Over several decades, Pak-Afghan relations have been characterised by phases of turbulence and stability. The current phase of bilateral relations is also marked by relative friction between the two neighbours. The primary reason for the strained relationship is Pakistan’s concern about either the inability or lack of will by the interim Afghan government to rein in Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
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The COVID-19 pandemic left behind many enduring legacies, with remote work, commonly known as Work-From-Home (WFH) being one of its more enduring ones. Back then, workplaces witnessed a remarkable revamp in routines, schedules and practices. Weekly office meetings shifted from conference rooms to living rooms via virtual meeting apps. Home desks assumed the role of office cabins, complete with the added benefit of flexible working hours in many instances.
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On 11 March 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the first successful test launch of the Agni-V Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). It featured Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. The launch was named ‘Mission Divyastra,’ – a reference to the Hindu mythological weapons of ultimate destruction. The test bears testimony to India’s continued endeavours to enhance the reach, precision, and assuredness of its delivery system even at the cost of impacting regional strategic stability. The test also signifies a subtle shift from India’s nuclear doctrine.
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جمہوریت کی بنیادوں پر استوار قومیں اپنے مضبوط جمہوری روایت کے ذریعے امن، خوشحالی، اور عدل کی بہترین مثال بنتی ہیں۔ ووٹ کا حق اس جمہوریت کا جوہر ہے، جو عوام کی آواز کو اقتدار تک پہنچاتا ہے اور ایک زندہ جمہوریت کی پہچان ہوتا ہے۔ پاکستان میں انتخابی نظام مہنگا، غیر موثر، اور پرانی ٹیکنالوجی پر مبنی ہے، جو ووٹ کی رازداری اور شفافیت کو برقرار رکھنے میں مشکلات پیدا کرتا ہے۔ اس کے برعکس، بلاکچین ٹیکنالوجی پر مبنی ووٹنگ سسٹم شفافیت، تحفظ، اور کارکردگی کو بہتر بنا سکتا ہے۔ بلاکچین کی مضبوطی ڈیٹا میں تبدیلی یا مداخلت سے تحفظ فراہم کرتی ہے، جو اسے ووٹنگ کے لیے ایک مثالی ٹیکنالوجی بناتی ہے۔ اس سسٹم کی تعمیر اور دیکھ بھال آسان
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The tide of outward migration from Pakistan surged considerably over the past two years (2022 and 2023), with several millions opting to emigrate with the aim of securing better prospects overseas. For instance, the number of skilled, highly skilled, and highly qualified worker migrants from Pakistan alone increased to 0.77 million, compared to 0.26 million in 2020 and 2021 and 0.48 million during 2018 and 2019, the two years before the pandemic.
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The human thinking process is nothing short of a miracle. Our brain houses billions of neurons. Physical and mental activities are conditional upon the generation of electrical impulses which are passed on from one neuron to another. Technological advancements have led to the development of devices with the ability to detect impulses generated in the brain and develop an interface with smart devices.
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The world is in flux with rapid geopolitical changes, accelerating competition, and ongoing conflicts across many regions. Amidst this backdrop, the recently released 2024 Annual Threat Assessment (ATA) of the U.S. Intelligence Community gives a bird’s eye view of US perceptions and misperceptions about the various evolving threats to its national security.
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The aerospace industry has embarked on a rapid journey towards digitalisation, embracing the principles of Industry 4.0 by integrating emerging technologies into its industrial processes. Among the myriad of technologies, those showing the most promise for extensive industrial application include 3D manufacturing, robotics, augmented reality, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital twin simulation. The aerospace industry, being a high-tech sector, is best suited to reap multiple benefits from such emerging technologies.
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The year 2023 was very happening in terms of Chinese foreign policy as the country’s leadership followed a path of ‘great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation’ and introduced several concept papers on foreign policy initiatives. Late last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over the ‘Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs’ on 27-28 December 2023.
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The youth of today exhibit a constant worry about the future of the labor market and the digital workforce that they will be entering, and with good reason, for we are witnessing stark changes brought about by AI, robotics, and other technologies advancing at breakneck speed. The economy of the future is one that leaves bewildering permutations open, and so as an economist, I am asked by the youth about what skills they should invest in to “future-proof” themselves and be ready for the decades ahead.
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