News Archives for Latest - 2021-04-17

<<>>

Archive - 2021-04-17

Industry

JazzCash surpasses Easypaisa to lead the Mobile Money Market

JazzCash takes the lead position in the mobile money market by surpassing Easypaisa's share of mobile money users in Pakistan, according to the Financial Inclusion Insights Survey 2020 by Kantar and Karandaaz.

Updated 17 Apr, 2021 08:11pm

Pakistan

Jahangir Tareen denies involvement in sugar price hike, says smear campaign is being run against him to tarnish his reputation

JKT said he has nothing to do with the sugar mafia, and that a smear campaign is being run against him to tarnish his reputation.
He noted that all three FIRs lodged against him had no mention of sugar-related affairs.

Updated 17 Apr, 2021 07:46pm

Pakistan

Jati Umrah palaces in hot water: Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan

The SACM renewed the pledge that the government was pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against land mafia without any discrimination.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 07:36pm

Pakistan

Gold prices increase Rs1300 to Rs104,300 per tola

The price of ten gram silver increased by Rs25.72.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 07:33pm

Pakistan

Baluchistan Government imposes broader lockdown till May 1st.

All sorts of public gatherings will be banned in the province, starting May 1.
The inter-city transport will be suspended on Saturdays and Sundays, while public transport will operate with 50 percent capacity.

Updated 17 Apr, 2021 07:35pm

Pakistan

FPCCI, SAARC congratulate Shoukat Tarin for assuming charge of Finance Minister

They said what business community badly needed is peaceful atmosphere, and business friendly environment coupled with judicious and prudent monetary policies for strengthening the national economy on sound footings.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 07:33pm

Pakistan

Extremism venomous for society: Punjab governor

Sarwar said the government had been consulting ulema in every important decision-making process and would continue to do so.

Updated 17 Apr, 2021 07:33pm

IT and Computers

PlayStation 5 sets a sales record in the US

The PlayStation 5 becomes the hottest console in the market by setting a new sales record in the United States for units sold in the first five months of its launch.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 07:27pm

Pakistan

Federal Govt decides to register case against Rana Sanaullah on terrorism charges for threatening the government officials

The PMLN leader had threatened government officials over action against Sharifs’ Jati Umrah residence.
Rana Sanullah will be booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act, Fawad Chaudhry said.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 07:01pm

Pakistan

All previous agreements with TLP are void as it is a banned organization now, says Fawad Chaudhry

He also rejected the notion of foreign involvement in the ban of TLP and termed it an internal decision.
The minister praised the interior ministry, provincial governments, and the police for successfully controlling the protests.

Updated 17 Apr, 2021 07:00pm

Pakistan

36 more people died from corona in KP: Health Official

The death toll from Corona in the last 24 hours in Peshawar has risen to 18, the official of the health department said.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 06:34pm

Pakistan

PM urges Western govts to penalize those spreading hatred against Muslims

The prime minister demanded an apology from those extremists in the West who under the garb of freedom of speech had hurt 1.3 billion Muslims.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 06:30pm

Pakistan

Court extends interim bail of Jehangir Tareen, son till May 3

The both with their counsel appeared before Judge Ameer Muhammad Khan on expiry of their interim bail.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 06:30pm

Pakistan

Declaration of TLP proscribed organization an internal decision: Fawad

He said Prime Minister had already issued a statement and tweet in which he had appreciated the bravery of police and law enforcement agencies.

Updated 17 Apr, 2021 06:29pm

South Asia

China says Iran nuclear talks to continue, pick up pace

We will continue. All parties have agreed to further pick up their pace in subsequent days by engaging (in) more extensive, substantive work on sanctions-lifting as well as other relevant issues.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 06:11pm

Europe

Russia to expel Ukrainian diplomat as tensions simmer

"This activity is incompatible with the status of a diplomatic employee and is hostile to the Russian Federation. The foreign diplomat will be dealt with in accordance with international law," the FSB said in a statement.
Ukraine's foreign ministry, describing the arrest as a provocation, said Sosoniuk was held for several hours, before returning to the country's consulate in St Petersburg.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 06:11pm

World

US sanctions 10 Pakistani individuals and companies for meddling in 2020 presidential election

US imposed sanctioned on 32 individuals and entities for participating in Russia’s alleged election meddling attempts in 2020 presidential elections.
10 of them belonged to Pakistan, based in Karachi and Lahore.

Updated 17 Apr, 2021 06:00pm

World

Coronavirus toll at 1000 GMT Saturday

At least 139,869,290 cases of coronavirus have been registered.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:56pm

Commodities

Ukraine spring grain sowing 20pc complete

The overall grain area is likely to total 15.5 million hectares this year, including 7.6 million hectares of spring grains, the ministry has said.
Farms have sown 1.06 million hectares of barley, 177,200 hectares of peas, 124,160 hectares of wheat and 134,640 hectares of oats as of April 15.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:53pm

Middle East

Iran nuclear talks set to resume in Vienna

The European Union said Saturday's talks would involve EU officials and representatives from Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and Iran.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:53pm

Africa

Wounded from anti-UN protests flood DR Congo hospitals

As of April 14, medical teams in Beni were treating 51 people wounded by weapons, including "nine new cases linked to the recent demonstrations," it said.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:50pm

Europe

Jailed Kremlin critic Navalny at growing risk of kidney failure

Navalny, 44, a prominent opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, started refusing food on March 31 in protest at what he said was the refusal of prison authorities to treat him properly for acute back and leg pain.
"His condition is indeed critical," said Alexandra Zakharova, a representative of the Doctors Alliance trade union - a group that Russian authorities regard as opposition activists.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:51pm

Commodities

APK-Inform sees Ukraine 2021/22 grain harvest, exports rising

The consultancy said in a report that the harvest could include 27.6 million tonnes of wheat, 7.97 million tonnes of barley and 35.71 million tonnes of corn. It said a higher output would allow Ukraine to increase grain exports to 54.2 million tonnes in 2021/22 season from 45.6 million tonnes in 2020/21.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:48pm

South Asia

Delhi faces 'grim' virus battle as cases jump again: minister

India has become the world's new Covid-19 hotspot, with more than 230,000 cases reported Saturday.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:50pm

Companies

British fintech Revolut on path to $10 bln valuation with new funding

The London-based financial technology startup is lining up FT Partners, a US-based fintech-focused investment bank, as its adviser on the new funding, which is expected to take place after the summer, the report added.
The company, which raised $500 million in a funding round at a valuation of $5.5 billion in early 2020, has established a presence in more than 35 countries.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:43pm

Sports

Juve without Ronaldo for Atalanta game due to flexor problem

Coach Andrea Pirlo said the 36-year-old Portuguese striker, the top scorer in Serie A this season with 25 goals, would rest to avoid risking a more serious injury.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:33pm

Financial

China's Ant explores ways for Jack Ma to exit as Beijing piles pressure

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Ma had offered in a November meeting with regulators to hand over parts of Ant to the Chinese government.
Ant denied that a divestment of Ma's stake was ever under consideration. "Divestment of Mr. Ma's stake in Ant Group has never been the subject of discussions with anyone," an Ant spokesman said in a statement.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:37pm

Pakistan

Share videos to raise donations in SnackVideo-Edhi Ramadan 2021 initiatives

SnackVideo has partnered Edhi Foundation to provide an indoor opportunity for people to support the vulnerables in...

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:42pm

Europe

Three astronauts return from International Space Station

The Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft carrying NASA astronaut Kate Rubins, a microbiologist who in 2016 became the first person to sequence DNA in space, and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov landed in Kazakhstan.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:35pm

South Asia

Modi appeals to keep Hindu festival symbolic as India's COVID-19 infections surge

India reported 234,692 COVID-19 infections over the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to nearly 14.5 million, second only to the United States. Deaths in the country from COVID-19 rose by 1,341 to 175,649.
Experts have warned about the spread of more contagious variants of the disease, with especially during large-scale gathering for religious festivals and political rallies.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:31pm

Pakistan

Capital reports 241 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours: NCOC

He said so far 68,906 cases were reported from the federal capital while 631 deaths were reported from ICT.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:30pm

South Asia

Myanmar junta chief to attend ASEAN summit on first foreign trip since coup

Junta chief's first meeting with foreign leaders since coup.
More than 23,000 prisoners released under New Year amnesty.
Two killed in latest violence.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:27pm

Pakistan

Perpetrators of violence against police, institutions will be brought to justice: Fawad

He said that the government could not be blackmailed by force and the perpetrators of violence.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:28pm

Pakistan

FM to leave for UAE to discuss bilateral ties, regional, global issues

He will also discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. The UAE is home to the second largest Pakistani community abroad.

Updated 17 Apr, 2021 05:29pm

Sports

Roma's Smalling says family shaken up but unharmed after being robbed

Smalling's wife, son, mother and another family member were in the house situated off the ancient Appian Way south of the city, according to a source close to the matter.
"I'd like to thank everyone for your well wishes and support. My family although very shaken up are luckily unharmed," Smalling tweeted on Saturday.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:23pm

Middle East

Militants attack north Iraq oil wells, production unaffected

The attack at the Bay Hassan oilfield "did not cause a fire or damage, affect production or stop oil pumping from the well," the ministry said in a statement.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:21pm

Sports

Qatar aims to host COVID-free World Cup -foreign minister

Right now there are programs under development to provide vaccination to all the attendees of the World Cup. We will be able, hopefully, to host a COVID-free event.
The president of global soccer body FIFA, Gianni Infantino, said in February that World Cup matches would play to full stadiums in Qatar next year.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:14pm

Europe

The order of service for Prince Philip's funeral

We are here today in St George's Chapel to commit into the hands of God the soul of his servant Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. With grateful hearts, we remember the many ways in which his long life has been a blessing to us.
"We therefore pray that God will give us grace to follow his example, and that, with our brother Philip, at the last, we shall know the joys of life eternal."

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:10pm

USA

US Sikh group demands probe of possible hate bias in deadly Indianapolis FedEx rampage

The attack in Indiana's state capital, the third most populous city in the Midwest, was the latest in a spate of at least seven deadly mass shootings in the United States over the past month.
FBI agents who interviewed the teenager last April found no criminal violation at the time and determined he possessed no "racially motivated violent extremism ideology."

Published 17 Apr, 2021 05:07pm

Middle East

Dubai expands vaccine eligibility in certain cases

In a Twitter post, the media office said this was in line with the latest international studies and guidelines on coronavirus vaccines.
It also said the DHA was cutting the time frame of vaccine eligibility for those who have previously contracted COVID-19 to 10 days from three months, provided the case was mild or asymptomatic.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:53pm

Sports

MLS says Inter Miami violated budget rules to sign Matuidi

"The league has concluded that Inter Miami was not in compliance with the Roster and Budget Rules during 2020," MLS said in a statement on Friday.
"As a result, Inter Miami violated the Designated Player Limit as the team had three Designated Players in addition to Matuidi during 2020."

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:47pm

South Asia

Iran state TV identifies man it says was behind blast at Natanz nuclear site

"Reza Karimi, the perpetrator of this sabotage... has been identified" by Iran's intelligence ministry, state TV said. It said the suspect had fled Iran before last Sunday's blast that the Islamic Republic has blamed on arch-foe Israel.
"Necessary steps are underway for his arrest and return to the country through legal channels," the report added.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:42pm

Europe

Madrid to host charity bullfight for matadors left jobless by COVID-19

Almost all of Spain's bullrings, or plazas, have remained closed for the last year due to lockdown restrictions - plunging the controversial spectacle and its matadors into financial crisis.
Major bullfighting festivals such as San Isidro, Sevilla's April Fair, and Pamplona's San Fermin in July were cancelled last year, with bulls being sent from ranches straight to the slaughterhouse.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:37pm

Africa

Somali government troops face off with forces loyal to sacked police boss

"Somalia's long-running political crisis has entered a new, dangerous phase," said the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think-tank, in a briefing note on Saturday.
"The opposition is said to be considering forming a parallel government; cracks have deepened in a security apparatus long divided along clan lines; and the president's opponents have vowed to resist extension of his rule."

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:34pm

Forex

Vietnam's foreign ministry welcomes US decision to drop FX manipulator label

"Vietnam will maintain dialogues and consultancy with the US over this issue," the ministry said in a statement.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:26pm

Europe

Russia beefs up warship presence in Black Sea as Ukraine tensions simmer

Russia's relations with Washington, which cancelled the deployment of two of its own warships to the Black Sea last week after fierce Russian protests, are at a post-Cold war low.
Moscow expelled 10 US diplomats on Friday in retaliation for the expulsion of the same number of Russian diplomats from the United States over alleged malign activity.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:26pm

World

Biden backs Japan PM on holding 'safe and secure' Olympic Games

A joint statement afterward said that Biden "supports Prime Minister Suga's efforts to hold a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer."

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:25pm

USA

Biden drops promise for quick expansion in refugee admissions

The Biden administration had recently stated it wanted to allow in about 60,000 refugees annually, ramping up to double the following year.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:22pm

South Asia

Myanmar's junta releases 23,000 prisoners in New Year's amnesty

A prison official told AFP on condition of anonymity that jails across the country will start freeing more than 23,000 people on Saturday.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:18pm

World

US, Japan show united front on China in Biden's first summit

The United States and Japan "recognize the importance of deterrence to maintain peace and stability in the region," the statement said.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:15pm

Middle East

Israel strikes Gaza after rocket attack

Israel imposed a blockade of Gaza's sea and land borders after Hamas seized control in 2007. The two sides have since fought three wars.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:08pm

Europe

EU poised to unveil green-friendly investment list

For an investment to be considered "green" it has to meet one of these objectives without hurting any of the others.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:06pm

South Asia

Covid lockdown empties Delhi streets amid deadly surge

India added another record 234,000 cases Saturday to pass 14.5 million overall and 1,341 deaths took its pandemic total to 175,649 deaths.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 04:02pm

South Asia

Myanmar junta leader set to join ASEAN summit

Since the February 1 coup, Myanmar has been in turmoil -- with hundreds of thousands of protesters taking to the streets to demand a return to democracy.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 03:59pm

Africa

Eritrea says troops in Ethiopia's Tigray, vows pullout

Abiy finally acknowledged the Eritreans' presence in March while speaking to lawmakers, and vowed soon after that they would leave.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 03:54pm

Europe

Russian security service detains Ukraine diplomat

Kiev confirmed the diplomat had spent several hours in detention and was now back in the Ukrainian diplomatic mission.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 03:50pm

South Asia

Five dead in protest at Chinese-financed plant in Bangladesh

Police confirmed a fifth victim and 19 injured, including three police, were taken to a hospital in Chittagong.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 03:46pm

Europe

Covid death toll passes three million as India cases surge

And the pandemic is showing no sign of slowing down: the 829,596 new infections reported worldwide on Friday is the highest number yet, according to AFP's tally.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 03:46pm

Business & Finance

Federal govt bans import of conventional syringes

The Ministry of Commerce has also issued a notification banning the import of conventional syringes.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 02:54pm

Pakistan

Coronavirus vaccination for people 50, above to begin from April 21: Asad Umar

"Would once again encourage everyone to register for the vaccination," Asad Umar tweeted.
Government will open COVID-19 vaccine registration for all citizens after Eid

Published 17 Apr, 2021 02:31pm

Business & Finance

Karachi traders say will not follow Sindh govt new SOPs

Mir said that the frequent change of holidays was creating ambiguity.
President Karachi Electronics Dealers Association (KEDA), Mohammad Rizwan has announced that all electronics markets will be open today.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 01:10pm

Took action against TLP for challenging writ of the state: PM

"I also call on Western govts who have outlawed any negative comment on the holocaust to use the same standards to penalise those deliberately spreading their message of hate against Muslims by abusing our Prophet PBUH," the PM tweeted.
We Muslims cannot tolerate any such disrespect and abuse, the PM said.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 12:50pm

Markets

ARK buys another $64 mln in Coinbase shares, sells $99.5 mln of Tesla shares

ARK on Friday bought 187,078 shares of Coinbase, which debuted on the Nasdaq earlier this week, in a purchase worth nearly $64 million at the day’s closing price of $342.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 12:09pm

Business & Finance

FBR drafting new rules to curb sale of unregistered cigarette brands in Pakistan

From July 1, 2021, Track & Trace System would be rolled out to cover tobacco manufacturing across the country, and the AJK Government had approached the Federal Board of Revenue to extend the scope of the Track & Track System to cigarette manufacturing units located inside AJK territory.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 11:49am

Business & Finance

Despite Covid-19, Pakistan’s economy struggling less than regional countries: Report

Despite the third peak of Covid-19, over a 12-month period PPI faces an upward-sloping trajectory reaching an all-time high of 126.1 points in January 2021 from 125.3 points in December 2020, signaling an economic turnaround largely driven by improved business confidence.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 11:29am

Business & Finance

Circular debt build-up has made power sector financially challenging, says Azhar

Secretary Power briefed Hamamd about the efforts being made for the reformation of the Power sector with a view to providing maximum relief to the electricity consumers.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 10:55am

Technology

Twitter says services down for some users

"Tweets may not be loading for some of you. We're working on fixing a problem and you'll be back on the timeline soon," the company said in a tweet.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 10:27am

Technology

Grab mulling secondary Singapore listing after SPAC merger -sources

Listing on Singapore Exchange would enable Grab to have an investor base close to where its regional business is based, the people said, potentially offering its customers, drivers and merchant partners easier access to trade its shares.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 10:14am

Business & Finance

WB, FBR discuss ‘Pakistan Raises Revenue’ program

Asim Ahmad gave an update on the progress of the reforms agenda covering 10 Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) and also shared concerns regarding the difficulties being encountered in progress on reform interventions involving data sharing with provinces and the Sindh High Court stay on the Track and Trace process.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 10:08am

FM Qureshi to depart for UAE today

He will hold consultations with the UAE’s leadership regarding job opportunities for Pakistani workforce and the welfare of Pakistani diaspora.
"High-level visits between the two countries have played a pivotal role in providing further impetus to strengthening bilateral cooperation and collaboration on a wide range of issues," FO said.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 10:11am

Pakistan

Pakistan reports over 100 COVID-19 deaths for fifth straight day

4,976 people also tested positive for coronavirus in 24 hours.
65,279 tests were conducted across the country during the last 24 hours.

Published 17 Apr, 2021 09:45am