The Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on the education sector in addition to other industries. The country’s educational institutions were shut down beginning on March 13, 2020, for a period of three weeks because of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this was later extended till July 15, 2020. Education institutions all over the world switched to virtual learning or remote learning to ensure that students could participate in the learning process from the comfort of their homes when it was realized that the global pandemic is not slowing down and closing the educational institutions for an extended period is not an option.

Education during Pandemic:

Physical education was not an option for either public or private educational institutions throughout the pandemic. Private institutions that had e-classes set up using tools like Skype, Zoom, and Google Classroom were the first to embrace virtual learning during the pandemic. However, Pakistan’s urban areas were the only places where these online classes were available. Even though online classes can’t completely make up for in-person instruction, they have shown to be quite useful in ensuring remote learning and giving students the flexibility to learn.

In addition, the government established Teleschool, a channel solely for teaching pupils and providing them with academic material.  Pakistan demonstrated an innovative and novel method of learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. These modifications have made it possible to rethink Pakistan’s educational system going forward.

Reimagining Pakistan’s Educational System:

The modifications that were made to the educational system throughout the epidemic have painted a clear image of how it might look in the future. In the future, classrooms will be accessible both in the real world and online. Pakistan’s educational system will likely soon adopt a mixed format.

Students will be able to participate in educational activities whenever and wherever they want. For instance, it is now possible for students to finish the syllabus for a Sarkari Exam at their own pace to achieve a successful Sarkari Result. There are already many open courses available worldwide, allowing students from all over the world to pursue their education without any restrictions based on location or other factors.

In the foreseeable future, customized learning experiences will be prioritized. Most educational institutions will disregard the one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and learning. Technology has made it possible to customize the learning process of students.

A flipped classroom is also anticipated in Pakistan soon. In flipped classrooms, the teachers record the lessons in advance so that the students can watch them at their own convenience. After learning the classes online, the students can visit the classroom to ask the instructor any questions they may have.

Additionally, a strong emphasis on skill-based courses should be expected. In the modern world, skill-based education is given a lot of preference, and new career opportunities are emerging because of technological innovation.

To reimagine the future of Pakistan’s educational system, technology will be a major component. Therefore, it is crucial that both students and teachers have the necessary technical abilities to prevent a technological barrier from standing in their way. In Pakistan, virtual learning is the way of the future.

Do you find it difficult to fall asleep peacefully? You’re not the only one awake at night.

Poor sleep is a common problem. Sleep disruption can have an impact on your emotional and physical health in addition to being an inconvenience that makes you feel drained the next day. It impairs your memory, focus, mood and raises your risk of developing depression.

Here are simple, natural solutions that can enhance your sleep:

Herbal Tea

Tea brewing has a long history. Anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness can all be treated naturally with chamomile, valerian root, and magnolia tea. Before going to bed, have a cup of one of these herbal teas so that you have time to unwind, enjoy the beverage, and use the restroom.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil can help you fall asleep and enhance the overall quality of your sleep when applied before bed, according to research. Start the lavender oil diffuser about an hour before going to bed. You can also apply a few drops straight to your feet, wrists, and temples, or rub one or two drops on your pillow.

Warm Milk

It’s a long-standing custom to have a warm glass of milk before bed, and for good reason: milk contains minerals like tryptophan, magnesium, and melatonin that can help you go asleep. These milk constituents relieve tension in the body and boost melatonin production.

Tart Cherry Juice

Sour cherry juice from tart cherries can boost melatonin levels when consumed before bed. In the same study, those who drank cherry juice slept for longer periods of time and had more productive sleep overall. This may indicate that sour cherry juice can help with sleeplessness.

Yoga and Meditation

Although it’s not always a good idea to work out strenuously before bed, studies have shown that doing gentle yoga or meditation have improved sleep and reduced insomnia. Focus on your breath and the stretch as you perform basic yoga poses like the cat-cow, forward fold, or bridge.

Dark Room

According to sleep specialists’ absence of light encourages the hormone melatonin, which promotes sleepiness. It also aids in keeping you asleep until all of your sleep cycles have been completed. Darkness also aids in relaxing, which speeds up the process of falling asleep.

The devastating monsoon rains struck Pakistan at a time when it was already in trouble. As a result of some of the worst floods Pakistan has ever experienced, large areas of the country are currently underwater. Some areas have seen five times their normal levels of rain.

More than 1,100 people have died and the floods have impacted 33 million people.

According to figures from the European Union, Pakistan contributes less than 1% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, yet it is suffering greatly from the effects of the climate crisis, losing lives as well as homes, schools, and bridges.

 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Pakistan has warned that the recovery could take years, and the final cost will be $10 billion. And it’s likely that another calamity will halt any recovery efforts.

Moshin Hafeez, a Lahore-based climate scientist at the International Water Management Institute said Pakistan “is considered the eighth most vulnerable country to climate change,”. Scientists repeatedly warned about rain, heat, melting glaciers, and all climate change factors.

In an interview with CNN’s Eleni Giokos on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, “We consistently experience climatic destruction in the forms of floods, monsoons, severe droughts, and extreme heat waves.”

Climate Minister Sherry Rehman said, “it’s been a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions.”

More than a decade ago, the developed world committed to giving developing countries at least $100 billion a year by 2020 to support both their transitions away from fossil fuels and their adaptation to climate change. That sum has never been given in full.

The US has historically produced the most greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. The cost of the industrialization of wealthy nations that caused this climate change is being paid by the people of Pakistan, the citizens of Pakistan, in their lives and in their means of subsistence.

Authorities have stated that they have been overwhelmed by the scope of the disaster, and the country’s climate minister has referred to it as a severe climatic calamity, as millions of Pakistanis affected by the worst flooding in a decade are in urgent need of assistance.

We can help flood-affected Pakistanis by donating time, money, or items.

Donate:

Many non-governmental organizations, as well as the provincial and federal governments, are putting forth great effort to help those affected by the disaster. They will take both monetary and in-kind donations as forms of assistance.

 Here is the list of most reliable and authentic organizations collecting funds for flood victims in Pakistan:

Edhi Foundation

Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan

HANDS Pakistan

Dawn Relief

Orange Tree Foundation

Muslim Aid UK

Urgently needed items:

• Food bags
• Tents
• Mosquito nets
• Drinking water
• Medical supplies
• Cooked food
• Dry ration packs
• Tarpaulin sheets
• Shelter kits
• Hygiene kits
• Sanitary pads

Volunteer:

Helping someone in need is a tremendously gratifying experience, and when you help as a team, the pleasure is heightened. We can assist the victims of floods through volunteer work.  Currently, homes need to be rebuilt, shelters require assistance with helping displaced families and their animals, and food banks require assistance with serving meals. Please volunteer your time to assist those places that were severely hit.

Organize a Fundraising event:

If you don’t have a lot of money to give, you can still help flood victims by organizing a fundraising event. Creative fundraisers that involve the community can be an effective way to gather funds – a little bit from a lot of people adds up fast Any occasion can be used to collect money by turning it into a fundraising event. This can encompass events like concerts, silent auctions, half-marathon and more.

Collaborate:

Artists can use art to help flood victims. They can sell art and donate proceeds to flood victims. Artists can also collaborate with different artists to sell creations and raise money for flood relief activities.

Donate sales:

If you are a business owner, donate part of your profits to a charity. For example, local restaurants can donate part of their brunch profits to flood relief charities.

Pakistan is pleading for rapid international aid after more than 1,000 people, including more than 300 children, were killed by flash floods. Nearly a million homes were damaged, along with animals, crops, roads, and bridges, leaving millions without access to homes, food, energy, and the internet. According to the National Disaster Management Authority, 119 more people perished in Pakistan’s catastrophic floods during the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities since mid-June to 1,033. (NDMA). Over $4 billion has already been projected as the cost of the economic losses.

The international community has stepped forward to aid the victims as Pakistan continues to be devastated by the disastrous flash flooding and lose lives in the process.

UAE President issues a relief order

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, ordered the prompt delivery of 3,000 tonnes of food supplies, tonnes of medical supplies, and tonnes of tents and shelter supplies on Saturday. The UAE aid teams will also help Pakistani institutions to meet their logistical, medical, and food needs. To ensure that thousands of families have access to necessities like food and shelter, the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has also offered help.

UK declares £1.5 million

The UK has said that it will urgently contribute up to 1.5 million pounds in humanitarian aid to the flood-affected districts.

UN allocates $3 million

UN agencies and partners in Pakistan have been given $3 million by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to deal with the floods. In flood-affected communities, this assistance will be used for health, nutrition, food security, and water and sanitation services.

EU grants €1.8 million

According to Riina Kionka, the EU’s ambassador to Pakistan, the EU has announced €1.8 million in support for Pakistan. The statement claimed that the aid money would help those in need in some of the hardest-hit districts in the provinces of Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This €1.8 million aid is in addition to the €350,000 previously designated for people who lost their houses and urgently require support.

Azerbaijan sends support

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has ordered his administration to send Pakistan $2 million in aid to help the country deal with catastrophic flooding.

US sends $1 million in aid

The United States has announced an additional $1 million grant to assist Pakistan in dealing with floods that have severely damaged the country’s infrastructure and claimed many lives. The United States announced $1 million to increase resilience against natural catastrophes in addition to $100,000 in urgent help.

Turkey supplies humanitarian aid

According to the Turkish government, two planeloads of supplies for the flood victims were delivered on Turkish president Erdogan’s orders.

 China sends 25,000 tents and $300,000 in cash

China has stated that it will send a shipment of urgently needed humanitarian aid to Pakistan, comprising 25,000 tents and other relief items as well as $300,000 in cash from the Chinese Red Cross Society. Before this, China supplied 50,000 blankets, 50,000 pieces of waterproof canvas, and 4,000 tents, all of which have been distributed to those in need. To the PM’s Flood Relief Fund, the All-Pakistan Chinese Enterprises’ Association (APCEA) has given Rs15 million.

Qatar offers support

The Disaster Response Fund of the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has been awarded $100,000 (QR 365,000) to help flood victims, lessen the effects of the disaster, and meet their basic requirements.

Canada provides support

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that Pakistanis were in his thoughts as he pledged support from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF) and Red Cross Canada.

France offers support

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, also expressed support and stated that his nation stands ready to help.

Exercise can lengthen your life, improve your mental health, and stave off disease. But committing to a regular exercise routine is easier said than done.

Here is how to get started:

Set short-term goals

Huge, outcome-focused objectives like dropping 20 pounds or developing six-pack abs are frequently established by people. These can be inspiring, but they don’t tell you what you should be doing now and over the next few days and weeks to achieve them.

Set achievable goals to maintain your motivation. Consider extending your plank for 15 seconds every three days or extending your run by a half mile each week.

Find a workout you enjoy

Finding a workout, you truly enjoy will increase your likelihood of sticking with it over time.

Start by seriously considering your favorite things, such as nature, social situations, sports, quiet time, or challenges. Find activities that fit one or more of your criteria and make them a part of your routine.

Put it on your calendar

Make time for your workouts so they become a regular part of your schedule. Schedule a few days a week and put it on the calendar just like any other significant event.

Play some music

You might find that playing some music is all you need to go the extra mile. According to studies, exercising to music prolongs workouts for both men and women without causing them to feel as though they are exerting more effort.

Break things up

Do you miss your workout because you lack the time to complete the entire routine? Divide your daily physical activity into shorter bursts. There are also aerobic advantages to shorter but more frequent sessions. A few quick workouts throughout the day may fit into your schedule more conveniently than a single 30-minute workout. Anything you do is preferable to doing nothing at all.

Have a plan B

When the weather is bad and you don’t feel like leaving the house, or if you’re traveling and don’t have access to a gym, put together a bare minimum workout with a few basic moves like squats and planks that you can do anywhere. If you typically exercise outdoors, find a backup workout or class you can do at the gym or at home in case of bad weather.

Water makes up over 70% of your body, therefore drinking enough water is essential for good health. Your body uses water for a variety of functions, including regulating your body’s temperature, electrolyte balance, blood pressure, lubricating joints, and cell health.

Although everyone is aware of how crucial it is to stay hydrated, doing so can occasionally be challenging.

Here are six simple tips for staying hydrated:

Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning

Drinking a glass of water in the morning increases your energy levels and kickstarts your metabolism.

Keep a reusable water bottle with you

Having a reusable water bottle makes it simple to drink water wherever you are, whether you’re out and about, traveling, at home, or at school. A visual reminder to drink more water can also be provided by keeping a water bottle nearby. You’ll be continuously reminded to drink more if the bottle is on your desk or table.

Set alarms or reminders

You can also set reminders to consume more water, using an app or the alarm on your smartphone or smartwatch. Try setting a reminder, for instance, to sip on a little water every 30 minutes or to finish your current glass of water and replenish it every hour.

These things can encourage you to drink more water, especially if you have trouble remembering or are often busy.

Eat more foods high in water

Eat more foods that are high in water. Fruits and vegetables that are particularly high in water include lettuce, cabbage, celery, cantaloupe, and zucchini. In addition to having a high water content, these fruits and vegetables are a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that improve your general health.

Drink a glass of water before each meal

Making it a routine to have one glass of water prior to each meal is another easy approach to enhance your water intake. It will keep you hydrated, help your body digest food better and help you feel full faster.

Set a daily goal

You can increase the amount of water you consume by setting a daily goal. Setting a goal itself can inspire you and increase your likelihood of lasting change.

Environmental degradation, unclean habits and settings, insufficient and improper systems for waste disposal, a lack of hygiene, and poor sanitation are the main problems Pakistan and other third-world countries face. These issues not only affect the health of the populace but also contribute to climatic changes, which are thought to be the greatest threat to human lives and the planet itself.

Environment protection is a requirement, not a choice.  We must all do our part to make Pakistan a clean, green country. Here’s how we all can contribute:

Don’t litter the streets or roads

Remember that you are a responsible Pakistani citizen when you are out and about. It is your responsibility to keep the ground clean. Keep a small bag on hand to collect waste, such as plastic bottles, juice boxes, and wrappers.

Plant more trees

There are so many advantages that trees bring to our daily lives. They help prevent climate change, filter clean air, produce clean water, and provide habitats for countless plant and animal species. Our country can be protected from climate change and biodiversity loss by planting trees. Neem trees can be planted. They are low maintenance, water efficient, and provide a lot of shade.

Use Biodegradable Stuff

Sustainable living includes the use of biodegradable items that are created from recyclable and renewable components. This indicates that the garbage produced by these products won’t end up in a landfill. Paper bags containing seeds have been introduced by some companies. Therefore, even if they are thrown away, the seeds can still grow into plants. Alternatively, you can remove the seeds and plant them yourself.

Recycle

The environment and your neighbourhood can both benefit from recycling. It lessens the amount of trash that is dumped in landfills and burned in incinerators. By minimizing the need to gather fresh raw materials, it conserves natural resources like water and timber and prevents pollution.

The Islamic holiday known as Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), the holy Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson, and his comrades at the Battle of Karbala on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram. When faced with disasters, Imam Hussain (RA), his family, and associates displayed the greatest moral standards.

Here are some lessons that we think everyone should learn from Hazrat Imam Hussain’s (RA) remarkable journey:

Significance of Salah

Imam Hussain (RA) never forgot the significance of Salah when engaged in the Battle of Karbala. When it was time for Zuhr, Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions halted to pray despite the Yazid’s troops firing arrows at them nonstop.

Sacrifice

Imam Hussain (RA) demonstrated to the devout believers that they should be willing to give up all to uphold Allah’s religion when it is in danger. He rebelled against Yazid when he saw how the dictator openly disobeyed Allah’s precepts.

Patience

One of the most important life lessons we can take from Imam Hussain (RA) is to be patient, even when things don’t go your way. Imam Hussain (RA) maintained his composure throughout everything, including the contract violation that led to hostilities with Muawiyah and the incident where he was turned away from water on the Euphrates. He had the patience to put his affairs in Allah’s hands despite the oppressors killing the Imam’s (RA) youngest child, Ali Asghar, who was just six months old.

On the Day of Ashura, when the battle was in full swing, he told his companions: “Be patient O ‘ the son of the nobles. Death is only a bridge that takes you from misery and loss to the vast Paradise and the eternal graces”

Determination

Imam Hussain’s (RA) legacy is one that exemplifies remarkable courage, determination, and grace in the face of oppression. Imam Hussain (RA) did not move from his true position in the face of enormous obstacles. On numerous occasions, including at Karbala, he was given the chance to swear allegiance to Yazid in exchange for the protection of his life and the lives of his family. However, Imam Hussain (RA) remained steadfast in his choice since he understood it would go against Islamic values.

Submission to Allah’s will

From an early age, when his Grandfather Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would tell how he will be left alone in a place called Karbala, Imam Hussain (RA) was aware of his fate. However, Imam Hussain (RA) never questioned Allah’s plan, even when he was left alone on the Day of Ashura. He always accepted his fate.

Hazrat Zainab (R.A.) is the granddaughter of Allah’s messenger Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) and the daughter of Hazrat Fatima (R.A.), also known as al-Batool, or “the chaste and the pure.” A brave woman, Hazrat Zainab (R.A.), stood up to Yazid’s atrocities while standing with her brother Hazrat Hussain (R.A.) on the Karbala battlefield.
The title “Queen of Karbala” is given to Hazrat Zainab Bint-e-Ali (R.A.), who truly played a significant role in representing Islam. Many significant lessons may be learned from Sayeda Zainab’s life, and they are all still relevant to our lives now.

Strength of Hazrat Zainab (R.A)

Hazrat Zainab (R.A) was aware that it would be her duty to take care of the widows and orphans. Despite the severe disaster that befell her and her family, she exhibited strength, confidence, and faith. Her life teaches us even in the most challenging situations, women must not undervalue their strength. In these circumstances, being proactive might be of the biggest importance.

Leadership of Hazrat Zainab (R.A)

Hazrat Zainab (R.A) was renowned for her leadership through her conduct. History repeatedly recalls her pivotal role in uniting the people who had been captured by the army of Yazid and left behind by the Karbala martyrs as a brilliant example of leadership in the face of difficulty.

Vision of Hazrat Zainab (R.A)

Hazrat Zainab (R.A) was a leader with vision. Islam’s continued existence depended heavily on the preservation of the Imamate. Hazrat Zainab (R.A) understood she had to defend her nephew, Imam Zayn al-Abidin (p), and she did it as well as she could with God’s Divine defence and assistance. When it was necessary to defend him physically, she remained steady and publicly spoke out when the truth was distorted or obscured.

Courage of Hazrat Zainab (R.A)

We learned from Hazrat Zainab (R.A.) that it’s not always simple to resist our oppressor. Even though our oppressors might take on many different identities and organisational structures, it’s crucial to summon the confidence to stand up to them. To be steadfast and strong, we must have faith in our principles and in ourselves. By defying the obstacles and resisting the vile and formidable oppressor of her day, Zainab (R.A.) rose to become a pillar of courage and hope.