FEBRUARY 28 – Muslims across the globe are preparing to observe Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, which is set to begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This sacred period of fasting, prayer, and reflection will bring together nearly two billion Muslims in devotion and spiritual renewal. Global Variations in the Start of … Read more
GDANSK/TOKYO, Feb 28 – Global stock markets experienced a sharp downturn on Friday, reaching their lowest levels in six weeks as concerns over impending U.S. tariffs rattled investor confidence. The U.S. dollar remained firm, hovering near multi-week highs, while fears of an escalating trade war reignited worries about the global economic outlook. Technology stocks bore … Read more
NEW YORK, Feb 28 – Rafael Caro Quintero, a figure long associated with Mexico’s drug trade, is scheduled to be arraigned in a U.S. federal courtroom on Friday, facing serious drug trafficking charges. Caro Quintero, once a key player in the Guadalajara Cartel, was among 29 individuals extradited by Mexican authorities in what is being … Read more
JERUSALEM/TEL AVIV/GAZA, Feb 27 – In a significant exchange amid a fragile ceasefire, Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages while Israel proceeded with the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The overnight swap marked the conclusion of the first phase of an ongoing truce in Gaza, which has so far withstood numerous challenges … Read more
WASHINGTON, Feb 26 – The Trump administration has been blocking the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from awarding new research grants for various medical studies, including those on Lyme disease and lung conditions, according to scientists, former NIH officials, and internal documents. A procedural loophole has allowed the government to delay these crucial research funds. … Read more
WASHINGTON, Feb 25 – A statement from Elon Musk indicating that federal employees will have one more opportunity to justify their positions before termination has added to growing uncertainty within the U.S. government. Musk, who has been leading a significant restructuring of the federal workforce under President Donald Trump’s administration, announced via X, the social … Read more
FEBRUARY 24 – Apple Inc. has announced plans to establish a large-scale factory in Texas by 2026, focusing on building artificial intelligence (AI) servers. The initiative is part of Apple’s broader strategy to expand its presence in the U.S., creating approximately 20,000 new research and development jobs across the country. This major investment aligns with … Read more
LONDON/SYDNEY, Feb 24 – The euro and German stocks saw a significant uptick on Monday following the conservative party’s victory in Germany’s national elections. Investors responded positively to the election outcome, which paves the way for a centrist coalition. However, optimism remained cautious due to potential challenges in forming a government and shaping economic policies. … Read more
BERLIN, Feb 23 – Germany’s 2025 federal election has concluded, with the mainstream conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), emerging victorious. Led by Friedrich Merz, the conservative bloc secured the largest share of votes, setting the stage for a new government. A record-breaking 83.5% voter turnout, the … Read more
BERLIN, Feb 23 – Millions of Germans headed to the polls on Sunday in a crucial national election that is expected to bring significant political changes. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz and his CDU/CSU alliance are poised to return to power, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is anticipated to achieve its strongest electoral performance … Read more