Unveiling the World Of 3D Weapons: Technology, Risks, Legal Aspects, and Regulatory Challenges
Technological evolution has led to a crossover between AI and 3D printing. In the wrong hands, this combination can prove to be lethal. 3D-printed weapons are becoming commonplace in wars and rebellions, as witnessed in the 2021 Myanmar civil war.
Zoya Usman contemplates the challenges and risks these weapons pose in the modern world. Some view these developments with alarm, while others debate the urgency of the threat they pose.
Do these concerns warrant immediate attention?
The First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842)
Laiba Umer Malik offers a brief history of the First Anglo-Afghan War (1838-1842). This Afghan war, fought in the midst of the Great Game, set the stage for future foreign interventions in Afghanistan. It marked the start of centuries of torment for the people of modern-day Afghanistan.
Singapore’s Giant Digital Economy
Despite the global economic hiccup, a tiny island nation often termed the “Lion City,” Singapore remains one of the world’s strongest economies.
Its robust “smart nation” initiative, which mobilizes advancements in digital technologies to create smooth, tech-driven actions, has firmly put Singapore in a good position to develop a strong digital economy and a force to reckon with in the tech-oriented society.
The Anglo-Soviet Invasion of Iran
The Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran officially began on 25th August 1941 and concluded on 31st August 1941, a day after the Iranian government had agreed to surrender and establish a ceasefire.
However, the invasion was more than a mere military operation; it assisted in setting the stage for Iran’s role in global politics along with shifting the perspective of the Iranian government and its populace concerning the West.
BizNet 2024: Embracing Financial Inclusion & Business Transformation
BizNet, Pakistan’s premier platform for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, celebrated its third successful edition at the President House Islamabad in association with Women Business Network.
Artificial Intelligence and National Security: A Way Forward for Pakistan
Noman Ali Kalhoro identifies the loopholes and shortcomings in the draft national AI policy by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, a document that has the potential to shape Pakistan’s roadmap towards a competitive posture in this technological era.
By examining the US’s National Artificial Intelligence Initiative and China’s New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, he showcases their guiding principles, ideology, and implementation methods while investigating the influence of AI in the national security paradigm.
Canada-Philippines Defence Agreement and the South China Sea Dispute
The recent defence agreement signed between Canada and the Philippines is focused on cooperation in military education, information sharing, training exchanges, peacekeeping operations, and disaster responses regulated between the military and defence establishment of both countries.
Although it doesn’t mention a direct aim of safeguarding the claims of the Philippines in the South China Sea, the defence agreement would surely play its role in the ongoing dispute.
The Israeli War in Gaza: Where Climate Change Meets Conflict
The highly anticipated COP28, held in Dubai in December 2023, took place amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine. The authors examine the conference’s agenda and achievements through the lens of the conflict-climate intersection.
They discuss how these two concepts are deeply interconnected and highlight that the COP’s exclusion of the conflict, primarily the Israel-Gaza war, from the agenda makes it challenging to achieve climate goals in the region.
The Fault in Our Stars: Pitfalls in Pakistan’s Economic Development
As Pakistan approaches its 77th anniversary, Aiman Shahid reflects on its journey.
Impacted by political turmoil and a neglect of economic development, Pakistan trails behind other developing nations such as Bangladesh – a state once poorer than Pakistan, now emerging as a success story, overcoming adversity through strategic reforms and empowering its female workforce.
Comparing Pakistan to African developing states, she also highlights valuable insights from Rwanda’s path to progress, which could transform Pakistan’s economy and help the South Asian state achieve its development goals. As the nation stands at a crossroads, it must confront its identity crisis and persevere to shape a brighter future.
From Swords to Drones: The Impact of Technology on Warfare
Over time, warfare has evolved from primitive conflicts to complex, organized endeavors, heavily influenced by technological advancements.
From early weaponry like swords to modern innovations such as drones and cyber warfare, technology has continued to shape military strategies and tactics.
The manipulation of the internet and emerging technologies like drones, missile shields, and hacking are shaping modern warfare, emphasizing the importance of technological superiority in military operations.
Women’s Rights in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
Huzaifah Sehgal dissects the detrimental impact of AI technologies on women and their rights.
He critically evaluates the various forms of prejudices that may be directed toward women, and the added hurdles in realization of women’s rights due to digital and AI driven technologies.
Additionally, he also evaluates the impact of AI-driven technologies on women who work.
India’s Cultivation of the Khalistan Movement—Past & Present
The Khalistan Movement is an attempt to liberate the Sikhs of India. The separatist movement was started by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and gained momentum in the ’80s.
The recent murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver has rekindled the movement, shedding light on India’s persisting anti-Khalistan sentiments.
India’s distaste for the Sikhs has been seen time and again over the years from Operation Blue Star of 1948, to the unsavory response that the Farmer’s Protests received.
Sarmad Ishfaq summarizes that with the way India keeps targeting Sikhs, the revival of Khalistan seems inevitable, and it’s only a matter of time before it gains momentum again.
Anchors Aweigh: Pakistan’s Seaports in the Global Trade Network
The seven major seaports—Karachi Port, Gwadar Port, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, Keti Bandar Port, Ormara Port, Pasni Port, and Jiwani Port—play crucial roles in global trade dynamics, development, and security.
Fatimah Naeem argues that challenges like insufficient infrastructure, political instability, security concerns, and socioeconomic pitfalls have hindered the proper utilization of these ports.
Despite this, there is still a chance for the country’s growth and progress if there’s an emphasis on strategic investments.
Regional Dialogue 2024: Advocating Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience
At the Regional Dialogue 2024, hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), President Arif Alvi emphasized the imperative role of modern agricultural technology in tackling the climate crisis.
Proposing upgrades to Pakistan’s agriculture sector, he advocated for sophisticated irrigation methods and adherence to international standards and guidelines.
During the three-day dialogue, DG (ISSI) Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, former foreign minister, Inam Ul Haque, the current foreign minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, and Aisha Khan of the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change also addressed the issue.
Efforts to Curb the Drug Menace in KP
Nothing hampers economic growth more than a disorderly and chaotic society, especially where illicit drugs run free in the market.
Syed Salman Mushtaq Gilani focuses on the Anti-Narcotics Act 2017 and its impact on drug control within the KP province, especially on the youth.
From Legislation to Implementation: Evaluating the KPK Police Act, 2017
In 2017, the KPK Police Act was introduced as a step towards reforming the institute. The act was further amended in 2021; however, its effectiveness remains in question. Though additional reforms have also been introduced within the KPK Police, Arham Zahra analyzes the 2017 Act and addresses the challenges in its implementation.
Insight into the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is positioning itself as a competitor to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Minahil Khalid expands on how this initiative materialized after the September 2023 G20 summit. IMEC holds significant economic and strategic importance as it connects India, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe, thereby establishing a trade route with the potential to reshape global trading dynamics. The impact of IMEC on Pakistan needs to be assessed, considering that this corridor may pose challenges to the success and involvement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the region.