Friday 2 October 2015
Thursday 1 October 2015
Apple sells record 13mn iPhones in weekend launch
WASHINGTON: Apple said Monday it sold 13 million of its new iPhones over the weekend, in a record-breaking launch for the latest model of its iconic smartphone.
The California tech giant began selling the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus in nine markets, including China, on Friday.
On Monday, the company said the devices will be available in 40 additional markets October 9 including Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain and Taiwan.
"Sales for iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus have been phenomenal, blowing past any previous first weekend sales results in Apple's history," said chief executive Tim Cook.
Apple has also unveiled new lease and finance terms for US customers, which analysts said could boost sales and shorten the upgrade cycle, at a time when carriers are moving away from smartphone subsidies.
The iPhone 6S and 6S Plus have the same overall dimensions as the last version, with new technologies under the hood.
One of the key new features is called "3D touch," which responds to the level of pressure exerted on the screen, allowing users to apply light pressure to peek at messages and applications, and to press a little deeper to open them.
The 6S has the 4.7-inch (about 12-centimeter) display of its predecessor and the 6S Plus -- which updates one of the more popular handsets in the "phablet category" -- has the same 5.5-inch screen.
But the devices have more powerful processors that allow for improved graphics, harder glass and a new aluminum body. Pricing will be kept at the same levels as the earlier versions.
The record launch outpaced last year's release of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus which sold more than 10 million, but did not include China, which was among the markets for the newest iPhone launch.
Analysts at IHS Technology project that Apple will ship 236 million iPhones this year, up 22 percent from a year ago.
IHS analyst Ian Fogg said Apple is likely to have another blockbuster quarter or two but could have trouble sustaining momentum next year.
"By the middle of next year, this look and feel will be almost two years old," Fogg told AFP.
For its next model, he said, "Apple is going to have to find a way to reinvent the iPhone, and it is hard to find something that is radically new."
Apple's new phone also features upgraded operating system iOS 9, which the company says offers "more intelligence" while taking up less space.
Apple said that it will roll out the new devices to more markets in the coming weeks and that they would be available in 130 countries by the end of the year.
Afridi Eyeing Series Win Today
Today, the second Twenty20 between Pakistan and Zimbabwe will be played at the Harare Sports Club. Captain Shahid Afridi is eyeing series win against Zimbabwe. Pakistan have won first T20 match against Zimbabwe restricting them at 123 runs but their batting line seems weak.
According to local media report, “The batsmen need to take up their responsibility,” said Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi after Sunday’s victory, looking forward to the second game, although he was pleased with his bowlers as they restricted Zimbabwe to 123.
“The bowlers used the pitch, and I am very happy with the bowlers, especially Imran Khan in that last over. Imad displayed some extraordinary skill and he can be an alternate to Ajmal,” said the skipper.
Pakistan will look forward to win the two-match Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe after beating Zimbabwe by 13 runs in the first Twenty20 international on Sunday at the same venue
Pak-BD women’s captains predict exciting series
KARACHI: Rival captains Sana Mir of Pakistan and Salman Khatun of Bangladesh predicted exciting women's Twenty20 and One-day series between the two countries.
"Except me and Asmavia, rest of the team members will be playing their first international in Pakistan," Sana Mir told reporters in a pre-match press conference here at the Southend Club Hall on Tuesday.
Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in their opening T20 internationala on Wednesday starting at 10 a.m.
"It will be good prepartions for us ahead of the tour of West Indies and USA," she said.
Sana said majority of the people will be watching women cricket for the first time.
She thanked Bangladesh team for coming over to Pakistan and playing series.
"We were looking for this tour for long time and finally it was happening," Sana Mir, commented.
She said that one can not compare Pakistan's men team with womens.
Bangladesh captain Salma Khutan said they are happy to be in Pakistan and hoping for good fight from his team.
She said Pakistan is good team as they got some good batters and bowlers.
However, she said, their team have improved in batting and bowling departments despite not playing international cricket after losing to Pakistan in the final of Incheon Asian Games in South Korea last year.
Responding to a question, Ms. Khutan said they are not thinking of any revenge from Pakistan after losing to them in the final of Asian Games.
Earlier unveiling of trophy and log was held and attended by two captains and Head of PCB women wing Shamsa Hashmi, team manager Ayesha Ashar, Shafiqul Haq Manager Bangladesh team and represenative of sponsor Fasial Hidyatullah of Al-Karam Studio.
In meantime Bang;adesh underwent s strenuous three hour training session at the venue while Pakistan team have one-hour training session in the afternoon.
Pakistan Qualifies For ICC Champions Trophy
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the top eight teams which will participate in the Champions Trophy 2017 and Pakistan is one of them.
According to media reports, With 90 points, Pakistan came just two points above West Indies who failed to make it to the top eight in the ICC ODI Team Rankings on September 30, 2015 cut-off date. Bangladesh made it to the tournament for the first time, ranking above Pakistan at number seven with 96 points.
The ICC Champions Trophy 2017 will be a 15-match tournament, with teams split into two groups of four, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the semi-finals. The groups and the schedule for the ICC Champions Trophy will be announced shortly, said the ICC.
Pakistan made it at number 8, just making it to the teams qualifying for the 2017 tournament.
Bismah excels as Pakistan wins Ist T20
KARACHI: Bismah Maroof hit a sparkling unbeaten half century and grabbed one wickets to spearhead Asian Games Champion Pakistan to an impressive 29-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening Women's Twenty20 International here at the Southend Club Ground on Wednesday.
Seasoned international, Bismah made a brilliant 65 off 67 balls with five boundaries and Javeria Wadood slammed 44 off 43 balls with four boundaries as Pakistan recovered to score 124 for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs after electing to bat first.
Bangladesh in reply was restricted to 95 for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs - giving home team an easy win.
Bismah, who won the player of the match award for her all-round show, added 87 runs for the second wicket in 83 balls after opener Marina Iqbal was run out by keeeper Nigar Sultana for one.
Nida Dar and Irum went in quick succession while scoring four runs each. However Bismah looked rock-solid while returning unbeaten.
Left arm spinner Nahida Akter finished fine figures of two wickets for 17 runs in her four overs.
Bangladesh lost Sarmin Akter for duck. But Ayesha Rehman and Fargana Haq batted well to give some hope to their team. However Ayesha went after making 23 with three fours and Fargana got 22 also the aid of three boundaries.
However rest of their batting flopped against Pakistan bowling and they ended at 95-7 in 20 overs.
Amna Amin grabbed two wickets for 17 runs the home team.
Speaking at the post match press conference, Pakistan captain Sana Mir was happy that they won the match. But added that they were well short of expected total of around 150 runs.
She was also not happy with the fielding and catching of her team. However she said there was more pressure on the players while playing at home.
Marina Iqbal run out 1
Javeria Wadood st Nigar b Nahida 44
Bismah Maroof not out 65
Nida Dar st Nigar b Nahida 4
Irum Javed b Jahanara 4
Asamiva Iqbal c Nigar b Fahima 1
Extras (LB-1, W-4,) 5
Total (for five wickets in 20 overs ) 124
Fall of wicket: 1-1, 2-88, 3-117, 4-124
Bowling: Jahanara Alam 4-0-10-1 (1w), Panna Ghosh 2-0-14-0 (2w), Salma
Khatau 3-0-28-0, Lata Mondal 1-0-10-1 (1w), Rumana Ahmed 4-0-27-0,
Nahida Akter 4-0-17-2, Fahima Khutan 2-0-17-1
Bangladesh
Aysha Rehman c Sana by Bismah 23
Sarmin Akter c Aalia b Anum 0
Fargana Haq c Nida b Sana 22
Lata Mondal st Rabiya b Sumaiya 6
Fahim Khutan c & b Anum 1
Salma Khatun c & b Aalia 5
Jahanara Alam not out 5
Nigar Sultana not out 1
Extras (LB-1, W-7, Nb-1) 9
Total (for 7 wickets in 20 overs) 95
1-19, 2-49, 3-51, 4-75, 5-80, 6-84, 7-91
Bowling Asma Iqbal 3-0-22-0 (3w), Sumaiya Siddiquo 4-0-17-1 (1w),
Amna Amin 4-0-17-2 (1w), Sana Mir 3-0-11-1, Bismah Maroof 3-0-14-1
Nida Dar 2-0-9-1 (1w), Aalia Riaz 1-0-4-1 (1nb)
Umpires: Riazuddin, Rashid Riaz
TV Umpire: Farooq Ali Khan
Refgree Muhammad Anis
Scorers: Salman Hussain Kazmi/Syed Imran Ali
LSE downs by 44.44 points
LAHORE: Lahore Stock Exchange here Monday witnessed bearish trend by loosing 44.44 points, as the LSE Index-25 opened with 5501.70 points and closed at 5457.26 points.
The market's overall situation also did not correspond to an upward trend as it remained at 399,100 shares to close against previous turnover of 436,200 shares, showing a downward slide of 37,100 shares.
While, out of the total 62 active scrips, 7 moved up, 17 shed values and 38 remained equal.
The Major Gainers of the day were Hascol Petroleum Limited, Tariq Glass Industries Limited and Mari Petroleum Company by recording increase in their per share value by Rs. 2.56, Rs. 1.78 and Rs. 1.50 respectively.
Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited, Byco Petroleum Limited and and Dewan Cement Limited (Pak) lost their per share value by Rs. 1.10, Rs. 1.02 and Re 0.95 respectively.
Top three Volume Leaders of the day included Pervez Ahmed Securities with 90,000 shares, Fauji Cement Company Limited with 71,000 shares and The Bank of Punjab Limited with 65,500 shares.
PM orders to seal schools defying orders of fee reduction
Taking strong notice of the situation, the Prime Minister directed the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) to address the grievances of the parents on immediate basis.
On the directives of the Prime Minister, the PEIRA constituted a Grievance Cell to address the complaints submitted by parents who are being harassed by the management of schools.
The parents can register their complaints on the phone numbers: 051-9101743 (landline), 0300-8758839 (Cell) and 051-9101800 (Fax).
Complaints can also be emailed at javed_peira@hotmail.com
Dar reviews progress on energy sector reforms
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting here Wednesday to review the progress on the Energy Sector Reforms.
Officials of Ministries of Finance and Water and Power briefed the Minister on the latest status of the on-going power sector reforms.
It was stated that the Ministries were maintaining close coordination to ensure that agreed reform related actions were completed as per the set timeline.
The Minister expressed satisfaction on the actions completed so far and praised contribution of the officials of Ministries of Finance and Water and Power who were engaged in the process.
He said the reforms in the power sector by the PML-N Government will ensure that the goals set forth in the Energy Policy 2013 primarily relating to affordable electricity and self sustained power sector are met.
"The achievements should not make us complacent and we should continue working with the same zeal", he added.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Water and Power attended the meeting
Govt extends date for filing tax return
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Wednesday announced one month extension in the date for filing income tax returns till October 31.
He also informed that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in its meeting held Wednesday approved to extend the date to continue deduction of withholding tax on banking transactions of over Rs 50,000 at 0.3 percent for one month.
Addressing a press conference, the minister said withholding tax was reduced from 0.6 percent to 0.3 percent temporarily for three months which was expiring today. "On pressing demand of traders community the ECC approved to extend the date for one month. But, the government would not withdraw its decision in this regard at any cost."
He said during the month the government would continue negotiations with the traders community to convince them to enter into tax net to avail exemption of withholding tax.
Regarding petroleum prices, Ishaq Dar announced that the prices of petroleum products would remain unchanged for next month (October).
He said the Prime Minister rejected the summary of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) which suggested increase in prices of High Octane, Light Diesel Oil and Kerosene Oil besides slight decrease in the petrol and High Speed Diesel prices
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