Author: News Desk

Dhaka : Bangladesh is battling the world’s worst measles outbreak, with 202,000 suspected cases, including 22,000 laboratory confirmed infections, and 1,147 deaths reported between mid-March and October 9, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Children under five accounted for 94% of deaths. WHO and UNICEF attributed the outbreak to declining routine vaccination coverage, with first dose coverage falling to 90% and second dose coverage to 86% in 2025, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. The outbreak has been compounded by gaps in emergency vaccination campaigns, shortages of healthcare workers and difficulties reaching vulnerable communities. Bangladesh launched a new…

Bangkok : Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, met Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Thailand, on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok. The meeting was attended by Khalid Ebrahim Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB). Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa highlighted the growing relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Thailand, emphasising their mutual commitment to expanding cooperation and strengthening bilateral partnerships. He underlined the importance of continued coordination and exchanges of…

Manama : The National Genome Centre has received accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) after successfully completing an assessment visit, reflecting its commitment to quality and efficiency standards in conducting genetic and diagnostic tests. The accreditation marks an important milestone in developing national capabilities in genomic medicine and reaffirms the centre’s commitment to internationally recognised quality standards, enhancing the reliability of its results and supporting its role in providing advanced diagnostic and scientific research services. With this accreditation, the centre joins a select group of regional and international laboratories and medical and scientific institutions accredited by CAP. The…

Vatican : His Holiness Pope Leo’s doctors announced that his recovery from lung surgery was progressing normally. They noted that routine medical checks had returned normal results and that a chest X-ray showed good recovery of the lung that had undergone surgery. In a statement issued by the Vatican, the doctors explained that the Pope was carrying out his daily activities independently and continuing his physiotherapy programme, which included a full range of physical exercises and movements.

Manama : His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, attended the opening of the 2026/2027 endurance racing season, which featured international and local qualifying races at the Bahrain International Endurance Village, with wide participation from riders. The opening of the season was also attended by His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment, Deputy Chairman of the High Committee of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club, and Member of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, and Shaikh Khalid bin Humood…

Bangkok : Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, attended the annual Bahrain Banks Reception organised by the Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, the Kingdom of Thailand. The reception was attended by Khalid Ebrahim Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), and senior officials from international banks and financial institutions. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa emphasised the vital role of the financial and banking sector in supporting economic development, progress and prosperity. The…

Bangkok : Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, met with Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Bangkok, the Kingdom of Thailand. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa affirmed the deep-rooted historical relations between Bahrain and Egypt, highlighting the continued growth and development of bilateral cooperation with the continued support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Excellency Abdel Fattah El…

Nicosia : Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Jaber Al Khalifa, Deputy National Security Advisor and Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Defence Council, met with Vasilis Palmas, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, during an official visit to Cyprus. The meeting reviewed the longstanding relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Cyprus and discussed means to enhance and develop cooperation across various domains, opening new avenues for advancing bilateral relations. The two sides also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by Khaled Yousif Al Jalahma, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain…

Mogadishu : Somalia’s Independent National Electoral Commission announced that the presidential election will be held on May 15, 2027, with elections for both houses of parliament scheduled for April 15. The announcement follows constitutional amendments approved by parliament in March, extending President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term by one year beyond its previously scheduled end in May 2026.

New York : Members of the United Nations Security Council condemned in the strongest terms continued and escalatory Houthi attacks against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including attacks impacting civilian aviation and energy infrastructure, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. In a statement, Council members reiterated their condemnation in the strongest terms of continued Houthi attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al Mandab, stressing the importance of safeguarding commercial vessels and their crews. The Security Council also stressed the importance of fully implementing resolution 2216 (2015) and subsequent resolutions, calling for cooperation, including with…