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Pakistan, ADB ink two climate resilience initiatives worth over $300m
- Coastal project targets flood risks, ecosystem restoration: ministry
- Punjab initiative promotes low-carbon, climate-smart farming.
- Millions to benefit from resilience, productivity measures: ministry.
Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday signed two major climate resilience initiatives aimed at strengthening coastal protection and promoting low-carbon agriculture.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the agreements include the $180.5 million Sindh Coastal Resilience Sector Project (SCRP) and the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project, valued at $124 million.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Islamabad, Secretary Ministry of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim appreciated ADB’s continued support, describing it as a trusted development partner in Pakistan’s efforts to advance climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and inclusive growth.
He said the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project would promote integrated water resources and flood risk management, restore nature-based coastal defences, and strengthen institutional and community capacity for strategic planning.
The project will be financed through $140.5 million from ADB, including a $140 million loan and $0.5 million technical assistance grant, $40 million from the Green Climate Fund, and $20 million in counterpart funding from the Sindh government. It is expected to directly benefit more than 3.8 million people in Thatta, Sujawal and Badin districts.
Karim said the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project would enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience across 30 districts of Punjab. The project, with a total outlay of $129 million, will be financed through a $120 million ADB loan, a $4 million ADB grant, and $5 million in counterpart funding from the Punjab government.
Under the project, small farmers will gain improved access to climate-smart machinery, circular agriculture practices will be introduced to reduce crop residue burning, testing and training facilities will be established, and 15,000 women will be empowered through skills development and livelihood diversification.
The secretary said both initiatives were transformative, noting that the Sindh project would safeguard livelihoods, food security and biodiversity along the province’s vulnerable coastal belt, while the Punjab project would drive sustainable, low-carbon agricultural growth and inclusive development.
ADB Country Director Emma Fan welcomed Pakistan’s commitment, highlighting the importance of the Sindh project in addressing climate-induced risks and protecting coastal communities, and describing the Punjab mechanisation initiative as a key step toward modernising agriculture and reducing emissions.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the effective use of financing and the timely completion of the two projects.
Entertainment
Jessica Alba, Cash Warren’s daughter Honor has college plans
Jessica Alba and Cash Warren are celebrating a major milestone as their eldest daughter, Honor Warren, prepares to take the next big step in her academic journey.
The 17-year-old has officially been accepted to Yale University, where she plans to study English and Film Studies, according to an announcement shared by her high school.
The school revealed the news in a celebratory Instagram post, featuring a photo of a younger Honor alongside the Yale logo.
“Honor is headed to Yale University!!” the caption read, adding, “We are so proud of Honor and it’s an HONOR to send her off.”
The post also noted that she will be part of the Class of 2029, ending with a cheerful “Go Bulldogs.” The announcement came on the same day Yale released its early decision results.
Honor’s acceptance was quickly met with love from her family.
Her younger sister, Haven, 14, showed her support by commenting two red heart emojis on the post. The news marks a proud moment for the entire family, especially during a year filled with change.
The milestone arrives amid a transitional period for Jessica and Cash, who share three children, Honor, Haven, and their youngest, Hayes, 7.
The former couple filed for divorce earlier this year after 16 years of marriage. Despite the change, both parents have made it clear that their children remain their top priority.
Jessica recently spoke about balancing personal growth with motherhood, sharing that her main focus is making sure her kids feel supported and happy.
“They’re my No. 1 priority,” she said. “So as long as they’re happy and they’re good and they’re healthy, we’re all good.”
Cash has also expressed support for Jessica’s new chapter, including her relationship with actor Danny Ramirez.
As the family moves forward, Honor’s college acceptance stands out as a bright and meaningful moment, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life.
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See which routes are now open
Eurostar train services between London and continental Europe have partially resumed after a day of major travel chaos, but passengers are still being urged to postpone non-essential journeys due to severe ongoing delays.
The disruption started early Tuesday, December 30, when a power supply and a failed Le Shuttle train forced the complete closure of the Channel tunnel.
Authorities have confirmed that the tunnel has partially reopened with one track operational, the overhead power supply issue persists.
However, Eurostar has strongly advised all customers to postpone their travel to a different date if possible. In an official statement, the operator warned, “Your train is currently scheduled to run but your journey could be disrupted,” and significant delays are expected to continue through Tuesday and potentially into Wednesday, December 31.
Major hubs faced immediate chaos. Crowds of stranded travellers with suitcases swelled at London’s St Pancras International and at the Gare du Nord in Paris, which transport vehicles and their passengers through the tunnel, are also experiencing significant waits.
Initially, even services not using the tunnel like those between Paris and Brussels were also cancelled. Travellers are advised to check Eurostar’s website for live updates.
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