Flood rehabilitation programs of Sindh, Balochistan get nod

on 04/07/2024

“The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved flood rehabilitation programs for Sindh and Balochistan, among 19 projects presented during last month’s meeting. Balochistan’s Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Program (IFRAP) is a priority program funded by the World Bank, while Sindh’s Flood Response Emergency Housing Project will receive an investment of Rs. 50 billion from the federal government.”
The meeting, chaired by the deputy prime minister, addressed 21 agenda items, one of which was the reconstruction and rehabilitation of flood-affected areas in Balochistan. The forum approved four sub-components of the $400 million World Bank-funded Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Program (IFRAP): a $155 million housing reconstruction and restoration sub-component, a $50 million road infrastructure sub-component, a $40 million livelihoods component, and a $30 million irrigation infrastructure component. An amount of Rs11.2 billion has been allocated in the PSDP 2024-25 for reconstruction projects in Balochistan. The forum directed that reconstruction activities in Balochistan proceed expeditiously while ensuring top quality.
Several projects being undertaken in Sindh were also approved by the forum, including the revised Flood Response Emergency Housing Project for Rs296 billion, including Rs50 billion committed by the federal government. An amount of Rs30 billion has been allocated in PSDP 2024-25 as a federal share for housing reconstruction in Sindh. The chair informed the forum that the federal government remained committed to providing its share in housing reconstruction efforts in Sindh. Other projects included in Sindh ADP that were approved included, Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project Phase-II and Competitive and Livable City of Karachi. The forum also cleared revised PC-I of operationalization of Green Line BRTS in Karachi at a rationalized cost of Rs13.502 billion while observing that the Sindh government is considering increasing the fare to reduce subsidy being borne by the federal government, as well as, NHA executed rehabilitation and reconstruction of 86-km long stretch of national highway (N-5) between Moro and Ranipur.
Among the projects falling under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the forum cleared the re-alignment of KKH between Thakot and Raikot at a rationalized cost of RMB 13.067 billion, as well as, the revised PC-I of New Gwadar International Airport. The new Gwadar airport is scheduled to become operational within the calendar year. The forum; however, did not clear the re-modified PC-I for the up-gradation of Railways main line-1 (ML-1) and advised the Pakistan Railways to consider preparing smaller projects and packages with specific for financing and implementation.
Other projects approved by the forum included electrical and mechanical works and allied buildings as well as access roads of the Lowari tunnel for Rs33.257 billion and 48-MW Jagran hydropower station at Rs13.995 billion so that the project can be completed by December 2024. The forum also extended the Sehat Sahulat Program till the end of December 2024 with the direction to the Ministry of National Health Services to submit by 15th September its recommendations regarding shifting the program to the current budget, improving its fiscal sustainability, and reforming the regulatory and monitoring framework. Prime Minister’s Program for Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection was also approved for Rs68.25 billion to be shared equally between the federal government and provinces. The Ministry of National Health Services was tasked to prepare an implementation plan with well-defined targets and measurable indicators within three months. The forum also directed the Planning Commission to carry out an exercise for reviewing the Public Sector Development Program in view of the shrinking fiscal space available with the federal government and the timely completion of ongoing projects.
These approvals demonstrate the government’s commitment to expedite economic development, rehabilitation, and improve the lives of citizens across Pakistan.

Mehran University Hosts 1.5C Global Environmental Moot

on 28/06/2024

The 1.5C Global Environmental Conference was held at Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro. The moot was meant to address the pressing climate challenges of the time. Numerous national and international experts and innovators participated in the gathering and shared their insights and solutions.
The conference featured project displays in which MUET Jamshoro students showcased innovative projects aimed at tackling environmental issues.
Tree Plantation
The Vice Chancellor and distinguished guests participated in a tree plantation ceremony, emphasizing a commitment to a greener future.
Climate Drama
A compelling drama was presented to highlight and sensitize the audience to the urgent hazards of climate change.
Panel Discussion
Experts were engaged in a dynamic panel discussion, sharing valuable insights and strategies for addressing climate challenges.
Awards and Certificates
Contributors of the conference were recognized with awards and certificates given by Prof. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, Vice Chancellor MUET Jamshoro, and distinguished guests including Engr Mahfooz Qazi, Project Director, Energy Department, Government of Sindh.
On this occasion, the launching ceremony of a poem written by Prof BS Chowdhry for kids in “Let us plant trees” was also held.

Will engineers in Sindh get technical allowance?

on 28/06/2024

The Sindh Assembly adopted a resolution demanding that the provincial government provide a technical allowance to engineers in the province. MQM member Adil Usmani, an engineer by education and closely associated with ‘The Engineers Pakistan’, moved the resolution, anticipating support from the treasury benches.
The resolution was passed during a session designated as private members’ day, chaired by Speaker Owais Qadir Shah, who also holds an engineering degree. Mr. Shah, whose father Syed Abdul Qadir Shah is also an engineer and leading the National Engineers Association (NEA), a prominent engineers’ group in Pakistan, sympathizes with the engineers’ cause.
MQM member Adil Usmani presented the resolution for an allowance for engineers in the province, which received support from Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon. The minister acknowledged the hard work of engineers and argued that providing them with an allowance is justified. The resolution passed unanimously in the Sindh Assembly.
The demand for a technical allowance has long been advocated by engineers in Pakistan. After significant protests, Punjab, KP, and the federal government have already accepted and implemented this demand. However, the Sindh government had initially resisted. With the adoption of this resolution by the Sindh Assembly, it remains to be seen whether the engineers’ demand will finally be met.

Internet of Things (IoT):Applications in Engineering and Technology

on 28/06/2024

An era of unparalleled connectivity and applicability across multiple industries has been ushered in by the Internet of Things (IoT), which has emerged as a transformational force in the engineering field. IoT is essentially a network of networked devices that are equipped with software, sensors, and protocols for communication that enable them to exchange and gather data. In engineering applications, this connectedness fosters a dynamic ecosystem that improves productivity, automation, and decision-making procedures. The Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) is a key component of IoT with regard to manufacturing and industrial engineering. Real-time data on production processes, environmental conditions, and equipment performance is collected on the factory floor through connected sensors and devices. Predictive maintenance is made possible by this abundance of data, which reduces downtime by foreseeing and fixing equipment problems before they arise. IoT also makes it easier to optimize resource usage, manufacturing workflows, and overall operational effectiveness.
Smart buildings and other infrastructure are included in the engineering application of IoT. Within civil engineering, sensors integrated inside buildings track environmental parameters, occupancy trends, and structural health. In order to maintain the structure’s stability and energy efficiency, this data is used for preventive maintenance of buildings. IoT is used by smart city projects to improve urban infrastructure, including waste management, public safety, and environmental monitoring in addition to traffic control and garbage disposal. The idea of Intelligent Transportation Systems serves as an example of how IoT is being applied in transportation engineering. IoT devices are used in cars, public transportation systems, and roadways. Examples of these devices are cameras and sensors. These gadgets make it possible to optimize routes, monitor traffic in real time, and maintain cars predictively. As a result, there is less traffic and an increase in general mobility thanks to a more responsive and efficient transportation network. IoT helps create smart grids and systems for managing energy in the field of energy engineering. Power grids with networked sensors track energy usage, spot problems, and balance the distribution of electricity. This degree of control encourages the incorporation of renewable energy sources, improves energy supply reliability, and makes demand-side management easier. An energy infrastructure that is more sustainable and resilient is the end outcome.
Applications for controlling and monitoring natural resources are included in the field of environmental engineering with IoT. Ecosystem sensors gather information on biodiversity, climate, and the quality of the air and water. For the purpose of making educated decisions in fields like pollution prevention, disaster relief, and conservation, this ecological data is essential. IoT technology offer practical insights into ecological systems that support sustainable environmental practices. The incorporation of IoT devices and apps has led to considerable breakthroughs in the healthcare engineering field. Early disease identification, individualized treatment, and remote patient monitoring are made possible by wearable sensors, health monitoring systems, and connected medical devices. These apps improve patient outcomes, lower medical expenses, and provide people the power to take an active role in their own health management. Using IoT to optimize farming methods is the agricultural engineering idea known as Precision Agriculture. Data on crop health, weather patterns, and soil characteristics are gathered by networked sensors. By using this information, farmers can boost crop output and resource efficiency by making data-driven decisions about fertilization, irrigation, and pest management. Sustainable and precise farming methods benefit from precision agriculture. IoT is vital to aircraft operation and maintenance in the field of aeronautical engineering. Aerial component sensors gather data on efficiency, fuel consumption, and maintenance requirements in realtime. By transmitting this data to ground-based systems, unplanned downtime is decreased and predictive maintenance is made possible. The security and dependability of air transport are improved by IoT technologies.
Monitoring of vital infrastructure, such as bridges and dams, is part of the IoT integration in structural engineering. These constructions have embedded sensors that are always keeping an eye on things like stress, vibrations, and the surrounding environment. Engineers are able to evaluate the structural health, spot possible problems, and carry out necessary maintenance or repairs on time thanks to this real-time data. Critical infrastructure’s longevity and safety are enhanced via IoT. The Internet of Things makes it possible to create Smart Homes in the field of communication engineering. Smart lighting controls, security cameras, and thermostats are examples of connected gadgets that may be managed and observed from a distance. This degree of automation and connectivity improves energy efficiency, comfort levels, and home security. IoT integration into daily life may be done seamlessly, as demonstrated by smart homes.

World will amass ‘major’ oil surplus by 2030: IEA

on 28/06/2024

The world is likely to have a major surplus of oil by 2030 as production is ramped up while the clean energy transition tempers demand, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday.
Global demand is expected to “level off” at 106 million barrels per day (bpd) toward the end of this decade while overall supply capacity could reach 114 million bpd, the IEA said in an annual report.
This would result in a “staggering” surplus of eight million bpd that oil markets should prepare for, the Paris-based agency said.
“As the pandemic rebound loses steam, clean energy transitions advance, and the structure of China’s economy shifts, growth in global oil demand is slowing down and set to reach its peak by 2030,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol.
With “a major supply surplus emerging this decade,” Birol said, “oil companies may want to make sure their business strategies and plans are prepared for the changes taking place.”
The forecast comes days after the OPEC+ group of major crude producers signaled they would start to unwind output cuts this autumn, implemented in a bid to support prices against fears of weakening worldwide demand.
In its report, the IEA noted that fast-developing Asian countries like China and India along with the aviation and petrochemical sectors would still drive oil demand, which stood at 102 million bpd in 2023.
But the shift toward electric cars along with fuel efficiency gains for conventional vehicles, and declining use of oil by Middle Eastern countries for electricity production, would help limit the overall demand increase to around four percent by 2030.
‘Lower oil price environment’
The IEA said demand in advanced economies is expected to continue a decades-long decline, falling from 46 million bpd in 2023 to less than 43 million bpd in 2030—the lowest since 1991 apart from during the pandemic.
At the same time, oil production capacity appears set to surge, led by the United States and other countries in the Americas, leading to the forecast of an eight-million-barrel surplus—a level reached only during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020.
“Such a massive oil production buffer could usher in a lower oil price environment, posing tough challenges” for the US shale industry and the OPEC+ bloc led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, the report said.
“Such a massive cushion could upend the current OPEC+ market management strategy aimed at supporting prices,” it said.
In a separate monthly report on the global oil market, the IEA cut its forecast for demand growth for 2024 to 960,000 bpd compared to 1.1 million bpd in its previous outlook.
Its forecast for 2025 was also lowered to one million bpd from 1.2 million in its May report.