The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) accuses Pakistani rice farmers of illegally cultivating and selling Indian basmati rice strains, sparking diplomatic tension and raising concerns about intellectual property rights and the impact on the Indian rice industry.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan met with FPCCI President to discuss bilateral trade, investment, and the need for enhanced cooperation. President Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted sectors with potential for growth and expressed concerns regarding visas and flights to Uzbekistan. Pakistan’s participation in upcoming exhibitions was also discussed.

Pakistan is now a leading player in the global rice export market, with 4.5 million metric tons of rice exported in 2020-21, earning over $2.2 billion. The country’s high-quality rice, diverse varieties like Basmati, and efforts to tap into new markets like China and the USA contribute to its success. Challenges include competition from countries like India, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is undergoing its most severe bleaching event ever, with 730 out of 1,000 reefs affected. This marks the fifth bleaching event in eight years. Climate change is identified as the biggest threat, and the extent of the damage and future recovery remains uncertain.

Apple CEO Tim Cook met with Indonesia’s president to discuss investing in the country’s tech sector. This move aligns with the US’s effort to diversify supply chains outside of China and cultivate trade partnerships in Asia. Cook acknowledged Indonesia’s market potential and announced plans to expand developer academies to tap into its young and tech-savvy population. Talks also took place with president-elect Prabowo Subianto, possibly regarding new Apple investments, including a smartphone factory.

A Russian strike in Chernigiv, Ukraine, resulted in the death of 11 individuals and left 20 wounded, highlighting Kyiv’s concerns about air defense capabilities. President Zelensky calls for more missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses against future attacks. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to enhance air defense capabilities.

Pakistan’s rice exports have surged, surpassing last year’s achievements in just seven months. Rice shipments are expected to exceed 5 million tons for the first time in history, with projected exports of 5.5 million tons in 2023/24. Increased planting area and advancements in technology contribute to the growth.

Former Pakistani leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has been appointed as the spin bowling coach for the Bangladesh cricket team. Ahmed’s extensive experience and expertise are expected to strengthen the team’s spin bowling department, contributing to their preparation for the upcoming T20 series against Zimbabwe and the T20 World Cup.

Inflation and energy price hikes have devastated SMEs in Pakistan, leading to bankruptcies and economic instability. Founder and President of IWCCI, Samina Fazil, emphasizes the urgent need for significant tax policy improvements to secure a brighter future for businesses in the country.

Former Pakistan leg-spinner and World Cup winner, Mushtaq Ahmed, has been appointed as the spin bowling coach for the Bangladesh cricket team. He brings extensive experience as a former coach for England, West Indies, and Pakistan. Mushtaq is thrilled to work with the talented players and aims to instill belief in the team.