August 31, 2024

Britain’s High Commissioner in Islamabad Jane Marriott has “encouraged” Pakistani students to apply for the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarship programmes at the United Kingdom universities. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship programme as 46 Chevening and 47 Commonwealth scholarships have been awarded to Pakistanis, according to an official statement issued by the British High Commission in Islamabad on Friday. These long-standing programmes have developed a network of over 1,500 Commonwealth and nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni in Pakistan, who regularly meet to discuss live issues, it added. The statement further stated that scholars come from diverse backgrounds, representing the rich cultural tapestry of Pakistan, adding that this year’s cohort come from Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Pakistan Administered Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federal Capital Territory. Over 60% of this year’s Chevening scholars are women. The British High Commission strongly encourages people from all backgrounds and across Pakistan to apply. Talking to the students, the high commissioner offered advice to them for living in the UK, ahead of a year of studying at British universities. She said, “The Chevening programme helps develop a new generation of Pakistani leaders and change-makers. Many of our alumni have gone on to achieve extraordinary things back home.” “Not only do they get the benefit of studying at some of the best universities in the world, they also get to experience the best of living in the UK. From climate studies to football coaching, I am looking forward to seeing what they achieve, and encourage all those interested to apply early.” Fareeha Gull Hashmi, Assistant Manager of Oral History Project Citizens Archive of Pakistan and upcoming Chevening scholar, said: “I am thrilled to be joining the University of Essex for my MA in Heritage and Museum Studies. This programme is exactly what I was looking for to help me on my journey to improve heritage and cultural preservation in Pakistan. I can’t wait for my journey to begin.” The cohort includes those on a scholarship in Football Science, with the support of Swindon Town Football Club. For the first time, this year’s cohort also saw an additional scholarship for Heritage and Museum Studies with the support of Essex University. This scholarship will cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. This, and a University of Essex Scholarship for Climate Studies, are again available in this year’s application cycle, as are additional scholarships from the University of Birmingham. This month, the British High Commission launched Chevening Connect in Karachi, a new debate series bringing together industry experts and Chevening alumni. The first debate, on tackling climate, looked at the technical, economic and political leadership needed to support Pakistan with adaptation and resilience. Applications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK from 2025-26 will close on 5 November. Applications for the South Asia Journalism Programme, a two-month journalism fellowship with the University of Westminster, are open and will close on 10 October. Applications for the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies fellowship, a five-month fellowship, are open and will close on 5 November 2024. To find out more about eligibility and to apply, visit chevening.org. Applications for the Commonwealth Scholarships for 2025-26 will open later this year.  Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1225443-93-pakistani-students-heading-to-uk-on-chevening-and-commonwealth-scholarships

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired the commander of the country’s air force, four days after an F-16 warplane that Ukraine received from its Western partners crashed during a Russian bombardment and killed the pilot. The order to dismiss Mykola Oleshchuk was published on the presidential website on Friday. “We need to protect people. Protect personnel. Take care of all our soldiers,” Zelenskyy said in an address minutes after the order was published. He said Ukraine needs to strengthen its army on the command level. Anatolii Kryvonozhko was appointed acting air force commander, the army’s general staff said. The dismissal came on the same day that Oleshchuk directed scathing criticism at a lawmaker who is deputy head of the Ukrainian parliament’s defence committee for her claims that the F-16 was downed by a Patriot air-defense system. Ukraine has received an unspecified number of the US-made systems. Mariana Bezuhla cited unnamed sources for her claim and demanded punishment for those responsible for the error. Oleshchuk accused Bezuhla of defaming the air force and discrediting US arms manufacturers and said that he hoped she would face legal consequences for her claims. “The truth will win,” Bezuhla posted on X shortly after the dismissal order was published. The air force did not directly deny that the F-16 was hit by a Patriot missile. US experts have joined the Ukrainian investigation into the crash, the air force said. A US defence official told the Reuters news agency that the crash did not appear to be the result of Russian fire, and possible causes from pilot error to mechanical failure were still being investigated. F-16s are one of the weapons that could be used to hit Russian bases behind the front line. Oleshchuk said on Telegram that “a detailed analysis” was already being conducted into why the F-16 jet went down Monday, when Russia launched a major missile and drone barrage at Ukraine. “We must carefully understand what happened, what the circumstances are, and whose responsibility it is,” Oleshchuk wrote in the post shortly before his dismissal. The crash was the first reported loss of an F-16 in Ukraine, where the warplanes arrived at the end of last month. At least six are believed to have been delivered by European countries. Military analysts have said the planes will not be a game-changer in the war, given Russia’s massive air force and sophisticated air defence systems. But Ukrainian officials welcomed the supersonic jets, which can carry modern weapons used by NATO countries, for offering an opportunity to hit back at Russia’s air superiority. Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/30/zelenskyy-fires-ukraines-air-force-commander-after-deadly-f-16-crash

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/8/31/israels-war-on-gaza-live-israel-bombards-gaza-besieges-west-banks-jenin