Bangalore beat Kolkata by five wickets

Updated at: 2027 PST, Wednesday, April 29, 2009 DURBAN: Bangalore Royal Challengers defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets with one ball left here at Kingsmead on Wednesday. Chasing an easy 140-run target, Bangalore fought hard to win their second match in the tournament off the penultimate ball. Shreevats Goswami top scored with 43 while Mark Boucher remained not out on 25 and Jacques Kallis made 23. Opening the innings, Goswami and...ful story

WHO raises flu alert to five as pandemic 'imminent'

Updated at: 0249 PST, Thursday, April 30, 2009 GENEVA: The World Health Organisation on Wednesday raised its flu alert to phase five out of six, WHO chief Margaret Chan said, signalling that a pandemic was "imminent" following the swine flu outbreak. "I have decided to raise the influenza pandemic alert from phase four to phase five," the WHO director general announced after an emergency meeting of the UN health agency's pandemic experts. .... ful story

Concerns US equipment may be used against India ‘misplaced’: Haqqani

Updated at: 1907 PST, Thursday, April 30, 2009 WASHINGTON: Pakistan has criticized U.S. media’s “panicked reactions” over the growing Taliban threat, saying the campaign was not conducive to strengthening Pakistani democracy or to developing an effective counterterrorism policy for the country. “Now that the Taliban have been driven out of Buner, and Pakistani forces have militarily engaged them just outside their Swat Valley ..... ful story

Forex reserves improve by $70.9 mln

Updated at: 2021 PST, Thursday, April 30, 2009 KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves of the country have registered an increase of 70.9 million dollars in a week ended April 25. The State Bank of Pakistan’s spokesman, Wasimuddin told Geo News that the foreign exchange reserves have risen to 11.15 billion dollars. The SBP holds 7.83 billion while the rest that is 3.31 billion dollars are with the commercial banks.

Third phase of Indian polls over
Updated at: 2319 PST, Thursday, April 30, 2009

NEW DELHI: An estimated 50 per cent of the 14.4 crore electorate today exercised their franchise in the third phase of Lok Sabha polls nine states and two union territories, which passed off by and large peacefully barring stray violence in Bihar and West Bengal.The electoral fate of political heavyweights Congress President Sonia Gandhi, BJP's prime ministerial nominee L K Advani, former prime minister and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda, senior Left .... Full Story

Problems faced by Pakistan are rooted in Afghan conflict: PM
Updated at: 2305 PST, Thursday, April 30, 2009

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday urged the NATO and ISAF to effectively deal with the issue of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan and drug trafficking which still remains the main source of funding for extremists and terrorist elements.This has led to exporting numerous problems to Pakistan and stressed that the elimination of poppy cultivation is the key for defeating the menace of terrorism in the region, he added. The .... Full Story

JCSC satisfied with Buner, Dir operations: ISPR

Updated at: 2222 PST, Thursday, April 30, 2009 RAWALPINDI: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Tariq Majid, chaired the meeting of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee at Chaklala, Rawalpindi on Thursday. Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Naval chief Admiral Noman Bashir, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, and other senior military officials from three services also attended the meeting.. The participants of the meeting were given comprehensive ... Full Story

Dollar stable against rupee

Updated at: 2115 PST, Wednesday, April 22, 2009 KARACHI: Stability in dollar value was witnessed against rupee in the open market on Wednesday and it closed at Rs80.70. In the inter bank market dollar lost paisas two against rupee and closed at Rs80.59. British pound finished the day at Rs118.30; Canadian dollar Rs65.30; Kuwaiti dinar Rs274; Japanese yen Rs0.835; euro Rs104.70 Saudi riyal Rs21.43 and UAE dirham Rs21.95.

Ajmal Kasab hearing adjourned till April 28

Updated at: 1820 PST, Friday, April 24, 2009 MUMBAI: A special court in Mumbai, has ordered a medical test to determine 26/11 terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Kasab's actual age. The test will be conducted at the Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai, where Kasab is currently lodged and report will be submitted before the court by April 28. The 26/11 trial is being held in the same jail. Earlier, Kasab's lawyer Abbas Kazmi had claimed that Kasab was only 17, when he was arrested in connection with the Mumbai terror attack on November 26. He sought to transfer the case to a juvenile court, which was rejected by the trial court. The court has granted more time to Abbas Kazmi to read the 1,100-page chargesheet filed against Mohammad Ajmal Kasab, a resident of Faridkot, Pakistan. The court, while refusing Kazmi's demand for the adjournment of the case for a month, has given him time till May 2 to read the case and come prepared. Judge ML Tahaliyani, who is hearing the 26/11 trial, also refused Kasab's demand for a copy of the charge sheet in Urdu, saying it would further delay the trial, which is completely unnecessary at this stage.

Kings XI win against BRC by 7 wkts

Updated at: 0115 PST, Saturday, April 25, 2009 DURBAN: Kings XI Punjab defeated Bangalore Royal Challengers by seven wickets in an IPL T20 cricket match here at Kings Stadium on Friday. BRC decided to bat first after winning toss. Kallis (62), Rose Taylor (35) and Jessie Rider (32) were the top scorers from their side as they managed to put up 168 runs in the allotted 20 overs for the loss of 9 wickets. Irfan Pathan and Yousuf Abdullah sent three players each to pavilion. In reply, Ravi shone brilliantly as he struck 85 runs before being out while his side won the match by seven wickets. The other top scorer remain unbeaten Yuvraj Singh with 30 runs.

Indo-Pak trade ties continue despite Mumbai mayhem

Updated at: 0153 PST, Saturday, April 25, 2009 KARACHI: The prevailing trade ties between neighboring Pakistan and India have continued and grown stronger despite Mumbai terrorist attacks in November last year as tomato’s import from India has surged to 4 million dollars. It’s not all rotten tomatoes between India and Pakistan. While diplomatic relations have turned frosty between the nuclear rivals, trade ties have borne fruit – tomatoes especially. Sales of fresh tomatoes from India to Pakistan surged in the three months following the Mumbai attacks in November to more than $22 million – up from $4 million during the same time the previous year. Wind storms squashed Pakistan’s tomato crop, explains Lahore merchant Qazi Tahir Ajman. He imports tomatoes and onions through the nearby Wagah border crossing. ...........full story

60 Mexico flu deaths raise global epidemic fears

Updated at: 1456 PST, Saturday, April 25, 2009 MEXICO CITY: Mexican authorities said 60 people may have died from a swine flu virus in Mexico, and world health officials worry it could unleash a global flu epidemic. Mexico City closed schools across the metropolis on Saturday in hopes of containing the outbreak that has sickened more than 900. The World Health Organization was looking closely at the 60 deaths, most of them in or near Mexico's capital. It wasn't yet clear what flu they died from, but spokesman Thomas Abraham said "We are very, very concerned." WHO raised its internal alert system on Friday, preparing to divert more money and personnel to dealing with the outbreak.

Iran's Khamenei accuses US, Israel over Iraq bombings

Updated at: 2053 PST, Saturday, April 25, 2009 TEHRAN: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed Israel and the United States on Saturday for persistent violence in Iraq after two suicide attacks left scores of Iranian pilgrims dead. "The American and Israeli intelligence apparatuses are the number-one accused... for the spread of the poisonous seeds of terrorism in Iraq," Khamenei said in a message of condolence to the victims' families broadcast on state television. "Those evil brains and sinful hands that established this blind, unbridled terrorism in Iraq should know that this fire will end up burning them," the Iranian leader added. Twenty Iranian pilgrims were among at least 58 people killed when two women suicide bombers attacked a Shiite shrine in Baghdad on Friday. Some 80 Iranians were among the 125 people wounded. Another 52 Iranian pilgrims were among at least 56 people killed in a suicide attack on a roadside restaurant in Muqdadiyah, northeast of Baghdad, the previous day. Hundreds of thousands of Iranians visit Iraq's Shiite holy sites each year despite the threat of violence from Sunni extremists. Shiite majority Iran has consistently demanded the withdrawal of US-led forces from Iraq and blames the continuing US military presence for the persistent bloodshed. Washington in turn accuses Tehran of fomenting sectarian violence in its western neighbour.

Nine killed in Indonesia boat accident

Updated at: 1647 PST, Sunday, April 26, 2009 JAKARTA: Nine people died and 30 more went missing when a boat sank off Indonesia's Sumatra island Saturday, a report said. The boat carrying 60 people went down in strong winds a kilometre (mile) off Dumai, Riau province, around 4:00 pm (0900 GMT) as it ferried guests to a wedding. It said 22 passengers had been found alive and taken to hospital. Indonesia's 234 million people are spread across 17,000 islands and deadly ferry accidents are common.

Rahul Gandhi slams BJP’s ‘India Shining’ campaign

Updated at: 2140 PST, Sunday, April 26, 2009 NEW DELHI: Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Sunday criticized BJP’s ‘India Shining’ campaign, saying so long as “there is one poor and one unemployed in the country, India cannot shine”. “In 2004, the BJP had done a campaign called ‘India shining’. In India, where peasants face water problems like potable water, where there is lot of poor population and people face lots of problems and there they (BJP) have come up with this concept of India shining,” Rahul Gandhi at an election rally here. India Shining was a political slogan referring to the overall feeling of economic optimism in the country after plentiful rains in 2003 and the success of the Indian IT boom. The slogan was popularized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the 2004 Indian general elections. Gandhi also urged youths to come forward and usher a change in the socio-economic scenario. “Madhya Pradesh needs change and if change is to be brought, then youth should come forward. We have to bring new line of thought among people. We have to focus on education and heath sector. And we should never forget the poor,” Gandhi added.

Zardari says differences with Punjab part of democratic process

Updated at: 2301 PST, Sunday, April 26, 2009 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that his government has some differences with Punjab government and termed it the beauty of democracy. In an interview with state TV today (Sunday), President Zardari said: “Everyone has the right to disagree in the democracy.” Responding to a question, he said: “We have given an important position to the opposition in line with the charter of democracy (CoD).” The preside ... Full Story

Scores of militants killed in Dir operation Updated at: 2104 PST, Sunday, April 26, 2009 DIR: Security forces on Sunday seized control of Lal Qila following an intense battle with militants.In a statement issued here today, ISPR said that scores of militants were killed in the operation. Ten dead bodies were recovered from Lal Qila, it said. Besides, one security personnel was martyred and four others wounded in the fresh offensive.The local people had a sigh of relief over successful operation. They celebrated the victory and chant .... Full Story

Manmohan Singh escapes shoe attack
Updated at: 2028 PST, Sunday, April 26, 2009

AHMEDABAD: A man hurled a shoe at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during an election rally in Ahmedabad on Sunday, in what has become a way of mark of protest during the ongoing Lok Sabha polls campaign. Security forces promptly detained the shoe-thrower and took himto Alicebridge police station. According to reports, the incident took place barely three or four minutes into PM’s speech when an urbane looking youth, apparently in his early 20s, sit .... Full Story

IMF member countries differ on ways combating global slump
Updated at: 1230 PST, Sunday, April 26, 2009

NEW YORK: IMF member countries differed on ways combating global slump in a meeting held here, while protest demonstrations were also staged against the capitalistic system outside the venue of the meeting.The differences arose on the utilization of the amount received for combating global downturn and on the ways for raising the IMF income between the member countries on the occasion of IMF and World Bank meetings at Balinropd.China, Russia, Bra .... Full Story

Saeed Ajmal’s action declared suspect
Updated at: 2000 PST, Sunday, April 26, 2009

ABU DHABI: Bowling action of the rising Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has been declared suspect.According to sources, umpire submitted a report to match referee Jeff Crowe after the second One-day International in which he expressed doubts regarding the bowling action of Saeed Ajmal.Meanwhile, a fine has also been imposed on Pakistan cricket team for slow over-rate.Pakistan cricket team coach Intikhab Alam along with captain Younis Khan addre .... Full Story

Taliban still present in Buner

Updated at: 0758 PST, Sunday, April 26, 2009 BUNER: The pullout of Taliban came from Swat, is yet to come to end but markets have reopened and business activity started to resume in Buner as situation improves following the news of Taliban withdrawal but the courts and judicial system seem peril as yet and many cases, waiting to be trailed in courts, are in pending. The curfew has been imposed in the Manda tehil of Lower Dir due to the planned movement of security forces in the a ... Full Story

PM directs NDMA to expedite rehabilitation of NWFP IDPs

Updated at: 1917 PST,  Wednesday, April 22, 2009  ISLAMABAD: Chairman National Disaster Management Authority, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Farooq Ahmad Khan called on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani here at the PM House on Wednesday. The Prime Minister directed him to expedite rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from NWFP to their original abodes and coordinate reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. The prime minister directed to prepare an elaborate plan to be presented before the Cabinet for approval before execution. He especially directed that.... full story

TNSM has no intention to establish parallel state: Izzat

Updated at: 1929 PST,  Wednesday, April 22, 2009  SWAT: Tehrik Nifaz Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) spokesman Amir Izzat Khan has said that the Constitution of Pakistan is Islamic and there is no intention to set up a parallel state. He said this while speaking to newsmen after meeting with representatives of NWFP government here. “Though Pakistan’s constitution is Islamic. But steps are not being taken in line with Islam,” Khan noted.  The TNSM has no plan to establish a parallel state in the country, he said, adding that the ideology of Pakistan should be implemented in letter and spirit. The spokesman said that the NWFP government explained that Nizam-e-Adl Regulation 2009 was not the replica of regulations enforced in 1994 and 1999.

US military chief visits troops in Afghanistan

Updated at: 1938 PST,  Wednesday, April 22, 2009  KABUL: The top US military commander Admiral Michael Mullen met American soldiers deployed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, kick starting his second visit to the war-torn country in just weeks, an official said. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff arrived early in the morning and traveled to eastern Wardak province to meet newly deployed US forces and Afghan police, said a spokeswoman for the US-led coalition, Elizabeth Mathais. "They went down to Jalrez district (Wardak province) and met with governor (Haleem) Fadayee and some of the Afghan public protection force," she told reporters. Specific details of Mullen's itinerary were not........ full story

President, PM refuse to meet British special envoy  Updated at: 2341 PST,  Wednesday, April 22, 2009  ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani are reluctant to meet with the British special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles who is presently visiting the country, sources told Geo News on Wednesday.  According to sources, the government has expressed its resentment over Pakistani students’ arrest in Britain in the absence of evidence and the ensuing media trial. The Briti   ... Full Story

Pakistan trounce Australia by 4 wkts in 1st ODI
Updated at: 0049 PST,  Thursday, April 23, 2009

 DUBAI: Pakistan have crushed World Champion Australia by four wickets with 30 balls in spare in first ODI here at Dubai Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.The stunning performance with bat came from wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal (48) and middle order cool headed Misbah-ul-Haq (30) as both remain unbeaten till the end of the match while boom boom all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi was awarded player of the match for his carrier best bowling 6 for 38.Earlier, Pa ....

 Full Story

Global economic slowdown afflicted $4.54 trillion losses: Report
Updated at: 1250 PST,  Wednesday, April 22, 2009

 WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that the global economic slowdown has unleashed losses amounting to $4.54 trillion to the capital market all across the world. IMF Global Financial Stability Report issued here said that it has been prepared keeping in view the period over mid 2007 to 2010. The report said that the American region suffered losses amounting to $2.712 trillion, while EU countries $1.193 trillion and Japan i .... Full Story

Clinton cites Al-Qaeda as key target in Obama plan
Updated at: 2129 PST, Wednesday, April 22, 2009

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that Taliban advances pose "an existential threat" to Pakistan and urged Pakistanis worldwide to oppose a government policy yielding to them.Clinton testified on Wednesday before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where Chairman Howard Berman told her the panel is concerned about extremists gaining momentum in Pakistan. Berman, a Democrat, said the U.S. couldn’t allow the extremists to .... Full Story

Turkish police detain 17 in Al-Qaeda operation

Updated at: 1548 PST,  Tuesday, April 21, 2009  ANKARA: Turkish police Tuesday rounded up 17 people in an operation against the Al-Qaeda network, a local news channel reported. The operation was launched early in the morning in the southern provinces of Gaziantep and Sanliurfa and Konya in central Turkey, the report said. The news agency reported that the police were also searching several locations in the three regions. Earlier this month, seven people were arrested on charges of links to the extremist network following simultaneous operations in the western province of Eskisehir.

Mayawati accuses IEC of working on Cong directions

Updated at: 1729 PST,  Tuesday, April 21, 2009  NEW DELHI: Launching a scathing attack on the Indian Election Commission, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Tuesday accused the poll body of working on the directions of the Congress and its allies to stop her party BSP from gaining power. "I would like to say............. full story

U.S. judge orders review of FBI records on Muslims

Updated at: 1730 PST,  Tuesday, April 21, 2009  CALIFORNIA: A federal judge in Santa Ana said Monday that he will review records of FBI inquiries into several Muslim groups and activists who complained they have been unfairly spied on and questioned. U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney ordered the FBI to turn over more than 100 pages of documents the agency holds on 11 Muslim activists and organizations...... full story

Empowering women promotes peace: UN Chief

Updated at: 1738 PST,  Tuesday, April 21, 2009  NEW YORK: Empowering women is essential to build better lives for all, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said, calling for greater efforts to achieve gender equality. “We are still far from turning this understanding into universal practice,” the UN chief said in a video message to the “Women for Peace” dinner in New York.  Women are still under-represented in decision-making positions especially when it comes to peace making, peace building and peacekeeping in most nations, Ban said........... full story

Pakistan economy on right track: IMF

Updated at: 1748 PST,  Tuesday, April 21, 2009  ISLAMABAD: The main challenge for Pakistan’s fragile economy was to restore the confidence that is now on right track.  This was said by International Monetary Fund’s Resident Representative in Islamabad Paul S. Ross, while talking to Geo News here on Tuesday. He said the Pakistan’s central bank has cut its interest rate from 15 to 14 per cent which is likely to reduce further in the future. However, he said, it was essential to trim down the inflation and increase the foreign exchange reserves (FER).  “The government should also not take loans from the State Bank to bring improvement in the economy,” Ross noted. He further said that Pakistan should have foreign exchange reserves equal to at least three months in the prevailing condition.

Kolkata beat Punjab by 11 runs under D/L method
Updated at: 2040 PST,  Tuesday, April 21, 2009

 DURBAN: Chris Gayle hammered an explosive 44 not out to power Kolkata Knight Riders to an 11-run victory over Kings XI Punjab in a rain-hit Indian Premier League match on Tuesday. The West Indies skipper smashed four sixes in his 26-ball knock as Kolkata raced to 79-1 off 9.2 overs in reply to their opponents' 20-over total of 158-6 when the game was called off due to rain. Kolkata, who were 11 runs ahead on the Duckworth-Lewis method, post .... Full Story

2nd phase of Indian polls starts today Updated at: 0004 PST,  Wednesday, April 22, 2009  NEW DELHI: Indians are voting today in the second phase of the country’s 15th general elections.Voting will take place in Manipur today while in other states the voters will take part in the ballot on Thursday.These phases will be supervised by the new Election Commissioner Navin Chawla. Howerver, some parties expressed reservations on his appointment.In the second phase, voting will take place in several important states like Uttar Pradesh, Biha .... Full Story

'Police pin down 13 SL team attackers', claims IGP
Updated at: 2133 PST,  Tuesday, April 21, 2009

 LAHORE: The Punjab police claimed on Tuesday to have identified 13 terrorists who carried out the attack on Sri Lankan team at Liberty chowk.In an exclusive interview with Geo news correspondent Mian Abid, IG Police Punjab Shaukat Javed revealed that the investigators gathered important information into Liberty attack from the terrorist who was arrested at Manawan. Shaukat said that the attack on Sri Lankan team at Liberty chowk bore resemblance .... Full Story

British police free nine Pakistanis held in terror raids

Updated at: 0137 PST,  Wednesday, April 22, 2009  LONDON: Nine of the 11 mostly Pakistani men arrested during a major anti-terror operation in northwest England earlier this month were released Tuesday, a police spokeswoman said. "The north-west counter-terrorism unit has released nine of those arrested as part of a national operation," a spokeswoman for Manchester police said.  She said the men, aged between 22 and 38, had been subsequently transferred to the custody of th   ... Full Story

Obama Open to Prosecution of Officials Who Cleared Interrogation Tactics

President Obama says it is up to the attorney general whether to prosecute Bush administration lawyers who wrote the memos approving harsh interrogation tactics.

President Obama left open the door Tuesday for charges to be brought against Bush administration lawyers who justified harsh interrogation techniques, though he continued to argue that CIA agents who used those tactics should not be prosecuted. 

The president showed wiggle room on the issue as he faces calls from Democratic lawmakers and organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union to support such charges. Asked about the possibility of.................... full story

Venues for New Zealand's Pakistan tour to be known shortly
Updated at: 1330 PST, Saturday, April 18, 2009

WELLINGTON: A decision on the venues for New Zealand's proposed tour of Pakistan later this year would be known within three weeks, New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said on Saturday.New Zealand had been scheduled to tour Pakistan in November and December but on Friday the International Cricket Council (ICC) effectively ruled the strife-torn country a no-go zone.

The ICC board dumped Pakistan as a co-host of the 2011World Cup following an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in March, which increased already heightened concerns about safety in the country.

2 more US banks fail, lifting this year's tally to 25
Updated at: 1936 PST, Saturday, April 18, 2009

NEW YORK: Regulators on Friday shut down two more banks, boosting the number of failures this year to as many as in all of last year.The tally of 25 bank failures this year all but guarantees the number that fall into the arms of regulators will surpass what was seen in 2008.

Two of the nation's largest savings and loans failed in 2008: Washington Mutual Inc. and IndyMac Bank. Last year's total was more than in the previous five years combined and up from only three failures in 2007.The latest banks seized were American Sterling Bank in Missouri and Great Basin Bank of Nevada. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. will continue to insure deposits. Regular deposit accounts are insured up to $250,000.Customers of both banks can still write checks and use ATM or debit cards.

The federal Office of Thrift Supervision took over American Sterling, while the Nevada Financial Institutions Division took control of Great Basin Bank of Nevada. The FDIC was appointed receiver of both banks.The Missouri offices of American Sterling will reopen Saturday. Those in California and Arizona will open Monday. All will open as branches of Metcalf Bank. Depositors of American Sterling will automatically become depositors of Metcalf.

American Sterling is based in Sugar Creek, Mo. It had $181 million in assets and $171.9 million in deposits as of March 20. In addition to assuming the deposits of the failed bank, Metcalf Bank, based in Lee's Summit, Mo., agreed to buy about $173.6 million in assets. The FDIC will retain the rest of the assets to sell later.The last FDIC-insured institution to fail in Missouri was Hume Bank, in Hume, in March last year.For Great Basin Bank, based in Elko, Nev., the FDIC tapped Las Vegas-based Nevada State Bank to assume all deposits.The offices of Great Basin Bank of Nevada will reopen Monday as branches of Nevada State Bank.

Depositors of Great Basin Bank of Nevada will automatically become depositors of Nevada State.As of Dec. 31., Great Basin Bank of Nevada had assets of $270.9 million and deposits of $221.4 million. Nevada State Bank agreed to assume all the deposits of the failed bank and purchase about $252.3 million of assets. The FDIC also will keep the bank's remaining assets for future sale.The last FDIC-backed institution to be closed in Nevada was Security Savings Bank, in Henderson, on Feb. 27.

The list of bank failures is growing as falling home prices and rising unemployment cause more individuals and businesses to default on their debt.The failures have sapped billions from the deposit insurance fund. It now stands at its lowest level in nearly a quarter-century, $18.9 billion as of Dec. 31, compared with $52.4 billion at the end of 2007.The FDIC expects that bank failures will cost the insurance fund around $65 billion through 2013.

The nation's banks and thrifts lost $32.1 billion in the final quarter of last year, the biggest loss in 25 years of FDIC records. It compared with a $575 million profit in the fourth quarter of 2007.The FDIC had 252 banks and thrifts on its list of troubled institutions at the end of 2008, up from 171 in the third quarter.

Some banks are signaling that conditions are improving. Banking titan Citigroup Inc., which has been the weakest of the large U.S. banks, reported Friday it lost money in the first quarter — but the $966 million loss wasn't as bad as Wall Street had expected.That report followed surprisingly solid earnings from JPMorgan Chase & Co., Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Wells Fargo & Co. But some analysts say the recent earnings announcements are concealing the depth of the financial industry's woes.American Sterling customers with questions can call the FDIC toll-free at 866-954-9528. Great Basin Bank of Nevada customers can call 866-782-1969.

IPL: Bangalore sends Rajasthan crashing to defeat
Updated at: 0051 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

CAPE TOWN: Veteran Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble sent the Rajasthan Royals crashing to defeat when they started the defence of their Indian Premier League crown at Newlands Saturday.

Kumble took five for five as the Bangalore Royal Challengers gained a crushing 75-run win as the champions were bowled out for a paltry 58. "It was pretty disappointing," admitted Rajasthan captain Shane Warne. "As defending champions we expect better of ourselves. Our shot selection was poor."

Bangalore skipper Kevin Pietersen was overjoyed with the opening win. "The boys played fantastic cricket," he said. "It was a great team effort and you can't buy Anil Kumble's experience in a shop." Indian batting star Rahul Dravid made a fine 66 as Bangalore recovered from losing two wickets for no runs in the first three balls of their innings. Bangalore made 133 for eight, which hardly seemed likely to be a total easily defended, but the Royals made a horror start and never recovered.

They were bowled out for 58, with no batsman making more than 11. England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas had New Zealand's Jesse Ryder caught behind for a duck off the second ball of the match and then bowled fellow Kiwi Ross Taylor with his next delivery. Mascarenhas struck again when Robin Uthappa was caught behind to reduce the Challengers to 17 for three. But Pietersen made 32 as he and Dravid started a fightback.

Dravid carried it on, batting until the last over of the innings as he made 66 off 48 balls with eight fours and a six.Mascarenhas took three for 20 and he was backed up by Munaf Patel (two for 25) and Warne, who claimed two for 18 in his four overs.

The Royals suffered early blows when opening bowler Praveen Kumar dismissed Swapnil Asnodkar and South African captain Graeme Smith in his first two overs.Medium-pacer Ryder took two quick wickets, Mascarenhas was run out first ball and Kumble ripped through the rest of the batting.

PIA pilots ask for fresh working accord prior June 30
Updated at: 0354 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

KARACHI: The confrontation between the Pakistan Airline Pilot Association (PALPA) and PIA is increasing day by day as PALPA demands for the signing of a fresh working agreement and has given the management the deadline of 30th June for signing the agreement, said President PALPA, Captain Imran Usman.

He added that PALPA had sent its recommendations to the PIA management regarding the working agreement on 30th March, but no step has been taken by the PIA management till now. Now, we have given the management the deadline of 30th June to sign the agreement. It is to be noted that the last working agreement mutually signed between the association and PIA was suspended in July 2001 after the military regime had taken over.

The Association was arbitrarily suspended at that time; moreover, PALPA always had a working agreement with the management. This agreement governs the day to day working in all aspects and comprises of 13 articles including pay structure, planning and scheduling, training, leave and passage, discipline, pension etc. Furthermore, from 2001 till to date, six MDs have been changed for obvious reason of financial mismanagement and general unrest in the airline.

Usman mentioned that there is no increment in their salaries since last year and their only demand is that the PIA management should understand the importance of working agreement. Even if the management agrees to increase the salaries by 20 to 25 percent, it will be enough to show their commitment. Currently, PALPA has no trust on the PIA management.

Sri Lanka health official says 28 civilians killed
Updated at: 0822 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

COLOMBO: At least 28 civilians have been killed in two days of fighting as Sri Lankan troops try to push into a small ``no-fire zone'' where Tamil Tiger rebels have bunkered down for their final stand, a health official said.

The rebels lost to government forces the de facto state they controlled for years in parts of the country's north and east and have retreated into a tiny slice of land that the government earlier declared a haven for civilians fleeing the fighting in this island's nation's 25-year civil war.

There have been widespread international calls for a cease-fire to allow the more than 100,000 civilians trapped in the 7.7-squaremile (20-square kilometers) zone to reach safety _ but the government has rejected a long-term cease-fire, saying it would only give the rebels time to regroup.

Australia to appeal Davis Cup venue choice: reports
Updated at: 1039 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

MELBOURNE: Tennis Australia will appeal the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) decision to confirm Chennai as the venue for next month's Davis Cup tie between India and Australia, citing security concerns, local media reported.

Security worries have grown around sporting events in south Asia following the ambush on the Sri Lankan cricket team bus in Lahore, Pakistan, by armed gunmen last month. India also remains nervous after Islamist militants killed166 people in a strike on Mumbai last November.

The ITF confirmed on Saturday the Asia-Oceania Group I second round encounter would take place on May 8-10 in the Indian city after a "positive report from the ITF's security consultants". Tennis Australia (TA), which had been seeking to have the tie moved out of India to a neutral venue, would appeal the decision on Monday, with a decision expected within the week, Australian media reported on Sunday.

TA did not immediately return calls.TA had been seeking to have the tie moved as it was being staged during India's elections, which have already prompted the IPL cricket tournament to be moved to South Africa as the government said it could not provide adequate security for both. The Indian tennis federation had already said it would hire private security consultants for the tie.

Pakistan mulls series switch to NZealand
Updated at: 1526 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

DUBAI: Pakistan are considering whether to switch a home series to New Zealand after the Black Caps refused to tour the troubled country, a cricket official said Sunday.New Zealand were scheduled to tour Pakistan in November-December for a three-Test and five-match one-day series but had hinted they will not tour following attacks on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore last month.

The brazen attacks, which left seven Sri Lankan players and their assistant coach injured besides killing eight policemen, put paid to Pakistan's chances of hosting international cricket for the foreseeable future. The International Cricket Council on Friday stripped Pakistan of its share of matches in the 2011 World Cup, citing the "uncertain security situation" in the country.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt said he held detailed meetings with New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan here and was considering their offer to switch the series to New Zealand.

PML-N govt to be revolutionary: Nisar
Updated at: 1651 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

RAWALPINDI: Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Sunday said that though Pakistan Muslim League-Q was in federal government, but change was likely to come.

Addressing a public gathering here on Sunday, he said PML-N government would be revolutionary that would change the fate of people.Criticizing the MQM, he said: “If I a am supporter of Taliban. Then they are also Muslims.”

Pilots are not on strike: Palpa
Updated at: 1716 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

KARACHI: Pakistan Airlines Pilots Association (Palpa) representatives have accused the PIA’s management of launching a propaganda campaign against them, saying they are not on strike.Speaking to reporters at the Karachi Press Club today, Palpa representatives said: “We are demanding our incentives seized in 2001.”

They said that the management was responsible for the losses occurred to the national carrier due to their protest. They further said that 500 pilots had been overburdened as the management was taking work of 650 pilots from them.

“We want to hold talks with the management for our just demands, while the management is giving it a wrong color.”The Palpa called on the management to provide 10 days off in a month and prior notice of 12 hours before a flight in writing.The flag carrier’s management has called up pilots within its ranks to man the cockpit as a stopgap measure.

Women, children martyred in Lal Mosque operation: Shujaat
Updated at: 1842 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009


LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Sunday said that women and children were killed in the Lal Mosque Operation in Islamabad.Addressing a news conference here, he said that mother of Maulana Abdul Rashid Qazi was also martyred in the operation.

“The charter of democracy (COD) is a document signed by only two parties, while Constitution is a national consensus document,” he said.Commenting on Balochistan turmoil, he said that situation in Balochistan deteriorated several times in the past. PPP government had also launched aerial attacks on Baloch people in 1974, he added.

The PML-Q further president said that the government was getting foreign aid in response to the drone attacks.About Swat truce deal, he said that fake incidents would be fabricated to sabotage the agreement. He added that PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif should apologize to the nation for violating several promises.

Some elements interpret Holy Qur’an as they want: Altaf
Updated at: 1847 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009


KARACHI: Chief of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Altaf Hussain has said that some elements interpret and explain the Holy Qur’an the way they want and people who are not aware of actual explanation take it as correct.

In his telephonic address at a convention of Ulema and Mashaikh here on Sunday, the MQM Chief said the convention has been organized to discuss a very important subject which is becoming cause of problem of the oppressed population of the country.“People are scared of the situation in Swat,” he said, adding, the purpose of the holding the convention is to get guidance and opinion of the Ulema.He said use of Mosques for creating sectarianism is absolutely unjustified and wrong.

12 militants killed in Orakzai Agency
Updated at: 1915 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

ORAKZAI AGENCY: Security forces have killed 12 militants in Orakzai Agency, sources said here on Sunday.Three militants’ hideouts were also destroyed.

Drone attacks stirring hate against US: Nawaz
Updated at: 2034 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

RAIWIND: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Chief Nawaz Sharif Sunday said drone strikes are rousing hate among Pakistani people against the US.He said this during his meeting with a 6-member delegation of US congress led by chairman house foreign affairs committee Howard L.

Berman here at Raiwind farm.Mian Nawaz Sharif said Pak-US relations should be equal footing. The US should devise policies in war on terror keeping in view Pakistan’s economic problems and social constraints, he added.

“The peace of the entire world is linked with Middle East and South Asia,” he observed, adding, Pakistan had to suffer colossal loss as a result of Afghan war.The chairman of the US congress delegation assured that the US will not leave Pakistan alone and stand by it at any time of difficulty.“The US sees appreciatively the role of Pakistan in war against terrorism,” he said.

President, PM condole death of Justice Sabihuddin
Updated at: 2128 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of the Supreme Court judge Justice Sabihuddin Ahmed. In a message of condolence, they prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Five PN personnel killed in Ormara traffic accident
Updated at: 2221 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

QUETTA: Five personnel of Pakistan Navy were killed and two others injured in a traffic accident in Ormara, a coastal city of Balochistan, source said on Sunday.Seven personnel of Pakistan Navy were traveling in a pick up in Ormara when their vehicle met an accident. Five of them were killed on the spot while two other were injured.The Injured were shifted to a nearby hospital.Officials of PN have confirmed the occurrence of the accident, saying all the victims of the accident were sailors.

Australia gear up for Pakistan series
Updated at: 2222 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

DUBAI: Australian captain Michael Clarke said Sunday his team was looking forward to facing Pakistan in the forthcoming limited over series, to be played in the United Arab Emirates."All of us are very happy to be playing Pakistan," Clarke told a news conference after his team arrived for the series of five one-day and one Twenty20 match, to be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi."We are playing Pakistan after all, after a long time, so we want to make .... Full Story

Worst of economic crisis over for Dubai: Sheikh Muhammad
Updated at: 2134 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

DUBAI: Dubai's ruler insists his Gulf emirate has recovered from the worst of the fallout from the global economic crisis and has also defended the grandiose vision of the formerly booming city state.

"We have overcome the crisis with the least amount of losses," Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed al-Maktoum, who is also United Arab Emirates prime minister, told Dubai's first e-press conference."For us in the United Arab Emirates, I can safely say that we .... Full Story

Pakistan facing ‘grave’ situation: Holbrooke
Updated at: 1921 PST, Sunday, April 19, 2009

WASHINGTON: US special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke has termed the current situation in Pakistan very perilous, saying that the United States has expressed concerns over Swat truce deal.

In an interview with CNN today, he said: “US, Pakistan and India are facing a common threat for the first time after partition of Subcontinent.”“The US government is focusing both Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he said.Holbrooke said that Presi .... Full Story