Research Work & Projects

“The Pakistan Movement started when the first Muslim put his foot on the soil of Sindh, the Gateway of Islam in India.”–Jinnah Muhammad Bin Qasim is a central figure in the history of Pakistan, invoked by the leaders of Pakistan Movement in the past and still quoted as the first Pakistani in our national curriculums today. The ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2ZDx31p

The combined opposition parties are demanding fresh elections. Unless the ground rules are worked out it may prove to be an exercise in futility. In the checkered political history of Pakistan only free, fair and indisputable electoral exercise speaks for itself. By most counts the ballot in 1970 was free and fair but it resulted in the break-up ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/39uz5Fy

Dissenting voices are the beauty of a civilized society; these must not be curbed but be borne with utter patience and courage. These are natural harbinger of an inevitable change. Dissenting voices make a positive mind endeavour to make his conscience alive to the truth of these facts. Lament to the intakes of those who feel the voice of ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2QdwvMn

According to World Bank Gender Data Portal for 2018, in Pakistan, 72.7 women are linked with agriculture sector, while 14.1% are attached to industry, 13.2 with services, and 25.1 are wage and salaried workers. In conservative patriarchal Pakistani society, the employed status of women can be perceived as a two-edge sword, where on one side, ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35hOJAB

Chemists find path to 'new blue' in meteorite minerals Blue pigment discoverer makes key design advance for future durable, vivid pigments More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299761&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

The doctrine of necessity was shown the light of day by two English jurists named William Blackstone (1773-1868) and Henry de Bracton (1210-1268). The doctrine pertains to the principle of making lawful by necessity that which is otherwise unlawful. Hence, allowing the state to legitimately act in ways that would otherwise be illegal and unconstitutional. While the doctrine remains unimplemented in England, which successfully recognised Blackstone’s celebration of the common law of England as glorifying the past, the government and the judiciary of Pakistan have repeatedly hidden behind this doctrine when abusing the longstanding principle of separation of powers. One would ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2Q9M8EC

There were many question marks surrounding Narendra Modi when he was making a bid to become prime minister of India back in 2014. Would he be able to devote his attention towards the development of the country? Would his slogan ‘sabka saath sabka vikas’ (together with all and development for all) translate into a reality? At the time, many went against their instincts and voted for him, confident that his past would not hinder the construction of a new beginning in Delhi. But few could have foreseen the dark turn the Modi regime would take in the years to come. Sometimes our worst fears really become a reality, and India today ... Read Full Post from The Big Picture – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2QechlC

Heavy reliance on computers and the internet has altered the life of a common man in a number of ways. It is perceived that the world which is apparently so large has dwindled to a number of devices and gadgets. The use of technology is a common practice as from communicating through e-mail to carrying out transactions electronically, going to ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/39o1Fbv

Bengal famine was result of Britain’s greed for profits.   Britain recognise Winston Churchill one of the finest leader the country has ever seen. But Britain’s Indian colony rightly remembers him as one of the worst leader who was in charge of their affairs. People should not get a shock. His statement quoted above is more than ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2ZAqHjk

China’s BRI-CPEC initiatives are well on their way to fruition. The CPEC that passes through Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), a region with Pakistan, is the flagship project of the BRI. Its success will signify a win-win model for all those who sign up to the BRI. CPEC’s failure, on the other hand, will dent China’s regional and global ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2ZHORsi

We had the distinguished honor to host his Excellency, the youngest vice president in the history of the European Parliament, Mr. Fabio Massimo Castaldo, a true democrat, champion of human rights and a friend of Pakistan. He is one of those young and vibrant political leaders who make their presence felt through their warmth and political ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/367i569

Philippines : Technical Assistance Report-Monetary and Financial Statistics Mission Published December 30, 2019 at 10:00AM

Burkina Faso : Third Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement-Press Release; and Staff Report Published December 30, 2019 at 10:00AM

Armenia : First Review under the Stand-By Arrangement-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Armenia Published December 26, 2019 at 10:00AM

Pakistan does not have an illustrious track record of managing successful social protection programmes. Most of the initiatives have historically been conceived, and financed, by bilateral and multilateral international donors and can therefore, at times, be void of any connection with Pakistan’s ground realities and the actual needs of the masses. If ever an organic social protection programme is initiated, it is often cut short by changes in the government and the subsequent petty politics. The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), however, is unique in that not only is it a local initiative, but it has also stood the ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2tdc3Co

People's Republic of China-Hong Kong Special Administrative Region : 2019 Article IV Consultation Discussions-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Statement and Statement by the Executive Director for the People's Republic of China-Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Published December 26, 2019 at 10:00AM

“I was reading the dictionary. I thought it was a poem about everything.”–Steven Wright This is an image of the first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary.   A dictionary helps us to understand a language in a way that no other book can. It is a collection of words in one or more languages. A dictionary defines a ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2tVUW8q

It is dangerous to speak straight since the times of Aristotle and even earlier. Conversely, availability of social, electronic, print and web media has made it easy to express their opinion by writers, at times with incomplete information and even at the cost of reputation of the others. It becomes even more convenient if it is committed under ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3559yPF

All young people should bear the responsibility for going through military or community service. In this age, it is very important for the young generation to be involved in such services as it develops a sense of nationalism within them, makes them realise that they have to do something for their country and everyone living in it. At the same ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2taoH5h

It is a common practice in western countries to set resolutions for the upcoming year. This practice is seeping into our part of the world as well. Setting a resolution is sort of taking a pledge or recommitment of a person to change an undesired attribute or conduct and to carry out a goal of improving one’s life. With the new year of 2020 ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2F5emtY

“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.”–William Wordsworth Iqbal Bano was born on this day in 1938 in Delhi, British India. Bano studied with Ustad Chand Khan, a master of classical Indian vocals, and began singing on All India Radio as a teenager. ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Q3omKy

The New Year, from an astronomical perspective, is a logical fallacy. For all intents and purposes, it is just one random point in space – and each time the Earth cross that point in space (relative to the sun), we celebrate the beginning of another calendar year.This year, the New Year is more significant. It also marks the end of a decade ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3545Yp5

As NRC and CAA was applied in Assam and entire India respectively, Indian Muslims have now started feeling the heat of Hindutva agenda. This fire started by Modi in 2002 in Gujarat anti-Muslim massacre is now engulfing entire India.A BBC report of 2011 had identified that senior police officers in India had openly stated in the Supreme Court that ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/39lddMP

Kashmir, the most underrated of all global crises, is fast becoming the hub of conflicting geopolitical, geostrategic and geo-economic interests of global powers as they manoeuvre to gain advantageous positions in Asia. The national interests of three nuclear powers clash directly here making it the most critical and sensitive of all possible ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2QpvnUW

While the gender disparity which plagues Pakistan is by no means undocumented, perhaps the true extent of this gulf escapes us on a daily basis. The disparity becomes particularity stark when it is placed in a global context, as illustrated in the recently released report by the World Economic Forum titled the ‘Global Gender Gap Index 2018.’ According to the report, Pakistan is the second-worst country in the world when it comes to gender disparity, a title which should make it apparent that drastic reforms are needed in the country if we truly wish to become a nation which provides ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2SyI02Q

“You can imprison a man but not an idea. You can exile a man, but not an idea. You can kill a man, but not an idea.” Benazir Bhutto Few people in the world leave behind incredible legacies which are remembered for decades and even centuries. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is listed among those personalities whose national and ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/350Zd7E

On Wednesday 25th December the nation on celebrated birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the man who fought against all odds and severest opposition to the division of the sub-continent into two states and created our beloved Pakistan. He had a vision about the future of the country and the challenges that it had to surmount to make Pakistan ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2t9ztbE

My brothers, sisters. Bilawals, Bakhtawars and Asifas of Pakistan, Assalam o Alaikum, You the Pakistani people have been my first and last love since the day first: When the world was still to be born When Adam was still to receive his form Then my relationship began When I heard the Lord’s voiceA voice sweet and clearI said ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2rDAU1W

“Oppressive language does more than represent violence; it is violence, does more than represent the limits of knowledge; it limits knowledge.” –Toni Morrison   Born in Ohio in 1931, Toni Morrison was an American novelist, essayist, editor and Professor whose works creatively, compassionately, intelligently stretched the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/363AkJB

Giant magnetic ropes seen in Whale Galaxy's halo Picture helps answer important questions about how galaxies acquire magnetic fields More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299757&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Chad : Fifth Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Supplement; and Statement by the Executive Director for Chad Published December 27, 2019 at 10:00AM

Turkey : Selected Issues Published December 26, 2019 at 10:00AM

Turkey : 2019 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Turkey Published December 26, 2019 at 10:00AM

Benin : Fifth Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement, Request for Extension, and Request for Modification of Performance Criteria-Press Release; and Staff Report Published December 26, 2019 at 10:00AM

As Pakistan continues to grapple with the climate crisis, it is increasingly important that we as a nation turn our sights towards the future. As environmental lawyer Sara Hayat informed me, “Planting trees has huge benefits for the soil, air pollution, livelihoods of people. However, the tree tsunami must be supplemented by policy measures that curb global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the source. Carbon sinks are useless if no mitigation measures are being prioritised. Furthermore, Pakistan has the highest deforestation rate in the world per a Lahore High Court judgment. Don’t plant trees if you’re going to keep cutting them ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2QpgKRt

Cambodia : 2019 Article IV Consultation; Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Cambodia Published December 27, 2019 at 03:00AM

In December 2019, as we mark the twelfth death anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the essence of her principles and ideals have been etched into our collective memories just like the memory of our favourite fragrance. Once you experience it, it becomes a part of your memory forever. December is also the same month when thirty years ago, ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Mx09dh

Journey of democracy in Pakistan has never been smooth. Turmoil and tremors have been the hall mark of Pakistani politics causing ripples of uncertainty, fear of political extinction and a continued fight for an uninterrupted democratic process. Few political parties could hold substantial ground to stay relevant in all seasons of politics like ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34UnVpX

I recollect the type of persecution of PPP and its sympathisers faced in Pakistan. Along with many I was also arrested when I declined to be an approver against Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto & Asif Ali Zardari. I remember this ordeal of getting my judicial remand without producing me for a single time before any court to avoid my appearance ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3521MpQ

Microbes are at work in our bodies, and researchers have figured out what they're up to Algorithm deciphers human microbiome's workings More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299754&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

In my previous articles I have deliberated upon the various aspects which define an effective e-commerce policy and have also discussed the strategies which can be used in order to encourage micro to small to medium enterprises (MSMEs) to sell their products internationally using digital channels, similar to the manner in which they sell locally. The three main components of the e-commerce framework, namely marketing, payments and logistics, are each important factors. However, since marketing and payments have been digitised to a great extent, the logistics and supply chain scenario is where the online world actually touches base with the offline world. ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2Mvjqfa

“A hero is a selfless generous spirit who just tries to give back as much as possible, saves people and deeply cares”   The 26th Day of November marks the death anniversary of a gallant leader Mr Rafi Butt who dedicated all his wealth and faculties for furtherance of the cause of Muslims of the sub-continent.  His memory is a ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/39aETUs

Calling December 4, 1971, as a “decisive naval action by the Indian naval ships on Karachi Port”, which the Indian navy believes “heralded the victory of India over Pakistan” could merely be a sardonic claim. Indian navy’s Vidyut Class missile boats, Nipat, Nirghat and Veer armed with the ex-Soviet SSN-2B anti-ship ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2t3zY74

Today, just as the Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday anniversary have been celebrated, I shall reflect on some serious issues, notably faith and moral issues in our time. Not that the birthday celebrations are not serious, but we can also reflect on lighter issues, such as if the actual birthday of Jesus, Issa, really ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34XKp9N

“To resolve all Indian problems and especially Hindu-Muslim differences on purely religious basis cannot produce any permanent path to salvation.” –Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi   Born in 1872 in Sialkot, Ubaidullah Sindhi was a prominent Islamic leader and activist of the Indian Independence Movement. Converting to Islam at the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2EPmEGj

“[Qawwali] is samaa and you cannot participate in it without adhering to its adaab.” –Farid Ayaz   The leading duo: Qawwal Farid Ayaz and Abu Muhmmad   Qawwali is one of the many genres of sub-continental music. The roots of Qawwali are traced back to thirteen century. And the art of Qawwali is credited to Ameer ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2Qfgnc8

“Think a hundred times before you take a decision, but once the decision is taken, stand by it as one man”, these were the words of the great man who carved out Pakistan from the map of the world. His commitment, integrity and discipline still form the foundation of our nation and its path towards glory. As our challenges grow tougher ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2Zkvt4a

The quality and nature of humour and comedy is a yardstick to determine the sensibility and maturity of a nation. A nation’s wit is reflected in its literature, media, films, and performing arts. Sadly, the quality and subtlety of humour in our society have undergone a steep degeneration. Instead of laughing on our failings, we now entertain ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2Sp2gnt

As the year draws to a close, 2019 for Pakistan has been a turbulent year by any stretch of the imagination. Polarization in the society has increased, institutions that matter in keeping the national governance structure intact appear to be at odds with each other, intolerance, temper and frustration in the society is at a boil, and last but not ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2EN9mdr

Carey Gillam | Whitewash   | Island Press | October 2017 | 21 minutes (4,832 words)   American farmland has long been the largest market for genetically engineered seeds and the glyphosate herbicides used on them, but the United States is by no means the only country to have adopted the new technology with open arms. Farmers in Argentina started using genetically engineered seeds about the same time farmers in the United States did, after regulators in Argentina approved Monsanto Company’s Roundup Ready soybeans in 1996. Soy production soared over the next decade as farmers who previously had been tending to grass-fed cattle, growing rice and potatoes, or running dairy farms shifted their focus to growing soybeans. Many farmers plowed up pastures to become part of what was billed as a biotech revolution. Because the beans tolerated direct sprays of glyphosate herbicide, controlling weeds was easier than ever, and, like the Americans, Argentine farmers quickly became eager buyers of

Suriname : 2019 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; Informational Annex; and Statement by the Executive Director for Suriname Published December 23, 2019 at 10:00AM

Suriname : Selected Issues Published December 23, 2019 at 10:00AM

Gabon : Selected Issues Published December 23, 2019 at 10:00AM

It is hardly a secret that in the prevalent international system, countries are primarily engaged in promoting their national interests in competition with one another. What, however, is not generally recognised is the reality that in the modern world, the capacity of a country to maximise its national interests is determined to a large extent by ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Zlo84h

The Special Court verdict on the treason of Ex-President Pervez Musharraf has opened a can of stinking worms. Perhaps these worms can best be described as upstarts of opportunity. The first lesson and abject reality are that in the highest echelons of politics in Pakistan, loyalties and allegiances can be switched for personal gains. In the past ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35Sqn1I

Whimsical violation of constitution has been defined as serious crime entailing death punishment to the adventurist. Since the creation of Pakistan constitution has been taken just a doll in the hands of an angry baby, to throw it or pick as and when liked. 1973 constitution of Pakistan is a unanimously devised document by all parties in the then ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35VgLTG

“Our dead never forget the beautiful world that gave them being. They still love its winding rivers, its great mountains and its sequestered vales, and they ever yearn in tenderest affection over the lonely hearted living and often return to visit and comfort them.” –Chief of Seattle, 1854   “Old Chief Seattle was the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2ZhqyRL

Democratic Republic of the Congo : Staff-Monitored Program and Request for Disbursement Under the Rapid Credit Facility; Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Democratic Republic of the Congo Published December 23, 2019 at 10:00AM

Seychelles : Fourth Review Under the Policy Coordination Instrument and Request for Modification of Targets Published December 23, 2019 at 10:00AM

India : 2019 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Statement and Statement by the Executive Director for India Published December 23, 2019 at 10:00AM

Gabon : 2019 Article IV Consultation, Fourth and Fifth Reviews under the Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility, and Request for Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria, and Rephasing of the Remaining Purchases; Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director Published December 23, 2019 at 10:00AM

Detecting solar flares in real time New machine learning tool can improve space weather forecasts More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299753&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Pakistan : First Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility and Request for Modification of Performance Criteria-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Pakistan Published December 23, 2019 at 08:00PM

Junaid Hafeez, a university lecturer accused of blasphemy, has been sentenced to death by a district and sessions court in Multan. While the verdict has left me deeply disturbed, it is, unfortunately, hardly surprising. Why? Because this is something which has become a routine in such cases. It appears that the blasphemy law has essentially rendered the entire legal structure completely helpless. Nothing demonstrates our collective cowardice and moral depravity better than the manner in which the blasphemy law continues to be implemented in Pakistan. My mind goes back to one of the first high profile blasphemy cases in 1993, when three Christians, ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2EIfvrh

The Grand National Assembly of modern Turkey abolished the sultanate in 1923 and the institution of the caliphate in 1924. Allama Muhammad Iqbal in his classic “The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam” endorsed the move and declared the Parliamentary form of government entirely in harmony with the spirit of Islam. Iqbal ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2EMsJDs

“Muslims who are opposing Pakistan will spend rest of their lives proving loyalty to India,” Jinnah once said in 1945. They are resounding too loud after the Indian parliament passed the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019. This bill provides a path to Indian citizenship only for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2SoL2ql

No society can progress if it does not have order. Many things contribute towards the sustenance of order in society but the three that eat it up the most are — unequal distribution of power, weak institutions, and the failure and helplessness of the order itself to adjust when the circumstances change. Obviously order never adjusts itself ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2ZcFFMe

“In the end, the women can be very rebellious, and very capable and all of that, but if she depends on a man economically, she has few possibilities.” –Subcomandante Marcos   On this day, 22 December 1997, 45 indigenous people who were supporters of the Zapatista rebel movement in Chiapas, Mexico were massacred by ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2PPFi6Y

To put something into black and white often refers to the process of penning it down, of putting it to ink, of formalising and concretising it. Perhaps never, until last week, was it used to describe a brawl between two collectives of individuals from seemingly esteemed professions. Years ago, my grandfather passed on in the Intensive Care Unit of ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/395aw1B

At the very moment that the US Congress was voting to impeach him, Donald Trump was having the time of his life haranguing the crowd at Michigan campaign rally. He denounced Congress, ridiculed or demonized his Democratic rivals, boasted of his “many victories,” and appeared to feed off of the energy of his cheering fans. Even with his ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2rlEpKe

Weeks ago, the university students appeared at the city squares of Pakistan to raise their concerns. Clad in red, they were chanting in rhythmic notes the chunks from the poems of rebel poets whose poetry disseminates the message of revolution. The posture of the students amazed many. Some called them socialists, while others termed them ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Zjqktd

“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/2PJXu1W

“The wheelchairs are locked!” exclaimed one of the employees of Quetta’s dilapidated Civil Hospital as my ailing grandmother desperately waited in the car parked outside the medical superintendent’s (MS) office at the hospital. In a state of panic, we started running in search of a wheelchair or a stretcher so that we could take her to the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) ward but we failed to locate either. When we tried to reason with the employee again, he lamented that the staff is forced put everything under lock and key since people end up taking wheel chairs home with them. I ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2PLzfR9

The flawed gains-and-losses calculus of Imran Khan’s PTI government recently produced what may well be the most aberrational and peculiar foreign policy decision by any country this year. Imran cancelled his attendance of the Kuala Lumpur Summit (which he himself reportedly jointly proposed with Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Mahathir bin Mohamad months ago) after visiting Saudi Arabia – who along with key allies shunned the event – and asking for a $5 billion rollover loan. Regardless of erratic attempts by some to use Mahathir’s politically-correct ‘assurances’ that the Summit was not meant to ‘compete’ with rival powers to downplay the capitulation to the Saudis by ... Read Full Post from The Big Picture – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2sceIMm

Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) : Staff Report on the Common Policies in Support of Member Countries Reform Programs-Press Release, Staff Report, and Statement by the Executive Director Published December 20, 2019 at 10:00AM

Republic of Equatorial Guinea : Request for an Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility and Second Review Under the Staff-Monitored Program-Press Release, Staff Report, and Statement by the Executive Director Published December 20, 2019 at 10:00AM

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan : Staff Report for the 2019 Article IV Consultation and the Sixth Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Published December 20, 2019 at 10:00AM

Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) passed by the Indian parliament has not only sparked violent demonstrations against it in the North-Eastern states of the country leading to the death of six protestors so far but the legislation has also drawn flak both within India as well at the international level. The Indian intellectuals and legal community ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2EHiNeq

As Democrats dominated House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump a few days before Christmas, the division within US polity has intensified. Even the voting pattern was partisan and showed that Republicans and Democrats congressmen taking clear sides and stance. We had argued in our previous deliberations that Trump’s style of ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2ZaxOyu

Soon after the death of the Abbasid Caliph Harun-ar-Rasheed, his sons Amin and Mam’ un vied for the greater political authority. Backed up by the bureaucratic class, Amin wielded political clout and stamped his authority over a vast territory of the Abbasid Empire. Mam’ un was only the governor of Khurasan but enjoyed a respected ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2PG1xMJ

“To a mankind that recognizes the equality of man everywhere, every war becomes a civil war.” Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy   A cinematic recreation of Luis Carrero Blanco’s assassination.   On this day, 20 December 1973, Spanish fascist Prime Minister who was hand-picked as Franco’s successor Luis Carrero Blanco was ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2EDkitX

Ecuador : Second and Third Reviews Under The Extended Fund Facility Arrangement and Request for a Waiver of Nonobservance and Modifications of Performance Criteria-Press Release and Staff Report Published December 20, 2019 at 10:00AM

Study analyzing cells' blueprints reveals new patterns in the global distribution and diversity of ocean microbes Results underscore microbial individuality More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299747&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan : Technical Assistance Report-Report on Government Finance Statistics Technical Assistance Mission (October 18-31, 2018) Published December 20, 2019 at 10:00AM

Liberia : Request for a Four-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Statement; and Statement by the Executive Director for Liberia Published December 20, 2019 at 10:00AM

Honduras : First Reviews Under the Stand-By Arrangement and the Arrangement Under the Standby Credit Facility, and Request for Modification of Performance Criteria-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Honduras Published December 20, 2019 at 10:00AM

In this week’s episode of the Longreads Podcast , the last editors’ roundtable of 2019,  Head of Audience  Catherine Cusick , Head of Fact-Checking Matt Giles , and writer Nick Chrastil share what they’ve been reading and working on.   Subscribe and listen now everywhere you get your podcasts. 1:01 “ Your Honor, Can I Tell The Whole Story? ” (Nick Chrastil, December 2019, The Atavist and The Lens ) 8:15  “ Your Judge Is Your Destiny ” (Gabriel Thompson, July 2019, Topic ) 19:36 “ Inside Wayne LaPierre’s Battle for the N.R.A. ” ( Danny Hakim , December 18, 2019, The New York Times Magazine ) * * * Produced by Longreads and Charts & Leisure .

In April 2019, the media reported that there was a sudden rise in cases pertaining to human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) amongst the children of Rato Dero a small town in the backward province of Sindh. Unfortunately, this was only the tip of the iceberg.  During the next four months, a total of 30,192 people were screened for HIV, using WHO certified testing kits out of which 876 were found to be positive for HIV. Over 82% of those who tested positive were children. Dr Assai Ardakani, WHO Representative to Pakistan, speaking at an HIV awareness seminar, stated that over 85% ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/34DqGvL

“The presence of SAVAK as a very fearful force was almost everywhere, and everyone believed that ok, any dissent, any opposition, legal or otherwise would not be tolerated by SAVAK and the people would be arrested and would be tortured. That was the general perception.”–Nasser Hadian-Iranian Political Scientist Armed ... from Columns News https://ift.tt/2SaVEsI

The lawyer’s attack on Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) and the subsequent support from many big wigs of the legal fraternity should not shock those who are not lawyers and condemning the raid in worst tones. A layman on the street is profoundly perplexed as to why the legal community is still unapologetic and calls for the release of ... from Columns News https://ift.tt/2MeoTqK

According to article 26 of the human rights declaration, education is the fundamental right of every human on earth. The article further states that every state should strive to provide free and easily accessible education to its citizens. In the modern, globalized world, education has emerged as a potent tool to cultivate a modern, peaceful and ... from Columns News https://ift.tt/2Sbt7TC

It is the week before Christmas. Let me refer to the famous poem, ‘It was the Night before Christmas’, which was first published anonymously in 1823. And a few years later, Clement Clark More claimed its authorship. It had great impact in America and beyond as regards the tradition of giving Christmas gifts. The story in the poem is ... from Columns News https://ift.tt/35K9pCw

Tiny magnetic particles enable new material to bend, twist and grab Material combines strengths of individual components for a single system capable of rapid shape changes More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=299742&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Iceland : 2019 Article IV Consultation-Press Release and Staff Report Published December 20, 2019 at 01:00AM

Iceland : Selected Issues Published December 20, 2019 at 01:00AM

Zambia : Technical Assistance Report-Report on External Sector Statistics Mission Published December 19, 2019 at 10:00AM

Republic of Serbia : Third Review under the Policy Coordination Instrument-Press Release; and Staff Report Published December 19, 2019 at 10:00AM

Vietnam : Technical Assistance Report-Report on the National Accounts Mission Published December 19, 2019 at 10:00AM

By 2050, 5.7 billion people could be living in areas with severe water scarcity at least a month a year – that means almost six out of 10 people could be suffering from water shortages. This alarming report by the United Nations, presented last year, led to some much needed dialogue among world leaders. However, it has resulted in little change, and a nuanced discussion about water scarcity is often marred by the prevalence of certain myths regarding the water crisis in Pakistan, and around the world. For instance, many in Pakistan believe that desalination is the ultimate remedy which will cure water shortages ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/34Fz3Hc

Angola : Second Review of the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Requests for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria, Modifications of Performance Criteria, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Angola Published December 19, 2019 at 04:00PM

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” –Desmond Tutu   Steve Biko sharing a light moment with Mamphela Ramphele, circa 1970.   Bantu Stephen Biko, widely known as Steve Biko was born on Dec. 18, 1946, in King William’s Town, South Africa. Biko was the founder ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2s0Iy6z

The sole objective of the continuous curfew in Kashmir is to kill Kashmiris hunger, thirst, house arrest and diseases instead of killing them with ammunition. This way, the Indian government will not disturb the world’s conscience. People will not be allowed to bring the dead bodies of their relatives out of their houses. They will be ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2txNpww

December 11, 2019, was the worst day than September 11, 2001. On that day, a tertiary care cardiac centre more sacred than Pentagon and World Trade Centre was attacked in Lahore by the civilised “Homicidists” indiscriminately. They were in no mood of sparing the mechanised life-dependent helpless critical patients, the innocent ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2PAQJj3

It is a hard fact that countries grow and emerge as economic powers only if they use their resources intelligently and draw long terms planning to increase their production& watch over their earnings and spending. Economically developed countries formulate their foreign policies without any alien influence and the leadership strategies to ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2tyRIYr

Republic of Georgia : Fifth Review Under the Extended Arrangement, Requests for Waivers of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria, Modification of Performance Criteria, and an Extension of the Arrangement and Rephasing of Access-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Georgia Published December 18, 2019 at 10:00AM

Cote d'Ivoire : Sixth Reviews Under the Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility and the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, and Request for Extension and Augmentation of Access; Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Supplement; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Cote d’Ivoire Published December 18, 2019 at 10:00AM

Ghana : Selected Issues Paper Published December 18, 2019 at 10:00AM

Barbados : 2019 Article IV Consultation, Second Review Under the Extended Arrangement, Request for Completion of the Financing Assurances Review, and Modification of Performance Criteria-Press Releases; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Barbados Published December 18, 2019 at 10:00AM

Ghana : 2019 Article IV Consultation; Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Ghana Published December 18, 2019 at 10:00AM

If you’ve ever been to an airport in Pakistan, you have probably come across a security official gingerly walking past your car with an antenna-equipped device. This device is supposedly a state-of-the-art bomb detector named ‘Khoji’, which is being manufactured by our very own Airport Security Force (ASF). Theoretically, the antenna of the bomb detector should swivel towards your car if you’ve decided to greet your incoming family member or loved one with a garland of grenades instead of flowers. In simple terms, the antenna is supposed to swing towards any object that contains explosives. Or so we are told. Unfortunately, ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/35LmEmg

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 behind establishing Everyman’s Library was satisfying “aesthetic pleasure” of the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34twoAh

Nearly 60 percent of the world conflicts are in Muslims countries, whether through direct confrontation or as a playground for proxy warfare. Examples range from Syria, Yemen and Iraq in the Middle East to Nigeria and Somalia in Africa to Kashmir in South Asia. Recently, Prime Minister Imran Khan declined to attend the Kuala Lumpur summit- the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2EucDxX

Either one calls it the ‘Land of Fire’ or ‘Pearl of Caucasus’, words cannot comprehend even a sense of Azerbaijan. Magnificently amalgamated with Eastern colours with the Western progress, Azerbaijan maintains its unique nature, alluring culture, uncommon history, mesmerizing traditions, fine cuisine and distinctive ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/36NgFxK

There is no greater fall than that of the Fall of Dacca as for as Pakistan is concerned. There is not the greatest surrender before the enemy in the history of the Muslim Ummah than the one that took place at the Paltan Maidan in Dacca, which is now spelled as Dhaka, on December 16, 1971 when the largest ever number of 90 thousand officers and ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/38JE0lH

The Indian government has encouraged the creation of Micro to Small to Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in order to increase exports. The list of products that the Indian government has compiled recently for the MSMEs to consider and potentially engage trading in, is quite extensive. In a similar effort, a list of products has been compiled by our Ministry of Commerce. This article seeks to highlight the importance of choosing an appropriate product to export as well as gaining the initial set of customers for the relevant product. Firstly, it is important to pay attention to a pattern that I was ... Read Full Post from Welcome to Pakistan – The Express Tribune Blog https://ift.tt/2PXWC8M

The idea of state as a family was foundational to Rousseau’s conception of state governance, in which the parents’ were to act as the guardian of the family members. Stretching the interconnection of the family and the state, one has to consider the responsibility of the state when its members collide and clash with one another. A ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Pt915S

In wake of recent political and diplomatic developments at international level, it has been realised that we need to put our house in order to stand up to international pressure and arm-twisting, and tell the World that ours is the state most affected by ‘Global War on Terrorism’. Well, better late than never. However, it would have ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2M30ELV

Black and white coats represent two noble, educated, and esteemed professional communities in Pakistan. The former is considered to be the protagonist of the rule of law and citizens’ fundamental rights while the latter is looked upon as a saviour of lives and messiah. Indeed, the wearers of both coats should conform to the very concept of ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35vaHB4

“Each injustice has to be fought against, even if it’s only in one’s heart – and I did fight.” –Pramoedya Ananta Toer   Pram photographed in his Jakarta home. Even after his release from prison, he was kept under house arrest.   Pramoedya Ananta Toer was born on Feburary 6, 1925, in the Javanese town ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2EpoVaX