Latest news with #NTP
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Tariff Policy: a bold step towards trade liberalization
The federal government has approved the National Tariff Policy (NTP) 2025–30, a transformative step toward trade liberalization. If implemented as planned—reducing the maximum customs duty (CD) to 15 percent and phasing out additional customs duty (ACD) and regulatory duty (RD) within four to five years—this could be Pakistan's most significant trade reform to date. The policy aims to dismantle the rent-seeking model that many industries rely on, enabling Pakistani firms to integrate into global value chains and ensuring only competitive players survive. Economic theory suggests that import tariffs create an anti-export bias, a claim supported by empirical evidence. In economies that lowered import tariffs, trade volumes grew, trade balances improved, and GDP and employment saw positive impacts. However, no reform succeeds in isolation. The broader ecosystem must support it, with buffers to mitigate initial shocks. Reduced tax revenues, temporary job losses, and industry closures may occur as imports replace domestic production. Export growth will require time and investment, necessitating contingency plans during the transition. Pakistan's trade liberalization must avoid triggering a balance-of-payments crisis. With the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) holding reserves covering only two months of imports, importers already face delays in opening letters of credit (L/Cs). Lowering tariffs could exacerbate this situation, as the SBP lacks sufficient buffers. The exchange rate, as the first line of defence, must be allowed to adjust freely. If authorities resist this adjustment, administrative controls may resurface, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) could impose higher consumption taxes, such as Federal Excise Duty (FED), undermining the reform. Disgruntled industrialists may also push for a rollback. For success, the plan requires careful coordination. Authorities must align to allow currency adjustments in the initial phase. The FBR should enhance governance to broaden the tax base and offset revenue losses. The NTP, in its final form, is more ambitious than earlier drafts shared with the IMF, driven by the Prime Minister's Office rather than external pressure. A phased approach—starting with liberalizing intermediate and capital goods, lowering income tax rates to incentivize investment, and later reducing tariffs on finished goods—could ease the transition. This bold move signals a shift away from protectionism, challenging uncompetitive industries. While it may face resistance from influential industrialists, the government's recent success in phasing out wheat support prices suggests it can withstand pressure. For industries, this is a wake-up call akin to the end of subsidized gas for captive power plants—a cold-water shock to build long-term resilience. Yet tariff reductions alone are insufficient without addressing other import-stage taxes, such as high withholding tax (WHT) and sales tax rates, or consumption taxes like FED and GST, which discourage imports. Rationalizing these taxes is critical to curbing smuggling and the informal economy, but implementation is challenging. The government must be prepared to manage the sunk costs of transitioning from protectionist policies, which have failed to boost exports in protected industries. The automobile sector, for instance, illustrates this inefficiency. Despite decades of protection, local assemblers have engaged in practices like transfer pricing, forcing auto part makers to buy overpriced raw materials from specific vendors. The 2016–21 auto policy increased local competition but failed to generate exports. Under NTP 2025–30, auto assemblers face disruption. One player called it a 'death warrant,' while a more established brand believes only competitive firms will survive. Some are exploring new energy vehicle (NEV) plants, though partnering with existing players for tool manufacturing may be more viable. Industries like paper, board, polymers, tires, and mobile phones—particularly those supplying raw materials to local manufacturers—face existential threats. However, trade liberalization could foster new industries and entrepreneurship. Unlike protectionist regimes where policymakers pick winners, open trade rewards the most competitive, potentially spurring economic growth and easing taxation burdens. Consumers stand to benefit from cheaper cars and other products, while exporters will face fewer barriers to global markets, reducing reliance on bureaucratic refund processes. Nevertheless, risks—such as policy reversal or economic instability—must be managed carefully to ensure the NTP's success. Fingers crossed. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Global News
5 days ago
- Climate
- Global News
Researchers confirm 1st tornado of 2025 in Ontario has touched down
Tornado season is officially underway in Ontario as the first one touched down near Woodstock, Ont., a week ago, according to weather researchers. The Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) at Western University said Thursday that an EFO tornado — the lowest level on the tornado severity index — touched down in Lakeside, Ont., at around 3 a.m. on May 16. In a blog post on NTP's website, the group says that 'only trees and a power pole were damaged along the tornado's narrow path' and that no injuries were reported. View image in full screen A map, courtesy of the Northern Tornadoes Project, shows where the tornado touched down. Northern Tornadoes Project The NTP estimated that wind speeds reached up to 115 km/h while it touched down for 3.6 kilometres with a width of 160 metres. Story continues below advertisement The NTP had previously reported that there was an EFO downburst about 45 minutes prior to the tornado down the highway in Chatham. The downburst left behind damage to several barns and farm buildings as well as power poles and trees in the area. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Global News Chief Meteorologist Anthony Farnell explained the difference between the two weather events. 'A downburst is wind that descends from a thunderstorm and fans out when it reaches the ground while a tornado that is wind converging at the surface and then rising into the storm,' he said. 'The damage pattern is different for the two events but in this case the wind speeds are similar. 'Tornado damage is often narrow and chaotic (in several directions). Downbust wind damage can be more widespread but it's mostly in the same direction.' While this is the first confirmed tornado of the year in Ontario, there have been five others across the country in 2025 so far, including one in Vanderhoof, B.C., on Wednesday. There were 129 tornados across Canada in 2025, according to NTP, with 60 of those occurring in Ontario.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New telecom policy targets 2x export growth, one million jobs by 2030
New Delhi: The government plans to double telecom products exports and ensure universal connectivity at affordable rates through a combination of terrestrial and satellite networks by 2030, while creating one million new jobs, as part of the next National Telecom Policy (NTP).The policy-being worked out by the communications ministry in consultations with all stakeholders-aims to increase the information and communications technology (ICT) sector's contribution to India's GDP from 7.8% to 11% by 2030, and attract annual investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore in telecom infrastructure, officials privy to the details told ET. The government has been focused on self-sufficiency in the telecom sector, pushing local production with initiatives like the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for telecom equipment. As on March 31, 2025, the industry achieved total sales of ₹80,927 crore under the PLI scheme, of which exports contributed ₹14,915 crore. "The NTP 2025 will be notified soon with aims and targets to be achieved by 2030," one of the officials told ET. New jobs in the sector will mostly be focused on roles in 5G and 6G, internet of things, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, big data, and quantum communications , the person said. "Going forward, an enabling framework would be worked out for integrating non-terrestrial networks, including satellite systems with terrestrial networks, to facilitate expansion of telecom services across the country," the official added. The policy targets 4G coverage for the entire population and 5G for 90% by 2030. The government also aims to complete fiberisation of all gram panchayats under BharatNet and provide fibre connectivity to all government institutions at village level by 2030. "The aim is to increase the fixed line broadband network from 45 million to 100 million households in the country," a second official said. There is also a plan to deploy one million Wi-Fi hotspots in the country by 2030. Further, satellite systems-particularly non-geo stationary orbit (NGSO) players like Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, Eutelsat Oneweb and Jio-SES combine-are expected to become mainstream in the coming years as the government aims to utilise satellite communication to provide connectivity in rural and remote areas. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has already granted satcom permits to Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES while a letter of intent (LoI) has been given to Starlink.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
New telecom policy targets 2x export growth, one million jobs by 2030
New Delhi: The government plans to double telecom products exports and ensure universal connectivity at affordable rates through a combination of terrestrial and satellite networks by 2030, while creating one million new jobs, as part of the next National Telecom Policy (NTP). The policy-being worked out by the communications ministry in consultations with all stakeholders-aims to increase the information and communications technology (ICT) sector's contribution to India's GDP from 7.8% to 11% by 2030, and attract annual investment of ₹1.5 lakh crore in telecom infrastructure, officials privy to the details told ET. The government has been focused on self-sufficiency in the telecom sector, pushing local production with initiatives like the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for telecom equipment. As on March 31, 2025, the industry achieved total sales of ₹80,927 crore under the PLI scheme, of which exports contributed ₹14,915 crore. Agencies "The NTP 2025 will be notified soon with aims and targets to be achieved by 2030," one of the officials told ET. New jobs in the sector will mostly be focused on roles in 5G and 6G, internet of things, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, big data, and quantum communications , the person said. "Going forward, an enabling framework would be worked out for integrating non-terrestrial networks, including satellite systems with terrestrial networks, to facilitate expansion of telecom services across the country," the official added. The policy targets 4G coverage for the entire population and 5G for 90% by 2030. The government also aims to complete fiberisation of all gram panchayats under BharatNet and provide fibre connectivity to all government institutions at village level by 2030. "The aim is to increase the fixed line broadband network from 45 million to 100 million households in the country," a second official said. There is also a plan to deploy one million Wi-Fi hotspots in the country by 2030. Further, satellite systems-particularly non-geo stationary orbit (NGSO) players like Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, Eutelsat Oneweb and Jio-SES combine-are expected to become mainstream in the coming years as the government aims to utilise satellite communication to provide connectivity in rural and remote areas. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has already granted satcom permits to Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio-SES while a letter of intent (LoI) has been given to Starlink.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Claims About Fluoride and IQ Are Unfounded
During President Donald Trump's televised Cabinet meeting on April 10, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy said that scientific research indicates that exposure to fluoride, a common mineral that helps prevent tooth decay, is associated with IQ loss in children. 'We are working at HHS to advance your agenda to make America healthy again,' Kennedy told Trump at the meeting. 'I'm working with [Environmental Protection Agency Administrator] Lee Zeldin on—to reassess the fluoride rules based upon the August release by the National Toxicity Program of new science that shows a direct inverse correlation between exposure to fluoride and IQ loss, particularly in children.' Two days earlier, Kennedy made similar comments while speaking in Utah, which earlier this month became the first U.S. state to ban supplemental fluoride from water supplies. 'Fluoride should not be in our water,' Kennedy said, adding that fluoride levels added to toothpaste and mouthwash are sufficient. 'The evidence against fluoride is overwhelming. In animals, in animal models, and in human models we know that it causes IQ loss, profound IQ loss. And it's dose-related,' he added. 'So, the more fluoride you get, the higher levels in your drinking water, your urine, the more likely it is you'll lose IQ.' Fluoride is not a substitute for brushing one's teeth—the minerals help defend the enamel from acids, but do not neutralize them—but has been found to prevent cavities and other dental-related woes. According to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 62.9 percent of Americans receive fluoridated water from their primary water source, either naturally present in the water or added into local water systems. Researchers in the early 20th century discovered that the level of naturally occurring fluoride in water sources affected the tooth development of nearby populations. While high exposure to fluoride could cause teeth discoloration, exposure to fluoride at lower levels of concentration were found to be effective at limiting tooth decay. Grand Rapids, Michigan—which has very low levels of natural fluoride in its water sources—in 1945 became the first city to add fluoride to its water system, and the practice quickly spread nationwide. Contrary to Kennedy's claim, there is no conclusive research showing that fluoride exposure causes IQ loss, and the fluoride concentration levels present in local U.S. water supplies—which both the CDC and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitor—are not considered dangerous or harmful. Kennedy premises his claim on an August 2024 report from the HHS' National Toxicology Program (NTP)—not 'toxicity,' as Kennedy mistakenly said in the Cabinet meeting—which found with 'moderate confidence' that fluoride concentration in water above 1.5 milligrams per liter is associated with lower IQ in children. For reference, the CDC recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L, which the agency said is 'equal to 3 drops of water in a 55-gallon barrel.' As of April 2020, the report states, only 0.59 percent of Americans live in areas where the fluoride concentration in the local water supply exceeds 1.5 mg/L. The report states outright that it does 'not address whether the sole exposure to fluoride added to drinking water in some countries (i.e., fluoridation, at 0.7 mg/L in the United States and Canada) is associated with a measurable effect on IQ.' The NTP report, which took eight years to complete, reviewed previously published studies that examined fluoride's relation to IQ. None of those studies examined American subjects or U.S. water sources, but instead collected data from Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Mexico. NTP researchers found that 18 of the 19 research studies they examined showed a negative correlation between fluoride exposure and IQ levels in children. In areas where the fluoride concentration in water was at or exceeded 1.5 mg/L, children tended to have a lower average IQ than in regions where the concentration fell below 1.5 mg/L. But that's not necessarily evidence that the higher fluoride amounts are causing IQ loss. 'There's no proof that the water systems in the United States lead to an IQ problem,' said Dr. Margherita Fontana, a professor at the University of Michigan's School of Dentistry, adding that the NTP report's conclusion can be misleading in a few ways. Perhaps most glaring is that many of the water sources sampled in studies that the NTP report examined are 'not considered even safe for drinking because of many other contaminants,' Fontana told The Dispatch Fact Check. While IQ loss is associated with higher fluoride-concentration water, it's not evident that fluoride exposure is the driving factor—it very well could be water contamination. Indeed, Fontana explains that the data studied is sourced from 'places where, if you would travel, you would never drink the water.' The sources 'would have many, many other things in the water that would be of concern,' she added. Another issue is that most of the studies cited in the NTP report estimated fluoride exposure through urine samples of pregnant mothers and children. 'Urinary fluoride is thought to reflect recent exposure but can be influenced by the timing of exposure,' the report states. However, the report's authors said that because the studies it examined had adjusted for the timing of exposure and so the data is 'generally considered' to have a low-risk of being substantially inaccurate. Fontana, on the other hand, is more skeptical of urinary fluoride's accuracy. 'There's no consensus that that is a good measurement of [fluoride] exposure,' she said. For example, a study published in March 2024 determined that research on fluoride's association with IQ loss, and use of urinary fluoride to measure exposure, 'should be considered unacceptable for legal and policy purposes.' It added that 'other water fluoridation studies and systematic reviews show no effect of fluoridation on cognition. Moreover, while Kennedy claimed that evidence of fluoride's harmful effects are well-documented in animal model studies, the same NTP report reached the opposite conclusion. 'In early drafts, it was apparent that the animal data were of poor quality and that the human data were most informative and would be the basis of the confidence conclusions,' the report states. 'Therefore, findings from the animal evidence stream were determined to be inadequate and were removed from further drafts.' It's true that significantly high fluoride concentration can have negative effects on human health, but not to the degree that Kennedy describes. The maximum concentration of fluoridated water that the EPA allows is 4 mg/L and, in areas where it is above 2 mg/L, water suppliers are required to notify local residents. If a local water system measures fluoride concentration at above 4.0 mg/L, and does not act to lower the concentration under the legal limit, the EPA could bring litigation on those grounds. But even those higher levels don't correlate to IQ loss. 'No one has been able to prove that drinking too much fluoride does anything to your neurological development,' Fontana explained. 'The only concern [of fluoride exposure] that I have, that is biologically proven, of drinking too much fluoride is dental fluorosis, which is a cosmetic tooth problem. It is nothing more.' Fluorosis can cause teeth to become discolored in spots. In fact, although you may not know it, 'you probably have fluorosis,' Fontana said. 'Most people in the U.S.—most people around the world—have some level of fluorosis, because most water is fluoridated naturally at some level.' Fontana added that fluorosis is generally not a concern outside of the discoloration. In extreme cases, it can cause holes to appear in one's teeth, but that is not a big problem in the U.S. 'We have very, very few water sources that are naturally fluoridated at that level,' Fontana explained. 'But they do happen occasionally, which is why the EPA put that upper limit, saying, 'Listen, if you have more than 4 mg/L, you probably want to remove fluoride from this water source because of fluorosis being a problem.'' If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@ If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@
