News Archives for Latest - 2023-12-13

Pakistan

Human rights activist Ramla Baig shares her ‘inspiring journey’

LAHORE: Ramla Baig, a human rights activist, called on Tuesday for the implementation of human rights laws. While...

Updated 15 Dec, 2023 06:27pm

Sports

Rassie van der Dussen, David Willey, Kieron Pollard and Daniel Sams among top picks at PSL 9 Draft

Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams is set to make his PSL debut this season after he was picked up by Karachi Kings...

Updated 14 Dec, 2023 12:57am

World

Israel wants Hezbollah away from border, lawmaker says

JERUSALEM: An Israeli lawmaker said on Wednesday his government was seeking to use diplomatic channels to push...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:53pm

Africa

IMF, World Bank announce $4.5 billion debt relief for Somalia

NAIROBI: Somalia reached the end of a debt forgiveness initiative on Wednesday overseen by the International...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:46pm

World

NATO increases military budget by 12% to 2.03 billion euros

BRUSSELS: NATO said on Wednesday that it was increasing its military budget for 2024 by 12% to 2.03 billion euros...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:38pm

Europe

Zelenskiy says Hungary has no reason to block Ukraine’s EU membership

KYIV: President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had no reason to...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:32pm

World

Israeli army opens fire at hospital wards: Gaza health ministry

GAZA STRIP: The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Wednesday that Israeli forces have opened fire at hospital...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:25pm

Middle East

People of Gaza 'running out of time and options': UNRWA chief

Israel's relentless bombardment and ground operation in Gaza has left the territory in ruins, killing more than 18,400 people

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 10:23pm

Business & Economy

Revolutionary measures in IT sector can stabilise economy: Dr Umar

IT minister says a dedicated National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency will replace FIA for cyber crimes

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 10:21pm

Pakistan

Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood indicted again in cypher case

Former prime minister and ex-chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan and the party’s vice chairman...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 10:21pm

Pakistan

SC suspends verdict against military trials of civilians by 5-1 majority

A 5-member bench had earlier declared military trials of civilians who were arrested following former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest in May null and void

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 10:20pm

USA

US inflation should return to 2% range in 2024: Yellen

WASHINGTON: The United States is likely to see inflation return to the range of the Federal Reserve’s two percent...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:16pm

USA

Biden meets with families of US hostages held in Gaza

WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden met Wednesday with about a dozen family members of American hostages held by Hamas...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:11pm

Europe

Russia warns against ‘chaotic’ fossil fuels exit

MOSCOW: Russia on Wednesday warned against a “chaotic” exit from fossil fuels, while welcoming the “compromise” deal...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:06pm

Stocks

Wall St eyes higher open after soft PPI data, Fed’s verdict on tap

U.S. stocks were poised for a higher open on Wednesday as fresh data signaled signs of cooling inflation ahead of...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 07:53pm

Companies

Disney, Reliance plan London meeting for India media merger talks

NEW DELHI: Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries and U.S. giant Walt Disney are discussing a plan to hold...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 07:50pm

Cricket

Shaheen Shah Afridi named vice-captain for Australia Test series

He has already been appointed as Pakistan's T20I captain

Published 13 Dec, 2023 07:34pm

Middle East

US, Britain impose new sanctions on Hamas

WASHINGTON: The United States and Britain on Wednesday announced a fresh round of sanctions on Hamas over its deadly...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 07:37pm

Stocks

Gulf bourses end mixed on weak oil, ahead of Fed decision

Stock markets in the Gulf ended mixed on Wednesday on weak oil prices and ahead of the year’s final Federal Reserve...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 06:33pm

Stocks

Profit-taking drags KSE-100 Index 1.73% lower

Experts say correction much-needed after record-breaking rally at bourse

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 06:31pm

Movies & Music

In review: ‘The Archies’, a classic story retold (with a 60s twist)

Stunning cinematography, a crop of fresh young actors, and a close look into the Anglo-Indian community of India –...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 06:23pm

Cricket

Sri Lanka appoints new cricket selectors

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s cricket board appointed new selectors on Wednesday, a day after its recently sacked members...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 06:05pm

Energy

Oil prices stable around six-month lows

LONDON: Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday, after falling by more than 3% to six-month lows in the previous...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 06:07pm

Stocks

Equities mixed before Fed rate decision

LONDON: Stocks rose Wednesday in Europe but stumbled in Asia before this year’s final monetary policy decision from...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 06:03pm

Energy

OPEC blames ‘exaggerated’ demand concerns for oil price drop

LONDON: OPEC on Wednesday said it remained cautiously optimistic about 2024 oil market fundamentals and blamed...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 06:01pm

Middle East

Gaza health ministry says out of children’s vaccines

GAZA CITY: Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said Wednesday it had exhausted its supply of children’s vaccines and...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 06:00pm

Business & Economy

‘High external funding risks’: Fitch maintains Pakistan’s rating at CCC

Notes there are risks pertaining to policy implementation as parties across the political spectrum have extensive record of failing to implement or reversing reforms agreed with the IMF

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 05:56pm

Forex

Inter-bank: rupee registers back-to-back gains against US dollar

Currency appreciates 0.06%, settles at 283.61 against greenback

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 05:49pm

Forex

Open-market: rupee sees slight improvement against US dollar

The Pakistani rupee registered marginal improvement against the US dollar in the open market on Wednesday, while the...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 05:44pm

Middle East

Saudi energy minister: in agreement with COP28 presidency on final deal

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said on Wednesday he was in agreement with the...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 05:17pm

Stocks

Indian shares muted as IT stocks weigh; Fed policy eyed

BENGALURU: India’s benchmark indexes were muted on Wednesday, weighed down by a drop in information technology (IT)...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 05:12pm

Middle East

Moscow calls for UN conference to solve Israel conflict ‘forever’

MOSCOW: The Russian foreign minister on Wednesday called on UN chief Antonio Guterres to organise an international...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 05:11pm

Middle East

EU chief urges sanctions on ‘extremist’ Israeli West Bank settlers

STRASBOURG: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday backed imposing sanctions on “extremist” Israeli settlers...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 05:08pm

Stocks

Sri Lankan shares end lower, snaps 5-day gaining streak

CSE All Share index settled down 0.35% at 10,836.82

Published 13 Dec, 2023 05:07pm

Commodities

Palm posts biggest daily drop in 7 weeks on slowing exports

MUMBAI: Malaysian palm oil futures on Wednesday recorded their steepest single-day drop in seven weeks due to...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 05:04pm

Asia

Xi says China, Vietnam must oppose attempt to ‘mess up Asia-Pacific’

HANOI: China and Vietnam should oppose any “attempt to mess up Asia-Pacific”, President Xi Jinping said Wednesday...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 05:03pm

Bullion Rate

Gold prices fall for 5th consecutive session in Pakistan

Gold continued its downtrend in Pakistan for the fifth consecutive session on Wednesday, as the yellow metal shed...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 05:02pm

Europe

Zelensky urges European and US allies to unblock aid

OSLO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday urged allies in Europe and the US to continue to back...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 04:59pm

Europe

Ruling on Prince Harry’s Mirror phone-hacking lawsuit to be given on Friday

LONDON: Britain’s Prince Harry will find out on Friday whether he has won his phone-hacking lawsuit against...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 03:39pm

Sports

Pakistan look to be positive against strong Australia team

PERTH: Pakistan’s new captain Shan Masood said his team will be out to buck considerable odds, and 28 years of...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 03:23pm

Middle East

Nations strike deal at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels

DUBAI: Representatives from nearly 200 countries agreed at the COP28 climate summit on Wednesday to begin reducing...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 03:08pm

Europe

EU welcomes COP 28 climate agreement, von der Leyen says

BRUSSELS: The agreement reached on the COP 28 climate summit could speed up the transition to a cleaner and...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 03:00pm

Sports

England must put the brakes on big-hitting West Indies: Buttler

England must find a way to restrict the big hitters in the West Indies team after the hosts smashed 14 sixes en...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 02:56pm

Europe

UN refugee chief expects further displacement due to Gaza conflict

GENEVA: The United Nations refugee chief said on Wednesday that he foresees more displacement in the Middle East due...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 02:53pm

Stocks

UK’s FTSE 100 rises as pound slips on GDP data; eyes on Fed rate decision

The UK’s FTSE 100 rose on Wednesday as the pound eased following data showing the UK economy contracted in October,...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 02:51pm

South Asia

Security breach in Indian parliament, man jumps into lawmakers’ area

NEW DELHI: A man jumped into the lawmakers’ area of the lower house of India’s parliament on Wednesday, in a major...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 02:49pm

Business & Finance

Goldman Sachs, J.P.Morgan cut UK’s 2023 growth forecast to 0.5%

Goldman Sachs and J.P.Morgan on Wednesday lowered their forecast for Britain’s annual economic growth to 0.5%, as...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 02:47pm

Forex

Uganda shilling stronger due to slower importer FX demand

KAMPALA: The Ugandan shilling strengthened on Wednesday, helped by slowing demand for dollars from merchandise...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 02:45pm

World

Houthi rebels claim attack on Norway-flagged tanker

DUBAI/OSLO: Yemen’s Houthis said on Tuesday they hit a Norwegian commercial tanker with a missile in their latest...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 02:14pm

Movies & Music

Actor Andre Braugher, star of ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, dead at 61

Two-time Emmy-winning actor Andre Braugher, star of the television comedy ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and the 1990s police...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 01:54pm

Movies & Music

Netflix releases vast viewing data for first time

LOS ANGELES: Netflix for the first time published detailed viewing figures about thousands of its shows and movies...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 01:20pm

Europe

53 injured as Russian ballistic missiles target Kyiv

KYIV: Russia’s second missile assault on Kyiv this week injured at least 53 people, damaging homes and a children’s...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 12:48pm

South Asia

IMF board clears first review of Bangladesh’s $4.7 billion bailout

DHAKA: Bangladesh needs to tighten its monetary policy and have greater exchange rate flexibility to help contain...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 12:44pm

South Asia

Nepali TikTok influencers reel after sudden ban

KATHMANDU: Nepali influencer Anjana Aryal went from homemaker to entrepreneur by sharing recipes on TikTok, but her...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 12:39pm

Business & Finance

German government agrees on 2024 budget

BERLIN: Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-way alliance has agreed on a budget for 2024, following weeks of negotiations...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 12:29pm

Forex

Sterling falls after data shows UK economy shrank in October

LONDON: The pound fell on Wednesday, after data showed the UK economy shrank in October, which could strengthen the...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 12:26pm

Commodities

Soybeans down for second session on Brazil rain forecast

SINGAPORE: Chicago soybean futures lost more ground on Wednesday, with forecast of rains in parts of Brazil’s dry...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 12:13pm

Middle East

Israel says 8 more soldiers died in Gaza fighting, including regiment commander

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM: Israel announced on Wednesday the deaths of eight more soldiers in Gaza fighting, including a...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 12:10pm

Commodities

Palm falls over 1% on slowing exports, weak soyoil

MUMBAI: Malaysian palm oil futures dropped more than 1% on Wednesday due to slowing exports and concerns about...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 12:06pm

Commodities

Jordan tenders to buy up to 120,000 metric tons feed barley

HAMBURG: Jordan’s state grains buyer has issued a new international tender to purchase up to 120,000 metric tons of...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 12:05pm

Mutual Funds

JGB yields track US peers down ahead of 20-year bond auction

TOKYO: Japanese government bond (JGB) yields fell for the third-straight day on Wednesday, tracking their US peers...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 12:03pm

IMF review: MoF takes step towards ensuring desired outcome

Second review under IMF's $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) is expected to take place in February 2024

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 12:03pm

Energy

Azerbaijan oil output at 27.6mn metric tons in Jan-Nov

BAKU: Azerbaijan’s oil output was at 27.6 million metric tons in January to November, the country’s Energy Minister...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 12:02pm

Asia

Second cold wave encases China’s Beijing in snow, ice

BEIJING: Snow, blizzards and plunging temperatures swept northern China in what could be one of its most severe cold...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 12:01pm

Stocks

China stocks decline as Beijing’s policy signals fail to cheer investors

HONG KONG: China stocks snapped a three-day rally on Wednesday while Hong Kong shares also declined, as the key...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:59am

Sports

Referee made mistake by stopping play for foul on Haaland: Webb

Referees body (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb said the official in charge of Manchester City’s 3-3 draw with Tottenham...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:56am

Sports

‘Frightened’ Man Utd out of Europe with a whimper

MANCHESTER: Manchester United bowed out of Europe with a whimper as a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich rounded off a...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:40am

Europe

UK defence ministry fined for Afghan data breach

LONDON: The UK defence ministry has been fined £350,000 ($440,000) for disclosing personal information of 265...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:36am

Stocks

Hong Kong stocks edge down at open

HONG KONG: Hong Kong stocks fell at the open Wednesday following a healthy run-up the day before, with attention on...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:31am

World

Tropical cyclone builds strength as it rolls towards Australia

SYDNEY: A tropical cyclone was building strength as it rolled towards northeastern Australia Wednesday, with...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:29am

Sports

Recalled Russell shines as West Indies beat England in first T20

BRIDGETOWN: Veteran all-rounder Andre Russell made a dazzling return to international cricket to help West Indies...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:24am

Sports

Exhausted Kyrgios says ‘I don’t want to play anymore’

SYDNEY: Nick Kyrgios says that “I don’t want to play anymore” but will give his tennis career another one or two...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:21am

Asia

Japan PM to sack four ministers over graft claims: reports

TOKYO: Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was expected to announce the sacking of four ministers on Wednesday over...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:20am

South Asia

IMF resumes Sri Lanka bailout after China’s debt deal

WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund revived its $2.9 billion bailout for Sri Lanka on Tuesday after the...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 11:16am

Commodities

Copper dips as China fails to meet investors’ stimulus hope

BEIJING: Copper prices dipped on Wednesday following a readout of China’s agenda-setting meeting that failed to meet...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:51am

Business & Finance

Thai economy recovering as financial conditions tightened

BANGKOK: Thai economic recovery was intact but structural impediment could have an effect on exports and credit...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:49am

Bullion Rate

Gold holds tight range as traders strap in for Fed verdict

Gold prices traded in a narrow range on Wednesday as investors refrained from making big bets ahead of the US...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:44am

Forex

Indian rupee eyes Fed rate projections after in-line US inflation data

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee is expected to have a quiet opening on Wednesday after US inflation came broadly in-line...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:42am

Mutual Funds

India bond yields seen lower tracking US peers; fall in oil prices to aid

MUMBAI: Indian government bond yields are likely to open lower in early trade on Wednesday, tracking US peers, after...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:40am

Europe

Ukraine’s top mobile operator hit by biggest cyberattack of war

KYIV: Ukraine’s biggest mobile network operator said it hoped to restore operations by Wednesday after coming under...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:33am

Europe

Zelenskiy meets Republican doubts in push for US aid to fight Russia

WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden warned Republicans on Tuesday that they would give Russia a “Christmas gift” if they...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:28am

Asia

China’s Xi meets Vietnam leaders in second day of state visit to Hanoi

HANOI: China’s President Xi Jinping will meet Vietnamese leaders on Wednesday on the second day of a state visit to...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:24am

Stocks

Asian stocks mixed ahead of Fed decision; oil prices slump

SINGAPORE: Asian shares were mixed on Wednesday, while oil prices slid to six-month lows as traders waited for the...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:17am

Business & Finance

Developing Asia to end 2023 on brighter note as China’s economy recovers: ADB

MANILA: Developing Asia will likely end the year on a brighter note, the Asian Development Bank said on Wednesday,...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:15am

Middle East

UN demands ceasefire in Gaza as Israel, US show increasing divisions

UNITED NATIONS/CAIRO/GAZA: Israel faced growing diplomatic isolation in its war against Hamas as the United Nations...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:10am

Asia

North Korea hosts Russia delegation for talks on economic cooperation

SEOUL: A North Korean minister met with the governor of the Russian region bordering the two countries to discuss...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 10:02am

Stocks

Indian shares open flat as inflation data reignites rate concerns

BENGALURU: India’s benchmark Nifty 50 opened little changed on Wednesday after domestic and US data reignited...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:59am

Forex

Yuan eases as policy meeting offers no new stimulus

SHANGHAI: China’s yuan eased on Wednesday against a strong dollar, as an agenda-setting meeting of China’s top...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:57am

Forex

NZ dollar slips, futures rally as data flags downside risks to inflation

SYDNEY: The New Zealand dollar slipped on Wednesday after partial price data showed that inflation could be easing...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:55am

Oil policy deadline: CCoE grants oil refineries 60-day extension

ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) has granted a 60-day extension to oil refineries to meet the...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 09:53am

Cotton & Textile

Higher tariffs cause power consumption decline: APTMA

ISLAMABAD: Electricity consumption of textile sector in the jurisdictions of Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco)...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 09:48am

Sports

Cricket Australia expects Khawaja to abide by rules in Gaza support

PERTH: Cricket Australia said on Wednesday they backed Usman Khawaja’s right to express his support for the people...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:47am

Fertiliser plants exempted from gas load-shedding: Ali

ISLAMABAD: The interim government decided to exempt all fertiliser plants from winter gas load-shedding and import...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 09:44am

World

Arctic warming threatens wider world with rising seas

The Arctic experienced the warmest summer on record this year, contributing to extraordinary wildfires and melting...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:42am

PC Board approves draft rules

ISLAMABAD: Privatisation Commission Board on Tuesday approved the draft Privatisation Commission (Government to...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 09:39am

Business & Economy

COP28 in Dubai: 5 key takeaways for Pakistan

One of the world’s most important climate change conferences, the UN’s COP28, came to an end on Tuesday. With...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 09:38am

Stocks

Financials push Australian shares higher; Fed in focus

Australian shares rose on Wednesday as gains in financial and technology stocks outweighed losses in energy and gold...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:38am

Q1FY23: Provincial development spending up 38pc to Rs245.5bn YoY

ISLAMABAD: Provincial development spending has increased to Rs245.5 billion during the first quarter...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 09:35am

Stocks

Japan’s Nikkei tracks Wall Street higher, chip shares shine

TOKYO: Japan’s Nikkei share average rose on Wednesday after Wall Street closed higher overnight, with Advantest and...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:35am

Forex

Dollar on back foot as traders look to Fed for cut timing clues

TOKYO: The dollar remained on the back foot versus major rivals on Wednesday, as traders braced for the conclusion...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:32am

PM terms energy sector a ‘nightmare’

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq has described the energy sector as a nightmare for the country...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 09:24am

CDWP clears four uplift projects worth Rs36.22bn

ISLAMABAD: The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) cleared four development projects at cost of Rs 36.22...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 09:23am

Industry and investors: Dispute resolution tribunal to be set up

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to establish a specialised tribunal to resolve disputes expeditiously between...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 09:22am

‘Judicial murder’ reference: 11 amici curiae appointed

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa expressed regret over the delay in hearing of Presidential Reference, seeking...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 09:14am

BR’s refresher: your morning briefing for the day

Important updates from December 12, 2023

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:10am

BR Research

MPS: A prudent decision

SBP has maintained the policy rate at 22 percent. It’s a wise decision. SBP expects inflation to taper off in the...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:11am

BR Research

Autos: Winter is coming

Warning bells had been wrung. Automakers were keeping shutters down on their production facilities and imported CKD...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:09am

BR Research

Fecto Cement Limited

Fecto Cement Limited (PSX: FECTC) was incorporated in Pakistan as a public limited company in 1981. The company is...

Published 13 Dec, 2023 09:00am

Rs940bn target for Dec: FBR chief starts meetings to review progress

KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is likely to struggle hitting its revenue target of Rs. 940 billion for...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 08:50am

Pakistan

Dera Ismail Khan: 25 troops martyred, 27 terrorists killed

ISLAMABAD: In a flurry of terrorist attacks in Dera Ismail Khan including a suicide bombing of a security forces...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 06:11am

Opinion

Amidst the what, how, when to privatize

As airline privatization began in the late 20th century, the airline industry historically subject to strict control...

Updated 13 Dec, 2023 06:09am

Opinion

New corporate mantra–‘DEI or DIE’

“Strength lies in differences”. Stephen Covey. Agreed; why then are we always searching for similarities. We ...