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Archive - 2012-02-20
Saudi Arabia names first Iraq envoy
Top News

Saudi Arabia names first Iraq envoy

BAGHDAD: Saudi Arabia has named an ambassador to Baghdad for the first time since Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 199
Published 20 Feb, 2012 09:00pm
LSE witnesses bearish trend
Markets

LSE witnesses bearish trend

LAHORE : Lahore Stock Exchange on Monday witnessed bearish trend with losing 9.39 points, following the LSE-25 index o
Published 20 Feb, 2012 04:11pm
ISE-10 stays bullish
Markets

ISE-10 stays bullish

ISLAMABAD : Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE-10) here on Monday witnessed bullish trend as the index was up by 4.46 point
Published 20 Feb, 2012 04:09pm
Oil prices hit nine-month peak
Top News

Oil prices hit nine-month peak

LONDON : Oil prices hit nine-month highs on Monday after Iran halted sales to France and Britain , and as China e
Published 20 Feb, 2012 01:08pm
Eurozone set to hand Greece new bailout
Top News

Eurozone set to hand Greece new bailout

BRUSSELS: The eurozone looked set Monday to throw Greece a new financial lifeline after tightening conditions behind a m
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:17pm
Australia merchandise imports fall 2pc
Top News

Australia merchandise imports fall 2pc

SYDNEY: Australia's international merchandise imports on a balance of payments basis fell 2 percent in seasonally adjust
Published 20 Feb, 2012 10:56am
S&P warns Japan on debt
Top News

S&P warns Japan on debt

TOKYO: Standard & Poor's warned on Monday it could lower Japan's sovereign rating if the economy expands less than expec
Published 20 Feb, 2012 06:24am
Australia squad for Tri ODIs
Cricket

Australia squad for Tri ODIs

SYDNEY: The Australia squad named on Monday for the tri one-day series internationals against Sri Lanka in Hobart on Feb
Published 20 Feb, 2012 06:06am
Eurozone down to wire on Greek bailout
Top News

Eurozone down to wire on Greek bailout

BRUSSELS: Eurozone finance ministers meet in Brussels Monday with time running out if they are to close a new 230-billio
Published 20 Feb, 2012 04:12am
3G auction: tread with caution!
BR Research

3G auction: tread with caution!

The upcoming mobile spectrum and cellular license auctions have assumed huge significance for Pakistan whose FDI inflows are on a secular de
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
DGKC on a roll
BR Research

DGKC on a roll

The local cement manufacturing giant D.G. Khan Cement reported on Friday that its 1HFY12 earnings improved by a hefty 566 percent, year on y
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Treatment of dengue patients: Doctors get special training

Treatment of dengue patients: Doctors get special training

On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, specialist doctors of dengue virus have provided training to the doctors belonging to six districts at Lahore General Hospital. The doctors were trained about treatment of dengue patients
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Obama throws support behind Yemen Vice President before vote

Obama throws support behind Yemen Vice President before vote

President Barack Obama threw his support behind Yemen's Vice President just days before an election expected to enshrine him as the new leader of a country the US sees as crucial to the fight against al-Qaida. Obama's top counterterrorism adviser, John Br
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Mexico prison fight leaves at least 20 dead

Mexico prison fight leaves at least 20 dead

Violence at a prison on the outskirts of Mexico's northern business city Monterrey killed at least 20 people on Sunday, authorities said. A fight broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning between guards and prisoners, who started a fire by setting ma
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
North Korea threatens retaliation over South's war games

North Korea threatens retaliation over South's war games

North Korea warned South Korea on Sunday that it would shell islands close to their disputed sea border if the South violates its territorial waters during a military drill reported to begin in the Yellow Sea this week.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Top US commander says attacking Iran would be 'premature'

Top US commander says attacking Iran would be 'premature'

The top US military commander said he believed it would be "premature" to take military action against Iran in response to its nuclear program in an interview to be aired Sunday. General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also told CNN
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Iran 'building up nuclear site near Qom': BBC

Iran 'building up nuclear site near Qom': BBC

Iran may be preparing to expand its nuclear programme at an underground plant near the city of Qom, a diplomat has told the BBC, just days ahead of a visit by United Nations nuclear inspectors. Iran appears to be poised to install thousands of new centrif
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Philippines quake toll rises to 113 dead and missing

Philippines quake toll rises to 113 dead and missing

The toll of dead and missing from a powerful earthquake that struck the Philippines has risen to 113 as the civil defence chief said Sunday he had given up all hope of finding any more survivors. Benito Ramos, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Manageme
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Iran's Guard begins new land military exercises

Iran's Guard begins new land military exercises

Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it has begun a two-day land military exercise to upgrade its capabilities to defend the country against possible external threats. Commander of the Guard's ground forces Mohammad Pakpour said on comments posted on the force
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Harsh winter kills 40 children in Afghanistan

Harsh winter kills 40 children in Afghanistan

A harsh winter has killed almost 40 children in Afghanistan in the past month, most of them in refugee camps in Kabul with aid groups warning Sunday of more deaths as temperatures keep falling. Twenty-four children lost their lives in camps on the outskir
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Italian tanker guards held over India sea shooting

Italian tanker guards held over India sea shooting

Indian police took two Italian security guards into custody on Sunday after two fishermen were allegedly mistaken for pirates and shot dead from an Italian oil tanker. The incident off the southern state of Kerala on Wednesday saw the fishermen gunned dow
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Suicide attack on Baghdad police academy kills 19

Suicide attack on Baghdad police academy kills 19

A suicide car bomber killed 19 police officers and cadets on Sunday in an attack on a crowd outside a Baghdad police academy, police and hospital sources said. The car exploded as it careered into a crowd of cadets whom police had just escorted out of the
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Strike at Frankfurt airport to continue

Strike at Frankfurt airport to continue

A stoppage by ground crew at Frankfurt airport which has grounded hundreds of flights will continue for a third day on Monday and their union said it was prepared to continue the dispute for weeks.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
China bus crashes kill 28 in one day

China bus crashes kill 28 in one day

At least 28 people have been killed and dozens injured in three bus crashes in one day in southern China, state media reported Sunday. A bus overturned on a mountainous road in south-western Yunnan province late Saturday, killing at least nine passengers
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Merkel's coalition at odds over presidential successor

Merkel's coalition at odds over presidential successor

Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition squabbled Sunday over nominations for Germany's presidency, two days after the sudden resignation of Christian Wulff in a corruption scandal. Sources told dpa that the Free Democratic Party (FDP), the junior coalition
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
China's Jishi Media raises $311 million via Shanghai IPO

China's Jishi Media raises $311 million via Shanghai IPO

Chinese cable TV company Jishi Media Co Ltd said on Monday it raised 1.96 billion yuan ($311.2 million) in its Shanghai initial public offering, after setting the price at the top end its indicative range.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Eurozone woes make Poles want to keep zloty: survey

Eurozone woes make Poles want to keep zloty: survey

The uncertain economic situation and fear that the euro zone debt turmoil could spill over to Poland make most Poles opposed to adopting the euro, a survey showed on Tuesday. Sixty percent of Poles do not want the euro to replace the national zloty curren
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Global markets week ahead: growth-led rally fights Greek headwind

Global markets week ahead: growth-led rally fights Greek headwind

Greece will once again be the single biggest risk factor overshadowing financial markets in the coming week, but investors are also on the alert for signs of recovery in Europe to support the strong rally in riskier assets seen this year.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
LVMH private equity eyes Asia fund over $1 billion

LVMH private equity eyes Asia fund over $1 billion

L Capital Asia, the private equity arm of the world's biggest luxury goods group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, could begin raising a new fund of more than $1 billion this year, as competition from Western brands creates opportunities to invest in C
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
LVMH private equity eyes Asia fund over $1 billion

LVMH private equity eyes Asia fund over $1 billion

L Capital Asia, the private equity arm of the world's biggest luxury goods group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, could begin raising a new fund of more than $1 billion this year, as competition from Western brands creates opportunities to invest in C
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Brightcove glitters on debut

Brightcove glitters on debut

Online video publisher Brightcove Inc's shares got off to a flying start on their debut, rising as much as 43 percent, continuing the tech sector's strong run in the IPO market. Brightcove's shares opened 32 percent above their IPO price of $11 on Friday
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Brightcove glitters on debut

Brightcove glitters on debut

Online video publisher Brightcove Inc's shares got off to a flying start on their debut, rising as much as 43 percent, continuing the tech sector's strong run in the IPO market. Brightcove's shares opened 32 percent above their IPO price of $11 on Friday
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Sub-inflation yields no hurdle for German bond auction

Sub-inflation yields no hurdle for German bond auction

Germany's two-year bond sale next week is expected to attract a broad range of investors seeking safety amid the euro debt storm even though yields are well below the rate of inflation.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Sub-inflation yields no hurdle for German bond auction

Sub-inflation yields no hurdle for German bond auction

Germany's two-year bond sale next week is expected to attract a broad range of investors seeking safety amid the euro debt storm even though yields are well below the rate of inflation.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Kuveyt Turk may issue lira sukuk this year

Kuveyt Turk may issue lira sukuk this year

Kuwait Finance House's Turkish unit Kuveyt Turk, which issued a $350 million sukuk last year, may issue a lira sukuk in Turkey this year, Murat Cetinkaya, Kuveyt Turk deputy chief executive, told Reuters. "This year a lira sukuk issuance is among our prio
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Kuveyt Turk may issue lira sukuk this year

Kuveyt Turk may issue lira sukuk this year

Kuwait Finance House's Turkish unit Kuveyt Turk, which issued a $350 million sukuk last year, may issue a lira sukuk in Turkey this year, Murat Cetinkaya, Kuveyt Turk deputy chief executive, told Reuters. "This year a lira sukuk issuance is among our prio
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Thai central bank chief says FIDF debt service a non-issue

Thai central bank chief says FIDF debt service a non-issue

Thailand's central bank will make absolutely sure that its new responsibility to service a massive 15-year-old mountain of debt dating back to the Asian financial crisis does not interfere with monetary or currency policy, its governor said on Wednesday.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Wall Street week ahead: stocks may strain to hold nine-month highs

Wall Street week ahead: stocks may strain to hold nine-month highs

If upcoming earnings from US retailers are as unimpressive as the rest of the profit season has been, Wall Street could face a tough time justifying a stock market at nine-month highs. Even with a Greece deal now in the works and the US economic recovery
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Philippine bourse sees 2012 fundraising doubling

Philippine bourse sees 2012 fundraising doubling

Funds raised on the Philippine Stock Exchange could double to a record of about 200 billion pesos ($4.7 billion) as companies jump on the market upswing, the head of the local bourse said on Friday.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
EQT Midstream Partners files for IPO of up to $250 million

EQT Midstream Partners files for IPO of up to $250 million

EQT Midstream Partners, a midstream vehicle formed by EQT Corp, filed with US regulators to raise up to $250 million in an initial public offering of common units. The midstream company will own, operate, acquire and develop midstream assets in the Appala
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
French Socialists would be tough on banks: Royal

French Socialists would be tough on banks: Royal

The French government would take shares in banks receiving taxpayer-funded bailouts if the Socialists win power in elections in the coming months, senior party figure Segolene Royal said on Sunday.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
China banks' 2011 profits hit new high, growth slows

China banks' 2011 profits hit new high, growth slows

Profits of Chinese banks reached a record high of 1.04 trillion yuan ($165.10 billion) in 2011, marking an increase of 15.8 percent from 2010, China's banking regulator said. That growth, however, was slower than 34.5 percent in 2010, but it was still hig
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Saudi central bank sees near-term price stability

Saudi central bank sees near-term price stability

Saudi Arabia's central bank said it expected relative price stability or a slight decline in inflationary pressures in the near-term, it said in its latest inflation report published on Sunday. "There are two factors that may... lead to the expectation of
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Japan's Mizuho to cooperate with StanBank

Japan's Mizuho to cooperate with StanBank

Japan's Mizuho Financial Group will sign an agreement to cooperate with South Africa's Standard Bank in corporate lending as early as this week, according to two people familiar with the matter. The non-exclusive agreement will focus on bringing more of M
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Bahrain bankers relieved, eye infrastructure projects

Bahrain bankers relieved, eye infrastructure projects

Bahraini bankers expressed relief on Sunday that the February 14 anniversary of last year's democracy uprising passed without major disruptions but said lenders needed to see more infrastructure projects in the Gulf bank and tourism hub.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
India's troubled Kingfisher cuts flights

India's troubled Kingfisher cuts flights

India's loss-making Kingfisher Airlines has cancelled as many as 32 flights a day, it said at the weekend, also admitting a glitch over tax payments in the latest signs of trouble for the carrier. The company, which showed a third quarter loss of $88 mill
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
India's troubled Kingfisher cuts flights

India's troubled Kingfisher cuts flights

India's loss-making Kingfisher Airlines has cancelled as many as 32 flights a day, it said at the weekend, also admitting a glitch over tax payments in the latest signs of trouble for the carrier. The company, which showed a third quarter loss of $88 mill
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
China, Ireland unveil pacts on trade, education

China, Ireland unveil pacts on trade, education

Ireland and China have unveiled new pacts to promote trade, investment and education between their export-minded nations as part of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping's three-day visit to the Emerald Isle. Both governments say junior officials are signing
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
HSBC may snub UK government loan plan

HSBC may snub UK government loan plan

HSBC Holdings, Europe's biggest bank, is considering walking away from British finance minister George Osborne's plans to inject 20 billion pounds ($31.6 billion) into the UK economy, according to a report in The Sunday Telegraph.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Greeks stage new protest on eve of eurozone bailout meeting

Greeks stage new protest on eve of eurozone bailout meeting

Hundreds of banner-waving protesters staged a rally in Athens on Sunday to protest at deep budget cuts as eurozone ministers prepare to approve a new 130-billion-euro bailout for the debt-crippled nation. Several hundred police were also out for the lates
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Iranians desperate as dark economic clouds gather

Iranians desperate as dark economic clouds gather

Marjan Hamidi turned away from the butcher's shop in a crowded area of Tehran's sprawling bazaar. Her quest to buy reasonably priced groceries was not going well. "Everything's become so expensive in the past few weeks, she said with disappointment. "But
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
China-Malaysia firm rejects South Sudan accusations in oil row

China-Malaysia firm rejects South Sudan accusations in oil row

Chinese-Malaysian oil firm Petrodar, the main oil operator in South Sudan, denied on Sunday it had helped Sudan seize any southern oil, after Juba accused Chinese firms of co-operating with Khartoum in a row between the two countries. South Sudan is locke
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Brazil banks raise reserves against default

Brazil banks raise reserves against default

Brazilian banks increased reserves against potential default by 21 percent in 2011 to 115 billion reais ($67.3 billion) as Brazilian consumers struggled to manage record debt levels, the Correio Braziliense newspaper said on Sunday on its website. Banks'
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Chinese firms buy into Europe

Chinese firms buy into Europe

Chinese automakers have returned in force to Europe, buying up brands and plants after early efforts to get a foothold in one of the world's largest car markets failed. Great Wall Motor is the latest China entrant, with production at its plant in Bulgaria
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Australia beat India by 110 runs in ODI

Australia beat India by 110 runs in ODI

A dominant Australia cruised to a 110-run win over India in their one-day international tri-series match in Brisbane on Sunday. After blasting 288 for five, the Australians, led by man of the match Ben Hilfenhaus with 5-33, ripped through the Indian top o
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Dhoni suspended due to slow over rate

Dhoni suspended due to slow over rate

Indian captain M.S. Dhoni was suspended for one match Sunday after his side's over rate was ruled to be too slow in their tri-series one-day international against Australia in Brisbane. The Indians were two overs short of their target on Sunday, their sec
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Pakistan players set for pay boost in new contracts

Pakistan players set for pay boost in new contracts

Pakistan's contracted players are set to get a pay boost from their cricket board when the new central contracts list is announced next month for 2012, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Subham Ahmad said.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Federer tames Del Potro for second Rotterdam title

Federer tames Del Potro for second Rotterdam title

Switzerland's Roger Federer won his second title at the Rotterdam Open seven years after his first as he defeated Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 6-1, 6-4 here on Sunday. Federer now owns 71 career trophies after lifting his first of this season. He finis
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Misbah credits England after one-day defeat

Misbah credits England after one-day defeat

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq heaped praise on England for their superb comeback to clinch the one-day series after being routed in the preceding Tests, saying they showed character and discipline. England thumped Pakistan by nine wickets in the third ma
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Yasir, Hammad guide Pakistan Twenty20 Federation team to 55 runs victory

Yasir, Hammad guide Pakistan Twenty20 Federation team to 55 runs victory

Test discarded Yasir Hameed with his knock of 77 runs and Hammad-ul-Hasan's four wickets for 19 runs guided Pakistan to 55 runs victory in the first match of the three-matches Play for Peace Twenty20 Pakistan-Afghanistan Cricket Series played here at Arba
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Levi blasts Proteas to New Zealand win

Levi blasts Proteas to New Zealand win

South Africa's Richard Levi rewrote the record books with a magnificent unbeaten 117 as the Proteas crushed New Zealand by eight wickets in the second Twenty20 international on Sunday. Levi's 45-ball century was the fastest ever in T20 internationals and
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Real Madrid go 13 points clear

Real Madrid go 13 points clear

Real Madrid went 13 points clear of Barcelona in La Liga on Saturday as Karim Benzema grabbed a double in a 4-0 win over 10-man Racing Santander. Jose Mourinho's men have given Barca little margin for error having now won 18 of the last 19 games since the
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Spurs held to shock FA Cup draw with Stevenage

Spurs held to shock FA Cup draw with Stevenage

Premier League high-flyers Tottenham Hotspur were held to a shock goalless draw away to third tier Stevenage in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday and face a replay to reach the quarter-finals. League One Stevenage demonstrated excellent defensive organisat
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Whatmore to take charge of Pakistan

Whatmore to take charge of Pakistan

Australian Dav Whatmore will replace the Pakistan team's interim coach Mohsin Khan after their one-day series against England ends this month, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source told Reuters on Sunday. The source said Whatmore would take charge as head
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
World Bank to issue larger green bonds

World Bank to issue larger green bonds

The World Bank is likely to increase the size of its green bond issues to a range of $300 million to $500 million this year to attract large bond funds to the environmental debt market, said an official at one of its lead managing banks.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
World Bank to issue larger green bonds

World Bank to issue larger green bonds

The World Bank is likely to increase the size of its green bond issues to a range of $300 million to $500 million this year to attract large bond funds to the environmental debt market, said an official at one of its lead managing banks.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Kellogg to buy Pringles from P&G for $2.7 billion

Kellogg to buy Pringles from P&G for $2.7 billion

Kellogg Co agreed to buy Pringles potato chips from Procter & Gamble Co for $2.7 billion in a cash deal that will nearly triple the cereal maker's international snack business. The transaction will also let household goods maker P&G finally leave the food
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Shanghai Gold Exchange eyes OTC trading

Shanghai Gold Exchange eyes OTC trading

The Shanghai Gold Exchange (SGE) plans to launch over-the-counter gold trading and is in talks with the China Foreign Exchange Trade System to conduct these trades via the interbank market, an official from the exchange said on February 13.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Kuwait's Zain 2011 profit slides 73 percent

Kuwait's Zain 2011 profit slides 73 percent

Kuwaiti telecom giant Zain net profit dived 73 percent last year mainly because the 2010 profit included a huge capital gain from the sale of its African assets, a statement said on February 14. Zain's net profit in 2011 was 285 million dinars ($1.03 bill
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Kuwait's Zain 2011 profit slides 73 percent

Kuwait's Zain 2011 profit slides 73 percent

Kuwaiti telecom giant Zain net profit dived 73 percent last year mainly because the 2010 profit included a huge capital gain from the sale of its African assets, a statement said on February 14. Zain's net profit in 2011 was 285 million dinars ($1.03 bill
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
PSA profits slump

PSA profits slump

French auto giant PSA Peugeot Citroen, struggling to cut costs, said on February 15 its 2011 net profit slumped by half and that it would take additional measures to reverse the slide. It said net profit tumbled 48 percent to 588 million euros ($776 milli
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
PSA profits slump

PSA profits slump

French auto giant PSA Peugeot Citroen, struggling to cut costs, said on February 15 its 2011 net profit slumped by half and that it would take additional measures to reverse the slide. It said net profit tumbled 48 percent to 588 million euros ($776 milli
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Corporate debt to get boost from ECB's new cheap loans

Corporate debt to get boost from ECB's new cheap loans

The second dose of cheap cash from the European Central Bank at the end of this month should spread more broadly across financial markets than the first, sweeping money into non-bank corporate bonds. This is in part because banks are expected to use the p
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Corporate debt to get boost from ECB's new cheap loans

Corporate debt to get boost from ECB's new cheap loans

The second dose of cheap cash from the European Central Bank at the end of this month should spread more broadly across financial markets than the first, sweeping money into non-bank corporate bonds. This is in part because banks are expected to use the p
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Saudi Fransi Capital has six IPOs in pipeline

Saudi Fransi Capital has six IPOs in pipeline

Saudi Fransi Capital, the brokerage arm of Banque Saudi Fransi, has six initial public offerings in the pipeline, including three that might launch in the first half of the year, its chief executive said. Yasir al-Romayan said the firm, whose parent, Saud
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Saudi Fransi Capital has six IPOs in pipeline

Saudi Fransi Capital has six IPOs in pipeline

Saudi Fransi Capital, the brokerage arm of Banque Saudi Fransi, has six initial public offerings in the pipeline, including three that might launch in the first half of the year, its chief executive said. Yasir al-Romayan said the firm, whose parent, Saud
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
GE sees China growth slowing in 2012

GE sees China growth slowing in 2012

General Electric Co believes China's economy, a key source of revenue growth for the largest US conglomerate, will slow this year but not substantially below 8 percent, said the executive who runs the company's international operations.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
GE sees China growth slowing in 2012

GE sees China growth slowing in 2012

General Electric Co believes China's economy, a key source of revenue growth for the largest US conglomerate, will slow this year but not substantially below 8 percent, said the executive who runs the company's international operations.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Facebook dabbles with validating user identity

Facebook dabbles with validating user identity

Facebook on February 16 began testing a way for celebrities, journalists, athletes and others with massive followings to have their identities validated at the globally popular online social network.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Tablet computers the new electronic babysitter

Tablet computers the new electronic babysitter

Move over TV. Tablet computers are the new electronic babysitter. A Nielsen survey published on February 16 broke down the ways tablet-owning parents of children under age 12 are using gadgets such as the iPad to keep the kids occupied.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Microsoft launches social news site

Microsoft launches social news site

Microsoft on February 16 launched an msnNOW website designed to deliver the "latest buzz" from Facebook, Twitter, Bing and BreakingNews.com. The service at now.msn.com analyses in real time Bing searches and updates at the popular online social networks t
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
'More mobile devices than people by 2016'

'More mobile devices than people by 2016'

Between 2011 and 2016 the amount of mobile data traffic will grow at a compound annual rate of 78 percent as the number of mobile devices connected to the Internet exceeds the number of people on Earth in four years' time, according to a study by Cisco Sy
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Apple gives software surprise with new OS X version for summer

Apple gives software surprise with new OS X version for summer

US computer company Apple surprised users on February 16 with the announcement of a new version of its OS X operating system, to be named Mountain Lion, just eight months after the launch of its predecessor, OS X Lion. The software, for the Mac family of
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Apple plans mini-iPad

Apple plans mini-iPad

Apple is working on a mini-iPad that would allow it to better compete with smaller competitors from the likes of Amazon and Samsung, according to The Wall Street Journal. The report said that Apple has shown designs for the device to its suppliers. It cam
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
WEF picks information filter as top '12 technology

WEF picks information filter as top '12 technology

Systems that can better process the vast amount of information now available is the top emerging technology this year, the World Economic Forum (WEF) said on February 15. "Innovations in how information is organised, mined and processed hold the key to fi
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Google tightens grip on smartphone wallets

Google tightens grip on smartphone wallets

Google on February 15 assured users of its smartphone wallets that the mobile-age technology thwarts thieves better than old-school cash or credit cards. "Mobile payments are going to become more common in the coming years, and we will learn much more as
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Twitter revamped to connect the world

Twitter revamped to connect the world

Twitter on February 16 announced it has finished rolling out overhauled pages crafted to boost the appeal of the message-sharing service to users around the world. "At the very core there are fewer places you have to click and less you have to learn," Twi
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
New app complements New York fashion shows

New app complements New York fashion shows

Guests at some New York Fashion Week shows and others watching online now have a new way to identify the looks they see sashaying down the runways. The app called Made Fashion Week is companion app for people attending the shows, delivering instant conten
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Fukushima faces increased quake risk

Fukushima faces increased quake risk

Japan's crippled nuclear plant at Fukushima needs to beef up safety measures to face the risk of a large earthquake, scientists said on February 15. The alarm was sounded by a trio of seismologists in Japan and China, who say the risk is an indirect cause
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Surface woes blamed for fracturing flaws: study

Surface woes blamed for fracturing flaws: study

Environmental contamination from operations to remove gas from deep within the Earth, known as hydraulic fracturing, often happens close to surface and not far below, said a US study released on February 16. Spills at the drill site or problems with cemen
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Vitamin B and fish oil fail to prevent cancer

Vitamin B and fish oil fail to prevent cancer

Among more than 2,500 people in France with a history of heart disease, taking B vitamins or omega-3 fatty acid supplements did not reduce the risk of developing cancer in a new study. In fact, for a small group of women, fish oil was linked to higher can
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Aspirin could beat cancer spread: Australian study

Aspirin could beat cancer spread: Australian study

Aspirin and other household drugs may inhibit the spread of cancer because they help shut down the chemical "highways" which feed tumours, Australian researchers said on February 14. Scientists at Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre said they have m
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Nanotechnology turns plants into common plastic

Nanotechnology turns plants into common plastic

Dutch scientists have found a way of turning plant matter into the building blocks of common plastics using a nanotechnology process that offers an alternative to oil-based production. The team from Utrecht University and Dow Chemical Co produced ethylene
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Air pollution tied to stroke, memory loss

Air pollution tied to stroke, memory loss

Living in a crowded city or near a busy highway where the air quality is poor might lead to a higher chance of stroke or memory loss, according to two US studies.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Microchip successfully delivers bone-loss drug

Microchip successfully delivers bone-loss drug

A microchip inserted under the skin has been shown for the first time to successfully deliver a bone-loss drug to a small sample of women, according to US-led research published on February 16.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Eid Mild-un-Nabi held at SSUET

Eid Mild-un-Nabi held at SSUET

A Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) conference was organised at the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), an official of the institution said here on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion the Chancellor of SSUET, Z.A. Nizami, said that the Holy Quran
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Commodities' fluctuate both ways as trading remain modest through week

Commodities' fluctuate both ways as trading remain modest through week

Commodities on wholesale markets fluctuated both ways, early trading showing rise, later going in the other direction during the week ended on February 18, 2012. The opening day on the wholesale commodity markets saw guwar Sindh, Punjab low type sharply h
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Commodities' fluctuate both ways as trading remain modest through week

Commodities' fluctuate both ways as trading remain modest through week

Commodities on wholesale markets fluctuated both ways, early trading showing rise, later going in the other direction during the week ended on February 18, 2012. The opening day on the wholesale commodity markets saw guwar Sindh, Punjab low type sharply h
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Shutter-down strike observed in Quetta

Shutter-down strike observed in Quetta

A shutter-down strike was observed in the city on Sunday on the appeal of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI). The strike call was given against the abduction of JUI provincial Salar, Haji Sadiq Noorzai. According to details all shops, business centres and markets
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
'Problems of KU not insurmountable'

'Problems of KU not insurmountable'

The problems being faced by the University of Karachi are not insurmountable. This was stated by the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Karachi, Professor Dr Muhammad Qaiser. He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of `Chandi Hall' for
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
All-Sindh Husn-i-Qirat, Naat contests

All-Sindh Husn-i-Qirat, Naat contests

The All Sindh Husn-i-Qirat and Naat competitions will be conducted from February 20 (today) to 23. These contests would be organised by the Department of Youth Affairs, Government of Sindh, and the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. An official of the Depa
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Condolence

Condolence

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has expressed deep sense of grief and sorrow over the death of father of Syed Mubashar Hassan, Secretary Implementation. In a condolence message, the Chief Minister prayed that Allah Almighty may rest the depa
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Concern voiced over unscheduled power loadshedding

Concern voiced over unscheduled power loadshedding

Industrialists and Textile Exporters have expressed grave concern over the 14 to 18 hour unscheduled load-shedding of electricity and stated that the energy crisis is yielding unemployment in the country and terrorism activities.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
IAEA to report on centrifuges at Iran's second enrichment plant

IAEA to report on centrifuges at Iran's second enrichment plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is expected to report soon on hundreds of new centrifuges at Iran's new uranium enrichment plant, a diplomat told dpa Sunday in Vienna - ahead of an IAEA team expected in Tehran this week to seek clarity on it
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Roadside bomb kills five civilians in Afghanistan

Roadside bomb kills five civilians in Afghanistan

Five civilians were killed in a roadside bombing in southern Afghanistan's volatile Kandahar province, police said Sunday. Their vehicle bomb exploded as the vehicle carrying the five made its way through the Shahwali Kot district.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Japanese prosecutors may charge Olympus over scandal

Japanese prosecutors may charge Olympus over scandal

Japanese prosecutors are considering indicting Olympus Corp as a company for falsifying its financial reports to conceal huge investment losses in a $1.7 billion scandal, Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday, quoting investigative sources.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
50th anniversary of first US space flight is bittersweet

50th anniversary of first US space flight is bittersweet

The United States marks the 50th anniversary Monday of the first flight of an American into orbit. But the historic landmark is bittersweet: the first nation to land people on the Moon now depends on Russia for its manned space flights.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Egypt delays announcing final date for presidential vote

Egypt delays announcing final date for presidential vote

The judicial committtee supervising Egypt's first presidential election since Hosni Mubarak was overthrown last year said on Sunday it had yet to finalise a date for the vote, although an election official said it would be in the first week of June.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Fake senator raises alarm in Afghanistan

Fake senator raises alarm in Afghanistan

Officials in southern Afghanistan were at odds Sunday over a man some believe collected sensitive information by impersonating a parliament member in the violence-wracked country. The unidentified man claimed to be a senator from Kabul and managed to meet
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Syrian security forces clamp down on Damascus

Syrian security forces clamp down on Damascus

Police and militia patrols fanned out in the Syrian capital's Mezze district on Sunday to prevent a repeat of protests against President Bashar al-Assad that have threatened his grip on Damascus, opposition activists said.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Drivers circle Moscow in anti-Putin protest

Drivers circle Moscow in anti-Putin protest

Hundreds of Moscow drivers flying white balloons and ribbons circled the Kremlin on Sunday in a noisy protest against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's likely return as president in March 4 polls. The second such auto rally in three weeks was picked up on a
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Wildfires kill 339,000 people per year: study

Wildfires kill 339,000 people per year: study

Wildfires, peat fires and controlled burns on farming lands kill 339,000 people world-wide each year, said a study released on Saturday that is the first to estimate a death toll for landscape fires.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
External sector shocks

External sector shocks

The news on the external sector continues to be highly disturbing. According to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Pakistan's trade deficit touched a new record of $13.17 billion during July-January, 2012, showing a treme
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Banning groups is not enough

Banning groups is not enough

The US State Department has expressed concern, valid in this case, over the recent public appearances of Jamaatud Dawa chief, Hafiz Saeed, at public rallies organised by the Difaa-i-Pakistan Council. The State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland issue
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Pak-US ties - I

Pak-US ties - I

The Obama administration, including Ambassador Cameron Munter, has left few opportunities to embarrass not only Pakistan's civilian government but also the military establishment. The list reflecting the veracity of this charge is indeed exhaustive.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Putin dominates television as Russia gets ready to vote

Putin dominates television as Russia gets ready to vote

Featuring bizarre televised debates between candidate surrogates, government critics sounding off on state television and vicious propaganda battles fought over the internet, recent Russian political discourse has been anything but boring.
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Iconic London power station faces uncertain future

Iconic London power station faces uncertain future

With its four white chimneys and solid brick base, Battersea Power Station is London's most iconic industrial building. But 30 years after closing down, it still eludes efforts to give it a future. There has been no shortage of ideas or candidates to reno
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
MFN status to India

MFN status to India

The Government of Pakistan's move to grant Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India is going to open floodgates of imports culminating in the death of local industry at large-scale including automotive sector. Negative list: PAAPAM has generated its own
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Message from Director, Human Capital Excellence, Abacusconsulting

Message from Director, Human Capital Excellence, Abacusconsulting

It is my immense pleasure to be a part of the Career Fair UK 2012 sponsored by Education UK British Council. On behalf of AbacusConsulting, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the British Council for taki
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Host Universities and Partners Organisation For 2012

Host Universities and Partners Organisation For 2012

Brunel University: Brunel University is a world-class institution based in Uxbridge, West London with 15,000 students, including over 2,500 international students from over 110 different countries. Promising the experience of high quality teaching,
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
2.5 million job seekers created profiles with us in the past 12 months

2.5 million job seekers created profiles with us in the past 12 months

Where did the idea for Rozee.pk come from? In 2003, I moved back to Pakistan with a small amount of angel investment, the first form of investment that start-ups get from friends. Among the angel investors was Reid Hoffman, who was the founder of PayPal a
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
United Energy Pakistan (UEP)

United Energy Pakistan (UEP)

Pakistan business: United Energy Pakistan (UEP) assumed control of oil and gas exploration and production assets managed by BP Pakistan in September, 2011. The company focuses primarily on exploration and production taking care of the whole process, from
Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
Your rupee last week

Your rupee last week

Following currency fluctuations took place in foreign exchange rates during the last week. (February 13 to February 17, 2012).

Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
The Weather

The Weather

The weather report on Sunday (February 19, 2012) and the forecast for Monday (February 20, 2012).

Published 20 Feb, 2012 12:00am
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