Technology News Gumby like flexible robot crawls in tight spaces

Technology News Gumby like flexible robot crawls in tight spaces:
Date November 30 , 2011
It's the latest prototype in the growing field of soft-bodied robots.



Harvard scientists have built a new type of flexible robot that is limber enough to wiggle and worm through tight spaces. It s the latest prototype in the growing field of soft-bodied robots. Researchers are increasingly drawing inspiration from nature to create machines that are more bendable and versatile than those made of metal.

The Harvard team, led by chemist George M. Whitesides, borrowed from squids, starfish and other animals without hard skeletons to fashion a small, four-legged rubber robot that calls to mind the clay animation character Gumby.

In recent years, scientists have been tinkering with squishy  sometimes odd-looking robots designed to squeeze through hard-to-reach cracks after a disaster like an earthquake or navigate rough terrain in the battlefield. "The unique ability for soft robots to deform allows them to go places that traditional rigid-body robots cannot," Matthew Walter, a roboticist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said in an email.

A team from Tufts University earlier this year showed off a 4-inch (10-centimeter) caterpillar-shaped robot made of silicone rubber that can curl into a ball and propel itself forward.

The Harvard project, funded by the Pentagon s research arm, was described online Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The new robot, which took two months to construct, is 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) long. Its four legs can be separately controlled by pumping air into the limbs, either manually or via computer. This gives the robot a range of motions including crawling and slithering.
The researchers tested the robot s flexibility by having it squirm underneath a pane of glass just three-quarters of an inch from the surface.
Scientists maneuvered the robot through the tiny gap 15 times using a combination of movements. In most cases, it took less than a minute to get from side to side.

Researchers eventually want to improve the robot s speed, but were pleased that it did not break from constant inflation and deflation.
"It was tough enough to survive," said Harvard postdoctoral fellow Robert Shepherd, adding that the robot can traverse on a variety of surfaces including felt cloth, gravel, mud and even Jell-O.

There were drawbacks. The robot is tethered to an external power source and scientists need to find a way to integrate the source before it can be deployed in the real world.

"There are many challenges to actively moving soft robots and no easy solutions," Tufts neurobiologist Barry Trimmer, who worked on the caterpillar robot, said in an email.

Robotics researcher Carmel Majidi, who heads the Soft Machines Lab at Carnegie Mellon University, said the latest robot is innovative even as it builds on previous work.

"It s a simple concept, but they re getting lifelike biological motions," he said.

Green cars in spotlight at waning Japan auto show

 Green cars in spotlight at waning Japan auto show:
Daet November 30 ,2011
The showcase for Japan's pillar auto industry was holding its preview for media on Wednesday. 



Green cars rolled into the spotlight at the Tokyo auto show as Japan s automakers look to fuel efficient technology to reinvigorate growth after tough times.

The showcase for Japan s pillar auto industry was holding its preview for media on Wednesday ahead of opening to the public on Saturday.

Plug-in hybrids and electric cars are centerstage at the Tokyo Motor Show reflecting both how green cars are growing in popularity and the low profile of foreign automakers at the event.

The show been scaling back in recent years because of the waning importance of Japan as an auto market. Car makers including Japan s are increasingly looking to China, India and other nations with greater growth potential.

Ford Motor Co. of the U.S. skipped the show, and General Motors Co. had only a tiny corner booth. Just a handful of European makers such as BMW with a chance at wooing rich Japanese buyers had full-scale booths.

Japanese automakers have had a tough few years due to the strong yen, image problems from Toyota s massive recalls and the large production disruptions from the March disasters in northeastern Japan. But green technology remains a strong selling point for car makers such as Toyota Motor Corp. which pioneered broad consumer acceptance of gasoline-electric hybrid cars with its hit Prius.

Honda Motor Co. said it will start selling an electric version of its Fit subcompact in the U.S. and Japan by the middle of next year. It showed concept cars such as the AC-X plug-in hybrid, EV-STER electric roadster convertible and a tiny electric car called Micro Commuter

"We will continue to offer products with an edge," said Honda President Takanobu Ito before drinking orange juice poured by Honda s Asimo robot, which recently has gained more nimble human-like fingers.

Honda showed a portable battery that people could carry around and put not only in their electric cars and plug-ins but also in small electric scooters.

Nissan Motor Co. had an updated version of its futuristic-looking electric car called Pivo 3, which can drive itself, find parking spaces and swerve around in almost a complete circle.

Koichiro Imoto, who writes about Japan s auto industry, says overseas interest in the show has plunged, except for a handful of manufacturers like Volkswagen AG that do good business in Japan.

"Technology is the only thing Japan has to cling to so the show is trying to highlight those strengths," he said. "Selling the technological superiority is the only way left for Japan."

Toyota President Akio Toyoda was outright emotional at his presentation when he said Japan was going through hard times after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.

Japanese automakers, including Toyota Motor Corp., were forced to scale back production as parts suppliers in northeastern Japan were damaged.

That battering was followed by a smaller but similar problem when suppliers got hit by flooding in Thailand, Toyoda said.
"Japan has been plunged into sadness," he said, often gesturing with his hands to emphasize his points.

Toyota must do all it can to work with the people of northeastern Japan and Thailand to propel a recovery, he said.
"Our messages are  Fun to drive again,  and  Never give up,  " he said, using English phrases for the mottos.

Mamoru Katou, auto analyst with Tokai Tokyo Research, believes the most interesting models at the show are the ones close to being commercial models.

On display at Toyota s sprawling booth is the plug-in version of its hit Prius hybrid, which will start at 2.75 million yen ($35,200) with subsidies in Japan.

Toyota began taking orders in Japan for the plug-in on Tuesday. In the U.S., where Toyota has already started to take orders online, the car starts at $32,000 without subsidies, which will vary by state.

Toyota, which has sold more than 3.4 million hybrids worldwide so far, is targeting Prius plug-in sales of 60,000 a year globally. The car is set for delivery in Japan in January.

Toyota is also showing an electric car and a fuel cell prototype. "Overall, interest is going to be diminished because the economy isn t doing so well around the world," Katou said. "But there s still interest in Toyota cars."

Carlos Ghosn, chief executive at Nissan which has been aggressive on electric vehicles with its Leaf car, but has been a straggler with hybrids compared to Toyota and Honda said no single green technology was going to dominate.

In about a decade, electric vehicles will make up 10 percent of the auto market as concerns grow about global warming, and governments in the U.S., Japan, Europe and China encourage their sales, he said.

"Zero-emission cars are going to become more and more popular," Ghosn said on the sidelines of the show. "You need to prepare the technologies."

Eurozone crisis to jeopardize growth in Asia ADB:

Date November 30 , 2011

Even China may face difficulties if demand from Europe, its largest export market - slows further. 

Asia s projected growth rate of 7.5 percent next year could be jeopardised as the eurozone crisis threatens its export-driven economies, the Asian Development Bank chief said.

ADB president Haruhiko Kuroda said even China may face difficulties if demand from Europe -- its largest export market - slows further.

"Developing Asia (excluding Japan, Australia and New Zealand), from our forecast will grow 7.5 percent this year as well as next year," he told AFP late Tuesday on the sidelines of a major aid forum.

"But the 7.5 percent growth next year is subject to greater uncertainty because Europe is having a financial crisis," said Kuroda, adding he was still "cautiously optimistic" about the continent s economic outlook for 2012.

Kuroda said Asia s financial sectors have been hard hit by capital flight by European banks -- with currencies weakening, stock markets falling and corporate funding costs rising.

Eurozone woes so far have not hurt Asia s export-reliant economies as severely as the 2008-2009 US subprime mortgage crisis that sharply reduced global trade, he said.

But the situation may change if Europe falls into recession, the former Japanese finance minister warned, saying even China is not immune.

"For China, Europe is their biggest market, bigger than the US and bigger than Japan. So about 9 percent growth (projected for) next year in China is subject to possible downward risk."

Kuroda said he was hopeful Europe could weather the storm and ruled out a need for more aggressive Asian assistance.
"I think the Asian countries with large foreign exchange reserves could of course help European countries... but Europe has enough resources," he said. "The greatest contribution Asia can make to the global economy is to maintain rapid economic growth in Asia, including India, China and Indonesia."

Kuroda is attending the Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness, a global gathering discussing ways to give foreign aid more of an impact.

He stressed the role of the West in helping the region s poorest nations like Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Kuroda said Asia still has 750 million people living on $1.25 a day, giving the continent the largest concentration of people in poverty despite the rapid growth of India, China and other nations.

"The emerging donors are helping... but it s not just enough. So I hope traditional donors continue to help poorest countries, particularly in Asia," said Kuroda, calling their role vital.

China and other emerging economies have become prominent global aid donors in recent years. But they operate outside globally coordinated efforts, such as the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

China in particular has offered massive aid to resource-rich Africa in a bid to fuel its booming economy, despite criticisms over the close ties with nations that have questionable rights records.

The practice has prompted calls from the West for emerging economic powers to follow agreed aid standards, including anti-corruption efforts and political reforms.

Kuroda said emerging donors need more time to adapt to their new roles. "The most important point is that emerging donors and traditional donors should engage in dialogue, whether emerging donors become members of OECD DAC or not," he said.

Pakistan Business News SBP leaves policy rate unchaged at 12%

Pakistan Business News SBP leaves policy rate unchaged at 12%:
Date November 30 ,2011
SBP has announced new monetary policy and has left policy rate unchanged at 12%. 



The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) took the decision after considering the need to revive growth and emerging risks to macroeconomic stability, said a statement from the central bank. The policy rate would stay flat at 12% for the next two months.

The decision was taken at the Central Board Of Directors meeting chaired by SBP Governor Yaseen Anwar in Karachi.

“To promote competition in the banking system and to offer alternative sources of savings to the population, the SBP has been encouraging depositors to invest in government securities through Investor’s Portfolio Securities (IPS) accounts,” the central bank said in its Monetary Policy Decision.

The SBP said the option of maintaining saving deposits or investments in Investor Portfolio Securities (IPS) accounts could provide tough competitions to banks, forcing them to offer better returns on deposits.

“This in turn would incentivise savings and help lower the currency in circulation,” it added.

This will improve the transmission of monetary policy changes to market interest rates. Over time, this strategy would also diversify the government’s funding source, deepen the secondary market of government securities and facilitate the issuance of corporate debt, said the policy decision.

The SBP statement said that the 4-month current account deficit has even crossed the upper limit set for the whole year. The central bank has also pointed out the trend of decline in foreign investment.  The bank has also advised the government to breaden the tax net.

Education News 3512 students get degrees in AJK varsity Convocation

Education News 3512 students get degrees in AJK varsity Convocation:
Date November 30 , 2011
9th Convocation of University of AJK was held on Monday at Muzaffarabad Campus.



At least 3512 graduating students of M.A/M.Sc., B.A/B.Sc./B.ED, M. Sc. Agriculture, B.Sc., Agriculture, M.Sc. Engineering, B.Sc., Engineering, BS Geology, B.Sc., Home Economics, BBA,MBA,M.Com/MPA,BFA,B.S Ed and B.Com were awarded degrees. As many as 40 students were decorated with gold medals.

While addressing the Convocation President AJ&K/Chancellor University Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan said, “If we really want to make progress, we will have to increase our higher education capacity by increasing the number of institutions of higher learning. At present, most of the students are denied admissions in the disciplines of their choice thus posing an alarming situation.”

He said that our government has established two medical colleges at Muzaffarabad and Mirpur which will start functioning by this year providing an access for the students of the area to the medical education. The 3rd medical college will soon be established at Rawalakot.

He informed that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has also announced the up-gradation of Rawalakot Campus of the University to a full-fledged University. The directive to this effect has also been issued and the establishment of the University is to be materialized in a couple of months.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan has also announced the establishment of IT University at Kotli which will also be established in near future, he added.

“I have arranged the adequate funding for Rawalakot Campus of the University. The mobilization advance will be released to the firm and construction work will be started soon”, he added. He thanked the Prime Minister of Pakistan for having shown keen interest in promoting higher education in the AJK.

He urged the University to consider resource diversification as it cannot develop unless some alternate funding resources are explored. Nevertheless, while doing so, University should take into account the interests of all the stakeholders.

He showed his satisfaction that University has established the ‘Students Support Fund’. He announced the grant of Rs.5, 00,000 for this fund.

While talking about Kashmir issue, he maintained that “Kashmir Issue is a long standing issue and needs early solution as per aspirations and wishes of Kashmiri people. While negotiating this Issue, Kashmiris should be taken into confidence and involved in deliberations at all level. Without their participation, no durable solution to the Kashmir Issue can be found out”.

While congratulating graduating Students and their proud parents, President said, “You have been awarded degrees, medals and transcripts by the University, yet the process of learning continuous, it is a never ending process. What seems an end is, in fact, a beginning the spirit needs several sorts of foods of which knowledge is only one”.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman Congratulated the graduating students and wished them a successful future. While addressing the students he said “The University is proud of your performance and achievements. I am certain that you will prove to be an asset to our nation and contribute towards the progress of the country”.

He hoped that they would continue to display the same degree of commitment in the future.

International news Chinese ship leaves on first voyage to Tiwan

International news Chinese ship leaves on first voyage to Tiwan:
Date November 30 ,2011
China's first high-speed Ro-Ro passenger ship left for Taiwan on Wednesday. 



It started its virgin journey from Pingtan in East China s Fujian Province with about 500 tourists on board for a six-day package tour.

At about 09:20, a short and simple ceremony was held at Pingtan harbor and the ship was scheduled to leave at about 09:50 and arrive in Taichung by way of Taiwan Strait.

The ro-ro passenger ship "Haixia," meaning straits in Chinese, will finish the course in three hours.

"Haixia" can accommodate 260 cars and 760 people, with ticket prices set at 600 yuan for economy class, 800 yuan for business class and 1,200 yuan for the first class.

The fare for the six-day package tour is about 3880 yuan or about 610 U.S. dollars per person. The tourists will be able to visit seven counties and cities, including Taichung, Taipei, Kaohsiung and Nantou, where they could see more than 101 scenic spots, including the Riyuetan (Sun-and-moon) Lake, the Ali Mountains.

Pingtan is only 68 nautical miles from Taiwan s Hsinchu. The port has been made a demonstrative zone for the cross-straits exchange and cooperation and a science development area of the cross-straits economic zone.

With an investment of 250 billion yuan over five years, the Pingtan comprehensive experiment zone aims to completely renovate the infrastructure facilities, human and ecological environment on the island, and strives to initially match the economy in Taiwan region within three years.

The experiment zone is to execute favorable policy measures to attract investment from Taiwan.

Some famous enterprises from Taiwan began to invest in building factories on the island in 2010, while over 200 economic and trade delegations from Taiwan have come to tap investment potentials of the Pingtan zone.

International news Decorated US marine sues BAE Systems

International news Decorated US marine sues BAE Systems:
Date November 30 ,2011
US Marine who received America's prestigious military medal is suing British defense giant.



He is charging that the firm retaliated against him after he objected to the alleged sale of high-tech sniper scopes to Pakistan.

Sergeant Dakota Meyer, who was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in a televised ceremony two months ago, filed a defamation suit this week in a Texas court against BAE.

In it he claims he lost out on a prospective job after a former boss labeled him a mentally unstable employee with a drinking problem, company officials said Tuesday.

Meyer is only the third living recipient of the Medal of Honor from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and was credited with saving the lives of 36 troops by braving heavy fire and providing cover for his comrades in eastern Afghanistan.

BAE rejected Meyer s allegations but went out of its way to acknowledge his valor on the battlefield.

"As an organization whose core focus is to support and protect our nation s troops, we are incredibly grateful to Dakota Meyer for his valiant service and bravery above and beyond the call of duty," spokesman Brian Roehrkasse told AFP in an email.

"Although we strongly disagree with his claims, which we intend to vigorously defend through the appropriate legal process, we wish him success and good fortune in all his endeavors," he said.

The lawsuit, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, reportedly alleges that Meyer became concerned in April after learning that BAE had sought to sell weapons systems to Pakistan.

He then sent an email to his boss, Bobby McCreight, voicing his dismay.

"We are simply taking the best gear, the best technology on the market to date and giving to guys that are known to stab us in the back," Meyer reportedly wrote in the email.

BAE did not confirm the company had plans to sell scopes to Pakistan and said it was up to the State Department to decide which weapons are exported.

Meyer s concerns about arming Pakistani soldiers reflect widespread distrust of Pakistan among US troops, particularly those who have spent time on the eastern Afghan border.

News of the lawsuit came as relations between the United Sates and Pakistan plunged to a new low after a cross-border air strike on Saturday by US-led forces that left 24 Pakistani troops dead.

The lawsuit alleges that Meyer s supervisor, McCreight, belittled him after his critical email and made sarcastic remarks about his nomination for the Medal of Honor, referring to his "pending star status."

McCreight, a retired Marine sniper who also received awards for his military service, "remains employed by BAE Systems," the company said.

Meyer quit BAE in May and tried to go back to a previous job training active duty troops at Ausgar Technologies, the Journal reported.

But his old supervisor reportedly spoke to a Pentagon manager overseeing the hiring of veterans for the program, alleging Meyer was mentally troubled and had "a problem related to drinking in a social setting."

International news Turkey slaps economic sanctions on Syria

International news Turkey slaps economic sanctions on Syria:
Date November 30,2011
Turkey slapped tough economic sanctions on Syria on Wednesday.



Istanbul froze assets of Syrian officials involved in the government s crackdown on an 8-month-old uprising, suspending ties with the nation s central bank and banning all military sales.

The move comes on top of sanctions already imposed by the Arab League, the United States and the European Union. Turkey is Syria s neighbor and largest trading partner, but its leaders have turned on Damascus because of its violent campaign to crush the revolt.

"Every bullet fired, every bombed mosque has eliminated the legitimacy of the Syrian leadership and has widened the gap between us," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told a news conference in Ankara, Turkey. "Syria has squandered the last chance that it was given."

Turkey and Syria did $2.4 billion in trade last year, according to the Turkish embassy in Damascus. The sanctions will bite an already ailing economy in Syria, where President Bashar Assad is trying to crush an uprising against his autocratic rule. The United Nations says at least 3,500 people have been killed in the crackdown.

"Syria must immediately cease using force on the people and the forces must immediately withdraw from the cities," Davutoglu said.

The Turkish foreign minister announced a set of nine sanctions, including a travel ban on Syrian leaders and the freezing of their assets. Businessmen "strongly supporting" the regime would also be sanctioned, Davutoglu said, in a direct threat to a mainstay of regime support.

Syrian business leaders have long traded political freedoms for economic privileges in Syria, where the prosperous merchant classes are key to propping up the regime.

The opposition has tried to rally these largely silent, but hugely important, sectors of society. But Assad s opponents have failed so far to galvanize support in Damascus and Aleppo the two economic centers in Syria.

The sanctions, however, could chip away at their resolve.

Davutoglu also said Wednesday that Turkey was imposing a travel ban and freezing the assets of "certain officials who are members of the main cadre of leaders, who are the subject of claims of exerting violence against the people or of resorting to illegitimate means."

"All shipment of arms and military equipment through Turkey s land, airspace and seas ... will be prevented," he said.

He said Ankara was suspending all ties to the Syrian Central Bank, freezing any Syrian government assets in Turkey and suspending any loan deals. Future dealing with the Syrian Trade Bank would be suspended, while current deals would continue, Davutoglu said.

He also announced the suspension of a joint economic and political cooperation council between the two countries "until a legitimate leadership that is in peace with its people comes to power in Syria."

Dubai s government prompted speculation Wednesday that a proposed Arab League ban on Syria flights could soon take effect.

Pakistani news hina rabani Enough is enough Pakistan says NO to US pressure

Pakistani news hina rabani Enough is enough Pakistan says NO to US pressure:
Date November 30 ,2011
Pakistan will not tolerate any spilling of even single drop of blood of any civilian or soldier.



Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said, “Enough is enough. The Government will not tolerate any spilling of even single drop of blood  of any civilian or soldier.

The motive behind the recent reaction is to ensure national security and sovereignty of the country. There will be no compromise on national interest. We will not bow before US pressure”, she said while briefing Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Decision taken by the government to seek vacate Shamsi airbase from the US troops and not to attend Bonn Conference was final, she said. “Notice had been sent to the US in connection with vacation of Shamsi airbase. Red lines were violated repeatedly,” she stated.

“We will no more stay mute over it. If ISAF will not give guarantee of sovereignty of Pakistan then Pakistan reserves its right to take any decision for the sake of its national interests”, she remarked.

She went on to say Pakistan had been playing responsible role for establishment of peace in the region. The sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in war on terror were more than any other country, she added. “But it does not mean we will compromise on our sovereignty”, she underscored.

She held NATO supply line had been suspended in the light of resolution of parliament. Only extending apology will not work as not only soldiers were martyred in this incident but Pakistan sovereignty was also attacked upon , she maintained.


“We will have to look to ourselves rather than looking to others. W e will have to come out of the mercy of others”, she added.

Government was also reviewing its relations with US and coalition forces, she said. “We are a sovereign state and we will not allow our sovereignty to be tainted. Pakistan role in war on terror be not overlooked”, she stressed.

As per Online Hina Rabbani Khar said foreign office had no record with reference to alleged letter of Mansoor Ejaz nor was any letter sent to US general by the government. This memo was fabricated and such concocted stories had been published in past against Pakistan, she observed.

She was of the view Mansoor Ejaz had targeted Pakistan army and ISI. Prime Minister (PM) Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani had assigned the inquiry into memogate issue to parliamentary committee for national security, she pointed out.

She said PM had taken decision to remove Hussain Haqqani from his office of ambassador in national interest as several questions were raised in respect of him. Therefore, Hussain Haqqani had returned to Pakistan and he would clear him from all these questions, she added. Hussain Haqqani had played pivotal role for the protection of national interests, she underlined. The reports about overthrowing democratic government were baseless, she added.

Foreign Minister said no mention had been made by US with respect to Mansoor Ejaz memo adding the matter would be fully investigated as Pakistan ambassador could do nothing without the permission of foreign office.

She held parliament was a sovereign institution and any decision taken by it would be honored. Presence of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan had raised several grave questions, she remarked.

Pakistan news Pakistan links war on terror cooperation to 5 points

Pakistan news Pakistan links war on terror cooperation to 5 points
Date November 30,2011
Pakistan linked its support in war on terror to 5 conditions, which include ending drone attacks.



According to government sources, it is conveyed to the United States that mutual relationship will only endure if equality in relations would be ensured and dominance of any side would not be accepted.

Sources said that matters like relations with the United States and solution of Afghanistan problem are linked with each other and core decisions have become indispensible in the wake of emerging situation on the Pakistani borders.

Sources also said that the process of revision of facilities provided to the US has also been started. The government and opposition are on the same page over the Mehmond tragedy, said sources.  

Pakistan news waziray azam Pakistan to get Shamsi base vacated by Dec 11

Pakistan news waziray azam Pakistan to get Shamsi base vacated by Dec 11:
Date November 30,2011
PM Gilani on Wednesday said Pakistan will have Shamsi airbase vacated by December 11.



The Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) on Saturday asked the US to vacate Shamsi airbase in Balochistan province hours after the NATO fighter jets and helicopters bombed two border posts in Mohmand tribal region and killed 24 soldiers.

The US has been using the airbase for nearly 10 years for military operations in Afghanistan and spy aircraft strikes in the tribal regions.

"The US will vacate the airbase by December 11," Prime Minister Gilani told reporters in Karachi. He said Pakistan has sent a formal letter to the US to vacate the airbase.

The government has also closed supply line for US-led NATO troops in Afghanistan as a protest to the strikes and decided to boycott the next week Bonn Conference on the future of Afghanistan.

Gilani said Afghan President Hamid Karzai called him on Tuesday and called for a review of the decision of Bonn Conference boycott but he said, "Pakistan cannot put at risk its own security for Afghanistan."

"I had told President Karzai that Afghan soil was used for attack on Pakistan and we are protesting over the attacks," he said.

"Pakistan wants a guarantee for its security," Gilani said, adding that Afghan President argued that the US and NATO had carried out the attack on Pakistani posts and Afghanistan had not been involved.

"Bonn Conference will be held for Afghanistan s security but who will guarantee our security in view of NATO strikes," the Prime Minister asked.

"We cannot attend Bonn Conference unless we get guarantee of respect for our sovereignty, independence and security," Gilani said when asked about international appeals to Pakistan to change its boycott decision.

German Chancellor Angela Markel and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regretted Pakistan s decision and asked for its review.

Business News Eurozone rescue fund to insure bonds

Business News Eurozone rescue fund to insure bonds:
Date November 29 , 2011
The 17-nation eurozone plans to use its bailout fund to insure bonds.



The 17-nation eurozone plans to use its bailout fund to insure bonds from financially troubled countries within the bloc by up to 30 percent, according to a new proposal.

According to draft guidelines, bonds being issued in the future would receive fixed credit protection equal to 20 to 30 percent through the European Financial Stability Facility. The actual rate will be determined "in light of market circumstances."

The guidelines said the the main objective is to allow member states to issue bonds "at sustainable rates maximizing EFSF capacity while providing a predefined degree of protection to investors." They were approved by the German Parliament s budget committee on Monday.

The guidelines have been drawn up to increase the firepower of the bloc s €440 billion ($588 billion) rescue fund and prevent crisis situations in the future.

"It is important that the resources available are sizable enough to counter doubts that the country has sufficient funds to meet its financing needs and to give market confidence," the guidelines state. "However, the tool should not merely be seen as a liquidity facility but as an effective and comprehensive crisis prevention tool."

Despite market rumors that the bailout fund might fall short of the €1 trillion ($1.3 trillion) goal it hoped to reach through leveraging, the German government still believes it to be a reachable target, according to a German lawmaker, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Business News Stocks soar after big holiday shopping weekend

Business News Stocks soar after big holiday shopping weekend:
Date November 29 , 2011
Global stockes rose sharply on proposals for a far-reaching solution to Europe's debt crisis.



A strong start to the US shopping season and fresh proposals for a far-reaching solution to Europe s debt crisis sent stocks sharply higher Monday. The Dow Jones industrial average soared 300 points at midday, making up more than half of the ground it lost last week.

Initial reports show a record number of shoppers hit the mall or bought gifts online during the holiday weekend. Thanksgiving weekend is a make-or-break time for many retailers. For the past six years, Black Friday has been the biggest sales day of the year.

The retail numbers add to a growing set of indicators, including steady drops in the number of applications for unemployment, that suggest the US is far from the second recession economists had begun to fear in August.

"This goes in stark contrast to the gloom and doom that had been over markets," said Rob Lutts, president of Salem,

Massachusetts-based investment firm Cabot Money Management. "A lot of the stocks I follow have been more oversold than any time I can remember in the last few years."

Markets in Europe also rose sharply as leaders there discuss new approaches for containing the region s debt troubles. One plan calls for Europe s most stable economies jointly sell bonds to provide assistance to the region s most indebted members, like Greece and Portugal.

Investors are hoping that the recent signs of deterioration in the debt crisis will finally get Europe s leaders to agree on a package of measures that can ease market concerns over whether the euro currency itself can survive.

The Dow jumped 310 points, or 2.8 percent, to 11,541 at midday. The index plunged 564 points last week on fear that Europe s debt crisis was spreading to large countries like Spain and even Germany. Alcoa Inc. jumped 5.7 percent, the most of the 30 stocks in the Dow.

The Standard & Poor s 500 rose 36, or 3.1 percent, to 1,194. The Nasdaq composite rose 87, or 3.6 percent, to 2,528.

Banks had some of the biggest gains as investors became less fearful of an imminent freeze-up in Europe s financial system. Morgan Stanley jumped 5.4 percent and JPMorgan Chase & Co. rose 4 percent. Retailers also rose sharply. Macy s Inc. rose 6 percent and Best Buy Co. rose 4.2 percent.

A record 226 million shoppers visited stores and websites during the four-day holiday weekend starting on Thanksgiving Day, up from 212 million last year, according to early estimates by The National Retail Federation released on Sunday. They spent more, too: The average holiday shopper spent $398.62 over the weekend, up from $365.34 a year ago.

It s still unclear whether retailers  will be able to hold shoppers  attention throughout the remainder of the season, which can account for 25 to 40 percent of a merchant s annual revenue.

Business News Euro rises against dollar on European debt hopes

Business News Euro rises against dollar on European debt hopes:
Date November 29 ,2011
Euro rose against dollar on hopes that plan to stop Europe's debt crisis from spreading is in work.



Hopes rose Monday that the International Money Fund is putting together a $794 billion rescue package for Italy. Investors are hoping that European leaders will finally agree on a solution to the region s debt crisis.

The euro rose to $1.3315 in afternoon trading Monday from $1.3230 late Friday. The euro fell to a 7 1/2-week low against the dollar Friday after Italian borrowing rates soared, a sign that investors were worried the country may not be able to pay its debts.

In the US, the National Retail Federation said Sunday that 226 million shoppers visited stores and websites during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, up from 212 million last year. They also spent more. The average shopper spent $398.62, up from $365.34 a year ago.

Traders felt more comfortable buying the euro and other high-yielding risky currencies since they view the increase in spending as a sign that the US might avoid another recession.

In other trading, the British pound rose to $1.5513 from $1.5433. The dollar fell to 0.9228 Swiss franc from 0.9318 and to 1.0344 Canadian dollar from 1.0503 Canadian dollar.

The dollar rose to 77.94 Japanese yen from 77.76 Japanese yen.

Business News Oil prices rise on holiday sales Europe hopes

Business News Oil prices rise on holiday sales Europe hopes:
Date November29 ,2011
Oil prices climbed above $98 per barrel on Europe hopes and weak dollar. 



Oil prices climbed above $98 per barrel Monday after shoppers pumped up holiday retail sales in the US, and investors bet that Europe would find a last-minute solution to its financial crisis.

Benchmark crude rose $1.44 to end the day at $98.21 per barrel in New York. Brent crude, which is used to price foreign oil including much imported by US refineries to make gasoline rose $2.26 to finish at $108.02 a barrel in London.

Benchmark oil has recovered much of the ground it lost since Nov. 16, when it hit $102.59 a barrel. Prices rebounded Monday following strong holiday sales in the U.S, where shoppers spent nearly $1 billion more on Black Friday than they did a year ago. The robust weekend sales are a promising sign that consumers are opening their wallets a little wider.

"The US is probably doing better than we gave it credit for," PFGBest analyst Phil Flynn said. "Consumers are buying more, and that s going to get manufacturers to produce more products, and it ll take more energy to make and distribute those goods."

Meanwhile European leaders are considering new solutions to their credit problems, with little time to left to preserve the euro currency and perhaps head off a recession in the region. Among the ideas is a plan for eurozone countries with the best credit to pool their resources to assist the most indebted members of the 17-nation currency block.

Some analysts say the euro could collapse in days, unless action is taken.

Oil prices climbed along with a surge in world stock markets. Stock indexes in Italy, Germany and France rose more than 4 percent on Monday. In the US the Dow Jones industrial average, the Standard & Poor s 500 and the Nasdaq all rose more than 2 percent.

In other energy trading, heating oil rose 4.26 cents to finish at $2.9699 per gallon, and gasoline futures rose 6.92 cents to finish at $2.5181 per gallon. Natural gas fell 17.8 cents, or 5 percent, to end the day at $3.3640 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Cricket News India bank on youth in Windies OID series

Cricket News India bank on youth in Windies OID series:
Date November 29 ,2011
India will rely on young stars to deliver while facing fast-improving West Indies in ODI series.



World champions India will count on their young stars to deliver when they take on fast-improving West Indies in a one-day series starting in Cuttack on Tuesday.

The hosts have rested batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the five-match series, picking instead young batsmen Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane.

Kohli scored half-centuries in each innings of the drawn third and final Test in Mumbai last week that helped India clinch the series 2-0.

India, with explosive opener Virender Sehwag as stand-in captain, will look to extend their excellent run at the Barabati stadium in Cuttack where they have lost only four of their 14 one-day internationals. Former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar said he was excited by the new-look home team.

"We now move our focus to the young batsmen in the team," Vengsarkar wrote in the Times of India. "With Sehwag all set to lead India, the one-dayers should provide for more entertainment, what with the West Indies having gained a lot of positives from the Test series."

The man in the spotlight will be newcomer Ravichandran Ashwin, who grabbed 22 wickets with his off-spin in his debut Test series and also scored a century in Mumbai.

The West Indies showed much improvement in the last two Tests at Kolkata and Mumbai, but skipper Darren Sammy wanted his side to be more consistent in the one-dayers.

The tourists scored 463 in their second innings at Kolkata and 590 in the first innings at Mumbai, with young Darren Bravo smashing centuries in both matches to announce his arrival on the big stage.

"As a team we are making some strides, but we still need more consistency," said Sammy. "We did some good things earlier this year against Pakistan and India at home and we beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh last month. We came here and competed in the Tests against India, but did not capitalise on the key moments."

Hard-hitting all-rounder Kieron Pollard returns to the West Indies squad where batsman Jason Mohammed and off-spinner Sunil Narine are the new faces. The remaining matches will be played in Visakhapatnam (December 2), Ahmedabad (Dec 5), Indore (Dec 8) and Chennai (Dec 11).

Cricket News Green Australia attack to face New Zealand

Cricket News Green Australia attack to face New Zealand :
Date November 29 ,2011
Australia will field their most inexperienced bowling attack in decades against a New Zealand.



Australia will field their most inexperienced bowling attack in decades against a New Zealand team chasing their first Test victory in Australia for 26 years at the Gabba on Thursday.

An injury crisis has decimated Australia s pace attack, with skipper Michael Clarke likely to rely on at least two Test newcomers to get the wickets against the Black Caps, who sit a lowly eighth in the world rankings.

The sidelining of Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnston, allrounder Shane Watson and exciting youngster Pat Cummins forced selectors to choose Test debutants James Pattinson, Ben Cutting and Mitchell Starc along with new opening batsman David Warner.

While one of the tyro pacemen is expected to be named 12th man, Peter Siddle will still lead the most inexperienced Australian Test attack since Merv Hughes and Bruce Reid made their debuts against India in 1985.

Suddenly New Zealand, who have won on only three of their last 22 Tests and had been considered an entree to fourth-ranked Australia s four-Test home series against India next month, are injury-free and in scoring form.

The Black Caps plastered an Australia A attack featuring Pattinson, Cutting and Starc for 890 runs in a high-scoring four-day draw last weekend, with three Kiwi batsmen, Jesse Ryder (175), Brendon McCullum (146) and captain Ross Taylor (138) hitting centuries.

New Zealand s chances have improved of a first Test victory in Australia since the days of pace great Richard Hadlee, who spearheaded their last win, in Perth in 1985.

The Australians, coming off a thrilling two-wicket win over South Africa in Johannesburg earlier this month to draw a two-Test series with the Proteas, will still start favourites to beat New Zealand at their Gabba fortress.

Australia have not lost a Test at the Gabba ground since defeat to the formidable West Indies in 1988 and still boast an experienced batting lineup featuring Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin and Clarke.

There will be interest in how Twenty20 specialist Warner handles his first Test opportunity, opening the Australian innings with Phil Hughes, who is still fighting to secure his place in the side after 15 Tests, following the controversial discarding of Simon Katich.

Former selector and Test fast bowler Merv Hughes is looking forward to Warner, 25, employing his natural big-hitting game against the Kiwis.

International news Kuwait ruler accepts cabinet’s en masse resignations

International news Kuwait ruler accepts cabinet’s en masse resignations:
Date November 29,2011
The ruler of oil-rich Kuwait on Monday accepted the resignation of the government.



This is the seventh cabinet to step down in five years, over a bitter dispute with parliament, official media said.

"Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al-Sabah issued an order accepting the resignation of the prime minister and cabinet ministers," state-run Kuwait television reported.

The emir asked Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, a senior member of the ruling family, and other ministers to manage urgent issues until a new government is formed, the television said.

The resignation came one day ahead of a scheduled questioning in parliament of the prime minister over an alleged corruption scandal involving a number of MPs and on charges of misusing public funds.

It also came hours before a planned mass rally later on Monday by the opposition to press demands for the premier s ouster and for the release of 24 opposition activists held for storming parliament on November 6.

Parliament speaker Jassem al-Khorafi said he had not been informed of a dissolution of the house but said parliamentary sessions had been called off until a new government is formed.

It was not immediately known whether the emir, who has ultimate power in the Gulf state over appointing heads of government, will reappoint Sheikh Nasser to form his eighth cabinet since having taken up the post in February 2006.

Opposition MPs, who have been at loggerheads with Sheikh Nasser, a nephew of the emir, over charges he failed to manage the wealthy state, welcomed the resignation.

They called for the formation of a transitional government with a new premier before parliament is dissolved.

"We are waiting for the appointment of a new prime minister before parliament is dissolved in order to be assured of fair elections," Islamist opposition MP Khaled al-Sultan told reporters outside parliament.

"I hope the emir will please the Kuwaiti people by dissolving parliament... and forming a transitional cabinet to supervise the elections," said another opposition MP, Falah al-Sawwagh.

"We are waiting for the next step to dissolve parliament, a quarter of whose members have been referred to the prosecution" over large allegedly illegal deposits in their accounts, MP Daifalla Buramia said.

The public prosecutor in September launched an unprecedented probe into the bank accounts of around 15 pro-government MPs accused of accepting bribes totalling $350 million.

Opposition MPs have claimed the deposits were bribes by the government to win votes on crucial issues. Some of the MPs accused have denied any wrongdoing.

The most tumultuous period in Kuwait s modern history has now seen seven cabinets resign since mid-2006 and parliament dissolved three times, although in 1962 it became the Gulf s first Arab state to adopt a democratic system.

Kuwait, which sits on about 10 percent of global crude oil, has amassed more than $300 billion in surpluses over the past decade, but projects and development have been stalled by the political wrangling.

International news Fearing unrest, Israel delays

International news Fearing unrest, Israel delays:
Date November 29,2011
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered to halt renovation work at holy site.



Israel s prime minister intervened to halt renovation work on a pedestrian walkway adjacent to the most sensitive holy site in Jerusalem to avoid inflaming public opinion in the Arab world, an Israeli official said Monday.

The renovation is meant to replace a rickety wooden ramp leading up to the enclosure known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as al-Aqsa. The ramp was meant to be temporary when it was constructed in 2004 to replace an earlier one that collapsed in a snowstorm, but fears of sparking Muslim anger have prevented any further work since then.

The dismantling of the temporary walkway, which Jerusalem city officials have deemed potentially unsafe, was supposed to have begun in recent days, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the work postponed, Netanyahu told a security and foreign policy committee in Israel s parliament.

He cited the recent anti-government unrest in neighboring Egypt, implying that anger there could be turned against Israel if his government were seen to be endangering a holy site that has repeatedly served as a flashpoint for violence.

"It was my assessment that given the demonstrations in Cairo, on that specific day, that specific week it was not the time," Netanyahu told the committee, according to an official who participated in the closed session. He spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the subject.

The official gave no date for the resumption of work. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation, the Israeli body directly responsible for the ramp, would not provide details on the project, and spokesmen for Netanyahu and Jerusalem City Hall declined to comment.

International news Rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel no casualties army

International news Rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel no casualties army:
Date November 29 , 2011
Rockets fired from Lebanon landed in Israel overnight, but there were no casualties.



Several rockets fired from southern Lebanon landed in Israel overnight, but there were no casualties, Israel s army announced in a statement early Tuesday.

After the rockets landed in the western Galilee region, the Israeli army retaliated, striking the area from where they had been launched, the army said, without offering further specifics.

"The Israeli army considers that it is a serious incident and believes that it is the responsibility of the Lebanese government and the Lebanese army to avoid this kind of attacks," the statement added.

Four rockets landed in Israel, according to a report on Israeli public radio. One caused minor damage, while another landed in a populated area but failed to explode.

Local military commanders were assessing the situation but people in northern Israel, where the rockets landed, had not been told to go to air raid shelters, said an army spokesman.

Pakistan may boycott Afghan meeting in protest

Date November 29,2011

Pakistan is considering pulling out of an international conference on Afghanistan next week:

The Obama administration says Pakistan is considering pulling out of an international conference on Afghanistan next week as a result of the NATO airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner says Pakistani officials have informed the U.S. they are reviewing their participation. He acknowledged that the weekend incident was a setback for U.S.-Pakistani relations.

The conference next week in Bonn, Germany, seeks a strategy to stabilize Afghanistan a decade after al-Qaida used the country as a base to launch the Sept. 11 attacks and U.S.-backed forces overthrew the Taliban.

Toner urged Pakistan to attend.

He also said Monday that investigations were under way into the NATO strikes. He said Washington and Islamabad will have to work through the difficulties in their "vitally important" relationship.

Pakistan turns down NATO, US regret:

Date November 29 ,2011

Pakistan has rejected the US regret over the NATO strikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

 Washington has backed a full inquiry and sent its condolences, while NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Sunday voiced regret over the "tragic, unintended" killings, but did not issue a full apology.

In response Pakistan has dug in its heels, reacting furiously to what it called an "unprovoked" strike, worsening US-Pakistani relations already in crisis after the killing in May of Osama bin Laden north of Islamabad by US special forces.

Asked about expressions of regret by NATO, Maj Gen Athar Abbas said: "We do not accept it because such kind of attacks have been taking place in the past... Our leadership will decide about further reaction."

British newspaper The Daily Telegraph on Monday quoted wounded survivors of the raid, who insisted they were victims of an unprovoked attack.

In retaliation, Islamabad has blocked NATO convoys from crossing into Afghanistan, ordered a review of its alliance with the US and is mulling whether to boycott a key conference on Afghanistan next month.

Hundreds of enraged Pakistanis took to the streets for a third day on Monday, blocking roads to demand that Pakistan end its troubled alliance with the United States.

Key ally China, seen by Islamabad as a crucial counterweight to American influence, said it was "deeply shocked" and called for an investigation.

Technology Toyota BMW in talks over eco-friendly cars

Technology Toyota BMW in talks over eco-friendly cars:
Date: November 27, 2011
Toyota is in discussions with BMW over eco-friendly cars, a press report said Saturday.


Under the deal, the German automaker would provide diesel engines for Toyota vehicles, while Toyota would share its hybrid technology, the business daily Nikkei said.It would mark Toyota s second green-technology tie-up with a major foreign automaker, following its agreement in August to develop hybrid-vehicle systems with Ford of the United States.

A Toyota spokesman said the report was based on "speculation" and refused to comment further.Under the proposed arrangement, BMW would provide diesel engines for Toyota s passenger vehicles, most likely medium-sized cars of around 2,000cc to be sold in Europe, Nikkei said.

BMW, which inked a deal with France s PSA Peugeot Citroen Group in late 2010 to jointly develop hybrid systems for subcompacts, would be able to expand its lineup, the daily said.Toyota has struggled to use its hybrids to expand its market share in Europe in a region where roughly 60 percent of passenger cars are powered by diesel engines, the daily said.

Demand for diesel vehicles is forecast to grow since such engines are seen as an effective way to cut carbon dioxide emissions, and technological advances in the field are essential as emission regulations become tougher.

With the strong yen hurting the price competitiveness of its hybrids, Toyota was aiming to improve the marketability of its diesel vehicles by procuring engines from BMW, the daily added.

Technology NASA launches super-size Mars rover to red planet

Technology NASA launches super-size Mars rover to red planet:
Date November 27,2011
Curiosity rover will take 8½ months to reach Mars following a journey of 570 million kilometers.

The world s biggest extraterrestrial explorer, NASA s Curiosity rover, rocketed toward Mars on Saturday on a search for evidence that the red planet might once have been home to itsy-bitsy life.

It will take 8½ months for Curiosity to reach Mars following a journey of 354 million miles (570 million kilometres).

An unmanned Atlas V rocket hoisted the rover, officially known as Mars Science Laboratory, into a cloudy late morning sky. A Mars frenzy gripped the launch site, with more than 13,000 guests jamming the space centre for NASA s first launch to Earth s next-door neighbor in four years, and the first send-off of a Martian rover in eight years.

NASA astrobiologist Pan Conrad, whose carbon compound-seeking instrument is on the rover, had a shirt custom made for the occasion. Her bright blue, short-sleeve blouse was emblazoned with rockets, planets and the words, "Next stop Mars!"

Conrad jumped and cheered as the rocket blasted off a few miles (kilometers) away.

"It s amazing," she said, "and it s a huge relief to see it all going up in the same direction."

The 1-ton Curiosity as large as a car is a mobile, nuclear-powered laboratory holding 10 science instruments that will sample Martian soil and rocks, and analyze them right on the spot. There s a drill as well as a stone-zapping laser machine.

It s "really a rover on steroids," said NASA s Colleen Hartman, assistant associate administrator for science. "It s an order of magnitude more capable than anything we have ever launched to any planet in the solar system."

The primary goal of the $2.5 billion mission is to see whether cold, dry, barren Mars might have been hospitable for microbial life once upon a time or might even still be conducive to life now. No actual life detectors are on board; rather, the instruments will hunt for organic compounds.

Curiosity s 7-foot (2.1-metre) arm has a jackhammer on the end to drill into the Martian red rock, and the 7-foot (2.1-metre) mast on the rover is topped with high-definition and laser cameras. No previous Martian rover has been so sophisticated or capable.

With Mars the ultimate goal for astronauts, NASA also will use Curiosity to measure radiation at the red planet. The rover also has a weather station on board that will provide temperature, wind and humidity readings; a computer software app with daily weather updates is planned.

Business News Oil hovers above $96 amid Europe debt worries

Business News Oil hovers above $96 amid Europe debt worries:
Date: November 27,2011
Oil prices hovered above $96 a barrel in Asia as Europe's debt crisis undermined confidence. 

Oil prices hovered above $96 a barrel Friday in Asia as Europe s debt crisis undermined confidence the continent will avoid recession next year.

Benchmark crude for January delivery was up 11 cents at $96.28 a barrel at late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract last settled on Wednesday in New York at $96.17, down $1.84.

Markets in the U.S. were closed Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday.Brent crude for January delivery fell 40 cents at $107.38 a barrel on the ICE Futures Exchange in London.Markets close early in the U.S. later Friday for Thanksgiving.

Investor concern that fiscal austerity measures to lower Europe s debt levels will hurt global economic growth and oil demand has helped pull crude back from above $103 last week.Credit ratings agency Fitch downgraded Portugal s long-term debt rating to BB+ from BBB-, following a similar move recently by Moody s.

Uncertainty about contagion spreading from Greece to Portugal, Italy, Spain and Ireland has begun to undermine confidence in Germany and France. The yield on Germany s 10-year bond rose above the 10-year UK government bond for the first time since 2009.

"The eurozone sovereign crisis is starting to threaten the bond markets of even the most solid European economy
Germany," Barclays Capital said in a report.

In other Nymex trading, heating oil rose 1.6 cents to $2.99 per gallon and gasoline futures gained 1.9 cents to $2.52 per gallon. Natural gas added 1.4 cents to $3.47 per 1,000 cubic feet.

Business News Indonesia Thousands queue to buy new Blackberry

Business News Indonesia Thousands queue to buy new Blackberry:
Date: November  27,2011
Thousands of Indonesians jammed into shopping mall to buy BlackBerry Bold 9790 being sold worldwide.

Fearing a riot, hundreds of police were deployed outside, tying up traffic in the heart of the capital for hours.

With a 50 percent discount on the $540 phone for the first 1,000 buyers, lines started forming in front of Pacific Place mall on Thursday night. By daybreak, impatient shoppers started rattling the gates.


And when rumors spread that the new smartphones — commonly known as Bellagio — had already sold out, the crowd of 3,000 went crazy. Several people fainted in the crush.


Indonesia, a nation of 240 million people, has experienced a come-from-nowhere tech frenzy in recent years. With 6 million users, BlackBerry dominates the smartphone market.

Business News Business community rejects proposed energy tariff

 Business News Business community rejects proposed energy tariff:
Date November 27 , 2011
Business community rejected proposed 11 to 14% raise in gas and 31% raise in electricity tariff. 

Pakistan Industrial & Traders Association Front (PIAF) and leaders of business community strongly criticizing the proposed 11 to 14 percent increase in the gas and 31 percent increase in the hydel-electricity.

In a press statement issued here Friday, Chairman PIAF Sohail Lashari, Chairman Lahore Township Industries Association Haroon Shafiq Chaudhry and Chairman Auto Parts Manufacturers & Exporters Association Tahir Javed Malik urged the Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani to reject the OGRA and NEPRA anti-industry summaries in the larger interest of the country.

They said that massive increase in one-go in the electricity tariff and gas prices is not only anti-industry but anti-masses as would be last nail in the coffin of economy. Unprecedented increase in the electricity and gas prices would also hit the government reputation hard therefore Prime Minister should reject the summaries.

They said that Lahore High Court has stopped the recent hike in the electricity prices in the name of fuel adjustment and now NEPRA has planned to snatch huge money by making massive increase of 31% in the prices of electricity being generated through hydel resources.

They said that brutal implementation of the brutal proposals would accelerate the capital flying that would break the backbone of the economy. They said that huge capital worth Rs.180 billion has already been shifted to onlyMalaysia during the last eight years. They said that the recent hike in power tariff is bound to further jack-up the manufacturing cost of Pakistani merchandise and resultantly the country would become a trading hub. They said that instead of increasing power tariff, the government should concentrate on cheaper means of power generation including coal-based power generation houses and through furnace oil.
The leaders of the business community were of the view that Kalabagh dam was the most excellent solution of the power crisis but present regime shelved the project with a one stroke of pen. They said that Pakistan could generate thousands megawatt electricity through coal and other alternate resources. Only Sindh has 185 billion tone reserves of coal but government is spending $ 13 billion annually on the import of oil and generating electricity through costly furnace oil operated power plants. They said that it could be eye-opener for the people sitting on the helm of affairs that Bangladesh is generating sufficient solar electricity and providing to more than one million houses while situation in Pakistan is quite vice versa.

They demanded of the government to shelve the NEPRA & OGRA proposals with a one stroke of pen in the larger interest of the trade and industry and show his commitment with the Pakistani nation.

Latests Education news Next CSS examination to be held in Feb-2012

Latests Education news Next CSS examination to be held in Feb-2012:
Date : November 27, 2011
CSS examination for the year 2012 will be held in February next year.



As per Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) spokesman, the concerns being voiced over impact on age limit due to delay in announcement of results of CSS written examination are not correct.

Forms for CSS examination for the year 2012 will be received after the announcement of CSS-2011 results. The last date for filing forms for CSS-2012 examination is fixed December, 31, 2011.

Education News HEC organizes training workshop under KE programme

Education News HEC organizes training workshop under KE programme:
Date; November 27,2011
HEC has organized training activities under initiative of Knowledge Exchange (KE) Programme. 

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), in collaboration with the British Council, organized training and awareness activities under the new initiative of Knowledge Exchange (KE) Programme.

The trainings, spread over a week time, targeted the Knowledge Exchange core team from HEC, Knowledge Exchange support team comprising people from universities  Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) as well as vice chancellors/rectors of public and private universities from all over Pakistan.

The main purpose of the whole exercise was to familiarize the universities with the Knowledge Exchange concept, which covers all activities dealing with the exchange of information or knowledge from the university to the students, business, government and local community.

Knowledge Exchange is not simply about commercialization of science through creation of spin offs, licenses etc. It stands for a broader vision and refers to facilitating knowledge/research exploitation and process, skills and human capital development, knowledge sharing/diffusion, supporting the community/public engagement, enterprise education and entrepreneurship, exploiting the university s physical assets.

The activities focused on Knowledge Exchange Programme and preparation ofsurvey for mapping and tracking activities related to Knowledge Exchange in the universities.

Adrian Day from Higher Education Funding Council of England (HEFCE) was the resource person for the training sessions. He has been involved for a long time in developing the measuring and mapping of Knowledge Exchange in UK s higher education institutions.

Entertainment Venezuela youth orchestras flood Caracas metro

Entertainment Venezuela youth orchestras flood Caracas metro:
Date : November 27,2011
Venezuela takes classical music to masses as youth orchestra goes underground to inspire commuters.

Thousands of child musical prodigy s in Venezuela s sprawling capital have taken to dozens of metro stations to ease commuters  during their daily rush.

In a rare popular initiative for President Hugo Chavez s socialist government, youth choirs, orchestras and symphonies have banded together to delight an estimated 2 million citizens accustomed to shoving and fighting their way onto packed trains.

Organisers behind the event hope the children s soothing sounds will inspire an appreciation of finer musical stylings in citizens and disenchanted youth in one of the America s most dangerous cities.

Showcasing the talents of children as young as eight, beleaguered Venezuelans concerned about the political and economic future of the Latin American nation are grateful for a respite in the negative news headlines that beam outside the country to the world.

The event is part of week-long celebrations for the country s inaugural Festival of Child Orchestras.