Author: News Desk

Manama: The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments has closed three mosques for flouting the precautionary measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The move was taken as part of the efforts of the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting Coronavirus to trace active cases and their contacts so as to ensure the safety and health of everyone. The three mosques violated the established health precautionary measures, as those in charge of them allowed the entry of non-vaccinated worshipers, including active cases who are supposed to be under quarantine and not to contact others. The decision was taken in view…

Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received today, at Al Safriya Palace, outgoing U.S. Naval Forces Central Command  (NAVCENT) 5th Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo. HM the King hailed decades-long historic relations binding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, based on trust, respect and joint coordination as two allies and partners. He praised steadily-growing cooperation, particularly in the military and defence fields towards serving joint goals and aspirations, lauding the efforts of Vice Admiral Paparo, which contributed to bolstering military and defence cooperation. HM the King conferred the Bahrain Order – First Class on…

Solar-powered benches with USB charging ports will be installed in various locations in the Southern Governorate, in a move supported by Bapco. The seats which are fitted with photovoltaic cells, harness solar power for LED and USB charging ports for smart devices will be provided in six locations, including public gardens, walkways and markets. The smart iniative is part of the municipality’s strategy to achieve sustainable development and optimize the use of natural resources and energy.

Apple Inc has created a $200 million fund to invest in timber-producing forest properties that will be managed to help remove carbon from the atmosphere while also generating a profit, it said on Thursday. Apple last year set out a goal to neutralize its own carbon emissions and those of its suppliers by 2030. It said 75% of the reduction would come from eliminating emissions through steps such as the use of solar energy and the remaining 25% would come from carbon removal efforts. Apple and nonprofit Conservation International will be limited partners in the $200 million “Restore Fund,” as…

Top U.N., financial and vaccine officials on Thursday urged rich countries to donate excess COVID-19 vaccine doses to a program supplying lower income countries in a bid to end the pandemic and get the global economy back on track. At an event organised by the Gavi Vaccine Alliance to boost support for the COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative, the officials appealed for another $2 billion by June for the programme, which aims to buy up to 1.8 billion doses in 2021. COVAX has shipped more than 38 million vaccine doses to 111 countries in seven weeks, most of them AstraZeneca’s shot. “Global…

Abu Dhabi: Yusuff Ali MA, prominent NRI businessman and Chairman of retail group Lulu has been honoured with Abu Dhabi’s top civilian award. The prestigious Abu Dhabi Award was given to Yusufali for his Outstanding Contribution to Abu Dhabi’s Business, Industry and support to various philanthropical initiatives. His Highness Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces presented the award to Yusuff Ali in Abu Dhabi. “A very proud and emotional moment in my life. I am really overwhelmed and humbled to receive such a great honour from Abu…

LONDON: Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth and a leading figure in the British royal family for almost seven decades, has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace said on Friday. The Duke of Edinburgh, as he was officially known, had been by his wife’s side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest in British history, during which time he earned a reputation for a tough, no-nonsense attitude and a propensity for occasional gaffes. “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the palace said…

SHARJAH: Sharjah private schools can resume face-to-face classes starting from next week, Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) announced. Earlier, in February, schools had been directed to shift to 100 per cent distance learning until the end of the second semester. With the spring break coming to an end this week for most international curriculum schools, such schools can, starting April 11, resume face-to-face classes, SPEA confirmed on its social media. They can also follow a hybrid system, combing both online and in-person models. SPEA said: “With the approval of the Sharjah Emergency Crisis & Disaster Management Team and Sharjah Private…

The cryptocurrency market capitalization hit an all-time peak of $2 trillion, according to data and market trackers CoinGecko and Blockfolio, as gains over the last several months attracted demand from both institutional and retail investors. By mid-afternoon, the crypto market cap was at $2.02 trillion. The surge in crypto market cap was led by bitcoin, which hit its own milestone by holding the $1 trillion market cap for one whole week. Bitcoin was last up 1.4% at $59,045. Since hitting a lifetime peak of more than $61,000 in mid-March, bitcoin has since traded in a relatively narrow range. Analysts said…