Read Think And Lead

RESEARCH PAPERS: "IMPACT ON STUDENTS' NEWSPAPER READERSHIP AFTER THE PROLIFERATION OF TV NEWS CHANNELS"

2010-07-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

Researchers: AQEEL AHMED RAJPAR
SHAIKH KAMRAN SALIM
SYED WAJEEH-UL-HASSAN

ABSTRACT

Newspapers have always been a source of information and news for all the ages. However, with the proliferation of TV News Channels, students' choice of getting news and information has changed. The new media has expanded the horizons for news and information gatherers, but the focus of this study remains newspapers and TV. It has also become an academic debate that students do not read newspapers and prefer other sources for news and information. This survey is designed to find out how many students read newspaper and watch TV. As newspapers carry vital informations that are not available on TV, therefore we will also find out what is the students' preference of getting news details; Newspapers or TV. In this study we will also try to find out the impact of these TV news channels on Newspaper readership.

INTRODUCTION

Pakistan has seen a rapid growth in electronic media in the last decade. Old stalwarts in the field of journalism coupled by a complete new breed of media enthusiasts, Satellite TV channels have proliferated magnanimously. Pakistan's successive governments have also encouraged the freedom of information. In modern times press is one of the most important features of civil liberties. [1] This has seen a number of new TV News Channels on the scene, most of them are Urdu and some English and other languages.

Since last decade, the availability of news via 24-hour television channels and then the Internet posed an ongoing challenge to most newspapers in developed countries. Paid circulation has seen a downward trend, while advertising revenue — which makes up the bulk of most newspapers’ income — has been shifting from print to the new media, resulting in a general decline in profits. Newspaper publishers now a days emphasise mainly on how to sell as many copies as possible. [2] Many newspapers around the world launched online editions to stay in the competition and to cater to their virtual audience.

Most of the recognized Pakistani English dailies like, Dawn, The News, Daily Times and Business Recorder have online editions. However, in other parts of the world some publishers find their print-based models increasingly unsustainable. Therefore Web-based "newspapers" have also started to appear, such as the Southport
Reporter in the UK and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer in US, which stopped publishing in print after 149 years in March 2009 and went online only.

Newspaper readership is on continuous decline. Although online availability of newspapers has improved the readership of newspaper, but the print form of newspaper has seen a significant decline. Mark Choate in an article on his blog wrote, "Newspaper circulation is in decline, but if you combine readership between the print and online version of a newspaper you'll find that net readership has increased. Despite this, there is a widespread perception that the decline in print newspaper circulation represents a shrinking market for local news." [3]

Newspapers emphasize more on the editorial contents and are presented in a detail version of the news story. Whereas, TV news channels having a time constraints and therefore they prefer condensed version of news story. Newspapers were the most preferred medium over radio and TV for disseminating and gathering news in the early twentieth century. During 60's and 70's television became popular. [4] However, with the advances in technology the trend has changed and TV has become the dominant media in bringing breaking news stories to people in their own homes instantly.

Newspapers reports are formal and they adopt a standardized language while TV news reports are less formal. Newspapers cover routine issues like city court, municipal matters and other district news in detail while TV news doesn't usually

cover these issues unless something unusual or controversial is taking place. However, TV has the ability to "Breaking News", something like early morning restoration of Chief Justice of Pakistan on 16th March, 2009, while a newspaper reader had to wait until the next day to read about the news.

A newspaper usually reports the story in more detail while TV news hardly gives any details due to time constraints. Also newspapers do more follow up of the news story as a subject evolves over time, such as the court proceedings, local issues, while TV news would only focus when the news is fresh. Newspapers also tend to give more background of the story and inform the audience in detail. TV news is quick and doest not last long compared to newspapers that have longer life.

This tendency of getting the news or information as and when happens is popular among the younger generation. Therefore, choosing TV as the medium is obvious. However, details are only available in newspapers which provides in depth reports and background of the story to enrich readers. Information may come quick on TV but it vanishes out of mind more quickly. A newspaper remains a handy source.

The advertisements in newspapers play a key role. More than three fourth of the newspapers' expenditures are met through advertisements. A newspaper not only advertises glamorous products but also publishes advertisements that are useful for students and their parents, such as university admissions, jobs, special incentives from government and others.

Whereas, TV commercials have a total different dimension. They are fleshy, expensive and glamorous. Due to the expensive air time, TV ads are mostly of commercial nature. Informations in these ads are limited and are targeted to general people. Also, TV ads are supplemented by print media, which is evident from so many ads where a manufacturer or service provider refers to newspaper for details.

Due to the very nature of being expansive and general, TV ads do not cater specifically to students. However, newspapers also publish advertorials that is useful for the students such as, educational policies, admission procedures, scholarship details and others. Therefore, newspaper reading habit among students should be developed to keep them informed from different activities relating to their interests.

Newspapers offer a variety of subscription plans. For example, some readers prefer only a Sunday paper, or maybe only a workweek subscription, or perhaps a daily subscription. However, newspapers also offer some or all of their content on the Internet, either at no cost or for a fee – not in the case of Pakistan where online newspapers are free only. In some cases, free access is available only for a matter of days or weeks, after which readers must register and provide personal data. In other cases, free archives are provided.

With the proliferation of TV news channels and growing number of TV sets ownership, newspaper readership among students has become an academic debate.

TV exposure is far too high. Since 2001, when the first Pakistani Cable and Satellite Channel went on air, the number of TV channels has grown to 93 along with 28 foreign satellite television channels granted landing rights permission by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

Our area of research is focused on the impact of these TV channels on the Newspaper readership. We have chosen the students to conduct our study. The students of this era have wide range of medium to gather information or news. Several surveys in the developed countries indicate that students have started to loose interest in newspaper reading.

Through this survey we will try to find out how many students read newspapers and watch TV news channels? Our survey is also designed to find out if students read newspapers or watch TV news channels to get details of news? And, has the proliferation of TV channels affected the newspaper readership among students?

Although there are number of entertainment, sports, fashion, music and Islamic channels among others, but our area of study remains the TV News Channels. Therefore, wherever we use the term TV Channels or Channels or simply TV that must be taken as TV News Channels.

We have chosen 75 male and 75 female students. Because our study is directed towards the students from masses, therefore we have preferred public university over

private. Karachi University is our focused institution and we have tried to cover almost all the departments to make the study more comprehensive.

DEFINITIONS

Newspaper

Newspaper is usually issued daily, weekly, or at other regular time that provides news, views, features, and other information of public interest and often carries advertising. More or less regular papers printed from movable type appeared in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands in the early 17th century. [5]

Newspaper is a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements. The physical object that is the product of a newspaper publisher; a cheap paper made from wood pulp and used for printing newspapers. [6]

News

News is the information about recent and important events. News is the communication of information on current events which is presented by print, broadcast, Internet, or word of mouth to a third party or mass audience. [7]

Reader

Rreader is one that reads, who publicly recites literary works. A reader is a person employed by a publisher to read and evaluate manuscripts. [8]

Viewer

Viewer is someone that views some spectacle; an onlooker or spectator; Someone who watches television; Any optical device used to view photographic slides; A program that displays the contents of a file of digital images; an image viewer or file viewer. [9]

Television

Television (TV) is a widely used telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images, either monochromatic ("black and white") or color, usually accompanied by sound. "Television" may also refer specifically to a television set, television programming or television transmission. The word is derived from mixed Latin and Greek roots, meaning far sight". [10]

LITERATURE REVIEW:

According to Newspaper Readership Survey (NRS) 2006 by Aftab Associates Pvt. Ltd. (AAL) TV has the highest exposure across all media followed by newspaper and then radio. The overall incidence of newspaper readership is 54 per cent of which 35.4 per cent are frequent readers while 18.6 per cent are occasional readers. Interestingly, the survey shows that newspaper readership in cities is higher. The readership is higher in Karachi followed by Rawalpindi Islamabad and then Lahore.

However, according to a similar study NRS-2007 conducted by MEMRB, a private research organization, the incidence of readership dropped down to 39.2 per cent. This is significantly lower then the study by ALL. However the results of NRS-2007 shows that readership in Karachi dropped to 36 per cent with Lahore taking the lead at 54 per cent. Newspaper readership is higher in males as compare to females. [11]

The survey conducted by the Pew Research Center for the people and the press, (PRCPP) 2006, more people turned to TV for news and use it for a longer period of time. According to the survey average number of minutes per user for TV is 53 as compare to 40 for newspaper.

Despite the new, vast and easy news sources these days, 40 per cent of Americans under the age of 30 watched a movie at home on video, DVD, or pay per view a day

before, says the report. This is far more than newspaper reader i.e. 24 per cent. This indicates newspaper readership is on decline among the age group under 30. [12]

Trends in media consumption of individuals have changed with the proliferation of new media. Internet access, TV channels and now mobile phones have given consumers a wide choice of media to gather news and informations from. With so much of choice for news gathering, priorities differ among younger generation or more precisely students.

2009 survey on youth readership in India, conducted by National Book Trust (NBT), shows that TV is the most exposed medium to youth, with average time spent a day at over 97 minutes. Radio (61 minutes), magazines (44 minutes) and newspapers (32 minutes) lag far behind.

According to the survey—with a sample of over 311,431 literate youth (102,021 rural and 209,410 urban) covering 432 villages in 207 districts as rural and 753 urban blocks in 199 towns as urban— India’s youth population grew at over 2% to 459 million in 2009 from 390 million in the 2001 census, while the literate youth population grew at a more rapid 2.5% to 333 million from 273 million. Growth was faster in urban India (3.15% a year) than in rural India (2.11%)

77% of the 333 million literate, or 259 million, youth are exposed to TV. However, newspapers too are able to maintain their dominance, with over half (53%) of all literate youth, or 177 million, exposed to them. [13]

In the Pew Research Center's 2008 news media consumption survey, 39% said they read a newspaper yesterday - either print or online - down from 43% in 2006. The proportion reporting that they read just the print version of a newspaper fell by roughly a quarter, from 34% to 25% over the two-year period.

Overall newspaper readership declined in spite of an increase in the number of people reading online newspapers: 14% of Americans said they read a newspaper online yesterday, up from 9% in 2006. This includes those who said they read only a newspaper online (9% in 2008), as well as those who said they read both print and Web versions of a newspaper (5%). These numbers may not include the number of people who read content produced by newspapers, but accessed through aggregation sites or portals such as Google or Yahoo. [14]

Wilson and Brenda in a research title, "Factors that predict newspaper reading habit in college students", says that, "Overall newspaper readership in the United States has been steadily declining in the past 30 or more years. Robinson (1990) states that the decline in newspaper reading stands in marked contrast to an overall increase in free time and to the increase in the public’s overall use of mass media. College students are part of the elusive 18- to 34-year-old demographic segment that is the least likely to read a daily newspaper and that newspaper publishers have sought for years to attract. Often electronic media are blamed for the decrease in print use. However, Schlagheck (1998) asserts that “long before any competition from cable or Nintendo, American newspaper publishers were worrying about declining readership among the young , . . .” [and] “the age at which young people form attachments with newspapers appears to be moving upward” (p. 74-75)". [15]

Penn State Student Newspaper Readership Program was established by President Graham B. Spanier in 1997. The program offers students the USA Today, the New York Times, and a local/regional newspaper. At University Park, the Centre Daily Times and The Daily Collegian are available. All newspapers are provided at no additional cost to students.

"In 2005, Penn State partnered with Educational Benchmarking, Inc. to pilot a national study on newspaper readership. The data overwhelmingly support the relationship between newspaper readership and developing cognitive skills; increasing one's awareness, understanding, and ability to articulate views on current issues; and developing civic-mindedness. In addition, there is a strong relationship between newspaper readership and student engagement both on campus and in the community.

Furthermore, the evidence suggests that utilizing the newspaper in the classroom promotes newspaper readership and further extends the learning outcomes articulated in the survey. With students' reporting that the Student Newspaper Readership Program increases their readership and their high levels of satisfaction with the program, the findings of this survey firmly support the educational value of providing a newspaper readership program on college campuses." [16]

METHODOLOGY:

It is essential to apply the right methodology to make a research successful. After going through several research papers of the same nature, it became very convenient for us to decide for the methodology for our research. Most of the researchers have adopted the survey methodology for these kinds of researches. A comprehensive result can be achieved through a survey.

Although, conducting surveys are not an easy task, but the results are instant and easy to analyze. Target audiences are given a multiple choice questions which makes it easier for them to choose from. Surveys can give you a lot of data and it will assure you that you have a verifiable resources. It provides you direct knowledge of people’s opinions and it can give you good data for your analysis.

Definitely the most important aspect in the process of survey is the designing of questions that should measure the opinions, experiences and behaviors of the public. Ambiguous and confusing or for that matter bias questions simply distracts the audience. Adopting careful measures in designing a questionnaire gives a fair chance in achieving the results. Procedure in designing a questionnaire requires a thorough literature review and is evolved after many deliberations.

A questionnaire was designed for the students to fill in. The objective of the research was to find out if students are more into reading newspaper or watching TV and which medium do they choose to get news details? Therefore when creating questionnaire we also placed question that can also find out the frequency at which students use these medium and which language they prefer. In this survey we also tried to find out the affect of TV news channels on newspaper readership.

Twelve questions were included in the questionnaire. Students were asked to respond on newspaper readership and TV viewership. Questions were also asked on the frequency of readership and viewership along with the language they prefer. We also asked students about their preference of news consumption or simply where they prefer getting news details from.

After consultation with our advisor, Dr. Shamsuddin, we had chosen 75 male and 75 female students. Because our study was directed towards the students from masses, therefore we preferred public university over private. Karachi University was our focused institution and we have tried to cover almost all the departments to make the study more comprehensive.

RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

The questionnaire for the survey was carefully created to achieve best possible results. To analyze how many male and female students read newspaper or watch TV, we stratified the readers and viewers into two categories.

Those students who opted for 'Yes' as readers and viewers we categorized them as 'Regular'. While those who opted for 'Very Often' or 'Sometimes' are called as 'Occasional' readers or viewers.

Also, wherever the term 'Reader(s)' or 'Viewer(s)' appears in this paper, it is understood that it means both the 'Regular' and 'Occasional' readers and viewers.

The sampling size of this research is 150 students from Karachi University. Total numbers of students are equally divided among both the genders. 75 male and equal numbers of females consists of our total population.

Data collected during the survey shows that 74.66% males are Newspaper 'Readers'. Whereas, 25.33% male students responded that they do not read newspapers. (See Table: 1)

Newspaper readership trend in female students is slightly lower. According to data collected, 80% of females are Newspaper 'Readers'. 20% of female students never read newspapers. (See Table: 1)

Therefore, when we combine the results of both male and female the numbers of students are 116 out of 150 which makes 77.33% Newspaper Readers. Therefore, out of the population of 150 students 37.33% are male readers whereas 40% are female readers. (See Table: 2)

Data shows that 72% of male students are TV 'Viewers'. And 28% male students replied they do not watch TV at all. (See Table: 3)

Females, according to data, are more into watching TV news channels with 93.33% of females are TV 'Viewers'. Whereas only 6.66% never watches TV. (See Table: 3)

On combining the results of both male and female we can see that out of 150 students 82.66% are TV Viewers. Out of total population, 36% 'Viewers' are male whereas 46.66% are female. (See Table: 4)

With the above results we can see that TV viewing is higher than newspaper readership. The result authenticates our research where we tried to find out how many students read newspaper or watch TV news channels. (See Table: 5)

It is also been observed that female students are more exposed to TV with 93.33% of them are 'Viewers' as compared to 72% male 'Viewers'.

Similarly, females also read more newspaper than their opposite sex. 80% of female students read newspaper as compared to 74.66% male 'Readers'.

TV viewership is higher among female students and the data also shows more male students do not watch TV as compared to those who never read newspaper.

To make our research more comprehensive we ask our population that from which medium they prefer getting details of news? We found that 34.66% males get details of news from newspaper, 28% get details from TV news channels and 34.66% prefer getting details from both mediums, while only 2.66% male students do not want details of news from any medium. (See Table: 6)

The data of female population shows that only 8% females get details of news from newspaper, whereas 21.33% from TV news channels. However, 68% females

prefer getting news details from both medium. Only 2.66% females do not want news details from any medium. (See Table: 6)

The above statistics show that male students rely on newspapers for details significantly higher than female students. It is also noticeable that the number of female students who uses both medium for getting news details is higher than male students.

The amount of time students, both male and female, spent in newspaper reading was also obtained during the survey. Out of 56 male student 'Readers', only seven male students, which makes it 12.5% of the total population, read newspaper for more than an hour. However, 46.42% spends half an hour or less and 41.07% reads newspaper for an hour or less. (See Table: 7)

In females out of 60 'Readers', 45% read newspaper for half an hour or less. While 40% read newspaper for an hour or less and 15% read newspaper for more than an hour. (See Table: 7)

As for watching TV, the data shows that 57.40% male students spend less than an hour in watching TV news channel, while 42.59% spend more than an hour in watching TV news. (See Table: 8)

Female population is more exposed to TV with 64.28% students spend less than an hour and 35.71% spend more than an hour in watching TV news. (See Table: 8)

Our questionnaire also addressed to find out the frequency of readership among students. The data shows that 71.42% male students are daily 'Readers'. Whereas those who read newspaper several days a week and once a week stand equally at 5.35%. Furthermore, 17.85% males only read newspaper whenever they get a chance. (See Table: 9)

51.66% females read newspaper daily, which is lower than male students. 11.66% female 'Readers' read several days a week; while 8.33% read newspaper once a week and 28.33% read newspaper whenever they get a chance. (See Table: 9)

64.81% males watch TV news daily whereas 5.55% watch TV news several days a week. Only 3.70% watch TV news once a week which is lower as compare to newspaper readership. 25.92% male students watch TV news whenever they get a chance. (See Table: 10)

Females are more into watching TV than reading newspaper. The data shows that 62.85% females watch TV news daily and 5.71% watch TV news several days a week. While 5.71% females watch TV news once a week and 25.71% watch TV news whenever they get a chance. (See Table: 10)

Our data also shows that 55.35% of male student 'Readers' read Urdu dailies, while 28.57% read English dailies and 16.07% prefer reading both language dailies. (See Table: 11)

In females, 36.66% are Urdu daily, 'Readers', whereas, 40% read English dailies and 23.33% prefer reading both language dailies. (See Table: 11)

Similarly, we found that 62.96% males watch Urdu news channels, 12.96% watch English news channels and 24.07% males prefer watching both language news channels. (See Table: 12)

Whereas, 58.57% female students watch Urdu news channels, 20% watch English news channels and 21.42% prefer both language news channels. (See Table: 12)

CONCLUSION:

The objective of the research was to find out how many of students read newspaper and watch TV. Also we wanted to know where the students prefer getting news details; Newspaper or TV.

We can see from the data collected that out of total population (both males and females), 77.33% read newspaper, whereas 82.66% of the total population are TV 'Viewers'.

The above results are self explanatory. Newspaper readership is lower than TV viewership. The trend of newspaper readership among students is also alarming. The data shows that 25.33% male students do not read newspaper at all as compared to 20% females. Overall 22.66% students are non 'Readers'.

It is evident from the results that there is a decline in newspaper readership. After the proliferation of 24 hours TV news channels, students' preference of getting news details from TV, 24.66%, is higher than newspaper, i.e. 21.33%. However, a significant number of population, 51.33%, prefers using both medium for getting news details.

Newspaper readership programs should be designed in faculties to enhance readership. Research studies have shown that by implementing such programs, the

readership among students has improved. Newspaper reading in classrooms should also be encouraged. By this way non readers will also adopt the readership habits.

Newspapers are beyond the classroom tutors. They cater to all walks of life and carry information that no other medium does.

References

1. See, Al-Sulami, 2003, 'The West and Islam', Routledge Curzon, London, p- 104.

2. Ibid, p-105

3. Article: "Newspaper Readership Decline" by Mark Choate. Available online: http://choate.info/2008/03/03/Isnewspaperreadershipindecline/ ,(Downloaded : June 8, 2010).

4. See, Curran and Seaton, 1991, 'Power without Responsibility', 4th edition, Routledge, London, p-229.

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13. National Book Trust (NBT) Survey 2009, undertaken by National Council of Applied Economic Research on behalf of National Book Trust, "National Youth Readership Survey", Available online: http://india.foreignpolicyblogs.com/2010/03/26/youth-readership-survey-india-some-trends/, (Downloaded: June 11, 2010).

14. The Pew Research Centre for the People & the Press, "Newspapers Face a Challenging Calculus: Online Growth, but Print Losses are Bigger". Available online: http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1133/decline-print-newspapers-increased-online-news, (Downloaded: June 13, 2010)

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LPG Container Blast in Hyderabad By Aqeel Ahmed Rajpar

2010-06-28T02:19:00.000-07:00

Hyderabad,June 28 (RTL): Eighteen people have been killed and forty others injured in a LPG-Container blast in congested area named Hala Naka Bazaar near Grid Station Hyderabad on Monday.

RPO Hyderabad Fiyaz Leghari talking to media informed that blasts occurred in LPG Container and the intensity of the blast was so severe that it damaged ten shops in the vicinity of the blast place and approximately fourteen people died on the scene and forty others get injured who were shifted to Civil Hospital.

DPO Hyderabad Javed Alam also said that a truck carrying Gas-Container was parked near Grid station in Halanaka bazaar that exploded with a severe bang adding that the blast couldn't be termed as terrorists attack.

He also informed that blast occurred owing to explosion in truck carrying LPG Container that was carrying thirty thousand thinner gases and was parked beside the Grid station in Halanka Bazar. After the blast an electricity transformer also exploded that destroyed all the nearby shops and a hotel.

Eye-witnesses also said that Halanaka bazaar has been very congested area, as there have been numerous Truck mechanics shops and various bus-stands and the blast occurred in a truck that was parked before a scrap shop and the intensity of the blast was so severe that it damaged all the nearby shops and number of people also came under debris of their shops.

Police and Rangers reaching on the blast place cordoned off the area and assisted the rescue team to shift the victims of the blast to civil hospital.

It was worth mentioning that intensity of the blast was so severe that it also damaged the main electricity lines that disconnected electricity supply to the city.

Interior Minister Sindh Zulifqar Ali Mirza expressing his heartfelt grief over the loss of innocent lives in the unfortunate incident said that the incident couldn't be termed as terrorist activity adding that police has been investigating from all angles over the incident.

Pakistan-India ties

2010-06-25T01:01:00.000-07:00

Not much was expected in terms of public announcements from the meeting of the foreign secretaries of Pakistan and India yesterday in Islamabad and not much was offered afterwards for public consumption other than blandishments. With their bosses, the foreign ministers, set to meet on July 15, such meetings are invariably about setting the stage for higher-level interactions. From the perspective of nudging forward Pakistan-India relations, the meeting to be held between Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Home Minister P. Chidambaram may hold greater promise. Undeniably, terrorism is a key issue between the two countries at present. Yet, bizarrely, there is no effective mechanism for sharing intelligence on potential terrorist activities between the two countries.

The Joint Anti-Terrorism Mechanism set up in 2006 had become a posturing club, involving members of the bureaucracy who were content to exchange ‘wanted lists’ periodically. A more meaningful mechanism would involve the exchange of real-time intelligence between the two countries, and would almost surely require the active participation of the intelligence agencies on both sides. Messrs Malik and Chidambaram could use their meeting towards at least initiating such a process, one that would in concrete ways address some of India’s concerns on the terrorism front.

The fact of the matter is that big breakthroughs are not likely any time soon. Perhaps because of external, read US, pressure or perhaps because India is afraid the shifting tide in Afghanistan may jeopardise its investments there, India agreed to talk to Pakistan. But it’s striking that even now, some months after Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made his surprise announcement, there is no decisive shift away from the Indian position post-Mumbai. What seems to have changed is more the tone and tenor rather than the substance of the conversations. Also not very encouraging is the lack of creative thinking on the Pakistani side.

As long as India clung to its ‘no composite dialogue’ line, Pakistan seemed to know what to say: restart the composite dialogue. But given some kind of ambiguity in the Indian position, Pakistan has not been able to put any new ideas on the table. To be sure, it’s in Pakistan’s interests to talk, and talk soon, about the ‘core’ issues, Kashmir, water, etc. Yet, diplomatic breakthroughs are not had by sitting back and sticking to traditional demands. In Prime Minister Singh, Pakistan has a potential peace partner who appears willing to at least go beyond the bare minimum in the quest for peace. Creative thinking here could give the latest ‘process’ the necessary impetus.

More football excitement despite World Champions crashing out

2010-06-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Karachi, (RTL): The last day of group matches at the World Cup with Brazil and Portugal heading Friday’s action.

On Thursday, former world champions Italy joined France in crashing out of the tournament losing 3-2 to Slovakia at Ellis Park. It was the first time both the winner and runner-up from the previous World Cup have failed to make it to the second round.

Italian fans expressed their disappointment in their team’s performance. “It was disappointing,” said a fan, “I am distraught, I want to go home and get into bed,” added another.

Slovakia fans were delighted with the players’ performance.

“First time in history that we qualify for the next stage,” said a fan. “It is a great day for Slovakia, Slovakia rules,” said another.

Cameroon disappointed African fans, losing 2-1 to Holland in Cape Town. Japan is through after a 3-1 victory over Denmark while Paraguay has advanced to the last 16 after a goalless draw with New Zealand.

Germany vs. Australia World Cup 2010 Match Results

2010-06-14T01:38:00.000-07:00

Karachi, (RTL) June 14: Germany win against Australia in their round game of 2010 world cup at South Africa.

The Germans’ performance were good enough as it stunned spectators in Durban South Africa.

I was watching the Germany vs. Australia World Cup, Germany’s football skills and cooperation were no match to that of the Australians. The Germans had an early goal in the 8th minute of the football game. The match continued scoring another goal for the Germans before the second half began. With the two accumulated goals, Australia was stunned by Germany’s performance in the World Cup 2010.

The second half finished with another two goals for Germany ending the game with a total final score of 4-0. Well, Germany’s win just proved that they were one of the best teams in the World Cup. Germany has never lost a single football game in any preliminary matches they have in all of the World Cup they are in.

Having said that, it would be very exciting seeing a World Cup football match between Germany and England as both football teams showed great skills in the World Cup. Who do you think will win if this happened? Will it be Germany or England?

Stay tuned to us for more World Cup 2010 updates. Tomorrow, we will be reporting once again another set of football matches in the World Cup 2010 with Netherlands vs Denmark in the first football match at 1:30PM local time.

This will then be followed by Japan vs. Cameroon at 4PM and the last would probably be the most exciting football match in the World Cup 2010 tomorrow between Italy vs. Paraguay at 8:30PM.

Football World Cup 2010

2010-06-12T00:53:00.000-07:00

South Africa hosting the month-long 2010 football World Cup, the nation has shown it has come a long way since the dark days of apartheid.

Before this event South Africa has hosted various international sporting events since the end of apartheid in 1994, including the 1995 rugby World Cup and cricket’s 2003 World Cup.

However, hosting football world cup if real proud for the nation as the game is globally popular. If the tournament goes smoothly, it should raise South Africa’s profile, as the country is already Africa’s economic powerhouse.

The event will improve the continent’s weak image on the whole. Former South African president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela lobbied hard to bring the cup to his homeland.

The flashy stadium of Johannesburg where the World Cup kicked off is not too far from Soweto, the sprawling township considered to be the bastion of the anti-apartheid movement.

There has been criticism on South Africa for not having the infrastructure to hold a global sporting event of the cup’s calibre, while high crime rates are also an issue. In the run-up to the event journalists have reportedly been mugged while cash has been stolen from the Greek team’s hotel rooms.

The South Africans government ensures that there are no major security lapses. Bomb squads are sweeping the venue and thousands of police officers are on high alert. It is a pity that Pakistani football fans will have to root for other national sides as this country does not register very high on the chart of international football.

Master pieces shown at KSA (By: Aqeel Ahmed Rajpar)

2010-06-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

Karachi, June 05 (RTL): Photo Club of Karachi (PCK) organized a photography exhibition at Karachi School of Arts here on yesterday.

Master pieces of club members have shown to promote this art and explorer talented photographers of Pakistan.

The club has been running for nearly two years, and in that time the members of the club has discovered masters in the field of photography.

In the long run, the club plans to broaden their scope and outreach and for that very purpose they have now started exhibiting their work since last year.

The PCK is a nonprofit club aiming to raise awareness of this art among the people and promote this form of the art throughout the country.

Mass media with strong future BY: FATIMA SHIEKH

2010-05-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

The impact of mass media has been outstanding throughout the history; in the ancient times people were dependent upon story tellers to hand down the history, information and culture as to get knowledge.

At present time it is one of the method to shape the minds of the people, to educate them, to inform them abut life happenings. Now-a- days an illiterate person, try get as much as information he can through different sources of mass communication including radio, television or by going through the pictures in magazines ,newspaper etc.

The future of anything in its initial stages is not sure or somehow uncertain. To illustrate it we can take the example of radio, when it started in 1910’s, its future was uncertain but very soon it was considered as the important medium similar was the case of mass media but the increasing industry has proved its importance, in every walk of life.

One can find that the strongest impact of media is over our youth as they are the regular followers and tend belief and adopt everything, infect they are the target of may businesses. It is media who plays its role in globalization, also boost culture, not only this also give freedom of expression. It has enhanced political consciousness and made the masses aware of it.

As it is describe above that media is giving boost to cultures as a result of which fusion has taken place and a new culture known as global culture has evolved. We can further elaborate as:

Blogs will be the 1st place that news breaks, and the only place to go for serious insightful reporting. Local newspapers will be replaced by loose networks of local blogs. National newspaper will be driven to extinction by logarithms (Google, Blogdex) and information clearing house blogs.

The wikimedia projects overtake the New York Times to become the “news of records”, the first place people go for unfamiliar information or to follow-up on previous event. Eventually the cultural importances of wikipedia will spwan the wikiprint project in order to provide printed editions of the latest versions of wikipedia articles periodically. When national news paper go up for sale.

The wikimedia foundation well starts buying their archives and hiring a few wiki friendly reporters and editor to work on developing content and editing full time.

Satellite has made a huge difference to the choice of viewing available even in relatively small towns in economically under developed parts of South Asia. it has opened windows to word which were inaccessible before except to the well to so and it has provoked a lively often debated about the implication for nations, communities and culture.

It has also offered a major challenge to the national broadcasters of South Asia who had the field to themselves for so long. Satellite TV is no respecter of borders. It has created new electronic communities which transcend old political boundaries .the same programs can now be watch in Karachi, Kandy Katmandu, Kolhapur and Khulna, even if the language isn’t always understood. It is the challenge not just to the national broadcasters but to nationalism itself.

Local TV news will be replaced by what we now think of as public access television, delivered over the web, but with the advent of low cost digital video recording and editing equipment, it will rival the cable network in terms of quality, cutting edge content and personal engagement. Most future of film makers gets their start producing pieces for local video websites. In short future of mass media is so bright.

(The writer is the student of Mass Communication, University of Karachi.)

DRUG ABUSE AFFCETS THE YOUTH BY: FATIMA SHEIKH

2010-05-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

QUAID-E-AZAM said; “Future of Pakistan based on its youth”. It is true that youth is basic pillar of any state. if it destroy by any mean state will destroy itself. Now-a-days drug abuse is become a major social problem which especially affect youth. First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you. - F. Scott Fitzgerald.

In a recent study by the University of Michigan, 8th, 10th, and 12^th graders across the country are continuing to show a gradual decline in the proportions reporting use of illicit drugs.

"The cumulative declines since recent peak levels of drug involvement in the mid-1990s are quite substantial, especially among the youngest students," said U-M Distinguished Research Scientist Lloyd Johnston, the principal investigator of the MTF study.

The proportion of 8th graders reporting use of an illicit drug at least once in the 12 months prior to the survey (called annual prevalence) was 24 percent in 1996 but has fallen to 13 percent by 2007, a drop of nearly half. The decline has been less among 10th

graders, from 39 percent to 28 percent between 1997 and 2007, and least among 12th graders, a decline from the recent peak of 42 percent in 1997 to 36 percent this year.

Among the substances abused are: alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, "club drugs" (ecstasy, etc.). Stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalants, prescription drugs, and steroids.

Drug and substance abuse among teenagers, is substantial. Among youth age 12 to 17, about 1.1 million meet the diagnostic criteria for dependence on drugs, and about 1 million are treated for alcohol dependency.

According to National institute of health, from 2006 to 2007, the percentage of 8th graders reporting lifetime use of any illicit drug declined from 20.9% to 19.0%. Reported past year use among 8th graders declined from 14.8% to 13.2%. Past year prevalence has fallen by 44% among 8th graders since the peak year of 1996.

Past year prevalence has fallen 27% among 10th graders and 15% among 12th graders since the peak year of 1997. In 2007, 15.4% of 12th graders reported using a prescription drug nonmedically within the past year2. Vicodin continues to be abused at unacceptably high levels. Attitudes toward substance abuse, often seen as harbingers of change in abuse rates, were mostly stable. However, among 8th graders, perceived risk of harm associated with MDMA decreased for the third year in a row. Attitudes towards using LSD also softened among 10th graders this year.

Between 2005 and 2007, past year abuse of MDMA increased among 12^th graders from 3.0% to 4.5%; and between 2004 and 2007, past year abuse of MDMA increased among 10th graders from 2.4% to 3.5%.

The remaining statistically significant increases involved teen alcohol use. The percentage of 10th graders who had been drunk in the past year rose from 38.3 in 1998 to 40.9 in 1999. Also, the percentage of 8th graders having 5+ drinks during the 2 weeks prior to being surveyed increased from 13.7 in 1998 to 15.2 in 1999.

Teenagers at risk for substance abuse include those with a family history of substance abuse, who have low self-esteem, who feel hopelessly alienated, as if they don't fit in, or who are depressed.

Different substances lend themselves to different groups of symptoms. The most glaring symptom in all cases is a change, sometimes a radical one, in behavior. Other physical signs of substance abuse are: slurred speech, memory impairment, in coordination, and impairment of attention.

There are three categories of substance abuse:

A. Use: The occasional use of alcohol or other drugs without developing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms when not in use.

B. Abuse: The continued use of alcohol or other drugs even while knowing that the continued use is creating problems socially, physically, or psychologically.

C. Dependence: At least three of the following factors must be present: a. Substance is taken in larger amounts or over longer periods of time than the person intended.

In order to cope up with this social problem governments of the states should take appropriate measures and pass such laws against smuggling of such drugs which causes substance abuse in society. Moreover drugs should not supply without doctor’s prescription.

(The writer is the student of Mass Communication, university of Karachi.)

Female Genocide in India By Jalil Ahmed

2010-04-09T01:28:00.000-07:00

India worships a score of goddesses seeking “shakti” (divine power}. The divine mother Durga and the Great Mother - Kali Ma are worshipped across the country by both male and female for strength.

However the hypocrisy of Indian society is pellucid as on one hand it worships women goddesses and on the other it doesn’t hesitate to kill these goddesses’ vivid manifestations.

Some ten million female births in India have been lost to abortion and sex selection over the past 20 years because of a traditional preference for boys.

The shocking report, published in the British Medical Journal, Lancet lays the blame squarely on the use of ultrasound screening, which tells families whether their child will be a boy or a girl.

The research, based on a national survey of more than one million households, found an unusual gender imbalance in the country, the study said adding the gender imbalance in India has been known for some time. It has caused a marriage crisis in rural areas where thousands of young men are failing to find brides.

The research, carried out by Prabhat Jha of St Michael's Hospital at the University of Toronto, Canada, and Rajesh Kumar of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Research in Chandigarh, was published in the Lancet journal (Jan 2006).

They said prenatal selection and selective abortion caused the loss of 500,000 girls a year.

The research based on a national survey of 1.1 million households in 1998 claimed the "girl deficit" was more common among educated families irrespective of religions. The study found an alarming tendency to select boys when previous births were girls.

Prabhat Jha concluded conservative estimates suggest half a million girls were being lost each year. The practice has been common for most of the past two decades since access to ultrasound became widespread, hence the figure of 10 million missing female births does not sound “unreasonable”, he added.

In most countries, women slightly outnumber men whereas research for the year 2001 showed that for every 1,000 male babies born in India, there were only 933 girls.

Traditionally female children are held inferior and a liability across the sub-continent .The region, a large agrarian society, considers boys more useful for farm work. ###

5 Largest Libraries of the World

2010-04-07T04:39:00.001-07:00

Library of Congress

Library of congress is currently dwelled in three buildings in Washington D.C, the United States of America. It holds 29 million books and is presently listed as the World’s Largest Library in the “Guinness World Records Book”. The Library of Congress was set up on April 24, 1800. Currently the head is the Librarian of Congress James H. Belington. This Library is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States.

National Library of China

National Library of China is housed in Beijing, China. It is the largest library in Asia and world’s second largest library which contains over 23 million volumes. It was founded on 24 April 1909 by the Qing government and was first formally opened after the Xinhai Revolution, in 1912. Currently the director is Mr. Zhan Furui.

Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The world’s third largest library contains 20 million books. The Academy was founded in Saint Petersburg in Russia by Peter the Great, inspired by Gottfried Leibniz in January 28, 1724. The Library was called as Saint Petersburg Academy of Sciences between 1724 and 1917.

National Library and Archives Canada

National Library and archive Canada is located in Ottawa, Canada with number of 18.8 million books. It is the multipart of the “Public archive of Canada” and “National library of Canada”, founded in 1953.The Director, librarian and Archivist is Dr. Daniel J. Caron of Canada.

German National Library

German National Library is situated in Frankfurt, Germany. In German language it is called as “Deutsche Bibliothek”. It was established in 1912. It contains 18.5 million books. The Director of German National Library is Dr Elisabeth Niggemann.

5 Pictures that Shocked the World

2010-04-07T04:35:00.000-07:00

Death Caused by Earthquake 2005

Burning Monk

Thích Quảng Đức a Vietnamese Buddhist monk who burned himself to death at a busy Saigon road intersection on 11 June 1963, as a protest against persecution of Buddhists in Vietnam.

Iraqi Soldier

The image shows a burned-beyond-recognition Iraqi soldier in the front window of a destroyed truck.

Burial of Unknown Child

One of the victims of the world’s worst ever industrial disaster known as Bhopal gas tragedy, took place at a Union Carbide pesticide plant in the Indian city of Bhopal on December 3, 1984.The plant released (MIC) gas and other toxins, resulting in the exposure of over 500,000 people.

Sudanese child

Sudanese child being stalked by a vulture nearby. It is quite obvious that the child was starving to death, while the vulture was patiently waiting for the toddler to die so he can have a good meal. Nobody knows what happened to the child, who crawled his way to a United Nations food camp. Photographer Kevin Carter won a Pulitzer Prize for this shocking picture, but he eventually committed suicide three months after he took the shot.

5 heaviest people in the history

2010-04-07T04:34:00.000-07:00

Carol Yager (peak weight 727 kg/ 1,600 lbs)

Carol Ann Yager is topping the list of heaviest people, her peak weight reached up to 727 kg (16, 00 lbs); Carol Ann Yager was also famous for losing most weight by natural means,she lost 521 lbs weight in just three months.

According to news reports her skin was breaking down due to a bacterial infection, that’s why she was admitted to Hurley Medical Center, where she spent terrible time till her death.Carol Yager was unable to stand or walk because her muscles were not strong enough and she died at the young age of 34,main causes of her death were kidney failure, multiple organ failure and morbid obesity.

Jon Brower Minnoch (peak weight 635 kg / 1400 lbs)

Like Carol Yager, Job Brower was also fat in his childhood, his weight was 132 kg (292lbs) ,when he was just 12 years old; Minnoch was admitted to hospital for 16 months where he lost 419 kg but after being discharged, his weight doubled. He couldn’t control his weight and died on September 10, 1983, at the age of 42.

Manuel Uribe (597 kg / 1,316 lb)

Like other heavy weights, Manuel Uribe is also living a hard life. He spent 9 years in bed from 2001 to 2009,even he got married in bed with Claudia on October 26, 2008.On his wedding, Manuel Uribe spoke loud and clear to all dishearten people saying “I am proof you can find love in any circumstances, It’s all a question of faith. I have a wife and will form a new family and live a happy life”.

Walter Hudson (544 kg / 1,200 lb)

World’s fourth heaviest power house was born in Brooklyn, New York. Walter came into lime light when he was trapped inside of his room’s door. Recue team had to break the wall to take him out. He loved to eat as once he said and I quote “”I just ate and enjoyed it”. Although he announced his wedding plans but that remained a dream . He died few weeks later.

Rosalie Bradford (544 kg / 1,200 lb)

Rosalie Bradford was Foodaholic since her childhood. Like all other weight giants, she gained weight when she was young. At the age of 14 her weight was 92 kg and 140 kg at the age of 15. Rosalie married and had one son. After her marriage, she spent most of her time at home and gained more weight. All that depressed her and she tried to commit suicide. Her weight eventually reduced to 136 kg (300 lb). She died on November 29,

Top 5 Weird Animals

2010-04-07T04:32:00.000-07:00

Cyclops Kitten

Cyclops Kitten was s a creature, which was born in Redmond, Oregon, on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2005,actually that kitten was suffering from cephalic disorder in which theprosencephalon (the forebrain of the embryo) fails to develop into two hemispheres, it survived only one day.

Miracle Mike

Miracle Mike was a headless chicken born in April 1945 in USA,it survived 18 months. The story of this chicken is very interesting, Lloyd Olsen,a farmer residing in Colrado decided to cook a chicken named “Mike” for his supper ,he tried to kill Mile with but axe missed the jugular vein, leaving one ear and most of the brain stem intact, Mr. Olsen decided to continue to care permanently for Mike, feeding it a mixture of milk and water via an eyedropper; it was also fed small grains of corn; Olsen also used Mike’s fame to earn hand some bucks through its display on public shows.

Cham Leck

Cham Leck is a six legged Cambodian cow which was born in October 7, 2003, this cow was gifted to a monk by its owner due to danger of bringing him a bad fortune ,Cham leck means strange in local language.

Three headed frog

Scientists are calling this creature a product of environmenta problem, it was discovered by a children of Green Umbrella nursery in Weston-super-Mare,United Kingdom in the year 2004.

Alligator mississppiensis

A rare white albino alligator is seen during a photocall at the ‘Serengeti’ Safari park in the northern German village of Hodenhagen. The 14 year-old albino alligator (Alligator mississppiensis), named ‘White Diamond’, was born in Louisiana in the U.S. and grew up at the St. Augustin-Alligator Farm in Florida

Top 5 Biggest and Deepest Holes of the World

2010-04-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

Mirny Diamond Mine

Mirny Diamond mine is considered to be the biggest hole in the world; it is located in Mirny, Eastern Siberia, Russia ,it is 1 1/2 km wide, 500 meter deep hole, average winter temperature in mirny is just below -40 Celsius; flights are not allowed above the hole because due to suction many helicopters fell down into the hole.

El Zacatón Cenote

El Zacatón Cenote is world’s deepest water-filled sinkhole,it is 318 metres deep,it was discovered by the help of robotic vehicle designed for underwater exploration by the National Aeronautic Space Agency

The Great Blue Hole

The great blue hole is a circular shaped hole located 100 kilometers (62 mi) from the Belize City and is 300 metres across and 125 metres deep;it was formed due to rising of oceans ,when limestone caves flooded and caves collapsed.

The Door to hell

This hole named Derweze is located in Turkmenistan, it was discovered in 1971 when drilling was going on by geologists,suddenly ground under the rig collapsed leaving a hole of about 50-100 metres,scientists decided to burn the discharging gas which is still burning since that day.

Sinkhole

In February 2007 a large sinkhole opened in northeast Guatemala city, killing three people. The sinkhole was 100.5 m (330 ft) deep, and apparently was created by fluid from a sewer dissolving the rock underneath. As a result, one thousand people have been evacuated from the area

Top 5 Weird Human Diseases

2010-04-07T04:29:00.000-07:00

Lymphatic filariasis

Elephantiasis also known as lymphatic filariasis is a disease which is characterized by thickening of skin and underlying tissues; it is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and B. timori and they are transmitted by mosquitoes.

Hyperchitrosis

Werewolf syndrome or Hyperchitrosis is a disease in which there is an abnormal growth of hair on patient’s body and especially on parts of the body where hair normally does not grow; it is commonly caused by AIDS, tuberculosis etc.

Blue Skin Disorder

Blue skin disorder is a disease in which skin of the patient turns blue, this disease is caused by inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood, these type of people are actually suffering from a condition called cyanosis.

Microspia

Microspia is a disease in which patient’s visual perception is changed, patient’s sees the objects such as animals, humans much smaller size than the actual size, main cause of this disease is traumatic brain injury.

Walking Corpse Syndrome

There are many weird mental disorders in the world. Cotard’s Syndrome or Walking Corpse syndrome is one of them. Cotord’s Syndrome is when a person thinks that he has died, lost his soul, or lost a vital organ. He may even think that he does not has blood. This disorder has been linked to many other disorders including Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Some people with this disorder may feel immortal.

Threats of Social Networking on Internet BY: SHAIKH KAMRAN SALIM

2010-03-30T01:39:00.000-07:00

“I’ll catch you on face book tonight,” a student outside the class was talking to his friend on mobile phone. I was taken a back. For the first time I realized that face book has really become a household social forum.

The world of Internet has opened new avenues for the mankind. Web surfing is no longer left for just information gathering rather it has become more of socializing medium. Face book, Twitter and other social networks have quickly become an integral part of the online culture. These networks comes with some set of serious threat to one’s privacy.

Online information sharing through these networks makes you vulnerable to hackers busy in phising attacks. It is necessary that the users should think before they share informations. In an open communities like face book, you should eschew from posting things online that you may later regret. Such informations may go against you, so do not leave too many skeletons in your cupboard.

You should refrain from sharing your thoughts about your boss, teacher or any elder person. You never know one of them may be member of the same network. If they are not a part of your network and can’t see your posts directly but they may very well be connected to someone else in your network. Therefore, be careful and do not post anything that may embarrass you later.

Face book does provide privacy control that allows you to customize your information available to other viewers, so use it. I how social and open you are, is for you to decide. However, face book being a networking site designed for sharing information, many settings open by default. You may have notice advertisements that use your friend’s names or photos associated with them. Face book in particular has drawn some unwanted attention in connection with various privacy concerns.

A huge selection of Games and quizzes offered by face book are one of the most sought after commodities. You may have noticed that a notice pops up when you initiate a game or quiz that says interacting with the application require opening access to information, never allows the access to Continue. The access will let the application retrieve your profile information, photos, your friend’s info and other content. Be careful, the time that you think you are having fun may actually be an invitation to hackers.

Internet surfing for socializing may seen too attractive to the users but they don’t realize that they may sitting ducks to the attackers. For some users the internet may be a medium to broaden their social circle for professional gains or to locate old friends, whatever it may be, you can become a prey to the professional hackers. They can break into your private information like credit card details, money transfer, travelling details e.t.c. They can gain access to your face book account and hijack it. Face book does offer privacy controls. This can help you restricting the information sharing. Therefore use your right to “Privacy Setting” and enjoy surfing.

TWO YEARS OF PRESENT GOVERNMENT. By: Aqeel Ahmed Rajpar

2010-03-30T01:38:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately present government fails to provide “Roti”, “Kapra”, and “Makaan” to at least those who vote them.

People of Pakistan have lots of hope with this government after the nine years of dictatorship. But present government instead of making any valuable policy to eliminate the poverty, continues the policies of Musharraf regime.

During the Musharraf period, country’s foreign exchange reserves were at $13.3 billion, dollar exchange rate at Rs. 62.76, the KSE index at 15,125 and inflation at 20.6 per cent.

These figures shows that present government inherited a sound economy, then why the economy comes down during last two years and force the government to move towards International Monitoring Fund (IMF).

The basic necessities of life, such as electricity, gas, oil, and food items are now controlled by IMF. After every six months, government increased the power tariff as per the orders of IMF.

The biggest breakthroughs of present government are issuance of National Finance Commission (NFC) award and amendments in the constitution. But these achievements are not enough to provide education and health facilities to common people.

Common man only wants two times food, a roof on their heads and cloths, which are the slogans of present government.

Recently, ministry of information organized a exhibition titled “Rebuilding Democratic Pakistan”. It provides glimpse of the government’s two years achievements for the masses. But the question arise here is that, are these exhibitions or events like that, can build the confidence of people over government? The development in the country speaks louder than the pictures.

Overall crime rate in the country is today higher than what it was two years ago. Official figures prove that the crime rate has increased despite tall claims made by Federal and Provincial rulers.

If we analyze the figures of crime in Islamabad, which comes under the direct command of the President, Prime Minister, and interior ministry, we find that 25 per cent increase in crimes since two years.

Still there are three more years remaining of this government. People only ask for “Roti”, “Kapra”, and “Makaan”. Government should work hard and utilize the country’s resources instead of borrowing from others.

Mass Communication wins Pegham-e-Aman Cricket Cup 2010 BY: AQEEL AHMED RAJPAR

2010-02-26T01:50:00.000-08:00

Karachi, (aqeel) Feb 25: Mass Communication department has won the 8th Pegham-e-Aman Cricket Cup 2010 against Department of Public Administration (DPA) by 10 wickets here at Walica ground university of Karachi.

All Pakistan Muthida Students Organisation (APMSO) organised the tournament, more than 250 teams participated, out of which DPA and Mass Comm able to reach in the final.

Former City Nazim Mustafa Kamal distributed the medals, runners up trophy and winner trophy. Miss Rafia Taj Chairperson, Department of Mass Communication, awarded Rs. 5000 to wining team.

DPA won the toss and offered Mass Comm to bat first. Both openers of Mass Comm Nabeel and Haris played beautiful and scored 117 for their team in six overs. Haris scored 85 and received the man of the match award from Mustafa Kamal.

DPA unable to reach the total and lost the game by 57 runs. DPA scored 60-7 runs in their six overs.

After wining the trophy Mass Communication team went to their department in a shape of rally, where cheering Prof. Shams uddin receive them and then the celebrations started in the department.

VALUE ADDED TAX ACT, 2010 BY: AQEEL AHMED RAJPAR

2010-02-24T01:22:00.000-08:00

Islamabad, Feb 24 (Aqeel A. Rajpar): The Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, 2010 will replace the current GST system after been approved from Parliament and will enforce in the country on July 1 this year, FBR Chairman said.

The Federal Board of Revenue has published the draft of the VAT to apply a tax on sales and purchases and terminal taxes on goods, carried through railways, sea or air.

According to the draft, provincial VAT law and the federal VAT operate together as an integrated tax regime.

According to the draft, a person is necessary to be registered from a particular day in any month if the person exceeds the registration threshold in the period of 12 months, the total value of supplies made, or to be made, by the person in the course of an economic activity during that period is equal to or greater than Rs75, 000.

A person will apply for registration as per the mode, defined by the FBR no later than 15 days before the day on which the person becomes eligible for registration.

A serial number will be issue to the registered people for true and correct tax invoice for the supply. If a registered person, who makes a taxable supply of an amount not more than Rs25, 000 to a non register person may issue a sales receipt for the price of the supply.

The Inland Revenue officer will have the same powers of civil judge or magistrate for the purpose of recovery of unpaid amounts of tax recoverable under the act or the rules made there under.

The Revenue officer may conduct audit, of any registered person by giving advance notice provided that such notice may be give out with by the commissioner where tax fraud is suspected.

VAT will not enforce on these imports and supplies: unprocessed peas, wheat and wheat flour; ice and waters excluding those for sale under brand names or trademarks; table salt including iodized salt excluding salt sold in retail packing bearing brand names and trademarks; books (including brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, children’s picture, drawing or colouring books, music printed or in manuscript form, maps and hydrographic or similar charts), newspapers and periodicals, other than material wholly or predominantly devoted to advertising; the Holy Quran in whatever form or on whatever media; diapers for adults (patients); ambulances and fire-fighting trucks; dextrose and saline infusion giving sets along with empty non-toxic bags for infusion solution, and dextrose and saline infusion giving sets; and artificial body parts. ###

Summary of handout: “Ethical Consideration for Communicators” By: Aqeel Ahmed Rajpar

2010-02-22T01:07:00.000-08:00

The article “Ethical consideration for Communicators” gives the reader good understanding of ethics and principles of the media, which should be practice by a communicator.

The handout focuses on the code of ethics, which are based on the principles of truthfulness, freedom, equality and fairness. Writers quoted International Declaration for Communicators, which says “respect for truth for the right of public to know truth”.

The writers give reference of National Union of Journalist’s code of professional conduct for communicators to illustrate their article that how the media man avoid the biasness and encourage the fairness in his/her reporting.

A communicator should respect his profession and perform his/her duties within the ethics of profession. Media man is representative of public and he/she doesn’t allow violating the trust of public on them.

Media man act as channel of communication between the source and its readers or viewers.

The writers stated that freedom of media is linked with the people’s right to know and is the heart of liberty. Media is one of the pillars of society in which media man should act as responsible person.

According to Mac bride Commission report 1980, media man is responsible towards society, international community and his internal organization.

The writers after discussing the duties and responsibilities of a media man put light on the role of media. And focuses on the professional ethics in journalism.

In 1983 through UNESCO declaration principles of professional ethics in journalism, which are freedom of opinion, expression and information, these principles are vital factors to strengthening peace and international understanding.

Media can play an important role in maintaining peace in the society; the instrument which journalists have is “words”. This instrument can be used only in condition of peace. So promotion of peace in society is the only way to defending freedom of speech.

The writers also give the reference of “The Courier” and “The Los Angels” six points’ guidelines to avoiding conflict of interest, for the betterment of the journalists.

In the last couple of paragraphs writers focuses on the ethics for communicator in Pakistan in the light of Islam. In 1963 Ayub’s regime promulgated the Press and Publication Ordinance and later in 1988 it become Registration of Press and Publication Ordinance.

The 1973 constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan guarantees to citizens freedom of expression and freedom of communication. However some restrictions are imposed by laws in the interest of Islam.

In the end writers give the declaration of Pakistan Newspaper Editors Council that what should be avoided in any form of publication, such as news, editorials, photographs and advertisement.

After reading the article on can easily understand the code of ethics of this noble profession. ###

FILM REVIEW OF "3 IDIOTS' WRITTEN BY AQEEL AHMED RAJPAR

2010-02-13T00:57:00.000-08:00

Film: 3 Idiots

Indian Movie

Staring: Amir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Booman Irani.

The plot of the movie is about those parents who forced their children to become doctor or Engineer.

It was the of late 80’s and early 90’s, when doctors and engineers were suppose to be respected professions, other than this, is worthless people.

The director of the movie focused that era and gave some example of parents who believed that, without studied MBBS or Engineering, the child may not be fruitful for the society.

In late 80’s Information Technology (I.T) was not much advanced and there were no big multi-national corporations, Non-governmental organizations and specially media (electronic media). That is why the scope of other studies except MBBS and Engineering were not having any charm.

In the movie Amir Khan played a role of son of a poor man. Amir Khan got admission in the Engineering College where Booman Irani is the Dean, and students call him “VIRUS”.

Amir Khan joined the college for a degree not for himself but for the son of his father’s boss, Ramchand.

Ramchand make a deal with the father of Amir Khan, because Ramchand’s son has no interest with study but Amir Khan is very intelligent. That is why Ramchand invest his money on the study of Amir Khan just for the degree of Engineering for his son.

After completing the engineering degree Amir will go a place where nobody knows him, and Javed Jaffari (son of the Ramchand) will utilize his degree, these are the terms of the deal.

During the four years of Engineering Amir performed good and got gold medal. And then as per the deal he left the town and started a charitable Engineering school in a small village.

After few years some of the friends of Amir during his college time started to search him and finally they got him but they were shocked to see a different person having the degree and gold medal of Amir. In the end Amir’s friends find him in small village.

And then Amir told them the complete story which he never told them during his college life. Amir showed them in college era that he is very rich man and he is studying just for knowledge not for degree.

The message in the movie is that do not study for marks and degree, but to gain knowledge and utilize that knowledge for the betterment of the society.

PAKISTANI TEAM WAITS FOR A MIRACLE TO HAPPEN BY AQEEL AHMED RAJPAR

2010-02-13T00:52:00.000-08:00

The problem with us is that we always wait for a miracle to happen. But every day it doesn’t happen. Therefore hoping for results much as the historic win in Sharjah where a last ball sixer by Javed Miandad earned us the match or the West Indies defeat by Australia in 1992 world cup that paved our paved way to the finals is like waiting for providence to come to our rescue.

Waiting for miracles to happen has now become our national character. We do not believe in hard work and passion, our first priority is to find a shortcut, or wait for the miracle.

The thing that we were lacking in recent tour of Australia is hard work and self-belief. Captain Muhammad Yousuf instead of motivating the players, expressed his meek temperament by saying Australia is number one team of the world and it is difficult to defeat them in their home grounds.

It is true that Australia is the world champion and still number one team in Test and One day International (ODI) ranking of International Cricket council (ICC). But when you play against the number one team you should believe in yourself. We have the example of Bangladesh, who played with self-belief and passion and won against Australia in champion’s Trophy of 2008.

The same Pakistani squad, without Muhammad Yousuf, given a superb performance in T-20 World Cup had defeated all teams. The passion and self-motivation which was seen in T-20 world cup was missing in all games we played afterward.

Pakistani team had played a Test series against Srilanka and New Zealand, and lost by 2-0 and 2-1 respectively. We also played a ODI series against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, lost by 3-2.

In Australia, the team had to suffer a clean sweep by losing both the Test series and ODIs 3-0 and 5-0, respectively.

According to news reports, former players have suggested to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to appoint Shahid Afridi as the new captain.

But it is debatable whether the all rounder can deliver and can help the team turn into a truly disciplined, motivated and efficient outfit.

No doubt Shahid Afridi is great all rounder and he has given us some great victories, but if his batting as a captain does not click then what.

I think PCB should avoid changing captain every now and then. PCB should give at least two years to a captain and review his future in the light of his performance.

This character of PCB officials to changing captain after a series shows that PCB officials also believe in miracles to happen.

DROP CATCHES AVERAGE INCREASES IN AUS TOUR BY AQEEL AHEMD RAJPAR

2010-01-25T01:51:00.000-08:00

Karachi, Jan 23: Pakistan has dropped 23 catches in Australia. In New Zealand before this affair they dropped, conservatively, 10 catches, in three matches which mean that average of four drop catches in a match increased dramatically.

The 23 drop catches in Australia have cost them over 550 runs; what cost there has been in morale, mood and momentum nobody can put a number on. All catches are crucial but some more than others.

Pakistan were fully on top when Ponting pulled again, this time straight to Mohammad Aamer, only for him to drop one of the simplest offerings likely to come his way. It changed the game.

Intikhab Alam, Pakistan's coach was left to repeat the excuse that Pakistan's camp has been using every day here. "Yes that was a bad drop by Aamer, and things would have been different," Intikhab said.

"It was an easy catch but again that was a very vital catch for us. Especially on a wicket like this we can't give chances,”

"When we arrived here I said we had a problem. It's a grassroots problem back home, people don't take fielding seriously when they play for associations and departments and regions. This is where we have to work really hard. It is a serious problem, we practice every day, we practice all kinds of different drills but at the end of the day they have to do it themselves." Intikhab added.

“Specialist fielding coaches have been talked about and their usefulness with the Pakistan side could be argued either way. Jonty Rhodes couldn't do much in 2006, but he was only with them for two weeks”.

“Mohtashim Rasheed has been with the side on and off over the last couple of years and when he has been around the catching hasn't been as poor as it has over these last few months”.

“The current coaching team is adamant that as much as can be done is being done. Clearly it is not enough, but they feel no need for a specialist fielding coach. "Myself, Waqar Younis and Aaqib Javed, the three of us, work very hard and do different drills,"

Intikhab said. "A specialist fielder can come and coach and won't make much difference. At the end of the day these are the players and they have to have confidence in their ability. It is serious and we have to address it. It is a debatable point actually. I don't think he will come with new ideas. We have done everything and we do it every day.

Pakistan's other major obstacle on this tour has been their own lack of intent, which has been startling at times. It became apparent again here, immediately after lunch in 2nd Test. Pakistan were fully on top then, the pace bowlers had a wicket each and Ponting was still struggling.

Mohammad Yousuf chose to open the afternoon session with Danish Kaneria, disregarding both Ponting and Michael Clarke's general command over spin. Aamer didn't bowl through the entire session, by which time captain and vice-captain were firmly entrenched.

No clarity emerged as to why they did it, only further evidence - and it isn't needed - that Pakistan still don't think they can take Australia. "I don't think it was a mistake to not bowl him Aamer," Intikhab said. "It was very important to keep every bowler fresh. After lunch Kaneria bowled downwind and the idea was to give him a few overs and see and seamers can bowl at the other end. But it didn't work out that way. ###

SHAHEED BENAZIR BHUTTO INTERNATIONAL BOXING TOURNAMENT BY AQEEL AHMED RAJPAR

2010-01-18T00:21:00.000-08:00

KARACHI, Jan 18: Pakistan with two teams claimed one gold medal in the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament which ended at the KPT Sports Complex here on January 08.

China clinched four gold medals to win the top honours in the tournament. Chinese showed their class with brilliant display of punching and superb technique to earn handsome cheers and appreciation from a jam-packed arena.

All the seven Chinese pugilists ended the championship in style by winning four gold, one silver and two bronze medals to claim the top spot in the 20-nation contest

Syrian boxers got two gold and two silver medals while Thailand took two gold medals.

Pakistan started the final day in great fashion in the light-flyweight bout when Mohib Bacha of Pakistan Whites crushed compatriot Nadir Baloch of Pakistan Greens 4-0 to grab the gold.

However, in the fly-weight bout Anan Pongkhet of Thailand defeated Pakistan Whites’ Abdul Waheed Baloch 2-1.

Adnan Hussain of Pakistan Greens went down to Ibrahim Sanda of Syria in the light-weight category 6-2.

Six boxers of Central Africa have decided to embrace Islam after they were greatly struck by the behaviour of the Muslims during their stay here.

Mulema Joseph of Cameroon, who embraced Islam named Mohammad Umar, hammered Iraq’s Ahmed Jassem 15-0 in the welterweight final.

Olympic bronze medallist Syed Hussain Shah has advised the Pakistani boxers to keep themselves away of drugs and other frivolous activities and only focus on their game as discipline is the only thing which could give them the power to excel in boxing.

“I would like to advise my youngsters to keep themselves away of drugs and other useless activities and only concentrate on their boxing,” the 1988 Seoul bronze medallist boxer told reporters here.

It is pertinent to mention here that two Pakistani boxers Mehrullah Lassi and Faisal Karim were tested positive for using cannabis during the 2006 Colombo South Asian Games which later forced the Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) to impose life bans on them. However, their bans were reduced to two-year suspensions.

Shah, who is imparting training to the professionals in Japan, pointed out that maximum exposure would only bring maturity in the national boxers and it is the only way to raise the image of the game in the country.

However, he warned that the boxers should be sent only to those countries where they could prevent themselves from frivolous activities and could only concentrate on their training.

To a query he said that it is a great effort from the authorities to conduct such a big event in an unfavourable environment.

“It is great to hold such a big event in such a risky condition,” the former Pakistan boxer said.

Federal Sports Minister Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, world boxing champion Amir Khan, Federal Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination Pir Syed Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani, Sindh Sports Minister Dr Mohammad Ali Shah, Seoul Olympics bronze medallist Hussain Shah, President Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Lt Gen (r) Syed Arif Hasan, President PBF Doda Khan Bhutto were present at the presentation ceremony.