Tag Archives: technology
First Pakistani women paratroopers make history
First Pakistani women paratroopers make history (AFP) / 14 July 2013 First group of female paratroopers completed their training on Sunday, the military announced, hailing it as a “landmark achievement” for Pakistan. Courtesy: Pakistan defence website Captain Kiran Ashraf was declared the best paratrooper of the batch of 24, the military said in a statement, while Captain Sadia, referred to by one name, became the first woman officer to jump from a MI-17 helicopter. Women have limited opportunities in Pakistan’s highly traditional, patriarchal society. The United Nations says only 40 per cent of adult women are literate, and they are frequently the victims of violence and abuse. But in 2006 seven women broke into one of Pakistan’s most exclusive male clubs to graduate as fighter pilots — perhaps the most prestigious job in the powerful military and for six decades closed to the fairer sex. After three weeks’ basic airborne training, which included exit, flight and landing techniques, the new paratroopers completed their first jump on Sunday and were given their “wings” by the commander of Special Services Group, Major-General Abid Rafique, the military said. Continue reading
DM releases 70,000 fingerlings into sea
DM releases 70,000 fingerlings into sea Staff Reporter / 11 July 2013 To preserve the marine environment, 70,000 baby fish have been released into the sea. Khalid Sulaitin, head of Environment Emergency Office, said, “70,000 fingerlings of Sobaity and Sha’am fishes were released in the Mamzar sea to preserve the environment and biodiversity.” Sulaitin explained that till about 30-35 years ago, there used to be a healthy population of fish in the waters at Al Mamzar but the new projects had endangered their lives. They were now working to fix that gap, and the releasing of these fishlings in the water was a step in that direction. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Municipality said that the civic body had chosen these two types of fish considering their rapid breeding — they lay eggs in less than six months and proliferate in a maximum period of six to nine months. Each egg of these fish contained two to three million larva, which meant it could quickly proliferate, feeding the marine environment with a large number of fish. As for the heat, Lootah said, “The summer does not pose a threat to them as they acclimatise with the water temperature and the depth of the water will be appropriate for them. They will be far from Al Mamzar Beach dedicated to marine and other games, which will allow it to reproduce without any risk.” He added that the municipality would cooperate with the Emirates Association for Fishermen to release approximately 150,000 to 200,000 fingerlings of different species of local and other fishes every year expecting a large amount of growth in fisheries. Sulaitin said he was in touch with Al Mubarak Fishes Co,, the company which donated these fish. Lootah urged the public to help in the preservation of the marine environment by supporting such eco-friendly projects. news@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
‘Prophet more merciful than people are to themselves’
‘Prophet more merciful than people are to themselves’ Ahmed Shaaban / 11 July 2013 Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), known for good ethics, has shown mercy not only on Muslims but the mankind and all creatures. This was affirmed by Saudi scholar Dr Sheikh Nasir Al Zahrani in his lecture ‘Peace be upon you Prophet Muhammad’, on Wednesday night. The preaching, the first in a series of 22 lectures, is part of the 17th session of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Prophet Muhammad, the master of all Adam’s children and the first to enter paradise, is more merciful to people than they are to themselves.” He added that the Prophet, who has taught true peace to humanity, was known for truthfulness and honesty. “The Prophet was saluted by stones, shaded by clouds in the open desert, greeted by mountains, honoured by trees, and supported by God.” Prophet Muhammad, whose name is associated with the name of Almighty Allah five times a day, led all prophets in prayer in the Aqsa Masjid in Jerusalem. “Prophet Muhammad who was mentioned in the Holy Quran over 4,000 times in name and by character was a role model in tolerance with all his enemies and those who hurt him and his followers,” he said, noting that he never took revenge. He said Prophet Muhammad was very modest, refused flattering, and showed utmost tolerance and behaviour to his companions, relatives, neighbours, and even enemies. “He used to instruct his followers call for Islam in the nicest and easiest way.” Dr Al Zahrani said he has been working on a big project billed ‘Peace be upon you Prophet Muhammad, spanning museums, exhibitions, and over 500 volumes, of which 100 books have been already finished. “This record encyclopedia depicts every aspect of the Prophet’s biography.” The project, including a TV channel and social networks, makes use of the latest technologies. “The second round of the exhibition billed ‘Peace be upon you Prophet Mohammed’ shall be held in Dubai after the holy month of Ramadan.” The cultural programme of the Award which will continue until July 27, will see a lecture by renowned Syrian scholar Dr Mohammed Ratib Al Nabulsi on the humanitarian aspects of Prophet Muhammad on July 11 night, followed by a lecture themed ‘General aspects of the Prophet’s biography’ by popular Saudi scholar Dr Sheikh Abdul Wahhab Al Turairi on July 12. All lectures are slated to start at 10.30pm every night after the Taraweeh Prayer. Valuable prizes await attendees all along the 1 to 20 Ramadan Award,” he said, noting that more details are available at the website www.quran.gov.ae. The 11-category award, aimed to serve the Holy Quran and promote the general standard of the Quranic performance, is to see, as of July 17, 89 contestants of the over 160 countries contacted from across the world to participate in the competition held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
