Thursday 12 November 2015

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Asia markets follow US, Europe down as energy firms tumble

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HONG KONG (AFP) - Asian stocks sank Friday in line with hefty losses in Europe and New York, with energy firms taking a hit from falling commodities prices and fears about the global economy.Shares in Europe and the United States ended deep in the red Thursday, with weak earnings reports exacerbating another slide in the price of oil and other commodities that suggest the world economy is struggling.The black gold tumbled Thursday after the US Department of Energy said commercial inventories last week surged more than expected, indicating weak demand. That came after a separate report by the American Petroleum Institute Tuesday showed inventories jumped by six million barrels.Prices have halved since peaking in June last year above $100, hit by tepid demand in a weak global economy, and a supply glut in the face of near-record output levels.In early Asian trade US benchmark West Texas Intermediate was down 20 cents and Brent was five cents higher at $44.11 at around 0130 GMT. On Thursday WTI ended $1.18 a barrel down and Brent sank $1.75.Adding to the pain is a growth slowdown in China, the worlds biggest energy user, which has also impacted on other commodities such as copper and iron ore.Among Asian energy firms, Sydney-listed miner BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto gave up more than two percent while Origin was 4.6 percent lower.And in Hong Kong struggling mining giant Glencore tumbled 6.5 percent, following a 7.6 percent slump in its London-listed shares. Sinopecs Shanghai-listed stock lost 1.5 percent.The selling put downward pressure on stock markets across the region, with Hong Kong, which jumped 2.4 percent Thursday, and Sydney worst affected. Tokyo and Shanghai pared some early losses but remained stuck in negative territory.All three main indexes on Wall Street, as well as London, Paris and Frankfurt, ended sharply lower and lost more than one percent.The dollar edged up against its major rivals after several top Federal Reserve officials cautiously hinted at a US interest rate hike at next months policy meeting, although traders remained wary with global markets still fragile.However, they mostly also said the central bank should be cautious, while New York Fed President William C. Dudley adding that any increases should be minimal, citing still-weak rises in prices.After liftoff commences, I expect that the pace of tightening will be quite gradual, he said, according to Bloomberg News.In part, that is because monetary policy is not as stimulative as the low level of the federal funds rate might suggest.Bets on a hike surged -- sending the dollar rocketing -- after data last Friday showed a better-than-forecast jump in new jobs in October and a fall in the unemployment rate to a seven-and-a-half year low.

Tennis: Champ Djokovic to face Federer in Tour Finals

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LONDON (AFP) - Defending champion Novak Djokovic has been handed an early showdown with Roger Federer as the world number one launches his bid for a fourth successive ATP Tour Finals title.Djokovic arrives in south London hoping to win the prestigious season-ending event for a fifth time to cap another remarkable year that saw him win three Grand Slam crowns and cement his position on top of the world rankings.The 28-year-old Serb will get a quick test of his appetite for further success on the banks of the River Thames when he faces Swiss great Federer in the 43rd instalment of their rivalry.They are tied at 21 wins each, with Djokovic defeating Federer in the Wimbledon and US Open finals this year.Federer is no slouch at the Tour Finals either, having won the tournament a record six times, but not even he reeled off four successive titles and Djokovic would become the first player to achieve that impressive feat if he lifts the trophy on November 22.If Djokovic triumphs he will also draw level with Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl as five-time Tour Finals winners.Also in Djokovics group are Japans Kei Nishikori, his first opponent when the event gets underway on Sunday, and Czech world number five Tomas Berdych.This has been, by far, the most successful season of my life and I just try to better it, Djokovic said.Despite having won so much over the last 11 months, 10-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic has shown no signs of easing up as the season winds down.Since losing to Federer in the Cincinnati final in August, Djokovic has embarked on a 22-match winning run that has brought him the US Open, the China Open and Masters 1000 titles in Shanghai and Paris.- Murray focus -================The other group in the round-robin tournament, which features the worlds top eight players, sees Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka and David Ferrer pitted together.Most of the interest in that group will focus on former Wimbledon champion Murray.The world number two has never won the Tour Finals, but he may not be too concerned if he makes an early exit on home turf this year as he has made the Davis Cup his number one priority in recent months.Murray has led Great Britain in their first Davis Cup final in 37 years and his country will bid for a first title since 1936 when they face Belgium in Ghent less than a week after the end of the Tour Finals.After previously hinting he might pull out of the Tour Finals to give him more time to adapt to the clay surface chosen for the Davis Cup final, Murray has decided to participate, but it will be intriguing to see how he reacts if his troublesome lower back injury flares up over the coming week.Federer, mindful of Switzerlands looming Davis Cup final appearance, pulled out of last years Tour Finals final against Djokovic due to injury.I feel fresh and hopefully I can play some good tennis this week, Murray said.I feel good about the Davis Cup final. I have been practising at Queens on clay for the past four days.

Football: Rooney welcomes challenge for england place

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ALICANTE (AFP) - England captain Wayne Rooney admitted he is under more pressure for his place in the national team than at any point in his international career by an emerging group of promising strikers.Rooney, 30, is Englands all-time leading scorer with 50 goals in his 107 caps, but he will be left on the bench by coach Roy Hodgson for a glamour friendly against Spain in Alicante on Friday.Hodgson was quick to underline his decision was based firmly on the opportunity to hand others the chance to make their case ahead of next years European Championships.However, with the likes of Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane having outscored Rooney in the Premier League so far this season and with Hodgson hoping Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott will all return from injury in time for the Euros, Rooney accepts he cant take his place for granted.Its the best group of strikers certainly since Ive been involved in the squad, said Rooney.Youve got players like Welbeck, Sturridge and Theo who are out injured and its a huge array of talent.I think its great for the country because in previous years weve gone into tournaments and we havent really had that many match winners in the squad and now weve got quite a few which can certainly benefit us as a team.It is a huge challenge to keep your place in the team and that is what I want to do.I feel, certainly since Roy has been in charge, my international form has been great. Ive scored a lot of goals and hopefully I can keep doing that.Hodgson had been hoping to start Vardy against the European champions, but an injury picked up last weekend is likely to mean the on-form Leicester City striker misses out with Kane set to lead the line in Rooneys absence.England romped through their qualification campaign with a 100 percent record from their 10 games to bounce back from a hugely disappointing group stage exit at the 2014 World Cup.And Hodgson welcomes the thought of having far more difficult decisions to make when it comes to picking his final 23-man squad for the Euros than he faced before going to Brazil.It would be nice to have all those players back fit and fighting for a place. Its such a different situation to during and after the World Cup when I dont think we had that degree of people knocking on the door, he said.In the past there wasnt as many candidates which excited people so I can only see that as an advantage.It could lead to being a disadvantage for one or two of the candidates going forward because they might not make the final cut, but everyone has got their chance.Hodgson confirmed another promising talent in Ross Barkley will also start against Spain and he urged the Everton man to make himself undroppable after a two-year spell in which he has faded in an out of the team.I think the future is unbelievably bright for a player like Ross Barkley. It is up to him to keep working, keep improving and make sure his name in the future is one I cant possibly leave out.

Facebook tests vanishing messages

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SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Facebook users in France were able to send vanishing missives with its smartphone Messenger application on Thursday, ramping up the challenge to Snapchat.Were conducting a small test in France of a feature that allows people to send messages that disappear an hour after theyre sent, Facebook told AFP.Disappearing messages gives people another fun option to choose from when they communicate on Messenger.Tapping an hourglass icon on the top right of the screen in Messenger will allow users to send messages designed to vanish an hour after they are sent.The feature is being tested on versions of the Messenger application for mobile devices powered by Apple or Android software. If it proves successful, the feature would likely be made available in other countries.Making ephemeral messages an option in Messenger is a direct challenge to smartphone-messaging rival Snapchat.Snapchats appeal has been the premise that messages disappear shortly after being viewed, providing users a sense of being able to keep pictures or videos private and ephemeral.Los Angeles-based Snapchat rocketed to popularity in the United States, especially among teenagers, after the initial app was released in September 2011.Snapchat rejected a $3 billion takeover offer from Facebook in 2013.Facebook earlier this year began testing a Messenger app virtual assistant that the leading social network said goes beyond artificial intelligence programs already on the market.The personal digital assistant -- dubbed M -- completes tasks along with seeking out information at the behest of users.

Rawalpindi: Two officers killed, two injured as suspects open fire

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RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Suspects on Thursday night opened fire at a patrolling Muhafiz squad killing two of the officers while injuring 2 others in Ratta Amral, Rawalpindi.All 4 wounded officers were shifted to DHQ Hospital where two of the constables Yasin and Tanvir succumbed to their injuries.Police have set up barriers and check points in various areas of the city in order to hunt down the suspects.Two other officers are also being given first aid treatment for wounds.

Lahore: Robbers loot millions from Doce Bakery shop

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Robbers looted millions of rupees from renowned confectionery Doce Bakery shop. The incident occurred in Lahore’s Baghbanpura area when four armed dacoits entered into the confectionary and robbed mobiles and cash from two citizens. The suspects also looted Rs. 3.5 lac from the Bakery’s cash register and fled the scene.Speaking on the incident, police stated that a four-member dacoit gang was responsible for these sort of crimes in the city and this gang has long been wanted by the police.This is the third case of robbery from Doce, while various branches of the confectionery have been looted 38 times during this year only.

Govt, opposition says Brahumdagh Bugti not serious about negotiations

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ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Members of the government and opposition on Thursday stated that the rebel Baloch leader and Nawab Akbar Bugti’s grandson Nawabzada Brahumdagh Bugti was himself not serious about genuine negotiations with the government. Members stated that Chief Minister (CM) Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik had prepared a complete mandate pertaining to the matter and had arranged a dialogue on negotiations; however Bugti displayed a frivolous attitude towards the development.Influential members of the government and opposition have been making an effort to disarm militants and negotiate with exiled Baloch leaders to incorporate them into mainstream politics for peace and stability in the region.Commenting on the meeting between Bugti and CM Balochistan, members stated that CM Balochistan has complete support of the Federal and Provincial government, the Establishment and the military leadership as well. Opposition members further stated that they were completely willing for the negotiations.Both government and opposition parties were seen in mutual agreement over peace and stability in the Balochistan province with similar policies on negotiations with the exiled Baloch leaders.The Baloch leader had earlier expressed his approval for negotiations with government. However, he had further added that the CM Balochistan had no powers.Bugti also stated that his grandfather had never really put a restriction on discussion with the government.

Karachi: Six TTP terrorists shot dead in clash, two officers wounded

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – A significant plan of terrorism was foiled as six terrorists of the banned organization Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were shot dead during a clash with the police Thursday night in Manghopir area of Karachi. Two officers were also wounded during the ensuing gun battle.According to the details, Senior Superintentdent of Police (SSP) Rao Anwar’s special team conducted a raid near Manghopir water treatment plant on a tip off by intelligence officials. Terrorists opened fire at the police during the raid.According to SSP Anwar, two terrorists have been identified as Haider and Abdullah.SSP Anwar also informed that the terrorists were involved in the cases of target killing of officers and constables, kidnapping for ransom and used to gather funds for the TTP.SSP Rao Anwar further said that large amount of munitions has been confiscated from the terrorists’ hideout.Police officials stated that operation against terrorism by the police and the Rangers will continue until its complete eradication.

Imran lost in Punjab, has no chance of success in Sindh: Khursheed Shah

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SUKKUR (Dunya News) – Opposition leader Khursheed Shah on Thursday stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Chairman (PTI) Imran Khan even lost the elections in Punjab so he has no chance of winning from Sindh. Talking to the media in Sukkur, the opposition leader also stated that Khan should first focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and only then should think of victories from other areas. Speaking on the Local Government (LG) elections, Shah stated that the army or the Rangers should be appointed where necessary.During a discussion earlier today with media at Karachi’s 11th Book Fair, Shah commented that the PTI chief is a mature scientist, however, Khan will not believe even if he himself won the election. Shah also remarked that everyone in the country needs improvement and not just the Sharifs.Shah also spoke on the matter of “good governance” and criticized the Army Chief’s statement, expressing that the army’s call for it through ISPR was an inaccurate move.Read Further:Armys call for good governance through ISPR inaccuratePreviously, while addressing the National Assembly (NA), Shah remarked that the Corps Commanders’ Conference seeking ‘better governance’ was an important hint to the government.Read Further:Armys call for good governance a key hint to govtEarlier today the PTI chief had severely criticized both Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League—Nawaz (PML-N). Addressing a public meeting for local body election campaign in Hyderabad, Khan said that freedom from the ruling mafia would demand sacrifices and that a handful of people are creating hurdles in the way of change. Khan said that PML-N and PPP have been ruling in turns for several years. He said that the ruling parties enjoy police’s help in the elections. Khan also stated that PPP has ruled 6 times during the last 30 years. The PTI chairman had also compared LG elections in the three provinces stating Sindh and Punjab local bodies will be given no powers while the people of KP will be able to take their own decisions. Khan stated that however, all the decisions in Sindh and Punjab will be taken by their chief ministers.Also Read:Imran rejoices as Shah Mehmood confirms not leaving PTI

Karachi: Moon Garden Flat residents spend second night on sidewalks

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KARACHI (Dunya News) – Residents of the Moon Garden Flats, Karachi on Thursday were forced to spend a second night on the sidewalks without any shelter. Tears streamed down the faces of women as they looked helplessly at their children sleeping on the roads. Even the Local government Minister could only offer his condolences and went on his way afterwards.According to the details, residents protesting against the forced evacuation from their homes stated that government officials and builders had deceived them, the price of which they were paying.Read Further:Residents spend cold night under open skies as Moon Garden Flats sealedObserving the sensitive situation, Local Minister Nasir Shah attempted to offer hope to the distraught residents saying that the Sindh government will offer its complete legal help to solve the distress of the resident families.The hope did offer some relief to the severely distressed families; however nobody knows exactly how many days it will take before the dwellers can move back into the warm shelter of their homes.Earlier today the Sindh High Court (SHC) dismissed the petition of the residents of the Moon Garden flats after terming it inadmissible. The affectees have been, however, permitted to become party to the case. a petition had been filed in the Sindh High Court in which the petitioners sought vacation of eviction orders given to the police until the appeal in Supreme Court is finalised.Read Further:SHC denies motion to stay vacation of Moon Garden flatsIt was also submitted in the petition that the residents of the flats are living in legally leased flats and therefore, the decision must be reviewed.A Sindh High Court bench comprising Justice Sajjad Ali Shah termed the petition inadmissible for hearing and dismissed it.It said the builder has violated the Supreme Court order, adding that if the residents want they can file a fresh appeal tomorrow (Friday) or become party to a case already being heard.Documents received by Dunya News show that the building was being constructed for en years and as per the documents, the Cantonment Board had approved maps of project’s Block A and B while the KCE approved the maps of blocks C, D, E and F.Neighbours stated that the authorities allowed the construction proceed at the time despite the fact it was being built on a grabbed land but now there’s no remedy for people who have spent their life savings to purchase flats.Watch Video:

London: Modi perturbed by harsh questions, denies extremism in India

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LONDON (Dunya News/AFP) – Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was greatly perturbed by the harsh questioning from journalists during a joint press conference by the Indian and British PM David Cameron on Thursday. Modi outright denied that there was extremism in India during the rigorous question and answer session in the conference saying the government is not responsible for every incident.The Indian PM met his British counterpart in London and addressed a press conference after meeting the British PM. In a question pertaining to the rising extremism in India, Modi dodged the query with a confusing statement calling the Indian soil being the homeland of Buddhist spiritual leader Gautama Buddha and Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi.Modi was previously banned from visiting both the UK and the US due to the anti-Muslim riots in 2002 that left at least a 1000 people dead in the western state of Gujarat where he was serving as a high official. On a question related to the ban, Modi again avoided the inquiry, only managing to give reference to his 2003 visit.Journalists also raised critical questions with relevance to the Gujarat massacre and the on-going protests in London against his visit. However, Modi remained oblivious to these inquiries and only gave confusing, vague answers to the question.Earlier today, Up to 500 people protested outside Downing Street in London against the visit of Indian PM Narendra Modi ahead of talks with David Cameron. Many of the protestors were Pakistanis and Kashmiris along with Sikh and Nepalese. British Member of Parliament Lord Nazir also took part in the protests.Read Further:Hundreds show up at Downing Street to protest against Modis London visitModi’s and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have faced accusations from opponents that they are failing to protect minorities.The Indian PM is on a three-day visit to Britain which will include talks with Cameron, lunch with Queen Elizabeth II and a rally with supporters at Wembley Stadium.

US doubts Syria breakthrough at next talks

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WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States does not expect Saturdays international talks to agree a plan to end Syrias civil war, with participants divided over the fate of President Bashar al-Assad, Secretary of State John Kerry said.But, he cautioned, enough common ground exists between the main protagonists Washington and Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran to forge ahead with efforts to develop a timetable for action based on interim steps.The Vienna talks, bringing together 17 countries and three international bodies, are the second round of negotiations between foreign actors with a stake in Syrias four-and-a-half-year war.The aim is to agree on a structure for a political transition and to decide which of the Syrian government, rebel and opposition factions -- none of them yet represented at the talks -- will take part.At the first round last month, Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov agreed to disagree about Assads role, allowing the talks to go forward but leaving their eventual success in doubt.According to a leaked version of the latest draft Russian proposal, Moscow wants ally Assad to stay in office during an 18-month transitional period -- a non-starter for Washington, which wants him gone.I cannot say this afternoon that we are on the threshold of a comprehensive agreement, no. There remains a lot of work to do, Kerry said in a speech to the US Institute of Peace, before setting off for Europe.The walls of mistrust within Syria, within the region, and within the international community, are thick and they are high, he warned.But those walls will never be breached unless we make a concerted and creative effort to surmount them. Our meeting at the end of October showed that the agreed basis for action is much wider than many had supposed.Kerry repeated the US view that Assads initial, bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests had created room for the rise of the Islamic State terrorist group, and that only his departure can unite Syrians.In Vienna, Kerry will be joined by envoys from the Arab League, Britain, China, Egypt, the European Union, France, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE and the United Nations.

Drunken pilot found to be the reason of crash landing of Shaheen Airlines

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LAHORE (Dunya News) – Drunken pilot was the reason of a crash landing of Shaheen Airlines’ aircraft, revealed a medical report. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced ‘medical raids’ at airports countrywide, reported Dunya News.According to the report presented in the aftermath of haphazard landing on November 9 of a Shaheen Airlines airplane, it was revealed that pilot was responsible for the dangerous landing. However in the medical report it has been revealed that the pilot was drunk and had 83% alcohol. It has also been revealed that the pilot had lack of sleep the previous night. Investigations have been launched against the pilot under due rules and regulations.CAA has also stated that it will conduct medical checkups on cabin crew in addition to pilot crew. Aviation’s airport doctors will also be able to conduct medical checkups, stated CAA.

World Bank approves 500mn USD loan for Pakistan

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KARACHI: (Dunya News) – World Bank has on Thursday approved loan worth US Dollars 500 million loan for Pakistan according to Finance Ministry. The loan was approved during the World Bank meeting in Washington, reported Dunya News.According to Finance Ministry, the amount will be spent on reforms in energy sector. World Bank board approved 500 million USD budget for Pakistan.

Twin suicide blasts kill 16 in Beirut Hezbollah bastion

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BEIRUT (AFP) - At least 16 people have been killed and dozens more wounded after twin suicide bombings rocked a stronghold of Lebanons Shiite Hezbollah movement in south Beirut, officials said.Police said two men on foot set off suicide vests in front of a shopping centre in Burj al-Barajneh, in the southern suburbs of the capital, where the movement is popular.The toll has risen has risen to 16 dead, there are dozens of wounded and this will not be the final toll, a Red Cross official told AFP.The explosions happened around 6:00 pm (1600 GMT), witnesses said.An AFP photographer saw extensive damage to buildings around the site of the blast and bodies inside some of the nearby shops.There was blood on the streets, and security forces were trying to cordon off the scene and keep people from gathering.The blast is the first to target Beiruts southern suburbs since June 2014, when a suicide car bomb killed a security officer who had tried to stop the bomber.But prior to that, a string of attacks targeted Hezbollah strongholds throughout the country.Between July 2013 and February 2014, there were nine attacks on Hezbollah bastions, most claimed by Sunni extremists.The groups claimed the attacks were in revenge for Hezbollahs decision to send thousands of fighters into neighbouring Syria to support President Bashar al-Assads forces against a Sunni-dominated uprising.
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