News Archives for World - 2020-12-24

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World - 2020-12-24

USA

US Congress fails to agree to boost stimulus checks

The stimulus measure is wrapped up with a $1.4 trillion funding bill, without which the government will be forced to shut down at midnight Monday.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 09:18pm

Europe

Germany records first case of UK Covid strain

The woman had arrived in Frankfurt airport on December 20 from London Heathrow.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 09:16pm

Middle East

Iran warns Trump against 'adventurism'

The exchange also comes as tensions mount ahead of the first anniversary of the killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 09:14pm

South Asia

Zarif dismisses Trump tweet that Iran was behind attack on US Embassy in Baghdad

Putting your own citizens at risk abroad won't divert attention from catastrophic failures at home.
Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 08:16pm

USA

US House speaker Pelosi presses Trump to sign bill avoiding government shutdown before Monday

"On Monday, I will bring the House back to session where we will hold a recorded vote on our stand-alone bill to increase economic impact payments to $2,000."
"To vote against this bill is to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny them the relief they need."

Published 24 Dec, 2020 08:06pm

USA

Brazil suspends UK flights over new virus strain

About 50 countries have suspended since Sunday the arrivals of travelers from Britain after the discovery of a new variant of the coronavirus.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 08:03pm

A Brexit trade deal at last: EU and UK clinch narrow accord

“Deal is done,” a Downing Street source said. “We have taken back control of our money, borders, laws, trade, and our fishing waters.”

Published 24 Dec, 2020 08:02pm

USA

Virus-plagued Mexico begins mass coronavirus vaccination

Mexico has the world's fourth highest Covid-19 death toll after the United States, Brazil and India.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 08:01pm

Europe

UK and EU agree to historic Brexit deal

On Thursday, a historic deal on the future of the United Kingdom's historic trading and security relationship with the European Union has finally been struck, a week before the end of the transition period.
Downing Street has issued a statement confirming the deal.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 07:55pm

Europe

Britain says post-Brexit trade deal is done

We have taken back control of our money, borders, laws, trade and our fishing waters.
The deal is the biggest bilateral trade deal signed by either side, covering trade worth £668bn in 2019.

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 08:06pm

South Asia

Indian opposition demands repeal of farm laws after protests

India’s main opposition party pressed the government on Thursday to call a special parliamentary session to withdraw new agricultural laws that farmers say will leave them at the mercy of big corporations.
Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader from the opposition Congress party, handed the president a copy of a petition that he said had attracted 20 million signatures online.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 07:25pm

Middle East

Israel announces third nationwide virus lockdown

In a population of nine million, Israel has now confirmed 385,022 coronavirus cases, 3,150 of them fatal.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 07:17pm

Europe

Russia sets records for virus cases, deaths

They also registered 635 deaths, increasing total fatalities to 53,096 since the beginning of the pandemic.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 07:15pm

Europe

EU and UK poised for Christmas Brexit trade deal

Britain has been in a transition period since its formal departure from the now 27-member EU in January, still trading under EU laws.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 07:14pm

Europe

Macron free of Covid symptoms: presidency

Authorities said late Wednesday that nearly 15,000 new cases had been reported in the previous 24 hours, and 278 new deaths.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 07:12pm

Europe

Serbian PM starts country's Covid-19 vaccination

Serbia's regulators are still testing Russia's Sputnik V vaccine several weeks after its arrival.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 07:10pm

Europe

Virus dampens holidays worldwide as vaccinations gather speed

There were also 635 new deaths, increasing total fatalities to 53,096. Ukraine reported over one million cases with 17,395 deaths in a country of around 40 million.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 07:08pm

Europe

France's Macron showing no more COVID-19 symptoms, Elysee says

Macron, 43, can now end his quarantine after he self-isolated for seven days at the presidential retreat of La Lanterne, close to the Palace of Versailles.
Macron suffered headaches, a dry cough and tiredness for several days and his health condition improved on Wednesday.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 06:03pm

Africa

Bodies of 20 migrants retrieved off Tunisia: ministry

Tunisia is just a few hundred kilometres from mainland Europe and has long been a launchpad for illegal migration to the continent.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 06:02pm

Africa

Ethiopia kills dozens allegedly behind massacre: officials

Ethnic violence has been a persistent problem under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, came to power in 2018 on the back of popular protests and was last year's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 05:59pm

Europe

Coronavirus toll at 1100 GMT Thursday

At least 78,678,240 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 49,787,800 are now considered recovered.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 05:48pm

Europe

Pro-EU Maia Sandu sworn in as Moldova's president

On Wednesday, Ion Chicu announced his resignation, hours before parliament was due to consider a vote of no confidence in his government.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 05:45pm

South Asia

Ex-Japan PM Abe says sorry over political funding case

Abe said he will correct his false statements in parliament on Friday, marking a stunning reversal of fortunes for Japan's longest-serving premier and one of its political bluebloods.
I can't help but explain the facts and correct my statements to the parliament.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 05:44pm

Africa

Seven troops, 11 'terrorists' killed in Niger ahead of vote

The country is to stage presidential and legislative elections on Sunday.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 05:42pm

Europe

Ukraine virus cases top one million

The health ministry on recorded 11,490 new virus cases, bringing the total to 1,001,132.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 05:40pm

South Asia

Indian opposition demands repeal of farm laws after protests

Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader from the opposition Congress party, handed the president a copy of a petition that he said had attracted 20 million signatures online.
"The prime minister wants to help two, three business people" by introducing the farm laws, said Gandhi.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 05:25pm

Europe

English COVID-19 infections rise again, 1-in-85 people infected: survey

The percentage of people testing positive has continued to increase sharply in London, the East of England, and the South East; London now has the highest percentage of people testing positive.
Prevalence in the preceding week was 1-in-95, the ONS had estimated.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 05:06pm

Europe

London's Luxury Homes are a Prime Target to hide 'Dirty Money': Report

The property market in the United Kingdom is increasingly becoming a prime target for money laundering, with London's most expensive property attracting criminal buyers from the around the world to hide ill-gotten wealth.
The onset of the coronavirus pandemic has only made the real estate sector more vulnerable to dirty money, as the dwindling demand for expensive and extravagant homes makes it more susceptible to exploitation from criminal entities.

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 05:24pm

Journalist murders double in 2020, claims CPJ report

At least 30 journalists were killed between January 1 and December 15.
Mexico was the deadliest country for journalist in the year, followed by Syria, Afghanistan and the Philippines.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 04:38pm

USA

US Congress Passes Landmark Bill in Support of Tibet

On Monday, the United States Congress passed a bill that is expected to significantly upgrade American support for Tibetans, including sanctioning Chinese officials if they try to appoint the next Dalai Lama.
The Tibetan Policy and Support Act (TPSA) was passed by the House and Senate as an amendment to the $1.4 trillion government-spending bill and the $900 billion coronavirus relief package.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 04:31pm

India's ruling party says 'no question' of repealing India farm laws

Tens of thousands of protesters have camped out on the outskirts of New Delhi and blocked national highways for over three weeks to protest against India’s biggest farm reforms in decades.
“There’s no question of repealing from the government’s side. We have ample support from many farmers’ organisations,” says Gopal Krishna Agarwal.

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 04:00pm

Millions of U.S. vaccine doses sit on ice, putting 2020 goal in doubt

Only 1 million shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine had been given, about one-third of the first shipment sent last week
The slow pace has barely picked up from the first week when 614,000 shots were given although nearly 2.9 million were shipped

Published 24 Dec, 2020 02:53pm

USA

Trump pardons Stone, Manafort after Russian investigation loses steam

President Trump pardoned Roger Stone and Paul Manafort, two associates convicted as part of Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.
This marked the second consecutive day, in which the President pardoned his allies, especially those with connections to the White House.

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 03:32pm

USA

Trump vetoes $740 billion defense bill

President Donald Trump vetoed the newly formulated defense bill, which allocates $740 billion to outline Pentagon's broader policy.
*Trump, without providing specific details, called this defense legislation as "It is a 'gift' to China and Russia".

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 02:07pm

Russia reports record COVID-19 cases and deaths

Authorities have so far reported a total 2,963,688 cases and an official death toll of 53,096.

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 01:14pm

Youth unemployment: a scourge of the COVID-19 economy

In the United States, Gen Z members were more likely than any other age group to report being affected by unemployment or lost income.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 12:28pm

Africa

Ethiopia's PM says forces have been sent into Benishangul-Gumuz region

"The massacre of civilians in Benishangul-Gumuz region is very tragic," Abiy said on Twitter.

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 12:19pm

'It is not Pakistan': Israel minister says about reports of next Muslim country to normalise ties

Israeli minister says fifth country may recognise Israel soon. The minister says one country is in the East, but clarified it is not Pakistan.

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 03:11pm

EU transport boss criticises France on UK truck delays

But Brussels had suggested exempting transport workers from this restriction.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 11:24am

Trump warns Iran over rocket strike on embassy in Iraq

After Soleimani's killing, the entire region held its breath in anticipation of an uncontrolled escalation which ultimately did not materialize.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 11:16am

Worrying sign: New corona strain affects young people, has higher viral load, say researchers

The virus has been named as 501.V2 and transmits quickly than its predecessor, the COVID-19
Scientists are now seeing between 10 to 20 mutations that were not previously seen end of September

Published 24 Dec, 2020 10:58am

Jack Ma: tycoon who soared on China's tech dreams grounded by regulators

Eyebrows were raised when the state-run People's Daily revealed that he is a member of the Communist Party -- something Ma has never fully commented on.

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 11:16am

Asia

South Korea signs deals to secure COVID-19 vaccine with Pfizer and Janssen

The government had previously signed deals with four companies.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 10:47am

Europe

Announcement of UK-EU trade deal expected Thursday morning: EU official

New trade pact on Thursday morning with negotiations still.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 10:45am

China reports 17 new COVID-19 cases vs 15 a day earlier

Additionally, 19 asymptomatic cases were reported on Dec. 23, up from 14 the previous day. China does not include asymptomatic patients in its total confirmed case list.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 10:41am

USA

Mexico records 11,653 new coronavirus cases, 816 more deaths

The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 10:27am

South Korea to import J&J, Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines for 16mn people

Doses for 10 million people would be procured through the global COVAX initiative, backed by the World Health Organization.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 10:21am

One million Americans vaccinated for COVID; Tennessee new epicenter

Washington state Governor Jay Inslee this week ordered a 14-day quarantine for travelers arriving from the UK, South Africa or other countries where the new variant had been detected.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 10:15am

Trump pardons former campaign chairman Manafort, associate Roger Stone

In an unusual twist, the man who prosecuted Charles Kushner was Chris Christie, now the former governor of New Jersey, who also has served as an adviser to Trump.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 10:12am

Asia

Ex-Japan PM Abe may be summoned to parliament in funding case

Haikawa was not immediately available for comment.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 10:10am

Trump gives awards to top aides for Arab-Israeli deals

In the past four months, Israel reached deals with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco as part of what the United States calls "the Abraham Accords."

Published 24 Dec, 2020 09:54am

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 78.23 million, death toll at 1,723,054

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 09:24am

Trump vetoes sweeping US defence bill

The veto does not immediately choke off funds to the Pentagon but if the NDAA isn't passed soon, funding could be tightened.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 09:16am

Europe

Argentina tightens holiday season COVID-19 air travel curbs

The requirements will include the presentation of a negative coronavirus test and the completion of a mandatory 7-day quarantine, the ministry said.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 02:57am

Europe

Netherlands to require negative COVID tests from air passengers

Passenger flights from these countries were temporarily banned earlier this week after the discovery of a virulent new variant of the virus.

Published 24 Dec, 2020 02:55am

US sues Walmart over opioid crisis

NEW YORK: The US Justice Department sued Walmart over its role in the opioid crisis on Tuesday, alleging the giant...

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 03:32am

Migrant camp burns as Bosnia struggles with influx

SARAJEVO: Fire engulfed a refugee camp in Bosnia on Wednesday minutes after the site was closed because of its poor...

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 03:32am

Trump pardons two linked to Russia probe, Blackwater guards, others

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump granted pardons Tuesday to two people linked to a probe into alleged collusion...

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 03:32am

Three French policemen shot dead

SAINT-JUST, (France): Three police officers were killed and a fourth wounded in central France on Wednesday when a...

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 03:32am

Putin expecting no change to US ties under Biden

MOSCOW: With less than a month before Joe Biden moves into the White House, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on...

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 03:32am

Masks block 99.9pc of large Covid-linked droplets

PARIS: Face masks reduce the risk of spreading large Covid-linked droplets when speaking or coughing by up to 99.9...

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 03:32am

EU eases bans over UK virus strain as WHO eyes response

• Qatar and Dubai roll out Pfizer-BioNTech virus jabs • Swiss swift start on Covid-19 vaccinations LONDON:...

Updated 24 Dec, 2020 03:32am

Previous Day

Forex
World
Commodity

Currency	Rate
USD PKR Interbank Selling / Sep 20	277.90
USD PKR Interbank Buying / Sep 20	277.70
USD to Japanese Yen / Sep 20	143.85
USD to Swiss Franc / Sep 20	0.85
Pound Sterling to USD / Sep 20	1.33
Euro to USD / Sep 20	1.12

Stock	Volume
S&P 500 / Sep 20	5,702.55
India Sensex / Sep 20	83,184.80
Tokyo Nikkei / Sep 20	37,723.91
Nasdaq / Sep 20	17,948.32
Hang Seng / Sep 20	18,258.57
FTSE 100 / Sep 20	8,229.99
Dow Jones / Sep 20	42,063.36
Germany DAX 30 / Sep 20	18,720.01

Item	Value
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Sep 20	71.92
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Sep 20	2,621.88
Cotton US¢/pound / Sep 20	73.52
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Sep 21	18,935
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Sep 21	233,625
Petrol/Litre / Sep 22	249.10

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

Stock	Price
786 Invest Ltd / Sep 22 786 Investments Limited(786)	5 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abbas Sugar / Sep 22 Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Limited(AABS)	585 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Agro Allianz / Sep 22 Agro Allianz Limited(AAL)	16 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abid Silk / Sep 22 Al-Abid Silk Mills Limited(AASM)	3.49 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Ali Asghar / Sep 22 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	2.07 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Allied Bank / Sep 22 Allied Bank Limited(ABL)	87.10 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abbott Lab. / Sep 22 Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited(ABOT)	499.34 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abson Ind. / Sep 22 Abson Industries Limited(ABSON)	2.50 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Alfalah ETF. / Sep 22 Alfalah Consumer Index ETF.(ACIETF)	9.84 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)

Stock	Price
786 Invest Ltd / Sep 22 786 Investments Limited(786)	5 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abbas Sugar / Sep 22 Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Limited(AABS)	585 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Agro Allianz / Sep 22 Agro Allianz Limited(AAL)	16 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abid Silk / Sep 22 Al-Abid Silk Mills Limited(AASM)	3.49 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Ali Asghar / Sep 22 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	2.07 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Allied Bank / Sep 22 Allied Bank Limited(ABL)	87.10 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abbott Lab. / Sep 22 Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited(ABOT)	499.34 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abson Ind. / Sep 22 Abson Industries Limited(ABSON)	2.50 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Alfalah ETF. / Sep 22 Alfalah Consumer Index ETF.(ACIETF)	9.84 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)

Stock	Volume
P.I.A.C.(A) / Sep 22 Pakistan International Airlines Corp(PIAA)	47,200,500 ▲ 0.00
Cnergyico PK / Sep 22 Cnergyico PK Limited(CNERGY)	29,719,327 ▲ 0.00
Pak Petroleum / Sep 22 Pakistan Petroleum Limited(PPL)	21,170,581 ▲ 0.00
Pak Refinery / Sep 22 Pakistan Refinery Limited(PRL)	16,965,134 ▲ 0.00
The Searle Co. / Sep 22 The Searle Company Limited(SEARL)	15,793,227 ▲ 0.00
P.T.C.L. / Sep 22 Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd(PTC)	15,054,641 ▲ 0.00
K-Electric Ltd. / Sep 22 K-Electric Limited(KEL)	14,145,556 ▲ 0.00
WorldCall Telecom / Sep 22 Worldcall Telecom Limited(WTL)	13,158,668 ▲ 0.00
Telecard Limited / Sep 22 Telecard Limited(TELE)	12,358,668 ▲ 0.00

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