PARIS (NUT DESK) – The novel coronavirus has killed at least 2,692,313 people since the outbreak emerged in China in December 2019, according to a tally from official sources compiled by media at 1100 GMT on Friday. At least 121,747,630 cases of coronavirus have been registered. The vast majority have recovered, though some have continued to experience symptoms weeks or even months later. These figures are based on daily tolls provided by health authorities in each country and exclude later re-evaluations by statistical organisations, as has happened in Russia, Spain and Britain. On Thursday, 10,352 new deaths and 542,248 new cases were recorded worldwide. Based on latest reports, the countries with the most new deaths were Brazil with 2,724 new deaths, followed by the United States with 1,376 and Mexico with 698. The United States remains the worst-affected country with 539,699 deaths from 29,667,759 cases. After the US, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil with 287,499 deaths from 11,780,820 cases, Mexico with 196,606 deaths from 2,182,188 cases, India with 159,370 deaths from 11,514,331 cases, and the United Kingdom with 125,926 deaths from 4,280,882 cases. The country with the highest number of deaths compared to its population is Czech Republic with 227 fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Belgium with 195, Slovenia 190, Montenegro 188 and the United Kingdom 185. Europe overall has 911,769 deaths from 40,825,963 cases, Latin America and the Caribbean 733,681 deaths from 23,260,255 infections, and the United States and Canada 562,279 deaths from 30,589,363 cases. Asia has reported 265,018 deaths from 16,870,208 cases, the Middle East 109,631 deaths from 6,090,040 cases, Africa 108,967 deaths from 4,077,976 cases, and Oceania 968 deaths from 33,830 cases. Since the start of the pandemic, the number of tests conducted has greatly increased while testing and reporting techniques have improved, leading to a rise in reported cases. However the number of diagnosed cases is only a part of the real total number of infections as a significant number of less serious or asymptomatic cases always remain undetected. As a result of corrections by national authorities or late publication of data, the figures updated over the past 24 hours may not correspond exactly to the previous day´s tallies. India´s wealthiest state Maharashtra and its capital Mumbai have recorded the most daily cases since the pandemic began, stoking a new nationwide wave. Several badly hit states including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have imposed fresh restrictions such as curbs on movement and public gatherings in some cities.
Punjab: 1868 new Corona cases, 23 deaths in 24 hours
Lahore (NUT DESK) – About 1868 cases of Covid-19 were reported in Punjab on Friday while the pandemic claimed 23 more lives in 24 hours which pushed the death toll to 5,917.
As per Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department statistics, the number of Coronavirus cases in the province reached 193,053. The P&SHD confirmed that 1159 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Lahore, 13 in Kasur, 10 in Sheikhupura, 5 in Nankana Sahib, 6 in Rawalpindi, 2 in Attock, 8 in Jehlum, 61 in Gujranwala, 18 in Mandi Bahauddin, 11 in Narowal, 28 in Hafizabad, 21 in Sialkot, 23 in Gujrat,157 in Faisalabad, 5 in Toba Tek Singh, 24 in Chiniot, 1 in Jhang, 46 in Sargodha, 3 in Mianwali, 5 in Khushab,40 in Multan, 8 in Vehari, 3 in Khanewal, 4 in Dera Ghazi Khan, 1 in Layyah, 104 in Rajanpur, 14 in Bahawalpur, 4 in Bahawalnagar, 3 in Rahimyar Khan, 10 in Okara and 13 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Sahiwal district during the last 24.
The Punjab health department conducted 3,598,893 tests for COVID-19 so far, while 174,566 confirmed patients recovered altogether in the province. The Punjab health department has urged the masses to follow SOPs for their protection and cover their faces with masks.
About 2,17,637 coronavirus vaccine jabs have been administered to senior citizens and frontline health workers in Punjab so far under the vaccination drive.
Nestlé Pakistan, LUMS commemorate World Water Day
Nestlé Pakistan, LUMS commemorate World Water Day; reiterate commitment towards water stewardship
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Nestlé Pakistan and LUMS pledged to continue playing their role as water stewards in a session for World Water Day, under this year’s theme ‘Valuing Water’. The webinar featured speakers from WWF, Hisaar Foundation and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, and focused on valuing water in agrarian economies like Pakistan by encouraging a collective action approach to conserve and sustainably use shared water resources.
Mohsin Khan Leghari, Minister Irrigation, Government of Punjab, stressed the urgency of putting water at the heart of action plans and policy in his keynote address. “Our government is focused on a policy, on usage and distribution of water, including irrigation, agriculture and industrial use, as there are water inefficiencies in the agriculture sector which is consuming more than 90% of the country’s water resources,“ he said.
Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Nestlé Pakistan while highlighting Nestlé’s landmark Caring for Water (C4W)-Pakistan initiative, said, “Nestlé is working with a wide range of partners to conserve shared water resources, including Punjab Agriculture Department, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), PARC, WWF and LUMS, in its efforts to contribute to the UN SDGs.”
“Under our broad sustainability agenda and our C4W-Pakistan initiative, we have collectively installed drip irrigation system on 152 acres of farmers in our value chain, with an annual estimated water saving of 428 million liters. We also aim to scale up our investment in low cost smart soil moisture sensors which send regular updates to farmers about which area to irrigate and how much,” he added.
Dr Abubakr Muhammad, Director Center for Water Informatics & Technology, LUMS stressed the need to deploy modern technologies to farmers. “It is important to integrate technologies such as moisture sensors and drip irrigation with good practices of sustainable agriculture such as mulching and raised beds. These technologies and practices must be indigenized and supported for wide adoption by supporting local industry.”
Panelists emphasized the importance of collective action and water stewardship to enhance the capacity of other businesses and sectors. The discussion consisted of comments from other notable speakers including Simi Kamal (Chairperson, Hisaar Foundation), Dr. Bashir Ahmad, (Director, Climate, Energy and Water Resources Institute, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council), Hammad Naqi (CEO, WWF-Pakistan) and Dr. Fozia Parveen (Post Doctorate Fellow and Adjunct Faculty, LUMS).
Archroma Pakistan Wins Fire Safety Award
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, today announced that it has won the Fire Safety Award in a nationwide contest organized by the Fire & Safety Association of Pakistan in collaboration with the National Forum for Environment & Health.
The award was received by Qazi Naeemuddin, Head of Operations in the Jamshoro site of Archroma.
The award is recognition of continuous efforts on fire safety at the Archroma’s site of Jamshoro and Landhi, as well as their offices in Korangi and Karachi. Regular training sessions are organized on implementation of fire emergency plans, mock exercises for quick fire control and rescue operations, and first aid.
“We highly appreciate the services of organizations wherein fire safety laws and regulations are accurately implemented. They are pioneers in effective implementation of safety awareness amongst their employees and society.” Mr. Nasir Hussain Shah, provincial Minister said in his keynote speech.
“We follow a ‘Safety First’ principles at Archroma and make no compromise when it comes to safety. This is why that our best practices are recognized year after year at this forum. Our safety model is an integral part of sustainable business initiatives in line with the principles of “The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World: Safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature” and we will continue to strive for higher standards in the years to come,” commented Mujtaba Rahim, CEO of Archroma Pakistan.
(Photo Caption: Archroma)
Qazi Naeemuddin holding the Fire Safety Award handed out by the Fire & Safety Association of Pakistan in collaboration with the National Forum for Environment & Health.
Facebook Expands Support for Security Keys on Mobile Devices
Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Facebook has announced that they are expanding support for hardware security keys to iOS and Android mobile devices globally, through which users can set up two-factor authentication. Since 2017, people on Facebook have been able to use physical security keys to log into their accounts on desktop to better protect their information from malicious hackers.
Two-factor authentication is a security feature that helps safeguard users’ accounts every time they log into their Facebook account from an unknown device by requiring something only they know (their password) and something they have (typically, an SMS code sent to their mobile phone or Authenticator app). It’s much harder for a bad actor to obtain both factors, which keeps their password from being their last line of defense against phishing or other malicious attempts to compromise their information.
Physical security keys — which can be small enough to fit on your keychain — notify users each time someone tries accessing their Facebook account from a browser or mobile device Facebook doesn’t recognize.
“Since 2017, we’ve encouraged people that are at high risk of being targeted by malicious hackers: politicians, public figures, journalists and human rights defenders. We strongly recommend that everyone considers using physical security keys to increase the security of their accounts, no matter what device they use.” stated Facebook in the newsroom post.
Security keys can be purchased directly from companies that make them (Facebook doesn’t manufacture hardware keys). The keys can either work through Bluetooth technology or by plugging it directly into your phone.
Users can enroll their security key in two-factor authentication within the Security and Login section of their Settings.
For more information on how to enroll in two-factor authentication with a security key, visit Facebook’s Help Center.
realme offering exclusive discounts
realme offering exclusive discounts on smartphones & AIoT for Daraz Pakistan Day Sale Live now
The fastest-growing smartphone brand, realme brings trendy and youth-friendly products for its young audience. It is one of the top-selling smartphone brands in Pakistan catering to all phone requirements one might seek at exceptional prices. realme has partnered with Daraz.pk many flash sales in the past and this time again they bring together an exclusive flash sale for realme fans from March 17, 2020, till March 24, 2020.
realme smartphones are highly popular and offer multiple trendy AIoT and Lifestyle products for the customers. Be it audio devices like wireless earphones, Bluetooth earbuds; mid-range smartphones to premium flagship phones; or smart lifestyle options like smartwatches, smart scale, or security cameras. These products are equipped with the latest technology and sleek designs. The products currently on sale on the Daraz Flash sale include realme C15, realme Buds Q, realme Watch, and realme Buds Air Neo.
The 6000mAh powerhouse realme C15 is realme’s mid-range phone and comes with an Ultra-wide Quad Camera with Nightscape Mode. The phone is available on Daraz Flash sale for only Rs.19,999 instead of Rs.22,999. realme Buds Q lets you listen to your favorite music nonstop with great audio quality at just Rs.4,799 instead of Rs.5,999. The realme Watch is the smarter way of life with a trendy smartwatch on your wrist at just Rs.9,599 instead of Rs.11,999. The last product on sale at the Daraz flash sale is the realme Buds Air Neo, a complete audio package for you at Rs.6,999 instead of Rs.7,999.
realme has always been big on these flash sales. The brand has become very popular for online flash sales and was one of the top brands sold out at the end of 2020. For an exclusive realme experience, head over to the realme official store on Daraz at https://www.daraz.pk/shop/realme/ and get the best online shopping experience!
Engro becomes Karachi United’s Official Team Sponsor
Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Engro Corporation Limited, Pakistan’s premier conglomerate, has become the official sponsor of Karachi United (KU) football team to support community development and social uplift of the country’s talented youth through sports at the grass-root level.
As the official sponsor, Engro will support Karachi United in its efforts to develop football excellence in the country for participation in larger tournaments. The collaboration will also boost KU’s outreach programs and its 11 Centers of Excellence in the inner-city locations, that provide free football coaching, and education and heath assistance to more than 1,000 boys and girls.
Talking about this sponsorship, Ghias Khan, CEO Engro Corporation said, “Engro has always been at the forefront of supporting sports development initiatives as we strive to contribute towards human development goals of Pakistan. Over the years, we have seen the country’s youth become increasingly passionate about football and eager to improve their game skills. We are excited to be a part of this journey with KU and hope to see the KU team creating a strong impression on the global stage with its focus on achieving football excellence.”
Speaking about this partnership, Ali Ata, Director Development, Karachi United said, “We are grateful to Engro Corporation for embarking on this journey of developing football excellence with an extremely talented team. Our goal is to play in various national as well as international tournaments with this team and, thus, this sponsorship helps us in achieving this objective. We are also invested in our community programs and hope that this partnership will also help on that front. We are confident that, following Engro’s lead, more corporates will come forward to support Karachi United and for the promotion of football.”
Formed in 1996 on the lines of top Clubs the world over, Karachi United was set up with the view of providing a platform for achieving football excellence. Now among the country’s premier football teams, KU is dedicated to developing the sport of football by welcoming talented players from across the city/country, irrespective of their age, ethnicity or background.
KU has been instrumental in galvanizing football in Pakistan, with a Men’s and Women’s team, and an Academy under its umbrella. The Women’s’ team, which was a runner-up in last year’s National Women’s Championship (NWC), is currently one of the favorites for this year’s ongoing NWC. The KU Men’s team has also qualified for Pakistan’s top tier football league, the Pakistan Premier League, and will be making its maiden appearance when the event kicks off later in the year. The Academy has won tournaments in China, and bilateral and Tri-Series events in Qatar, which included triumphs over Turkey’s famous Fenerbahce club and Qatar’s Aspire Academy’s U-11s and U-12 teams).
KU also hosts the annual Karachi United Schools Championship, a Youth Program and is involved in various social initiatives across the city as well.
NRSP Agri Processing Company Issues First Electronic Warehouse Receipt
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) NRSP Agri Processing Company (NRSP-APCL) and Naymat Collateral Management Company Limited (NCMCL) have collaborated to issue the first Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) against rice and paddy stocks stored at the recently accredited NRSP-APCL facility located at Hafizabad (Punjab).
NCMCL is the first collateral management company incorporated under the Collateral Management Company Regulations issued by SECP in 2019 after an extensive consultative process involving stakeholders. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has already done necessary amendment in the prudential regulations, making EWR an acceptable collateral.
Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR), the first-of-its-kind in Pakistan, is a digital instrument which gives financial institutions real time information and access to farmers who have placed their produce in an accredited warehouse, significantly reducing transaction costs and operational risks for the banks. The technology platform of EWR is also integrated with the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX), offering access to farmers to a structured secondary market. The EWR regime currently focusses on Paddy, Rice and Maize, whereas the scope will be broadened and scaled further in the near future.
NRSP Agriculture Processing Company Limited is an unlisted Public Limited Company established in 2016 to invest and promote warehousing and agriculture value chain projects with small holding farmers. It is a subsidiary of NRSP with joint investment of Karandaaz Pakistan. The warehousing facility was established under partial funding by Financial Innovation Challenge Fund, managed and run by UK’s Department for International Development & administered by State Bank of Pakistan.
On the issuance of the first electronic warehouse receipt, Dr. Rashid Bajwa, Chairman NRSP APCL and Mr. Abrar Hassan, Chairman Naymat Collateral congratulated the management of both the companies and acknowledged the support and contribution of SECP and SBP for developing regulatory framework. The leadership of both the companies clearly shows that the EWR regime will not only contribute towards financial inclusion of small holder farmers by securitizing commodities, but will also help to eliminate price anomalies that exist in the agricultural value chain and save the small holding farmers from distress sale of commodities. With the EWR regime, the farmers will have another avenue of formal financing available to them, eliminating the hassle of conventional pass book lending.
IBA Karachi partners with 1LINK for customized training programs
Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The IBA Karachi has partnered with 1LINK for designing and conducting a customized training program for the employees under the 2021 theme of ‘Customer Centricity’. The initiative will include high-level performance evaluation of 1LINK’s service quality and workshops/training programs with the key focus areas on soft skills development, business communication and customer service.
A ceremony was held at 1LINK head office in Karachi, which was attended by Director, IBA-Center for Executive Education (CEE), Dr. Rameez Khalid and CEO, 1LINK, Mr. Najeeb Agrawalla, along with senior officials from both the organizations. With this collaboration, 1LINK will invest in the employee development program, conducted by distinct IBA faculty members and facilitators, which will positively impact performance, productivity, and profitability at the organizational level.
Speaking on the occasion, 1Link CEO, Mr. Najeeb Agrawalla said, “1LINK aims to cultivate a rich culture of personal and professional development in employees. With the IBA’s long-standing reputation of quality education, it is the ideal institution to enhance 1LINK employees’ skillset that will spur innovation, improve customer interactions, and boost performance. 1LINK, owned by a consortium of 11 banks, is the country’s first PSO/PSP and largest switch and payment system. It provides a host of valuable online banking services such as ATM switching, Bills Payment, Inter Bank Funds Transfer, Fraud Risk Management and much more.
Addressing the representatives of both the organizations, Dr. Khalid said, “1LINK is one of the pioneers in Pakistan that has taken the initiative of getting their service quality gauged using expertise of IBA-CEE’s Operational Excellence Forum. Subsequently various customized workshops will be developed and delivered [through this partnership”. The IBA-CEE, under the umbrella of the IBA Karachi, provides opportunities to executives working at different echelons in organizations to enhance their careers by gaining knowledge and insights into the state-of-the-art communication and management techniques along with advice on leadership and strategy.
Baby born with antibodies after mother vaccinated
NEW YORK (NUT DESK) Pediatricians have reported the first known case of a woman, who was given the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during her pregnancy, giving birth to a baby with antibodies against the novel coronavirus.
According to the yet-to-be peer-reviewed study, posted in the preprint server medRxiv, the mother had received a single dose of the Moderna mRNA vaccine at 36 weeks and three days of her gestation period.
Three weeks later, she gave birth to a vigorous, healthy, full-term girl, whose blood sample taken immediately after birth revealed the presence of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the study noted.
“Here, we report the first known case of an infant with SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies detectable in cord blood after maternal vaccination,” noted the co-authors, Paul Gilbert and Chad Rudnick from Florida Atlantic University in the US.
The woman, who has been breastfeeding the baby exclusively, received the second dose of the vaccine as per the normal 28-day vaccination protocol timeline, the doctors noted.
While earlier studies showed that the passage of antibodies from COVID-recovered mothers to their fetuses via the placenta was lower than expected, the current research suggests “potential for protection and infection risk reduction from SARS-CoV-2 with maternal vaccination.”
However, Gilber and Rudnick note that further long-term studies are needed to quantify the antibody response in babies born to vaccinated mothers.
“Protective efficacy in newborns and ideal timing of maternal vaccination remains unknown,” the pediatricians wrote in the study.
“We urge other investigators to create pregnancy and breastfeeding registries as well as conduct efficacy and safety studies of the COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant and breastfeeding woman and their offspring,” they added.