CNewsworld's Blog: April 2010

Friday, April 30, 2010

Alleged suicide bomber nabbed from Swat

GEO 436 SWAT: An alleged suicide bomber has been arrested from Green Chawk area of Swat, Geo News reported Saturday.

Four police hurt in Quetta blast

GEO 436 QUETTA: At least four policemen including a DSP were injured in a blast here in a remote-controlled bomb explosion in Qambrani area of Sariab in the city, Geo News reported Saturday. The injured have been shifted to hospital in Edhi ambulances. Two passers-by were also injured in the explosion. Police and other law enforcement agencies put a security cordon around the blast site and started the search for the culprits. According to details, the police mobile van which was on patrol in the area, was targeted with the remote-controlled bomb. According to police sources, a vacant rickshaw was used for the blast, which completely destroyed the police van. (Last updated at 855)

Chinese, Pakistani found dead from guesthouse in Isb

GEO 436 ISLAMABAD: The corpses of a Pakistani and a Chinese citizen were found from a guesthouse in Islamabad on Friday night, Geo news reported. According to sources, the corpses were recovered from a guesthouse located in Sector F-84 in federal capital Islamabad. Two were killed by gunshot, sources confirmed to media. Police, having cordoned off the crime scene, have started investigation into murder while bodies have been shifted to hospital for autopsy.

Ireland restrict WIndies to 138-9

GEO 436 PROVIDENCE: Minnows Ireland bowlers did a commendable job restricting hosts West Indies to 139 runs for nine wickets here in the second match of the ICC World Twenty20 here on Saturday. Batting first after winning the toss, none of the West Indies batsmen could not make any significant contribution as the team lost nine wickets for 139 in the allotted 20 overs. Their main scorers were Darren Sammy (30) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (24). For Ireland, George Dockrell captured three for 16 while Andre Botha, Alex Cusack and Boyd Rankin took two wickets each. Dwayne Bravo is captaining the West Indies side in absence of Chris Gayle, who was injured with stiff neck West Indies went into this match without off-spinner Sulieman Benn and fast bowler Jerome Taylor as both had shoulder injuries, with Taylor also sidelined with a twisted ankle. Ireland, coached by former West Indies batsman Phil Simmons, had no injury problems. Teams West Indies: Andre Fletcher, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Narsingh Deonarine, Dwayne Bravo (captain), Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Darren Sammy, Nikita Miller, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach. Ireland: William Porterfield (captain), Paul Stirling, Niall O”Brien (wk), Kevin O”Brien, Trent Johnston, Gary Wilson, John Mooney, Andre Botha, George Dockrell, Boyd Rankin, Alex Cusack.

Ireland restrict WIndies to 138-9

Windies win toss, elect to bat against Ireland

GEO 436 PROVIDENCE: West Indies won the toss and elected to bat against Ireland in the second match of the ICC World Twenty20 here on Saturday. Dwayne Bravo tossed the coin as captain Chris Gayle was out injured with stiff neck. Jerome Taylor and Sulieman Benn are also not playing due to injury. Teams: Ireland: William Porterfield (captain), Paul Stirling, Niall O”Brien (wk), Alex Cusack, Kevin O”Brien, Trent Johnston, Gary Wilson, John Mooney, Andre Botha, Boyd Rankin, George Dockrell. West Indies: Andre Fletcher, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Narsingh Deonarine, Dwayne Bravo (captain), Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Darren Sammy, Nikita Miller, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach.

Sri Lanka set 136-run target for NZ in T20 opener

GEO 436 PROVIDENCE , Guyana: Sri Lanka set a modest target of 136 runs for New Zealand in the opening match of the World Twenty20 here on Friday. Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and elected to bat after which his team could make 135 for the loss of six wickets in the allotted 20 overs, thanks to Mahela Jayawardene's brilliant 81 from 51 balls. He smashed two towering sixes and eight boundaries and made 59 runs together with Dinesh Chandimal (29) for the third wicket partnership. No other batsman could make any significant contribution while New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori tried six bowlers, all among wickets except himself. Fast bowler Shane Bond claimed two for 35 as others took one wicket each. Veteran Sri Lanka batsman Sanath Jayasuriya come down the order rather than play as an opener. He came at eighth number when only one ball was left. Chanaka Welegedara, the left-arm seamer, was included as the Sri Lankans, runners-up last year, looked to go one better in the Caribbean. New Zealand omitted pace bowler Kyle Mills and included Nathan McCullum, amidst speculation the off-spinner might take the new ball. Teams New Zealand: Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Gareth Hopkins (wk), Jacob Oram, Daniel Vettori (captain), Nathan McCullum, Shane Bond, Tim Southee Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara (captain/wk), Sanath Jayasuriya, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Chanaka Welegedara.

Sri Lanka set 136-run target for NZ in T20 opener

Petrol price hiked by Rs1.94/ litre

GEO 436 ISLAMABAD: Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has announced increase of Rs1.94 per litre in petrol price, Geo News reported Friday. The price of Diesel has been raised to Rs3.41 a litre: High Octane to Rs1.63; Kerosene Oil Rs4.08 and; Light Diesel Rs3.56 a litre.

Pakistan women cricket team crush WI in 3rd T20

GEO 436 ST. KITTS: West Indies Women were setback in their preparations for the Women's Twenty20 World Cup, when Pakistan Women crushed them by eight wickets in their third and final T20. The Windies Women were restricted to 105 for eight from their allocation of 20 overs, and the Pakistani Women replied with 102 for two to win with seven balls to spare at Edgar Gilbert Sports Complex. Cordel Jack led the way for the Windies Women with 46, after they were sent in to bat on a hard, true pitch. No other Windies Women's batter scored more than 20. Pakistan Women's captain Sana Mir was her side's best bowler with three for 17 from three overs. Opener Sajjida Shah then anchored the Pakistan Women to victory with five fours in 51 from 54 balls. West Indies Women have been placed in Group-A of the Women's T20 World Cup with defending champions England, arch-rivals Australia, and sports rivals South Africa. Pakistan Women have been drawn in Group-B alongside 2009 runners-up New Zealand, as well as fellow Asian sides India and Sri Lanka. The Women's T20 World Cup opens next Wednesday. All of the group matches will be contested in St. Kitts before the semi-finals in St. Lucia on May 13 and 14, and the Final on May 16 in Barbados.

Pakistan women cricket team crush WI in 3rd T20

Kidnapped intelligence officer found dead

GEO 436 MIRANSHAH: Former intelligence officer Squadron Leader Khalid Khwaja (Retd) found dead in Mir Ali area of Miranshah, Geo News reported. The self-styled militant organisation, Asian Tigers, which has been holding hostage two former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officers and a journalist, came up with new demands Wednesday for the release of the kidnapped men About four days ago, it had approached former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz parliamentarian from Kohat, Javed Ibrahim Paracha, and sought his role in negotiations between the government and their group for the release of the two retired military officers, Col Sultan Amir (Retd) commonly known as Col Imam and Squadron Leader Khalid Khwaja (Retd), and a British journalist Assad Qureshi. The three men had gone to the volatile North Waziristan tribal region on March 26 to work on a documentary about Taliban. They went missing and an unknown organisation, Asian Tigers, believed to be run by a banned militant organisation of the Punjabi Taliban claimed responsibility for their kidnapping.

NAB recovers Rs225b since 2000

GEO 436 ISLAMABAD: Law Minister Babar Awan told the Senate on Friday that according to the NAB’’s record, it recovered 225 billion rupees from defaulters since 2000 and some 1.7 billion rupees were disbursed among NAB’’s employees during this period as reward for the recovery. Senate Chairman Forooq Naik instructed to constitute a committee to scrutinise the affairs of NAB. The Senate was also informed that a new law to ensure across the board transparent accountability was in the offing and it would be tabled before the parliament soon, after due consultation with all political forces. Law minister told the Senate that the government was committed to ensuring good governance through transparent accountability and that the new law would help in achieving that goal.

Oil extends gains in Asian trade

GEO 436 SINGAPORE: Oil prices extended gains in Asian trade Friday on optimism over the US economic recovery following positive jobs data along with easing global fears about Greece’’s debt crisis, analysts said. New York’’s main contract, light sweet crude for June delivery, rose 39 cents to 85.56 dollars a barrel. London’’s Brent North Sea crude for June delivery was up 28 cents to 87.18 dollars per barrel. Prices were supported by rising equity markets in Asia after a rally on Wall Street following encouraging US company results.

Asian markets rally as Greek bailout nears

GEO 436 HONG KONG: Asian stocks rallied on Friday at the end of a tough week, with sentiment boosted by hopes that a bailout for debt-laden Greece is in sight. The news also lifted the euro from its one-year lows, sending the yen down to the benefit of Japanese exporters. Tokyo shares were 1.35 percent higher by the break, Hong Kong up 1.30 percent and Singapore advanced 0.68 percent. Investors followed a rally on Wall Street, where the Dow rose 1.10 percent on the news out of Europe. Athens has called on the EU and IMF to activate a three-year rescue package worth 45 billion euros this year as it faces a May 19 deadline to repay nine billion euros in old debts. The euro, which had hit a year low of 1.3202 dollars on Wednesday, bought 1.3242 dollars in quiet Tokyo morning trade, compared with 1.3244 dollars in New York late Thursday. It was also trading at 124.59 yen against 124.46. The dollar was trading at 94.07 yen in line with New York levels.

SAARC agrees to work together for climate change

GEO 436 THIMPHU: The 16th SAARC summit concluded here Thursday also issued "Thimphu statement on climate" highlighting the issue of climate change and stressing the need for joint efforts to face this challenge in the region. Following is the text of the "Thimphu statement on Climate Change." The 16th meeting of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in Thimphu, Bhutan, on 28-29 April 2010, recalling the high priority attached by the Leaders of SAARC at successive Summits towards preserving and sustainably managing the rich, fragile and diverse ecosystems of South Asia. Expressing deep concern about the adverse effects of climate change and its impact on the region, particularly on the lives and livelihoods of the 1.6 billion people of South Asia; Recognizing that effective responses, both on mitigation and adaptation should be formulated and implemented at regional and international levels; Mindful that while South Asia's contribution to climate change is minimal, the impacts of this global phenomenon transcends national boundaries; Also Mindful that the Member States of SAARC as developing countries face the dual challenge of addressing the negative impacts of climate change and pursuing socio-economic development; Emphasizing the overriding importance of socio-economic development and poverty eradication in our region, and convinced that reducing dependence on carbon in economic growth and promoting climate resilience will promote both development and poverty eradication in a sustainable manner; Determined that South Asia should become a world leader in low-carbon technologies and renewable energy; Reiterating the principles of equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities as enshrined in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to be the basis for an agreed outcome in the global negotiations on climate change; Also underlining that an agreed outcome of the global negotiations must emerge from an inclusive, transparent, open and democratic process of negotiations; Noting that South Asia is particularly prone to climate change and related disasters making the need for a regional response to meet the challenge of climate change more urgent and compelling; Welcoming the adoption of Climate Change as the theme of the Sixteenth SAARC Summit as an important initiative to galvanize and consolidate regional endeavours with the objective of making South Asia climate change resilient; Also Welcoming the signing of the SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment as a significant step towards promoting and strengthening regional cooperation; Convinced that South Asia could benefit from cooperative regional initiatives and approaches, exchange of experiences, knowledge, transfer of technology, best practices to address the challenges posed by climate change; Aware that preservation of environment and mitigating the impacts of climate change are mutually reinforcing; Determined to address the adverse effects of climate change in accordance with the purposes and principles of regional cooperation enshrined in the SAARC Charter; Hereby adopt the Thimphu Statement on Climate Change and agree to undertake the following: (i) Review the implementation of the Dhaka Declaration and SAARC Action Plan on Climate Change and ensure its timely implementation; (ii) Agree to establish an Inter-governmental Expert Group on Climate Change to develop clear policy direction and guidance for regional cooperation as envisaged in the SAARC Plan of Action on Climate Change; (iii) Direct the Secretary General to commission a study for presentation to the Seventeenth SAARC Summit on 'Climate Risks in the Region: ways to comprehensively address the related social, economic and environmental challenges'; (iv) Undertake advocacy and awareness programs on climate change, among others, to promote the use of green technology and best practices to promote low-carbon sustainable and inclusive development of the region; (v) Commission a study to explore the feasibility of establishing a SAARC mechanism which would provide capital for projects that promote low-carbon technology and renewable energy; and a Low-carbon Research and Development Institute in South Asian University; (vi) Incorporate science-based materials in educational curricula to promote better understanding of the science and adverse effects of climate change; (vii) Plant ten million trees over the next five years (2010-2015) as part of a regional afforestation and reforestation campaign, in accordance with national priorities and programmes of Member States; (viii) Evolve national plans, and where appropriate regional projects, on protecting and safeguarding the archeological and historical infrastructure of South Asia from the adverse effects of Climate Change; (ix) Establish institutional linkages among national institutions in the region to, among others, facilitate sharing of knowledge, information and capacity building programmes in climate change related areas; (x) Commission a SAARC Inter-governmental Marine Initiative to strengthen the understanding of shared oceans and water bodies in the region and the critical roles they play in sustainable living to be supported by the SAARC Coastal Zone Management Center; (xi) Stress the imperative of conservation of bio-diversity and natural resources and monitoring of mountain ecology covering the mountains in the region; (xii) Commission a SAARC Inter-governmental Mountain Initiative on mountain ecosystems, particularly glaciers and their contribution to sustainable development and livelihoods to be supported by SAARC Forestry Center; (xiii) Commission a SAARC Inter-governmental Monsoon Initiative on the evolving pattern of monsoons to assess vulnerability due to climate change to be supported by SAARC Meteorological Research Center; (xiv) Commission a SAARC Inter-governmental Climate-related Disasters Initiative on the integration of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) with Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) to be supported by SAARC Disaster Management Center; (xv) Complete the ratification process for the SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment at an early date to enable its entry into force; and (xvi) The Inter-governmental Expert Group on Climate Change shall meet at least twice a year to periodically monitor and review the implementation of this Statement and make recommendations to facilitate its implementation and submit its report through the Senior Officials of SAARC to the SAARC Environment Ministers.

Ryan Harris to replace broken-again Brett Lee

GEO 436 CANBERRA: Doug Bollinger may have helped make the Chennai Super Kings champions and been Australia’’s best player in the IPL but Ryan Harris is expected to be named as Brett Lee’’s replacement today. The distress of Lee being sent home from the World Twenty20 in the West Indies after breaking down again outweighs the embarrassment of Australia losing its opening warm-up match to Zimbabwe in St Lucia. However, Lee’’s latest setback, which may end his international career, only heightens the embarrassment for the selectors, who chose the ageing paceman in the 15-man squad before he had recovered from his previous injury. Bollinger received wide acclaim in the IPL for transforming Chennai from also-rans and was the only Australian named in Cricinfo’’s All IPL XI but statistically Harris had a slightly better tournament. While Lee was forced home from the IPL with a broken thumb sporting figures of 0-149 in four matches and an economy rate of worse than 10 an over, Harris claimed 14 wickets and Bollinger 12. Both played eight matches after arriving at the IPL late following Australia’’s tour of New Zealand. Despite his outstanding form in the past year, which included being part of the NSW Champions League Twenty20 triumph in India last October, Bollinger has not played a Twenty20 match for Australia. Harris has played two, against the West Indies in Sydney and New Zealand in Christchurch during February. Despite his extended recent injury history Lee, one of just two bowlers to claim more than 300 Test and one-day wickets for Australia, retained his Cricket Australia contract when the new list of 25 players was announced this month. The selectors wanted to nurse Lee through to next year’’s World Cup on the subcontinent during March, hoping to use him as a short-form weapon in the same way Shaun Tait and Dirk Nannes are used in the Twenty20 team. If he had a successful tournament, Lee would have been part of the squad to tour England in June and July for seven one-day matches against England and two Twenty20 matches against Pakistan. A return to the national team appears unlikely given his recent injury history and the surfeit of in-form pacemen around the nation. The irony of Lee’’s latest setback, a strained muscle in his right forearm, is that he was Australia’’s most economical bowler in the one-run loss to cricketing minnow Zimbabwe, claiming 1-13 from his four overs. He felt pain during his last over and was later sent for MRI scans. A team spokesman said the injury was not related to Lee’’s recent elbow surgery which wiped out his summer and led to his eventual retirement from Test cricket.

Delhi’s worry: More radioactive material out there?

Delhi’s radioactive crisis could be deepening. Officials may have traced the Cobalt-60 to Delhi University but paradoxically, that has led to a much bigger concern. New details have emerged about how there could be more lethal toxic pieces from Delhi University’s Gamma Irradiator which are still missing. (Delhi University admits fault for radiation leak)
The officials are now searching for missing toxic pieces which could harm more people.
“There is every possibility that there is still more radioactivity out there in Delhi”, Dr SS Bajaj, Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board confirmed to NDTV.
The Delhi University’s machine possibly had 54 slots for cobalt pencils. The big worry is that till date, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has confiscated only five radioactive pencils. (Radiation leak source traced to Delhi University Chemistry lab)
It could be that 49 slots were unused or empty. But, officials suspect that given the sort of work done by the lab, there could be at least three missing radioactive pencils.
On its part the authorities have combed the Mayapuri scrap market and declared it clean.
Now, the search for the remaining killer cobalt rests on the police, and their interrogation of the scrap dealers.
How to handle radioactive Cobalt-60

At the cobalt processing center, special robotic arms handle the hot Cobalt-60. You can view the radioactive cobalt, but only through thick glass. This glass wall, two meters thick, is impregnated with lead to block any radioactive leaks.
Delhi’s worry: More radioactive material out there?

Experts say that some toxic pieces from Delhi University’s radioactive machine could still be missing.

No late parties for Team India at World T20

Photographs of them mingling with models and celebrities have led many to dub Indian cricketers the country s 24-Hour-Party-People. That s over.
First, the Indian Premier League (IPL) said it s ending the post-match parties that the league had become notorious for. Now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said it s lights out at 9.30 pm for the Indian team playing the T20 World Cup in West Indies. Anyone who misses the curfew has to pay 100 dollars.
Skipping practice sessions or arriving late for physical training will set players back by another 100 dollars. On the plus side, the daily allowance for each team member has been raised from 75 to 100 dollars.
Gifts from strangers have to be turned down. The lucky few who are offered presents need to report details to the team management that will investigate the background of the generous sponsor.
Sticking to the official diet is also mandatory.
So any celebrations will be hard-earned. Go Team!

It will be lights out at 9:30 pm for the Indian team playing in the West Indies. Anyone who misses the curfew has to pay a 100-dollar fine.

Iftikhar advises against doing politics on Hazara issue

GEO 436 PESHAWAR: Mian Iftikhar Hussain, the Information Minister of Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, has said that the Hazara province matter should not be turned into a 'Pakhtun or non-Pakhtun' issue. Addressing a news conference here on Thursday, he said nobody should try to do politics in the name of Hazara province. The brothers of Hazara would be warmly welcomed, Hussain said, adding they would be offered more than their due share. On the other hand, Tehrik Hazara Province (THP) leaders said the establishment of a separate province was not practically impossible. They said more than 10 countries, including Israel, are smaller than Hazara division, the argued.

Harris as Leeâ€™s replacement in Aussie team approved

GEO 436 DUBAI: The ICC has confirmed the event technical committee of the ICC World Twenty20 2010 has approved Ryan Harris as a replacement player for the injured Brett Lee in the Australia squad for the tournament, which runs from 30 April to 16 May in the West Indies. The confirmation was conveyed to Cricket Australia on behalf of the event technical committee on Wednesday. Harris will replace Lee, who is suffering from an arm injury. Lee was declared unfit by his board and, as a result, CA chose to seek a replacement for the entire event. The 30-year-old Harris from New South Wales has previously played two Tests, 12 ODIs and two T20Is. Any injury-based replacement requires a written submission to the event technical committee along with a diagnosis from a medical practitioner as to the extent of the injury. Once replaced, a player cannot return to the squad. As with all players in the tournament, the eligibility of a replacement player is subject to approval by the ICC before that player can be officially added to the squad. The event technical committee of the ICC World Twenty20 2010 consists of David Richardson (ICC, chairman), Robert Bryan (Tournament Director), Campbell Jamieson (IDI representative), Tony Howard (WICB representative), Alan Wilkins (independent nomination) and Sanjay Manjrekar (independent nomination). Australia opens its campaign against defending champion Pakistan in St Lucia on May 2 and then takes on Bangladesh in Barbados on May 5.

KESC gets 3-day ultimatum to restart Bin Qasim plant

GEO 436 KARACHI: Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) has warned Karachi Electric Supply Compnay (KESC) that power supply to the latter will be reduced if it failed to restart its Bin Qasim power plant. Director General PEPCO Engineer Muhammad Khalid talking to Geo News said that KESC, while keeping its plants shut, is getting electricity from PEPCO. As a result PEPCO is facing power shortage, he added. "Although KESC has capacity to generate power, it is deliberately keeping its Bin Qasim plant idle, increasing, as a result, PEPCO's burden by 350 MW electricity," he said. According to Engineer Khalid, KESC has been served a number of notices.

Junior officers targeted in BB probe: Nisar

GEO 436 ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said Thursday that mostly junior officers were being targeted by the government in the light of UN report on the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Real culprits were behind the curtain, he said and announced to take up this matter in the next session of National Assembly. Speaking to media outside the Parliament House, he said legislation was the prerogative of the Parliament, but he was quick to add the constitution also gives court the right to interpret law. The opposition leader opined that the Supreme Court should be given the time to discharge its responsibilities. The members of parliament may have any differences with the apex court on any issue, but it could not be described as confrontation, he said. The PML-N leader further said that his party would not hesitate to accept any decision of the top court.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Thursday, April 29, 2010