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Print - 2009-03-06
Four additional D&S judges transferred

Four additional D&S judges transferred

Chief Justice Lahore High Court Sayed Zahid Hussain has transferred four additional district and sessions judges of Punjab. Malik Khizar Hayat Khan is transferred from Khushab to Faisalabad, Muhammad Saeed Ullah from Faisalabad to Khanpur and Syed Awais A
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
40,000 old court files destroyed

40,000 old court files destroyed

The senior civil judge Khanewal Arshad Hussain, on the instructions of the Lahore High Court (LHC), ordered to destroy as many as 40,000 files of old cases. A court official said that the files pertained to applications for grant of bail, change of police
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
The Weather

The Weather

The weather report on Thursday (March 05, 2009) and the forecast for Friday (March 06, 2009).

Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Number of trade bodies announce dissociation from strike

Number of trade bodies announce dissociation from strike

A number of trade bodies of Lahore who met Punjab Governor Salman Taseer have announced dissociation from traders strike on Friday. Qaumi Tajir Ittehad Chairman and Liberty Market President Safdar Ali Butt met the governor here on Thursday. The governor t
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Petition filed against newly appointed judges in LHC

Petition filed against newly appointed judges in LHC

Advocate Syed Feroz Shah Gillani, president Lawyers Foundation for Democracy and Justice, moved the petition before the Lahore High Court (LHC) asking to restrain the newly appointed 16 additional judges of the LHC from functioning.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
27 PML-N MPAs form forward bloc

27 PML-N MPAs form forward bloc

A PML-N MPA Laila Muqaddas from Gujranwala, elected on womens reserved seat, told a press conference on Thursday that a forward bloc of 27 members from within PML-N has decided to support PPP in Punjab. Her father, who is also district president of the PM
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
PML-Q unveils grand reconciliation strategy

PML-Q unveils grand reconciliation strategy

Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Thursday unveiled a Grand National Reconciliation strategy to resolve the differences between all the political parties. Talking to journalists here at his residence, he called upon Prim
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
LHC adjourns hearing of Saba Sadiq defection case

LHC adjourns hearing of Saba Sadiq defection case

The Lahore High Court on Thursday adjourned proceedings in a petition seeking directions for the Speaker Punjab Assembly to refer a reference to election commission for the disqualification of Saba Sadiq for defecting from her party when speakers counsel
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Population, housing census 2009 plan prepared

Population, housing census 2009 plan prepared

The government has prepared a comprehensive plan for housing and population census 2009, costing US $62.1 million of which $49.8 million will be arranged locally. The United Nations has so far pledged US $1,629,000 and is working to mobilise additional US
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Multinational ships arrive for naval exercise Aman 2009

Multinational ships arrive for naval exercise Aman 2009

Naval ships from eight different countries including USA, UK, China, Australia, France, Malaysia and Bangladesh arrived here on Thursday to participate in the multinational naval exercise Aman 09 being conducted from March 5-14 in the Arabian Sea under ar
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
PAF plane crash kills two

PAF plane crash kills two

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) plane crashed during a training flight on Thursday, killing the pilot and a cadet, the military sources said. The aircraft came down in Tala Gang, a town north-west of the capital Islamabad after developing a technical fault.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
LCCI backs PML-Ns Awami march today

LCCI backs PML-Ns Awami march today

In an unusual move, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has sided with Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) in its political battle with the Pakistan Peoples Party. "The PML-N is holding an Awami rally at Neela Gumbad on the Mall on Friday to sho
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Canadian investors asked to invest in petroleum sector

Canadian investors asked to invest in petroleum sector

Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain urged the Canadian investors to invest in Pakistans upstream petroleum sector as it carries tremendous opportunities. Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Rudolph Mank called o
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Need to redouble tax collection efforts

Need to redouble tax collection efforts

Tax collections in the first eight months (July-February 2009) of the current fiscal year would appear to be quite impressive in nominal terms but are woefully short of the expenditure requirements of the country and lag much behind the target fixed for 2
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Giving chance to political co-existence

Giving chance to political co-existence

Thanks to the intense confrontation overarching the countrys political landscape the PPPs emergence as the largest party in the Senate elections that concluded on Wednesday tends to go largely unnoticed as a non-event. Of course, it should cheer up the PP
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Obamas offer

Obamas offer

US President Barack Obama has made Russia an interesting offer in a secret letter he sent his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, three weeks ago. It is about George W Bushs plans to expand its embryonic missile defence shield to Poland and the Czech Re
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Why investors are preferring gold over currency!

Why investors are preferring gold over currency!

A lot of people are surprised to see the US dollars strength, especially when there is a financial crisis in USA and the US economy is in doldrums. Losses of banks, insurance companies and corporates have reached over a trillion dollar mark. Overall, it h
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Compounding the errors in tackling militancy

Compounding the errors in tackling militancy

The Awami National Partys proposal to arm thirty thousand civilians with assault rifles will only compound their earlier mistake of surrendering to the militants in Swat. Those making such proposals might consider that the anarchy in NWFP and FATA has bee
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
AsiaPac refiners plan reduction in output

AsiaPac refiners plan reduction in output

Asia-Pacific oil refiners will shut 1.088 million barrels per day (bpd) of capacity for second-quarter maintenance, just above last years level, helping temper pressure on margins as new plants start up. Planned, reported outages will shut in about 4.3 pe
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
ID card woes

ID card woes

The National Database and Registration Authority, set up to modernise the issuance and tracking of national ID cards, must be the biggest failed project in the history of Pakistan. Its aim was to replace the flimsy and poorly maintained older cards with n
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Neglected goth

Neglected goth

Its been a long time since the new Nazim took over, yet the residents of Ilyasgoth still await the improvement of their area. Only the main road has been built. Sewage water overflows onto the roads from the nallahs, and flows into the graveyard. The loca
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Justice

Justice

Justice should not only be done but be seen to be done, is said to govern judgements by courts. As against this principle, a recent judgement is singular in that it fines petitioners for bringing the petition. In case of failure to pay the fine petitioner
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Speakers seek education for all women

Speakers seek education for all women

Speakers at an open house dialogue organised by the Human Development Society (HDS) here on Thursday underlined the importance of social and economic support for women and education in rural areas. The dialogue on womens problems, held at the local hotel,
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Diabetes screening units in district hospitals suggested

Diabetes screening units in district hospitals suggested

President, Diabetic Association of Pakistan, Professor A Samad Shera has urged the government to establish "diabetes screening units" at all district hospitals in the country. Talking to APP here on Thursday the DAP President and Patron of the Internation
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Jashn-e-Baharan in Faisalabad from March 11

Jashn-e-Baharan in Faisalabad from March 11

Jashn-e-Baharan will be celebrated here from March 11 to 23 for which various colourful events were being arranged for the amusement and recreation of the citizens. This was informed by DCO Saeed Wahlah while presiding over a meeting here on Thursday whic
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Magistrates launch operation against profiteers, hoarders

Magistrates launch operation against profiteers, hoarders

The Price Magistrates have launched grand operation against the profiteers and hoarders of daily use items in the district under the direction of DCO Saeed Wahlah. During the operation the Price Magistrates had conducted 327 raids in different markets and
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Surgical industry: non-issuance of Free Sale certificate to businessmen

Surgical industry: non-issuance of Free Sale certificate to businessmen

Member managing committee of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Chaudhry Amjad Ali Cheema, said that business community engaged with surgical industry was facing serious hardships due to non-issuance of "Free Sale" certificat
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Bill for children rights to be introduced in Sindh Assembly: Shehla

Bill for children rights to be introduced in Sindh Assembly: Shehla

"Government is committed to protect children rights and making serious efforts to bring a legislation in Sindh Assembly for this purpose. Children are our future and their protection and care is surety of our bright future", said Shehla Raza, Deputy Speak
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
KBCA moves government for its court and police station

KBCA moves government for its court and police station

Chief Controller of Buildings Manzoor Qadir has said that preparations have been made at official level to deal with the menace of irregular constructions and violative construction activities. In this regard, he said, a summary has been sent to Sindh Gov
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Pakistan leads opposition to adding more permanent members to UNSC

Pakistan leads opposition to adding more permanent members to UNSC

Arguing on the basis of UN Charters provisions, Pakistan on Wednesday strongly opposed any move to add more permanent members to the Security Council as the intergovernmental negotiations on reforming the 15-member body gathered pace.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
130 archaeological sites transferred to Sindh government

130 archaeological sites transferred to Sindh government

Federal government has handed over listed 130 archaeological sites excluding Moen Jo Daro in Sindh to Sindh government and issued a notification in this respect. This was disclosed by Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Sassui Palejo while addressing a
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: gold rebounds

US MIDDAY: gold rebounds

US gold futures rose on Thursday, supported by bargain hunting following a retracement from above $1,000 last month and flight-to-quality buying amid steep losses in the equities markets. Gold for April delivery was up $7.00 at $913.70 an ounce at 10:39 a
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: copper bounces

US MIDDAY: copper bounces

US copper futures bounced on either side of unchanged Thursday morning as an early bout of profit-taking dried up and left prices near their highest levels since late November as the market awaits key unemployment data on Friday. Copper for May delivery e
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: sugar stumbles

US MIDDAY: sugar stumbles

Raw sugar futures on ICE Futures US at 1314 GMT. May raw sugar contract down 0.26 cent at 13 cents per lb. Range from 12.96 to 13.24 cents. Volume at 6,947 lots. Investor liquidation deflates market in choppy business - dealers. India is holding off buyin
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: corn, soya and wheat lower

US MIDDAY: corn, soya and wheat lower

Chicago Board of Trade grain and soyabean futures opened lower on Thursday on spillover pressure from a drop in the US stock market, traders said. At 9:33 am CST (1533 GMT), the CBOT March soyabean futures contract was down 14-1/2 cents at $8.61 a bushel.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Gold rises in London

Gold rises in London

Gold rose more than 1 percent on Thursday as equity markets extended losses on concerns over the outlook for US carmaker General Motors, with all the major Wall Street indexes falling more than 2 percent. The dollar pared gains against the euro after the
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: coffee and cocoa slip

US MIDDAY: coffee and cocoa slip

US arabica coffee futures and US cocoa futures slipped early Thursday as investors took their cue from a firmer dollar and took profits from the previous sessions gains, traders said. Arabica coffee for May delivery down 1.45 cents, or 1.3 percent, at $1.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Sugar, cocoa and coffee slide in London

Sugar, cocoa and coffee slide in London

Sugar, cocoa and coffee futures fell with global financial markets and oil on Thursday, pressured by a firm dollar after European rate cuts, and dealers said they feared more volatility ahead. "Its dollar strength and macroeconomic jitters," Nick Hungate,
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Oil falls four percent

Oil falls four percent

Oil fell nearly 4 percent to below $44 a barrel on Thursday as the deteriorating economic outlook heightened expectations that fuel consumption would shrink further. The losses tracked a slide in equities markets, with major US indexes off about 4 percent
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Copper dips

Copper dips

Copper slipped from near three-month highs on Thursday as the recent fall in inventories was overshadowed by more gloomy economic data, denting the outlook for metals consumption. A continuous fall in copper stocks over the past week and a rise in cancell
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
New York cotton settles lower

New York cotton settles lower

Cotton futures settled lower on Thursday as weakness in equity and crude markets pressured fibre contracts, and the prospect of a poor US jobs report on Friday may lead to further losses, brokers said. The key May cotton contract fell 0.58 cent to finish
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
DCO reviews performance of CDGK departments

DCO reviews performance of CDGK departments

DCO Karachi Javed Hanif has directed all City District Government Karachi (CDGK) EDOs and departmental heads to fix timings for public meetings to solve their problems and display the same at the doors of their offices and also ensure their presence.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Measures to boost IT sector exports highlighted

Measures to boost IT sector exports highlighted

Information Technology has tremendous scope globally for which joint efforts between the public and the private sector should be made to eliminate the gap. This was highlighted at a meeting on "Fact finding and strategy to boost the IT Sector in Pakistan"
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Steel cutting ceremony of first F22P frigate held at KSEW

Steel cutting ceremony of first F22P frigate held at KSEW

A Steel Cutting Ceremony of the first F22P Frigate, being built for Pakistan Navy, was held at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) on Thursday. Federal Minister for Defence Production, Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi, was the chief guest.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Maternal mortality ratios still 2 to 4 times higher than MDG: World Bank

Maternal mortality ratios still 2 to 4 times higher than MDG: World Bank

The World Bank has said that the maternal mortality ratios in four countries, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan are still 2 to 4 times higher than the millennium development goals (MDG) set for 2015, however, Sri Lank has shown an improved p
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Qaim for resolving power crises

Qaim for resolving power crises

Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah assured business community that he will soon convene a joint meeting with Federal secretary for water and power, representatives of Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) and business community to discuss power cri
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
SSUET convocation on March 21

SSUET convocation on March 21

The 12th Convocation of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology will be held on March 21, 2009 at the University Campus. According to Registrar Shah Mahmood Hussain Syed, degrees would be awarded to 1009 graduate and 80 post-graduate engineers.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Lawmakers from both sides oppose governors rule

Lawmakers from both sides oppose governors rule

Parliamentarians from both sides of the aisles on Thursday opposed Governors Rule in Punjab whereas the PML-N lawmakers boycotted the session protesting against the disqualification of the Sharif brothers and imposition of the Governors Rule.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Lawmakers from both sides oppose governors rule

Lawmakers from both sides oppose governors rule

Parliamentarians from both sides of the aisles on Thursday opposed Governors Rule in Punjab whereas the PML-N lawmakers boycotted the session protesting against the disqualification of the Sharif brothers and imposition of the Governors Rule.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Government to probe demands of Soleckis kidnappers

Government to probe demands of Soleckis kidnappers

Hours before a deadline set by kidnappers to kill a US hostage was due to expire Thursday, the government announced a top-level committee to investigate the captors demands. The shadowy Balochistan Liberation United Front (BLUF) said it had abducted John
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
One killed, 19 injured in mosque blast

One killed, 19 injured in mosque blast

A worshiper was killed and 19 sustained injuries due to hand grenade attack on Ameer Hamza Khan mosque near Eidgah in D I Khan district on Thursday evening, DCO Mohsin Shah said. He told APP by phone that unknown miscreants hurled a hand grenade inside a
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Lahore attack: Sindh announces award, compensation for driver and heirs

Lahore attack: Sindh announces award, compensation for driver and heirs

Sindh government on Thursday announced to award Rs 0.3 million to the bus driver who, keeping his senses intact, had bravely driven away the under attack Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. Moreover, Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza on behalf of his d
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
List of textile items for duty drawback expanded

List of textile items for duty drawback expanded

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has expanded the list of textile items for payment of duty drawback to the exporters with nominal reductions in rates for textile fabrics, garments, engineering, leather, footwear, rubber and sports goods from March 5, 2
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Mobilink, Box Office launch Watchmen

Mobilink, Box Office launch Watchmen

Mobilink and Box Office has announced the launch of "Watchmen," the highly anticipated blockbuster of 2009 in cinemas across Pakistan on Friday (today). Vice President, Marketing, Mobilink Bilal Munir Sheikh, commented, "There are more than 10 Blockbuster
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
List of textile items for duty drawback expanded

List of textile items for duty drawback expanded

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has expanded the list of textile items for payment of duty drawback to the exporters with nominal reductions in rates for textile fabrics, garments, engineering, leather, footwear, rubber and sports goods from March 5, 2
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
List of textile items for duty drawback expanded

List of textile items for duty drawback expanded

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has expanded the list of textile items for payment of duty drawback to the exporters with nominal reductions in rates for textile fabrics, garments, engineering, leather, footwear, rubber and sports goods from March 5, 2
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Musharraf leaves for India today

Musharraf leaves for India today

Former president Parvez Musharraf is leaving for India today (Friday) to participate in a two-day India Todays Conclave, Business Recorder learnt on Thursday. He will be the first high profile Pakistani to visit India after Mumbai terrorist attacks
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Senate elections: EC notifies names of winners from Fata and NWFP

Senate elections: EC notifies names of winners from Fata and NWFP

Chief Election Commissioner, Justice (Retd) Qazi Muhammad Farooq Thursday published the names of returned candidates in Senate elections from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Northern Western Frontier Province (NWFP).
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
FROM A RINGSIDE SEAT

FROM A RINGSIDE SEAT

There is a good news in the store for the nation. What this good news really is? We were told in the National Assembly on Thursday that Asif Ali Zardari has been asked to act like a head of the state instead of PPP co-chairman. Who has given Zardari this
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
SECP acting chairmans being paid only as Commissioner

SECP acting chairmans being paid only as Commissioner

The Finance Ministry informed the National Assembly on Thursday that acting chairman Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Salman Ali Shaikh is drawing the salary and perks of a Commissioner without any increase on appointment as acting c
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
NBP to install ATMs at all Army garrisons

NBP to install ATMs at all Army garrisons

A signing ceremony between National Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Army and Web dnaworks was held here Thursday at NBP Head Office. The ceremony was attended by NBP President/CEO Syed Ali Raza, Major General Niaz Kausar Sheikh, Brigadier Harris Salam from Pak
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
FTSE tumbles 3.2 percent on financials

FTSE tumbles 3.2 percent on financials

Britains leading share index ended down 3.2 percent on Thursday, shrugging off the Bank of Englands interest rate cut, as Aviva led financials lower on concerns over the insurers capital strength. The FTSE 100 closed 116.01 points lower at 3,529.86, after
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Seoul shares drop

Seoul shares drop

Seoul shares ended slightly lower on Thursday in volatile trade that saw the main index move in and out of positive territory, with falls led by Hynix after the Taiwan government said it would set up a DRAM company. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index e
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Asian bond spreads narrow

Asian bond spreads narrow

Asian bond spreads narrowed on Thursday, as investors cheered Chinas plan to increase spending and implement other fiscal policies to support the worlds third-largest economy. China aims to achieve 8 percent growth this year, Premier Wen Jiabao told the N
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Indian shares down

Indian shares down

Indian shares fell 2.94 percent on Thursday as investors sold on global economic concerns, even after Indias central bank cut rates by 50 basis points on Wednesday evening, dealers said. The benchmark 30-share Sensex index slid 248.57 points to 8,197.92,
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Asian bond spreads narrow

Asian bond spreads narrow

Asian bond spreads narrowed on Thursday, as investors cheered Chinas plan to increase spending and implement other fiscal policies to support the worlds third-largest economy. China aims to achieve 8 percent growth this year, Premier Wen Jiabao told the N
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Insurer CDS jump wider on investment loss fears

Insurer CDS jump wider on investment loss fears

Lower-ranking financial credit spreads jumped to record wides on Thursday, led by insurers, on concerns about losses on investment portfolios after British life insurer Aviva took a hit from bond defaults. Late on Thursday, the Markit iTraxx five-year sen
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Insurer CDS jump wider on investment loss fears

Insurer CDS jump wider on investment loss fears

Lower-ranking financial credit spreads jumped to record wides on Thursday, led by insurers, on concerns about losses on investment portfolios after British life insurer Aviva took a hit from bond defaults. Late on Thursday, the Markit iTraxx five-year sen
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
European shares drop

European shares drop

European shares dropped on Thursday, led lower by financials, after ECB forecasts showed the eurozone economy could shrink by more than 3 percent this year, reigniting fears over the global recession. The FTSEurofirst 300 index closed down 3.7 percent at
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Indian rupee falls

Indian rupee falls

The Indian rupee weakened on Thursday as shares shrugged off surprise interest rate cuts and slumped to their lowest in more than three years, while a stronger dollar overseas added to the downward pressure.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Sterling falls, dollar remains broadly up

Sterling falls, dollar remains broadly up

Sterling fell against the dollar on Thursday after the Bank of England cut rates to a record low and announced an asset buying programme, while the dollar remained broadly stronger on fears over the economic outlook.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Aussie futures up after weak data, dollar costs ease

Aussie futures up after weak data, dollar costs ease

Australian rate futures rose and bond futures pared losses after data showed it was on the brink of recession, while Indian investors braced for more debt supplies. Dollar funding costs eased marginally but some analysts believe rates would rise again as
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Beshir lashes out at West as fears mount for Darfur

Beshir lashes out at West as fears mount for Darfur

Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir lashed out at the West on Thursday over the arrest warrant which has split the world community and sparked fears of insecurity and a humanitarian crisis in Darfur. Sudan reacted swiftly to the International Criminal Court
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
End violence against women

End violence against women

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Thursday called on world leaders to end violence against women in their countries, in a speech ahead of International Womens Day. "Violence against women cannot be tolerated," said Ban speaking ahead of Sundays global eve
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
OIC condemns Beshir warrant

OIC condemns Beshir warrant

The Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) condemned the International Criminal Courts decision to issue an arrest warrant for Sudans President Omar al-Beshir for war crimes in the war-ravaged province of Darfur.
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Statues of ancient pharaoh found

Statues of ancient pharaoh found

A team of Egyptian and European archaeologists has discovered two large statues of an ancient pharaoh who ruled Egypt some 3,400 years ago, the countrys archaeology chief said Thursday. The two statues of Amenhotep III were found while the excavation team
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Fire at biggest nuclear reactor hurts 1; no radiation leak

Fire at biggest nuclear reactor hurts 1; no radiation leak

A fire broke out Thursday for an eighth time at a Japanese nuclear reactor since it was closed by a 2007 earthquake, but the blaze was put out and no radiation escaped, its operator Tokyo Electric Power Co said. The fire was in an underground pump used to
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Bomb kills 12 at Baghdad livestock market

Bomb kills 12 at Baghdad livestock market

A car bomb exploded Thursday in a crowded livestock market selling sheep, cattle and goats south of Baghdad, killing at least 12 people and wounding dozens, Iraqi police and medical officials said. The parked car exploded at the height of the morning buyi
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Jackson aims to halt auction of belongings

Jackson aims to halt auction of belongings

Michael Jacksons production company has filed a lawsuit aiming to halt the sale of mementos at an eagerly anticipated auction of the pop stars belongings from going ahead next month. MJJ Productions claimed in a Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit filed on
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Israel envoy to US steps down

Israel envoy to US steps down

Israels ambassador to the United States announced on Thursday his decision to resign in light of a change of government in the Jewish state, a senior official said. Sallai Meridor recently told outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Foreign Minister Tzipi L
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Colombia extradites former paramilitary chief to US

Colombia extradites former paramilitary chief to US

Colombia on Thursday extradited a former paramilitary chief to the United States on drugs charges, angering the families of militia victims who say hundreds of murders and kidnappings will now go unsolved. Ever Veloza, who has admitted involvement in some
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Recycled Japanese nuclear fuel loaded in France

Recycled Japanese nuclear fuel loaded in France

French nuclear group Areva early on Thursday started loading a major shipment of recycled fuel onto a ship that was then to head for Japan, despite fears it could be hijacked and used in bombs. Environmental group Greenpeace said it was "the biggest cargo
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Deal to cancel Gandhi glasses auction fails

Deal to cancel Gandhi glasses auction fails

India rejected Thursday the last-minute offer by a US collector to cancel the controversial auction of Gandhis iconic round glasses. James Otis told AFP he would donate the glasses, sandals and other Gandhi belongings in exchange for India boosting health
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Economic crisis hurts male workers most: ILO

Economic crisis hurts male workers most: ILO

The worlds economic crisis has cost more men their jobs than women in Western countries, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said on Thursday. The male jobless rate in developed economies rose 1.1 percentage points to 6.6 percent in 2008, the year
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Obama extends Zimbabwe sanctions

Obama extends Zimbabwe sanctions

President Barack Obama has extended for another year US sanctions that target Zimbabwes president and others linked to him, saying some people are continuing to undermine the countrys democratic processes. The White House issued the notice on Wednesday, t
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Russians mark Stalin anniversary

Russians mark Stalin anniversary

Russian Communists on Thursday marked the 56th anniversary of Joseph Stalins death amid a new controversy over the shelving of the Russian translation of a major new book about the Soviet dictator. British historian Orlando Figes claimed this week that hi
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Sri Lanka troops kill 33 Tigers

Sri Lanka troops kill 33 Tigers

Government forces shot dead at least 33 Tamil Tiger rebels and wounded many more in a fresh outbreak of fighting in north-eastern Sri Lanka Thursday, the military said. "We recovered 33 bodies of the terrorists and 33 automatic assault rifles and several
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
Over 4,000 killed by cholera in Zimbabwe

Over 4,000 killed by cholera in Zimbabwe

More than 4,000 people have died in a cholera epidemic that has hit at least 85,000 people, Zimbabwes Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai said Thursday, warning the figures were likely an underestimate. Tsvangirai told an emergency meeting of health workers
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
North Korea threatens South planes amid tensions

North Korea threatens South planes amid tensions

North Korea threatened South Korean passenger planes flying near its airspace on Thursday and accused the US and South Korea of attempting to provoke a nuclear war with upcoming joint military drills. In response, South Koreas Korean Air and Asiana Airlin
Published 06 Mar, 2009 12:00am
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