Author: News Desk

Beijing : A fire broke out at a vegetable market in Hebei Province, northern China, killing eight people and injuring 15 others. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire in Zhangjiakou City. The fire was extinguished one hour after it started. Videos shared by media outlets showed large plumes of black smoke and massive flames rising above the market in Qiaoxi District of the city.

Muscat : The population of the six GCC countries reached 57.6 million in 2023, compared to 56.6 million in 2022. Males accounted for 62.4% of the population, while females made up 37.6%. The population density was 23.9 people per square kilometre, and the GCC countries cover a total area of 2.4 million square kilometres. The GCC Statistical Centre released the ninth edition of the Atlas of GCC Statistics for 2024, featuring key statistical maps, interactive data dashboards, and geographical distributions of statistical information. The Atlas links statistical data to its geographical location using graphs and maps, enhancing its value and…

Washington : The US House of Representatives voted to re-elect Republican Mike Johnson as House Speaker for the second time after he secured the required majority, defeating Democratic rival Hakeem Jeffries. Johnson received 218 votes, although he did not achieve the required majority at the start of the first round. Meanwhile, Democrats unanimously supported their candidate, Hakeem Jeffries, who received 215 votes. Three Republican representatives initially did not vote for Johnson, but two of them later changed their stance, securing Johnson’s election and his announcement as the new House Speaker.

Kuwait : His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa arrived in the State of Kuwait today to attend the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup. The final match between the Bahrain National Football Team and the Oman National Football Team is set to take place today at the Jaber Al-Ahmed International Stadium. His Highness was accompanied by the President of the Court of the Crown Prince, His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed bin Salman Al Khalifa. Upon arrival at the Amiri Airport, His Highness was received by the Chairman of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad…

Manama : Mohammed Khalid Al Hazza, Acting Attorney-General and Chief of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), announced that the unit received 12 complaints during the final third of 2024, all within its specialised jurisdiction. The SIU heard statements from 25 complainants and witnesses, interrogated 20 Public Security Forces members, and referred seven complainants to forensic and psychological support. The unit completed an investigation into a social media complaint, leading to the prosecution of a Public Security Forces member. On November 13, 2024, the Minor Criminal Court sentenced him to six months in prison, a ruling upheld by the Appeals Court.…

Manama : The Ministry of Information invites the public to join in celebrating the final of the Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji 26) football tournament and to cheer on the Bahrain national team in a festive, heritage-inspired setting, as part of the Heritage Village Festival, sponsored by Bank Al Salam. The ministry praised the support from Bank Al Salam, highlighting the importance of such community partnerships. It also noted that this event reflects the ministry’s ongoing efforts to blend sports with cultural heritage, fostering social connections and providing an enriching experience for all members of the family. The ministry encourages everyone…

Manama : In support of the Bahrain national football team’s participation in the Gulf Cup Khaleeji26, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) announced increased operational capacity at Bahrain International Airport to accommodate the expected surge in passenger traffic to Kuwait for the final match on January 4. Bahrain will face Oman at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait. BAC is organising several activities for both passengers and staff, including live screenings of the match in designated areas of the terminal to enhance the travel experience. Staff will also wear the national team’s red shirts to show solidarity with the team. With…

Manama : Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, announced it will operate nine round-trip flights to Kuwait International Airport to transport fans for the Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26) final against Oman on January 4, 2025, at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium. Return flights are scheduled for January 5. The initiative, coordinated with the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), is supported by Gulf Air and private sponsors. Free registration was facilitated through the committee, and additional flights were arranged to meet increased demand. Gulf Air has enhanced its capacity for these flights, improving services including cabin crew, ground staff, and airport handling…

Kuwait : Bahrain’s national football team will face Kuwait today in the semi-finals of the Arabian Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26). The match is scheduled for 8:45 pm at Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium. After topping Group B with six points, Bahrain aims to secure a spot in the final. The team achieved notable victories over Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the group stage, with a loss to Yemen that did not affect their qualification. Kuwait secured second place in Group A with five points, earning their position through one win and two draws, without any losses.

Orlando : The world population increased by more than 71 million people in 2024 and will be 8.09 billion people on New Year’s Day, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released Monday. The 0.9% increase in 2024 was a slight slowdown from 2023 when the world population grew by 75 million people. In January 2025, 4.2 births and 2.0 deaths were expected worldwide every second, according to the estimates. The United States grew by 2.6 million people in 2024, and the U.S. population on New Year’s Day will be 341 million people, according to the Census Bureau. The United States…