PIA’S DECLINE LINKED TO GULF AIRLINES EXPANSION, OPEN SKY POLICY: REPORT
K APCO’s power plant secures extension in power acquisition plan until 2027
On Tuesday Kot Addu Power Company Limited (KAPCO), one of Pakistan s leading independent power producers (IPPs), announced that the NEPRA has approved the inclusion of its power plant in the Power Acquisition Plan (2023-2027) for distribution companies The company shared this development in a notice to the PSX KAPCO also revealed progress in its ongoing discussions with the National Task Force on Implementation of Structural Reforms (Power Sector) regarding the renewal of its Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) “Due to system requirements NEPRA has confirmed the inclusion of KAPCO s power plant in the Power Acquisition Plan (2023-2027), meaning the plant will be required in the power system until 2027,” the notice stated The company further explained that it has reached a preliminary agreement to renew the PPA for 500 MW of power and a switchyard with terms allowing for a three-year extension under a hybrid take-and-pay model This model will cover certain fixed
Petrol price likely to rise by Rs4 per litre, diesel may see slight reduc tion
The price of petrol is expected to increase by around Rs4 to Rs4 50 per litre from March 1, while high-speed diesel (HSD) may see a marginal decrease reflecting fluctuations in international oil prices and exchange rates The final adjustments will be determined on February 28 based on Brent crude prices and the rupee-dollar exchange rate Currently the ex-depot petrol price stands at Rs256 13 per litre while HSD is priced at Rs263 95 per litre Kerosene,
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He stated that the intergovernmental commission was working effectively while “political consultations business events and exhibitions of our national products have been successfully organised President Mirziyoyev noted that a large delegation of leading Pakistani had arrived in Tashkent, with Uzbek partners participating in meetings with them and holding dialogues on partnership agreements
Inviting Pakistani companies to work in his country he said: I would like to also present to Pakistani companies what the conditions are in Uzbekistan and we are ready to create all the necessary conditions for them to come to Uzbekistan ” “We confirm our shared commitment to strengthening the bonds of longstanding friendship and for the developing cooperation, we have signed important agreements, the Uzbekistan president affirmed He also announced the visits of the head of Uzbekistan’s central bank to Pakistan and his counterpart the State Bank of Pakistan governor to Tashkent We are planning to increase trade turnover to $2bn and we will increase the industrial cooperation, develop transparent logistic connections, and create favourable conditions and incentives for the entrepreneurs Mirziyoyev asserted He noted discussions were held on pharmaceuticals textiles lead industry and agriculture while PM Shehbaz also made proposals on the energy, geology, and mining spheres to “develop those industries and have regional cooperation and access to other countries’ markets”
Detailing other decisions made during their meeting he said that a highlevel strategic council would be established between the two nations
“Once in two months, we will have calls over mobile phones Once a
month all ministries and relevant bodies in an online format will be reporting to us on the implementation of those instructions and measures We did not have this kind of approach with [any] other countries,” Mirziyoyev highlighted, adding that the strategic council would ensure the efficient implementation of those directives
He further vowed increased collaborations between the nations through people-to-people exchanges, cultural events, and festivals The president also affirmed his diplomatic support for Pakistan’s stance on “Afghanistan’s social development and resolving the Palestinian issue The president thanked the premier for his warm words for the Uzbek people and accepted PM Shehbaz s invitation to pay an official visit to Pakistan Mirziyoyev concluded his address with his well wishes for the upcoming month of Ramazan
In his address PM Shehbaz stated that the two leaders had decided to cooperate in the field of mine and minerals, adding that the potential of investing in each other ’s economic zones” was also discussed
“I find you a very valuable friend and a very very positive partner the premier stated as he appreciated the Uzbek president s pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties
We will expand our tourism [ ] take people from Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi and Lahore to Bukhara and Samarkand he said adding people from Uzbekistan s cities would also be able to visit Pakistan The prime minister noted Mirziyoyev s achievements in decreasing Uzbekistan s level of poverty and increasing foreign investments “Through untiring efforts Pakistan will find its lost place in the comity of nations but only through hard work PM Shehbaz stressed highlighting the decline in Pakistan s inflation and inter-
Despite different reasoning, all five judges rejected civilians’ military trial: Justice Mandokhail
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The lawyer stressed that transferring civilians to military custody based solely on a police report or an initial complaint was legally questionable Siddiqui asserted that the Supreme Court could declare civilian military trials unconstitutional without necessarily striking down sections of the Army Act
He said the court had previously ruled in similar cases that a law could remain in place while certain applications of it were deemed unlawful Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar also commented on the
the Army Act did not have a formal provision for registering First Information Reports
(FIRs) against civilians Siddiqui agreed and argued that before any civilian could be placed under military custody, a magistrate should review the case and decide whether it should proceed under military or anti-terrorism law
The Supreme Court bench continued its deliberations on the case with Justice Aminuddin Khan stating that courts must determine their own jurisdiction before proceeding with any case Siddiqui warned that if the right to appeal was limited in these cases, it could set a dangerous legal precedent
He also dismissed the argument that because no objections were raised initially the court could overlook jurisdictional concerns The court adjourned the hearing, with further arguments expected in the next session During yesterday’s hearing, the Supreme Court of Pakistan referenced former army chief General (Retd ) Qamar Javed Bajwa s service extension while hearing a case on military trials for civilians, reigniting debate over past legal precedents
est rates along with a rise in IT exports Like the golden domes of Samarkand during sunrise my dear brother [President Mirziyoyev], your warmth, hospitality and sincerity are shining brightly despite the snowfall,” the premier said at the outset of his address He noted that Pakistan and Uzbekistan shared centuries-old bonds while Pakistani students studied the Sufi saints of Samarkand in their school textbooks
‘B
L: Meanwhile talks on a planned railway link between Pakistan and Uzbekistan that would traverse Afghanistan also progressed further as PM Shehbaz and President Mirziyoyev reaffirmed their commitment to the project The two countries had signed an agreement in July 2023 for the “Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway project The premier said: We are going to [ ] achieve jointly Trans-Afghan railway connectivity which is going to be a game changer not only for Pakistan and Uzbekistan but in the entire region
“I know you are very committed to this project he said addressing the Uzbek president sitting next to him Speaking earlier President Mirziyoyev said the two leaders today held detailed negotiations for the first time on the Trans-Afghan railway
Economic Zones and
the B2B collaboration The
underscored the
of connectivity as a means of
and
development They noted that Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan corridor was the most
and economical trade route for the
region In this context they underscored the importance of UzbekistanAfghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project and reiterated their commitment for the
The two
emphasized the need to intensify
on
cooperation between the countries in
to
the
of the
of
routes in particular to develop the UzbekistanAfghanistan-Pakistan multimodal transport corridor as well as to broaden the opportunities for facilitating transport services In this regard, the two leaders underscored the significance of implementation of the Trans-Afghanistan Railroad construction project Both sides reiterated their willingness to implement the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (Mazar-eSharif to Kharlachi) Railway Project Uzbekistan and Pakistan will continue to strengthen cooperation in the international arena and provide each other with comprehensive support in promoting peace initiatives The two leaders agreed to expand multifaceted bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and emphasized the importance of closer coordination of positions in the international arena To this end, they decided to utilize existing political and economic mechanisms between the two countries, including political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs The two sides also agreed to continue to coordinate their actions within the framework of the United Nations and its specialized bodies, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization the NonAligned Movement and other international and regional structures
tH e recent decision of the Federal tax ombudsman, decreeing that consumers who have converted to solar power, must pay the excise duty on the power they are supplied and are liable to withholding tax on all units exposes one of the federal government s main nightmares, that consumers already driven to solarize by the inordinate electricity charges, will be driven to go off the grid entirely At present they are kept on the grid by the fact that solar power is not available at night and varies with the season there are already storage technologies available for solar power, and it is only a matter of time before they become cost-effective enough for them to be installed widely that would mean that solarized consumers would have no incentive to remain on the grid It should be noted that for the first time, consumers are paying for the cost of generating equipment the government would obviously like the previous model to continue, whereby utilities put up hugely expensive generation facilities and then sold the electricity to consumers It allowed the charging of sales tax and withholding tax from captive consumers the decision may well be correct in law However, it rests on the Sales tax Act and the Income tax Act both of which could be amended Solarization has turned out to be a bigger problem than anyone foresaw Perhaps the reason is that the government put too much of a burden on the consumer, making the erroneous, even Pollyannish assumption that technology would remain status that was probably the decision for making the decisions that it did make, especially in making the desks with the Independent Power Producers, which pushed the power tariffs so high that the consumer was forced to look for alternatives However the approach of the government is particularly self-serving PM s Special Assistant Dr Muhammad Ali told a Senate Standing committee that the IPPs has made new contract, which they would follow, on pain of forensic audits if they did not comply Whether they comply or not should make no difference, When the IPPs were set up, there was enough over-invoicing and other shenanigans, which made for the onerous capacity payments, But there is a double double standard at work: the Fto insists that the letter of the law must be followed against the consumer but the forensic audit is merely to be used as a stick to best the IPP with
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late)
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami
Tyet amid these advancements we often overlook its impact on fundamental human values and social dynamics While digital progress has fostered global interactions and economic growth, it has also eroded direct human connections, raised privacy concerns, and weakened cultural roots this paradox highlights how technology strengthens connectivity while simultaneously disconnecting us from essential human interactions and values
Social values have traditionally evolved gradually shaped by cultural traditions religious beliefs, and societal norms the digital revolution, however, has accelerated this transformation, redefining our identities as social beings People once had a deep attachment to their hometowns and birthplaces but digital connectivity has reduced the necessity of physical presence weakening this sense of belonging A 2023 Pew research center survey found that 62 percent of respondents felt less connected to their home communities than previous generations, affecting civic participation local economies and political engagement technology has also altered ethical and moral perceptions traditional values like respect for elders, patience in relationships, and communitybased problem-solving are being replaced by instant gratification, online validation, and individualism While some changes reflect progress they also challenge the foundation of cultural and familial structures worldwide excessive screen time has significantly reduced in-person interactions within families and communities
Studies show that the average person spends nearly seven hours daily on digital devices (Datareportal, 2023), limiting meaningful discussions and shared experiences Social media in particular exposes individuals to different value systems influencing relationships marriage and parenting Unrealistic portrayals of success and beauty contribute to personal dissatisfaction, straining family dynamics the American Psychological Association (APA) reported that 37 percent of teenagers experience anxiety or depression linked to excessive social media use this growing mental health crisis underscores the hidden costs of digital connectivity Moreover younger
social media re-
Co r r e c t random guesses can hardly be categorized as knowledge Since they have been arrived at by virtue of mere chance, they could equally likely have been incorrect, sometimes absurdly so For mysterious reasons many people struggle to wrap their heads around this Way too many people similarly mistake information for knowledge A man who can memorize and reproduce a great many facts and figures can no more be called knowledgeable than an encyclopaedia can be labelled learned Whatever utility the ability to recall data may have been in the pre-internet ages it has drastically diminished now that access to information is only a click away Mere information (even if spot on) is a far cry from knowledge for another reason too the man who knows ten correct things on a subject only knows ten correct things But the man who understands the relevant governing principle can successfully apply it to all its various applications (including those that he has encountered for the very first time) Issues might appear to be isolated but in any area of inquiry they all trace back to a handful of fundamentals It is one thing to have a list of correct answers to a certain number of questions, quite another to know how to answer– at any rate how to go about answering– any new question on the subject to really know a subject is to have acquired a judgment that develops only in those who consistently practise the art of coherent thinking Just because somebody can parrot back the definitions of the laws of thermodynamics does not mean that he has any idea what he is talking about the proof of the pudding is how one deals with an ‘inventor ’ who proposes say a perpetual motion machine When back in 2012 Agha Waqar advertised his infamous water-kit for automobiles those who rejected it out of hand knew their thermodynamics, while those who said Let us give the man the opportunity to demonstrate his product clearly did not those who followed the episode would recall that some extremely eminent ‘scientists’ belonged to this latter category Which is why it is always a good policy never to be overawed by credentials It does not matter what string of letters
port higher levels of loneliness compared to those who spend less time online In developed countries, technology is used primarily as a necessity, integrated into specific aspects of life such as work, education, and daily tasks However, in developing nations like Pakistan people have become increasingly addicted to technology often using it excessively for entertainment and social validation rather than productivity this over-reliance on digital platforms has led to reduced personal interactions and growing societal detachment A 2023 Digital Pakistan report revealed that 85 percent of young adults spend over four hours daily on social media with a significant portion engaging in non-educational content this contrasts with countries like Germany and Japan where digital consumption is more regulated and focused on professional and academic use Despite its challenges, technology has also strengthened family bonds by enabling distant relatives to stay connected through video calls and instant messaging Apps like WhatsApp Zoom and Facetime have made cross-border communication seamless with a 45 percent increase in video call usage since the covid-19 pandemic Additionally, technology has expanded educational opportunities for children, allowing parents to use digital learning tools online courses and parenting applications Virtual tutoring and progress monitoring have become more accessible providing alternatives to traditional education technology has also played a crucial role in promoting gender equality and challenging conventional family roles Women now have greater access to education career opportunities and financial independence According to the World economic Forum s 2023 Global Gender Gap report the digital economy has enabled 62 percent of women in developing countries to participate in remote work or entrepreneurial ventures Digital advocacy has also given marginalized communities a platform to voice their experiences and demand equal rights this shift has contributed to changing family structures with many individuals prioritizing careers over early marriages A UneSco report indicates that the average age of marriage has risen by
(MSc, PhD, Dr, Professor, Mufti, Allama) follow or precede a man s name on his business card Delusions of knowledge are especially deleterious when it comes to self-proclaimed religious experts who end up misguiding multitudes of hapless men and women who take them as their moral guides What is the Islamic stance on organ transplants, euthanasia, music, statues and co-education? How is a widow or a divorcee to observe her waiting period’? Which parts of the body must stay covered? Which meat is forbidden, and in which situations can it be consumed? What are the conditions under which it is all right to do away with the standard procedures of washing and praying? Is there such a thing as an Islamic economic system? Are plots of land exempt from zakat? How is the start of ramadan to be ascertained? What is the marital status of a woman whose husband has disappeared without a trace? these are only some of the questions that are usually answered on a case-bycase basis without considering the overall constitution of the religion with devastating consequences What makes it especially tricky is the fact that you could get apparently satisfactory answers to many of these questions when considered in isolation However, since there is no unified or coherent philosophy behind all these answers some of them will inevitably clash with others yielding an inconsistent and self-contradictory outlook Also every now and then this approach will yield a solution that could only be called ridiculous the only way to arrive at a consistent and sensible world view is thinking in terms of fundamentals: by treating all issues as concrete instances of abstract principles which must be applied consistently to all instances (instead of giving isolated verdicts on questions) If a world view is to stand objective scrutiny it must stem from a coherent framework of fundamentals Among other things, Muslims have managed to make a mess of their religion as well this is attributable mainly to the delusion that knowing the ‘correct’ answers to a certain number of questions is tantamount to knowing their subject All they needed to
Intelligence is no doubt a great gift, for it enables men to hone cer tain life skills and thereby earn a living. But it is a double-edged sword, for smar t folks also possess the capacity to fool themselves in a way that simpletons can only dream of There is no dear th of street-smar tness in the world, which simply means possession of enough intelligence to succeed in some narrow endeavour of life Knowledge, the capacity of focusing on the underlying fundamentals despite the apparent disconnection of instances, is much less prevalent
three to five years in several countries due to career aspirations highlighting how technology is reshaping societal norms Globalization and technological advancements have bridged cultural gaps, leading to a rise in interethnic and intercultural marriages According to the Pew research center, 17 percent of marriages in the United States are now interracial up from just three percent in 1967
While this cultural exchange fosters inclusivity it also challenges identity preservation Many cultures struggle to maintain linguistic and traditional heritage as Western influences dominate digital platforms Some governments have introduced policies promoting cultural retention through digital means such as language-learning apps and online heritage preservation projects technology has simplified daily tasks like banking shopping and bill payments saving time and reducing stress online communities have also provided support networks where individuals share personal experiences, fostering encouragement and inspiration However privacy concerns remain critical Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human rights recognizes privacy as a fundamental human right yet digital tools make personal data easily accessible to corporations and governments A 2023 norton cybersecurity Insights report found that 71 percent of internet users worry about data privacy with four out of five expressing concerns about online tracking
Protecting privacy requires robust legal frameworks and increased digital literacy regulations like the General Data Protection regulation (GDPr) in the european Union and similar laws in the United States and India reflect global efforts to secure personal information Privacy extends beyond data security it is about maintaining autonomy freedom of expression and human dignity While technology offers unparalleled convenience, it also presents ethical dilemmas the fine line between accessibility and privacy is often blurred, necessitating ongoing efforts to maintain transparency Achieving complete data protection may be unrealistic but recognizing the significance of privacy reinforces respect for human dignity technology is now an integral part of daily life, but how the younger generation engages with it remains a critical concern the rapid digitalization of life has minimized opportunities to nurture deep human relationships A study by
work together to promote ethical technology use ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of human values By fostering responsible digital consumption and prioritizing meaningful interactions, societies can embrace the future without sacrificing the essence of human connection The writer is a freelance columnist
Women in bureaucracy
Wake up call
Green and clean
AyAz HuSSAiN ABBASi
Aplastic anaemia is a rare but serious blood disorder in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets This condition can lead to fatigue, increased risk of infections, and uncontrolled bleeding It can be either acquired or inherited
ACQUIRED APLASTIC ANAEMIA (MOST COMMON)
AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS: The immune system mistakenly attacks bone marrow Exposure to toxins: Benzene (found in gasoline industrial chemicals) Radiation & chemotherapy: Used in cancer treatment damaging bone marrow
CERTAIN INFECTIONS: Hepatitis Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), HIV, and parvovirus B19
DRUGS & MEDICATIONS: Some antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and antiseizure drugs
PREGNANCY: Rarely the immune system may attack the bone marrow during pregnancy
INHERITED APLASTIC ANAEMIA
FANCONI ANAEMIA: A genetic disorder leading to bone marrow failure
DYSKERATOSIS CONGENITA: A rare inherited condition affecting bone marrow function
SHWACHMAN-DIAMOND SYNDROME: A disorder affecting the pancreas and bone marrow
SYMPTOMS: IN THIS CASE THE SYMPTOMS
ARISE DUE TO LOW LEVELS OF DIFFERENT BLOOD CELLS
LOW RED BLOOD CELLS (ANAEMIA SYMP-
TOMS): Fatigue shortness of breath pale skin dizziness and rapid heart rate
LOW WHITE BLOOD CELLS (INFECTION
RISK): Frequent infections, fever
LOW PLATELETS (BLEEDING ISSUES): Easy
bruising prolonged bleeding from minor cuts nosebleeds or gum bleeding and small red spots on the skin (petechiae)
TREATMENT OPTIONS
BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS: Temporary relief for
anaemia and low platelet counts
BONE MARROW (STEM CELL) TRANSPLANT:
Potential cure, especially for younger patients
IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE THERAPY: Drugs like ATG (antithymocyte globulin) and cyclosporine suppress immune attacks on the marrow
GROWTH FACTORS: Medications like erythropoietin (EPO) to stimulate blood production
ANTIBIOTICS & ANTIVIRALS: To prevent infections due to low white blood cells
Aplastic anaemia weakens the immune system and affects blood cell production making a proper diet and lifestyle precautions essential for managing the condition In the situation a healthy and well-balanced diet can help support blood cell production and boost immunity
IRON-RICH FOODS (FOR HEMOGLOBIN PRO-
DUCTION): Lean red meat, poultry, fish spinach, kale, broccoli beans lentils tofu and nuts and seeds
B VITAMIN B12 & FOLATE-RICH FOODS (FOR RED BLOOD CELL PRODUCTION): Eggs dairy fish (B12), leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans (Folate)
C VITAMIN C-RICH FOODS (FOR IRON ABSORPTION AND IMMUNITY): Oranges, lemons, strawberries bell peppers
D PROTEIN-RICH FOODS (TO SUPPORT BONE
MARROW FUNCTION): Eggs lean meat fish soy legumes
E ZINC & COPPER-RICH FOODS (FOR IM-
MUNE SUPPORT): Nuts, seeds, whole grains, shellfish
F AVOID PROCESSED & JUNK FOODS: Reduce processed sugars, fried foods, and sodas, as they can weaken immunity
G STAY HYDRATED: Drink plenty of water herbal teas and fresh juices to maintain good circulation
PRECAUTIONS FOR APLASTIC ANAEMIA:
Since this condition weakens the immune system and increases bleeding risks, patients should take extra precautions
A PREVENT INFECTIONS: Wash hands frequently
Avoid large crowds and sick individuals Get vaccinations as advised by your doctor Cook food thoroughly to prevent foodborne illnesses
B AVOID BLEEDING & INJURIES: Use a soft
toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding Be cautious with sharp objects (razors, knives) Avoid contact sports or activities that can cause bruising
C MEDICATION & TREATMENT COMPLI-
ANCE: Take prescribed medications (immunosuppressants antibiotics etc ) as directed Attend regular check-ups and blood tests
D REDUCE EXPOSURE TO TOXINS: Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke Stay away from pesticides,
Iran’s Ministr y of Intelligence at 40
‘Iran will maintain a strategy of ‘threat against threat and aggression against aggression’
WHEN we were getting married he told me he couldn t tell me exactly what he did recounted the widow of an intelligence officer who died in service Of course, after he said that, I had some idea about where he worked But until the day he died we told everyone he was a fruit seller He gave his life for his country but no one knows it The widow shared this story with Iranian TV, her face blurred for anonymity Neither her name nor the name of her late husband were revealed This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Iran s Ministry of Intelligence Prior to its creation Iran lacked an intelligence agency subject to oversight and accountability by the public and their representatives in the Iranian parliament
TUMULTUOUS BEGINNING,
ENDURING STRENGTH: The ministry s formation in 1983 coincided with a period of intense turmoil for Iran, both domestically and internationally The nation was fighting a devastating invasion by Iraq’s Saddam Hussein backed by the United States a conflict that would persist for another five years Simultaneously Iran faced deadly terrorist attacks within its borders, orchestrated by the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) terrorist organization Moreover elements within the nascent Islamic Republic were suspected of having ties to British American and Israeli intelligence agencies seeking to destabilize and potentially overthrow the government In its initial years, the intelligence ministry drawing on personnel from the pre-existing intelligence community primarily focused on neutralizing anti-Revolution threats Given the scarcity of resources, the ministry had little capacity to reciprocate the actions of its adversaries By 1990, however, intelligence forces had successfully neutralized a number of other significant threats These included the Forqan group responsible for several high-profile assassinations; the most prominent MEK networks operating within the country; anti-Iranian communist groups collaborating with the U S to destabilize the government; a cell of MI6 agents spying on Iran s oil facilities; and CIA op-
eratives gathering intelligence on the country’s military installations Iran then turned its attention to terrorist organizations that had fled the country A notable example is the 2010 capture of Abdolmalek Rigi leader of the Jundallah terrorist group, while he was in transit by air The intelligence service orchestrated the grounding of the plane, on which Rigi was traveling with an Afghan passport The aircraft en route to Central Asia was diverted to Iranian territory in a manner that prevented the terrorist leader from endangering the other passengers In a recently published video, Rigi admitted while in jail awaiting his execution that he never thought Iran s intelligence forces would be this powerful Rigi was responsible for the deaths of dozens of Iranian citizens and soldiers during his terrorist activities in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan province including many children In a similar manner in 2023 the ringleader of the Tondar terrorist group was successfully extradited and apprehended Tondar had orchestrated a deadly bombing at a Shiraz religious gathering in 2009 and was planning to carry out similar acts in the future Though the largescale spy operations of the 80s and 90s are far less frequently reported Iran continues its intense fight against terrorist groups Notably, these groups receive funding from the same states that once operated active espionage cells in the country – the U S Israel and Britain Iran manages to routinely neutralize Daesh Takfiri and Israeli elements before they can execute their plans Nevertheless, the intelligence ministry recognizes the need for continuous improvement to prevent the incidents that still occur periodically within the country To that end a shift in its modus operandi is planned
During a speech commemorating the 40th anniversary of the entity s establishment, Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib signaled a shift in strategy stating that Iran will no longer only wait for security threats to reach its borders before neutralizing them Iran will maintain a strategy of threat against threat and aggression against aggression,’ Khatib told his colleagues and their families in remarks later published on the ministry s website We will precisely reciprocate any adventurism malice or unwarranted interference by enemies, including the United States and the Zionist regime, within their own environments and territories ”
benzene and other harmful chemicals Minimize exposure to radiation E MANAGE STRESS & FATIGUE: Get enough rest and sleep Engage in light activities like yoga or meditation Avoid overexertion
Aplastic anaemia is a serious condition where the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells In India treatment options have advanced significantly offering patients various effective therapies
A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT (BMT)
PREFERRED TREATMENT: For patients up to 4044 years old especially those with a matched sibling donor BMT is often recommended
SUCCESS RATES: Approximately 80% success rate in suitable candidates
COST: Generally ranges from Rs 800,000 to Rs1million
B IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE THERAPY
ANTITHYMOCYTE GLOBULIN (ATG) THER-
APY: For patients beyond 40-45 years or those without a suitable donor Administration: Requires hospitalization for about four days
RESPONSE TIME: Approximately three months, with immunosuppressive medications continued for up to two years
SUCCESS RATES: Around 60% Eltrombopag (EPAG):
USAGE: A thrombopoietin receptor agonist showing significant effectiveness, especially when combined with immunosuppressive therapy
C ALTERNATIVE MEDICATIONS: For those unable to afford ATG or BMT oral medications like Danazol and Cyclosporin can be considered potentially benefiting about 30% of patients
D LEADING TREATMENT CENTERS IN INDIA: Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram: Known for its world-class hematology department
FORTIS MEMORIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (FMRI), GURGAON: Offers a multidisciplinary approach to aplastic anaemia treatment
APOLLO HOSPITALS CHENNAI: Renowned for advanced treatment modalities and experienced specialists India s advancements in medical infrastructure and expertise have made it a viable destination for aplastic anaemia treatment, offering hope to many patients
Research on aplastic anaemia has led to promising advancements in treatment Scientists are exploring new therapies to improve survival rates reduce dependency on transplants and enhance the quality of life for patients
IMPROVED BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION
HAPLOIDENTICAL TRANSPLANTS: Advances in
donor matching allow bone marrow transplants from partially matched family members increasing availability
REDUCED-INTENSITY CONDITIONING (RIC):
New methods to prepare the body for transplants with less toxicity and fewer side effects
GENE EDITING IN STEM CELLS: CRISPR-based technologies are being explored to correct genetic mutations in inherited aplastic anaemia cases
ADVANCED IMMUNOTHERAPY
T-CELL THERAPIES: Research is ongoing to modify the immune system and prevent attacks on bone marrow
MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES: New antibodies, such as Eculizumab target specific immune pathways to prevent marrow destruction
C TARGETED DRUG THERAPIES
ELTROMBOPAG (REVOLADE/PROMACTA): Stimulates platelet production and is now used alongside immunosuppressive therapy for better outcomes
ROMIPLOSTIM & OTHER TPO RECEPTOR
AGONISTS: Boost platelet and red blood cell production
JAK INHIBITORS (RUXOLITINIB): Being studied for their ability to regulate immune dysfunction in bone marrow failure
D GENE THERAPY FOR INHERITED APLASTIC ANAEMIA
FANCONI ANAEMIA GENE THERAPY: Scientists are testing ways to replace faulty genes using viral vectors to restore healthy bone marrow function
E ARTIFICIAL & LAB-GROWN BLOOD CELLS
INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELLS (IPSCS): Researchers are working on generating blood cells in the lab potentially offering a future alternative to transplants
F MICROBIOME & GUT HEALTH RESEARCH: New findings suggest gut bacteria influence immune responses Probiotics and microbiome-targeted therapies are being explored to improve immune function in patients with aplastic anaemia
G PERSONALIZED
