Author: News Desk

Greece : A major wildfire burning northwest of the Greek capital decimated large tracts of pine forest for a third day as hundreds of firefighters, assisted by water-dropping planes and helicopters, battled the flames Wednesday. The blaze in the Vilia area broke out Monday shortly after another wildfire started to the southwest of Athens . Several villages and a nearby nursing home received evacuation orders. Hundreds of wildfires have burned across Greece this month, fueled by parched forests and shrubland from the country’s most severe heatwave in decades. The blazes have stretched the country’s firefighting capabilities to the limit, leading…

Kabul:  Three people were killed and more than a dozen injured after Taliban militants opened fire during protests against the group in the Afghan city of Jalalabad, two witnesses. The witnesses said the deaths took place when local residents tried to install Afghanistan’s national flag at a square in the city, some 150 km (90 miles) to the east of Kabul.

Malta : A Maltese businessman is to stand trial over accusations he ordered and paid for the killing of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence for Yorgen Fenech, who faces charges of accessory to murder and criminal association. The killing of Caruana Galizia in a car bomb rocked the Mediterranean island and sent shockwaves across the European Union. Fenech, formally charged on Wednesday by Malta’s Attorney General, was first arrested over the murder in November 2019. The tycoon — who is the alleged mastermind behind the assassination — has denied the charges. One man has…

DUBAI : Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani is in the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf state’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday, after he left as Taliban fighters seized control. “The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation can confirm that the UAE has welcomed President Ashraf Ghani and his family into the country on humanitarian grounds,” it said in a statement.

Tokyo : This year’s Japanese Grand Prix was canceled following discussions between the government and race promoters, Formula One organizers said Wednesday. The race in Suzuka had been scheduled for Oct. 10, between the events in Turkey and the United States, reports AP. The decision creates another dent in F1′s calendar of Asia-based races this season following the cancellation of the Australian and Singapore GPs and the indefinite postponement of the Chinese GP in Shanghai. The cancellation and postponement of races last year at the start of the pandemic meant the 2020 season didn’t start until July, and was compressed…

Bahrain : Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan received Bahrain-based Saudi Al Jazira Office director Jamal Mohammed Al Yaqut, who presented a copy of his book, in which he documents his meetings with heads of states and leading personalities. The minister praised Al Yaqut’s media contributions, stressing the importance of the illustrated book which features photos of leading personalities who left their social and economic mark. The author appreciated the minister’s support to media staff and writers to enrich Bahrain and GCC cultural landscape with publications which highlight the heritage and history of the region.

Bahrain : The Law on Restorative Justice for Children and Their Protection from Maltreatment took effect today, six months after its issuance and the completion of the legislative, technical and procedural requirements for its implementation, marking an outstanding milestone in the justice system and the protection of children’s rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The law represents a culmination of Bahrain’s leadership and excellence in upholding public rights and freedoms under the wise and humanitarian approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. A new success story in the human rights and development process under the leadership of…

Hong Kong police said on Wednesday four students were arrested for “advocating terrorism” after their student union passed a motion last month mourning the death of a 50-year-old who stabbed a policeman before killing himself. Police have said an officer was stabbed from behind on July 1, while on duty with other policemen preventing protest gatherings on the anniversary of the former British colony’s return to Chinese rule in 1997. The man then stabbed himself in the chest with the knife and died later in the hospital. The policeman, 28, suffered a punctured lung, but survived what Secretary for Security…

Afghan : More than 2,200 diplomats and other civilians have been evacuated from Afghanistan on military flights,. Taliban have said they want peace, will not take revenge against old enemies and would respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law. Thousands of Afghans, many of whom helped U.S.-led foreign forces over two decades, are desperate to leave. “We are continuing at a very fast momentum, logistics show no glitches as of now and we have been able to remove a little over 2,200 diplomatic staff, foreign security staff and Afghans who worked for embassies,” the Western security…

Bahrain : Municipal fees were reduced for 452 tenant Bahraini families during the months of May, June and July, following directives from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf said that fees were scrapped for one Bahraini tenant family while two others were exempted from paying the fees over the past three months. “The move is in line with the royal desire of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to ensure that all citizens live in decent conditions”, said the minister, stressing keenness on enhancing…