Author: News Desk

Brussels : NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted commitment to NATO unity and objectives in remarks on the sidelines of the organisation’s Foreign Minister meeting today. Rutte expressed confidence in the transatlantic alliance despite recent tensions. “The Americans have stated again and again: ‘We are committed to NATO. We are committed to Article 5,’” he said, referencing the alliance’s collective defence clause. He also highlighted the significant increase in European defence budgets, calling it “the biggest surge in defence spending since the Cold War,” but stressed that more must be done. Rubio echoed…

La Paz : Six people were killed and others reported missing in a clash between miners in the municipality of Sorata, north of the Bolivian capital, La Paz. According to a preliminary report by the Bolivian police, the incident began early in the morning between two groups disputing the exploitation of small gold deposits in the province, located 150 kilometres north of the capital. Departmental police commander Gunther Agudo told reporters that the conflict involved the Señor de Mayo and Hijos de Ingenio mining cooperatives, adding that the clash “caused an explosion of great magnitude.” Bolivia’s mining sector is operated…

Manama : His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, underscored the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of orphans, and the role of the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF), established in 2001, in implementation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad noted that continued royal support has enabled RHF to expand its reach, lead national efforts in charitable and humanitarian work, and deliver long-term care that empowers orphans to actively contribute to Bahrain’s development. Marking Arab Orphans Day,…

Manama : Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’, is inviting the public to experience the Beyon Money BIC Fan Village at Block 338 in Adliya this weekend. Organised in cooperation with Beyon Money, the village is part of BIC’s lead-up to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2025, set to take place from April 11 to 13 in Sakhir. The fan zone is open to all, free of charge, until April 9. Now in its fourth year, the village has become a key attraction for motorsport enthusiasts and families alike, offering live…

Cairo : Yasser Abdullah, CEO of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority at the Ministry of Environment, held talks with a delegation from the Chinese company Sinoma, led by Zhao Danhui, Deputy Chairman of the company’s operations in Egypt. The discussions focused on potential cooperation in investing in alternative fuel, particularly the production of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), and integrating it into the energy systems of cement factories. The two sides also reviewed strategies for the safe disposal of waste and the application of high environmental standards to enhance Egypt’s solid waste management system, Mena News Agency reported.Environment Minister Yassmin Fouad noted that…

Helsinki : Finland plans to raise its defence spending to at least 3% of its gross domestic product by 2029, according to a government statement on Tuesday. The government also announced its intention to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use and stockpiling of anti-personnel landmines. This move would enable Finland to resume stockpiling landmines if deemed necessary. Several European countries, including Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, have recently indicated similar plans to exit the treaty. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that while there is no immediate military threat to the country, enhanced preparedness and investment…

Boston : A box truck crashed into a building Tuesday afternoon in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood and hit several pedestrians before flipping onto its side, city officials said.  The driver and five others were injured in what authorities said appears to have been an accident. Michael Cox, Boston Police Commissioner, said four people were hospitalised. The driver and one pedestrian were in critical condition early on, but several hours later, the driver’s condition had improved. Two others declined medical treatment at the scene. Cox and others noted that the outcome could have been far worse given the location.

Seoul : The death toll from South Korea’s worst-ever wildfires that ravaged the southeastern regions until last week has increased to 31, authorities said Wednesday. The Interior Ministry said one person who sustained serious injuries from wildfires in North Gyeongsang Province died during treatment, raising the total number of fatalities to 31. Eight others were seriously injured, and 36 sustained minor injuries. The wildfires damaged 4,015 houses, 1,914 agricultural and livestock facilities, seven temples and 986 other structures. Roughly 48,000 hectares of woodland in 11 regions were scorched, displacing 3,307 people. As of 5 ppm Tuesday, the total amount of…

Osaka : In less than a month, the Kingdom of Bahrain will inaugurate its fourth national participation in the World Expo at Expo 2025 Osaka. Construction is ongoing for the Kingdom’s pavilion, themed “Connecting Seas”, which, upon completion, will stand as one of the most sustainable pavilions in the Expo. The pavilion seamlessly blends modernity with heritage, narrating Bahrain’s enduring connection with the sea from the Dilmun civilisation to the present day. Expo 2025 Osaka will take place in the Kansai region of Japan from April 13 to October 13, under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. It…

Manama : The Kingdom of Bahrain marks World Autism Awareness Day annually on April 2, underscoring its commitment to promoting the rights of persons with autism and ensuring an inclusive environment in line with international standards. Dr. Shaikha Rania bint Ali Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled, highlighted Bahrain’s integrated approach, combining governmental, civil, and private sector efforts to promote equality and empower persons with disabilities. She emphasised that this reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad…