News Archives for Latest - 2021-03-23

Energy

Oil plunges more than 6pc on concerns over Europe curbs, rollouts

Nearly a third of France entered a month-long lockdown on Saturday following a jump in cases in Paris and parts of northern France.

Updated 24 Mar, 2021 12:39am

Commodities

CBOT corn climbs on delayed planting in Brazil

New-crop futures have been limited by an expected increase in U.S. plantings this spring.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 11:39pm

World

Modi extends Pakistan Day message to PM Imran, extending a desire for 'cordial relations'

In a message comemorating Pakistan Day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told his counterpart Prime Minister Imran Khan that his country desires mutually cordial relations.
Prime Minister Modi stated in his letter that "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan", adding that "For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative."

Published 23 Mar, 2021 10:38pm

World

Vietnam approves Russia's Sputnik V vaccine

Vietnam has recorded just over 2,500 virus cases and 35 deaths, and has been widely praised for its handling of the pandemic.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 09:40pm

Stocks

Oil prices slump on renewed lockdowns

European stock markets were mixed and US stock indices drifted lower after sharp losses in Asia.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 09:38pm

USA

US new home sales plunge 18.2pc in February: govt

Sales fell in all regions, with the Midwest seeing the biggest drop of 37.5 percent.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 09:37pm

Europe

EU to 'take action' on AstraZeneca over vaccine supply

The issue is also expected be discussed during a Thursday to Friday video summit of EU leaders.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 09:35pm

Europe

France probes death of student who got AstraZeneca jab

The student died on March 18 in the western city of Nantes, 10 days after receiving the AstraZeneca jab.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 09:32pm

Africa

33 killed in DR Congo crackdown on rebels

The 27 slain members of the CODECO militia include "one of its major commanders, Malo-Maki," Lieutenant Jules Ngongo said.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 09:30pm

Sports

Dhawan, Krishna star as India thrash England in first ODI

Chasing 318 for victory, England were bowled out for 251 in 42.1 overs despite a blazing 94 by Jonny Bairstow to trail the series 1-0.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 09:28pm

Stocks

US stocks mostly down ahead of Powell appearance

The broad-based S&P 500 dipped 0.1 percent to 3,938.66, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index shed 0.3 percent to 13,338.94.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 09:28pm

Pakistan

Opposition only protecting personal, political interests: Governor

The Governor said that differences in PDM had proved that there was no unity and consensus among the PDM parties on any issue.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 09:19pm

Pakistan

PMD forecast dry weather in most parts; rain at few places in KP,GB, Potohar

A strong westerly wave is affecting the upper and central parts of the country and may persist in upper parts till Wednesday(morning), MET office reported.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 09:19pm

Pakistan

Sindh Governor, CM visit Mazar-e-Quaid

The governor said under the leadership of Imran Khan, they were working hard to resolve the all issues being faced by the people.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 08:55pm

Pakistan

Governor Balochistan confers civil awards

Jam Kamal Khan, provincial ministers, opposition leader Malik Sikandar Khan Advocate and other senior officials attended the ceremony.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 08:54pm

Pakistan

Steps being taken for development of recreational places: Jam Kamal

The CM Balochistan was briefed about the parks in detail by Commissioner Quetta.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 08:53pm

Pakistan

Shafqat for playing vital role in development of country

Shafqat said that this day reminds us, especially our youth regarding the sacrifices and hard work of our forefathers.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 08:51pm

Pakistan

Buzdar, Roomi discuss industrialization in South Punjab

Usman Buzdar expressed satisfaction that the scope of almonries was being expanded to far-flung areas to fulfil the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 08:50pm

Pakistan

Pakistan Resolution stands as significant milestone in history: Farooq Haider

He said Pakistan came into existence due to the democratic struggle and untiring efforts of father of the nation - Qaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his companions.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 08:48pm

Pakistan

Nation not budge from sacrifices for Pakistan's security, development: Jam Kamal

The chief minister prayed that Allah Almighty make Pakistan the cradle of peace, security and development, and keep it safe from epidemicslike coronavirus.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 08:48pm

Stocks

Global equities, oil prices slide on concerns over Europe COVID case counts

US crude fell 4.04% to $59.07 per barrel and Brent was at $61.77, down 4.41% on the day.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 08:02pm

Energy

Oil and shares slide as sanctions, virus fears strike

US, Europe sanctions against China hit shares.
Oil slides 4% amid demand fears.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 08:00pm

Stocks

Shares and oil slide as sanctions, virus fears strike

US, Europe sanctions against China hit shares.
Powell to testify on U.S. recovery.
Oil slides 4% amid demand fears.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:59pm

Forex

Rouble weakens past 90 vs euro as sanction threat dominates

As of 0947 GMT, the rouble was 1.5% weaker against the dollar at 76.06, a level last seen on Feb. 3.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:57pm

Stocks

Shares slip, dollar creeps up as markets await Powell and Yellen

U.S., Europe sanctions against China hit shares.
Dollar, bonds strengthen as investors seek safety.
European shares slip.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:56pm

Forex

Turkish lira muted after historic slump, rouble slides as U.S. sanctions loom

Lira rises 1% after crashing to near record low.
Russian rouble leads declines as sanctions loom.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:54pm

Forex

South Africa's rand falls as investors look to Fed, Yellen for bond clues

In fixed income, the yield on the government bond due in 2030 was flat at 9.335%.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:50pm

Pakistan

Govt ready to hold talks with opposition parties: Sheikh Rashid

He said the government is performing its duties sincerely and delivering in utmost larger interest of the country.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:49pm

Pakistan

Sindh Governor, CM, Cabinet members visit Quaid's Mazar on Pakistan Day eve

He said that Imran Khan's leadership was taking Pakistan in the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:46pm

Pakistan

Ijaz shah asks nation to renew pledge to make Pakistan an ideal country

He emphasized that elders over 60 should be vaccinated against COVID-19 at their homes.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:45pm

Pakistan

Nation is ready to overcome every challenge under the leadership of Imran Khan

He said that today is the day to renew our pledge to make our country true Islamic welfare state with our devotion and hardwork.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:43pm

Pakistan

KP CM congratulates nation on Pakistan Day

The day, he added reminds us of the great sacrifices rendered by the founders of the nation in the struggle for the establishment of Pakistan.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:39pm

Pakistan

PPP, JI agree to electoral cooperation: report

The development was made during the meeting between Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Siraj ul Haq at Mansoora in Lahore.
Both parties agreed on cooperation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh provinces.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 07:41pm

Pakistan

Pakistan advocates co-existence instead of geo-political rivalries: FM

The struggle began with the historic Pakistan Resolution of 1940, and culminated in the attainment of freedom seven years later, he added.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:34pm

Pakistan

23 March a day to reaffirm commitment as a nation, Faisal Javed

He said March 23 was a golden day in the country's history when the Muslims of the sub-continent decided to establish an independent state.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:33pm

Pakistan

Sheikh Rashid renews pledge to make Pakistan prosperous

A state where law prevails everyone has equal opportunities in economic, social and cultural resources, he noted.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:32pm

Pakistan

President Xi congratulates President Alvi on Pakistan Day

Wang Yi said that China and Pakistan have always supported each other in matters of mutual interest and the two countries are jointly promoting global justice.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:31pm

Pakistan

Pakistan put on path as envisioned by founding fathers: Shibli

Shibli Faraz regretted that certain elements were using tactics to protect their corruption.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:29pm

Pakistan

Shibli stresses for unity to meet challenges

He said a society should be established where everybody was equal before the law.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:28pm

Pakistan

COVID-19 claims 72 lives, infects 3,270 more people

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

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:26pm

Pakistan

Chairman Senate asks private sector to take lead in promoting the economy

It would help the government to formulate more effective legislation and policies for improving the long-term economic outlook of the country.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:25pm

Pakistan

Raja Basharat greets people on Pakistan Day

"Today, we pledge that we will make our country a Pakistan of Quaid and Iqbal in the true sense of the word", he asserted.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:24pm

Pakistan

Biden says his administration looks forward to cement partnership with Pakistan

The US president also extended his best wishes to the people of Pakistan.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:22pm

Pakistan

Asad directs additional PSDP funds' allocation for fast-moving projects

The minister was briefed on the mid-year review of the PSDP projects, carried out by the Planning Commission.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:20pm

Pakistan

Karachi likely to experience hot weather on Wednesday

Dry weather is likely to prevail elsewhere in the province during the next 24 hours.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:19pm

Pakistan

Eight 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 23 Mar, 2021 07:18pm

Pakistan

Regional peace linked to Kashmiris' right to self determination: Shehryar Afridi

He said the ceasefire agreement was reached upon with Indian army to safeguard the Kashmiri population living on both sides of the Line of Control.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:16pm

Pakistan

COVID-19 claims 3 more patients, infects 200 others

The chief minister urged the people to follow SOPs.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 07:15pm

Pakistan

Pakistan back on track to realise Quaid’s ideal: PM

In a couple of decades, the Muslims became the greatest civilisation for next few centuries, he added.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 07:16pm

IT and Computers

Galaxy S21 sales flourish in the US, thrice as much as S20’s

First-month sales of Samsung Galaxy S21 in the US were almost thrice of those of its S20 predecessor.
Galaxy S21 Ultra constituted around 40 percent of the S21 lineup sales.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 06:14pm

Europe

UK unemployment dips to 5pc: official data

The rate compared with 5.1 percent in the three months to the end of December, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 06:19pm

Middle East

Yemen coronavirus committee calls for 'state of emergency'

The committee called for the implementation of a "partial curfew" and for the closure of wedding halls, shopping centres and mosques outside of prayer times.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 06:17pm

Stocks

Asian, European markets drop as inflation spectre hangs

Mumbai, Singapore, Manila and Wellington rose.
London, Paris and Frankfurt fell at the open.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 06:15pm

World

Russia, China reject accusations of vaccine opportunism

"Russia and China have been models of openness, cooperation, and mutual assistance," Lavrov said.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 06:13pm

Europe

Ukraine reports record daily virus deaths

The country has recorded over 1.5 million infections and more than 30,000 deaths from the virus since the pandemic began.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 06:11pm

World

First vaccines arrive in Covid-hit Papua New Guinea

Some hospitals have been forced to turn away new patients due to a lack of medical staff, who are testing positive in large numbers.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 06:09pm

World

Hard-hit Czechs see jump in Covid reinfections

The EU member of 10.7 million people has so far registered over 25,000 deaths from almost 1.5 million Covid-19 cases.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 06:07pm

Pakistan

Six frontline health workers test positive for COVID-19 in Islamabad

The health workers from District Health Office, whose identities were not revealed, have been diagnosed with the virus.
As per the DHO Islamabad, the infected staff is currently in self-isolation.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 06:08pm

Middle East

Israel voters take fourth shot at deciding Netanyahu's fate

Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving premier and its most popular politician.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 06:05pm

IT and Computers

LG might shut down its smartphone business

LG might shut down its smartphone business after unsuccessful attempts at selling it.
The company will inform its workforce about this decision next month.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:54pm

South Asia

Huge blaze at Rohingya camp in Bangladesh kills 15, leaves 400 missing

It was just the latest blaze in recent weeks -- and the biggest since 2017. Bangladesh has ordered a probe.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 06:03pm

Europe

Germany to enter strict Easter shutdown amid 'new pandemic'

"The situation is serious. Case numbers are rising exponentially and intensive care beds are filling up again," said Merkel.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 06:01pm

Europe

Unseated Turkey opposition MP appeals to top court

The HDP is Turkey's second-largest opposition party but faces closure since a prosecutor demanded a top court shut down the group last week.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:58pm

South Asia

Myanmar junta probing Australian over secrets and immigration offences

More than 260 people have been killed and about 2,700 arrested, according to a local monitoring group.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:57pm

Europe

Denmark announces reopening once all over 50s vaccinated

Denmark has previously announced plans for the introduction of a "corona passport," which will serve as a crucial part of the reopening.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:55pm

Europe

Putin to be vaccinated in private: Kremlin

The country has been among the hardest hit by Covid-19, with more than 4.4 million cases of the coronavirus and more than 95,000 deaths.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:54pm

World

AstraZeneca US trials thrown into doubt after promising data

AstraZeneca had said Monday that stage three US trials had shown its vaccine was 79 percent effective at preventing the disease.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:52pm

Europe

France should vaccinate 'morning, noon and evening': Macron

France aims to vaccinate 10 million people by mid-April and 30 million by mid-June.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:50pm

South Asia

Myanmar junta defends crackdown, vows to stop 'anarchy'

Suu Kyi is facing several criminal charges as well as allegations of accepting illegal payments of gold and cash.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:47pm

South Asia

UN body concerned over Sri Lanka rights situation

The body approved a resolution expressing "serious concern" at the situation.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:38pm

Africa

'We don't want war' with Sudan: Ethiopian PM Abiy

A string of deadly clashes followed, with both sides trading accusations of violence and territorial violations.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:37pm

South Asia

India opens up faltering vaccine drive to all over-45s

India has so far vaccinated nearly 50 million people but the programme to inoculate 300 million people by the end of July is behind schedule.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:34pm

South Asia

China approves inhaled CanSino vaccine for clinical trials

As of March 20, China had administered 74.96 million coronavirus vaccine doses, according to Our World in Data, a collaboration between Oxford University and a charity.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:31pm

South Asia

Blinken meets NATO allies, but no decision on Afghan withdrawal

Allies are waiting anxiously for new US President Joe Biden to decide whether to stick to that date -- but Blinken said the US was still mulling it over.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:28pm

Europe

EU passengers hit by airline strikes can make claims: court

The law also applies to EU airlines flying into the bloc from elsewhere, and to any EU or non-EU flights departing from an EU airport.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:27pm

Middle East

Two years after defeat, IS just as dangerous, Kurds warn

"The fall of the last patch of IS territory in northeast Syria does not mean complete defeat," the SDF added.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:21pm

Europe

Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Tuesday

At least 123,597,570 cases of coronavirus have been registered.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:20pm

Europe

France's Macron seeks faster vaccination rollout

France is tackling a third wave of infections, but is lagging behind many Western countries in terms of the number of people vaccinated.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:21pm

World

AstraZeneca to release more data on US trials 'within 48 hours'

"We intend to issue results of the primary analysis within 48 hours."

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:15pm

World

Roche reports promising results from anti-Covid cocktail

The cocktail also "significantly shortened the duration of symptoms by four days," from 14 to 10.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:15pm

World

Saudi Arabia offers ceasefire to Yemen’s Huthis

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday offered Yemen’s Huthi rebels a “comprehensive” UN-supervised ceasefire, as part...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:15pm

World

Russia launches 38 satellites for 18 countries

MOSCOW: A Russian Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday carrying 38 foreign...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:15pm

World

NATO chief says ‘all options open’ on Afghan withdrawal

BRUSSELS: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday said “all options remain open” on Afghanistan, as...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:15pm

Companies

Microsoft to reopen HQ

WASHINGTON: Microsoft said Monday it would start reopening its headquarters offices next week and implementing a...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:15pm

World

No threat to Earth as huge asteroid zooms past

SEOUL: The largest asteroid to pass by Earth this year has made its closest approach, posing no threat of a...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:15pm

World

AstraZeneca hails US trials as EU rows with UK over supplies

WASHINGTON: Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca said Monday that trials showed its Covid-19 vaccine was 100 percent...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:15pm

Commodities

Aluminium hits highest since 2018

LONDON: Aluminium prices rose on Monday to their highest level since June 2018 as investors worried that Chinese...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:15pm

Commodities

Palm oil jumps 3pc as March export data improves

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian palm oil futures climbed 3% on Monday, snapping a two-day decline, as an uptick in exports...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:15pm

Money & Banking

Russian rouble dives towards 75 against dollar on sanctions risk, lira slump

MOSCOW: The Russian rouble tumbled towards 75 against the dollar in volatile trade on Monday, touching a more than...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:14pm

Money & Banking

Early trade in New York: Dollar slips; lira tanks

NEW YORK: The US dollar slipped from four-month highs against a basket of currencies on Monday, following a small ...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:14pm

Money & Banking

Dollar dominates, lira slides in Europe

LONDON: The US dollar held near a four-month high on Monday as rising US Treasury yields fuelled demand for the...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:14pm

Money & Banking

Sterling falls to 6-day low against euro

LONDON: The pound slipped against the dollar on Monday and fell to its lowest in six days against the euro, as...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:14pm

Grains

Paris wheat hits five-week low on slack import demand

HAMBURG: European wheat futures in Paris fell to a new five-week low on Monday as waning end-of-season export demand...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:14pm

Grains

Russian wheat export prices down amid weak demand

MOSCOW: Russian wheat export prices fell for the third consecutive week last week amid weak demand and lower prices...

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:14pm

Europe

Spain raises upper age limit for AstraZeneca jab to 65

The decision came two days before Spain was to resume use of the AstraZeneca vaccine after the EU's drug regulator deemed the jab "safe and effective".

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:12pm

Europe

UK PM Johnson reassures NATO chief that defence spending will stay above target

"The increased investment in defence brings the UK's total spending to 2.2% of GDP - significantly above the NATO target," Johnson told Stoltenberg.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:12pm

Europe

Weekly Irish COVID-19 jobless claims fall slightly

The number of claimants climbed from a low of 278,000 in December to a peak of 481,000 in early February, following the shutting of most of the retail and hospitality sectors.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:12pm

Africa

African countries keen on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine: WHO

WHO senior adviser Bruce Aylward said: "There's a lot of confidence" in the Astrazeneca Covid-19 vaccine.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:12pm

Pakistan

AJK PM for UN role to settle Kashmir dispute

He said despite atrocities of the brute Indian forces, the Kashmiri people were determined to continue their liberation struggle till the achievement of their right to self-determination.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:12pm

Commodities

Aluminium hits highest since 2018 as China pollution curbs seen restricting output

Benchmark aluminium on the London Metal Exchange (LME) was up 0.3pc at $2,273 a tonne at 1705 GMT after reaching $2,289.50.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:12pm

Europe

Austria delays reopening restaurants as COVID-19 cases rise

The number of new infections reported rose above 3,500 on Friday, the highest level since early December, when cases were falling during the second national lockdown.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:12pm

Europe

COVID-19 second wave to hit Brazil tax revenues in April: economy minister

Guedes said a nationwide mass vaccination program against the virus must be accelerated to ensure people can return to work safely, especially the working classes and lower income earners.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:12pm

World

COVID-19 vaccine makers should license technology to overcome ‘grotesque’ inequity: WHO

The Geneva-based body urged vigilance as case numbers rise in several regions, including Europe, driven partly by virus variants that transmit more easily.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:11pm

Pakistan

DRAP to determine price of corona vaccine: Asad Umer

He, however said the people would have the opportunity to buy vaccine at affordable price in near future.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:11pm

Stocks

European shares edge higher as autos lead gains, Turkey-exposed banks fall

The pan-European STOXX 600 rose 0.2pc, reversing declines from earlier in the session, with automobile stocks rising for a fifth day in the past six sessions.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:11pm

Europe

French new COVID-19 cases accelerate despite new lockdown

The tally of COVID-19 infections on Mondays is usually a fraction of those recorded on other days due to a lack of weekend testing and reporting.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:11pm

Commodities

Gold slips as Wall Street gains sour appeal

Spot gold was down 0.3pc at $1,738.93 per ounce by 1:41 P.M EDT (1741 GMT).

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:11pm

Pakistan

Govt ready to sit with opposition for legislation in Parliament: Shafqat

He said NAB had summoned PML-N vice-president Maryam Nawaz to appear before it on March 26 in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case of money laundering.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:11pm

USA

In Brussels, Blinken offers boost for NATO, cooperation on Afghanistan

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday pledged to rebuild and revitalise the transatlantic military alliance after a bruising four years when Washington portrayed NATO as outdated, divided and in crisis.
The first top U.S. official to visit NATO since President Joe Biden took office in January, Blinken said the alliance was at a pivotal moment but could emerge stronger after internal disputes over Turkey and Russian gas.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:05pm

Europe

Jordan records 109 COVID-19 deaths, highest daily toll since start of pandemic

The ministry also reported 9,269 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, taking the cumulative total to 544,724 cases.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:11pm

Money & Banking

Mexico's central bank seen maintaining key rate at 4.0pc

The central bank in February cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 4pc, flagging uncertainty over the outlook.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 05:11pm

Middle East

Israel votes as Netanyahu hopes vaccine rollout overcomes corruption trial

Israelis began voting on Tuesday in a fourth election in two years, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hoping a world-beating COVID-19 vaccine rollout will win him another term.
With coronavirus precautions at polling booths across the country - and ballots at the airport for quarantined Israelis coming home to vote - opinion polls show the race yet again too close to call.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 05:00pm

Pakistan

Punjab accepts NAB’s plea for Rangers deployment on Maryam Nawaz's hearing

NAB had requested authorities concerned to declare its Lahore office ‘red zone' on March 26.
Last year in August, PML-N workers and police clashed outside NAB's Lahore headquarters upon Maryam's arrival.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 04:50pm

Sports

There is no major issue regarding my fitness: Sharjeel Khan

The left-hander was called up into the squad for the first time after serving after a lengthy ban for spot-fixing.
"I'm running 15 km per day. There is no added pressure of fitness on me. Apart from fitness, I am also working on improving my skills," says Sharjeel.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 04:28pm

Pakistan

Pakistan soon to start manufacturing COVID vaccine by using "technology transfer" from China

The initiative will help reduce the price of the coronavirus vaccine by up to 30 percent
China will ship CanSino vaccine in bulk to Pakistan and from next month, it would be packed at a filling plant at the National Institute of Health

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 04:24pm

Business & Finance

Pakistan LNG seeks bids to import 8 cargoes

As per details, bids are invited from reputed international suppliers for the supply of eight LNG cargoes on a Delivered Ex-Ship (DES) basis at Port Qasim Karachi Pakistan.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 03:53pm

Pakistan

Holiday announced in Islamabad, Rawalpindi on March 25

Notifications have been issued by Deputy Commissioners of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
On Monday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had said that the Pakistan Day parade — held every year on March 23 to mark the day Pakistan Resolution was passed — has been rescheduled.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 03:18pm

Business & Finance

U.S. Treasury's Yellen sees post-COVID growth, possible full employment in 2022

Yellen, in written testimony prepared for delivery to the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee, said that with passage of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act,

Published 23 Mar, 2021 02:45pm

Business & Finance

UK jobless rate falls as workers drop out of labour force

The main jobless rate dropped to 5.0% in the three months to January from 5.1% in the final quarter of 2020, in contrast to forecasts in a Reuters poll for a small rise to 5.2%.
None of the economists polled had expected a fall.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 02:43pm

Pakistan

Pakistani flags, posters carrying pictures of PM and army chief put up in IIOJK

The posters and banners have been reportedly displayed by Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Alliance and other parties
Special events are being held across the country to pay tributes to national heroes of the Pakistan Movement for their sacrifices

Published 23 Mar, 2021 02:40pm

IT and Computers

Samsung working on a double-folding phone to add to its foldable lineup

Samsung is working on a third foldable phone with double-folding after Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip.
The new phone is expected to be revealed around the end of this year.

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 02:19pm

World

AstraZeneca may have provided incomplete data from latest COVID trial: US Agency

The Data Safety Monitoring Board has expressed concern that AstraZeneca may have included outdated information from the trial
AstraZeneca says safety of the vaccine has been extensively studied in phase III clinical trials and peer-reviewed data confirms the vaccine has been generally well tolerated

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 01:59pm

Pakistan

Govt has shifted focus from geo-political to geo-economic priorities, says Qureshi in his Pakistan Day message

Pakistan resolution is a reflection of our national and historical aspirations, says Qureshi
The entire focus of the present leadership is on the welfare of the people under the vision of “Naya Pakistan”: FM

Updated 23 Mar, 2021 01:56pm

Telecommunication

Telecom giant VEON acquires Pakistani operator Jazz for $273mn

The transaction gives VEON full ownership of Jazz.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 01:40pm

Business & Finance

Demand for solar modules rise as Pakistan moves towards renewable energy

Pakistan had a total power generation capacity of 38,719MW as of 30 June 2020, solar PV accounts for 530MW, holding a share of 1.36% of total power generation capacity in the country.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 01:13pm

Business & Finance

Pakistani investors aim to expand footprint in Saudi Vision 2030

The investors want to use their assets and savings based in Pakistani as collateral to get financing for the projects.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 12:24pm

Technology

Facebook to initiate projects in Pakistan: Bangash

“We should support platforms such as Google, YouTube, Facebook as a majority of our youth is connected to them,” he said.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 11:48am

Pakistan

Pakistan welcomes Saudi Arabia’s Yemen peace initiative

"We urge all parties to the conflict in Yemen to engage in a meaningful dialogue to end the hostilities in order to save thousands of innocent lives and ensure regional peace and stability," FO said.
The FO further said that Pakistan fully supports Saudi efforts for 'peaceful settlement of the conflict in Yemen and stand in solidarity with the kingdom'.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 11:16am

Pakistan

Pentagon chief praises Pakistan's efforts for peace in Afghanistan

US defence secretary assured COAS Bajwa that the US would like to continue its cooperation with Pakistan in areas of common interest
Pakistan is an essential partner in Afghan peace process and will play an important role in any political settlement in Afghanistan: Austin

Published 23 Mar, 2021 11:05am

Joe Biden felicitates President Arif Alvi on Pakistan Day

He further said that the Pakistan-US partnership is based on the common goal of regional peace and prosperity.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 10:58am

Pakistan

China to gift more doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Pakistan this month

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in a telephonic conversation with FM Qureshi said that they have prioritized the provision of doses to Pakistan owing to their exemplary friendship.
Last week, Pakistan received another consignment of 500,000 doses of the Chinese state-owned company Sinopharm’s vaccine.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 10:29am

Business & Finance

Japan unveils steps to back financing at bigger firms hit by pandemic

The government’s response to corporate financing in the pandemic has so far mainly taken aim at small firms with actions such as providing no-interest and no-collateral loans.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 10:23am

Business & Finance

Oil drops on concerns European COVID-19 issues to crimp demand

Brent crude futures for May dropped by 68 cents, or 1.1% to $63.94, erasing a 9 cent gain in the previous session.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 10:21am

Business & Finance

Dollar off recent highs as investors look to Fed, Yellen for bond clues

The Turkish lira showed some sign of stability following a 7.5% dive on Monday after President Tayyip Erdogan sacked a hawkish central bank chief.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 10:19am

Business & Finance

Major employers scrap plans to cut back on offices - KPMG

Just 17% of chief executives plan to cut back on offices, down from 69% in the last survey in August.

Published 23 Mar, 2021 10:18am

World

Ikea goes on trial in France for spying on staff

VERSAILLES, (France): The French branch of Swedish retailing giant Ikea went on trial Monday accused of running an...