News Archives for Latest - 2021-04-02

Pakistan

How Good Road Maintenance Saves Funds for Emergencies like COVID-19

LAHORE: The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Institute organized a workshop to share findings of...

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:43pm

Africa

Kenya stops private import of COVID-19 vaccines

At least one private firm has also brought in shots of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, according to Kenyan news media, who say the shots are being sold for about 16,000 shillings (around $150) for a double dose.
"There will be no licensing of private players in the importation of vaccines and any such license given will be and is hereby cancelled," Kagwe said.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:50pm

Companies

France's Total pulls staff from natural gas site in Mozambique amid clashes

Total, which last week called off a planned resumption of construction at the $20 billion development due to the violence, declined immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:48pm

Companies

Air Canada and Transat terminate planned deal after EU advises against it

Air Canada said that following the recent discussions with the European Commission (EC), it has become evident, however, that the EC will not approve the acquisition based on the offered remedy package.
Air Canada in February refused to extend the deadline for its C$188.7 million ($150.19 million) deal for Transat, after European regulators failed to give the go-ahead for the buyout.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:44pm

Companies

Ecuador state oil firm resumes operation of SOTE pipeline

The Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE), with a transportation capacity of 360,000 barrels per day, halted operations on Thursday to install a fifth bypass.
"The pumping operations of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE) were restarted, after work on the fifth bypass of the main pipeline was completed," Petroecuador said in a statement.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:42pm

Sports

No ill-effects from international return for Ibrahimovic: Pioli

Ibrahimovic came out of international retirement to compete for Sweden for the first time in five years last week, making an assist in each of his two starts for his country in World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Kosovo.
"He's fine, we are happy both for the national team and for him being back here with us," Pioli told a news conference on Friday.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:40pm

USA

US caught more than 171,000 migrants at US-Mexico border in March - preliminary data

The total includes about 19,000 unaccompanied migrant children and 53,000 family members traveling together, the preliminary figures show. Single adults made up roughly 99,000 of the total.
The Biden administration is struggling to find housing for unaccompanied children who have been backed up in crowded border stations and processing centers for days.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:38pm

Europe

Ukraine's Zelenskiy says he stands 'shoulder to shoulder' with US after Biden call

"We stand shoulder to shoulder when it comes to preservation of our democracies," Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter. "The American partnership is crucial for Ukrainians."

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:36pm

Europe

AstraZeneca says it will work with Dutch over vaccine queries

"Regulatory authorities in the UK, European Union, the World Health Organization have concluded that the benefits of using our vaccine to protect people from this deadly virus significantly outweigh the risks across all adult age groups," a spokesman for AstraZeneca said in a statement.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:33pm

Europe

Bulgarian economy to grow by 2.7pc this year

The economy contracted by 4.2% last year, hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
The ministry sees annual average inflation, calculated under a European Union-harmonised index, at 1.8% this year and 2% in 2022.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:26pm

Commodities

APK-Inform sees Ukraine 2021 grain crop at 73.8mn tonnes, exports at 54.2mn toones

The consultancy said the 2021 wheat harvest could rise 10% to 27.5 million tonnes with the export of 19.8 million tonnes.
"The positive outlook is due to fairly good wintering conditions for winter crops, favourable conditions for sowing spring crops, as well as price trends," APK-Inform said in a report.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:30pm

Europe

Eerily silent Paris CDG marks Easter without air travel rush

Throughput around 20%-25% of typical Easter – ADP.
Slowdown threatens jobs in depressed Paris suburbs.
US, China travel markets recovering.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:22pm

USA

Biden affirms US 'unwavering support' for Ukraine in call

"President Biden affirmed the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression in the Donbass and Crimea," the statement said.
"The leaders agreed these reforms are central to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations," the statement said.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:20pm

Commodities

Ukraine sows 310,560 hectares of spring grains so far

The 2021 sowing campaign started a few weeks late due to lingering cold weather in most of the country.
The overall grain area is likely to total 15.5 million hectares in 2021, including 7.96 million hectares of winter grains, the ministry has said.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:17pm

Sports

Ronaldo armband sold for over $75,000 to help toddler surgery

Serbia's Mozzart said in a statement on Friday that it paid 7.5 million dinars ($75,150) for the armband picked up by a fireman at Red Star's Rajko Mitic stadium.
"We decided to take part in the auction because of its humanitarian nature," Mozzart said.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:07pm

Money & Banking

Italy expects EU to OK renewal of GACS bad loan scheme in April

GACS scheme helped Italy's banks shed 87 bln euros in bad loans.
Set to ease up to 25 bln euros in sales in 2021 – KPMG.
Italy refuses to extend measure to unlikely-to-pay (UTP) loans.

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:16pm

Europe

Netherlands halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine for people under 60

The decision was made following new reports from medicine monitoring agency Lareb and discussions with health authorities, a Health Ministry statement said.
"Authorities in the UK, European Union, the World Health Organization have concluded that the benefits of using our vaccine to protect people from this deadly virus significantly outweigh the risks across all adult age groups," it said.

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06pm

Sports

Mourinho confirms Son return from injury, avoids Kane speculation

"He was injured, trained with the team fully this morning," Mourinho told reporters.
"He did partial exercises with the team yesterday and last week didn't train at all. This time we have (Matt) Doherty and Ben Davies out. Sergio Reguilon is ready."

Published 02 Apr, 2021 08:27pm

South Asia

Myanmar junta cuts internet, protesters say they will not surrender

Junta orders wireless broadband halt.
Protesters look for new ways to communicate.
Suu Kyi, allies charged under state secrets law.
Flower "strikes" held to remember dead.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 08:25pm

Industry

Ukraine steel output 0.5pc down so far in 2021

Ukrainian steel output fell by 1.1% in 2020 to 20.62 million tonnes.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 08:23pm

Sports

Man Utd's Rashford, Greenwood back training ahead of Brighton clash

Rashford missed United's FA Cup loss to Leicester City with a foot issue and was ruled out of England's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland but the 23-year-old has returned to training.
"I don't know about Anthony, he didn't join in training this morning... but Marcus and Mason trained and hopefully they can get through that with no reaction," Solskjaer told reporters.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 08:19pm

Companies

Airbus and Dassault agree joint FCAS fighter proposal

The agreement, first reported by La Tribune, paves the way for political talks to resume among the project's three government backers, France, Germany and Spain, a source close to the matter told Reuters.
"The governments have received an offer from the companies to build the demonstrator for a new combat plane in the framework of FCAS," the French armed forces ministry said, adding that negotiations were continuing on the overall project.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 08:15pm

Sports

Conte welcomes back players from COVID-19 quarantine

Inter were hit with a COVID-19 outbreak three weeks ago that meant their final league match before the international break, against Sassuolo, was postponed.
Stefan de Vrij and Matias Vecino tested positive for the novel coronavirus, joining captain Samir Handanovic and Danilo D'Ambrosio in quarantine at home.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 08:13pm

Companies

Gazprom partner to start building Baltic Sea chemical plant

The wider project with Gazprom's participation will help Russia, already a leading energy producer, to reach its goal of boosting its share of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market.
The cluster is designed to process annually 45 billion cubic metres of natural gas, produce 13 million tonnes of LNG, 3.6 million tonnes of ethane and up to 1.8 million tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Published 02 Apr, 2021 08:10pm

Companies

Tesla posts record deliveries in first quarter, beats estimates

"We are encouraged by the strong reception of the Model Y in China and are quickly progressing to full production capacity," Tesla said in a statement.
"The new Model S and Model X have also been exceptionally well received, with the new equipment installed and tested in Q1 and we are in the early stages of ramping production," it added.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 08:04pm

Sports

Man City may not sign striker despite Aguero exit, says Guardiola

Aguero, who has netted 257 goals in 384 appearances and won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and five League Cups at the club, is set to leave when his contract expires.
"I don't know what's going to happen but at these prices we're not going to buy any striker," Guardiola told reporters ahead of Saturday's league trip to Leicester City.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 08:03pm

Europe

Turkey's ruling AK Party proposes raising corporate tax to 25pc in 2021

The draft also envisages support for restaurant and cafe employees in April and May following the imposition of new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:58pm

Commodities

Sovecon lowers forecast for Russian 2020/21 wheat exports by 0.2mn tonnes

Russia doubled its wheat export tax to 50 euros ($59) per tonne last month in an attempt to curb high food price inflation amid the coronavirus pandemic. The tax was at 25 euro/tonne on Feb. 15-28.
The current low pace of wheat exports brought the estimate down, as did the fall in export prices in March, Sovecon, one of the leading agriculture consultancies in Moscow, said in a note.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:55pm

USA

US factories desperate for workers, even as ranks of jobless remains high

"We hired two from the ads," said Arnold, just a fraction of the 125 he needs to get back to full strength of 673 workers. Half the welding jobs at his Texas plant are open, for instance, creating a bottleneck in an operation that builds trailers on metal frames.
US manufacturers have long grumbled about labor shortages, but the past year has proven particularly frustrating.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:49pm

Financial

Suez bid to fight Veolia offer breach takeover rules, says French watchdog

Suez also proposed last month to negotiate a takeover if the two companies agreed on the sale of most of Suez's French assets to investment funds Ardian and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). Veolia had rejected the proposal.
"The search for a negotiated resolution between the parties is entirely legitimate, but it must respect the principles of transparency and integrity of the market, fairness in transactions and competition, and the free play of offers and higher bids," AMF said.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:44pm

Europe

Bulgarian PM woos rural voters with infrastructure in tough re-election bid

"What you wanted, I have given you," Borissov, clad in a leather jacket, told the local mayor and a group of villagers who greeted him in the village square on a sunny spring day.
"You brought us back to life. We had lost all hope here," Ibrahim Emin, a construction worker, told Borissov, praising improvements to a third road connecting St Petka to nearby villages.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:39pm

Middle East

German envoy says private firms to present Beirut port rebuilding plan

The statement came after Reuters reported that sources said Germany would next week present a multi-billion dollar proposal to Lebanese authorities to rebuild the port as part of efforts to prompt politicians to form a government that can stop the country's financial collapse.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:40pm

Europe

England COVID reproduction rate steady at 0.8 to 1

This week, strict lockdown restrictions in England began to be eased for the first time since the start of the year as the number of deaths, hospitalisations and cases has steadily fallen.
The Department of Health said scientists could not agree to a nationwide figure for the reproduction "R" number or daily growth estimate in COVID-19 cases, but the estimated figures for England remained unchanged.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:36pm

Sports

Chelsea's Tuchel tight-lipped on Haaland and Aguero links

"I will not answer that out of respect for the player (Haaland) and Borussia Dortmund. There is big news around him and his agent," Tuchel, who previously coached Dortmund, told reporters on Friday.
"It seems like they are creating a race for the player... a promising player, of course. But he isn't our player and is not in our squad.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:31pm

USA

US State Dept confirms plans for indirect Iran nuclear talks

"These remain early days and we don't anticipate an immediate breakthrough as there will be difficult discussions ahead. But we believe this is a healthy step forward," Price said in a statement.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:33pm

Forex

Dollar on track for third weekly gain after strong US payrolls data

US nonfarm payrolls surge more than 900,000 in March.
Economic optimism, rising yields support dollar.
Dollar index rises in five of last six weeks.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:27pm

Sports

Porto's Pepe fit for Chelsea clash, coach Conceicao says

The veteran centre-back hurt a muscle and missed Portugal's games with Azerbaijan, Serbia and Luxembourg during the recent international break.
"Pepe's ready and fit to play," Conceicao told a news conference.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:24pm

USA

Vaccines, fiscal stimulus boost US employment in March

Nonfarm payrolls jump 916,000 in March.
Employment increases across the board.
Unemployment rate falls to 6.0% from 6.2% in February.
Long-term unemployment remains elevated.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:24pm

Companies

Lufthansa to resume flights from Frankfurt to Tehran this month

Lufthansa had suspended flights in January 2020 after a Ukranian airliner was shot down soon after take-off from Tehran.
The airline said it has since assessed security measures by Iran with national and international authorities.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:08pm

Commodities

Palm oil supply and demand prospects halt two-week price decline

The benchmark palm oil contract for June delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange slipped by 2 ringgit, or 0.05%, to 3,739 ringgit ($903.58) a tonne after rising as much as 1% earlier in the day. For the week, it was up 1.3%.
"Overall, the market is anticipating April exports to be a tad better versus March. With tight end-stocks and better than expected exports, prices are expected to remain firmer," he added.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:10pm

Companies

Russia says 20 manufacturers worldwide have Sputnik V vaccine production agreements

During a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Dmitriev said India and South Korea were already producing Sputnik V and that many of the 20 manufacturers would reach full capacity in April.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:05pm

Sports

Firmino back for Arsenal trip, but Klopp unsure of Henderson return date

Firmino, who has six goals and five league assists this season, missed Liverpool's last three games due to a knee injury while Henderson has not played since late February after undergoing surgery on a groin injury.
"Bobby (Firmino) is back. All the others not and I have no idea about the Euros," Klopp told reporters ahead of Saturday's trip to London.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:02pm

USA

Texas sheriff fires seven officers after custody death of Black man

He was held on a marijuana possession charge, though he had less than two ounces, which is a misdemeanor, Allen, Texas, Police Department said .
Scott died later that night after having been restrained and pepper-sprayed following his handover to the county jail, the New York Times reported, adding that a spit hood had been placed over his head.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:54pm

Companies

Indonesia says China consortium to invest $5 bln in electric battery venture

Erick Thohir was speaking during a visit to China and was referring to a deal announced late last year, where CATL would invest $5 billion in a lithium battery plant in Indonesia and would start production in 2024.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:52pm

Stocks

JD Digits IPO terminated, Chinese stock exchange says

The stock exchange said in a statement that it had terminated the listing review after JD Digits on Tuesday submitted a request to withdraw its public listing application.
JD.Com has said it plans to transfer JD Cloud and artificial intelligence business to its financial technology unit, JD Digits, for a combined valuation of 15.7 bln yuan ($2.40 bln).

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:47pm

Companies

Suez attempt to fight Veolia offer breaches takeover rules

In an effort to force Veolia to negotiate, the Suez board has set up a Dutch foundation to prevent the sale of French water assets that its rival would need to divest to win antitrust approval to buy Suez.
Suez also proposed last month to negotiate a takeover if the two companies agreed on the sale of most of Suez's French assets to investment funds Ardian and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:45pm

Sports

No blame on Spain for Ramos injury, says Real boss Zidane

Central defender Ramos picked up a calf injury while doing warm-down exercises with Spain after their 3-1 victory over Kosovo on Wednesday. He came on as an 86th-minute substitute in the World Cup qualifier.
The 35-year-old looks set to be absent for both legs of the upcoming Champions League quarter-final meeting with Liverpool, as well as next Saturday's Clasico against Barcelona.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:42pm

Sports

Bayern must deliver despite Lewandowski absence-coach Flick

The Bundesliga's top scorer suffered a knee ligament injury while on international duty with Poland last week and is expected to be out for four weeks.
The Pole has scored 35 league goals and was on track to break the record 40-goal haul of Gerd Mueller from the 1971/72 campaign.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:40pm

Sports

Leicester's Iheanacho, Chelsea's Tuchel bag Premier League March honours

Iheanacho scored five goals in three games last month, including a hat-trick in a 5-0 demolition of Sheffield United, as Leicester maintained their grip on third place and Champions League qualification.
"I'm so pleased and honoured to win this award," he told the club's website. "I'm really enjoying playing at the minute and hopefully I can push on and help the team to finish as high as possible this season."

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:38pm

South Asia

Filipino devotees self-flagellate for Easter, defying ban on gatherings

"I prayed for my parents. I'm thankful they haven't gotten sick," said 25-year-old devotee Melvin Devibar.
"Even during this pandemic, I don't believe we will be affected by COVID as long as we pray."

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:24pm

Pakistan

In an alarming rise in HIV related deaths in Larkana district, 48 children have died since 2019

Poor infection control practices (ICP) including reuse of syringes and unscreened blood have lead to the spread of HIV.
The team found out that almost every child who tested positive had also received an injection of some kind in the previous year.
There are an estimated 190,000 HIV-positive people in Pakistan.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:33pm

Europe

Turkey begins administering Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 shots

Turkey has so far delivered 16.5 million vaccine doses nationwide, including more than 7 million people who have received a second dose of the shots developed by China's Sinovac Biotech.
A total of 2.8 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have arrived in Turkey, with that number expected to reach 4.5 million in the coming days, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Wednesday.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:21pm

Europe

Austria to give Czech Republic 30,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine

"We will...support the Czech Republic bilaterally with 30,000 doses of vaccine and believe it is very positive that we have also heard that other European countries are prepared to do the same," it said. Kurz previously said an EU deal on Thursday on dose distribution should have given the Czech Republic more.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:18pm

South Asia

Vietnam asks for foreign support in procuring COVID-19 vaccines

Vietnam has received about 930,000 doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine so far but wants to procure doses from Pfizer , Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, China's Sinovac, and Russia's Sputnik V shot.
Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long on Thursday asked Japan's embassy for help with technology transfer for vaccine production and testing in Vietnam, the ministry said in a statement on Friday

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:14pm

Companies

Hong Kong bars incoming Singapore Airlines flights over COVID-19 case

Three passengers on the March 31 flight also failed to comply with requirements specified under the Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation, Hong Kong authorities said on Friday.
Singapore Airlines confirmed the order but said passenger services from Hong Kong to Singapore would not be affected. The suspension applies until April 16.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:12pm

Sports

ATP updates protocols to add incentives for taking COVID-19 vaccine

Both the ATP and the women's WTA said it recommended players accept vaccine shots when available after some at the Miami Open this week expressed a reluctance to get vaccinated.
Professional tennis, which requires players to jet around the world, was shut down for five months last year as countries locked down borders to stem the spread of the virus.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:10pm

Europe

Russian court fines Twitter on charges of failing to delete content

The Tagansky District Court in Moscow said in a series of statements that it had issued three separate fines against Google of 3.2 million roubles, 3.3 million roubles and 2.4 million roubles.
It said the fines related to offences committed on Jan. 22-24 this year, including "violating the procedure for removing information", all under Russia's Administrative Offences Code.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:06pm

USA

US job growth accelerates in March; unemployment rate falls to 6.0pc

Nonfarm payrolls surged by 916,000 jobs last month, the Labor Department said on Friday. That was be the biggest gain since last August. Data for February was revised higher to show 468,000 jobs created instead of the previously reported 379,000.
Nearly 1.7 million jobs were lost that month, and another 20.7 million would vanish in April.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:03pm

Europe

Iran, US, world powers working for deal on reviving nuclear pact by June: EU official

"We are negotiating a list of nuclear obligations, and a list of sanctions lifting. They should marry at some point. In the end, we are approaching this in a parallel way. I do think we can do it in less than two months," the senior official said after virtual talks on Friday.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 06:03pm

Companies

Tesla first-quarter deliveries beat estimates

The electric-car maker delivered 184,800 vehicles during the first quarter, above estimates of 177,822 vehicles, according to Refinitiv data.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 05:59pm

Commodities

Russia's January gold output at 18.92 tonnes

The country also produced 68.34 tonnes of silver in January, against 72.27 tonnes in January 2020.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 05:56pm

Forex

Russia's rouble stabilises with an eye on sanction risks

The dollar steadied ahead of data from the United States that is expected to show an increase in job creation and a lower unemployment rate for March.
Oil prices inched higher despite the OPEC+ group's decision to ease production curbs by 350,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May, another 350,000 bpd in June and 400,000 bpd or so in July.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 05:52pm

Stocks

Indian markets closed on Friday

The NSE Nifty 50 index ended 1.2% higher at 14,867.35 on Thursday, while the S&P BSE Sensex rose 1.05% to 50,029.83.
The 10-year benchmark bond yield ended at 6.18%, while the rupee settled at 73.1050 to the dollar on Wednesday, March 31.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 05:35pm

Stocks

Sri Lankan stock market closed on Friday for holiday

The Sri Lankan stock market is closed on Friday, April 2 on account of Good Friday. Trading will resume on Monday, April 5.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 05:35pm

Technology

USF awards Rs 2.07bn contract to Ufone, for providing High Speed Mobile Broadband

The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication through USF has contracted various development projects worth approximately PKR 7 Billion to provide High-Speed Mobile Broadband services in districts of Chagai, Noshki, Bolan, Mastung, Panjgur, Gwadar, Ziarat, Jaffarabad and Pishin.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 04:58pm

Pakistan

PM accepts Saudi crown prince's invitation to visit Saudi Arabia

The Saudi crown prince had extended an invitation to the premier in a telephonic conversation a few days ago
The dates for the prime minister's visit will be finalized later

Published 02 Apr, 2021 04:46pm

Europe

UK adds Pakistan to its travel ban ‘red list’

On Friday, the United Kingdom's Foreign Office announced that it was adding Pakistan to the Red List of travel ban countries, with measures coming into force from April 9th.
The Pakistani government and medical officials had earlier blamed the rise in cases on a coronavirus variant, that was first reported in the United Kingdom.

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 04:43pm

Pakistan

Sindh govt all set to procure 10 million doses of CanSino Bio COVID vaccine

The provincial government has written a letter to AJM Pharma (Pvt) Ltd which is officially authorized to distribute the COVID vaccine in Pakistan
The company has been asked to share the schedule of delivery and the prices of the vaccine with the department for further process

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 04:36pm

Pakistan

Pakistan to open walk-in registration, vaccination for citizens above 65 from April 3

"Senior citizen above 65 years can now walk in to any designated vaccination center with their CNIC to get on spot registration and vaccination, with effect from 3rd April 21," NCOC said.
The vaccination drive to inoculate those 60 and above began on March 10.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 04:11pm

Pakistan

PM approves Sehat Card facility for Islamabad’s residents

This was announced by Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar on Twitter.
Each family can get cashless indoor healthcare services up to Rs720,000 in a year.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 03:28pm

Pakistan

Sindh imposes COVID restrictions, intercity public transport to ply at half capacity

The decision will come into force with immediate effect and is binding on all passenger vehicles being used for intercity transport in the province
Sindh CM rules out imposing complete lockdown in the province

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 03:13pm

Business & Finance

No plan to privatize PIA assets, Sarwar informs NA

He said routes that were bearing loss have been closed and flights on profitable routes have been added which has resulted in a reduction of losses.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 02:10pm

Commodities

China releases rice for feed in face of high corn prices, sources say

"There will be more such auctions coming. The government will keep releasing (rice and wheat) until corn prices are tamed."

Published 02 Apr, 2021 02:23pm

Forex

Turkish lira firms after central bank promises tight policy

The trading volume in the session was light due to a public holiday in Europe and elsewhere.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 02:21pm

World

Philippines reports record high 15,310 new coronavirus cases

It announced 17 new deaths, taking fatalities to 13,320 deaths. The Department of Health said the new cases reported on Friday.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 02:16pm

World

Three Rohingya killed in new blaze at Bangladesh camp

Hoque said five people were sleeping in a clothing shop when the fire broke out. "Two escaped but the other three were trapped in a bathroom in the shop."

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 02:16pm

Pakistan

SC rejects PTI's appeal, upholds ECP's decision on re-election in entire constituency of NA-75 Daska

Last week, the SC had suspended re-polling on NA-75 Daska scheduled to be held on April 10.
A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial announced the verdict.
In a statement, PTI's candidate said that “We will respect the decision of the court.” He further said, “We are ready to face our opponents again and will defeat them by twice as many votes as before.”

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 01:28pm

Pakistan

IHC postpones hearing of cases amid spike in COVID infections

The court will only take up important cases, including pre-arrest and post-arrest bails, detention matters, stay orders, and any matter of genuine urgency
The measures will remain in effect till April 11

Published 02 Apr, 2021 01:10pm

BR Research

The curious case of Punjab’s missing cotton bales

In July 2019, the annual tax bill imposed 10 percent sales tax on ginned cotton. Later same year (FY20), variance...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 01:06pm

Stocks

Tokyo stocks close higher ahead of US jobs data

Mizuho's reported losses are far smaller than those incurred by some financial institutions, with Nomura warning of up to $2 billion in exposure.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 12:32pm

Stocks

Chinese stocks close higher

Hong Kong's market was closed for a public holiday.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 12:27pm

Commodities

Palm oil set for third straight weekly loss

For the week so far, the contract is down 0.3%.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 12:24pm

Stocks

Japanese shares rally on hopes of earnings recovery, chip output hike

Mazda Motor gained 2.7%, while Suzuki Motor rose 2.1%.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 12:13pm

World

US seeks to engage Pakistan to explore areas for cooperation on addressing climate crisis

Pakistan has been omitted both from the Leaders Summit on Climate as well as the list of leaders who will hold talks with Special Presidential Envoy for climate John Kerry.

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 12:18pm

Commodities

Shanghai copper gains as smelting activities drop

The London Metal Exchange is closed for a holiday.

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 12:13pm

Pakistan

Russian FM Lavrov to visit Pakistan next week; Afghan peace process, trade on the agenda

This will be the first visit of a Russian foreign minister to Pakistan since 2012
Lavrov will be accompanied by Russia’s special envoy on Afghanistan Zamir Kaboluv

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:49am

Markets

PSX inks agreement to launch E-IPO System

8 The E-IPO system will electronically connect investors, share registrars with brokers / TRE Certificate holders, banks via 1LINK, and the shares custodial company, Central Depository Company (CDC) on a real-time basis with a simplified end-to-end customer experience.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 12:05pm

Mutual Funds

Vietnam's Vingroup to raise $500mn in first international bonds sale

Interest will be paid biannually with bonds being able to be converted into shares of Vinhomes, its real estate subsidiary.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:43am

World

Moderna gets nod to speed up virus vaccine output with bigger vials

Moderna has supplied 100 million doses of its vaccine to the United States as of March 29. Pfizer/BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson's shots are the other two vaccines approved in the country.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:39am

Business & Finance

Pakistan's Organic Meat Company gets approval to Export beef to China

“This process will enable us to access more markets for value-added meat products,” the company added.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:35am

Technology

Microsoft says an outage with Microsoft 365 services resolved

DNS is effectively an address book of the internet which enables computers to match website addresses with the correct server.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:28am

Financial

Japan's cash balance surges by a fifth to record in March

Japan's economy is gradually recovering from pandemic-induced pain thanks to robust exports, though a slow vaccine rollout and climbing coronavirus infections, particularly in the city of Osaka, cloud the outlook.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:25am

Business & Finance

US trade chief voices concern to Vietnam over currency practices

In January, the USTR released the results of an investigation into Vietnam's currency practices.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:23am

Commodities

China iron ore set for 10% weekly loss, steel futures extend gains

Steel futures, meanwhile, extended gains on continuously recovering consumption. Apparent demand for rebar and hot rolled coil rose by 7% and 2% week-on-week, respectively.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:18am

Companies

Indonesia expands tax breaks for sales of bigger cars

Indonesia's gross domestic product contracted for the first time since the 1998 Asian financial crisis last year, by 2.07% with household consumption and investment declining.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:16am

Business & Finance

Deposits in Roshan Digital Accounts cross $ 800mn mark: SBP

Inflows have been accelerating every month since the RDA launch in September 2020.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:13am

Stocks

China stocks set for weekly gain on upbeat economic data

The CSI300 index has declined 13% from an all-time high hit on Feb. 18, amid worries Beijing could move to rein in bubbles in the financial markets.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:07am

World

Australia investigates possible link of blood clot case to AstraZeneca vaccine

Australian media reported that a 44-year-old man was admitted to a Melbourne hospital with possible clotting days after receiving the vaccine.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:06am

Commodities

Palm heads for weekly gain as market recoups losses on tight supply hopes

Prices of rival soybeans rose to their highest in nearly a month on Thursday after the US Department of Agriculture's planting intentions report pegged soybean acreage well below expectations.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 11:03am

World

India reports six-month high of COVID-19 daily infections amid new curbs

The new surge this year presents a challenge to the government, which already struggled to implement last year's lockdown.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:59am

World

Ukraine reports record daily high of new coronavirus cases, deaths

Stepanov said 5,040 people were hospitalised over the past day, almost the same number as on Thursday.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:50am

Pakistan

Local firm inks agreement with China to produce and supply COVID-19 vaccine in Pakistan

M/s Searle Company Limited has signed a pact with China’s Livzon Mapharm Inc. for manufacturing coronavirus vaccine (V-01) in the country
The vaccine is going through final trials and it is expected that it will show effective results

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 10:52am

Forex

Yuan inches up, but set for longest weekly losing streak since 2018

He maintained his forecast for the yuan to trade at 6.4 per dollar at end-June but ease to 6.45 at end-2021.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:49am

Forex

Dollar heads for third weekly gain as payrolls data looms

Across the Tasman Sea, the New Zealand dollar was quoted at $0.7034.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:46am

Forex

Dollar steadies before US payrolls as sentiment improves

Major currencies are not expected to move much on Friday with financial markets closed in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Britain, and the United States, analysts said.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:44am

World

Taiwan train crash kills 36 in deadliest rail tragedy in decades

In 2018, 18 people died and 175 were injured when a train derailed in northeastern Taiwan. In 1981, 30 were killed in a collision in northern Taiwan.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:42am

Commodities

Japan's Pan Pacific plans 3.3% increase in H1 copper output

The increase comes as PPC expects the capacity utilisation rate at JX's Saganoseki Smelter.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:40am

Energy

Russia's March oil and gas condensate output rises to 10.25mn bpd

Oil and gas condensate production stood at 43.34 million tonnes for March.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:39am

Sports

Roles reversed as Sri Lanka face last day battle to save Test

A week earlier the Caribbean side batted through the last day at the same venue to ensure a draw after being set 375 to win.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:32am

Technology

Jurisdiction in Huawei exec's case for US judge to decide: Canada

"This is a matter that can really only be properly litigated before a US trial judge," Frater said, adding that the defense arguments' "flaws run so wide and so deep I scarcely know where to begin."

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:30am

World

UN Security Council 'strongly' condemns Myanmar violence, civilian deaths: statement

But Beijing, which has never recognized the existence of a coup, reduced the scope of the negotiated texts each time.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:29am

World

Paramedic says Floyd was 'deceased' when he arrived

Smith said Floyd was loaded into the ambulance and they tried to revive him using chest compressions and a defibrillator.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:27am

World

UK offers £400mn to aid culture's Covid recovery

Theatre and film stars Judi Dench, Julie Walters, Hugh Bonneville and Stephen Fry have all welcomed the funding.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:24am

World

Junta says Suu Kyi broke secrets law, international pressure rises

The hearing dealt with administrative aspects of the case including the formal appointment of eight defence lawyers.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:22am

Stocks

Tokyo stocks open higher with eyes on US jobs data

Mizuho's reported losses are far smaller than those incurred by some institutions, with Nomura warning of up to $2 billion in exposure.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:20am

Sports

Neymar back for PSG in time for decisive week

However, they may not have playmaker Marco Verratti, at least against Lille, after he returned from international duty with Italy carrying a knock.

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 10:20am

Pakistan

Pakistan reports 5234 new COVID-19 cases as positivity rate hits 10.43%

There are now 56,347 active COVID-19 cases.
"Wear a mask, avoid crowded places, wash hands or sanitize often, reduce travel to only essential work," Asad Umar urged the citizens.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 10:14am

Stocks

Chinese stocks open higher

Hong Kong's market was closed for a public holiday.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:41am

World

US couple arrested in plan to join IS in Yemen

"The threat of terrorism at home and abroad remains," said Assistant Attorney General John Demers.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:38am

World

Covid overwhelms ICUs in Syrian capital

Jotting down vitals on a small note pad, Sbayni said she had already attended to at least 10 Covid-19 patients that day with more expected to follow.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:35am

Sports

Juve look to reboot Serie A title defence in Turin derby

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's AC Milan need to improve their home form to keep in the running for a first 'Scudetto' since 2011, having not won any of their last five games in all competitions at the San Siro.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:31am

World

Dutch PM Rutte clings on after political battle

He was supported by the two main parties that formed part of his previous coalition, the centre-left D66 and centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), while all opposition parties voted against him.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:27am

Sports

Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit cruises to first-round ANA Inspiration lead

"So it's been very nice on me for my first round coming back."

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:24am

World

China vaccine maker Sinovac says doubles production capacity

"Over 200 million doses of CoronaVac have been delivered to over 20 countries, including China," said Sinovac in its latest statement.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:23am

Stocks

Asian markets rally after Wall St record

"Vaccine rollouts remain the game's name and drive the narrative, even with the EU lagging, as investors view this delay in the context that the catch-up is but a function of time," he said.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:22am

Technology

The road not taken: South Korea's self-driving professor

But Han's invention could have paved the way for South Korea to dominate the industry, he added regretfully.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:19am

World

World powers, Iran to discuss US return to nuclear deal

Earlier this month, Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said his country may return to full compliance of the JCPOA if Tehran deems Washington has honoured its commitments.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:17am

World

Train derails in Taiwan, four feared dead: rescue centre

The accident occurred at the start of the busy annual Tomb Sweeping festival, a long holiday weekend when Taiwan's roads and railways are usually packed.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:15am

Sports

Barty reaches Miami final as Hurkacz topples Tsitsipas

But just when it appeared the match was heading for a brisk conclusion, Hurkacz finally found his range.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:13am

World

Japan PM to meet Biden in US on April 16

Suga, 72, became prime minister in September after his predecessor Shinzo Abe stepped down for health reasons.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:12am

Sports

Kefu reappointed Tonga coach

"Toutai led a positive team culture... which positively impacted performance," the board said.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:10am

Sports

First-place Nets hammer Hornets, Sixers keep pace in East standings

Philadelphia improved to 7-3 with all-star centre Joel Embiid sitting out with a bruised left knee. Embiid suffered the injury while making a dunk on March 12.

Published 02 Apr, 2021 09:08am

Lavrov due on April 6

ISLAMABAD: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will visit Pakistan from April 6-7, 2021 to hold talks with ...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:08am

FY22 budget to envisage no new tax

ISLAMABAD: The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue, Dr Waqar Masood Khan Thursday held the first...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:08am

Pakistan

Bus, tractor accident kills 10

LARKANA: Ten people, including three children and a woman, were killed and over 45 others injured when a bus ...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Disappearance of Pos: SC questions ECP’s order for re-polling in entire NA-75

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court questioned the disappearance of the presiding officers (POs) as a valid ground to order...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Govt not to allow Maryam to go abroad: Firdous

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Punjab Chief Minister on Information, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Thursday said the...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

IHC issues notices to secy interior

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Thursday issued notices to the secretary interior in a petition ...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Digital media platform: DW starts first Pashto science magazine streaming

ISLAMABAD: POHA, Pashto Science Magazine, is the initiative of Deutsche Welle (DW), which will start streaming on...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Corona positivity rate in Punjab drops slightly

LAHORE: The positivity rate of coronavirus in the province has slightly declined from 12.85 percent to 12.32 ...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Federal cabinet expresses ‘no-confidence’ in PM: Khaqan

ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, on Thursday,...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Gilani, other accused: NAB’s plea for non-bailable arrest warrants rejected

ISLAMABAD: The Accountability Court, on Thursday, turned down the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)’s request...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Ramazan bazaars: Punjab govt to provide 10kg flour bag at subsidized rate

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to provide 10 kg flour bag at subsidized rate of Rs 375 per bag during...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Electoral reforms: Sanjrani, Qaiser urge opposition to work with govt

ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser have urged the opposition to ...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Covid-19 vaccine: Half-a-million doses to reach Pakistan today, NA told

ISLAMABAD: Parliam-entary Secretary for National Health Services Nausheen Hamid said Covid-19 vaccine is being...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

FY2020-2021: IT ministry approves eight projects worth Rs5.850bn

ISLAMABAD: The Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) of the Ministry of Information Technology and...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Modi’s letter to PM big foreign policy success: SAPM

ISLAMABAD: The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on CDA Affairs, Ali Nawaz Awan, on Thursday said ...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Work underway on historic uplift project: Firdous

LAHORE: Special Assistant to the Punjab Chief Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Thursday that...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

SECP organises webinar on ‘Venture Capital, Private Equity Investment’

ISLAMABAD: As a part of its efforts to facilitate start-ups and discuss and promote innovative financial solutions,...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Warehousing solution: Retailo signs strategic partnership with Maersk

KARACHI: Retailo, the fastest growing B2B e-commerce platform in the MENAP region, partners with Maersk, a global...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Pindi’s Urdu Bazaar fire: Huge losses inflicted on traders

ISLAMABAD: A huge fire erupted at Rawalpindi’s Urdu Bazaar, on Thursday, engulfing many shops and inflicted huge...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Renaming of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa again echoes in NA

ISLAMABAD: The renaming of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa once again echoed in National Assembly on Thursday after a member from...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

FPCCI Regional Office Lahore: SSP Security made focal person

LAHORE: SSP Security Lahore Sardar Mawaran Khan has been appointed as focal person for the Federation of Pakistan...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Proposed legal amendments: Minister directs MMD secretary to submit suggestions

LAHORE: In order to boost up business activities, Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat has directed the secretary mines...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Pakistan urges world to monitor human rights situation in IIOJK

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office said that Pakistan remains fully committed to the promotion and protection of human...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Women empowerment: Al Karam Textile collaborates with TCF

KARACHI: Al Karam Textile has announced collaboration with The Citizens Foundation’s (TCF) community development...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Review of finance-related ordinances today

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has convened a consultative meeting of treasury and opposition at...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Entrepreneurs of NMDs: KP launches mark-up free microfinance scheme

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government Thursday launched an Interest Free Microfinance Scheme for the...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:07am

Pakistan

Port congestion eases at PICT

KARACHI: Pakistan Customs and PICT have resolved congestion issues at PICT through dedicated efforts and round the...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

Pakistan

Ziauddin University holds 18th convocation

KARACHI: Ziauddin University awarded 582 degrees to graduating students at its 18th convocation. The graduates were...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

Pakistan

Plea for improving port infrastructure

KARACHI: President of Pakistan Stevedores Conference (G) Ltd, Tariq Haleem, has emphasized that the untapped...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

Pakistan

The Weather

KARACHI: The weather report on Thursday (April 1, 2021) and the forecast for Friday (April 2, 2021)....

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

World

‘Coronavirus free’ Turkmenistan reopens

ASHGABAT: A raft of restrictions on travel and businesses imposed by Turkmenistan’s authoritarian government...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

World

UN experts backpedal on Yemen corruption claims

RIYADH: A UN panel of experts has backtracked on corruption and money-laundering claims against Yemen’s...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

World

Two dead as violence mars election in India

NANDIGRAM, (India): Two people died as an Indian state notorious for political violence went to the polls Thursday...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

World

Steel tycoon Gupta rules out bailout, UK closures

LONDON: Indian-British billionaire Sanjeev Gupta on Thursday ruled out a bailout or factory closures for his...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

World

Black adviser to Boris Johnson quits amid race report outcry

LONDON: Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s most senior black adviser has quit, Downing Street said Thursday, a day...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

World

WTO to work with Europeans on legality of EU carbon tax plan

GENEVA: The World Trade Organization will work with a number of European countries to ensure a proposed EU carbon ...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

World

US SC lets FCC loosen media ownership rules

NEW YORK: Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the way for the Federal Communication Commission to loosen local media...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

World

Three killed in Afghan army helicopter crash

KANDAHAR: At least three Afghan security personnel were killed when a military helicopter crashed in southern...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

World

EU seeks 10m AstraZeneca vaccines from India to meet shortfall

NEW DELHI: The European Union has asked India to allow it to buy 10 million doses of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 ...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

World

WHO blasts Europe’s slow vaccine rollout, as France sees new lockdown

COPENHAGEN: The WHO on Thursday slammed Europe’s “unacceptably slow” vaccine rollout, warning of a worrying...

Updated 02 Apr, 2021 09:06am

BR Research

An interview with Syed Moonis Abdullah Alvi, CEO, K-Electric

“Our aim is to make K-Electric sustainable.” A chartered accountant by profession, Syed Moonis Abdullah ...

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:40am

BR Research

On social media rules

The fate of the government’s social media regulations hangs in the balance. The second version of the rules –...

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:35am

BR Research

Petrol prices: Relief mode on?

Inflation concerns in Islamabad are getting more and more obvious by the day. Petroleum prices were reduced for the...

Published 02 Apr, 2021 07:30am