Author: News Desk

Melbourne : Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister, announced that general elections will be held on May 3, amid rising cost-of-living pressures and a housing shortage that could impact his government’s prospects. Albanese, leader of the centre-left Labor Party, is seeking a second three-year term. He visited Governor-General Sam Mostyn to initiate the electoral process before officially announcing the date during a press conference at Parliament House.

Buenos Aires : The heavy rains that led to catastrophic flooding in central Argentina and killed 16 people earlier this month were partly fueled by climate change and could become more frequent in a warmer world, a team of international scientists said on Thursday. An analysis by the World Weather Attribution found that extreme heat in the region leading up to the floods caused a warmer and more humid mass of air that clashed with a cold front from Argentina’s Patagonian region, causing the torrential rains in Bahia Blanca, a port city about 550 km (340 miles) south of Buenos…

Manama :The Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) participated in a high-level humanitarian visit led by the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of South Sudan to the Gorom Refugee Camp in Juba. The visit brought together delegations from several countries and regional and international organisations, reaffirming solidarity with displaced communities, particularly Sudanese refugees affected by conflict. The delegation was headed by Shaikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates. The RHF was represented by Hassan Abdulaziz Murad, Director of Information Technology, accompanied by senior officials from South Sudan. Bertukan Ayano, State Minister at the Ministry…

Manama :The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) has announced that the Moon Sighting Committee will convene on the evening of Saturday, 29 Ramadhan 1446 AH, corresponding to 29 March 2025, to receive testimonies on the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of the month of Shawwal. The council called on individuals with credible testimonies or information regarding the sighting of the crescent moon to promptly contact the Moon Sighting Committee.

Abu Dhabi : Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Zayed Education Foundation has been established to empower young leaders in developing solutions to pressing global challenges through collaboration in education, research, and innovation. By 2035, the Foundation aims to support 100,000 promising young talents, equipping them to drive economic, social, and environmental progress around the world. Launched in the Year of Community, the Foundation embodies the enduring legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who held a firm belief in the importance…

Manama : The Kingdom of Bahrain is celebrating Eid Al Fitr with a wide range of cultural and entertainment events. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has launched a promotional campaign in partnership with the private sector under the theme “Eid Days… Exciting Experiences Around Every Corner”. As part of the campaign, BTEA has introduced travel packages in collaboration with private sector partners, including the national carrier Gulf Air, destination management companies, hotels, and resorts. These packages include flights, accommodation, and exclusive offers designed to deliver an exceptional visitor experience. Following the success of Manama Nights, the Authority will…

Muscat : The Sultanate of Oman’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices grew by one percent to RO 41,119.5 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to RO 40,716.9 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. Preliminary data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), showed that the added value of oil activities declined by 4 percent, reaching RO 14,162.7 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to RO 14,750.3 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. The contribution of oil activities…

Seoul : Firefighters were scrambling Wednesday to contain a wave of wildfires that tore through the southeastern region and killed at least 24, but strong winds and dry weather have continued to hamper efforts to limit the spread of wildfires. Scores of firefighting helicopters, about 5,000 personnel, and some 560 pieces of equipment were mobilised, but the wildfires that began in Sancheong County in South Gyeongsang Province last Friday have spread across the region’s northeast. For five days, the fires have spread to nearby Uiseong and were advancing to neighboring Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang and Yeongdeok. Of the 24 victims from…

Manama : Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has announced that tickets for the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025 are nearly sold out, with only a very limited number still available for purchase. Both the Turn 1 and University Grandstands have now sold out, joining the Beyon Grandstand, which was declared sold out just a day earlier. The Main Grandstand, which accommodates 10,500 spectators, sold out last week. With 15 days remaining until the Kingdom of Bahrain hosts the fourth round of the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship from April 11 to 13 at the Sakhir circuit, anticipation…

Manama : The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Export Bahrain launched a joint initiative aimed at expanding the reach of the Youth Market initiative and supporting youth-led enterprises. The announcement coincides with Bahraini Youth Day and seeks to enhance entrepreneurship by creating a more supportive business environment for young entrepreneurs. Marwan Fouad Kamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, emphasised the importance of the partnership in developing the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem. He noted that the ministry continues to advance the Youth Market initiative to empower young entrepreneurs, providing opportunities for local and international expansion and opening new markets for…