Author: Amna Riaz

A potential thaw in relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia emerged this week with Iran expressing its willingness on peaceful nuclear cooperation. This comes amidst the backdrop of the 1st International Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology held in Isfahan, Iran. Mohammad Eslami, chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), met with Abdullah bin Saud Al-Anazi, the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Iran. During their discussions, Eslami highlighted the mutual benefits of developing peaceful nuclear technology. He emphasized Iran’s experience in the field and expressed a readiness to share expertise, particularly with regional countries like Saudi Arabia. Eslami pointed…

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Pakistan’s agricultural sector is poised for a significant transformation with the launch of the Pakistan-China Joint Lab for Artificial Intelligence and Smart Agriculture at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF). This collaborative effort between the two nations marks a major step towards smart agriculture lab launched.  Smart Agriculture is a technology-driven approach to farming that promises to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and empower farmers. The inauguration ceremony, led by UAF Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan and Dr. Wu Jun, CEO of CAS Cogniser. This signifies a commitment to utilizing cutting-edge advancements in data science, drone technology, and other smart…

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Russian President Vladimir Putin sworn in as fifth time the leader of Russia, taking the oath in a solemn ceremony held at the Andreyevsky Hall of the Grand Kremlin Palace. With his hand placed firmly on Russia’s constitution, Putin pledged to uphold his duties for another six years as president. Amidst the backdrop of several Western nations choosing to boycott the ceremony, citing concerns over the fairness of the election process, Putin, now 71 years old, delivered a resolute speech emphasizing unity and collective determination in the face of challenges. In his address, Putin conveyed unwavering confidence in the nation’s…

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Pakistan’s martial arts scene witnessed a momentous triumph at the recent Asian Jiu-Jitsu U-18 Championship held in Abu Dhabi (May 3rd-8th, 2024). The nation’s five-member team, showcasing exceptional skill and determination, secured a phenomenal haul of one gold and two bronze medals, etching their names in the history books. The highlight of the championship was the U-18 Duo Classic event, where the dynamic duo of Muhammad Yusuf Ali and Umar Yasin emerged victorious, defeating Kazakhstan in a nail-biting final match and clinching the coveted gold medal for Pakistan. This victory marks a historic first for Pakistan in the Asian Jujitsu…

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The concept of a library conjures images of bookshelves overflowing with stories. But Denmark’s Human Library is a unique initiative that takes this concept a step further. Here, visitors can “borrow” a person instead of a book, engaging in 30-minute conversations to gain a deeper understanding of life experiences different from their own. The Human Library concept, now present in over 80 countries, fosters empathy and dismantles societal barriers through open and honest dialogue. Visitors, acting as “readers,” can choose to interact with a wide range of “human books” – individuals who share stories and experiences often considered taboo in…

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The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is set to acquire 3.5 million tons of wheat from Punjab’s private sector, as outlined in a document from the food department. This wheat procurement to KP aims to address the wheat shortage within KP, which has a production of 1.5 million tons but requires approximately five million tons of wheat, as stated in the document. Under this procurement plan, the KP government will directly purchase three lac tons of wheat from local farmers at a rate of Rs. 3,900 per maund. The provincial Ministry of Finance has already secured the necessary funds…

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Saudi Crown Prince visit to Pakistan expected this month, marking a pivotal step towards fostering substantial investments from the “brotherly country.” Amidst mounting anticipation, this impending visit signals a renewed opportunity for economic collaboration between the two nations. Scheduled for late 2022 initially, the crown prince’s visit encountered delays attributed to political uncertainties and Pakistan’s electoral proceedings. However, sources now confirm that Prince Mohammed bin Salman has graciously accepted invitation. The forthcoming visit holds substantial promise, especially considering the recent endeavors of both parties to strengthen bilateral ties. Prime Minister Shehbaz’s diplomatic overtures during his visits to Riyadh have paved…

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In Pakistan, Tharparkar the only fertile desert holds a unique distinction. This vast region, despite being the 18th largest desert globally, boasts fertile land. However, limited rainfall throws a curveball – water scarcity remains a constant hurdle. Tharparkar the Only Fertile Desert, Limited Water: A Paradox While the land’s fertility fosters natural vegetation, insufficient rainfall during most of the year restricts residents from fully reaping the benefits. The short rainy season (July-September) transforms the landscape, attracting tourists, primarily from Sindh province. However, this transformation is temporary. Ponds Offer Temporary Relief Following the rains, temporary ponds become a lifeline for the…

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The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is gearing up for its tenth season, and cricket fans are excited! The season kicks off with a grand opening ceremony of PSL 10  in Rawalpindi on April 7, 2025. Grand Opening Ceremony of PSL in Rawalpindi Takes Center Stage This year marks a first for the PSL as the opening ceremony may held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This iconic venue will witness the clash between defending champions Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi in the season’s first match. A Decade of Cricket Excellence PSL 10 celebrates a decade of thrilling cricket action. Over the…

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Pakistan’s agricultural sector is facing a wheat crisis, prompting nationwide protests by farmers. The Kissan Ittehad Pakistan (KIP) alliance announced demonstrations starting May 10th to address their grievances. Farmers Frustrated by Low Prices and Government Inaction Farmers are fuming over plummeting wheat prices, falling well below the government’s support price of Rs 3,900 per 40kg. This comes despite a reported “bumper crop” and a recent wheat import that has left farmers feeling betrayed. Nationwide Protests By Farmers Target Government’s Handling of Wheat Crisis The KIP blames the caretaker government for the crisis, accusing them of causing a Rs 400 billion…

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