Dunya TV

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• Nail-biting race in US presidential election
• 6.4 quake hits off southern Philippines: USGS
• PPP, PML-Q agree to field joint candidates in elections
• Met office predicts dry weather
• Polio campaign in 19 districts declared unsatisfactory
• Courts cannot decide about failure of Govt: Kaira
• Aisam, Rojer reach Paris Masters semis
• Simon to face Janowicz in Paris Masters semis
• Vettel fastest in 2nd practice at Abu Dhabi GP
• Ferguson defends ref Clattenburg in 'racism' row
• Messi becomes a dad but still ready to play
• Elephant in South Korean zoo imitates human speech
• Oil sinks on storm-related supply concerns
• Dollar rises to 1-month high vs euro on jobs data
• NASA rover doesn't detect methane on Mars

Nail-biting race in US presidential election Posted: Democratic incumbent Barack Obama and his Republican rival Mitt Romney have left no stone unturned to overshadow each other.The encouraging Labor Department report provided a final snapshot of a slowly improving economy as President Barack Obama battles for re-election Tuesday in a neck-and-neck race against Republican challenger Mitt Romney.President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney focused their final arguments on the political battlegrounds of the upper Midwest on Friday, a region likely to make the difference in a tight White House race.In dueling campaign appearances in the swing states of Ohio and Wisconsin, the two contenders battled over the economy on a day when the jobless rate ticked up to 7.9 percent but employers stepped up their hiring.In Wisconsin, where polls show Romney trailing Obama, the Republican laid out the case for his election and said the October jobs report was more evidence of the presidents failing leadership.The question of this election comes down to this: do you want more of the same or do you want real change? Romney said in a suburb of Milwaukee after getting the endorsement of former Green Bay Packers star quarterback Bart Starr.On a stop in Ohio, the most heavily contested swing state and a crucial cog in the electoral math for both candidates, Obama said the jobs report was evidence we have made real progress.Obama, whose federal rescue of the auto industry has been popular in a state where one in eight jobs is auto-related, hammered Romney for a recent statement that Chrysler planned to move Jeep production to China.Chrysler has refuted that, noting it was adding workers to build more Jeeps in Ohio, and the two campaigns have aired advertisements over the issue. Obama said Romney was trying to scare workers in a desperate bid to make up ground in Ohio.I know were close to an election, but this isnt a game. These are peoples jobs, these are peoples lives, Obama said.You dont scare up hard-working Americans just to scare up some votes.While campaigning in the Midwestern heartland, Obamas team was no doubt casting an eye on the Northeast where New York-area motorists were scrambling for gasoline on a third day of panic buying after the storm Sandy devastated the area.Obama won plaudits for turning his attention to storm relief earlier this week, but growing frustration among victims could hinder the Democrat if the federal response is deemed unsatisfactory.With three days left until Tuesdays election, Obama and Romney are essentially tied in national polls, but the president holds a slight edge in the battleground states that will decide who gains the 270 electoral votes needed to win.

6.4 quake hits off southern Philippines: USGS Posted: A strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao early Saturday, US seismologists said, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.The US Geological Survey said the quake had a depth of 63 kilometres (39 miles) and hit at 02:17 am (1817 GMT Friday) some 86 kilometres east of the city of Butuan.The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, with an average of 20 typhoons battering the island nation every year.It also sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire -- a belt around the Pacific Ocean dotted by active volcanoes and unstable ocean trenches.A 7.6-magnitude quake hit the countrys east coast on August 31, triggering a tsunami alert that forced more than 130,000 to flee their homes and causing a landslide that killed one person.

PPP, PML-Q agree to field joint candidates in elections Posted: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) have agreed to field joint candidates to contest the coming elections. This was stated by PPP Punjab President and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo and PML-Q senior leader Raja Muhammad Basharat during a press briefing after a meeting of the liaison committee of both the parties on Friday night. Mian Manzoor Wattoo said that the liaison committee discussed various issues related to the elections and reached the consensus that the alliance of both the parties would continue following the vision of the leadership of PPP and PML-Q.He said that there was complete understanding and harmony between the representatives of PPP and PML-Q to contest the upcoming polls jointly. Wattoo said that both the parties would not field the candidates across the province individually and the electable candidates from both sides would be given ticket for the election of the national and provincial assemblies after consensus.PPP Punjab President said that no party would be deprived in the distribution of tickets for general election as the committee decided in principle the parameters for the purpose.

Met office predicts dry weather Posted: According to Met office, the intensity of cold increased in upper parts of the country. Lowest temperature during the past 24 hours was recorded in Skardu where mercury dropped up to -3 degree centigrade.Minimum temperature in Islamabad remained 11 degree centigrade, Lahore 14, Karachi 18, Multan 17, Faisalabad 14, Peshawar 14 and Quetta 1 degree centigrade.

Polio campaign in 19 districts declared unsatisfactory Posted: According to World Health Organisation (WHO) report, polio campaign in three districts of Sindh including Karachi, Dadu and Qamber, two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa named Shangla and Karak and two districts of Punjab including Lahore and Rajanpur remained ineffective.Polio campaign in District Quetta, District Pashine and District Qilla Abdullah in Balochistan and Mohmand Agency, Jamrud and Ladi Kotal in FATA and Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Gilgit and Diamir remained unsatisfactory.The WHO report revealed that the coverage of polio campaign in these districts remained below 95 percent.

Courts cannot decide about failure of Govt: Kaira Posted: During an interview to a British channel, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said that only masses can decide about success of failure of a government not the courts.He further stated that only Parliament has the power to make a prime minister and chief minister. No other forum has this power.To a question Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Balochistans problem is much more complicated. He said that foreign hand and individuals who have vested interests are behind present situation in Balochistan.

Aisam, Rojer reach Paris Masters semis Posted: Pakistan tennis star Aisamul Haq Qureshi and his Dutch partner Jean-Julien Rojer won their quarter-final tie against Belarus Max Mirnyi and Canadas Daniel Nestor in straight sets in grueling one hour and 21 minute contest.Aisamul Haq Qureshi and Jean-Julien Rojer defeated Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor 6-3, 6-4 to enter semi-finals.

Simon to face Janowicz in Paris Masters semis Posted: Gilles Simon thrilled home fans by reaching the semi-finals of the Paris Masters on Friday as he beat Czech fifth seed Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-4 - only to find himself next facing the surprise packet of the week.The victory in just under two hours was the first of a possible three as a record number of Frenchman played in quarter-finals of the indoor event at the Bercy arena,In later matches, former champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was playing Spanish fourth seed David Ferrer while veteran Michael Llodra was taking on American Sam Querrey.Simon will attempt on Saturday to end the dream run of lanky Polish qualifier Jerzy Janowicz, who reached the final four as eighth seed Janko Tipsarevic quit with illness after being seen on court by the doctor, 3-6, 6-1, 4-1.The victory was the second surprise in as many days for Janowicz, ranked 69th, who stunned Andy Murray a day earlier.The first Polish player to play a Masters 1000 quarter-final is now the first into the semis at the elite level after Tipsarevic threw in the towel after one and three-quarter hours.The Serb was the last man to qualify for the season final in London which begins on Monday. Janowicz fired a modest nine aces, produced 33 winners and broke Tipsarevic four times.I really want to play 100 per cent and do everything I need to win the match, said Simon of his next challenge. If I win, its going to be fabulous, but if I lose, its going to be easier to accept.Simon has been making his own luck all week after starting out by beating former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis and then putting out lucky loser Victor Hanescu, who replaced absent top seed Roger Federer in the draw.Simon had a free pass into the quarters as Japans Kei Nishikori pulled out before their third-round match with an ankle injury.Berdych will now head to London to take his place at the World Tour Finals.Simon, ranked 20th and Bangkok finalist in September, needed four set points and almost an hour to win the opener against Berdych. He then recovered from a break down in the second to notch the popular victory.He said he was satisfied with his performance and was happy to play well at a tournament that he loves in front of a home crowd, including his young son.

Vettel fastest in 2nd practice at Abu Dhabi GP Posted: Formula One leader Sebastian Vettel was fastest in the second practice followed by Lewis Hamilton at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Friday.Vettel clocked 1 minute, 41.751 seconds for Red Bull on the 5.6-kilometer (3.5-mile) Yas Marina circuit, .168 seconds quicker than Hamilton.Hamiltons McLaren teammate Jenson Button was third followed by Vettels teammate Mark Webber.Vettels strongest challenger Fernando Alonso of Ferrari struggled to keep pace. He managed to finish only seventh fastest, .836 slower than Vettel. He also lost time when he went off the track.The other remaining challenger, Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus, was sixth.The practice in dry conditions was largely without incident though several drivers briefly left the track and two spun out. Among them was Vitaly Petrov of Caterham.

Ferguson defends ref Clattenburg in 'racism' row Posted: Alex Ferguson said Friday that it was unthinkable that referee Mark Clattenburg had racially abused a Chelsea player during Manchester Uniteds controversial victory last weekend.Uniteds 3-2 Premier League win was overshadowed by allegations from the losers that Clattenburg, who sent off two Chelsea men, used inappropriate language against two of their players during the match.The claims are being investigated by both Londons Metropolitan Police force and the Football Association, with the focus on allegations that Clattenburg used a racist slur against Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel.A second accusation, relating to Spaniard Juan Mata, has been dropped by Chelsea while Clattenburg maintains his innocence on all matters.Now, after words of support from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, Clattenburg has received the significant backing of Ferguson, the manager in the visitors dug-out during the contentious afternoon at Stamford Bridge.I dont believe Mark Clattenburg would make any comments like that, Ferguson said Friday. I refuse to believe it. I think its unthinkable.In the modern climate, I just dont believe it. Simple as that. There is no way a referee would stoop to that, Im convinced about that.Ferguson, United boss for more than a quarter of a century, added: I think the way we see the game today as compared to the way it was 25 years ago, it has completely changed.I played myself and I know the banter that goes on between referees and players 25 years ago is different from today, insisted Ferguson, who made his name in football as a striker with now fallen Scottish giants Rangers.Ive never heard of a player come to me in the last 15 years and say, the referee swore in the game. Ever. So thats where I stand, I dont believe it.Its a wider (society) issue but Im not concerned about that. You asked me a question about last Sunday and thats what I think.Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo, reacting to Fergusons comments, said later Friday: Its a free country and everybody can say what they want. He likes to talk about other clubs. We tend not to.

Messi becomes a dad but still ready to play Posted: Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi announced Friday the birth of his first child, Thiago, although the club say he will still play on Saturday,Messis partner, Antonella Roccuzzo, delivered their son at the Dexeus hospital about 700 metres (less than half a mile) from Barcelonas Camp Nou stadium.Today I am the happiest man in the world, my son was born and thanks to God for this gift Thanks to my family for the support A hug to everyone, the 25-year-old Argentine said on his Facebook page.Messi had permission to miss football training in the morning for a personal matter on the eve of Barcelonas home game against Celta de Vigo, Barcelona said in an online statement.But coach Tito Vilanova said the Argentine is still expected to play at the Camp Nou on Saturday.In principle he will be there for the game. It does not change anything that he has not trained for one day, its not important, Vilanova told a news conference.In an interview published this week, Messi said he will not be pushing Thiago to lace up his football boots as a career.He should be whatever he wants to be, Messi told Spains top selling daily Marca.When he grows up he will get to know what he wants and what he chooses will be fine for me, for his mother and for everyone.Thiagos arrival caps and no doubt overwhelms a string of good news for Messi in the past week.The football wonder picked up the Golden Boot award on Monday for scoring 50 goals last season and he is favoured this year to win his fourth Ballon dOr award for the worlds best footballer.Last weekend he also scored his 300th career goal.

Elephant in South Korean zoo imitates human speech Posted: An international team of scientists confirmed Friday what the Everland Zoo has been saying for years: Their 5.5-ton tusker Koshik has an unusual and possibly unprecedented talent.The 22-year-old Asian elephant can reproduce five Korean words by tucking his trunk inside his mouth to modulate sound, the scientists said in a joint paper published online in Current Biology. They said he may have started imitating human speech because he was lonely.Koshik can reproduce annyeong (hello), anja (sit down), aniya (no), nuwo (lie down) and joa (good), the paper says.One of the researchers said there is no conclusive evidence that Koshik understands the sounds he makes, although the elephant does respond to words like anja.Everland Zoo officials in the city of Yongin said Koshik also can imitate ajik (not yet), but the researchers havent confirmed the accomplishment.Koshik is particularly good with vowels, with a rate of similarity of 67 percent, the researchers said. For consonants he scores only 21 percent.Researchers said the clearest scientific evidence that Koshik is deliberately imitating human speech is that the sound frequency of his words matches that of his trainers.Vocal imitation of other species has been found in mockingbirds, parrots and mynahs. But the paper says Koshiks case represents a wholly novel method of vocal production because he uses his trunk to reproduce human speech.In 1983, zoo officials in Kazakhstan reportedly claimed that a teenage elephant named Batyr could reproduce Russian to utter 20 phrases, including Batyr is good. But there was no scientific study on the claim.Researchers believe Koshik learned to reproduce words out of a desire to bond with his trainers after he was separated from two other elephants at age 5.Koshik emerged as a star among animal enthusiasts and children in South Korea after Everland Zoo claimed in 2006 that he could imitate words, two years after his trainers noticed the phenomenon. His growing reputation prompted Austrian biologist Angela Stoeger-Horwath and German biophysicist Daniel Mietchen to study him in 2010, zoo officials said.Oh Suk-hun, a South Korean veterinarian who co-authored the research paper with Stoeger-Horwath and Mietchen, said the elephant apparently started imitating human speech to win the trust of his trainers.In April, a childrens science book called Joa Joa, Speaking Elephant was published. The cover photo showed Koshik opening his mouth wide while raising a trunk over his trainers head.Researchers said Koshik was trained to obey several commands and exposed to human speech intensively by trainers, veterinarians and zoo visitors.Shin Nam-sik, a veterinary professor at Seoul National University who has seen Koshik, agreed with researchers finding that the elephant was able to mimic human speech.In Koshiks case, the level of intimacy between him and his trainer was the key factor that made the elephant want to sound like a human, Shin said.Kim Jong-gab, Koshiks chief trainer, said the elephant was timid for a male when he first came to Everland Zoo, so trainers often slept in the same area with him. Kim thinks that contact helped Koshik feel closer to humans.Kim said he has another phrase he wants to teach Koshik: Saranghae, or I love you.

Oil sinks on storm-related supply concerns Posted: Oil closed Friday at its lowest point in almost four months as two U.S. Northeast refineries remained shut after Superstorm Sandy. With production of gasoline and diesel reduced, and demand dropping off in the storm-stricken region, there is a likelihood that the nations already ample supplies of oil will grow.Benchmark crude fell $2.23, or 2.2 percent, to close at $84.86 a barrel its lowest level since July 10.Major refineries owned by Phillips 66 and Hess Corp. still arent operating four days after the massive storm hit. The two have the combined capacity to refine almost 310,000 barrels of oil a day.Philadelphia Energy Solutions says its refinery complex has been restarted with delivery delays. But the delivery of fuel throughout the New York area has been stifled by the severe damage and power outages left in the wake of the storm.Even if there is demand we cant get it where it needs to go, Energy analyst Phil Flynn said.The concerns overshadowed a better-than-expected report on the labor market in October.The Labor Department said Thursday that employers added 171,000 jobs last month, although the unemployment rate ticked up to 7.9 percent. More jobs were also added in the previous two months than was first reported.That suggests the slow economic recovery remains on track.Flynn said the stronger jobs numbers drove the value of the U.S. dollar higher. That tends to make investments like oil and other commodities less attractive.Brent crude, which is used to price international varieties of oil, dropped $2.49, or 2.3 percent, to $105.73 a barrel in London.

Dollar rises to 1-month high vs euro on jobs data Posted: The dollar jumped to a one-month high against the euro Friday after U.S. employers added more jobs last month than economists had expected.The Labor Department said U.S. employers added 171,000 jobs in October, and hiring was stronger in August and September than first thought. Economists expected a gain of 121,000 jobs, according to FactSet. The unemployment rate edged up to 7.9 percent from 7.8 percent as more people started looking for jobs.The euro fell to $1.2829 in late trading Friday from $1.2939 late Thursday. The euro fell as low as $1.282 Friday, the lowest it has been since Oct. 1.The British pound fell to $1.6021 from $1.6125.The dollar rose to 80.42 Japanese yen from 80.18 Japanese yen and to 0.9411 Swiss franc from 0.9321 Swiss franc.Canada also released a jobs report Friday, and said that employees in the country added just 1,800 jobs last month. The dollar fell to 99.56 Canadian cents from 99.62 Canadian cents.

NASA rover doesn't detect methane on Mars Posted: Scientists say initial sampling of Mars atmosphere by the NASA rover Curiosity did not definitively detect methane, a gas that can be a clue to determining if the red planet ever was hospitable to microbial life.Test results released Friday in a teleconference from Jet Propulsion Laboratory are not conclusive but are in line with past studies that found no regular methane on Mars.The results do stand in contrast to other research such as observations by Earth-based telescopes that indicated Mars belched thousands of tons of methane in 2003.On Earth, methane gas is overwhelmingly a byproduct of life, but it can also be produced by non-biological processes.Mission scientists will continue to search for methane.Curiosity has been operating on Mars since its August landing in a crater.

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