TOKYO, 17th August, 2026 (WAM) — Japan’s economy expanded at an annualised real 1.1 percent in the second quarter of 2026, falling short of market expectations, government data showed Monday. Quarter-on-quarter, inflation-adjusted GDP rose 0.3 percent in the April-June period, the Cabinet Office said in its preliminary report. Private consumption, which accounts for more than half of the economy, edged down 0.02 percent from the previous quarter, marking the first decline in eight quarters. Source: Emirates News Agency
Author: Editorial Team
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon on Sunday to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, saying it declined to help denuclearize Iran and citing his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump said in a social media post that the exercises, set to start on Monday, are costly and “send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile” to North Korea, which he said “has been unthreatening and respectful” while Trump has been in the White House. Trump added that it was too late to cancel the drills, so he had…
MOSCOW — Ukraine launched hundreds of drones across Russia overnight Sunday, killing at least six people in one of Kyiv’s largest aerial attacks since the war began, while Russian strikes killed five people in Ukraine. Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces destroyed 822 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said around 600 drones were detected heading toward the Russian capital. About a third of those were destroyed over the Moscow region itself, Sobyanin said. An 83-year-old man was killed when a Ukrainian drone struck a private home in the Moscow region, Gov. Andrey Vorobyov said. He also said…
MADRID, 14th August, 2026 (WAM) — San Sebastián Racecourse in the Kingdom of Spain will host the Spain leg of the UAE President’s Cup for Purebred Arabian Horses on Saturday, as part of the 33rd edition. It is the Prestigious Cup’s second appearance on Spanish soil. The Cup series is staged in support of plans to develop the Arabian horse racing industry and to sustain the backing of owners and breeders around the world, encouraging them to acquire and breed Arabian horses. This work helps preserve the breed’s authentic heritage, elevate its standing and strengthen its presence at the most…
CAIRO — Egypt “will not accept or allow” any party to control the flow of Nile water to downstream countries, an Egyptian source said Sunday, responding to recent remarks by Ethiopia’s water and energy minister about plans to build additional dams on the river. The source, quoted by Egypt’s official MENA news agency, said statements attributed to Ethiopian Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa regarding the construction of additional dams and control over water flows to Egypt and Sudan represented “a continuation of Ethiopia’s unilateral approach and a blatant violation of international law.” The remarks reflect “Addis Ababa’s continued delusions…
INDIANAPOLIS — At least six people have died in Indiana after a powerful storm system dumped more than 11 inches of rain on parts of the state, triggering historic flooding, evacuations and widespread rescue operations. Flooding was particularly severe along the White River from Hamilton County into the northern suburbs of Indianapolis, where emergency crews rescued more than 90 people and 45 pets, according to NBC News. In Indianapolis’ Ravenwood neighborhood, floodwaters submerged vehicles and reached the doors of homes, forcing some residents to navigate streets using kayaks and rowboats. Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said he had spoken with President…
RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the latest regional developments in calls with his Qatari and Omani counterparts. Prince Faisal held separate phone calls with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al-Busaidi. During the calls, the ministers emphasized the importance of continuing coordination and consultation with regard to the major regional developments. They stressed the need to strengthen diplomatic efforts aimed at maintaining security and stability in the region. Source: Saudi…
TAIF — The Council of Senior Scholars held its 99th session at the Council’s headquarters in Taif on Sunday. The meeting was chaired by Saudi Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan, who is also president of the Council of Senior Scholars and head of the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta. The session was attended by the Council Secretary General Sheikh Fahd Al-Majed and members of the Council. In his opening address, Sheikh Al-Fawzan highlighted the support and attention extended to the Council of Senior Scholars by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime…
DUBAI, 16th August, 2026 (WAM) — The 2025 performance results tracked by the 2026 Competitiveness Report reflect the growing reach of customs work in supporting UAE competitiveness, given the direct link between the efficiency of customs procedures and the pace of trade, the resilience of supply chains, the quality of government services, security, digital transformation, and the appeal of the business environment. The report, which measures 2025 performance, drew on 30 global reports and 69 competitiveness indicators — including 10 new ones — offering a more comprehensive read on the performance of the country’s institutions and private sector, and the…
RIYADH — The Insurance Authority and the General Directorate of Civil Defense announced on Sunday the launch of the Third-Party Cooperative Insurance Policy for Crowded Venues and High-Risk Activities. The policy provides civil liability coverage for establishments against bodily injury and property damage that may befall visitors and patrons as a result of accidents at covered sites. It is designed to protect the rights of visitors and strengthen establishments’ ability to manage the financial and operational burdens arising from such incidents. The compensation provided under the policy varies depending on the nature of the activity and the level of risk…