News Archives for Latest - 2021-03-27

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Archive - 2021-03-27

Companies

Volkswagen recalls Audi A3s in the US over air bag concerns

The recall is expected to affect 153,152 Audi A3 cars built between 2015 and 2020, including the Sedan, Etron and Cabriolet models, as well as certain S3 Sedans.
The system which detects whether the passenger seat is occupied might malfunction and switch off the air bag even if a person is sitting there, the filing said.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 09:07pm

Europe

Britain nearing vaccine deal with European Union

Under the agreement the EU will remove its threat to ban the export of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines to Britain, it added.
"We are only at the start of discussions with the UK. There are no talks over the weekend," an EU Commission source said on Saturday, adding that sending vaccines produced at Halix was not part of the talks.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 09:07pm

USA

US envoy to Afghanistan heads to Turkey and region to push talks to end conflict

President Joe Biden is deciding whether to meet a May 1 deadline for the withdrawal of the last 3,500 American troops in Afghanistan that was set in a February 2020 accord struck with the Taliban under former President Donald Trump.
He will engage the two sides on their preparatory efforts for talks on a political settlement that produces a permanent ceasefire and a durable and just peace.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 09:02pm

Sports

Portugal's Santos heads into 1000th game as coach

The 66-year old from Lisbon won Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League with his country, having clinched the Portuguese league and cup double with Porto in 1999 and the 2002 Greek cup with AEK Athens.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 09:00pm

South Asia

Facebook services down in Bangladesh amid protests against Modi visit

The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina did not comment if it had blocked Facebook and its messenger app, but it has previously used internet shutdowns as a tool to curb the spread of protests.
Dozens were also hurt on Friday in the capital Dhaka where police used rubber bullets and teargas in clashes with violent protesters.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:56pm

Sports

Poland keeper Skorupski tests positive for COVID-19

Skorupski, 29, is the second Polish player to test positive after Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich earlier this week.
Skorupski, who plays for Italian Serie A club Bologna, reported symptoms on Thursday night and went into isolation on Friday after returning a positive result, with Poland calling up Karol Niemczycki as a replacement.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:53pm

South Asia

China sanctions US and Canadian bodies over Xinjiang

Beijing has been pushing back against sanctions imposed by the United States, European Union, Britain and Canada for what they say are rights violations against Uighur Muslims and other Turkic minorities in the western Chinese region of Xinjiang.
"The Chinese government is firmly determined to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and urges the relevant parties to clearly understand the situation and redress their mistakes," the ministry said.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:51pm

Europe

EU experts to say nuclear power qualifies for green investment label: document

The European Commission is attempting to finish its sustainable finance taxonomy, which will decide which economic activities can be labelled as a sustainable investment in the EU, based on whether they meet strict environmental criteria.
The Commission asked the Joint Research Centre (JRC), its scientific expert arm, to report on the issue.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:49pm

Europe

New Dutch coronavirus cases above 8,500, most since January

The National Institute for Health (RIVM) has forecast that new cases will continue to rise through late April, even with the country's current lockdown measures that include an evening curfew and bans on public and private gatherings.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:46pm

Sports

Pope gets nod for England, Shaw gets boost

"He has been really patient for his opportunity and has performed consistently at a high level every week for his club and has been with us for a very long time waiting for this moment," said Southgate, confirming the 28-year-old's starting role.
Pope had little to do against San Marino but will hope he can now make a strong case to keep the first choice spot.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:44pm

South Asia

Indonesia sees vaccination slowdown as India delays shipments

India's move will affect supplies to the GAVI/WHO-backed global COVAX vaccine-sharing facility, through which 64 lower-income countries including Indonesia are supposed to get doses from SII. "This definitely will affect (the vaccination process) because in April we only have around 7 million doses from Sinovac," Budi said.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:42pm

Europe

Germany expects first delivery of J&J COVID-19 shot in mid-April

"It will only be a small delivery at first," Spahn told an online event, adding he expected a shipment of around 275,000 doses in the week of April 12.
J&J's shot, which was approved by European Union regulators on March 11, is the fourth to be endorsed for use in the EU after vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech,, AstraZeneca-Oxford University and Moderna.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:35pm

Europe

Ship stranded in Suez Canal has moved but unclear when it will be freed

SCA Chairman Osama Rabie said he hoped it would not be necessary to resort to removing containers from the ship to lighten its load, but that strong tides and winds were complicating efforts to free it.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:38pm

Europe

Britain says Myanmar violence marks new low after over 90 killed

"Today's killing of unarmed civilians, including children, marks a new low. We will work with our international partners to end this senseless violence, hold those responsible to account, and secure a path back to democracy," Raab said in a tweet on the crackdown on Myanmar's Armed Forces Day.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:29pm

USA

Venezuelans fleeing to Colombia accuse soldiers of abuses

Venezuela is investigating the accusations that members of the military committed abuses, including detaining and killing civilians, as well as looting and burning homes.
"I couldn't stay because they are killing people. They killed some neighbors and dressed them in Venezuelan army uniforms to pass them off as guerrillas," Castillo said.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:27pm

South Asia

Two Indian states vote in test for Modi

India's fourth most populous state, with 90 million people, was for decades a bastion of communism, and registered a voter turnout of nearly 80% in Saturday's first phase of voting.
Politicians on the campaign trail often showed scant regard for social distancing, but as voters queued patiently at polling centres, security personnel and election workers handed out masks, hand sanitisers and gloves.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 08:23pm

South Asia

Vietnam sees foreign investment rise to $4.1bn in first quarter

FDI has been a key driver of Vietnam's economic growth. Companies with investment from foreign firms account for about 70% of the southeast Asian country's exports.
FDI pledges - which indicate the size of future FDI disbursements - rose 18.5% from a year earlier to $10.13 billion in the January-March period, the government said in a statement.

Updated 27 Mar, 2021 08:25pm

Pakistan

Sindh decides to close all shrines amid surge in COVID-19 cases

The decision was made during a meeting chaired by provincial Minister for Auqaf Sohail Anwar Sial.
Auqaf Chief Administrator Sindh, in a notification, said all shrines and dargahs would remain closed for 10 days — from March 28 to April 6.

Updated 27 Mar, 2021 07:56pm

Pakistan

Hafiz Hussain asks Maulana Fazlur Rehman to help unite factions of JUI

“Maulana Fazlur Rehman should immediately join JUI Pakistan,” said Ahmed.
“The PDM’s situation has come to the fore after yesterday’s developments. Have mercy on our party with return of the focus towards Jamiat,” Hafiz Hussain added.

Updated 27 Mar, 2021 06:53pm

Commodities

Russia's measures to stabilise domestic food prices

Russia's annual inflation had spiked to 5.8% as of mid-March and is only expected to slow to its central bank's 4% target in the first half of 2022, later than previously expected.
- Russia has set a grain export quota for overseas shipments of wheat, rye, barley and corn (maize) of 17.5 million tonnes for Feb 15 to June 30.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:38pm

Money & Banking

ECB must remain euro zone's stabiliser

There is a clear risk of self-fulfilling adverse dynamics taking hold, through which uncertain economic prospects induce households, firms and governments to hold back on expenditure plans, leading to a decline in overall demand that validates the loss in confidence about the future.
Hoping to prop up the economy until it is ready to reopen, the ECB has pushed borrowing costs to record lows through copious asset purchases and loans to banks at rates as low as minus 1%.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:27pm

Sports

Bosnia coach tests COVID-19 positive ahead of France clash

"Petev tested positive for the coronavirus after the national team's return from Finland on Thursday, while all his staff and players tested negative," the NFSBIH said.
"He is feeling well and doesn't have any symptoms," it added.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:24pm

Europe

UK's Johnson criticises 'disgraceful' attacks on police at protest

Local police said bricks, glass bottles and eggs were thrown at police late on Friday evening after a protest on Friday afternoon turned sour in the late evening.
Bristol has been a centre of protests against a government bill going through parliament that would give police new powers to restrict street protests.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:22pm

Europe

Spain to require arrivals by land from France to present negative COVID test

Anyone arriving by land from risk areas will have to present a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that was taken within 72 hours prior to their arrival.
The order will take effect three days after its publication in the Official State Gazette and until the government declares the end of the health crisis situation caused by COVID-19.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:19pm

Industry

SBP launches a FX Portal for end-to-end digitalization of FX requests

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a Foreign Exchange (FX) Portal for end-to-end digitalization of FX requests.
Currently, customers of 22 banks can submit their cases digitally from their workplace.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:21pm

South Asia

Philippine to reimpose stricter COVID-19 curbs in capital to arrest surge in cases

The health ministry on Saturday reported 9,595 new coronavirus cases, marking the second straight day the daily jump in infections remained above 9,000. The country posted a record rise in three of the past five days.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:17pm

Sports

Four Czech players to miss World Cup qualifier against Belgium

Team captain and Hertha Berlin midfielder Vladimir Darida, Bayer Leverkusen forward Patrik Schick, Hoffenheim defender Pavel Kaderabek and Werder Bremen goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka all started in the Group E qualifier on Wednesday against Estonia but will now miss the Belgium match.
"German authorities could not confirm that those national team players would not have to go into quarantine after their return to Germany," Sedivy said, explaining why the clubs would not release the players.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:14pm

Sports

Germany's Suele ruled out of World Cup qualifiers with thigh injury

Suele was not in the squad that travelled to Bucharest where they take on Romania on Sunday, with the 25-year-old returning to his club Bayern Munich.
A replacement was not named for Suele, and head coach Joachim Loew will have only 22 players at his disposal.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:11pm

Industry

Kenya Airways says suspends domestic flights after new COVID-19 lockdown announced

Domestic flights, the statement said, would be suspended until further notice. International flights remain unaffected.
Under the new curbs, authorities said Nairobi and the counties of Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu and Nakuru would be treated as one zone, and residents would be barred from crossing over to other areas.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:08pm

Europe

Belarus warns demonstrators of criminal charges as fresh protests brew

The Minsk Investigative Committee warned that protesters could face criminal charges, and said it had opened a case against the authors of posts on the Telegram messenger app that called for people to go out on the streets.
Protests were expected to start again in earnest on Saturday afternoon, though some detentions had already taken place in the morning, according to videos shared on Belarus opposition media channels.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:06pm

Companies

Serum Institute delays expected launch of Novavax vaccine in India

Adar Poonawalla, the chief executive of Serum, said in January that the vaccine, named Corovax, was expected to be launched by June.
"It has been tested against African and UK variants of #COVID19 and has an overall efficacy of 89%," tweeted Poonawalla, whose Serum Institute is the world's largest manufacturer of vaccines.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 06:01pm

Africa

Salvager hopes to free ship blocking Suez Canal by start of next week

Giant container ship stranded since Tuesday.
Dredgers and tug boats deployed to dislodge it.
Blockage disrupting global shipping, supply chains.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 05:56pm

Middle East

Syria says rationing fuel as shipments delayed by Suez canal blockage

"As we wait for the normal movement of ships across the Suez Canal, which could be an unknown period of time, and to assure basic services continue for Syrians... the ministry is currently rationing some oil products," an oil ministry statement said.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 05:54pm

Europe

UK's Johnson says no reason to change COVID-19 unlocking plans

On Monday, there will be a smaller change, allowing groups of 6 to meet up outside. Foreign travel will be banned until at least May 17, which is also the earliest date indoor hospitality and performance venues might re-open.
Although Johnson has outlined dates at which he plans to ease restrictions, he has been clear that it is "data, not dates" which will determine whether the unlocking can proceed to schedule.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 05:54pm

Companies

Paris, EU near deal on Air France bailout conditions: report

The expected deal would see Air France give up fewer airport flight slots at its Paris base than initially sought by the European Commission, notably at Orly airport, the newspaper said in a report published late on Friday.
The Air France-KLM group recorded a 7.1 billion euro ($8.38 billion) net loss for last year.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 05:47pm

South Asia

More than 90 killed in Myanmar in one of bloodiest days of protests

Armed Forces Day: one of bloodiest since the coup.
Total number of civilians reported killed passes 400.
'They are killing us like birds or chickens'.
Junta leader says military safeguarding democracy.
US cultural centre hit by gunfire, embassy says.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 05:40pm

Middle East

Lebanon's largest Christian bloc warns against sidelining president

Hariri and Aoun have been at loggerheads over the formation of a cabinet for months, dashing hopes of a reversal of Lebanon's deepening financial meltdown.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 05:42pm

Sports

England's Archer to undergo surgery on right hand, says ECB

"(Archer) had a further injection for the right elbow injury that had seen him declared unfit for selection for the current ODI series versus India," the ECB said in a statement.
"The procedure on Jofra's hand will take place on Monday... so he can recover during the planned break following his elbow injection.

Updated 27 Mar, 2021 05:42pm

Companies

Attempts to refloat ship in Suez Canal to resume shortly

If that attempt is unsuccessful, another effort will be made on Sunday morning, the sources said. To refloat the ship, it could be necessary to remove further sand from around it, they added.

Updated 27 Mar, 2021 05:39pm

Asia

India begins voting in two eastern states in key test for Modi

It was the first phase of voting in both states, and the results won’t be known for months.
Modi and his home minister Amit Shah campaigned aggressively for their Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal, luring local politicians away from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) party, whose firebrand leader Mamata Banerjee has been chief minister since 2011.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 05:01pm

Sports

India batting great Tendulkar contracts COVID-19 as new cases surge

“I have been testing myself and taking all the recommended precautions to ensure COVID is kept at bay. However, I have tested positive today following mild symptoms,” Tendulkar said on his Twitter handle.
India on Saturday reported 62,258 new infections, its highest since October, taking its tally to 11.91 million. The death toll rose by 291 to stand at 161,240.

Updated 27 Mar, 2021 05:01pm

Pakistan

Dr Tariq Banuri removed as Higher Education Commission chairman

"Dr. Tariq Banuri has ceased to be the Chairperson, Higher Education Commission forthwith and is accordingly removed from the said post, with immediate effect," a notification by cabinet secretariat said.
- In 2018, the then Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had appointed Banuri as the HEC chairman for a four-year term.

Updated 27 Mar, 2021 04:14pm

World

Iran-China sign 25-year strategic cooperation pact

The pact was signed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who arrived in Tehran late Friday.
"We believe this document can be very effective in deepening" Iran-China relations, the spokesman said.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 03:55pm

Money & Banking

‘Digital Bank’: SBP develops draft of regulatory framework for feedback

SBP has released the Exposure Draft of Digital Bank Framework for public consultation, introducing the licensing regime for new category of digital banks in Pakistan.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Pakistan (PwC Pakistan) assisted in development of this framework.

Updated 27 Mar, 2021 03:35pm

Pakistan

PTI’s Haleem Adil Sheikh released on bail

The bail was granted in two cases by the Sindh High Court against the two surety bonds of Rs0.2 million each.
On February 16, the PTI lawmaker was arrested for bringing weapons to the by-elections in Karachi and for interfering with an operation against encroachments.

Updated 27 Mar, 2021 03:12pm

Technology

vivo announces the launch of X60 Pro in Pakistan: Redefining mobile photography in collaboration with Zeiss

The X60 Pro marks as one of the inaugural vivo devices to be created in collaboration with ZEISS, a global leader in optics and optoelectronics.
Key to the X60 Pro’s top-notch photography capabilities lies in its ground-breaking vivo-ZEISS co-engineered imaging system, resulting in uncompromised and powerful performance.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 02:20pm

Business & Finance

Punjab imposes strict restrictions on sugar traders

Under the order, the sale and purchase of sugar system would be regulated.
The godowns of sugar mills and dealers would be registered and only registered dealers would be allowed to sell or purchase sugar.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 02:10pm

Pakistan

India’s participation in anti-terror military exercises in Pakistan under SCO still undecided

“Pakistan has not yet made any decision to invite Indian troops to take part in the military exercise,” says top military official.
The drills will be held in Pabbi and the decision to hold the joint exercise “Pabbi-Anti-terror-2021” was announced during the 36th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on March 18.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 02:11pm

Business & Finance

Suez Canal blockage: Stranded Japanese ship likely to be freed soon

The Japanese ship was stranded in the Suez Canal, a major trade route connecting Asia and Europe, on Tuesday, disrupting several ships on the Suez Canal, also disrupting international trade and sending several companies back to Africa.

Updated 27 Mar, 2021 02:16pm

Business & Finance

Baqir says State Bank should be given operational independence to pursue objectives

Talking about the rise in power tariff coming in the wake of the government's recent decisions the governor of the central bank said that our aim should be to reduce the circular debt.
“The current amendments are a part of a broader process to modernize the central bank in light of latest developments,” he said.

Updated 27 Mar, 2021 01:20pm

Business & Finance

Chevron eyes deal for Shell oil refinery in Pacific Northwest - sources

Shell has been trying to sell its 145,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) Puget Sound refinery in Anacortes, Washington, for at least a year. Reuters reported in January 2020 that the refinery was for sale.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 01:07pm

Business & Finance

China's Jan-Feb industrial profits surge in boost to economic recovery

Profits stood at 1.114 trillion yuan ($170.31 billion) in the first two months of 2021, up 179% from the same period last year when the COVID-19 pandemic paralysed economic activity, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Saturday.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 01:06pm

Business & Finance

Stellantis, Nissan, Nio cut more production due to chip shortage

WASHINGTON: Stellantis NV and Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio became the latest carmakers to announce new...

Published 27 Mar, 2021 10:43am

Business & Finance

Honda agrees to sell British car plant to logistics giant Panattoni

The Japanese automaker, which builds about a tenth of the 1.5 million car output in Britain, made the decision two years after it announced its intention in 2019 to cease production at its Swindon plant. The plant closer is expected to lead to 3,500 job losses.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 10:37am

Pakistan

NCOC to review coronavirus situation as Punjab's active cases soar to 21,309

Punjab's coronavirus tally has jumped to 210,095.
The NCOC will also review the situation in Islamabad and KP.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 10:19am

World

Attempt to refloat ship blocking Suez Canal was unsuccessful: ship's technical manager

Initial investigations suggest the vessel was grounded because of strong wind and rule out any mechanical or engine failure as the ship was transiting the canal on Tuesday with two canal pilots on board, BSM said.

Published 27 Mar, 2021 10:05am