Latest news with #HEC
India Gazette
2 days ago
- India Gazette
Assam: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary sees surge in tourists, revenue; Earns Rs 62 lakh this season
Pobitora (Assam) [India], May 28 (ANI): The Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Morigaon district has witnessed an increase of tourist footfall as well as revenue collection in the current tourist season. The wildlife sanctuary, which is known as the highest density of one-horned rhino population in the country, has so far collected Rs 62 lakh as revenue in this tourist season of 2024-25. According to the officials of the wildlife sanctuary, this year, nearly 35,000 tourists (both Indian and foreign tourists) have visited the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Pranjal Baruah, Ranger of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, told ANI that nearly 35,000 tourists, including 650 foreign tourists, have visited the wildlife sanctuary this tourist season so far. 'This tourist season started from 15 October 2024, and it will end on May 31 this year. We have so far collected Rs 62 lakh as revenue. Compared to the previous year, 5,000 more tourists have visited the wildlife sanctuary this year,' Pranjal Baruah said. According to the authority of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, last year, around 30,000 tourists had visited the wildlife sanctuary, and the authority had collected Rs 54 lakh as revenue. Pranjal Baruah further said that they had done lots of infrastructure development work, including repairing roads inside the wildlife sanctuary. Meanwhile, Aaranyak, a leading wildlife NGO, is undertaking a large-scale plantation drive in Assam to address human-elephant conflict by restoring degraded habitats and providing elephants with natural food sources. The goal is to replenish 100 hectares of degraded forest by planting one lakh saplings of native species, improving ecological connectivity for wildlife, particularly elephants, and mitigating human-elephant conflict (HEC). Aaranyak is supported by the SBI Foundation and is a part of the Dhansiri-Sikaridanga Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) is undertaking a massive plantation drive in the Bhairabkunda Reserve Forest along the Indo-Bhutan border in Assam's Udalguri district. The plantation drive, now in its third year, has seen the participation of forest officials, FXB India Suraksha, the Bhairabkunda Development Committee, and the Dhansiri-Sikaridanga Joint Forest Management Committee. On the first day of the third-year plantation drive, 510 saplings of 11 native species were planted, including Outenga, Bel, Kola Siris, Gamari, Bhatgila, Amla, Jamun, Bhomora, Xilikha, Bhelkor, Kum, Odal, and Tora. (ANI)
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
HEC, EDF sign MoU
ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Export Development Fund (EDF), an autonomous body operating under the Ministry of Commerce, signed on Tuesday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly work on projects critical to magnify the country's exports. Executive Director HEC Dr Mazhar Saeed and Executive Director EDF Syed Abbas Mehdi signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions. Chairman HEC Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed and Secretary Ministry of Commerce Jawad Paul witnessed the signing ceremony. The MoU lays the groundwork for significant investment to enhance country's export-oriented research which will provide ways and means for technology transfer. The projects to be funded shall be selected through committee of experts comprising of officials from industry, HEC and EDF. The partnership directly tackles long-standing challenges faced by Pakistani exporters in value addition, promising to unlock new opportunities and boost the nation's global trade performance. The collaboration will focus on five critical areas such as boosting research grants, establishing advanced research and testing laboratories for provision of various services to exporters and start-ups, forging stronger industry-academia linkages, expanding international outreach through facilitating partnership of local institutions with international partnering , and elevating workforce skills. Expressing his views on this occasion, Chairman HEC Dr Mukhtar Ahmed termed the partnership between HEC and EDF a heartening development. He shed light on HEC's efforts for promotion of impact-based research initiatives while especially referring to Research for Innovation Portal (RFI), Offices of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORICs), and Business Incubation Centres (BICs). He maintained that HEC is heading towards a major shift from producing a high number of research publications to a heightened impact of research. He also highlighted HEC's collaborative endeavours with different government entities in this regard. The chairman appreciated the government's commitment to supporting joint efforts of national institutions for the national development. Concerted joint efforts will certainly yield more positive results than the outcomes the country's institutions are producing while working in silos, he affirmed. Secretary Ministry of Commerce Jawad Paul underlined the MoU as part of the government's targets to double the country's exports in the next five years. Highlighting various measures of the government to achieve this end, he said Pakistani companies are competing globally; however, the government aims to expand and enhance the capacity of firms. He appreciated HEC's programmes and initiatives directed towards promotion of research and innovation in the higher education institutions. He hoped that the collaboration between HEC and EDF will play its due part in the outcomes of government's efforts to enhance the country's exports. Earlier Engr Dr Mazhar Saeed, executive director HEC shed light on the background of the bilateral collaboration. He underscored that HEC is working together with different institutions on various fronts to strengthen research and innovation in the country. He added that the HEC-EDF partnership is part of the same series. This forward-thinking agreement sets a collaborative roadmap aimed at propelling Pakistan's export sector to new heights through innovative research and strategic initiatives, he noted. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Skilled workers can pave way for industrial revolution'
FAISALABAD: Focused approach is required to produce skilled manpower fully capable of meeting the current and future industrial challenges instead of producing a force of unfit and unemployed youth, said Rehan Naseem Bharara, President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI). Addressing a delegation of HEC and ICCI, he said that only skilled workers could pave the way for the industrial revolution and in this connection, we must make collaborative efforts with all concerned stakeholders including industrialists and scholars. He appreciated researchers and faculty members deputed in ORIC and said that industry-academia linkages are imperative to give a kick start to the industrial growth. He mentioned some leading industrial units which have made tremendous progress after adopting new and innovative technologies. He said that universities should also revisit their syllabus to synchronize it with the market driven needs. He appreciated the efforts of ICCI to arrange this tour of faculty members drawn from various universities and provide them an opportunity to directly interact with the leading industrial giants of Faisalabad. He appreciated the decision of HEC to declare internship compulsory for the young graduates but stressed the need for proper legislation at the Government level declaring internship as mandatory. He said that about 70% of the current syllabus is irrelevant for the industry and it should be revised in consultation with the stakeholders from the concerned industry. He said that once textile was the only iconic representation of Faisalabad but now it has diversified its industrial portfolio. 'It has state of the art diaper, Hyundai and tile units in addition to many more established with domestic and foreign investment,' he said and underlined the importance of developing indigenous technologies so that we could consolidate the economy after making our defence impregnable. Dr Habib Aslam Gaba Convener FCCI Standing Committee on Industry Academia Linkages termed leading businessmen as industrial PhD holders which they have gained through their life long struggle and practical experience. He said that the universities should also recognize their expertise in this field and plume them with honorary PhD degrees. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
The digital imperative for defence and economy
The recent conflict between Pakistan and India showcased a multidomain, network-centric form of warfare, heavily driven by advanced technologies. It involved the use of space-based assets, cyber warfare tools including programming, hacking, jamming, and spoofing — all contributing to Pakistan's meticulously executed strategy. Both sides deployed high-tech drones, missiles, and aircraft, many powered by AI algorithms and autonomous decision-making systems. Technologies from countries such as the US, China, Turkey, Israel, and, of course, India and Pakistan, played a key role in this conflict. AI was instrumental not only in guiding systems but also in supporting human decision-making. Notably, Pakistan successfully employed sophisticated technologies to jam Indian cruise missiles, drones, and communication networks. This conflict marked several technological firsts in the region's military history. As the global digital economy accelerates, nations around the world are racing to build resilient, tech-savvy societies capable of navigating the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. For Pakistan, embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity education is not a luxury—it is a national imperative. In a country where nearly 65% of the population is under the age of 30, we are sitting on a demographic dividend that, if harnessed correctly, could catapult Pakistan into a regional technology powerhouse. But without investing in the right skills at the right time —particularly in AI and cyber education—we risk falling further behind in an increasingly competitive world. Why AI and cybersecurity matter now In today's rapidly evolving global landscape, digital literacy has become the cornerstone of economic resilience and national security. Pakistan stands at a critical crossroads, where strategic investment in digital education—particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity—could transform the nation's economic trajectory and secure its sovereign interests. AI is no longer just about automation; it is about decision-making, economic transformation, and strategic resilience. Meanwhile, cybersecurity is the invisible shield guarding our financial systems, power grids, hospitals, and national defence against an ever-growing web of threats. Globally, cyberattacks cost the world economy over $10.5 trillion annually, and AI-driven economies like the U.S., China, and the EU are investing billions into training cyber professionals and data scientists. For Pakistan, the stakes are just as high. From securing government infrastructure, databases, defence assets and economic infrastructure to equipping industries with AI-driven tools, the need for local expertise is urgent and growing. The skills gap is real According to HEC, over 15 million students enrol every year in Higher Education courses out of which only 2.5 million opt for computing and engineering courses. Pakistan produces thousands of IT graduates every year, but few are trained in the latest technologies such as BlockChain, Artificial Intelligence, or cybersecurity protocols. Without targeted educational programs in the country, the gap between global demand and local skill supply is only widening. According to a report by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), there are currently over 25,000 unfilled roles in AI, data science, and cybersecurity in the local and export markets. This gap represents a lost opportunity—not just in economic terms, but also in terms of national security and sovereignty of the country. Building the digital vanguard Organisation such as iCodeGuru can provide significant support to government in such initiatives. iCodeGuru is a trailblazing Pakistani organisation dedicated to building the country's next generation of AI and cyber professionals. Through an expanding network of training centres, online academies, and industry collaborations, iCodeGuru has helped over 22,000 young Pakistanis gain hands-on experience in the technologies shaping tomorrow, all free of cost. With its AI & Cyber Bootcamps, school outreach programs, and partnerships with both public and private institutions, iCodeGuru is not just teaching code—it is cultivating critical thinking, digital resilience, and global competitiveness. In KP and Baluchistan, mobile tech labs reached underserved communities, introducing students—many for the first time—to the concepts of machine learning and ethical hacking. Through its Women in AI initiative, they have empowered hundreds of young women with training in Python, data analytics, and network security—breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Collaborating with universities, they have helped revise outdated computer science curricula, integrating modules on AI ethics, natural language processing, and cyber law. These initiatives are not theoretical. They are practical responses to real-world needs—bridging the education-industry gap and placing Pakistani talent on the global map. But this is only one organisation working on these lines, Pakistan needs a network of such initiatives to meet the challenge. A matter of national sovereignty AI-powered cybersecurity systems offer real-time threat detection and response capabilities. But deploying such systems requires a skilled workforce, not just imported technology. Cybersecurity academies should train students in penetration testing, risk assessment, and defensive architecture, preparing them for roles that are increasingly becoming as important as traditional security forces. The Economic Payoff Investing in AI and cyber education is not just about national defence—it is about economic independence. The global AI market is expected to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030, and cybersecurity spending is already projected to hit $300 billion by 2026. If Pakistan captures even a fraction of these markets through exports and skilled services, it could revolutionise its balance of trade and create hundreds of thousands of high-value jobs. For every $1 spent on education, as much as US$10 to US$15 can be generated in economic growth (UNESCO). If 75% more 15-year-olds in forty-six of the world's poorest countries were to reach the lowest OECD benchmark for mathematics, economic growth could improve by 2.1% from its baseline and 104 million people could be lifted out of extreme poverty (UNESCO). What must be done To scale this success, Pakistan must act on multiple fronts: A national curriculum overhaul is required where modern computing education should be integrated from primary school and AI and cybersecurity education from high school levels. Government should enhance its support for public-private partnerships by supporting organisations through grants, tax incentives, and regulatory support. Invest in rural internet infrastructure and mobile tech units to ensure no region is left behind. Provide pathways for marginalised communities to access high-end tech training. The digital frontier is ours to claim The future will belong to countries that can think smarter, move faster, and secure themselves digitally. Pakistan has the youth, the ambition and the willingness to bring the change but time is short, and the world will not wait. The question is not whether technology, AI and cyber education are important—but whether we will lead, follow, or fall behind. The answer must be bold. It must be now. The article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business Recorder or its owners
India Gazette
5 days ago
- General
- India Gazette
Aaranyak undertakes massive plantation drive to mitigate human-elephant conflict in Assam
Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 25 (ANI): Aaranyak is undertaking a large-scale plantation drive in Assam to address human-elephant conflict by restoring degraded habitats and providing elephants with natural food sources. The goal is to replenish 100 hectares of degraded forest by planting one lakh saplings of native species, improving ecological connectivity for wildlife, particularly elephants, and mitigating human-elephant conflict (HEC). Aaranyak is supported by the SBI Foundation and is a part of the Dhansiri-Sikaridanga Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) is undertaking a massive plantation drive in the Bhairabkunda Reserve Forest along the Indo-Bhutan border in Assam's Udalguri district. The plantation drive, now in its third year, has seen the participation of forest officials, FXB India Suraksha, the Bhairabkunda Development Committee, and the Dhansiri-Sikaridanga Joint Forest Management Committee. On the first day of the third-year plantation drive, 510 saplings of 11 native species were planted, including Outenga, Bel, Kola Siris, Gamari, Bhatgila, Amla, Jamun, Bhomora, Xilikha, Bhelkor, Kum, Odal, and Tora. The objective of the plantation drive is to promote human-elephant coexistence by securing elephant habitats, facilitating elephant movement, and sustaining the watershed for the region. Habitat replenishment can have a lasting impact in favor of mitigating HEC, providing a long-term solution to reduce conflicts between humans and elephants. 'The Aaranyak team is striving for habitat improvement and restoring degraded areas under the project to secure elephant habitat, facilitate elephant movement for long-term mitigation of human-elephant confrontation, and sustain the watershed for the region,' said Dr Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, a senior conservation scientist in Aaranyak. 'Raging HEC undermines efforts for conservation of elephants and their habitat, besides affecting the well-being of people. The complex issue of HEC mitigation requires a multi-pronged and multi-stakeholders approach as has been adopted by research-driven Aaranyak,' said Dr Alolika Sinha, a senior conservation biologist in Aaranyak. (ANI)
