News Archives for Latest - 2020-10-20

Stocks

Stimulus bets drive Wall Street higher

Netflix Inc dipped 0.5% ahead of its third-quarter earnings report.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:53pm

Energy

Oil inches up on US stimulus hopes, rising virus cases keep prices in check

However, those countries plan on scaling back the size of its production cuts in January from a current 7.7 million barrels per day (bpd) to roughly 5.7 million bpd in January.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:50pm

Trump and Biden 'pooper' figurines steal the show in Catalan nativity

Such was the popularity of the Trump figure in the run-up to the 2016 elections that Alos felt certain he would take the White House, despite polls pointing to a Hillary Clinton victory.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:48pm

Europe

Canada working on possible aid for the airlines and travel sector, says finance minister

The Canadian branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers on Tuesday urged Freeland to consider partially or fully nationalizing Air Canada.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:46pm

Trump pushes for major COVID-19 deal over Senate Republican objections, Pelosi optimistic

"It might not be finished by Election Day. It may be finished by Election Day. But I'd want it by next Friday," Pelosi said. "Nov. 1, rent day. Let's see if we can't do that."

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:43pm

Europe

US sees British trade deal 'reasonably soon'

The EU and Britain urged each other on Tuesday to compromise to avoid a disruptive Brexit finale.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:41pm

Business & Finance

Goldman Sachs sends some London staff home following positive tests for COVID-19

Goldman Sachs is one of several banks that has encouraged groups of employees back into its London offices.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:39pm

Africa

Ivory Coast President Ouattara pledges big investment if re-elected

He said the government would tap regional and international debt markets to finance the plan, but did not give details.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:38pm

US welcomes Russian offer to freeze warheads totals to extend nuclear pact by a year

Russia said the warhead freeze and one-year extension would be possible if Washington did not make any additional demands.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:36pm

Senate leader McConnell said ‘would consider’ larger coronavirus deal

I'm aware that discussions continue between the president and the speaker, about a larger package," McConnell told reporters.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:35pm

Exchange

Exclusive: Didi lines up 2021 IPO in Hong Kong, targets more than $60 billion valuation, sources say

That helped Hong Kong grab the second spot in the global stock exchange league table - after Nasdaq - despite the city reeling from a coronavirus pandemic-hit economy and anti-government protests.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:31pm

Business & Finance

Impossible Foods launches in Asian grocery stores as it aims to move into China

Brown said Impossible wanted to build a complete plant-based supply chain in the country and make it a domestic industry.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:26pm

Business & Finance

Bangladesh garment workers pray for orders as pandemic shreds exports

But many workers are struggling without overtime pay, which often accounts for 20% of their monthly income.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:21pm

Pakistan

COAS Bajwa orders probe into ‘Karachi incident’: ISPR

Officials say in wake of registration of FIR against Capt (r) Safdar in which police high command has not only been ridiculed, but all ranks of Sindh police have been demoralized and shocked

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 09:17pm

Sports

Jason Holder disappointed at 'lack of solidarity' over anti-racism protests

Holder he had yet to have a conversation around racial issues during this year's edition of the Twenty20 tournament.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 07:34pm

South Asia

India says 'no timeframe' for release of Chinese soldier

India and China have poured tens of thousands of troops into the region since the June battle despite several rounds of talks.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 07:30pm

Sports

Nadal to play Paris Masters next month

The Paris Masters is scheduled to run from November 2-8.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 07:27pm

USA

Trump calls for investigation of Biden, heads to key battleground

According to Trump, Biden's personally troubled son Hunter sold access to his father in Ukraine and China when he was vice president to Barack Obama.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 07:26pm

China

State-owned Chinese company lands US$54 million surveying contract with Saudi Arabia

A state-run Chinese organization has landed a US$54 million surveying contract in Saudi Arabia, bringing Beijing a step closer to a key energy supplier and furthering their strategic interests in the oil-rich region; a sign of their gradually warming relations with Riaydh.

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 06:50pm

Commodities

Swiss gold exports to Asia tumble as bullion flows to London

The figures underline how Western investors have overtaken Asian jewellery buyers as the main driver of gold demand since the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Swiss exports of gold to the United States, which surged earlier this year because of higher prices in the US market,

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:43pm

Commodities

Lower dollar helps copper head towards 27-month peak

Surging coronavirus infections in Europe a worry.
Concerns about wider disruptions in Chile support copper.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:42pm

Energy

US natgas on track for 20-month high as LNG exports rise, cold weather

Front-month gas futures rose 11.9 cents, or 4.3%, to $2.914 per million British thermal units.
Data provider Refinitiv said output in the Lower 48 US states slipped to 88.4 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) on Monday from a six-week high of 88.6 bcfd last week.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:34pm

Exchange

Israel says UAE visit 'making history' - Palestinians call it 'shameful'

UAE delegation and US officials arrive in Israel.
Red carpet for team cementing normalisation deal.
PLO fear visit will encourage Israel to annex West Bank.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:32pm

Europe

Chances of Brexit trade deal less than 50-50, Merkel ally says

Detlef Seif, who is Brexit rapporteur for the Merkel's conservatives in the Bundestag lower house of parliament.
That means, for me really the ball is still in Britain's court at the moment," Seif added. "If it is kicked back reasonably.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:30pm

Industry

Walmart cranks up advertising drive, with or without TikTok

Walmart's ad sales set to hit nearly $1 bln in 2020 – source.
Pushes plans even as TikTok deal in limbo - ad agencies, brands.
Aims to bridge online and offline data: 'Always In, Always On'.
But faces formidable task to catch Amazon after years of flux.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:27pm

Europe

As clock ticks, EU and UK tell each other to budge on Brexit

Five-year Brexit saga culminates in tough trade talks.
Brussels offers to discuss legal texts.
UK wants EU assurance that approach has changed.
No deal feared by businesses and markets.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:25pm

Europe

Spain considers curfews to fight new coronavirus wave

Between Friday and Monday, Spain added nearly 38,000 cases, bringing the cumulative total to 974,449. The death toll jumped by 217 to 33,992.
"A curfew would mean...that at some hours there's no mobility, like France has done for example," he said.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:23pm

Exchange

Rupee strengthens against dollar

The buying and selling rates of dollar were recorded at Rs 162.5 and Rs 163.4 respectively.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:22pm

Technology

US government files antitrust lawsuit against Google

Google, whose search engine is so ubiquitous that its name has become a verb, had revenue of $162 billion in 2019.
The 11 states which joined the lawsuit all have Republican attorneys general.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:19pm

Pakistan

Cement export increases 8.27pc in Q1

The exports of cement during September 2020 were recorded at $27.788 million against the exports of $24.623 million in September 2019.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:21pm

Europe

Hungary central bank says ready to act if CPI outlook changes

The Council continuously assesses incoming data, closely monitors the persistence of inflationary effects resulting from the restoration of the economy.
If warranted by a change in the outlook for inflation, the MNB will be ready to use the appropriate instruments.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:13pm

Cotton

Value-added Textile Products Boost Sector Exports by 3%

Pakistan’s textile exports grew by 3% with value-added textile products, knitwear and readymade garments, generating the highest export revenue.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:06pm

Middle East

Turkey evacuates Syria outpost long-encircled by regime

The war monitor said that other observation posts also surrounded by regime forces could likewise be evacuated.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:13pm

Europe

Brexit negotiators in new bid to unblock trade talks

London wants the EU side to confirm that both sides will have to make compromises to find a trade agreement.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:12pm

Europe

Russia offers US one-year freeze on nuclear warhead numbers

The ministry said the suspension could only take place on the understanding that there were no "additional" demands from the United States.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:10pm

Exchange

EU begins legal action over Cyprus, Malta 'golden passports'

The two countries have two months to respond to the commission's formal notice of action, after which further measures may be taken.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:07pm

South Asia

UN announces urgent donor conference for Rohingyas

The UNHCR said 860,000 Rohingya refugees were living in camps across Bangladesh's southeastern Cox's Bazar district.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 06:04pm

Africa

Sudan trial defence rejects case against ousted Bashir

Bashir held power for 30 years until his overthrow on April 11, 2019 following unprecedented mass youth-led street demonstrations.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 05:59pm

Pakistan

Pakistan 15th most powerful country in Asia with biggest gains in diplomatic influence: Report

Pakistan's major improvement has been in future resources measures, economic capability and resilience
India's overall score declined by 1.3 points as it trended down in cultural influence, future resources, economic relationships and diplomatic influence

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 05:20pm

Pakistan

Six injured after explosion in passenger bus in Karachi

Police said the bomb was installed at the gate of the terminal and was detonated with a remote control device

Published 20 Oct, 2020 04:44pm

World

UAE-Israel ink pact allowing visa-free travel for nationals, says Netanyahu

Israeli PM says with visa exemption, citizens from both countries will be able to travel across the border

Published 20 Oct, 2020 04:18pm

Exchange

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar calls on PM Imran Khan

The two leaders discussed matters related to Afghan Peace Process and Pak-Afghan fraternal relations.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 04:33pm

Pakistan

Ministerial committee being formed to investigate Safdar's arrest, says Sindh CM

Accused the "federal minister" of being part of the "lies" that surround the "false case" against Capt Safdar

Published 20 Oct, 2020 04:06pm

Business & Finance

State Bank’s DPC goes digital

The DPC is a subsidiary of State Bank of Pakistan, established under the DPC Act 2016.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 04:08pm

Business & Finance

COVID-19 hardships turn boon as Pakistan's E-commerce grows by 79pc

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan’s e-commerce market witnessed growth due to a year-on-year rise in the use of digital payment methods.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 03:20pm

Exchange

Pakistan's TPL Insurance approves Germany’s DEG equity investment

It is pertinent to mention that DEG is re-entering into the Pakistani market with the investment being a first, in an insurance company by a Development Finance Institution in recent times in Pakistan.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 03:19pm

Currency

Costly bans

What does a biscuit advertisement have in common with a mobile game? Based on the government’s recent bans on each...

Published 20 Oct, 2020 03:15pm

BR Research

Recovering Business Confidence: A Potential Boon?

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in collaboration with the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi...

Published 20 Oct, 2020 03:01pm

Pakistan

Deputy Commissioners to get ‘incentives’ on good performance: PM

Salaries should be increased on the basis of performance and those who failed to perform should be punished he said.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 02:55pm

Technology

WhatsApp bringing Video & Voice calling on desktop

The messaging app is also working on a video and voice calling support update on the WhatsApp web which will be rolled out to users soon.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 02:37pm

Pakistan

Gujranwala rally: Police book Rana Sanullah, others for "attempted murder"

The FIR stated that Sanaullah and other PML-N supporters attending the PDM Gujranwala public meeting on October 16 attempted to hit police personnel with their vehicle

Published 20 Oct, 2020 02:13pm

Business & Finance

PM Khan to use Tiger Force to curb hoarding

A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan on controlling inflation on Tuesday, in which the Tiger Force got the first task to discourage hoarding.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 02:28pm

USA

U.S. influence falls in the Asia-Pacific region due to mishandling of COVID-19, according to a report

According to the Lowy Institute’s Asia Power Index, while the United States remains an influential presence in the Indo-Pacific region, it has also suffered the biggest relative fall in its regional standing; which can be attributed to the Trump Administration’s isolationist policies and their mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 02:02pm

Pakistan

PM is enjoying PDM's flop rallies, says Faisal Javed

He said the PDM can hold as many rallies as it wants.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 01:24pm

World

China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine appears safe in last stage trials: Researchers

Butantan Institute states CoronaVac proved to be safe in a trial so far involving 9,000 volunteers

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 01:19pm

Currency

IBM posts double-digit cloud revenue growth; says customers deferring some projects

IBM shares, however, fell 3% after the company stayed away from issuing a forecast for the current quarter, citing uncertainty around a global economic recovery due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 12:31pm

Pakistan

Punjab govt fixes Rs40 fare for Lahore Orange Metro Train service

The line will be served by 26 stations and is expected to handle 250,000 passengers daily

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 12:15pm

Pakistan

Will raise slogans for mother of nation every Oct 18 at Mazar-e-Quaid: Safdar

He said there was nothing wrong in chanting slogans during his visit to the mausoleum.

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 12:04pm

Currency

United States working on to introduce the ‘Digital Dollar’

However, there will be no haste in the project in order to protect it against fraud and forgery, he said.

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 11:46am

Exchange

MPCL submits EOI to acquire majority in two wind power projects

The acquisition is subject to the detailed due diligence of these projects, completion of procedural formalities, and requite approvals from MPCL Board of Directors and relevant Regulatory Authorities.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:38am

Pakistan supports Azerbaijan's stance on Nagorno-Karabakh, says Qureshi

FM says the ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia on humanitarian grounds is a positive step for regional peace and stability

Published 20 Oct, 2020 11:29am

Pakistan

Shehbaz Sharif sent to jail on judicial remand

Accountability court dismissed NAB's request for Shehbaz's physical remand.

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 11:40am

Business & Finance

Didi considers 2021 Hong Kong IPO, targets valuation of more than $60 billion

Didi, backed by technology investment giants SoftBank, Alibaba and Tencent, has started initial talks with investment banks for the long-awaited IPO, according to three people.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 10:35am

Business & Finance

Stock market boom, new listings mint China billionaires at record pace

The Hurun China Rich List 2020 also highlights China’s accelerated shift away from traditional sectors like manufacturing and real estate, towards e-commerce, fintech and other new economy industries.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 10:29am

Currency

Asian stocks dip as U.S. political concerns grow

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was 0.11% lower after U.S. stocks ended the previous session in the red.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 10:25am

Business & Finance

COVID-19 may inflict a decade of economic pain to Mideast, Central Asia: IMF

On average, remittances to Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan oil importers would take more than four years (twice as long as the recovery following both the global financial crisis and the 2014–15 oil shock) to recover to pre-crisis levels,” IMF said.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 10:23am

Business & Finance

Oil prices drop for 4th day as COVID-19 second wave worries intensify

Brent crude futures fell 32 cents, or 0.8%, to $42.30 a barrel by 0418 GMT, after falling 31 cents on Monday.

Published 20 Oct, 2020 10:21am

'We are collectively committing a blunder': Asad Umar warns ignoring COVID-19 SOPs can prove disastrous

He said last week's COVID-19 mortality was 12 which is a 140 percent increase as compared to the last few weeks.

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 10:15am

BR Research

Petroleum Levy: Overachieved in 1Q

Lady luck has not exactly been a frequent visitor to the current Islamabad administration, but petroleum prices make...

Published 20 Oct, 2020 08:10am

BR Research

Cement exports rebound

Maintaining an optimum sales mix and diversifying markets globally is crucial for cement businesses. Being ...

Published 20 Oct, 2020 08:09am

BR Research

MARI - a good start to FY21

Mari Petroleum Company Limited (PSX: MARI) has started off FY21 on a high note. The exploration and production...

Published 20 Oct, 2020 08:08am

BR Research

On Telecom FDI

In an arguably tough year for foreign investment, can telco’s help? Just last fiscal, the operators had provided...

Published 20 Oct, 2020 08:08am

Currency

Ferozsons Laboratories Limited

Ferozsons Laboratories Limited (PSX: FEROZ) was established in 1956, being one of the first pharmaceutical...

Published 20 Oct, 2020 07:25am

Europe

UK insists EU must go further to break Brexit deadlock

LONDON: Britain on Monday welcomed signals that the European Union was ready to intensify stalled post-Brexit trade...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:22am

Middle East

First Emirati passenger flight lands in Israel

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: The first ever passenger flight from the United Arab Emirates to Israel landed near Tel Aviv on...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:21am

Business & Finance

China's economic recovery quickens

BEIJING: China's economic recovery accelerated in the third quarter as consumers shook off their coronavirus ...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:18am

Business & Finance

Dawood reviews reforms, initiatives on PRMI

ISLAMABAD: Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood, chaired the fourth meeting...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:17am

New LNG terminals: Senior govt officials quizzed by PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has, reportedly quizzed Petroleum Division and Finance Division for delay in...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:15am

Pakistan

TCF signs agreement for NiFT ePay services

KARACHI: The Citizens Foundation (TCF), has entered into an agreement with National Institutional Facilitation...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:13am

Pakistan

New commanders of PN COMKAR, COMCOAST assume charge

KARACHI: Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul Lodhi assumed the responsibilities as Commander Karachi (COMKAR) and Vice Admiral...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:13am

Pakistan

PDM meeting ignored Karachi issues: MQM-P

KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Monday took exception to the public meeting of the...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:13am

Pakistan

MSC stages protest demo against killing of Maulana Adil

ISLAMABAD: The Muttahida Sunni Council (MSC) on Monday staged protest demonstration against the target killing of...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:12am

Pakistan

171 Sahulat bazaars made functional across Punjab

LAHORE: The Punjab government has made 171 Sahulat bazaars functional across the province to ensure availability of...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:07am

Pakistan

Gun and Country Club: Cabinet Division proposes new management body to run affairs

ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Division has proposed new management committee to run the affairs of Gun and Country Club...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:07am

Pakistan

Qureshi appreciates UNAMA's role

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that the vision of economic prosperity and regional...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:07am

Pakistan

PTA informs Senate panel: TikTok blocked 4m videos in three months

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Monday revealed that TikTok had blocked four million...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:07am

Pakistan

Shangla, Lakki Marwat: PPAF holds asset distribution ceremonies

ISLAMABAD: On account of International Day for Eradication of Poverty, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) on...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:07am

Pakistan

Experts say sawfish species have become extinct

KARACHI: Experts believe that sawfish species have become extinct in the country's seas as no reports appeared about...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:07am

Pakistan

Sub-sector I-15/4: CDA opens technical bids for development work

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has opened technical bids for development works in sub-sector...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:07am

Pakistan

LHC's directive to Punjab govt

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday directed the Punjab government to constitute a committee to prepare a draft...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:07am

Pakistan

Khyber Pass Economic Corridor: Feasibility study of Development Expressway in progress

PESHAWAR: Feasibility study for the first component of Khyber Pass Economic Corridor, the Development Expressway was...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:07am

Life & Style

AAJ PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 TIMING PROGRAM TITLE 06:00 NEWS HOUR 06:25 HEADLINE NEWS 06:30 NEWS HOUR 06:55 HEADLINE...

Updated 20 Oct, 2020 03:03am

Pakistan

Nawaz's proclamation in UK papers: IHC dismisses Federation's plea

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday dismissed the Federation's plea to publish proclamation of ...