New plug-in hybrids debut in Auto China 2024 amid global PHEV boom

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Sun, 28 Apr 2024, 2:05 PM

Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan, Apr 28 (APP): On the third consecutive day of the inaugural celebrations of Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2024, the “Folk Competition and Fashion Show” was held with an array of diverse cultural programs.

Enchanting folk artists and fashion designers belonging to Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) countries leave audiences spellbound.

The folk competition and fashion show showcased a diverse array of cultural programs featuring fascinating performances by talented folk artists, including designers, singers, and dancers, which left the audience enthralled and captivated.

The highlight of the program was the mesmerizing performance by the esteemed veteran Pakistani folk singer Asfandyar Khattak from the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), leaving attendees filled with delight and excitement.

His captivating presence on stage enthralled the audience, leaving them in awe of his folk dancing talent.

To elevate the spirit of the event, Asfandyar presented a graceful classical performance in musical tones. The enchanting performance added a touch of grace and artistry to the competition, captivating the audience with the beauty of classical dance.

Furthermore, the celebrated folk dancer mesmerized the audience with his captivating rendition of special Pakistani music, enthralling everyone with his enchanting melodies.

The graceful movements and soulful expressions added an extra layer of charm to the occasion.

The classical folk dance also conveyed profound emotions, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of the spectators.

Meanwhile, talking to APP President, ECO Institute of Culture (ECI), Dr. Saad Khan, the competition provided a platform to delve into the rich historical connection between the ECO member states, shedding light on the significant cultural and spiritual impact of folk dance in the region.

The other participants also shared their knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of ECO countries heritage.

Dr. Saad further said, “This event at Shahrisabz encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, including music, singing, dances, handicrafts, and cuisine, all of which are unique to the region.”

“By highlighting these rich cultural forms, the festival promotes appreciation, preservation, and recognition of the artistic treasures that contribute to the distinct identity of member states,” he added.

The event showcased the region’s artistic craftsmanship, allowing attendees to appreciate and purchase authentic creations.

Furthermore, the festival celebrated cultural exchange by featuring representations from ECO states, adding a delightful touch of diversity and fostering cross-cultural connections among attendees.

2024 ZGC Forum: Global collaboration emphasized in energy transformation

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Sun, 28 Apr 2024, 2:02 PM

BEIJING, Apr 28 (APP): Amidst the pressing global imperative to address climate change and transition towards sustainable energy solutions, a chorus of international experts is underscoring the paramount importance of collaboration in advancing energy storage and hydrogen technology.

The 2024 Zhongguancun Forum – Carbon Peak and Carbon Neutrality Forum, convened in Beijing on April 26, provided a platform for renowned experts from across the globe to explore innovative solutions and forge partnerships in these critical fields.

The forum was jointly organized by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Energy Administration. Experts from renowned institutions, as well as industry leaders, convened to delve into the implications and applications of energy storage and hydrogen technology within the framework of the dual carbon strategy, China Economic Net (CEN) reported.

Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change and achieving carbon neutrality, experts emphasized the pivotal role of international collaboration. Mark Levine, a Senior Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, stressed that China will be very seriously impacted by climate change.

“lt is thus good (for China and the world) that China has taken a leadership role in reducing the growth in climate emissions. All countries need to do more, as the world is markedly behind schedule in reducing GHG emissions.”

Given the magnitude of the greenhouse gas problem, Michael Hood, Professor Emeritus at The University of Queensland and Member of Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering (ATSE), underscored the importance of leveraging all available technologies for energy production and storage, emphasizing the necessity of international partnerships to achieve ambitious climate goals.

Chinese experts echoed the sentiment, affirming the country’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the energy sector. Amidst the global endeavor to tackle climate change and foster sustainable development, China’s intensified efforts in advancing energy storage and hydrogen technology underscore the nation’s commitment to driving progress towards global carbon neutrality.

The Chinese government’s work report for this year has, for the first time, highlighted the acceleration of hydrogen energy development, marking its debut as a pioneering industry in the report. Ding Chibiao, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, outlined the institution’s initiatives in advancing the dual carbon strategy and underscored the importance of international collaboration in tackling key technological challenges.

Hydrogen energy is one of the pivotal elements in the latest global energy shift. In recent years, the development of China’s hydrogen energy industry has accelerated significantly, and the technology of autonomous fuel cells and their key components has gradually matured and achieved industrial application.

APP/asg

LESCO detects 75,276 power pilferers in 222 days

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Sun, 28 Apr 2024, 1:53 PM

LAHORE, Apr 28 (APP):Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has detected a total of 75,276 connections

from where the customers were pilfering electricity in all its circles of five districts

(Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Okara) in 222 days of grand

anti-power theft campaign.

LESCO spokesman told the media here Sunday that the company had also submitted

FIR applications against electricity thieves, out of which 71,540 FIRs had been registered

in respective police stations, while 30,031 accused had been arrested. The LESCO

has so far charged a total of 90,769,366 detection units worth Rs 3,376,105,222 to

all the power pilferers.

Grand anti-power theft operations against electricity thieves are being conducted on

the directives of the Federal Power Division and the LESCO Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Engineer Shahid Haider was supervising these operations. The LESCO chief vowed that

the operations would continue without any discrimination until the complete end of electricity

theft. The electricity pilferers as well as the LESCO officers and employees who facilitate

them were also being brought to justice.

The spokesman added, the LESCO found 304 customers stealing electricity through various

means and 144 cases had been registered against the accused, while five accused were

arrested during the last 24 hours.

On the 222nd consecutive day of the anti-power theft campaign, he mentioned that large

commercial consumers were found involved in electricity theft and all of them were also

disconnected and charged with detection units. Among the seized connections, he explained,

11 were commercial, 03 agricultural, 01 industrial and 289 domestic, and all these connections

were disconnected and charged with a total of 229,841 units as detection bill amounting

to Rs 5.629 million.

Apprising the media about some major power pilferers, he mentioned that LESCO charged

Rs 380,000 detection bill to an electricity pilferer in Phoolnagar; Rs 245,000 detection bill

to another power pilferer in Saddar area of Phoolnagar; Rs 150,000 fine in the form of detection

bill to a customer stealing electricity in Satto Katla area of Lahore; and Rs 140,000 fine to

a power pilferer in Shahdara Town.

CM KP expresses grief over loss of precious life in rain-related incidents

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Sun, 28 Apr 2024, 12:49 PM

PESHAWAR, Apr 28 (APP):Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur has expressed his heartfelt grief and sorrow over the death of five people in a rain related incident here on Sunday.

In a message, the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families.

The Chief Minister expressed his best wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured in these accidents.

The Chief Minister has also announced financial assistance to the affected families and directed the concerned authorities to take necessary action in this regard.

Timely relief should be ensured to the affected families, Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur said.

He said, best medical care should be provided to the injured.

A detailed report of the loss of life and property across the province should be submitted, Ali Amin Gandapur directed.

In this hour of sorrow, the provincial government is with the victims, Chief Minister said in his message.

The victims will not be left alone and will be given all possible support, Ali Amin Gandapur assured the bereaved families.

Search & combing operation conducted at PS Kohsar jurisdiction

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Sun, 28 Apr 2024, 12:43 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 28 (APP): Islamabad Capital Police Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Sunday conducted a search and combing operation within Kohsar police station jurisdiction.

A public relations officer said that, following the special directives of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, the search and combing operations are being conducted in different areas of the city to ensure the safety and security of the Islamabad citizens.

Following these orders, a search and combing operation was conducted in different areas of Kohsar police station by CTD and local police teams.

During the search and combing operation 83 suspicious persons, 43 houses, 31 motorcycles and 28 motor vehicles were thoroughly checked while police team shifted three 12 bore rifles, one 30 bore pistol and one without documents motorcycle to the police station for further verification purpose.

IGP Islamabad said that the purpose of the search and combing operations was to heighten the security in the federal capital. All zonal officers were directed to continue these operations in their respective areas. Citizens are also requested to cooperate with police during the checking.

IGP Islamabad commends officers for effective duty

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Sun, 28 Apr 2024, 12:40 PM

ISLAMABAD, Apr 28 (APP): The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad, Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi on Sunday visited and inspected different checkpoints in the federal capital.

A public relations officer said that, IGP Islamabad appreciated the police officers deployed on duty at the checkpoints and summoned them to his office.

The IGP Islamabad held a meeting with the police officers in his office, praising them with commendation certificates to boost their morale.

On this occasion, the IGP Islamabad said that boosting the morale of police officers dedicated to the service and protection of citizens and fulfilling duties with utmost sincerity is essential.

He further stated that the protection of citizens’ lives and property is our top priority.

Five persons killed, eight injured due to rains in KP

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Sun, 28 Apr 2024, 12:30 PM

PESHAWAR, Apr 28 (APP):The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a report on the loss of lives and property due to rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) during the last two days, in which five people died and eight were injured.

According to the report, three men and two women died, while five children, two men and one woman, were injured.

A total of 14 houses were damaged, of which one was completely damaged and 13 were partially damaged.

Due to heavy rains, life and financial accidents took place in different districts of Bajaur, Batagram, Mansehra, Buner, Dir Upper, and Lower.

All highways and link roads in the province have been opened for all types of traffic.

Relief activities are ongoing in the rain-affected districts by PDMA and all related agencies.

Rains are likely to continue intermittently until April 30.

PDMA had issued a letter to all the district administrations on April 24 to stay alert and take preemptive measures.

PDMA’s Emergency Operation Center is fully functional, so people should report any untoward incident to 1700.

PM, IDB President agree to expedite completion work on different projects

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Irfan Khan

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Sun, 28 Apr 2024, 12:27 PM

RIAYDH, April 28 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser on Sunday agreed for early completion of different IDB’s development projects in Pakistan.

The prime minister thanked the IDB for its $1 billion worth investment on different uplift projects in Pakistan during his previous tenure in office.

The president of IDB called on the prime minister on the sidelines of the special meeting of World Economic Forum (WEF), PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar, Minister for Finance and Revenues Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari.

During the meeting, progress on different projects in Pakistan was reviewed and the both sides discussed ways to explore further avenues for cooperation.

The prime minister also lauded the IDP’s assistance in the rehabilitation of flood affected people and commended the personal cooperation and leadership role of Dr Al Jasser.

He observed that IDB’s beneficial partnership with Pakistan was not only providing job opportunities and assisting in reconstruction efforts but also supporting the government’s endeavours for achievement of objectives of sustainable progress.

The prime minister informed that for fast tracking the foreign investment, removing all concerns of foreign investors and provision of one window operation, Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was fully functional.

The IDB president said that Pakistan was a founding and the most important member of the Bank.

He observed that the country was blessed with abundant natural and water resources and its huge manpower could be fully utilized.

Dr Al Jasser also prayed for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Week-long anti-polio drive from Monday

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Sun, 28 Apr 2024, 12:27 PM