propositions. It occurs ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2mBcFOO

Inspired by the bellicose nature of Modi and Doval, the Indian army chief has threatened to invade Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The unprovoked firing and shelling across the Line of Control and Working Boundary could well be the prelude to starting a limited war, in which it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that Afghan army along with TTP ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2kL3Q4C

The state of rule of law is the hallmark for any developing democratic state. The developed economies worked hard to bring about the rule of law in their countries regardless of the position one held, with zero tolerance in corruption and corrupt practices, there is one law for the high and low. The developing nations are up against many ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2kEA0P2

“Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.” –Howard Zinn   Perhaps the most iconic image of the 20th century, the ‘Tank Man’ has come to represent the struggle of common man against autocratic power. The image was taken during the student led protest in Beijing which took place in the spring of 1989, which ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2md8eK7

North Atlantic haddock use magnetic compass to guide them Study shows that haddock larvae orient toward the northwest More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299243&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Researchers develop thermo-responsive protein hydrogel Research crosses barrier needed to deliver drugs at the cellular level and to engineer tissue More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299244&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Bryce Covert | Longreads | September 2019 | 13 minutes (3,448 words) Yvonne Renee Evans has been a nurse for more than 30 years, and she has spent most of them in the private sector. It was difficult to get ahead. “I put in multiple applications and never got a chance to advance,” she said. “The opportunities might be there, but I was always given a reason.” As a black woman, she wondered if it “could have been a racial issue.” But it was difficult to prove, even when people who had been there for less time or that she had even trained herself were promoted above her. And “they could remove you at any time,” she noted. Once when she managed operating room scheduling at a hospital with a young, white woman, the hospital decided it wanted to downsize the team to one person. Evans was the one removed from the role, demoted to a lower-level position with a pay cut. “I could have fought it, but it wasn’t worth it,” she said. “You pick your battles, and that wasn’t one I chose to pick.” 

Twelve-year-old Mir Hassan Abro died in the arms of his helpless mother last week because the hospital where he went for his treatment had no anti-rabies vaccines available. While Abro’s death is only the latest incident representing the poor state of affairs in Pakistan’s healthcare sector, it is also a stark reminder of the sheer volume of rabies cases which Sindh is afflicted with. The shortage of anti-rabies vaccines continues to compound and further aggravate a problem which could be resolved if the state and the provincial governments ensured that hospitals in Sindh were better equipped to deal with the growing number ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2kw0eTP

“For the first time in my life I began to realize that it is not evil and brutality, but nearly always weakness, that is to blame for the worst things that happen in this world.” –Stefan Zweig   In 1919, the British Indian Army in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, massacred non-violent protesters and pilgrims for Baishakhi. A ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2M7oBkC

Justice, in a constitutional paradigm, forms the bedrock of a free and peaceful society. It is the very virtue that anchors a people to the fundamental rights regime, and extends the fullest promise of democracy to the ‘tired, poor, and huddled masses, yearning to breathe free again’. The guarantor of this justice, and thus the rope ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35bBenw

Serious introspection is warranted by the Muslim Ummah as its inherent weaknesses and the complexities of Realpolitik have literally rendered it irrelevant to issues of geopolitical import, like Palestine and Kashmir. Islam, its only unifying factor, is fast becoming superfluous to the self-serving national interests of some Muslim countries. It ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2M7PRzh

As expected, the outcome of Israel’s second national election was as murky as the first round in April. During the next few weeks, Israeli leaders will be engaged in negotiations to form a government. The double-dealings and the betrayals that will need to occur for them to form a governing coalition will make “House of Cards” ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35bBgvE

Pakistan is going through a transformation phase and is facing many challenges. The regime change from the corrupt mafia to a relatively inexperienced Khan has brought about many new openings and challenges for Pakistan. Pakistan is fighting a long war not on just the territorial front but on the information front. The 5th Generation war is real ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2IinBJa

Syed Abul Ala Maududi (Sep 25, 1903-Sep 22, 1979) was undoubtedly one of the greatest Islamic scholars of 20th century who influenced millions of Muslims across the globe through his writings and religio-political activism. He was a philosopher, jurist, journalist and politician. His numerous works were written in Urdu, but then translated into ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2V6ISuC

The golden words of Martin Luther King aptly sum up our present predicament: “In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”   When Modi did the latest aggression in Occupied Kashmir by changing its status, Pakistan was enraged and expected everyone, especially its friends in the Muslim ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Iinxco

“With a hundred volumes a man may be intellectually rich for life.” –Joseph Dent   Everyman’s Library is known for its aesthetically pleasing volumes of literary works.   Everyman’s Library was founded on 15th February 1906. Joseph Dent, the founder of the publishing house, published fifty volumes. The aim ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2VckA2j

On our September 20, 2019 roundtable episode of the Longreads Podcast , Essays Editor Sari Botton , Head of Audience Catherine Cusick , and Culture Columnist Soraya Roberts share what they’ve been reading and nominate stories for the Weekly Top 5 Longreads .   This week, the editors discuss stories in Inc. , The Cut , and The Baffler . Subscribe and listen now everywhere you get your podcasts. 6:52 “ The Wing Has $118 Million in Funding, Superfans Like Meryl Streep, and Plenty of Skeptics. It’s Just Getting Started . ” ( Christine Lagorio-Chafkine , October 2019, Inc. ) 17:28 “ Who Would I Be Without Instagram? ” ( Tavi Gevinson , September 16, 2019, The Cut ) 26:00  “ Revolution on the Installment Plan .” ( Jessa Crispin , Sept/Oct 2019, The Baffler ) * * * Produced by Longreads and Charts & Leisure .

New Zealand : Selected Issues Published September 21, 2019 at 03:00AM

New Zealand : 2019 Article IV Consultation-Press Release and Staff Report Published September 21, 2019 at 03:00AM

In statecraft, every challenge is an opportunity; bigger the challenge, more fleeting the opportunity. Leaders and nations that seize the moment have much to gain. Lesser ones wither like the sands in time. Right now the challenges and fleeting opportunities for Pakistan are many and Prime Minister Imran Khan has no option but to ‘to be up ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2IiiNUl

Each year the International Day of Peace is celebrated around the world on 21 September to promote the values of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The United Nations adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, realising the fact that it would not be possible to build a peaceful world if steps were not taken to achieve ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/30DkTnY

These days medical college’s admissions process is underway in Pakistan. Almost 150,000 students appeared in government administered medical college entry tests, out of these only 15,000 (10%) lucky students will get admissions in 114 public and private sector medical colleges of Pakistan. It is often said that Pakistan has too many medical ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2IhbCeU

“On general principles, it is best that I should not leave the country. Scotland Yard feels lonely without me, and it causes an unhealthy excitement among the criminal classes.” –Arthur Conan Doyle.   Since last decade of this century, the Metropolitan Police is under crisis of one sort or the other.   Scotland Yard is ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/30DlaHw

The word ‘normalcy’ is the most used and abused term in India today. Never before has this nation been so obsessed with these three syllables. Forty five days after the revocation of Article 370, Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) still remains paralysed, the majority of political leaders are in detention, civil society activists are under scrutiny, and the media has been asked to become the handmaid of the government. Under this backdrop last week, while hearing petitions filed with regards to the situation in Kashmir, the Indian Supreme Court asked the state to “restore normalcy” in the region as soon as possible. ... Read Full Post from The Big Picture – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/351rbkW

Prime Minister Imran Khan while addressing a press conference after inaugurating round the clock facility at Torkham border on Wednesday rightly condemned the Ghotki incident and termed it a conspiracy to sabotage his coming visit to USA and his address to the UN General Assembly. One tends to agree with him considering its timing. At a time when ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/30BFrgR

After the First World War (1914-1918) the Nazi Party was formed in Germany in the year 1920. Adolf Hitler who later became the leader of this political outfit joined in 1921. It was a quasi military outfit that promoted physical fitness of its members. Its popularity increased over the years, finally coming into power in 1933. It led the world in ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Iglkyl

Lately I had tweeted about Indian hackers who are breaking into cyber-data of various institutions and ministries of Middle Eastern countries. They charge heavily from the states sponsoring these cyber breaches and blackmail dignitaries. Indian notorious hackers are on the payroll of Indian Government officials and get their companies registered ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/30yfLBo

Not much has been written about the personal life of Fatima Jinnah but her struggles are well known for she dedicated a big chunk of her life to build Pakistan. Born on July 30, 1893, Fatima Jinnah was a permanent companion, supporter and a sister of the founder of the nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. She spent 28 years of her life with her brother ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2IcybBs

Researchers use machine learning to find out which wildfires will burn out of control New technique could help authorities conduct triage in multiple-blaze scenarios More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299222&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Hope for coral recovery may depend on good parenting Coral equip offspring with beneficial algae to help with rising ocean temperatures More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299220&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Scientists project northward expansion of Valley fever by end of 21st century Climate change expected to accelerate spread of sometimes-fatal fungal infection More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299221&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

“Us Pakistani liberals have long defended India, so much so that it has almost become a reflex, but honestly an India that has sunk into such depths just cannot be defended: dishonest journalism, joke of a secularism, knee-jerk Hindutva reactionism.” Us Pakistani liberals have long defended India, so much so that it has almost become a reflex, but honestly an India that has sunk into such depths just cannot be defended: dishonest journalism, joke of a secularism, knee-jerk Hindutva reactionism. https://t.co/6pyrZW6yMP — Sabahat Zakariya (@sabizak) September 4, 2019 These words are so reflective of the way monumental and rapid changes in India ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/31FhG8Y

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to attend a seminar organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in Islamabad. It was about climate change and, for a change, there were more female than male speakers. They spoke well and so did many participants, too, having ideas for issues to take up at the big manifestation at the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2O8lKdH

Print, electronic and social media are actively reporting the presence of dengue in the capital city of Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi. This is quite a precarious situation and demands immediate attention as far as its control is involved. Heightened concern for dengue is due to the presence of country governance machinery, leadership, and ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/30avg7l

It is said that the Prime Minister’s vision for police reforms is that the police force is: “…politically neutral, operationally autonomous, accountable and oriented towards professionalism, specialised improved service delivery and enhanced community engagement, in line with the international best practice…” Of ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2O8zepS

Scientists have become the bearers of the torch of discovery in our quest for knowledge. –Stephen Hawking   Alexander Fleming, holding a petri dish.   In 1928, Alexander Fleming had discovered the first antibiotic, penicillin, but it took over a decade before penicillin was introduced as a treatment for bacterial infections. This ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/30aEwsf

Republic of Azerbaijan : 2019 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Republic of Azerbaijan Published September 18, 2019 at 09:00AM

Researchers build microscopic biohybrid robots propelled by muscles, nerves Results are one step closer to development of autonomous biobots More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299210&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Extinction of Icelandic walrus coincides with Norse settlement Scientists used ancient DNA to show the past existence of the walrus More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299211&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Wearable motion sensors could save unborn babies Team repurposes smartphone-style motion sensors to reduce stillbirths More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299212&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Satellite data can reveal fire susceptibility in peatlands New algorithm helps better interpret satellite data, better predict risk of fire More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299207&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Using artificial intelligence to track birds' dark-of-night migrations Researchers use artificial intelligence to better understand bird migration data More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299208&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Stretchable wireless sensor could monitor healing of cerebral aneurysms Sensor would be implanted in the blood vessels of the human brain More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299209&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Bangladesh : 2019 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Bangladesh Published September 18, 2019 at 09:00AM

Bangladesh : Selected Issues Published September 18, 2019 at 09:00AM

As many Thai residents say, “Thai jails are only for the poor.” Exhibit A: the 27-year-old socialite named Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, part of the billionaire family who owns the Red Bull beverage empire. In 2012, he mortally wounded police officer Wichean Glanprasert while driving, then he fled the scene. Boss remains free. Glanprasert’s family mourn while wrestling with this accepted double standard. For The Walrus , Martha Mendoza follows the Red Bull family’s trail of shell companies, and Boss’ social media posts, to find   how they not only protect their assets, but how Boss and other Thai elites evade prosecution while protestors and journalists routinely end up in prison for minor offenses. Within weeks of the incident, Boss was back to enjoying his family’s jet-set lifestyle: he flew around the world on private Red Bull jets, cheered the company’s Formula One racing team from Red Bull’s VIP seats, and kept a shiny black Porsche Carrera in London with custom licence plates—B0