News Archives for Latest - 2021-01-07

Energy

Oil touches fresh 11-month highs, shrugging off unrest in Washington

Brent crude rose 28 cents to $54.58 a barrel by 11:35 a.m. EST (1635 GMT) after touching $54.90, a fresh high not seen since before the first COVID-19 lockdowns in the West.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 11:59pm

Commodities

Gold falls on firmer dollar and U.S. yields

Prices slipped as much as 2.5pc after scaling their highest since Nov. 9 on Wednesday, as 10-year U.S. Treasury yields jumped above 1pc for the first time since March.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 11:56pm

World

On Capitol violence, UK's Johnson says President Trump 'completely wrong'

"And I unreservedly condemn encouraging people to behave in the disgraceful way that they did in the Capitol."

Published 07 Jan, 2021 11:52pm

Europe

Spain tops 2mn COVID-19 cases as infection rate rises

After dipping below 200 cases per 100,000 people in early December, the coronavirus' incidence increased steadily to reach 321 cases per 100,000 on Thursday.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 11:49pm

Europe

British health minister defends decision to space COVID-19 vaccine doses

Hancock said partial protection for more people would do more good than full protection for a select few.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 11:44pm

Stocks

Tesla's stock market value tops Facebook's

The company led by Elon Musk's stock briefly hit $811.61 during the session, putting its market capitalization at $769 billion.

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 12:02am

Europe

France keeps restaurants, ski resorts closed in virus battle

One in two intensive care beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients and non-essential procedures are still being postponed to ease the burden on hospitals.

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 12:02am

Commodities

Argentine wheat crop seen at 17mn T vs previous 16.8mn estimate

Wheat is planted on Argentina's Pampas grains belt in June and July with harvesting in December and January.

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 12:01am

Stocks

Germany's DAX index breaches 14,000 points for first time

The Frankfurt index jumped to an all-time high of 14,006.70 points in late afternoon trading, before falling back slightly again.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:52pm

Middle East

South Korean delegation in Iran after oil tanker seized

The Guards said the vessel was carrying 7,200 tonnes of "oil chemical products" and that the detained crew were from South Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:50pm

USA

Facebook bans Trump 'indefinitely' for inciting violence

Snapchat confirmed Thursday that it locked Trump out of the photo sharing platform amid concerns over his dangerous rhetoric.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:50pm

Europe

France says two clusters of UK Covid strain detected

The UK last month sounded the alarm over the variant, which experts say is much more contagious than the original coronavirus.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:45pm

Europe

Turkey reports 12,171 new coronavirus cases, 194 deaths

It reported 194 related fatalities over the same period, raising the total death toll so far to 22,264.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:45pm

Forex

Sterling stutters as UK negative rates speculation swirls

Against the euro it was up 0.1%, last at 90.46 pence per euro.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:45pm

Europe

Italy reports 414 coronavirus deaths on Thursday, 18,020 new cases

Some 121,275 swab tests were carried out in the past day, the ministry said, against a previous 178,596.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:43pm

Business & Finance

Longer-term yields rise as prospect for more stimulus looms

The two-year US Treasury yield, which typically moves in step with interest rate expectations, was last unchanged at 0.1448%.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:36pm

Pakistan

SC adjourns Daniel Pearl murder case till Tuesday

The court sought copy of the high court order and adjourned hearing till Tuesday.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:31pm

Pakistan

Court adjourns hearing of Paragon case till Jan 18

The court adjourned hearing of the case till January 18 and summoned two more witnesses for recording their statements.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:27pm

Pakistan

Anti-polio campaign to start on Jan 11

The DC said that all necessary arrangements had been completed to immunise 970,565 children up to the age of five years in the district.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:30pm

Pakistan

Departments being strengthened through judicious policies: Firdous

She said that previous government had weakened the departments including Utility Store Corporation through providing unnecessary subsidies.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:23pm

Pakistan

Punjab to be facilitated with universal health coverage by year-end: minister

She said that roadmap had been devised to provide Sehat Sahulat Cards to 22 million families of the province.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:22pm

Pakistan

MoST intends to support Ruet-e-Halal Committee not lead; Fawad

The minister emphasized that consensus can be developed regarding moon sighting with the help of science.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:21pm

Pakistan

COVID-19 claims 3 lives, infects 28 more people in Rawalpindi

Out of total 78,644 tests conducted so far, 11,996 have been tested positive for the coronavirus.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:20pm

Pakistan

SC imposes Rs 10,000 fine at Collector Customs Lahore

Justice Bandial asked why no order was issued for three years despite the seizure of goods.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:19pm

Pakistan

SHC to hear matter of teachers' association on Jan 26

The petition was filed by the President of All Sindh Primary Teachers Association, Sukkur district.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:18pm

Pakistan

Sarwar, Shehbaz Gill discuss political situation

Governor Punjab said PDM should wait for the 2023 general elections, adding, the PTI would complete its constitutional term.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:17pm

Pakistan

SHC orders WASA to ensure supply of water to entire city within 24 hours

Chandio prayed the court to order the respondents to supply clean drinking water to the citizens.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:15pm

Pakistan

PTI govt takes public welfare steps: CM Buzdar

Those who bankrupted the country could not claim to be leaders, he stressed.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:14pm

Pakistan

PM's advisor meets CM Buzdar

Shahzad Akbar lauded the spirit of Punjab Chief Minister for discharging official responsibilities despite being affected from Covid-19.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:13pm

Pakistan

Parliament best forum for political dialogue on national issues: Dr Babar

He said the PDM parliamentarians would not tender their resignations from the assembles.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:12pm

Pakistan

Qureshi meets African envoys to review Pakistan's engagement with African countries

The success of the Pak-Africa Trade Development Conference highlighted the untapped potential of bilateral trade and investment ties, he added.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:09pm

Pakistan

PM urges Pakistani film, drama industry to focus on promotion of local culture

The prime minister said Pakistani dramas were very popular in the world until the decade of 1980s.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:08pm

Pakistan

FM holds telephonic conversation with Saudi counterpart; congratulates on successful GCC Summit

The two Foreign Ministers discussed ways to further deepen and expand bilateral relations and collaborate closely in multilateral organizations.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:05pm

USA

Zelensky welcomes Biden confirmation despite 'horrific attack'

Zelensky became the central figure of a US political scandal months after winning the Ukrainian presidential election in the spring of 2019.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:05pm

Sports

Man Utd must learn from semi-final pain, says Pogba

The Red Devils have not won the league since Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 and they last won silverware in 2017.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:59pm

Europe

'Alarming' virus variants need bolder response: WHO

Europe has been hard hit by the Covid pandemic, with more than 27.6 million cases and 603,000 deaths.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:59pm

USA

Biden confirms Merrick Garland as pick for attorney general

Biden will introduce Garland and other key picks for the Justice Department on Thursday.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:56pm

South Asia

Asian nations toughen virus curbs as Europe fights new strain

The global outbreak shows no signs of abating, with more than 1.8 million people known to have died worldwide from 86 million confirmed cases.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:54pm

Europe

Spain tightens virus curbs but rules out lockdown

Spain began its vaccination campaign using the Pfizer-BioNTech jab on December 27 and has since immunised nearly 140,000 people.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:52pm

Europe

EU insists on keeping vaccine contracts secret

Two of the vaccines, ones made by BioNTech/Pfizer and by Moderna, have been authorised for use in the EU, and the Commission hopes others will follow.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:51pm

Europe

Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Thursday

At least 87,162,540 cases of coronavirus have been registered.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:49pm

Africa

Opposition in troubled I.Coast to take part in elections

The opposition said that by bidding for a third term, Ouattara had sought to subvert two-term constitutional limits.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:48pm

USA

New US jobless claims still high in final week of 2020 at 787,000

Another 161,460 people filed claims under a program for freelance workers not normally eligible for government benefits in the week ended January 2.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:46pm

Stocks

Stocks, dollar rise as investors shrug off US violence

The dollar rose across the board Thursday, while bitcoin continued its record run to strike an all-time high of $38,661.88.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:44pm

Europe

Pro-Brexit lobby group migrates its website to Europe

Britain officially left the EU last year. However, relations were frozen until the start of 2021, when a new deal began to govern relations between London and Brussels.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:43pm

Africa

China cancels $28m of DR Congo debt to help virus fight

Wang also offered a further $15 million to support wider development efforts.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:41pm

Sports

Klopp blames Covid crisis for lack of transfer funds at Liverpool

Midfielder Fabinho has deputised in central defence for most the season, while youngsters Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips have had to be drafted in.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:39pm

Africa

US envoy visits Algeria as part of regional tour

Morocco normalised ties with Israel in December in a deal brokered by the US, which recognised Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:37pm

Stocks

US stocks higher in early trading

About 20 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.4 percent at 30,960.73, after the index closed at a record.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:35pm

Sports

Bairstow says IPL experience key to ace Sri Lanka spin test

Bairstow scored a century in his last ODI and then amassed 345 runs in the IPL Twenty20 tournament for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:35pm

Forex

Canadian dollar pulls back from 3-year high as greenback rallies

Canadian dollar weakens 0.3% against the greenback.
Canada's trade deficit narrows in November.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:20pm

USA

US service sector regains speed in December

ISM said its non-manufacturing activity index increased to a reading of 57.2 last month from 55.9 in November.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:19pm

Business & Finance

Canada exports up in November, but imports edge down

The trade deficit narrowed to C$3.34 billion ($2.63 billion) in November.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:17pm

Business & Finance

Mexico annual inflation rate was 3.15pc in December

Inflation largely eased in the last month of 2020 as prices for food items decreased.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:16pm

USA

US trade deficit rises to more than 14-year high

Imports jumped 2.9% to $252.3 billion.
Goods imports accelerated 3.0% to $214.1 billion, the highest since May 2019.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 08:14pm

South Asia

India predicts GDP 7.7pc contraction, likely to prompt steps to boost growth

The economy contracted by a record 23.9% in the April-June quarter following a national lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:57pm

Pakistan

Pakistan expects first COVID vaccine shipment by end of January: parliamentary secretary

Dr Hamid said that the government was "urgently" drafting a database of all public and private medical workers to get them inoculated in the first phase.
It is believed that this would be a shipment of the Sinopharm vaccine from China.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 08:09pm

Pakistan

Pakistan’s exports to USA increase 6.36pc in 5 months

The overall exports to USA were recorded at $1855.564 million during July-November (2020-21).

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:55pm

Pakistan

Rupee gains 28 paisas against US dollar

Buying and selling rates of dollar were recorded at Rs160.1 and Rs160.8 respectively.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:53pm

Pakistan

Fruits valuing $138.891m, vegetables $77.184 million exported in five months

During the period from July-November, 2020-21, exports of fresh fruits from the country decreased by 9.62 percent.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:52pm

Pakistan

PM emphasizes KP govt for sufficient availability of commodities

The prime minister appreciated the provincial government for taking measures to bring about food security.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:52pm

Pakistan

activities to boost economic growth: SBP

The report further added that with the start of the Covid pandemic, EMs witnessed a massive outflow of portfolio investment.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:49pm

Pakistan

777 new COVID-19 cases, 19 deaths reported across province

The Punjab Health Department conducted 2,551,075 tests for COVID-19 so far, while 129,102 confirmed cases recovered in the province.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:47pm

Pakistan

Gold prices decrease by Rs 1300 to Rs 115,300

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

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:47pm

Pakistan

KP land suitable for olive production: Governor

He said with the Olive Tsunami project not only the cultivation of olive could be enhanced but its export could also be taken to a next level.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:45pm

Pakistan

Climatic change biggest hurdle for human survival, progress: SPAM

He urged the need of comprehending the severity of the issue and immediate steps to minimize its effects.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:44pm

Pakistan

PSX gains 191 points to close at 45,344 points

As many as 407 companies transacted shares in the stock market, 168 of them recorded gain and 222 sustained losses.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:43pm

Pakistan

IHC seeks federation's comments in case against NAB-FBI MoU

The court adjourned hearing of the case till February 11.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:41pm

Pakistan

ATC adjourns PTV, Parliament attack case hearing till Feb 4

The hearing of the case adjourned till February 4.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:40pm

Pakistan

PTI moves IHC against dismissal of defamation case against Akbar S. Baber

The petition said that the lower court had ignored the various facts in its judgment and prayed the court to dismiss this decision.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:38pm

Pakistan

Court declares three foreigner accused absconder in Railways land lease case

Hearing adjourned the case till January 21.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:38pm

Pakistan

Pakistan stresses constant engagement, flexibility as 2nd round of Afghan talks starts

He said the two teams had made significant progress by finalizing the rules and procedures last month and had now reconvened to negotiate on substantive issues.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:34pm

Pakistan

Pak forex figure $ 20.51201bn

Foreign reserves holding by SBP amounted $ 13,412.3 million.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:32pm

Pakistan

PR, KPT can join hands for economic development of country: Railway Minister

The minister was informed that about 33 kilometers long rail network exists in KPT area with a capacity to handle 125 million tons of cargo.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:32pm

Pakistan

CTD arrest seven suspected terrorists in Sargodha

CTD personnel also recovered explosives, hand grenades and arms.
The suspects belong to a banned outfit Sipah e Muhammad, says Rai Tahir.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 07:32pm

Pakistan

PML-N MPA Munira Yamin Satti dies of COVID-19

The Punjab Assembly lawmaker was put on ventilator after she was declared critical.
Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar expressed sorrow over the death of the Yamin Satti and offered condolences to the bereaved family.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 07:26pm

Pakistan

Covid-19 claims 17 more lives, infects 1,265 others

The CM said that currently 17,295 patients were under treatment, of them 16,439 were in home isolation, 11 at isolation centers and 845 at different hospitals.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:19pm

Pakistan

Manviwalla voices for enhancing Pak-Cuba bilateral cooperation

The Cuban envoy thanked the Deputy Chairman Senate for warm welcome at the Parliament.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:14pm

Pakistan

Govt focus on developing SEZ, STZ to boost country’s IT exports: IT Minister

Ministry has rolled out strong incentives which include a 10-year exemption from income tax, property tax, other taxes and custom duties.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:12pm

Pakistan

Court adjourns hearing of Ramzan Sugar Mills case till Jan 16

The court had granted permanent exemption from personal appearance to Shehbaz Sharif in the case.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:12pm

Pakistan

Pakistan successfully conducts test flight of 'Fatah-1' rocket system: ISPR

The new rocket system is capable of delivering a conventional warhead up to a range of 140 kilometers, says ISPR. The weapon system will give Pakistan Army capability of precision target engagement deep in enemy territory, says military’s media wing.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 07:11pm

Business & Finance

PM Khan lauds Pakistani exporters, as India, Bangladesh struggle continue

“I have received the regional export trends and this shows that, compared to our exports, the exports of India and Bangladesh for Nov/Dec 2020 showed negative growth,” said PM Khan.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 07:07pm

Africa

Pandemic tips more into extreme poverty in Nigeria's Lagos

Thousands of families live in the floating slum, often in tightly packed huts with no running water or electricity.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:52pm

South Asia

Beijing freezes as temperature hits five decade lows

The cold reading was the lowest since 1966, when temperatures in the city fell to minus 27.4 degrees Celsius.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:49pm

South Asia

Pompeo threatens US sanctions over Hong Kong mass arrests

Pompeo said the 53 people arrested Wednesday "should be released immediately and unconditionally".

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:48pm

Forex

Dollar bounces off 2018 lows on safe-haven buying, euro profit-taking

Riskier currencies seen outperforming on growth prospects.
Dollar outlooks increasingly mixed.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:46pm

Money & Banking

Turkish central bank net FX reserves fell to $13.5bn at year end

The current level is the lowest since 2003, according to bankers.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:45pm

Europe

Nearly 20,000 second doses of Pfizer vaccine given in England before rule change

The figures showed that 19,981 second vaccinations were given between the Dec. 29 and Jan. 3, out of 1.1 million total administered in England.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:45pm

USA

Biden vows to restore faith in US law with Justice Dept nominees

Biden will deliver remarks at 1:30 p.m. (1830 GMT) on his nominees.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:42pm

Commodities

Copper ticks higher, close to 2013 peak, on infrastructure hopes

LME aluminium shed 0.4% to $2,030 a tonne, zinc added 0.3% to $2,868, lead slid 1.5% to $2,032.50 and tin lost 0.3% to $21,050.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:37pm

Europe

Sweden registers 12,536 new COVID-19 cases, 277 deaths on Thursday

The country registered 277 new deaths, taking the total to 9,262.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:36pm

Energy

Oil touches fresh 11-month highs after US inventory fall

Brent crude was up 5 cents to $54.35 a barrel at 1231 GMT after touching $54.90.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:34pm

Commodities

Indian prices rise; high Thai rates stoke competition worries

Bangladesh's rice imports could surge to 2 million T.
Thai rice rates at $515-$520/t vs $510-$516 last week.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:33pm

Stocks

Major markets log weekly gains; Qatar leads day's gains

Qatar benchmark registers 2% weekly gain.
Dubai index posts 5.4% gain for the week.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:31pm

Commodities

Gold slips as rallying US yields dull appeal

US Treasury yields hold above 1%.
Dollar is going to depreciate all through 2021.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:29pm

Commodities

Prices ease after Argentina-fuelled rally as US data awaited

Corn, soybeans fall after latest 6-1/2 year highs on Wednesday.
Wheat eases further from 6-year top, firm dollar weighs.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:24pm

South Asia

UN urges 'immediate release' of detained Hong Kong dissidents

In an operation involving 1,000 officers, Hong Kong police arrested the activists for "subversion”.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:22pm

South Asia

Officials punished as China logs highest daily virus cases since July

On Thursday, there were 51 more cases reported in Hebei, the National Health Commission reported -- plus another 69 asymptomatic cases.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:21pm

Europe

Bayer, CureVac 'join forces' on Covid-19 vaccine

The deal echoes that of fellow German vaccine developer BioNTech with US giant Pfizer, whose jab became the first to be approved in the European Union.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:19pm

South Asia

Joshua Wong joins Hong Kong dissidents arrested for 'subversion'

Washington has already sanctioned multiple Chinese and Hong Kong officials, including city leader Carrie Lam.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:17pm

USA

Washington chaos leaves image of 'exceptional' America in tatters

In normal times, a state-backed gang rampaging through a legislature to demand a lost election be nullified would have US diplomats marching to their laptops to draft a statement of condemnation.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:14pm

Middle East

Iran's Rouhani says Western democracy 'fragile, vulnerable'

He has staked his reputation on a diplomatic opening to the incoming Biden administration to try to rescue the deal.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:02pm

Europe

Merkel 'furious' over Capitol mob, says Trump shares blame

She lamented the "tragic" loss of life in the chaotic scenes but said the fact that lawmakers had returned to work overnight was a "sign of hope".

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:59pm

Europe

German industrial orders unexpectedly rise in November

Demand was 2.3 percent higher than in October, federal statistics agency Destatis said.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 06:01pm

Middle East

Israel strikes on Syria killed 3 Iran-backed fighters: monitor

Last month, Israel said it had hit about 50 targets in the neighbouring country in 2020.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:57pm

USA

Russians see US democracy 'limping' after Capitol stormed

The United States and other Western countries have repeatedly condemned Russia for moves to tighten controls on social media.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:56pm

Asia

Japan declares state of emergency for Tokyo area as COVID-19 cases surge

Japan declared a limited state of emergency in the capital, Tokyo, and three neighbouring prefectures on Thursday to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s government is seeking to limit damage to the world’s third-biggest economy while striving to defeat the virus once and for all as it looks ahead to staging the postponed summer Olympics.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 05:58pm

World

WHO calls for intensified measures over 'alarming' virus variant

According to the organisation's estimates, the new strain could replace others across the region.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:54pm

Sports

Teary-eyed Siraj remembers late father during national anthem

The two sides went into the third of the four-match series level at 1-1.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:51pm

South Asia

China jails ex-top banker for life over $13 million bribes

The sentencing comes days after Chinese authorities handed the death penalty to Lai Xiaomin, another former top banker.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:51pm

Europe

Virus impact keeps eurozone inflation negative

The biggest positive component was food, alcohol and tobacco, which rose 1.4 percent, compared with 1.9 percent in November.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:48pm

Middle East

Gulf states to restore links with Qatar within a week: UAE

The UAE is "behind this deal, and positive about the prospect of re-establishing relations with Qatar," he Gargash.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:46pm

Africa

Ghana army steps in to quell parliament clash ahead of swearing-in

President Nana Akufo-Addo, who narrowly won re-election in the December 7 vote, will also be sworn in on Thursday.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:43pm

Europe

UK scrambles for hospital beds as virus surges

Over 30,000 people were in UK hospitals with the virus, more than at the peak of the first wave.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:41pm

South Asia

Japan declares virus state of emergency in Tokyo region

Japan has yet to approve a coronavirus vaccine, with Suga saying he hopes the first jabs can begin in late February.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:40pm

Europe

Germany checks parliament security after US Capitol chaos

The German embassy in Washington has been requested to provide a report on how the "violent excesses could have happened in the Capitol".

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:35pm

South Asia

North Korea's Kim poses in military uniform with gun in new portrait

The huge portrait shows Kim in a gleaming white uniform with a marshal's star hanging around his neck and on his epaulettes.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:37pm

Middle East

Iraq court orders Trump arrest over drone strike on Iran general

The strike on their motorcade was ordered by Trump, who later crowed that it had taken out "two (men) for the price of one".

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:33pm

Africa

Watchdog urges Libya's GNA to identify Tarhuna missing

Libya has been wracked by violence since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:31pm

Europe

Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Thursday

At least 83,381,330 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 52,534,200 are now considered recovered.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:29pm

USA

'Archaic' US electoral system does not meet democratic standards: Russia

Maria said the storming of the US Capitol by supporters of Donald Trump was "an internal US affair" but that blame rested with the US system.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:28pm

South Asia

Thousands of Afghan families flee fighting in insurgent bastion

At least 10 people, including five civilians, were killed in two separate overnight attacks in southern provinces.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:26pm

Africa

Protests erupt in Senegal capital over virus curfew

The violence erupted on the first night of a 9 pm-5 am curfew announced by President Macky Sall for Dakar and the adjoining region of Thies.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:26pm

Europe

Spain increases virus curbs but rules out lockdown

Schools will not reopen until January 11 in order to delay for as long as possible the return to classrooms after the family gatherings over Christmas.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 05:25pm

Pakistan

ATC acquits Uzair Baloch in two cases

The court accepted the application moved by Baloch, seeking his acquittal in the two cases related to attempt to murder and police encounter.
The cases were registered in at Kalakot and Chakiwara police stations.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 05:14pm

Business & Finance

Ryanair slashes annual traffic target on 'draconian' UK, Irish lockdowns

The airline will significantly reduce its flight schedules from Jan. 21 until the end of the current lockdown, it said.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 05:04pm

Stocks

Nikkei hits 30-year high as financials gain on Democrat control of Senate

The broader Topix added 1.68% to 1,826.30, climbing above a peak hit late last year to reach its highest level since October 2018.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:59pm

Stocks

Stocks climb, bonds fall after Democrats win Senate

Euro STOXX 600 up 0.3%.
Dollar languishes near 3-year low.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:57pm

Stocks

Stocks climb, bonds fall after Democrats win Senate

Euro STOXX 600 up 0.3%.
Dollar languishes near 3-year low.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:57pm

South Asia

Japan vows action to ensure market stability as virus curbs weigh

The dollar stood at around 103.20 yen on Thursday, after dipping to 102.595 on Wednesday for the first time since March.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:56pm

Europe

EU fiscal rules must remain flexible until 2022: Portugal finance minister

In 2019, the economy grew 2.2%, helping Portugal to reach its first budget surplus in 45 years, of 0.1% of GDP.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:55pm

Europe

World food price index rises for seventh month running in Dec

The dairy index climbed 3.2% on the month, however, over the whole of 2020, it averaged some 1.0% less than in 2019.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:53pm

Mutual Funds

Euro zone bond yields edged up, US politics in focus

Germany's 10-year Bund yield were up 0.1 basis points at -0.55%.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:49pm

Forex

Sterling stutters as UK negative rates speculation swirls

Sterling was broadly flat against the dollar, trading around the $1.36 mark. It climbed above $1.37 for the first time since May 2018 on Monday.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:48pm

South Asia

Japan declares state of emergency for Tokyo area as COVID-19 cases surge

Tokyo cases at 2,447, surging past previous daily record.
Measures to be limited vs state of emergency last spring.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:46pm

USA

Mnuchin condemns Capitol violence, looks to transition; Netanyahu calls incident a 'rampage'

Netanyahu condemned Wednesday's storming of the U.S. Congress by supporters of outgoing Republican President Donald Trump.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:45pm

Europe

Merkel angry, sad after 'rioters' stormed U.S. Capitol

Merkel called the hundreds of Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol "attackers and rioters".

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:43pm

Forex

Turkish lira firms some 1pc as dollar trades around three-year low

The lira, which lost some 20% of its value last year, stood at 7.25 against the dollar at 0939 GMT.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:31pm

Money & Banking

China Dec FX reserves rise as economic recovery gathers pace

The value of the gold reserves rose to $118.25 billion at the end of December from $110.41 billion at end-November.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:28pm

Middle East

Travel, trade may resume within a week to Qatar, says UAE

Anwar Gargash said measures to be implemented within a week of the agreement "include practical measures of airlines, shipping and trade".

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:27pm

Business & Finance

Volvo Cars posts 6pc December sales rise as recovery continues

Volvo's December sales in Europe dropped 1.8%, while China grew 9.9% and sales in the United States jumped 15.2%.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:24pm

Africa

Amid COVID-19 surge, S.Africa aims to vaccinate for herd immunity

The cost would come to 20.6 billion rand ($1.36 billion) if they managed to achieve the targeted 67% coverage of the population.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:20pm

Energy

Oil hits highest since late Feb on Saudi cuts, US stock draw

WTI rose as far as $51.28 and was last up 33 cents, or 0.7% at $50.96.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:18pm

Stocks

Indian shares inch lower as losses in IT services stocks weigh

The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index fell 0.06% to 14,137.35, while the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex shed 0.17% to close at 48,093.32.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:09pm

Commodities

Palm oil prices set for a volatile year led by soybean market, say leading analysts

Malaysia's benchmark crude palm oil price jumped 6% during the first week of the year.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:09pm

Business & Finance

Dubai’s Mashreq Bank may move jobs to Pakistan as part of cost-cutting move

The report added that Mashreq Bank will also cut a large number of existing jobs, and create new jobs for employees.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 04:10pm

Pakistan

Tabish Gauhar resigns as SAPM on power

Gauhar sent his resignation to Prime Minister Imran Khan via WhatsApp a few days ago
Reportedly, Gauhar was unhappy over unnecessary interference in the power ministry

Published 07 Jan, 2021 03:37pm

Sports

England women to make first-ever tour of Pakistan in October

World champions to play two T20Is and three ODIs; T20Is will be played as double-headers alongside the men’s teams on 14 and 15 October in Karachi
Wasim Khan: “It is a chance for the women cricketers to demonstrate their talent and skills, and play their part in attracting, inspiring and motivating the next generation of women cricketers”

Published 07 Jan, 2021 03:03pm

Pakistan

Over 2.5 million COVID-19 tests conducted across Punjab: Health Secretary

Over 15,000 tests are being conducted on an average daily, says the secretary.
“In the first phase front-line health workers and the people above 65 years of age will be vaccinated."

Published 07 Jan, 2021 02:54pm

USA

China draws comparison between storming of U.S. Capitol, HK protests

China drew a comparison on Thursday between the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump and last year’s often-violent pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
Around the world, leaders expressed shock and concern, condemning the attempted subversion of democracy.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 02:50pm

Pakistan

KP govt forms strategy for disbursement of COVID-19 vaccine

Under the programme, the government formed a provincial vaccine administration and coordination cell (PVACC) which will be led by KP health secretary.
District vaccine administration and coordination cells, led by additional deputy commissioners (ADCs), have also been established across all 35 districts including the tribal areas,.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 02:27pm

Pakistan

Machh tragedy: PM decides to make surprise visit to Quetta

The date and time of PM's visit will be kept secret due to security concerns
It is likely that the premier could land in Quetta at any time

Published 07 Jan, 2021 02:06pm

USA

Joe Biden confirmed as 46th President of the United States, after a day of chaos in the Capitol

President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory has been certified, confirming that he will be the 46th President of the United States.
After countless Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building yesterday in an attempt to subvert the confirmation procedure, Congress confirmed President-elect Biden's victory on early Thursday morning.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 02:03pm

Sports

Squads, pool prize for Pakistan Cup announced

33-match tournament to be played from 8-31 January at three Karachi venues.
Winners to bag PKR5million, runners-up prize PKR2.5million; PKR1million to be equally shared between best performers.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 01:39pm

Pakistan

Pakistani passport ranked fourth worst globally in 2021

It provides visa-free access to only 32 countries.
Japan has been ranked number 1, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 191 destinations around the world.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 01:26pm

Technology

Telenor Pakistan boost up app's navigation feature

The update also offers features like comprehensive search, location details, the option to add new locations as well as routing to a location, all within the app.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 01:22pm

Business & Finance

State Bank defers over Rs 657bn loans under COVID package

Out of 1.644 million applications received, banks, DFIs and MFBs have approved 1.582 million applications (96.23 %) up to December 24, 2020.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 12:38pm

Pakistan

Pakistan urges UN to find just solutions of Kashmir and Palestine conflicts

Permanent Representative of Pakistan to UN says foreign occupation, intervention and aggression have resulted in suffering on a large scale for millions in the Muslim world
People in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine continue to struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination: Aamir

Published 07 Jan, 2021 12:39pm

Pakistan

Pakistan condemns Mohmand terrorist attack, urge Afghanistan to take immediate action

On Wednesday, terrorists inside Afghanistan fired across the international border on a military post in Mohmand tribal district.
FC soldier Fazal Wahid was injured and later succumbed to his wounds, the ISPR said.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 12:35pm

World

Congress reconvenes to certify Biden's win after a day of violence and rioting

By Wednesday night, both houses of Congress resumed their debate on the certification of Biden’s Electoral College win.
The US Capitol has been secured but four people are dead -- including one woman who was shot -- after Trump supporters breached US Capital.

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 11:32am

Pakistan

Machh incident: Protests, sit-ins by Hazara community cripple routine life in Karachi

As a result of widespread protests, city life has been badly affected while traffic gridlocks were witnessed on major thoroughfares
The sit-ins are likely to continue until the main protest being staged by members of the Hazara community on Quetta’s Western Bypass near Hazara Town ends

Published 07 Jan, 2021 11:15am

Business & Finance

Covid-19 Vaccines to develop into a Multibillion-Dollar market in 2021: Fitch

“Coupled with the unparalleled demand, these products will help to develop Covid-19 vaccines into a multibillion-dollar commercial opportunity,” it stated.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 11:05am

Pakistan

All medical professional examinations to be held after February 1, NHS announces

Earlier, the government had postponed the exams till January 10.
Universities have been made bound to hold examinations in February, Ministry spokesperson Sajid Shah said.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 10:48am

Business & Finance

Sugar rate jumps yet again

Abdul Rauf Ibrahim, chairman of the wholesale market, said that the condition of NTN would make it easier to identify hoarders.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 10:50am

World

Twitter removes Trump's tweets, warns of permanent suspension of account for violating rules

Twitter locked Trump’s account for 12 hours, saying if the tweets are not removed, the account would remain locked
Twitter warned that future violations of the Twitter Rules, including civic integrity or violent threats policies, will result in permanent suspension of the DonaldTrump account

Published 07 Jan, 2021 10:48am

Pakistan

Pakistan welcomes second round of Afghan peace talks

We remain hopeful that the year 2021 will witness the dawn of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, FOs said.
The second round of intra-Afghan talks will begin on Saturday, Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem said.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 10:09am

Business & Finance

Removal of Custom Duty to make Pakistan’s chemical industry competitive: Dawood

“Our policy regarding reducing customs duties on raw material is certainly showing results,” said Dawood.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 10:24am

World

Two top White House officials resign after Capitol violence, more on the way: sources

“It has been an honor to serve the country in the White House. I am very proud to have been a part of Mrs. Trump’s mission to help children everywhere, and proud of the many accomplishments of this administration,” Grisham said in a statement.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 10:21am

Forex

Dollar wallows near multi-year lows after Democrats take control of Senate

Currency markets were largely unperturbed by scenes of chaos in Washington as supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump stormed Capitol Hill.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 10:17am

Energy

Oil steady after U.S. Capitol drama; tighter supplies in focus

A lower dollar makes oil cheaper because the commodity is mostly traded using the greenback.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 10:13am

World

Twitter, Facebook freeze Trump accounts as tech giants respond to storming of U.S. capitol

One woman was shot and killed inside the Capitol building in the chaos.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 10:10am

Stocks

Democrat Senate win drives stocks higher, bonds lower

S&P 500 futures rose 0.6% and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.9% as markets seemed to shake off a late fade that pulled Wall Street indexes back from fresh record peaks when chaotic protests in Washington unnerved traders.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 10:03am

Companies

USTR slams India, Italy, Turkey on digital taxes but holds off on tariffs

The probes are among several still open USTR Section 301 investigations that could lead to tariffs before President Donald Trump leaves office or early in the administration of President-elect Joe Biden. Among these is a more advanced probe into France’s digital services tax.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:54am

Perspectives

Vocational education in Pakistan

The global economy is becoming more professionalised and not everyone needs a university degree to be successful....

Published 07 Jan, 2021 09:29am

BR Research

KSB Pumps Company Limited

KSB Pumps Company Limited (PSX: KSBP) was established in 1959 under the Companies Act, 1913 (now, Companies Act...

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:45am

BR Research

Time to bite the bullet

After Euro 5 petrol, Euro 5 standard diesel has been introduced in the country. This is in line with government’s...

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:40am

BR Research

Between push and pull

Amid the controversy over the government’s new social media regulations (Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online...

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:35am

BR Research

Cotton assessment: is NFS&R living under a rock?

The inter-ministerial Cotton Crop Assessment Committee (CCAC) under federal cabinet has released its second...

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:30am

BR Research

Circular debt settlement: we’ve been here before

So, the power stocks rallied at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) as another effort to clear the circular debt stock...

Published 07 Jan, 2021 07:25am

Stocks

Australia shares likely to track Wall Street higher on stimulus hopes

The local share price index futures rose 1.5%, a 34.9-point premium to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index close.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:23am

Stocks

Dow ends at record as US stocks shrug off Capitol Hill unrest

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended at 30,829.40, up 1.4 percent, and the broad-based S&P 500 gained 0.6 percent to close at 3,748.14.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:18am

Europe

France condemns 'serious attack on democracy' in US

"The violence against American institutions are a serious attack on democracy. I condemn it," Le Drian tweeted.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:15am

World

Twitter limits reach of tweets stoking US Capitol unrest

"We have been significantly restricting engagement with tweets labeled under our Civic Integrity Policy due to the risk of violence," the Twitter support team said.

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:12am

Europe

EU condemns 'assault on US democracy'

He commended Biden, who had earlier given an address branding the protesters' forced entry into the Congress building an "insurrection".

Published 07 Jan, 2021 04:10am

Jewellers, accountants, developers/builders: Certain officials empowered to monitor and document

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has empowered certain officials of the Directorate General of...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 04:05am

ECC moves to help industries get cheap raw material

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has approved the removal of two percent...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 04:05am

Pakistan

Mansehra gas leak claims six lives

MANSEHRA: Six members of a family breathed their last due to suffocation following a gas leakage at their home in...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 04:04am

Pakistan

PIA’s advisory to passengers

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Wednesday advised its local passengers to keep into ...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 04:04am

Pakistan

NA speaker explains how legislative process can be taken forward

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said that a final decision would be taken on convening the session...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:59am

Pakistan

Sania reviews performance of Waseela-e-Taleem Digital programme

ISLAMABAD: A maiden meeting of the Ehsaas steering committee for Waseela-e-Taleem Digital, an education conditional...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:59am

World

China to launch carbon emissions trading scheme next month

BEIJING: China’s delayed carbon trading system will start operating in February, the environment ministry has ...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:54am

World

China’s HK crackdown escalates with mass opposition arrests

HONG KONG: China’s crackdown in Hong Kong escalated dramatically on Wednesday with police arresting more than 50...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:54am

World

WHO virus mission blunted as China refuses team entry

BEIJING: An expert mission to China to probe the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic was in disarray Wednesday after...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:54am

PM briefed about ‘no one goes to sleep hungry’ plan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the success of Ehsaas’ “Koyee Bhuka Naa Soyai”...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:53am

‘Please bury your loved ones,’ PM asks Hazara protesters

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday, while assuring the protesting Hazara community members of his...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:52am

Pakistan

Balochistan CM decides to hold talks with protestors

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan has strongly condemned the Mach incident again and announced to...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:49am

Pakistan

Quetta’s Western Bypass: Protestors continue sit-in

QUETTA: The families and relatives of ten slain miners, who were shot dead in Mach area of Balochistan province on...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:49am

World

UK lenders approved most mortgages since 2007, other lending slides

LONDON: British lenders approved more than 100,000 new mortgages in November, the most since the start of the...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:49am

FBR estimates Rs1trn revenue loss

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has estimated a revenue loss of approximately Rs1 trillion in its tax...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:44am

Stocks

FFC achieves Top 25 Companies Award on PSX

KARACHI: Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) has maintained its legacy of securing 1st position amongst the Top 25...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:42am

Commodities

Early crushing main reason behind high sugarcane prices: PSMA

LAHORE: The spokesman of Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) while commenting on the high sugarcane prices and...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:42am

Business & Finance

UK car sales crash to almost 30-year low

LONDON: British new car sales crashed to the lowest level for almost three decades in 2020, with demand ravaged by...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:39am

Industry

SECP takes a giant ‘leap’ to promote ease of doing business

KARACHI: End to end automation of services through use of modern technology is the top priority on SECP’s reform...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:39am

Industry

US private payrolls post first decline in eight months

WASHINGTON: US private companies shed workers in December for the first time in eight months as out-of-control...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:39am

World

French chef, who shook up UK dining scene, dies

LONDON: French chef Albert Roux, who with his late brother Michel helped revolutionise Britain’s dining scene with...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:36am

World

Amazon commits $2bn for affordable housing around hubs

WASHINGTON: Amazon said Wednesday it was committing $2 billion to help create more affordable housing in the area...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:36am

World

India to hold national ‘cow science’ exam

NEW DELHI: India will hold a mass nationwide online “cow science” exam next month, in the latest push by the...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:36am

World

Photographer Abul Kalam detained in Bangladesh after documenting refugee relocation

NEW YORK: Bangladeshi authorities should immediately release photographer Abul Kalam and allow the press to freely...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:36am

Forex

Currency notes: exchange rates

KARACHI: Exchange rates for Currency Notes issued by the Treasury Management Division of National Bank of Pakistan...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:36am

Rates.LIBOR

LIBOR calculating interest on US dollar

KARACHI: London Interbank Offer Rates on for calculating interest on special US dollar on Wednesday (January 6,...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:36am

Rates.SBP

Bill buying rates per unit of currency

KARACHI: Bill Buying Rates per unit of currency -- issued by the Treasury Management Division of the National Bank ...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:36am

Forex

Banks rates for currency notes (buying and selling)

KARACHI: The selling/buying rates for currency notes of major currencies issued by National Bank (NBP) here on...

Updated 07 Jan, 2021 03:35am

Forex

Open market rates of foreign currencies

KARACHI: Open market rates of foreign currencies supplied by the Forex Association of Pakistan on Wednesday (January...