Tuesday 28 July 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Muzaffargarh: 14 terrorists killed in police encounter

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MUZAFFARGARH (Dunya News) – At least 14 terrorists of a banned outfit were killed in an encounter with police in Shahwali area near Muzaffargarh in early Wednesday morning.Police sources informed that chief of a banned outfit Malik Ishaq and his two sons were among the killed terrorists.Sources further informed that eight police officials were also injured in the encounter. The injured police officials and bodies of dead terrorists were shifted to District Headquarters Hospital, Muzaffargarh.Further details are awaited.

7 death row convicts hanged in various cities

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Seven more death row convicts, including a father and his son, were sent to the gallows in different jails of Punjab on early Wednesday morning, Dunya News reported.According to details, three death row prisoners were executed in District Jail Attock. Those who were executed in Attock included Muhammad Safdar, Aftab Ahmad and his son Muhammad Usman.Death row convict Nayer Abbas was hanged in Central Jail Multan. Nayer Abbas had killed a man in Muzaffargarh over a business dispute in 1996.Death row prisoner Muhammad Anwar was executed in District Jail Sargodha. Prisoner Anwar was guilty of killing a man in 2002.Prisoner Ahmad Din was hanged in District Jail Jhang. Ahmad Din had killed one of his relatives in 2001 while another death row convict was executed in Kasur.

Solar Impulse 2 needs 20mn euros to complete flight

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GENEVA (AFP) - The team behind the sun-powered Solar Impulse 2 plane on Tuesday said it needed an additional 20 million euros ($22 million) to complete a historic round-the-world flight, after battery damage grounded it for months. A spokeswoman for the record-breaking project told AFP this figure was just an initial estimation and that the funds would cover the salaries of 150 people, logistics and material for the coming year. The plane suffered irreversible damage to parts of its battery system during a gruelling, five-day journey from Japan to Hawaii. The project had initially hoped the repairs could be completed within weeks, but the extent of the damage grounded the plane in Hawaii until at least April of next year. Solar Impulse 2 has been flown alternatively by Swiss businessman and pilot Andre Borschberg and his partner Bertrand Piccard, also a Swiss national and an aviator. Piccard is reportedly in Europe seeking to raise the money to sustain the project which hopes to fly an aircraft around the world without using a drop of fuel. Borschberg, who has also returned to Europe, smashed the previous record for a solo flight with his 118-hour journey across the Pacific Ocean. The previous record of 76 hours and 45 minutes had been set by US adventurer Steve Fossett in 2006.The Solar Impulse is currently parked at a hanger near to and monitored by the University of Hawaii. Once repairs are completed, the plane is expected to cross the United States, stopping in New York before a trans-Atlantic flight to Europe.From there, the pilots plan to make their way back to the point of departure in Abu Dhabi.

Ants use brawn and brains to haul heavy loads: study

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PARIS (AFP) - Ants have an astonishing ability to mix collective muscle with individual initiative for heavy lifting, a study published Tuesday has revealed.In experiments, researchers showed how a dozen or more ants working in unison to haul, say, a large insect can adjust their course based on intelligence provided by a single ant joining the effort.Realising somehow that the group is off-course or headed for trouble, the scout subtly signalled a needed change in direction by tugging at a different angle. Rather than resisting, the others fell into line. The individual ant has the idea of how to pass an obstacle but lacks the muscle power to move the load, explained Ofer Feinerman, the studys main architect and a researcher at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.The group is there to amplify the leaders strength so that she can actually implement her idea, he told AFP.Just as surprising, the same ant that took the lead will, 10 to 20 seconds later, yield that role to another new arrival with more up-to-date information.As far as we can tell, the scout is no different than the other ants, Feinerman said by email.No one designates the leader, she -- not he -- designates herself because she has current knowledge about the correct direction.Ants are among the very few animals, besides humans, that organise among themselves to collectively carry loads far heavier than an individual member of their species.One of the challenges, for ants or humans, is finding a balance between synchronised action, or conformity, on the one hand, and the flexibility needed to adapt, on the other.Animals living in groups -- a school of fish, a flock of sheep -- have evolved to act in concert, a quality needed for coordinated movement. This is what allows the ants to pull together, rather than apart, Feinerman said. But sometimes this so-called behaviour conformism is a drawback, which is where the information-bearing scouts come in.The interplay of group and individual effort can be compared to the relationship between a eight-person team rowing in unison and their coxswain, who steers the boat and keeps an eye on the competition.One difference, though, is that to guide the load the ant must pull as well, Feinerman said. While all the ants row in the same direction that the boat is moving, the leader rows in the direction she knows to be correct.The researchers speculate that an ant temporarily assumes leadership simply by showing up, and that she does not need to communicate her presence, Feinerman added. The ant chosen for the experiments, Paratrechina longicornis, is an invasive species found worldwide. In summer, they typically transport large - at least compared to their three-millimetre bodies - insects to their nests for consumption.The study, published in Nature Communications, also discovered that there is an optimal number of ants -- about 15 -- for reaching maximum speed when hauling.For the experiments, the scientists used Cheerio cereal that had been stored in a bag of cat food overnight to make it attractive to the ants.

US crude oil snaps 4-day losing streak, Brent slips

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NEW YORK (AFP) - US crude oil prices rose for the first time in five days Tuesday, while Brent dropped amid worries about abundant global supplies ahead of the weekly US petroleum inventories report. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for September delivery rose 59 cents to $47.98 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.Brent North Sea crude for delivery in September closed at $53.30 a barrel in London trade, slipping 17 cents from Mondays settlement in a fifth day in a row of declines.Commodity markets in general were calmer after a recent rout fueled by weak economic data and a plunge in Chinese equities that has investors on edge about Chinas slowing economy.After Mondays 8.5 percent drop in Chinese stocks, the steepest one-day fall in eight years, Shanghai-traded stocks shed a relatively modest 1.7 percent, helping to put US and European equities on the upswing.Kyle Cooper of IAF Advisors said that much of Tuesdays WTI gain is due to a normal market rebound, as the market had fallen a lot... and was way too oversold. US equities are rebounding as well so I think the market is taking a little bit of breather, he added.Analysts fear the turmoil in Chinas stock market will affect demand in the worlds second-biggest crude consumer after the United States.The potential for decreased Chinese demand amid the current global oil glut has hit an already bearish market, said Robbie Fraser of Schneider Electric.Strong Iraqi and worldwide production numbers have prompted some recent reports to anticipate that the global oversupply will last another 18 months, Fraser said. Until the oversupply is reigned in, any meaningful rebound for crude prices remains unlikely.Analysts expect the US Department of Energy to report that the countrys crude stockpiles rose by 700,000 barrels last week, according to a survey by Bloomberg News.Lat week the DoE said US refineries had pumped out about an average of 16.9 million barrels per day in the previous week as they operated at a high 95.5 percent of capacity.

Dollar strengthens ahead of Fed policy statement

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NEW YORK (AFP) - The dollar firmed against the euro and yen Tuesday as the Federal Reserve opened a two-day meeting expected to leave unchanged zero-level interest rates.But the Federal Open Market Committee policy statement to be issued Wednesday could provide insight into the Feds plan to raise its benchmark federal funds rate this year.Based on the uneven price action of the dollar, investors are waiting with bated breath for the FOMC statement, said Kathy Lien of BK Asset Management.Lien pointed out that the market was divided on the timing of when the Fed will lift the fed funds rate, stuck at zero since late 2008 to support the economys crawl back from the Great Recession.With some predicting the hike in September and others in December, the tone of the FOMC statement will have a significant impact on rate hike expectations, she said.The pound gained ground against the greenback, boosted by data showing the British economys growth accelerated in the second quarter to 0.7 percent, from 0.4 percent in the prior quarter.Todays report suggests that UK growth rates are ticking towards the high end of historical business cycles, furthering speculation that the BoE (Bank of England) will be raising rates sooner than people think, said Christopher Vecchio at DailyFX.The US governments first estimate of second-quarter growth is due Thursday. The worlds largest economy contracted 0.2 percent in the first quarter.

Cook backs Bell to come good at number three

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BIRMINGHAM (AFP) - England captain Alastair Cook has backed Ian Bell to return to form following the veteran batsmans promotion to number three for the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston.Bell, Englands most experienced batsman, having made his Test debut 11 years ago, has struggled for runs during the Ashes thus far with scores of one, 60, one and 11 in the first two matches. There had been speculation that, with England repeatedly suffering top-order collapses, Bell might be dropped for the third Test at his Warwickshire home ground starting Wednesday after Australia levelled the five-match series at 1-1 with a crushing 405-run win at Lords.But despite two failures in the second Test, Bell has been promoted to number three after England dropped Gary Ballance and brought in Jonny Bairstow to bat at five.Hes delighted to be back at three, Cook said of Bell on Tuesday.Its a great opportunity to get in and make his mark on the game. Hes a proven international player and I think hell relish the chance to bat at three. Also being at his home ground is a really great opportunity. There had been speculation that the in-form Joe Root might be promoted to number three and opening batsman Cook said: The selectors would have thrown that around in the meetings.But they decided (to go with) the experience Ians got in terms of 100-odd Test matches. Belly at three and Rooty at four looks pretty good.Cook added: Weve found ourselves over the last six months or so three wickets down early on too many occasions. So there has been a bit of a rejig.Congratulations to Jonny - hes knocked the door down, with his weight of runs for Yorkshire, averaging over 100 for the side thats top of the league. Thats fantastic cricket at any level, let alone the First Division with Yorkshire.Bells recent performances have revived a longstanding criticism that, for all the technical ability that has yielded over 7,000 Test runs at an average of more than 43 with 22 hundreds, he is rarely a man for a crisis.I still believe that when Im playing at my best Im a world-class player, Bell, whose 562 runs at an average of 62 played a key role in Englands 2013 home Ashes series win, told Sky Sports.I know that I havent done that to my capability over the last six or seven Test matches, and hopefully this is the start of me kicking on and going forward again.England have a fitness doubt regarding fast bowler Mark Wood, who has a history of ankle trouble, with Steven Finn standing by if the Durham paceman is ruled out.Were a little bit concerned with Woody and well have to make that call tomorrow, said Cook.Despite the scale of Englands defeat at Lords, Cook backed his side to bounce back at Edgbaston with the team having followed every previous Test defeat theyve suffered this year with a win.Its 1-1, a three-match series now and we need to win two games to do something very special, said Cook.Thats what is keeping everyone going. Lords was an absolute disaster in one sense, after Cardiff (where England won the first Test by 169 runs) to play as badly as that. Thats gone now. As professional sportsmen you have to keep looking forward to the next thing rather than keep dwelling on the past.

Clarke opts for new-style helmet after Rogers injury

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BIRMINGHAM (AFP) - The injury suffered by team-mate Chris Rogers has finally convinced Australia captain Michael Clarke to wear one of the new-look helmets developed following the death of Phillip Hughes, he said on Tuesday.Former Australia batsman Hughes died after being struck on an unprotected area of the neck while batting during a first-class domestic Sheffield Shield match in Sydney in November.His death prompted Masuri, one of the leading manufacturers, to develop a helmet with a clip-on foam guard that provides additional protection and comes with an adjusted face grille.Rogers, struck by a James Anderson bouncer while making a Test-best 173 during Australias 405-run win over England at Lords this month, credited the new stem guard with preventing a more serious injury.Clarke, who had struggled to get used to the attachment, said: Obviously what happened to Hughes, as soon as those new helmets and ear pieces came out I thought I am going to try this I have just spent the last six months trying to get used to it.But what finally persuaded Clarke, who gave a moving eulogy at Hughess funeral, of the need to change helmets was the sight of Rogers getting hit by Anderson.Obviously the Hughesy stuff is still on the front of my mind and then next morning Bucky (Rogers) came out and got hit right on the same spot, Clarke said. I got rid of my old helmet there and then and made up my mind I am using the new one. With top batsmen having the same reverence for their equipment as a concert violinist has for a cherished Stradivarius, this was a significant change on Clarkes part.My gear hasnt changed for my whole career, he said. My pads are the same, gloves are the same, so you are used to what you are used to.Because I wear my collar up I can feel it there, it is more of a feel thing, like anything it is just about making that change.

Pakistan gets $336m to support forces in Afghanistan

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KARACHI (AFP) - Pakistan on Tuesday received some $336 million from the United States for its ongoing role in combating a Taliban insurgency in neighbouring Afghanistan.The injection of cash, which comes as the Taliban steps up its annual summer offensive launched in late April, has helped Pakistans foreign exchange reserves reach a fresh high of about $19 billion, state bank officials said.Regular payments to Pakistan under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) programme began in 2001 when Pakistan joined the US-led coalition in Afghanistan as a frontline ally.Pakistan provides use of its air bases and other facilities in exchange for the reimbursements.The central State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in a one-line press note said it had received a total of $336.8 million under the CSF programme, which is the first tranche of a $1.5 billion for the current fiscal year ending June 2016.Pakistan has received a total of $13 billion in CSF payments since the programme began. US-led NATO forces ended their combat mission in Afghanistan in December, leaving local forces to battle militants alone, but a 13,000-strong residual force remains for training and counter-terrorism operations.The Afghan government meanwhile conducted its first face-to-face talks with Taliban cadres on July 7 in a Pakistani hill station, aimed at ending the 14-year insurgency.But despite the willingness to engage in talks there has been no let-up in militant attacks, which are taking a heavy toll on civilians.Almost 1,000 civilians were killed in the conflict during the first four months of this year, a sharp jump from the same period last year, according to the United Nations.

Altaf Hussain demands outing of PTI lawmakers from parliament

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LONDON (Dunya News) – Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chairman Altaf Hussain on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to kick Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers – who had resigned – out from the parliament, adding that PTI chairman Imran Khan’s focus was tug of war for power, Dunya News reported.In a statement, Altaf Hussain alleged that Imran Khan diverted the nation’s attention from real issues to the tug of war of power. He said PTI’s lawmakers that had resigned should be kicked out of the parliament.MQM chief said all efforts should be directed to resolving the basic issues of the people. He said Imran Khan should have accepted the decision of the judicial commission with grace.

PTA bans cordless phones

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has placed a ban on sale of Dect Sip cordless phones on Tuesday, reported Dunya News.Zones of Enforcement Division have contacted Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), police, Traders Union and importers and conducted a meeting.According to a declaration issued by PTA, cordless phones use mobile spectrum authorized by phone licenses which decrease the quality of mobile for consumers.The declaration reads that action will be taken against those who are involved in selling and buying of cordless phones.

PM Nawaz summons emergency conference

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif summoned an emergency meeting of all parliamentary leaders on Wednesday. The meeting has been called to consult on report of inquiry commission, reported Dunya News on Tuesday.The conference will begin at 1100 hours tomorrow in Parliament House in PM’s Chamber.According to sources, discussion will be done on the report of inquiry commission and consensus will be taken from different leaders over the report.Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Jamiat-e-UIema Fazl’s (JUI-F) movements against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will also be discussed, it is learnt.Invitations have been extended to leaders of all parties by the PM for the event.

Kick corrupt police officers out or I will, warns Chaudhary Nisar

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar expressed extreme displeasure at the performance of police on Tuesday. He said that corrupt officers should be sent home otherwise he would see to it personally, reported Dunya News.Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar held a high level meeting at Punjab House in Islamabad where Inspector General (IG) Tahir Alam, Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Sajid Kayani and other police officers took part.Chaudhary Nisar ordered arrest and discharge from service for 2 policemen including SHO Khalid Awan and ASI Sadiq for letting a foreign woman escape.Interior Minister ordered remuneration and rewards for those who had shown exemplary conduct and performed their duties during Eid.Chaudhary Nisar directed the police to launch a grand operation in Tarnol, Bara Kahu and Sabzi Mandi adding that the operation would be directed against dubious persons only.The operation will be launched in cooperation with NADRA officials and intelligence agencies, it is learnt.

Karachi: Suspects involved in acid attack at air-hostess arrested

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KARACHI: (Dunya News) – 3 suspects were on Tuesday arrested by the Karachi police for being involved in throwing acid at an air-hostess. Police also arrested a businessman, named Malik Qurban, in the case. Police told that Qurban gave money to the suspects for throwing acid at Zainab Iqbal, the air-hostess, reported Dunya News.Acting on secret information in Nabi Bakhsh, police arrested the 3 acid throwers, named Danish, Abdul Rahim aka Asif and Muhammad Ashraf. Businessman Malik Qurban was arrested on the information provided by the arrested suspects.According to SSP City Fida Hussain, Qurban Malik gave the suspects Rs. 200,000 to throw acid on Zainab Iqbal. Fida Hussain told that Qurban Malik also wanted to get her wife murdered by the same suspects.Acid was thrown at air-hostess Zainab Iqbal in Shah Latif area on July 15, 2015.

CM Punjab furious at Irrigation officer on his visit to Layyah

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LAYYAH: (Dunya News) – Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif was on Tuesday furious at an Irrigation officer in Layyah when the government officer told him that the PC-1 of a project for safety from flood has been sent to directly the federal government instead of provincial government, reported Dunya News.CM Punjab was furious at the performance of the Irrigation department. He arrived at the Bhakri Ahmed Khan embankment in Layyah. During the briefing, an Irrigation officer told him that the PC-1 for a project related to safety from flood has been sent to the federal government, upon which the CM Punjab was furious.Shahbaz Sharif was also disappointed at the performance of the Irrigation department for not conducting the study of Nullah Kreek. CM ordered every possible step to be taken for safety of the people from the flood and demanded long-term plans for approval after the flood.
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