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Azerbaijani and US officials believe a Russian surface-to-air missile caused the deadly crash of an Azerbaijani passenger jet, media reports and a US official said Thursday, as the Kremlin cautioned against "hypotheses" over the disaster. The Azerbaijan Airlines jet crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau, an oil and gas hub, on Wednesday after going off course for undetermined reasons. Thirty-eight of the 67 people on board died. The Embraer 190 aircraft was supposed to fly northwest from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to the city of Grozny in Chechnya, southern Russia, but instead diverted far off course across the Caspian Sea. An investigation is underway, with pro-government Azerbaijani website Caliber citing unnamed officials as saying they believed a Russian missile fired from a Pantsir-S air defence system downed the plane. The claim was also reported by The New York Times, broadcaster Euronews and the Turkish news agency Anadolu. Some aviation and military experts said the plane might have been accidentally shot by Russian air defence systems because it was flying in an area where Ukrainian drone activity had been reported. A former expert at France's BEA air accident investigation agency said there appeared to be "a lot of shrapnel" damage on the wreckage. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said the damage was "reminiscent" of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was downed with a surface-to-air missile by Russia-backed rebels over eastern Ukraine in 2014. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "It would be wrong to make any hypotheses before the investigation's conclusions." Euronews cited Azerbaijani government sources as saying that "shrapnel hit the passengers and cabin crew as it exploded next to the aircraft mid-flight". A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said early indications suggested a Russian anti-aircraft system struck the plane. Kazakhstan news agency Kazinform cited a regional prosecutor as saying that two black-box flight recorders had been recovered. Azerbaijan Airlines initially said the plane flew through a flock of birds, before withdrawing the statement. Kazakh officials said 38 people had been killed and there were 29 survivors, including three children. Jalil Aliyev, the father of flight attendant Hokume Aliyeva, told AFP that this was supposed to have been her last flight before starting a job as a lawyer for the airline. "Why did her young life have to end so tragically?" the man said in a trembling voice before hanging up the phone. Eleven of the injured are in intensive care, the Kazakh health ministry said. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared Thursday a day of mourning and cancelled a planned visit to Russia for an informal summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a grouping of former Soviet nations. "I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash... and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," Aliyev said in a social media post Wednesday. The Flight Radar website showed the plane deviating from its normal route, crossing the Caspian Sea and then circling over the area where it eventually crashed near Aktau, on the eastern shore of the sea. Kazakhstan said the plane was carrying 37 Azerbaijani passengers, six Kazakhs, three Kyrgyz and 16 Russians. A Kazakh woman told the local branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) she was near where the plane crashed and rushed to the site to help survivors. "They were covered in blood. They were crying. They were calling for help," said the woman, who gave her name as Elmira. She said they saved some teenagers. "I'll never forget their look, full of pain and despair," said Elmira. "A girl pleaded: 'Save my mother, my mother is back there'." Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Aliyev and "expressed his condolences in connection with the crash", Peskov told a news conference. bur/rlp/jsOlivier Le Moal Author's Note: This article is part of our monthly series that tries to discover the five best buys in the CEF arena at that point in time. Certain parts of the introduction, definitions, and sections describing selection criteria/process may have High Income DIY Portfolios: The primary goal of "High Income DIY Portfolios" Marketplace service is high income with low risk and preservation of capital. It provides DIY investors with vital information and portfolio/asset allocation strategies to help create stable, long-term passive income with sustainable yields. The portfolios are designed for Income-Investors (including retirees or near-retirees). We provide seven portfolios: 3 buy-and-hold, 3 Rotational portfolios, and 3-Bucket NPP Model Portfolio. 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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ABT, ABBV, CI, JNJ, PFE, NVS, NVO, AZN, UNH, CL, CLX, UL, NSRGY, PG, TSN, ADM, BTI, MO, PM, KO, PEP, EXC, D, DEA, DEO, ENB, MCD, BAC, PRU, UPS, WMT, WBA, CVS, LOW, AAPL, IBM, CSCO, MSFT, INTC, T, VZ, CVX, XOM, VLO, ABB, ITW, MMM, LMT, LYB, RIO, O, NNN, WPC, ARCC, ARDC, AWF, BST, CHI, DNP, USA, UTF, UTG, RFI, RNP, RQI, EVT, EOS, FFC, GOF, HQH, HTA, IFN, HYB, JPC, JPS, TLT either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and in no way should be construed as financial advice or recommendation to buy or sell any stock. The author is not a financial advisor. 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Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.DEAR DEIDRE: THE man I’ve fallen for and messaged several times a day has cut me off since his wife has learned about our friendship. The lack of contact is tearing me apart. I’m 28 and this guy is 32. He joined our company almost a year ago and when we were introduced there was a definite spark between us. He is very friendly, good looking and so easy to talk to. We discovered that we were both into the same music, support the same football team and enjoy similar films. It wasn’t long before we exchanged phone numbers and started texting every day. I had just split up with my boyfriend and this guy was a shoulder to cry on. He also confided in me that although he was married, he wasn’t getting on well with his wife. She seems to be very suspicious and possessive of him from what he’d told me. This guy also has a three-year-old son and now his wife has discovered our texts. He says he can’t lose his son, even though he has admitted he is also in love with me. It is torture seeing him at work. What can I do? DEIDRE SAYS: You have no choice but to walk away before the damage escalates. He’s not free to be with you and it sounds like he has no intention of leaving his wife either. You have fallen for him but he’s not going to commit to you. Give yourself time to readjust to being single after the break-up with your boyfriend and then make a determined effort to move on. You deserve better than what your colleague has to offer, but you may need help to realise it. Concentrate on improving your social life. There are plenty of great guys who are unattached. Find one who is worthy of your love and who wants the same as you. Every problem gets a personal reply from one of our trained counsellors. Fill out and submit our easy-to-use and confidential form and the Dear Deidre team will get back to you. You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page or email us at: deardeidre@the-sun.co.uk
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Pep Guardiola committed himself to Manchester City for another two years on Thursday and quickly set his sights on adding to his record-breaking reign. Guardiola ended uncertainty about his future by signing a contract extension that would prolong his tenure as City manager to 11 seasons. “I have said this many times before, but I have everything a manager could ever wish for," said the 53-year-old Catalan coach, whose current deal was due to expire at the end of this season. "Hopefully now we can add more trophies to the ones we have already won. That will be my focus.” Guardiola has overseen a period of unprecedented dominance since joining City in 2016. He has gone on to win six Premier League titles in seven years at the Etihad Stadium and also won the Champions League. In total, he has won 15 major trophies at the club. He has set new benchmarks, with City becoming the first team to win four-straight English league titles and the first to amass 100 points in a single season in 2018. He also led City to the treble in 2023, winning the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in one season — matching Manchester United's achievement in 1999. “Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here. We have experienced so many amazing times together. I have a really special feeling for this football club,” Guardiola added in his statement. “That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.” Publicly, Guardiola gave no indication about whether he would stay on even as he entered the final months of his contract. That led to speculation about potential successors, but City remained hopeful he could be convinced to sign another extension. He has already managed City for longer than any his former clubs, having spent four years at Barcelona and three at Bayern Munich. City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said he was “delighted” that Guardiola is staying. “His hunger for improvement and success remains insatiable and the direct beneficiaries of that will continue to be our players and coaching staff, the culture of our club, and the English game at large,” he said. “This renewal will take Pep beyond a decade of coaching Manchester City and the opportunity to continue to re-write the managerial record books.” Guardiola's new deal comes at a time when City's Premier League dominance appears to be under threat . The four-time defending champion has lost four games in succession in all competitions — the worst losing streak of Guardiola's managerial career. Guardiola is widely considered one of the greatest managers of all time, having been a serial winner at Barcelona, Bayern and City. He has won 33 major titles with those clubs, including three Champions League trophies. His decision to stay at City also comes as the club faces a slew of alleged financial breaches . Punishment could be as extreme as expulsion from the league. City faces more than 100 charges ranging over a nine-year period when it was trying to establish itself as the biggest force in English soccer. The club denies the charges and Guardiola had said in September — when a closed-door hearing was scheduled — that he welcomed the chance to clear the club’s name. A verdict is not expected until next year. James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerQRDI Council hosts training of Mumaken programme
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Sasa Ciani and Filip Skobalj scored 15 points apiece and Tyem Freeman added five of his nine points in overtime to lead UIC over Little Rock 77-69 on Sunday. Ciani added 10 rebounds for the Flames (7-4). Skobalj made 5 of 11 from 3-point range. Javon Jackson scored 13. Jackson sank three free throws with less than a second left to force OT tied at 64. The Trojans (6-5) were led by Johnathan Lawson, who posted 25 points and eight rebounds. Isaiah Lewis added 11 points and two steals. Tuongthach Gatkek had 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Skobalj scored nine points in the first half for UIC, which trailed 32-30 at halftime. Skobalj hit a 3-pointer with 2:45 left in OT to put the Flames up 68-65 and they stayed in front from there. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
LAS VEGAS — Players Era Festival organizers have done what so many other have tried — bet their fortunes in this city that a big payoff is coming. Such bet are usually bad ones, which is why so many massive casino-resorts have been built on Las Vegas Boulevard. But it doesn't mean the organizers are wrong. They're counting on the minimum of $1 million in guaranteed name, image and likeness money that will go to each of the eight teams competing in the neutral-site tournament that begins Tuesday will create a precedent for other such events. EverWonder Studios CEO Ian Orefice, who co-founded Players with former AND1 CEO Seth Berger, compared this event to last year's inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament that played its semifinals and final in Las Vegas by saying it "did really well to reinvigorate the fan base at the beginning of the year." People are also reading... "We're excited that we're able to really change the paradigm in college basketball on the economics," Orefice said. "But for us, it's about the long term. How do we use the momentum that is launching with the 2024 Players Era Festival and be the catalyst not to change one event, but to change college basketball for the future." Orefice and Berger didn't disclose financial details, but said the event will come close to breaking even this year and that revenue is in eight figures. Orefice said the bulk of the revenue will come from relationships with MGM, TNT Sports and Publicis Sport & Entertainment as well as sponsors that will be announced later. Both organizers said they are so bullish on the tournament's prospects that they already are planning ahead. Money made from this year's event, Orefice said, goes right back into the company. "We're really in this for the long haul," Orefice said. "So we're not looking at it on a one-year basis." Rick Giles is president of the Gazelle Group, which also operates several similar events, including the College Basketball Invitational. He was skeptical the financial numbers would work. Giles said in addition to more than $8 million going to the players, there were other expenses such as the guarantees to the teams. He said he didn't know if the tournament would make up the difference with ticket sales, broadcast rights and sponsorship money. The top bowl of the MGM Grand Garden Arena will be curtained off. "The math is highly challenging," Giles said. "Attendance and ticket revenues are not going to come anywhere close to covering that. They haven't announced any sponsors that I'm aware of. So it all sort of rests with their media deal with Turner and how much capital they want to commit to it to get these players paid." David Carter, a University of Southern California adjunct professor who also runs the Sports Business Group consultancy, said even if the Players isn't a financial success this year, the question is whether there will be enough interest to move forward. "If there is bandwidth for another tournament and if the TV or the streaming ratings are going to be there and people are going to want to attend and companies are going to want to sponsor, then, yeah, it's probably going to work," Carter said. "But it may take them time to gain that traction." Both founders said they initially were met with skepticism about putting together such an event, especially from teams they were interested in inviting. Houston was the first school to commit, first offering an oral pledge early in the year and then signing a contract in April. That created momentum for others to join, and including the No. 6 Cougars, half the field is ranked. "We have the relationships to operate a great event," Berger said. "We had to get coaches over those hurdles, and once they knew that we were real, schools got on board really quickly." The founders worked with the NCAA to make sure the tournament abided by that organization's rules, so players must appear at ancillary events in order to receive NIL money. Strict pay for play is not allowed, though there are incentives for performance. The champion, for example, will receive $1.5 million in NIL money. Now the pressure is on to pull off the event and not create the kind of headlines that can dog it for years to come. "I think everybody in the marketplace is watching what's going to happen (this) week and, more importantly, what happens afterwards," Giles said. "Do the players get paid on a timely basis? And if they do, that means that Turner or somebody has paid way more than the market dictates? And the question will be: Can that continue?" CREIGHTON: P oint guard Steven Ashworth likely won’t play in the No. 21 Bluejays’ game against San Diego State in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Ashworth sprained his right ankle late in a loss to Nebraska on Friday and coach Greg McDermott said afterward he didn’t know how long he would be out. Get local news delivered to your inbox!A campaign has been launched calling for the victims of crime to read impact statements at parole hearings The family members of two people who were murdered in Northern Ireland have launched a campaign to allow victims to read impact statements at parole hearings. Social enterprise Voicing the Void has been working with people who's loved ones were murdered in order to launch a campaign, Stand with Victims: A Call for Justice and Voice in Northern Ireland, that would allow victims of crime to read impact statements at parole hearings so their voices can be heard in the justice process. Currently in Northern Ireland, victims of crime can only submit written statements to parole hearings and while these are still powerful, the campaign believes that if these were read in person it would provide more depth and presence to the parole board. This right is currently available to victims elsewhere in the UK. Read more: Grieving mum's concern over continued use of unregulated temporary accommodation for under 18s in Northern Ireland Read more: Syrian refugees describe traumatic journeys before making Belfast their home Voicing the Void said: "This isn’t just about policy; it’s about dignity, justice, and the right to be heard. Giving victims the chance to speak directly to those making parole decisions restores a sense of agency and is a step toward healing." The campaign has been working in partnership with PBNI's Victim Information Scheme and has been funded through the victim's of crime fund. Liz Adair, who's sister Sue-Ellen was killed by her uncle John Clifford in 1988 after she was abducted from her Newtownabbey home, is helping to lead the campaign alongside the sister of Seamus Lyttle, who murdered his mother in 2005. Speaking to Belfast Live they said that they hope that by raising awareness about their campaign they can see reforms put in place in order to make the criminal justice system more 'victim focused' and ensure their voices are heard throughout the process from trial to parole. Liz said that while she has been granted permission to be the first person in Northern Ireland to speak at a parole hearing, it is yet to take place. She said that the possibility of Clifford being released has caused her a lot of anxiety and in 2018 when he escaped from a prison release scheme, she had to move from her home as she no longer felt safe. She said: "Over a year ago I submitted a request to read my victim impact statement at the parole hearing and while it has been a long process to go through, I have been told that I will be the first person in Northern Ireland to speak at one when it eventually takes place. "I want to ensure that victims are given a central role in the justice process and that their voices are heard throughout it. "There is only so much that a written statement can do or even one that is read out by a lawyer, and it is vital that victims are able to talk about the impact crimes have had on them face to face with the parole board." The sister of Seamus Lyttle, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said that her brother is currently walking the streets of Belfast despite the horrendous crimes that he has committed. She said that she feels the rights of criminals are often given more thought than those of victims and that they deserve to be more involved with the criminal justice process. She said: "I feel like I have had no voice at all throughout this entire process and now have to live my life in constant fear of bumping into this man when I leave my house. "When it comes to the criminal justice system it feels like he has more rights than I do and authorities do more to accommodate him and make sure that he is has all the rights available to him, rather than those who have suffered because of him. "The aim of the campaign is to call for the criminal justice system to centre victims first and make sure that their voices and wishes are heard. There needs to be urgent reforms and a change in policy here in Northern Ireland to ensure that victims are front and centre and that our rights and wellbeing are protected." Voicing the Void has recently been awarded £18,000 in funding from UnLtd, the UK’s foundation for social entrepreneurs. The award’s funding and tailored business support will significantly help Voicing the Void to widen their positive social impact for the marginalised communities they support. Rory Doherty, Founder of Voicing the Void, said: “UnLtd’s support is a game-changer for us. It will allow us to expand our reach and provide more opportunities for the people we work with, while strengthening our community resilience programs. The funding and expertise will help us continue to make a lasting impact, one story at a time.” If you would like to support the Stand with Victims campaign, you can do so via this link. Join our Belfast Live breaking news service on WhatsApp Click this link or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here. Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Follow BelfastLive Facebook Twitter More On Newtownabbey
Judge rejects request to sideline a San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgenderDara O’Shea details disappointment despite outstanding display against Manchester UnitedA a day has become the secret to for one of Australia's oldest people. or signup to continue reading Bridget Grocke, who turned on November 18, 2024, has had a can of Emu Export beer every day for more than 60 years. "If there was a bunch of , I would choose that one; I'd always choose that one," Mrs Grocke said. Her one vice, she swears by the daily ritual, which has become her secret to a long life. But she also credits her longevity to the strong bonds she has with family. Mrs Grocke's daughter, Jan Robertson, said her mother's strength and independence have been constants throughout her life. "Her daily Emu Export is just a part of who she is, and it's heartwarming to see her reaching this milestone with the same joy and routine she's had for decades," Mrs Robertson said. Mrs Grocke was the second oldest of seven children. Born in the Perth suburb of Leederville in 1914, she spent time in Kalgoorlie and went across Western Australia as the family followed her father's work as an engine driver. She helped her mother Eva Jennings - who only had one arm - with meals, organising clothing, peeling potatoes, making pastries and doing the washing with a copper and washing dolly. Mrs Grocke worked as a cashier at Montgomery Brothers' Store in Kalgoorlie, and it was her job to count the money, tally it up and present a balance sheet. "Her diligent work earned her respect and recognition from her employees," Mrs Robertson said. Mrs Grocke also worked at David Jones in Perth, plus went off travelling to New Zealand, Europe, Asia and elsewhere. She married Jim at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Subiaco in 1942. "Their relationship was deeply loving, they did everything together and raised four kids together," Mrs Robertson said. During World War II, Bridget and her friends didn't focus on the hardships; they kept active and social, enjoying outdoor games and tennis. Mrs Grocke said her four children are her proudest achievement. She lived independently at home in Doubleview until aged 109, when she moved into Bethanie Subiaco. There, she enjoys physical activities like darts and staying engaged with her surroundings. "She's not one for puzzles or books but thrives on movement and staying physically active," Mrs Robertson said. Mrs Grocke uses a a walker for stability - but can do without one. Things she wants younger generations to know about life and/or growing older are to be nice to people - "they will be nice to you back", and always be honest. "Mum always talked about respect, manners and boundaries and to cherish family moments," Mrs Robertson said. "Simple things like sitting together at the table for dinner every single night with no distractions or external factors - something we have continued for generations to enjoy good old family discussions." While she has experienced loss - her husband Jim who passed in 1985, and two of her children - she still has her youngest sibling, plus one daughter (Mrs Robertson) and a son. Today, Bridget has 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Ken Weeks, Australia's oldest person, turned 111 in October 2024. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
The case against a P.E.I. teacher and school guidance counsellor has been adjourned in Charlottetown provincial court for the second time. Bethany Jean Toombs, 41, has been charged with sexual assault, invitation to sexual touching and sexual interference — all involving a minor. Toombs was listed as a guidance counsellor at East Wiltshire Intermediate School in Cornwall at the time the charges were laid. Her name has since been removed from the school's website. The Public Schools Branch has said it cannot comment on cases before the courts. However, the agency has told CBC News that it is co-operating fully with the investigation, and that it is procedure to place staff charged with such offences on leave. P.E.I. woman, 41, charged with sex crimes involving a minor Public Schools Branch 'fully co-operating with police' after counsellor charged No information about the victim's identity or Toombs' connection to that person has been revealed in court. Even when it is, it cannot be shared in the media due to a publication ban put in place to protect the victim. Toombs is also facing a fourth charge of allowing a youth to use cannabis contrary to P.E.I.'s Cannabis Control Act. Lawyer represented Toombs in court To date, Toombs has not entered a plea or specified whether she wants her case to continue in provincial court or go to the Supreme Court of P.E.I. The accused did not appear in court in person at her first appearance on Oct. 28 or at her second appearance Monday, but was represented by her lawyer Chris Montigny. RCMP laid charges against Toombs in September. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press) In both instances, Montigny told the court they were waiting on disclosure — the sharing of evidence used to build the case against Toombs — from the Crown before proceeding. On Monday, Crown attorney Chris White said there were some "technological impediments" in accessing some evidence collected but he said he believed it was being resolved. Toombs' next court appearance is Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. in Charlottetown provincial court, with Judge Nancy Orr presiding.Trump nominates Marty Makary, a critic of some COVID-19 health measures, to lead the FDA
Only Tinubu, council of states can sack INEC chairman -ex- gov. IkpeazuEveryone on the Patriots had a bad day in Week 12 loss to Dolphins
From waste to wealth: Part - II This production could reduce carbon emissions by 70-80 per cent compared to conventional jet fuels This representational image shows a solid waste dump. — AFP/File The metropolitan municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, of which 75 per cent is organic, remains largely untapped. Organic MSW with higher calorific value given our national consumption of fatty oils and foods holds significant potential for conversion into biofuels, while non-recyclable fractions can be processed into biodiesel and SAF through technologies like hydro-processed esters and fatty acids (HEFA). Feedstocks such as used cooking oil (UCO), soap stock, and poultry feather acid oil can enable Pakistan to produce around 680,000 MT of SAF annually. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); This production could reduce carbon emissions by 70-80 per cent compared to conventional jet fuels. Beyond meeting domestic SAF requirements, Pakistan’s annual production capacity positions it to export significant quantities to regions with high demand, such as Europe and North America. Formalised waste collection systems, particularly in urban centres such as Karachi where an estimated 22,000 MT per day is generated, are crucial and offer another climate-linked investment opportunity on a PPP basis as there are use cases in other countries. Engaging informal waste pickers in structured recycling programmes can further enhance feedstock availability and encourage financial inclusion by incentivising them through rewards participation programmes as the estimated earnings for waste pickers in Karachi is over Rs100,000 per month. Results-based financing (RBF) can be used to reward waste processors for achieving recycling and energy production targets. Effective waste management systems in urban areas reduce environmental pollution, enhance resource recovery, and foster sustainable cities which are central to SDG11. Thus far there has only been one SAF project in Pakistan where two multilateral development banks have supported with patient capital the climate-linked project. New projects can attract funding by local investors and authorities linking up with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) which has provided grants and technical support for SAF R&D and pilot projects in developing countries including in India to support decarbonisation of the aviation sector. Another avenue Pakistani lenders and investors should explore is the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) which channels concessional finance to private investors in emerging markets primarily through its Clean Technology Fund to scale SAF production. Although the federal government introduced a biodiesel programme in 2008 targeting a 5.0 per cent biodiesel blend in diesel fuel by 2015 and a 10 per cent blend by 2025, it is not being promoted even after the Alternative and Renewable Energy (ARE) Policy of 2011 was developed to promote biofuels as part of the country's renewable energy. The ministries of energy and finance ought to design a specific framework which promotes and incentivises producers and investors as well as mandates via provincial departments the collection and recycling of organic and agricultural waste. Tax incentives for biofuel and SAF producers and SAF blending targets for the aviation industry will stimulate investment in this sector, as well as capital relief on risk-weighted assets deployed by domestic lenders to provide transition and climate-friendly development financing to biofuel facilities and refineries. To unlock this potential via the SIFC, which champions the successful ‘whole of government’ approach, opportunities must be created for sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors to invest and build infrastructure for WtB on a public-private partnership basis too. In May 2024 for instance, the UAE’s Mubadala Capital announced a $13.5 billion investment into Brazil through Acelen Renovaveis to produce up to 1 billion litres of biofuels/SAF annually with the US giant Honeywell which shall implement renewable fuels technology and begin moduled production by the end of 2026. The investment would be through a mix of equity and debt tranched into five modules, and each will consist of a new biorefinery with associated infrastructure and planted areas to grow the input crop with an output processing capacity of 20,000 barrels of fuel per day. Why should the UAE not invest so close to home with low freight charges when it has its SAF targets set to produce 700 million litres of SAF annually by 2030, accounting for at least 1.0 per cent of the total fuel supplied at its airports by 2031 where up to $9 billion of investment is required in SAF facilities and supporting value chains to meet these targets. A similar case can be made for the Saudis since the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced a target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and should be invited to assess alongside ARAMCO the potential to set up biofuels refineries in Pakistan using agricultural and municipal waste. Pakistan must not miss out on this climate-linked development finance opportunity. By adopting a multi-stakeholder partnership approach that aligns with SDG17 the private sector should lead, fueled primarily by viability gap funding (VCF) from state-owned banks and development finance institutions whose prime responsibility is to create economic growth avenues, and the government which facilitates the PPP model, Pakistan should enhance energy security while driving inclusive and export-oriented economic growth. (If you are interested in the dynamics and opportunities of the biofuel and waste management sectors, please contact the writer for a detailed white paper on ‘Creating a Sustainable Circular Economy in Waste Management’). Concluded The writer is a seasoned banker with 30 years of international expertise in global markets and developmentfinance. He can be reached at:1adnanpasha@gmail.comStephen Olowoniyi scores 18 as Southern Indiana knocks off Shawnee State 91-56
Democrat legislators worried about future of health care under Trump administrationTai'Reon Joseph scores 28 off the bench to help UTSA defeat North Dakota 95-85