Author: News Desk

New York : The World Health Organisation has called on governments to significantly strengthen taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, warning in two new reports that weak tax systems are allowing harmful products to remain cheap while health systems face mounting financial pressure from preventable noncommunicable diseases and injuries. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said, according to UN News: “Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease. By increasing taxes on products such as tobacco, sugary drinks and alcohol, governments can reduce harmful consumption and unlock funds for vital health…

Manama: The Indian School Bahrain (ISB) is brimming with excitement as it prepares to kickoff its Annual Cultural Fair on Thursday, as part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations, markinga major milestone in the school’s distinguished journey. Presented by Star Vision Events, theISB Annual Cultural Fair will be held on January 15 and 16, 2026, and promises to be avibrant celebration of culture, community, and heritage. The two-day event is expected to attract large audiences and serve as a key highlight of the school’s jubilee year. Adding to the festive spirit, ISB has unveiled an impressive range of prizes for the…

Riyadh : Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, participated in the 5th Ministerial Roundtable of the Future Minerals Forum, hosted and organised by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with wide participation from decision-makers and sector leaders from around the world. Albudaiwi expressed appreciation for the role of Saudi Arabia in advancing the mining sector through strategic initiatives and the hosting of this international forum, reflecting its commitment to strengthening the status of minerals as a key element in building economies and supporting economic diversification. He also commended the…

Manama : The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) held its 33rd regular meeting of the fifth term today, chaired by Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of the Council. The Council commended the order issued by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa designating this year as the “Year of Isa Al Kabeer,” in tribute to the founder of the modern Bahraini state. The Council highlighted the historical legacy of Isa Al Kabeer in establishing stability and building legal and civil institutions, noting that Bahrain’s current progress is a continuation of this enduring legacy under…

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued Decree (1) of 2026, appointing a coordinator and undersecretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), based on a proposal by the Prime Minister and following the approval of the Cabinet. According to the decree, Nouf Abdulrahman Jamsheer, the Undersecretary for Research and Projects at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), shall be appointed as Coordinator in the Prime Minister’s Office with the rank of Undersecretary. Yousif Osama Buhiji shall be appointed as Undersecretary for Research and Projects in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), succeeding Nouf Abdulrahman Jamsheer. The Prime Minister…

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today issued Edict (1) of 2026, regarding the transfer and appointment of directors at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, based on a proposal submitted by the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture. Article (I) Abbas Abdullah Hussain Arafat, Director of Vegetation Development at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, shall be transferred to serve as the Director of the Afforestation and Parks at the same ministry, succeeding Ahmed Abdulaziz Ahmed Buasali. Article (II) Ahmed Abdulaziz Ahmed Buasali, Director of the…

Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today issued Edict (2) of 2026, on the restructuring of the Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions, based on a proposal submitted by the Minister of Works and following the approval of the Cabinet. Article (I) The Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions shall be reconstituted as follows: – Dr. Abdullah Yousif Taleb, Chairman – Mohammed Mirza Al Oraibi, Vice Chairman – Jawad Jaafar Al Jabal, Member – Dr. Isa Salman Qambar, Member – Khalid Mohammed Al Ansari, Member…

Abu Dhabi : Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, participated in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, held alongside Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President. The event brought together heads of state and government, ministers, senior officials and international experts to discuss global sustainability priorities. Its programme featured more than 30 specialised sessions covering the future of energy systems, water and food security, environmental protection, and the use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to support sustainable development. Minister Humaidan said Bahrain’s participation in…

Manama : Ali Al Mansoori continued his incredible undefeated run in the 2025/2026 Bahrain Touring Car Challenge (BTCC), winning both races over the weekend in the season’s fourth round, held as part of National Race Day at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir.Al Mansoori powered his Honda Civic contender to victory in both of the meeting’s 15-lap sprints, earning him his seventh and eighth victories in as many events so far this campaign.His latest double highlighted an action-packed occasion at ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’, where action was also held in Time Attack.Taking victories in the series’…

Tokyo : HE South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and HE Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held summit talks in Nara, Japan. HE President Lee emphasised that cooperation between South Korea and Japan is more important than ever, citing the complex and dizzying international order. He stated that South Korea and Japan have built mutually beneficial relations over the past 60 years since normalising diplomatic ties and expressed hope to further develop the relationship over the next 60 years. HE Prime Minister Takaichi said she would work closely with Lee to promote regional stability, expressing hope that his visit would…