News Archives for Latest - 2021-03-22

Perspectives

Settling Disputes, Not Scores: Digitizing Land Record System in Merged Areas

On the evening of March 11 – the Zalikhel and Dotani tribe of South Waziristan lost two more young men in an...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:49pm

Companies

Microsoft to allow more employees at its headquarters from March 29

Employees working at Redmond sites or nearby campuses have the choice to return to those facilities, continue working remotely or shift to a hybrid model, the company said in a blog post.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:11pm

Africa

Nigeria suspends Emirates flights over COVID-19 tests

Emirates said last week passenger flights to and from Nigeria had been suspended until further notice in line with government directives, but did not give details.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:10pm

Pakistan

PM congratulates Shaukat Khanum team on SKMCH&RC's re-accreditation by JIC

“Presently, there are fewer than fifty hospitals in the entire world that have been judged against these exacting measures,” he added.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:10pm

Taxes

Russia may remove sugar import tax, extend some fixed retail prices

Russia, one of the world's largest wheat exporters, has imposed several grain export taxes and a series of other measures since December as it seeks to stabilise domestic food inflation.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:10pm

Middle East

Turkey logs 22,216 new COVID-19 cases, highest since mid-December

Daily cases have roughly doubled since the beginning of March, when Turkey eased restrictions against the pandemic.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:10pm

Stocks

Weaker pound, defensive stocks boost FTSE 100; AstraZeneca rises

The domestically focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index gained 0.2pc, supported by tech and bank stocks.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:10pm

World

White House promises more J&J COVID-19 shots after launch stalls

The healthcare conglomerate has only shipped around 4.25 million doses in total, according to federal data, far less than the 20 million it promised to deliver by the end of March.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:10pm

Companies

Fire at chipmaker further tightens supply to car sector: Bosch

Bosch said the shortage, which it said was affecting integrated circuits, automotive microcontrollers as well as application-specific integrated circuits, was also affected by weather-related production issues at other chipmakers.
Toyota, Nissan, Honda and other Japanese carmakers scrambled on Monday to assess the impact on their production of a fire at a Renesas Electronics chip plant that could aggravate a global semiconductor shortage.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:09pm

Europe

Italy reports 386 coronavirus deaths on Monday, 13,846 new cases

Italy has registered 105,328 deaths linked to COVID-19 since its outbreak emerged in February last year, the ministry reported, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain and the seventh-highest in the world.
Patients in hospital with COVID-19 - not including those in intensive care - stood at 28,049 on Monday, up from 27,484 a day earlier.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:09pm

Europe

UK's daily COVID-19 death toll falls to 17, a six-month low

While deaths have dropped sharply in recent weeks, daily new cases have remained steady at around 5,000 to 6,000 this month. The data showed 5,342 new cases were recorded on Monday. The seven-day figure was down 4.7%.
Britain has the fifth highest number of deaths in the world from COVID at 126,172. But a fast start to the vaccine rollout has helped it recover from an aggressive second wave of the pandemic.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:09pm

Financial

Treasury, IRS issue latest payment batch; many by check, debit card

The Treasury said electronic payments sent by direct deposit in the latest round of disbursements will have an official pay date of Wednesday, March 24, with some recipients seeing them in their bank accounts earlier as pending deposits.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:09pm

Energy

Oil steadies after sell-off but European lockdowns hurt outlook for demand recovery

Brent crude was up 6 cents or 0.1pc to $64.59 a barrel by 1:33 p.m. ET (1733 GMT), while U.S. oil for delivery in April fell 22 cents, or 0.4pc, to $61.20 a barrel ahead of expiry.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:51pm

Energy

OPEC+ compliance with oil cuts rises to 113pc in February

Compliance from members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries reached 124%, a figure which includes the additional voluntary cut from Saudi Arabia, said one of the sources.
Compliance from non-OPEC members in the alliance reached 94%, the source added.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 10:07pm

Commodities

Cotton prices inch up on steady demand, softer dollar

We have seen good demand in the weekly export sales report ... Also, commercial buying (primarily exporters and may be some of the mills) has been stronger today.
The US Department of Agriculture's weekly export sales report, on Thursday, showed net sales of 437,700 running bales (RB) for 2020/2021 were up noticeably from the previous week, while exports of 351,900 RB were unchanged.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 10:02pm

South Asia

EU sanctions Myanmar junta chief over coup

Min Aung Hlaing is "responsible for undermining democracy and the rule of law in Myanmar", the bloc's official journal said.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:45pm

Pakistan

LHC suspends orders of case registration against Babar Azam

He submitted that the court passed the orders without hearing stance of his client, whereas, no reasons were provided in it.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:43pm

Pakistan

Rehman urges nation to follow Quaid’s principles

Rehman Malik also appealed all the political parties to forge unity on vital national requirements like defence, national security in larger interest of the country and its people.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:42pm

Pakistan

1,863 new corona cases reported, 8 died: CM Buzdar

5,980 corona patients had departed while a total of 3,646,552 had been tested in the province.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:40pm

Pakistan

AJK PM Chairs Midyear review Meeting to assess the ongoing development projects

The AJK Prime Minister in his concluding remarks said that our government has made up its mind to serve the people of AJK sincerely and without any discrimination.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:39pm

Pakistan

We must pledge that we will not hesitate to make any sacrifice to protect Pakistan: Governor

Imran Ismail said that it was our duty today to be ready to make whatever sacrifice for the betterment and development of our country.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:28pm

Pakistan

Sindh CM Advisor assures HCSTSI President to resolve environment issues

HCSTI President informed the advisor that around 45 auto rickshaws are on roads against the capacity of five thousand which causing severe traffic jam.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:27pm

Stocks

Global equities stall, bonds gain as Europe COVID cases rise

"The number of new COVID-19 cases is rising rapidly, and an extension of the lockdown inevitable for many European countries. No one will be surprised by such a decision," said Milan Cutkovic, market analyst at Axi.
MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe shed 0.04%, with slight gains in Europe but a 2.1% decline in Japan's Nikkei index.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:25pm

Pakistan

Construction of two major dams started under PM Imran's Govt: Faisal Javed

He said that "But great thing is: Construction of two major dams began straight away under Prime Minister Imran Khan Government".

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:26pm

Stocks

TSX falls as energy, materials stocks drag

The energy sector dropped 1.2%, while the materials sector, which includes precious and base metals miners and fertilizer companies, lost 0.2%
The financials sector slipped 0.6%. The industrials sector fell 0.8%.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:20pm

Pakistan

EU must link FTA with India to Kashmiris rights: Masood

The state president asserted that 1.3 billion people of India would have to reap what the BJP regime have been sowing in occupied Kashmir.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:25pm

Pakistan

Govt urged to declare medical emergency to curb third wave of COVID-19

In order to keep children protected all teaching staff of the public as well as private schools should be vaccinated without any delay, PMA office bearers said.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:23pm

Europe

ECB's Lagarde warns of uncertainty about speed of vaccination

"The near-term economic outlook is subject to uncertainty, relating in particular to the dynamics of the pandemic and the speed of vaccination campaigns," Lagarde said in a blog post on the ECB's website.
We therefore stand ready to adjust all of our instruments, as appropriate, to ensure that inflation moves towards our aim in a sustained manner, in line with our commitment to symmetry.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:22pm

Pakistan

Govt addresses environmental issues of big cities, says Murtaza Wahab

He pointed out that Brick Kilns factories around city and town areas closer to population are also causing issues including pollution caused by gases and smoke.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:22pm

Pakistan

Farooq Haider seeks early solution of Kashmir conflict under UN resolutions

Farooq Haider said unity among the political forces is the dire need of the hour to collectively move forward for securing the cherished goal of liberation.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:21pm

Money & Banking

Revolut submits draft application for US bank charter

The company said a licence would allow it to offer more services to US customers, such as overdraft protection, loans and deposit accounts.
If you simply partner with a local bank you are not able to provide all the products you need.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:13pm

Pakistan

Shibli castigates Maryam for threatening institutions

He said the PDM no more existed and even the politics of its component parties had also eliminated.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:20pm

Pakistan

Rain, hailstorm lashed different parts of Balochistan including Quetta

The minimum temperature in Quetta was recorded at 8.6 degree centigrade and 1.6 degree centigrade in Ziarat on Monday.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:18pm

Stocks

Markets hesitant, watching Turkey turmoil

Oil prices were higher and the dollar dipped against the euro and yen.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:16pm

USA

US existing home sales drop sharply; prices surge

The National Association of Realtors said on Monday that existing home sales dropped 6.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.22 million units last month.
Warmer temperatures, an acceleration in the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations and massive fiscal stimulus are expected to spur a sharp rebound in activity in March.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:11pm

Europe

Putin denounces 'confrontational' EU stance on Russia

Moscow said Monday it regretted that Washington did not respond to Putin's proposal to organise public talks with the US leader.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:15pm

Europe

EU vaccine export ban would be 'very retrograde': Irish PM

EU leaders are due to hold a virtual summit on Thursday and Friday to discuss the faltering supply of jabs inside the bloc.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:13pm

South Asia

Xi says China to work with Pyongyang to preserve Korean Peninsula peace

The exchange, the first reported between the two since January, comes after the Biden administration's first talks with Beijing in Alaska.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:12pm

Money & Banking

Credit Suisse hit with extra EU antitrust charges in forex probe

The European Commission had in July 2018 sent a charge sheet known as a statement of objections to Credit Suisse, Switzerland's second-biggest bank.
"Credit Suisse continues to believe that it did not engage in any systemic conduct in the FX markets which violated the European Union's competition rules, and is contesting the EC's case," the bank said in a statement.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:08pm

Europe

UK 'reassured' EU will not block Covid vaccines

"I've talked to our friends repeatedly. We're all facing the same pandemic, we all have the same problems," he added.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:10pm

USA

US existing home sales fall 6.6pc in February: survey

Buyers jumped into the housing market in 2020 after the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark lending rate, sending mortgages to record lows.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:09pm

Stocks

India market regulator tightens rules for exchange disruptions

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) said in when critical systems are disrupted, institutions must declare a "disaster" within 30 minutes and take steps - including going to a back up - within the next 45 minutes.
The rules apply to stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:06pm

Europe

Russia's Lavrov wears joke anti-quarantine mask on China visit

Lavrov wore a plain surgical mask when he met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, according to other images released by Moscow.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:08pm

South Asia

NATO chief says 'all options open' on Afghan withdrawal

US President is reviewing the accord and said last week it would be "tough" for Washington to meet that date.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:06pm

Football

Leipzig sign Strasbourg centre back Simakan

Leipzig did not disclose THE financial terms of the deal, but said the 20-year-old centre back would join on July 1.
"Mohamed Simakan is a robust defender... who... can play both centre-half and full-back," Leipzig sporting director Markus Kroesche said in a statement.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:04pm

World

Iceland holds off on AstraZeneca vaccine

Iceland's decision was taken pending a Nordic review of side effects from all of the Covid-19 vaccines, not just AstraZeneca's, she said.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:04pm

Europe

In Putin call, EU chief blames Russia for tensions

"Michel expressed the view that EU-Russia ties are at a low point," an EU statement said after a call between the leaders.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:03pm

Europe

AstraZeneca expects EU to approve Dutch vaccine factory by early April

We are well on track in order to get the approval by EMA (European Medicines Agency) in the course of March, beginning of April, and this is exactly according to our plan.
After falling far behind post-Brexit Britain and the United States in rolling out vaccines, the EU's leaders are set to discuss imposing a ban on vaccine exports to Britain at a summit on Thursday.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:01pm

Europe

Hungary approves second Chinese-made Covid-19 vaccine

The EU's regulator has so far approved four jabs, but only the versions made in the West, meaning drugs such as Covishield have to be approved separately.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:01pm

Commodities

Paris wheat hits five-week low on slack import demand

Front-month May milling wheat on the Paris-based Euronext exchange was down 1.25 euros, or 0.6%, at 218.50 euros ($260.32) a tonne.
It earlier touched its lowest since Feb. 12 at 218.25 euros, just below a previous five-week low touched on Friday.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:59pm

Middle East

Saudi Arabia offers ceasefire to Yemen's Huthi rebels

"We want the guns to fall completely silent," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told reporters in Riyadh.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 09:00pm

Europe

Debt-averse Germany to take on new borrowings in 2022

In 2021, Berlin is set to take on 240.2 million euros of additional debt, around a third more than initially forecast in December.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:58pm

Stocks

Wall Street rises on tech boost; Tesla gains

Tesla gains as Ark Invest sets PT of $3,000 by 2025.
Kansas City surges on $25 bln buyout deal from Canadian Pacific.
MSCI Turkey ETF sinks after shocking exit of c.bank governor.
Indexes up: Dow 0.13%, S&P up 0.42%, Nasdaq rises 0.83%.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:57pm

Africa

Top Congo opposition candidate dies of Covid on election day

A close friend of Kolelas told AFP that he had died five minutes after the plane touched down at Le Bourget airport north of Paris.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:56pm

Europe

Putin says he will be vaccinated against COVID-19 on Tuesday

"Vaccination, of course, is a voluntary decision for every person. It is every person's personal decision," Putin said at a televised government meeting on Monday about Russian vaccines against COVID-19. "By the way I plan to do this tomorrow."
"Today we can say confidently -- and practice indisputably confirms -- that Russian vaccines are absolutely reliable and safe," he said. "No other similar foreign drugs have shown such a high level of protection."

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:55pm

World

Lebanon PM lashes out as wrangling delays govt formation

Hariri said Aoun and the party he founded are pushing for a third of all cabinet seats, which would give them veto power over government decisions.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:54pm

Commodities

Brazil's second corn planting at 86pc of estimated area, below historical average

This year, heavy rains delayed the harvesting of Brazil's soy and affected the second corn season in big producing states, raising fears of domestic supply shortages, especially among meatpackers.
In a separate report on Monday, consultancy AgRural said drier weather helped farmers reap more of their 2020/2021 soybeans over the past few days.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:53pm

World

Four killed as truck with migrants overturns in Croatia

The migrants, who were riding in the truck's trailer, were in mainly their 30s, he said. The group also included two children.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:52pm

Europe

More people in Poland willing to take AstraZeneca shot, says PM

"In the morning I got a report... showing that there are more and more people willing to get vaccinated and also to get vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine," Mateusz Morawiecki told reporters.
"This shows that we made the right decision not to suspend vaccinations with AstraZeneca. There are definitely more people willing to be vaccinated with this vaccine."

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:50pm

Europe

Dutch summon Chinese ambassador after MP sanctioned

The EU imposed sanctions against four Chinese officials over the crackdown on the Uighur people in China's western Xinjiang region.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:51pm

Europe

Putin slams vaccine criticism, to get jab on Tuesday

After months of queries about when the 68-year-old would himself be inoculated, Putin said he planned to do so on Tuesday.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:49pm

Industry

EasyJet CEO said path to travel recovery expected to be bumpy

"I never thought that this was going to be a straight line," he said, when asked about whether he was concerned about the third wave of infections.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:49pm

Pakistan

Business timings reduced as NCOC imposes more COVID-19 restrictions

The development was made during the meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar in which all the Provincial Chief Secretaries participated through video link.
The authority expressed grave concern over the COVID-19 situation and decided to take drastic measures in the worst affected cities.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 08:50pm

Stocks

Tech shares bounce as investors eye end of Q1

Treasury bonds have also lagged equities as investors look ahead of the second quarter.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:49pm

Money & Banking

Goldman CEO to junior bankers: we are giving you more resources

Last week, Reuters reported that a group of junior bankers in Goldman's investment bank told senior management that they were working nearly 100-hours a week and sleeping just 5 hours a night to keep up with record-setting demand from clients.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:47pm

Companies

Brazil's Patria to launch $250mn SPAC

Patria, which has Blackstone Group Inc among its investors, said on Friday its executive officers may sponsor the blank-check company Patria Acquisition Co, based in the Cayman Islands, with roughly $92 million.
JPMorgan & Chase is the sole underwriter for the offering.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:44pm

Europe

EU, China impose tit-for-tat sanctions over rights abuses

Measures are first major sanctions since Tiananmen arms embargo.
China quickly hits back with sanctions on EU individuals.
EU, US, Canada, Britain worried about Uighur camps.
Hungary, close ally of Beijing, says sanctions "pointless".

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:41pm

USA

US air travelers top 1.5mn for first time since March 2020

COVID-19 devastated air travel demand, with US airline passengers down 60% in 2020. But with a growing number of Americans getting vaccinated, demand and advanced bookings have started to rise in recent weeks.
TSA said it screened 1.54 million people Sunday, the highest single day since March 13, 2020 and the 11th consecutive day screening volume exceeding 1 million per day.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:40pm

Industry

Moody's says Turkish central bank overhaul could hit capital inflows, lira, inflation

Moody's added that that the central bank may reduce the policy rate to below the level of inflation to push growth under new Governor Sahap Kavcioglu, who shares the same dovish views as Erdogan. Such steps, it said, could lead to higher imports and a larger current account deficit.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:38pm

Energy

Russian LNG would be competitive at $3.7-$7 per 1mn BTU

Russia would compete with Qatar, Australia and the United States for customers in Asia, its target market, up to 2030, and their production costs are seen at $2.8-11 and $7-10 per 1 million BTU, respectively.
Russia plans to increase its LNG production to nearly 140 million tonnes LNG per year by 2035 from around 31 million tonnes last year and aims to have about 20% of the global market share by then.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:35pm

Energy

Oil steadies on demand recovery expectation despite European lockdowns

A third of French people enter new lockdown.
Demand slow, but Aramco CEO predicts recovery.
US rig count rises to highest since April.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:37pm

Commodities

Raw sugar prices fall as Brazilian currency weakens

A weaker real encourages Brazilian exporters to sell dollar-priced commodities such as sugar and coffee because it raises their returns in local currency terms.
Dealers noted buying emerged around the day's low of 15.55 cents a lb, a level where it also found support on Friday and in early February.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:30pm

Forex

Dollar slips, along with yields on US treasuries; lira tanks

Dollar slips from four-month high, following US Treasury yields.
Sterling falls against euro, USD.
The dollar index fell about 0.25% at 91.86, following last week's gain of 0.5%.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:29pm

Energy

Greece delays gas utility bid deadline to third quarter

The Greek privatisation agency last year shortlisted seven investors for a 65% stake in DEPA Commercial and the deadline for binding offers was due to expire this month.
The seven investor groups that have qualified to bid include two consortiums, one between Hellenic Petroleum and Italy's Edison International Holding and the other including Motor Oil and Public Power Corp.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:26pm

USA

Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern rail deal may boost price competition

"This is by default negative for the other railroads, including Canadian National which faces a longer haul competitor into the Gulf Coast and Midwest," J.P.Morgan analyst Brian Ossenbeck said in a research note.
Shares of Canadian Pacific fell about 3%, while those of rivals Canadian National and Union Pacific dropped 2% and 3%, respectively.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:26pm

USA

Fed's Barkin says he'll 'look through' year-on-year inflation spikes

For the next six months, Barkin said at the National Association for Business Economics annual meeting, he'll "look through" such jumps as he assesses the underlying trajectory of inflation, but will instead look at month-to-month changes.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:21pm

Pakistan

Court grants interim bail to Javed Latif

The court granted an interim bail to the MNA till March 30 and sought the case record from police on the next date of hearing.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:24pm

Pakistan

NCOC's decision to be implemented in letter and spirit: Dr Firdous

She said that today's NCOC meeting had identified the large scale violation of coronavirus related SOPs.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:22pm

Industry

Israel eyes another incentive-laden 5G frequency tender in late 2021

Auction will be for 5G frequencies above 24 GHz.
Last 5G auction was in 2019.
Israeli mobile operators barely profitable after 2012 reform.
Fixed line networks too old, overloaded – regulator.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:19pm

Pakistan

CM reviews orange line metro train, bus service matters

He said that responsible persons be identified and a report be submitted to his office within 15 days after a detailed probe.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:21pm

Pakistan

Gilani challenges chairman senate election in IHC

"The decision of the presiding officer in rejecting the votes is a judicial decision made in gross violation of the law and hence amenable to judicial review," it added.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:20pm

Pakistan

Two more coronavirus patients die in Faisalabad

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

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:19pm

Europe

Jump in UK inflation to put focus on BoE policy splits

Economists see UK inflation at 2.5% by late 2021 from 0.7% now.
Oil and one-off effects will lift UK prices through the year.
Soft jobs market to keep BoE away from raising rates this year.
BoE officials divided over how fast labour slack will dry up.
BoE's Haldane fears past deflationary forces poised to reverse.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:16pm

Pakistan

AC adjourns reference against Pervaiz Ashraf till April 7

The court asked NAB to submit report on the next hearing.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:17pm

USA

Blinken condemns attacks, discusses human rights in Saudi call

"Secretary Blinken reiterated our commitment to supporting the defense of Saudi Arabia and strongly condemned recent attacks against Saudi territory from Iranian-aligned groups in the region," the department said in a statement, adding the two also discussed human rights and social and economic reforms in Saudi.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:13pm

Pakistan

IHC suspends FIA notices to Absar Alam

The petitioner had requested the FIA to provide the complain copy with the attached material but he was given no response.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:59pm

Africa

Rising oil boosts Nigeria's 2021 budget but creates fuel price headache

Oil prices, which are averaging around $10 per barrel above the level projected for the 2021 budget, are good for the nation's revenues, she told journalists, but are complicating plans to end costly fuel subsidies.
"We made recommendation to deregulate the pricing of (gasoline). But we have a stalemate with labour," she said, calling the oil price rise a "double edged sword".

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:11pm

Europe

Spain hopes tourism can rebound as Germans return to Mallorca

International tourism to Spain plunged 80% to 19 million visitors last year - the lowest since 1969 - as coronavirus travel restrictions took their toll on the world's second most visited country.
"Maybe the ideal goal is ... to get half of the tourists we had in 2019," Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto told an event held by Europa Press news agency.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:09pm

Forex

Turkey shock waves hit Latam markets, Mexican peso slides 1pc

Real snaps 3-day winning run.
Peso headed for third day of falls.
Brazil interest rate outlook shoots up.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 08:09pm

Europe

Dutch PM to be tested after Cabinet member is positive for COVID-19

"He will get it done". The test is set for Wednesday, which is the period -- five days from being in contact with an infected person-- the Dutch health authorities advise for getting a test after such exposure.
Keijzer, who announced her infection on Twitter, was at a weekly Cabinet meeting on Friday attended by Rutte and more than a dozen senior government officials.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 08:06pm

Pakistan

World economy, human security core agenda of Pakistani govt: Moeed Yusuf

He said that Pakistan has also shown signs of this paradigm shift where "we are focusing more on economic and human security".

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:58pm

Pakistan

Punjab imposes 'micro smart lockdowns' in various cities: Yasmin Rashid

She said there’s no need to panic because the government has enough facilities to manage the increasing infections.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:56pm

Pakistan

Pakistan earns US $277mn from export of travel services in 7 months

During the period under review, the personal travel services decreased by 15.52 percent, from US $326.734 million last year to US $276.040 million during July-January (2020-21).

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:55pm

Pakistan

COVID-19 claims 20 more lives, infects 3,669 more people

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

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:54pm

Pakistan

Govt to crackdown against SOPs’ violators: Asad Umar

He said that we decided to increase restrictions of activities contributing to sharp increase in the COVID positivity.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:52pm

Pakistan

Amin scuba dives into Charna Island to observe bleaching Coral Reefs

He added that Corals were naturally colorful species with mesmerizing structures that were actually the habitats of various marine life including jelly fish and other aquatic species.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:51pm

Pakistan

Rupee gains 12 paisas against dollar

Buying and selling rates of dollar were recorded at Rs155.8 and Rs156.5 respectively.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:49pm

Pakistan

CDNS obtain Rs 35 billion investment from new schemes

The CDNS had compensated an amount of Rs 258 billion to its investors after the termination of major prize bonds of Rs 40,000, he said.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:48pm

Pakistan

Railways business share to expand from 5 to 25 pc by 2030: Chairman Railways

He asked investors and industrialists to come up with proposals of building terminals and promised cooperation from Railways.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:46pm

Pakistan

CM takes notice of eviction notice served to widow in Labour Colony Mardan

He directed them to pay an amount of Rs. 50,000 to the widow as financial assistance from provincial government.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:45pm

Pakistan

Zaidi praises AKFixit for exposing those responsible for mess in Karachi

He said that the Chief Minister Sindh needed some marketing help to show the work he has done for Karachittes.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:44pm

Pakistan

Decision on educational institutions opening on Mar 24: Shafqat

LCCI president proposed that the Federal Ministry of Education should play its role in this connection and make the procedure easy and workable for the private publishers.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:44pm

Pakistan

Gold prices dip by Rs700 to Rs107,300 per tola

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

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:41pm

Pakistan

President confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz (M) on new air chief

The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the government and armed forces.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:40pm

Pakistan

Fawad for speedy disposal of cases against looters of public wealth

Fawad said the former rulers were responsible for the country economic woes, but they were roaming free instead of being behind the bars.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:38pm

Pakistan

Dar-ul-Afta Pakistan declares Corona vaccine as permissible in Islamic Shariah

Ashrafi said that no proposal was under consideration to close mosques during or before Ramadan. The public, scholars and elders should not believe in rumors.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:36pm

Pakistan

COVID-19: Ashrafi urges people to get vaccinated without any fear

He said that whole world had shut down mosques during the pandemic, but those remained opened in Pakistan for prayers.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:35pm

Money & Banking

Goldman Sachs and EBRD to invest in Turkey's DgPays

Set up in 2017, DgPays has a solutions and service ecosystem that consists of 24 institutions, the statement said, adding that it serves the vast majority of the banking industry in Turkey.
The statement did not specify the size of the investment by Goldman Sachs' asset management division and the EBRD but said it represents one of the most significant foreign investments in Turkey's fintech sector to date.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:33pm

Pakistan

Engineering goods exports grew by 19.74pc in 8 months

During the period from July-Feb 20-21, Engineering goods worth US$ 139,814 thousand were exported this year as compared to the exports of US$ 116,763 thousand same period during last year.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:34pm

Pakistan

Pakistan Day, an occasion to revive commitment for Pakistan development, says Fakhar Imam

Pakistan would take strides by leaps and bounds once this thinking penetrated our thought process, he added.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:33pm

Commodities

Ivory Coast 2020/21 cocoa port arrivals at 1.622mn tonnes by March 21

About 12,000 tonnes of beans were delivered to Abidjan port and 14,000 tonnes to San Pedro between March 15 and March 21 for a total of 30,000 tonnes, equal to the same week last season.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:31pm

Pakistan

Rashid for collective efforts in fight against coronavirus

The minister said section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code had been imposed in the federal capital in line with NCOC’s instructions.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:31pm

Companies

Apollo says ex-SEC chief Clayton to take over as chairman from Black

In the last few months, not only did we announce a transformative merger with Athene, but also expect to report that our first quarter earnings will exceed analyst consensus in all relevant measures.
I thus view this as the ideal moment to step back and focus on my family, my wife Debra's and my health issues, and my many other interests.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:29pm

Pakistan

Scrutiny of nomination papers for bye-polls on NA-249 to be held by March 25: ECP Sindh

The candidates would be allotted election symbols on April 8 and polling would be held on April 29.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:29pm

Companies

Thoma Bravo to buy online trading co Calypso Technology

The software and tech-focused company did not disclose the financial terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.
Earlier this month, data solutions firm Talend agreed to go private in a $2.4 billion all-cash deal with Thoma Bravo.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:27pm

Pakistan

174 new cases of coronavirus detected, no death reported

The chief minister urged people of the province to strictly follow SOPs to prevent from deadly virus.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:29pm

Pakistan

PSX gains 506 points to close at 45,407 points

As many as 404 companies’ transacted shares in the stock market, 175 of them recorded gain and 213 sustained losses.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:27pm

Sports

Petkovic ruled out of Croatia qualifiers with shoulder injury

"Unfortunately, Petkovic is out with a shoulder injury and he will join Ante Rebic on the sidelines after the AC Milan winger was deemed unfit on Friday with a recurring problem," Dalic told a news conference.
The Croatians, the 2018 World Cup runners-up, visit neighbours Slovenia on Wednesday followed by home games against Cyprus on Saturday and Malta on March 30.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:25pm

Pakistan

CM message on Pakistan Day

March 23rd was a day of materialization of dreams into reality as the struggle for independence was not easy, he said.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:26pm

Pakistan

AJK president meets naval chief

The AJK president praised and acknowledged the resolve, commitment and support of Pakistan armed forces to the cause of Kashmiris.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:25pm

Europe

Germany's extended lockdown to delay recovery till early summer

"The upswing that was actually expected for spring is now more likely to set in from early summer," Deutsche Bank chief economist Stefan Schneider said.
"The prerequisite for this is that the infection rate declines as the weather warms up, and that there will be progress in vaccinations," Schneider added.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:22pm

Pakistan

KP CM calls on Chairman Senate, discuss matters of mutual interest

Chief Minister congratulated him on being re-elected as Chairman Senate for the second time and expressed best wishes.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:24pm

Pakistan

Pb govt to provide universal health insurance to every citizen: CM

The chief minister directed to early complete the board of directors of Punjab Health Initiative Management Company.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:23pm

Companies

Saudi Aramco's debt-to-equity ratio more than doubles in 2020

Net debt rose to 605.9 billion riyals ($161.56 billion) last year from 270.2 billion riyals in 2019, the results showed.
In its financial results report the company said payments to the government last year totalled around 412 billion riyals ($109.85 billion), about 30% less than in 2019.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:19pm

Pakistan

Met Office forecasts warm weather in Karachi on Tuesday

Dust-thunderstorm or rain is likely to occur at isolated places in Thatta, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabd, Shaheed Banazirabad, Sukkur and Larkana divisions districts during the next 24 hours.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:21pm

Pakistan

Govt believes in freedom of expression: Governor

He paid rich tribute to the martyred journalists who rendered their lives while performing their duties.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:20pm

Companies

Singapore's CapitaLand to split, form listed investment business

Property development business to be taken private.
Investment management ops, REITs to be in listed entity.
Shareholders to get implied consideration of S$4.102/share.
Deal implies 24% premium to CapitaLand's last trade price.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:16pm

Pakistan

PSX launches HaraBharaPakistan campaign to mark Pakistan Day

MD & CEO of PSX said that I am very happy to announce that Pakistan Stock Exchange has launched the HaraBharaPakistan campaign.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:18pm

Pakistan

Chinese Premier wishes PM Imran speedy recovery from COVID-19

Li expressed his confidence that Pakistan would definitely achieve victory over the pandemic under the leadership of Imran Khan.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:17pm

Europe

Portugal's jobless numbers jump nearly 37pc, worst since 2017

The total of those officially without a job rose to 431,843 people, meaning more than 116,000 jobs have been lost since February 2020, a month before the pandemic hit.
In the southern Algarve, famous for its beaches and golf courses but now nearly deserted, the number of registered jobless spiked 74% to 33,458 last month from a year ago, making it the most affected region followed by Lisbon.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:15pm

Pakistan

9,388 people get Covid-19 jabs in district

Dr Jawad said that 16,343 were declared positive while 14,212 were discharged after treatment.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:16pm

Pakistan

Govt making serious efforts to support business community: Dr Alvi

Dr Alvi said the chambers played an important role in the country's prosperity through their business activities.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:14pm

Forex

Turkish lira sinks after central bank shake-up, other EM FX pare losses

Lira crashes 15% to approach November's record low.
Turkish stock index sinks 9% to three-month low.
South African rand, Mexican peso pare declines.
Rouble rebounds after easing on looming sanctions.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:13pm

Pakistan

Single inch of Railway land not to be sold: Azam Swati

He said that Pakistan Railways was imparting training to around 10,000 security personnel including 4000 Chinese and 6000 Pakistani to make the security of ML-I foolproof.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:13pm

Companies

Eni unit to buy FRI-EL Biogas in decarbonisation drive

Eni said its unit Ecofuel had reached an agreement with FRI-EL Greenpower, a Gostner family holding, to buy FRI-EL Biogas Holding, but did not provide any financial details of the deal.
The deal is part of Eni's broader decarbonization strategy, which aims to eliminate all emissions from industrial processes and products by 2050.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:11pm

Pakistan

18 shops sealed, Rs 590,000 fine imposed over SOPs violation

During the last three weeks, 2,709 shopping malls were checked in these tehsils, 18 shops were sealed over violations and Rs 339,000 fine was imposed.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:12pm

Pakistan

We are one nation and have one destination, says Ismail

The struggle for a free and independent homeland was started which is before us today in the form of Pakistan, he said.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:10pm

Industry

UK food and drink exports to EU plunged 75.5pc in Jan: industry group

The lobby group said the worst hit trade route was to Ireland. In January 2020, Ireland was the UK's biggest market, representing around 18% of total food and drink exported. A year on the figure had dropped to only 5%.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:07pm

Pakistan

PPP will struggle for fulfilling vision of nation's founders, says Bilawal

Bilawal pointed out that the independence movement was also targeted through political engineering by the puppeteers of time but Pakistan came into being against all odds.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:07pm

Europe

Dutch economy to recover later than expected from COVID-19 slump

Growth in the euro zone's fifth largest economy is expected to rebound to 2.2% in 2021 and 4.2% in 2022, the bank said, following a historically deep 3.8% contraction due the COVID-19 pandemic last year.
The central bank last December pencilled in growth of 2.9% for both 2021 and 2022, as it expected social distancing measures to be phased out over the course of this year.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:05pm

Pakistan

Lockdown schedule revised for six districts in Punjab

Punjab government has urged people to follow SOPs.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:05pm

Money & Banking

ECB's Knot says accelerated bond purchases temporary until growth recovers

Knot said that a "major part" of the recent rise in euro zone yields was caused by the improving outlook for growth and inflation in the euro area.
"We thought it would be wise to frontload part of our purchases, as a counterweight in the coming months", Knot told reporters at a news conference.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:01pm

Pakistan

Interior Minister receives COVID-19 vaccine

Covid-19 virus had infected the Interior Minister last year.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:04pm

Pakistan

PM thanks everyone for good wishes, prayers

He shared a quote of Maulana Rumi in this regard and dedicated it to the youth of Pakistan.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:03pm

Companies

Hungary approves new Chinese vaccine, and CoviShield for emergency use

New infections are surging in Hungary in a third wave of the pandemic, even as vaccine import and usage rates are among the highest in the EU with the country using Chinese and Russian vaccines as well as Western ones.
"We are in a race against time," Surgeon General Cecilia Muller told a news briefing. "We will overturn the four corners of the world for as many doses of proper efficient and safe vaccines as possible."

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:59pm

Pakistan

AJK president calls on Naval chief

Masood praised and acknowledged the resolve, commitment and support of Pakistan Armed Forces to the cause of Kashmiris.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:02pm

Pakistan

Democracy could not run without freedom of press: Governor

He urged journalists to contribute for highlighting the soft image of the country and province at national and international levels.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 07:01pm

Pakistan

Rulers of Sindh are economic 'terrorists', alleges Haleem

He said the local government system is Sindh was being run on contact basis.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:59pm

Forex

Russian rouble hits over 2-week low on sanctions risk, lira slump

The rouble was 0.4% weaker against the dollar at 74.39. Earlier, it slumped to 74.8250, its weakest mark since March 4.
If US sanctions this week are limited to personal restrictions and additional measures against Nord Stream 2, the rouble could well return to the 73-74/USD range after short-term volatility.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:57pm

Pakistan

Govt taking measures to control inflation: Shibli

The Minister said that opposition’s movement has failed miserably.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:58pm

Pakistan

Uniform curriculum to be implemented across country: Minister

He said the Punjab government has constituted a committee to introduce a uniform curriculum.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:57pm

Europe

Germany to spend additional 5.8bn euros on coronavirus tests, vaccinations

The health ministry asked the finance ministry to make available 3.3 billion euros to offer free tests for citizens, 1.5 billion euros to enable family doctors to offer vaccinations and 1 billion euros of emergency aid for hospitals, a finance ministry document sent to lawmakers showed.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:56pm

Pakistan

20 more Covid-19 patients lose life in country

583,538 patients have recovered from the disease so far.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:57pm

Pakistan

Rain wind-thunderstorm expected in upper Sindh, KP, Punjab, GB

Hailstorm is expected at a few places, while heavy fall is also expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab and Kashmir during the period.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:54pm

USA

Brazil's 2021, 2022 interest rate outlooks shoot higher after central bank move: survey

The central bank's benchmark Selic rate is now expected to end this year at 5.50% and end next year at 6.00%, according to the average forecast of over 100 economists in the bank's weekly 'FOCUS' survey.
The central bank's rate-setting committee known as 'Copom' last week hiked the Selic rate by 75 basis points to 2.75%, the first increase in six years.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:54pm

Commodities

Wheat drops on good world crop weather, slack export demand

Wheat near 3-mth low on better Northern Hemisphere weather.
Few wheat purchase tenders in market.
Corn futures down after Friday's rally, soybeans up.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:52pm

Africa

Algeria issues 'terrorism' warrants for exiled activists

The warrants come as Algeria's anti-government protesters, the Hirak movement, are boosting weekly rallies ahead of June elections.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:39pm

Companies

Italy's Seri in plastics recycling venture with Unilever

Seri Plastic will set up a jointly owned business with Unilever and will buy and convert the London-based group's plant in the southern town of Pozzilli, which will recycle plastic waste based on EU circular economy models.
The deal is in line with Unilever's "Clean Future" global project, which includes the aim of halving the use of plastics in its packaging by 2025, the statement said.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:50pm

Companies

Lamborghini made the most profit amidst the Pandemic

Lamborghini had its most profitable year in history during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although revenues may have been...

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:52pm

Stocks

SoftBank-backed ACV Auctions raises offer price range, eyes $364mn IPO

The company, also backed by investment firm Bessemer Venture Partners, said it was looking to sell 16.55 million shares at a price range of $20 to $22 per share.
At the top end of the new range, the company would be valued at $3.39 billion.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:47pm

Stocks

Richemont shares rise on report it rejected Kering's merger approach

The report said that Rupert, who said in November he had no plans to sell, was unsatisfied with the terms and did not submit them to Richemont's board.
Kering has a market capitalisation of 74 billion euros ($88 billion) versus Richemont's 47 billion Swiss francs ($50.8 billion).

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:45pm

Companies

Italy's Snam pens hydrogen deal with Mubadala

Mubadala, which manages a $232 billion investment portfolio, recently set up the Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Alliance, with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Abu Dhabi state holding company ADQ, to build a hydrogen industry for the UAE.
Snam, Europe's biggest gas transport group, is investing in green hydrogen and has said 70% of its natural gas grid is made up of "hydrogen ready" pipes.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:44pm

South Asia

Chinese parliament to meet on March 29-30 to discuss Hong Kong electoral reform

Early this month, the parliament approved a draft decision to change Hong Kong's electoral system, further reducing democratic representation in the city's institutions and introducing a mechanism to vet politicians' loyalty to Beijing.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:42pm

Europe

Spain extends use of AstraZeneca vaccine to 18-65 year olds, La Vanguardia says

Spain will resume administering the shot on Wednesday after suspending its use last week over blood-clot concerns. Health Minister Carolina Darias is expected to confirm the details of the resumption later on Monday.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:41pm

South Asia

Myanmar coup opponents win new support in ethnic borderlands

A joint statement also demanded that the army "abandon the coup and accept the federal democratic system based on self administration that is desired by the people".
"Ethnic nationalities could ultimately decide who holds power in Myanmar," said Khin Ohmar, a longtime democracy activist who lived through a previous failed uprising against the military in 1988.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:38pm

Europe

UK shopper numbers edge higher as end of restrictions nears

It said shopper numbers, or footfall, climbed 4% on UK high streets, but fell 4.4% in retail parks and 2.3% in shopping centres. Footfall across Britain remained 40.8% lower than during the same week last year, Springboard said.
England entered a third national lockdown on Jan. 4 to stem a surge in COVID-19 cases that threatened to overwhelm the health system.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:36pm

World

AstraZeneca says vaccine 80pc effective for elderly, no blood clot risk

AstraZeneca said it was preparing to submit its findings to the US Food and Drug Administration to authorize the shot for emergency use.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:37pm

World

Lebanon's wrangling leaders to meet over government formation

Hariri is expected to hand over the latest draft lineup after a previous proposal failed to secure a consensus.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:34pm

South Asia

Canadian ex-diplomat's espionage trial in China ends, verdict due later

State media says verdict to be announced at later date.
Kovrig one of two Canadians arrested in late 2018 in China.
Two Canadians' fate seen linked with Huawei CFO Meng's arrest in Canada.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:27pm

South Asia

Two Americans accused of aiding Ghosn escape indicted in Japan

Ghosn is now beyond the reach of Japanese justice in Lebanon, which does not have an extradition treaty with Tokyo.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 06:36pm

Companies

VW's SEAT wants to build battery assembly plant in Barcelona area

Wayne Griffiths confirmed that SEAT plans to launch an urban electric vehicle in 2025, which it wants to produce at its plant in Martorell, outside Barcelona.
"If we want a car by 2025, we need to make these decisions quickly this year," Griffiths told a press briefing, adding he was confident of securing an agreement with the Spanish government.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 06:34pm

Europe

Italy coastguard blocks German migrant rescue ship

Since January, there were also 232 migrants who died or went missing on the sea journey to Italy or Malta, compared to 983 over the course of 2020, the UN agency estimates.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:30pm

Money & Banking

Turkey could resurrect past defences of battered currency

'Soft' controls expected after sacking of central bank head.
Analysts see possible Albayrak-era currency interventions.
Swap limits and capital controls are options.
Foreign debts are high, central bank's currency buffer low.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 06:30pm

Europe

Berlin hires Swiss FINMA chief to head up Germany's finance watchdog

Scholz said on Monday that reform of BaFin would continue with Branson in charge to give the regulator "more bite".
"Trust in Germany's financial centre is important and BaFin is a key factor in that trust," he said.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 06:30pm

Commodities

Raw sugar prices edge up, cocoa and coffee weaken

May raw sugar rose by 0.03 cents, or 0.2%, to 15.79 cents per lb.
May London cocoa fell by 13 pounds, or 0.75%, to 1,723 pounds a tonne.
May arabica coffee fell by 0.65 cents, or 0.5%, to $1.2835 per lb.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 06:30pm

Europe

Amazon workers strike in Italy over pandemic-driven delivery demands

Trade unions estimate Amazon's delivery systems rely on 40,000 workers, including staff of its logistics arm, which employs most of Amazon's 9,500 long-term Italian staff.
This has prompted unions to seek tighter rules on workloads and shifts for drivers who they say deliver as many as 180-200 parcels a day.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 06:30pm

Commodities

Palm oil jumps 3pc as March export data improves

Palm oil ends two days of sharp losses.
March 1-20 exports gain between 5% and 7% -cargo surveyors.
Surge in India's COVID-19 cases raise demand concerns –broker.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 06:29pm

Energy

Oil steadies on demand recovery hopes despite European lockdowns

A third of French people enter new lockdown.
Demand slow, but Aramco CEO predicts recovery.
US rig count rises to highest since April.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 06:29pm

Forex

Dollar dominates as hedge funds cut shorts on Treasury yield rise

Turkey's shock weekend decision to replace its hawkish central bank governor also supported the dollar's safe-haven appeal.
Markets have been slow to catch on to the rising dollar theme in recent weeks as investors had bet that a global economic recovery would prompt buying of riskier currencies.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 06:29pm

Europe

Key insights from US trial data on AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine

The trial results, primarily generated in the United States but also in Chile and Peru, included a 79% efficacy in preventing symptomatic COVID-19, and showed no increased risk of a rare form of blood clots that has caused concern in parts of Europe.
Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency concluded at the time that a 12-week gap between doses was the key to achieving the highest efficacy, of around 80%.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:19pm

South Asia

Taiwan pilot killed, another missing after fighter jets collide

One of the pilots was found unconscious in the sea but could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at hospital.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 06:12pm

Europe

EU approves sanctions over China, Myanmar abuses

The EU will also slap asset freezes and visa bans on 11 officials of Myanmar's junta over the military coup last month and crackdown on demonstrators.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:59pm

South Asia

China returns eight Hong Kong 'speedboat fugitives'

The charges they faced ranged from rioting and attempted arson to possession of offensive weapons and making explosives.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:57pm

Forex

Turkish lira plunges nearly 15pc after central bank boss sacked

Agbal was only appointed during an economic team overhaul that Erdogan engineered in November to halt a steep Turkish currency slide.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:55pm

Stocks

Asian markets swing as inflation fear tempers recovery hope

Hong Kong, Seoul, Mumbai, Singapore, Manila, Jakarta and Wellington also fell, while Shanghai, Sydney, Bangkok and Taipei rose.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:52pm

Sports

World Cup spots up for grabs in India-England ODI series: Morgan

England lost a hard-fought Twenty20 series against India 3-2.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:50pm

Europe

UK to unveil global focus in defence modernisation plans

It promises more ships, submarines and sailors and the transformation of the Royal Marines into a new unit called the Future Commando Force.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:48pm

Stocks

Turkey tries to calm market turmoil after top banker sacked

The carnage on Turkish financial markets carried over to the Istanbul stock exchange.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:46pm

South Asia

China embassy sparks France spat with 'thug' rant

On Friday, the embassy called China expert Bondaz a "little thug", prompting a flurry of criticism from other researchers and MPs.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:43pm

Sports

Portugal lose injured Pepe for World Cup qualifiers

The European champions then travel to Serbia on Saturday and Luxembourg three days later.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:41pm

Europe

Russia court rejects Navalny complaint over poisoning

Navalny says the poisoning was carried out on the orders of President Vladimir Putin.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:39pm

Africa

26.5 million Nigerian children lack access to water: UNICEF

About 100,000 Nigerian children are said to die annually of water-related diseases.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:38pm

Forex

Turkish lira, stocks sink after Erdogan fires top banker

The turmoil carried over to the Istanbul stock exchange.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:36pm

Africa

Scores killed in Niger near Mali border

Hundreds of lives have been lost, nearly half a million people have fled their homes, and devastating damage has been inflicted.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:34pm

Commodities

Gold slips as investors pile into US dollar on Turkish tumult

Gold may retest support at $1,716/oz – analyst.
Turkish lira near all-time low.
Silver, platinum down more than 2%.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:32pm

South Asia

Chinese says vessels in disputed sea are 'fishing boats' after Manila protest

Manila called on China to "immediately recall these boats violating our maritime rights and encroaching into our sovereign territory".

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:32pm

Commodities

First deliveries on China's bonded copper futures total 6,225 tonnes

The front-month contract, for delivery in March, expired on March 15 and those who sold copper on it then had five trading days to fulfil the obligation to hand over metal to buyers.
"At this point, the international copper futures business processes have all gone through and various rules have withstood the test of the market," the INE said.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:30pm

Sports

Paris-Roubaix cycling race prospects clouded, say authorities

Lalande expressed reservations about Belgian plans to allow their spring classics to go ahead.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:30pm

Europe

Russia says regrets US 'passed up' chance for Putin-Biden talks

Putin last week offered to hold virtual talks with Biden after the American leader described him as a "killer".

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:22pm

Stocks

Indian shares end flat as losses in financials offset by IT, pharma gains

The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index ended flat at 14,736.40 and the benchmark S&P BSE Sensex slipped 0.2% to 49,771.29.
Banking and financial sector is seeing a sell-off and that has been bothering the market ... We are seeing some flight to safety.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:25pm

Stocks

Sri Lankan shares snap losing streak as industrials, financials rise

The CSE All-Share Index ended up 1.64% at 6,966.71.
Trading volume fell to 41.9 million from 52.2 million in the previous session.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:29pm

Europe

Indian firm to make 200mn doses of Russia's Sputnik V

Virchow Biotech, a subsidiary of the Virchow Group, is expected to start full-scale commercial production in the first half of 2021, it said.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:21pm

Middle East

Netanyahu ahead but win uncertain in new Israel vote

The election Tuesday may not bring immediate certainty, said Dahlia Scheindlin, a political analyst and pollster.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:19pm

Europe

Vaccine rollout hampered in hard-hit northern Italy

Italy has reported vaccine delays across the country, where close to 105,000 people have died from the coronavirus.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:17pm

South Asia

Espionage trial concluded for second Canadian detained in China, no verdict

Kovrig, a former diplomat, was detained in 2018 and formally charged last June with spying at the same time as his compatriot, businessman Michael Spavor.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:14pm

Pakistan

Bad weather: Pakistan Day parade postponed, will be held on March 25: ISPR

The event has been rescheduled due to rain forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department in Islamabad for the next two days
ISPR also issued corona SOPs for all participants and guests attending the parade

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:17pm

South Asia

BBC journalist freed in Myanmar as EU prepares sanctions

A second journalist detained at the same time, Than Htike Aung from the local outlet Mizzima, was still in custody.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:11pm

World

Tunisia engineers reach for stars with satellite launch

That made Tunisia the sixth African country to manufacture its own satellite and see it reach space.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:08pm

Sports

Spurs dressing room divided by 'selfish' players, says Mourinho

Mourinho was speaking after a vital win in the chase for a top-four Premier League finish.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:06pm

Europe

Germany set to carry virus curbs into April as cases surge

On Monday, the national incidence rate reached 107.3, with more than 7,700 new cases and 50 deaths reported.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:06pm

Pakistan

Sarina Isa wants contempt of court proceedings against Fawad Chaudhry over offensive tweet

She further said that by referring to Justice Isa as an 'undertrial judge', Chaudhry committed contempt of a sitting judge as well as the top court.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 05:01pm

Automobile

Price of Hyundai Elantra revealed

The sedan is launched with an aim to give tough competition Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
2,000cc under the hood also gives Elantra a slight edge over its competitors, which are available in 1800cc engine sizes.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 04:52pm

USA

Donald Trump plans social media comeback, according to adviser

Former President of the United States, Donald Trump is expected to return to social media "with his own platform", according to an advisor.
Trump was unceremoniously suspended from Twitter and Facebook after January's deadly riots in Washington DC and the Capitol incursion.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 04:26pm

Markets

PSX ends opening day in green territory, KSE-100 Index gains over 500 pts

Meanwhile, the KMI 30 index gained 1,295.15 pts closing at 75,111.70. While the KSE All Share index managed to gather 331.12 pts ending day at 31,081.32.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 04:41pm

Technology

realme launches the gaming beast Narzo 30A with MediaTek Helio G85 processor in Pakistan

Equipped with a MediaTek Helio G85 processor and 6000mAh Mega battery, the realme Narzo 30A is the best gaming phone at only PKR 20,599.
The latest successor from the series, Narzo 30A is the first Narzo phone to land in Pakistan.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 03:59pm

Pakistan

Sheikh Rasheed receives first shot of COVID-19 vaccine

The minister was administered with Chinese vaccine Sinopharm vaccine.
He remarked that the vaccine is completely safe and people are spreading baseless rumours against it.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 04:02pm

World

Taliban claim they floated the proposal for reduction in violence, not the US

Taliban official says the proposal has been under discussion between the United States and the Taliban in Qatar for a while
The idea of reduction in violence between the Taliban and Afghan forces surfaced when a letter from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was leaked to the media

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 04:00pm

Pakistan

River water talks: Pakistan Indus Water Commission leaves for India

The eight-member delegation led by Indus Water Commissioner Syed Muhammad Mehr Ali Shah will hold talks with India’s Water Commissioner Pardeep Kumar Saxena on March 23 and 24 in New Delhi.
In the previous round, officials from both countries had failed to gain any progress over the river water dispute and had ended in a stalemate.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 03:57pm

Pakistan

Free and rich human being is the one whose soul is priceless, tweets PM

Imran shared an inspirational quote and dedicated it to the youth of Pakistan
PM says a human beings soul is beyond any material price

Published 22 Mar, 2021 03:41pm

Business & Finance

Pakistan needs to pump more funds, speed up COVID vaccination process: PIDE

“The federal government has allocated Rs. 25 billion for the procurement of the COVID-19 vaccine but much more is needed,” the report said.
The report also called for the local pharmaceutical industry to gear up for the homegrown production of a COVID-19 vaccine

Published 22 Mar, 2021 03:39pm

Business & Finance

In India, Reliance Retail's private labels revolution spooks global consumer goods makers

Products like Snac tac noodles and Yeah! colas are Reliance’s private label brands - and billionaire Ambani’s not-so-secret weapons as he sets his sights on dominating a grocery market that’s already worth a cool $608 billion and set to grow more than 20% by 2024, according to Forrester Research.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 02:41pm

Pakistan

SCO member states including India, China to participate in anti-terror drills in Pakistan

The drills will be held in Pabbi and the decision to hold the joint exercise was announced during the 36th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) held in Tashkent on March 18
The joint exercise will strengthen mutual confidence, interoperability and enable sharing of best practices among armed forces of the SCO nations

Published 22 Mar, 2021 02:24pm

Sports

South Africa tour: Hasan Ali to enter bio-secure bubble on March 23

If the results of both the tests are negative, then he will be allowed to integrate with the side and cleared to travel to Johannesburg on 26 March.
All the remaining 34 members of the side, presently attending a training camp in Lahore, cleared their third Covid-19 tests conducted on 21 March.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 02:12pm

Technology

China's SAIC partners with U.S. lidar maker Luminar on self-driving cars

Laser-based lidar sensors help detect objects ahead of and around the vehicle, and are a key component of many self-driving systems being developed by automakers and suppliers.
SAIC plans to install Luminar’s lidar sensors and software next year on its new R brand vehicle line and said it expects to standardize the equipment eventually across all its vehicles in China.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 02:12pm

Business & Finance

Procurement of Wheat: SBP issues instructions for banks

Special efforts shall be made to ensure that the facilities availed for purposes other than wheat procurement are not utilized for financing of wheat stocks, it said.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 01:35pm

Pakistan

COVID-19: NCOC decides to increase restrictions, tighten implementation of SOPs as Pakistan fears 'third wave'

Asad Umar said NCOC decided to increase restrictions of activities contributing to a sharp increase in coronavirus positivity.
NCOC has directed the provincial and Islamabad administration to tighten implementation of coronavirus Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and crackdown on violations that are taking place, he said.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 01:09pm

Republic of Congo opposition candidate dies of Covid-19

The sixty-year-old tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday afternoon, and was unable to host his last campaign meeting in Brazzaville.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 01:04pm

Companies

Two Americans accused of aiding Ghosn escape indicted in Japan

Nissan itself faces charges in the case and has pleaded guilty.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 01:02pm

Stocks

Istanbul exchange pauses trading as index slides

The Borsa Istanbul said its automatic circuit breakers were triggered at 9:55 am (0655 GMT).

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 01:02pm

Pakistan

Pakistan to receive China's CanSino COVID-19 vaccine for commercial sale this week

It is expected that the first 10,000 doses will reach Pakistan on March 25, and 100,000 more doses by next month
Trial results show that CanSino vaccine is 65.7 percent effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 cases and has 90.98 percent success rate in stopping severe infections

Published 22 Mar, 2021 12:59pm

World

U.S. Defense Secretary meets Afghan president amid peace process review

Austin said on Twitter he had come to “listen and learn”, on his first trip to Afghanistan since his appointment.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 12:51pm

Pakistan

A transgender Islamic school in Pakistan breaks barriers

“Most families do not accept transgender people. They throw them out of their homes. Transgender people turn to wrongdoing,” Khan, 34, said, as other transgender people, their heads similarly covered, swayed back and forth behind her, reciting Koran verses.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 12:47pm

World

Explainer: Israel's election - array of contenders seek to topple Netanyahu

Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud is expected to emerge as the biggest party, but falling short of a majority in the 120-seat Knesset (parliament) and unable to easily form a coalition government - similar to the three previous elections.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 12:47pm

Business & Finance

UAE approves Remote Work Visa to attract foreigners

The new scheme aims to boost the competitiveness of the UAE’s tourism sector and support the UAE economy.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 12:18pm

South Asia

Secret India-Pakistan Ceasefire Talks Brokered by the UAE

A day after military chiefs from India and Pakistan made an unprecedented joint-agreement to respect their original ceasefire agreement from 2003, reportedly a top diplomat from the United Arab Emirates subsequently visited New Delhi for a brief one-day visit.
The India-Pakistan ceasefire was the culmination of secret talks behind closed doors brokered by the Gulf state over the course of months.

Updated 22 Mar, 2021 12:11pm

Life & Style

Prince Harry gives advice to grieving children in new book

The new book is aimed at the children of frontline workers who died in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 12:02pm

Bullion Rate

Gold slips as Turkish central bank chief's ouster raises dollar's appeal

Spot gold fell 0.3% to $1,739.80 per ounce by 0052 GMT. US gold futures were down 0.2% at $1,738.80 per ounce.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 12:03pm

Commodities

LME copper may rise towards $9,617 this week

Copper report is published weekly on Monday.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 12:02pm

Commodities

CBOT wheat may test resistance at $6.31-1/2

The downtrend from $6.88-1/2 has been driven by a wave C, which failed to travel below its 100% projection level of $6.21-1/2.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 12:01pm

Commodities

CBOT corn may fall to $5.47-1/2

To get charts, key in "TECH/C" to retrieve the original reports.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:59am

Commodities

CBOT soybeans may test support at $14.04-1/2

The drop from the March 8 high of $14.60 looks incomplete. It consists of three waves. The second wave labelled b is ending around $14.20-1/2.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:58am

Bullion Rate

Spot gold may retest support at $1,716

The downtrend is expected to resume.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:57am

Energy

US oil may retest resistance at $61.55

A correction from the March 8 high of $67.98 has completed, as its third component wave labelled c is roughly 1.618 times the length of the wave a.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:55am

Commodities

Palm oil may test resistance at 3,798 ringgit

It is strengthened by another one at 3,661 ringgit, the 100% projection level of a wave c from 3,981 ringgit.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:54am

Energy

Brent oil may stabilize in support zone of $62.71-$63.29

A correction from the March 8 high of $71.38 has completed. It is expected to be further reversed.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:53am

Commodities

LME aluminium may rise towards $2,327 this week

A break below $2,257 could be followed by a drop into $2,201-$2,236 range.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:52am

World

Saudi-led coalition intensifies Yemen air strikes, hits grains port

It added that other strikes hit Hajjah province overnight.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:50am

World

What you need to know about the coronavirus right now

Maharashtra, India's most industrialised state and home to its financial capital Mumbai, has been accounting for more than 60% of the country's total cases after a full-scale reopening of its economy unleashed a second wave of infections late last month.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:47am

Bullion Rate

Gold prices slide as Turkey upheaval buoys US dollar

The metal may retest a support at $1,716 per ounce, a break below could cause a fall into the range of $1,669 to $1,691, according to Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:46am

Stocks

Australia shares set to open lower; NZ down

The local share price index futures fell 0.2%, a 15-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index close.

Published 22 Mar, 2021 11:45am

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Jun 24	278.40
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Jun 24	278.20
USD to Japanese Yen / Jun 26	161.74
USD to Swiss Franc / Jun 26	0.81
Pound Sterling to USD / Jun 26	1.32
Euro to USD / Jun 26	1.14
SOFR % / Jun 26	3.61

Stock	Volume
India Sensex / Jun 25	77,100.47
S&P 500 / Jun 26	7,354.02
Tokyo Nikkei / Jun 26	69,360.88
Nasdaq / Jun 26	25,297.62
Hang Seng / Jun 26	22,671.86
FTSE 100 / Jun 26	10,508.02
Dow Jones / Jun 26	51,876.11
Germany DAX 30 / Jun 26	24,671.22
France CAC40 / Jun 26	8,384.87

Item	Value
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Jun 24	18,280
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Jun 24	368,985
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Jun 26	69.23
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Jun 26	4,088.74
Cotton US¢/pound / Jun 26	76.38
Petrol/Litre / Jun 28	299.50
Diesel/Litre / Jun 28	311.47

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