News Archives for Latest - 2020-12-30

Pakistan

Omar Ayub vows produce cheaper energy by utilizing alternate resources

The chief minister apprised the minister about the development of ongoing energy projects in GB to maintain the fuel and electricity requirement of the area.

Updated 31 Dec, 2020 12:02am

Stocks

Wall St advances, dollar declines as remarkable year nears finish line

All three major US stock averages higher.
Dollar sinks to lowest since April 2018.
Stimulus check negotiations continue in Washington.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:15pm

Pakistan

Govt removes Mufti Muneeb as Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal committee

The development comes as part of a major reshuffle in the 19-member committee.
As per the notification issued by the ministry of Religious Affairs, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad has been named as his replacement.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 09:18pm

Financial

Thin volume, stimulus expectations leave yields flat

Volume is likely to remain thin in the United States and Europe this week.
The market is as quiet and low volume as it has been in a very long time. It doesn't take much for one flow to move the market.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:01pm

Stocks

Wall St opens higher on hopes of vaccine-fueled recovery

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 79.42 points, or 0.26%, at the open to 30,415.09.
The S&P 500 opened higher by 9.15 points, or 0.25%, at 3,736.19.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:59pm

Commodities

US blocks imports of palm oil from Malaysian producer Sime Darby

Palm oil is used in everything from food to cosmetics to biodiesel. It is mainly produced in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Sime Darby had then said the allegations contradicted the group's public commitments to responsible agriculture and human rights.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:56pm

Forex

Dollar plumbs more than two-year lows as stimulus hopes stay high

The dollar fell 0.30% against a basket of currencies to 89.71 after earlier dropping to 89.56
The euro reached $1.2310, before falling back to $1.2279, up 0.30% on the day.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:53pm

Commodities

Raw sugar prices edge higher, cocoa also up

March arabica coffee fell 0.35 cents, or 0.3%, to $1.2505 per lb.
March London cocoa rose 28 pounds, or 1.7%, to 1,702 pounds a tonne.
March white sugar rose $0.30, or 0.1%, to $412.10 a tonne.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:49pm

Stocks

TSX gains on energy boost, vaccine optimism

Britain became the first to approve the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University.
The materials sector, which includes precious and base metals miners and fertilizer companies, added 0.9%.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:46pm

Companies

AstraZeneca aims for swift approval of COVID-19 vaccine in Brazil

President Jair Bolsonaro, a prominent coronavirus skeptic who has said he will not take any COVID-19 vaccine.
The Fiocruz biomedical institute, overseen by the federal government, has partnered with AstraZeneca on trials and production of its vaccine.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:44pm

South Asia

Turkey dismisses fears of Uighur deportations to China

Ankara has not yet ratified the agreement, but its approval in Beijing has put Turkey's estimated 50,000-strong Uighur community on edge.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:44pm

Europe

UK parliament approves Brexit trade deal as both sides look to future

Deal signed in Brussels, UK to sign later.
UK lawmakers vote 521 to 73 in favour of deal.
Both sides seek new relationship.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:41pm

USA

Biden, Trump to campaign in Georgia on eve of crucial Senate elections

Tuesday's runoff election featuring Ossoff against Perdue and Warnock against Loeffler will determine which party has control of the Senate.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:39pm

Commodities

Gold firms as dollar slides to multi-year low

Dollar hits lowest level since April 2018.
First case of new virus variant detected in the United States.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:38pm

Europe

UK imposes further English lockdowns as COVID variant spreads

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the Midlands, the north east, parts of the north west and parts of the south west would be moved into Tier 4 from 00.01 on Thursday.
Unfortunately this new variant is now spreading across most of England and cases are doubling fast.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:32pm

Forex

Latam risk assets gain on vaccine-led recovery bets

Brazil stocks hit record intraday high; overall debt falls.
UK approves COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca.
COVID-19 cases surge across Latin America.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 08:32pm

Pakistan

Cabinet committee approves procurement of over million COVID-19 vaccines

The target is to deploy these vaccines within first quarter of 2021, says Asad Umar.
He says, "what remains now is for DRAP to approve a vaccine."

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:06pm

Companies

Ukraine signs up for China's Sinovac vaccine, with doses expected soon

We conducted very active, multi-month negotiations and got a concrete result.
He also said the government hoped to receive the first batch of eight million doses of vaccines under the global COVAX facility, set up to provide vaccines to poorer countries, in March.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:48pm

USA

U.S ‘grateful’ to Pakistan for appealing acquittals in Daniel Pearl case

The United States Department of Justice released a statement thanking the Pakistan government for appealing against a court order acquitting Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, who was convicted over the 2002 beheading of the Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.
This controversial decision is now being appealed separately by the Pakistani government, and by Pearl's family in the Supreme Court; stating that Sheikh's release from prison would endanger the public.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:33pm

Europe

Germany sees rapid EU approval of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine

Germany has made relatively quick headway, reporting a total of 78,000 shots administered.
Fatalities linked to COVID-19 in Germany hit a record daily high of 1,129 on Wednesday.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:45pm

Pakistan

Gold prices increase Rs.100 to Rs113,650 per tola

The price of per tola and ten gram silver remained unchanged.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:46pm

Pakistan

Rupee weakens 11 paisa against US dollar

Buying and selling rates of dollar were recorded at Rs160.25 and Rs160.6 respectively.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:45pm

Pakistan

PSX turns around, gains 412 points to close at 43,694 points

As many as 423 companies transacted shares in the stock market, 310 of them recorded gain and 96 sustained losses.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:44pm

Europe

Putin targets US social media, secret agent leaks and protests with new laws

Twitter currently labels some Russian media "state-affiliated media", a move decried by Moscow.
The law's backers cited complaints made about prejudice shown by Facebook , Twitter and YouTube.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:41pm

Pakistan

Pakistan’s earns $595 million from IT services' export in four month

Computer services grew by 39.35 percent as it surged from US $334.980 million last year to US $466.810 million during July-October (2020-21).

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:43pm

Pakistan

COVID-19 resurge: Micro smart lockdown imposed in Karachi’s district Central

The district administration placed many areas of six UCs of Gulbarg while five UCs in North Karachi were put under lockdown.
Different areas of North Karachi and North Nazimabad have been placed under the micro smart lockdown.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:36pm

Europe

Italy parliament gives final approval to government's 2021 budget

Sidetracked by the coronavirus emergency and tensions in the ruling majority, the government rushed the budget through parliament leaving little opportunity for debate.
In a final vote of confidence the Senate approved the package with 156 votes in favour and 124 against.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 07:41pm

Middle East

Israel strikes kill Syrian soldier, wound five: monitor

The Observatory on Wednesday morning said the number of wounded had risen to five, two of them in grave condition.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:32pm

Europe

Moscow expands list of UK officials banned from Russia

The UK penalties included entry bans and asset freezes on six Russian officials, including the head of the FSB.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:30pm

South Asia

Afghan troops, police abandon nearly 200 checkpoints to Taliban

The defence ministry in Kabul denied the reports, insisting government forces had been making progress in the region.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:27pm

Europe

Swiss person dies after COVID-19 vaccination: Officials

He was among the first in the country to be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine shot.
Officials said that the Swiss drugs regulator Swissmedic was reviewing the case.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:16pm

South Asia

Wuhan virus cases may be 10 times higher than reported: China health study

That correlates to around 480,000 infections in Wuhan by April, nearly 10 times the official tally to date of 50,000 cases in the city.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:16pm

Europe

Slow French start to COVID-19 vaccinations draws critics

France, which is primarily targeting the most vulnerable people in nursing homes for the first phase of vaccination.
That is well below the 42,000 tally in Germany, for instance, which also began its roll-out on Sunday as part of a coordinated European campaign.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:08pm

Middle East

Qatar emir invited to Gulf summit amid diplomatic row

In June 2017, Saudi Arabia led its allies the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt to cut ties with Qatar, saying it was too close to Iran and funding radical Islamist movements.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:13pm

Europe

Germany mulls longer shutdown as virus deaths top 1,000

Around 42,000 people have so far received a first dose of the vaccine, data released Tuesday said.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:09pm

Europe

Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Wednesday

More than 81,933,390 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 51,570,000 are now considered recovered.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:07pm

Money & Banking

Unicaja merger values Liberbank at 763mn euros

The boards of Unicaja and Liberbank approved on Tuesday a merger in which Unicaja will fully absorb its rival to create a bank with 110 billion euros in assets.
Unicaja will grant 1.075 billion new shares to the holders of Liberbank as part of the deal, brokerage Jefferies said.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:06pm

Europe

Criticism grows in France over 'slow' vaccination drive

Kahn said the government should seek to persuade people who are hesitating to be inoculated with "transparency and enthusiasm".

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:03pm

Stocks

Markets close lower after UAE reports cases of new virus variant

Dubai falls for third session in four.
Abu Dhabi down for second straight session.
Financials drag on Bahrain index.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:04pm

Middle East

Convicted U.S spy greeted by Netanyahu as he arrives in Israel

On Wednesday, Jonathan Pollard, an American jailed in the United States since 1985 on charges of spying for Israel, landed in Israel where he was received by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel's raid on the Palestinian Liberation Organisation's Tunis headquarters in October 1985, that killed around 60 people, was planned through information from Pollard.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 07:05pm

Europe

Sweden registers 8,846 new COVID-19 cases, 243 deaths on Wednesday

The country registered 243 new deaths on Wednesday, taking the total to 8,727.
The health agency has said statistics over the Christmas period are less reliable than usual due to less testing and delays in reporting of deaths.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:02pm

Pakistan

Two PML-N MNAs refuse to validate assembly resignations: report

"I never sent my resignation to the [NA] speaker, so where did he [Qaiser] get it from," says Awan.
Sajjad Awan and Murtaza Javed Abbasi appeared at the National Assembly Secretariat and stated that their resignation letters were fake and refused to validate them.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:55pm

Europe

New tremors shake Croatia after deadly quake

In the nearby village of Majske Poljane, five were killed by the quake that mangled homes and farm buildings.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:01pm

South Asia

India's current account surplus shrinks in latest quarter

The surplus stood at 2.4% of the gross domestic product in the latest quarter, compared with a deficit of $7.6 billion, or 1.1% of GDP.
The current account surplus remained robust in Q2 FY2021, despite the entirely expected moderation from the level recorded in the lockdown quarter.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:00pm

Europe

Russia to distribute over 1mn Sputnik V shots at home by year-end

Russia, which began rolling out the vaccine in early December, has so far produced over 2 million doses in total.
The Sputnik V vaccine is administered in two doses, which use different components, 21 days apart.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:57pm

South Asia

EU and China to agree major investment deal

The pact boosts ties between two of the world's biggest economies.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:57pm

Money & Banking

Poland's central bank chief says further rate cuts possible in Q1

"The current level of interest rates is appropriate and best suits the current situation," Glapinski said.
Central banker Jerzy Zyzynski told on Wednesday a cut to zero was possible in the first quarter, citing a "sluggish" recovery.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:53pm

Europe

UK gives first approval of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine

Britain has already approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for general use, and some 800,000 people have received a first dose.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:55pm

World

AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine approval unlikely in January: EU regulator

The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is currently undergoing a "rolling review" which allows the EMA to examine safety and efficacy data as they are released.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:52pm

World

EU seeks to rebalance China ties with investment agreement

Investment agreement talks started in 2014
Deal covers market access, level playing field commitments
Team Biden wants early talks with EU on China concerns

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:48pm

South Asia

Japan, South Korea to run with Viet coal plant despite climate vows

Japan said in July it would tighten rules for investment in foreign coal-fired power stations on environmental grounds.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:48pm

Commodities

Copper drifts lower in thin trading as coronavirus cases rise

We've just come into some sort of vacuum, with people out of the markets right now.
"I think there are good prospects of going higher next year, but we're not out of the woods yet with this pandemic."

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:45pm

Middle East

Yemen airport blasts kill 10 as new government arrives

Yemeni Information Minister Moammar Al-Eryani said that all the members of the government were safe.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:46pm

Europe

Landslide hits residential area in Norway, 10 hurt, 21 unaccounted for

Some 700 people evacuated from the affected area.
Ground made of clay, area not stable.
"This is a big catastrophe" - PM Erna Solberg.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:41pm

Europe

Hundreds evacuated, up to 20 missing after Norway landslide

Several houses were swept away in Gjerdrum, home to 5,000 people 25 kilometres northeast of the capital.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:44pm

Europe

EU leaders sign Brexit deal as UK MPs debate ratification

Britain will leave the European single market and customs union at on Thursday, the end of a difficult year and of a post-Brexit transition period marked by intense and tortuous trade negotiations.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:41pm

Energy

Oil prices up as dollar and US oil inventories fall

WTI, Brent firm on economic growth expectations.
Decline in US crude oil stocks support prices.
Both contracts more than 20% lower vs year ago.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 06:36pm

Europe

WHO, marking year since COVID-19 began, urges fair vaccine distribution to all

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, appealed for $4 billion to buy COVID-19 vaccines for distribution in lower and middle-income countries.
Vaccines offer great hope to turn the tide of the pandemic. But to protect the world, we must ensure that all people at risk everywhere - not just in countries who can afford vaccines - are immunised.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 06:36pm

Pakistan

Karachi restaurants, business centers to close at 5pm on New Year’s Eve

Streets lights will remain open on main roads and police camps will be set up in multiple parts of the city.
Several restaurants located in Clifton will remain open for dine-in till 9 pm, as no notification issued in this regard.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 06:17pm

USA

Using drones, tunnels and new routes, Mexico’s drug cartels seek to fend off the COVID’s economic fallout

The coronavirus pandemic had an unprecedented impact on the global economy, thrusting economies into uncharted territory - and drug cartels were no different.
The cartel - being one of the world's most powerful drug trafficking groups - used a mix of ingenuity and business acumen to adapt to the rapidly changing circumstances in a pandemic-stricken world.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 05:22pm

Europe

UK approves AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine

We welcome this news because of the delivery attributes, the potential scale and affordability.
Vaccination is the key to getting out of this pandemic. Preventing death and suffering is key. It is the key to getting our normal lives back.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 05:16pm

Europe

China's Xi, EU leaders to hold call on investment deal

EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel will be joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron on the call, the EU said.
The deal addresses complaints by the EU and US about China’s industrial subsidies and forced technology transfers.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 04:57pm

Pakistan

Khwaja Asif using "political revenge" as excuse to escape accountability, says Qureshi

Shah Mehmood says Asif couldn't give satisfactory explanation to NAB's questions related to assets beyond means
FM says opposition parties termed Asif's arrest a political revenge by the government which is not right
NAB is an independent institution and is not subservient to the government: Qureshi

Published 30 Dec, 2020 05:10pm

Pakistan

Court issues arrest warrants of former CM Balochistan Aslam Raisani

The warrants were issued after the politician failed to appear before the court in a cased of alleged misappropriation in government funds.
Arrest orders for the former minister’s close aide, Abdul Nabi Raisani, were issued as well.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 04:41pm

World

At least five killed in Yemen's Aden airport attack, security source says

Plane carrying Yemen's newly-formed government arrived from Saudi Arabia.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 04:44pm

Pakistan

PIA forms committee to probe into irregularities in hiring daily wage employees

The Kamran Anjum-led team will also devise a mechanism to prevent from illegal hiring of daily wage staff in the future.
They have already been granted special authority by the management to contact concerned departmental management to seek related documents.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 04:36pm

Pakistan

As part of extradition efforts, Govt decides to cancel Nawaz's passport on February 16

Once Nawaz's passport is cancelled, the legality of his stay in the United Kingdom becomes tenuous
The UK doesn't have an extradition treaty with Pakistan but once his passport is cancelled, it makes Pakistan's petition for Nawaz's deportation stronger

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 04:30pm

Technology

Pakistan develops NIMS to manage COVID-19 vaccine supply

The system developed by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) would ensure efficient supply chain management and administration of COVID-19 vaccine in the country.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 04:26pm

Technology

WhatsApp may not run on these smartphones from January 1st

But the bad news is that the customers of some old Apple and Android phones will have no choice but to give up and buy a new phone. Such phones are still used in large numbers around the world.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 04:02pm

USA

Nurse tests positive for COVID-19 after receiving Pfizer vaccine: report

Matthew W. said in a Facebook post on December 18 that he had received the Pfizer vaccine, telling the ABC News affiliate that his arm was sore for a day but that he had suffered no other side-effects.
He went to a drive-up hospital testing site and tested positive for COVID-19 the day after Christmas, the report said.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 03:41pm

USA

Defying Trump, McConnell puts off vote on $2,000 checks, urges override of defense bill veto

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday put off a vote on increasing COVID-19 relief checks from $600 to $2,000 and urged senators to override President Donald Trump’s veto of a defense bill.
McConnell tied the larger checks, which were demanded by Trump and supported by Democrats, to two other measures the president wants but which most Democrats oppose.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 03:39pm

Pakistan

PML-N leadership summon session to discuss protests, resignations

The political leadership will finalise recommendations to take forward the anti-government movement.
Rana Ranaullah will chair the session in Lahore’s Model Town tomorrow.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 03:38pm

Middle East

Syrian soldier killed in Israeli air raid near Damascus

One Syrian soldier has been killed, with several others wounded, in an Israeli attack on a military compound in the outskirts of Damascus, on Wednesday.
Since the start of the prolonged civil war in 2011, Israel has launched hundreds of air raids on Syria, targeting pro-government troops, allied Iranian forces and Hezbollah fighters.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 03:36pm

World

Czechs approve squeezing extra dose from Pfizer vaccine vials

It said that the extra dose must be available in an individual vial, meaning that material from more vials cannot be mixed.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 03:16pm

Companies

China's Yahua agrees five-year deal to supply lithium to Tesla

"We expect Ganfeng will continue to be the major if not largest lithium hydroxide supplier of Tesla on the back of this strong demand."

Published 30 Dec, 2020 03:14pm

Forex

Russian rouble steadies, stocks rise on last trading day of 2020

The Moscow Exchange will be closed for four days from Dec. 31 to Jan. 3, but many traders will be away from their desks for longer as Russia's holiday season ends on Jan. 11.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 03:12pm

Energy

LNG tankers heading to Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands

Estimated arrival dates, often revised by port authorities and AIS Live ship-tracking data on Refinitiv Eikon, are updated below.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 03:10pm

Pakistan

Demonstrating combat readiness: Pakistan Navy successfully tests-fires surface to air missiles

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi observed demonstration of the missiles firing.
The Naval chief expressed satisfaction over Ops readiness of Pakistan Navy to defend national maritime interests.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 03:10pm

Stocks

European stocks inch higher as AstraZeneca gains on UK vaccine approval

Most markets in the region were subdued due to thin volumes in a holiday-shortened week. The German DAX was flat, while French and Spanish stocks slipped 0.1% each.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 03:09pm

Stocks

UAE stocks slip after first cases of new virus variant detected

Elsewhere, the shopping centres owner Arabian Centres gained 1.8% after it proposed to distribute a cash dividend of 0.5 riyal per share for the first half of the year.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 03:07pm

Forex

Kenyan shilling weakens due to increased importer dollar demand

At 0812 GMT, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 109.15/109.35 to the dollar.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 03:06pm

Commodities

China thermal coal futures set for biggest monthly rise in 3 years

Temperatures in North Asia, including China, are expected to fall below average in early January, according to Refinitiv forecasts.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 02:54pm

South Asia

China sells 50 armed drones to Pakistan, raising concerns in Indian Army

Beijing has decided to supply 50 Wing Loong II armed drones to Pakistan, which would pose a unique challenge for adversarial forces across the border.
These armed drones have been touted as extremely effective, especially in high-altitude areas.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 02:59pm

Companies

Honda to stop auto sales in Russia in 2022

The company said it would keep its presence on the Russian market with motorcycle and power equipment sales, and retain its activities related to the after-sales service of its vehicles.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 02:51pm

Stocks

Hong Kong stocks mark 10-month closing high on recovery hopes

At the close of trade, the Hang Seng index was up 578.62 points, or 2.18%, at 27,147.11, its highest close since Feb. 21. The Hang Seng China Enterprises index rose 2.05% to 10,662.93.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 02:46pm

Forex

Dollar hits two-year lows as traders ignore US stimulus delays

Although the agreement avoids a chaotic no-deal exit, it does not cover services, which make up 80% of the British economy.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 02:44pm

Pakistan

PAC delivers 14 JF-17 aircraft to PAF

The induction of JF-17 aircraft will increase the potential for national defence
The jets would also be used to train pilots

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 02:46pm

Business & Finance

Spain's October current account surplus falls to 1.29bn euros

That compared to a deficit of 300 million euros in September, according to the central bank

Published 30 Dec, 2020 02:42pm

World

Russia bars more British citizens from entry over Navalny sanctions

In a statement announcing the move, the Russian foreign ministry did not name the individuals it has barred.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 02:39pm

Stocks

FTSE 100 edges higher after UK approves AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine

The mid-cap FTSE 250 index, considered a barometer of Brexit sentiment, rose 0.1%, ahead of a vote by British lawmakers on the UK-EU trade deal later in the day.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 02:37pm

Commodities

Bangladesh gets offers in tender to buy 50,000 tonnes rice

Offers are still being considered and no purchase had yet been reported, they said.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 02:35pm

World

EU looks to new chapter in relations with Britain as Brexit deal is signed

Britain formally left the EU nearly a year ago and the new partnership agreement will regulate ties from Jan. 1 on everything from trade to transport, energy links and fishing.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 02:32pm

Business & Finance

Govt approves hike in electricity rates

As per media reports, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) had requested the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) to increase the price of electricity by Rs 1.52.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 02:22pm

Pakistan

Sindh Police decide to modernise attendance system

The new system possesses a feature to detect the current location of the police officials just after logging in the software through their mobile phones.
In the first phase, the attendance system will be introduced to the personnel of the Sindh Police Special Branch.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 02:21pm

World

EU chiefs sign post-Brexit trade deal agreed with Britain

The deal has been inked by EU chiefs Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel in a brief ceremony
The deal was reached more than four years after Britons voted by a slim margin in a referendum to leave the bloc

Published 30 Dec, 2020 02:05pm

Pakistan

Asad Umar forms committee to review global practices for next population census

“We have to ensure the next census is not only accurate but also enjoys confidence of all regions and stakeholders,” says the Minister.
Committee will be headed by Chairman planning commission.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 01:49pm

Pakistan

SC directs Sindh govt to retrieve state land from encroachers

Top court directed the Board of Revenue’s senior member to place on record a report showing details of government land under encroachment and that retrieved from land-grabbers
The court instructed the revenue department to restore its parks and playgrounds to their original condition and clear greenbelts of all illegal occupations

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:51pm

World

UK approves Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine

"It is truly fantastic news - and a triumph for British science," Boris Johnson tweeted.
The UK has ordered 100 million doses, enough to vaccinate 50 million people.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 12:47pm

Financial

Poland's central bank chief says further rate cuts possible in Q1

Most economists had expected stable rates until the end of 2021 at least.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:38pm

Stocks

Australia shares track Wall Street lower, snap 3 days of gains

Gold stocks ended slightly lower despite a rise in spot prices, while financials tracked the broad market sell-off to close down 0.3%.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:36pm

Europe

Turkey extends lay-off ban by two months

President Tayyip Erdogan has the authority to extend it by at most three months each time until June 30, 2021.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:34pm

World

India extends suspension of flights with Britain to Jan 7

Thereafter, strictly regulated resumption will take place for which details will be announced shortly.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:33pm

Financial

US Treasury yields 2020 drop makes way for slow grind back in 2021

Investors are also keeping a close eye on whether the Fed will reconfigure its bond purchases to cap a potential rise in long-term yields.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:29pm

Europe

Norway extends flight ban from Britain to Jan 2 over coronavirus variant

"It is still possible that the ban is extended further," the ministry said in a statement.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:26pm

Forex

South African rand firms against weaker dollar

This has seen the currency flit between negative and positive territories since the start of this week.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:24pm

Sports

Warner, Pucovski in Sydney test squad, Burns dropped

"He will be fit to play in Sydney subject to completing the return to play protocols and an independent assessment."

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:21pm

World

New COVID strain does not cause more severe illness than other variants: Study

(Karachi) A new variant of the novel coronavirus that originated in Britain and South Africa, is not lethal as...

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:24pm

Commodities

Taiwan buys 82,325 tonnes wheat of US-origin in tender

The wheat was bought in two consignments comprising various wheat.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:20pm

Financial

Longer-dated JGBs tick up in thin holiday trade

At the shorter end of the curve, the two-year JGB yield was flat at minus 0.125%, having hit the highest level since Nov. 4 earlier in the session.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:17pm

Stocks

Tokyo stocks close down but Nikkei posts big 2020 rise

The bellwether Nikkei 225 index closed down 0.45 percent.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 12:15pm

Business & Finance

Furniture giant IKEA to commence operations in Pakistan

The company founded in Sweden in 1943 by the renowned businessman Ingvar Kamprad, is one of the world's largest furniture retailer since 2008.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:58am

World

January 1973: a divided Britain joins Europe

"I like going to Europe," says one truck driver from Scotland. "Particularly to France. I feel at home there. I don't trust the English."

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:55am

World

U.S. State Department approves potential sale of 3,000 smart bombs to Saudi Arabia

President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s biggest buyer of American weapons, in a bid to pressure Riyadh to end a war in Yemen.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:52am

World

European Union: from six to 27

Bulgaria and Romania take the EU to 27 member nations

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:52am

Asia

North Korea prepares for major January party congress

The incoming US president has characterised Kim as a "thug", while Pyongyang has called Biden a "rabid dog".

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:49am

World

India ‘cannot win a war’ against Pakistan, says former Indian officer in latest book

N.C. Asthana writes that India has no clarity about its military and strategic objectives.
India would be better served by finding solutions to the security challenges both Pakistan and China present by strengthening itself internally and pursuing non-military solutions, including diplomacy', Asthana writes in his book.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:50am

World

First US Congressmember dies of Covid-19

"Congressman-elect Letlow was a ninth generation Louisianan who fought passionately for his point of view and dedicated his life to public service," Pelosi said in the statement.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:43am

World

Covid-19 takes its toll on African economy

At the same time, Gillet noted the profile of Africa's creditors has changed, "which makes any restructuring agreement very complicated".

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:37am

Pakistan

Balochistan govt halts fencing of Gwadar city after criticism from locals

Lango says government would address the reservations of the locals and move forward in consultation with the people of Gwadar
Under the project, barbed wires were to be installed in first phase around 15,000 acres land

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:27am

Business & Finance

‘An Increasingly Bifurcated world’ awaits in 2021: Report

“This divergence, straddling as it does already inflamed global trade tensions, cements our expectation of an increasingly bifurcated world,” added the report.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:39am

Africa

Ethiopia's Tigray conflict revives bitter disputes over land

Hailay told AFP he's afraid even to speak in Tigrinya, the Tigrayan language, for fear of reprisals from Amhara officials and security forces.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:34am

World

Singapore begins coronavirus vaccination campaign

The inoculations are yet to receive official approval.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:32am

Middle East

Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard lands in Israel

He remained subject to a curfew, had to wear a wrist monitor, and was prohibited from working for any company that lacked US government monitoring software on its computer systems.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:27am

Sports

New Zealand end Pakistan defiance for thrilling Test win

Alam had been discarded by Pakistan in 2009 after three Tests and a best innings of 168, and since his recall this year his highest score was 21 against England in August.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:25am

Energy

US crude stocks fell last week

Crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery hub rose by 131,000 barrels, API said.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:20am

World

Democratic Senator Schumer blasts checks legislation he says McConnell has introduced

McConnell's office was not immediately available for comment.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:18am

Africa

Algeria's Tebboune returns after COVID-19 treatment, state media says

Tebboune's absence since the end of October has fuelled speculation over his ability to finish his first term.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:13am

World

Britain to place more parts of country in tier 4 of COVID curbs: The Times

Britain's government reported 53,135 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, the most since mass testing started in mid-2020 and up sharply from the previous record of 41,385 set on Monday.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:07am

NAB granted one-day transit remand of Khawaja Asif

NAB will shift Asif to Lahore today.
The PML-N leader was arrested on Tuesday in assets beyond known sources case.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:07am

Asia

China reports 24 new COVID cases vs 27 a day earlier

The number of new asymptomatic cases, which China does not classify as confirmed cases, rose to 17 cases from eight a day earlier.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:04am

Stocks

Australian shares track Wall Street declines; NZ flat

Global miners Rio Tinto and BHP Group Ltd eased around 0.2%, while Fortescue Metals Group shed 0.5%.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:02am

USA

Mexico reports 12,099 new coronavirus cases, 990 more deaths

The government says the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 11:00am

Business & Finance

Pakistan’s industries moving towards expansion owing to govt policies says Azhar

Azhar was of the view that owing to measures taken by the incumbent government and institutions, the country was able to convert the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:59am

Sports

Dropped keeper Ryan ready to part ways with Brighton

Ryan said he bore no ill-will towards Potter while noting Brighton had not won a game in his absence.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:58am

Commodities

Argentine soy crushers sign deal with oilseed workers, ending strike

The deal includes a gradual, two-part 25% increase in salaries from January to August.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:56am

Energy

Petrobras receives $45mn in Vitol corruption settlement

Petroleo Brasileiro SA, as Petrobras is formally known, said in a securities filing that the settlement was brokered as part of a leniency deal between Vitol and federal prosecutors.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:54am

Forex

Australian, NZ dollars on the rise as US$ crumbles

The decline in the US dollar is lifting prices for many commodities priced in the currency, supporting earnings from resource exports out of Australia and New Zealand.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:50am

Asia

US military to vaccinate South Korean troops in joint command

The announcement comes after US Forces Korea (USFK) requested formal talks with the South Korean defence ministry.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:48am

Financial

China revises 2019 GDP growth lower to 6.0%

The pre-revision 2019 GDP growth rate was 6.1%

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:46am

World

CanSino to submit vaccine trial results to Mexico next week

He said 9,000 people are participating in CanSino's clinical trial in Mexico.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:43am

World

California coronavirus lockdowns extended as hospitals teeter on brink of crisis

Constraints have also been placed on a host of commercial activities, with restaurants limited to takeout and pickup service only and bars closed altogether.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:40am

Stocks

Asian shares hit record high as investors bet on recovery next year

A sluggish dollar supported gold, with bullion prices up 0.26% at $1,882.80 an ounce.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:38am

World

US may seek to try accused killer of American journalist Daniel Pearl

"The separate judicial rulings reversing his conviction and ordering his release are an affront to terrorism victims everywhere," Rosen said in a statement.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:34am

USA

Peruvian lawmakers approve new farming reform law

Peru is the world's leading exporter of blueberries, but also ships fresh grapes and avocados to China, the United States and Europe.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:31am

Energy

Oil up on hopes of recovery in demand, lower US inventories

A Jan. 4 meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, also looms over the market.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:21am

Stocks

Nikkei pulls back from over 30-year high on profit-taking

Honda Motor led the underperformers among the Topix 30, down 1.79%, followed by Shin-Etsu Chemical, which lost 1.72%.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:18am

Commodities

Palm rises for second day; firmer ringgit, cheaper US soyoil cap gains

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

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:16am

Stocks

South Korea stocks hit record high on final trading day of the year

Foreigners were net sellers of 74.1 billion won ($68.24 million) worth of shares on the main board, while retail investors purchased net 161.6 billion won.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:13am

Sports

Windies' Holder, Pollard opt out of Bangladesh tour on COVID concerns

Bangladesh has reported over 511,000 infections and more than 7,500 deaths from the novel coronavirus.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:10am

Forex

Dollar slumps as bears shrug off US stimulus delay

Another negative factor for the greenback is expectations that the US Federal Reserve will keep interest rates low for an extremely long time, many analysts say.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:08am

Pakistan

Pakistan's coronavirus death toll crosses 10000 mark

Country reported 55 deaths in the last 24 hours.
On Tuesday, Pakistan reported its first confirmed cases of a new coronavirus strain detected in the UK.

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 10:09am

Commodities

Dalian iron ore futures falter after steel output-cut urge

Futures prices of other key steelmaking ingredients also declined in early trade.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:06am

USA

Defying Trump, McConnell puts off vote on $2,000 checks, urges override of defence bill veto

The Senate is expected to hold a procedural vote on Trump's veto on Wednesday evening, which could lead to final passage later in the week or over the weekend.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:03am

Commodities

London copper edges up on weaker US dollar

The dollar slumped to multi-year lows against many currencies as traders looked past a new delay in US stimulus checks and maintained bets additional financial aid was still likely.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 10:00am

Financial

China regulator suspends Moody's Chinese JV over Yongcheng default

Earlier this month, NAFMII warned that there was a risk of inflated credit ratings in China, where the vast majority of corporate bonds are rated AA or higher, implying little default risk and giving little guidance on pricing.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:58am

Sports

Arsenal must be cautious with Saka, says Arteta

Tuesday's win was Arsenal's first back-to-back league victories since the opening two games of the season and Arteta said it should give the players more belief.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:56am

Companies

Indonesia and LG Group sign $9.8bn EV battery MOU

Bahlil said the agreement "makes Indonesia the first country in the world to integrate the electric battery industry from mining to (producing) electric car lithium batteries."

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:53am

Commodities

Dollar lifts gold amid worries over US stimulus delay

Gold is seen as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement likely to result from large stimulus measures rolled out this year to cushion the impact of the pandemic.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:50am

World

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 81.5 million, death toll at 1,781,355

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

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:49am

Stocks

Indian shares pause after record run

The NSE Nifty 50 index was up 0.01% at 13,929 by 0351 GMT, while the S&P BSE Sensex was 0.08% down at 47,574.04.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:47am

Commodities

Soybeans slip from 6-1/2-year high as labour strike ends

European wheat rose on Tuesday, supported by Algeria's tender believed to be sourced in Europe and a rebound on US markets, according to traders.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:45am

Europe

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 22,459: RKI

The reported death toll rose by 1,129 to 32,107, the tally showed.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:44am

Asia

South Korea tries to contain coronavirus outbreak in prison

The American troops stationed in South Korea on Tuesday received the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine. USFK includes around 28,500 American military personnel as well as thousands of other workers and family members.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:42am

BR Research

Construction credit off-take takes off

The construction amnesty scheme seems to be on the right track—for what it intended to do—ramp up construction...

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 09:37am

Stocks

Asian investors push most markets higher but virus fears remain

Axi analyst Stephen Innes said investors were not expecting anything positive on that front before the end of the year.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:28am

World

From the lab to the jab: how BioNTech-Pfizer won the vaccine race

With time pressing, one elderly care home went ahead with first vaccinations for its residents shortly after the doses were delivered on Saturday -- a day before the national inoculation campaign was due to start.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:23am

World

Biden says Trump vaccine plan falling 'far behind'

"We might not see improvement until we're well into March as it will take time for our Covid response plan to begin to produce visible progress," Biden said.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:21am

World

Leaders to sign UK-EU deal as MPs face express debate

Under the EU deal, musicians are not covered by exemptions allowing for free passage of short-term business visitors, sparking warnings that continental tours by UK bands will become unviable.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:18am

World

New virus variant hits US as Biden vows all-out effort

In response, health authorities announced a 10-day quarantine from December 31 for all arrivals.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:14am

Middle East

Syrian soldier killed, three wounded in Israeli strike near Damascus: military

"Our air defence countered some of the missiles, which caused one martyr and wounded three soldiers."

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:12am

Sports

'No stress': Cummins backs Aussie batsmen to come good

"It was only 12 months ago that our batters absolutely dominated" against Pakistan and New Zealand, added Cummins.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:09am

Stocks

Hong Kong stocks start on positive note

The Hang Seng Index added 0.48 percent, or 126.62 points, to 26,695.11.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:08am

World

US Justice Dept won't charge officers who shot Black child

A criminal investigation by local prosecutors closed in 2015, without bringing charges against the two officers.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:05am

Stocks

Tokyo stocks open lower on last trading day of year

"Caution remains high following the fast gains" of Japanese shares on Tuesday, Okasan said.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:02am

Sports

Alam, Rizwan hold Pakistan together after New Zealand strike

Alam clipped a ball just wide of Henry Nicholls at short leg, an attempted drive was edged just wide of an outstretched Tom Latham at gully, and one off the gloves fell just short of the cordon.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 09:00am

World

Jobless to get weekly aid despite Trump's last-minute approval, US says

In a statement to AFP, a Labor Department spokesperson said it would work with individual states to make sure payments under the programs, which were reauthorized until March 14, continue uninterrupted.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:57am

Stocks

Intel says prepared to work with hedge fund on business focus

Third Point's letter said Intel should consider outsourcing its manufacturing operations to keep pace with rivals in the sector such as Taiwan-based TSMC and South Korean giant Samsung, among others.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:54am

Sports

Solskjaer sees Man Utd of old in late win over Wolves

Solskjaer lauded Edinson Cavani's predatory instincts on the eve of the game, suggesting the Uruguayan will be handed an extension to his contract for next season.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:52am

World

Trump lashes out at Republican leaders over looming veto override

"Weak and tired Republican 'leadership' will allow the bad Defence Bill to pass," Trump said of the looming override by the Senate of his veto of the National Defence Authorization Act.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:48am

World

Latin America and Caribbean top 500,000 Covid-19 deaths: AFP count

There have been at least 500,800 deaths among the 29 countries in the region, with more than half of those in Brazil (191,000) and Mexico (120,000.)

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:46am

World

US detects first case of coronavirus variant in Colorado

Fears have been raised by the new strain of Covid-19, which experts say is potentially more transmissible.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:45am

Sports

Grizzlies star Morant to miss 3-5 weeks with sprained ankle

He later returned to sit courtside with a protective boot on his injured ankle, enthusiastically encouraging teammates as they pulled off a 116-111 overtime win over the Nets.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 08:43am

BR Research

FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited

FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited (PSX: FCEPL), previously Engro Foods was established in 2005. After entering...

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:45am

BR Research

3D Printers – an opportunity ignored

It is oft cited that the future of manufacturing lies in additive manufacturing – or more commonly known as 3D...

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:35am

BR Research

Daal: the year ahead

It is half time into PTI’s slated five-year tenure at the centre, and it appears that the phantom of food (items)...

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:30am

BR Research

Gas terminals: Not so soon

The much-discussed 17-kilometer gas pipeline in Sindh became operational the other day, after the Sindh government...

Published 30 Dec, 2020 07:25am

World

Moderna in talks with South Korea to supply about 40mn doses of COVID-19 vaccine

Potential distribution of the two-dose vaccine in South Korea is expected to start in the second quarter of 2021, the company said in a statement.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 04:11am

Stocks

Australian shares set to open lower tracking Wall Street dip; NZ inches up

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index inched up 0.1pc by 2122 GMT, after closing at a record high on Tuesday.

Published 30 Dec, 2020 04:07am

Pakistan

Public servants strike: LHC CJ summons Sahiwal AC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court Chief Justice on Tuesday summoned assistant commissioner Sahiwal Haider to explain as...

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 03:49am

Pakistan

14 injured in Quetta grenade attack

QUETTA: Fourteen persons, including two security men, were injured in a grenade attack in Surab area of the province...

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 03:49am

Pakistan

The Weather

KARACHI: The weather report on Tuesday (December 29, 2020) and the forecast for Wednesday (December 30, 2020)....

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 03:49am

Yarn Prices

Karachi Yarn Market Rate

KARACHI: Karachi Yarn Market Rates on Tuesday (December 29, 2020)

Updated 30 Dec, 2020 03:40am

Rates.LIBOR