Author: khaleejpress.com
JAKARTA, December 14, 2025: Indonesia’s devastating floods and landslides have claimed more than 1,000 lives across Sumatra, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit the country in recent years. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed that at least 1,003 people have died, with hundreds more still missing as search and rescue operations continue in isolated and heavily damaged areas. Weeks of torrential monsoon rains triggered widespread flooding and landslides in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, overwhelming rivers and destroying thousands of homes. Rescuers are racing against time to reach communities cut off by collapsed bridges…
WASHINGTON, December 13, 2025: Gold prices climbed globally on Friday after the United States Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.50% to 3.75%, marking the central bank’s third rate reduction this year. The decision strengthened gold’s position as a preferred safe-haven asset amid easing monetary conditions and moderating inflation data. Spot gold traded near a seven-week high at around $4,270 per ounce during late trading sessions. The rally was supported by lower U.S. Treasury yields and a softer dollar, which reduced the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. Gold futures in New York and London also advanced, with trading volumes increasing sharply across major…
TASHKENT, December 13, 2025: Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been re-elected as President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the international federation for mobility organisations. The decision was confirmed following the election of his Presidential List by the FIA General Assembly, held in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan. Ben Sulayem’s re-election marks the beginning of his second four-year term at the helm of the FIA. Since first taking office in 2021, he has overseen a period of institutional renewal, operational reform, and financial recovery across the federation. His administration has been credited with restoring…
AUSTIN, Texas, December 11, 2025: Oracle Corporation shares dropped sharply after the enterprise software company reported quarterly revenue that fell short of Wall Street expectations, signaling a slowdown in the company’s cloud growth momentum. The stock declined more than eight percent in after-hours trading following the announcement, reversing some of the gains made earlier this year. Oracle reported total revenue of $12.9 billion for the fiscal second quarter ended November 30, a five percent increase from the same period last year but below analyst forecasts of $13.1 billion. Stock market response follows Oracle’s weaker-than-expected revenue results. (Credit – Oracle) Net income rose to $2.4 billion,…
LONDON, December 9, 2025: Coffee, long regarded as a daily indulgence, is now widely recognized for its measurable health benefits, with growing evidence linking moderate consumption to improved cardiovascular function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mental alertness. Health researchers emphasize that the way coffee is brewed, roasted, and consumed determines whether it supports or detracts from overall well-being. Scientific findings show that the roasting process significantly influences coffee’s nutritional properties. Lighter roasts preserve more antioxidants and compounds such as chlorogenic acid, which support heart health and help regulate blood sugar levels. Healthy coffee choices focus on roast, brew, and moderation for wellness.…
WASHINGTON, December 9, 2025: About 210,000 portable lithium-ion power banks sold on Amazon have been recalled due to risks of overheating, fire, and burn injuries, according to a notice issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall affects INIU 10,000mAh portable power banks, model BI-B41, which were available for purchase between August 2021 and April 2022. The affected power banks have a black or blue casing with the INIU logo and a paw-print LED indicator on the front. The recall applies only to units with serial numbers 000G21, 000H21, 000I21, and 000L21. Amazon recall highlights lithium battery safety risks in INIU…
LONDON, December 7, 2025: A new study suggests that lecanemab, an Alzheimer’s drug previously deemed too expensive for use by the National Health Service (NHS), could slow the progression of dementia by up to eight years, far exceeding earlier estimates from clinical trials. Researchers presented the findings at the Clinical Trials in Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference in San Diego, revealing that patients who began treatment with lecanemab early in the disease process experienced significantly slower cognitive decline. The drug, also known by its brand name Leqembi and developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai, targets amyloid protein buildup in the brain, which is believed to play…
JAKARTA, December 7, 2025: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has announced an ambitious plan to acquire up to 200 helicopters beginning next year, a move aimed at bolstering both Indonesia’s defense capabilities and its national disaster response system. The announcement, reported by Indonesia’s state news agency ANTARA, underscores the government’s intent to enhance air mobility and operational readiness amid frequent natural disasters across the archipelago. Speaking at the Golkar Party’s 61st anniversary celebration in Jakarta on Friday, President Prabowo emphasized that the initiative reflects Indonesia’s urgent need to prepare for crises in a country situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire one of the most seismically…
PERTH, December 6, 2025: A comprehensive fishing closure spanning nearly 900 kilometres of Western Australia’s coast is expected to lift seafood prices nationwide, as authorities move to restore depleted fish populations and reshape the state’s commercial catch sector. The Western Australian Government announced that all demersal fishing between Kalbarri and Augusta will cease on January 1, 2026, as part of an extensive marine recovery program. The restrictions will apply to commercial operators, while recreational fishers will remain barred from taking demersal species until at least spring 2027. The 900km fishing ban changes seafood demand patterns across Western Australia. (AI-generated image) Charter…
WASHINGTON, December 4, 2025: The World Bank has projected that the United Arab Emirates’ economy will expand by 4.8 percent in 2025, driven by balanced growth across both oil and non-oil sectors. The forecast was released in the Gulf Economic Update (GEU) Fall 2025 report titled “The Gulf’s Digital Transformation: A Powerful Engine for Economic Diversification.” The report confirmed that the UAE continues to record broad-based growth supported by its diversified economic structure and resilience to global fluctuations. Innovation and investment power the UAE’s economic expansion. It said that real GDP growth of 4.8 percent reflects the country’s success in developing a dynamic export base and advancing…