KARACHI: Manufacturers have raised prices of washing powder, soaps and biscuits from Sept 1 after an increase by Rs2.50 per litre in diesel prices by the PML-N government. Consumers would have to swallow more bitter pills and pay high prices of various commodities after the third increase in diesel prices by the present government. Retailers said that biscuit manufacturers have increased prices by Re1 to Rs2 depending on the packet size and weight. They said leading manufacturers, mostly multinationals, have pushed up prices of washing powder by Rs5 to 10 in half and one kg packs, followed by jump of Rs2 to Rs3 in soap prices.
Indian spy plane violates airspace
SIALKOT: An Indian spy plane violated Pakistani airspace in Chaprar sector on Saturday afternoon. Chenab Rangers spokesman Maj Asad Mahmood told reporters that the Indian spy plane (RPV) entered Pakistani territory from Butti 865 at 1.55pm and went back at 1.57pm from the BSF Post in Jammu Sector after violating Pakistani airspace for about one and a half minutes. He said the green plane flew at approximately 3,500feet and entered up to 350 metres into Pakistan’s airspace.
White House holds high-level meeting amid terror fears
WASHINGTON: The White House held a high-level meeting Saturday on terror concerns that prompted Washington to issue a worldwide travel alert and order its embassies across the Islamic world closed temporarily. The meeting was held as Interpol issued a global security alert after hundreds of militants were set free in jailbreaks linked to the Al-Qaeda terror network, and as suicide bombers killed nine near the Indian consulate in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad. Those attending the meeting, chaired by National Security Advisor Susan Rice, included Secretary of State John Kerry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.
No single party can resolve country’s challenges, says Sattar
LAHORE: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar said on Sunday that no single political party could resolve the issues and challenges being faced by the country and it required joint efforts. Speaking to media representatives outside the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, the MQM leader said every party should be taken into confidence for the country’s betterment and prosperity.Sattar said there had been enormous developments in Karachi during the rule of the MQM, adding that extortion, thefts and other crimes had declined considerably.
Australian PM Rudd calls national election for Sept 7
CANBERRA: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd called a general election on Sunday for September 7, six weeks after he toppled former leader Julia Gillard in a party-room vote, ending a turbulent three years in power for the minority Labor government. He announced the election date in an email to supporters. Rudd, who was dumped by his centre-left party in June 2010, has generated a spike in public support since he returned but conservative opposition leader Tony Abbott is still favourite to win power.
Ellen DeGeneres to host the 2014 Oscars
US chat show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres is to host the Oscars for a second time, it has been announced.”I am so excited to be hosting the Oscars for the second time. You know what they say – the third time’s the charm,” joked the presenter. DeGeneres hosted the 79th Academy Awards in 2007, watched by a TV audience of 39.9 million. She also received an Emmy nomination. The Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, 2 March 2014. The chat show host also tweeted the news herself:
Syrian rebels seize anti-tank missiles in raid on army base
LONDON (AP) — It took 45 seconds, but it was enough. Newborn Prince George, carried from the hospital to the royal car, appeared in a cotton swaddle with the tiny birds on it. Mums-to-be around the world wanted to know: Who are you wearing? The answer shows what it is like when a small company gets swept into the maelstrom of attention that comes from touching the golden hem of the House of Windsor.
Ultrasound ‘may stop kidney injury’ from surgery
Ultrasound treatments could be used to prevent a common kidney complication than can arise after major surgery, researchers suggest. The work, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, was carried out on mice. But the researchers said there could be a “rapid translation” to human studies because the treatment for acute kidney injury (AKI) was simple and routine.
Afghan attack targets Indian mission
Suicide bombers have targeted the Indian consulate in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, killing at least nine civilians. Three bombers drove up in a car before detonating their explosives, police said. Gunfire was heard for an hour after the blast which took place at 10:00 local time (06:30 GMT). Most of the victims were from a nearby mosque. Indian officials say none of their citizens were hurt. At least 23 people, among them children, were injured in the Jalalabad attack, according to the police. Deputy police chief of Nangarhar province Masum Khan Hashimi said the blast, close to a mosque, had been a failed attempt to attack the Indian consulate. Also, an eyewitness told the BBC that one of the suspected bombers asked him directions to the consulate immediately before the attack. Mr Hashimi said two of the attackers wearing vests laden with explosives got out of the car and were immediately fired upon by police.
Stomach bug in 2 states linked to Mexican farm
WASHINGTON (AP) — An outbreak of stomach illnesses in Iowa and Nebraska has been linked to salad mix served at local Olive Garden and Red Lobster restaurants and supplied by a Mexican farm. The outbreak of cyclospora infections has sickened more than 400 people in 16 states. The Food and Drug Administration says it is still working to determine whether the salad mix is the source of illnesses in the other 14 states.
