Muhammad Yasir

In an attempt to contain further rise in already mounting the novel coronavirus cases during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) on Thursday announced holidays from May 10 to 15 with a “clear intention of reducing national mobility”.

NCOC, in a bid to curb the spread of the virus, also announced comprehensive guidelines by the name of “STAY HOME-STAY SAFE — Eid-ul-Fitr-2021 from 8-16 May 2021”. The NCOC has also imposed a ban on chand raat bazaars, including mehendi, jewelry, and clothing stalls — from 8-16 May.

The statement said that all markets, businesses and shops will remain closed except for essential services including grocery store, pharmacies, bakeries, vegetable, fruit, chicken and meat shops and petrol pumps.

Furthermore the federal government, earlier, had announced a new set of restrictions, including a blanket ban on tourism and inter-provincial transport. According to the Ministry of Interior, fresh restrictions also included the closure of all tourist resorts, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, parks, beaches, and other public places from May 8 to 16.

Travel nodes leading to the tourist destinations, particularly the scenic valleys of Murree, Swat, and northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, which attract hundreds of thousands of tourists from across the country during Eid holidays, will also remain closed during the said period, the ministry added. There will be a complete ban on inter-provincial and inter-city transport during the Eid holidays, except for the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan, who will be allowed to travel to their hometowns.

Meanwhile, food will be allowed to be taken from restaurants, and the power supply will continue uninterrupted during the Eid holidays.

The country on Thursday 29^th April recorded another 5,480 new cases and 151 deaths, raising the total caseload and death toll to 815,711 and 17,680 respectively. Health authorities warned of a situation similar to that in virus-ravaged India if the cases continued to rise at the current rate in the coming weeks.

Earlier, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had announced that it will not be issuing new notes on Edi ul Fitr this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.“Like last year, we will not be issuing new banknotes on Eid ul Fitr due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic,” said the SBP in a statement.

NCOC also announced that comprehensive SOPs/guidelines will also be issued for Yom-e-Ali, Itekaf, Shabe-e-Wadar, Jumma-tul-Wida and Eid prayers by May 1.

Pakistan’s coronavirus positivity ratio jumped to 9.6% after the country reported over 5,000 new infections in the last 24 hours. According to the official data provided by the NCOC, 5,480 people tested positive for the coronavirus, after 57,013 tests were conducted across the country.

The total tally of COVID-19 cases now stands at 815,711, with most cases reported in Punjab. The number of recoveries nationwide has reached 708,193 so far, while the number of active cases in the country stands at 89,838 as of today.A day earlier, Pakistan reported the highest single-day death toll recorded since the pandemic started last year with over 200 new fatalities.

Embodied by its brand mission of “Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World”, OPPO is taking strides towards a more sustainable future

Leading global smart device brand OPPO today outlines the contributions it has made in the past year to facilitate the corporate sustainability initiatives enacted at the company since 2004. These contributions highlight OPPO’s achievements in improving stakeholder wellbeing, including the wellbeing of its products users, its employees, and the society as a whole, as well as the company’s impact on the environment.

“Since the company was founded in 2004, OPPO has been committed to improving the wellbeing our employees, customers and partners, as well as bettering our impact on the environment and society as a whole. Sustainability has been an integral part of our development strategy during this time, ensuring our ability to innovate and provide the best possible products and services for our users in what we call the Internet of Experience,” said Tony Chen, Founder and CEO of OPPO. “In reflection of our brand mission ‘Technology for Mankind, Kindness for the World’, and in staying true to our core value of Benfen, we will continue to invest in our sustainability. In doing so, we also look forward to working with partners across the industry to create a better future for people worldwide.”

OPPO’s achievements in sustainability were verified by the leading testing service provider TÜV Rheinland, which gave recognition of OPPO‘s contributions based on international standards. This third-party verification proves OPPO’s own work towards creating a circular economy, which includes prioritizing the use of sustainable materials and minimizing its waste output. OPPO now adopts sustainable production processes, spanning from design, packaging, upgrading to material processing and more. As a result, TÜV Rheinland also certified the outcomes of OPPO’s sustainable resource management and reduced emissions.

Seeing itself as a global citizen, further to its own social responsibility initiatives, OPPO is also working with suppliers to conduct sustainable management projects and collectively build a more sustainable ecosystem. For example, under the OPPO Social Responsibility Code of Conduct, suppliers are prohibited from engaging in unlawful or unethical practices, including monopolistic behavior, bribery or corruption.

These efforts have led to a number of milestone achievements in 2020 as stated below in detail.

As part of its contribution to the circular economy, OPPO recycled 13 times more product by weight in 2020 compared with 2019. This was further supported by its efforts in using more renewable materials, with recycled plastic making up 35% of the plastic material contained in its smartphone components. At the same time, the company also achieved a 42.7% reduction in general waste and a 20% reduction in indirect greenhouse gas emissions in 2020.

When it comes to people, as the lifeblood of its organization, OPPO has consistently put employee wellbeing at the forefront of its business operations. The company organized more than 670,000 hours of educational sessions and training programs in 2020 to assist exployees in planning and developing their careers. Likewise, for the millions of customers worldwide who use its products each day, OPPO takes their wellbeing just as seriously and has taken huge steps to better protect their data privacy. These include adding a number of innovative features to its ColorOS 11 operating system and as well as obtaining certifications for strict data privacy standards such as ISO (ISO/IEC 27001, 27018, 29151), TrustArc and ePrivacy.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, OPPO joined hands with the global community and mobilized resources to provide aid and support around the world. In the Philippines, OPPO collaborated with NGO Save the Children to help students receive remote education through the donation of 100 OPPO A12e smartphones and 100 Rock Space Bluetooth headsets. In Thailand, OPPO donated over 20,000 N95 face masks to medical workers at Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital and distributed medical kits to more than 13 hospitals across the country.

OPPO is also supporting communities and culture around the world through initiatives such as its Campus Global Emerging Artists Project Renovators (Renovators) program. In 2020, OPPO launched the second Renovators program, providing a platform for 3,000 students from 150 top universities around the world to unleash their creative imagination.

Making a significant and lasting impact on sustainability requires long-term thinking and commitment. OPPO will continue to further its own sustainability initiatives while collaborating with industry partners to create a better future for everyone.

The full 2020 Sustainability Report will be available on the OPPO official website soon. Please stay tuned!

Asif’s Success Story

Asif’s success story is a testimony to the remarkable potential that financial inclusion features and is one to help people dream big, for their dreams can now materialize faster than they think. 

In the small district of Pasrur, Sialkot, Asif Ali labored day in and day out to keep his fruit shop running amidst the unfortunate economic downfall that hits the rural citizen harder than the most. As the sole breadwinner of his family, he was under immense pressure to retain a stable source of income lest his children go hungry.

Despite being a skilled fruit vendor, hardworking and honest through and through, Asif lost his shop to the faltering economy, diving headfirst into the anxieties and troubles of unemployment that plague so many people across Pakistan. For some time, he struggled greatly to make ends meet and put food on the table.

Asif’s passion lay in fruit-mongering and he held on to his desire to own a business while taking work in a small fruit shop, earning minimum wage to barely scrape by. The experience, however, proved quite valuable as it lent Asif the unique opportunity to witness the do’s & don’ts to running a successful business, firsthand. Under the continued guidance of his employer, Asif’s affiliation with the fruit business grew stronger and he was more certain than ever that the best course for him was to run his store again.

His ambitions lacked the financial nudge that was necessary to get any venture off the ground, and so he continued to work on a meager wage. His fortunes turned, when in the year 2017, the loan officer from Mobilink Microfinance Bank, Pasrur, reached out to him, offering the capital he needed to realize his dreams.

In the first loan cycle, Asif Ali was granted PKR 100,000 which he used to launch his store and set up a stock of high-quality fruit. He maintained an affable relationship with the Bank during this time and repaid the loan in a timely and professional manner.

Almost immediately after that, Asif proceeded to apply for the second loan cycle which he used to further enhance his operations and assure quality products for his consumers. Things were now looking up, his anxieties about having an empty dastarkhwan were a thing of the past. Asif currently happens to be in the third loan cycle with the Bank.

“I worked hard and had the will to be successful but I could not have done it all without the Bank’s continued support. With MMBL on my back, I am bound to progress even more”, says Asif, the contented borrower.

Financial empowerment of the masses ought to be the prime priority of the government and financial institutions in a country like Pakistan where only 21% of the population is banked and poverty is rampant. Serving the unserved will not only add more people in the financial landscape of Pakistan but also improve prospects for them to be more educated, have better access and affordability for healthcare services, and enjoy a fulfilling life with reduced inequalities. Journeys like Asif’s are a testament to the unique power of transformation that microfinancing holds.

In Pakistan, as per the Asian Development Bank, the male proportion of employed population below $1.90 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) per day in 2019 is 2.2% and its 2.7% for females. Financing and other efforts to boost the entrepreneurial landscape in Pakistan needs to continue further if we are to improve our rankings here and enhance poverty statistics for Pakistan.

Asif has recently installed a juicer machine at his shop and has multiplied his revenue considerably by twinning the loan borrowed with his hard work and perseverance. He continues to lead on the journey to make his life better, and his children’s more prosperous.

In the ongoing era, when digital is the ‘new normal’, Asif’s family continues to benefit from digital financial services and uses JazzCash for sending and receiving payments when needed. This has not only helped reduce the hassle in his work and save time, but also allowed more efficient as well as faster transactions while also aiding Asif in broadening the horizon of his work. Asif plans to further digitize his shop by offering online fruit delivery soon and receive payments through his digital wallet.

As a leading financial services provider, MMBL is largely focused on creating synergy between the rural and urban masses by connecting them through conventional as well as digital products and services, aiming to empower every Pakistani by being a catalyst of sustainable change.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Veteran Journalist, Peace activist and Human Right Campaigner Ibn Abdur Rehman, known as I.A. Rehman was the leader of human right activists of Pakistan.

He was a guiding force for young the human right workers, role model for young journalist and staunch believer of having peace and brotherhood with all neighbors. His demise is an unrepeatable loss for Pakistan society. According to the Human Rights Office, Rehman was born in India in 1930 and served as an editor for several influential publications.

Rehman started working at a young age and contributed in various capacities in a golden career spanning over 6 decades. He worked as editor of the Pakistan Times before joining the HRCP in the early 90s, first as director and later as secretary general. He will be warmly remembered as a defender of myriad human rights, most urgent among his priorities being the fight for equality and justice for Pakistan’s women and minorities.

News Update Times follows the vision, stance and path set by I A Rehman during his personal and professional life. We will never deviate from the human rights supremacy movement of I A Rehman and will also strive for the rights of suppressed segments of society and freedom of speech. Staff working with News Update Times has profound memories of meeting the IA Rehman at various occasions. Despite being very busy person, I A Rehman sb was always available for cause of human rights, and his unmatched devotion will always be guiding force for positive minds of this nation. We heartily salute brave son of soil and human rights champion I A Rehman once again.

By Farhat Ali

Termites are the creature that can breed in different environments. In these environments, the survival of termites underwater is observed for an extended amount of time. It is because termites need moisture to survive for a long time and this happens often time due to floodwater.

Hurricane Florence subsides that brings floodwater with it, the residents and the government have a lot to face in cleaning up. As the crews do their work, they face the danger of little termites due to severe storms. These termites prove the cause of fatal diseases as they can survive more in this moisture situation. They can hold their breath for about 20 hours and can drown if flood water persists for more days but most won’t. The rest of the time they try to survive in tree holes, wood, and in the walls of houses.

TERMITES CAN DROWN IN WATER FOR A LONG TIME

Dr. Gregg Henderson believes that in a flood situation, these termites are not able to move in an upward direction to the ground. Instead, these termites keep themselves away from drowning for the time being by staying in a static position to preserve oxygen. In this motionless condition, they can survive in the water for up to 16 to 30 hours, depending on the type of termite.

The survival strategy of termites breathe is along the sides of their body, which works through a system of holes (spiracles). These little holes help them to take oxygen and to exhale carbon dioxide. Besides, for extended periods of time, termites can close their spiracles if necessary.

            In floods and hurricanes, termites make trouble a nightmare. These termites make the trees topple and the walls of houses easier to collapse. This condition gets more severe when climate change keep fueling faster wind speeds, torrential rainfall and flooding, and the hurricanes became more powerful.

   Termite seems to be more problematic when the residents of flood-stricken areas already facing destruction and a massive cleanup. Termite issue is the major in these circumstances when people have to remold their homes after a flood.

TERMITES AFFECTED MASSIVE AREAS IN THE PAST

In the last few years, devastation to people and property is observed. The United States was devastated by massive flooding events from storms and heavy hurricanes. Although some populations of termites couldn’t survive, subterranean termites have many methods to survive in flood situations also. It is obvious that flooding from a hurricane like Florence is destructive for the residents but not for termites. The one good thing about these subterranean and other termites is that they don’t spread disease, “unless you count mental stress caused by entomophobia a disease,” Forschler said.

SUGGESTIONS TO CONTROL TERMITES AFTER FLOODWATER SUBSIDE

 In order to repair the damaged houses, this infected wood should be transferred far away, to get rid of these termites permanently. In order to be more secure and to remold homes, termite control services and pest control services are provided through management professions that can suggest appropriate steps for remediation of star pest controls if needed.

By  Muhammad Yasir

You have come to the right spot if you’re hunting down a website for unstitched clothing, stunning and inexpensive lawn dresses. Pakistan has one of the world’s most gruelling climates, with extreme summers and cold winters covering the region in varying degrees. As a result, a slew of new fabrics have arisen, each appealing to a distinct need. There is no doubt that Pakistan produces high-quality fabrics, and we do as well. Summer in Pakistan is the longest season of the year, and women enjoy wearing cool and calming coloured lawn dresses.

Unstitched lawn collections have been meticulously designed with this in mind. They fit best as a light and airy fabric in the summer, but with a few tweaks, they can still be used in mild winters. When the summer weather starts shifting to colder temperatures, some ladies continue to wear light lawn dresses.

It implies that lawn dresses aren’t just for the summer; they can be worn throughout the year. 1 piece lawn suits, new lawn collection, 3 piece suits, and lawn suits with chiffon dupatta are all available. Many of these dresses can be purchased at Rafia.pk. Take a look at our extensive collection of lawn dresses and choose the one that fits you best. Because of its assured fabric quality and wholesale prices, Pakistan is increasingly embracing online shopping, and Rafia.pk could be the best choice or experience for them.

Rafia.pk has honed its clothing designs and styling sense to create all of its designer lawn dresses. You will be stunned that among the hundreds of new women’s clothing collections, formal wear, casual wear, prêt wear collections available, there is usually a theme that binds it together in an effortless manner.

Each color schemes are made in such a way that they align with the designs gracefully, hence the blending connect the dress to the rest of the collection in a way that makes sense to your eyes and brain, making your shopping experience truly exclusive. Explore our vast clothing havens and become acquainted with a selected designer summer and winter collection that, at the end of the day, just makes sense.

Printed Lawn is the representation of traditional summer attire. It tends to be lightly weaved that can either be plainly printed or embroidered piece of clothing that’s ideal for a humid summer day. Printed Lawn, also known as digital printing lawn, closely corresponds to vibrant coloured casual dresses with bright palettes and designs that are enchanting. It’s one of the finest pieces of garment that can be worn not only inside the house but can be worn to events and occasions.

There are quality unstitched garments available in some trendy, colourful, and stylish designs, as well as embroidered, for the summer season. Don’t tire yourself searching for the ideal summer look. We have lawn dresses in a variety of colours and designs that are an ideal fit for daily wear or occasional wear. The best thing about our unstitched lawn dresses is that the quality of the fabric remains intact even after multiple laundry washes.