WHO declares Egypt malaria free after nearly century of efforts

Egypt has achieved a significant milestone in public health as the World Health Organization (WHO) certified the nation as malaria-free, marking the elimination of a disease that had pagued the country since ancient times.

The WHO grants certification to countries that prove, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted for at least the previous three consecutive years.

Now, the status has been granted to a total of 44 countries and one territory globally, the WHO said in a statement.

The WHO called the achievement “truly historic” and the culmination of nearly a century of work to stamp out the disease, AFP reported.

“Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilisation itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

“This certification of Egypt as malaria-free is truly historic, and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge.”

“Receiving the malaria elimination certificate today is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new phase,” said Egypt´s Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar.

“We must now work tirelessly and vigilantly to sustain our achievement through maintaining the highest standards for surveillance, diagnosis and treatment.”

To be certified malaria free, a country must also demonstrate the ability to prevent the re-establishment of transmission.

Read more: Sindh ‘reports 106684 malaria cases’ in last week

Spread by mosquitoes, malaria is mostly found in tropical countries and the infection is caused by a parasite, that kills more than 600,000 people every year, 95% of them in Africa, according to the WHO.

There were 249 million recorded malaria cases worldwide in 2022.

The WHO said that early efforts to reduce human-mosquito contact in Egypt started in the 1920s with a ban on rice and crop cultivation near homes.

By 1942, malaria cases in Egypt had spiked to over three million due to population displacement during World War II.

The construction of the Aswan Dam, built in the 1960s, introduced new risks with stagnant water creating mosquito breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

However, by 2001, Egypt had malaria “firmly under control”, the WHO said.

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Over 1.5m applications received under Green Tractor program

The Punjab government has received more than one point five million applications under the Green Tractor Program announced for farmers.

The Punjab government had announced the distribution of nine thousand five hundred green tractors under Kisan Programme.

The list of those who will be included in the draw will be posted today.

Meanwhile, the scrutiny of application had been completed. The applicant’s land was verified by the Patwar Circle concerned.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved Punjab Green Tractor Scheme 2024-25 for farmers.

The Chief Minister has announced a Rs. 10 lakh subsidy in each 50 to 85 HP tractors manufactured in Pakistan. Following a suggestion from Mohammad Nawaz Sharif, the number of tractors available under the Punjab Green Tractor Scheme increased to 9,500 units all over Punjab.

The balloting of green tractor scheme will held on October 20 (today). Winning applicants can check their names they will also receive a SMS on their registered mobile number.

Read more: D.G. Khan: Search ongoing for victims of tractor trolley mishap

As you know, the Punjab Government launched the Green Tractor Scheme, which gives farmers a subsidy of Rs 10 lakh per tractor. Through balloting, the scheme will provide 9,500 tractors to farmers at a subsidized prices.

Applicants must submit their applications by 10 October 2024. Applicants should own between 1 to 50 acres of agricultural land.

Farmers can choose tractors with 50 to 85 horsepower, all manufactured in the country. Apply online now for the Green Tractor Scheme and book your favorite Massey Ferguson or New Holland Al-Ghazi tractor model.

Locally manufactured tractors including Millat Tractor Company Al Ghazi Tractors Limited and any other local tractor manufactures, Kisan Bhai can get these tractors by just selecting in the online available registration form.

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CTD apprehends seven terrorists in Punjab IBOs

LAHORE: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has made a expedited crack down to combat terrorism, apprehending seven terrorists in Punjab during intelligence-based operations (IBOs), ARY News reported.

As per details, the operations were conducted across various cities, including Lahore, Bhakkar, Attock, Vehari, Bahawalpur, and Jhang, targeting terrorist hideouts and suspects.

The spokesperson said that two highly dangerous terrorists linked to the Fitna Alkhwarij were arrested in Lahore and Bhakkar. The raids yielded a significant recovery of arms, ammunition, and explosive material, including nine detonators, explosive material, arms and ammunition, and banned literature.

The apprehended terrorists were identified as Hayatullah, Shehnawaz Khan, Muhammad Siddique, Zuhor Ahmed, Akram Khan, and Mushbeer Ali.

According to authorities, the terrorists planned to create fear and panic among the public by carrying out attacks at different locations.

In a separate operation, 2943 combing operations were conducted in the last week, resulting in the arrest of 257 suspected individuals, and 68,537 people were interrogated.

Read More: Seven khwarij gunned down in Kurram IBO: ISPR

Earlier on September 4, the counter-terrorism department on arrested a terrorist in an intelligence operation in Sahiwal.

The terrorist identified as Aman Ullah belongs to banned organization Fitna Alkhwarij.

During the operation, the CTD also recovered literature and books inciting hate and religious extremism from the arrested terrorist and a case has been registered against him.

In a separate development, the security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Razmak area of North Waziristan and killed three khwarij, according to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the operation, a firefight ensued, resulting in the elimination of three terrorists, Khawarij, associated with an outlawed group while one terrorist was injured. The security forces also recovered a huge cache of weapons and ammunition from the killed terrorists, the ISPR said.

The statement further mentioned that the terrorists were involved in targeted killings of both security personnel and civilians.

The ISPR reiterated the commitment of the security forces to rid the country of the menace of terrorism and the Khawarij extremists.

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SBP reserves surge above $11bn, highest in 30 months

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves increased by $215 million to $11.022 billion during the week ended on Oct 11.

According to a statement issued by the central bank, total liquid foreign reserves held by the country stood at $16.11 billion. Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks stood at $5.09 billion.

“During the week ended on 11-Oct-2024, SBP reserves increased by US$ 215 million to US$ 11,022.7 million,” it said.

The central bank did not specify a reason for the increase in reserves.

Earlier on October 10, Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves stood at US$ 16. 04 billion during the week ended on 4th October 2024.

According to a statement issued by the central bank, Pakistan’s reserves held by the SBP increased by US$ 106 million to US$ 10.8 billion during the period.

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Israel army says five soldiers killed in Lebanon combat

The Israeli military said on Thursday that five soldiers had been killed in combat in southern Lebanon, taking to 19 the number of troop deaths announced since Israel began raids into Lebanon last month.

A military statement said five servicemen “fell during combat in southern Lebanon”, without elaborating on the circumstances of their deaths.

The soldiers were named as company commander Maj. Ofek Bachar, 24, from Nes Ziona; team commander Capt. Elad Siman Tov, 23, from Tzofim; squad leader Staff Sgt. Elyashiv Eitan Wieder, 22, from Jerusalem; Staff Sgt. Yakov Hillel, 21, from Jerusalem; and Staff Sgt. Yehudah Dror Yahalom, 21, from Hebron.

Another officer and two soldiers were seriously injured in the incident. A number of other soldiers were seriously hurt during separate battles in southern Lebanon.

In one incident, an officer and two combat engineers from the Etzioni Brigade’s 8173rd Battalion were seriously injured, as was another soldier from the battalion’s logistical unit. The injuries came from an anti-tank missile attack.

A soldier from the 12th Battalion of the Golani Brigade was also seriously hurt in a firefight with Hezbollah fighters.

Read more: Hezbollah says it will escalate war with Israel after Hamas leader martyrdom

In the southern Gaza Strip, a soldier from the 450th Battalion of the Bislamach Brigade, the same battalion that killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Wednesday, was also seriously injured in a battle with terrorists.

The injured were brought to hospitals, and the families of the killed and injured were all notified, said the IDF.

During a press conference Thursday night, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Golani soldiers captured Hezbollah operatives during the battle in which the five troops were killed.

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PAK vs ENG: Sajid Khan takes seven as Pakistan bundle England for 291

Sajid Khan grabbed seven wickets as England were dismissed for 291 on day three of the second Test on Thursday to trail Pakistan’s first innings 366 by 75 runs.

The 31-year-old off-spinner took three of the four wickets to fall in the morning session for figures of 7-111 — his second five wicket haul — after England had resumed at 239-6 in Multan.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali was the only other Pakistan wicket-taker, finishing with figures of 3-101.

England resumed their innings with the scoreboard reading 239-6. Jamie Smith (12*) and Brydon Carse (2*) were at the crease.

However, they could only add nine runs in the morning before Sajid Khan removed Carse. The off-spinner soon removed Matthew Potts (6) while Smith fell prey to Noman after scoring 21.

Jack Leach played a crucial unbeaten knock of 25 runs, adding 29 runs for the last wicket with Shoaib Bashir (9) before Sajid wrapped up the innings.

Sajid claimed figures of 7-111 while Noman bagged three wickets for 101 runs.

Yesterday, Duckett dominated the third session of the second day as he kniitted a 52-run stand with Ollie Pope (29) before the latter was cleaned by Sajid Khan with a sharp turn.

The in-form Joe Root joined Duckett and together they attacked Pakistan’s bowling attack with their aggressive strokeplay, raising 86 runs from 108 balls for the third wicket.

However, Sajid Khan brought Pakistan back into the game with three quick wickets to leave England reeling at 225-5.

Sajid castled Root when he was playing at 34 off 54. In the next over, the off-spinner ended Duckett’s stellar knock at 114, which conceded 129 balls. Duckett struck 16 boundaries during his innings.

Harry Brook also fell prey to Sajid five balls after Duckett’s dismissal, meanwhile, Noman Ali dismissed England captain Ben Stokes (1) in the next over.

The visitors slipped from 211-2 to 225-6, courtesy of disciplined bowling by Pakistani spinners on the supportive track in Multan.

Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse joined hands after the collapse, playing defensively as they took 52 balls to score 14 runs to close the day at 239-6.

Pakistan were bowled out on 366 in first innings.

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Woman arrested for kidnapping people after luring them into marriage trap

KARACHI: Police claimed to have arrested a woman involved in kidnapping people after luring them into a marriage trap in Sindh’s Katcha area.

According to SSP AVCC, Aneel Haider, a woman named Tania Rano, wife of gang member Badeel Shar, has been arrested for her involvement in a kidnapping ring.

The suspect worked alongside dacoits, luring citizens into marriage traps.

Haider further said Tania’s role was to lure victims and bring them to the gang’s base in Kashmore and Ghotki after communicating with them via video calls to convince them to meet her with promises of marriage.

Tania was provided with a SIM card by the gang through a courier service when she arrived in Karachi, and she facilitated their operations, said Aneel Haider.

Read more: Karachi man rapes woman by luring her into trap of ration

The SSP AVCC said initially working for one gang, another group of dacoits approached her, offering her a share if she assisted them as well. The suspect had contacts with people across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At the time of her arrest, Tania had already trapped a man from Lahore, but the police were able to rescue him before he fell into the dacoits’ hands, according to SSP AVCC.

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Amid ‘Jigra’ controversy, Indian actor accuses makers of ‘unprofessional’ behaviour

Amid a series of controversies and disastrous Box Office earnings of Alia Bhatt’s ‘Jigra’, an Indian actor has now accused the makers of the film of ‘deeply unprofessional’ behaviour.

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Ever since the theatrical release of Alia Bhatt-led jail-break thriller ‘Jigra’, backed by filmmaker Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, on Friday, the title has been marred with a series of controversies, including the plagiarism allegations, poor Box Office earnings and further concealing of numbers.

Amidst this, a Manipur-based actor, Bijou Thaangjam, known for featuring in films like ‘Mary Kom’ and ‘Shivaay’, turned to his handle on X, sharing his experience with the team, during the casting process.

In a statement shared on Sunday, Bijou Thaangjam disclosed he was being considered for a role in ‘Jigra’. However, was left in the dark about his casting, due to which he lost out on other projects. “I’ve been keeping my own experience with the Jigra team under wraps for a while, and maybe it’s time to speak up,” he began to share.

 

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Thaangjam continued to reveal, “Back in 2023, I was approached by their casting team to audition for a role. I sent my tapes twice over the span of four months, playing along with their timeline. By the end of November, they told me I’d be shooting in December — fantastic, right? Except they never gave me any firm shoot dates. Still, they booked me for the entire month of December, expecting that I’d be ready to shoot for them at any moment.”

“As someone based in Imphal, Manipur, I made it very clear from the start that travel arrangements would need to be made, but that didn’t seem to matter. Throughout the month, I was left in the dark, communicating with the casting team but receiving no real updates on when I’d actually be needed. The last message I received was on December 26th, stating ‘Waiting for a revert’, and after that — complete silence. Meanwhile, I’d lost out on other projects because I was sitting around, waiting for them to give me the go-ahead. But of course, that never came,” he explained. “I understand how big production houses operate. The director is undeniably talented, but the way they handled this entire situation was deeply unprofessional.”

Also Read: Paid reviews, extortion, negative stories: Why Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions halt press screenings?

“For actors like me from the Northeast, it felt particularly dismissive, almost discriminatory. My time was wasted, and I missed out on other opportunities just because they expected I’d be available at a moment’s notice. I am not writing this with any agenda or accusations. I just want to share the reality of how actors like me from the Northeast are often treated by big production houses. Hopefully, this sheds some light on what we face,” concluded the actor.

 

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Notably, co-starring Alia Bhatt with rising actor Vedang Raina, filmmaker Vasan Bala’s ‘Jigra’ follows the story of siblings – Satya, who turns hero to break her brother Ankur out of a foreign prison.

The title is co-produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions.

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The rise and fall of Pakistan batting maestro Babar Azam

Babar Azam was on top of the world two years ago — Pakistan captain and top-rated batsman in all three formats — but he will celebrate his 30th birthday at home on Tuesday when the second Test against England begins in Multan.

Pakistan on Sunday left out Azam from the second Test squad after a poor run of form where he has failed to pass fifty in his last 18 Test innings.

It is the first time Azam has been dropped from the Pakistan team since his white-ball debut against Zimbabwe in Lahore in 2015 and Test baptism against the West Indies a year later.

Azam shot to prominence with three successive hundreds in an ODI series against the West Indies in 2016.

He replaced India great Virat Kohli as world number one ODI batsman five years later, a place he still occupies having been briefly deposed in between.

He is still ranked fourth among Twenty20 batsmen but it is the long format where his form has suffered the most and his slump has seen him fall outside the world’s top 10.

A 13-year-old Azam was a ball boy in Pakistan’s Test against South Africa in Lahore in 2007, where he could watch his childhood idol AB de Villiers.

From the streets of Lahore he rose to play in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, topping the batting charts for Pakistan with 298 runs in six games.

Two years in at the U19 World Cup in Australia he was captain and again leading run-scorer, with 287.

In 2015 he was picked for the senior side and after thrilling in the white-ball game developed into a modern-day great in all three formats, often drawing comparison with Kohli.

Pressure takes toll

His opening partnership with Mohammad Rizwan in Twenty20s has realised 3,268 runs in 70 innings — the most by a pair in the format.

He anchored Pakistan’s only T20 World Cup win over arch-rivals India in 2021 in Dubai.

He hit an epic 196 against the famed Australian pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon to draw a Test in Karachi in 2022 — hailed as one of the greatest innings in Pakistan.

But the pressure of captaining a struggling Pakistan took its toll and began to affect Azam’s form with the bat.

Following Pakistan’s first round exit from the 50-over World Cup in India last November, where his side lost to Afghanistan for the first time, Azam stepped down from the captaincy in all three formats.

When the Pakistan Cricket Board hierarchy changed in April this year he was reinstated as white-ball skipper.

But it proved to be a short-lived tenure as Pakistan lost a T20 to Ireland before crashing out of the T20 World Cup in June after being stunned by the USA and losing to India.

He resigned as white ball captain for a second time earlier this month.

But it was in Tests where his form deserted him the most and a poor run in the series defeat against Bangladesh last month saw him score just 64 in four innings.

His 30 and five on a faultless Multan batting wicket in the first Test defeat against England, coupled with the formation of a new selection panel straight after, saw him left out for the second Test despite a vote of confidence from captain Shan Masood and his coach Jason Gillespie

He was seen in an emotional discussion with Gillespie on Sunday at Multan stadium before leaving the squad for the journey home to Lahore.

The break from cricket will give a tired Azam time to rest, reflect and recuperate, after two years of mental, emotional and physical toil on the front line of a struggling side.

“We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players, especially Azam, regain their confidence,” said selector Aaqib Javed.

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Triptii Dimri, 30, says she has grown up watching Vivian Dsena, 36

Bollywood starlet Triptii Dimri goofed up on ‘Bigg Boss 18’ as she claimed that she has grown up watching contestant, Indian TV A-lister Vivian Dsena, despite the small age gap between them.

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During a recent promotional outing on the sets of ‘Bigg Boss 18’, with co-star Rajkummar Rao, for their recently released comedy flick ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’, 30-year-old Triptii Dimri said that she grew up watching Vivian Dsena, 36, who rose to fame with his vampire serial ‘Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani’ in 2010.

Speaking to host Salman Khan about their favourite contestants of the Indian reality show’s latest season, the ‘Stree 2’ star named advocate Gunaratna Sadavarte, whereas, Dimri said Dsena is her favourite among the lot, and mentioned that she grew up watching his serials on TV.

 

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However, it was a bit impossible to take, as Dsena made his television debut with ‘Kasamh Se’ in 2008, and went on to become a household name the following year, after starring as Abhay Raichand, in ‘Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani’, when the ‘Animal’ star must be around 15-16.

Apart from Dsena,  ‘Bigg Boss’ also has Muskan Bamne, Karan Veer Mehra, Shehzada Dhami, Rajat Dalal, Shilpa Shirodkar and Nyrra Banerji among others locked up in the house.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Triptii Dimri is most recently seen in Raaj Shaandilyaa’s comedy flick ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’, co-starring Rajkummar Rao. It was released in theatres on Friday.

Next, she has Kartik Aaryan’s Diwali biggie ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, as well as ‘Dhadak 2’ in the pipeline.

Also Read: Is Triptii Dimri the real Manjulika in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’?

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Arabian Sea Depression at 1060km southwest of Karachi: PMD

KARACHI: Arabian Sea Depression now lies near Latitude 15.6N and Longitude 64.8E in central Arabian Sea at a distance of about 1060km southwest of Karachi, PMD said in a report.

The depression moved west-northwestward during last 12 hours, has been located at 1080km south of Ormara and 1110km southeast of Gwadar.

The system is likely to move further west-northwestward towards Oman coast, Pakistan Meteorological Department’s cyclone warning center, Karachi said.

Squally wind of speed 30-40 Km/hour gusting 50Km/hour are likely around the system’s center for next two days.

Fishermen have been advised to remain careful and avoid going to deep sea.

None of the Pakistan coastal area has been under any threat from this system. PMD’s cyclone warning center monitoring the system and will issue updates, according to the advisory.

If this system develops into a storm, it will be named “Dana,” as proposed by Qatar.

The weather will remain hot and dry in most of the districts in Sindh on Monday. But, Karachi, Tharparkar, Nagarparkar, Umarkot, Mithi, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad and adjoining some areas likely to receive gusty winds-duststorms and rainfall with thunderstorm at some places.

Most of these areas also likely to receive rain with thunder and windstorms on Tuesday (tomorrow).

It is expected that the depression would intensify into a tropical cyclone, subsequently traversing the central Arabian Sea on Monday and Tuesday, 14 and 15 October, weather officials said.

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Driving schools for females launched in Lahore

LAHORE: Ten driving schools for females have been established across Lahore, ARY News reported on Monday.

As per details, driving schools have been established at multiple locations across the city, including Greater Iqbal Park, Kahna Misaq Center, Township, Liberty Khidmat Markaz, Manawan Traffic Lines, Defence Khidmat Markaz, and Barkat Market.

Additionally, Aabshar Driving School on Jail Road and the females on Wheel School on LOS Ferozepur Road have been dedicated exclusively to the females.

The Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) of Lahore Amara Tahir stated that classes are held from 8 am to 4 pm to accommodate women, with driving schools offering a women-to-women service where female instructors teach and assist women learners. 

This initiative aims to promote women’s independence and mobility, enabling them to become self-sufficient and confident individuals.

Read more: Sindh introduces online driving licence service

Earlier, the provincial government brought good news for those who previously had to endure a 42-day wait after failing their road driving test.

According to a tweet from the official government of Punjab and Lahore Traffic, candidates who fail the road driving test would now be permitted to retake it after just 15 days. Previously, the waiting period for the road driving test was 42 days.

Sindh introduces online driving licence services

Sindh government has introduced online driving licence services for citizens, aiming to facilitate them.

Citizens can now easily obtain learning and international driving licences through online service, with non-commercial licence renewal services to follow soon.

People willing to get the learning licence can get it after logging into the website https://ift.tt/vl0Z58e and after 42 days, they can apply for a permanent licence from any of the branch.

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Pakistan earns $4 bln in rice exports in 2024

Efforts of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) are yielding results as Pakistan has historically achieved $4 billion from the exports of rice.

As per details, Pakistan has achieved a historic milestone in rice exports, generating $4 billion in revenue through the facilitation of the SIFC (Special Investment Facilitation Council).

According to SIFC official Shahjehan Malik, the target for rice exports in the upcoming fiscal year has been set at $5 billion.

Malik stated that a comprehensive strategy will be developed, focusing on the research of modern seeds and the promotion of standardized agricultural practices.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s Basmati rice plays a crucial role in global partnerships due to its high quality in the international market. During the fiscal year 2024, Pakistan exported over 6 million tons of various rice varieties.

Read more: India allows non-basmati white rice exports in boost for global supplies

Meanwhile, the country’s export of goods soared by 10.54% to reach $30.64 billion, compared to the previous year.

While exports increased, imports saw a slight decrease of 0.84%, dropping from $55.19 billion to $54.73 billion, a positive sign for economic growth.

A significant highlight was the 20% increase in meat and meat product exports, which reached $512 million, the highest level ever recorded. The SIFC and the Ministry of Commerce played a crucial role in opening new markets for meat exports in Jordan, Uzbekistan, Lebanon, and Egypt.

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