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Assad's fall in Syria is a 'fundamental act of justice,' but also 'a moment of risk,' Biden says
Linking science, academia, and industry key to Pakistan’s progress: Experts Islamabad: Science in Pakistan cannot thrive without a strong linkage between scientists, academia, and industry, Prof. Shahzad Ali Khan, vice chancellor of Health Services Academy (HSA) said on Sunday, urging scientists and researchers to come up with research that is beneficial for humanity but also has some economic potential for the industry and investors. Addressing the ANSO-PAS Conference 2024 as its chief guest, which was organised by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS) in collaboration with national and international organisations, Prof. Khan highlighted that Pakistani scientists, among the best in the world, often serve abroad due to the lack of financial support and infrastructure at home. The ANSO-PAS Conference 2024 under the theme “Understanding and Mitigating the Threat of Emerging Pathogens: Opportunities and Challenges” was organized in collaboration with the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) and it was supported by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Quaid-i-Azam University. The conference brought together leading scientists, researchers, and policymakers to address pressing global health concerns. The HSA vice chancellor called for collaborative efforts to establish research labs that not only benefit humanity but also hold economic value for industrial investors. Prof. Khan lamented that Pakistan lags 100 years behind the modern world in science, despite its intellectual potential, due to policymakers’ neglect and their failure to embrace a knowledge-based economy. “In the past, scientists in Eastern Europe and Germany made groundbreaking discoveries to serve humanity, driven by intellectual pursuit. Today, financial support for research comes predominantly from large corporations aiming for profits,” he explained. Prof. Khan urged students to remain optimistic, emphasising that nations facing similar challenges have risen to become scientific and economic powerhouses. “Our youth can lead Pakistan to prosperity through resilience and hard work,” he added. Prof. Shahid Baig, another key speaker, stressed the diminishing funding resources for scientists in Pakistan and urged them to seek international collaborations to conduct impactful research. He pointed to the innovative solutions developed by Pakistani researchers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including local diagnostic kits, as evidence of their potential to address national challenges. “Pakistan remains a land of opportunities for scientists, and we need them to stay and contribute to our nation’s progress,” he said. Member of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Prof. Muhammad Ali, expressed hope that the conference’s recommendations would be heeded by authorities. He called for robust government support for science and technology to enable Pakistan’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. “Without tangible action from policymakers, these conferences will have little impact,” he cautioned. The ANSO-PAS Conference 2024 served as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, focusing on understanding pathogen transmission from wildlife to humans, developing effective surveillance systems, and promoting knowledge sharing among researchers, policymakers, and public health officials. By fostering partnerships between science and industry, the conference aimed to enhance Pakistan’s capacity to tackle emerging health threats and contribute to global scientific advancements. ANSO, founded in 2018 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other international science and education institutions, is a non-profit, non-governmental international scientific organization. It implements initiatives in science, technology, innovation, and capacity building with member countries and partners, promoting shared development and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The success of the conference underscored the importance of integrating scientific research with industrial support to address contemporary challenges, particularly in public health. It also highlighted the potential of Pakistani scientists to make significant contributions, provided they receive the necessary support and opportunities within their homeland.Here’s why Colorado communities are opposing a proposed Utah railroad at the U.S. Supreme Court this week
LONDON UK car production dropped 30.1% in November, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on Friday. A total of 64,216 cars were produced during the month, 27,711 fewer than in November 2023. This marks the ninth consecutive month of falling output and the sector’s worst performance for November since 1980. The decline stems from multiple challenges, including strategic product shifts, weakened demand in key global markets, and adjustments to production schedules. Additionally, comparisons to November 2023 are skewed, as output during that period was bolstered by a recovery from COVID-related supply chain disruptions. As UK car makers transition to electric vehicle (EV) production, significant retooling efforts have impacted manufacturing output. The shift has resulted in production cuts across all major manufacturers. While November saw the production of 19,165 battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid electric cars, this figure represents a sharp 45.5% decline compared to the same month last year. Despite the challenges, electrified vehicles now account for nearly a third (29.8%) of total production. From January to November, over a quarter of a million electrified vehicles were manufactured in the UK. However, this figure is down 19.7% year-on-year, largely due to model switchovers at key plants. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, described the figures as "offering little Christmas cheer for the sector." “With billions of pounds committed to new technologies, new models, and production tooling, the industry is facing significant strain,” Hawes said. “The government can play a critical role by supporting consumers in the transition to electric vehicles, fast-tracking its Industrial Strategy for advanced manufacturing, and urgently reviewing market regulations that are exacerbating the sector’s challenges,” he added.None
A MAJOR retailer is closing four branches tomorrow as part of a restructuring plan. Garden centre chain Dobbies announced in September a number of locations would shut, subject to court approval. 1 Dobbies is closing four garden centres tomorrow as part of restructuring plans Credit: Les Gallagher Bosses were given the green light earlier this month to go ahead with the closures. A total of 10 sites were earmarked for closure, with an eleventh in Antrim, Northern Ireland, originally set to shut saved. Discussions with landlords over rent reductions meant two additional garden centres in Morpeth and Stapleton will be moved to other operators. In a statement, the firm said the move will enable Dobbies to return to "sustainable profitability and unlock access to " future investment". Read more on Closures SHUT UP SHOP Beloved hardware store to close after 87 years as it reduces prices on stock BYE BYE Major clothing chain with over 150 stores across UK to shut shop in the New Year In November, Dobbies shut six of its smaller format Little Dobbies locations. By the end of tomorrow, 10 further locations will have closed. Garden centres in Altrincham, Harleston Heath and Gosforth have already shuttered. Tomorrow, these four will permanently close: Reading Stratford-upon-Avon Inverness Huntingdon Most read in Money CHOC HORROR Cadbury's among 100 iconic brands STRIPPED of prestigious title after 170 years CHOCS AHOY Cheapest supermarket to buy Christmas favourites including Quality Street TOP CHOC Shoppers rushing to Lidl for festive chocolate log scanning for just 99p TREASURE BOX Cadbury chocolate selection boxes scanning for just £1 at Tesco Sales have been launched at the Dobbies garden centres in Reading, Stratford-upon-Avon and Huntingdon, with big deals to be had. Bargain hunters recently shared pictures online of the huge discounts on offer including 70% off homeware as well as deals on plants, garden equipment, toys, gifts and Christmas decorations. Why are shops closing stores? One posted pictures of shelves of discounted items and said: "Lots of sale items in Dobbies Garden Centre!" Another added: "50% of almost everything." TROUBLE FOR DIY AND GARDEN STORES High inflation coupled with a squeeze on shoppers' finances has meant people have less money to spend in the shops. Garden centres and home improvement businesses also boomed during the pandemic when customers were stuck at home. But customers have been forced to cut back on spending since due to high inflation and a national cash crunch. This has led to prominent chains going bust. Late last month, Homebase said it would put 74 sites up for sale after it crashed into administration. However, its administrators were able to strike a deal to sell the business to retail group CDS, which owns bargain chains The Range and Wilko. This secured the jobs of 1,600 employees and 70 stores - all of which are set to be rebranded as The Range shops. It's not just DIY retailers that have struggled across the high street. Carpetright filed for administration in July , although rival company Tapi stepped in to save 54 stores from closure and furniture giant Bensons for Beds snapped up 19. Iconic names Ted Baker and The Body Shop both collapsed into administration this year too. Read more on the Scottish Sun TESTING TIMES Major changes for learners sitting their driving test in Scotland in 2025 CHESTNUTS ROASTING Scots set for record temperatures as chances of a White Xmas slashed Why are retailers closing shops? EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre’s decline. The Sun's business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors. In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping. Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open. In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed. The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing. Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns. Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead. Boss Stuart Machin recently said that when it relocated a tired store in Chesterfield to a new big store in a retail park half a mile away, its sales in the area rose by 103 per cent. In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Wilko, Debenhams Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Paperchase to name a few. What’s increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online. They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk . Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and storiesNone