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WAPDA generates 34 bln units hydel electricity in 2023

By
AHMD Raja
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0
WAPDA
ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (APP):The outgoing year 2023 has been a satisfying year for hydropower and water sectors in Pakistan as WAPDA generated about 34 billion units of low-cost, clean and green hydel electricity, which is 2.2 billion units more than that of the last year.
The country witnessed increased generation of hydel electricity, while under-construction WAPDA projects in water and hydropower sectors also achieved major milestones in 2023, according to a press release on Friday.
This increased hydel generation helped national exchequer save about Rs. 106 billion, if same quantum of electricity was to be generated through expensive, imported fossil fuels.
Most importantly, WAPDA hydel electricity costs only Rs. 3.51 per unit; and it constitutes about 30% of the total electricity provided to the National Grid.
WAPDA owns and operates 22 hydel power stations including Neelum Jhelum with cumulative generation capacity of 9459 Megawatt (MW). According to the generation details of 2023, Tarbela generated 12.9 billion units, Tarbela 4th Extension 4.4 billion units, Ghazi Barotha 6.8 billion units, Mangla 4.7 billion units, Neelum Jhelum 1 billion unit, Warsak 0.8 billion units, Chashma 0.9 billion units, and rest of WAPDA hydel power stations cumulatively generated 2.5 billion units.
Year 2023 also augured well for under-construction WAPDA projects. Despite the the cosmic crunch, construction work on eight WAPDA projects continued unabated. WAPDA achieved the landmark of river diversion at Dasu Hydropower Project in February 2023, while diverted River Indus at Diamer-Basha Dam through test-run. WAPDA is likely to achieve the milestone of river diversion at Mohmand Dam Project in next three to four months.
WAPDA is developing eight mega projects for water, food and energy security of the country. These projects are scheduled for completion from 2024 to 2028-29 in a phased manner. On completion of these projects, 9.7 million
acre feet will be added to the gross water storage capacity. In addition, hydel generation of WAPDA will almost be
doubled to 20,000 MW with an increase of approximately 10,000 MW in next five years.

HEC extends deadline for registration till January 03, 2024

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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0
HEC

ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (APP):The Higher Education Commission (HEC), has extended the deadline, till January 03, 2024, for registration in the Centralised Test being held for Computer Science and IT graduates – leading to apprenticeship in top IT companies of Pakistan.

The test date shall however remain intact i.e. January 07, 2024, said a press release on Friday.

The students enrolled in the 7th semester of Computer Science/IT related disciplines offered in recognised public and private sector universities and affiliated / constituent colleges are encouraged to register through Virtual University (VU) link https://www.vu.edu.pk/GraduateTest/.

The decision to extend the registration deadline was made in a virtual meeting of Vice Chancellors/Rectors and Heads of Departments of Computer Science/IT of all public and private sector HEIs in order to ensure that maximum number of eligible students register themselves for the subject test and avail this opportunity.

Chairman HEC advised the universities, especially the IT and Computer Science Departments, to ensure that 7th semester students register themselves and participate in the test.

He emphasized the HEIs to expedite nominating their focal persons for smooth communication regarding all aspects of the test being conducted. He stated that the primary objective of this initiative is to ensure that IT graduates are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attributes to excel in the ever-changing IT industry. He added that the test will allow us to identify the academic / training gaps in fresh IT graduates, which may be addressed through specialized modules / apprenticeships or bootcamps to be aligned with industry requirements.

HEC, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders including Ministry of IT and Telecommunications, National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), and Pakistan IT Industry Association (P@SHA), aim at bridging IT industry-academia gap and introduce ways to improve the market readiness of IT students.

Students qualifying the test will be offered placement in IT companies including top IT exporters in Pakistan through P@SHA to acquire hands-on experience on real-time projects. The qualifying candidates will also be considered for credit hours exemption in 8th semester against electives or mandatory field experience. Spring 2024 will be the first session for the industry placement programme. Upon successful completion of the co-opt programme, the credentials of the candidates with recommendations shall be placed on PSEB and P@SHA portals for access of large pool of IT companies leading to job offers.

Mainly cold, dry weather to prevail in KP

By
AHMD Raja
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0
weather forecast
PESHAWAR, Dec 29 (APP):The Provincial Meteorological Center Peshawar on Friday predicted that mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most districts of the province, while very cold in upper districts and hilly areas.
It said that foggy conditions are expected over Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Peshawar, Swabi and D.I. Khan districts as well as over Motorway (M1) / Highways at night and early in the morning.
During the last 24 hours cold and partly cloudy weather prevailed over most districts of the province. Rainfall recorded (in mm) during the last 24 hours at different stations of KPK was nil.
The maximum and minimum temperatures recorded in centigrade at different stations of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were Peshawar 26/07, Chitral 18/-01, Timergara 23/02, Dir 22/-01, Mirkhani 12/01, Kalam 17/-04, Drosh 17/04, Saidu Sharif 22/02, Pattan 24/16, Malam Jabba 14/03, Takht Bhai 23/04, Kakul 21/03, Balakot 23/03, Parachinar 15/00, Bannu 26/04, Cherat 17/07, DI Khan City 26/10.
The lowest temperature recorded in the province was -04°c each in Kalam and Tirah valley of Khyber district.

Shipping Activity at Port Qasim

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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0
Port Qasim

KARACHI, Dec 29 (APP):Two ships, Vancour and Epos carrying Containers and Coal, berthed at Container Terminal and Bulk Terminal respectively on Thursday.

Meanwhile two more ships Myny and OM with Containers and LPG also arrived at outer anchorage of the port on Friday morning.

A total of 06ships were engaged at PQA berths during the last 24 hours, out of them, three ships Vancour, Queen Winand Isabella Kosanleft the port on Friday morning and two more shipsSparto and Stellar Rioniareexpected to sail on today afternoon.

Cargo throughput during last 24 hours stood at 101,672tonnes, comprising 91,149tonnes imports cargo and 10,523tonnes export cargo,including containerized cargo carried in 480 Containers (152 TEUs Imports and 328 TEUs export)was handled at the port.
There are six ships at Outer Anchorage of Port Qasim, out of them five ships, Ejnan, OM, Neutron Sund, Velos Libra and Myny&two more shipsBig Breezy and African Parrot carrying LNG, LPG, Gas oil, Canola seeds, Containers and Coalare expected to take berthsat PGPCL, SSGC, FOTCO, FAP, QICT and PIBTon Friday, and three more container ships Maersk Nyassa, Olympia and APL Charleston are due to arrive at Port Qasim on Saturday, 30thDecemberwhile three more ships, MSC United, MSC Diego and Al-Bidda carrying Containers and LNG are due to arrive on Sunday.

Man killed in a brawl

By
AHMD Raja
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0
kill
SARGODHA, Dec 29 (APP):A man was killed by his rivals on some domestic disputes here at Hussain Shah Bangla area under the jurisdiction of Shah Purr Saddar police station, here on Friday.
According to a spokesperson, Muhammad Naeem (45) had a domestic dispute with his rivals including Rehman (51) Ghulam Rasool (46).
On the day of incident they killed him after opening fire at him.
Further investigation was under way.

Police bust gang involved in theft of transformers

By
NNPS Desk
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0

RAWALPINDI, Dec 29 (APP): Rawalpindi district police have busted a gang allegedly involved in theft of transformers cases and arrested four accused including two IESCO employees, said a police spokesman here on Friday.
He informed that Kallar Syedan police conducted a raid and arrested four accused namely Usman Javed, Hamza, Painda Khan and Muhammad Usman, four for their involvement in theft of transformers. Usman Javed and Hamza are assistant linemen in IESCO, he added.
Five stolen transformers worth millions of rupees were recovered from their possession, he said adding, a crane being used in the theft of the transformers and a vehicle were also recovered.
The accused used to steal government and private transformers and sell their parts.
The accused have disclosed several incidents of transformer theft in different areas of Gujar Khan, Mandra and Kallar Syedan.
City Police Officer, Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani appreciated performance of Superintendent of Police, Saddar, DSP Kahuta and Kalar Syedan police team for arresting the most wanted gang members.
The CPO said that all those involved would be brought to justice.
The spokesman informed that other accomplices of the accused would also be arrested.

Seven persons held, involvement in immoral activities

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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0
dacoits

RAWALPINDI, Dec 29 (APP):Police have arrested seven persons including five women for their alleged involvement in immoral activities.

On a tip-off, Bani Police raided at a house and nabbed seven persons namely Zahoor, Bilal and five women, Alia, Saima, Rabia, Sadia and Sonia for alleged involved in prostitution, a police spokesman informed.
The police registered a case against all the accused and started investigation.

Meanwhile, SP, Rawal Faisal Saleem appreciated this performance and directed all police officials for effective action against such persons in their respective areas

12 arrested, weapons recovered

By
AHMD Raja
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0
SARGODHA, Dec 29 (APP):Police after launching a massive crackdown against criminals arrested 12 accused
and recovered narcotics and weapons on Friday.
Police said policemen raided different localities and arrested Aslam, Tahir, Shakoor, Rasheed,
Majeed, Suleman, Tahir, Taimoor, Waleed and Kamran.
Police also recovered 234 liters of liquor, 1.2-kg hashish, 0.2-kg opium, seven guns
and 14 pistols besides valuables.

Record tourist arrives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2023: Galyat takes the lead

By
AHMD Raja
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0
Tourism
ABBOTTABAD, Dec 29 (APP):The Department of Tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Friday has released its annual report on tourist arrivals for the year 2023, revealing impressive figures and highlighting the province’s growing appeal for both domestic and international tourists.
The comprehensive data was collected under the oversight of the World Bank’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism (KITE) Centres Project 1422.
From January 1st to December 26th, 2023, a remarkable total of 16,988,946 tourists explored the various districts of the province. Notably, the number of foreign tourists visiting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reached 4,554, underscoring the province’s increasing global recognition as a travel destination.
The Tourism Department’s report disclosed that Galyat emerged as the top attraction in 2023, with over 6.34 million tourists visiting for sightseeing and recreational activities throughout the year. Naran Kaghan Valley and Malam Jabba also drew substantial crowds, hosting 5.08 million and 3.54 million tourists, respectively.
In addition, Upper and Lower Dir experienced a combined influx of 1,380,740 tourists seeking to explore the scenic beauty of the region. Lower Chitral recorded a significant number of 591,330 tourists, while Upper Chitral welcomed 38,771 visitors during the year.
Foreign tourist arrivals painted a diverse picture, with Lower Chitral leading the way by hosting 1,624 international tourists. Upper Chitral received 791 foreign visitors, while Dir (Upper and Lower) recorded 417, Swat Valley saw 237, Malam Jabba attracted 588, and Naran Kaghan Valley witnessed 897 foreign tourists.
These impressive figures underscore the rich tapestry of attractions that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa offers, as both domestic and international travelers continue to show heightened interest in exploring the province’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage.
The positive trend in tourism showed for the region’s futuristic economic development and global standing as a premier travel destination.

UN chief calls for global unity in New Year’s message

By
NNPS Desk
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0
Antonio Guterres

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 29 (APP): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for global unity to make 2024 a year for “building trust and hope” following the immense suffering, violence, and climate chaos that characterized 2023.

“Humanity is strongest when we stand together,” the UN chief said in his New Year’s message.

“2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope,” he said.

“Let’s resolve to make 2024 a year of building trust and hope in all that we can accomplish together,” he said, concluding with warm wishes for a happy and peaceful New Year

In his message, which came amid escalating Israeli bombardments of Gaza, the UN chief also reflected on the pain and suffering afflicting humanity.

“Conflicts persist, claiming tens of thousands of civilian lives, many of them women and children,” Guterres said, adding, “Millions have been driven from their homes, facing hunger and disease.”

At the same time, “the planet is peril”, the secretary-general said, marked by record-breaking temperatures and worsening impacts of climate change.

“2023 has been a year of enormous suffering, violence, and climate chaos 2023 is the hottest year on record; people are getting crushed by growing poverty and hunger; wars are growing in number and ferocity,” noted the Secretary-General.

Guterres highlight the scarcity of trust and emphasized that “pointing fingers and pointing guns lead nowhere.”

“Humanity is strongest when we stand together […] We must come together across divides for shared solutions – for climate action, for economic opportunity and a fairer global financial system that delivers for all,” said Mr. Guterres.

Addressing discrimination and hatred poisoning relations between countries and communities, he stressed the importance of ensuring that new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, serve as forces for good.

“The United Nations will keep rallying the world for peace, sustainable development and human rights,” affirmed the UN chief.

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