Latest news with #PTA
The Mainichi
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Passenger tried opening door on ANA jet during flight: Our 5 most-read stories from last week
We've listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between May 24 and June 1. The first story was viewed by 17.0% of our regular readers. (The Mainichi) ANA Tokyo-US flight made emergency landing after passenger tried opening door WASHINGTON (Mainichi) -- An All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight heading to Texas from Tokyo over the weekend was forced to divert and make an emergency landing after a passenger tried to open an exit door mid-flight. Full story. Japan's scorching summer heat forcing fireworks, other festivals to change schedules TOKYO -- The extreme summer heat that has struck Japan in recent years due climate change is altering the landscape of annual fireworks and other festivals in the country, forcing the summer events to be moved to spring or autumn. Even so, there are cases where it has been difficult to reschedule the festivals due to their traditional nature. Full story. Shiga governor says reactions to midge outbreak at Osaka Expo site excessive OSAKA -- Shiga Gov. Taizo Mikazuki said reactions over a plague of non-biting midges at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai venue might be overblown. Full story. Tokyo mom questions school collecting PTA membership fees before consent When the new school year began in April last year, a 51-year-old Tokyo woman received a notice from her son's elementary school detailing various fees, which included a PTA membership fee. Full story. Japan's former Princess Mako has 1st baby; gender, birthday undisclosed TOKYO -- Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Akishino (Fumihito) and Crown Princess Kiko, has given birth to her first child, the Imperial Household Agency announced on May 30. Full story.
Business Recorder
8 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Preferential tariffs to help bolster Pak-Turkiye trade: CG
KARACHI: The preferential tariffs between Pakistan and Turkiye would help bolster trade in the leather sector between the two countries, said the Consul General of Turkiye, Cemal Sangu, during a meeting with a delegation of leather manufacturers and exporters. 'Preferential Trade Agreement is in its final stages between Pakistan and Turkiye,' Sangu said, advising the tanners' delegation to look into it thoroughly by contacting the Ministry of Commerce and seeking preferential tariffs in order to increase trade between the two countries in the near future. A delegation of Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) comprising its Central Chairman Hamid Arshad Zahur, Chairman (Southern Zone) Danish Aman, Vice Chairman Yousuf Shafiq, along with other prominent members, attended the meeting. Murat Ozmen, Commercial Attaché of Turkiye, was also present at the meeting. During the discussions, the PTA Chairman extended an invitation to Cemal Sangu and Murat Ozmen to attend the Pakistan Mega Leather Show (PMLS) scheduled for January 2026 in Lahore. The invitation encouraged Turkish participation in exploring Pakistan's approximately USD 1 billion leather market. Consul General said Pakistan and Turkiye are two countries but one nation, and during recent conflicts with India, we extended support to our brothers and sisters because Turkiye has never forgotten the help extended by the Pakistani people during the Khilafat Movement. Which is why, he said, this bond is highlighted in school celebrations. During the meeting, Danish Aman expressed deepest regards for all the support received from the people and the government of Turkiye during the recent standoff with India and the successful completion of Operation Bunyaan un Marsoos. Turkiye and Pakistan have a long history of trade relations, especially in the leather sector, with Turkish manufacturers of chemicals, tanning machinery, domestic raw materials, double-face and shearling leathers exporting their products to manufacturers in Pakistan. At the same time, finished and semi-finished leathers as well as value-added products like leather garments, leather gloves, and footwear are being exported to Turkiye as well. Both sides stressed the need to enhance mutual trade between the two countries by exploring each other's markets and establishing frequent contacts via visits of trade delegations. Such visits should open up the possibilities of joint ventures in the near future. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Policy shift puts tremendous stress on students
BUKIT MERTAJAM: At a secondary school in Bukit Mertajam, the phones have been ringing off the hook ever since the new requirement for matriculation entry was announced. The school's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman, who wished to remain anonymous, said around 15 students had scored 10As, but many included A-. 'Frantic parents have been calling to ask if we can help after their children's applications were rejected. We can only explain that it's a government ruling and there's very little we can do. 'It's not fair. The new guidelines caught many off guard, and that's what we've been telling concerned parents,' he said. SMK St Mark Butterworth PTA chairman C. Mugilan urged the government to show more leniency, noting that many hardworking students who achieved 10As may now miss out on matriculation opportunities. Meanwhile, parent R. Murugeson, whose daughter will sit for her SPM this year, said the policy shift is putting immense pressure on families, particularly those from middle income groups who rely on matriculation as a pathway to higher education. ALSO READ: Students rattled by A- issue 'What's going to happen next year? Maybe only a few dozen will get in if the criteria keep getting stricter,' he said. On Friday, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong posted a video on Facebook criticising the Education Ministry's revised entry criteria, which no longer recognises A- as equivalent to an A. Under the new policy, only students with 10 straight A+ and A grades will be automatically offered matriculation places for the 2025/2026 session. Dr Wee said the change marks a major shift from last year's policy, which considered students with 10As and above for matriculation, following a commitment made by the Prime Minister. He added that the new rule was confirmed by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh via an official circular issued on April 30. Krish Ritesh Ramani, 17, from Kampung Lapan, Melaka, expressed his gratitude to Dr Wee and other leaders for highlighting the challenges faced by high-achieving students in securing places in public education programmes. He said the intervention was timely, as scoring straight As in SPM no longer guarantees admission into the matriculation programme. 'I sat for the SPM last year and achieved 7As and one A-. I was deeply disappointed when all my applications were rejected,' he said in an interview yesterday. Krish shared that his only remaining option is to continue with Form Six, as his single A- disqualifies him under the current criteria. 'I worked extremely hard to earn those As because I didn't want to go through Form Six. Now I have no choice but to accept it,' he added. His father also explored private higher education options but the fees proved unaffordable. 'My dream of fast-tracking into a public university has been dashed. Some of my friends who scored 10As, including A-, are facing the same situation,' he added. Meanwhile, Form Five student Muhamed Ikram Shah Mohamed Jefri, 17, from Jenjarom, voiced concern over the mounting pressure students now face. 'The goal of obtaining straight A+ just to enter matriculation is going to be a long and hard journey,' said the SMK Bandar Saujana Putra student. 'They shouldn't impose perfection as it causes students unnecessary stress. I understand the need for high standards, but students who score A or A- are also high achievers. I hope the ministry reconsiders.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India and Chile conclude first round of FTA talks
India and Chile have successfully completed the initial round of negotiations for a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement, according to the Department of Commerce. Building upon their existing preferential trade agreement established in 2006, the two nations are now working towards a broader economic partnership. The proposed agreement aims to encompass sectors like digital services, investment, MSMEs, and critical minerals. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Delhi: India and Chile have concluded the first round of negotiations for the proposed comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement, the Department of Commerce said on two countries had implemented a preferential trade agreement (PTA) in 2006 and are now negotiating to widen its scope for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA).The proposed CEPA aims to build upon the existing PTA and seeks to encompass a broader range of sectors, including digital services, investment promotion and cooperation, MSMEs, and critical minerals.
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Arab Times
Overseas Pakistani? Here's How To Keep Your Mobile Phone Working In Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, May 30: In recent years, many overseas Pakistanis visiting their homeland have encountered an unexpected and frustrating problem: their local Pakistani SIM cards stop working after a short period of use. While this may seem like a technical glitch or a telecom issue at first glance, the root cause lies in Pakistan's telecom regulatory policies, particularly those governed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The Core of the Problem: Device Registration The key issue revolves around the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) introduced by the PTA. This system was implemented to curb the smuggling of mobile phones, reduce grey market trade, and ensure that all devices on Pakistani networks are properly documented. When an overseas Pakistani brings a phone from abroad and inserts a local SIM card, the telecom network automatically checks whether the phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is registered with the PTA. If the IMEI is not registered or not PTA-approved, the system allows a grace period—typically 60 days—for temporary use. Once that grace period expires, the phone is blocked from accessing Pakistani mobile networks with local SIM cards. One Phone, One Year: The Overseas Pakistani Allowance In response to the concerns of the diaspora, the PTA allows overseas Pakistanis to register one mobile phone per year duty-free, provided they have entered the country recently. This can be done through the official PTA DIRBS portal or device registration system, where users must provide their IMEI number, passport or CNIC, and proof of travel such as an entry stamp or travel details. The Role of Biometric Verification and SIM Limits SIM card blocking may also occur due to biometric verification issues or the five-SIMs-per-CNIC rule. If the visitor is using a foreign passport or their CNIC isn't active or properly verified, the system may restrict new SIM activations or suspend existing ones as a security precaution. Safe Options for Visitors To avoid disruption during visits to Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis have several options: Register your phone legally if you plan to use it with a local SIM. Buy a PTA-approved phone in Pakistan to ensure full compatibility. Use international roaming with your foreign SIM—phones using roaming are exempt from PTA restrictions. One Phone Per Year – Tax-Free for Overseas Pakistanis If you're a Pakistani citizen living abroad and you're visiting Pakistan: You can bring in 1 mobile phone per year without paying any tax. This is allowed once every 12 months, based on your travel record. You must register the phone with PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) using the DIRBS portal: You'll need: - Passport number - CNIC/NICOP - IMEI number of the phone - Entry stamp or travel info (proves recent arrival) Additional Phones Are Taxable If you bring more than one phone per year, taxes/duties will apply on the extra devices. The amount depends on: - Phone model and brand - Customs valuation (not always the actual market price) - PTA's official tax/duty slab (updated frequently) Example: A new iPhone might incur PKR 80,000–150,000+ in tax, while lower-end phones may be taxed as little as PKR 5,000–20,000. A Word of Caution Using phones purchased from the grey market or bringing unregistered devices without checking PTA compliance can lead to connectivity loss, especially for those relying on local mobile services. It's important to heed warning SMS messages from PTA about registration deadlines to avoid service termination. For overseas Pakistanis, staying connected during visits is vital. While PTA's system aims to bring order and security to Pakistan's telecom ecosystem, travelers need to understand the rules, comply with the law, and take preventive steps. By registering devices properly and using approved phones, visitors can enjoy seamless communication without fear of abrupt disconnection.
