News Archives for Latest - 2021-02-06

Middle East

UAE significantly slashed funding for Palestinian refugee agency in 2020

The United Arab Emirates drastically reduced funding to the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in 2020, as it signed a U.S-brokered normalisation accord with Israel.
The Gulf state contributed $51.8 million to the refugee agency in 2018 and 2019, but it reduced that contribution by an unprecedented margin in 2020, down to a mere $1 million.

Updated 08 Feb, 2021 10:25am

World

Pakistan set to initiate Gwadar shipyard project

Pakistan has finalised the details for the construction of a new shipyard in Gwadar, the country's deep sea-port in the province of Balochistan.
The project aims to incentivise the commercial shipbuilding and repair industry, generate employment and spur economic growth.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:41pm

Pakistan

PM discusses bilateral ties, COVID-19 with crown prince Abu Dhabi

They also exchanged views on COVID-19 pandemic and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:38pm

Pakistan

Kashmir will now head towards freedom: PM hopes

The people, he said, also knew that the incumbent government had inherited the a debt-burdened country.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:37pm

Pakistan

CM directs PEDO to complete arrangements for ground breaking of Balakot Hydro Project

The meeting also approved a social enterprise model for operation and management of micro hydropower projects with a generating capacity of 100 KW and above.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:35pm

Pakistan

CM Buzdar announces Rs 15bn for ‘Rajanpur Development Package’

He announced package of Rs 500 million for promoting tourism at Marri in Trible area.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:34pm

Pakistan

President prays for safety of missing Ali Sadpara, other climbers

A rescue operation has been launched to locate the missing climbers.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:32pm

Pakistan

21 more Covid patients die in Sindh province

The chief minister urged people of the province to follow SOPs.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:32pm

Pakistan

KCCI upset over stoppage of payments by NSC

The KCCI President asked the Ministry of Finance and SBP to issue directives for immediate release of payments to the masses so that their lives were not disturbed.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:15pm

South Asia

Vietnam expects to receive first COVID vaccines before end of March

The government cited a WHO official as saying that the vaccine it will receive under the COVAX scheme is made by AstraZeneca.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:13pm

World

Pfizer applies to register COVID-19 vaccine in Brazil

The vaccine has an overall efficacy of 95%, and efficacy of 94% in people aged over 65, the U.S. drugmaker said in a statement.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:13pm

Middle East

Denmark to lift UAE flight ban from Sunday: UAE embassy

Passengers travelling from the UAE to Denmark must present a negative COVID-19 no older than 24 hours before boarding.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:10pm

South Asia

Indonesia approves China's Sinovac vaccine for the elderly

Indonesia's health ministry declined to comment, though it has said the elderly are set to receive the vaccine by April.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:07pm

South Asia

India asks states to speed up COVID-19 vaccination

It said in a statement there remains "substantial scope for improvement in the number of average vaccinations per vaccination session."

Published 06 Feb, 2021 08:07pm

Europe

Netherlands coronavirus cases surpass a million

The RIVM late last year estimated that the total number of infections was probably at least three times the amount of confirmed cases.

Updated 06 Feb, 2021 08:07pm

Pakistan

COVID-19 claims 28 lives, infects 1,286 more people

During the last 24 hours most of the deaths had occurred in the Punjab followed by Sindh.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:28pm

Pakistan

PM assures all out support to promote KP tourism, conserve forests

The prime minister, in a meeting with the parliamentarians, also assured for the expansion of Swat Motorway, on the parliamentarian's request.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:27pm

Pakistan

Pakistan stands with Kashmiris till they get right to self-determination: Mazari

The silence of the international community on the Kashmir issue could be a prelude to a major war in the region, she feared.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:25pm

Pakistan

CPEC to contribute in Pakistan’s economic progress: Senator Saif

He also underlined that CPEC will prove a milestone for sustained development of Pakistan to lead the country on the path of sustainable development goals.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:23pm

Pakistan

14 deaths, 457 new cases of COVID-19 in Punjab

The Punjab health department conducted 3,004,196 tests for the COVID-19 so far while 146,235 confirmed cases had been recovered.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:21pm

Pakistan

Opposition leader criticizes Sindh govt for non-provision of health facilities

He said that the provincial government had spent Rs620 billion on health but the people had not even got an ambulance.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:17pm

Pakistan

PM for special focus on skill development to nurture academia-market linkage

The prime minister said the country’s future was linked with the promotion of education.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:19pm

Pakistan

CM declares Mari as tourist hub after announcing multiple development schemes

Usman Buzdar said work on six development schemes of multi-natured and aspects were carried out through the annual budget.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:15pm

Pakistan

OIC’s unified message to India “critical” for Kashmir resolution: Qureshi

He hoped that the Contact Group meeting would help identify action-oriented and practical steps to this end.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:14pm

USA

Biden to raise current U.S. refugee cap from historic lows

U.S. President Joe Biden plans to raise the refugee cap for the current fiscal year to 62,500, a sharp increase from the 15,000 set by former President Donald Trump, two people familiar with the move told Reuters on Friday.
The allocations will create spots for 22,000 refugees from Africa, 6,000 from East Asia, 4,000 from Europe and Central Asia, 5,000 from Latin America and the Caribbean, and 13,000 from South Asia.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:12pm

Pakistan

Compromise on corruption against PTI philosophy: Shibli

The government was going to improve things in an organised way to restore the repute of both the institutions, he added.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:09pm

Pakistan

Another patient dies of COVID-19 in Faisalabad

He said that 550 beds were allocated at the Allied Hospital and 85 at the DHQ Hospital for COVID-19 patients.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:07pm

Pakistan

Gold prices decrease by Rs200 per tola to Rs111,800

The price of per tola silver increased by Rs40.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:06pm

Pakistan

Shibli pays tribute to Munnu Bhai for setting up Sundas Foundation

He said that Imran Khan set up cancer hospital before starting his political journey, besides establishing a university.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:02pm

Middle East

U.S. to drop Houthi terrorist designation due to Yemen crisis

The United States intends to revoke the Houthi movement’s terrorist designation in response to Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, reversing one of the Trump administration’s most criticised last-minute decisions.
The move, confirmed by a State Department official on Friday, came a day after President Joe Biden declared a halt to U.S. support for the Saudi Arabia-led military campaign in Yemen, which is widely seen as a proxy conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Updated 06 Feb, 2021 07:04pm

Pakistan

Politically-motivated demolitions begin in Malir to pressurize PTI leaders: Haleem Adil

He said that proper papers and documents are present regarding the lands of his brother Azeem Adil Sheikh and his cousin Tariq Qureshi.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 07:00pm

Pakistan

580 staffers being vaccinated against novel coronavirus in district Khanewal

Deputy Commissioner also spoke and stressed upon people to follow precautions to avoid the novel coronavirus.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:59pm

Pakistan

Five more coronavirus cases surfaced in Attock

He said that safe burial of as many as 87 positive and suspected patients are also carried out in the district.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:57pm

Pakistan

Motorway rape case: ATC directs police to file challan till Feb 10

An FIR was lodged with the Gujjarpura police under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).

Updated 06 Feb, 2021 06:58pm

Pakistan

Balochistan governor denounces Quetta attack

The governor urged the law enforcement agencies to take stern action against the perpetrators involved in the crime.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:36pm

Pakistan

Politically-motivated demolitions begin in Malir: Haleem

Haleem said when we started exposing the corruption of the PPP leaders, Murad Ali Shah on behest of Zardari started demolishing the farm houses of PTI leaders in Malir.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:34pm

Pakistan

ANF access to WeBOC system will improve doing business ranking

There is a need of updating the information of pre-curser chemicals within the ANF staff working at ports.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:32pm

Pakistan

Cold, dry weather expected in country's most parts

Cold weather in upper parts and north Balochistan is expected.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:31pm

Pakistan

PM stresses to give modern professional training to youth

The Prime Minister emphasized for building a strong linkage between educational institutions and the market.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:30pm

Pakistan

Kashmiris will succeed in struggle for right to self-determination: PM

He said the international community is fully aware of the atrocities being perpetrated in IIOJK.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:28pm

Pakistan

PM keen to fully support KP Govt for tourism development

The Prime Minister also called for exploiting immense tourism potential in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:27pm

Pakistan

Punjab CM lays foundation stone for different development projects in Rajanpur

He also announced establishment of a University in the city.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:26pm

Pakistan

Looters of national wealth will be accountable: Shahzad Akbar

He said the government is committed to the welfare of people and all resources will be utilized for this purpose.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:26pm

Pakistan

OIC’s steadfast and resolute support, source of strength for Kashmiris: FM

Foreign Minister said the illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir has been shrouded in a veil of darkness in the wake of illegal actions of 5th August 2019.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:25pm

Pakistan

Country's economy is on upward trajectory due to govt’s prudent policies: Minister

He said the previous government of PML-N had left the fragile economy by taking huge foreign loans.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:23pm

Pakistan

Corona claims 28 lives in Pakistan over last 24- hours

508,700 people have recovered from this disease.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:20pm

South Asia

Huge police deployment counters Indian farmers protests

The farmers say the changes mean the crucial agriculture industry will be taken over by major conglomerates.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:18pm

Europe

New accusations against embattled EU border chief

The damning reports against Fabrice Leggeri come at a time when the Frontex agency is taking on a greater frontline role in patrolling the EU's borders.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:16pm

Middle East

Blinken in first phone call with Saudi counterpart

State department spokesman has noted that Biden made clear the United States still supported Saudi Arabia outside the Yemen war.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:14pm

Europe

Two missing, one seriously hurt in Bordeaux garage explosion

The two missing people are the garage mechanic and his partner.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:12pm

Middle East

Netanyahu vows to fight 'anti-Semitic' ICC ruling

Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in the Six-Day War of 1967, and later annexed mostly Arab east Jerusalem.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:11pm

South Asia

China approves second domestic Covid-19 vaccine

Chinese vaccine makers also have chequered reputations, after major scandals at home involving expired or poor quality products.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 05:58pm

Africa

Chad ruling party backs Deby bid for sixth term

Deby is expected to face a joint opposition candidate in the April vote.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 06:06pm

Middle East

German firm to clear Beirut port of dangerous containers

Lebanon's worst peace-time disaster sparked concerns over remaining shipments of hazardous chemicals still stored at the blast site.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 05:56pm

Africa

Libya embarks on new transition phase

It marked the start of a new chapter for the country after the failure of a 2015 UN-brokered deal that established a Government of National Accord headed by Fayez al-Sarraj.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 05:54pm

Africa

Somalia leaders fail to reach deal on elections

The impasse threatens a constitutional crisis in the fragile Horn of Africa nation that is already confronting a violent Islamist insurgency, a locust invasion and serious food shortages.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 05:52pm

Europe

Key players rally behind Draghi in Italy government talks

Draghi "already has the confidence of Europe and the markets. Soon he will receive parliament's confidence," daily Il Corriere della Sera predicted.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 05:50pm

South Asia

Myanmar anti-coup protests grow as army broadens internet crackdown

A large riot police contingent blocked nearby roads, with two water cannon trucks parked at the scene.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 05:48pm

Sports

Mehidy aims for history as Bangladesh pressure West Indies in Test

Mehidy needs only three more wickets to become just the fourth all-rounder to get a hundred with the bat and take 10 wickets in the same Test.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 05:46pm

Middle East

Iran to start Covid vaccinations within week: Rouhani

Health workers would be the first to get the jabs, followed by the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, Rouhani said.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 05:45pm

Europe

Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Saturday

At least 105,350,590 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 64,157,800 are now considered recovered.

Updated 06 Feb, 2021 05:46pm

Sports

Root hits double ton as England reach 555-8

The captain, who resumed on his overnight 128, hit a big six to pass 200 before departing in the final session in Chennai.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 05:25pm

Technology

Instagram latest feature allows users retrieve deleted posts

According to details, this new feature of Instagram was rolled out last week to users around the world, which allows users to retrieve deleted posts.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 04:05pm

World

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 10,485

The reported death toll rose by 689 to 61,286, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 03:55pm

Pakistan

K2 Winter Summit: Pakistani mountaineer Ali Sadpara, two others reportedly missing

Sadpara has been active on Twitter throughout the K-2 expedition.
Pakistan Army helicopters have been dispatched for search and rescue operations. So far, the rescue mission has not been able to locate the climbers.
Pakistani actor, singer and host Fakhar-e-Alam tweeted about the missing climbers too, requesting his followers to pray for their recovery.

Updated 06 Feb, 2021 04:01pm

World

Facebook urges unblocking of Myanmar social media

“We are extremely concerned by orders to shut down the internet in Myanmar,” said Rafael Frankel, Facebook’s director of public policy, APAC emerging countries. “We strongly urge the authorities to order the unblocking of all social media services.”

Published 06 Feb, 2021 03:52pm

Pakistan

Interior ministry notifies troops’ deployment during by-polls in eight constituencies

Rangers personnel will be deployed in PS-88 from February 15 to 17 in PS-88 and PS-43 outside the polling stations.
The development was made on request of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Published 06 Feb, 2021 03:18pm

Asia

China approves Sinovac Biotech COVID-19 vaccine for general public use

It marks the second COVID-19 vaccine green-lighted for public use in China, after a shot developed by a Beijing institute affiliated to state-owned China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) was approved in December.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 02:29pm

World

New York becomes first state in US to proclaim February 5 as Kashmir Day

The New York State Assembly marked February 5 as Kashmir Day by adopting a resolution by a voice vote.
"The State of New York endeavours to champion human rights including the freedom of religion, movement, and expression for all Kashmiri people," the resolution said.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 02:27pm

Pakistan

Snatched mobile phone market setup in Karachi: Police

The development was confirmed by two habitual street criminals, who were arrested by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of Karachi Police.
They were arrested by the SIU from PIB Colony, and illegal weapons and other valuables were recovered from their possession, said officials.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 02:02pm

Pakistan

Over 7,300 frontline workers received COVID-19 vaccine shots in Sindh

During the drive, 1,192 health workers were administered at Karachi’s Khaliq Dina Hall vaccination centre and 462 health workers received jabs at Jinnah Hospital.
615 frontline workers were vaccinated at Liaquatabad Hospital in Karachi.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 01:42pm

Asia

Myanmar generals shut down internet as thousands protest coup

Myanmar’s junta shut down the internet in the country on Saturday as thousands of people took to the streets of Yangon to denounce this week’s coup and demand the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 01:31pm

Business & Finance

Govt to sign new agreement with IPP’s: Hafeez Shaikh

On issues revolving the power sector, he said that "there is a lot of focus on the power sector."

Published 06 Feb, 2021 01:27pm

Pakistan

There is no change in Pakistan's principled stand on Kashmir issue, clarifies FO following PM's statement

The FO issued this statement following PM's statement that Pakistan will allow the Kashmiris to decide between choosing to join Pakistan or remaining independent even after they vote in favour of Pakistan.
"Pakistan remains firmly committed to the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices as enshrined in the relevant UNSC resolutions," FO added.

Updated 06 Feb, 2021 12:58pm

Business & Finance

IMF's Georgieva tells Argentina it 'takes two to tango' in deal talks

Georgieva told reporters she had a “very constructive” phone call recently with Argentine President Alberto Fernandez but said it was premature to disclose details of a potential program.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 12:06pm

Business & Finance

ADB funded Oxygen Concentrators handed over to Pakistan

An Oxygen Concentrator is a critical life-saving device used for treating patients suffering from coronavirus infection, birth asphyxia and complicated pneumonia.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 12:02pm

Technology

Facebook Fights ‘Misinformation’ through Third Party Fact Checking

The company defined ‘misinformation’ as false information that is often shared unintentionally.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 10:55am

Business & Finance

GameStop shares halt slide after Robinhood lifts trading curbs

The videogame retailer, the initial trigger for the market slugfest after gaining popularity on social media platform Reddit’s WallStreetBets, closed up 19.20% at $63.77 after hitting a session high of $95, although the wild gyrations seen in the past two weeks appeared to be easing.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 10:27am

Business & Finance

Biden says he does not expect minimum wage hike to be in COVID-19 relief bill

“My guess is it will not be in it. But I do think that we should have a minimum wage, stand by itself, $15 an hour,” Biden said in an interview with the CBS Evening News.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 10:22am

Business & Finance

Pakistan Exports cross $2bn mark for four consecutive months

This is the first time in the last eight years that exports have crossed the $ 2 billion mark for four consecutive months.
He was briefed that in January 2021, an increasing trend has been witnessed in the export of value-added and non-traditional products.

Published 06 Feb, 2021 10:14am