What is the ranking of Pakistan in Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024?
101
94
104
125
Correct Answer: 101
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SUMMARY of the Article “Hot spells,” Dawn Editorial, May 26th, 2024
The article addresses the severe heatwave affecting Pakistan, particularly 26 districts since May 21, and warns of two additional waves in June. The current heatwave is expected to last until May 30, with temperatures rising 5°C to 6°C above normal. The subsequent heatwaves are predicted to occur from June 7-8 and again in the last week of June. This increase in frequency and intensity of heatwaves is attributed to unsustainable environmental practices, which also accelerate glacier melting and increase the risk of forest fires. In response, the government has implemented several measures, including disseminating comprehensive guidelines, issuing early warnings, and conducting public awareness campaigns to educate people on health risks and precautions. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is coordinating with provincial departments for timely responses to natural disasters. The editorial emphasizes that while these efforts are commendable, more actions are needed. Expanding green cover through aggressive reforestation, enhancing urban infrastructure to withstand extreme heat, ensuring continuous water and electricity supply, and improving disaster » Read More…
SUMMARY of [Democratic breakdown], [Mirza Moiz Baig], [Published on May 25th, 2024]
The article “Democratic breakdown” by Mirza Moiz Baig critiques the recently passed Punjab Defamation Act, 2024, as part of a series of measures that restrict free speech under the guise of combating fake news. The Act establishes tribunals with non-judicial members appointed by the executive, prioritizing adherence to statutory timelines over competence and integrity. This undermines the right to due process and fair trial, as the Act also excludes the application of the Qanoon-i-Shahadat and envisions summary proceedings. Additionally, the Act imposes financial barriers for appealing tribunal decisions and affords greater protection to constitutional office holders from defamation, creating a chilling effect on legitimate critique of government policies. The article argues that this Act symbolizes the broader democratic breakdown in Pakistan, where political forces attack each other’s legitimacy, and institutions fail to adhere to their jurisdictional » Read More…
Who won ‘Bint-e- Hawa’ achievement award 2024
Naila Kiani
Nigar Johar
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy
Naila Kabeer
Correct Answer: Nigar Johar
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SUMMARY of the [IMF’s Unease], [Editorial], [Published on May 24th, 2024]
The initial discussions between Pakistan and the IMF regarding a new, larger, and longer financial programme have concluded without a formal staff-level agreement. This is primarily because the IMF requires parliamentary approval for the proposed reform measures and policy actions due to the country’s unpredictable political climate. The IMF has previously noted the significant risks posed by Pakistan’s political instability and social tensions, which could hinder economic stabilization efforts.
Despite these concerns, the IMF has shown confidence in the current political administration, believing that the continuity of the ruling coalition after elections would ensure the persistence of the agreed reform agenda. This optimism stems from the coalition’s track record of implementing committed actions under previous IMF programmes, despite the political costs involved. » Read More…
SUMMARY of the [Energy inflation], [Editorial], [Published on May 23rd, 2024]
On Tuesday, the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) reduced the average gas prices for SNGPL by 10% and SSGC by 4%, based on the revenue needs of these public utilities for the next fiscal year. For SNGPL, this translates to a reduction of Rs179.17 per mmBtu, and for SSGC, Rs59.23 per mmBtu. However, SNGPL customers won’t benefit from this reduction because the government plans to recover Rs581 billion in tariff differentials not charged over the past six years. This decision may lead to a gas price increase of up to 87% for SNGPL customers next year. The
SUMMARY of the [Climate resilience], [Ajaz Ahmed], [Published on May 21st, 2024]
The modern economy relies heavily on critical infrastructure for basic services, but climate change poses significant challenges to its sustainability. Climate-related natural disasters disrupted essential services in at least 44 countries in 2020 and 2021, with financial losses in low- and middle-income countries reaching $647 billion in 2019. Developing countries like Pakistan need to focus on making their infrastructure resilient to climate shocks, such as floods. Currently, infrastructure development often overlooks climate risks due to high upfront costs. When disasters strike, they destroy infrastructure and disrupt services, exacerbating vulnerabilities. Resilient infrastructure, however, can enhance service reliability, prolong asset life, and support livelihoods. » Read More…