Pakistan gets Rs70m bomb disposal robot from EU

Pakistan gets Rs70m bomb disposal robot from EU

RAWALPINDI, JAN 09 - The European Union on Wednesday gave Rawalpindi’s Department of Civil Defence a robot worth Rs70 million as a new addition to its bomb disposal unit.

The robot can electronically diffuse bombs as well as detecting and breaking circuits of bombs buried under the ground.

The formal inauguration of the bomb disposal unit will be held by the Director General of Civil Defence  Hanif Khattak and Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Omar Jahangir next week.

Officials from bomb disposal squad will also test out and demonstrate the use of the technology.

Moreover, a special air conditioned control room has also been built at a cost of Rs2.5 million to house the modern bomb disposal equipment.

It has a standby power supply arrangement, which can power the control room for three days.

The unit is equipped with electronic robots and water cannon guns.

The kit is laced with modern cameras and video surveillance technology which can work in the dark and diffuse all types of manually and electronically operated bombs, including time bombs.

The robot can also save the lives of people trapped in fire and smoke. It can also be operated through an electronic laptop at the office and is effective within a two-kilometer radius.

The kit also has a modern cannon gun to diffuse any explosives through the use of water.

The modern cameras and laptop tells the bomb  squad about the nature of explosive devices, hand grenades and mines for as far as 300 kilometers.

According to Bomb Disposal Squad Commander Khalil Anwar, the modern unit can diffuse all sorts of explosives after shifting them to a safe place.

Currently, the range of the unit spans five districts including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal.

According to Civil Defence District Officer Talib Hussain, the unit can also operate under water, fire or smoke and save a lot of precious human lives.

“It can detect any mine explosives as well. In wake of the recent wave of terrorism, we have added five more technicians in Rawalpindi’ bomb disposal squad,” Hussain said.

He added that the machinery is laced with modern technology and can even diffuse rockets after shifting them to a safe place.

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AIOU to bring digital transformation in its working

AIOU to bring digital transformation in its working

ISLAMABAD, JAN 09 - Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will bring about digital transformation in its working for achieving the ultimate target of quality education and to provide possible services to the students.

This will be aimed at improving the University’s effectiveness and efficiency in the academic and administrative work.

The process of automation and introduction of ‘State of the Art’ technology in admission, examination and other sectors will be completed within a period one and half year.

This was announced by the Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum while addressing a ‘Well-come’ reception given in his honour by the Employees Welfare Association (EWA). Former VC Dr. Shahid Siddiqui was also present on the occasion.

Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum was view that technology-based network is imperative for the efficient distance learning system.

There is dire need to apply computer- technology for properly monitoring and managing the huge academic network of the University that caters educational needs of around 1.4 million students annually and having 44 regional campus countrywide.

Elaborating his priorities and polices to be followed during his  four-years’ tenure, he said the betterment of the employees and  improving the University’s reputation and integrity will be his main focus.

Responding to points raised in the welcome address by the EWA’s President Sajid Janjua, he said he will always be open-hearted for improving their working conditions and providing them their due rights.

While urging the employees to show dedication and commitment in their work, he said any wrong-doing will not be spared.

Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum assured the contractual and daily wages’ employees will be given preference in recruitment and while filling the vacant posts.  He assured them that their residential facilities in University’s premises will be expanded.

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PEMRA directs TV channels not to air dramas with 'indecent content'

PEMRA directs TV channels not to air dramas with 'indecent content'

ISLAMABAD, - After receiving complaints from viewers, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) has directed all channels not to air television dramas containing ‘indecent content’.

 

“Such content is not only distressing for viewers but is also against the commonly accepted standards of decency,” the media regulatory body stated in a notification issued on Tuesday.

The notification further adds that Pemra has been receiving massive public complaints on Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP), Pemra Complaints Call Center and Feedback System as well as through social media and Whatsapp.

The directive comes after viewers slammed content shown in dramas which are depicting indecent scenes, extramarital relations, violence, inappropriate dressing, rape scenes, use of drugs and alcohol and physical intimacy.

 

In order to be safe from any violation, all television channels are required to stop airing such content in dramas and produce content in consonance with the socio-cultural norms as per aspirations of our society.

The TV channels are advised to ensure compliance of provisions laid down in Pemra laws and the Electronic Media Code of Conduct 2015.

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AIOU’s tutors’ selection system to be revised

AIOU’s tutors’ selection system to be revised

ISLAMABAD, JAN 08 - Tutors’ selection system of the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will be revised from this year to enhance credibility and efficiency of the distance learning.

This was announced by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zia-Ul Qayyum while addressing the University’s tutors from Rawalpindi region here on Tuesday on the eve of autumn semester, 2018.

The purpose of this revision will be to improve the evaluation and assessment mechanism of the teaching process, he said adding there will be fresh tutors’ appointments and the credentials of the existing tutors will rechecked. Their appointment might on basis of each academic session.

Dr. Qayyum also announced that the entire tutorial system will be transformed to make the contents’ delivery system best one and to achieve the target of quality education.

Terming the regional campuses as the backbone of the University, he said these will also be transformed with the induction of new technology and upgrading their infrastructure network.

There will be smart use of online teaching and learning process. Manual and human intervention will be minimum, so that the efficiency of evaluation and assessment could be ensured.

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When life gives you Lemons, use them for health benefits

When life gives you Lemons, use them for health benefits

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and a variety of advantageous plant compounds. The nutrients in lemons assist in major health benefits.

According to a study, it is observed that lemons may maintain heart well being, weight control, & digestion related matters.

Below mentioned are some vital health benefits of lemons:

1. Maintains Heart Health

Since lemons are very well known as rich source of vitamin C, which means that one lemon contains almost 31 mg of vitamin C, which is 51% of the reference daily intake (RDI) by an individual.

It is believed that intake of fruits and vegetables which are prosperous in vitamin C, diminishes the menace of heart related diseases including stroke or hypertension.

Not only vitamin C plays an important role for maintenance of heart health, but also its fiber content & plant compounds are contributors for a better health. A study reveals that consuming 24 grams of citrus fiber extract on daily basis for a period of one month helps to lessen blood cholesterol levels.

2. Assist in Weight Loss

Lemons are widely consumed when it comes to weight loss natural remedies, some theories are also related to this.

One of the general theory explains that the soluble pectin fiber in lemons enlarges in your stomach, due to which there is feeling of full stomach for a long time.

Another best weight loss remedy suggests that consumption of hot water with lemon in an empty stomach adds to quick weight loss.

3. Averts building of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are lumps of different sizes that are formed when waste products crystallizes. Building of kidney stones is very common nowadays, and once an individual gets them, they often get them frequently.

Citric acid is useful in order to avoid building of kidney stones by escalating urine volume & its pH.

It is recommended that intake of just half cup (4 ounces or 125 ml) of lemon juice per day is reasonable to supply sufficient citric acid so as to avert stone shaping in kidneys.

4. Fight Against Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is very common in every healthy body, it only starts when a person lacks adequate iron from the foods intake.

lemons are vital source of iron as well, they do prevent anemia by perking up your absorption ability of iron from plant based foods.

Normally your gut absorbs iron easily from various foods such as meat, chicken, and fish. But, absorbing iron from plant based foods is comparatively not easy, it can be only improvised by more consumption of vitamin C & citric acid.

5. Lessen Risk for Cancer

It is observed that a healthy diet rich with fruits & vegetables assist in prevention of some types of cancers. People who consume most citrus fruit have lower chance of cancer.

Some studies reveals that the plant compounds in lemons, including limonene and naringenin plays significant role as anticancer effects. These compounds prevents malignant tumors that are usually developed in the tongues, lungs, and colons of rodents.

6. Reduces Acne

Acne breakouts are very common after teenage in majority of the youngsters & adults.

Acne is usually treated by medications, but some natural home remedies which are based on lemons are also vital for reducing acne.

The ingredients for making acne free masks including lemon are very easy to be found in our kitchens.

Tip 1: Use same portion of lemon juice along with same portion of rose water, mix them well and keep it in fridge.

Apply this mixture with the help of cotton on the area of acne breakout, regular usage of this before sleeping at night will reduce acne & lessen blemishes.

Tip 2: Take 1 tsp of gram flour, 1 tsp of lemon juice, 1 tsp of milk & 1 tsp of honey. Mix them well and apply on the area where acne is present.

This mixture will help to control oil, which plays vital role in acne breakout.

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Abu Dhabi’s green energy firm launches region’s first all-electric bus

Abu Dhabi’s green energy firm launches region’s first all-electric bus

ABU DHABI, JAN 08 - Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has launched the region’s first fully electric passenger bus as the capital of the United Arab Emirates pursues clean and energy efficient transport.

The UAE has set a clean energy target of 27 percent by 2021.

Green energy company Masdar, wholly-owned by Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company, has invested $8.5 billion in renewable energy projects in the UAE and abroad.

The all-electric bus, jointly developed by Masdar, Siemens Middle East and Abu Dhabi-based bus manufacturer Hafilat Industry LLC, can seat 30 passengers with a range of 150 kilometers (93 miles) per battery charge, Masdar said on Tuesday.

Solar panels are also used to power the bus’s auxiliary systems. Designed to withstand the heat and humidity of the UAE climate, the bus will serve a six-stop route within Abu Dhabi.

The initiative part of a series of future projects aimed at enhancing the intelligent transportation system in Abu Dhabi and making it part of the daily lives of public transport users, the statement said.

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Afghan President’s envoy Umer Daudzai arrives Islamabad

Afghan President’s envoy Umer Daudzai arrives Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, JAN 08 - Presidential envoy of Afghanistan Umer Daudzai reached Islamabad on Tuesday on an important visit of Pakistan.

President Ashraf Ghani’s special envoy Umer Daudzai during his stay in Pakistan till January 11, will hold meeting with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other officials to discuss the Afghanistan peace process.

A delegation led by Daudzai will hold delegation level talks at the Foreign Office.

The Afghan presidential envoy will also also meet with Pakistan’s civil and military leaders including Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his stay in Islamabad and exchange views on Afghanistan’s peace dialogue, diplomatic sources said.

Daudzai will discuss with Pakistani officials the recently held US-Taliban talks in the UAE and Qatar. Pakistan did act as a facilitator for these talks.

The United States and Pakistan are expected to engage on higher level in the wake of this visit to take the process forward.

A new era of dialogue on political facilitation in Afghanistan and pullout of the US troops is expected to begin, sources said adding that the Afghan elections have been delayed due to these talks.

The US President Donald Trump had recently announced calling back a significant number of US troops from Afghanistan.

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