The study investigates the heavy metal contamination in the topsoil around the Sahiwal Coal Fired Power Plant (SCFPP) in Sahiwal, Pakistan. Elevated levels of copper, lead, and iron were found in the soil, with concentrations significantly higher than background values, indicating pollution from the power plant. The contamination poses risks to the environment, flora, fauna, and human health, with potential impacts including genotoxicity, reproductive issues, and various health conditions. Remediation techniques such as bioremediation are suggested to mitigate the pollution. The study highlights the need for further research and preventive measures to address the contamination.

A case study conducted in the Punjab province of Pakistan assessed the attitudes of rural youth towards sustainable agriculture and the contributing factors. The study used a cross-sectional quantitative research design and face-to-face interviews with a sample of 413 young rural individuals from three selected districts. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Findings indicate that rural youth in Punjab lack non-formal education to acquire or maintain skills and interests in agriculture. Unemployment and limited agricultural income are significant challenges they face. However, there is a strong inclination among rural youth to opt for sustainable agriculture if supported by a network. The study suggests that to achieve sustainability goals in a changing environment, rural youth need continuous training, communication sources, and membership in organizations promoting innovative agricultural initiatives.

The study aims to predict fracture density (FD) in basement metamorphic rocks using gene expression programming (GEP) when image logs and core samples are unavailable. The research focuses on two types of gneiss, sillimanite- and garnet-bearing biotite gneiss (SG) and orthogneiss (OG), in the Mezősas field, Hungary. The study uses conventional well-log data as input variables for GEP, achieving high R2 values for the model. The significant parameters for predicting FD include spectral gamma ray, resistivity, and porosity logs. The study validates the GEP model using discriminant function analysis, confirming its reliability for FD predictions in the absence of image logs and core samples.

The study reports the first detection and molecular characterization of Avian Metapneumovirus subtype B (aMPV-B) in US poultry, affecting both turkeys and chickens. The outbreak, which began in January 2024, was confirmed through metagenomic sequencing and real-time RT-PCR, revealing a high prevalence of aMPV-B across multiple states. The assembled genomes showed high nucleotide identity, indicating clonal expansion. Unique amino acid changes in the G protein suggest potential adaptation of the virus in US poultry. The findings underscore the need for further research into the virus's genotypic characterization, pathogenesis, and evolutionary dynamics, as well as the development of new vaccines.

Microplastics (MPs) contaminate various environments, including agricultural lands. This study collected soil samples from peri-urban agricultural lands of Lahore, Pakistan, and analyzed them using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) protocol. The highest contamination was found at Sagian with 876 ±194 MPs/kg of soil, while the lowest was at Punjab University with 672 ±235 MPs/kg of soil. The predominant shape of MPs was fibers, followed by sheets, fragments, and foam particles. Most MPs were less than 2 mm in size, with a significant portion being transparent. Six types of polymers were identified, including Polyethylene (PE) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The study highlights the diversity of MPs sources and their potential implications on the agricultural ecosystem.

The unusual winter weather in Punjab, Pakistan, has benefited strawberry farmers like Jameel Hussain, leading to early fruiting and reduced pest attacks. The crop, fetching up to Rs 400 per kilogram, is gaining popularity in regions near the Ravi River and beyond. Despite its sour taste limiting its export potential, strawberries are widely used in various food products domestically. USAID's attempt to develop sweeter varieties in Sindh was unsuccessful. Globally, the United States leads in strawberry production, followed by Turkey and Spain.

Cities contribute significantly to global CO2 emissions, with urban areas responsible for nearly 70% of emissions from energy consumption. The study examines the impact of urbanisation on CO2 emissions, highlighting the variability in emission trends across different cities. It identifies urban area expansion, population density, and per capita emissions as key contributors to emission trends. The analysis reveals that while urbanisation generally increases emissions, the relationship between urban form and emissions is complex. The study underscores the importance of mitigation policies targeting urban areas to manage future national emission trends.

Literacy, encompassing the skills of reading, writing, speaking, calculating, and problem-solving, is crucial for daily life and is synonymous with reading. However, the reading interest in Indonesia is alarmingly low, particularly among students, which is a concern for the country's future literacy rates. The lack of student visits to school libraries, especially in rural areas, highlights this issue. The rise of gadgets as a primary need has also contributed to the decline in reading books at libraries.

The study evaluates the health risks associated with iron contamination in food crops irrigated with wastewater in the District Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. It finds that while iron levels in soil and crops are within WHO permissible limits, wastewater irrigation leads to significant soil contamination. The research highlights the need for regular monitoring and treatment of wastewater to prevent health risks from iron accumulation in the food chain. The study underscores the importance of educating farmers and implementing protective measures to safeguard public health.

The 2022 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders highlights a significant increase in media polarization, both within and between countries, exacerbating social and political tensions. The report underscores the deteriorating state of press freedom in various regions, with authoritarian regimes like China and Russia tightening control over information. The Index also notes improvements in countries like Moldova and Bulgaria due to government changes. The article calls for urgent measures to protect democratic information spaces and emphasizes the critical role of journalists, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

Pakistan's economy experienced a strong recovery in FY21 with a 5.6% growth rate, driven by government measures to mitigate COVID-19 impacts. However, high demand pressures and rising global commodity prices led to inflation and a higher import bill. Structural weaknesses such as low investment and productivity growth pose risks to sustained recovery. The World Bank projects GDP growth to moderate in the coming years, emphasizing the need for structural reforms and fiscal sustainability. The report also highlights the adverse impact of rising food and energy prices on vulnerable households.

Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan's newly elected prime minister, aims to strengthen ties with China and develop relations with the US based on equality. He replaces Imran Khan, who was ousted after a no-confidence vote. Sharif emphasized cooperation with Beijing on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and acknowledged the importance of US-Pakistan trade relations. He addressed allegations of foreign conspiracy against Khan and expressed a desire to resolve the Kashmir dispute with India. Political tensions are expected to rise as Khan's supporters continue to protest.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the National Assembly deputy speaker’s dismissal of the no-trust resolution against Prime Minister Imran Khan and the subsequent dissolution of the lower house by President Arif Alvi were unconstitutional. The court ordered the National Assembly to reconvene and proceed with the no-trust motion. Prime Minister Khan has called a meeting of the restored cabinet, while the opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif praised the court's decision.

President Arif Alvi dissolved Pakistan's National Assembly on Prime Minister Imran Khan's advice, following the rejection of a no-confidence motion against Khan. The Supreme Court has taken notice of the situation and will hear arguments from both the government and opposition. Khan, now denotified as Prime Minister, has called for new elections within 90 days. Opposition leaders, including Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, have condemned the move as unconstitutional. The Khan government claims the no-confidence motion was a foreign-funded conspiracy, a claim denied by the US. The Pakistani military has distanced itself from the political developments.

All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and US Cotton Council International (CCI) have agreed to enhance cooperation in cotton and textile trade and investment. William Bettendorf, Regional Director of CCI, highlighted the benefits of ongoing interactions, while Abdul Rahim Nasir, Chairman of APTMA, emphasized the need for technology transfer and improved cotton seeds. The collaboration aims to boost bilateral trade, introduce genetically modified seeds, and establish joint ventures for contamination-free cotton production.

The Judicial Commission of Pakistan plans to elevate Justice Ayesha Malik to the Supreme Court, marking the first time a woman will hold this position in the country's history. Justice Malik, currently fourth on the seniority list of the Lahore High Court, will fill the vacancy left by Justice Mushir Alam's retirement. Her appointment has been welcomed by political and civil society leaders. Justice Malik has a distinguished career, having worked with various law firms, taught at universities, and authored numerous publications. The article also highlights the historical context of female judges in neighboring India.

Pakistan is nearing the completion of its own messaging app, Smart Office, to enhance communication security among key officials amid growing cybersecurity threats and concerns over WhatsApp's privacy policy. The app, modeled after WhatsApp, is 60% complete and aims to protect sensitive communications. This development comes in the wake of revelations that Prime Minister Imran Khan and other prominent figures were potential targets of the Pegasus spyware, highlighting the need for improved cybersecurity measures.

A horticulture farm in Sindh, Pakistan, has developed three new mango varieties with low sugar content, suitable for diabetics. The varieties, named Sonaro, Glenn, and Keitt, have sugar levels as low as 4.7 percent. Ghulam Sarwar Panhwar, who continued the work of his uncle M.H. Panhwar, led the research and development at M H Panhwar Farms. The initiative is personally funded and aims to introduce these mangoes both nationally and internationally, without seeking government assistance.

Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, has stated that while Pakistan is ready to partner with the United States to establish peace in Afghanistan, it will not provide military bases for actions in Afghan territory. Khan emphasized that Pakistan has already suffered significant human and economic losses from the war on terror and seeks a political settlement and stability in Afghanistan. He also mentioned that Pakistan will not favor any parties in Afghanistan and will work with any government that has the Afghan people's support. The U.S. is planning to complete its military withdrawal from Afghanistan, and President Joe Biden will meet with Afghan leaders to discuss the future.

Pakistan's technology exports have surged, with a 58% increase in IT exports in March and a total of $1.512 billion during the first nine months of the fiscal year 2020-21. Systems Limited, a major IT exporter, reported significant revenue and profit. Growth is attributed to increased freelancing during the pandemic, a favorable exchange rate, and government tax incentives. The IT sector's contribution to GDP is around 1%, with exports doubling in the past four years. Experts believe IT exports could reach $7 billion soon, with the Information Technology Ministry and traders optimistic about achieving a $5 billion target by 2023.

Pakistanis living abroad welcomed the decision by Islamabad to grant them the right to vote in general elections. Prime Minister Imran Khan, who had long pledged this move, remains popular among expatriates. President Dr. Arif Alvi issued an ordinance to facilitate this change, allowing around 10 million overseas Pakistanis to participate in their country's political process. The Election Commission of Pakistan, with technical assistance from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), will enable this voting process. The United States and Middle Eastern countries, home to significant Pakistani expatriate populations, are key regions affected by this development.

Secjuice Squeeze 54 offers a curated selection of cybersecurity news and articles, highlighting critical vulnerabilities, ransomware trends, and significant data breaches. Key topics include SonicWall's zero-day flaw, new cryptojacking malware, the rise of double extortion ransomware schemes, and Microsoft's new security features for macOS. The edition also covers severe vulnerabilities in SolarWinds software, a significant breach involving Accellion, and Instagram's crackdown on the OGUsers community. Additionally, it discusses the impact of human error on cybersecurity and various exploits affecting WordPress plugins and other platforms.

The article highlights the most severe and impactful hacks of 2020, curated by Secjuice writers. Key incidents include Clearview AI's data breach, the SolarWinds supply-chain cyberattack, a ransomware attack on the University Hospital of Düsseldorf leading to a patient's death, and FireEye being hacked by a nation-state. Zoom faced multiple vulnerabilities and privacy issues, while Marriott International disclosed a data breach affecting over 5 million customers. Europol made arrests to combat SIM-swapping attacks, and Microsoft reported on a Windows DNS Server vulnerability. The article underscores the importance of cybersecurity awareness and risk management.

Ethical hacking involves legally exploiting vulnerabilities in an organization's IT infrastructure with permission to assess security and suggest countermeasures. Ethical hackers, or white hat hackers, use their skills to help organizations stay ahead of cybercriminals by finding and remediating vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. The article discusses the importance of ethical hackers for businesses of all sizes, the skills and certifications an ethical hacker should have, and the benefits of conducting regular vulnerability assessments and penetration tests.

Secjuice Squeeze Volume 40 provides a curated selection of significant cybersecurity news and articles. Highlights include a critical Instagram vulnerability, a $150 million hack of KuCoin crypto exchange, a ransomware attack on Universal Health Services, and charges against two men for social media account takeovers. The FBI added five Chinese APT41 hackers to its Cyber's Most Wanted List, and the SilentFade group defrauded Facebook users of $4 million. The volume also includes a tribute to Steve Steinberg and information on upcoming cybersecurity events.

The article discusses Pakistan's ambition to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its federal government policy. Despite the enthusiasm, the country faces significant challenges, such as an unreliable power supply and a lack of charging infrastructure. Automakers like Sazgar Autos, Jolta International, and BAIC are introducing electric rickshaws, motorcycles, and cars, aiming to capitalize on the market potential. However, the power sector's fragility and the high cost of electricity from expensive fuels are major concerns. The government's Electric Vehicle Policy aims to convert a significant number of vehicles to EVs and transform CNG stations into EV charging stations. The article suggests that Pakistan should consider hybrid vehicles as an interim solution and take gradual steps towards its ambitious goal to mitigate climate impact and reduce reliance on imported oil.

The article discusses Pakistan's ambition to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its federal government policy. Despite the enthusiasm, the country faces significant challenges, such as an unreliable power supply and a lack of charging infrastructure. Automakers like Sazgar Autos, Jolta International, and BAIC are introducing electric rickshaws, motorcycles, and cars, aiming to capitalize on the market potential. However, the power sector's fragility and the high cost of electricity from expensive fuels are major concerns. The government's Electric Vehicle Policy aims to convert a significant number of vehicles to EVs and transform CNG stations into EV charging stations. The article suggests that Pakistan should consider hybrid vehicles as an interim solution and take gradual steps towards its ambitious goal to mitigate climate impact and reduce reliance on imported oil.