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UAE exempts crypto transfers, conversions from 5% VAT surcharge

The UAE exempts cryptocurrency transfers and conversions from VAT, effective from November 2024, with retroactive application from 2018.

Canada and India expel diplomats in escalating dispute over Khalistan activist assassination

Tensions between Canada and India escalate as both nations expel diplomats over the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, spawning questions over alleged Indian government links.

Dubai RTA’s auction raises 70 million dirhams with exclusive vehicle plates

Dubai's RTA raked in millions from its latest auction, with premium vehicle plates like AA17 fetching over AED8 million. The auction showcased rare plates, drawing bidders seeking symbols of prestige and individuality.

Al Maktoum International: Inside Dubai’s $35bn future-proof airport replacing DXB

Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport is set to become the world’s largest, replacing DXB within 10 years. With a $34.8 billion investment, it will handle up to 260 million passengers annually, transforming Dubai into a global aviation and logistics hub.

Saudi Arabia threatens $50 oil barrel market flood if Russia doesn’t cut production

Saudi Arabia has threatened to drop oil prices to $50 per barrel if Russia and other OPEC+ members fail to reduce production, potentially sparking a new oil price war.

Dubai Islamic Bank launches $500m sukuk with competitive 5.25% profit rate

Dubai Islamic Bank successfully issued a $500m Basel III-compliant AT1 sukuk at a 5.25% profit rate, marking the lowest global AT1 spread since 2009.

Saudi Arabia acquires 40% of Selfridges Group to drive European luxury retail interests

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has acquired a 40% stake in Selfridges Group, partnering with Central Group, which holds the remaining 60%, to strengthen the luxury retailer's financial position and drive future growth.

Saudi Arabia poised to sell $10bn in Saudi Aramco shares to boost Public Investment Fund

Saudi Arabia is poised to sell at least $10 billion in Saudi Aramco shares to boost its Public Investment Fund (PIF) as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. This sale follows the record-setting 2019 IPO and aims to further enhance the PIF’s assets amid ongoing mega-projects.

Who was Ratan Tata? A visionary who elevated the Tata Group to global prominence

Ratan Tata, the former Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group, transformed the conglomerate into a global powerhouse through strategic acquisitions and visionary leadership.

Bangladesh to remove Sheikh Mujib’s likeness from Taka banknotes

Bangladesh's interim government has announced a major redesign of their Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) currency notes, starting with Tk20, Tk100, Tk500, and Tk1,000, removing the image of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah killed in Lebanon airstrikes, claims Israeli army

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they killed Hezbollah's long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike targeting southern Beirut on Friday evening. Hezbollah has yet to confirm the death of its leader.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Chain of Light finally sees the light 30 years later

In 1990, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan recorded four traditional qawwalis with producer Michael Brook, now released as Chain of Light, a remastered album rediscovered 27 years after his death, showcasing his vocal mastery at the peak of his powers while offering a rare glimpse into his traditional Sufi roots before his fusion with Western music.

Donald Trump: No more debates with Kamala Harris

Ireland in dismay as EU orders Apple to pay $14.3bn to Irish Government in unpaid taxes

The European Court of Justice ruled against Apple, reinstating the European Commission's decision that it owed €13.1 billion in underpaid taxes to Ireland, overturning a prior General Court ruling. Apple expressed disappointment, accusing the Commission of retroactively altering tax rules, while Ireland said it would review the judgment.

Apple unveils brand-new iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models

Powered by the A18 Pro chip and designed for Apple Intelligence, the Pro lineup features larger display sizes, Camera Control, advanced pro camera capabilities, and a significant boost in battery life.

Apple unveils brand-new Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10, its thinnest and lightest watch yet, with a larger display, faster charging, and new health features, alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 2, now in black titanium with improved GPS accuracy, 36-hour battery life, and advanced sports capabilities both available for pre-order today, with availability starting September 20.

Apple introduces AirPods 4 and the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience with AirPods Pro 2

Apple has unveiled its new AirPods 4 with a redesigned open-ear structure and ANC option, new colors for AirPods Max, and AirPods Pro 2 featuring the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience with Active Hearing Protection, Hearing Test, and clinical-grade Hearing Aid.

Bangladesh vows to resolve 1971 issues with Pakistan, says Bangladeshi Minister

Minister for IT Nahid Islam stressed that while the Awami League viewed Bangladesh's 1971 independence as its "final chapter of history," the interim government saw it as an ongoing part of history.

Harris leads narrow 4-point gain against Trump in 2024 race as Democratic enthusiasm surges

Kamala Harris now leads Donald Trump by four points in a close 2024 race as Democratic enthusiasm surges, potentially impacting voter turnout in November.

Kamala Harris opts for Minnesota’s Tim Walz as 2024 running mate

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 Vice Presidential election. 

Israel urges NATO to expel Turkey amidst accusations of Hamas sympathies

Israel's Foreign Minister has called on NATO to expel Turkey, citing Ankara's support for Hamas and obstruction of NATO-Israel cooperation.

Kamala Harris Launches 2024 Campaign with Focus on Reproductive Rights

Vice President Kamala Harris launched her 2024 campaign in Wisconsin, receiving endorsements from most Democratic Congress members and governors. She emphasized her commitment to reproductive rights, pledging to stop Trump's extreme abortion laws, saying, "We trust women to make decisions about their own bodies, not the government." Harris urged continued support and mobilization for the upcoming election.

Kamala Harris Previews Case Against Donald Trump: I Took on Perpetrators of All Kinds, I Know His Type

Joe Biden Quits 2024 U.S. Presidential Race Amidst Rising Pressure

President Joe Biden has made the unexpected decision to withdraw from the upcoming presidential race, following considerable pressure from key political allies. This decision, marks a significant shift in the political landscape as Biden, aged 81, steps down to focus on his current presidential duties for the remainder of his term.

Trump vows to “always protect” Saudi Arabia: “I want closer ties with MBS”

Trump pledges to "always protect" Saudi Arabia, highlighting his personal bond with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman while also pursuing business ventures like the planned Trump Tower in Jeddah and a $2 billion investment from the Saudi wealth fund into his son-in-law Jared Kushner's investment fund.

Italian fined €5,000 for defaming PM Giorgia Meloni on social media

An Italian man has been fined €5,000 for mocking Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's height on social media, reflecting the country's strict defamation laws. This follows a series of legal actions by Meloni against her critics, including journalist Roberto Saviano, who was fined €1,000 for derogatory comments about her immigration policies

Biden to weigh exiting presidential race with family after debate fallout

U.S. President Joe Biden plans to discuss the future of his re-election campaign with his family today after Thursday's debate raised concerns among the DNC about his viability, despite public support from senior Democrats Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

Tennessee signs bill into law allowing death penalty for child rape convictions

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed the Child Protection Act of 2024, allowing the death penalty for individuals convicted of raping a child under 12.

London mayoral elections 2024: Sadiq Khan secures historic third term as Mayor of London

Labour’s Sadiq Khan has secured a historic third term as Mayor of London by a margin of over 275,000 amidst fierce opposition on electoral reforms from the Tories’ Susan Hall.

London mayoral election 2024: Sadiq Khan vies for a third innings as London votes

In London and across England at large, Rishi Sunak's Tory leadership will be put to the test amidst stumbling supporter counts and swing voters vying to give Labour a chance.

Israeli Government braces for ICC arrest warrants over alleged war crimes in Gaza

The Hague has began to ready arrest warrants for both Israeli and Hamas leaders amid a Gazan war crime probe, sources close to the Israeli Government reveal.

India election 2024: Modi’s polarising bid for a third consecutive term as PM sparks communal voter backlash

As India undergoes the second phase of what is billed as the world's largest democratic exercise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a historic third term for India’s soul amidst communal tensions and concerns over diminishing voter turnout.

Death sentence for Vietnamese property tycoon in record US$27bn fraud case

Truong My Lan, a prominent Vietnamese real estate magnate, was sentenced to death in Ho Chi Minh City for orchestrating a US$27 billion fraud, the largest in the country's history, affecting nearly 6% of its GDP.

United States Government sues Apple over alleged smartphone monopolies

The United States DOJ declares war on Apple's 'walled garden,' filing a monumental lawsuit with the goal of dismantling the tech titan's iron grip on the smartphone market and igniting a battle over the future of digital monopolies.

Donald Lu rubbishes PTI-backed ‘conspiracy theories’ in Washington subcommittee on Pakistani elections

In a fiery rebuttal at a Washington D.C. hearing on the Pakistani elections, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu quashed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan's American Cipher claims under oath as fictional, baseless 'conspiracy theories'.

Global outage strikes Facebook, Instagram, and Threads as Meta scrambles for a fix

Meta's major meltdown locks out users worldwide from Facebook, Instagram, & Threads as the company scrambles for a fix.

Israel to face charges of Gaza genocide at International Court of Justice on January 11

Israel will face charges of genocide against Gazan citizens put forward by South Africa at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on January 11, 2024.

British newspaper The Independent names “Pakistan” instead of “Hamas” in blunder truce headline

The Independent has named "Pakistan" instead of "Hamas" in a headline about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, causing confusion and highlighting the need for accurate reporting in sensitive geopolitical contexts.

BJP vows to rename Hyderabad to Bhagyanagar if elected to power in Telangana

During a roadshow in Hyderabad, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath promised that the BJP would rename Hyderabad to 'Bhagyanagar' if elected in Telangana, criticising the current government's policies and pledging changes to city names and reservation policies.

4-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas set to begin at 10am local time on Thursday

Israel and Hamas have agreed on a four-day ceasefire starting Thursday at 10 AM local time, including a hostage-prisoner exchange and a significant influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The truce, aimed at de-escalating the conflict, involves complex negotiations brokered by Qatar with U.S. and Israeli involvement.