Latest news with #TIP
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Alleged involvement in corruption: FIA registers case against former Nadra chairman, others
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a case against former chairman National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) Muhammad Tariq Malik and others for their alleged involvement in corruption and corrupt practices. According to the first information report (FIR) registered by the agency's Anti-Corruption Wing (ACW) an enquiry was initiated on complaint of Malik Muhammad Afzal, joint secretary Ministry of Interior against Nadra officials that Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) submitted a complaint on allegations of violation of PPRA Rules 2004 in award of contract of 30 million Smart Cards worth $29.7 million on single bid basis against the market price of $0.2970 in China ( three cent per card) at a loss of at least 25 million to national exchequer for procurement of tender no: 13/2022. Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has also conducted a detailed inquiry and submitted report to Ministry of Interior in this regard, it says. It says that during enquiry it is found that as per PPRA enquiry, criteria/technical specifications and experience clauses were allegedly enhanced to facilitate a specific company M/s SELP. In this procurement, the price increased by 31 cents per smart card as compared to previous procurement of year 2020, it says, adding that as price was continuously decreasing from year 2013 to year 2020 due to factors like time and technology advancement. According to allegations in TIP loss to national exchequer is $25 million USD, however, in the light of comparison between purchase orders of year 2013 to 2022 loss to national exchequer is approximately 31 cent per smart card for purchase order of 30 million smart cards during procurement of tender 13/2022. This exorbitant increase in price of smart card was only to get kick-backs and commission from vendors which has resulted in loss of millions of US dollars to national exchequer. Based on the sufficient oral and documentary incriminating evidence collected, it is crystal clear that accused persons in connivance with each- other are found involved in corruption and corrupt practices as well as criminal misconduct and criminal breach of trust as they have misappropriated Nadra funds; and they have also obtained illegal pecuniary benefits/gains by corrupt and illegal means and therefore, have committed offences u/s 409/109/420/468/471/34 PPC r/w section 5(2) 1947 PCA. The other accused include Gohar Ahmad Khan, Sameer Enver Baig, Kamran Latif Ex-Director Production Nadra Headquarters, Jumana Noor, Muhammad Usman, Khurram Shahzad Ex-Director Technology and Development, Sanaullah Domki Assistant Director (HOD) Nadra, Rashid Javaid Chief Financial Officer Nadra Headquarters, Usman Cheema, Naveed Akhtar Channa Ex-HOD Procurement Department Nadra Headquarters. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Health
- Gizmodo
A Monkey Herpesvirus Could Hold Key to New Cancer Treatment
A cousin of herpes might just help us fight cancer. Scientists have engineered a protein derived from a herpesvirus in monkeys that could enhance the immune system's potency against cancer. Researchers at the University of Michigan detailed their work on the protein in a paper published last month. In experiments with mice, the protein prolonged the life of cancer-fighting T cells, leading to reduced tumor growth. The findings point to a novel way that we can further strengthen immune-related cancer treatments, the researchers say. The protein comes from herpesvirus saimiri, named after the squirrel monkeys (all members of the genus Saimiri) that the virus primarily infects. The researchers had identified the virus as carrying proteins that activate certain pathways in T cells—the immune system's frontline soldiers against infections and cancers—that extended their survivability. They ultimately engineered a modified version of one particular protein from the virus, called tyrosine kinase interacting protein (TIP). They hoped their version of TIP could bind to a protein in T cells that would stimulate the production of other proteins called STAT that could then boost the T cells' longevity and cancer-killing potential. As expected, the protein increased levels of STAT (specifically the protein STAT5) in T cells in a Petri dish. They then tested the protein on mice with melanoma and lymphoma. The T cells of treated mice lived longer and killed tumor cells more effectively, resulting in reduced cancer growth, the researchers found. 'Our findings demonstrate that signaling pathways can be rewired in T cells to sustain their function in solid tumors,' the researchers wrote in the paper, published in Science Immunology. In recent years, scientists have developed a class of treatments that ramp up the immune system's natural ability to recognize and attack cancers, which is broadly known as immunotherapy. So the U-M scientists believe that their protein could be used in combination with existing immunotherapies to keep T cells in tip-top cancer-bashing shape. More broadly, they believe that other organisms or their genes can be tweaked to modify our immune cells to make them better at fighting cancers. The team's protein is still experimental, so it will take plenty more research to know whether it can be safely and effectively used in people. But it may not take too long for other herpesviruses to contribute to cancer treatment. Several research teams have developed modified versions of the herpes simplex 1 virus (the primary cause of cold sores) to directly eradicate tumors. Some of these treatments have already begun to be tested in people, and have shown promise in early clinical trials so far.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Foreign fighters, incl. Uyghurs, 'jihadists' may remain in Syria under new initiative
Syria is able to proceed because it enjoys increased support from the US, as well as from Turkey and Qatar, both US allies. Syria may integrate thousands of foreign fighters into its ranks under a new agreement, according to a Monday Reuters report. The development is being watched with interest in the region, as well as in the US and China. According to Levant24, a Syrian media channel, the US has given the green light to a decision that could see former fighters incorporated into Syria's new army. The Syrian army is expanding and taking shape. The 56th Division held a graduation ceremony for new trainees near Hama over the weekend. In addition, the 70th Division now includes elements of the US-backed Syrian Free Army, which had been based at Tanf in southern Syria. There are controversies surrounding some of the new army's appointments. The new commander of the 86th Division operating in Deir Ezzor is Ahmed al-Hayes, who was previously involved in human rights abuses against Kurds. Reports indicate that up to 3,500 foreign fighters—some labeled as 'jihadists'—will be integrated into the 84th Division of the new Syrian army. These fighters include Uyghurs who came to Syria as volunteers during the civil war, mainly from China and other Turkish-speaking regions. They are said to be members of the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), a group banned by China and viewed as a terrorist organization by Beijing. The reports note that TIP leader Abu Muhammad al-Turkistani was appointed brigadier general and given command of the 133rd Division in December 2024, when the new Syrian government began to take shape after the fall of the Assad regime. It should be noted that 'Abu Muhammad al-Turkistani' is a nom de guerre meaning 'father of Muhammad the Turkistani.' The reports also quoted the new US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, as supporting this development. The New Arab, citing the Reuters report, noted that 'the US has endorsed a Syrian government plan to absorb thousands of former rebel and foreign fighters, many of whom once fought against the Assad regime, into the country's restructured national army.' The plan is expected to be transparent. This marks a shift from earlier expectations that US conditions for sanctions relief and increased engagement in Syria would require the removal of foreign extremist fighters. A key issue for these fighters is that they cannot return to China. This differs from volunteers from Turkey or Europe who joined the Syrian civil war. Since they cannot return home, any expulsion would make them another country's problem—likely Turkey's. The US does not want Turkey to bear this burden either. Barrack, who also serves as US ambassador to Turkey, is seen as supporting this approach. By integrating the fighters into the Syrian army alongside other Syrians, the plan aims to dilute their influence, moderate them, and professionalize their roles, thereby reducing their impact as a distinct unit. The New Arab report said that 'Washington [had previously demanded] that the new Syrian leadership, formed after rebel groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ousted Bashar al-Assad last year, bar foreign fighters from national security institutions. But that stance appears to have softened following Trump's Middle East tour last month.' Syria's government, which includes former leaders from HTS—a group previously considered extremist—has sought to retain these foreign fighters, valuing their loyalty. 'Many of these fighters arrived in Syria in the early years of the civil war, joining jihadist groups like HTS and ISIS in their battle against Assad, who was backed by Iranian and Russian forces,' The New Arab noted. They played key roles in HTS, including in its elite units. Reports estimate that as many as 5,000 foreign fighters remain in Syria, and with families included, the number could exceed 15,000. The new plan could strain Syria-China relations. However, Syria is able to proceed because it enjoys increased support from the US, as well as from Turkey and Qatar, both US allies. With US backing, Syria is less reliant on China, Russia, or other non-Western powers. This support also means that Washington has more influence in Damascus and can demand transparency regarding the integration of foreign fighters. This is one reason US officials have sought to engage with Syria. Others have urged the US to proceed more cautiously. However, Syria appears determined to move forward, and in the absence of US support, it would continue with or without American approval. US engagement gives Washington influence. For example, reports from Syria said that a border crossing with Lebanon is opening this week. Syria's state media noted that the 'General Authority for Land and Sea Ports announced Tuesday the reopening of the Al-Arida border crossing, which connects northern Lebanon to southwestern Syria, linking Tartous and Tripoli governorates.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Officials accepting public comments for proposed EV charging station
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Officials say starting June 5, the public is invited to review and provide feedback on a proposed amendment in regard to an electric vehicle (EV) charging station. The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) says this proposed amendment will be to the Owensboro-Daviess County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). This amendment includes the addition of a new project: the construction of an EV charging station at 3220 West Parrish Avenue in Owensboro. Officials say the TIP serves as a short-range planning document that identifies all scheduled transportation projects—ranging from highway improvements and rail upgrades to pedestrian walkways and public transit—within the MPO area through fiscal year 2028. GRADD says the TIP also outlines estimated project costs and designates the local, state and federal funding sources that will be used. Officials say public input is part of the transportation planning process. A 15-day public review and comment period will be held from June 5 to June 19. First medical cannabis safety compliance facility breaks ground in KY GRADD says community members are encouraged to review the proposed amendment and share their thoughts during this window. Copies of the amendment will be available at the following locations: Owensboro City Hall Daviess County Judge/Executive's Office Owensboro Transit System Green River Area Development District (GRADD) Office Daviess County Public Library Whitesville City Hall Online Officials say alternative formats can be provided upon request with at least seven days' notice. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ARC approves $207 million increase for long-term transport plan budget
The Atlanta Regional Commission announced last week that they'd amended their 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, adding $207 million in additional budget for improvement projects. The section amended was for the 2024-2027 fiscal year Transportation Improvement Program and the new funding includes 25 projects across the Atlanta region, according to ARC on May 14. "The amendment reflects cost increases, changes to project timelines, and new projects that are exempt from air quality requirements, which include remaining projects funded through the 2024 TIP solicitation process," ARC said in a statement. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] ARC said the amended cost will impact changes to project timelines and new projects that are exempt from air quality requirements. More detailed information is available about the Transportation Improvement Program here, while updates on the amendment itself are here. TRENDING STORIES: 20 parks to close on Lake Lanier Judge rules that deputy who shot, killed DeKalb airman can't leave to seek employment As restaurant closures hit West Midtown, one Atlanta restauranteur offers a lifeline Here are the projects included with the additional funding: Cost estimate adjustments to: I-75 Commercial Vehicle Lanes in Henry County SR 20 (Cumming Highway/Knox Bridge Highway) Widening in Cherokee County Upper Riverdale Road Bridge Upgrade in Clayton County SR 13 (Peters Street) Bridge Replacement in City of Atlanta Projects that are exempt for air quality review include: 2024 TIP Solicitation Peachtree Safe Street project (City of Atlanta/Midtown Alliance) Marietta Boulevard Safe Street project (City of Atlanta) Federal Recreational Trail Program Rivers Edge Trail extension (Clayton County) Chattahoochee RiverLands Recreational Trail and Riverview Trailhead (City of Smyrna) Wheel Beautiful – Riverlands Scenic Universal Access Trail (City of Chattahoochee Hills) [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
