SPAIN: (DNA) – In a remote area of northwestern Spain, a small town has set itself the ultimate weight loss challenge: by early 2020, its residents must shed 100,000 kilos (220,500 pounds).Gone are bacon and fried calamari from the diets of thousands of residents in Naron who are taking to sport again as part of a slimming programme that kicked off in January.
100 yrs of Horrible World War I – Here’s the Devastation and Destruction In Numbers
PARIS, (DNA) – Millions of dead and millions more wounded, widowed and orphaned: the dizzying tolls from World War I are an indication of the scale and horror of the 1914-1918 conflict.A lack of reliable statistics from the 52-month war a century ago makes the figures difficult to pin down, accounting for the sometimes substantial variations between historians.
Indonesia providing 60pc palm-oil to Pakistan
MULTAN, SEPT 28 (DNA) – Iwan Suyudhie Amri, Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan on Thursday has declared that Indonesia is supplying 60% palm-oil to Pakistan out of its total need.A ceremony was addressed at Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Iwan explained that both these Islamic countries are in good terms with each other, but he further emphasized in the strengthening of better relations in other segments too.
Death toll climbs in Nigeria flooding: relief agency
ABUJA, (DNA) – Nearly 200 people have died in flooding caused by heavy seasonal rains across 12 states in Nigeria, the country’s main relief agency said on Thursday.The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said 199 people had lost their lives after the main Niger and Benue rivers burst their banks.
EU to launch Asia strategy to rival China’s ‘new Silk Road’
BRUSSELS: (DNA) – As doubts grow over China’s vast “Belt and Road” trade infrastructure project, the EU is launching an alternative plan for Asia that it says will not saddle countries with debt they cannot repay.EU member countries are expected to sign off on the new “Asia connectivity strategy” – which aims to improve transport, digital and energy links while promoting environmental and labour standards – in time for a major summit of European and Asian leaders next month.
Erdogan, Merkel to meet amid tensions, protests
FRANKFURT AM MAIN: (DNA) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a state visit to Germany this week as the two countries seek to rebuild ties after a series of sharp spats but the controversial trip is likely to be overshadowed by protests.
Foreign Minister participates in high level event on action for peacekeeping
NEW YORK, (DNA) – Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today participated in the High Level Event on Action for Peacekeeping (A4P), hosted by the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.Speaking on the occasion, the Foreign Minister paid tribute to peacekeepers who were serving in volatile environments to complete their mandates. He also highlighted that Pakistan, as a top troop contributing country to UN peacekeeping, had provided over 200,000 troops in 46 peacekeeping mission since 1960s, 156 of our bravest had given the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of peace.
Uzbek leader to attend CIS summit in Dushanbe
Tashkent, (DNA) — On 27-28 September 2018, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will attend the regular meeting of the Council of Heads of States of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CHS CIS) in the city of Dushanbe.
China govt clarifies Chinese Ambassador meeting with Minister Qadri
BEIJING, (DNA) – China govt has clarified Chinese Ambassador meeting with Minister Qadri. The statement says that Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs met with Chinese Ambassador in Islamabad last week and raised concerns about China’s restrictions on Muslims in Xinjiang. Do you have any comment on this?
Saudi Arabia launches high-speed rail project
RIYADH, (DNA) – : Saudi King Salman on Tuesday inaugurated a high-speed railway linking holy cities Makkah and Medina, described by local officials as the biggest transportation project in the region.The Haramain High Speed Rail system will transport Muslim pilgrims, as well as regular travellers, 450 kilometres (280 miles) between the two cities via the Red Sea port of Jeddah in two hours.
