Multan: No relief from loadshedding
The citizens are getting no relief from loadshedding despite decrease in shortfall of electricity. According to Multan Electric Power Supply Company (MEPCO), the shortfall of electricity was reduced to 375 megawatt in Multan region whereas the demand of electricity was recorded at 2775 MW.
At least 8 to 9 hours of loadshedding is being observed in the urban areas of Multan region while the people in the rural areas are facing 10 to 12 hours of power outage.
The power shutdown during sehar and iftar timings is creating problems for the people of Multan.
A Playground for every child in Pakistan
Pakistan is undergoing the largest wave of urban growth in its history.
Historically, cities have been the driving force in economic and social development. During the last half a century the population of Pakistan has grown about three, but urban Pakistan has grown by nearly six times, double the rate of population growth. In particular with the robust economic growth averaging 7 percent and availability of millions of new jobs created between 2000 and 2008, there has been rapidly increased rural to urban migration in Pakistan to fill the jobs in growing manufacturing and service sectors. The level of urbanization in Pakistan is now the highest in South Asia which was 36% in 2008. With over 5 million rural migrants each year, the population of Pakistani cities in exploding, and Karachi has now become the world’s largest city.
The increasing urbanization is causing problems for the social services in Pakistan, and has lead to rising of urban poverty. The illusion of plentiful and better job opportunities and a better quality of life is often shattered when people from rural areas move to urban cities and towns. However, some outcomes are severe strains on housing and health, water supplies as well as on the necessary environment management. The worst incidence of urban poverty can be spotted in large towns and cities. Poverty is now growing faster in urban than in rural areas. Millions of people live in urban slums, which are typically overcrowded, polluted and dangerous, and lack basic services such as clean water and sanitation. Urban air quality has deteriorated largely on account of growth in industrial activity, transportation needs and energy production. The growing demand of water, along with poor water resource management and mounting pollution levels contributes to water supply problems in and around cities. As number of people in urban area increases, so does the demand for food and hence for irrigation in agricultural areas close to cities.
In principle, cities offer a more favorable setting for the resolution of social and environmental problems than rural areas. Urbanization is associated with higher incomes, improved health, higher literacy, improved quality of life and other benefits. Cities generate jobs and income. With good governance, they can deliver education, health care and other services more efficiently than less densely settled areas simply because of their advantages of scale and proximity. While mega-cities have captured much public attention, most of the new growth will occur in smaller towns and cities, which have fewer resources to respond to the magnitude of the change. Often people who leave the countryside to find better lives in the city have no choice but to settle in shantytowns and slums, where they lack access to decent housing and sanitation, health care and education—in effect, trading in rural for urban poverty. The result is in terms of poor quality housing, lack of water supply and sanitation facility and lack of proper waste disposal facility leading to spread of communicable diseases.
This trend has made farm lands in urban areas to be used for residential purposes resulting to constantly shrinking of agriculture lands in Pakistan has become a cause of concern to farmers of the country as well as for other physical infrastructure development. Farm lands have been reduced in the wake of rapid population growth resulting mainly from immigration. The farmers fear that the growing trend of private builders purchasing the agricultural land for building residential colonies, complexes would lead to devastating situation of food crisis in coming years. The increased in population is also accompanied by a corresponding increase in the amount of waste generated in the form of sewage and solid waste which, if properly managed or disposed can create serious health and environment problems. If government agencies will not pay attention to this problem, then it is possible that in years to come, sufficient land might not be available for our next generation.
The most effective way to slow rates of urban growth is to reduce unwanted fertility in both rural and urban areas. Lowering poverty, empowering women and providing quality reproductive health services all influence fertility preferences and ability to meet them. Improving access to basic social and health services, including reproductive health care, for poor people in urban slums is also critical to breaking the cycle of poverty.
There is a need for the policy makers and planners to revisit the urban situation across the upland settlements of the country. The medium and small towns are expanding with appreciable pace in an unorganized manner. They need appropriate planning and policy intervention to accommodate the rising urban population.
Vast majority of people in rural Pakistan still depend on agriculture, for their livelihood. it is also the area with the most unemployment, underemployment, and poverty. No doubt, villages are in a state of neglect and under-development, with impoverished people, as result of past legacies and defects in our planning process and investment pattern. But the potential in rural Pakistan is immense. What if every village in the country is provided with basic amenities, like drinking water, electricity, health care, educational transport, communication and other facilities, with only a smaller population of the village engaged in agriculture and the remaining in other gainful occupations? When this happens Pakistan will turn into mighty country. The purchasing power of the rural population throwing enormous demand for goods and services will boost the national economy tremendously. The day will see the reverse migration of people from the urban slums back to the villages.
Harry Potter blamed for India’s owl crisis
November 3, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
MUMBAI: Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has blamed fans of Harry Potter for the demise of wild owls in the country as children seek to emulate the boy wizard by taking the birds as pets.
The hit books and films, which are popular in India, feature a snowy owl called Hedwig who is a feathered sidekick for the Potter character and used to deliver mail.
“Following Harry Potter, there seems to be a strange fascination even among the urban middle classes for presenting their children with owls,” Ramesh said Wednesday, according to comments reported by the BBC.
His remarks came as wildlife group Traffic presented a report called “Imperilled Custodians of the Night” which warned about the declining owl population in India.
Researchers found that a growing number of owls were being trapped, traded or killed in black magic rituals.
Traffic
Widespread heavy rains forecast for next three days
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Saturday forecast widespread heavy monsoon rains for most parts of the country especially Sindh, aggravating flooding in River Indus.
According to Met analysis, Friday”s monsoon weather system over central area is likely to move in a westerly direction and may approach Sindh during the next 24 hours.
An official of Met office said that the widespread rains are expected in Punjab; D.G.Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad divisions on Sunday, becoming scattered during next 48 hours.
Due to heavy rainfall, flash flooding is expected in the hill torrents of D.G. Khan/Rajanpur areas, and in the nullas/streams of Rawalpindi and Sargodha divisions. Occasional thundershowers are also expected in the federal capital during next three days.
In Sindh, widespread heavy rainfall is expected in Sindh during next 2-3 days. Urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad and other urban areas is possible during the period, the official added.
In Balochistan, widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy falls is expected in north-eastern and southern parts of Balochistan; Zhob, Barkhan, Jhalmagsi, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Lasbella and Sibbi Districts on Sunday/Monday, becoming scattered on Tuesday while isolated heavy falls may generate flash flooding in the local rivers/nullahs of the province during the period.
The widespread rains heavy at times are expected over Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa; D.I.Khan, Bannu and Kohat, Peshawar, Hazara, Mardan and Malakand divisions on Sunday, becoming scattered during next 48 hours.
Due to heavy falls, further flash flooding is expected in the local rivers including Kabul, Tochi, Gambila, Kalpani, Kurram, Swat, Chitral, Panjkora, Khiyali and Jindey river and Nullahs of the province during next 2-3 days.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, widespread heavy rains are expected in Kashmir during next three days and heavy rainfall may cause flash flooding in local rivers during the period. While in Gilgit-Baltistan, scattered rain is likely during next three days.
The rainfall recorded in different cities during last 24 hours was Risalpur 132mm, Mandi Bahauddin 86mm, Attock 63mm, Rawalpindi (Shamsabad) 60mm, Chaklala 57mm, Islamabad (Saidpur) 52mm, Saidu Sharif 48mm, Sialkot (City) 43mm, Sialkot (A.P) 42mm, Islamabad (Zero Point) 39mm, Bhakkar 36mm, Bannu 35mm, Muzaffarabad 31mm, Murree 29mm, Bokra 28mm, Kakul 25mm, Garidupatta, Chirat and Balakot 22mm each, Rawlakot 21mm, Golra 16mm, Lower dir 14mm, D.I Khan 13mm, Shorkot and Parachinar 12mm (each), T.T Singh and Dadu 09mm each, Kotli and Peshawar 08mm each.
Urban air pollution causes 22,000 deaths annually
May 20, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under Breaking News
ISLAMABAD: Urban air pollution across Pakistan, kills 22,000 inhabitants annually, as acknowledged officially, with the dilemma gradually going beyond control and situation continue worsening.
Excerpt from:
Urban air pollution causes 22,000 deaths annually
world expo
April 30, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
A proud Shanghai celebrated the opening of the 2010 World Expo on Friday with a lavish riverside display of fireworks, fountains and laser lights that rivalled the stunning launch of the Beijing Olympics in its extravagance.
For Shanghai, the Expo marks an emphatic comeback as a major world city after decades of spartan industrialism following the 1949 communist revolution. Like the 2008 Olympics, the event is showcasing China’s growing economic and geopolitical sway, both for the world and for its own public.
In a toast at a gala dinner for dignitaries invited to watch the ceremony, President Hu Jintao said he was confident the world would “witness a successful, splendid and unforgettable World Expo.”
The star-studded indoor festivities included action star Jackie Chan, Japanese singer Shinji Tanimura, concert pianist Lang Lang and opera star Andrea Bocelli, among 2,300 performers. Afterward, guests moved outside for a lights, music and fireworks jubilee that lit up the drab banks of the Huangpu river with 1,200 searchlights, powerful lasers and mobile fountains.
The normally tea-colored waters glowed with 6,000 rosy-hued 0.5-meter LED balls and lights from a parade of flag boats representing nations participating in the Expo.
The Expo opens to the public on Saturday and is expected to draw 70 million people over six months to pavilions from almost 200 nations designed to reflect the urban sustainability theme of “Better City, Better Life.”
China is splashing out 28.6 billion yuan ($4.2-billion U.S.) on the Expo itself, and many billions more on other improvements for this city of 20 million. Freshly painted buildings, new highways, subway lines and airport terminals — all proclaim the country’s newfound status as a modern, increasingly affluent industrial giant.
Aamir Khan launches National School Sanitation Initiative campaign
Click above for event stills
In the past, Aamir Khan has been associated with many public awareness and social campaigns, such as the ‘Athithidevo Bhava’ campaign promoting tourism in India or the campaign to encourage people to go out and Vote. Now the ‘Perfectionist’ Khan has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the National School Sanitation Initiative by the Ministries of Urban Development and HRD.
Aamir, who in fact was holidaying with his family in France, took a day’s break yesterday to return to Delhi and attend a function where he spoke on the importance of creating awareness about cleanliness in schools across the country.
One will have to wait and watch if Aamir’s message comes across strongly and helps in bringing about a change in the sanitation levels in schools across the country.
American Idol Results 2010 April 21
Tim Urban was eliminated Wednesday episode of “American Idol“, an extension shows that included “Idol gives back” charity special. He went on to the semifinals for “Idol” hopefuls Chris Golightly was disqualified. He fought in the top 24 steps, and many viewers discounted him the first week. Casey James and Aaron Kelly was with Tim Urban of the bottom three this week.
Actress Jennifer Garner takes viewers to Brethitt County, Kentucky, where people live in poverty and how Save the Children will help in this area. Victoria Beckham has also visited the region and reports live with Ryan Seacrest. I wanted you to do it your own. “George mentions her Nudie picture from the magazine and says that she is safe! Ellen is the next in the hot seat. Aaron Kelly and Lee Dewyze is next to face with Ryan, telling them that Aaron is in the bottom three.
American Idol Result Urban, who has done a mediocre rendition of the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Better Days” this week, was perhaps the most divisive part of the top 12 stage of the competition. Those who act Carrie Underwood, Elton John, Mary J. Blige and more. What was so far behind schedule that Tim could not get to sing a song sendoff.
The bottom three was made up of Aaron, Tim and Casey. But the highlight of the night has not yet been announced. The American Idol 2010 voting results from 21 April beat Tim Urban rejection. Yes, the Tim Urban home this evening.
who got voted off american idol april 21
April 22, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
Tim Urban was the newest competitor to be got rid of from the singing truth show “American Idol” season 9. A 20 year aged from the place of Duncanville, Texas was selected out subsequent to Tuesday’s presentation on motivating Songs where Tim sang “Better Days” through Goo Goo Dolls.
A number of sources as Associated Content also American Idol Fan Site and so on, tells that the Texas boy Tim Urban was the newest to be selected out from the competition parting the 6 finalists on the show.
Three members are there in the Bottom Three behind this week’s subject presentation on Inspirational Songs. The three to have in a risk region was Casey James, Tim Urban, as well as Aaron Kelly. While Kelly was singing a song “I Believe I Can Fly” via R. Kelly, Casey James picked “Don’t Stop” By Fleetwood Mac; Tim Urban had “Better Days” through Goo Goo Dolls for his own.
Lot anticipation was there also the whole ambience was weighty because of the worry of the competitors in addition to the admirers equally. Casey James along with Aaron Kelly was exposed to be two of the Bottom 3 competitors; however the third name was exposed after approximately half an hour.
There were visitor presentations among as well as this was exposed that Siobhan Magnus also Michael Lynche were secure. The names of Crystal Bowersox as well as Lee Dewyze were previously stated in the secure region former departuring Tim Urban to connect Kelly along with Casey.
Aaron Kelly was earliest stated through Ryan Seacrest to be secure went after through Casey James’ name. That mechanically exposed the one who was departuring the show this week. As well as that was the youthful Tim Urban…
MOM Idol
Electrolux | Tim Urban American Idol | Aaron Kelly | American Idol Top 9 | Katie Stevens
Mamma Idol Electrolux Tim Urban American Idol Aaron Kelly American Idol Top 9 katie Steven E Online blog Kate Gosselin Dancing former Idol and out. My mother would never win Mom Idol. Head on over to Sophie’s place to capture more meaning Idol headless mother.
I wish I were not so worried about sending my kids out without a decent breakfast, and make sure they have packed lunch and spend a few hours with them before our day out begins. Again, this is Lennon’s song he chooses not to Instant Karma or mother, he seemed to really feel it, so points for authenticity, but I’m falling asleep. Lee raves about her, and I hope the two of them are in the finals together. women’s basketball championship in 2010 lost happily dancing with the stars week 3 jai Guru Deva OM mother idol Siobhan magnus sisters Bejeweled flash together lyrics Ucon angela mcglowan nf Shiloh Pepin spokeo.
A teenage boy’s ability to sleep through several alarm clocks are a great achievement. His alarm wakes me up in my room, and he can snooze right through a good ten minutes in the ring before I throw back cover, storms into his room and growl at him for being a pain in the ass. Sometimes these very words. If I can articulate them. Sometimes it’s just growling.
