Smart Agriculture Forum in Beijing attracts Pakistani experts, entrepreneurs

By

-

Fri, 10 Nov 2023, 6:32 PM

BEIJING, Nov. 10 (APP): The Smart Agriculture Forum was held on the sidelines of World Agrifood Innovation Conference in Beijing which attracted over 200 agricultural experts from China and around the world.

During the forum, experts and entrepreneurs from the United States, Germany, Australia, Japan, Pakistan, and China delivered presentations, sharing the latest research advancements and practical applications in smart agriculture, CEM reported.

Pakistani Professor Muhammad Naveed Tahir from Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR), and Professor Farman Ali Chandio from the University of Sindh provided insights into the current state of Pakistan’s agriculture and presented their visionary ideas for precision agriculture and digital farming.

“In recent years, real-time technology has revolutionized the application of weedicides, pesticides, and fungicides. We have conducted several training workshops on variable rate technology (VRT) which enables precise allocation of agricultural inputs based on spatial variations in soil, topography, fertility levels, and other field characteristics, utilizing GPS/GIS map-based and sensor-based applications,” stated Dr Muhammad Naveed Tahir.

He also shared his experience in establishing Smart Internet of Things(IoT) Farm.

“The similar climatic conditions in China and Pakistan offer a significant opportunity for Pakistan to learn from China’s expertise in precision agriculture and improve agricultural outputs,” Dr Naveed added.

“Leveraging modern technologies such as the IoT to enhance agricultural production and management capabilities is crucial,” said Wang Yingkuan, the Secretary-General of the China Society of Agricultural Engineering and the host of the forum.

Wang expressed his hope to promote the innovation and application of smart agricultural technologies through international exchanges and cooperation with Pakistan.

A police personnel on motorbike having no number plate and helmet at Chungi No. 9, is violation of law and question mark and needs special attention of the concerned authorities

By

Wajid

-

Fri, 10 Nov 2023, 6:31 PM

0

APP37-101123 SARGODHA: November 10 - A police personnel on motorbike having no number plate and helmet at Chungi No. 9, is violation of law and question mark and needs special attention of the concerned authorities

SECP standardizes IPO approval process

By

NNPS Desk

-

Fri, 10 Nov 2023, 6:28 PM

0

ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has notified a maximum period of 14 working days for granting regulatory approvals to a listing application and prospectus.

In this regard circular under section 172 of the Securities Act, 2015 has been issued, said a press release issued here.

The circular has also set a 15-day window for the Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited (PSX) to complete the entire post-approval procedures for listing.

The standardization of IPO approval process is aimed at promoting the Initial Public Offering (IPO) market and bringing in new listings at PSX.

The timelines were announced following extensive stakeholder consultations, leading to significant changes in procedures for filing and approval of IPO applications.

In addition to automating the process, the Consultant to the Issue (CTI) is assigned a key role in ensuring that IPOs are completed promptly.

The CTI is also required to conduct a detailed assessment of the issue and the issuer and submit a due-diligence certificate confirming all material information required under the law or as suggested by the PSX and SECP, is adequately disclosed in the Prospectus.

The instant circular is expected to make the IPO market more attractive for potential Issuers and investors, marking the first milestone in the SECP’s revamping of the IPO regime.

The development and growth of a robust IPO market can significantly transform the financial ecosystem by optimizing fund allocation and boosting local economic growth.

The circular has come into force with immediate effect, advising all stakeholders including PSX, CTIs, book runners, issuers and other market participants to adhere to it.

The circular can be accessed at https://www.secp.gov.pk/document/circular-section-172-of-the-securities-act-2015-revised-ipo-timelines/?wpdmdl=49642&refresh=654e04cf74c921699611855

Enhanced connectivity vital for Pak-Uzbek trade, people-to-people closeness: PM

By

Ishtiaq Rao

-

Fri, 10 Nov 2023, 6:27 PM

0

ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Friday said that an enhanced air, road and rail connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan was vital to strengthen the bilateral trade and commercial ties besides bringing the two peoples closer to each other.

The prime minister, in an interview with an Uzbek television channel Ozbekistan24 during his two-day visit to Tashkent to attend the 16th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), said Pakistan would find a lot of inspiration to further develop bilateral relations.

“This will come with more connectivity. The connectivity through direct air, rail, and roads will be the answer to bringing the people closer,” he remarked.

He said Pakistan considered Uzbekistan as one of the most important countries in the region as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev had taken multiple new initiatives in economic and connectivity terms.

He told the interviewer that during his multiple interactions, he had observed a lot of energy in President Mirziyoyev who was very focused and striving to translate his “clear” vision into tangible projects.

Prime Minister Kakar said Uzbekistan and Pakistan had appointed their deputy prime minister and commerce minister respectively as focal persons to regularly meet and explore specifics for trade.

He said both countries could focus on trading the mutually required goods and the working groups would also identify such areas as pharmaceuticals. Uzbekistan can be also used as a transit route for further export to other countries, he added.

“Both sides are exploring specifics. I am pretty sure that these specifics will bring in mutual benefits. The target of one billion dollar trade is short-term and it can go beyond that,” he remarked.

The prime minister appreciated the Uzbek president’s eagerness to execute the rail link between Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan as he prudently approached all the players in the region and beyond.

We are currently working on carrying out the feasibility study from the World Bank. It shows his (Uzbek president) diplomatic and strategic skills for convincing everyone that the project would benefit everyone, he added.

To a question, he said Uzbek leadership was coming with renewed confidence and trying to acquire a deserved central position for Uzbekistan within the region.

Prime Minister Kakar, who was on his first visit to Uzbekistan, said he was quite impressed with the modern infrastructure and well-groomed people in Tashkent showcasing the government’s priorities of investing in both infrastructure and human resources.

Citing the deep historical ties and commonalities of diction in Uzbek and Urdu languages, he said, “These shared roots will bring more closeness between the people and develop into commercial and economic ties.”

Mentioning the most popular Hadith collector Imam Bukhari, buried in Samarkand and revered across the Muslim world, the prime minister said while thinking about Uzbekistan, a scholarly and philosophical image came to one’s mind.

Cold air, gales to drop temperatures in China

By

NNPS Desk

-

Fri, 10 Nov 2023, 6:27 PM

0

BEIJING , Nov 10 (APP): Frequent cold air movements will affect many parts of China, and bring gales and temperature drops over next 10 days.

CGTN on Friday quoted a forecast of the National Meteorological Center (NMC) that due to cold air’s impact, some regions expect temperature drops of more than 12 degrees Celsius.

Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces in northeast China, Henan, Hubei, and Hunan provinces in central China, Guizhou Province in southwest China and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China, would see particularly sharp temperature drops, according to the forecast.

Meanwhile, sharp temperature drops are expected from Friday to Monday in China’s southern regions.

The forecast said Heilongjiang, Jilin, and parts of Xinjiang would still experience heavy snows and snowstorms in some areas on Friday.

The NMC advised the public to take precautions against the cold weather and strong winds.

Vendors displaying the fireworks stuff to attract the customers in connection with Hindu festival Dewali at Market Road.

By

Wajid

-

Fri, 10 Nov 2023, 6:24 PM

0

APP34-101123 HYDERABAD: November 10 – Vendors displaying the fireworks stuff to attract the customers in connection with Hindu festival Dewali at Market Road.

Bangladesh outplay Pakistan, win ODI series

By

NNPS Desk

-

Fri, 10 Nov 2023, 6:23 PM

0

ISLAMABAD, Nov 10 (APP): Bangladesh women downed Pakistan women by seven wickets in the third ODI at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Friday.

The win also means the hosts claim the ODI series 2-1 and secure four vital points of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25.

After opting to bat first, Pakistan managed to score 166 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. Opening batters Sadaf Shamas and Sidra Amin provided a solid 65-run start to the innings. After the departure of Sadaf (31, 61b, 2x4s) in the 20th over,
Sidra was joined by Muneeba Ali, who staged a comeback in the side after missing out in the second ODI due to injury.
She scored 14 off 36, which included one four before getting out to Shorna Akter in the 31st over.

After the departure of Muneeba, Sidra kept losing her partners on the other end and eventually, the tourists ended up scoring 166 for nine. Sidra returned undefeated on 84 off 143 balls, smashing three fours.

For Bangladesh, Nahida Akter was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 26 runs. Rabeya Khan was another contributor with the ball, grabbing two wickets for 35 runs from 10 overs.

In turn, Bangladesh’s opening pair Fargana Hoque and Murshida Khatun knitted a 125-run partnership for the first wicket. Fargana top-scored for her side with a 113-ball 62, hitting five fours. Her partner, left-handed Murshida scored 54 off 106 balls, which included six boundaries.

Bangladesh achieved the target in the 46th over for the loss of three wickets with skipper Nigar Sultana and Sobhana Mostary the two batters not out at the end. Fargana was named player of the match while Nahida for her tally of seven wickets bagged the player of the series award.

Pakistan women’s team would head home on Saturday having taken part in the three-match T20I and three-match ODI series. The touring side earlier lost the T20I series 2-1, which was held in Chattogram.

The Player of the Match was Fargana Hoque (Bangladesh women) while Player of the Series is Nahida Akter (Bangladesh women).
Scores in brief: Pakistan 166-9, 50 overs (Sidra Amin 84 not out, Sadaf Shamas 31; Nahida Akter 3-26, Rabeya Khan 2-35).
Bangladesh 167-3, 45.4 overs (Fargana Hoque 62, Murshida Khatun 54; Nashra Sundhu 2-27).

APP/vad-msr

Justice (r) Arshad Hussain Shah stresses role of parents, teachers in student’s success

By

NNPS Desk

-

Fri, 10 Nov 2023, 6:23 PM

0

PESHAWAR, Nov 10 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Law, Human Rights, and Religious and Minority Affairs, Justice (Retired) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah, emphasized the pivotal role of parents and teachers in character building and the overall success of students, preparing them for national development.
He spoke as the chief guest at the annual Parents’ Day and Prize Distribution ceremony held at Pakistan International Public School and Boys College, Mansehra.
Syed Arshad Hussain Shah shared his thoughts on the importance of collaboration between private and provincial authorities to enhance educational standards across regions. During his address, Justice (Retired) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah commended the provincial government for its efforts to improve the quality of education. He stressed the need for a uniform educational system and applauded various initiatives to streamline private educational institutions under a cohesive framework.
The minister highlighted the achievements of students and teachers, attributing success to their hard work, dedication, and positive mindset.
Justice (Retired) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah emphasized that education is not merely about syllabus and examinations but is deeply connected to the positive grooming, character-building, and guidance provided by teachers and parents for a secure future.
The event concluded with the distribution of awards to outstanding students who excelled in both academic and non-academic activities.