Author: News Desk

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…

Manama : Under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, issued an order declaring Sunday, January 5, 2025, a public holiday for ministries, authorities, and government institutions. This is in support of Bahrain’s national football team as they compete in the Gulf Cup (Khaleeji Zain 26) final, held in the State of Kuwait, against the team of the Sultanate of Oman. The royal directive reflects His Majesty’s commitment to supporting sports and athletes, as well as His Royal Highness’s dedication to fostering…

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ratified and issued Law (14) of 2024 amending Article IV of Law (57) of 2006 on the establishment of the Labour Fund, following approval by the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives. The law aims to increase employment opportunities for Bahraini citizens by limiting the Labour Fund’s support to Bahraini-owned enterprises and improving the skills, productivity, and competitiveness of Bahraini workers. Article I Paragraph (A) of Article IV of Law (57) of 2006 shall be replaced with the following text: (A) The Fund shall undertake all necessary tasks and…

Manama : The Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society announced its ongoing preparations for the Global Women Economic Forum and Exhibition set to take place from January 12-15 2025, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW). The event, to be held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, will feature extensive participation from Gulf, Arab, and international entities. The forum will host approximately 50 speakers from around the world, including prominent global figures, current and former ministers, and senior officials from international…

Manama : Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) rings in the new year with the first Open Track Day of 2025 scheduled for this Saturday. This fan-favourite experience at ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’ offers the chance to enjoy the thrill of powering down a world-class Formula 1 host venue. Saturday’s Open Track Day will be held from 11am to 6pm along BIC’s 2.55-kilometre Inner Circuit – the same used in the Kingdom’s leading circuit racing championships. Participants will get to take in a memorable drive in the seat of their very own private vehicles, which they can push…

Washington : Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter died at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday.  He was 100. U.S. President Joe Biden directed that Jan. 9 will be a national day of mourning throughout the United States for Carter, the White House said in a statement. Carter, a Democrat, became president in January 1977 after defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 election. After leaving the White House, Carter lived longer than any U.S. president and earned a reputation as a committed humanitarian.

Addis Ababa : At least 71 people died in Ethiopia when a truck packed with passengers plunged into a river, according to the spokesperson for the southern Sidama regional government and a statement. The accident occurred in the Bona district, the regional communication bureau said in a statement issued late on Sunday. Wosenyeleh Simion, spokesperson for the Sidama regional government, told Reuters on Monday at least 71 people had died, including 68 males and 3 females. Wosenyeleh said the truck had missed a bridge and fell into a river and that the road had many bends. The state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting…

Madrid : Morocco is establishing itself as “the future Silicon Valley”, taking advantage of several factors fostering the country’s technological rise, according to the Spanish trade magazine “Paradavisual”. “With growing investment in the startup sector, a young, skilled workforce, and support for innovation, Morocco is positioning itself as the future Silicon Valley,” the article titled “Morocco, the new Silicon Valley” reads. Highlighting the factors behind this technological momentum and the opportunities Morocco offers entrepreneurs, the Spanish media outlet says that the Kingdom boasts a rapidly expanding startup ecosystem. In this respect, the magazine sheds light on successful examples of innovative…

Riyadh : The Saudi Broadcasting Authority (SBA) held a meeting with China Media Group (CMG) to discuss and foster their cooperation under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that they signed in December 2022. Mohammed Fahad Alharthi, CEO of the SBA, and Mu Li, head of CMG’s Middle East office, chaired their respective sides during the meeting, along with several officials from the group. During the meeting, the two sides highlighted the key achievements since the signing of the MoU, including sharing news and documentaries, exchanging delegation visits, and enhancing cooperation in media vocational training.

Manama : The Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) announced the implementation of 831 inspection campaigns and visits, during the period of 22 to 28 December 2024, which resulted in the detention of 43 violating irregular workers, while 154 violators were deported. The inspection campaigns and visits also resulted in monitoring a number of violations related to the provisions of a number of regulating laws, especially the Labor Market Regulatory Authority and the Residency Laws in the Kingdom of Bahrain, noting that legal measures were taken regarding the observed violations. The authority pointed out that 817 inspection visits were carried out…