News Archives for World - 2021-01-08

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World - 2021-01-08

Europe

Greece extends some Covid-19 restrictions until Jan 18

The country has been in lockdown since early November due to a spike in COVID-19 infections.
Other key sectors, including retailers and hair salons, will remain shut until Jan. 18

Published 08 Jan, 2021 09:37pm

USA

Canada PM Trudeau says there could well be an election soon, doesn't want one

Trudeau, who says his priority is tackling the coronavirus epidemic, has previously sidestepped questions about an election.
Our priority as a government is going to be helping people get through this pandemic ... it's not in our interests to have an election.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 09:35pm

Europe

UK reports daily record of 1,325 new COVID-19 deaths

The total eclipsed the previous record number of deaths reported on April 21, 2020, of 1,224.
Each life lost to this virus is a tragedy, but sadly we can expect the death toll to continue to rise until we stop the spread.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 09:32pm

Europe

Italy reports 620 coronavirus deaths on Friday, 17,533 new cases

Some 140,267 swab tests were carried out in the past day, the ministry said, against a previous 121,275.
Italy has registered 77,911 COVID-19 deaths since its outbreak came to light on Feb. 21, the second highest toll in Europe and the sixth highest in the world.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 09:24pm

South Asia

Indian govt, farmers fail to break deadlock on controversial laws

Tens of thousands of farmers have been camped on the outskirts of the capital New Delhi for over a month.
The government has constantly said that if the unions give any other option besides repeal, then the government will consider them.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 09:12pm

USA

US wholesale inventories revised up in November

The Commerce Department estimated last month that wholesale inventories dipped 0.1% in November.
Inventories decreased 2.1% in November from a year earlier.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 09:11pm

Europe

London declares emergency over 'out of control' coronavirus

London declares major incident.
Britain approves Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.
Minister: vaccines might not work against S.African variant.
UK's COVID-19 death toll fifth largest in world.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 09:08pm

USA

US CDC says priority COVID-19 vaccination groups may overlap

The CDC has said healthcare workers and nursing home residents should have priority for vaccines, to be followed by people over 75 and essential workers.
Although the federal government has distributed more than 21 million doses, only about 6 million have been administered.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 09:02pm

Africa

Almost 2.3mn people need aid in Ethiopia's Tigray: UN report

The report, the most comprehensive public assessment of the humanitarian situation in Tigray since conflict erupted there on Nov. 4, was posted online late on Thursday.
Ethiopia's National Defence Force said late on Thursday that four senior TPLF members had been killed and nine arrested.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 08:55pm

USA

Biden to release all coronavirus doses

The President-elect believes we must accelerate distribution of the vaccine while continuing to ensure the Americans who need it most get it as soon as possible.
He supports releasing available doses immediately.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 08:37pm

USA

Canada loses 62,600 jobs in December, first decline since April

Canada lost 62,600 jobs, more than double analyst expectations of a decline of 27,500, while the unemployment rate edged up to 8.6%.
Due to both the continuing rise in virus cases... and the further curtailments of activity since the last survey.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 08:28pm

Europe

Germany secured 50mn vaccine doses from CureVac, BioNTech on top of EU supplies

The ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Germany signed a memorandum of understanding with CureVac on Aug. 31 for the supply of 20 million doses of its vaccine under development.
The internal health ministry document dated Jan. 7 and seen by Reuters had the same figures.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 08:17pm

USA

US economy loses jobs as pandemic pummels restaurants, bars

Nonfarm payrolls decrease 140,000 in December.
Restaurant, bar payrolls tumble 372,000.
Unemployment rate unchanged at 6.7%.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 08:16pm

USA

Brazil's economy faces tougher months: official

Adolfo Sachsida, economy policy secretary at the ministry, said the aid to low-income Brazilians had cost some 25 billion reais ($4.67 billion) per month.
He added that Brazil's economy should improve over the first half of the year and grow at least 3% in 2021.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 08:11pm

Europe

Portugal reports record daily increase in COVID-19 cases, deaths

Data from the DGS health authority showed 10,176 new cases and 118 deaths compared to the previous day.
The final decision will be taken after meeting health experts on Tuesday, Costa said.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 08:10pm

Middle East

Saudi Arabia to lift travel ban on March 31

The country will allow its citizens to travel abroad and then return from March 31.
Will open all air, land and sea ports from the same date, the agency added.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 08:05pm

USA

Trump, after promising orderly transition, vows to give 'voice' to supporters

The nearly 75 million people who voted for him "will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future.
They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 08:03pm

Africa

IMF projects Egypt's economy will grow 2.8pc in 2020/21 year

Egypt's economy had been boosted in the last three years by an upswing in tourism.
The growth impact of the COVID-19 crisis has so far been less severe than expected, as strong consumption helped offset weak tourism and investment.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 07:37pm

South Asia

Malaysia PM to announce new COVID-19 measures as deaths hit daily record

The Southeast Asian nation has seen a spike in infections since September, with the number of daily reported cases climbing to record highs on two days this week.
The government has said it was considering imposing targeted lockdowns in some areas.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 07:29pm

Europe

1.1 million people in England had COVID last week

The ONS estimated that 1,122,000 people in England had the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the week to Jan 2.
London, the East of England and the South East have the highest percentage of positive cases that are compatible with the new variant of the virus.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 07:27pm

Europe

Coronavirus variants, first found in UK and South Africa, spread worldwide

AUSTRALIA has found several cases of the variant first identified in Britain and has also found at least one case of the variant found in South Africa.
PAKISTAN health officials said the variant found in Britain had been detected in the southern province of Sindh.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 07:18pm

Europe

Swiss expect gradual improvement in job market during 2021

Companies almost immediately stopped hiring last March after the first government restrictions, triggering a rise in unemployment throughout the year.
"Short-time working has allowed companies to deal with the crisis and make plans for the future," he told a news conference in Bern.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 07:08pm

South Asia

Tanzania's president asks China to forgive some outstanding debts

Magufuli said he had presented the request to visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
He will get our request to China so that they can see how they can forgive our debts because according to their concession laws it is very difficult to forgive debts.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 07:01pm

South Asia

Bird flu outbreak dents chicken sales in India, hits farmers

Broiler chicken prices have fallen to 60 rupees ($0.8192) a kg from around 90 rupees a week ago.
The industry might see some temporary disruption, but we don't see this to be a long term phenomenon and this might correct itself in a period of 15-20 days.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 06:57pm

Europe

Britain approves Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for use

Three COVID-19 vaccines have now been approved for use in Britain, with Pfizer/BioNTech's shot and one developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca already being rolled out.
We have already vaccinated nearly 1.5 million people across the UK and Moderna's vaccine will allow us to accelerate our vaccination programme

Published 08 Jan, 2021 06:54pm

Europe

EU paves way for more Pfizer vaccine shots after extra dose allowed

EU countries started inoculating people with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine two weeks ago.
Shot's conditional approval under an authorisation which allows five doses to be extracted from each vial.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 06:43pm

USA

Top US House Democrat says House prepared to impeach Trump

Donald Trump needs to be removed from office and we are going to proceed with every tool that we have to make sure that that happens to protect our democracy.
We will move forward with impeachment.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 06:40pm

Europe

Power struggle leaves UN rights body without leader

Geopolitical stand-off at UN rights council.
Body cannot agree on leader amid messy contest.
Key year for council with possible US return, reforms.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 06:32pm

South Asia

China should maintain modest economic support in 2021, says IMF

The world's second-largest economy is likely to grow 7.9% in 2021, accelerating from expected 1.9% growth in 2020.
China should keep "moderately supportive fiscal and monetary policies until the recovery is on solid ground," the IMF said.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 06:26pm

Europe

EU gives go ahead to extract more shots from each Pfizer vaccine vial

EU countries started inoculating people with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine two weeks ago.
EMA's human medicines committee (CHMP) has recommended updating the product information for Comirnaty to clarify that each vial contains six doses of the vaccine.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 06:24pm

Europe

Sweden registers 7,187 new COVID-19 cases, 171 deaths

The country registered 171 new deaths, taking the total to 9,433. The deaths registered have typically occurred over several days and sometimes weeks.
The health agency has said statistics over the Christmas period are less reliable than usual because fewer tests are carried out and due to delays in reporting of deaths.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 06:18pm

Europe

EU says it has secured nearly half of Pfizer's 2021 global output of COVID shots

Pfizer has said it can produce up to 1.3 billion doses around the world this year.
We now have agreed with BioNTech and Pfizer to extend this contract. With the new agreement we could purchase a total of up to an additional 300 million doses of the BioNTech vaccine.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 05:51pm

MENA

Iran's Revolutionary Guards reveal new missile base, state media reports

The Chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps revealed a new underground base, host to high-accuracy missiles with a range of hundreds of kilometers.
Salami claimed that the missiles deployed at the base had a range of "hundreds of kilometers," while also being accurate and capable in handling hostile electronic warfare measures.

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 07:17pm

Europe

England and Scotland to require travellers to show negative COVID tests

Test result requirements to start next week
Quarantine rules for travellers remain in place
Authorities worried about new COVID variants
Airlines say test rules must be temporary
Heathrow hopes tests can replace quarantine rule.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 05:18pm

USA

Trump moves to loosen mining regulations, approve projects as he exits

Administration officials tell Reuters they plan to publish a raft of decisions on Jan. 15 that will expand miners' access to federal lands.
The law, known as FAST-41, was intended to streamline permitting for utility projects, such as power transmission lines.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 05:14pm

Europe

Swedish parliament grants government wider shutdown powers

Unlike most European countries, Sweden has, up to now, adopted mainly voluntary measures to limit the spread of the virus.
This is first and foremost about measures to hinder the spread of the virus, but without imposing unnecessary limits on things that can be done without risking infection.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 05:05pm

Europe

German vaccine purchase agreements don't affect EU contracts

Ursula von der Leyen, said earlier on Friday that member states are not allowed to negotiate separate vaccine deals with pharmaceutical companies in parallel to the efforts of the EU as a whole.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 05:00pm

Europe

Major French city of Strasbourg to have 6 pm COVID curfew

At the start of this month, France imposed an earlier curfew in 15 northeastern and southeastern departments to combat the spread of the virus.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Thursday that the government was considering adding a further 10 local regions to the 6 p.m. curfew rule.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 04:58pm

Europe

Norway aims to more than triple national CO2-price by 2030

The national levy would gradually increase from around 590 crowns per tonne at present, it said when presenting its "Climate plan 2021-30".
Norway, western Europe's largest oil and gas producer, aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50-55% by 2030 compared with 1990 levels.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 04:51pm

Europe

2020 ties with 2016 as world's hottest year on record: EU climate change service

Last year rounded off hottest decade.
Concentrations of carbon dioxide continue to rise.
Arctic suffered extreme heat, depletion of sea ice.
Heatwave pushed Death Valley temperature to 54.4C.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 04:49pm

South Asia

Indonesian clerics declare Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine halal

Vaccination programme set to start next week.
Emergency use authorisation yet to be issued.
Indonesia records over 10,000 daily cases for first time.
Indonesia's 808,000 cases among Asia's highest.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 04:44pm

Europe

French ski resorts' reopening hinges on COVID situation by Jan 20

The government's decision on Jan. 20 must by guided only by the situation of the epidemic.
If we cannot open in February, we must face reality, the season is over.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 04:37pm

Europe

EU leaders set for video summit to discuss COVID-19 on Jan 21

BRUSSELS: EU leaders are set to meet online on January 21 to discuss the bloc's efforts to counter the COVID-19...

Published 08 Jan, 2021 04:32pm

Europe

Erdogan says Gulf rapprochement ‘very beneficial’ for region

Turkey has a military base in Qatar has and supported its ally since Saudi Arabia and three other Arab states cut ties with Doha in mid-2017.
Lifting this embargo is very appropriate, especially for the Gulf. It has been very beneficial.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 04:30pm

Europe

Germany reports record COVID-19 deaths, concerns about new variant grow

Angela Merkel and state premiers agreed to restrict non-essential travel for residents of hard-hit areas all over Germany for the first time.
RKI also confirmed another 31,849 new infections, one of the highest daily tallies so far.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 04:25pm

Middle East

Israeli tourists stealing from Dubai hotels: report

Israeli tourists visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been accused of stealing items from hotel rooms in Dubai.
Complaints of Israeli tourists stealing from hotels come only a month after the first commercial passenger flight from Israel to the UAE was initiated.

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 04:03pm

USA

U.S. transport, education secretaries quit in staff exodus after Capitol violence

“There is no mistaking the impact your rhetoric had on the situation, and it is the inflection point for me,” Elaine Chao wrote.
With less than two weeks left of Trump’s presidency, many aides were already heading for the door, making some of their resignations symbolic gestures.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 02:23pm

USA

Four more Trump national security aides resign - sources

Four more senior advisers in the White House National Security Council have resigned following the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 12:15pm

USA

Biden names final economic team picks

Most notable was former Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen as treasury secretary.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 12:08pm

Europe

UK virus strain triggers snap lockdown in Australia's Brisbane

More than two million residents in the Greater Brisbane area will have to stay at home for at least three days from Friday evening.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 12:01pm

South Asia

Beijing raises guard as COVID-19 cases rise in Hebei province

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to date now stands at 87,331, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 11:57am

USA

PM Khan hopes for an "evenhanded approach" for India and Pakistan, under Biden Administration

Prime Minister Imran has expressed that it would be difficult to predict the trajectory of Pakistan's relationship with the United States, under the incoming Biden Administration.
The Prime Minister added that he hoped that the new administration would opt for a more "evenhanded approach" towards India and Pakistan.

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 02:20pm

Indonesian radical cleric linked to Bali bombings released from jail

Bashir was picked up by his family and was being driven to his home in central Java, said a spokeswoman for the corrections directorate general at the law and human rights ministry.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 11:43am

South Asia

In Japan, wider COVID-19 curbs heighten double-dip recession risk

Finmin Aso says there will 'no doubt' be impact on Q1 economy.
Broader curbs could prolong damage to growth beyond Q1.

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 11:56am

South Asia

Beijing says Washington to pay 'heavy price' if UN ambassador goes to Taiwan

"The United States will pay a heavy price for its wrong action," a statement from the Chinese mission to the UN said.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 10:42am

Middle East

UN chief eyes virtual visit to Britain

The UN chief's itinerary will include a Sunday event marking the 75th anniversary of the first session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 10:39am

USA

Soaring Covid-19 infections likely eroded US employment recovery

The report follows Labor Department data Thursday showing new applications for jobless benefits remained at a high level in the final week of the year.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 10:01am

USA

Pompeo says US not 'banana republic' after mob attacks Capitol

Bush made veiled criticism of the "reckless behavior" of members of his Republican Party in fueling the "insurrection."

Published 08 Jan, 2021 09:58am

Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine appears effective against mutation in new coronavirus variants: study

Dormitzer noted another mutation found in the South African variant, called the E484K mutation, is also concerning.

Published 08 Jan, 2021 09:48am

New year, new economic woes for Cubans as prices surge

HAVANA: Raisa Lemus had to return home to fetch extra money to finish her shopping, Arturo Sobrado was angered by ...

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 03:13am

Worst still to come for French economy, says minister

PARIS: The coronavirus crisis is likely to take an even bigger toll on the French economy this year than in 2020,...

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 03:13am

Kim poses in military uniform with gun in new portrait

SEOUL: North Korean state media have displayed an unprecedented portrait of leader Kim Jong Un in military uniform...

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 03:14am

Ghana army moves to quell parliament clash ahead of swearing-in

ACCRA: Ghanaian soldiers intervened in parliament to quell a clash between opposing parties in chaotic scenes...

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 03:14am

Pro-Brexit lobby group migrates its website to Europe

DUBLIN: Pro-Brexit campaign group Leave.EU has migrated the registered office of its website to Ireland to maintain ...

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 03:29am

Ignore us at your peril, protesting India farmers warn govt

KUNDLI, (India): Shouting anti-government slogans as they sat astride their tractors, thousands of farmers clogged ...

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 03:29am

Tesla CEO Elon Musk now world’s wealthiest person

NEW YORK: Elon Musk, the outspoken and envelope-pushing chief executive of Tesla, overtook Amazon boss Jeff Bezos to...

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 03:47am

Officials punished as China logs highest daily virus cases since July

BEIJING: Transport services were cut off to a city of 11 million people near Beijing on Thursday as local officials...

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 03:16am

Asian nations toughen virus curbs as Europe fights new strain

TOKYO: Countries in Asia stepped up their fight against the coronavirus on Thursday to suppress a contagion they had...

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 03:16am

Keeping coronavirus at bay, Vietnam revs up economy to race ahead of rivals

HANOI: Vietnam’s success in curbing the coronavirus so far, while its Southeast Asia neighbours struggle, is...

Updated 08 Jan, 2021 03:13am

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	142.19
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 19	5,713.64
Nasdaq / Sep 19	18,013.98
FTSE 100 / Sep 19	8,328.72
Dow Jones / Sep 19	42,025.19
Germany DAX 30 / Sep 19	19,002.38
France CAC40 / Sep 19	7,615.41
India Sensex / Sep 20	83,711.40
Tokyo Nikkei / Sep 20	37,879.54

Item	Value
Gold 10 Grams PKR / Sep 19	230,195
Crude Oil USD/Barrel / Sep 20	71.80
Karachi Cotton PKR/37.32 KG / Sep 20	18,935
Gold Spot USD/Ounce / Sep 20	2,599.47
Cotton US¢/pound / Sep 20	73.42
Petrol/Litre / Sep 21	249.10

Gainers
Losers
Leaders

Stock	Price
786 Invest Ltd / Sep 21 786 Investments Limited(786)	5 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abbas Sugar / Sep 21 Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Limited(AABS)	585 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Agro Allianz / Sep 21 Agro Allianz Limited(AAL)	16 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abid Silk / Sep 21 Al-Abid Silk Mills Limited(AASM)	3.49 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Ali Asghar / Sep 21 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	2.07 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Allied Bank / Sep 21 Allied Bank Limited(ABL)	87.10 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abbott Lab. / Sep 21 Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited(ABOT)	499.34 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abson Ind. / Sep 21 Abson Industries Limited(ABSON)	2.50 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)
Alfalah ETF. / Sep 21 Alfalah Consumer Index ETF.(ACIETF)	9.84 ▼ 0.00 (0.00%)

Stock	Price
786 Invest Ltd / Sep 21 786 Investments Limited(786)	5 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abbas Sugar / Sep 21 Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Limited(AABS)	585 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Agro Allianz / Sep 21 Agro Allianz Limited(AAL)	16 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
AL-Abid Silk / Sep 21 Al-Abid Silk Mills Limited(AASM)	3.49 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Ali Asghar / Sep 21 Ali Asghar Textile Mills Limited(AATM)	2.07 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Allied Bank / Sep 21 Allied Bank Limited(ABL)	87.10 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abbott Lab. / Sep 21 Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited(ABOT)	499.34 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Abson Ind. / Sep 21 Abson Industries Limited(ABSON)	2.50 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)
Alfalah ETF. / Sep 21 Alfalah Consumer Index ETF.(ACIETF)	9.84 ▲ 0.00 (0.00%)

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

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