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Results for “ADB” (24)

Alina Hashmi Posted in World

Musk’s Starlink to provide free internet to Venezuela

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, says it will provide free broadband access to Venezuela in the coming weeks. “Starlink is providing free broadband service to the people of Venezuela through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity,” the company said in a post on X. Internet access in Venezuela has long been tightly controlled under President Nicolas Maduro, with censorship, shutdowns and restrictions common during periods of unrest. Independent news websites and communications platforms have previously been blocked, according to Freedom House, a US-based non-profit organisation. Read More…

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Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Politics

TLP protest: Islamabad, Pindi face roadblocks, mobile data service suspension

The residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have faced inconvenience in both commuting and communication as the authorities have placed containers and suspended mobile data services in light of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan's (TLP) announcement to march towards Islamabad on Friday (today). With containers placed at Islamabad's entry points on one hand, the residents are facing internet issues on their cellphones on the other. Apart from the federal capital, the authorities have also imposed Section 144 of the CrPC across Punjab, barring the display of weapons and banning public gatherings. Read More…

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Hafsa Mustafa Posted in World

West Bank town becomes ‘big prison’ as Israel fences it in

A five-metre-high metal fence slices across the eastern edge of Sinjil, a Palestinian town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Heavy steel gates and roadblocks seal off all but a single route in and out of the town, watched over by Israeli soldiers at guard posts. “Sinjil is now a big prison,” said Mousa Shabaneh, 52, a father of seven, watching on in resignation as workers erected the fence through the middle of the nursery on the edge of the town where he planted trees for sale, his sole source of… Read More…

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Alina Hashmi Posted in World

ADB approves $800m to boost Pakistan’s public finance

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved $800 million programme to strengthen fiscal sustainability and improve public financial management in Pakistan, according to a statement issued by the Philippines-based lender. The statement read that subprogramme 2 of the “Improved Resource Mobilisation and Utilisation Reform Programme” includes a policy-based loan of $300m, and ADB’s “first ever policy-based guarantee” of up to $500m, which is expected to mobilise financing of up to $1 billion from commercial banks. “Pakistan has made significant progress in improving macroeconomic conditions,” said ADB country director for Pakistan, Emma… Read More…

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Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Politics

Pakistan, ADB join hands to boost climate resilience

The federal government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have committed to enhancing cooperation on climate resilience and environmental sustainability at a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Monday. Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, and ADB Director General Bruno Carrasco spearheaded talks on a detailed strategy to tackle Pakistan’s urgent climate issues. Both parties stressed the importance of immediate action, particularly emphasizing the support for youth-led climate initiatives through incubation programs, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Read More…

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Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Politics

Pakistan, ADB ink $330 million social protection agreement

Pakistan and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Saturday formally signed a loan agreement for the Integrated Social Protection Development Program (ISPDP) Additional Financing, amounting to USD 330 million. “This program builds on the ongoing ADB-funded program for strengthening and expanding social protection systems in Pakistan through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP),” a press statement issued by Economic Affairs Division read. The agreement was signed by Secretary Economic Affairs Dr Kazim Niaz and ADB Country Director Emma Fan. Read More…

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Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Politics

ADB Country Director calls on President Zardari

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Yong Ye on Thursday called on President Asif Ali Zardari to brief him about the role of the bank in the socio-economic development of Pakistan. In the meeting, President Zardari appreciated the assistance provided by the Asian Development Bank to Pakistan during the floods. He also highlighted Pakistan’s measures to deal with climate change, saying that Pakistan had planted mangrove forests on millions of acres of land. Read More…

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Alina Hashmi Posted in World

Egypt says Gaza war destroyed lives of Palestinian civilians

Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly called on Monday Israel’s war in Gaza on “all the people of Gaza, their whole lives have been destroyed”. He addressed the humanitarian aid needs in Gaza, confirming “Rafah is opened from our side”. Mr. Madbouly said that 80 percent of humanitarian aid that has reached Gaza has been raised by the Egyptian government and by civil societies. Read More…

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Hafsa Mustafa Posted in Uncategorized

Domestic violence emerging as ‘silent pandemic’ in Pakistan: Report

A study report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has pointed out that domestic violence is emerging as a “silent pandemic” in Pakistan, posing a serious challenge to society and the state. The study report titled “Gendered Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Central and West Asia” highlighted the concerning surge of domestic violence in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing a substantial increase in threats and physical assaults among spouses. Read More…

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Alina Hashmi Posted in World

Wheat production thrives in Europe

As extreme weather wreaks havoc on crops in the Americas and North Africa, Europe’s breadbasket is thriving. The ample wheat harvests would keep global food costs under control, experts said. “It’s still a long road to harvest,” said Sebastien Poncelet, senior analyst at Paris-based Agritel. “But for now the situation is OK.” Read More…

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