J&K BJP upbeat on Rajnath visit
The BJP on Sunday said Home Minister Rajnath Singh had come to the Valley with an “open mind”, and expressed confidence that his meetings would bring about a resolution to the problems in the strife-torn State.“Singh has already said he has come with an open heart and mind to talk to people. He will speak to anybody who comes to meet him,” State BJP general secretary (organisation) Ashok Kaul told presspersons here.Mr. Kaul added that all sections should meet him and put forth their points of view. “His meeting with the people will help resolve the problems in Kashmir. It will be an achievement,” he said.Ahead of his visit, the Home Minister had said, “I am going with an open mind and I am willing to meet all those who come to meet me. We want a resolution to the problems.” Challenges galoreNational Conference representatives from Leh and Kargil met Mr. Singh and highlighted pressing issues in the areas. “The representatives raised challenges faced on the connectivity, communication and infrastructure front, and sought that the Central government resolve these issues that are a cause of great misery and inconvenience to the people,” the spokesman said.They said the exorbitant airfare to Leh round the year, especially when the road-link is closed, is a source of great misery and sought a reasonable airfare policy for such hilly areas.They also highlighted poor and in certain places defunct quality of the BSNL network connectivity. They reiterated the long-pending demand of a functional civil airport in Kargil and interim, adequate winter air connectivity arrangement that would enable the district to explore its maximum economic and tourism potential.A Peoples Democratic Party delegation, led by party vice-president Sartaj Madni, also called on Mr. Singh and conveyed the party’s views on many issues. At an interaction with Central Reserve Police Force personnel, Mr. Singh said the government has launched a “Bharat Ke Veer” programme to support martyrs’ kin.Premium on courage“The nation is supporting the courage of our security forces. We are proud of our CRPF personnel. Courage cannot be purchased from any market and you are born with unassailable and unmatched courage,” he added.The Home Minister later presented a memento the CRPF team which took part in operations in Pulwama recently.
Samsung will reportedly launch the Galaxy S7 Active, a rough and tough version of the flagship Galaxy S7 phone on June 10. A new Venture Beat report suggests that the upcoming Galaxy S7 Active will be exclusively sold through exclusive AT&T in the US, just like its predecessor phone, the Galaxy S6 Active. It will further be available in stores in June.The Galaxy S7 Active, as per its leaked hardware specifications in the report stands nearly identical to the Galaxy S7 except its resistance properties to wear and tear. The Galaxy S7 Active will be dust and water-proof much like its predecessor and will reportedly have a bigger 4,000mAh battery inside. The phone will weigh in at 185grams and will be 9.9mm in thickness.Rest of the specifications remain the same as the Galaxy S7, meaning a 5.1-inch QHD Super AMOLED display, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820 processor with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory which is further expandable via microSD card.Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge launched in India, price starts at Rs 48,900It will sport a 12-megapixel camera on the rear and a 5-megapixel camera on the front. The phone will further run Android 6.0 Marshmallow-based TouchWiz UI.The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge phones were launched in India in March this year. Prices start at Rs 48,900 for the 5.1-inch Galaxy S7, while the larger 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 Edge costs Rs 56,900.Both the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge boast of almost similar design aesthetics (glass and metal) as their predecessors. Samsung has employed curved 2.5D glass on the new Galaxy S7, while the Galaxy S7 Edge has a screen that curves on two sides giving you quick access to notifications etc al (via Edge panel). advertisement
The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) will require diverse new microelectronic solutions to meet the evolving demands of large-scale data centers, “mid-size” systems like autonomous vehicles and robots, and a growing array of mobile devices, appliances, wearables, and as-yet un-envisioned applications. Of central importance is the need to achieve unprecedented efficiency and speed in the collection and analysis of data, while also managing power consumption and form factor.In the hardware domain, this will require innovative thinking and new paradigms in sensors, processors, memory, interconnection, and packaging. Promising options are beginning to materialize from established and emerging research efforts, which we will review in the context of Edge AI and other broad trends. Going forward, interdisciplinary pre-industrial collaboration will be needed to create practical, manufacturable solutions from these efforts.We can envision the coming AI marketplace by comparing applications based on computing capability and power consumption requirements (Figure 1). Wearables have the greatest power restrictions and (in relative terms) lowest computing needs. Data centers are at the opposite end, with smart appliances, augmented reality, robots, and autonomous vehicles in between. Share this:TwitterFacebookLinkedInMoreRedditTumblrPinterestWhatsAppSkypePocketTelegram Tags: Advanced Technology, IoT Continue Reading Previous Research lab shows off tech advancesNext Clientron to showcase latest POS system and IoV intelligent in-vehicle driving solution 
Figure 1. (Source: Leti) Edge AI, in which most data analysis takes place at the point of collection, is well-suited to applications on the left-hand side. While this is simple to describe, it requires unprecedented levels of sensor and processor capability in extremely small packages. Sensors will need to take inspiration from human eyes and ears, becoming far more adaptable by changing their characteristics (such as dynamic range) based on cognition and local intelligence.Larger-scale applications, meanwhile, will strain traditional computing paradigms, particularly constant memory read/write cycles that consume both time and energy.With these requirements in mind, Leti has prioritized research into smart sensors and innovative computing approaches.One focus is a fundamental problem of modern computing: moving data between memory and processor now costs vastly more than computation, both in time and energy consumption. Data transfer and memory access account for up to 90% of system energy usage, and because applications like artificial neural networks rely on large databases and simple computation operations, reducing data movement becomes critical.Stacking of memory onto processors, to shorten the physical links, is the subject of long-standing Leti research into 3D circuitry. We are now also pursuing new memory designs, which allow addition, subtraction, and Boolean logic to be performed within SRAM. The area cost is negligible and, more important, data never leaves the memory. These in-memory-computing (IMC) processors have strong potential for applications like neural networks and cryptography, and we believe that by the 2020s they can provide 100 times the throughput of conventional processors on AI applications while maintaining the same frequency and energy budget. Leave a Reply Cancel reply You must Register or Login to post a comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
The programme aims to prevent and eliminate the illicit cultivation of ganja and channel the process through legal streams. The pilot, which will commence in Accompong, St. Elizabeth and Orange Hill in Westmoreland, will involve the farming of ganja to provide raw material for processors. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says that the Alternative Development Programme (ADP), which will provide an avenue for small ganja farmers to benefit from the ganja industry, will start by March 2019. “It is a real fear that as that [ganja] industry emerges to become more corporatised, that the original ganja man, the original farmer, could very well be left out of the gains and the benefits, when you were the ones singing the praises and the benefits from how long,” Mr. Holness said. Story Highlights Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says that the Alternative Development Programme (ADP), which will provide an avenue for small ganja farmers to benefit from the ganja industry, will start by March 2019.The programme aims to prevent and eliminate the illicit cultivation of ganja and channel the process through legal streams. The pilot, which will commence in Accompong, St. Elizabeth and Orange Hill in Westmoreland, will involve the farming of ganja to provide raw material for processors.“It is a real fear that as that [ganja] industry emerges to become more corporatised, that the original ganja man, the original farmer, could very well be left out of the gains and the benefits, when you were the ones singing the praises and the benefits from how long,” Mr. Holness said.“So this programme is of significant importance to ensure that small farmers, and, in fact, communities like Accompong, where there is certain discipline, a certain order, a certain social system that will ensure that it is not used in illicit ways, will benefit,” he added.He was speaking at the Accompong Maroons’ 281st celebration of the signing of the peace treaty with the British and to commemorate the birthday of legendary leader Cudjoe, on Sunday (January 6), in the Maroon village, St. Elizabeth.The Prime Minister said he has received the commitment of the Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, that the programme will begin within the first quarter of this year.“I know that you have actually started your part of the programme, but you are now awaiting the Government’s part of the programme to commence. I had a word with him (Minister Shaw) and he gave me a commitment that the Alternative Development Programme for the small ganja farmers to produce for the legal trade will start,” he said.The 1998 Action Plan, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, provides for the inclusion of a programme, such as the ADP, through specifically designed rural development measures consistent with sustained national economic growth.The programme will be administered by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries with oversight from the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).Among the stipulations are the tagging of plants under a track and trace mechanism; sale of products through licensed processors; farmers’ alignment to community-based associations/organisations; accommodating special groups, such as the Maroons and Rastafarians; and that maximum cultivation should not exceed half an acre per farmer.
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is encouraging communities to renovate open spaces or parks for children to play, as part of activities for Labour Day.“Part of the safety and security and emotional and psychosocial development of the child is their ability to play… . Let’s get our children out there playing… . It’s good for their health,” he said.The Prime Minister was speaking at the launch of Workers’ Week and Labour Day 2019 activities at the Office of the Prime Minister on Tuesday (May 7).Stressing the importance of play to the development of the child, Mr. Holness pointed out that it teaches good sportsmanship, how to resolve conflicts, builds confidence and helps with physical development.“Children have stress as well, and it is an excellent way to reduce stress… both for parents and for children,” he said.He noted that sophisticated playsets are not necessary, noting for example, that used tyres and rope could be utilised to make swings.In the meantime, Mr. Holness invited all Jamaicans to volunteer their services, talents and abilities on Labour Day in support of the well-being of the nation’s children, in keeping with the theme ‘Child Safety…it’s you, it’s me, it’s all ah we!’.“The safety and security of our children must be everyone’s business,” he said.Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, announced four national Labour Day projects, which will focus on renovating the environs of some schools.The activities will take place at the Papine High School in St Andrew, which will be led by the Prime Minister; Holland Primary School in St Elizabeth; Fair Prospect Primary School in Portland; and the Barrett Town All-Age/John Rollins Primary School in St. James.The scope of work includes installation of pedestrian crossings; paving/repairing of roads; installation of sidewalks, bus lay-by and signage; erection of fencing; bushing of school environs; and painting of murals.The works will be carried out by the National Labour Day Committee in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Jamaica, JN Foundation and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).Additionally, there will be parish projects organised and led by mayors and councillors across the island.Minister Grange encouraged persons to register their projects with the municipal corporations, the Labour Day Secretariat in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport or on the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) website at www.jis.gov.jm.Labour Day 2019, to be recognised on Thursday (May 23), is the culmination of Workers’ Week activities, which begins on Sunday (May 19). The week is being observed under the theme ‘Yes to decent work; No to child labour’. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is encouraging communities to renovate open spaces or parks for children to play, as part of activities for Labour Day. “Part of the safety and security and emotional and psychosocial development of the child is their ability to play… . Let’s get our children out there playing… . It’s good for their health,” he said. The Prime Minister was speaking at the launch of Workers’ Week and Labour Day 2019 activities at the Office of the Prime Minister on Tuesday (May 7). Story Highlights
zoom The long-term counterparty credit rating of Danish conglomerate A.P. Moller – Maersk has been lowered to BBB from BBB+, while the outlook is negative, according to Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings.Additionally, S&P Global Ratings lowered its issue ratings on Maersk’s senior unsecured debt to BBB from BBB+ and removed all ratings on Maersk from CreditWatch with negative implications, where they were placed on July 5, 2016.“Today’s rating actions reflect our expectations that Maersk’s operating performance will remain constrained over 2016-2017 because of significant market difficulties and industry pressures,” S&P Global Ratings said.“We also take into account the risk that the ongoing strategic re-focusing of the group may lead to reduced diversification benefits over time,” the rating agency noted, adding that it is not ruled out that these factors, either combined or on a stand-alone basis, “could lead to a further downgrade to BBB-, depending on the group’s measures to counter the aforementioned risks.”The ratings agency said that Maersk’s competitive position and consolidated performance has deteriorated over 2016, while industry prospects remain uncertain, notably in the container liner industry where fundamentals continue to be very challenging, including constrained freight rates owing to structural overcapacity and sluggish expansion of global trade.Persistent high cyclical industry pressures and low oil prices “are likely to continue to weigh on Maersk’s earnings and cash flow well into 2017.”Given that all Maersk’s segments continue to face significant market difficulties, S&P Global Ratings said it anticipates that the group’s operating performance may falter in 2016-2017.Furthermore, S&P Global Ratings said that the negative outlook reflects the risk that Maersk would reap less diversification benefits if the ongoing evaluation of the ownership structure results in the disposal of a major part of or of all of its energy division.“The negative outlook predominantly reflects the risk of a one-notch downgrade because of the group’s ongoing strategic review,” the ratings agency informed.
zoom For the first time in the UK, a ship has been bunkered with liquefied natural gas (LNG). This is part of a project carried out between UK’s LNG provider Flogas and compatriot port operator Associated British Ports (ABP). The project, which mirrors similar successful schemes in other European countries, saw a 110-meter cement carrier named Ireland – operated by Norwegian shipping firm KGJ Cement AS – refueled with LNG at the Port of Immingham on August 16.The joint venture between Flogas and ABP is said to be a step forward for maritime bunkering in the UK. It means ships from across the globe will now have direct access to LNG – a fuel that is becoming increasingly popular in shipping, due to its ability to help vessels comply with current and future climate legislation.“There is great potential for LNG in the maritime industry as a more environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional oil-based bunker fuels, but until now this potential has remained untapped here in the UK,” Lee Gannon, Managing Director at Flogas, explained.Although only a limited number of ships currently bunker with LNG, demand is expected to grow rapidly as environmental regulations increasingly prohibit the use of polluting heavy fuel oils. Both Flogas and ABP see potential to replace thousands of tons of heavy fuel oil each year with cleaner, cost-effective LNG.“We are proud to be a key part of this flagship operation, which has really put the UK on the map as the latest European hub for more climate-friendly bunkering. Demand is already beginning to shift away from oil across the international fleet, and we very much see natural gas taking its place as the marine fuel of choice. We look forward to welcoming increasing numbers of ships to Immingham as a result of our new … offering in partnership with Flogas,” Mark Frith, Port Manager for ABP Immingham and Grimsby, added.The new tanker-to-ship service provides the flexibility needed to service current demand, but as the LNG marine market grows, Flogas plans to invest in storage and bunkering facilities at ABP ports when required.
“I’m just really excited to be a part of the District team and the Lone Wolf Team. I had a chance to meet everyone over here at the Office and at the Golf Course. I’m excited to be a part of that brand and team.”Mayor Rob Fraser says he is looking forward to seeing Galay and the new team work together.“Thank you very much for taking the position and we’re looking forward to you and the team, there’s a new team there at the Golf Course, so we’re interested in how you are going to gel them together and we’re interested in your new ideas. Welcome, and thank you.”Prior to this position, Galay was General Manager and Lead Pro at Lakepoint Golf and Country Club in Charlie Lake. TAYLOR, B.C. – At a recent District of Taylor Council Meeting, Council introduced the new General Manager for the Lone Wolf Golf Club.Ryan Galay was hired by the District as the new General Manager for the Golf Course, replacing Dave Callum.Galay says he is very excited to join the Lone Wolf Team as a General Manager.
MATHURA: Actor and BJP lawmaker Hema Malini on Sunday campaigned in her parliamentary constituency, Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh with her husband and actor, Dharmendra, by her side. The popular Bollywood couple addressed a crowd for the Jat community where a massive crowd turned up. Addressing the rally, Dharmendra recalled how his humble beginnings helped him become a successful actor. “I am the son of a farmer and I have worked very hard in the fields when I was young,” he said. Dharmendra had a brief political stint about ten years ago when he contested the 2004 national elections from Rajasthan’s Bikaner on BJP ticket and won. Raising the poll pitch in the constituency, where the BJP has won four out of six Lok Sabha elections since 1991, Dharmendra told the crowd: “Gao walon, (Hema ji ke liye) vote karna. Nahi to kisi aas paas ki tanki pe chad jaunga aur wahan bahut mausi ko pukarunga. Bahut mausiyan aa jayengi. (Dear villagers, please vote for Hema Malini ji. Else, I will climb on one of the tanks and give a shout out to Mausi ji. I am sure a lot of them will come).” He reminded the crowd of the iconic scene from the movie, “Sholay”, where Hema Malini starred together with her husband and played the role of “Basanti”, a village girl. Hema Malini said she was excited to have her husband by her side. “With just two days remaining for the poll campaign to end in Mathura, people are excited to see me and him together. People have seen both of us together in so many movies. We are seeking votes for Mathura’s development,” she told reporters. Before the rally, she tweeted a picture of two of them together and said it was a “special day”. “Today is also a special day for me! Dharam ji is here in Mathura to campaign for a whole day on my behalf. The public is waiting eagerly to get a glimpse of him & listen to what he has to say! A photo taken in my house in Mathura just now before we leave for campaigning…(sic),” she wrote.
Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets feels that they only have themselves to blame after their unbeaten league run came to an end in their shocking 5-4 defeat to LevanteThe Catalan giants were 5-1 down against the 15th-place side at the Estadi Ciutat de València on Sunday night, before Phillipe Coutinho and Luis Suarez put the deficit down to 5-4 with 19 minutes remaining.However, Barcelona was unable to find an equaliser in the final moments and fell to their first La Liga defeat in 44 games.“Conceding five goals makes it very hard. We were caught on the counter-attack and there was a lack of concentration at times, too. Like I say, when you concede five, it’s hard to get anything positive from the game and that’s been the case,” said Busquets, according to Sport.The league champion’s late comeback proved to be futile in the end, despite their best efforts.“The fourth goal came with 20 minutes left,” he added.
Zidane reveals Sergio Ramos injury concern for Real Madrid Andrew Smyth – September 14, 2019 Zinedine Zidane has put Sergio Ramos’ availability for Real Madrid’s trip to Sevilla next weekend in doubt after withdrawing him against Levante.“We were pushing, working hard and used lots of energy, but that takes its toll in the end. We had chances to equalise but it wasn’t our night. When you give away five goals it’s hard to haul it back.”While disappointed to have not finished the season unbeaten, Busquets hopes that this defeat does not spoil what has been otherwise an outstanding season and the Spanish midfielder feels that his teammates should be proud to have managed a record 43 games unbeaten.“It’s clear we wanted to end the season unbeaten, but this doesn’t take any credit away from what we have done this season and everything we have achieved in La Liga,” said the 29-year-old.“The record [for games unbeaten, 43] we have over two years, but it’s shame [to lose out on an unbeaten season].“But we have won the league, it’s been an incredible season beyond this one game and I think we can be proud. Now we can celebrate with our fans in the final game.”
Wales have announced that Aaron Ramsey will miss their Uefa Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland due to “family reasons”The loss of the Arsenal midfielder will come as another blow for head coach Ryan Giggs after Gareth Bale returned to Real Madrid.Wales were handed a 4-1 thrashing by Spain at Cardiff on Friday after a brace from forward Paco Alcacer, along with goals from defensive duo Sergio Ramos and Marc Bartra.Ramsey, whose Arsenal future remains increasingly uncertain, played the full 90 minutes of the loss but could not make an impact with Sam Vokes grabbing an 89th-minute consolation goal.Now the 27-year-old will be replaced by Swansea City’s Daniel James for Tuesday’s game in Dublin.
Daniel James impresses Patrice Evra Manuel R. Medina – September 12, 2019 The Manchester United legend gave Daniel James a passionate speech after the youngster was voted Player of the Month for August.“Daniel James has been called up to the senior team from the under 21’s this morning. Aaron Ramsey will no longer travel with the squad to Dublin due to family reasons,” read a statement on the Wales FA Twitter.SQUAD UPDATE | DIWEDDARIAD CARFANDaniel James has been called up to the senior team from the under 21’s this morning. Aaron Ramsey will no longer travel with the squad to Dublin due to family reasons.#TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/lYWOUUrI5M— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) October 15, 2018
Additional beds available for homeless due to rainy weather in San Diego KUSI Newsroom Posted: February 26, 2018 February 26, 2018 SAN DIEGO (KUSI) — The Inclement Weather Shelter Program at Father Joe’s Villages and Connections Housing Downtown for homeless San Diegans has been activated by the San Diego Housing Commission in partnership with the City of San Diego.Shelter nights are provided when the temperature is 50 degrees or below and there is a 40 percent chance of rain, or in exceptional weather conditions, such as one or more inches of rain within 24 hours and sustained winds of over 25 MPH.The date(s) is listed below:Monday, February 26Father Joe’s Villages Shelter — up to 250 individualsCheck-In: 4 p.m. — Throughout the nightCheck-Out: 5 a.m.Meal provided1501 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92101The City of San Diego funds the Inclement Weather Shelter Program at Father Joe’s Villages.PATH San Diego/Connections Housing Downtown Shelter – Up to 30 individualsCheck-In: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.Check-Out: 7 a.m.Meal provided1250 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101The San Diego Housing Commission funds the Inclement Weather Shelter Program at PATH San Diego/Connections Housing.Inclement Weather Shelter Program–Downtown San Diego Area The Inclement Weather Shelter Program in the city’s downtown area is a partnership of the San Diego Housing Commission, City of San Diego, Father Joe’s Villages, PATH San Diego/Connections Housing Downtown and 2-1-1 San Diego. For more information about this shelter program or other county-wide shelter programs, dial 2-1-1, or visit www.211sandiego.org KUSI Newsroom, Categories: Local San Diego News Tags: Father Joe’s Villages, Weather FacebookTwitter
Rolling Stone caught up with Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott right after he heard the news. “We finally find out we’re in,” he said. “Now we can stop holding our breath and go, ‘Great! How wonderful to be in the same club as the Rolling Stones and the Beatles and the Who and Queen and etc., etc.’ It’s nice. It’s a good club to be in.” Email In addition to this year’s induction as a solo artist, Nicks was previously inducted in 1998 for her work in Fleetwood MacPhilip MerrillGRAMMYs Dec 13, 2018 – 11:59 am On Dec. 13 the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame announced their 2019 inductees to be honored on March 29, 2019, at the 34th annual induction ceremony. The final selection includes the Cure, Def Leppard, Janet Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Radiohead, Roxy Music including Brian Eno, and the Zombies. It was the first time on the ballot for Def Leppard, Stevie Nicks and Roxy Music, and Nicks’ win as a solo artist makes her the first woman to ever be inducted twice into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame previously inducted Nicks in 1998 for her work in Fleetwood Mac. Earlier this year, Fleetwood Mac became the first band to receive the MusiCares Person of the Year award for their philanthropy, and their albums Fleetwood Mac (1975) and Rumours (1977) have been inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame. https://twitter.com/JanetJackson/status/1073203041447350275 The 34th Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on March 29, 2019, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. It will be shown on HBO and heard on SiriusXM. Ticket availability will be announced in January. The 2019 inductees’ exhibit at the Hall’s museum in Cleveland, Ohio will be unveiled the same night.Bon Jovi, Dire Straits Among Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2018 InducteesRead more Stevie Nicks Scores 2nd Rock & Roll HOF Induction stevie-nicks-scores-her-second-rock-and-roll-hall-fame-induction Twitter As for the other inductees, Pitchfork recapped Radiohead’s divergent reactions last year when they made the previous final ballot. Jonny Greenwood’s response was, “I don’t care,” but Colin Greenwood said he’d be grateful. They didn’t make it on the 33rd round but now they’re among the 34th confirmed inductees. Stevie Nicks Scores Her Second Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Facebook News 
Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan. Photo: ReutersMore than 300,000 people have signed online petitions calling for Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan to receive a Nobel peace prize after he freed an Indian pilot in a bid to defuse tensions with his country’s arch-rival neighbour.The capture of wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman had become the focus of renewed hostilities between the nuclear-armed rivals which have alarmed the international community.Tensions have soared since a suicide bombing in Kashmir last month claimed by Pakistan-based militants killed 40 Indian paramilitaries.The hashtag #NobelPeaceForImranKhan began trending on Twitter on Thursday after Khan unexpectedly announced that the captured pilot would be released as a “peace gesture”.Abhinandan — whose MiG fighter was shot down a day earlier as he chased Pakistani jets over disputed Kashmir — was returned to India late Friday.Two similarly-worded campaigns on the change.org platform launched by users in the UK and Pakistan called for Imran Khan to be nominated for next year’s prize “for his peace efforts and dialogues in the Asian region on diverse conflicts”.They have gained more than 240,000 and 60,000 digital signatures respectively.Pakistan’s information minister Fawad Chaudhry Saturday also submitted a resolution in the country’s parliament demanding Khan be given the award for his contribution to peace in the region.”Imran Khan played a sagacious role in de-escalating tension between Pakistan and India,” the resolution said.In his speech announcing Abhinandan’s release, Khan referred to the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war as he called for talks with New Delhi.Thousands of people around the world are allowed to make nominations for the Peace Prize, including members of parliament and government ministers, former laureates and some university professors.
