News Archives for Latest - 2021-02-22

Perspectives

The Scope for Regulating Crypto In Pakistan

Think back to 2017, chances are that your street-smart cousin was busy liquidating his Bahria town file to invest in...

Updated 23 Feb, 2021 12:08pm

Europe

EU prepares sanctions on four Russians over Navalny, diplomats say

EU ministers agree sanctions in mainly symbolic move.
Navalny aide says sanctions might weaken Putin.
Polish president says conditions for diplomacy worsening.

Updated 23 Feb, 2021 09:30am

Middle East

Hamas launches Covid vaccinations in Gaza

Israel had earlier blocked a PA vaccine shipment from entering Gaza.

Updated 23 Feb, 2021 09:30am

South Asia

Vietnam to start COVID-19 vaccinations in March

The first wave of COVID-19 vaccinations, prioritising frontline medical workers and high-risk groups, will begin in March right after the first batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine arrives and passes quality checks.
The government said previously it was in talks with Russian and US vaccine manufacturers on potential supply agreements.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:07pm

Commodities

Ivory Coast rains revive hopes for a good cocoa crop

Ivory Coast, the world's top cocoa producer, is in the dry season, when little rain tends to fall from mid-November to March.
All the farmers are happy. The ground received a lot of water, which gives us lots of hope for the mid-crop.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:06pm

Companies

South Africa's Sasol abandons $2bn rights issue on turnaround progress

Sasol avoids dilutive rights issue.
Received proceeds of $3.3 billion asset sales.
Plans further asset sales of as much as $500 million by end 2021.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:06pm

USA

Using trade ties to secure doses, Chile moves fast on COVID-19 vaccination drive

That puts it in the top 10 globally of larger countries and compares to 172 days for Brazil and over 1,000 days for Mexico, which has faced delays in its inoculation program.
This global tragedy perhaps gives us the opportunity as Chileans not just to get a shot in the arm but reach out to people and soothe the nation's soul.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:06pm

Europe

IMF says COVID-19 might widen wealth differences in Europe

She said in the 27-nation EU, countries that are traditional tourist destinations, such as Spain, Greece, and Italy, contracted more than 9% in 2020 compared to an average contraction of 6.4% across the bloc.
According to IMF forecasts, by the end of 2022, per capita income for central and eastern Europe would be 3.8% below pre-crisis projections, compared with a shortfall of just 1.3% for advanced EU economies.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:06pm

Companies

Stuck in port, Royal Caribbean's quarterly loss cruises past $1 billion

Company posts loss of more than $1 bln for 4th straight quarter.
Points to strong demand for cruises next year.
Expects net loss for second straight fiscal year.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:06pm

Money & Banking

Bank of Israel holds benchmark interest rate at 0.1pc

All 15 economists polled by Reuters had said they expected the monetary policy committee to keep rates steady after doing so ever since cutting them from 0.25% early last April.
Central bank officials have expressed reluctance to lower the key rate from an all-time low to zero or into negative territory despite a strong shekel and three lockdowns.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:06pm

Money & Banking

Bank of Israel's statement after monetary policy meeting

The broad unemployment rate increased during the third lockdown, to about 20 percent in the second half of January, after having declined to about 13 percent during the period between the lockdowns.
From the previous interest rate decision until January 14, the shekel strengthened by 3.2 percent in terms of the nominal effective exchange rate.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:06pm

Industry

Turkcell could list or sell stake in units but not soon

These assets should not be appraised within the metrics of a mobile telecom operator but within their own universe.
The company has restructured its digital services into separate companies to allow easy access for investors.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:06pm

Europe

UK temporarily bans some 777s from its airspace after Denver incident

After issues this weekend, Boeing B777s with Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 series engines will be temporarily banned from entering the UK airspace.
Britain's regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, noted on twitter that the particular configuration is not used by any UK airlines.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:06pm

USA

US seeks to extend, strengthen nuclear pact with Iran: Blinken

Working with allies and partners, we will also seek to lengthen and strengthen the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and address other areas of concern, including Iran's destabilizing regional behavior and ballistic missile development and proliferation.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:06pm

Money & Banking

ECB's Visco says euro can only last if euro zone becomes a single state

A stateless currency can last for a certain amount of time but then there is a need for a state and a budget union.
Visco's message was similar to the one given by former ECB chief Mario Draghi last week in his maiden speech to parliament as Italy's new prime minister.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:05pm

USA

US moderates reject Biden budget pick Tanden over 'mean tweets,' risking confirmation

Neera Tanden has neither the experience nor the temperament to lead this critical agency. Her past actions have demonstrated exactly the kind of animosity that President Biden has pledged to transcend.
The confirmation fight underscored the influence a small group of moderates will have as Biden seeks to achieve his policy goals in the narrowly divided Congress.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:05pm

Commodities

Ivory Coast seeks to sell 100,000 tonnes of cocoa as buyers haggle

There are around 100,000 tonnes of cocoa held by small Ivorian exporters that the CCC is trying to sell, but the problem is that no-one is interested if the differential is not interesting.
Two CCC sources, asking not to be named, confirmed the volumes and the discounts requested by exporters.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:05pm

Companies

Citgo working on start-up plan for Corpus Christi, Texas refinery

"We are progressing on a thorough assessment of potential damages," Citgo said in an emailed statement on Monday.
The company also said its 418,000 barrel-per-day Lake Charles, Louisiana refinery is now operating at full production.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:05pm

Stocks

Sri Lankan shares slip as industrials, financials drag

Lanka ORIX Leasing company slid 7.4% to be the biggest drag on the index, followed by a 2.8% fall in conglomerate John Keells Holdings.
Trading volume on the CSE All Share Index fell to 130.4 million, from 199.5 million in the previous session.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:05pm

Stocks

Indian shares drop as investors take profits, virus worries weigh

*The NSE Nifty 50 index ended 2.04% lower at 14,675.70, clocking its biggest one-day drop since Dec. 21. The S&P BSE Sensex closed down 2.25% at 49,744.32. * There is a round of profit-booking that is still happening ... valuations remain high and we are seeing a consolidation.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:05pm

Commodities

Amplats to raise output after high metals prices boost profit

Miner posts 63% jump in annual profit.
Rand weakness helps to reduce costs.
Aims to boost output by 20% by 2030.
Plans to drive mechanisation of all operations.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:05pm

USA

Biden to revise small business loans to reach smaller, minority firms

Biden administration officials said that for two weeks starting on Wednesday, the Small Business Administration will only accept applications for forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from firms with fewer than 20 employees to ensure that they are not crowded out by larger firms.
The Small Business Administration will revise the rules to match the approach used to allow small farmers and ranchers to receive aid, the businesses said.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:05pm

Commodities

Raw sugar steadies after hitting near four-year peak last week

March raw sugar fell 0.3% to 17.74 cents per lb.
May arabica coffee fell 0.4% to $1.2860 per lb.
May London cocoa rose 1.1% to 1,808 pounds per tonne after dipping to a more than one month low last week.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:05pm

Forex

Dollar holds its ground as markets focus on rising yields

German business morale jumps.
Dollar index flat.
Aussie, kiwi make three-year peaks.
Sterling gains as lockdown finish-line comes in to view.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

Money & Banking

Moderate inflation in India provides room to support growth: MPC minutes

The Reserve Bank of India kept rates steady at record low levels this month and said it would maintain support for recovery from the coronavirus by ensuring ample liquidity.
The near-term outlook for inflation appears less risky than the near-term challenges for growth which warrant continuing policy support, at least until the elusive engine of investment fires and consumption, the mainstay of aggregate demand in India, stabilizes.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

Money & Banking

M&T Bank to buy People's United Financial in $7.6bn deal

The combined bank will have a network of more than 1,100 branches and over 2,000 ATMs across 12 US states, M&T Bank said in a statement on Monday.
"The merger extends our reach by providing customers access to a larger banking network and an expanded array of services," People's United Chief Executive Officer Jack Barnes said.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

Money & Banking

Swedish central bank's Floden says inflationary pressure to remain weak

"Inflation expectations... have risen quite strongly in the US, in Sweden and in the euro zone," Floden said in a speech.
"Our judgement is that inflation pressure is, nevertheless, weak and will remain weak for a while and we must therefore continue to have expansionary monetary policy."

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

Companies

Vodafone's Czech business in talks on cooperation with CEZ

Financial daily Hospodarske Noviny reported on Monday that CEZ, central Europe's largest listed energy group, was interested in buying Vodafone's Czech business.
Shares in CEZ, 70% owned by the state, were down 0.4% to 518 crowns by midday on Monday, outperforming the market.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

South Asia

Philippine capital to retain coronavirus curbs until vaccinations

Sinovac vaccines could arrive this month.
Long lockdown led to record economic slump.
Duterte puts public health ahead of economy.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

Financial

Czechs ramp up borrowing, to offer up to CZK 54bn in March bond auctions

The ministry added it would also offer up to 10 billion crowns worth of short-term Treasury bills through two auctions.
The increase was higher than expected by many analyst and market players and indicates growing borrowing in 2021.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

Stocks

Shares in Italian motorway group ASTM soar on buyout offer

The approach follows similar moves this year in Italy at coffee producer Zanetti and packaging equipment firm IMA as investors take advantage of record low interest rates.
A drop in motorway traffic caused by the pandemic had driven ASTM shares down to Friday's close of around 20 euros from 25 euros a year ago, just before COVID-19 contagion hit Italy.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

Companies

US clearinghouse Apex to go public via $4.7bn deal with Ledecky's SPAC

The deal comes in the backdrop of a boom in business for clearinghouses, driven by a recent social media-fueled trading frenzy for heavily-shorted stocks such as GameStop and others.
Northern Star, led by Ledecky and former Cosmopolitan magazine editor-in-chief Joanna Coles, last month raised $400 million in an initial public offering.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

Europe

Turkey's Erdogan defends plunge in reserves under ex-minister Albayrak

Erdogan described the CHP campaign as an attack on his family, and that Albayrak had been at the forefront of the country's economic battle.
Planned forex transactions were carried out in this difficult period to ensure there were no problems with the balance of payments.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

Energy

Just Energy forecasts $250mn loss from frigid weather, flags going concern doubts

An arctic air mass that spread into an area unused to such low temperatures killed at least two dozen people in Texas and knocked out power to more than 4 million at its peak.
The company said the extreme weather condition would hit its liquidity and that it was in talks with its key stakeholders.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

Middle East

UAE and Qatar hold first meeting since Gulf détente

The two sides discussed joint mechanisms and procedures for implementing the al-Ula statement. They emphasised the importance of preserving Gulf kinship and developing joint Gulf action in the interest of GCC countries and their citizens, and of achieving stability and prosperity in the region.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 10:04pm

Forex

Canadian dollar pulls back from 3-year high as stocks fall

Canadian dollar dips 0.1% against the greenback.
Loonie touches its strongest since April 2018 at 1.2580.
Price of US oil rises 1.5%.
Canada's 10-year yield touches a one-year high at 1.256%.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:46pm

Stocks

Wall St falls as growth stocks slide; inflation concerns, rising yields weigh

Technology-related companies resume slide.
Boeing falls as regulators probe engine blow-outs.
Discovery rises on strong paid streaming subscribers forecast.
Indexes down: Dow 0.45%, S&P 0.60%, Nasdaq 1.19%.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:41pm

Europe

Germany's Merkel proposes 3-stage plan to lift virus curbs

Germany starts reopening schools in 10 states on Monday.
Merkel: Lifting restrictions should be tied to more testing.
State health ministers advance teachers up vaccine queue.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:39pm

USA

Yellen says to judge Biden stimulus on speed of return to pre-pandemic unemployment

The current US unemployment rate is 6.3%, compared with 3.5% before the pandemic - a level widely viewed as effectively full employment.
Success to me would be if we could get back to pre-pandemic levels of unemployment and see the re-employment of those who have lost jobs in the service sector, particularly - I would also consider them a measure of success.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:38pm

Stocks

TSX falls weighed by inflation concerns

Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index was down 31.43 points, or 0.17%, at 18,352.84.
US crude and Brent crude prices rose around 2%, while Spot Gold gained 1.37%.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:36pm

Europe

Ukraine accuses Russian networks of new massive cyber attacks

"It was revealed that addresses belonging to certain Russian traffic networks were the source of these coordinated attacks," the Council said.
Ukraine's army said this month that five of its service personnel were killed over the week ended on Feb. 14 despite a ceasefire with pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:34pm

Energy

US natgas falls over 5pc on milder weather, lower demand forecasts

Front-month gas futures for March delivery fell 16.1 cents, or 5.3%, to $2.908 per million British thermal units.
Next-day gas at the Henry Hub benchmark in Louisiana fell to just $4.96 per mmBtu for Monday after hitting a record $23.86 last week.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:32pm

Money & Banking

ECB getting uncomfortable with rise in yields

Risk-free overnight indexed swap rates and sovereign yields are particularly important, because they are good early indicators of what happens at downstream stages of monetary policy transmission.
"Accordingly, the ECB is closely monitoring the evolution of longer-term nominal bond yields," she said.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:30pm

Europe

'Real-world' UK data shows 70pc decline in COVID infections after first Pfizer shot

"Overall, we're seeing a really strong effect to reducing any infection, asymptomatic and symptomatic," PHE's strategic response director Susan Hopkins told a media briefing.
"Hospitalisation and deaths rates are falling in all age groups, but the oldest age groups are seeing the fastest decline since the peak in mid-January," a PHE statement said.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:27pm

USA

US Supreme Court paves way for release of Trump's tax returns

"The work continues," Vance said in a statement issued after the court's action.
Vance had previously said in a letter to Trump's lawyers that his office would be free to immediately enforce the subpoena if the justices rejected Trump's request.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:25pm

Europe

UK PM sets out cautious approach to easing England's COVID lockdown

Johnson announces roadmap out of lockdown.
Schools in England to reopen from March 8.
UK has 5th worst COVID death toll in world.
Speedy vaccine roll-out key to lockdown easing.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:24pm

Companies

Kuwait's Jazeera Airways considering 13 jet order, chairman

The budget carrier has long mulled an aircraft order to expand and replace its fleet of leased Airbus, but decided against going head with such a deal as recently as 2019.
We have put in place a five-year plan in which the number of our fleet aircraft will increase from 17 to 30 aircraft within five years ending in 2025.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:22pm

Stocks

Property agent Foxtons confirms talks to buy rival Douglas & Gordon, shares fall

Shares of the company, which last year tapped markets for additional cash and furloughed employees, fell as much as 18% after it also said any final deal would be funded through existing cash.
Rival Countrywide in December agreed to Connells' sweetened buyout proposal after struggling for many years as Brexit and the health crisis added to pressure from a botched restructuring in 2015.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:20pm

Forex

South Africa's rand slides as rising US yields sour risk demand

The unit had managed a one year high of 14.4050 early last week but has retreated since as investors reassessed likely rate moves in the United States.
Yields on 10-year US government bonds touched one-year highs.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:18pm

Companies

Motiva restarts biggest US refinery in Port Arthur, Texas

The cold snap caused unexpected shutdown of process units from steam loss, Motiva said in a filing with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Exxon Mobil Corp began restarting its 369,024 bpd Beaumont refinery on Sunday.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:17pm

Europe

Irish COVID-19 jobless claims fall for second successive week

Pandemic Unemployment Payment claims dropped by 0.9% week-on-week to 473,400, still around 200,000 higher than in December, before most building sites, shops and hospitality facilities shut.
The government has said any reopening of society from next month will be very gradual, with the hospitality sector likely to remain shut until mid-summer.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:13pm

Europe

UK PM says no international travel until mid-May at earliest

The government will determine when international travel should resume, which will be no earlier than 17 May.
Britain is looking at a system of allowing vaccinated individuals to travel more freely internationally, it added.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:14pm

Africa

South African mall operators will continue to provide rental relief in 2021

Liberty will provide rental relief until end of Q1.
Redefine to provided additional 46 mln rand in rent discounts.
Redefine now poised for expansion after disposals.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:11pm

Stocks

Wall Street retreats amid inflations fears

About 30 minutes into the trading session, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had dropped 0.3 percent to 31,387.96.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:11pm

Technology

Alphabet in talks with Spanish publishers to bring Google News back

Google News, which links to third party content, closed in Spain in late 2014 in response to legislation which meant it had to pay a mandatory collective licensing fee to re-publish headlines or snippets of news.
Spain's Culture Ministry said the government was working on a draft bill, but declined to give further details.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:09pm

Pakistan

PML-N, PPP purchasing votes for Senate elections through corruption made money

He said the person, who comes to parliament through the use of money, cannot be the real representative of public.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:10pm

Pakistan

FM urges Int'l community to take serious look into Indian false propaganda to defame Pakistan

Qureshi urged the EU authorities to take notice of massive campaign against Pakistan, and not to let their legal frameworks and institutions be misused.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:09pm

Pakistan

SHC rejects bail application of journalist's murderers

The court also directed the police to arrest the accused and all six accused were arrested and sent to jail.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:07pm

Pakistan

No dearth of talent in Pakistan: FM

He said institutions like Crescent Art Gallery could play a significant role in introducing landmark work of Pakistani artists.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:06pm

Pakistan

Haleem Adil arrested on political grounds, should be released immediately: Shibli

The minister said that politics of bullying, violence and terrorism could not be called democracy.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:05pm

Pakistan

5 new cases of COVID-19 tested positive in Abbottabad

The total number of confirmed Coronavirus positive cases was 3432 where 3218 patients have been recovered and 144 have been expired.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:03pm

Pakistan

Kamran Bangash for promotion of book reading culture

He said the government accorded top priority to promotion of quality education besides promotion of book-reading and welfare of teachers.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:02pm

Pakistan

Reference against Zardari adjourned without proceeding

NAB prosecutor Sohail Arif and witness Zulifqar Ali Gopang attended the proceeding.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 09:02pm

Pakistan

Kashmiris strive for UN-sponsored plebiscite, not autonomy: AJK President

He maintained that we welcome the concern expressed by the United Nations over the change of demography of occupied Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian government.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:59pm

Pakistan

Independent election commission need of the hour: Sirajul Haq

He said the JI had decided to stay away from the politics of the opposition and the government and launch a separate movement for rights of the public.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:58pm

Pakistan

IHC serves notices to police in Osma Satti murder case

The petitioner had named Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chief Commissioner ICT and others as respondents in the case.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:57pm

Pakistan

Efforts on to promote housing sector: Mehmood-ur-Rasheed

He said that process of necessary legislation had been completed to promote the housing sector.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:56pm

Pakistan

Reference against Shaukat Aziz adjourned till Mar 10

The court had already declared Shaukat Aziz as proclaimed offender in this case.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:54pm

Pakistan

IHC clubs Nawaz Sharif case with social media rules matter

The court adjourned hearing of the case till February 26.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:54pm

Pakistan

Bail petitions of lawyers adjourned in IHC attack case

During hearing, the petitioners' lawyers requested the judge to grant time for case preparation which was allowed by the court.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:54pm

Pakistan

Rupee gains 04 paisas against US dollar

Buying and selling rates of dollar were recorded at Rs158.9 and Rs159.6 respectively.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:52pm

Pakistan

Gold prices increase Rs400 to Rs110,750

The price of per tola silver increased by Rs20.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:50pm

Pakistan

ECP sets up 39 centres for voters form submission in Multan district

He stated that people could get their votes registered, transferred, exclusion and correction in names at these centres.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:50pm

Pakistan

PM visit to Sri Lanka to further cement trade relations: SAARC-CCI

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to SAARC and expressed the hope that the process of regional co-coordination would be allowed to move forward.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:49pm

Pakistan

PSX loses 337 points to close at 45,890 points

As many as 414 companies transacted shares in the stock market, 162 of them recorded gain and 230 sustained losses.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:47pm

Pakistan

PSX Holds Gong Ceremony on Listing of Panther Tyres Limited

Panther Tyres raised capital through the Issue to partially fund the Company’s expansion project.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:43pm

Pakistan

Expansionist designs of India, a threat to world peace: Shehryar Afridi

Afridi said that until recently, there existed no punishment for 'war rape' in international law.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:42pm

Pakistan

Two more patients die of COVID at Nishtar Hospital

He informed that a total of 64 patients of COVID-19 were admitted in the hospital while 24 were positive and 27 were suspected.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:41pm

Pakistan

722 doses of corona vaccine supplied to Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital Bannu

The meeting was informed that vaccines received from China are being administered to health personnel who were fighting as frontline workers against the infectious corona disease.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:40pm

Pakistan

COVID-19 claims one more patient, infects 225 others

Murad Ali Shah said that 9,869 samples were tested which detected 225 cases that constituted 2.3 percent current detection rate.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:39pm

Pakistan

ECP gives another chance for registration of vote with correct address

The DEC said that any person whose vote was registered with wrong address could correct it by submitting form in concerned centers.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:38pm

Pakistan

Electronic Voting machine to help get rid of election rigging; Ch Fawad

He said that the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Institute of Electronics had done a great job by developing such a machine.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:36pm

Pakistan

Governor rule, not under consideration in Sindh: Imran Ismail

Imran Ismail said that Haleem Adil Sheikh had been tortured in the jail. The jailor had released edited CCTV footage.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:35pm

Pakistan

Buzdar launches Rahmatul-Lil -Aalameen scholarship programme

He said that 50 percent of the scholarships would be given to brilliant students on merit while remaining 50 percent to the deserving students.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:34pm

Pakistan

Balochistan government trying to hold PSL matches to promote sports: CM

Jam Kamal said that we have overcome the weaknesses of the past saying that Quetta Gladiator is my favorite team in PSL.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:32pm

Pakistan

CM, PA speaker discusses Senate election strategy

Pervaiz Elahi said that nominated candidates would be got elected and allies were at the same page with regard to the Senate elections.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:31pm

Pakistan

PA Speaker meets CM Punjab

The Chief Minister said that all the candidates of the government alliance would succeed, adding that consultation had been started in this regard.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:30pm

Pakistan

Rehman Malik calls for inter-faith harmony, unity among all faiths

He assured his entire support to promote interfaith harmony and protect the rights of minorities in the country.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:29pm

Pakistan

Vote for PTI candidates in Senate polls: PM Imran tells MPAs in KP

He urged them to put greed aside and vote for their ideology. Those who sold their votes in the 2018 Senate election had to face embarrassment because of that, he noted.
The election on 48 Senate seats will be held on March 3.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:29pm

Pakistan

Two Ordinances laid in National Assembly

Ten periodical reports of as many Standing Committees were presented in the House.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:28pm

Pakistan

Strong political parties necessary for good democracy: SC

The hearing of the case was adjourned till Tuesday while Raza Rabbani would continue his arguments.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:27pm

Pakistan

PPP counsel's emphasis on Senate secret ballot, incompatible with Bhutto’s ideology: Shibli

He said it was evident that both parties were opposing people-friendly legislation and had now retracted the CoD.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:25pm

Pakistan

LCCI for business-friendly upcoming federal budget

They said that these plants could be easily grown on poor quality, waste or arid land which was abundantly available in various parts of the country such as Cholistan.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:23pm

Pakistan

Local bodies to be formed in proportion to population

The Senior Minister said that appropriate changes would be inculcated in tehsils and villages of Punjab as well and different proposals were being considered in this regard.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:22pm

Pakistan

Total number of vaccinated persons 55,508 till to date: Nausheen Hamid

She said that Sehat Sahulat Program is a social health protection initiative of Federal and Participating provincial governments.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:20pm

Pakistan

PM reiterates resolve to uphold transparency in democratic system

The prime minister said the political philosophy of PTI was to serve the masses and work for the betterment of their future.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:19pm

Pakistan

NAB Chairman directs transparent completion of sugar scam investigations

Deputy Chairman NAB, Prosecutor General NAB, DG Operations, DG NAB Rawalpindi and senior officers attended the meeting.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:18pm

Pakistan

President urges Japan to avail abundant business opportunities in Pakistan

The president expressed the desire to further enhance trade and economic relations for the mutual benefits of the two countries.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:17pm

Pakistan

Dr Faisal receives COVID-19 vaccine as licensed medical practitioner

He said that the country was going for next phase of COVID-19 vaccination as there is expectation of arrival of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in early March.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:15pm

Pakistan

Pb govt to provide universal health coverage to every citizen by Dec: Usman Buzdar

The CM maintained the universal health coverage programme would provide free quality healthcare facilities.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:14pm

Pakistan

AJK PM takes serious notice of water scarcity

He directed to ensure the abundant supply of water to the citizens promptly.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:13pm

Middle East

UAE to buy early warning planes from Saab, Patriot missiles from Raytheon

The biggest contract announced on Monday was signed with SAAB, for the purchase of G6000 early warning planes, worth 3.742 billion dirhams.
Contracts were signed with several other companies including Safran and DTec, it said.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:10pm

Pakistan

PIA offers 10pc discount to ICCI members on domestic, international flights

He said PIA was ready to dedicate aircrafts for cargo flights if private sector supported it with more business volume.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:12pm

Pakistan

Govt committed to ensure provision of essential commodities at affordable prices: Hafeez Shaikh

The committee reviewed the price trend of essential commodities especially wheat flour, sugar, vegetable ghee, chicken and eggs during the last week.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:10pm

Commodities

Copper leaps above $9,000 a tonne for first time since 2011

Other base metals hit multi-year highs.
Copper up 16% so far this year.
Speculators raise net long position.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:06pm

Pakistan

Afridi for comprehensive strategy to cope information age challenges

He said unfortunately extreme media freedom was given without sensitising the media houses about the national interests and national discourse.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:08pm

Energy

Front-year prices eye worst day in nearly six weeks

Nordic front-year fell 11.45 euros ($13.89), or 5.4%, to 25.25 euros per megawatt hour (MWh).
Nordic front-quarter baseload power contract fell 3.35 euros, or 12.3%, to 23.80 euros/MWh.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:07pm

Pakistan

Jewellery exports increased 107.21pc

During the period from July 20-Jan 21, Jewellery worth US$ 5,833 exported as compared to worth US$ 2,815 of same period of last year.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:07pm

Pakistan

By-polls results : PPP’s candidate wins NA-221 Tharparkar

RO said that the number of correct votes was 1,60459 while the number of rejected votes remained 5737.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:06pm

Companies

VW's SEAT says Spain needs a battery plant as it eyes EV production

After deeming it "essential" to have a battery factory in Spain, Griffiths also said it would help if batteries were assembled close to the Martorell plant near Barcelona.
"The Spanish government cannot miss the train of electrification," Griffiths said.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:03pm

Pakistan

COVID-19 claims 16 lives, infects 1,160 more people

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

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:05pm

Pakistan

SNGPL, SSGC detect Rs5.62bn gas theft in three years

The SNGPL identified the theft of 5,518 MMCF gas causing a Rs 4,698 million loss to the national exchequer.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:03pm

Energy

Oil prices rise with storm-hit US output set for slow return

Brent crude was up 49 cents, or 0.8%, at $63.40 a barrel.
"With three-quarters of fracking crews standing down, the likelihood of a fast resumption is low," ANZ Research said in a note.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:02pm

Pakistan

Zardari's claim of Gilani's victory proof of horse trading by opposition: Shibli

Shibli said that they signed Charter of Democracy but backtracked from the agreement and promoted the horse trading.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 08:02pm

Pakistan

Uniform curriculum to bring revolution in education sector: Education Minister GB

He said that it would be introduced in schools which would end the class system in the country and the rich and the poor would study the same curriculum.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:50pm

Sports

We need to be alert from the start against Lazio: Bayern's Flick

Bayern have won six titles in the past nine months but have stumbled in their last two league matches with a 3-3 draw against visiting Arminia Bielefeld and a 2-1 defeat on Saturday by Eintracht Frankfurt.
"We know what has happened in the past days," Flick said on the two matches last week. "Against Lazio I want us to be there as a team from the start.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:59pm

Forex

Bitcoin plunges after weekend climb to record high

Bitcoin drops 8%, set for worst day in a month.
Ethereum also falls from record high.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:57pm

Commodities

Gold rebounds despite higher bond yields

Gold hit seven-month low in previous session.
US Treasury yields reach highest in nearly a year.
Markets await Powell testimony to Congress.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:55pm

Sports

Medvedev cracks top three as Karatsev soars 72 places

Karatsev rose from 114th to 42nd after knocking out three seeds before his dream run was ended by Djokovic in the last four.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:41pm

Pakistan

Dr Faisal Sultan gets first jab of COVID-19 vaccine

Pakistan would be able to get 17 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine before June this year, including doses of AstraZeneca vaccine that would start arriving in the first week of March, said SAPM.
“The process to register people aged above 65 for the immunisation process has begun,” said SAPM.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 07:44pm

Stocks

Stock markets struggle, as Johnson to outline lockdown exit

Bitcoin fell to below $55,000, having hit another record high of $58,350 and having passed $1 trillion in market capitalisation.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:38pm

Europe

Ukraine leader 'confident' IMF will unblock aid in 2021

Zelensky said he was "confident" Ukraine will receive the funds by the end of 2021, but did not specify the amount of money he expected to get.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:35pm

Sports

India's Ishant Sharma says 100 Tests just a number

Sharma is set to become India's second quick bowler -- after the legendary Kapil Dev -- to play a century of Test matches.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:33pm

Business & Finance

Shares in Brazil's Petrobras plunge 19pc

Petrobras has increased fuel prices four times so far in 2021, a cumulative rise of nearly 35 percent.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:31pm

Stocks

Wall St set to fall at open on inflation concerns, rising yields

Technology-related companies resume slide.
Boeing falls on 777 engine problem.
Discovery rises on strong paid streaming subscribers forecast.
Futures down: Dow 0.53%, S&P 0.68%, Nasdaq 1.19%.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:30pm

Europe

Italian ambassador killed in DR Congo attack

Attanasio had been representing Italy in Kinshasa since 2017, first as head of mission, and then as ambassador from October 2019.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:29pm

Sports

Sri Lanka's new bowling coach quits ahead of tour

The sudden exit of Vaas came as fast bowler Lahiru Kumara tested positive for coronavirus on Monday and dropped out of the team.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:27pm

USA

Brazil's Bolsonaro approval rating falls to 32.9pc from 41.2pc in October

The poll was conducted between Thursday and Saturday last week and would thus partially include reaction to Bolsonaro's Friday decision to install a retired general with no oil and gas experience as chief executive of state oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:18pm

Pakistan

Health dept to speed up anti COVID-19 vaccination

The vaccination campaign had initially been started for the frontline healthcare workers through public, private hospital and laboratories.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:22pm

Pakistan

Punjab govt to set up 'private mandis' to control inflation: Sadaqat Abbasi

He said that the government was taking all possible measures to tackle rampant inflation.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 07:22pm

Energy

Oil prices rise with storm-hit US output set for slow return

Brent crude was up 51 cents, or 0.8%, at $63.42 a barrel.
"With three-quarters of fracking crews standing down, the likelihood of a fast resumption is low," ANZ Research said in a note.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:17pm

Companies

VW's SEAT says global chip shortages will affect company in first half

He told a news briefing he was "cautiously optimistic" about the whole year, expecting a strong second half in terms of car sales once the impact of the coronavirus pandemic eases.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:06pm

Commodities

USDA forecast of tight supplies supports soybeans despite big crops

Forecasts of tight supplies support.
But expected big crops limit gains.
USDA sees record 2021 US corn, soybean crops.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:14pm

Pakistan

PDM names Gillani as its candidate for Chairman Senate post

The development was made during the meeting between Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) delegation and Jamiat Ulema Islam chief over the upcoming Senate elections.
“I am extremely grateful to the PDM for expressing confidence in me," says Gillani

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 07:15pm

South Asia

Singapore freezes two firms' bank accounts after alleged nickel fraud

Investors were promised varying returns, depending on the scheme they joined. Investigations arose due to the suspicion that investor monies were misused.
While investigations are being conducted, the local bank accounts of Envy Global Trading and Envy Asset Management have been frozen by authorities and customer funds are fully protected.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:03pm

Money & Banking

HSBC to announce exit from US retail banking, reshuffles top jobs

HSBC to sell or close US branch network –source.
CEO Quinn reshuffles top jobs.
Bank to announce latest strategy on Tuesday.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:01pm

Europe

UK's Prince Philip is ‘OK’, says grandson Prince William

"Yes, he's OK, they're keeping an eye on him," William said on a visit to a vaccination centre in eastern England. Royal reporters said he delivered his message with a wink.
A royal source said doctors had been acting out of an abundance of caution and that Philip was in good spirits.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:00pm

Companies

Vodafone's Czech subsidiary in talks with CEZ over cooperation

We confirmed to Hospodarske Noviny that there have been talks with CEZ on different options of strategic cooperation.
We did not confirm, however, that it is about selling the whole Vodafone (in the country).

Published 22 Feb, 2021 07:00pm

USA

Brazil's 2021 inflation outlook climbs to new high, above central bank target: survey

The average forecast for IPCA consumer price inflation at the end of this year rose to 3.8% from 3.6%, according to the latest weekly 'FOCUS' survey of over 100 economists.
The average inflation forecast over the next 12 months rose to 3.8% from 3.7%. The central bank's end-2022 goal is 3.50%.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:56pm

Financial

Mortgage vendor IPO woes reflect US housing market peak

Five mortgage vendors have scaled back or canceled plans to go public in the last four months, as investors flinched at their frothy valuations.
Investors don't like buying into a company at the start of a down cycle, and mortgage originations are an extremely cyclical business.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:54pm

Energy

Oil producers eye long road to recovery as Texas begins to thaw

The shut in oil production represents 2 to 4% of global supply, so a slow recovery would tighten worldwide crude markets and may bolster prices that already hit a one-year peak earlier this week.
"I think it will be a while before things get better out in the field," one executive at a Permian producer said, on condition of anonymity.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:53pm

Energy

Platts to add US WTI crude to dated Brent benchmark

Dated Brent underpins global Brent oil benchmark.
North Sea output is declining, move to add 500,000 bpd.
WTI to be first non-North Sea grade added to dated Brent basket.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:48pm

Companies

Data center firm Cyxtera to go public via $3.4bn deal with Starboard SPAC

As part of the deal with Starboard Value Acquisition Corp , Cyxtera will receive $654 million, including $250 million from private investors such as Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC and clients of Starboard.
Cyxtera operates around 61 data centers across the globe and counts nearly 2,300 organizations among its customers.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:46pm

Europe

Don't ignore ‘lockdown fatigue’, UK watchdog tells finance bosses

Many staff at financial companies have been working from home since Britain went into its first lockdown in March last year to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this third lockdown, there has been a greater impact on mental well-being, with many people struggling with job security, caring responsibilities, home schooling, bereavements and lockdown fatigue.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:44pm

Companies

Novavax completes enrollment in US trial of COVID-19 vaccine

Novavax said it had enrolled 30,000 volunteers across the United States and Mexico.
In the late-stage trial, the company said 20% of participants were Latinx, 13% were African American, and 13% were 65 and older.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:42pm

South Asia

'I was panicking': Passenger recalls earlier Boeing 777 jet failure over Japan

I was panicking in my head, thinking about how I was maybe going to die.
I thought I would go insane if I accepted the thought of death, so I focussed on taking videos of the situation.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:39pm

Europe

Britain denounces abuses ‘on industrial scale’ in China's Xinjiang

Raab, in a recorded speech to the UN Human Rights Council, called for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet or another independent expert to be given "urgent and unfettered access" to the remote western region.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:31pm

Pakistan

PM embarks Sri Lanka on official visit tomorrow

The Prime Minister’s engagements include meetings with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:35pm

Pakistan

President calls for educational reforms according to requirements of present era

The President said Pakistani students can show impressive performance in the world if they are imparted knowledge in the right manner.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:33pm

Pakistan

FPCCI appoints Farhan Ashrafi as Convener Yarn Trading Committee

Ashrafi said that he would use his full potential to solve the problems faced by the Yarn sector, which is the basic raw material of the Textile industry.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:31pm

Stocks

Brazil's Petrobras shares plunge 17pcin NY after analysts' downgrades

"There are risks to the company's independence and ability to continue pricing its fuel to international parity".
Bolsonaro announced the nomination of Joaquim Silva e Luna to replace current Branco to head Petrobras on social media after the market close Friday.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:25pm

Pakistan

India's expansionist designs exposed before world: Shehryar

Shehryar Afridi said the revelations about Indian disinformation network against Pakistan by EU Disinfolab have unveiled the real face of India before the world.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:31pm

Pakistan

Pakistan reports 1,160 new COVID-19 cases, 16 deaths over last 24 hours

Asad Umar said registration for COVID-19 vaccine is now open for all citizens of 65 years and above.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:29pm

South Asia

Strike shuts Myanmar, anti-coup protesters defy junta warning

Call for people to stop work and protest.
Authorities say confrontation could cost lives.
Two killed at weekend in bloodiest spell of protests.
Government criticises foreign comments.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:28pm

Pakistan

Society’s role very important to save innocent children from misbehavior: Murtaza Wahab

Murtaza Wahab appreciated the shelter home and the facilities provided in it and also planted a tree outside the complex and prayed.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:28pm

Pakistan

SBP develops draft policy on banking on equality

This policy is currently in a public consultation phase and is expected to be launched shortly.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:27pm

Pakistan

Govt initiates lot of public welfare projects during two and half year tenure: Buzdar

He said work for planting artificial urban forests Miyawaki on 51 points in Lahore is going on swiftly.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:26pm

South Asia

Iranian lawmakers criticise Tehran's deal with IAEA on snap inspections

"The government has no right to decide and act arbitrarily," said Mojtaba Zolnour
"This arrangement is an insult to the parliament."
Iran has not said which cameras at which facilities, but the Additional Protocol Iran is scrapping does generally extend IAEA monitoring to some activities such as uranium mining.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:20pm

Pakistan

KP CM directs to hold monthly meetings with concerned MPAs to resolve localized issues

Mahmood Khan directed provincial departments to take necessary steps on top priority basis to implement the decisions taken in these meetings and submit reports.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:24pm

Pakistan

Zardari's claim about Gilani’s victory in Senate election confirms politics of buying, selling: Shibli

They signed the Charter of Democracy and then back tracked from it and continued the politics based on money.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:22pm

Pakistan

Japan donates $3.7mn to support refugees, communities in Pakistan

The UNHCR Representative further said that given the protracted Afghan refugee situation in Pakistan, Japan is supporting sustained investments easing the burden on host communities.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:04pm

Europe

Armenia seeks bigger Russian military presence on its territory

Ethnic Armenian troops in the Nagorno-Karabakh region ceded swathes of territory in and around the enclave to Azerbaijan in a six-week conflict in 2020 that claimed thousands of lives.
The question of expanding and bolstering the Russian military base on the territory of Armenia has always been on the agenda.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:17pm

Energy

Oil spill off Israel reaches south Lebanese beaches

Lebanon's Diab has tasked the defence minister, environment minister and the National Council for Scientific Research with the follow-up, a statement from his office said.
The United Nations interim forces in Lebanon will be informed to draw up an official report, the statement said.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:15pm

Europe

Turkey to streamline monthly labour market data

The agency will publish data for the first two months of the year at the same time in April, as well as comparable series, according to the new definitions and methodology.
The last published labour data showed Turkey's unemployment rate ticked up to 12.9% in the October-December period.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:08pm

Middle East

Gaza launches COVID-19 vaccinations, with just 22,000 doses

I am proud the health sector was able to overcome this difficult time, with limited resources but great dedication.
Those vaccinated received instruction cards telling them to continue wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:10pm

Companies

GSK and Sanofi start with new COVID-19 vaccine study after setback

Phase II trial underway, Phase III aimed for Q2.
Testing in 720 volunteers aged 18 and older in multiple sites.
Sanofi also begins work against coronavirus variants.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:06pm

Stocks

Alec Gores, Guggenheim-backed SPAC seeks to raise $750 million via IPO

Gores Guggenheim, co-sponsored by Gores Group LLC and Guggenheim, said it plans to sell 75 million units composed of shares and warrants, priced at $10 per unit on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Another Gores-backed SPAC, Gores Holdings VI Inc, earlier this month agreed to take 3D camera maker Matterport Inc public for $2.9 billion.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:04pm

Stocks

World shares dip as bond yields, commodities surge

European shares sink.
Wall Street futures down 0.85%.
MSCI's All Country World Index, which tracks shares across 49 countries, was down 0.25% by midday in London.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:02pm

Middle East

US top general urges Iran restraint amid efforts to restart talks

On Sunday after talks in Tehran, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi announced a "temporary solution" to allow Iranian facility inspections to continue.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:02pm

Stocks

Futures fall on concerns over rising yields, inflation expectations

Futures down: Dow 0.59%, S&P 0.78%, Nasdaq 1.37%
Shares of Apple Inc, Microsoft Corp, Facebook Inc, Alphabet Inc, Tesla Inc, Netflix Inc and Amazon.com Inc resumed their declines from the previous week, falling between 1% and 2.9% in trading before the bell.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:00pm

USA

US nears 500,000 Covid deaths as vaccine drives gather momentum

Biden has made it a priority to get 100 million people vaccinated within the first 100 days of his administration.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:00pm

Companies

Goodyear to buy Cooper Tire for $2.8 billion, doubling China presence

Goodyear said the deal also broadens the distribution for Cooper replacement tires through its retail store network.
The implied cash and stock consideration for Cooper shareholders is $54.36 per share, representing a premium of 24% to its closing price on February 19.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:57pm

Sports

Gwadar to host match between Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators after PSL

The development was revealed by singer-cum presenter Fakhr-e-Alam, who recently organised an exhibition match at the venue.
The actor is now hopeful that Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal Khan will give green-signal for this epic game.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 06:01pm

South Asia

UN chief demands immediate halt to Myanmar 'repression'

Myanmar's foreign ministry hit back, accusing the UN and a number of foreign countries of "flagrant interference" in its internal affairs.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 06:00pm

Companies

Defence firm Paramount sees African demand as threats rise

There are some very real jihadist and fundamental threats in Africa which are affecting the entire continent.
He also said countries were interested in acquiring intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:54pm

South Asia

Mumbai imposes fresh virus restrictions after spike in cases

Daily new cases peaked at more than 97,000 in September but have been falling sharply, coming in at under 9,000 a day earlier this month.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:54pm

Financial

US money markets bringing forward Fed rate hike bets to end-2022

Eurodollar futures contracts maturing in December 2022, were pricing in roughly 18 basis points worth of rate hikes by the end of next year.
Current pricing implies an almost 70% chance of such a move by end-2022, analysts said, up from the 52% chance priced a week ago.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:53pm

South Asia

Huge anti-coup rallies in Myanmar after junta threat

Tens of thousands of professionals and public servants also rallied in Naypyidaw, the capital and a military stronghold.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:53pm

Forex

Sterling rises above $1.40; long positions at one-year high

Sterling reached its highest levels since April 2018 when it crossed $1.40 on Friday. It has risen 2.6% against the dollar in 2021 and its rapid gains have led to talk of a possible correction.
Some 17.6 million people, over a quarter of the 67 million population, have now received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:47pm

Europe

UK's PM eyes end to lockdown as vaccines reach one-third of adults

Britain is one of the countries hardest-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, with more than 120,000 deaths.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:51pm

Sports

Osaka climbs to second after Australian Open triumph

Osaka trades places with Simona Halep, the Romanian dropping down to third after losing to Serena Williams in the quarter-finals.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:49pm

Africa

Uganda's Wine withdraws election result challenge, alleges bias

Museveni, a former guerrilla leader who has led the East African country since 1986, was declared winner of the Jan. 14 election with 59% of the vote, while Wine was given 35%.
"We have decided to withdraw from their court," Wine told a news conference in the capital Kampala. "The courts are not independent, it is clear these people (judges) are working for Mr. Museveni."

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:46pm

South Asia

Malaysia faces calls to halt Myanmar deportations

The ships arrived at the weekend and docked at a naval base at Lumut, on Malaysia's west coast.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:47pm

Middle East

Iran says IAEA chief visit led to 'significant achievement'

Tehran now demands that Washington scrap punishing sanctions Trump reimposed in 2018, while Washington demands that Iran first return to all its nuclear commitments.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:46pm

Europe

German pupils return to schools despite rising infections

Merkel argued that relaxation measures should be strongly tied to testing, according to participants in the meeting.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:45pm

Industry

Adidas to resume dividend payments to shareholders

Adidas says to pay dividend of 3 euros/shr for 2020.
Adidas had suspended dividend last year
Shares narrow losses.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:46pm

World

Pandemic used as 'pretext' to crush dissent: UN

Covid-19 has already killed nearly 2.5 million people worldwide since the virus first surfaced in China in late 2019.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:42pm

South Asia

Thailand gives emergency use authorisation for Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine

"The FDA has approved or registered Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine for conditional emergency use, effective Feb. 22," FDA deputy secretary-general Surachok Tangwiwat said, adding it was valid for one year.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:26pm

Africa

Algerian police out in force on protests anniversary

The Hirak only suspended marches last March due to coronavirus restrictions, but calls have gone out on social media for a return to the streets Monday.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:41pm

Business & Finance

German business confidence bucks shutdown impact

The manufacturing sector recorded its highest score since November 2018, surging to 16.1 points from 9.1 points last month.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:31pm

Industry

PIA says it has Boeing 777s with safer general electric engines

In the wake of the recent Boeing 777 incident in the United States, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) says that it's twelve Boeing-777 planes with safer general electric engines.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:32pm

South Asia

Philippines approves Chinese jab but health workers to miss out

The CoronaVac can be given to "clinically healthy" adults aged 18 to 59, but was not recommended for frontline health workers or the elderly, he said.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:29pm

Sports

China's Wang cruises into Adelaide second round

The 18-year-old Gadecki was no match for former world number 12 Wang, who won 6-4, 6-3 in 81 minutes.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:27pm

Europe

EU warns Myanmar, mulls sanctions on Russia over crackdown

The EU has already hit Russia with waves of sanctions over the 2014 annexation of Crimea and Moscow's fuelling of the war in Ukraine.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:22pm

Europe

Swede charged with spying for Russia

The Russian diplomat was briefly detained but released on account of his diplomatic immunity.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:20pm

Cricket

Decisive battle for India and England at world's biggest stadium

India just need to win the series to get through, while England have to win by 3-1. A tied series would let Australia through.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:18pm

Pakistan

Naval Chief visits PMSA headquarters in Karachi

He was briefed on the duties and operational activities of the Maritime Security Agency at the Maritime Operation Centre during a meeting that was presided over by him.
The Naval Chief also paid a visit to the headquarters of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 05:20pm

Middle East

Iraqi dies of wounds sustained in Arbil rocket attack: ministry

The second death was a foreign civilian contractor working with the US-led coalition, the alliance's spokesman said.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:02pm

Pakistan

Here’s how Unilever Pakistan is helping to clean up and #FaceThePlastic

Let’s face it: the past year has created an unprecedented amount of plastic waste in the form of disposable face masks and other personal protective equipment we’ve been using to stay safe. That’s why this year, it’s time to reevaluate the place of plastic waste — to truly take responsibility and #FaceThePlastic.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 05:18pm

Africa

S.Africa's Ramaphosa defends judiciary after Zuma attacks

Zuma has repeatedly snubbed a judicial panel probing the plunder of state coffers during his 2009-18 rule.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 05:00pm

South Asia

Rohingya boat in distress, eight dead: NGO

Indian maritime authorities arrived in the area recently and are believed to have given the migrants supplies, said Lewa.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 04:59pm

Europe

EU adds 19 Venezuelan officials to sanctions blacklist

The move brings to 55 the total number of members of President Nicolas Maduro's regime to be slapped with asset freezes and travel bans by the bloc.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 04:56pm

Pakistan

Temperature likely to remain low in Karachi: Met office

As per the Met office, the heat intensity in the port city during the day may be less and the maximum temperature will likely to remain below 30°C.
The weather department said that due to fog, the visibility is up to 4km near the airport in Karachi.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 04:58pm

Europe

Morocco seizes 9.5 tonnes of cannabis in refrigerated truck

The driver of the vehicle was arrested in possession of cash equivalent to $3,600, it added.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 04:55pm

Europe

Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Monday

At least 111,331,990 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 68,323,000 are now considered recovered.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 04:55pm

Africa

Italian ambassador killed in attack in eastern DR Congo

The Italian ambassador to the Congo and an Italian carabineri police officer were killed Monday while traveling in Congo in a UN convoy, the Foreign Ministry said.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 04:56pm

Business & Finance

Ukrainian defense conglomerate signs $85mn contract with Pakistan

“We also discussed with the Pakistani side of new orders for delivery in the country Engine 6 TD1 and 6 TD2.”

Published 22 Feb, 2021 04:31pm

Pakistan

Operation Raddul Fassad's two-point strategy aimed to counter terrorism and violent extremism: DG ISPR

Babar says Raddul Fassad rendered the terrorists and extremists completely ineffective and curtailed their freedom of action
Terrorism and extremism can only be uprooted when law enforcement agencies work together with society: DG ISPR

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 04:28pm

Pakistan

Four women social workers killed in North Waziristan car attack

The assailants opened fire on an NGO's car near the Ippi village of North Waziristan. The driver was critically injured.
The deceased women and the injured driver have been shifted to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, said police.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 04:18pm

Pakistan

Justice Isa review petition: SC bench refers matter to CJP Gulzar Ahmed

Justice Umar Ata Bandial, heading the six-judge bench, announced the 5-1 majority verdict.
Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik who disagreed with the judgment will write a dissenting note.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 04:02pm

World

COVID-19 caused $220 billion of global dividend cuts in 2020: Research

According to research, the coronavirus pandemic led to a sharp decline in global dividends last year, with the amount of investor payouts declining by 12.6% to $1.26 trillion.
As the public health crisis impacted every corner of the globe, prompting lockdowns and inhibiting economic activity, dividend cuts amounted to $220 billion, according to the Global Dividend Index.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 03:42pm

Pakistan

Foreign experts to arrive in Pakistan today to devise viable model for PIA

The four-member team is arriving in Pakistan on the invitation of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr Ishrat Hussain.
The team will undertake a business model review and also meet government officials at the finance ministry, Dr Hussain, senior government officials and the airline’s chief executive officer, Arshad Malik.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 03:41pm

Business & Finance

Multi-billion projects earmarked for Gwadar development

The projects worth Rs 12.3 billion will be built in the Gwadar and Lasbela districts for socio-economic development of the people there.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 03:32pm

Business & Finance

Saudi Arabia plans to set up $10 billion oil refinery in Gwadar by year-end

The proposed mega oil city will be developed on 88,000 acres of land to refine and process petroleum products mainly imported from the Gulf region, for local and regional consumption
Petroleum minister says with setting up of an oil refinery in Gwadar, Saudi Arabia will become an important partner in CPEC

Published 22 Feb, 2021 03:30pm

Pakistan

Inquiry into polling record in NA-75 Daska by-polls completed

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja withheld the results after 20 presiding officers went missing on February 19.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of attempting to rig the election.

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 03:03pm

World

Pandemic used as 'pretext' to crush dissent: UN chief

Speaking in a pre-recorded video message to the largely virtual meeting of the Geneva-based body, the UN chief also decried widespread misinformation around the world about the coronavirus and the pandemic.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 02:50pm

Sports

New Zealand beat Australia by 53 runs in first T20

Australia suffered a horror show early in their innings, as seamers Tim Southee and Trent Boult tore through the top order.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 02:48pm

Pakistan

Regal Automobile offers compensation over late delivery of Glory 580 Pro

As compensation, the company has offered free maintenance of 1 year or 12,000 kilometers (which comes first) as a goodwill gesture.
As per the company, one year or 12,000kms maintenance which includes three oil changes, three oil filters change, one air filter change and free periodic maintenance at 1000kms, 5000kms and 10,000kms (Labor only).

Updated 22 Feb, 2021 02:16pm

Pakistan

NA-221 Tharparkar constituency: PPP defeats PTI, retains seat for third consecutive time

The National Assembly seat had fallen vacant after PPP's MNA Pir Noor Mohammad Shah passed away from coronavirus last year in December.
The PPP’s candidate was leading with a massive 102,232 votes against his opponent PTI's Nizamuddin Rahimoon 52,522 votes.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 01:55pm

Industry

Chinese firm to set up $150M industrial park in Lahore to enhance exports

A Chinese firm called Challenge plans to invest $150 million in an industrial park in Lahore to enhance Pakistan's exports potential.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 01:50pm

Business & Finance

Pakistan's FDI decline over 27pc in Jul-Jan FY21

The SBP's statistics revealed that FDI fell significantly by 12.27 percent or $27 million to $192.7 million in Jan 2021 compared to net inflow of $ 219.6 million investment in Jan 2020.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 01:33pm

Stocks

Tokyo stocks close higher on recovery hopes

In Tokyo trading, market heavyweight SoftBank Group jumped 1.73 percent to 10,530 yen while Uniqlo casual wear operator Fast Retailing gained 0.14 percent to 104,900 yen.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 01:12pm

Africa

Kidnappers in Nigeria free 53 seized on bus

"We are witnessing these attacks now, almost, on daily basis and it is worrisome," Noel-Berje said at the time.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 01:09pm

Sports

New Zealand set Australia target of 185 in first T20

Jhye Richardson was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking two for 31, while Daniel Sams ended with figures of two for 40.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 01:06pm

Asia

China reports 11 new COVID-19 cases in mainland vs 7 a day earlier

All the new infections were imported cases, the National Health Commission said in a statement.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 01:00pm

Pakistan

Nomination papers of PTI's Saifullah Abro rejected

Abro had filed nomination papers on the PTI ticket to contest the Senate election from Sindh on technocrat seat
The PTI leader's nomination papers were approved by the returning officer but challenged in the appellate tribunal of the high court

Published 22 Feb, 2021 01:03pm

World

US Secretary of State Blinken vows 'firm action' against Myanmar military authorities

The United States stands with "the people of Burma as they demand the restoration of their democratically elected government," Blinken wrote in the post.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:48pm

Financial

S&P raises New Zealand ratings on COVID success; kiwi dollar soars

The New Zealand dollar popped up to its highest since April 2018 at $0.7338.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:45pm

Energy

Exxon kicks off restart of refinery in Beaumont, Texas

Exxon posted an online notice to nearby residents that the refinery was starting up after a shut-down driven by severe cold weather and the curtailment of natural gas supply.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:41pm

Business & Finance

SBP directs banks to enable fully interoperable digital payment options

The repayment option shall be available on customers’ ADCs including internet and mobile banking on bill presentment/payment model.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:41pm

Stocks

Japanese shares jump as recovery hopes lift cheap cyclical stocks

Such concerns make Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's Congressional testimony on Tuesday all the more important, Watanabe added, as US real bond yields have risen almost 30 basis points in just over a week.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:39pm

Bullion Rate

Gold off 7-month low on dollar weakness, but yields weigh

Bitcoin hit a record high on Sunday, after scaling a market capitalisation of $1 trillion on Friday.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:32pm

Companies

SoftBank Vision Fund set for new portfolio champion with Coupang IPO

Analysts see Coupang's $50 billion valuation as feasible given its first-mover status and as it expands beyond replacing brick-and-mortar retail with a rising number of online channels.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:29pm

Stocks

Indian shares edge lower as lenders drag

On the Nifty 50, lenders Housing Development Finance Corp , Axis Bank and state Bank of India were among the top five drags, falling between 0.8% and 1.5%.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:27pm

Forex

Recovery bets drive dollar to fresh lows

"There's a tide of higher rates across the board, and whether the US does an extra five basis points than Germany is neither here nor there," said Jason Wong, senior market strategist at BNZ in Wellington.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:25pm

Commodities

Indonesia to remove royalty payments for downstream coal

The regulation took effect on Feb. 2.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:23pm

Forex

Australia, NZ dollars surf reflation wave, bonds left drowning

The spread of Australian 10-year yields over Treasuries widened out to almost 20 basis points, from zero a couple of weeks ago.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:20pm

Markets

China's CNOOC makes large-sized oil & gas discovery in Bohai Bay

Located in the south-western ring of Bozhong Sag, the discovery well was tested to produce an average of approximately 1,980 barrels of crude oil and 5.25 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:18pm

Stocks

Shares turn cautious as bond yields, commodities surge

The euro was steady at $1.2120, corralled between support at $1.2021 and resistance around $1.2169.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:15pm

World

Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 4,369: RKI

The reported death toll rose by 62 to 67,903, the tally showed.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:13pm

Forex

Yuan eases on dollar demand, capital outflow concerns

A trader at a Chinese bank said the market was wary of the global reflation trade against the backdrop of rising long-term US Treasury yields, which could be a headwind for the yuan.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:11pm

Pakistan

Torture marks found on Haleem Sheikh's body during medical check-up

Sheikh claims that he was attacked by goons of gang war as soon he entered the jail cell
On February 16, Opposition Leader in Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh was taken into custody by police for violating the orders of Election Commission of Pakistan

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:01pm

World

Over 43mn doses of Sinopharm's COVID-19 vaccines used globally-state media

China is providing vaccine assistance to 53 developing countries and has export deals with 22 countries, its foreign ministry said last week.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:08pm

Business & Finance

Taiwan January export orders seen up for 11th straight month

Export orders, a bellwether of global technology demand, surged 38.3% to $60.55 billion in December, the highest on record.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 12:01pm

Stocks

Indian shares fall for fifth session as financials, Reliance weigh

On the Nifty 50, mortgage lender HDFC and conglomerates Reliance Industries and ITC were the top three drags, falling between 1.5% and 4%.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 11:59am

Stocks

Asian bonds sold off as US yields spike; Philippine stocks slump

President Rodrigo Duterte is due to decide next week on the future of coronavirus restrictions in Manila, which accounts for a significant chunk of the country's economic output.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 11:57am

Financial

Bank of Korea to stand pat amid weak jobs sector

The bank in January flagged deep concerns about growing risks from a hot stock market rally and booming household debt.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 11:55am

Financial

Qatar's Commercial Bank hires banks for AT1 bonds

An unrated benchmark issuance may follow, subject to market conditions.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 11:53am

Mutual Funds

Yields on 10-year JGBs hit over 2-year high on recovery hopes

The 20-year JGB yield rose two basis points to 0.515% and the 30-year JGB yield rose 1.5 basis points to 0.690%.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 11:52am

Commodities

London copper surpasses $9,000/T for first time since Sept 2011

Rapidly rising tin demand from electronic companies and low inventories coupled with supply and shipping disruptions will likely support prices of the shouldering metal in the near term.

Published 22 Feb, 2021 11:50am

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Jun 24	278.40
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Jun 24	278.20
USD to Japanese Yen / Jun 25	161.83
USD to Swiss Franc / Jun 25	0.81
Pound Sterling to USD / Jun 25	1.32
Euro to USD / Jun 25	1.14
SOFR % / Jun 24	3.62

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Jun 24	7,358.22
Nasdaq / Jun 24	25,476.63
Dow Jones / Jun 24	51,848.90
India Sensex / Jun 25	77,542.57
Tokyo Nikkei / Jun 25	72,326.48
Hang Seng / Jun 25	23,036.20
FTSE 100 / Jun 25	10,470.52
Germany DAX 30 / Jun 25	24,834.21
France CAC40 / Jun 25	8,395.16

Item	Value
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Jun 24	18,280
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Jun 24	368,985
Petrol/Litre / Jun 25	299.50
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Jun 25	69.47
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Jun 25	3,981.05
Diesel/Litre / Jun 25	311.47
Cotton US¢/pound / Jun 25	76.52

Stock	Price
Ghani Chemworld Limited (R) / Jun 24 Ghani Chemworld Limited Right(GCWLR)	8.01 ▲ 1 (14.27%)
Gulistan Sp. / Jun 24 Gulistan Spinning Mills Limited(GUSM)	10.01 ▲ 0.94 (10.36%)
Ali Asghar / Jun 24 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	57.61 ▲ 5.24 (10.01%)
Al-Shaheer Corp / Jun 24 Al Shaheer Corporation Limited(ASC)	12.20 ▲ 1.11 (10.01%)
Feroze 1888 / Jun 24 Feroze1888 Mills Limited(FML)	57.48 ▲ 5.23 (10.01%)
J.A.Textile / Jun 24 J.A. Textile Mills Limited(JATM)	33.52 ▲ 3.05 (10.01%)
Sardar Chemical / Jun 24 Sardar Chemical Industries Limited(SARC)	77.07 ▲ 7.01 (10.01%)
Buxly Paints / Jun 24 Buxly Paints Limited(BUXL)	251.72 ▲ 22.88 (10%)
Chashma / Jun 24 Chashma Sugar Mills Limited(CHAS)	101.19 ▲ 9.2 (10%)
Fateh Sports / Jun 24 Fateh Sports Wear Limited(FSWL)	111.29 ▲ 10.12 (10%)

Stock	Price
First Fid. Leasing / Jun 24 First Fidelity Leasing Modaraba(FFLM)	22.28 ▼ -2.47 (-9.98%)
Int. Knit. / Jun 24 International Knitwear Limited(INKL)	100.26 ▼ -11.12 (-9.98%)
Aruj Industries / Jun 24 Aruj Industries Limited(ARUJ)	10.80 ▼ -1.14 (-9.55%)
NIT PakistanXD / Jun 24 NIT Pakistan Gateway ETF(NITGETF)	37.25 ▼ -3.75 (-9.15%)
Aisha Steel(ConPS) / Jun 24 Aisha Steel(ConPS)(ASLPS)	23.52 ▼ -2.32 (-8.98%)
Pakgen Power / Jun 24 Pakgen Power Limited(PKGP)	43.13 ▼ -3.72 (-7.94%)
First AL-Noor Mod. / Jun 24 First Al-Noor Modaraba(FANM)	7.06 ▼ -0.51 (-6.74%)
Zuma Resources / Jun 24 Zuma Resources Limited(ZUMA)	104.71 ▼ -7.26 (-6.48%)
Popular Islamic / Jun 24 Popular Islamic Modaraba(PIM)	22.28 ▼ -1.26 (-5.35%)
TPL Insurance / Jun 24 TPL Insurance Limited(TPLI)	25.60 ▼ -1.44 (-5.33%)

Stock	Volume
K-Electric Ltd. / Jun 24 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	112,892,122 ▲ 0.33
Pak Int.Bulk / Jun 24 Pakistan International Bulk Terminal(PIBTL)	73,295,107 ▲ 0.94
WorldCall Telecom / Jun 24 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	38,761,163 ▲ 0.01
Pak Elektron / Jun 24 Pak Elektron Limited(PAEL)	31,348,609 ▲ 1.02
Maple Leaf Cement / Jun 24 Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited(MLCF)	27,194,838 ▲ 3.85
PIA Holding Co.Ltd / Jun 24 PIA Holding Company Limited(PIAHCLA)	21,872,379 ▲ 1.92
Kohinoor Spinning / Jun 24 Kohinoor Spinning Mills Limited(KOSM)	20,610,130 ▲ 0.11
Sui South Gas / Jun 24 Sui Southern Gas Company Limited(SSGC)	20,069,542 ▼ -0.9
The Organic Meat / Jun 24 The Organic Meat Company Limited(TOMCL)	20,043,142 ▲ 2.92
B.O.Punjab / Jun 24 The Bank of Punjab(BOP)	18,657,800 ▲ 0.26