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Print - 2009-09-11
Syrian Ambassador meets Qureshi

Syrian Ambassador meets Qureshi

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Syrian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Mohamed Riad Hussain Ismat on Thursday met and discussed matters of mutual interest to strengthen the bilateral ties. The foreign minister said Pakistan and Syria enjoyed
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
PQFTL announces unit prices

PQFTL announces unit prices

Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Managed Fund (PQFTL) announced unit prices for the following funds on September 08, 2009.

Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Water is precious; let's conserve it

Water is precious; let's conserve it

Wapda's ongoing plans to line three main canals in Sindh is a much needed step in the right direction, enabling the country to potentially save huge quantity of potable water. According to United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) - a United States agenc
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
'Pakistan can benefit from Chinese research in agriculture sector'

'Pakistan can benefit from Chinese research in agriculture sector'

Pakistan can benefit from 60 years long Chinese research in agriculture sector for superior crop varieties to meet their ever increasing national food grain requirements. Leader of the 4-member Chinese private sector delegation Dr John Liu talking to Vice
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Rs 4 billion for uplift of small, middle order cities in Punjab

Rs 4 billion for uplift of small, middle order cities in Punjab

Punjab government has prepared a multi-pronged plan costing Rs 4 billion for the face lifting of small and middle cities and expansion of link roads in the Punjab. Official sources told Business Recorder here on Thursday that under the plan Rs 2 bi
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Federating units agree to enhance provinces' share in FDP: Kaira

Federating units agree to enhance provinces' share in FDP: Kaira

Punjab Finance Minister Tanvir Ashraf Kaira has said that all the four provinces have agreed to increase the share of provinces in Federal Divisible Pool (FDP). He said the government would soon announce the NFC Award in which the reservations of the prov
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
13.3 million atta bags sold in Ramazan bazaar

13.3 million atta bags sold in Ramazan bazaar

Punjab Minister for Food, Malik Nadeem Kamran said that under the arrangements made by Punjab Food Department, 13.3 million atta bags of 20-kg each have so far been sold in Ramazan bazaars and mobile points in the province. Similarly, one lakh 64 thousand
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
14,046 sugar bags of 50kg sold in Sastay Ramazan Bazaars

14,046 sugar bags of 50kg sold in Sastay Ramazan Bazaars

As many as 14,046 sugar bags of 50-kilogam each of sugar have been sold to the consumers through 18 "Sastay Ramazan Bazaars" in the district on the subsidised rate of Rs 40 per kilogram and there is no shortage of sugar as the sufficient stock of sugar is
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Poor benefiting from 'Sasta Atta': Shahbaz

Poor benefiting from 'Sasta Atta': Shahbaz

Punjab Chief Minister, Shahbaz Sharif has said that poor, destitute and deserving people are fully benefiting from the supply of "Sasta Atta" which is being provided to them at one-third less than the market price in various Ramazan bazaars and trucking p
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Mehfil-e-Husn-e-Qirat today

Mehfil-e-Husn-e-Qirat today

An International Mehfil-e-Husne-Qirat will be held here on Friday at the central Mosque of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). AIOU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mehmood ul Hassan Butt would preside over the Mehfil while Ambassador of Islamic Republic of
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Work on exploring iron deposits should be started: Riaz

Work on exploring iron deposits should be started: Riaz

Senior Provincial Minister, Raja Riaz Ahmad has directed that work on exploring iron deposits should be started immediately. He said that in the areas of Mianwali, Chiniot and Rajwah steps should be taken to get benefit from national resources and all asp
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Investment conference on October 23

Investment conference on October 23

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) would organise International Private Sector Investment conference/business forum and exhibition here from October 23-25, 2009. According to FPCCI press release issued here on Thursday, t
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
'Foreign hand involved in target killings in Balochistan'

'Foreign hand involved in target killings in Balochistan'

Pakistan Muslim League (Like-minded Group) Balochistan President and MNA, Israr Tareen, has said foreign hand is involved in recent incidents of target killings in the province. Talking to Business Recorder at the residence of former foreign minist
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
9/11 incident termed conspiracy against Muslims

9/11 incident termed conspiracy against Muslims

Jamaat-i-Islami Chief Syed Munawwar Hassan has said that the 9/11 incident was a conspiracy against the Muslims and a drama staged to invade the Muslim world especially Afghanistan and Pakistan. Speaking at an Iftar party hosted by JI Samnabad chapter on
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Minister advises to simplify tax recovery system

Minister advises to simplify tax recovery system

Minister Excise, Taxation, Transport and Education Punjab, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman has directed the Excise Department officials to utilise all available resources for convenience of the common man. He directed that more new E&T offices should be esta
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Sindh University announces admissions to all disciplines

Sindh University announces admissions to all disciplines

The Sindh University announced admissions to all disciplines for the academic session 2010 at the institutes and departments of the University, as well as Sindh University Laar College Badin and the newly established Sindh University Campus at Mirpurkhas
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Erra adopts gender as cross cutting theme in every sector

Erra adopts gender as cross cutting theme in every sector

Lieutenant General Sajjad Akram, Deputy Chairman, Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (Erra) has said that Erra adopted Gender as a cross cutting theme in every sector so that both genders could have equal opportunities of life in the e
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Bilour felicitates Zardari on completion of one year in presidency

Bilour felicitates Zardari on completion of one year in presidency

NWFP Senior Minister and Parliamentary Leader of the ANP, Bashir Ahmad Bilour, felicitating President Asif Ali Zardari on completing the 1st parliamentary year of his office, said the ANP government was quite satisfied with his performance and political a
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
PDMA to launch web-based GIS for disaster management

PDMA to launch web-based GIS for disaster management

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) will soon launch a comprehensive multi-layered web-based GIS for the use of disaster management. This webpage will be meant for disaster management activities, said Shakeel Qadir Khan, Director General P
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Child killed, driver injured in separate incidents

Child killed, driver injured in separate incidents

A child run over by a motorcycle died in a nearby village on Thursday. Liaqutpur police registered case against a bike rider who had carelessly hit a five years old boy Muzammil while he was playing outside his home in a village in Liaqutpur. The child wa
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Malakand Agency worst sufferer of operation: Humayun

Malakand Agency worst sufferer of operation: Humayun

NWFP Minister for Finance Mohammad Humayun Khan has said that the people of Malakand Agency were the worst sufferers of the ongoing military operation in Swat and Buner as the area, which served as a gateway to Swat remained under curfew for long period g
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
FPCCI team to visit Vietnam in November

FPCCI team to visit Vietnam in November

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry's (FPCCI) delegation is scheduled to visit Vietnam this November to explore markets for Pakistani products and enhance trade relations between the two countries.
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
APCEA dismayed over changes in GGIP's BoM

APCEA dismayed over changes in GGIP's BoM

The executive committee, All Pakistan Commercial Exporters Association (APCEA) has dismayed over the reconstitution of the Board of Management (BoM) of Gems and Gemological Institute of Pakistan (GGIP).
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
People-police cooperation can decrease crime rate: Zulqarnain

People-police cooperation can decrease crime rate: Zulqarnain

AJK President Raja Zulqarnain Khan Thursday said the ratio of crimes can be decreased drastically by virtue of mutual co-operation of police and citizens. The President was addressing a gathering at Kasgupal area of District Bhimber in AJK. He commended t
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Minister appeals provinces to allocate five percent quota for minorities

Minister appeals provinces to allocate five percent quota for minorities

Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti has appealed all the four provincial governments to allocate 5 percent quota in their provinces for minorities in the civil services as federal government has already allocated 5 percent quota for mi
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Governor inaugurates Barang Road project

Governor inaugurates Barang Road project

NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani, Thursday formally launched Rs 355.3 million Barang Road project in Bajaur Agency and assured the elders that more such public welfare projects would be initiated in all those areas, where the tribesmen extend co-operation
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Thar coal energy accord

Thar coal energy accord

After years of foot-dragging over utilisation of Thar coal for power generation, the Sindh government has at last signed an agreement with Engro Power Generation Ltd for production of 600-1000 megawatts on public-private partnership basis, with an equity
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Education policy: You can't have your cake and eat it

Education policy: You can't have your cake and eat it

The federal cabinet has finally approved the education policy. It aims to raise annual budgetary allocation for education up to 7 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and increase literacy rate to 85 percent by 2015. Contrasting this with current f
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Jinnah was pragmatic and down-to-earth all the time

Jinnah was pragmatic and down-to-earth all the time

In one respect, the epoch that ended with the birth of two nations on August 14-15, 1947, in South Asia, was the most remarkable in Indian history. It had produced an almost incredible galaxy of eminent thinkers, distinguished politicians, dynamic leaders
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Hong Kong named world's spam capital

Hong Kong named world's spam capital

Hong Kong is under siege from legions of "zombies" attacking people with spam and leaving in their wake a trail of destruction costing millions of dollars a year, analysts have warned. It sounds like the plot of a surrealist B-movie but it is the worrying
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
What democracy requires

What democracy requires

The world has ultimately come to a conclusion, after experimenting with different forms of government in history. Monarchy, oligarchy, military or civil dictatorships and similar other forms of the government have all failed, irrespective of the sincere w
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Live from Balochistan

Live from Balochistan

Recently, Talat Hussain of Aaj TV did a series of programmes on Balochistan that was a praiseworthy effort and need of the hour. At this time, when our entire media is debating on 20 years old stuff, which has no worth today, I am glad to see that
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Availability of sugar, atta

Availability of sugar, atta

It seems that the distribution of atta, sugar has become a headache for the provincial governments. Punjab went in for sasti roti. As compared to the Rs 5 per rote, the government is forcing tandoorwallas to sell rote at Rs 2. The government is subsidisin
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Sindh chief minister recounts one year achievements of President

Sindh chief minister recounts one year achievements of President

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that President Asif Ali Zardari had been advocating reconciliation well before taking over the office of President and he is still pursuing that policy. He was speaking as chief guest at an Iftar-dinner hos
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
HC Australia calls on Naval Chief

HC Australia calls on Naval Chief

Tim George, High Commissioner of Australia here on Thursday called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir. He spent some time with Bashir and discussed matters of mutual interest, says a press release.
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
'Leather be treated at par with textiles'

'Leather be treated at par with textiles'

Khawaja Muhammad Abdullah Ex-Chairman of Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) said that the leather garments industry should be treated as equivalent to the textile garments industry and all stake holders like Leather Garments Manufacturers, Tanners, Export
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
PNCA holds 'Mehfil-e-Milad'

PNCA holds 'Mehfil-e-Milad'

Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Ministry of Culture here on Thursday arranged 'Mehfil-e-Milad' for females in connection with the Holy month of Ramazan. Renowned Naat Khawan and intellectual females from Radio and TV recited Naat-e-Rasool-e-
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Zardari for pursuing Quaid's vision of federal, democratic policy

Zardari for pursuing Quaid's vision of federal, democratic policy

President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the best way to pay homage to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is to continue struggling for his vision to achieve the goal of a federal and democratic polity. In his message on the 61st death anniversary of Quaid-
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Pepco assures ending loadshedding by December 2009

Pepco assures ending loadshedding by December 2009

The Managing Director Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco), Tahir Basharat Cheema has vowed the production of 54000 Megawatts electricity by 2020 and assured the ending of load shedding by December 2009.
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Railways to focus on freight service for staving off financial crunch

Railways to focus on freight service for staving off financial crunch

Secretary Railways Sami-ul-Haq Khilji Thursday said Pakistan Railways is passing through financial crisis and the Ministry is focussing on freight trains to stave off the financial crunch. Talking to mediapersons after visiting Rawalpindi Railway Station,
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
231,000 kids still not getting education in Multan

231,000 kids still not getting education in Multan

Despite of the efforts of provincial government to increase the literacy rate and the admission campaign to admit children to schools, still about 231,000 children are deprived of education in district Multan. As per details, about 243,000 children are ge
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Educationists hail education policy

Educationists hail education policy

Renowned educationists have hailed the long awaited National Education Policy (NEP) 2009, describing it as feasible and far-reaching, which may bring a revolution in illiteracy if implemented in letter and spirit.
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Pepco spends Rs 1,709 million on augmentation of power system

Pepco spends Rs 1,709 million on augmentation of power system

Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) has spent an amount of Rs 1709.946 million on system augmentation to provide smooth supply of electricity to consumers. According to official sources, the amount was spent under system augmentation programme from Ju
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Pakistan Railways to operate three special trains on Eid

Pakistan Railways to operate three special trains on Eid

The Pakistan Railways would operate three special Eid trains from Karachi on September 18 and 19 to accommodate the huge number of passengers leaving for upcountry destinations to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families. Divisional Commercial Officer (D
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
75,000 youths to be provided training under BBSYDP: Qaim

75,000 youths to be provided training under BBSYDP: Qaim

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that total 75,000 youths would be imparted training and 40,000 would be given jobs under Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Programme (BBSYDP). The Sindh CM said this while addressing an Iftar-dinner
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Pakistan observes Suicide Prevention Day

Pakistan observes Suicide Prevention Day

Suicides are steadily rising in Pakistan, with an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 suicides per year enhancing urgency to raise awareness about the issue, its causes and implications. Pakistan observed World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 had also emerged
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Seminar on 'Suicide: hidden realities in Pakistan' on September 30

Seminar on 'Suicide: hidden realities in Pakistan' on September 30

Suicides are steadily rising in Pakistan with an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 suicides per year enhancing urgency to raise awareness about the issue, its causes and implications. Pakistan while observing World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 has also e
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: gold falls

US MIDDAY: gold falls

US gold futures fell early on Thursday as investors took profits, but the metal retraced initial lows as the dollar weakened, increasing bullion's appeal as a currency hedge. December gold down $1 at $996.10 an ounce at 11:09 am EDT (1509 GMT) on the COME
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: copper futures sink

US MIDDAY: copper futures sink

US copper futures lost more than 3 percent of their value Thursday morning as prices continued to correct further away from the psychological $3.00 a lb level amid a broader sell-off in the industrial metals complex. Copper for December delivery slipped 7
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: soybeans jump; wheat and corn up

US MIDDAY: soybeans jump; wheat and corn up

Soyabean futures on the Chicago Board of Trade jumped at midsession on Thursday as traders covered short positions ahead of the US Department of Agriculture's monthly crop report on Friday, traders said. Front-month September, which expires next week, jum
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
US MIDDAY: cocoa at 14-month high

US MIDDAY: cocoa at 14-month high

Summaries of the ICE Futures US cocoa, coffee and sugar markets. December arabica coffee contract eased 1.15 cents to $1.2405 per lb at 11:06 am EDT (1506 GMT). Session range from $1.2320 to $1.2620. Arabica futures slipped in thin dealings, pressured by
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
London sugar and cocoa jump; coffee falls

London sugar and cocoa jump; coffee falls

October white sugar at Liffe ended $19.70 higher at $539.20 per tonne. Market supported disruptions to harvesting in top producer Brazil and the prospect of strong demand from India. December cocoa ended up 17 pounds at 1,944 pounds per tonne, having earl
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Gold back above $990 in European trade

Gold back above $990 in European trade

Gold gained traction above $990 per ounce on Thursday as the dollar index weakened after US weekly jobs data, while rising oil prices also gave the metal a lift as a potential inflation hedge. Bullion still faced a struggle to regain the $1,000 psychologi
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Oil prices up

Oil prices up

Oil prices extended a four-day rally to near $72 a barrel on Thursday after a US report showed a surprise decline in crude stockpiles and Opec said it would maintain official output curbs. US crude rose 63 cents to settle at $71.94 a barrel, topping off a
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Base metals tumble

Base metals tumble

Industrial metals tumbled on Thursday, with copper dropping as much as 3 percent as doubts about the pace of recovery and persistent increases in inventories triggered a sell-off. Analysts have been cautious about the rally that has seen copper's price mo
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
New York cotton futures settle with small gain

New York cotton futures settle with small gain

Cotton futures settled with small gains on Thursday as players sat back to wait for the release of a government crop report tomorrow, brokers said. The December cotton contract in New York rose 0.15 cent to end at 60.92 cents per lb, ranging from 60.01 to
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
FTSE drifts below 5,000

FTSE drifts below 5,000

Britain's top share index drifted lower on Thursday, weighed down by energy and bank stocks, consolidating below the psychologically important 5,000 level. The FTSE 100 index closed down 16.62 points, or 0.3 percent to 4,987.68, having closed above 5,000
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Singapore shares up

Singapore shares up

Singapore shares closed 1.05 percent higher on Thursday on gains in selected blue chips, dealers said. The Straits Times Index advanced 27.75 points to 2,678.23. Volume totalled 2.71 billion shares worth 2.35 billion Singapore dollars (1.65 billion US) an
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Indian shares edge higher

Indian shares edge higher

Indian shares edged up 0.21 percent on Thursday, but profit-taking erased most intraday gains, as the markets rose for a fifth straight day, dealers said. The benchmark 30-share Sensex index rose 33.31 points to 16,216.86, a 15-month high. The Sensex rose
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Thursday's early afternoon trade: S&P near session high

Thursday's early afternoon trade: S&P near session high

The Standard & Poor's 500 index was near its session high in early afternoon after a strong 30-year Treasury bond auction. The Dow Jones industrial average was up 44.29 points, or 0.46 percent, at 9,591.51. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was up 5.06 poin
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Thai shares rise

Thai shares rise

Thai stocks closed 1.08 percent higher Thursday to reach a 13-month high due to bargain hunting in big-cap shares, an analyst said. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index gained 7.50 points to close at 703.09, and the blue chip SET-50 index
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Markit iTraxx indices stay tightened

Markit iTraxx indices stay tightened

European credit default swap spreads were marginally tighter on Thursday, holding steady alongside equity markets, where a burst of M&A this week has helped bolster investor sentiment. By 1504 GMT, the investment-grade Markit iTraxx Europe index was at 86
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Markit iTraxx indices stay tightened

Markit iTraxx indices stay tightened

European credit default swap spreads were marginally tighter on Thursday, holding steady alongside equity markets, where a burst of M&A this week has helped bolster investor sentiment. By 1504 GMT, the investment-grade Markit iTraxx Europe index was at 86
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Asian bond spreads narrow

Asian bond spreads narrow

Asian bond spreads narrowed on Thursday, after the Federal Reserve's upbeat economic outlook lifted investors' appetite risky assets, while Indonesian bonds gained on plans to raise tax revenues. The Asia ex-Japan iTraxx investment-grade index narrowed by
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Asian bond spreads narrow

Asian bond spreads narrow

Asian bond spreads narrowed on Thursday, after the Federal Reserve's upbeat economic outlook lifted investors' appetite risky assets, while Indonesian bonds gained on plans to raise tax revenues. The Asia ex-Japan iTraxx investment-grade index narrowed by
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Asian currencies: peso firms, won steadies

Asian currencies: peso firms, won steadies

The Philippine peso firmed against a globally weaker dollar on Thursday as investors bought regional stocks, while the South Korean won held steady despite the central bank's strong signal that it will raise interest rates soon. The peso gained a quarter
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Dollar rises versus majors in London

Dollar rises versus majors in London

The dollar edged up against a basket of major currencies on Thursday, coming off its lowest in almost a year and pausing from sharp falls earlier in the week. Investors booked gains in the Australian and New Zealand dollars, driving them down from this we
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Indian rupee falls

Indian rupee falls

The Indian rupee lost ground on Thursday as the stock market slipped from a 15-month high and the dollar gained overseas, with demand from gold importers ahead of major festivals also weighing, traders said. The partially convertible rupee ended at 48.63/
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Sterling hits one-month high

Sterling hits one-month high

Sterling hit a one-month high against the dollar on Thursday after the Bank of England kept interest rates unchanged, reassuring traders who had braced for the possibility of additional quantitative easing measures. The BoE held its benchmark lending rate
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Plentiful liquidity spurs carry trades

Plentiful liquidity spurs carry trades

A flood of liquidity from central banks again drove down interbank lending rates to record lows on Thursday and narrowed key European spreads that measure stress in the banking system. Financial institutions' overnight deposits at the European Central Ban
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
India releases detained UAE plane

India releases detained UAE plane

A United Arab Emirates air force plane detained in the Indian city of Kolkata for three days for not declaring arms and explosives on board was released on Thursday, an airport official said. The military transport plane was given permission to land in Ko
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Yuan ends easier

Yuan ends easier

The yuan was flat against the dollar on Thursday despite the dollar's fall against a basket of major currencies as investors continued to shift toward riskier assets. The US dollar index has shed more than 1.8 percent in the past week as investors dumped
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
20 killed in Nepal bus accident

20 killed in Nepal bus accident

At least 20 people were confirmed killed and dozens more were injured or missing Thursday after an overcrowded passenger bus plunged into a river in central Nepal, officials said. The accident happened in Sindhupalchowk district, 70 kilometres north-east
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Five Armenian soldiers killed near Karabakh

Five Armenian soldiers killed near Karabakh

Five Armenian soldiers were killed in fighting with Azerbaijani forces Thursday near the disputeds and Karabakh's defence ministry denied any of its soldiers had been killed. The Azeri Press Agency and Trend news agency quoted local correspondents as sayi
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Former judges indicted in kids-for-cash scheme

Former judges indicted in kids-for-cash scheme

An indictment accuses two former Pennsylvania judges of racketeering, bribery and extortion in connection with a $2.8 million scheme to funnel youth offenders to private detention centers. A federal grand jury returned the 48-count indictment late Wednesd
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Fraud watchdog invalidates some Afghan votes

Fraud watchdog invalidates some Afghan votes

A UN-backed fraud watchdog investigating last month's presidential election in Afghanistan began invalidating votes on Thursday in a process that could keep the country locked in political uncertainty for months. The August 20 election has alarmed the Wes
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
India's nuclear 'fizzle' kicks up toxic row

India's nuclear 'fizzle' kicks up toxic row

A claim by a leading Indian scientist that one of India's nuclear weapons tested in 1998 "fizzled" has unsettled the military here and opened fresh debate about the need for more trials. The tests under the then-Hindu nationalist government sparked outrag
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
30 killed in separate attacks in Iraq

30 killed in separate attacks in Iraq

At least 30 people were killed and 99 injured in attacks that shook different parts of Iraq on Thursday, security sources said. In northern Iraq, 25 people died 43 were injured in a truck bombing in eastern Mosul. The vehicle blew up early morning in Kurd
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
100 dead as PNG declares health emergency

100 dead as PNG declares health emergency

Papua New Guinea on Thursday raced to contain a triple outbreak of cholera, flu and dysentery which has claimed at least 100 lives and prompted a health emergency, a report said. Health inspectors were ordered to close schools and markets, dig toilets and
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
China plans massive high-speed rail expansion

China plans massive high-speed rail expansion

China plans to build 42 high-speed railway lines by 2012 in a massive system overhaul that is part of efforts to spur economic growth amid the global downturn, state media have reported. China hopes to have added 13,000 kilometres (8,060 miles) of fast li
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Japan's death row conditions breed insanity: Amnesty

Japan's death row conditions breed insanity: Amnesty

Amnesty International said Thursday "cruel, inhuman and degrading" conditions for Japan's death row prisoners were tipping many into insanity and urged an incoming government to halt all executions. The London-based human rights group said 97 inmates were
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Obama says quit bickering, pass healthcare reform

Obama says quit bickering, pass healthcare reform

President Barack Obama told Congress on Wednesday to end its political bickering and move quickly on a broad healthcare overhaul that would dramatically transform the US health system and insurance market.
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Chavez recognises Georgian rebel regions

Chavez recognises Georgian rebel regions

Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez on Thursday recognised the pro-Russian rebel regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, a rare boost to the Kremlin's campaign for their international acceptance. Chavez told Russian President Dmitry Medvede
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Judge orders work to end on Jerusalem settler project

Judge orders work to end on Jerusalem settler project

In a rare victory for Palestinian residents, a judge has stopped an infrastructure project linked to a settler organisation in occupied east Jerusalem, civic rights groups said on Thursday. The Jerusalem District Court found that the eight million dollar
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Federer to take on Djokovic in US Open semis

Federer to take on Djokovic in US Open semis

Roger Federer will play Novak Djokovic in the US Open semi-finals on Saturday, their third consecutive clash at Flushing Meadows after the final of 2007 and the semi-finals of last year. Top seed and defending champion Federer reached the last four for a
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Indian fighter jet crashes, pilot killed

Indian fighter jet crashes, pilot killed

An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21 fighter jet crashed in the northern state of Punjab Thursday, killing its pilot, a news report said. The aircraft, which was on a routine training sortie, crashed near a village in the western district of Muktsar after tak
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
PFF embraces 13th FIFA Fair Play Day

PFF embraces 13th FIFA Fair Play Day

Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or dishonestly because playing fair requires courage and character while fair play always has its reward, even when the game is lost. Playing fair earns respect, while cheating only brings sha
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Kohli to replace injured Gambhir for tri-series

Kohli to replace injured Gambhir for tri-series

Virat Kohli will replace injured India opener Gautam Gambhir for the one-day tri-series in Sri Lanka, the Indian cricket board said here on Thursday. Gambhir strained his groin muscle and will return home from Colombo to rest for 10 days, the Board of Con
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Teens Wickmayer, Wozniacki reach semi-finals

Teens Wickmayer, Wozniacki reach semi-finals

Teen upstarts Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium fought through the tension to reach their first Grand Slam semi-finals Wednesday with nerve-testing US Open triumphs. Ninth seed Wozniacki, until now the top-ranked woman never in
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
White stuff sees Australia to victory

White stuff sees Australia to victory

Cameron White's maiden one-day international century was the cornerstone of Australia's six-wicket win against England here on Wednesday as they went 3-0 up in the seven-match series. Australia, chasing 229 for victory under the Rose Bowl floodlights, fin
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Siddons retained as Bangladesh coach till 2011 World Cup

Siddons retained as Bangladesh coach till 2011 World Cup

Bangladesh have extended the contract of their Australian coach Jamie Siddons till the 2011 World Cup, a cricket board official said on Thursday. Siddons, 45, took over as coach of the national side in 2007 for a two-year period replacing Dav Whatmore, al
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
England and Spain cruise into World Cup finals

England and Spain cruise into World Cup finals

England qualified for the 2010 World Cup finals in style on Wednesday thrashing Euro 2008 nemesis Croatia 5-1 at Wembley and were later joined by European champions Spain who easily beat Estonia 3-0. England had enjoyed one of their worst moments two year
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Maradona's woes deepen after Paraguay defeat

Maradona's woes deepen after Paraguay defeat

The chances of two-time World Cup champions Argentina failing to make the World Cup finals for the first time since 1970 shortened on Wednesday as they were beaten 1-0 by Paraguay in Asuncion which saw the victors reach their eighth finals.
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
Russia to keep selling arms to Venezuela: Medvedev

Russia to keep selling arms to Venezuela: Medvedev

President Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday that Russia would sell weapons to its "friend" Venezuela, but did not say whether a visit by the country's leader Hugo Chavez led to any specific arms deals. "These sorts of contracts are never signed in public," he
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
250 British, Australian soldiers found in WWI mass grave

250 British, Australian soldiers found in WWI mass grave

The bodies of 250 British and Australian soldiers have been recovered from a World War I mass grave in France, the Ministry of Defence said Thursday at the end of a four-month excavation. The unidentified troops killed in the 1916 Battle of Fromelles, nea
Published 11 Sep, 2009 12:00am
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