US economy falls 6.3% in fourth quarter

WASHINGTON: The US economy shrank in the fourth quarter at its fastest rate since 1982, revised official figures showed, as corporate profits fell at the sharpest pace in 55 years and jobless claims continued to climb. Updated commerce department data showed US gross domestic product contracting at an annualised rate of 6.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of last year, compared with last month’s estimate of 6.2 per cent. That previous 26-year record came after an overly optimistic January projection that the economy contracted by just 3.8 per cent in spite of anecdotal evidence of a more severe downturn. The final GDP figures were expected to show a contraction of 6.6 per cent, but the results signal that a deeper contraction could be coming this quarter. The revision was due to a draw-down of inventories and a slowing of construction and exported services. The downgrade was blunted by reduced imports, an uptick in exported goods and an infusion of government spending. A weakened US economy pulled corporate profits down by 16.5 per cent, or $250.3bn, in the fourth quarter of 2008 from the third, the biggest drop since a decline of 16.9 per cent in the same period of 1953. According to economists at Goldman Sachs 70 per cent of this decline was due to write downs of assets in the financial sector. The decline in corporate profits also sapped government coffers, as taxes paid on corporate income fell by 33.1 per cent.

Modi outlines 'home-away' alternative for IPL

JOHANNESBURG: Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi has outlined the alternative to the 'home-away' pattern of matches, which featured at the inaugural series, for the second edition to be played in South Africa from April 18. None of the participating teams will be based at any of the eight cities that will host matches in the series. However, each team will play twice against every other team at all venues. "We don't have the home and away concept that we followed in India because we want the teams to play in all locations," Modi said in an interview to local radio station Talk Radio 702 on Friday evening. The cities that will host the IPL 2009, which was moved to South Africa because of general elections in India, are Kimberley, Bloemfontein, East London, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Port Elizabeth.

Two rebel Kiwi cricketers on way to say good bye to ICL

WELLINGTON: Following Pakistan cricket star Muhammad Yusuf, now two rebel Kiwi cricketers - including Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey – are on the way to say good bye to the Indian Cricket League

Auckland's Sunday News reports Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey - have been told they will be released from their Indian Cricket League contracts if they put in a request this week; a move, which will allow them to play for the Black Caps.

It's understood Himanshu Mody - the ICL's business head - will fly to Australia to meet ICL executive board member Tony Greig in the next 10 days to discuss the proposal.

The move will have no impact on Australia's international sides as the ICL-contracted Aussies had all retired from first-class cricket.

If players choose to cut their ties with the rebel league, they will immediately become available for national selection again. Of the former Black Caps in the ICL - who include Bond, Tuffey, Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris, Andre Adams and Lou Vincent - only the two genuine quicks would interest the New Zealand selectors.

But Bond, still New Zealand's best bowler, has talked down any chance of a return to the Black Caps. In contrast it is believed Tuffey is desperate to play for the Caps again.

India stonewall New Zealand victory push

NAPIER: Indian batsmen continued to stonewall New Zealand's push for victory in the second test, crawling to 180 for two in their second innings at tea on the fourth day at McLean Park on Sunday.

The tourists, who won the first match of the three-test series in Hamilton by 10 wickets, were still 134 runs behind New Zealand's 619 for nine declared after being bowled out for 305 in their first innings and forced to follow on.

Rahul Dravid (62) was the only wicket to fall on Sunday after he had shared in a four-hour, 133-run partnership with Gautam Gambhir (83 not out), though his dismissal was controversial. Dravid was given out caught in close by Jamie How off Daniel Vettori by umpire Ian Orchard, but the batsman was visibly upset with the decision and television replays showed the ball had ballooned off his front pad without touching his bat or gloves.

Sachin Tendulkar was on nine at the tea break with Gambhir, who was in sight of his fifth test century after surpassing 2,000 test runs when he reached 56 in the first session. India lost Virender Sehwag for 22 late on Saturday when the stand-in captain attempted an outlandish slog sweep to a straight delivery from off-spinner Jeetan Patel and was trapped in front.

Aisam in Doubles final in Thailand

LAHORE: Pakistan’s tennis top notch, Aisam‑ul‑Haq and India’s Rohan Bopanna fought a battle of nerves to beat a strong pair of Noam Okun and Harel Levy of Israel after a marathon match 6-4,3-6,10-6 to move to the doubles final of ATP Challenger Korat Open in Thailand on Saturday. In the Final they will face the Thai favourite pair of Sanchai Ratiwatana & Sonchai Ratiwatana. According to a message received here, in a match in which fate kept twisting on either sides,Aisam & Partner made an early breakthrough when they broke their opponent’s serve but Rohan was broken back to level it to 4-4. Thanks to some aggressive winners in the following game by the Indo-Pak duo, they were able to edge past Okun & Levy again to take a 5-4 lead. Here Aisam made no mistakes in securing the set by out rightly serving out with sizzling aces to clinch the first set. The second set was going rather evenly till 3-4 when a couple of loose volleys pushed Aisam & Rohan to a break down, enabling their opponents to take home second set to leave the issue alive at 1-1. However, the Indo-Pak peace rail, as the pair of Aisam & Rohan is generally called in international tennis circles, went all charged and hit ace after ace and winner after winner to win it by 10-6. Earlier in the Quarter final too, Aisam & Rohan had a tough match against an all Indian pair of Purav Raja & Ashutosh Singh. The Indo-Pak due recovered from a set down at 4-6 to a one set all when they secured the second set with a score of 6-3.In the super tie break they made a huge recovery from six match points down to win with a score of 13-11.

India forced to follow on in 2nd Test, need 267 to avert defeat

NAPIER: New Zealand bowled out India for 305 in the first innings and asked the visitors to follow on in the second cricket Test at McLean Park here on Saturday. India, who led the three-Test series 1-0, trailed by 314 runs in reply to the New Zealand first-innings score of 619. New Zealand cleaned up the Indian tail quickly after dismissing V.V.S. Laxman (76). Laxman edged Chris Martin (3-89) straight to Tim McIntosh in the second slip before Iain O' Brien removed Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan in successive deliveries. Rahul Dravid (83) was the highest scorer for India.

Endoscopy of Ijaz Ahmed carried out

LAHORE: Former Test cricketer Ijaz Ahmed, arrested for issuing bogus cheques, is being treated at the Services Hospital in Lahore. His endoscopy has been carried out and it revealed inflammation in his stomach. Meanwhile, the lawyer of Ijaz Ahmed terming his arrest as illegal requested in the petition filed in the session court to appoint a bailiff for his release. Talking with Geo News at the hospital, Ijaz Ahmed said that prime minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has phoned his wife to enquire about his condition while some of his friends have become active for resolving the issue and for reconciliation. However, he said that he would prove wrong the charges labeled on him. Ijaz blamed that his opponents belonging to the People’s Party are still using the government influences due to which the party’s image is being affected and President Asif Ali Zardari should take its notice. On the other hand, Kashif Javed, lawyer of Ijaz Ahmed has adopted the stance in his petition filed in the session court that despite the fact that 48 hours have been passed Ijaz Ahmed has not been produced before any court. Thus, he requested the court to appoint a bailiff for ending his illegal arrest.

Asad Khoro clinches victory in Thar Desert Rally

THAR: Asad Khoro has won ‘Thar Desert Marathon Rally’ after covering the set distance in 1hour, 20 minutes and 16 seconds.

Manzoor Magsi grabbed second position with 1 hour, 22 minutes and 14 seconds whereas Amir Magsi secured third position with 1 hour, 22 minutes and 44 seconds.

Twenty-two drivers took part in the rally among which 16 drivers managed to complete the rally. Faults occurred in five cars whereas one car met an accident.

SA beat Australia in first Twenty20

JOHANNESBURG: Albie Morkel and Mark Boucher trumped a virtuoso performance by David Hussey as South Africa scrambled to a four-wicket win over Australia in the first Twenty20 international at the Wanderers Stadium.

Hussey cracked an unbeaten 88 off only 44 balls and took two for 21 with his off-spinners to earn the man of the match award. But it was not enough to secure a win for his team in the opening encounter of a two-match series.

Morkel and Boucher added 58 off 33 balls to swing the momentum in South Africa's favour.

The big-hitting Morkel slammed 36 off 22 balls before he mis-hit Mitchell Johnson high to mid-off where David Hussey held a good catch.

South Africa still needed 26 off 17 balls but Boucher saw them home, finishing with 36 not out off 22 balls. Seven were needed off the final over, bowled by Brett Geeves, and Boucher hit the first two balls to the midwicket boundary to clinch victory with four balls to spare.

India all out for 305, trail New Zealand by 314

NAPIER: India were all out for 305 in their first innings, an hour before stumps and 314 runs behind New Zealand on the third day of the second cricket Test Saturday. For India, Rahul Dravid 83 and VVS Laxman 76. Bowling for New Zealand, Chris Martin three for 89.

Thar desert Marathon Jeep rally kicked off

KARACHI: The Thar Desert Marathon Jeep rally has kicked off t in Mithi, a beautiful and remote area of Thar Desert. District government Tharparker has organized the rally which is named ““Thar Desert Marathon 2009” The drivers from all over the country have reached Thar to participate in the rally. The track of the rally comprised of 106-kilometer distance. The drivers claimed that they will meet the distance within 60 to 90 minutes. The winner of the rally will be awarded Rs.300,000.

Yousuf, Younis meet Chairman PCB

LAHORE: Test cricketer Muhammad Yousuf and the skipper of national team Younis Khan have met here with the Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ejaz Butt on Friday.

Chairman PCB hinted at rejoining of Muhammad Yousuf to Pakistan cricket team but said there still lie some matters to be resolved first.

The meeting lasted for 30 minutes at PCB headquarters Gaddafi Stadium here. Yousuf said during his subsequent chat with media that he was not authorized to speak to media while Ejaz Butt said that the meeting was just a casual one and Yousuf, like other players, wish to join national team soon.

W.Indies grab 8-wkt win over England in ODI

BRIDGETOWN: Captain Chris Gayle led West Indies to a crushing eight-wicket victory as the hosts matched England's feeble total of 117 in fewer than 15 overs in a rain-affected third one-dayer in Barbados on Friday. Gayle smashed eight sixes and five fours as he scored 80 in43 balls to put his team 2-1 up in the five-match series. Rain initially reduced the game to 44 overs per side before the West Indies target was later adjusted to 117 on the Duckworth-Lewis method. After being put in to bat England threw their wickets away with a succession of loose pull and hook shots as they slumped to 68 for eight. After the top order failed to make an impression former captain Kevin Pietersen, who complained of homesickness in an interview on Thursday, swiped Dwayne Bravo's first ball straight to mid-wicket and was out for three. Andrew Flintoff, back in action after a month out through injury, went for a duck when he hooked a simple catch to Fidel Edwards off Bravo. The wickets continued to tumble and when Stuart Broad was caught behind for a duck England were 68 for eight, 18 short of their lowest one-day score of 86 against Australia at Old Trafford, Manchester in 2001. However Dimitri Mascarenhas and Gareth Batty steadied the ship as they took the tourists past their previous worst score against West Indies, 114 on the same ground 23 years ago. Both then fell in quick succession, Mascaren has top-scoring with 36, as England were bowled out in the 42nd over with all-rounder Bravo taking four for 19 and paceman Edwards three for 28. Proof that bad batting rather than a bad pitch was behind England's paltry total was not long in coming as Gayle set about his task with gusto. The left-hander took 24 off one Mascaren has over, including three huge sixes, as West Indies raced to 84 for nought off eight overs. Gayle was eventually bowled by James Anderson and Ramnaresh Sarwan was bowled by Broad for 10, leaving Lendl Simmons and Shivnarine Chanderpaul to knock off the last few runs. The fourth match in Barbados is on Sunday.

S Africa see off Aussies by 4 wkts in T20 match

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa beat Australia by four wickets here Friday in the first Twenty20 international to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Albie Morkel and Mark Boucher trumped a virtuoso performance by David Hussey as South Africa scrambled a four-wicket win over Australia in the first Twenty20 international at the Wanderers Stadium on Friday. Hussey cracked an unbeaten 88 off only 44 balls and took two for 21 with his off-spinners to earn the man of the match award. But it was not enough to secure a win for his team in the opening encounter of a two-match series. Hussey, younger brother of Test batsman Mike, dominated an Australian innings of 166 for seven and it looked as though it would be enough when South Africa slumped to 83 for five in the 13th over. But Morkel and Boucher added 58 off 33 balls to swing the momentum in South Africa's favour. The big-hitting Morkel slammed 36 off 22 balls before he miss-hit Mitchell Johnson high to mid-off where David Hussey held a good catch. South Africa still needed 26 off 17 balls but Boucher saw them home, finishing with 36 not out off 22 balls. Seven were needed off the final over, bowled by Brett Geeves, and Boucher hit the first two balls to the midwicket boundary to clinch victory with four balls to spare. "In this game you never really know," said Australian captain Ricky Ponting. "There was some very good hitting by the South Africans at the end. David Hussey was magnificent but we came up a bit short with the ball." While Hussey enabled Australia to post a reasonably competitive total, his teammates assisted him in only two partnerships of any significance. Hussey and opener David Warner (38) put on 54 for the third wicket and Hussey added 45 with Cameron White (16) for the sixth wicket. Australia suffered a severe jolt when three wickets fell for one run in the tenth over. Warner fell to a sharp return catch by left-arm spinner Robin Peterson and Mike Hussey was run out by a direct hit from South African captain Johan Botha after turning the first ball he faced behind square leg. After David Hussey scored a single, Brad Haddin was caught at long-off for a duck. Peterson finished with three for 30. Hussey timed the ball superbly in hitting five fours and six sixes. Herschelle Gibbs got South Africa off to a fast start, hitting 19 off 12 balls, but drove Geeves' first ball in a Twenty20 international to Ponting at cover. Wickets fell steadily and the scoring rate slowed until Morkel and Boucher came together. A key over was the 17th of the innings, in which James Hopes conceded 21 runs, with the left-handed Morkel hitting the first three balls for 4, 6, 4.

Terrorism a global menace, efforts afoot for wiping it out: Nawaz

RAIWIND: Muslim League-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif has said that terrorism was a global issue and efforts were afoot for stamping it out. In a meeting with the Malaysian High Commissioner, Ahmad Shizan at Raiwind here, Mian Nawaz Sharif said that by getting the judiciary restored the first step towards the goal has been achieved and now striving for strengthening other organizations. Nawaz Sharif said that economic cooperation with Malaysia was valued high. “We welcome the reconciliation policy of President Zardari, as the harmony among the political parties would strengthen democracy. He said if the Charter of Democracy (CoD) was implemented, then extending hands of friendship towards president Zardari was not any issue”, he elaborated.

Pak, Afghan strategy relies upon diplomacy: Clinton

WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the new U.S. strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan relies heavily on civilian efforts, and she is calling for all U.S. diplomats to contribute. In a cable to U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, Clinton says the success of President Barack Obama's plan depends on the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, whose ranks in Afghanistan and Pakistan are in line for boosts. "Whether this strategy succeeds or not depends in large part on all of us," she said in the cable to employees of the two agencies late Friday after Obama announced the results of his administration's review of policy for the region. The plan does have a significant military component and calls for sending thousands of additional troops to Afghanistan. But Clinton noted that the most recommendations fall under the purview of the State Department and the aid agency. "The major shift in this strategy is to emphasize our diplomatic and civilian efforts to achieve our objectives," she wrote in the cable, obtained by media on Saturday. "That means more civilian expertise working on the ground; it means pursuing greater regional diplomacy; and it means sustained high-level attention and focus in Washington," she said.

Britain, Spain amid several EU countries’ people march in G20 protests

LONDON: Tens of thousands of people in several European countries including Britain and Spain took to the streets in their capital cities ahead of Thursday G20 summit to express their anger at the human cost of the financial crisis. Demonstrators also marched in other European capitals as politicians appealed for calm during Thursday's Group of 20 gathering in London, due to be attended by world leaders including US President Barack Obama. The protesters waved banners with slogans such as "We won't pay for the crisis," "Plan it with the planet in mind" and "Capitalism always leads to death." One anti-capitalism group marched behind the head of a devil plastered with dollar bills.

Gambhir, Tendulkar salvage India in Napier test

NAPIER: Gautam Ghambir’s brilliant ton besides Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar’s superb batting stonewall New Zealand's push for victory in the second test, scoring 252 for two at the end of the fourth day at McLean Park on Sunday.

The tourists, who won the first match of the three-test series in Hamilton by 10 wickets, were only 62 runs behind New Zealand's 619 for nine declared after being bowled out for 305 in their first innings and forced to follow on.

Rahul Dravid (62) was the only wicket to fall on Sunday after he had shared in a four-hour, 133-run partnership with Gautam Gambhir (83 not out), though his dismissal was controversial. Dravid was given out caught in close by Jamie How off Daniel Vettori by umpire Ian Orchard, but the batsman was visibly upset with the decision and television replays showed the ball had ballooned off his front pad without touching his bat or gloves.

Sachin Tendulkar was on nine at the tea break with Gambhir, who was in sight of his fifth test century after surpassing 2,000 test runs when he reached 56 in the first session. India lost Virender Sehwag for 22 late on Saturday when the stand-in captain attempted an outlandish slog sweep to a straight delivery from off-spinner Jeetan Patel and was trapped in front.

Kaira pledges not to let down N-League Govt. in Punjab

LAHORE: Former provincial finance minister, Tanvir Ashraf Kaira said that Muslim League-N government in Punjab would not be let down.

Talking to the media outside the Governor House, Tanvir Ashraf Kaira said that efforts were made to form government in Punjab, but didn’t resort to horse-trading. He said that remaining in opposition, government policies would be supported, while positive criticism would also be

JSQM’s over one dozen Qasimabad activists arrested

HYDERABAD: Police have arrested over one dozen of the activists of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) from Qasimabad area here.

SP City Qamar Jaskani said that the police raiding different areas of Qasimabad arrested over one dozen activists including JSQM leaders Asad Shah, Sorhya Sindhi and Ruplo Choliani allegedly involved in torching private properties at Kotri.

JSQM has announced staging a protest demonstration against the arrests at Kotri. On the other hand, Civil Judge raiding Kotri police station recovered five JSQM activists illegally held by the police.

Woman killed in Karachi firing incident

KARACHI: Unknown gunmen shot dead a 45-year-old woman and managed to flee in PIB area here on Saturday, Geo news reported. According to police sources, the incident took place over an old family feud and the shooting occurred under the jurisdiction of New Town police station. The victim was later identified as Sakina, a resident of South Karachi, sources added. SSP Gulshan Iqbal Town Arib Mehar Ali told Geo news that police have kicked off investigation but apparently, the incident indicates toward family enmity as the lady married going against the wishes of her parents besides, she was being continiously threathened.

People suffer as power outages intensify across NWFP

PESHAWAR: People have suffered a lot due to persisting load-shedding in NWFP including provincial capital Peshawar. Six-hour load shedding is being observed in various cities and districts in NWFP province including Peshawar, Chowk Nasir Khan, Charsada road, Gulbahar, outer Yakka Toot, Agha Meer Jani Shah, and Raheed Garhi areas. Meanwhile, eight-hour power outage is being carried out in remote areas of province. Also, load-shedding is continuous in Charsada, Mardan, Noshera, and other districts of NWFP. Mostly business community has been suffering from power cuts besides, students who are busy in preparation for their matriculation exams. Intensive power outages have also reportedly led to shortage of drinking water in some areas.

Abdul Sattar Edhi hospitalized

KARACHI: Prominent social worker Dr. Abdul Sattar Edhi has been hospitalized right after arriving here from Korea where he was awarded the POSCO TJ Park Foundation Award 2009 on Tuesday for his achievements in national and international social work. Bilques Edhi (wife), Faisal Edhi (son) and other workers of Edhi welfare received him here at Quaid-e-Azam international airport. Sources privy to his family, revealed that Abdul Sattar Edhi was not feeling well in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, following which he was rushed to Pakistan. Talking to Geo news Edhi said I went ill as I was missing my country a lot but I am now feeling well after returning to my dear homeland.

Prisoner dies of cardiac arrest in KCJ

KARACHI: A prisoner died of cardiac arrest in Karachi Central Jail (KCJ) on Saturday, jail sources said.

Police sources claimed that deceased detainee (Haji Shafeeq) met sudden death due to heart attack. He was mentally retarded and was kept imprisoned in Charia ward of central jail.

The dead body was shifted to Civil Hospital, sources added.

According to police version, the prisoner was held under section 295-C in April 2, 2004 and was brought behind central jail lockup on September 15, 2005.

Section 144 imposed across Balochistan against wheat smuggling

QUETTA: The Provincial Minister for Food Ali Madad Khatak has said on Saturday that government has imposed section 144 across province to obstruct wheat smuggling. Addressing a press conference, he said the production of wheat in the province could be enough to cater the need of Balochistan if wheat’s smuggling from here is brought under control. “It is almost impossible to stop wheat smuggling from province due to the long Pakistan-Afghan boarder, he informed adding”, “We are committed to take strict action against wheat dealers who store it”. According to the officials estimates, minister asserted, 0.4 million metric ton wheat will be bought for the province this year.

Experts press for review Indus Basin Pact

LAHORE: Experts have urged India and Pakistan to resolve all rows through the process of dialogue proposing that both countries should review Indus Basin Pact (IBP) thoroughly.

The speakers said this attending a seminar titled as “World Water Day” which was organized by Pakistan Engineering Congress (PEC).

Syed Jamat Ali Shah, the commissioner water, said Pakistan’s stance over the issue of water distribution is just and impartial and India will have to release the share of Pakistan’s water following IBP.

President PEC Hussnain Ahmed said that water scarcity in Pakistan is in worst ever condition and called for parliamentary discussion over the issue.

He claimed the only solution to water problem was construction of Kala Bagh Dam (KBD).

Engineers Chaudhry Ghulam Hussain, Usman Ghani, Dr. Asghar and Ali Nawaz Bhatta, on the occasion, proposed to launch a drive to evolve awareness for usage of water.

President’s address to boost politics of reconciliation: Qaim

KARACHI: Dubbing the address of President Asif Ali Zardari to Parliament as historical, Chief Minister (CM) Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said on Saturday the address was according to the wishes of Pakistan people.

In his statement, CM said the president’s address will encourage the reconciliation process in country which was the dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benair Bhutto.

“President Zardari beautifully covered several challenging issues in his address which our country is facing”, Qaim claimed and notified, “President put end to the trend of horse trading from country by recommending lifting of governor rule in Punjab and unconditional support of PML-N to form government in Punjab assembly”.

“The announcements of President’s proposed measures, to be taken soon, will stabilize democratic and constitutional institutions in country”, he added.

PPP to prove productive even on opposition benches: Murree

KARACHI: Sindh Information Minister Dr. Shazia Murree has said on Saturday that Pakistan Peoples’ Party can play positive and progressive role even if it opts to sit on opposition benches in Punjab assembly.

She said this while speaking at a seminar here in “Shaheed Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST)”. She claimed the stability of democracy lies in strengthening the President, Prime Minister and Parliament.

She gave credit to media, people, civil society and political parties for the restoration of democracy here in Pakistan.

Minister lauded the announcement of lifting governor rule in Punjab saying, “It is worth appreciating.”

“Government did not put precincts on media”, she asserted adding, media should also become responsible”.