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May 21, 2024 اردو ► PRINT EDITION ► BR MARKETS ► Dollar to PKR ►
Print - 2005-08-29
Saarc need to be prepared for HIV/AIDS induced TB challenge

Saarc need to be prepared for HIV/AIDS induced TB challenge

Despite the fact that many of the South Asian Association Region Countries (SAARC), including Pakistan have developed efficient National TB Control Programs, yet experts fear that 20 percent to 25 percent of TB cases, in next four to five years could be d
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Local strategies crucial to save Asia's mangroves

Local strategies crucial to save Asia's mangroves

Tsunami-stricken Asian nations that are planting mangrove thickets to protect against future disasters must give coastal communities a financial stake in the campaign if it is to succeed, experts said on Tuesday.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Acupuncture - an effective complement to standard care

Acupuncture - an effective complement to standard care

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago. The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Nearly half of Asian 1.3 billion children live in poverty

Nearly half of Asian 1.3 billion children live in poverty

Nearly half of Asia's 1.3 billion children live in poverty, denied basic needs, says a new report. India has largest number of poor children in Asia, with 80% of its 400 million young severely deprived, it says.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
HEALTH UPDATE: aspirin 'cuts bowel cancer risk'

HEALTH UPDATE: aspirin 'cuts bowel cancer risk'

Taking aspirin regularly for over 10 years does reduce the risk of bowel cancer, a study which looked at almost 83,000 women has suggested. Those who had taken two or more aspirin - or similar painkillers - a week had significantly cut their risk, it foun
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
HEALTH UPDATE: workplace irritants influence asthma severity

HEALTH UPDATE: workplace irritants influence asthma severity

Occupational exposure to substances that trigger asthma can affect the severity of the disease, according to a report from France. Previous studies have identified workplace exposures as risk factors for asthma and for disease flare-ups, but it was unclea
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
HEALTH UPDATE: eating fish may cut risk of heart problems

HEALTH UPDATE: eating fish may cut risk of heart problems

A relatively low level of fish consumption may reduce the risk of having a heart attack and other "acute coronary syndrome" (ACS) such as heart-related chest pain, according to researchers in Greece.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Nokia and Motorola share 50 percent of world market

Nokia and Motorola share 50 percent of world market

Nokia and Motorola manufactured about half of all mobile phones sold worldwide during the second quarter of 2005, according to statistics published on August 25, by the research institute Gartner. From April to June, 190.5 million handsets were sold globa
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Nokia and Motorola share 50 percent of world market

Nokia and Motorola share 50 percent of world market

Nokia and Motorola manufactured about half of all mobile phones sold worldwide during the second quarter of 2005, according to statistics published on August 25, by the research institute Gartner. From April to June, 190.5 million handsets were sold globa
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Internet titans enter battle to be hottest portal

Internet titans enter battle to be hottest portal

Internet titans Google, Yahoo, Microsoft and America Online are locked in a fierce battle to win the fortune that comes with the loyalty of computer users, experts said on August 24.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
US Internet phone company Vonage plans IPO: WSJ

US Internet phone company Vonage plans IPO: WSJ

Vonage Holdings Corp, which provides residential phone services over the Internet, is planning an initial public offering to raise as much as $600 million, the Wall Street Journal reported on August 25.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
US Internet phone company Vonage plans IPO: WSJ

US Internet phone company Vonage plans IPO: WSJ

Vonage Holdings Corp, which provides residential phone services over the Internet, is planning an initial public offering to raise as much as $600 million, the Wall Street Journal reported on August 25.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Cellphone weather data may aid South Africa's farmers

Cellphone weather data may aid South Africa's farmers

Cellphones telling African farmers when to irrigate their crops could help them boost production and save water, South African sugar growers say, as a pilot project helps small emerging farmers.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Cellphone weather data may aid South Africa's farmers

Cellphone weather data may aid South Africa's farmers

Cellphones telling African farmers when to irrigate their crops could help them boost production and save water, South African sugar growers say, as a pilot project helps small emerging farmers.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
New Zealand's Telecom

New Zealand's Telecom

New Zealand's Telecom Corp must refund mobile customers targeted in campaigns in 2000 and 2001 because of misleading advertising, a court ruled on August 25. New Zealand's competition regulator said the Court of Appeal had found Telecom Mobile seriously m
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
New Zealand's Telecom

New Zealand's Telecom

New Zealand's Telecom Corp must refund mobile customers targeted in campaigns in 2000 and 2001 because of misleading advertising, a court ruled on August 25. New Zealand's competition regulator said the Court of Appeal had found Telecom Mobile seriously m
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Hong Kong's City Telecom

Hong Kong's City Telecom

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said today that its ratings on City Telecom (HK) Ltd (CTI, BB-/Stable/-) would not be immediately affected by heightened domestic competition in its main businesses. However, Standard & Poor's is closely monitoring the c
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Hong Kong's City Telecom

Hong Kong's City Telecom

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said today that its ratings on City Telecom (HK) Ltd (CTI, BB-/Stable/-) would not be immediately affected by heightened domestic competition in its main businesses. However, Standard & Poor's is closely monitoring the c
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
3G users up 16 percent

3G users up 16 percent

Hutchison Whampoa said on August 25 that it had 9.4 million users of its 3G mobile technology as of August 24, higher than expected and up 16 percent from the end of March. Hutchison, which reported first half results on Thursday, said the average 3G reve
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
3G users up 16 percent

3G users up 16 percent

Hutchison Whampoa said on August 25 that it had 9.4 million users of its 3G mobile technology as of August 24, higher than expected and up 16 percent from the end of March. Hutchison, which reported first half results on Thursday, said the average 3G reve
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
China Unicom first half profit falls

China Unicom first half profit falls

China Unicom Ltd, the country's No 2 mobile carrier, posted a 19.4 percent drop in first-half profit on August 25, reflecting its loss of market share to bigger rival China Mobile. Unicom earned 2.33 billion yuan ($287.7 million) in the first six months e
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
China Unicom first half profit falls

China Unicom first half profit falls

China Unicom Ltd, the country's No 2 mobile carrier, posted a 19.4 percent drop in first-half profit on August 25, reflecting its loss of market share to bigger rival China Mobile. Unicom earned 2.33 billion yuan ($287.7 million) in the first six months e
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Telekom Malaysia's second-quarter dives

Telekom Malaysia's second-quarter dives

Telekom Malaysia, the country's biggest phone company, posted a 55 percent fall in quarterly net profit on Thursday, but major one-off items masked a much healthier performance at the operating level.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Telekom Malaysia's second-quarter dives

Telekom Malaysia's second-quarter dives

Telekom Malaysia, the country's biggest phone company, posted a 55 percent fall in quarterly net profit on Thursday, but major one-off items masked a much healthier performance at the operating level.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
In Short: Russia Vimpelcom second quarter results surpass

In Short: Russia Vimpelcom second quarter results surpass

Russia's No 2 mobile phone services provider, Vimpelcom, reported on August 25 second quarter results that surpassed analysts' expectations on all fronts. In a turnaround from disappointing figures of the two previous quarters, Vimpelcom said its second q
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
In Short: Russia Vimpelcom second quarter results surpass

In Short: Russia Vimpelcom second quarter results surpass

Russia's No 2 mobile phone services provider, Vimpelcom, reported on August 25 second quarter results that surpassed analysts' expectations on all fronts. In a turnaround from disappointing figures of the two previous quarters, Vimpelcom said its second q
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
US stocks may still rally this year

US stocks may still rally this year

US stocks may still rally before the end of the year, Citigroup Inc's chief US equity strategist said. "Many investors will try to position for a rally in the fourth quarter - thus buoying the market in September," Tobias Levkovich, the bank's chief equit
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Telekom Austria second quarter core profit up

Telekom Austria second quarter core profit up

Telekom Austria reported a 1.6 percent rise in second-quarter core profit on August 24, ahead of the average of analysts' forecasts, as strong wireless demand outpaced lower fixed-line revenue.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Telekom Austria second quarter core profit up

Telekom Austria second quarter core profit up

Telekom Austria reported a 1.6 percent rise in second-quarter core profit on August 24, ahead of the average of analysts' forecasts, as strong wireless demand outpaced lower fixed-line revenue.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Taiwan SinoPac aims profit surge after merger

Taiwan SinoPac aims profit surge after merger

Taiwan's SinoPac aims to double its net earnings to T$10 billion (US $310 million) next year after merging with IBT to create Taiwan's eighth largest financial holding company, newspapers said on August 27.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Taiwan SinoPac aims profit surge after merger

Taiwan SinoPac aims profit surge after merger

Taiwan's SinoPac aims to double its net earnings to T$10 billion (US $310 million) next year after merging with IBT to create Taiwan's eighth largest financial holding company, newspapers said on August 27.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Qantas increases fuel surcharges

Qantas increases fuel surcharges

Australia's biggest airline Qantas Airways Ltd increased its fuel surcharges on tickets on August 23, but said the company would still face a A$650 million ($492 million) shortfall on its fuel bill. Qantas said that at current prices its fuel bill would r
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
CKI plans A$1 billion Australia power assets IPO

CKI plans A$1 billion Australia power assets IPO

Cheung Kong Infrastructure (CKI) is planning to sell at least A$1 billion (US $756 million) worth of shares in its Australian energy business through an initial public offering, a newspaper reported on August 27.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
CKI plans A$1 billion Australia power assets IPO

CKI plans A$1 billion Australia power assets IPO

Cheung Kong Infrastructure (CKI) is planning to sell at least A$1 billion (US $756 million) worth of shares in its Australian energy business through an initial public offering, a newspaper reported on August 27.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Viacom and Yahoo sign advertising

Viacom and Yahoo sign advertising

Media conglomerate Viacom Inc and Internet company Yahoo on August 23, said they signed a multiyear advertising and Web search distribution agreement. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Germany's Tipp24 considers IPO next year

Germany's Tipp24 considers IPO next year

German betting and lotto games firm Tipp24 is considering a Frankfurt stock market debut this year, a company source said on August 25, as the country is gearing up to host soccer World Cup games next year.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Germany's Tipp24 considers IPO next year

Germany's Tipp24 considers IPO next year

German betting and lotto games firm Tipp24 is considering a Frankfurt stock market debut this year, a company source said on August 25, as the country is gearing up to host soccer World Cup games next year.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Buyout firm 3i aims for energy deals in Southeast Asia

Buyout firm 3i aims for energy deals in Southeast Asia

British investment company 3i Group Plc is keen on buying a couple of energy companies in Southeast Asia, aiming at more than doubling its Asian investments in 2005, one of its Asia co-heads said on August.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Bearish Asian demand weighs on diesel market

Bearish Asian demand weighs on diesel market

Diesel fuel, expected to be a key oil-market driver this year, has proved one of the weakest links in Asia this summer as higher prices hit demand harder than for other products, analysts and traders said on August 25.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Few US companies tempted by low long-term rates

Few US companies tempted by low long-term rates

Low-cost financing is not tempting many US companies to issue long-maturity debt, the latest sign of caution by investors and companies that the US economic expansion could face headwinds in the years ahead.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Few US companies tempted by low long-term rates

Few US companies tempted by low long-term rates

Low-cost financing is not tempting many US companies to issue long-maturity debt, the latest sign of caution by investors and companies that the US economic expansion could face headwinds in the years ahead.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Thai stocks

Thai stocks

The Thai stock market is tipped to hit the 700-point mark this week, but record world oil prices remain a significant negative factor, analysts said. "I am sure that the index could test the 700-point, maybe not early in the week but later, and could stay
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Australian shares to stabilise

Australian shares to stabilise

Australian share prices are set to stabilise in this week following a fortnight of volatility caused by market heavyweights announcing full-year reports, dealers. "Certainly the volatility, I'm not going to say it's going to decline, but it may reduce sli
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Tokyo shares seen buoyant as data, election beckon

Tokyo shares seen buoyant as data, election beckon

Japanese share prices are likely to remain well supported this week, but activity may wind down somewhat as dealers prepare for a slew of data and upcoming elections, dealers said.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Asian currencies little changed against dollar

Asian currencies little changed against dollar

Asian currencies traded in a tight range against the dollar in a week with few leads although the Indonesian rupiah dropped sharply on soaring world oil prices.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Bangladesh interbank forex and interest rates

Bangladesh interbank forex and interest rates

Interbank buy/sell rates for the taka against the dollar on Sunday: 65.10/65.75 (previous 65.10/65.70). Call Money Rates: 5.00-12.00 percent (previous 4.75-16.0 percent).
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Singapore shares seen trading with upside bias

Singapore shares seen trading with upside bias

Singapore share prices are expected to trade with an upside bias this week although renewed concerns over the economic impact of higher oil prices may depress sentiment, dealers said.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Malaysian shares to continue downward trend

Malaysian shares to continue downward trend

Malaysian share prices are expected to continue sliding amid a lack of leads, weak economic growth and higher oil prices, analysts said. "With the prevailing market weakness, it looks increasingly unlikely that the key index will be able to post a quick r
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Oil to keep US stock investors on edge

Oil to keep US stock investors on edge

As the summer of discontent over runaway oil prices comes to an end, stock investors will pore over key US economic data, including Friday's August payrolls report and retailers' monthly sales figures, for signs of how big a toll crude's surge has taken o
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Indian markets corrective phase likely to continue

Indian markets corrective phase likely to continue

Trade in Indian shares in this week is seen remaining cautious with prices under pressure amid a drying up of overseas fund flows and concern about rising crude oil prices, dealers said.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Dubai bourse cancels Sunday's $2.6 billion trade in DIB

Dubai bourse cancels Sunday's $2.6 billion trade in DIB

Dubai stock exchange said it had cancelled all $2.6 billion worth of trades on Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) on Sunday after it said the record turnover was a result of manipulation by two investors.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Taiwan shares to stand firmer

Taiwan shares to stand firmer

Taiwan share prices are expected to stand firm this week due to an ease in surging oil prices and corporate earnings concerns, dealers said. "The market has been consolidating to a certain degree amid concerns for rising oil prices with some stocks down u
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Hong Kong shares to trade firmer

Hong Kong shares to trade firmer

Hong Kong share prices are likely to trade firmer this week on a technical rebound after sharp falls this week, dealers said. They said surging oil prices, profit-taking from recent strong gains and a downgrade of local property giant Cheung Kong and tele
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
British investors set for quiet week, focus on oil

British investors set for quiet week, focus on oil

The London stock market is likely to remain calm this week, shortened by the bank holiday weekend, with the focus on high oil prices in the absence of any major economic or corporate news, analysts said Friday.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Europe mops up after floods, Portugal burns again

Europe mops up after floods, Portugal burns again

Across eastern and central Europe Sunday work began to clean up after the disastrous downpours and flooding that have taken at least 26 lives across the region. The Harghita region in Romania, where 15 lives were lost in a week and 33 people have died sin
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Japan and US mull $4.5 billion floating runway

Japan and US mull $4.5 billion floating runway

Tokyo and Washington are considering building a giant floating runway off south-western Japan in an effort to reduce noise pollution caused by US forces' night exercises, a national daily said on Sunday. The two countries aim to include the idea in an int
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Sri Lankan president vows free and fair elections

Sri Lankan president vows free and fair elections

Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga on Sunday vowed a "free and fair election" in the conflict-torn island state after the Supreme Court last week ruled that her 11-year reign ends this year. "The president's fervent wish is that the election campa
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Iraq's charter most progressive document in Muslim world: US

Iraq's charter most progressive document in Muslim world: US

Iraq's draft constitution is the most progressive document in the Muslim world, US ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said Sunday, after the charter was presented to parliament following weeks of tortuous debate. "The draft constitution of Iraq is the most progr
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
More journalists killed in Iraq than Vietnam: RSF

More journalists killed in Iraq than Vietnam: RSF

More journalists have been killed in Iraq since the war began in March 2003 than during the 20 years of conflict in Vietnam, media rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Sunday. Since US forces and its allies launched their campaign in Iraq
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Talabani won't sign Saddam death sentence

Talabani won't sign Saddam death sentence

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said in remarks aired on Sunday that he would not sign a death sentence against ousted leader Saddam Hussein even if it costs him his job. "Once his (Saddam's) interrogation is over, he will go before a tribunal," Talabani t
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Iran bids to open out nuclear talks beyond Europe

Iran bids to open out nuclear talks beyond Europe

Iran does not consider Britain, France and Germany to be the sole negotiating partners on its nuclear programme and believes the process should be opened out beyond Europe, the foreign ministry said Sunday.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Massie evacuation in New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina nears

Massie evacuation in New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina nears

A massive evacuation of New Orleans was underway Sunday amid fears of a catastrophic hit by Hurricane Katrina, which barrelled toward the low-lying southern US city with winds of 280 kilometers (176 miles per hour).
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Top UK official warned Iraq war fuelled extremism

Top UK official warned Iraq war fuelled extremism

A top British government official warned Prime Minister Tony Blair last year that Britain's involvement in the Iraq war was fostering Muslim extremism at home, according to a leaked memo published on Sunday.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Suicide blast punctures post-Gaza peace hopes

Suicide blast punctures post-Gaza peace hopes

A Palestinian blew himself up while trying to board a bus in southern Israel Sunday in the first suicide attack since the evacuation of settlers from Gaza, puncturing hopes that the historic pullout would break the cycle of violence.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Manmohan and Karzai pledge to fight terrorism

Manmohan and Karzai pledge to fight terrorism

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday became the first Indian premier to visit Afghanistan in nearly three decades, pledging with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to battle terrorism amid rising violence in the war-battered country.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Myanmar outlaws three political groups

Myanmar outlaws three political groups

Myanmar's military rulers announced late Sunday they had outlawed three political groups and an ethnic rebel army, accusing them of intending to disrupt stability in the country. The junta announced in an evening television news bulletin that the groups w
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Amos Oz picks up German prize for life's work

Amos Oz picks up German prize for life's work

Israeli writer and peace activist Amos Oz accepted the prestigious Goethe cultural prize from the German city of Frankfurt Sunday for his life's work. Oz picked up the award, which carries a 50,000-euro (61,400-dollar) cash prize, at St Paul's Church in t
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Foreign workers stage Qatar's first official strike

Foreign workers stage Qatar's first official strike

About 600 foreign construction workers have gone on strike in Qatar's first official labour dispute since the Gulf state amended its labour law last year. The labourers - mainly from India, Pakistan and Nepal - stopped working four days ago in protest at
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Bangladesh police detain more bombing suspects

Bangladesh police detain more bombing suspects

Bangladesh police arrested 10 more suspected activists of the Islamist group Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, blamed for recent serial bombings that killed two people and injured about 100 across the country, police said on Saturday.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
ONGC revives 60,000 bpd Bombay High output

ONGC revives 60,000 bpd Bombay High output

Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) said on Saturday it has restored 60,000 bpd output from its Bombay High field, where output fell by 123,000 bpd after fire destroyed a major platform last month.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
General Electric to offer retail banking service in Japan

General Electric to offer retail banking service in Japan

General Electric plans to enter the Japanese retail banking industry, possibly as soon as next year, the daily Yomiuri Shimbun said on Saturday. The US manufacturer and financial house is considering a merger with, or investment in, a Japanese financial i
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Toyota's China partner back in the black in second quarter

Toyota's China partner back in the black in second quarter

Toyota Motor Co's main Chinese partner posted a 50 percent jump in second-quarter earnings as car sales leapt two-thirds in the first half and margins firmed despite high steel costs and price cuts.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Toyota's China partner back in the black in second quarter

Toyota's China partner back in the black in second quarter

Toyota Motor Co's main Chinese partner posted a 50 percent jump in second-quarter earnings as car sales leapt two-thirds in the first half and margins firmed despite high steel costs and price cuts.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Iran cuts sugar import tax to 50 percent

Iran cuts sugar import tax to 50 percent

Iran slashed private sector sugar import tariffs to 50 percent from 150 percent to stimulate buying and lower the price of the sweetener in the local market, a senior commerce ministry official said on Saturday.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
ST Engineering wins $190 million US contract

ST Engineering wins $190 million US contract

Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine), the marine arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering), on Saturday announced its US operations, VT Halter Marine Inc, has secured a contract to build four more articulated tug barge (ATB)
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
ST Engineering wins $190 million US contract

ST Engineering wins $190 million US contract

Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine), the marine arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering), on Saturday announced its US operations, VT Halter Marine Inc, has secured a contract to build four more articulated tug barge (ATB)
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Thai police hold Algerian for London bomb link

Thai police hold Algerian for London bomb link

Thai police are holding an Algerian man arrested this week for passport fraud who may also have a connection to the July 7 London bombings, a senior Thai police official said on Saturday.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Norway tops 2005 UN ranking as best place to live

Norway tops 2005 UN ranking as best place to live

Norway will top a 2005 UN ranking as the best country in which to live for the fifth year in a row, the head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) said on Friday. Rich from North Sea oil and with a generous welfare state, Norway has led the world ranking
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
H5N1 strain of bird flu not in Europe: Finland

H5N1 strain of bird flu not in Europe: Finland

Finland's Agriculture Ministry said on Saturday Europe was not yet suffering the highly pathogenic strain of bird flu that has killed people in Asia after the country discovered a possible outbreak in seagulls.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
24 die in Indian floods

24 die in Indian floods

Twenty-four people were drowned when flash floods inundated hundreds of villages around a commercial town in India's northern Uttar Pradesh state, a government official said on Saturday. Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of two rivers led to water bre
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Maoists set off landmine in Nepal; six killed

Maoists set off landmine in Nepal; six killed

Six bus passengers were killed in western Nepal on Saturday after suspected Maoist rebels set off a landmine under a roadblock the victims were helping to clear, an army officer said. Eight more passengers were wounded, seven of them critically, the offic
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
WHO declares tuberculosis emergency in Africa

WHO declares tuberculosis emergency in Africa

The World Health Organisation has declared tuberculosis an emergency in Africa after cases of the killer disease tripled in countries with high rates of HIV and doubled on the continent as a whole since 1990.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Settlement building could renew violence: Qorie

Settlement building could renew violence: Qorie

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qorie said on Saturday Israel's expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank could bar the establishment of a viable Palestinian state and renew bloodshed.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Muslim comic treads carefully after London bombings

Muslim comic treads carefully after London bombings

The London bombings have thrust relations between Britain's Muslims and their home country firmly centre stage, but the nation's top Muslim stand-up comic seems deeply worried about the spotlight. Shazia Mirza, whose TV shows have included "Ten things you
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Bilateral Pakistan-Afghan trade

Bilateral Pakistan-Afghan trade

The promotion of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan is the need of hour and for this purpose all hurdles should be removed for Pakistani exporters in Afghanistan andd Afghan traders in Pakistan. Afghan Mail Service should also be restarted t
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Singapore builds army of scientists for brave new biotech world

Singapore builds army of scientists for brave new biotech world

Singapore believes it has seen the future, and its name is the Biopolis. The sparkling new 300-million-US-dollar suburban complex of angular buildings, erected on hilly ground next to the Ministry of Education, is the nerve center of the city-state's camp
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Microfinance yet to take off in Pakistan

Microfinance yet to take off in Pakistan

Micro-finance though much talked about has not really taken-off in Pakistan while it has contributed significantly to the alleviation of poverty in South Asia particularly in Bangladesh and to a lesser extent in India.
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Hazrat Ibrahim's birthplace, story told by caretaker

Hazrat Ibrahim's birthplace, story told by caretaker

Dhia Mhesen rattles off fact after fact about this ancient mud brick city, the site of a giant ziggurat and the reputed birthplace of Abraham - the prophet revered by Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike. "The ziggurat was the temple of the moon god," sa
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
Spurious drugs

Spurious drugs

There is a high frequency of spurious products flooding the market, some of which belong to product categories that are capable of serving as major hazards to consumers' health. One such category is the pharmaceutical or drug industry. Cited are occasiona
Published 29 Aug, 2005 12:00am
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