ATHENS: Greece outlined measures to boost its lagging birthrate on Thursday, from vouchers and childcare benefits to tax breaks for new parents, although experts questioned the plan’s effectiveness. Greece has one of Europe’s lowest fertility rates, a dire demographic state driven by a decade-long economic crisis, emigration and changed attitudes among the young. The prime minister has … Read more
King Charles is reportedly growing frustrated with Prince Andrew’s reluctance to vacate the Royal Lodge, despite several attempts to move him to a smaller residence. The Duke of York, who has resided at the 30-room mansion on the Windsor estate with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson since 2003, was granted a 75-year lease for a notional … Read more
1725639380-0/Untitled-design-(14)1725639380-0.png "COAS calls for national unity in Defence and Martyrs Day address at GHQ Dtrends")
A solemn Defence and Martyrs Day ceremony was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Friday, which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended as the chief guest. Upon his arrival, PM Shehbaz was presented with a guard of honour, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir welcomed him. PM Shehbaz then visited the Martyrs’ … Read more
KAMPALA, UGANDA: The World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) have provided Uganda with over $600 million to improve infrastructure and waste management in the capital, Kampala, the government and World Bank announced on Thursday. Kampala, which suffers from chronic underfunding, faces significant issues with poor roads and waste management, as evidenced by a … Read more
ISLAMABAD: Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik has expressed ignorance about excessive diesel imports by a few oil marketing companies (OMCs), which put operations of local refineries in jeopardy. The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), which represents the refineries and exploration companies, has recently raised the issue of swelling diesel stocks, which jumped to 49 days of … Read more
US Ambassador Donald Blome met with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss pressing challenges, including the Afghan refugee situation, economic woes, and counterterrorism efforts, according to a statement released by the US embassy on Tuesday. In the meeting between Ambassador Blome and DPM Dar, a wide array of bilateral and regional matters were discussed, … Read more
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has stated those who support Pakistan will be highly valued, while those who do not recognise the state will be deemed terrorists, and measures will be taken against them. He added that there is no ongoing operation in Balochistan. During a Senate discussion on terrorism in Balochistan, he mentioned that the Apex Committee … Read more
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has established a 32-member working group to identify gaps in revenue collection and explore opportunities for enhancing tax revenue to meet the ambitious target of Rs 12.9 trillion for the fiscal year 2024-25, a 41% increase over the previous year’s target The task force, led by FBR Chairman Rashid … Read more
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for the introduction of a uniform civil code across the nation, as India marked its 78th Independence Day on Thursday. Speaking from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, Modi referenced discussions held by the Supreme Court on this issue, stating that a large section of society … Read more
KHAIRPPUR MIRS: In a groundbreaking initiative to combat child early marriages and promote girls’ education in Khairpur Mirs, Sindh, Pakistan, a Karachi based NGO Aahung has taken the lead with generous support of the Education Champions Network Project. Under the leadership of Sheena Hadi, Aahung has organized a series of street theaters aimed at raising … Read more