News Archives for Latest - 2020-12-28

Pakistan

Zartaj stresses to resolve political issues in Parliament, legal ones in courts

The minister said the corrupts and plunderers had been gathered under banner of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to save looted national wealth and corruption.

Updated 29 Dec, 2020 12:11am

World

China rejects reports of seeking guarantees from Pakistan for approving $6bn loan

"China's input in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) including the CPEC has not reduced but rather increased against the odds," says Chinese FO spokesman.
He says, "China has increased direct financial investment in BRI countries by around 30 percent in first three quarters of the year."

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:48pm

Pakistan

Sindh reports 817 new COVID-19 cases, 11 deaths in past 24 hours

A total of 9,320 tests were conducted during past 24 hours out of which 817 turned out to be positive.
Out of the fresh cases of the virus, 690 were reported only in Karachi, says CM Sindh.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 09:34pm

Money & Banking

Spain's Unicaja, Liberbank to approve merger at Tuesday board meetings

Extraordinary board meetings are expected to sign off on the deal on Tuesday after both lenders agreed in principle on the financial terms and the future management of the combined group.
Banks in Europe are grappling with record low interest rates and the economic impact of the pandemic is forcing them to make further cost cuts.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:10pm

Europe

Brexit trade deal gets EU green light

Customs and regulatory controls on cross-Channel commerce will still come into effect on January 1 after Britain leaves the EU single market.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:11pm

USA

Novavax starts late-stage trial of COVID-19 vaccine in United States

It will enroll up to 30,000 volunteers across about 115 sites in the United States and Mexico, with two-thirds of them receiving the shot 21 days apart and the rest getting placebo.
Novavax lags behind other drugmakers in the global race for COVID-19 vaccine.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:08pm

Business & Finance

Commerzbank to sink 610 million euros into job cuts

Shares in Commerzbank fell on Germany's MDAX index, down 0.9 percent at 1200 GMT, compared with a rise of 1.0 percent in the index as a whole.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:09pm

Commodities

Soybeans up 2-4 cents, corn up 0-2 cents, wheat down 6-9 cents

Wheat futures trimmed lower as profit taking tempered recent two-month highs, though the global supply picture added support.
Corn inched higher for the eleventh day of positive trading, reaching new 18-month highs.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:56pm

Middle East

Iran warns Israel not to cross Gulf 'red lines'

The statement came a week after the US Navy announced a nuclear submarine was being deployed to the Gulf, in a new show of force directed at Iran.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:06pm

Europe

Belgium launches Covid vaccinations

The country has suffered one of the worst per capita death rates in the world during the epidemic, and its nursing homes have been particularly hard hit.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:05pm

Europe

Russia expels Bulgarian diplomat in tit-for-tat response

Bulgaria earlier this month expelled the Russian military attache after prosecutors opened a probe against him for spying on US troops based in the country.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:02pm

USA

US authorizes sanctions for China Dalai Lama meddling

Beijing said in January that the act "grossly interferes in China's internal affairs" after the House of Representatives passed it 392-22.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:00pm

USA

After Trump backs down on stimulus bill, Democrats aim for higher relief checks

In a sudden reversal late on Sunday, Trump signed into law a $2.3 trillion pandemic aid and spending package.
It was unclear why Trump, who has refused to concede defeat to Biden, changed his mind on the stimulus package.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:54pm

USA

Trump signs pandemic aid and spending bill, averting government shutdown

Trump, who leaves office on Jan. 20 after losing November's election to President-elect Joe Biden, backed down from his earlier threat to block the bill.
"Much more money is coming," he insisted in a statement, though he provided nothing to back this promise.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:52pm

Middle East

Who is Saudi human rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul?

Hathloul rose to prominence in 2013 when she began publicly campaigning for women's right to drive in Saudi Arabia.
She was arrested for the first time in 2014 while attempting to drive across the border from the United Arab Emirates

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:48pm

Europe

Britain says it will sign free trade deal with Turkey this week

The two nations will sign a deal that replicates the existing trading terms between Ankara and London.
We now look forward to working with Turkey towards an ambitious tailor-made UK-Turkey trade agreement in the near future.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:46pm

Companies

Japan Nov factory output growth stalls after rising for 5 months

Nov output flat m/m vs forecast +1.2%.
Falling car output offsets rise in machinery output.
Manufacturers see output declining 1.1% in Dec, rise 7.1% Jan.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:44pm

Industry

Russian Nord Stream 2 pipe-laying vessel leaves German site, indicating project progress

The Fortuna earlier this month resumed work on the pipeline, which will pump gas directly from Russia to western Europe, bypassing Ukraine.
Nord Stream-2 did not respond to a request for comment on Monday on the latest developments.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:42pm

Stocks

Tech's reign over US stock market to be tested in 2021

Gains in Apple , Amazon and Microsoft alone accounted for more than half of the S&P 500's 16.6% total return as of Dec. 16.
I think that people are going to stick with their tech exposure but I don't think there is going to be a lot of fresh money put into tech in the new year.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:40pm

Stocks

Wall Street hits record high after Trump signs fiscal aid bill

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 83.4 points, or 0.28%, at the open to 30,283.23. The S&P 500 rose 20.0 points, or 0.54%, at the open to 3,723.03

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 07:39pm

Pakistan

PSX stays bullish, gains 257 points to close at 43,674 points

As many as 398 companies transacted shares in the stock market, 225 of them recorded gain and 154 sustained losses.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:18pm

Pakistan

Pak-Afghan trade to boost regional economic integration: Razak

The Adviser said now both sides were reviewing use of technology for smooth functioning of the trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:17pm

Pakistan

Gold prices increase Rs.100 to Rs113,450 per tola

The price of per tola silver increased by Rs60.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:16pm

Pakistan

KSE-100 index witnesses increase of 1.53pc during FY20 despite COVID-19: Report

On June 30, 2020, the market capitalization was Rs6,529.707 billion was 5.19 percent lower than June 30, 2019 market capitalization of Rs6,887 billion.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:15pm

Europe

PM sold out fish in Brexit trade deal, fishermen say

British fishermen said on Saturday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had sold out fish stocks to the European Union with a Brexit trade deal that gives EU boats significant access to the United Kingdom’s rich fishing waters.
The United Kingdom will leave the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy on Dec. 31, but under the trade deal agreed on Christmas Eve the current rules will remain largely in place during a 5-1/2-year transition period.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:09pm

Industry

Pakistan to Mass-Produce of Anti-venom & Rabies Vaccine Next Year

Pakistan plans on starting mass-production of snakebites anti-venom and a rabies vaccine next year to end its reliance on imports from India.
Dow University of Health Sciences' biotechnological facility will be able to produce 700,000 vials of venom antiserum annually to overcome the supply shortages in the country.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 07:02pm

Industry

Pakistan to Mass-Produce of Anti-venom & Rabies Vaccine Next Year

Pakistan plans on starting mass-production of snakebites anti-venom and a rabies vaccine next year to end its reliance on imports from India.
Dow University of Health Sciences' biotechnological facility will be able to produce 700,000 vials of venom antiserum annually to overcome the supply shortages in the country.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 07:00pm

Pakistan

New Covid strain: Pakistan extends ban on flights from UK

Islamabad last week banned flights from the UK until December 29 after a new strain of coronavirus emerged there.
The instructions stipulated in the previous letter in this regard are here by extended till January 04, 2021, reads CAA notification.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:29pm

Middle East

75-year-old Israeli man dies of heart attack after receiving COVID-19 vaccine

A 75-year-old man from Northern Israel died from a heart attack, two hours after being vaccinated against the novel coronavirus, according to the country's Health Ministry.
Levy mentioned that "We share in the grief of the family", but reiterated in a press conference that initial findings have revealed that there is no tangible link between the man's death and his vaccination.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 06:45pm

Sports

Messi not interested in coaching, prefers sporting director role

I don't see myself as a coach, perhaps a sporting director to hire players I want or that the club that I'm at needs.
I would like to tell the Barca fans that I'm not sure whether I'll leave or not but hypothetically speaking, I would like to leave in the best way possible.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:30pm

South Asia

Philippine president signs $93.7bn national budget for 2021

The budget enables the country to heal, rebuild and resume the economy's upward trajectory, Duterte said after its signing.
The education sector and public works secured 752 billion pesos and 696 billion pesos respectively, accounting for nearly a third of the budget.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:28pm

World

Tesla to start operations in India next year – report

The electric-car maker will start with sales and then might look at assembly and manufacturing based on the response, says the minister.
The first model to be launched will be Model 3, the cheapest among Tesla vehicles, with prices starting at over $74,739 (5.5 million Indian rupees).

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:21pm

Industry

Europe plots catch-up in global 5G race to drive COVID-19 recovery

Rollout could be crucial to post-pandemic competitiveness.
5G ultimately promises up to 20 times faster internet speeds.
Europe has fallen behind China and US in introducing 5G.
EU earmarks big chunk of COVID recovery fund to digital drive.
Technology could support smart factories, autonomous cars.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:24pm

South Asia

Bangladesh moves more Rohingya to controversial island

More than 700,000 Rohingya packed the camps in Bangladesh in 2017 after a deadly Myanmar military clampdown that the United Nations has said could be genocide.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:26pm

South Asia

Azerbaijan says one soldier dead in Armenian ambush

A peace deal mediated by Russia ended in early November six weeks of fighting between Azerbaijan and separatists backed by Armenia for control of the disputed region.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:23pm

Companies

Tesla to start operations in India next year: report

The electric-car maker will start with sales and then might look at assembly and manufacturing based on the response.
The first model to be launched will be Model 3, the cheapest among Tesla vehicles, with prices starting at over $74,739 (5.5 million Indian rupees).

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:21pm

South Asia

Chinese citizen journalist jailed for Wuhan virus reporting

The court said Zhang Zhan had spread "false remarks" online, according to one of her lawyers Zhang Keke, but the prosecution did not fully divulge its evidence in court.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:21pm

Europe

Cyber crime has cost Russia $49bn in 2020, Sberbank says

Russia has encouraged its citizens to switch to bank cards and limit cash use to try to crack down on the shadow economy.
The private sector is the most vulnerable: everything from the clients' accounts to financial data and tender documents are targeted.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:15pm

South Asia

South Korea detects first coronavirus variant cases

South Korea reported 808 new cases Monday, raising its national total to 57,680 with 819 deaths.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:15pm

Pakistan

PML-N candidate wins Islamabad mayor by-polls: unofficial results

Pir Adil Shah bagged 43 votes, while PTI’s Sajid Mahmood was able to secure 26 votes.
Sheikh Ansar Aziz, who belongs to PML-N, resigned from his post four months ahead of the completion of his tenure.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 06:18pm

Europe

Russia ships only first part of COVID-19 vaccine to Argentina

Unlike most other COVID-19 vaccines, which are given as two shots of the same product, the Russian Sputnik V vaccine relies on two doses delivered using different inactive viruses.
The Gamaleya Institute said last week 650,000 doses had been released for Russia's domestic vaccination programme so far.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:13pm

Stocks

Sri Lankan shares end at over 3-year high on gains in industrials, financials

The benchmark stock index ended up 0.29% at 6,704.89, its highest closing level since July 2017.
Trading volume on the CSE All Share Index, however, fell to 59.94 million from 67.82 million on Thursday.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:11pm

Companies

Pfizer to complete supply of COVID-19 vaccines to EU by September

The protracted timetable, which was previously unknown, confirms that the bloc, with a population of 450 million.
Distribution of the full 200 million doses is scheduled to be completed by September 2021.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:08pm

Sports

Kohli, Perry named cricketers of the decade

Kohli lifted the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy with India, before inspiring their first Test series victory on Australian soil two years ago.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:09pm

Companies

India's Serum Institute expects approval for AstraZeneca vaccine in days

You will be hearing some good news from the UK very soon.
"By January, we should have the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine licensed."

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:58pm

Sports

Du Plessis century takes South Africa ahead

Du Plessis made 112 not out as South Africa reached 435 for five at lunch.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:06pm

Stocks

German stocks hit record high on Brexit deal, US aid

The DAX's previous high was 13,795 points in February, but it plunged to 8,255 points in March as the pandemic shutdowns battered Europe's economy.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:03pm

Europe

Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Monday

At least 80,686,630 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 50,834,100 are now considered recovered.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:02pm

South Asia

Security team for Philippines' Duterte gets unauthorised Covid-19 vaccine

More than 470,000 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in the Philippines and authorities fear a post-Christmas surge in infections.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 06:00pm

Europe

Small delay in Pfizer vaccine deliveries to 8 EU nations: Spain

Spain is scheduled to received 350,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine per week over the next three months.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:58pm

Middle East

Saudi-led coalition discuss 'cooperation' with Qatar, ahead of GCC summit

On Sunday, foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries held a virtual meeting discussing "cooperation" ahead of a landmark regional summit next month, amid efforts to end the rift between Qatar and a Saudi-led alliance.
Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait took part in the meeting, while Qatar was represented by its Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 05:58pm

Companies

Qatar's Ooredoo, Hutchison in talks to merge Indonesian telco units

"Ooredoo is in the early stages of assessing the merits of such a potential transaction," it said.
As part of our corporate strategy, we regularly review our strategic priorities and market position across all of our operations, and their contribution to the Ooredoo Group.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:55pm

Africa

More work needed to identify risk from Nigeria strain, says researcher

Nigeria has recorded more than 82,000 cases of Covid-19, of which 1,246 were fatal.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:56pm

South Asia

Sri Lanka welcomes first tourists despite new coronavirus strain

The visitors, who had to produce coronavirus-free certificates before departure, were tested again on arrival at airport.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:54pm

Commodities

Soybeans hit 6-1/2-yr high on South American supply worry

Soybeans, corn up as South American dryness continues.
Argentine soybean crush strike curbs supplies.
Wheat drifts down from pre-Christmas highs.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:52pm

Europe

Sweden proposes pandemic law for broader shutdown powers

The government said it wanted to have the law in place by January 10, but it will first need to be approved by parliament.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:52pm

Energy

Oil rises to touch $52 after Trump signs aid bill

After Trump signs bill, Democrats aim for higher relief payments.
Europe launches mass COVID-19 vaccination drive.
OPEC+ meets Jan. 4.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:49pm

Commodities

Russian export prices for wheat rise ahead of export tax

Russian wheat with 12.5% protein loading from Black Sea ports for supply before mid-February was at $262 a tonne on a free-on-board (FOB) basis at the end of last week.
Sovecon downgraded its estimate for Russia's 2020/21 wheat exports in a separate note due to the wheat export tax which Russia plans from Feb. 15 to June 30.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:42pm

Banking

China central bank publishes disclosure rules for credit bonds

The rules are amied at improving the quality of information disclosure, helping enhance transparency and protect investors.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:40pm

Forex

Turkish lira rallies to strongest level since September

The lira rose as high as 7.4100 against the US currency in thin trade due to end-of-year holidays. Last Thursday, the central bank raised its one-week repo rate to 17% from 15%.
The lira stood at 7.4425, still 20% weaker than at the end of last year.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:39pm

South Asia

Indonesia bans foreign visitors for 2 weeks over new coronavirus variant

The new regulation, effective Jan. 1, comes days after Indonesia banned travelers from the Britain and tightened rules for those arriving from Europe and Australia to limit the spread of the new variant.
It announced 5,854 new infections and 215 deaths on Monday, with the positivity rate above 20% in recent days.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:31pm

Pakistan

COVID-19 cases: "Micro lockdown" imposed in Karachi's Orangi, Mominabad areas

The restrictions will be implemented for two weeks from December 29 to January 11.
The authorities will provide ration to the needy in the areas under the lockdown

Published 28 Dec, 2020 05:24pm

Europe

EU says Pfizer to complete supply of first 200 million COVID shots to Europe by Sept

“Distribution of the full 200 million doses is scheduled to be completed by September 2021,” says EU spokesman.
Talks were underway to agree the delivery of a further 100 million additional doses which are optional under the contract sealed with the two companies.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 04:54pm

Sports

Fakhar Zaman conferred the honorary rank of ‘Lieutenant’ in Pakistan Navy

This is first time a Pakistani sportsman is conferred an honorary rank by armed forces in Pakistan.
Zaman represented the Pakistan Navy in the International Defense Cricket Challenge Cup held in Australia in 2012 and was named best player of the tournament, says DGPR.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 04:37pm

Pakistan

Those pointing fingers at state institutions can never be flag-bearers of democracy: PM

PM says all pillars of state are working for development of the country by remaining in their jurisdictions
Strengthening state institutions is vital for continuity of democracy: Imran

Published 28 Dec, 2020 04:26pm

Pakistan

K-P Govt declares 'extreme cold weather emergency' as temperature reaches freezing levels

As part of measures, free food and shelter would be provided to the people living on the streets
K-P govt will provide cooked food three times a day to people whose houses had been damaged due to extreme weather

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 04:14pm

Pakistan

Karachi’s mercury may drop seven-year low today: Met office

Provincial capital of Sindh had recorded its lowest temperature of 6°C in 2013.
As per the Met department, another cold wave is expected to grip the port city in January while it could also rain in the city from January 6-7.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 04:07pm

Pakistan

Over 530 deaths from COVID-19 reported across Pakistan in past seven days

The month of December saw an alarming increase in the deaths due to COVID-19.
In past 27 days, as many as 1,838 people died from the virus across the country– up 64.25% from the same period in November when 1,119 people died of COVID-19.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 04:04pm

Forex

Turkish lira firms to strongest level since September

The lira firmed to 7.4950 in thin trade due to end of year holidays.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 03:33pm

World

Most UK businesses have prepared for end of Brexit transition

"I think business is broadly in a good place but inevitably with any change, with any transition, there are occasional bumpy moments."

Published 28 Dec, 2020 03:30pm

Stocks

Saudi index buoyed by petrochemical shares, Halwani Bros jumps

DXB Entertainments was the biggest loser in percentage term, falling 4% to 0.095 dirham.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 03:27pm

Commodities

China's November gold imports via Hong Kong surge by over 80%

Net gold imports via Hong Kong to China, the world's top consumer of the metal, stood at 3.283 tonnes in November, compared with 1.807 tonnes in October, the report showed.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 03:22pm

Financial

Thai central bank eases rules on $16.6bn soft loans for smaller firms

The BOT also allowed SMEs to apply for the lending two times, rather than once previously, before April 18 next year, it said.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 03:18pm

Business & Finance

ECC approves injection of capital to operationalize PCGC

In 2008, the UK and Pakistan government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through FCDO, under which a grant of GBP 28 million or PKR 4 billion (as per the prevailing exchange rate during 2008) was provided to Pakistan through tranches, in order to enhance the access of financing to SMEs.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 03:20pm

Forex

Swiss franc falls against euro on Brexit relief, dollar dips on US stimulus

The yuan crept up after China's central bank lifted its official guidance level to the highest in 30 months , to as high as 6.5280 against the dollar in the onshore market, but was last unchanged at 6.5408.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 03:15pm

Energy

Oil rises towards $52 after Trump signs aid bill

Oil remains vulnerable to any further setbacks in efforts to control the virus, said Stephen Innes, chief global market strategist at Axi, in a note.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 03:10pm

Commodities

Ivory Coast 2020/21 cocoa port arrivals seen at 1.062mn T

About 31,000 tonnes of beans were delivered to Abidjan port and 35,000 tonnes to San Pedro between Dec. 21 to Dec. 27 for a total of 66,000 tonnes.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 03:06pm

Stocks

European stock markets firmer on Trump, Brexit leads

Progress on the coronavirus vaccine rollout helped sentiment but concerns over the emergence of new strains, said to be more infectious, made for caution.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 03:01pm

USA

Trump backs plan to contest election result in Congress, amid false claims of fraud

With a joint session of the House and Senate politicians set for the 6th of January, for the counting of electoral votes, President Trump engaged in another Twitter tirade to make unfounded claims about electoral fraud.
Several Republican congressmen have already mentioned that they will be objecting to the electoral votes, despite GOP leader Mitch McConnell requesting his party members not to.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 03:03pm

Stocks

Hong Kong stocks end with a loss

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.02 percent, or 0.72 points.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 03:00pm

World

Pfizer delays vaccine deliveries to 8 EU nations: Spain

Spain is scheduled to received 350,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine per week over the next three months.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 02:59pm

Pakistan

PDM summons high-level meeting on January 1 in Lahore

The meeting be presided over by JUI-F and PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at the residence of PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz in Raiwind.
PPP’s Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif will give their opinions regarding resignations.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 02:44pm

Business & Finance

Govt to ensure removal of all hindrances involved in trade with Afghanistan

Afghan Commerce Minister said that Afghanistan welcomes the Pakistani investors in the country.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 02:21pm

Pakistan

PM summons meeting to review progress on ML-1 projects today

The officials of Pakistan railway will give a briefing to the premier regarding the progress made on the ML-1 project.
The project was approved by the executive committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) back in August.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 02:10pm

World

Saudi Arabia extends entry ban for another week

The Ministry of Interior said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure against the spread of the new variant of the coronavirus.
France, South Africa, Canada, Italy, Joran, Japan are among the several countries where the new variant has already reached.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 02:11pm

Pakistan

Pakistan deeply concerned over illegal confinement of Kashmiri leaders by Indian govt: FO

Foreign Office says Kashmiri leaders have been illegally arrested over malicious and false charges by the Indian Government through invoking draconian laws promulgated in IIOJK
Kashmiri leaders have been languishing under squalid conditions in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in infamous Tihar and other jails: FO

Published 28 Dec, 2020 01:52pm

Football

Amidst Brexit, Manchester City already have futuristic plans

The hastily negotiated Brexit deal could have unprecedented consequences for football clubs, in terms of the scouting, recruiting and development of young talent.
Manchester City, under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour and the City Football Group (CFG), have unlocked the solution to these regulatory challenges.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 01:50pm

Pakistan

Balochistan assembly speaker asks ECP to postpone Jan 14 Senate election

Speaker Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said the elections should be postponed due to the second wave of the coronavirus in the country.
The seat fell vacant after the death of PML-N Senator Kalsoom Perveen.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 01:50pm

China

China foreign ministry says firmly rejects new U.S. law on Tibet policy

The Chinese foreign ministry on Monday said it firmly rejected new U.S. legislation on Tibet signed into law by President Donald Trump over the weekend.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 01:21pm

Industry

Fuel Prices to Rise from 1st January 2021

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has recommended an increase in fuel prices from 1st January 2021.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 01:21pm

Pakistan

Defusing confrontation: Track-II dialogue between govt, opposition has begun, claims Durrani

Durrani says there are people who can bring the situation back to normal and instead of keeping such people behind the bars, they should be given a chance to play a role in this situation
PDM's decision to resign from assemblies is a major threat to democracy as well as the national economy, says PML-F leader

Published 28 Dec, 2020 01:13pm

World

China ramps up virus controls to head off winter wave

Workers in full PPE are spraying boats and airport arrival areas as part of a swift mobilisation to contain potential winter outbreaks.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 01:05pm

Sports

India rip through Australian batting to eye series-levelling win

Jadeja, back in the team after missing the first Test injured, dabbed Nathan Lyon to point and set off for a single as he looked to bring up his 50.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 01:02pm

World

Israel, UAE working together to eliminate UN aid agency for Palestine refugees: Report

The move will allow Abu Dhabi to promote Israel's long-standing demand that UNRWA is obstructing peace
US President Donald Trump cut off US funding to UNRWA in 2018 which severely impacted the agency’s ability to provide aid and health services to Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip

Published 28 Dec, 2020 12:46pm

Industry

Rise in Number of Patients Benefiting from Health Insurance in KP

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has witnessed a rise in number of patients benefiting from Health Insurance (Zone 1 & 2)

Published 28 Dec, 2020 12:25pm

Business & Finance

MoC, Customs policies lead to decline in smuggling through ATT: Dawood

8 Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in its latest data release has stated that considerable progress has been witnessed in the value of seized smuggled goods in the ongoing current Financial Year. Smuggled goods valuing Rs 29 billion have been seized in the current year from July to December, 2020.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 12:38pm

Forex

South Africa's rand inches lower as local virus cases cross 1mn mark

South Africa's total cumulative coronavirus cases crossed the one million mark on Dec. 27 with 26,735 deaths, its health ministry said on Sunday.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 12:36pm

Energy

Oil trims losses after Trump signs aid bill; demand concerns linger

The oil market would be taking cues from the virus situation as it develops in coming days, market watchers said.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 12:34pm

Financial

Hungary central bank says ready to support recovery 'with all tools'

8 "I am optimistic about the future but we are in the hands of healthcare professionals," he said.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 12:32pm

Forex

Ugandan shilling stable; business off to slow start after Christmas

At 0639 GMT, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 3,640/3,650, the same level as Thursday's close.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 12:30pm

Technology

Big tech bets and cryptocurrencies power 2020's top U.S. funds

The Direxion Daily S&P Oil&Gas E&P 2X ETF fell 97.3% for the year, followed by the Direxion Daily Junior Gold Miners Bear 2X ETF, which tumbled 95.5% for the year.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 12:26pm

World

17 people missing after Russian fishing boat sinks in Barents Sea

Officials believe that ice built up on the vessel in the winter waters, leading to the sinking.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 12:12pm

Sports

Pakistan out for 239 after Ashraf frustrates New Zealand attack

Jamieson had the remarkable figures of two for nine off 17 overs at tea but as the Rizwan-Ashraf partnership took its toll he ended the day with three for 35 off 23.1 overs.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 12:07pm

South Asia

Indian army officer accused of planting weapons on Kashmiri civilians charged with murder

On Sunday, Indian police accused an army officer and two associates of planting weapons on the bodies of labourers killed in Kashmir.
This controversial gunfight sparked rare investigations by the Indian Army, which has more than half-a-million troops in Kashmir, and the police; after the supposed firefight violated the rules of engagement.

Updated 28 Dec, 2020 12:01pm

Business & Finance

Pakistan to approve Textile Policy this week

The Commerce Ministry has decided to set the target of value added and textiles at $20.865 billion, of which $ 16.294 billion will be value added sector and $4.571 billion for textile sector by 2020-25.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:58am

Stocks

China stocks climb on upbeat industrial profit data

Hong Kong shares of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd fell 7% and were on course for a sixth straight session of decline.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:57am

Europe

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 10,976

The reported death toll rose by 348 to 30,126, the tally showed.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:55am

Forex

Yuan inches up after PBOC sets guidance at 30-month high

Official data showed robust growth in profits at China's industrial firms in November, their seventh straight month of gains, supported by strong industrial production and sales, as manufacturers continue their recovery from the COVID-19 downturn.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:53am

Stocks

Indian shares hit record high on Reliance, HDFC Bank boost

Shares in India's most valuable firm Reliance Industries rose 1.2% to their highest since Dec. 21, while HDFC Bank advanced 1.35%, gaining for a fourth straight session.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:50am

Financial

JGBs little changed as trading winds down at year's end

At the long end of the curve, the 30-year JGB yield rose 0.5 basis point to 0.640%, but the 40-year JGB yield was flat at 0.675%.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:48am

Commodities

Palm snaps three-session winning streak as Dalian oils fall

Palm oil is affected by price movements in related oils as they compete for a share in the global vegetable oils market.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:44am

Technology

Tech's reign over US stock market to be tested in 2021

Even some strategists who like other stocks aren't straying far from tech. BMO Capital Markets cut tech to "market weight" for 2021 but urged investors to maintain positions rather than sell.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:40am

Commodities

Taiwan tenders for 82,325 tonnes wheat of US-origin

The tender seeks a range of different wheat types in two consignments for shipment in 2021 from the US Pacific Northwest coast.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:37am

Europe

Earthquake of magnitude 5.2 strikes central Croatia

The quake that rocked the area at 0528 GMT was also felt in the capital.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:35am

Stocks

Japan shares end near three-decade high after Trump signs stimulus bill

The stocks that gained the most among the top 30 core Topix names were Murata Manufacturing Co Ltd up 4.67%, followed by Daiichi Sankyo Co Ltd gaining 2.64%.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:33am

Business & Finance

NLC successfully transports stranded containers in China

Remember that the border is closed every year from November 30 to April 1 due to heavy snowfall.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:20am

World

US surpasses 19mn Covid-19 cases: Johns Hopkins

More than a million Americans have received the first dose of their Covid-19 vaccines, a milestone in the biggest immunization drive in US history, but officials admitted the pace of rollout was slipping behind schedule.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:09am

Companies

Ghosn case haunts Japan a year after shock escape

Ghosn is currently beyond the reach of the Japanese courts and leads a comparatively quiet life, mostly in his Beirut home, though he recently released a book setting out his side of his case.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:06am

Pakistan

Pakistan is a safe place for foreign tourists, says EU envoy

Pakistan is an amazing country with diversity in terms of weather, landscape, biodiversity and a rich cultural heritage
Many of the scenic parts in the country still remain unexplored and a huge tourism potential exists: Kaminara

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:07am

Stocks

Asian markets mostly up on US relief bill

The new strain, which experts fear is more contagious, has prompted more than 50 countries to impose travel restrictions on the UK.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 11:02am

Technology

Bolstered by pandemic, tech titans face growing scrutiny

Jacques Cremer, a professor at the Toulouse School of Economics in France, said it is "normal" that Facebook, Google or Twitter "use the data they have on me to show me ads".

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:57am

Business & Finance

Yale Economist predicts US to face Dollar collapse, Double-Dip Recession

“I think that with the infection rate still souring the US economy is still a vulnerable economy and is likely to experience further lockdown,” predicted Roach.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:54am

World

Trump will be gone, but trauma of 2020 may haunt Biden

Biden's own party may also not prove an easy partner, with the Democrats' left wing in no mood to toe the line.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:50am

Business & Finance

Britain says it will sign free trade deal with Turkey this week

"We now look forward to working with Turkey towards an ambitious tailor-made UK-Turkey trade agreement in the near future."

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:48am

Sports

Klopp laments cagey Baggies as Allardyce purrs

"It was superb today and we came out with a precious point for us," Allardyce, who has managed 11 clubs without ever getting relegated, told the BBC.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:45am

Pakistan

Islamabad mayor election: PTI's candidate Malik Sajid Mahmood casts vote

The upcoming mayor will be elected for the next two months.
The election is being held after PML-N’s Sheikh Anser Aziz resigned in October.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:46am

World

FBI visits real estate office where Nashville blast suspect worked -local media

"I was thrown forward, knocked to the ground," officer Brenna Hosey told reporters about the moment of the explosion. "But I was able to catch myself, I was fine."

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:35am

World

Magnitude 6.8 earthquake strikes off coast of Chile, no tsunami risk

There were no initial reports of damage immediately following the quake.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:32am

World

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 80.39 million, death toll at 1,759,915

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:30am

Commodities

China's imports of Australian copper concentrate lowest since at least 2016

Shipments of Australian copper concentrate had fallen more than 50% in October from the previous month, although this was before the reported restrictions were to take effect.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:28am

Energy

China's Nov US oil imports near record, Saudi imports up 43% on month

No.3 supplier Iraq shipped 5.098 million tonnes to China, or 1.24 million bpd, with volumes in the first 11 months totalling 56.94 million tonnes, nearly 21% above the year-ago level.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:25am

World

Nashville blast suspect died in explosion, police say

The company said in a statement on Sunday that it made "significant progress" overnight and had restored power to four floors of the building.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:20am

Pakistan

UNGA president condemns terrorist attack in Balochistan's Harnai

"I condemn the terrorist attack in Pakistan’s Balochistan province," he tweeted.
On Sunday, during intense exchange of fire, seven brave soldiers embraced shahadat while repulsing raiding terrorists.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:06am

Sports

Mourinho unhappy at Spurs' lack of ambition

In contrast to Spurs, Wolves have been comeback specialists under Portuguese manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who once played as a goalkeeper under his countryman when Mourinho managed Porto.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:17am

World

Europe rolls out 'new weapon' vaccines in bid to slay COVID

But even then, Hungary on Saturday jumped the gun on the official roll-out by administering shots to frontline workers at hospitals in the capital Budapest.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:12am

World

Saudi Arabia extends entry ban on coronavirus variant fears

The ministry said it is evaluating the current situation while allowing non-citizens to leave the kingdom and allowing entry for exceptional cases.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:10am

World

UK's Raab says pursuing trade deals with Australia, US, Indo-Pacific region

"We are pursuing trade deals from Australia to the US and around the world - particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, a huge growth market for the future," Raab wrote in the newspaper.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:07am

World

Brazil vice president tests positive for coronavirus; 344 new deaths recorded

In a statement, Mourão's office said he tested positive on Sunday afternoon, and that he will isolate in Jaburu, his official residence.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:05am

World

South Korea reports first variant of coronavirus found in the UK

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said on Monday.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 10:03am

Business & Finance

Japan Nov factory output growth stalls after rising for 5 months

Some analysts worry that new virus infections around the world, especially in Europe and the United States, may prevent demand for Japan's manufactured goods to grow further as corporate and consumer activity take a hit.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:57am

Forex

China lifts yuan midpoint to strongest level in 30 months

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) set the midpoint rate at 6.5236 per dollar prior to the market open.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:56am

Financial

BOJ divided on stimulus tweaks as pandemic stokes deflation fears

Others saw room to tweak the YCC's operations such as by seeking to control yields "more carefully" and allowing for a moderate steepening of the yield curve, it showed.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:52am

Commodities

Gold gains 1% as Trump signs stimulus bill

Britain on Monday urged businesses to prepare for Brexit, after the country clinched a trade deal with the European Union on Thursday that preserved zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the bloc's single market.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:50am

Forex

Dollar dithers in thin trade as Trump passes pandemic aid package

Mitsuo Imaizumi, chief FX strategist at Daiwa Securities in Tokyo, expects the pound and euro to decline against the dollar, reaching $1.30 and $1.15 respectively by the end of the summer.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:47am

World

Sydney told to watch its famous New Year's Eve fireworks from home

NSW Police have issued 15 notices for breaking public health orders since Christmas Eve in Sydney, including to 11 people at a house party at North Bondi on Saturday.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:45am

World

Mexico records 6,217 new coronavirus cases, 400 more deaths

Mexican officials carried out the second day of COVID-19 inoculations on Sunday with vaccines from Pfizer.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:44am

Companies

CNPC's Changqing output rises to over 60mn T of oil equivalent in 2020

Shale oil production has exceeded 1 million tonnes in Changqing, it said.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:40am

Stocks

Japan stocks rise on US stimulus, vaccine hopes; Sharp shares drop

The underperformers among the Topix 30 were Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, down 1.20%, followed by Fanuc Corp losing 0.46%.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:37am

Commodities

Shanghai metals rise as Trump signs stimulus bill

The London Metal Exchange is closed for a public holiday.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:35am

Financial

Thailand plans to sell up to $6.2bn of govt bonds in January-March

The baht-denominated bonds will be sold domestically.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:32am

Commodities

Palm tracks fall in Dalian oils as China's US soybean imports surge

Both the soyoil and palm oil contracts on the Dalian exchange declined 0.5% as China's US soybeans imports surged.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:30am

USA

Mexico elderly could get coronavirus vaccines in January

Mexico has received two shipments of vaccine from Pfizer, and Lopez Obrador said the drugmaker would provide enough vaccines for about 700,000 to 750,000 people by March.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:28am

Companies

Alibaba increases share repurchase programme to $10bn, shares fall

China's market regulator launched an antitrust investigation into Alibaba last week, part of an accelerating crackdown on anticompetitive behaviour in China's booming internet space.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:20am

Commodities

China sells 484,427 tonnes of wheat at auction of state reserves

The average selling price of the wheat was 2,341 yuan($358.50) per tonne.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:18am

World

Vietnam PM eyes raising of 2021 GDP growth target to 6.5%

With strict quarantine and tracking measures, Vietnam has quickly contained its coronavirus outbreaks, recording just 1,441 infections and 35 deaths.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:16am

Stocks

Global shares edge up on news Trump signs aid bill

Bitcoin extended gains over the weekend to reach a new high of $28,377.94 before stepping back to $26,457.32, bringing the total value of the cryptocurrency in circulation to over $500 billion.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:13am

Commodities

Soybeans climb to 6-1/2-year high on strong demand, supply woes

Argentina's 2020/21 soybean planting area could turn out to be smaller than the projected 17.2 million hectares due to unusually dry weather, the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange said in its weekly crop report on Wednesday.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:11am

Business & Finance

Malaysia's November exports rise 4.3% on-year, beat forecast

The expansion beat a 3.9% rise forecast by six economists surveyed by Reuters and was quicker than the 0.2% growth recorded in October.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:09am

Commodities

Asia Gold-India discounts widen, Singapore demand up on festival buying

However, the Southeast Asian island has lost out on tourist demand this year, having kept its borders largely shut for most of 2020 to curb the virus.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:09am

Sports

Southee leads New Zealand charge as ailing Pakistan lose four

Azhar Ali was caught behind off an outswinger for five, and although the umpire initially said not out New Zealand sought a review which proved otherwise.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:02am

Sports

India all out for 326, hold 131-run lead at lunch in Melbourne

It ended one of the 32-year-old's most important Test innings, having come to the crease with India in trouble at 64 for three to steer them into a strong position.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 09:00am

World

Trump, under pressure, signs $900bn Covid relief bill

"Many millions of people are losing their extended unemployment benefits," he said on ABC.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:58am

Stocks

Hong Kong stocks open up

The Hang Seng Index added 0.38 percent, to 26.487,1 points.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:55am

Stocks

Tokyo stocks open higher on US relief bill

In Tokyo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries rallied 2.60 percent to 2,977.5 yen following a report that the firm plans to build a massive zero-carbon steel plant running on hydrogen in Austria.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:53am

Africa

Central Africa votes in polls marred by violence

UN peacekeepers and local and Rwandan soldiers were patrolling the streets of the capital on Sunday with armoured vehicles posted outside polling stations.

Published 28 Dec, 2020 08:49am

BR Research

Interview with Adeel Usman, MD Regal Automobiles

“We want to end the Chinese stigma by bringing quality vehicles to the market” Under the Auto Development ...

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:45am

BR Research

‘Tis the time to adapt

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed and continues to change how people live, work, travel, shop, interact and more....

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:40am

BR Research

On economic direction

In the midst of a harsh winter, there is optimism in the government’s economic team over the country’s economic...

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:35am

BR Research

Power reforms: Think beyond pricing

The biggest challenge facing the government today is the power sector. These words were echoed by none other than...

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:30am

BR Research

The PM’s honesty

The Prime Minister Imran Khan is taking a lot of flak for his candid admission that his team came to power...

Published 28 Dec, 2020 07:25am

Rates.The Rupee

Your rupee last week

KARACHI: Following currency fluctuations took place in foreign exchange rates during the last week. (December 21 to...