Research Work & Projects

Some time ago, I read a detailed piece by Professor Charles King, who had analysed a forecast by Andrei Alekseevich Amalrik (best known in the Western world for his essay ‘Will the Soviet Union Survive Until 1984?’, published in 1970. The book predicts the country’s eventual breakup under the weight of social and ethnic ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3mHbaIQ

When democratic rule returned in 2008, there was a fear that the period, given the challenges, will be short-lived. Crises—political, strategic and security-related—found it hard to undo the newly reclaimed democratic space. Critics credited the political leadership—under President Zardari—for completion of a successful ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3mDS4TQ

This week, Ayaz Sadiq, former Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly and a Nawaz Sharif loyalist, made an unsolicited statement on the floor of the Parliament, concerning his version of what happened between India and Pakistan in February of 2019. Speaking in response to a speech by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the former Speaker ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2HJcWug

“I go through my day remembering things like telephone cords.”–Bruce Eric Kaplan Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray, both independently designed devices that could transmit speech electronically. Bell reached patent office mere hours before Gray. Thus he won the battle over the invention of the telephone as his patent ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34HMsBP

Cambodia : Technical Assistance Report-Government Finance Statistics Published October 29, 2020 at 09:00AM

Peaceful co-existence and cooperation among states having geographical proximity is undoubtedly the best propeller of their economic well-being and security. The emergence of the EU in the Post World War-II period that transformed hostility into an impregnable bonhomie as well as economic and political cooperation is quintessential of this ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2TFJbwo

It was around midnight November 23/24, 1971 when the four of us landed at Karachi on our way to Colombo and onward to the erstwhile East Pakistan. We had about eight hours in Karachi. The options were many from the cabaret at the Metropole to a walk on the beach. The serenity of the sojourn led us to the mausoleum of the Baba, Quaid e Azam ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2TAKFbB

The nation takes its place in the world with good performance coupled with high integrity. As of now, the Chinese say that big walls are not protectors; instead, the national character with loyalty to the nation is the real national protector in all odd situations including in blocking the criminal activities through rule of law. Integrity and a ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2HNHJWv

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.”–Franklin D Roosevelt Franklin D Roosevelt’s second inaugural address and second term as President in 1937 was an opportunity in which he out lined a continuation of his ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3kHGjLt

Microbial diversity below the seafloor is as rich as on Earth's surface For the first time, researchers have mapped the biological diversity in marine sediment More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301541&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Species lost deep in the Amazon rainforest Researchers notice that some previously observed birds have become difficult to find More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301537&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Coastal permafrost more susceptible to climate change than previously thought Finding suggests that carbon can be released more easily More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301538&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is blessed with an extraordinary landscape, immense natural resources, vibrant manpower and a profoundly consequential location. It is situated at the confluence of the three Asias—west, central and south—as well as the three mighty Asian mountain ranges; the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalayas. ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2JaKmlz

In the last two years, I have seen a movement emerging in the younger generation; a movement of self-awareness, a desire to process their life and make different life choices to facilitate their self-growth. These choices are not in terms of professional and personal choices but more to do with their implicit process like learning to say no or ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34CvrJd

Today, I shall again write about the Nobel Peace Prize, as I also did last week and the week before, noting that this year’s winner is the World Food Programme (WFP). I shall present some formal aspects regarding the prize and those who award it, and discuss how correct and fair the awarding has been.The Nobel Peace Prize is a very ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2TAzW0y

“Pity the nation that welcomes its new ruler with trumpeting, and farewells him with hooting, only to welcome another with trumpeting again.”–Khalil Gibran Khalil Gibran’s The Garden of the Prophet was published posthumously. Gibran thought of this book as a companion piece to The Prophet. The book is Almustafa’s ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/37Ppxq5

Inflation is an issue which is gripping Pakistani public today and questions are being asked on how come in just 2 years the food essentials almost rose by between 100 percent to 115 percent—June ’18 over September ’18: Sugar about 110 percent, flour 114 percent, lentils at more than 200 percent and cooking oil around 37 percent? ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/31NSIWS

Climate change is the long-term shift in average weather patterns across the world. The human-led manipulation of natural processes and services over the past two centuries has now started to infuriate nature, which is angry enough to unleash its counterattack on human civilisation with its most impotent and lethal weapon: climate change. Climate ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34zdPOn

Eight months have passed since the first case of coronavirus reported in Pakistan. On June 12 we had 6825 cases, the maximum reported in 24 hours. Daily cases afterwards declined; reached three digits by 31 July and declined further to 196 cases by 10 September. This was the time when schools/colleges/universities started opening as well as ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/31Kjv6o

“An erosion of self-esteem is one of the commonest symptoms of dispossession. It doesn’t occur only at the naïve level ... even more troubling is when it comes in the company of sophistication & learning.”— Chinua Achebe, Home & Exile Liang Qichao can be arguably considered as the foremost intellectual leader ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3oAHWgj

Lost and found: Geologists 'resurrect' missing tectonic plate Researchers locate long-debated plate in Canada using 3D mapping technology More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301516&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Cicada-inspired waterproof surfaces closer to reality, researchers report Scientists reproduce the nanostructures that help cicada wings repel water More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301512&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Innovation spins spider web architecture into 3D imaging technology Spider webs provide mechanical adaptability and damage-tolerance More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301513&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Unexpected wildfire emissions impact air quality worldwide Researchers complete first global survey of nitrous acid in wildfire plumes More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301514&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Although October 27, is commemorated every year as a Black Day by Pakistanis and Kashmiris dwelling on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and all over the world as a protest against Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOK) on October 27, 1947, yet the dispute remains alive owing to the war of liberation which continues unabated by the ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/31JVSeh

October 27 is the darkest day in the history of Kashmir. Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), in Pakistan and around the world as well as all the human rights organisations here, there and everywhere observe October 27 every year like this year as the blackest day of their history. It was on this day, back in 1947, India had ... from Regional News https://ift.tt/2HE49Jk

As a nation, we are going under unending confusion and have polarised opinions on our national issues. We get carried away without getting into the depth of matters. We have been suffering for the last 70 years between democracy and dictatorship. We are neither happy with democracy nor with dictatorship. We fight for democracy when we are under ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3dXXiGS

Suddenly the stealing of votes is being highlighted by the same individuals who were selected, trained and then launched for this very purpose. Historically speaking, the ‘Sarkari Leagues’ or the ‘Kings Parties’ were created for this purpose. As a Muslim League child, I have closely watched this day time robbery which has ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2HC8ixX

October 27 marks the beginning of Indian Occupation of the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is forever scarred in the collective minds of the Kashmiri people as the day they became occupied.The Kashmir conflict began in 1846 with the illegal, immoral and inhumane sale of the historic state of Jammu and Kashmir to a non-Kashmiri Dogra ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Ttlac4

“If one really wishes to know how justice is administered in a country … one goes to the unprotected – those, precisely, who need the law’s protection most! – and listens to their testimony ... ask the wretched how they fare in the halls of justice, and then you will know, not whether or not the country is just, but ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2HFWKcS

How'd we get so choosy about friendships late in life? Ask the chimps Nonhuman animals select whom they socialize with during aging More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301505&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Declines in shellfish species on rocky seashores match climate-driven changes Two decades of data document a dwindling of mussels, barnacles and snails More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301502&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

How rain can move mountains Study reveals how even the mightiest of mountain ranges bends to raindrops More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301503&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

The people of Gilgit-Baltistan opposed the accession of Kashmir to India and the appointment of Brigadier Ghansara Singh as the Governor of Gilgit. On October 31, 1947, the residence of the governor was surrendered by Gilgit Scouts and by November 1, he had surrendered himself to them. On the same day, the Dogra flag was pulled down and the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34sJ2Tv

Technology is neutral. It is neither good nor bad but this depends grossly on its users and their actions or intentions. Social media has come out to be a tremendous by-product of modern age technology however, there certainly are drawbacks as well. What’s good is that they can be contained without harming anyone.Pakistan officially banned ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3mpcgbM

On Friday, a 10-member bench of the honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan passed its judgment in the Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s case. The 7:3 majority judgment, authored by Justice Umar Ata Bandial, provides the “detailed reasons” behind the honourable Court’s short order in the case, which was passed back in June of this year. ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34v6zDn

“The history of America from the Incas to the present must be taught in its smallest detail, even if the Greek Archons go untaught.”–Jose Marti Jose Marti was a Cuban national hero. Though he has something to teach Latino’s everywhere about what Latin America identity means. In his famous work “Nuestra ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3kuSj2Z

The violent tremors of the coronavirus pandemic have been felt across the developing world, and despite the comparative success of some developing countries in managing the immunological fallout of COVID-19, the economic burden placed by the pandemic remains dire. What is of particular concern is the constrained public finance resources of ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/37E9yv5

One of the easiest transactions in political campaigns is to sell hope to the most marginalised but thickly populated communities or groups in the country. If we assess political campaigns and sloganeering in Punjab, all political parties have been selling hope to South Punjab since forever. What makes these transactions fruitful for the political ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2HA36KO

November is critical for people from cities and rural areas.November means smog for city folks. November means wheat sowing season for farmers and rice/sugarcane harvesting, and cotton picking simultaneously. The smog has brought a lot of awareness and everyone is trying to find the root causes of smog. One of the causes of smog is linked to rice ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/31Hiyf5

“Only the dead have seen the end of war.”–Anonymous (though frequently attributed to Plato) On 24th October 1648, the Treaty of Westphalia was signed that ended the Thirty Years’ War. The so-called war needs to be seen as a series of wars that the European nations fought against each other for various reasons. However, ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2IWycwA

As winters set in, a political storm is gathering momentum in Pakistan. Following the formation of Pakistani opposition parties’ anti-government coalition on September 20, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), political temperature has soared in Pakistan. Since then, both the government and PDM have hardened their respective positions, ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3mnCPyp

Internal factors are creating more unrest in Pakistan as compared to external factors. These power politics between the political parties in this filthy manner becomes a major hurdle in the way of both development and national integration.Since the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) came into power, opposition parties including the Pakistan ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/37ApLRT

Pakistan is the only country on planet earth that lost half its part i.e. former East Pakistan due to a well-crafted Indian disinformation warfare launched to exploit the then existing political fault lines. It did not stop there in 1971, but continues to date to keep the created illusions and propaganda based odium simmering. Unfortunately, ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2FUNO2x

“The university brings out all abilities, including incapability.” –Anton Chekov   University of Al-Karaouine is considered as the oldest continuously operating, a degree-granting university in the world. Both UNESCO and Guinness World Records have declared it the oldest academic institution in the world. Located in ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3oiALt8

Sudan : Staff-Monitored Program-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Sudan Published October 23, 2020 at 09:00AM

All-terrain microrobot flips through a live colon Robot as tiny as a few human hairs can travel throughout a colon More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301491&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Begum Nusrat Bhutto, the mother of democracy, gave this powerful message to the Martial Law Administrator General Ziaul Haq, “Our heads might roll but they will never bow down. We will fight for the rights of our people, generation after generation.” These words were welcomed by the people of Pakistan who felt trapped by the continuous ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3jklmEP

The hopes pinned on the intra-Afghan dialogue in regards to finding an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation in that war ravaged country in the backdrop of the peace deal signed between the US and Taliban, remain elusive as ever and the situation is quintessential of the adage that there are many a slip ‘twixt’ the cup and the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35msADC

Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi recently urged the north Yemen-based Houthi movement also known as Ansar Allah, to refrain from an expected attack on the historic Yemeni city of Ma’rib, which is currently under the control of the Aden-Yemeni government. Ma’rib remains the last strategic city in the north, which is not ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35qQr52

Sufi thought in Islam finds its most vivid expression in the form of poetry. Some of the greatest Sufis have been poets. The tradition of spreading the message of Islam through poetry was not limited to one place. From Baghdad to Cordoba, from Konya to the cities in the sub-continent, many mystics chose poetry as the medium via which they conveyed ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2IRMXkd

Dueling proteins give shape to plants Research reveals antagonistic relationship behind flower development More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301481&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Scientists show jet lag impairs immune response in mice Chronic jet lag creates favorable cancer conditions in experimental models More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301480&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Following the arrest of Capt (Retired) Safdar Awan after his questionable conduct at the mausoleum of Quad e Azam, Indian media found an opportunity to conduct an assault on the state of Pakistan through an absurd narrative of ‘Civil war in Pakistan’. From electronic media channels to social media trolls of RAW and their surrogates ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35lmTWn

Last week, a young man came to seek therapy. His presenting issue was feeling unhappy, no motivation and just going through the motions of life without any interest whatsoever. He is a bright young man working for a good local company and an only son. When anyone walks into my office with anxiety or depression the first thought that comes to my ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3jdRr1a

Last week, I wrote about the awarding of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, the UN World Food Programme (WFP). Most commentators and people I have spoken with, or exchanged emails with, have generally been positive to the recognition of the important United Nations organisation, which helps in food distribution when people face hunger, ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34jx0eV

“Art is man’s constant effort to create for himself a different order of reality from that which is given to him.”–Chinua Achebe The Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was born on July 6, 1907. However, she used to call 1910 her birth year, the year of the outbreak of the Mexican revolution. She was one of the most ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34g5C1r

Scientists shed new light on role of viruses in coral bleaching Lead to breakdown of relationship between corals and the algae they rely on for energy More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301467&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Physicists observe room-temperature superconductivity Breakthrough in long sought-after quest for "holy grail" of energy efficiency More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301476&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Malawi : Request for Disbursement Under the Rapid Credit Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Malawi Published October 21, 2020 at 09:00AM

Well, the European Union has just realised their mistake that by creating an unnecessary hype on a second wave, increasing the tests to a level where testing becomes counterproductive and instilling fear in the markets, the once iconic economies of Western and Central Europe are suddenly tanking (pardon the phrase). UK’s rating has been ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34dKYPs

Widespread anarchy and instability during the last two centuries in Muslim societies led to several misperceptions about the teachings of Islam. Lack of strong governments and central authorities during these times stimulated the majority of Muslim societies to secure their local or personal interests. Colonisations further deteriorated the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/37Dl4XN

The Kashmir issue, a nuclear flashpoint, continues to linger in the UN General Assembly as an unfinished and unresolved agenda even after 72 years. Instead, it has become a black spot on the face of the international body and the community at large.The Kashmir issue has been discussed by the UN Security Council (UNSC) at least thrice during the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3o9fCBF

“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/2Tgak8Y

Seagrasses restored to Virginia bays are flourishing Scientists see ecosystem-wide results of globe’s largest seagrass restoration More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301462&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Reviving cells after a heart attack Researchers unravel the healing mechanisms of extracellular vesicles More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301464&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

“On this first World Statistics Day, I encourage the international community to work with the United Nations to enable all countries to meet their statistical needs.” Ban Ki Moon on World Statistics Day, 2010.The modern growth of digital data sources escalated the demand for statistical literacy. It is now an unquestioned and accepted ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2INwvl9

October 18, 2020 will be recorded as one of the darkest days in the history of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. By shouting at the father of the nation, Capt (R) Muhammad Safdar, the domesticated son-in-law of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif (NS) of Gawalmandi has proven beyond doubt that NS is the biggest political blunder of the Zia-led ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3m8UvO9

I feel upset to point out that as a country, we are in a trap now due to our multiple internal and external mistakes. I may not be wrong if I say that we have not learned to steer the country out from crises and we really need to gear in honest and aggressive measures for nation building and perhaps what is happening today is our own negative ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34cw7F2

 “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.. The history of the United States ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34d7AzN

What if underwater robots could dock mid-mission to recharge and transfer data? Researchers create mobile docking system for autonomous underwater vehicles More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301452&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Dr. Moeed Yusuf, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on National Security and Strategic Policy, disclosed in an interview with Karan Thapar that India displayed a desire to hold a conversation with Pakistan. He added that we support any conversation that moves us forward. However, he also emphasised that there are three parties to ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3kcytZZ

As Pakistanis, we have always been living within a conundrum. Just as there is a plethora of problems in this country of ours, the issue of national identity has always been at the heart of affairs due to regional and ethnic disparities, along with the numerous cultures we have in Pakistan. I believe that somewhere, the matter of unity or ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2FFYOAT

Over the past week, even as Pakistani media was consumed by the abhorrent (and self-destructive) tirades of Nawaz Sharif and his cohorts, an important transformation took place in Pakistan’s ‘international narrative’, especially concerning India. Specifically, in an exclusive interview to Indian media, Dr Moeed Yusuf, Advisor to ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/37klPEO

“The day that the Soviets officially crossed the border of Afghanistan, I wrote to President Jimmy Carter: We now have the opportunity of giving to the USSR its Vietnam War.”–Zbigniew Brzezinski During the days of cold war rivalry between the US and Soviet Union, now Russia, the latter made an error of invading Afghanistan ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3dFrfv3

For years, India has been lobbying the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international watchdog, to blacklist Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of using the banking system to sponsor terrorism.Pakistan has been on the grey list of the FATF since June 2018. In this regard, some Western countries and particularly India have been calling on Islamabad ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/35bElfZ

Times may be different but the chain of events seems familiar. The political stage is all abuzz with familiar sloganeering; ‘this country is in crisis, rulers are too incompetent to lead, enough is enough, its sheer victimisation in the guise of accountability’..so on and so forth.This is now the year 2020; two years after the general ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/346jRpn

India is yet to reconcile and accept the existence of Pakistan and is always busy in plotting conspiracies to destabilise Pakistan. During the 1971 war, India armed, trained and funded Mukhti Bahni and attacked East Pakistan from multiple directions. Because of its location 1000 miles away, it was difficult to support from West Pakistan and ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3dCgKZy

“It is human nature that s/he becomes happy listening to their praise.”–Hakeem Muhammad Saeed Hakeem Mohammad Saeed was born on 9 January 1920, in Delhi. Saeed’s father, Abdul Majeed, had a deep interest in herbal and Islamic medicinal system. Abdul Majeed established his clinic, Hamdard Dawakhana; the larger intent ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/31h4YyJ

Rising China has been the number one challenge to US hegemony on the global scene for over a decade. To take care of that emerging strategic threat, successive American governments have been putting in place a number of economic and military safeguards in place. Declaring India a US strategic ally in the Asia-Pacific region and renaming the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3nXJxfZ

Recently, the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan rolled in the Undergraduate Education Policy 2020. It is mandatory for all public and private sector educational institutions to adopt this policy through their statutory bodies like academic councils, etc. by January 2021 and implement it in Fall during the same year. This policy is a gigantic ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3k7pN7o

Sushant Singh Rajput’s (SSR) unfortunate death and its investigations have uncovered the dark side of Bollywood in international media. The ongoing probe into the drugs angle linked to actor SSR’s death investigations has brought to the fore alleged drug nexus in the film industry. The media also targeted his girlfriend Rhea ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/37i8WLp

“The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of oppressed.”–Steve Biko 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 of the Black Consciousness Movement. Discontent over the racial segregation that was widespread ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2H66rBf

The deep-rooted historical ties between China and Pakistan are indisputably evident and have proven that both countries have a time-tested friendship and needs no explanation. The China-Pakistan interoperability in spheres of defence cooperation, particularly military hardware, the energy sector and communications infrastructure, has taken off by ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2SVmLqV

October 16 is celebrated as World Food Day worldwide. The reason to celebrate such days globally is to either celebrate something, like an achievement of humanity, or to bring together world leaders and population on a certain issue to reinforce that issue for the betterment of humanity at large. World Food Day is also no exception. The idea ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2IAcGxE

Notwithstanding the fact that the UNSC in its informal meetings has thrice reiterated that the Kashmir dispute requires to be resolved in conformity with the principles of the UN charter and the relevant Security Council resolutions and the fact that the world has refused to buy the Indian narrative that its actions regarding Indian Illegally ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2Itwh2k

Sadequain was born in 1930 in Amroha, India. He decided to migrate to Pakistan after partition and make it his new homeland. Unlike other great painters, Sadequain was a self-taught painter. It was Sadequain’s genius to create amalgamations of paintings and calligraphy. Critics regard him as a mix of Picasso and Michelangelo. Le Monde once ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/353RWpn

Climate patterns linked in Amazon, North and South America Researchers used newly developed tree-ring chronology from the Amazon River basin More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301438&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Researchers use satellite imaging to map groundwater use in California's Central Valley Data reveal variability in intensity of groundwater use for different crops More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301439&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

A nation is a group of people bound together by language, culture, common heritage and usually recognised as a political entity. Nation building means measures taken to streamline a nation institutionally and economically. Since creation, Pakistan Army has fought three wars followed by the Kargil war, war at Siachen and also against terrorism. ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3k3bHUE

Despite the Indian lockdown of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJ&K) for more than one year and ruthless oppression of Kashmiris in the largest human prison on earth, Indian policymakers have been hoping that their old Chanakyan strategy of tiring the opponent through a prolonged suppression and causing strategic fatigue to ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2IlMDtO

In the weeks following the signing of agreements between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain, I was struck by some of the commentary by Israeli and Palestinian writers and analysts. While the views expressed by each side were polar opposites and equally hyperbolic, they were both wildly wrong.For their part, the Israelis were busy trying to convince ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34QuXht

There is a vast collection of writings and quotations from a wide variety of Non-Muslim notables—including academics, writers, philosophers, poets, politicians, and activists. The collection signifies the respect the Prophet commands. Scholars of all religions expressed a high degree of respect to the Prophet PBUH since the emergence of his ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/36Zkp2s

Power without political struggle has always been disastrous. In the chequered political history of Pakistan, there have been only two genuine national political parties. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (ZAB) resigned from the cabinet of the first dictator and started his political struggle by forming Pakistan People’s Party in November 1967. It was at ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/310sIqM

“A priest’s life is spent between question and answer — or between a question and the attempt to answer it. The question is the summary of the spiritual life.”–Naguib Mahfouz, Khufu’s Wisdom. Egypt opened a museum in Cairo to honour her Nobel Laurette in 2019. As Louise Glück won the 2020 Nobel Prize ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34Pa1HP

The veneer of democracy, within our ‘democratic’ parties, is gradually (but surely) being demolished by a new generation of hereditary leaders across the opposition spectrum. In particular, as the #NexGen of political leadership takes over from their respective fathers in PML(N), PPP, and JUI-F—extinguishing all dissent in its ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/30Vnwoe

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”–Bob Marley Nesta Robert Marley – Bob Marley – was born in Jamaica in 1945. The poverty and racism he experienced while coming of age shaped him and his music. He witnessed racism and discrimination in the hands of the white population. Later in his ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3lAmaXW

The Afghanistan-Pakistan Region (APR), a subset of the South-Central Asian Region (SCAR), is undergoing a colossal paradigm shift. Massive changes are afoot which will redefine the domestic politics of Afghanistan and transform the geopolitical contours of the SCAR-APR. The Afghan endgame is now precipitating significant realignments and ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/30QoxOt

The United Nations (UN), an international body, possesses a distinguished role by formulating a founding charter of human rights. It is dubbed as the champion of “human rights” which seems like a big joke on account of its passive role. Human rights have been mentioned seven times in the United Nations charter as its key purpose and ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34IyuP2

The principle of ‘right of self-determination’ and its applicability to the 72-year-old Kashmir conflict needs to be considered during the 75th session of the Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly that is taking place between October 8 to November 10, 2020 at its headquarters in New York. The Committee will discuss ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3ntvfU2

“Coca-Cola is the only business in the world where no matter which country or town or village you are in, if someone asks what do you do, and you say you work for Coca-Cola, you never have to answer the question, ‘What is that?’”–Mutar Kent Coca-Cola history began in 1886 when the curiosity of an ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3jH2voy

The world community has seen Indian rogueries but has opted to remain silent, as countries around the globe act on the basis of their national interest. Contemporarily, the national interest of western powers is throwing its weight behind India as the containment ring has again become a reality of the world and the competition shifted from the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/30MH26e

Nobody in their right mind can dispute the proposition that peace and security in South Asia, particularly peaceful existence between India and Pakistan, is absolutely imperative for the well-being of their own people as well as the realisation of the goal of shared economic prosperity in the region. But the question is, can India and Pakistan ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3lyyM1P

Following the Quad’s meeting in Tokyo which saw the formal colonists US, Australia and Japan sitting with the good old colony, India, Western and Indian media went into overdrive against China. Indian media reminded the foreign ministers gathered in Tokyo to make it a proper military alliance. An interesting comparison of the Quad’s ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3jKGR2C

“If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine.”— Che Guevara On 9th October 1967 the legendary revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara was killed by the Bolivian army. Che Guevara was Argentinian by birth. Saying that he was a Cuban by spirit would be wrong. He was a true internationalist by ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/36NDt3G

High-throughput screening identifies molecules that reduce cellular stress Technique examines hundreds of compounds to find drugs that improve health and lengthen life More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301390&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

'Like a fishing net,' nanonet collapses to trap drug molecules Novel method presents possibilities for rapidly making and testing vaccine formulations More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301391&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

In a couple of recent articles, I have written about the need for new and sustainable international relations, especially North-South relations, increased development aid and better migration and refugee measures. The European Union (EU) introduced new migration plans a couple of weeks but they are only half-hearted. I have also said that we must ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3d72NTc

My son Rayan was always known to be a sweet boy with a dimpled smile and a twinkle in his eyes; and no this isn’t a loving mom talking, but the general sentiment of anyone who knows him. And then along came the cursed Xbox; a video gaming console. Mind you that I resisted. I wanted to be THE parent who will not succumb to peer pressure and ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3lmnFc2

In one of my previous articles, “Murky American Politics Posing Global Foreign Policy Challenges”, an attempt was made to sketch out the constraints imposed on smaller countries in the American orbit and even outside it. In this article, I shall focus on the imperatives of fine-tuning Pakistan’s national policies in the face of ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3nsjyNw

“The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.”–John F Kennedy Ms Suu Kyi’s criminal silence over the crisis was shocking for many who once eulogised her for her heroism against dictatorship in her country The wounds of the Rohingya crisis are yet to heal. And this means that the ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2I7rfsi

Costa Rica : Technical Assistance Report—The National Accounts Statistics Capacity Development Mission Published October 07, 2020 at 09:00AM

Recently another daughter of the nation became a victim of our silence and our aloofness in the Gujarpura tragedy. In my opinion, it is our decades-long silence against the system that has led to such debacles. As usual, this tragedy has also woken up the nation temporarily, but this awareness is for a few days; we will go in deep slumber until ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/34yJxKq

In the last quarter 2019, the government announcement on Pak-China Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) stated that effective January 1, 2020, the new FTA will allow Pakistan a duty-free access to the Chinese market for many textile and apparel categories, including cotton yarns, woven & knitted garments, and home textiles. Chinese imports in these ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2SxDqAr

Emerging research shows that there are allegations of rigging and stealing the power of vote meant for democracy starting from the USA to Europe and then South Asia and Pacific Asia while the common complaint is of rigging. The champion of democracy has been seen openly alleging this complaint of stolen votes.Manipulation has now become easier; ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/2FaSroU

“My interest in Orientalism began for two reasons, one it was an immediate thing, that is to say, the Arab-Israeli War of 1973…”–Edward Said On this day in 1973, Egypt and Syria launched a coordinated attack on Israel. The reason behind attacking Israel was to win back the territories that Israel was illegally ... from Opinions News https://ift.tt/3ll4Jum

Greenland is on track to lose ice faster this century than in any other over the past Ice losses could starkly outpace those of the past More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301368&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.

Generating renewable hydrogen fuel from the sea Researchers use membranes that remove salt from water to help 'split' seawater into fuel More at https://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=301369&WT.mc_id=USNSF_1 This is a Research News item.