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Print - 2010-04-08
Akmal brothers appeal against fines

Akmal brothers appeal against fines

Pakistan's cricketing brothers Kamran and Umar Akmal have appealed against fines and probation punishments meted out by the country's cricket board, an official confirmed Wednesday. The Pakistan Cricket Board fined elder brother Kamran three million rupee
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Medvedev calls for visa-free EU entry for Russians

Medvedev calls for visa-free EU entry for Russians

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday called for visa-free access to the European Union for Russians on the second day of his visit to Slovakia. "I would like to express hope that this request will be fulfilled quickly," he told reporters after m
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Passco godowns: USC refuses to lift allocated wheat

Passco godowns: USC refuses to lift allocated wheat

The Finance Ministry has opposed provision of Rs 440 million subsidised wheat to Utility Stores Corporation, which refused to lift the allocated stocks from Passco godowns due to higher price, Business Recorder has learnt. According to sources, the
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
More rains hamper Brazil rescue effort as 102 killed

More rains hamper Brazil rescue effort as 102 killed

Rescuers hunted flood and landslide survivors on Wednesday in south-eastern Brazil after the heaviest downpours in almost half a century left at least 102 people dead. The state of Rio de Janeiro was in mourning as the extent of the disaster became clear
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Passco godowns: USC refuses to lift allocated wheat

Passco godowns: USC refuses to lift allocated wheat

The Finance Ministry has opposed provision of Rs 440 million subsidised wheat to Utility Stores Corporation, which refused to lift the allocated stocks from Passco godowns due to higher price, Business Recorder has learnt. According to sources, the
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
American in terror case expected in court

American in terror case expected in court

A pregnant woman charged in a global terrorism plot is expected to plead not guilty before a federal judge in Philadelphia. Thirty-one-year-old Jamie Paulin-Ramirez is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday. She is charged with conspiring to give material ai
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Passco godowns: USC refuses to lift allocated wheat

Passco godowns: USC refuses to lift allocated wheat

The Finance Ministry has opposed provision of Rs 440 million subsidised wheat to Utility Stores Corporation, which refused to lift the allocated stocks from Passco godowns due to higher price, Business Recorder has learnt. According to sources, the
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
India says it will push on with Maoist offensive

India says it will push on with Maoist offensive

India will push ahead with an offensive against Maoist rebels despite the death of 76 government troops in an ambush by insurgents in the east, the country's top security official said Wednesday. The ambush in a dense forest Tuesday was the deadliest sing
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Chile central bank cuts growth forecast

Chile central bank cuts growth forecast

Chile's central bank cut its outlook for 2010 economic growth to a range of 4.25 percent to 5.25 percent on Tuesday, and revised up its inflation forecast, citing the impact of February's massive earthquake. In its April Monetary Policy Report, the centra
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
German orders show industry recovery on track

German orders show industry recovery on track

German manufacturing orders held steady from the prior month in February but an upward revision to the January figure showed a recovery in the economy's industrial backbone is intact. Adjusted for seasonal swings, orders held steady on the month, prelimin
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Ukraine leaders hopeful of new price for Russian gas

Ukraine leaders hopeful of new price for Russian gas

Ukraine's new leaders said on Wednesday only a deal with Russia on a new price for gas supplies was holding up the draft state budget for 2010 and they expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with Moscow. "The only unresolved issue remaining for us
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Fed not ready for exit strategy: minutes

Fed not ready for exit strategy: minutes

The US Federal Reserve is mulling its exit strategy from massive economic support measures but has put off any decision, minutes of the latest policy-setting meeting showed Tuesday. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) "discussed possible approaches f
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Anglo American nears $1 billion-plus zinc sale

Anglo American nears $1 billion-plus zinc sale

Anglo American Plc is nearing the sale of its $1 billion-plus zinc businesses, with a handful of rival miners preparing to submit binding bids later this month, people ffamiliar with the matter said Anglo, under pressure from investors after an abortive m
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Nuclear summit: Obama to host meeting with Gilani

Nuclear summit: Obama to host meeting with Gilani

President Barack Obama will host a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, who will represent Pakistan at next week's Nuclear Security Summit, the White House said on Tuesday. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral co-operatio
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Philippine inflation outlook very benign

Philippine inflation outlook very benign

The outlook for inflation in the Philippines is "very, very benign", but the central bank is conscious of risks from any build-up of excess liquidity, Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said on Wednesday. Guinigundo said the inflation trajectory so far was "
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Nuclear summit: Obama to host meeting with Gilani

Nuclear summit: Obama to host meeting with Gilani

President Barack Obama will host a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, who will represent Pakistan at next week's Nuclear Security Summit, the White House said on Tuesday. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral co-operatio
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Moody's removes downgrade threat from DP World

Moody's removes downgrade threat from DP World

Credit ratings agency Moody's said it was no longer considering an immediate downgrade to its ratings on ports operator DP World, saying contagion from its parent company Dubai World was no longer a threat. Moody's said it could even raise its rating on D
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Kyrgyzstan government ousted in violent revolt

Kyrgyzstan government ousted in violent revolt

Opponents of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev took control Wednesday of Kyrgyzstan after a day of spectacular violence that ended with Bakiyev fleeing the capital of the strategic Central Asian state. Opposition protesters seized the presidential administratio
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
China may adopt Singapore-style FX regime: economist

China may adopt Singapore-style FX regime: economist

China is likely to make the yuan more flexible over time by adopting a currency regime similar to that of Singapore to help deter speculation, a senior government economist said on Wednesday. "Regardless of how much pressure the United States puts on Chin
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Kyrgyzstan government ousted in violent revolt

Kyrgyzstan government ousted in violent revolt

Opponents of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev took control Wednesday of Kyrgyzstan after a day of spectacular violence that ended with Bakiyev fleeing the capital of the strategic Central Asian state. Opposition protesters seized the presidential administratio
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
South Korea to keep economic policy for time being

South Korea to keep economic policy for time being

South Korean Finance Minister Yoon Jeung-hyun said on Wednesday the government would maintain its current macroeconomic policy for the time being, citing uncertainties over the global economy. "Uncertainties surrounding the global economy such as fiscal c
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Israel becoming 'regional economic power': Netanyahu

Israel becoming 'regional economic power': Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel is being transformed into a regional "economic power" but needs to continue cutting taxes, and red tape, to boost its economy. "We are working to accelerate the economy and to turn Israel int
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
JAL plans to speed up redundancies

JAL plans to speed up redundancies

Struggling Japan Airlines will slash 16,500 jobs earlier than previously announced as it looks to speed up efforts to save more than 870 million dollars a year, a report said Wednesday. The new proposal, worked out by the carrier and its state-backed turn
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Uralchem says to float 40 percent of shares in IPO

Uralchem says to float 40 percent of shares in IPO

Russian fertiliser producer Uralchem said on Wednesday it will float 40 percent of new shares in a London Initial Public Offering (IPO) as it seeks to pay down a mammoth debt pile. Sources told Reuters in February the group intended to float - a long-plan
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Uralchem says to float 40 percent of shares in IPO

Uralchem says to float 40 percent of shares in IPO

Russian fertiliser producer Uralchem said on Wednesday it will float 40 percent of new shares in a London Initial Public Offering (IPO) as it seeks to pay down a mammoth debt pile. Sources told Reuters in February the group intended to float - a long-plan
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Taiwan stocks end firmer

Taiwan stocks end firmer

Taiwan stocks rose 0.4 percent on Wednesday to a new 10-week closing high, led by a surge in smartphone maker HTC Corp whose first-quarter profit exceeded its own expectations. The buying spread to small-cap cellphone parts makers who are also riding grow
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
S&P and Nasdaq lifted by banks

S&P and Nasdaq lifted by banks

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose modestly on Tuesday as the banking sector got a lift from positive analyst comments, while minutes from the Federal Reserve's last meeting eased concern over rising rates. The minutes suggested the central bank could keep inter
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
South Korean bonds up

South Korean bonds up

South Korean bond prices rose on Wednesday as cash-rich institutional investors sought bargains after recent drops, but caution remained ahead of the central bank's policy meeting later this week. Local retail stock investors have been selling out of the
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
South Korean bonds up

South Korean bonds up

South Korean bond prices rose on Wednesday as cash-rich institutional investors sought bargains after recent drops, but caution remained ahead of the central bank's policy meeting later this week. Local retail stock investors have been selling out of the
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
JGB futures inch higher

JGB futures inch higher

Japanese government bond futures gained for the first time in three days on Wednesday on relief after the benchmark US Treasury yield pulled back from an 18-month high. But a wait-and-see mood prevailed in the debt market ahead of a Bank of Japan monetary
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
JGB futures inch higher

JGB futures inch higher

Japanese government bond futures gained for the first time in three days on Wednesday on relief after the benchmark US Treasury yield pulled back from an 18-month high. But a wait-and-see mood prevailed in the debt market ahead of a Bank of Japan monetary
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Hong Kong stocks push three-month high; China index slips

Hong Kong stocks push three-month high; China index slips

Hong Kong stocks rose 1.82 percent on Wednesday, nearing 3-month highs, as easing concerns over a US rate hike and hopes for an appreciation in the yuan helped lift China issues such as ICBC. The benchmark Hang Seng Index ended 391 points higher at 21,928
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Seoul shares finish flat

Seoul shares finish flat

South Korean shares ended flat on Wednesday as weakness in key technology and banking issues such as Samsung Electronics and KB Financial weighed. Analysts said the market was taking a breather following its recent rises, with fund redemption prompting se
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Nikkei edges up

Nikkei edges up

Japan's Nikkei average rose 0.1 percent on Wednesday, as a surge in banking shares on a brighter outlook for the US financial sector offset profit-taking in other stocks after the benchmark's recent rally to 18-month highs. Wells Fargo Securities raised i
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
US Treasury prices rise

US Treasury prices rise

US Treasury prices rose on Tuesday as a recent spike in yields attracted bargain-hunters and renewed worries of Greece's fiscal problems rekindled a safety bid for bonds. Solid demand at a $40 billion three-year note auction and benign minutes from the Fe
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
US Treasury prices rise

US Treasury prices rise

US Treasury prices rose on Tuesday as a recent spike in yields attracted bargain-hunters and renewed worries of Greece's fiscal problems rekindled a safety bid for bonds. Solid demand at a $40 billion three-year note auction and benign minutes from the Fe
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Yuan mid-point at highest level since May 2009

Yuan mid-point at highest level since May 2009

The yuan edged up against the dollar on Wednesday after the People's Bank of China set the mid-point at a 10-month high as the market awaits the outcome of talks between the US and China. The Chinese central bank set the yuan's mid-point at 6.8259 per dol
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Yen retreats as Aussie dollar firm

Yen retreats as Aussie dollar firm

The yen gave up some ground on Wednesday as the Australian dollar pushed to a fresh 18-month high, while the euro began to lose its footing again as Greek debt worries kept it under pressure. The yen fell to its lowest since September 2008 on the Aussie,
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Euro hurt by Greece worries

Euro hurt by Greece worries

The euro fell on Tuesday as reports Greece wanted to amend a European Union aid deal rekindled fear about its ability to resolve its debt crisis. The surging Canadian dollar hit parity with its US counterpart for the first time since mid-2008 as rising co
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Australian dollar up

Australian dollar up

The Australian dollar held broadly firm on Wednesday as the prospect of more rate increases at home and rising commodity prices globally pushed it to 11-week highs against the US dollar and a record peak on the euro. The currency was basking in the afterg
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Fund flows extend Asian currency gains

Fund flows extend Asian currency gains

The Malaysian ringgit and Taiwan dollar led an extended strong Asian rally on Wednesday, fuelled by speculation China may let the yuan rise in the next few months amid perceived easing of Sino-US tensions over the currency. China's National Development an
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Swiss franc seen rising again versus euro

Swiss franc seen rising again versus euro

The Swiss franc traded largely unchanged against the euro on Wednesday after easing off record highs at the start of the Easter weekend, but some analysts are eyeing renewed franc strength in coming weeks. The franc's recent sharp rise against the euro fa
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Vision Asia paves way for growth of football in Pakistan: Khadim Shah

Vision Asia paves way for growth of football in Pakistan: Khadim Shah

Vision Asia is the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)'s grand plan for a continent-wide programme to raise the standards of football at all levels. PFF is to focus on improving its administration, strengthening clubs, Premier League and boosting developme
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Chief minister's 'Sports Gala' for special children starts

Chief minister's 'Sports Gala' for special children starts

Teams participating in the first Chief Minister's Sports Gala 2010 for special children from all over the Punjab reached at Punjab Stadium Lahore on Wednesday. Full dress rehearsal of colourful programmes to be continued from April 8 to April 10.
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Messi is not of this world, says Wenger

Messi is not of this world, says Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger described the four goal performance of Lionel Messi in Barcelona's destruction of his side in their Champions League quarter-final second leg clash as like something out of a computer game.
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Pentangular Cup fixtures announced: Mohsin praises Danish spirit

Pentangular Cup fixtures announced: Mohsin praises Danish spirit

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the fixtures of National Pentangular One Day Cup from April 17-27, with Kaneria representing Sindh Dolphins. Pakistan chief selector Mohsin Hasan Khan has praised Danish Kaneria's spirit of playing Pakistan domestic
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
South East Asian markets: Indonesia scales all-time high

South East Asian markets: Indonesia scales all-time high

Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday on increasing confidence about economic prospects in the region and the outlook for corporate earnings, with energy and banks leading the way. Foreign inflows into Southeast Asian bourses and upward revision
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
'Placement under NIP crosses 50,000 target'

'Placement under NIP crosses 50,000 target'

Federal Minister for Youth Affairs Shahid Hussain Bhutto has said that the placement under National Internship Programme (NIP) 2009-10 has crossed 50,000 target whereas more interns placement is also expected in the near future. Talking to newsmen here on
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Senate passes bill to set up space technology institute

Senate passes bill to set up space technology institute

The Senate on Wednesday passed the 'Institute of Space Technology Bill, 2010' with consensus to establish an institute for higher education in the field of Space Technology. The 43-clause bill was moved by Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar, which was passed
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
China assures S&T minister of help in implementing projects

China assures S&T minister of help in implementing projects

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Muhammad Azam Khan Swati said here on Wednesday China assured to help implementation of various projects of his ministry. The Federal Minister while talking to APP said the assurance was given to him during a me
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
US MIDDAY: gold climbs

US MIDDAY: gold climbs

US gold rose to its highest since January on Wednesday, rising toward $1,150 an ounce, as renewed worries over Greece's ability to resolve its debt crisis prompted investors to pile into the metal as a safe haven. COMEX June gold up $8.80 at $1,144.80 an
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
US MIDDAY: copper slips

US MIDDAY: copper slips

US copper futures traded modestly lower early on Wednesday, and, while they were below the prior day's 21-month high, they remained in a mostly sideways pattern at a higher plateau, traders said. Pressure was attributed to gains in the dollar, traders sai
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
US MIDDAY: corn, soya and wheat up

US MIDDAY: corn, soya and wheat up

Wheat, corn and soyabean markets rallied at midday on Wednesday on a flurry of technical buying that coincided with the dollar pulling back from its session highs, traders said. The moves in grains accelerated as buy stops were hit in several markets. Chi
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
US MIDDAY: sugar up; coffee and cocoa slip

US MIDDAY: sugar up; coffee and cocoa slip

Summaries of the ICE Futures US cocoa, coffee and sugar markets during early trade on Tuesday. May arabica coffee contract dropped 1.15 cents to $1.3805 per lb at 11:00 am EDT (1500 GMT). Ranging from $1.3780 to $1.3920. Arabica coffee futures dropped in
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Gold hits three-month peak in European trade

Gold hits three-month peak in European trade

Spot gold hit its highest level since mid January on Wednesday, while bullion denominated in euros struck a record as investors, worried by Greek fiscal problems, picked up hard assets. Spot gold peaked at $1,147.95 an ounce, its highest since mid-January
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Oil prices decline

Oil prices decline

Oil prices fell 1 percent on Wednesday, snapping a string of six straight sessions of gains, pressured by a stronger dollar and US government data showing a bigger-than-expected increase in crude inventories. US light crude futures for May fell 96 cents,
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Copper settles lower

Copper settles lower

Copper drifted lower on Wednesday, retreating from Tuesday's 20-month high as market players questioned whether prices around $8,000 were justified by supply and demand fundamentals. Copper for three months delivery on the London Metal Exchange ended the
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Liffe sugar falls

Liffe sugar falls

May white sugar ended $6 lower at $483.00 per tonne on Wednesday as traders focused on the start of harvesting in the centre-south of top producer Brazil. May robusta coffee ended down $18 at $1,345 per tonne, pressured by a firm dollar, against a backdro
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
New York cotton futures settle lower

New York cotton futures settle lower

Cotton futures crumbled from investor liquidation to close lower Wednesday as the market stumbled after failing to sustain an advance beyond the upper end of its trading band, brokers said. The key May cotton contract dove 1.31 cents to end at 80.98 cents
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
UK's top share index slips

UK's top share index slips

Weaker miners and energy stocks, weighed by falling commodity prices, outweighed gains in defensive tobacco firms and drugmakers to drag Britain's top share index down 0.3 percent by the close on Wednesday. The FTSE 100 index ended 18.29 points lower at 5
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Indian stock index climbs above 18,000 points

Indian stock index climbs above 18,000 points

India's main share index climbed above 18,000 points for the first time in more than two years on Wednesday and rose for the fourth straight session, fuelled by earnings optimism and mostly firm global equities. Energy giant Reliance Industries and automa
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
QNB leads Doha to 17-month high; Bahrain, Kuwait up

QNB leads Doha to 17-month high; Bahrain, Kuwait up

Banks led Doha's index to a 17-month high on Wednesday after Qatar National Bank (QNB) reported a 25 percent jump in quarterly profit. Kuwait and Bahrain also claimed milestone highs as dual-listed Ahli United Bank (AUB) surged ahead of a slated stake sal
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
CDS wider on Greece; Lafarge issues bond

CDS wider on Greece; Lafarge issues bond

European credit derivatives indices widened on Wednesday as investors, many returning from an extended Easter break, reacted to the jump in Greece's risk premium the previous day, a trader said. French cement company Lafarge took advantage of a post-Easte
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
CDS wider on Greece; Lafarge issues bond

CDS wider on Greece; Lafarge issues bond

European credit derivatives indices widened on Wednesday as investors, many returning from an extended Easter break, reacted to the jump in Greece's risk premium the previous day, a trader said. French cement company Lafarge took advantage of a post-Easte
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Wednesday's early afternoon trade: stocks near break even

Wednesday's early afternoon trade: stocks near break even

US stocks were near break even on Wednesday as strong demand for a $21 billion Treasury auction partly offset renewed worries over Greece's finances. The KBW bank index rose for a fifth straight session, up 0.5 percent, with Bank of America up 1.7 percent
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Asian bonds edge higher

Asian bonds edge higher

Asian bonds edged higher on Wednesday as investors focused on recent upbeat US economic data and sought out riskier assets, largely ignoring fresh worries about the fiscal crisis in Greece. South Korea's Hana Bank, which ended a series of investor briefin
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Asian bonds edge higher

Asian bonds edge higher

Asian bonds edged higher on Wednesday as investors focused on recent upbeat US economic data and sought out riskier assets, largely ignoring fresh worries about the fiscal crisis in Greece. South Korea's Hana Bank, which ended a series of investor briefin
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Bangladesh convicts, jails 29 paramilitary mutineers

Bangladesh convicts, jails 29 paramilitary mutineers

A special tribunal in Bangladesh on Wednesday convicted 29 paramilitary troops of mutinying last year against their army commanders and sentenced them to up to seven years in jail. The minimum punishment handed out was four months in prison, legal officia
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Lee retains Cricket Australia contract

Lee retains Cricket Australia contract

Fast bowler Brett Lee has retained his Cricket Australia contract for 2010-11 but fellow pacemen Stuart Clark and Nathan Bracken were among five players dropped from the 25-strong list released on Wednesday. Batsmen Brad Hodge and David Hussey and wicketk
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Rana Naved to join Sussex as Yasir's replacement

Rana Naved to join Sussex as Yasir's replacement

Pakistan all-rounder Rana Naved-ul- Hasan is to return to Sussex as a short-term replacement overseas player for compatriot Yasir Arafat. Sources quoted Sussex professional cricket manager Mark Robinson as saying: "We are extremely fortunate to have a pla
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Shoaib, Sania already married in Dubai

Shoaib, Sania already married in Dubai

Speculations are rife that the Shoaib Malik and Sania Mirza tied the knot in Dubai before Shoaib landed in India a week ago. Zee News reported that since Malik is staying at Sania's house in Hyderabad, it has been assumed that the Taj Krishna hotel has be
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Navratilova diagnosed with breast cancer

Navratilova diagnosed with breast cancer

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova revealed Wednesday she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 53-year-old, who won 18 Grand Slam titles including nine Wimbledon singles titles, said she cried after finding out she had the disease. "It knocked me on
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Germany charges two over Iran missile equipment exports

Germany charges two over Iran missile equipment exports

German prosecutors said on Wednesday they have charged two men for exporting equipment to Iran intended for use in making long-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Iranian citizen Mohsen A., 52, and German-Iranian engineer Behzad S., 49, t
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
China agrees to meet world powers on Iran sanctions: France

China agrees to meet world powers on Iran sanctions: France

China, which has opposed new UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme, has agreed to meet world powers Thursday in New York to discuss punitive measures, France said. "The Chinese have agreed to speak tomorrow in New York among the six," Foreign Mi
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Ahmadinejad warns of 'tooth-breaking response' to Obama

Ahmadinejad warns of 'tooth-breaking response' to Obama

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday warned his US counterpart Barack Obama of a "tooth-breaking" response, as he condemned Washington's new nuclear policy. Ahmadinejad lashed out after the United States unveiled new limits on use of the nat
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Nato soldier killed in Afghanistan

Nato soldier killed in Afghanistan

A foreign soldier was killed during fighting with Taliban militants in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, Nato's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said. "An ISAF service member died following an insurgent engagement in southern Afghanistan to
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Saudi cleric to be punished if visits Jerusalem

Saudi cleric to be punished if visits Jerusalem

A Saudi official says a cleric who announced he will visit Jerusalem for a TV episode on claims to the city will be punished if he travels there. The state-owned Al-Watan newspaper quoted the passports office spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Badr Malik on Wed
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Cuba and Iran to boost cooperation in transport, biotechnology

Cuba and Iran to boost cooperation in transport, biotechnology

Cuba and Iran have agreed to boost co-operation in fields including transport and biotechnology, after a visit to Havana by a top Iranian diplomat, the Cuban foreign ministry said Wednesday. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Amir Mansoor Berghei, who w
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
North Korea sentences US man to eight years

North Korea sentences US man to eight years

North Korea has sentenced an American teacher to eight years of hard labour and ordered him to pay a $700,000 fine after he crossed illegally into the country - the fourth US citizen to be detained by the isolated regime since last year. Aijalon Mahli Gom
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
China and Indian leaders to set up hotline

China and Indian leaders to set up hotline

China and India have agreed to set up a top level hotline during a Beijing visit by India's foreign minister, who also discussed terrorism and regional security with his Chinese counterpart. Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna began his four-day visit on
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Sterling rises versus euro

Sterling rises versus euro

Sterling hit a six-week high against a broadly weaker euro and a basket of currencies on Wednesday, but it fell against the dollar after a weaker-than-expected survey on UK services sector activity. A survey by Markit and the Chartered Institute of Purcha
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
France and Turkey agree to disagree over EU entry

France and Turkey agree to disagree over EU entry

France reiterated its opposition to European Union membership for Turkey during a visit by Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, and a minister said the two countries had agreed to disagree. In a bilateral meeting, French President Nicolas S
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
US retiring nuclear Tomahawk missiles

US retiring nuclear Tomahawk missiles

The United States will retire its sea-based nuclear Tomahawk missiles within a few years, believing it has other ways to defend Northeast Asia, a Pentagon official said Wednesday. The elimination of the missile - supported in the past by some policymakers
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Somali pirates hijack Turkish ship with 25 crew

Somali pirates hijack Turkish ship with 25 crew

Somali pirates hijacked a Turkish vessel with 25 crew onboard on Wednesday, the EU Naval Force said, the day after a hostage drowned during a separate encounter between naval forces and a pirated vessel. The MV Yasin C was taken around midday 250 miles (4
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Colombia blasts arrest of 'spies'

Colombia blasts arrest of 'spies'

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe accused Venezuela on Wednesday of violating the rights of a group of Colombians arrested in the neighbouring country for allegedly spying on its ailing energy infrastructure. Venezuela says eight detainees had photographs
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Euro falls versus dollar in London

Euro falls versus dollar in London

The euro hit a fresh one-week low against the dollar on Wednesday as concerns over Greece's fiscal problems escalated, while the Australian dollar stayed buoyed on expectations of higher interest rates. The euro has been pressured in recent sessions follo
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Swiss team makes first test of round-the-world solar plane

Swiss team makes first test of round-the-world solar plane

Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard's team took its round-the-world solar plane prototype into the skies for the first time Wednesday, with four propellers lifting the massive craft off the ground at near bicycle speed. The test flight lasted just short of
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Discovery reaches space station

Discovery reaches space station

Space shuttle Discovery arrived at the International Space Station on Wednesday for one of NASA's last servicing and resupply runs before the fleet is retired later this year. Discovery commander Alan Poindexter and his six crewmates, including Japan's ro
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Israel is 'main threat to Middle East peace': Turkish Prime Minister

Israel is 'main threat to Middle East peace': Turkish Prime Minister

The prime minister of Turkey, Israel's only ally in the Muslim world, on Wednesday branded the Jewish state the "principal threat to peace" in the Middle East. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks at a breakfast meeting in Paris marked a new low
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
A few leading sugar importers involved in ST evasion

A few leading sugar importers involved in ST evasion

A few leading industrial importers of sugar in Karachi and Lahore have been involved in massive evasion of sales tax, causing huge loss to the exchequer, sources said. Sources told Business Recorder on Wednesday that the Directorate General of Post
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
Dollar Libor ticks higher

Dollar Libor ticks higher

Benchmark dollar interbank funding costs hit a new 6-1/2 month high on Wednesday as markets focused on the Federal Reserve's withdrawal of lending programmes even as it pledged to keep rates low for a long time. Minutes from the US central bank's March me
Published 08 Apr, 2010 12:00am
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