Latest news with #EAD
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
World Bank reaffirms commitment to $40bn CPF with Pakistan
Pakistan and the World Bank reaffirmed their development partnership during high-level consultations in Washington, D.C., with both sides committing to the effective implementation of the newly launched $40 billion Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2026–2035. The development came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, during his official visit to the United States, with senior World Bank leadership, read a statement released by the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) on Friday. 'In a productive meeting with Anna Bjerde, Managing Director for operations, and Martin Raiser, South Asia Regional Vice President, Cheema applauded the strengthened collaboration between Pakistan and the World Bank Group over the past year. 'This enhanced engagement has culminated in the development of the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2026-2035, a transformative ten-year strategy backed by an unprecedented $40 billion commitment from the World Bank,' read the statement. World Bank's Benhassine lauds Pakistan's economic turnaround Cheema, during the meeting, expressed deep appreciation for the World Bank's support, particularly during critical challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and devastating 2022 floods. 'As our largest development partner, the World Bank has played an indispensable role in Pakistan's socio-economic progress and improving the lives of our citizens,' stated Cheema. With the CPF now successfully launched, Cheema emphasized the government's complete focus on finalizing a comprehensive implementation framework in collaboration with the World Bank to ensure the strategy delivers its full potential. He welcomed Pakistan's transition to the World Bank's Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region under Vice President Ousmane Dione, noting this move will create valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and regional synergy. Meanwhile, in a separate meeting with Abdelhak Bedjaoui, World Bank Executive Director, Cheema acknowledged his effective representation of Pakistan's economic interests. The minister proposed regular visits by executive directors to constituency countries to better understand development needs and opportunities for World Bank engagement. 'The discussions also highlighted recent World Bank approvals, including the $700 million Reko Diq mining project and $400 million Risk Participation Facility, which moved forward despite objections,' read the EAD's statement. Cheema reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to working closely with the World Bank country team to achieve the CPF's ambitious development objectives and transformational impacts.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
USCIS issues new guidelines on disclosure of ‘derogatory information'
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance, effective immediately as of June 12, 2025, clarifying when and how the agency must disclose 'derogatory information' to individuals before denying an immigration benefit – which could be as varied as extension of an H-1B visa to that relating to employment authorisation document (EAD). This policy update,formalizes the disclosure process for agency officers. Derogatory information refers to any details that could negatively impact an applicant's eligibility for an immigration benefit. This can include anything from criminal records and evidence of fraud to other adverse findings. Your right to know: What changes for applicants Under the updated policy, if USCIS intends to use negative information to deny, request more evidence for, or revoke an immigration benefit, they will generally provide a detailed description of that information. This typically comes in the form of a: Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID): Signifying USCIS's inclination to deny the application, but offering a chance to respond. Request for Evidence (RFE): Indicating a need for more information, potentially related to the derogatory findings. Notice of Intent to Revoke (NOIR): For previously approved petitions where new, concerning information has surfaced. These notices are crucial, as they grant applicants the chance to submit additional documents, clarify misunderstandings, or present their side of the story before a final decision is made. When information stays under wraps: While the new policy fosters transparency, there are specific circumstances where USCIS may withhold certain details. This usually applies to information that is: Classified: Protected under national security laws. Owned by Other Government Agencies: Unless USCIS has explicit permission to share it or the applicant originally provided it. Sensitive Third-Party Records: Such as confidential tax, health, or financial data belonging to someone other than the applicant, unless consent is given or disclosure is legally mandated. Protected by Special Laws: Information concerning applicants for VAWA (Violence against Women Act), T, or U visas, as well as asylum, refugee, or withholding of removal applications. Even in these instances, USCIS may still seek similar information from the applicant through an RFE or interview, allowing them to address the underlying concerns without revealing protected specifics.
Al Etihad
16-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi's marine conservation success: How EAD reversed overfishing trends, hit 97.4% sustainability score
17 June 2025 00:15 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi recently marked a key milestone in marine conservation, achieving a near-perfect fish stock score - a feat that demonstrated how strategic efforts and a deep respect for natural heritage can help secure a sustainable future for generations, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has said. Nearly all of the emirate's fish stocks are now being harvested at sustainable levels, according to the latest Sustainable Fisheries Index. The EAD managed to lift the emirate's score from just 8.9% in 2018 to a remarkable 97.4% in 2024. This milestone is not just about numbers - it "reflects healthier ecosystems, greater marine biodiversity, and a strong recovery from previous overfishing trends, ensuring that marine resources remain productive and resilient for future generations", the EAD said in a statement to Aletihad. "Abu Dhabi showcases how science-based policies, strong enforcement, and community engagement can achieve tangible conservation success," it a near-perfect Sustainable Fisheries Index score aligns with the emirate's broader strategy of balancing ecological preservation with economic resilience. It directly supports the goals of the UAE National Framework Statement for Sustainable Fisheries (2019–2030) and reinforces the emirate's commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable development and marine innovation. Strategic StepsCentral to this achievement are EAD's science-backed management strategies, including: seasonal bans during fish spawning periods; imposing minimum size limits to protect juvenile fish; promoting the use of sustainable fishing gear; establishing marine protected areas; and using AI-driven systems for monitoring and data collection. These steps have reduced overfishing pressures, allowed fish populations to regenerate, and enhanced the resilience of marine regulatory updates have also been rolled out for both commercial and recreational fishing fishers now operate under seasonal closures for vulnerable species such as hamour, shaari, and farsh, along with strict gear and size regulations. Recreational fishers must comply with daily catch limits, licensing requirements, and species protection rules."These interventions ensure sustainability while allowing continued access to the resource," the EAD education campaigns have further encouraged responsible fishing practices, emphasising the shared responsibility of conserving the sea's the heart of Abu Dhabi's conservation strategy is the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network, comprising six marine reserves where human activity is either banned or tightly controlled. These reserves serve as critical refuges and nurseries for marine species, while also functioning as natural laboratories for long-term ecological research."By protecting key habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, the network helps restore balance to the wider marine environment," the EAD like the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens project are also key contributors to fish stock recovery. Through coral culture and the deployment of artificial reefs, these efforts recreate vital underwater habitats for feeding, breeding, and sheltering marine life - supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health in the face of climate stressors, the authority discovery and registration of rare and previously undocumented species-such as the white-spotted grouper, Nuaimi, and Ghazala-indicate significant ecological improvement. These discoveries provide new data for researchers and validate the efficacy of ongoing conservation measures. Abu Dhabi's marine conservation journey offers a replicable model for other coastal cities facing similar environmental challenges. By setting measurable goals, integrating real-time data, and investing in restoration and enforcement, the emirate demonstrates how conservation and development can coexist, the EAD said. Source: AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI
Business Recorder
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Civil servants: Institutional restructuring, compensation packages discussed
ISLAMABAD: Under the chairmanship of Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the 13th meeting of the Civil Service Reforms Committee was convened Wednesday. The meeting focused on key agenda items, including institutional restructuring and reviewing compensation packages for civil servants. Presentations were made by the Cabinet Division on institutional restructuring, while officers from the Finance Division and Economic Affairs Division (EAD) briefed the Minister on current situation and proposed recommendations to review financial compensation. Discussions centered around modernizing recruitment criteria to cater to the evolving needs of the civil service. The Minister emphasized the need for restructuring service in a way that allows officers to differentiate themselves based on performance rather than their initial service allocation. 'A strategy must be devised to enable top talent at senior level to compete for key positions on merit,' stated the Minister. Regarding financial compensation, an analysis presented by EAD and Finance Division officers highlighted the challenges faced by civil servants, including inadequate medical support, transportation, and accommodation. Key findings highlighted the unavailability of affordable housing and transportation in Islamabad as major deterrents for officers. Several recommendations were discussed at length and direction was given by Minister to incorporate the most viable recommendations into summary to be presented before the PM. The meeting participants were informed that the state bears a significant burden of Rs. 1.04 trillion annually for pension payments to two million officers. Finance Division representatives apprised the Minister that significant pension reforms have been introduced as part of the Budget 2025-26, aiming to rationalise public spending and reduce the growing fiscal burden posed by the existing pension system. The Minister stressed that pension should not be a 'dead investment' and suggested utilizing the skills of retired officers in various organizations. To address medical support issues, a summary prepared by the Ministry of National Health Services proposing health insurance as a viable alternative was discussed. The Minister directed relevant officials to conduct a comparative analysis of allowances drawn by civil servants in federal and provincial governments. Recommendations were made to make it mandatory for civil servants to serve in the federal government for a specific period to be eligible for promotion. The committee discussed various suggestions to address issues related to remuneration, accommodation, transport, and monetization. The Minister emphasized the need for administrative steps to attract officers to serve in the federal government, rather than relying solely on financial incentives. The meeting concluded with Minister's direction to compile a final report, incorporating all recommendations and findings, for discussion in the next meeting. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The National
10-06-2025
- General
- The National
First recorded sighting of fish species in Abu Dhabi hailed as 'biodiversity milestone'
Abu Dhabi environment chiefs have hailed the first recorded sighting of a white-spotted grouper fish in the emirate's waters as a 'major biodiversity milestone'. The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi captured the species on camera in September. The fish is not considered critically endangered globally but its presence in Abu Dhabi waters is rare and was previously undocumented. It is now registered on the international FishBase database, a global biodiversity information system, with Abu Dhabi as a recorded location, marking a first for the region. 'The first recorded presence of the white-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus) is a major biodiversity milestone,' the EAD told The National on Tuesday. 'It indicates either improved habitat conditions or previously unrecorded distribution, both of which are valuable indicators of ecosystem resilience and monitoring effectiveness. 'This is the first confirmed record in the emirate, making it an important new addition to the UAE's marine species inventory.' Groupers are a diverse group of fish and often loosely referred to in the Middle East as hammour. The white-spotted grouper can be found across the Indo Pacific region. It is generally found in rocky areas, or near where coral is growing in chiefly shallow waters. It can grow up to more than 70cm. The sighting is not the only boost for Abu Dhabi's waters over the past few months. The EAD also said 55 nuaimi fish, a species rarely sighted in recent years, were also landed in the emirate's waters recently. Crucial discovery 'This is very significant as the landing of 55 nuaimi fish (Pinjalo Pinjalo) a species previously seen in very low numbers, suggests that fish populations are beginning to recover in healthier marine environments.' Additional sightings have also been made recently of rare species such as the large-scaled triggerfish and the spotted oceanic triggerfish. The sightings came as the EAD also reported an increase in the 'sustainable fisheries index', which measures how healthy fish populations are and how well fishing practices are helping them stay that way. It reached 97.4 per cent by the end of last year – up from just 8.9 per cent in 2018. The EAD said this means nearly all of the 'assessed fish stocks in Abu Dhabi are now being fished at sustainable levels'. 'In other words, they are no longer being overfished and have a good chance to recover naturally,' the EAD said. 'This is a major improvement from 2018, when only 8.9 per cent of stocks were within safe limits.' The development comes as Abu Dhabi continues its efforts to bolster sustainability of the emirate's seas and indicate healthier marine ecosystems as the world marked World Oceans Day on Sunday. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the EAD, said the achievement in the fisheries index reflected Abu Dhabi's 'unwavering commitment and the diligent efforts of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi' to safeguard marine resources. 'It reinforces Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision to strike a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, serving as a global model for confronting environmental challenges for a prosperous and resilient future,' he said. Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the EAD, said the significant progress made in the index underlines Abu Dhabi's leadership in environmental conservation. 'We are committed to deploying best-in-class management practices and leveraging scientific capabilities to restore fish populations and protect marine ecosystems,' she said. 'This success affirms the importance of evidence-based policy and global best practices in conserving our natural heritage for future generations.' 'By combining policy enforcement, protected areas, habitat restoration, and community engagement, the emirate is positioning itself as a regional and global model for sustainable marine management,' the EAD said. The EAD also said the findings were a 'success story' and part of a broader long-term, science-driven strategy by the EAD to protect and restore marine life in Abu Dhabi. 'By combining policy enforcement, protected areas, habitat restoration, and community engagement, the emirate is positioning itself as a regional and global model for sustainable marine management.' The health of the world's seas are in sharp focus this week as nations meet in France at the UN Ocean Conference. The gathering seeks to build momentum and money for marine conservation despite the world's seas being affected by pollution, mining, overfishing and other issues. At home, authorities have made concerted efforts over the past few years to ensure the recovery of fish stocks and put the emirate on a path to sustainability. These measures include regulating commercial fishing activities through sustainable methods, as well as implementing new regulations for recreational fishing. There are six marine reserves in Abu Dhabi, for example. In 2019 gargoor, traditional metal dome-shaped traps used by fishermen, were banned in Abu Dhabi following a study that showed declines in hammour and farsh. These efforts have continued since. The EAD in May unveiled a plan to plant millions of coral colonies by 2030. The project builds on the success of restoring one million coral colonies since 2021. Fish numbers and species variety have increased by more than 50 per cent around these areas, the EAD said. The EAD also launched the ' Abu Dhabi Coral Garden ' initiative the same month. It plans to create 'gardens' by installing 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals of various designs and sizes.
