Author: News Desk

Greece : Extreme heat and wildfires continued to plague parts of southern Europe on Wednesday, a day after the top temperature in Greece reached 47.1 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) — just shy of the highest ever recorded in Europe. Greece is facing one of its worst heatwaves in decades and the country remains on high alert as it continues to battle blazes across the country. Heat warnings have also been issued for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Serbia and Turkey. Deadly wildfires have swept across parts of Turkey in recent days and forced the evacuation of tourist resorts. Residents…

Ghana :  A proposal to criminalise LGBT+ people in Ghana is “a gross violation” of human rights and could set back a decade of progress fighting HIV/AIDS in the West African nation, according to the United Nations. The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, received a first reading in parliament on Monday. It will now be reviewed by a committee before going back to lawmakers for a second reading. “This proposed legislation is a gross violation of the human rights of Ghana’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, who already face high levels of violence, abuse,…

Bahrain ;  His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today issued edict (40) of 2021, specifying the business activities companies with foreign capital can be licensed to participate in. The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, among ministers, each in their own capacity shall implement the provisions of the edict, which takes immediate effect upon publication in the Official Gazette.

Bahrain :  Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, received today  the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Peninsula Affairs in the Near East Bureau at the US Department of State, Daniel Benaim. Chief of Public Security Lt-General Tariq Al Hassan and Chargé d’Affaires of the US embassy, Margaret Nardi, attended. The Interior Minister hailed the visit of the US official, stressing its importance to exchange views between the two friendly countries. He lauded strong ties and strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the USA, highlighting the importance of cooperation and coordination, especially in…

Russia: A Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) delegation led by Chairman Samir Nass met Saudi  Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Planning for Sectoral and Regional Development Affairs Khalil bin Ibrahim Al-Watban and discussed bilateral trade and investment relations. The two sides reviewed close economic, commercial and investment relations binding Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, stressing the importance of expanding joint ties and consolidating business partnerships. BCCI Vice Chairman Khalid Mohammed Najeebi stressed deep-rooted historic relations, particularly economic and trade ties, in light of the care and royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al…

Manama: LuLu Hypermarket has brought a shot of glamour to the local fashion scene with the opening of the all-new Fashion section at Mezzanine Floor of Lulu Hypermarket Dana Mall. The expanded and upgraded Fashion Store has something for the whole family – besides women’s wear and girl’s fashion clothing, there are the latest summer collections for men and boys to keep cool in style. The new Fashion section also has the latest in accessories such as jewellery and ladies’ handbags and purses. To make the shopping a truly family affair, there is a zone especially for children’s toys which means…

California : Apple Inc is working with more Chinese suppliers to produce its latest iPhones, Japan’s Nikkei newspaper said on Wednesday, as a tech feud stemming from a trade war with the United States prompts Beijing to strengthen domestic firms. Luxshare Precision Industry Co Ltd is set to build up to 3% of the upcoming iPhone 13 series, and two firms it acquired last year will supply key components and parts for the latest iPhones, the paper said, citing sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reported. Lens Tech Co Ltd will supply metal casings and Sunny Optical Tech Group Co Ltd will supply…

EU :  EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is calling for the United States to swiftly lift its wide-reaching coronavirus entry ban for arrivals from Europe. “We insist comparable rules be applied to arrivals in both directions,” von der Leyen told German media RND in comments published Wednesday. The epidemiological situation in the US and EU are very similar today, she said. “We must solve this problem as soon as possible and we are in contact with our American friends,” she emphasized. “It must not drag on for weeks.” The EU put the US on its list of third…

Bahrain :  His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued Decree-Law 18 of 2021 amending some provisions of law 51 of 2014 on the regulation of the engineering professions. The Prime Minister, and ministers –each in their capacity- shall implement the provisions of the decree-law which takes effect upon  publication in the Official Gazette.

UK : The health minister who oversaw the award of Covid contracts replaced his mobile phone before it could be searched for information relevant to £85m of deals that are subject to a legal challenge. Lord Bethell is one of those under scrutiny over the way contracts for PPE and Covid tests were awarded at the height of the pandemic. As part of legal proceedings issued by the Good Law Project, the government is expected to disclose Bethell’s correspondence including by email, WhatsApp and SMS relating to the award of £85m of contracts for antibody tests to Abingdon Health. The secretary…