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Print - 2009-05-18
First ever training for 13,000 college teachers in Punjab

First ever training for 13,000 college teachers in Punjab

The Higher Education Department has prepared PC-I for the training of 13,000 public sector college teachers all over Punjab with a cost of Rs 727 million under the Medium Term Development Framework (MTDF) 2008-11. The programme will cater the need of trai
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Mirwaiz, Gilani urge Congress to resolve Kashmir dispute

Mirwaiz, Gilani urge Congress to resolve Kashmir dispute

The APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and senior Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani have urged the Indian Congress party to resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with Kashmiris' aspirations. According to Kashmir Media Service, Mirwaiz Umar Far
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Photographic exhibition

Photographic exhibition

An 8-day photographic exhibition on Unesco World Heritage sites of Germany has been displayed at National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Lok Virsa. Jointly organised by Lok Virsa and the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany, the exhibition
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
CDA assures water availability in summer

CDA assures water availability in summer

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has claimed that peoples in Islamabad would not face any water shortage in this summer, as is taking pragmatic measures to provide potable water to the residents adding that there is no shortage of water.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Hepatitis C sub-type in Pakistan 90 percent curable

Hepatitis C sub-type in Pakistan 90 percent curable

Hepatitis C sub-type, which exists in Pakistan, is 90 percent curable if appropriate treatment at proper time is ensured. Renowned Consultant Hepatologist, Professor Dr Muzzaffar Lateef Gill said that treatment of hepatitis B and C in the last decade has
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
RGH establishes field hospital for IDPs

RGH establishes field hospital for IDPs

Railways General Hospital (RGH) would set up field hospital at Mardan on Monday to provide medical treatment to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Malakand Division. Sources in the hospital told APP that initially three doctors and four paramedics
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Seminar on protecting children in cyberspace held

Seminar on protecting children in cyberspace held

Speakers at function on the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day Sunday urged government and parents to make children aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of internet. The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Grievances of Kuwait-Iraq war victims to be resolved within three months

Grievances of Kuwait-Iraq war victims to be resolved within three months

The Federal Minister for Oversees Pakistanis Dr Farooq Sattar Sunday assured that grievances of affectees of Kuwait-Iraq war will be addressed within three months. Talking to a private TV channel, he said issue of Kuwait-Iraq war affectees was 20 year old
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Former PPP councillor gunned down

Former PPP councillor gunned down

Unidentified armed persons Sunday morning gunned down the former council of ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in the Guslitan-e-Jauhar police limits. According to police sources, 55-years old Juma Khan, son of Shaukat Khan was sitting at his hotel in t
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Iesco refuses to implement Prime Minister relief package for employees

Iesco refuses to implement Prime Minister relief package for employees

Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) has refused to provide relief under Prime Minister Special Relief Package to bereaved families of Wapda's deceased employees. The bereaved families of Wapda's late employee threatened to move court for justice if
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Farmers under serious threat of neo-colonialism, says PEW

Farmers under serious threat of neo-colonialism, says PEW

Agriculture, the biggest sector of the economy, is under serious threat as gradual sale and lease of large patches of lands to foreigners is being carried out in a very quick and secretive manner, the Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) said here on Sunday.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Tarbela and Mangla to receive more than normal water

Tarbela and Mangla to receive more than normal water

Tarbela and Mangla dams are expected to receive more than normal water due to melting of snow in the mountain areas, said Director General Meteorological Department Qamar-uz-Zaman Chaudhry. Talking to a private TV channel, he said, enough amount of water
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Tremor jolts Peshawar, Malakand areas

Tremor jolts Peshawar, Malakand areas

An earthquake of 5.1 intensity jolted Peshawar, Malakand Division and Khyber Agency on Sunday. According to Metrological Department, the quake measuring 5.1 on the rector scale shocked Peshawar region, Dir Lower, Batkhela, Buner, Batgram, Mansihra and Khy
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
NH&MP officers complete BCI course

NH&MP officers complete BCI course

25 officers of the National Highways and Motorway Police have been pass-out three week duration course namely "Basic Criminal investigation" as a first responder under the Criminal investigation training assistant programme at training institute Sheikhupu
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Car lifters' gang busted

Car lifters' gang busted

The Anti Vehicles Lifting Staff, Sadar Division, Lahore, has unearthed a gang of car lifters and has recovered nine cars, one Pick up and latest weaponry, worth Rs 50,00000, from the members of the gang. During initial investigation, the three arrested cu
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Fear of Taliban influx in Karachi

Fear of Taliban influx in Karachi

Taliban fighters seeking money, rest and refuge from US missile strikes are turning up in increasing numbers in Karachi, according to militants, police officials and an intelligence memo.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Swat offensive leaves India sceptical

Swat offensive leaves India sceptical

Military offensive against the Taliban in the Swat valley has done nothing to allay Indian doubts about its willingness to crack down more widely on militants, analysts say. That leaves both countries vulnerable to a flare-up of tensions still simmering a
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
IDPs start returning home in war zone to harvest crop

IDPs start returning home in war zone to harvest crop

Fighting between army and Taliban militants drove farmer Rahim Zada and his family from their home in the mountains a week ago but on Sunday he was, along with his family, trudging back. 'I have come back to harvest my crop,' Zada said as he took a break
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Lok Virsa takes charge of Pakistan Monument Museum

Lok Virsa takes charge of Pakistan Monument Museum

National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Lok Virsa has taken over the charge of the delayed project of Pakistan Monument Museum (PMM) being established here at Shakarparian.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Decreasing share of cotton, textiles in exports poses threat to economy

Decreasing share of cotton, textiles in exports poses threat to economy

According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners' Association (PCGA) report, Pakistan produced a total cotton crop of 11,349,029 million local weight (around average weight of 163 Kg a bale) bales ex-gin in 2008-09 season while last season it was 11,352,925 bales
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Holiday, hot weather and high prices dampen commodities trade

Holiday, hot weather and high prices dampen commodities trade

The commodity wholesale markets appeared lousy owing to warm weather and a closed holiday during the week ended on May 16, 2009, as the world grain markets depicted nearly mixed. The prices of wheat rose while rapeseeds showed downward trend while chemica
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
'Government committed to provide all basic facilities to IDPs'

'Government committed to provide all basic facilities to IDPs'

State Minister for Defence Production Sardar Salim Haider Khan has said that the government is committed to provide all basic facilities to Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs). Talking to state TV, he said, electricity has been provided to all the camps w
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Substandard CNG being sold in twin cities

Substandard CNG being sold in twin cities

A large number of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) consumers are becoming prey to discount rate, wind-screen cleaning and full service of vehicles at the expense of sub-standard gas from some outlets offering incentives in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Is
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Decreasing share of cotton, textiles in exports poses threat to economy

Decreasing share of cotton, textiles in exports poses threat to economy

According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners' Association (PCGA) report, Pakistan produced a total cotton crop of 11,349,029 million local weight (around average weight of 163 Kg a bale) bales ex-gin in 2008-09 season while last season it was 11,352,925 bales
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Large scale cultivation of medicinal plants urged

Large scale cultivation of medicinal plants urged

A distinguished scientist and a former chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Professor Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, has stressed the need for setting up a central institute for large scale cultivation of medicinal plants, as these are depleting fast in
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Politico-economic impact of the military operation

Politico-economic impact of the military operation

President Zardari, during his scheduled meeting with Ban Ki Moon, the United Nations Secretary General, urged the international community to extend emergency assistance to the growing number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Pakistan as a direct c
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
'Night Bazar' to be set up from next month

'Night Bazar' to be set up from next month

Chairman, Karachi Traders Action Committee, Siddique Memon has said that the 'Night Bazars' will be established in different trade centres in the city from June 01, due to crisis of electricity. He said that after closure of business activities in all maj
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Diarrhoea, gastro cases: EDOs directed to establish control rooms

Diarrhoea, gastro cases: EDOs directed to establish control rooms

Sindh Minister for Health, Dr Sagheer Ahmed has directed all Executive District Officers (EDOs), Health in Sindh for establishing control rooms to register and monitor the cases of diarrhoea/gastro-enteritis, on regular basis.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Non-payment of salaries: SSGC employees launch protest drive

Non-payment of salaries: SSGC employees launch protest drive

Over 2,000 Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) employees, recently reinstated through presidential ordinance, have launched an indefinite protest drive from Sunday against non-issuance of confirm order, delay in payment of salaries and dues despite joining du
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Ship recycling leaves tide of death on Asia's beaches

Ship recycling leaves tide of death on Asia's beaches

In the searing heat of a July morning, 13-year-old Sultan Nasiruddin Molla set off for his first day of work on the seemingly endless stretch of muddy coastline in Chittagong, Bangladesh, where young men armed with wrenches and blow torches swarm like ant
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
President Zardari's visit to the US

President Zardari's visit to the US

This is the first of a two-part series assessing the success, or otherwise of President Zardari's foreign tour. The first part deals with the political/diplomatic successes and the second part will deal with economic successes, if any.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Revival of ship-breaking industry

Revival of ship-breaking industry

Ship-breaking activity at the Gadani Beach is picking up momentum after a break of nearly two decades. According to a press report, 65 merchant vessels recently arrived for scrapping. More are scheduled to come soon. These are mostly cargo ships, whose av
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Contraction in trade deficit

Contraction in trade deficit

According to the latest figures released by the Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS), Pakistan's trade deficit narrowed to $14.16 billion during the first ten months of the current fiscal year as compared to $16.84 billion in the corresponding period of las
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
ROVER'S DIARY: A wake-up call for Sindh govt

ROVER'S DIARY: A wake-up call for Sindh govt

Good thing is that sense prevailed and the Sindh government declared a holiday on 12th May to avert the ethnic violence which was brewing on the back burner. Unfortunately, the MQM protested against declaration of holiday on this date, although it had bac
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Transporters asked to donate one-day income for IDPs

Transporters asked to donate one-day income for IDPs

Karachi Transport Action Committee and Anjuman-e-Ettehad Bus Malikan Karachi leaders Muhammad Ashraf Banglori, Chaudhry Mazhar Hussain, Tanzeem Khan and Nazeer Banglori have appealed to transport community to donate their one-day income for internally dis
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Mobile langar system for IDPs

Mobile langar system for IDPs

Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal has finalised a plan to start 'Mobile Langar System' to provide free two times meal to over 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), Chairman Pakistan Bait ul Mal Zamurd Khan said. Talking to state TV, he said currently PBM is prov
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Cannon of dogmatism

Cannon of dogmatism

Everyone acknowledges the achievement of the government in bringing peace in the valley of Swat. But no one knows how long will it last? Critics, politicians and the international community all have reservations and apprehensions regarding the issue of Ta
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
MoU to install 900km optic fibre in Balochistan

MoU to install 900km optic fibre in Balochistan

Universal Service Fund, Wateen Telecom and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Ltd (PTCL) on Sunday singed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to install 900km optic fibre in Balochistan and provide basic services in Larkana (Sindh). The MoU was signed o
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
South Korean police arrest 457 labour activists

South Korean police arrest 457 labour activists

South Korean police said Sunday they arrested 457 union activists who clashed with riot police during a rally against the government's labour policies at which about 150 people were hurt.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Israeli nuclear programme 'real danger', says Musa

Israeli nuclear programme 'real danger', says Musa

Israel's alleged atomic arsenal poses "the real danger" in the Middle East and not Iran's nuclear programme, Arab League chief Amr Musa said on Sunday. "The real danger as far as nuclear military programmes are concerned is posed by Israel and not Iran,"
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Army dispatches relief goods to IDPs

Army dispatches relief goods to IDPs

The third consignment of relief goods for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in NWFP has been dispatched by the Corps Headquarters Karachi on Sunday. It is worth mentioning that Pakistan Army has already announced their one-day pay and giving part of
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
ACE investigating pilferage of government wheat

ACE investigating pilferage of government wheat

The ACE sleuths are conducting investigations into the alleged activities of loot and plunder of government wheat by Abdul Sattar Jatoi, Assistant Food Controller (BS-10), working on deputation basis in Food Department.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Kuwaiti women make history by winning parliament seats

Kuwaiti women make history by winning parliament seats

Women won four seats in Kuwait's parliament, a first in the Gulf Arab state's history, but with many of the same faces back, Saturday's election is unlikely to end a political deadlock that has delayed economic reforms.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Militant attacks kill a dozen Afghan security officers

Militant attacks kill a dozen Afghan security officers

Militant attacks and a roadside bomb explosion killed 11 policemen and an army soldier on Sunday in areas of southern Afghanistan plagued by a violent Taliban insurgency, authorities said. Six policemen were killed when Taliban-linked militants stormed th
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Nigeria militants blow up two oil, gas pipelines

Nigeria militants blow up two oil, gas pipelines

Nigerian militants said on Sunday they had resumed attacks on Africa's biggest oil and gas industry, blowing up two pipelines in response to gunboat and helicopter strikes by the security forces.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Thousands of Turks march in anti-government protest

Thousands of Turks march in anti-government protest

Thousands of anti-government protesters marched in Turkey's capital on Sunday, calling on Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan to resign for what they say are violations of the country's secular principles. About 20,000 people waving red-and-white Turkish flags
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Indonesian president tipped for second term on economy

Indonesian president tipped for second term on economy

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is a clear favourite to win a second term in office in a July election, helped by the resilient performance of Southeast Asia's largest economy during the global crisis.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Protests await Obama's appearance at Notre Dame

Protests await Obama's appearance at Notre Dame

President Barack Obama ventures to America's foremost Roman Catholic university Sunday, where the country's deep divisions over abortion and stem-cell research have moved to the forefront in a time of war and recession.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
UK's third main party calls for Speaker to step down

UK's third main party calls for Speaker to step down

The Speaker of the House of Commons must step down and parliament may need to be dissolved after an expenses scandal that has damaged its reputation, the leader of Britain's third main party said on Sunday.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Indian shares may turn choppy

Indian shares may turn choppy

India's stock markets could turn choppy, tracking the fallout of the results of the country's general elections, dealers said. Investors and funds could become jittery if neither of the country's two main political parties are able to find allies to form
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Lightning kills six villagers in Vietnam

Lightning kills six villagers in Vietnam

An official says lightning has killed six villagers and injured 11 others in central Vietnam. Disaster official Phan Viet Phu of Nghe An province says the villagers were killed instantly in three separate incidents Saturday. The villagers were harvesting
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Myanmar's Suu Kyi to plead innocence at trial: party

Myanmar's Suu Kyi to plead innocence at trial: party

Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi will protest her innocence when she goes on trial starting Monday, her party said as the ruling military junta freed her personal doctor from detention.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Tokyo stock market expected to move in narrow range

Tokyo stock market expected to move in narrow range

Japanese share prices are likely to move in a narrow range but investors are generally optimistic that the country's recession has bottomed out, analysts said on Friday. With the corporate earnings season drawing to a close, investors are expected to turn
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Jakarta shares expected to decline

Jakarta shares expected to decline

Indonesian shares are expected to fall as investors seek to lock in profits after weeks of strong gains, dealers said. "A healthy correction is possible as shares have strengthened," Ciptadana Securities head of sales John Teja said. "In the past two mont
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Treasuries may extend gains next week on Fed purchases

Treasuries may extend gains next week on Fed purchases

US Treasury debt prices could rise further, building on this week's gains, if the Federal Reserve were to step up its purchases of US government debt with the goal to hold down borrowing costs.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Thailand shares set for correction

Thailand shares set for correction

Thailand's stock market bull run may be over, with analysts predicting volatility and a further correction despite the fact that no negative news is expected next week. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index rose 6.20 points or 1.17 percent over the p
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Seoul market to face profit-taking

Seoul market to face profit-taking

South Korea's stock market is expected to face profit-taking next week as foreign and domestic investors remain cautious, analysts said on Friday. "The market is likely to come under pressure for profit-taking as foreigners are cautious after US consumpti
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Hong Kong shares set for a choppy ride

Hong Kong shares set for a choppy ride

Hong Kong shares are set for a choppy ride as over-optimistic investors begin to realise that the economy has not yet recovered, dealers said. For the week ending May 15, the benchmark Hang Seng Index closed at 16,790.70, dropping 599.17 points, or 3.45 p
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Malaysian shares may depict moderate trend

Malaysian shares may depict moderate trend

Malaysian shares are set to moderate as gains in the past few weeks are expected to be clipped by profit-taking, analysts said on Friday. "Given the overbought technical situation this week, we are expecting the market to moderate next week with more of t
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Philippines shares may extend gains

Philippines shares may extend gains

Philippines share prices should extend gains amid optimism the country's economic growth will pick up, dealers said on Friday. The market had been on a roller-coaster the previous week, rising along with other foreign markets but correcting every time sto
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Australian shares likely to be range-bound

Australian shares likely to be range-bound

Australian stocks were likely to be range-bound in the coming week, with downside moves seen as temporary setbacks in a larger consolidation trend, dealers said For the week ending May 15 the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 lost 168.5 points, or 4.28 percent, to cl
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Singapore shares may maintain upward trade

Singapore shares may maintain upward trade

Singapore shares are likely to trade higher but profit taking could cap gains, traders said. The main Straits Times Index closed Friday at 2,139.78, down 98.43 points, or 4.40 percent from the previous week.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Taiwan shares expected to be cautious

Taiwan shares expected to be cautious

Cautious sentiment is expected to affect Taiwan shares as the pro-independence opposition protests this weekend against the China-friendly Kuomintang government, dealers said on Friday. Worries linger over a possible prolonged stand-off and even violence
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Treasuries may extend gains next week on Fed purchases

Treasuries may extend gains next week on Fed purchases

US Treasury debt prices could rise further, building on this week's gains, if the Federal Reserve were to step up its purchases of US government debt with the goal to hold down borrowing costs.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Indian government to announce fresh stimulus measures

Indian government to announce fresh stimulus measures

India is set to announce fresh measures to boost job creation and the economy, and will push ahead with reforms after the Congress-led coalition's election victory, Junior Industry Minister Ashwani Kumar said on Sunday. The global economic slump has hit A
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
JGBs little changed after slipping on machine data

JGBs little changed after slipping on machine data

Japanese government bonds were little changed on Friday as stronger-than-expected machinery orders supported the view the economy may not deteriorate much further, while wholesale price data reinforced expectations the Bank of Japan will keep interest rat
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
JGBs little changed after slipping on machine data

JGBs little changed after slipping on machine data

Japanese government bonds were little changed on Friday as stronger-than-expected machinery orders supported the view the economy may not deteriorate much further, while wholesale price data reinforced expectations the Bank of Japan will keep interest rat
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
UAE still backs Gulf monetary union, GCC chief says

UAE still backs Gulf monetary union, GCC chief says

The United Arab Emirates, which has expressed reservations over a decision to base the Gulf central bank in Saudi Arabia, was still supporting monetary union plans, the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) said on Sunday.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
UN chief urges action on growing climate change risks

UN chief urges action on growing climate change risks

UN chief Ban Ki-moon called for decisive action to reduce the growing impact of climate change as he launched on Sunday a global assessment of ways to minimise the risks from natural disasters. "Gulf countries have so far been less exposed to disasters bu
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Bangladesh plans dual-fuel policy for power plants

Bangladesh plans dual-fuel policy for power plants

Bangladesh, where natural gas reserves are falling while demand for power is rising fast, will not allow new power plants that cannot use both gas and coal, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said on Sunday.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
China to push investment in Taiwan

China to push investment in Taiwan

China said Sunday it would push mainland businesses to invest in Taiwan to help it weather the global economic crisis, state media reported. China will also invite Taiwanese businesses to expand on the mainland and join in infrastructure and other key pro
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
South African court to rule Sunday on Vodacom listing

South African court to rule Sunday on Vodacom listing

A South African court will decide on Sunday whether this week's listing of mobile phone company Vodacom can proceed after last-minute objections from the industry regulator and a powerful trade union group.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Lloyds Chairman Blank to quit next year

Lloyds Chairman Blank to quit next year

Victor Blank is to step down as chairman of Lloyds Banking Group in the next year, following intense criticism of his part-nationalised British bank's purchase of troubled rival HBOS. This year's takeover of HBOS has saddled Lloyds with billions of pounds
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
German companies queue up for state aid

German companies queue up for state aid

German companies are showing a great deal of interest in tapping state aid that the government has made available under its twin economic stimulus packages, an Economy Ministry spokesman said on Sunday. "Not every request leads to a concrete offer (of aid
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Kuwait and Oman bank loan growth hits multi-year lows

Kuwait and Oman bank loan growth hits multi-year lows

Bank lending growth in Kuwait and Oman slowed to multi-year lows, central bank data showed on Sunday, in the latest signal that difficult economic conditions had drawn a regional credit boom to a close.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Russian official shrugs off Iraq Nabucco gas plan

Russian official shrugs off Iraq Nabucco gas plan

A deal that could kick-start the Nabucco gas pipeline project and reduce Europe's dependence on Russia was no tragedy for Moscow, a Russian official said on Sunday. Russia opposes the Nabucco scheme and is developing the rival South Stream project to supp
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Iraq Kurdistan gas may cut EU reliance on Russia

Iraq Kurdistan gas may cut EU reliance on Russia

A new bloc of European and Arab energy firms unveiled a plan on Sunday to pump enough gas from Iraq's Kurdistan to kick-start the Nabucco pipeline project and reduce Europe's reliance on Russia. Until now, the $10 billion Nabucco pipeline scheme had plent
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Brazil's Lula urges closer economic ties with Saudi

Brazil's Lula urges closer economic ties with Saudi

Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva hailed his country's growing relations with Saudi Arabia and the Middle East on Sunday as he pushed for more trade and investment in the region.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
EU and China to focus on trade, economy at summit

EU and China to focus on trade, economy at summit

EU and Chinese leaders are on Wednesday to steer clear of tough issues at a fence-mending summit focused on trade and the economic crisis after Beijing cancelled their last meeting over the Dalai Lama.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
England stay on course after Sarwan century

England stay on course after Sarwan century

England continued to dominate the second test despite some defiant West Indies batting on the fourth day on Sunday. Ramnaresh Sarwan struck a fluent century and the touring side were lifted by a lively eighth-wicket partnership of 70 between Denesh Ramdin
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
South Korea tries recharging road to power vehicles

South Korea tries recharging road to power vehicles

South Korea's top technology university has developed a plan to power electric cars through recharging strips embedded in roadways that use a technology to transfer energy found in some electric toothbrushes.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Phelps tastes first defeat in a year

Phelps tastes first defeat in a year

Michael Phelps was jolted by a rare defeat and reminded of the work that lies ahead after he finished second to Aaron Peirsol in the 100 metres backstroke at the Charlotte Grand Prix on Saturday. Phelps, on only his second day of competition since his rec
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Violence mars title celebrations

Violence mars title celebrations

Police fired rubber bullets at rioting crowds after celebrations of Barcelona's Spanish league title spilled over into violence. Police said Sunday that 65 people were arrested overnight, while 51 suffered minor injuries in the disturbances.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Barcelona wins Spanish league after three years

Barcelona wins Spanish league after three years

Barcelona won the Spanish league title for the first time in three years on Saturday. Barcelona's eight-point advantage became unassailable in the standings when its closest rival Real Madrid lost 3-2 at Villarreal.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Lorenzo storms to victory in French MotoGP

Lorenzo storms to victory in French MotoGP

Spanish rider Jorge Lorenzo won the French MotoGP here on Sunday just a year after he finished second despite riding with two broken ankles. The 22-year-old - a two-time 250cc world champion - enjoyed a trouble free ride on his Yamaha to coast home ahead
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Qatar launch bid for World Cup to unite the world

Qatar launch bid for World Cup to unite the world

Qatar launched its bid to stage the World Cup finals in 2022 on Sunday saying that its vision of the tournament would help to bridge the gap between the western and Arab worlds. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, president of the Qatar 2022 b
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Liverpool send West Brom back down

Liverpool send West Brom back down

Steven Gerrard masked the disappointment of not being able to get his hands on the Premier League trophy for yet another season by claiming one of the goals that eased Liverpool to a 2-0 victory on Sunday and confirmed West Bromwich Albion's relegation.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Hat-trick man Yuvraj spins Punjab to crucial win

Hat-trick man Yuvraj spins Punjab to crucial win

Yuvraj Singh grabbed a hat-trick to bowl Kings XI Punjab to a vital one-run victory over Deccan Chargers in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday. The left-arm spinner finished with 3-13 off four overs as Punjab restricted Deccan to 133-8 in a thr
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Jubilant Inter take impromptu late night bus tour

Jubilant Inter take impromptu late night bus tour

Inter Milan players were so excited by clinching the Italian title that they took an impromptu open top bus to the city centre in the early hours of Sunday morning. City officials then had to undertake a major clean-up operation with the ninth stage of cy
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Inter Milan win fourth successive Serie A title

Inter Milan win fourth successive Serie A title

Inter Milan's fourth successive Serie A title was celebrated outside the city's famous Duomo, but the triumph masked an underwhelming season. Jose Mourinho's side clinched the title on Saturday when city rival AC Milan lost 2-1 to Udinese and left it an i
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Safina overpowers Wozniacki to clinch Madrid title

Safina overpowers Wozniacki to clinch Madrid title

World number one Dinara Safina swept to her second claycourt title in as many weeks with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki in the Madrid Open final on Sunday.
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am
Stunned Djokovic seeking positives in Nadal defeat

Stunned Djokovic seeking positives in Nadal defeat

A stunned Novak Djokovic was left licking his wounds on Saturday after coming within a whisker of inflicting a rare claycourt defeat on world number one Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open. Spaniard Nadal battled back from a set and a break
Published 18 May, 2009 12:00am