Author: News Desk

A Japanese court ruled on Monday that a ban on same-sex marriage was not unconstitutional, dealing a setback to LGBTQ rights activists in the only Group of Seven nation that does not allow people of the same gender to marry. The ruling dashes activists’ hopes of raising pressure on the central government to address the issue after a court in the city of Sapporo in March 2021 decided in favour of a claim that not allowing same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Three same-sex couples – two male, one female – had filed the case in a district court in Osaka, only…

The cryptocurrency industry was on edge on Monday as bitcoin held just above $20,000 and investors feared that problems at major crypto players could unleash a wider market shakeout. Bitcoin, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency, dropped on Saturday to as low as $17,592.78, falling below the key $20,000 level for the first time since December 2020. It picked up slightly during London trading hours on Monday, at around $20,510 at 1232 GMT. But it has still lost 55% of its value this year and 35% this month alone in the cryptocurrency sector’s latest meltdown. Bitcoin’s fall follows problems at several major…

The influx of Ukrainian refugees into the European Union could gradually ease labour shortages in the euro zone as some of those fleeing the war are likely to settle permanently, the European Central Bank said on Monday. Around seven million people, mostly women and children, have fled Ukraine so far since Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24, and more are leaving each day, with many hoping to find durable employment opportunities in the 27-nation EU. “Under all of the assumptions detailed thus far, back-of-an-envelope calculations point to a median increase of between 0.2% and 0.8% in the euro area…

China’s crude oil imports from Russia soared 55% from a year earlier to a record level in May, displacing Saudi Arabia as the top supplier, as refiners cashed in on discounted supplies amid sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Imports of Russian oil, including supplies pumped via the East Siberia Pacific Ocean pipeline and seaborne shipments from Russia’s European and Far Eastern ports, totalled nearly 8.42 million tonnes, according to data from the Chinese General Administration of Customs. That’s equivalent to roughly 1.98 million barrels per day (bpd) and up a quarter from 1.59 million bpd in April.…

Several European Union countries are pushing to start work on a new package of sanctions against Russia and Belarus for the invasion of Ukraine and also want to grant more military support to Kyiv, according to diplomats and a draft document. About one-third of the 27 EU governments, mostly Nordic and eastern states, want the EU Commission to begin work on a seventh round of sanctions, diplomats said. The latest version of the draft conclusions of a summit of EU leaders to be held later this week does not include a reference to new sanctions but diplomats said the text,…

Evolving trends and innovations in AI and other cutting-edge technologies have added a new dimension to the digital economy, according to Liam Zhao, CEO of Gulf North, Huawei. “In a fast-paced developing digital economy, partnerships between vertical industries and technology enablers remain a key priority,” Liam Zhao said. “At Huawei, we work closely with our partners and create new value by helping governments and enterprises go digital while operating more intelligently.” At the MEET ICT and Bahrain International Technology Exhibition (BITEX) 2022 in Manama, held under the theme of “Leading the Way to a Digital Economy Through Artificial Intelligence,” Huawei…

The Bahrain Summer Festival is back again with its 14th edition, which is held this year under the slogan “Golden Edition” to reflect the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA)’ programme for 2022 which is “Golden Jubilee”, celebrating Bahraini outstanding achievements. Therefore, the BACA held a press conference on 19 June, 2022 during which it revealed the program of the 14th Bahrain Summer Festival that will kick off this coming July. Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, President of BACA attended the press conference, alongside representatives of Heritage Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, in addition to several ambassadors, representatives…

Germany on Sunday announced its latest steps to boost gas storage levels to prepare for the next winter season, when it fears Russia, which has cut deliveries in recent days, could reduce or even completely halt supplies. Germany, which relies on Moscow for most of its gas, is seeking to fill its gas storage facilities and to phase out Russian energy imports, Reuters reports. Germany’s Economy Ministry, which is in charge of security of energy supply in Europe’s top economy, said the new measures would include increased reliance on coal-fired power plants as well as an auction system to incentivise…

Tamkeen has signed a strategic cooperation with Beyon Cyber to provide quality job and training opportunities for 20 Bahraini cybersecurity professionals. They will be able to utilize their acquired knowledge and skills into practice in a real work environment. The signing, following the agreement with the provider of cybersecurity training, SANS Institute, took place during ELEVATE, a major technology forum hosted by the Beyon Cyber entities. This announcement is the first of more planned partnerships with key leaders in Bahrain’s private sector, designed with the purpose of providing the SANS cybersecurity graduates with quality training opportunities that can support their…

The 22nd scientific session, The Migration Route, was launched at Al Maghfirah Mosque. The session, organised by the Islamic Forum under the patronage of HH Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, will run from June 18 to June 30, UAE news agency WAM reports. Prof. Dr. Abdulsamii Mohammed Al Anees, Professor of Hadith and its Sciences at the College of Sharia and Islamic Studies at the University of Sharjah, discussed the migration of the Prophet to Madinah. More than 600 participants from the United Arab Emirates and abroad are involved in the…