Author: News Desk

All 27 EU leaders have agreed a €50bn (£42bn; $54bn) aid package for Ukraine, after Hungary stopped blocking the deal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the new funding, saying it would strengthen the country’s economic and financial stability. Ukraine’s economic ministry said it expects the first tranche in March. There had been fears Hungary’s PM would again block the package as he did at a European summit in December. Viktor Orban, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally in the EU, had said he wanted to force a rethink of the bloc’s policy towards Ukraine and questioned the idea of committing…

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) is working on the water supply and environmental sanitation projects in several districts, including Medi, Haradh, Hiran, and Abs in Hajjah Governorate, and Al-Azhoor camp in Razih District in Saada Governorate, Yemen. According to SPA, between 3 and 9 January 2024, KSrelief pumped 876,00 litres of potable water and 8,164,000 litres of usable water into the Hajjah Governorate. The centre also carried out 67 transportation operations from displaced camps and conducted 27 foliar spraying campaigns. In Saada Governorate, KSrelief pumped 70,000 litres of potable water and another 70,000 litres of usable…

Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Hawaj, Minister of Works, received Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to Bahrain. The minister praised the historical Bahrain-India relations, affirming the advanced level of cooperation on various levels, especially in the infrastructure sector. He affirmed his keenness in supporting cooperation between the two countries. The ambassador praised Bahrain’s efforts in developing its infrastructure, affirming his keenness in bolstering partnerships and exchanging expertise.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King’s Personal Representative; His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, HM the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs; Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Royal Court Minister; General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior; and Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs. HM King Hamad directed HH Shaikh Abdullah to set up measures for the development and protection of marine resources and to continue fish…

The ban on catching, trading, or selling shrimp as part of the efforts to preserve fish resources will start on February 1 and continue until July 31, Dr. Khalid Ahmed Hassan, Undersecretary for Agriculture Affairs and Marine Resources at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture said.  He pointed that the annual ban is aligned with the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) decisions to preserve marine resources, noting the ministry’s keenness to ensure the sustainability of these resources. The undersecretary emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation to ensure the continued enforcement of the ban, noting the efforts of the supervisory bodies…

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior said Thursday that the security services had managed to abort an attempt by a terror cell to launch a deadly attack on a place of worship. Acting on surveillance and security tips, the State Security Agency arrested three persons of an Arab nationality under the charge of association with a terror organisation, according to a statement from the Ministry’s General Directorate of Security Relations and Media. According to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the suspects have been referred to the Public Prosecution as a prelude to taking legal action against them, the statement noted.

Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Foreign Affairs Minister, today attended a reception held by the Indian Embassy marking India’s 75th National Day. Senior state officials and ambassadors accredited to the kingdom were also present. The Foreign Affairs Minister delivered a statement during the ceremony. He expressed sincere congratulations to the Indian government and people, as well as to Vinod K. Jacob, India’s Ambassador to Bahrain, on the occasion, affirming the depth of the distinguished deep-rooted bilateral relations, as well as the two countries’ constant keenness to enhance their ties. He wished India further progress and prosperity. Dr. Al Zayani…

His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports First Deputy Chairman, General Sports Authority (GSA) Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) President, today attended the final of the 21st Asian Men’s Handball Championship, held today between Qatar and Japan at the Khalifa Sports City Hall. His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, GSA Deputy Chairman, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Cabinet Affairs Undersecretary, BOC Vice-President, Badr Dhiyab, Vice-President of the International Handball Federation for Asia, and Ali Isa Ishaqi, Bahrain Handball Federation (BHF) President, and several Asian Handball Federation (AHF),…

The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has reached an agreement with the relevant banks to cancel their plans to raise interest rates on some real estate loans for the beneficiaries of the housing programmes and schemes, as well as keep the rates agreed upon previously with the borrowers. The move is in line with CBB’s commitment to playing its role in serving the banking sector and those dealing with it. It is also the outcome of the constructive and constant cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities, as well as those of the recent joint parliamentary meeting held with the…

His Excellency Capital Governor Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulrahman bin Rashid Al Khalifa honoured 19 winning entries in the competition for the best decoration of government buildings. The Governorate organises the competition annually as part of its National Day celebrations. He explained that the competition aims to promote the spirit of belonging, loyalty and love for the homeland while spreading joy and happiness throughout the country.