#Infinix Mobility officially launched Hot S Smartphone & Noise cancelling earphones in #Pakistan

#Infinix Mobility officially launched Hot S Smartphone & Noise cancelling earphones in #Pakistan


(L-R) Shahzeb Ather, Sales Manager, Infinix Mobility; Arman Salim, Marketing Manager; Andy Yan, Vice President; Anoushey Ashraf, Celebrity Host and Joe Hu,  Country Manager at  Infinix Launch event for the Hot S Smartphone and Noise Cancelling earphones.


Karachi: Infinix Mobility have officially launched Hot S smartphone & Noise cancelling earphones in Pakistan, recently. The event was held at Marriott Karachi and host by Anoushey Ashraf, a well-known media celebrity. Another star of the evening was Andy Yan, Vice-president Infinix Mobility, who unveiled the products as well as provided information regarding them.  

With the launch of the new smartphone, Infinix has introduced many new features for the first time in the company’s history. The phone is equipped with an 8 MP front shooter, which is capable of taking wide 120 degree selfies as well as offering excellent low light photography.  The company also listened to the customer feedback and added a fingerprint scanner to protect the data and privacy of the consumers. This feature was the most sought after by the Infinix fans since its launch in Pakistan last year. Hot S is by far the best looking phone by Infinix, thanks to its metallic body and minimal bezels.The Phone offers a 5.2 inch HD display coupled with a massive 3000 mAH battery which should last more than a day for an average user. 

The company also introduced its new Android User Interface called XOS. Just like its predecessor (XUI) it offers power efficiency and at the same time buttery smooth user experience. XOS comes with some pretty sleek features such as Magic Movie. Now you can add filters to your videos and make them more interesting without the need of any video editing tool. Furthermore, XOS offering enhanced security by offering features like Xhide; this can help you to hide certain apps, contact, messages and other personal things that you do not want your friends & family to browse. Moreover, sharing content between Infinix phones is also made easy via Xshare, this feature does not require any network connection to work.  

The next amazing highlight of the event was the noise-cancelling earphones (XE02); this is something which users were eagerly anticipating from Infinix since the rumors about hem first started circulating in Africa earlier this month. The earphones promises to block out the surrounding sounds with its noise-cancelling feature and help the user focus just on the music that he/she wants to hear.

The noise-cancelling earphones utilize cutting edge noise canceling technology and high-performance automated noise reduction IC for 95% noise canceling efficiency. A single keystroke will filter out noise and purify sound for an intimately private world.  

110 dB SNR high definition audio and distinct gradation restores music like it was meant to be heard. Uncompromised music interpretation has led to the purity of XE02 Hi-Fi sound. 

XE02 has an outstanding exterior that integrates bionic design and engineering. It is the perfect combination of art and technology. The metallic sheen of aviation aluminum alloy and the dazzling design of diamond textures emit surreal interstellar beauty. The noise canceling box features a unique 2.5D wraparound design. Other features include shark fin ear caps, oval in-ear buds, and an exterior with exquisite disc texture. These defining highlights make Infinix XE02 instantly recognizable. The red-green-yellow tri color LED indicator is both functional and aesthetically appealing; it helps distinguish headphone status between states such as noise canceling, charging, and insufficient power. On a full charge, XE02 can provide up to 10 hours of continuous usage and uninterrupted music.
#CokeStudio creates unique music experience for the Deaf - #CokeStudioForDeaf

#CokeStudio creates unique music experience for the Deaf - #CokeStudioForDeaf

Karachi: Preceding the launch of Coke Studio Season 9, Pakistan’s biggest music platform, Coca-Cola Pakistan has created a unique music experience for the Deaf Community of Pakistan. Innovative technology combined with the platform’s philosophy of inclusivity, Coke Studio for the Deaf enables people with little or no hearing ability to get the basic experience of music. 

At the heart of the unique studio-like set-up enabling hearing impaired persons to feel and experience the music of Coke Studio, is a special sofa or couch embedded with hundreds of vibration engines and LED lights that are synced with the sound of the song being played. A grand LED installation around the couch provides synchronized mood lighting to elevate the experience visually. Finally an LED screen in front of the sofa displays the video playback, while the studio is propped with guitars on stands, a drum kit and a keyboard on a stand adding to the overall ambience. 

The setup invented in China, was first tested out by the Coca-Cola brand team earlier this year when it was installed in Bangkok. A group of 8 students and faculty of the Deaf Reach School were taken to Bangkok to try out the system first hand. Their experience was nothing short of remarkable, with the group members actually experiencing Coke Studio for the very first time in their lives!  Based on this great success, Coca-Cola Pakistan decided to acquire the system for long-term use in Pakistan, with a vision to enable more people from the Deaf Community to also experience the music of Coke Studio. The system is expected to reach Pakistan in the near future.

In a statement about the event, the General Manager of Coca-Cola Pakistan, Rizwan U. Khan stated, “Coca-Cola, because of its all inclusive brand trait, revolves around bringing people together. It shrinks social barriers and encourages people to share their emotions and experiences. However, despite reaching the masses, an estimated 9 million of our population have some form of hearing impairment, and have not experienced the magic of Coke Studio. We are really happy that we are now able to make them a part of this unique experience and keep them connected with other people who have been enjoying Coke Studio for the past 8 years.”

Richard Geary, founder and director of the Deaf Reach Program in Pakistan for the past 30 years endorsed the partnership with Coke Studio, “Our collaboration with Coke Studio reflects our approach towards opening new experiences for the Deaf Community and creating enabling opportunities for their inclusion and success.  Coke Studio’s new initiative will not only draw a circle to include those who are often marginalized, but serve to create more awareness and acceptance from the mainstream audience, helping them to better understand the challenges faced by those with a hearing impairment.” 

Season 9 of Coke Studio, the biggest and the boldest yet, is expected to be launched in early August. It will feature both established artists and many talented newcomers, for whom Coke Studio promises to be a launch pad for their careers, as it has been for others before them in the past 8 seasons.


About The Coca-Cola Company:

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our Company's portfolio features 20 billion-dollar brands including, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, Vitaminwater, POWERADE, Minute Maid, Simply, Georgia, Dasani, FUZE TEA and Del Valle. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, ready to-drink coffees, and juices and juice drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy our beverages at a rate of 1.9 billion servings a day. 

With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on 
initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, CocaColaUnbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/thecoca-cola-company.

About Family Educational Services Foundation:
Deaf Reach Schools are a project of Family Educational Services Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged communities in Pakistan.  Deaf Reach is the only school system for the Deaf in Pakistan with a branch network, and focuses on a holistic approach providing Academic and Vocational Skills, Parent and Teacher Training programs, Employment placement, and development of Pakistan Sign Language (PSL) learning resources. Learn more at www.deafreach.com  


LG Impresses Again at Intersolar Europe with NeonTM 2 Bifacial

LG Impresses Again at Intersolar Europe with NeonTM 2 Bifacial


Karachi: LG Electronics (LG) received its third consecutive Intersolar Award for its new innovative NeON™ 2 BiFacial solar module at Intersolar Europe this week in Munich, Germany. LG first received the award with the Mono X NeON™ in 2014 and again in 2015 for the NeON™ 2. 

The NeON™ 2 BiFacial is the company’s most efficient premium solar module to date. While conventional solar modules limit solar cells to the front panel, the NeON™ 2 BiFacial features transparent solar cells on both sides. This allows the panel to collect light reflected from the ground and greatly boosts overall efficiency. The panel’s front side alone is capable of generating 310W and under optimal conditions, the energy gathering capabilities of the rear panel increase power generation by an additional 30 percent. The total power generated by each panel puts the NeON™ 2 BiFacial in the same range as 400W high generation modules.  

Featuring LG Electronics’ innovative Cello Technology™, NeON™ 2 BiFacial minimizes energy loss by diversifying electrical paths. Typical solar cells have only three electrical paths but Cello Technology™ cells replace those with 12 thin wires to allow electricity to flow more freely and efficiently, making NeON™ 2 BiFacial panels ideal for a wide range of uses. The advanced solar modules are particularly effective when installed on skyscraper rooftops and near freeways, as well as above surfaces such as water and snow where light is reflected strongly. 

“This award symbolizes LG’s commitment to developing innovative, world-leading solar technologies,” said Lee Chung-ho, senior vice president and head of LG’s Solar Business Division. “Having set new standards in the solar industry, LG will continue to lead the global market with its top-of?the-line, high efficiency solar solutions.” 

First held in 1991, Intersolar Europe is the world’s largest exhibition for the solar industry. This year, over 1,000 companies from around the world presented their latest solar energy innovations and products to a global audience. 

وسیم اخترکے سنسنی خیز انکشافات ہلچل مچادی، تفتیشی رپورٹ منظرعام پرآگئی، ایم کیو ایم میں اضطراب

وسیم اخترکے سنسنی خیز انکشافات ہلچل مچادی، تفتیشی رپورٹ منظرعام پرآگئی، ایم کیو ایم میں اضطراب


کراچی (این این آئی) شہرقائدکے نامزد میئروسیم اخترکی تفتیشی رپورٹ منظرعام پر، سنسنی خیز انکشافات نے سندھ سمیت دنیابھرمیں ہلچل مچادی،شہرقائد کے نامزدمیئروسیم اخترکی تفتیشی رپورٹ منظرعام پر آگئی ہے۔

رپورٹ میں وسیم اخترنے انکشاف کیاہے کہ 12 مئی کوالطاف حسین کے کہنے پرسندھ ہائیکورٹ کاگھیراؤ کیا۔ متحدہ قائدنے ہدایت کی تھی کہ جسٹس افتخارچوہدری کی ریلی کسی صورت نہیں نکلنی چاہئے ۔تفصیلات کے مطابق کراچی کے نامزدمیئروسیم اخترکی تفتیشی رپورٹ منظرعام پر آگئی ہے۔رپورٹ میں سنسنی خیزانکشافات سامنے آئے ہیں۔

رپورٹ میں وسیم اخترنے اعتراف کیاہے کہ 12 مئی2007 کوالطاف حسین کے کہنے پرسندھ ہائیکورٹ کاگھیراؤ کیا۔ الطاف حسین نے ہدایت دی کہ جسٹس افتخارچوہدری کی ریلی کسی صورت نہیں نکلنی چاہئے۔ ریلی نکلی توچاہے جتنے بھی لوگ مارناپڑیں،ریلی ناکام بنادی جائے۔وسیم اختررپورٹ میں کہتے ہیں کہ بارہ مئی سے پہلے نائن زیروپرایک میٹنگ ہوئی،جس میں بتایاگیاکہ بارہ مئی کوپولیس غیرمسلح ہوگی اورمزاحمت نہیں کریگی۔ 

ملاقات میں مختلف سیکٹروں کیانچارج موجودتھے۔وسیم اخترنیرپورٹ میں کہاکہ الطاف حسین ایجنسیوں کو برا بھلارا کے کہنیپرکہتیہیں۔ الطاف حسین کی تقریریں سننیکیحق میں نہیں لیکن مجبوری سے سننا پڑتی ہیں ۔اس کیعلاوہ کراچی میں زکو،فطرہ اور قربانی کی کھالوں کی آمدن کا بڑا حصہ الطاف حسین کو جاتاہے۔وسیم اختررپورٹ میں بتاتیہیں کہ ایم کیوایم سمیت تمام جماعتوں میں عسکری ونگ ہیں۔ ایم کیوایم کیعسکری ونگ کوحماد صدیقی لیڈ کرتاتھا۔انہوں نیبتایاکہ وہ تین جون کوعدالتی اجازت کے بعداہلخانہ کے ہمراہ لندن گئے ۔ لندن سیکرٹریٹ میں دو دن گھنٹوں انتظارکرتے رہے لیکن الطاف حسین نہیں ملے۔
#Telenor Pakistan joins forces with Careem

#Telenor Pakistan joins forces with Careem

ISLAMABAD: In line with its commitment to facilitate customers’ lives, Pakistan’s premier telecom services provider Telenor Pakistan has joined forces with Careem to provide discounted rides to Telenor customers. Careem is the premium transportation network company in Pakistan connecting captains (drivers) with customers via its software platform. 

Under the agreement, Careem will provide 35 percent discount to Telenor customers on their first ride. Besides the hefty discount, all customers will also be able to enjoy free WiFi service during their ride. As part of the deal, captains will also enjoy special data packages from Telenor Pakistan. 

Careem’s digital transportation network operates in three major metropolises of Pakistan including Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, in addition to 24 cities across the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Careem is preferred by commuters for its convenient access via mobile app and online portal, superior quality rides and competitive rates. 

Michael Foley, CEO Telenor Pakistan, while commenting on the development, said, “We are pleased to enter into this partnership with Careem as it comes in line with Telenor’s commitment to deliver the best possible services to our customers. With Careem, Telenor subscribers will not only enjoy cheaper and more comfortable rides, but also WIFI connectivity on the go. We will continue to look for newer avenues of serving our valued customers.” 

Junaid Iqbal, Managing Director Careem, said, “We are delighted to have struck this crucial deal with Telenor Pakistan which is the biggest proponent to digital enablement in the country. The agreement will not only help facilitate our mutual customers but go on to explore new prospects of making our businesses more accommodating and preferable to our customers. We will explore the possibilities of building up on this agreement and expand our joint venture in the future.”

PR 
Lahore: 24 SHOs, 36 in-charge investigations removed from posts

Lahore: 24 SHOs, 36 in-charge investigations removed from posts

لاہور کے 24 ۔ایس ایچ اوز، اور  36 تفتیشی افسروں کو عہدوں سے نکال دیا گیا

LAHORE (Dunya News) – 24 Station House Officers (SHO) police and 36 in-charge investigations were removed from their posts and were demoted in out of turn promotion case, learnt Dunya News.

Those officers were ordered to report to police line as soon as possible, whereas emptied posts would be filled by officers soon. Few days back 20 Superintendent Police (SP) and 65 Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) were removed from their posts.



Over six lakh people die every year due to cancer in India: Govt

Over six lakh people die every year due to cancer in India: Govt

According to WHO, around seven per cent of all deaths in the country are due to various types of cancers.

With over six lakh people succumbing to cancer every year and more than ten lakh new cases are reported in the country, the government on Tuesday said air pollution and unhealthy lifestyles are among the major risk factors for the disease.

It said that around seven per cent of all deaths in the country are due to various types of cancers.

“As reported by World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 1 million new cases are reported in India while about 6.8 lakh people die due to cancer in India,” Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

She said that as per WHO-NCD Country Profile 2014, “about seven per cent of all deaths are due to various cancers”. She also said that as according to WHO regional office in South East Asia, the region has 14 of the world’s top 20 polluted cities.

“However cancer is a multi factorial disease, the risk factors of which include ageing population, unhealthy lifestyles, use of tobacco and tobacco products, unhealthy diet and air pollution,” she said.

She said that the government has constituted a steering committee on air pollution and health. Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change has also approved a new mission on health under National Action Plan on Climate Change, she said.

Read more on source


She said the Ministry of Petroleum has also initiated a scheme to provide free LPG connection to women belonging to BPL households under ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna’ to reduce air pollution.

Assam floods; 1.27 lakh shifted to 322 relief camps; 80% of Kaziranga under water

Assam floods; 1.27 lakh shifted to 322 relief camps; 80% of Kaziranga under water

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) report for the day said the current wave of floods has damaged standing crops in over 1.37 lakh hectare.

The overall flood situation in Assam turned from bad to worse on Tuesday, with the authorities shifting over 1.27 lakh people to 322 relief camps across 19 districts that were reeling under floods as the Brahmaputra and many of its tributaries inundated more areas in the state. The death toll in the current floods has risen to 10.

The Brahmaputra and its tributaries caused major breaches in Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Nagaon, Barpeta and Dhubri districts, while roads and bridges have been washed away in Kamrup, Nalbari, Jorhat, Dhemaji, Darrang, Tinsukia, Golaghat, Chirang, Dibrugarh and Kokrajhar in addition to the above districts.

Dhubri remained the worst affected district with over 2.52 lakh people reeling under floods. The authorities have set up 52 relief camps in the district. Other districts where large number of people have been affected included Jorhat (1.88 lakh), Dhemaji (1.85 lakh), Golaghat (1.19 lakh), Bongaigaon (1.15 lakh), Goalpara (88,000), Biswanath (78,000), Dibrugarh (75,000) and Darrang (73,000), official reports said.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) report for the day said the current wave of floods has damaged standing crops in over 1.37 lakh hectare. Districts that reported maximum damage to crops included Dhemaji, Jorhat, Barpeta, Golaghat, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Nalbari and Dhubri. A large number of farm animals and poultry birds have been also affected, with the authorities still assessing the total loss.



Two hog deer, rescued after being washed away by floods, undergoing treatment at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation & Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga National Park on Tuesday. (Source: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee/CWRC-IFAW) Two hog deer, rescued after being washed away by floods, undergoing treatment at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation & Conservation (CWRC) in Kaziranga National Park on Tuesday. (Source: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee/CWRC-IFAW)

Rising water of the Brahmaputra has also inundated the world-famous Kaziranga National Park, with DFO Suvasish Das saying about 80 per cent of the 859-sq km Park’s southern part was submerged till Tuesday. The Brahmaputra that once formed the northern boundary of Kaziranga, now flows through it after about 429 sq kms of new area to its north was added to the Park.

With the water-level continuing to rise, the authorities have shifted forest protection staff from 20 anti-poaching camps to higher grounds on Tuesday. Of the 178 anti-poaching camps – all set on raised platforms – as many as 129 were standing on several feet of flood, DFO Das informed.

Four hog deer were killed after being knocked down by speeding vehicles in NH-715 that forms the Park’s southern boundary, while forest guards rescued one 3-month old rhino calf and 17 hog deer from being washed away or drowned. Some of the rescued animals which were injured have been shifted to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) nearby. Three hog deer meanwhile have been reported drowned.

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MAKING ELECTRICITY FROM URINE - Scientists have developed a way to convert #urine

MAKING ELECTRICITY FROM URINE - Scientists have developed a way to convert #urine

Scientists have developed a way to convert urine in to a renewable energy source. But as Sally Magnusson, author of Life of Pee and presenter of Radio 4’s Secret Science of Pee, writes in this viewpoint feature, there is some way to go before the idea is embraced more widely.

A growing number of scientists have cottoned on to the fact that urine is a source of vital enzymes for medicine, precious minerals like fast-depleting phosphorus, and chemical compounds like urea, which are crucial to the manufacture of fertilisers, plastics and cosmetics and can also be used to make electricity.

The question is, can urine help us? And if so, can we see it not as a useless, embarrassing waste product, but as a substance that could drive the next stage of the green revolution?

I started out mildly intrigued by the range of uses urine had in centuries gone by – it was used in the manufacture of gunpowder, alum, dyes, paint and stained glass, to clean Roman togas, and heal wounds.

I wrestled with the revulsion that arises when we move from historical curiosity to envisaging personal application, but I ended up convinced there is an urgent role for urine again in the 21st Century, based on its unique scientific properties.

Urea, an important constituent of urine, is the key to many modern applications.

At Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, the Youtricity research team has developed a urine-powered system to generate electricity.

The carbamide power system runs on urea fuel cells sourced from human urine.

Dr Shanwen Tao, who invented the technology, said urea fuel cells were similar to hydrogen fuel cells, but used urea instead.

His colleague, Dr Robert Goodfellow said it had been a “huge” breakthrough in the search for renewable energy, but the system was being further developed.

See the full article from BBC News



Madagascar fire kills 38, including 16 children

Madagascar fire kills 38, including 16 children

Tragedy during house-warming party in the central part of the country.

A fire during a house-warming party in central Madagascar killed 38 people, including 16 children, as the blaze ripped through a thatched roof, police said.

“Of the 39 people in the house, 38 were killed, including 16 children,” Herilalatiana Andrianarivosona, spokesman for the police, told AFP, adding that the fire which took place on Saturday night was an accident.

by AFP


19 killed in knifing near #Tokyo, Japan -

19 killed in knifing near #Tokyo, Japan -

At least 19 people were killed and about 20 wounded in a knife attack on Tuesday at a facility for persons with disabilities in a city just outside Tokyo in the worst mass killing in generations in Japan.

Police said they responded to a call at about 2.30 a.m. from an employee saying something horrible was happening at the facility in the city of Sagamihara, 50 kilometres west of Tokyo.

A man turned himself in at a police station about two hours later, police in Sagamihara said. He left the knife in his car when he entered the station. He has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and trespassing.

Police said there were several casualties but did not provide any numbers. The Sagamihara City fire department says that 19 people were confirmed dead in the attack. The fire department said doctors at the scene confirmed the deaths.

A woman who lives across from the facility told Japanese broadcaster NHK that she saw police cars enter the facility around 3.30 a.m. “I was told by a policeman to stay inside my house, as it could be dangerous,” she said. “Then ambulances began arriving, and blood-covered people were taken away.”

Local government officials have identified the suspect in the knife attack as Satoshi Uematsu.

A Kanagawa prefecture official told a news conference that Uematsu entered the building about 2.10 a.m. by breaking a glass window on the first floor. Shinya Sakuma, head of prefectural health and welfare division, said Uematsu had worked at the facility until February. Japanese media reports said he is 26 years old.

Television footage showed a number of ambulances parked outside the facility, with medical and other rescue workers running in and out. Mass killings are relatively rare in Japan, which has extremely strict gun-control laws. In 2008, seven people were killed by a man who slammed a truck into a crowd of people in central Tokyo’s Akihabara electronics district and then stabbed passers-by.

Fourteen were injured in 2010 by an unemployed man who stabbed and beat up passengers on two public buses outside a Japanese train station in Ibaraki Prefecture, about 40 kilometres northeast of Tokyo.

by AP


2 suicide car bombs near UN offices kill 13 in #Somalia

2 suicide car bombs near UN offices kill 13 in #Somalia



MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Two suicide bombers detonated explosives-laden cars on Tuesday outside the offices of the U.N.'s mine clearing agency and a Somali army checkpoint in Mogadishu, killing 13 people, including seven guards, Somali police officials said.

The two blasts took place near the African Union base in the area of the Mogadishu airport, Somali police chief Gen. Mohamed Sheikh Hassan said at a press conference.

Somalia's Islamic extremist rebels, al-Shabab, claimed responsibility for the bombings, according to the group's Andalus radio station.

Somali soldier stand near the wreckage of a car bomb outside the UN's office in Mogadishu, Somalia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden car outside the United Nations Mine Action Service offices in Mogadishu, killing 13 people, including seven U.N. guards, a Somali police official said. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)

Unlike previous attacks by al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida, gunmen did not accompany the suicide bomber, said police Capt. Mohamed Hussein. The first suicide car bomber tried to speed through the barrier at the U.N. office but guards shot at the car, he said. The guards at the U.N. offices were from a private security firm, said a police official, who insisted on anonymity because he isn't authorized to speak to the press.

A second suicide blast targeted a checkpoint manned by Somali security forces near the African Union base in Mogadishu, said Hussein. Casualties there remain unclear.

Al-Shabab is waging an insurgency against Somalia's weak U.N.-backed government with the goal of establishing an Islamic emirate in Somalia, ruled by a strict form of Islam.

Earlier this month, eight soldiers were killed when an al-Shabab suicide car bomber targeted a Somalia military training camp and attackers then entered the base on foot.

More than 22,000 troops and police serve in the African Union force, which also includes troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia. Al-Shabab opposes the presence of foreign troops in Somalia and has launched attacks in countries that have contributed to the AU force. Although al-Shabab was ousted from the Somali capital, Mogadishu, in 2011, it continues to wage a deadly guerrilla campaign that includes suicide bombings.

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Two army personnel martyred in gun attack

Two army personnel martyred in gun attack

KARACHI: Two Pakistan Army personnel were gunned down Tuesday when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the congested, downtown Saddar area of Karachi, police and hospital officials said.

The attack took place near the Saddar Parking Plaza near Empress Market, one of the busiest markets in the metropolis.

According to reports, the attackers on motorcycles managed to escape after they opened fire on the vehicle of the security personnel, injuring both of them.

"Two army soldiers, Lance Naik Razzaq and sepoy Khadim embraced shahadat [martyrdom] in a terrorist attack on a military vehicle which was on routine duty near parking plaza Sadar Karachi," the military's media, the Inter-Services Public Relations, said in a statement.


Photo of the martyred Army personnel released by ISPR

The injured soldiers were rushed to the Jinnah Hospital, where doctors pronounced Lance Naik Abdul Razzaq dead on arrival.

Dr Seemi Jamali at the Jinnah Hospital said doctors were trying to save the life of the other person, identified as sepoy Khadim Hussain.

But later, hospital officials confirmed that the second soldier also succumbed to his wounds.

A large contingent of Pakistan Rangers and Sindh police personnel had reached the location soon after the incident, blocking the roads leading to the crime scene and cordoning off the area.


Karachi police chief Mushtaq Maher also reached the location.

"Two jawans belonging to a security agency were attacked in their vehicle. Our investigators are examining the crime scene," Karachi police chief Mushtaq Maher told reporters.

"Our forensic experts are looking for fingerprints, empty bullet shells, CCTV footage or any other clues, and we will inform you as soon as there are any updates," he said.

When asked, he said that police would try to "ascertain if there are links to any such earlier shooting incidents in the city".

According to initial reports from Counter-Terrorism Department officials, a 9mm pistol was used in the attack, with empty 9mm bullet shells found from the scene of the crime.

"9mm weapon was used in the attack. Both jawans were shot in the head," the chief of police's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Raja Umar Khattab told reporters.

Khattab said that the attackers approached the vehicle from the rear and attacked the personnel from the left side of the vehicle.

This is not the first time that security personnel have come under attack in Karachi.

In December last year, two Military Police personnel were gunned down by attackers on motorcycles in an ambush near Gul Plaza on the busy M A Jinnah Road, less than a kilometre from the scene of today's gun attack.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack on the security personnel in Karachi. He said that terrorists will not be allowed to destroy the peace of Karachi.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan also condemned the attack in a statement. Geo News


Iran destroys 100,000 satellite dishes

Iran destroys 100,000 satellite dishes

by AFP

Iran destroyed 100,000 satellite dishes and receivers on Sunday as part of a widespread crackdown against the illegal devices that authorities say are morally damaging, a news website reported.

ایران نے ایک لاکھ سیٹلائیٹ ڈشو کو تباہ کردیا، حکام کا کہنا   ہے کہ غیر اخلاقی چینلز نے معاشرہ کو تباہ کرکے دکھ دیا تھا

The destruction ceremony took place in Tehran in the presence of General Mohammad Reza Naghdi, head of Iran’s Basij militia, who warned of the impact that satellite television was having in the conservative country.

“The truth is that most satellite channels… deviate the society’s morality and culture,” he said at the event according to Basij News. “What these televisions really achieve is increased divorce, addiction and insecurity in society.”

Naghdi added that a total of one million Iranians had already voluntarily handed over their satellite apparatuses to authorities. Under Iranian law, satellite equipment is banned and those who distribute, use, or repair them can be fined up to $2,800 (2,500 euros). Iranian police regularly raid neighbourhoods and confiscate dishes from rooftops.

Culture Minister Ali Jannati pleaded on Friday for a revision of the law. “Reforming this law is very necessary as using satellite is strictly prohibited, but most people use it,” Jannati said.

“This means that 70 percent of Iranians violate the law” by owning satellite dishes, he added.

Naghdi criticised Jannati’s comments and said those in charge of cultural affairs “should be truthful with people rather than following what pleases them”.

“Most of these satellite channels not only weaken the foundation of families but also cause disruptions in children’s education and children who are under the influence of satellite have improper behaviour,” Naghdi said.

There are dozens of foreign-based Farsi satellite channels broadcasting mostly news, entertainment, films and series. -AFP



-File photo


271 killed or missing in China rains, 59,000 troops deployed

271 killed or missing in China rains, 59,000 troops deployed

Armed police have worked on over 375 km of dikes, repaired almost 1,000 km of roads and dredged over 80 km of river courses.

Eighteen more bodies were recovered on Monday in flood-hit China, pushing the toll due to heavy torrential rains to 271 killed or missing, prompting the army to mount a massive relief and rescue operation by deploying 59,000 troops.

In the devastation caused by torrential rains, the death toll has gone up to 150 and the number of those missing to 121.

Eighteen people were rescued on Monday in China’s Anyang City, Henan Province. The army has deployed 59,000 troops to help with relief and rescue, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Wang Qilong of the Chinese Armed Police Force (CAPF) headquarters said 16 CAPF corps, seven divisions and other troops joined the work, using 590 inflatable motor launches. Armed police have worked on over 375 km of dikes, repaired almost 1,000 km of roads and dredged over 80 km of river courses, it said.

4 sacked for dereliction of duty

Also four officials from the province were suspended from their posts for dereliction of duty in coping with deadly floods.

The four officials included two Communist Party of China (CPC) officials in Xingtai city, a chief engineer of Shijiazhuang municipal bureau of transport and a deputy head of Jingxing County.

Public outrage mounted as many questioned why they were not informed of the impending floods and complained that the official failed to organise evacuation before the flood crested. Heavy rain since last Monday has battered 71 county-level cities in Henan, and Anyang was the one of the worst-hit areas.

2 lakh relocated, $1.1 billion loss

Nearly 2,00,000 people had been relocated and the direct economic losses are estimated at 7.2 billion yuan (about $1.1 billion), according to the city government.

In rural areas, about 1,500 km of roads were flooded and 56 bridges were damaged.

In the city, about 70 square meters of land were waterlogged, nine electrical pump stations were damaged, and 20 residential communities were affected.

The city has mobilised 3,16,000 people, 5,032 cars, 20 steam boats and 50 water pumps in the rescue work.

So far, over 210 km of roads and more than 570 pieces of electrical equipment have been repaired, the report said.

The Hindu


#GeneralRaheel could be offered a bigger position after retirement – PMLN leader

#GeneralRaheel could be offered a bigger position after retirement – PMLN leader

حکومت جنرل راحیل کوکوئی اورعہدہ دے سکتی ہے، صدیق الفاروق

 لاہور(ایکسپریس نیوزسے)  مسلم لیگ (ن) کے سینئر رہنما ومتروکہ وقف املاک بورڈ پاکستان کے چیئرمین صدیق الفاروق نے کہا ہے کہ پاناما لیکس پرکمیشن بنانے میں عمران خان سنجیدہ نہیں ہیں، پی ٹی آئی کوہر الیکشن میں شکست ہورہی ہے وہ صرف وزیراعظم نوازشریف کو ٹارگٹ کرنا چاہتے ہیں اور7 اگست کو ان کی احتجاج کی کال بھی دھرنے کی طرح ناکام ہوگی۔
ایکسپریس سے خصوصی گفتگو کرتے ہوئے صدیق الفاروق نے کہا کہ میرے خیال میں آرمی چیف جنرل راحیل شریف مدت ملازمت میں توسیع لینے میں دلچسپی نہیں رکھتے جبکہ حکومت ان کی خدمات کے پیش نظر چیئرمین جوائنٹ چیفس آف اسٹاف کمیٹی یا اور کوئی اہم عہدہ دے سکتی ہے۔ انھوں نے کہاکہ پاناما لیکس پر وزیراعظم نوازشریف خود پارلیمنٹ کے سامنے پیش ہوئے لیکن اس وقت اپوزیشن بائیکاٹ کرکے چلی گئی، اب بھی عمرا ن خان نہیں چاہتے کہ ٹی او آرز کے لیے کمیشن بنے اور انکوائری ہو کیونکہ وہ خودآف شور کمپنی بناچکے ہیں اوران کے خاص بندے بھی اس کی زد میں آتے ہیں، وہ صرف وزیراعظم نواز شریف کوبلیک میل کرناچاہتے ہیں لیکن ان کو پتہ نہیں کہ ملک کے عوام نواز شریف کے ساتھ ہیں، عوام نے عمران خان کو مسترد کردیا ہے، پہلے انھوں نے دھرنے دے کر ملک کو نقصان پہنچایا اب پھراحتجاج کی کال دے رہے ہیں۔
چیرمین متروکہ املاک بورڈ کا کہنا تھا کہ شیخ رشید کی تمام پیشگوئیاں غلط ثابت ہوئی ہیں ان کی کوئی عزت نفس نہیں ہے، انھوں نے کہا کہ کشمیر کے الیکشن میں دھاندلی نہیں ہوئی، پیپلزپارٹی اپنی کرپشن چھپانے کے لیے دھاندلی کے الزامات لگا رہی ہے، حکومت کے خاتمے کی تمام افواہیں جھوٹی ہیں، نوازشریف اورشہباز شریف میں کوئی اختلاف نہیں۔


Khattak admits failure to bring 'change' in KP

Khattak admits failure to bring 'change' in KP



PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pervez Khattak on Sunday admitted to having failed in fulfilling promises made to the people in the province, saying "the things Imran Khan pledged to do in 90 days cannot be completed even in five years".

Speaking at a press conference here, Khattak said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman seeks completion of years of work in days. He added that even five years were not enough for the promises Khan had asked to fulfil within 90 days.

He admitted that the PTI-led provincial government could not achieve all targets in the province, saying there were several impediments in its way.

"Some people do not admit their mistakes, but we are unlike them," he added.

Imran is a leader who believes in concrete results and wants undertaken tasks to be performed in the least of time, he explained.

Shrugging off opposition by disgruntled party members, the chief minister ruled out that there was any uprising within the provincial chapter of the party.

"PTI stands united and we all would work together. There is no rebellion within the party rank and file. Groups are often formed in parties and that is an internal matter," he said. Geo News
Blast at #Kabul demonstration kills 81, injures 286

Blast at #Kabul demonstration kills 81, injures 286



KABUL, Afghanistan — At least 81 people were killed and 286 wounded Saturday in a twin bombing claimed by the Islamic State group that targeted a demonstration by members of the Hazara minority, officials and witnesses said.

The marchers in the Afghan capital were demanding that a major regional electric power line be routed through their impoverished home province. Most Hazaras are Shiite Muslims, while most Afghans are Sunni.

Two Islamic State militants detonated suicide vests among the demonstrators, the Islamic State-affiliated Amaq News Agency said.

Health Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ismail Kawoosi said that the victims were taken to nearby Isteqlal hospital and that the death toll was likely to rise.

Ziaudin Qayoomi, a witness, told Stars and Stripes that the two explosions occurred about 14:30 p.m. He said that the first occurred near a cinema and that the second went off in Dehmazang Square, where demonstrators wanted to erect tents and spend the night to continue their demonstration for the second day.

"We all were chanting, and suddenly there was a big blast, people ran towards the square and then there was another blast at the square," he said.

Other witnesses said ambulances struggled to reach the scene, as roads had been blocked to prevent the movement of the demonstrators, who were demanding authorities include Bamiyan province in the multimillion-dollar electricity project.

Authorities had not determined whether the attack was the work of suicide bombers or whether improvised explosive devices were used, said a Kabul police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with the media.

"We are still investigating this,” the officer said.

Late Saturday night, Afghanistan's Interior Ministry issued a ban on public gatherings of all types for the next 10 days. The ministry, which controls the police, said in a statement that "any kind of public gathering and demonstration is banned," starting immediately.

The ministry's announcement — which may be seeking to address concerns about sectarian violence — cites Afghan police law and the international covenant on civil and political rights.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani strongly condemned the attack.

“The president of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is deeply saddened by this tragic attack and ordered the government authorities help out the victims as soon as possible,” the presidential palace said in a statement. “It is the right of every Afghan citizen to stage peaceful demonstrations and the government is trying their best to provide security for demonstrations.”

Tadamichi Yamamoto, head of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, said in a statement that the attack was “particularly heinous because it targeted civilians as they exercised their rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.”

NATO’s Resolute Support mission also condemned the attack. The mission’s commander, Gen. John W. Nicholson, said: “We strongly condemn the actions of the Afghanistan’s enemies of peace and remain firmly committed to supporting our Afghan partners and the National Unity Government.”

The U.S embassy in Kabul issued a statement, saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, and we wish all of those who were wounded a full recovery.”

The Associated Press quoted witnesses who said that security personnel shot their weapons into the air to disperse the crowd, presumably to prevent them from falling prey to a possible secondary explosion.

Efforts to get wounded to the hospital were hindered by road blocks that had been set up overnight to prevent the marchers from entering the city center and area of the presidential palace, witnesses told the AP.

Demonstrators sealed some of the area around the square and prevented police and other security forces from entering, the AP reported. Some threw stones at security forces.

A spokesman for Ghani told the AP that the government had received intelligence that an attack on the march could take place and had warned the organizers.

“We had intelligence over recent days and it was shared with the demonstration organizers, we shared our concerns because we knew that terrorists wanted to bring sectarianism to our community,” presidential spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri said.

The Islamic State group has struggled to establish a foothold in Afghanistan, where most of its activity has been confined to eastern mountainous regions bordering Pakistan.

In March, Ghani declared Islamic State militants had been defeated in the east of the county but they have had a resurgence in recent weeks, with fighting displacing hundreds of people and wounding dozens in Nangarhar province.

A little more than a week ago, during a visit to Nangarhar, Ghani launched a new military operation targeting the Islamic State.

The rights group Amnesty International said in a statement that the “horrific attack ... demonstrates the utter disregard that armed groups have for human life.”

“Such attacks are a reminder that the conflict in Afghanistan is not winding down, as some believe, but escalating, with consequences for the human rights situation in the country that should alarm us all,” the statement quoted Champa Patel, Amnesty’s South Asia director, as saying.

Violence had been widely feared at what was the second demonstration by Hazaras over the power line issue. The last one in May attracted tens of thousands of people and shut down the central business district.

The May march was attended by Hazara political leaders, who were notable by their absence on Saturday.

At the height of the march, demonstrators chanted slogans against the president and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, shouting “death to discrimination” and “all Afghans are equal.”

The so-called TUTAP power line is backed by the Asian Development Bank, with involvement of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The original plan routed the line through Bamiyan province, in the central highlands, where most of the country’s Hazaras live.

That route was changed in 2013 by the previous Afghan government. Leaders of the marches have said that the rerouting was evidence of bias against the Hazara community, which accounts for up to 15 percent of Afghanistan’s estimated 30 million population. They are considered the poorest of the country’s ethnic groups and often complain of discrimination.

Hazaras, most of whom are Shiite Muslims, were especially persecuted during rule by the Sunni Taliban between 1996 and 2001.

The Taliban’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that his insurgent group was not responsible for the blast. The Taliban have been waging an insurgency against the Kabul government for 15 years, since their regime was overthrown by the U.S. invasion in 2001. They rarely issue such statements denying involvement in suicide attacks.

Zubair Babakarkhail and The Associated Press 
Six children kidnapped in last 30 hours from #Lahore - shocking

Six children kidnapped in last 30 hours from #Lahore - shocking

Web Desk
In the last 30 hours, 6 children have been kidnapped from various areas of Lahore, reported Waqt News. Police has not recovered any of them.



Children have been kidnapped from Iqbal Town, New Anarkali, Shahdara, Nishtar Colony, Chauni and Nasirabad in Lahore. IG Punjab said, “Police teams are searching for the missing children but there is no success.” In the last 15 days there is an alarming increasing the kidnapping of children. 208 children were kidnapped in the past few days, 189 children have been recovered while 19 are still missing.

A kidnapper was caught red handed by the residents of the Shahdara area today. Police was called immediately and he was arrested. They have taken him in for interrogation.

Police is advising parents to remain vigilant and not let children go out alone. Parents are protesting in various areas and raising questions regarding the law and order situation conditions of the city.

HEAVY RAIN IN #CHINA KILLS AT LEAST 87, MILLIONS EVACUATED

HEAVY RAIN IN #CHINA KILLS AT LEAST 87, MILLIONS EVACUATED

by Reuters

SHANGHAI: Heavy rain in China has killed at least 87 people and forced 16 million from their homes, state media reported on Saturday.

Seventy-two people have been killed and 78 are missing in the northern province of Hebei after rain triggered floods and landslides, the Xinhua news agency reported, citing the civil affairs department.

Nearly 50,000 homes have collapsed and about 8.6 million people have been affected, it said.

In the central province of Henan, 15 people were killed and eight were missing after thunderstorms and strong winds forced 7.2 million people from their homes and damaged 18,000 houses,

Large parts of China have been inundated with rain this summer, killing more than 200 people.

More than 1.5 million hectares of crops have been damaged, leading to direct economic losses of more than 20 billion yuan ($3 billion), the government has said.

The central bank on Friday issued a statement saying it would provide financial support for flooded areas.


Senate panel to adopt amended Electronic Crime Bill on Monday

Senate panel to adopt amended Electronic Crime Bill on Monday

via Business Recorder

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication is all set to pass the amended "Electronic Crime Bill 2016" on Monday, proposing a maximum punishment of 14 years with fine of Rs 50 million for cyber terrorism to deal with the increasing cyber threats.

The amended bill will be transmitted to the Senate on Tuesday and will be passed from the House during the same week. In case of failure to pass the bill in the current session, the bill will be lapsed as the House will meet again from August 18, when the deadline will expire. According to the amended bill, it shall also apply to any act committed outside Pakistan by any person if the act constitutes an offence under this Act and affects a person, property, information system, data or device located in Pakistan.



The committee met with Shahi Syed in the chair here on Friday to consider the prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2016. Different stakeholders gave written proposals/suggestions to the committee and it was decided to consider and incorporate appropriate proposals by Monday next week. However, some Senators raised serious concerns over the proposed legislation, while saying that common men have not been given due safeguards.

The amended proposed law will not be applicable provided that where the violation is committed by a licensee of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the same shall be deemed to be a violation of terms and conditions of the license and shall be treated as such under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act, 1996.

However, any owner of the information system who is not a licensee of the Authority and violates Sub-Section (1) shall be guilty of an offence punishable, if committed for the first time, with fine which may extend to ten million rupees and upon any subsequent conviction shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine or with both.

Senator Shibli Faraz said that the proposed legislation seems to be a sweeping one where no check has been made to protect general public rights. Senator Farhatullah Babar raised concerns on the chapter dealing with international cooperation while saying that we should move very consciously on this section and safeguards are needed. He proposed that request from outside should come through a designated agency and should not be received through everybody.

He further proposed that only executive should not exercise the powers to release information to another country but Judiciary (High Court) should also be involved before releasing any such information. Babar further proposed that the federal government shall be required to ask the foreign government, any foreign agency or any international agency to keep the information provided confidential or use it subject to some conditions.

He further proposed that all the requests shall be routed through the Foreign Office and embassies while Attorney General should be bound to public that how many requests were received and how it was treated after every six months to avoid blackmailing through agencies.

Committee Chairman appreciated the efforts of the Ministry while saying that the law should have come ten years ago, however, it is still better to frame such law and overcome Cyber Crimes. He said that such laws are the requirements of the whole world.

The committee also saw an awkward situation at one stage, when Committee Chairman and Senator Kareem Khawaja exchanged harsh words, asking each other to shut their mouths and the former suspended the meeting. Khawaja accused the Chairman for supporting the IT Ministry Bill blindly while ignoring his Bill. However Shahi Sayed clarified that his Bill was framed in 2014 and according to the Sub-Committee recommendations it expired and has no relevance in the prevailing circumstances. However, other senators went after the legislators and brought back both of them and resumed the proceeding of the committee. The committee would meet again on Monday to finalise and pass the bill.  Business Recorder