Thursday 24 July 2014

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Earth survived near-miss from 2012 solar storm: NASA

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - Back in 2012, the Sun erupted with a powerful solar storm that just missed the Earth but was big enough to knock modern civilization back to the 18th century, NASA said.The extreme space weather that tore through Earths orbit on July 23, 2012, was the most powerful in 150 years, according to a statement posted on the US space agency website Wednesday.However, few Earthlings had any idea what was going on.If the eruption had occurred only one week earlier, Earth would have been in the line of fire, said Daniel Baker, professor of atmospheric and space physics at the University of Colorado.Instead the storm cloud hit the STEREO-A spacecraft, a solar observatory that is almost ideally equipped to measure the parameters of such an event, NASA said.Scientists have analyzed the treasure trove of data it collected and concluded that it would have been comparable to the largest known space storm in 1859, known as the Carrington event.It also would have been twice as bad as the 1989 solar storm that knocked out power across Quebec, scientists said.I have come away from our recent studies more convinced than ever that Earth and its inhabitants were incredibly fortunate that the 2012 eruption happened when it did, said Baker.The National Academy of Sciences has said the economic impact of a storm like the one in 1859 could cost the modern economy more than two trillion dollars and cause damage that might take years to repair.Experts say solar storms can cause widespread power blackouts, disabling everything from radio to GPS communications to water supplies -- most of which rely on electric pumps.They begin with an explosion on the Suns surface, known as a solar flare, sending X-rays and extreme UV radiation toward Earth at light speed.Hours later, energetic particles follow and these electrons and protons can electrify satellites and damage their electronics.Next are the coronal mass ejections, billion-ton clouds of magnetized plasma that take a day or more to cross the Sun-Earth divide.These are often deflected by Earths magnetic shield, but a direct hit could be devastating.There is a 12 percent chance of a super solar storm the size of the Carrington event hitting Earth in the next 10 years, according to physicist Pete Riley, who published a paper in the journal Space Weather earlier this year on the topic.His research was based on an analysis of solar storm records going back 50 years.Initially, I was quite surprised that the odds were so high, but the statistics appear to be correct, said Riley.It is a sobering figure.

Oil prices slide despite upbeat economic data

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NEW YORK (AFP) - Oil prices sank Thursday, despite some encouraging economic data in the US, China and Europe, as traders kept an eye on the Ukraine crisis and Middle East tensions.The US benchmark futures contract, West Texas Intermediate for September, slid by $1.05 to close at $102.07 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.Brent North Sea crude for delivery in September settled at $107.07 in London trade, down 96 cents from Wednesday's closing level.The price action comes against a news backdrop we consider broadly supportive, said Tim Evans of Citi Futures.New claims for US unemployment insurance benefits, a sign of the pace of layoffs, tumbled to an eight-year low last week, the Labor Department reported.Banking giant HSBC said its preliminary purchasing managers index of manufacturing activity in China, the world's second-largest economy, rose to 52.0 in July from 50.7 in June, hitting an 18-month high. A number above 50 indicates expansion.A survey by research firm Markit of eurozone business conditions said the PMI for the 18-nation bloc rose to 54.0 in July from 52.8 in June.Even the lowest weekly jobless claims number in the US since February 2006 is not enough to lift the crude complex into positive territory. After recent geopolitically sponsored support, crude is taking a breather, said Matt Smith of Schneider Electric.Carl Larry of Oil Outlooks and Opinions called it a nervous market, playing very carefully, with traders booking some profits.Oil prices had risen on Wednesday after the United States reported a large decline in its crude inventories, indicating strong demand in the world's biggest consumer of crude.The market should continue to monitor geopolitical headlines, said Andrey Kryuchenkov, analyst at financial group VTB Capital.We do not expect sustained (price) gains unless reports emerge of actual supply-side disruptions. The market is comfortably supplied with seasonal demand in Europe still slackening, he added.

Euro advances on better eurozone data

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The euro advanced Thursday against most major currencies, after a closely-watched report showed a pickup in eurozone economy activity in July.Eurozone economic activity showed signs of a comeback in July after several months of sluggish activity, according to a survey of purchasing managers compiled by the private research firm Markit. The PMI index rose to 54 in July from 52.8 in June above the 50-point signalling growth or downturn.Eurozone growth rebounded in July, said Markit, while warning that the crisis in Ukraine is clouding the outlook.The data mean the euro could be poised for a short-term bounce against its major counterparts over the coming days, said Christopher Vecchio, analyst at DailyFX.But analysts noted the euro could be weighed down by anxiety over the dispute between Russia and Ukraine and the impact that tougher sanctions on Russia might have on Europe.A European Union source told AFP Thursday the EU will add to its sanctions list 15 Ukrainian and Russian individuals and 18 entities over their role in the Ukraine crisis.

Afghanistan win again to draw series

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BULAWAYO (AFP) - Batsman Shafiqullah Shafiq and bowler Sharafuddin Ashraf starred as Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by 100 runs in Bulawayo Thursday to draw a four one-day international series.Wicketkeeper Shafiqullah top scored with 56 runs off 43 balls as the Afghans compiled 259 in 49.1 overs at Queens Sport Club.Samiullah Shenwari (40), Nasir Jamal (39) and Mohammad Nabi (37) also made useful contributions while seamer Donald Tiripano (5-63) was the lone Zimbabwe bowler to excel.Zimbabwe, who won the first two matches by six wickets and eight wickets before losing the third by two wickets, were always battling in reply.Only Richmond Mutumbami with 64 runs off 75 balls, including eight fours, made an impression and the hosts were bundled out for 159 in 38 overs.Off-spinner Ashraf took 3-29 and his victims included Mutumbami.Both countries are preparing for the Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next February and March.

Chingoka steps down as Zimbabwe cricket chief

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HARARE (AFP) - Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Peter Chingoka has unexpectedly stepped down from his position after 22 years at the helm, as the organisation also announced changes at both coach and captaincy level after its board meeting in Harare.Chingoka had previously indicated that he would stand for re-election when his term ended in 2015, but a ZC statement said that the 60-year-old had retired as both chairman and board member on his own accord during Thursdays meeting.The news came as Zimbabwe were beaten by 100 runs by Afghanistan in Bulawayo on Thursday to draw a four one-day international series.Zimbabwe won the first two matches by six wickets and eight wickets before losing the third by two wickets.In his parting remarks he indicated that his decision was based on the need to have a well defined succession plan in which it had been agreed that a year before his term he would step down and assist the incoming Chairman, read the ZC statement.He will therefore impart his knowledge based on experience both locally and on the international scene and at times undertake missions assigned by the Board upon request.Chingoka could therefore continue to represent Zimbabwe at the International Cricket Council, where he was recently elected to the Governance Review Committee.The ZC board appointed Chingokas deputy Wilson Manase as chairman, with Maureen Kuchocha coming in as vice-chairman.The board also created the position of National Director of Coaching and immediately assigned national coach Andrew Waller to the role, thus handing assistant coach Stephen Mangongo control of the national team for next months assignments against South Africa and Australia.Zimbabwe take on the Proteas in a one-off Test and three one-day internationals, before Australia arrive for a tri-series.Allrounder Elton Chigumbura will lead Zimbabwe in the ODIs after the board opted to split the captaincy.Brendan Taylor will remain in charge of the Test side, while Chigumbura has been handed the reins of the one-day and Twenty20 teams.The Cricket World Cup takes place in Australia and New Zealand next February and March.

Polio case surfaces in Baluchistan after 18 months

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QUETTA: (Dunya News) – A new case of Polio virus has surfaced in Baluchistan. It is the first Polio case in Baluchistan after 18 months. According to the Department of Health, the 18 months old child never received Polio vaccine drops.The girl aged a year and a half from Mir Zai area of Quila Abdullah has been diagnosed with Polio Virus. She is named as Nazo. Nazo had been living in Karachi with her parents for the last four months. The family has moved to Karachi only five months ago from Quila Abdullah.Baluchistan remained Polio-free for 18 months. In 2011, most number of Polio cases, 22, surfaced in Quila Abdullah.

Two fall prey to Karachi violence

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KARACHI: (Dunya News) – Two people lost their lives in Karachi to violent incidents today (Thursday), reported Dunya News. DSP Alfalah, Saeed Tariq also got injured as terrorists fired bullets on his car in Liaquatabad.A man named Ali Raza was killed in a firing incident at Jhanda Chowk, Liaquatabad. Unidentified men shot a man to death in FC Area.DSP Al-Falah, Saeed Tariq’s car was shot at by terrorists in Quiadabad area of Karachi. The DSP got injured in the incident. He has been moved to a private hospital.

Govt to stop PTI protesters through container blockades

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The police administration of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have prepared a ‘comprehensive strategy’ to deal with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s long march scheduled for August 14, Dunya News reported.The government administration has decided to place as many as 300 containers to stop PTI protestors. The Red Zone in Islamabad will be completely sealed. Over 100 entry points of the federal capital will also be blocked through the containers.Moreover, the decision to call Rangers, Punjab police and Azad Kashmir police has also been taken. The participants arriving from cities other than Islamabad and Rawalpindi will also be stopped at various areas, according to the details.The recommendation to suspend cellular service in the twin cities is also under consideration.

Footprints suggest tyrannosaurs were gregarious

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OTTAWA (AFP) - Scientists in western Canada have discovered the fossilized footprints of three tyrannosaurs that suggest these fearsome predators may have hunted in packs.The sets of tyrannosaur footprints are the first ever to be found in proximity to one another and are the only clear evidence so far that these dinosaurs may have been social rather solitary animals.The evidence is as strong as you can get with any fossil evidence that tyrannosaurs were pack animals, Richard McCrea of the Peace Region Palaeontology Research Centre, who led the excavation, told AFP on Thursday.It shows that these were three animals travelling together, all going in the same direction, he said.Previously, only individual tyrannosaur footprints have been uncovered in the United States, Canada and Mongolia.The parallel tracks leading into a rock cliff near Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia indicate the three were walking in a group, bearing southeast within an 8.5 meter-wide corridor, according to a study published by McCrea's team in the journal PLOS ONE.The researchers cited similarities in depth and preservation of the tracks as proof that they were made by animals walking concurrently in the same direction.The three-toed footprints of these very large bipedal carnivores with powerful jaws and small clawlike front legs were discovered by a local guide and outfitter in 2011 in what would have been soft mud 70 million years ago.Excavation, which is continuing, has uncovered seven footprints in all.They are believed to have been covered up and preserved by volcanic ash, only to be exposed eons later by the erosion of the cliff.The footprints -- each half a meter long -- belong to adult animals of different sizes. They predate the Tyrannosaurus Rex, but Albertosaurus and Daspletosaurus -- ancestors of Rex -- once roamed foothills east of the Rocky Mountains.The discovery also provides valuable new information on how tyrannosaurs moved.Their gait was very narrow, with very little rotation of the foot, McCrea noted. It's quite an efficient locomotion: very long strides, almost four meters.We had no idea they walked like that, he said.There's been speculation about their biomechanics but prior to the discovery of these trackways, all we had were bones, and theories about how their joints rotated and so on.Now we have trackways that we can use to put those hypotheses to the test.That's the next step.

Sania Mirza responds to BJP's comments

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NEW DELHI(Web Desk) – Pakistani cricket star Shoaib Malik’s wife and Indian tennis star, Sania Mirza, responds to BJPs daughter-in-law of Pakistan comments via her twitter page on Thursday.Two days ago, Sania Mirza was appointed as the brand ambassador of Telangana by the Chief Minister of Telangana K Chandrashekhar Rao.He also granted her 10 million rupees to fund her training.But the ruling party of India named Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned the decision by saying that Sania Mirza is the daughter in law of Pakistan and she does not deserve to be the brand ambassador of Telangana.Sania Mirza replied to BJP through her twitter page.“It hurts me that so much precious time of prominent politicians and the media is being wasted on a petty issue of my being appointed the Brand Ambassador of my State of Telangana”, Sania Mirza wrote on twitter.“I am married to Mr. Shoaib Malik, who is from Pakistan. I am an Indian, who will remain an Indian until the end of my life”, added Sania.“My family belongs to Hyderabad for more than a century and I strongly condemn any attempts by any person, whosoever, to brand me an outsider”, she added.I hope this clears all doubts and issues, Sania Mirza concluded.

'War' on Aug 14 will be decisive: Imran Khan

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said on Thursday that his party is going to fight the ‘decisive war’ on August 14, adding that participants won’t return after a simple procession. He said it will be a ‘test match’ and not a T20 one, Dunya News reported.Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, Imran Khan said that there’s no electricity in the country and the rulers are worried about their businesses.Khan said the country is facing ‘destruction’ while the Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif has gone to perform Umra.He alleged that the current government’s base is the false mandate, adding that a whole team was formed for match fixing.PTI chief said his party didn’t make as much noise on the day of election because the country was going through a difficult phase. He said that war now is to empower a neutral umpire in the country.Khan said the corruption cannot be eliminated without ‘correcting’ the political system. He said his party is in search of justice for the past 14 months, adding that it is now going to fight a ‘decisive war’ in Islamabad on August 14.“We’ll not return after a simple rally”, Khan said while expressing resolve. “…will present the evidence of election rigging on August 14.”Imran Khan said that the assembly is full of people who do not want to change the system. He said that system will be changed by taking to streets and not by bringing up the matter in the assembly.PTI chief said that the war for free judiciary was also fought on the streets and not in the assemblies, adding that PTI will continue its struggle until the electoral system is reformed.

Pakistan to observe Friday as Black Day in solidarity with Palestine

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ISLAMABAD: (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced to observe Black Day tomorrow (Friday) in view of the Israeli atrocities committed in Gaza and in solidarity with the Palestinians.Moreover, PM announced one million USD aid for the Gaza people who have been living under the scourge of Israeli bombardment for the last several days. Pakistani flag will remain cernuous on this occasion. United Nations had appealed for humanitarian aid to Palestine on July 21, 2014.“Innocent Gazans are at the receiving end of Israel’s state terrorism”, said the Prime Minister. Nawaz Sharif said that Israel is involved in committing war-crimes.It is pertinent to mention here that Jamat-e-Islami (JI) has also announced protests on Friday. JI Chief Siraj ul Haq made an appeal to the nation earlier today while addressing a gathering in Mansoora, Lahore, to join rallies tomorrow after Friday prayers to show solidarity with the Palestinians.777 Palestinians have lost their lives to Israeli terrorism during the last 17 days. According to Palestinian Center of Human Rights, more than 80% of the dead are civilians with every fourth casualty being a child.

Reign of target killings strikes again: Shahi Syed

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Awami National Party (ANP) President and Senator Shahi Syed while addressing an iftaar party said that there is no such thing as law and order in Karachi, adding that target killing incidents in Karachi were on the rise once again whereas results of the targeted operation have not been encouraging.Shahi Syed said that such target killing incidents have become a routine for the police, adding that we strongly condemn the muder of eminent Shia religious scholar Allama Talib Johari’s son-in-law who was a recent victim of target killing.Syed further said that the ongoing targeted operation in Karachi has not been able to produce significant results as such, adding that the fundamental reason behind such incompetence is due to politcal interference in police matters pertaining to transfer-posting, politicking, posting favoured officers at key posts.Syed expresesed that until such corrupt practices were not stopped, the city of lights will never be able to maintain peace.

European stocks rise on firm data, as EU eyes sanctions

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LONDON (AFP) - European stock markets rose on Thursday and the euro recovered from an eight-month low as figures pointed to an uptick in growth in Europe and China.Robust manufacturing data in China, the worlds second-largest economy, and a strong eurozone purchasing managers index (PMI) helped dampen concerns about EU sanctions against Russia.Frankfurts main DAX index traded up 0.42 percent to 9,794.06 points, compared to Wednesdays closing values.Londons benchmark FTSE 100 index rose 0.34 percent to 6,821.46 points, while in Paris the CAC 40 finished the day up 0.78 percent at 4,410.65.Eurozone growth rebounded in July, the private Markit research group, which published the eurozone PMI data, said while warning that the crisis in Ukraine could cloud the blocs outlook.Markits chief economist Chris Williamson said the latest figures suggested that the eurozone economy was growing at one of the strongest rates we have seen in the past three years.Madrids IBEX 35 index also surged to close up 1.89 percent after official data showed unemployment in Spain fell sharply in the second quarter -- slipping beneath 25 percent.Spanish jobs are moving in the right direction but the rate of change is too slow. At this pace Spains economy will still be in the doldrums for the next five years, said Jasper Lawler, market analyst at CMC Markets UK.HSBC meanwhile said its preliminary PMI of Chinese manufacturing activity for this month jumped to 52.0 from 50.7 in June. Anything above 50 indicates growth.Wall Street rode the optimistic wave, with the S&P 500 topping its record close on Wednesday, helped as well by more good corporate earnings reports, especially from tech giant Facebook.By early afternoon, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had edged up 0.11 percent to 17,104.74, while the S&P 500 gained 0.19 percent to 1,990.72.The tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.22 percent to 4,483.56.In European equities, Nokia shares climbed 7.26 percent after the Finnish telecom equipment group jumped back into profit in the second quarter, boosted by restructuring.In Paris, shares in energy engineering group Technip plunged 8.66 percent after it predicted profits at its onshore/offshore division would be hit by political risks at its Yamal gas project in the Russian Arctic.Market research group Ipsos dived 21.57 percent to 21.76 euros after a profit warning due to setbacks in the Americas, in part because companies had delayed research because of the World Cup.- Euro rallies from lows -In Brussels, meanwhile, a European Union source said the bloc will add to its sanctions list 15 Ukrainian and Russian people and 18 entities over their role in the Ukraine crisis.They are also mulling moving beyond current visa bans and asset freezes, under pressure to do more after the alleged shooting down of flight MH17 by rebels using a Russian-made missile.EU moves against Moscow have hit the euro in recent days, resulting in it falling to multi-month low points.On Thursday, the European single currency hit a new eight-month low against the dollar at $1.3438. It later recovered to $1.3467, compared with $1.3462 late in New York on Wednesday.The euro rose to 79.31 British pence from 78.99 on Wednesday. The pound dropped to $1.6979 from $1.7040.In London, gains to banking shares and for miners helped to offset heavy falls to home improvements firm Kingfisher and no-frills airline EasyJet.Kingfisher shed 8.18 percent to 308.50 pence after revealing poor trading figures for France, while Easyjet lost 4.99 percent to 1,333 pence as its forecast for higher annual profits came in below market expectations.Despite having issued its second profit upgrade this year, EasyJet has undershot market expectations for the latest number, with the result that the shares have come under pressure, said Richard Hunter, head of equities at Hargreaves Lansdown Stockbrokers.

Eurozone economy rebounds in July, but France lags: survey

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BRUSSELS (AFP) - The eurozone economy showed signs of a rebound in July after several months of sluggish activity, but France stood out as a laggard, a closely watched survey showed on Thursday.Eurozone growth rebounded in July, the private Markit research group, which published the data, said while warning that the crisis in Ukraine is clouding the outlook.Its set of leading indicators - the purchasing managers index (PMI) - turned in a figure of 54, above the 50-point signalling growth or downturn, up from 52.8 in June.But the French economy showed further signs of slowing with an index reading of 49.4.The French manufacturing sector was showing signs of sharp downturn and the services sector was sluggish. This reflected gloomy internal demand and a low level of confidence among businesses and households, Markit said.The survey, widely regarded as reliable leading indicators on the course of economies, showed that countries on the edge of the eurozone which had been hardest hit at the height of the eurozone debt crisis, were achieving their strongest growth since 2007.Germany was also showing strong growth, Markit said.Across the 18-member eurozone, many companies reported that business had picked up again in July after an unusually high number of holidays, the survey said.However, growth of orders slowed slightly in July amid sings that expansion, especially in manufacturing, is being subdued by geopolitical concerns, in particular the escalating crisis in Ukraine, Markit said.- France stagnates -But there were big differences between national performances. Activity in Germany was expanding strongly, but in France activity was contracting while growth accelerated elsewhere.In the rest of the eurozone, business activity showed the biggest monthly increase since August 2007, before the financial crisis, Markit said.Markits chief economist Chris Williamson said the latest figures suggested that the eurozone economy was growing at one of the strongest rates we have seen in the past three years.But there was notable concern about the potential economic impact of the situation in Ukraine.However, while eurozone peripheral countries were picking up speed, and the German economy was growing robustly, the French economy is stagnating at best.Berenberg bank economist Christian Schulz gave a more optimistic reading of the results for France.The eurozone recovery remains intact. Germanys domestic demand as well as the recovery in the reformed periphery are getting stronger and recent progress in France raises the chances that even the biggest laggard will at least stabilise, he said, while noting that the crisis in Ukraine could weigh on sentiment.At Capital Economics, economist Jessica Hinds said that the latest data was promising, but unlikely to alleviate concerns that the economic recovery is failing to gain momentum and showed that France was in recessionary territory.Comment on wider economic news, Berenberg economist Holger Schmieding said: The policies to tackle the euro crisis are paying off. The biggest current concerns in the eurozone are the impact of (Russian President) Putins aggression against Ukraine on core Europe and the parlous state of France.
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