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Pakistan: Stampede at food donation center leaves 11 dead
Deutsche Welle
01 Apr 2023, 16:18
Hundreds of women and children had gathered outside a factory to collect food when the tragedy unfolded. Three children were among the dead in what could be one of the deadliest stampedes in the country.
At least 11 people, including three children, were killed in the southern city of Karachi, Pakistan, on Friday when a ration distribution event resulted in a stampede, police said.
Since the start of the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan, which encourages the distribution of alms to the needy, the stampede is one of the deadliest ones yet in the economically-challenged country.
What happened?
Hundreds of women and children had gathered outside a factory located in an industrial area called Sindh Industrial and Trading Estate (SITE) to collect food.
The company's owner had invited the employees' families to distribute Zakat or charity, according to local media.
A day earlier, authorities had ordered police officials to be deployed at Ramadan distribution centers to prevent overcrowding.
As the crowd gathered, some women and children fell into an open drain, and a wall nearby also collapsed, as stated by police and residents.
The factory owner, who was not present at the event, reportedly did not inform the officials about the event and no proper arrangements were available to deal with an emergency situation.
The police detained some of the factory workers shortly after the incident to interrogate them on the matter.
Food insecurity and high inflation
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government announced a free flour initiative for millions of Pakistanis struggling with the rampant inflation in the country.
Weekly inflation rose to at least 40% year on year, Pakistan's local media reported in mid-March.
However, similar incidents have occurred since the start of Ramadan at the flour distribution points.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed its concern for the "marginalized" people of the country who have to face "the economic injustice perpetrated by the elites" of the state in a Tweet.
The political instability has further fuelled the worsening economic situation of the country.
After the former PM Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote last year, the political crisis has deepened.
PM Sharif's government has been trying to revive a $7 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund that was set forth in 2019.
So far, talks with the IMF have been unsuccessful as the government has failed to meet IMF's conditions.
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WWII bomb at Frankfurt Airport detonated safely
A phosphorus bomb dating back to the Second World War was found by construction workers on the airport's grounds, according to police.
Frankfurt police announced late on Friday that a World War II bomb discovered at Frankfurt Airport had been successfully detonated.
The phosphorus bomb was discovered during construction work around the new Terminal 3.
Airport operator Fraport had warned that flights may be disrupted as a result of the find.
Authorities cited by Germany's DPA news agency said a highway was closed and four runways could not be used while the operation to detonate the bomb was underway.
Fraport said on X, formerly Twitter, that any disruptions were expected to last until 9 p.m. local time (1900 UTC/GMT).
"Check flight status before traveling to the airport and allow extra time for your journey. We also recommend you check in as early as possible for your flight," the post on X said.
Later on Friday, police said the A5 highway had been reopened.
The discovery of unexploded World War II ordnance in German cities is not unusual.
The country experienced heavy bombing from Allied forces during the conflict, and explosive devices are frequently unearthed, especially at construction sites.
Latin American anger grows over China's economic clout
China's growing influence appears to have some drawbacks in Latin America. Beijing has targeted countries such as Guatemala and outraged retailers in Brazil.
It came as a shock to Guatemalan exporters: according to media reports, China had recently banned the import of Guatemalan coffee and other goods.
There was no official explanation. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo, however, presumed there was a connection to his country's ties with Taiwan. "We will take care of it," Arevalo said.
Apart from Paraguay, Guatemala is now the only Latin American country with diplomatic ties to Taiwan. Beijing regards the island nation as part of the People's Republic of China. In recent years, Honduras and Nicaragua changed sides, turning their backs on Taiwan and seeking rapprochement with Beijing.
Several small conflicts in Latin America
The blockade of Guatemalan goods is one of several minor conflicts beginning to overshadow China's course in Latin America, which has long been oriented toward growth and expansion.
Those conflicts were, however, of a different nature, Vladimir Rouvinski, an associate professor with the Department of Political Studies at Icesi University in Cali, Colombia, told DW.
"In this case, China clearly uses something as leverage, and it does this less against Guatemala, but rather against Taiwan," he said.
In Costa Rica, the government urged one of the managers of state-owned energy supplier ICE to leave the company after some 70 high-ranking employees had visited a party organized by Chinese technology giant Huawei.
Trade unionists were appalled, while ICE's president, Mario Acuna, urged more sensitivity in the face of simultaneous "contracting procedures and various litigations." The conduct of the employees involved could harm "the image of the institution as well as our reputation," he said.
'China has to play by the rules as well'
Relations between Costa Rica and Huawei are strained after President Rodrigo Chaves established the Budapest convention on fighting cybercrime, which China has not signed, as a standard for economic engagement in Costa Rica.
Afterwards, Huawei's chief executive for Latin America criticized Costa Rica's approach as "unprofessional." "This is a message for Beijing: China has to play by the rules as well," Rouvinski told DW.
The Budapest Convention is the first international agreement on crimes committed on the internet. Focus areas are copyright infringements, computer-related fraud and violations of network security.
There are other examples of economic conflicts between China and Latin American countries. One of them involves cheap steel imports from China, which puts Latin American steel producers under a lot of pressure, thus sparking anger.
In Brazil, meanwhile, cheap textiles from China are posing a serious threat to fashion boutiques. Accusations against Chinese companies causing environmental damage with their operations have also sparked debate.
Brazil imposes tariffs on Chinese imports
Brazil is now fighting back against cheap Chinese imports by imposing a 20% tax. This affects goods valued under $50 (€46) which are bought via international shopping websites.
According to Brazilian media, Chinese online retail platform AliExpress was "surprised" by the decision, as the tax would primarily hit the poorest and discourage foreign investment in the country.
In the textile industry, considerable anger has been directed at Chinese suppliers, because conglomerates such as Shein, which don't produce their goods under the same conditions and general framework as small Brazilian firms, are pushing thousands of local companies out of the market. At the grassroots level, there's a growing feeling that China's strategy destroys local trading structures rather than making them profitable.
Who profits from Chinese-Latin American trade?
"Recently, the challenges and risks related to the rise of China as a dominant actor in many economy and technology areas have become more and more apparent in Latin America as well," Christian Hauser, an expert on Latin America at the University of Applied Sciences in Graubünden, Switzerland, told DW.
Various Latin American societies are increasingly feeling that it's predominantly Beijing which has profited from the region's economic relations with China, said Hauser. Therefore, he said, current criticism of China's trade practices could become even more pronounced.
In addition, a foreign policy element often plays a role. "Latin American countries find themselves increasingly entangled in the conflict of geopolitical rivalry between the US and China," added Hauser.
"Against this backdrop, the current tensions between some Central American countries, like Guatemala and Costa Rica, and China are probably only the beginning of more conflict-ridden relations in the future," he said.
Only China's relations with Nicaragua seem untarnished. The country's authoritarian government has banned countless NGOs, including many which championed environmental protection.
According to reports by Nicaraguan media critical of the government, Chinese companies operating in the country have received 13 mining concessions within little more than half a year.
US Defence Secretary visits Cambodia amid concerns over China's influence
US Defence SecretaryLloyd Austin has embarked on a visit to Cambodia to meet with the country's prime minister and defence minister, signalling growing apprehension in Washington over China's expanding influence in the region, CNN reported.
According to CNN, Austin's trip to the Cambodian capital on Tuesday marks his second visit to the Southeast Asian country as Secretary of Defense but is the first time a United States defence chief has travelled to Cambodia specifically to hold a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Defence Minister Tea Seiha.
The outreach reflects the US' desire to forge a better relationship with Cambodia, defence officials said, particularly as Beijing's influence over the country has only continued to grow in recent years.
"We believe there is potentially an opportunity, with leadership transition in Cambodia, for us to sit down and talk about how our relationship might have a more positive and optimistic path in the future," a senior defence official told reporters, referring to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who took office last year following his father Hun Sen's nearly four-decade rule. "This isn't a visit that is about significant deliverables and achievements."
However, underlying the diplomatic outreach are palpable concerns regarding China's growing presence at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base. Austin expressed US apprehensions about China's funding and operations at the base, strategically positioned near the South China Sea. Despite Cambodian officials' assertions that the base won't serve as a foreign naval facility, China's deployment of warships in December raised alarm bells in Washington.
China's assertive claims over the vast expanse of the South China Sea have drawn sharp rebukes from the US and its Indo-Pacific allies. Recent incidents, including attacks on Philippine vessels and military drills near Taiwan, underscore Beijing's coercive tactics, fueling US anxieties over the prospect of China establishing a military outpost near crucial waterways, as reported by CNN.
Amidst China and Cambodia's reaffirmed military cooperation, relations between Washington and Phnom Penh have faced strains. Cambodia's cancellation of military exercises with the US in 2017 and the demolition of a US-built facility at Ream in 2020 reflect these tensions. Moreover, the Biden administration's imposition of sanctions on Cambodian individuals last year in response to flawed elections further strained bilateral ties.
Austin's meetings in Phnom Penh aimed to revitalise US-Cambodia defence cooperation, focusing on areas such as disaster assistance, UN peacekeeping, and military education exchanges. The discussions underscored mutual interests in bolstering regional peace and security while navigating the complexities of China's assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific.
Austin's visit to Cambodia concludes a broader Asian tour, during which he attended the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. At this forum, he sounded the alarm on China's coercive activities in the region, emphasizing the importance of deepening ties with key Asian partners to counter Beijing's assertiveness.
In a meeting with China's Defence Minister Dong Jun, Austin underscored the US commitment to maintaining open military channels to mitigate misunderstandings and prevent escalation. However, Dong's subsequent speech, condemning external interference and highlighting Beijing's perceived strength, stood at odds with China's coercive activities across the region, as noted by a senior US official, CNN reported.
Source: Daily Hunt
How China is losing the chip war
As the rivalry between China and the United States over semiconductor intellectual property and manufacturing intensifies, recent studies indicate that the US is gaining a significant lead in the chip war with China. The competition, which has global economic and security implications, has seen the US leveraging strategic investments and sanctions to bolster its position in the semiconductor industry.
A comprehensive report by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) forecasts a steep increase in the US semiconductor manufacturing capacity. According to the report, the US is on track to more than triple its capacity and control nearly 30% of advanced chipmaking by 2032. By then, the US could be producing 28% of chips below the 10-nanometer level, whereas China is projected to produce only 2%. Currently, neither country has the capability to manufacture these advanced chips.
The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which allocated $39 bn to enhance US chip manufacturing capacity, has been a significant factor in this projected growth. The report, titled 'Emerging Resilience in the Semiconductor Supply Chain,' highlights that this investment will start yielding substantial results in the next decade.
A study by Citi Research underscores the urgency of this expansion. The study reveals that despite accounting for 25% of global semiconductor demand, the US only possesses 12% of the world’s semiconductor manufacturing capacity, a sharp decline from 37% in the 1990s. “That has sparked concerns about a threat to national security given China's efforts to gain a significant foothold in this vital industry,” the Must C Citi Research report stated.
In addition to the CHIPS Act, the US has implemented a series of sanctions targeting China’s semiconductor sector. Since 2017, starting with actions against ZTE, the US has tightened export controls on advanced semiconductor production equipment and high-performance computing chips. The US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security further intensified these restrictions in October of last year.
China chip war: Europe, Japan, India strengthen their own semiconductor industry
The global landscape of semiconductor manufacturing is also evolving. The European Union has introduced the European CHIPS Act, while countries like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and India have launched various incentive programs to support their chip industries. Japan, for example, aims to attract $64.2 bn in investment to triple its domestically produced chip sales to approximately $96.3 bn by 2030.
India is also making substantial investments. The interim 2024 Union Budgetsaw an increased allocation for the semiconductor and display manufacturing sector by 130% ($83.28 mn). In Feburary, the government approved three new semiconductor manufacturing facilities.
South Korea’s government is supporting an estimated $246 bn in spending on homegrown technology, including a $7.3 bn chip program expected to be announced soon.
Despite these global efforts, China is not idly standing by. According to Bloomberg, China has more semiconductor plants under construction than any other country and has committed over $142 bn in government incentives to build its domestic semiconductor industry. However, John Neuffer, president and CEO of SIA, noted, 'China seems to be putting a lot more energy into the so-called legacy chips.'
Chris Danely, Head of Technology & Communications Research and US Semiconductors Analyst at Citi, commented on the geopolitical implications, stating, 'As China pursues self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing, the US and its allies are seeking to blunt China's impact via sanctions and subsidies such as the CHIPS Act. While we believe China will have success in semiconductors and slow the growth of non-Chinese makers, we also envision increased equipment spending from subsidies.'
Danely commented further that higher costs might prevent the CHIPS Act from 'doing much to bring leading-edge manufacturing back to the US.'
Source: The Atlantic
Riyadh Air signs global partnerships with Singapore Airlines and Air China
Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, Riyadh Air, has signed agreements with two major carriers, Singapore Airlines and Air China, to establish strategic partnerships and expand its global network.
The agreement focuses on interline connectivity, codeshare arrangements, and potential collaboration in frequent flyer programs as well as cargo services, customer experience, and digital innovation.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas and Singapore Airlines chief Goh Choon Phong signed the memorandums of understanding at the 80th International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in Dubai, held June 2 – 4.
Riyadh Air, scheduled to launch commercial operations in 2025, will allow its passengers to access Singapore Airlines’ network spanning Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, introducing various new travel destinations to its customer base.
The MoU with Air China, the country’s national flag carrier, reflects the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and China.
Signed on June 3 at the IATA AGM, the agreement aims to facilitate seamless travel between China and the Middle East by exploring cooperation in interline traffic and codeshare arrangements.
This partnership aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, according to the statement.
Douglas commented: “Our partnership with Air China, a leading global carrier with a vast network in key Chinese markets, complements Riyadh Air’s ambitious future plans.”
He added: “This MoU represents a significant step toward establishing a long-term partnership that will facilitate seamless travel for passengers between China and the Middle East and beyond. Together, we will solidify our positions as vital links, further strengthening the economic and cultural ties between our regions and aligning with both China’s Belt and Road Initiatives and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
Both partnerships provide advantages, including travelers on both ends benefiting from enhanced connectivity and a wider range of trip options.
These partnerships highlight Riyadh Air’s commitment to becoming a world-leading carrier. The Saudi carrier aims to connect passengers to 100 destinations globally by 2030, prioritizing sustainability and setting a new standard for travel.
As a key contributor to Vision 2030, Riyadh Air is booting economic diversification and job creation within Saudi Arabia.
“Our strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines unlocks significant benefits for our future guests as it grows our network in partnership with the world’s best airline,” said Douglas during the signing with Singapore Airlines.
He added: “We see huge potential for strong connectivity in South East Asia and both Australia and New Zealand through the award-winning hub at Singapore Changi Airport while also providing opportunities for westbound passengers to connect across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region on Riyadh Air.”
The CEO emphasized that this relationship is significant, highlighting a wide-ranging codeshare agreement that is expected to cover various areas such as digital and technology, loyalty, and cargo.
Conversely, Singapore Airlines’ customers will have more options for travel to the Middle East through Riyadh Air’s network, stimulating passenger traffic between the Kingdom and Singapore.
Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines, stated: “This win-win strategic partnership with Riyadh Air will enable us to offer even more options, enhanced connectivity, and greater benefits to our customers.”
He added: “Together, we can facilitate the growth of passenger travel between Saudi Arabia and Singapore, and beyond, via our respective networks, supporting both tourism and business links.”
Phong noted that the MoU will enhance customer experience and cargo services and harness digital tools and solutions, potentially bringing greater benefits to both airlines in the future.
Saudi Arabia’s new carrier is set to unveil its special cabin crew uniform at the upcoming Paris Fashion Week from June 18-23.
Source: Business Mirror
Indonesian woman found dead inside giant python
The woman from South Sulawesi province failed to return home. Her whole body was found fully clothed in the huge belly of a 5-meter-long snake. Incidents involving pythons — ones considerably larger, swallowing humans whole are rare but do occur in Indonesia.
A woman was killed by a 5-meter (16-foot) python in central Indonesia after it swallowed her whole, local media reported Saturday.
The 45-year-old, from Kalempang village in South Sulawesi province, had told her husband on Thursday she was going to sell chilies to a collector.
When she failed to return, her husband and relatives initiated a search, village head Suardi Rosi told the Detik.com news website.
The next morning, a python was discovered near the woman's abandoned belongings, the report said.
Along with some villagers, the husband of the woman — identified only as Farida — killed the snake and cut it open.
Python with large belly cut open
Earlier, her husband "found her belongings... which made him suspicious. The villagers then searched the area. They soon spotted a python with a large belly," said Suardi.
"They agreed to cut open the python's stomach. As soon as they did, Farida's head was immediately visible."
Farida was found fully clothed inside the snake.
While such incidents are considered extremely rare, a number of people have died in Indonesia in recent years after being swallowed whole by pythons.
Last year, an 8-meter python was killed by residents in Southeast Sulawesi's Tinanggea district after it was found strangling and eating one of the farmers in a village.
In 2018, a 54-year-old woman was found dead inside a 7-meter python in Southeast Sulawesi's Muna town.
A farmer in West Sulawesi went missing a year earlier. He was found having been eaten alive by a 4-meter python at a palm oil plantation.
Innovative Assessment Day: 'IUS' Department of English
The University of Scholars' Department of English, a pioneer of introducing new ideas to nurture their students, held an "Unlocking Potential" Assessment Day on June 5th, 2024, incorporating outcome-based evaluation. This innovative initiative aimed to ignite the potential of its students and build well-rounded professionals for the future.
The assessment day featured two key components: psychometric testing and behavioral interviews. The psychometric tests, conducted by qualified professionals, offered a standardized approach to evaluating students' cognitive abilities, personality traits, and learning styles. This data provides a valuable starting point for identifying areas where students can excel and areas where additional support may be beneficial.
Following the testing, students participated in behavioral interviews with esteemed faculty members from the English Department, including Amena Parvin Tisha, Syeda Nowshin Anjum Hoque, Fariha Sharmin, Alia Rawshan, Umme Shifati Islam, Mr. Ridwan Arif, Ms. Shama-E-Shahid, Mr. Mostofa Asif, and Mr. Altap Hossen. These interviews delved deeper into students' academic goals, motivations, and previous experiences. This one-on-one interaction allowed faculty to provide personalized feedback and guidance, helping students navigate their academic journey effectively.
“The assessment day provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with our students on a deeper level,” said Associate Professor Md. Sajjad Hossain,Department of English. “By understanding their individual strengths and challenges, we can tailor our curriculum and support services to ensure their success. This will be particularly important as we equip them with the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in the dynamic challenges of the 21st century.”
Looking ahead, the department plans to utilize the assessment results to develop targeted workshops and seminars that address the specific needs of their students. These sessions will focus on areas such as digital literacy, media analysis, and intercultural communication – all essential skills for navigating the complex and interconnected world of the 21st century.
The Department of English at the University of Scholars is committed to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for its students. Through initiatives like this assessment day, the department empowers students to reach their full potential and achieve academic success, preparing them to become well-rounded graduates who can confidently tackle the challenges of the 21st century. The University of Scholars is committed to building professionals who are not only academically strong but also possess the critical thinking and communication skills necessary to thrive in today's dynamic world.
