Exercise cuts genetic obesity risk by 40 percent: study

WASHINGTON: Physical exercise can reduce a genetic predisposition to obesity by an average of 40 percent, a new study showed.

The research challenges the notion that an inherited propensity to obesity is impossible to overcome and boosts the case for the benefit of more exercise for anyone looking to shed some weight.

The study, published in this week’s Public Library of American Science Medicine journal, is based on examination of 20,430 people living in Norwich, Britain.

It found most of the study’s participants inherited between 10 and 13 genetic variants known to increase the risk of obesity, with some inheriting as many as 17 variants, and others as few as six.

Using modelling techniques, the researchers found that each genetic variant was linked to an increase in body mass index (BMI) — a measure of body size based on both height and

Septa

TrendPK.com How long does WMATA deserve the benefit of the doubt?
It certainly was an epic storm, and the decision to close above ground service during the peak of the winter blast was certainly prudent, but it has now been almost 72 hours since the snow stopped, and things are still severely hampered.
The [...]

Political Parties Asked to Submit Accounts by Aug 29

PESHAWAR: Justice (R) Hamid Ali Mirza, Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has once again drawn attention of Political Parties to the provisions of Article 13 of the Political Parties Order, 2002 whereby it is provided that every political party shall submit to the Election Commission, within 60 days from the close of each financial year, a consolidated statement of accounts of the party, duly audited by a Chartered Accountant.

According to a press release issued here on Tuesday, the last date for filing statement of accounts by Political Parties is 29th August, 2009.

A certificate signed by the party leader must accompany the statement of accounts stating that no funds from any source prohibited under the Political Parties Order, 2002, were received by the party; and the statement contains an accurate financial position of the party.

Prescribed printed forms are available free of cost in the Election Commission

Secretariat, Islamabad and in the offices of Provincial Election Commissioners, Punjab, Sindh, N.W.F.P. and Balochistan.

It may be added here that in terms of Article 14 of the Political Party Order, 2002, a party, which fails to submit its statement of accounts under Article 13, will not be eligible to obtain election symbol for contesting elections for Majils-e-Shoora  (Parliament) and Provincial Assemblies.

The statements are required to be delivered to the Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan in the Election Commission Secretariat, Constitution Avenue, G-5/2, Islamabad through an office-bearer of the party, duly authorized by the party leader.

12 killed as Shells Hit Houses in NWaziristan

MIRAMSHAH: At least six women, four girls and two men have been killed while eight people seriously injured during exchange of fire between security forces and the militants, tribesmen said on Tuesday.

Four women and two girls of a family were killed when shells fired by the forces and Taliban militants landed at a house at Datta Khel, 45 kilometres from Miramshah on Tuesday, they said.

Witnesses said that the militants attacked a fort of security forces at Datta Khel and the forces also retaliated with artillery shelling.

A shell hit the house of Sadi Khan, a local tribesman, killing four women and three girls, tribesmen said.

Witnesses said that shells also landed at Datta Khel bazaar, killing two people. Two other people were injured. They were taken to Miramshah agency hospital. Doctors said they are in critical condition.

In another incident, suspected militants attacked the security forces a fort known as ‘Airport Qila’ at Miranshah and several check posts in the area.

After the attack the security forces used heavy artillery and rockets to bomb positions of the militants.

According to local tribesmen during the clash between the forces and militants some shells fell in Miramshah and nearby areas, killing two women and a girl while six other sustained injuries.

The injured were shifted to Miramshah Agency hospital.

Findings of Gojra Probe To be Implemented: CM Punjab

FAISALABAD: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has assured that  the findings of judicial inquiry into Gojra incident would be implemented in letter and spirit.

He was addressing a gathering of Christians in Catholic Church on Sammundri road near Gojra on Tuesday.

He expressed deep sense of sorrow and anguish on the terrible incidents of Gojra and Korian and said that Punjab government fully share their grief.

He said that tyrants and those damaging proprieties would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against them.

He said that judicial inquiry has already been ordered and Punjab Government was fully determined to implement the recommendations of this inquiry report. He said that he had intentionally delayed his visit to Gojra to dispel the impression of influencing this inquiry.

However, he said that all affectees of Gojra and Korian would be fully compensated for their losses.

“I am personally reviewing the task for the compensation and rehabilitation of affectees and no negligence whatsoever in this connection would be tolerated.

Chief Minister said that no Muslim or Christian could ever think of desecrating holy books. Pakistan was created in the name of Islam where all minorities and majority have equal rights. He said that constitution of Pakistan also protects their fundamental rights. Founding Father Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had repeatedly pronounced that Muslims are free to go to their mosques, Hindus to their temples and Christians to their churches.

Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that Christian youth is in a state of anguish and I personally feel their sentiments. He assured them “Justice and complete Justice” and said in this connection all concerned elements would be taken into confidence.

He  said that apparently no incident of defiling holy book was occurred. However, if it was happened, even then it does not allow any individual to take law into his hand and start killing and setting on fire others properties.

He said that perpetrators involved in this incident would not be forgiven and strict action would be taken against them. He said that DPO and DCO charged with negligence have already been transferred.

He said that compensation to the affectees is not a remedy for their losses and agony. However, they would be fully compensated in addition to providing them justice. He also assured that announcements of compensation already made would be implemented in next 48 hours. “This compensation would be delivered at their doorstep without any unnecessary exposure or political mileage”, he said and added that their losses would also fully compensated. Directives have already been issued to check recurrence of such incidents in future, he added.  Provincial ministers Rana Sana Ullah Khan, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa, Sardar Dost Muhammad Khosa, Mohtarma Neelum Jabbar, Kamran Michael, Bishop of Faisalabad Dr. Joseph Coutts, Bishop of Lahore Alexander John Malik, Khalil Tahir Sindhu and Joel Aamer Sahotra were also present.

Earlier Chief Minister attended a briefing at TMA and later visited Christian colony where houses were put on fire. He also expressed  condolence with the affectees of Gojra riots.

Ramzan-ul-Mubarak and Punjab Govt.

Lahore, Pakistan:- Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that easy availability of quality essential items to the consumers will be ensured during the Ramzan-ul-Mubarak and Sasta Atta will be supplied at Ramzan Bazaars Fair Price Shops and different places through trucks. He issued instructions to double the number of Ramzan bazaars as well as expansion of free Iftari system throughout the province. He also issued instructions for formation of special committees headed by Ministers, Advisors and Provincial Secretaries for ensuring smooth supply of high quality daily use items at reasonable rates during Ramzan-ul-Mubarak in their respective districts. He said that every effort will be made to facilitate the people in the holy month of Ramzan and Price Control Committees are being immediately activated in this regard.

He was presiding over a high level meeting regarding Ramzan Package at Chief Minister’s Secretariat, here today. Provincial Minister for Food Malik Nadeem Kamran, MNAs, MPAs, Chief Secretary, Addl. Chief Secretary, Chairmen Taskforce as well as senior officers were present. The Chief Minister said that no efforts will be spared for the provision of quality items to the people at reasonable rates during Ramzan-ul-Mubarak and a comprehensive strategy has been devised for this purpose. He said that quality Atta will be provided to the people at concessionary rates and its price will be determined within a few days. He said that Atta will be supplied to the consumers at fair price shops, Ramzan bazaars and different places through trucks and advertisement should be given in the newspapers about these places for public awareness. He said that an effective system will be evolved for the monitoring of the sale of Sasta Atta so that the common man and poor could fully benefit. He said that Atta bags of five kg should also be supplied during Ramzan-ul-Mubarak for the benefit of the poor. He also issued instructions for production of special bags of Sasta Atta and display of its rate prominently. He said that sale of sugar @ Rs.40 per kg will be ensured in Ramzan bazaars and Sugar Mills Association will be contacted in this regard. Similarly, he said that negotiations will be held with the manufacturers of ghee and suppliers of milk for reducing their prices during this month. He said that Punjab government will also ensure supply of gram pulse at cheaper rate during Ramzan. He said that Atta, ghee, sugar and pulses are the basic necessities and the government will ensure their supply at concessionary rates. He directed that sale of high quality fruits and vegetables at the fixed prices should be ensured during this month. He further directed that the number of enlisted Tandoors should be increased during Ramzan-ul-Mubarak for the supply of Sasti Roti to the masses.

Chief Minister directed Commissioners and DCOs to arrange free Iftaris in their respective areas and give due publicity to the centres selected for this purpose. He issued special instructions for arranging free Iftaris at orphanages, railway stations, bus stands, labour colonies and Katchi Abadis as well and to seek the cooperation of philanthropists in this regard. He directed that number of Ramzan bazaars should be increased from 270 to 540 for the benefit of the people. Chief Secretary Punjab informed the meeting that all out measures will be taken for supply of high quality essential items to the people at the fixed rates during Ramzan-ul-Mubarak. He said that DCOs have chalked out plans in this regard whereas concerned departments have also finalized arrangements for this purpose. The participants of the meeting gave various proposals for the supply of essential items, free Iftari and Sasta Atta during Ramzan-ul-Mubarak.

No:3998/Akram/mjtjs – dgprhandouts

Medical colleges and self-finance scheme in Punjab

Medical colleges and self-finance scheme in Punjab, Pakistan.

Lahore, Pakistan: A spokesman of Health Department Punjab has said that admission in the medical colleges under self-finance scheme was a blatant violation of merit and nobody will be allowed to usurp the rights of talented and hard-working students besides fees of those who had got admission under this scheme will not be waived.

The spokesman further said that waiving of fees of those male and female students who got admission under self finance scheme will be injustice and discrimination to those 6000 students who could not come on open merit despite obtaining more marks compared to the last student seeking admission under self finance scheme and failed to take admission due to financial constraints.

The spokesman said that on the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, the government while reviewing in detail the self finance scheme abolished it in 2008 by declaring it against merit. However, under this scheme the students already studying had been allowed to continue their education on the old terms and conditions. He further said that the students who were unable to take admission in medical colleges on open merit had been admitted under self finance scheme launched by the previous government and they were able to pay their fees therefore no hue and cry on behalf of parents of such students is acceptable.

The spokesman said that students who got admission under self finance scheme and their parents were fully aware of educational expenditures and such students had got admission after careful thinking so the previous terms and conditions will be applicable to such students and they are bound to fulfill the terms and conditions of scheme and no concession will be given to them in this regard.

No.3992/Sultan/Rizwan – dgprhandouts