AGL 38.54 Increased By ▲ 0.97 (2.58%)
AIRLINK 129.50 Decreased By ▼ -3.00 (-2.26%)
BOP 5.61 Decreased By ▼ -0.03 (-0.53%)
CNERGY 3.86 Increased By ▲ 0.09 (2.39%)
DCL 8.73 Decreased By ▼ -0.14 (-1.58%)
DFML 41.76 Increased By ▲ 0.76 (1.85%)
DGKC 88.30 Decreased By ▼ -1.86 (-2.06%)
FCCL 35.00 Decreased By ▼ -0.08 (-0.23%)
FFBL 67.35 Increased By ▲ 0.85 (1.28%)
FFL 10.61 Increased By ▲ 0.46 (4.53%)
HUBC 108.76 Increased By ▲ 2.36 (2.22%)
HUMNL 14.66 Increased By ▲ 1.26 (9.4%)
KEL 4.75 Decreased By ▼ -0.11 (-2.26%)
KOSM 6.95 Increased By ▲ 0.10 (1.46%)
MLCF 41.65 Decreased By ▼ -0.15 (-0.36%)
NBP 59.60 Increased By ▲ 1.02 (1.74%)
OGDC 183.00 Increased By ▲ 1.75 (0.97%)
PAEL 26.25 Increased By ▲ 0.55 (2.14%)
PIBTL 5.97 Increased By ▲ 0.14 (2.4%)
PPL 146.70 Decreased By ▼ -1.70 (-1.15%)
PRL 23.61 Increased By ▲ 0.39 (1.68%)
PTC 16.56 Increased By ▲ 1.32 (8.66%)
SEARL 68.30 Decreased By ▼ -0.49 (-0.71%)
TELE 7.23 Decreased By ▼ -0.01 (-0.14%)
TOMCL 35.95 Decreased By ▼ -0.05 (-0.14%)
TPLP 7.85 Increased By ▲ 0.45 (6.08%)
TREET 14.20 Decreased By ▼ -0.04 (-0.28%)
TRG 50.45 Decreased By ▼ -0.40 (-0.79%)
UNITY 26.75 Increased By ▲ 0.35 (1.33%)
WTL 1.21 No Change ▼ 0.00 (0%)
BR100 9,806 Increased By 37.8 (0.39%)
BR30 29,678 Increased By 278.1 (0.95%)
KSE100 92,304 Increased By 366.3 (0.4%)
KSE30 28,840 Increased By 96.6 (0.34%)
Print - 2020-03-23
US envoy says Kabul, Taliban in first prisoner exchange talks

US envoy says Kabul, Taliban in first prisoner exchange talks

The Afghan government and the Taliban on Sunday held their first discussion on arranging prisoner exchanges, the US special envoy for Afghanistan said on Twitter. "Today, the US and Qatar facilitated the first Afghan government to Taliban technical talks
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Deadly clashes as Guineans vote in disputed constitutional referendum

Deadly clashes as Guineans vote in disputed constitutional referendum

One person was killed and several injured as police fired tear gas in clashes with protesters in Guinea Sunday at the start of a bitterly-disputed referendum that critics say is a ploy by the president to stay in power. President Alpha Conde, who became t
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Expatriates urged not to return

Expatriates urged not to return

The special assistant to the prime minister on national security Dr Moeed Yusuf on Sunday advised expatriate Pakistanis against returning to the country due to COVID-19 pandemic, which killed three people, left over 600 infected and disrupted internationa
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
75 staffers of US Embassy leave in haste for Georgia

75 staffers of US Embassy leave in haste for Georgia

As coronavirus outbreak was accelerating in the country, some 75 staffers of US Embassy in Pakistan took a special flight to Georgia in haste on Sunday, fearing the crisis may get worse due to a lack of equipment for medics.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Punjab calls in Army

Punjab calls in Army

As the tally of confirmed novel coronavirus (Covid-19) cases rose to 163 in Punjab, the provincial government on Sunday decided to deploy personnel of Pak Army for the assistance of civil administration. "Currently, the number of coronavirus patients in P
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PM again rules out possibility of country-wide lockdown

PM again rules out possibility of country-wide lockdown

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday once again ruled out the possibility of a lockdown as he sought to calm the nation amid challenges posed by coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the country. In his second brief address to the nation, he called upon the
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Sindh goes into 15-day lockdown

Sindh goes into 15-day lockdown

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in order to contain and curb further spread of coronavirus, on Sunday announced that the province would undergo a lockdown after midnight last night for the next 15 days. "I have no option but to save people of Si
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Futures spread up by 1155 basis points
Stocks

Futures spread up by 1155 basis points

The futures spread increased by 1155bps to 26.53 percent on the last day of the outgoing week. Trading activities on the futures counter remained thin as average daily volumes declined by 36.3 per cent during this week to 67.98 million shares as compared
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Worst-ever decline witnessed
Stocks

Worst-ever decline witnessed

Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed worst ever decline after 2008-09 due to panic selling on investor concern over deadly coronavirus spread. The market remained under severe selling pressure during the first four sessions however saw fresh buying on the la
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Razzak vows support to exporters, industry

Razzak vows support to exporters, industry

Prime Minister Advisor on Commerce, Industries and Production and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood has said that the government will provide all possible incentives to the exporters and industry at this critical time.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Holiday Notice

Holiday Notice

The offices of Business Recorder will remain closed today, Monday (March 23) on account of PAKISTAN DAY. Arrangements have, however, been made to bring out the newspaper and Internet edition tomorrow, Tuesday (March 24), as usual.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Mixed patterns
Money & Banking

Mixed patterns

The rupee showed modest changes against the dollar on the money market during the week, ended on March 20, 2020. The rupee shed 10 paisas versus the dollar for buying and selling at Rs 158.50 and Rs 158.60.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Pakistan Day today: PM for unity, discipline to fight Covid-19

Pakistan Day today: PM for unity, discipline to fight Covid-19

Prime Minister Imran Khan while lauding the nerve of Pakistani nation against the ordeals in the past, urged the countrymen to show utmost unity, discipline and passion to fight the coronavirus pandemic that had engulfed the world.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
'Managing spring rains'
Letters

'Managing spring rains'

This is apropos a Business Recorder editorial "Managing spring rains" carried by the newspaper yesterday. I'm thankful to the newspaper for forcefully highlighting a very important issue.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Restoring planetary balance
Articles

Restoring planetary balance

"We are living on the planet as if we have another one to go to." Terry Swearingen. A statement that is apt to our attitude about planet earth. The only problem is that we can no longer fly to another place that is safe and sound. The Coronavirus crisis i
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
World economy
Articles

World economy

With COVID-19 unleashing devastation across the globe, around 170 countries and territories have registered over 140,000 confirmed cases as of 19 March, 2020. Many countries announced strict restrictions on immigration and air, sea and land travel among m
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Resolving the moon sighting controversy

Resolving the moon sighting controversy

Almost every year two happy occasions in the Islamic calendar are observed on different days in this country, thanks to the insistence of Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai, THE imam of Peshawar's historic Qasim Ali Khan Mosque, and Ruet-e-Hilal committee head mu
Updated 24 Mar, 2020 10:15am
Fall in C/A deficit

Fall in C/A deficit

It is a matter of great satisfaction that current account (C/A) balance of the country continues to depict improvement during the current fiscal year. According to the latest information available from the State Bank of Pakistan, current account has poste
Updated 24 Mar, 2020 10:07am
Descon Oxychem donates 10,000kg of sanitizer

Descon Oxychem donates 10,000kg of sanitizer

A delegation of Descon Oxychem Limited led by its Chief Executive Officer Imran Qureshi called on the Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar at the chief minister's office on Sunday and donated 10 thousand kilogram sanitizer for the public hospitals of
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
WEEKLY COTTON REVIEW: Rate, trading volume decrease
Cotton & Textile

WEEKLY COTTON REVIEW: Rate, trading volume decrease

Cotton Markets in the world were crashed due to coronavirus. The rate of New York Cotton was at the lowest during the past ten years. The local textile sector is badly affected. Textile mills begin to close partially. Ginners were in distress. Delay in th
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
MQM-P rejoins federal cabinet

MQM-P rejoins federal cabinet

Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) has announced to rejoin federal cabinet after holding a meeting with Sindh Governor Imran Ismail. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui announced in a press conference that MQM-P leadership has decided to become part of the fed
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Sindh government sets up corona emergency fund

Sindh government sets up corona emergency fund

The Sindh government has established corona emergency fund to provide medical treatment to coronavirus patients, conduct tests, improve health facilities and financially assist the daily wagers.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
ECP chief meets Punjab CM

ECP chief meets Punjab CM

Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan Sikandar Sultan Raja called on the Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar at Chief Minister's Office, here on Sunday Matters of mutual interest and the overall situation came under discussion during the meeting.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PTA urges KE to extend deadline of bills for a month
Cotton & Textile

PTA urges KE to extend deadline of bills for a month

Chairman Pakistan Tanner's Association(PTA) Sheikh Afzal Hussain has urged all electric supply organizations like KE, LESCO etc to immediately announce the extension in deadline envisaged in their electric bills already issued to the consumers in Pakistan
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
DHO Tharparkar clarifies media reports

DHO Tharparkar clarifies media reports

The District Health Officer Tharparkar Dr Irshad Ahmed Memon clarify the media reports and said that during last 24 hours 407 children under 5 years were brought in OPDs of different government hospitals of District Tharparkar. 40 required indoor treatmen
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PIA bans meal service in domestic flights
Business & Economy

PIA bans meal service in domestic flights

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Sunday banned meal service in all domestic flights in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. In a statement issued here, PIA Flight Services General Manager Amir Bashir, said that the decision was taken in the be
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Coronavirus epidemic: Hafeez, Sania finalise special relief package

Coronavirus epidemic: Hafeez, Sania finalise special relief package

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh met Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar on Sunday to discuss and finalise the contours of the special relief pack
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Prices of kitchen items skyrocket in retail market

Prices of kitchen items skyrocket in retail market

A sharp increase in essential food commodities, items including vegetable, pulses, live chicken/meat, sugar, fruits and others was witnessed in retail market, according to survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Sunday.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
NA speaker phones Shehbaz to hail his return

NA speaker phones Shehbaz to hail his return

This time around there is no politics as ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday started approaching the top leadership of opposition political parties in a bid to devise a joint strategy to fight coronavirus.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
KP CM okays hiring of 1,299 doctors

KP CM okays hiring of 1,299 doctors

KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has approved appointment of 1299 Medical Officers (MOs) in the health department on emergency basis to deal with the Corona patients. The Chief Minister has signed a summary moved by Health Department to this effect. The new
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Ehsaas-Saylani Langar-on-Wheels introduced

Ehsaas-Saylani Langar-on-Wheels introduced

Ehsaas and Saylani Welfare International Trust (SWIT) have decided to run "Ehsaas-Saylani Langar on Wheels" to deliver cooked food aid to needy people particularly labourers and daily wagers. This commenced at a busy bus station at Faizabad, the junction
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Appellate bench rejects legal opinion of SECP commissioner
Stocks

Appellate bench rejects legal opinion of SECP commissioner

A two-member Appellate Bench of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has rejected the legal opinion of SECP Commissioner (Securities Market Division) that renewal of registration of the Trading Rights Entitlement Certificate (TREC) ho
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Imran urges Trump to lift sanctions on Iran

Imran urges Trump to lift sanctions on Iran

Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday urged US President Donald Trump to lift sanctions on Iran on humanitarian grounds, as the country was worst hit by the recent wave of deadly coronavirus (COVID-9) pandemic.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Kashmiri body urges India to 'unconditionally' release Yasin Malik

Kashmiri body urges India to 'unconditionally' release Yasin Malik

An organization dedicated to promoting the realization of Kashmiri people's UN-pledged right to self-determination has called on the United Nations to demand the immediate release of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front chief Muhammad Yasin Malik who is being h
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Pakistan Day: President reiterates unwavering support to IOJ&K people

Pakistan Day: President reiterates unwavering support to IOJ&K people

While paying homage to the founding leaders on Pakistan Day, President Dr Arif Alvi expressed unshakable support with the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who had been subjected to an inhuman lockdown and communication blockade for over seven m
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Ministerreviews anti-coronavirus arrangements

Ministerreviews anti-coronavirus arrangements

Minister for Housing and Urban Development Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed said that all-out resources are being utilized for remaining safe from looming Coronavirus threat.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PRGMEA seeks special incentives for export sector
Cotton & Textile

PRGMEA seeks special incentives for export sector

The Regional President of International Apparel Federation (IAF) and Chief Coordinator Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Ijaz A Khokhar on Sunday said that trade and commerce activities were adversely affected by
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Plea to implement PHC ruling

Plea to implement PHC ruling

Mohammad Parvez, a retired Treasury Officer of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has demanded of the Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief Justice of Pakistan and Governor SBP for provision of justice to him and guaranteeing his right.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
CM Punjab reviews steps taken to curb lethal virus

CM Punjab reviews steps taken to curb lethal virus

On the directions of CM Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar, Punjab Minister for Public Prosecution/Focal person Anti coronavirus Chaudhry Zaheerud Din visited Faisalabad and took briefing on precautionary arrangements against corona virus in the district.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
PPC to remain closed for nine days

PPC to remain closed for nine days

Peshawar Press Club (PPC) will remain closed from March 23 to March 31 as precautionary measure against the outbreak of coronavirus said a notification issued by Press Club administration here Sunday. The management of the press club banned holding press
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Pakistan concerned at Yasin Malik's health conditions

Pakistan concerned at Yasin Malik's health conditions

Pakistan has expressed its deep concerns over the deteriorating health condition of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leader Muhammad Yasin Malik, who is incarcerated in Tihar jail.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Punjab, Sindh governments urged to suspend Tax Amendment Act

Punjab, Sindh governments urged to suspend Tax Amendment Act

Fertilizer industry has urged the Punjab and Sindh governments to suspend Tax Amendment Act to avert disruption of supply across the country. In a letter to Chief Secretaries of both provinces, Brig Sher Shah Malik (Retd), Executive Director Fertilizer Ma
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Five-year programme launched to increase productivity of wheat

Five-year programme launched to increase productivity of wheat

A five years National Programme for enhancing profitability through increasing productivity of wheat costing Rs.16518 million has been initiated in Punjab; disclosed by Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Dr Iftikhar Ahmed Waraich on Sunday.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
APTPMA voices concern over closure of industry, business
Cotton & Textile

APTPMA voices concern over closure of industry, business

Chairman (Central) All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTPMA), Muhammad Pervez Lala, has expressed grave concern over closures of industry and business in the country due to coronavirus pandemic.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Bilawal for national unity, collective strategy to fight coronavirus

Bilawal for national unity, collective strategy to fight coronavirus

A video conference of the Central Executive Committee of the Pakistan People's Party was held on Sunday to take stock of the situation arising out of the coronavirus pandemic, the measures taken by the Sindh government and suggestions for a way forward.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
AJK marks 'World Water Day'

AJK marks 'World Water Day'

Like rest of the world, world water day was observed across Azad Jammu Kashmir on Sunday with simplicity and renewal pledge to continue performing individual and collective role to save water besides to encourage the sincere efforts for the establishment
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
AIOU to launch awareness drive on coronavirus

AIOU to launch awareness drive on coronavirus

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has decided to undertake an awareness campaign on prevention of the coronavirus through banners and pana-flexes, to be displayed at the main entrance points here at the main campus and the regional offices across the co
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
First Pakistani doctor dies of coronavirus

First Pakistani doctor dies of coronavirus

Dr Usama Riaz, who played a vital role in screening suspected patients in the region, has passed away as number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan rose to 777. A statement issued by Gilgit-Baltistan Information Department stated with great grief that Dr Usa
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Italian football club Brescia warn of 'plague'
Football

Italian football club Brescia warn of 'plague'

The president of Italian football club Brescia who are based in the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic said it was time to cancel the Serie A season because of "the plague". Serie A basement dwellers Brescia are destined for relegation - should the mat
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Cook says four-day game may be curtailed by virus pandemic
Cricket

Cook says four-day game may be curtailed by virus pandemic

Former England captain Alastair Cook has suggested the four-day County Championship may have to be curtailed or abandoned completely so officials can salvage "the most profitable parts of the English summer" following the coronavirus outbreak.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
French athletics chief joins calls for Olympic postponement
Other

French athletics chief joins calls for Olympic postponement

The president of the French Athletics Federation on Sunday said he did not understand why the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was refusing to postpone the Tokyo Olympics in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Most US athletes want Olympic delay
Other

Most US athletes want Olympic delay

Almost three-quarters of the 300 US athletes who took part in a virtual town hall with US Olympic officials support delaying the 2020 Tokyo Games, USA Today reported Sunday.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Thousands flock to see Olympic flame in Japan
Other

Thousands flock to see Olympic flame in Japan

Tens of thousands of people flocked to a cauldron with the Olympic flame in northeastern Japan over the weekend despite concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Sinfield runs solo marathon in support of stricken Burrow
Other

Sinfield runs solo marathon in support of stricken Burrow

Kevin Sinfield has completed a solo marathon to raise money for Rob Burrow after his former Leeds rugby league team-mate was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Sinfield, now Leeds' director of rugby, had planned to run the Manchester marathon on April
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Emirates stops nearly all passenger flights, slashes wages
Global Business Economy

Emirates stops nearly all passenger flights, slashes wages

Emirates, one of the world's biggest long-haul airlines, said on Sunday it would stop nearly all passenger flights this week and cut staff wages by as much as half because of the coronavirus impact on travel demand.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Russia blames Gulf nations for oil crash
Energy

Russia blames Gulf nations for oil crash

Russia did not seek an end to cooperation with OPEC or a sharp drop in oil prices, a senior Russian official told the TASS news agency, saying the Gulf nations are to blame for the crisis on global oil markets. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Australia announces nearly $40 billion in virus relief

Australia announces nearly $40 billion in virus relief

Australia on Sunday announced a $38 billion spending plan to limit the economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic, as citizens were told to cancel domestic travel plans to slow the virus spread. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the latest Aus$66 billion
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Gulf stocks slide as coronavirus spooks region
Stocks

Gulf stocks slide as coronavirus spooks region

Stock markets in the Gulf traded lower on Sunday, mostly pressured by banking shares as the economic outlook for the region worsened in face of the coronavirus outbreak. More than 274,800 people have been infected by the global epidemic and 11,389 have di
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
US bond funds lose $32.3 billion assets
Money & Banking

US bond funds lose $32.3 billion assets

US bond funds lost $32.3 billion in assets last week as the economic shock of the rapidly-spreading coronavirus pandemic heightened concerns about corporate balance sheets, marking the steepest drop in assets since at least 2013, according to data release
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
TSX extends weekly decline, loonie rally ebbs
Stocks

TSX extends weekly decline, loonie rally ebbs

Canada's main stock market fell and the loonie gave back much of its earlier gains on Friday, with both down sharply for the week, as global efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic weighed on the economic outlook.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
America's money market industry: is it at risk?
Money & Banking

America's money market industry: is it at risk?

Seen as a quintessentially safe bet for many Americans, the $3.8 trillion money-market fund industry is under severe duress for a second time in the past decade as investors weigh the risk of a global economic shutdown.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Wall Street week ahead
Stocks

Wall Street week ahead

US stock valuations are tumbling in the wake of the coronavirus-fueled market rout, but determining when equities are cheap enough to buy is a tricky proposition.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Boeing seeking 'tens of billions' in US government loan guarantees
Global Business Economy

Boeing seeking 'tens of billions' in US government loan guarantees

Boeing Co is seeking "tens of billions of dollars" in US government loan guarantees and other assistance as faces it a looming liquidity crunch from the massive coronavirus economic disruption impacting the entire aviation sector, two people briefed on th
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Volkswagen suspends production as coronavirus hits sales
Global Business Economy

Volkswagen suspends production as coronavirus hits sales

Volkswagen Group , the world's biggest carmaker, is suspending production at factories across Europe as the coronavirus pandemic hits sales and disrupts supply chains, the company said on Tuesday. The German carmaker, which owns the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Factories shift operations in scramble to restock supermarket shelves
Global Business Economy

Factories shift operations in scramble to restock supermarket shelves

With supermarkets stripped of food and many other essentials, consumer product companies halted factory runs of niche items such as scented bleach in order to speed up production of more basic merchandise that is in high demand.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Swatch Group faces standstill in Europe, US, but China improves
Global Business Economy

Swatch Group faces standstill in Europe, US, but China improves

Swatch Group is trying to maintain production at its factories despite the customer standstill hitting all businesses in Europe and the United States, the Swiss watchmaker said on Thursday. "Of course we have seen a strong impact on sales in February and
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Coronavirus can persist in air for hours, on surfaces for days

Coronavirus can persist in air for hours, on surfaces for days

The highly contagious novel coronavirus that has exploded into a global pandemic can remain viable and infectious in droplets in the air for hours and on surfaces up to days, according to a new study that should offer guidance to help people avoid contrac
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
No soap, no water: billions lack basic protection

No soap, no water: billions lack basic protection

As nations around the world fight the coronavirus pandemic with mass lockdowns and travel bans, UN experts warn that some three billion people lack even the most basic weapons to protect themselves: soap and running water.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Crowded, poor South Asia sees steady rise in coronavirus cases

Crowded, poor South Asia sees steady rise in coronavirus cases

Health authorities across South Asia reported rising tallies of coronavirus cases on Monday, raising the prospect of rapidly spreading outbreaks overwhelming poor medical facilities in a region that is home to a quarter of the world's people.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
'Avoid self-medication'

'Avoid self-medication'

The World Health Organization recommended Tuesday that people suffering from COVID-19-like symptoms should avoid self-medicating with ibuprofen, after French authorities warned anti-inflammatory drugs could worsen the effects of the virus.
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Google exploring using location info to slow coronavirus spread
IT & Computers

Google exploring using location info to slow coronavirus spread

Alphabet Inc's Google is exploring ways to use location information to slow the spread of the coronavirus by, for example, determining the effectiveness of social distancing. US Senator Ed Markey, who has long championed consumer privacy, urged caution wi
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Asia deploys innovative, if invasive, tech to curb virus
IT & Computers

Asia deploys innovative, if invasive, tech to curb virus

Electronic bracelets and phones that report your whereabouts, text messages if you stray too far from quarantine and digital detectives tracking where you've been - Asian countries have embraced innovative, if somewhat invasive, tech to counter the corona
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Internet platforms vow joint effort to stem virus misinformation
IT & Computers

Internet platforms vow joint effort to stem virus misinformation

The large US internet platforms have pledged a joint effort to root out misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic and to promote "authoritative content" about the crisis. A joint statement was issued late Monday by Facebook, Google, Twitter, Microsoft
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am
Maoist rebels gun down 17 Indian police

Maoist rebels gun down 17 Indian police

Hundreds of Maoist rebels gunned down 17 Indian security forces in one of the deadliest ambushes in recent years by the militants, a police spokesman said. More than 300 armed rebels took part in the attack on a police commando patrol in the jungles of Su
Published 23 Mar, 2020 12:00am