Author: Web Desk

Tokyo: Japan has reported a record number of inbound tourists for February, with government data showing that 3.46 million visitors entered the country during the month. The figure has marked a 6.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year, setting a new high for February arrivals. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the rise in visitor numbers has been partly supported by the timing of the Lunar New Year holiday, which fell in February this year instead of late January the previous year. The seasonal shift has contributed to higher travel activity across the country. However,…

Havana: Cuba has brought its national power grid back online after a widespread blackout left the island in darkness for more than 29 hours. Energy officials confirmed that electricity was fully restored by March 17 evening, though supply challenges are expected to continue. The blackout had affected the entire population of around 10 million people, with large parts of the country losing power overnight. The restoration process included restarting key infrastructure, including the Antonio Guiteras power plant, one of the country’s main oil-fired facilities. Despite the progress, electricity generation has remained below required levels due to severe fuel shortages and…

Washington: Trump has indicated plans to postpone a high level visit to China by about a month, citing the need to remain focused on managing the Iran war. The meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had been scheduled between March 31 and April 2. However, Trump has stated that a delay is being requested to ensure direct involvement in overseeing the conflict. Speaking to reporters, Trump said that, “We’ve requested that we delay it a month or so,” adding that remaining in Washington is essential during the current situation. Trump has emphasised that the decision…

Abu Dhabi: UAE air traffic has resumed normal operations after aviation authorities lifted a temporary shutdown imposed earlier amid escalating regional tensions in the Gulf. The UAE air traffic update was confirmed by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which stated that flight operations across the country’s airspace have returned to normal following safety assessments. Authorities had previously introduced precautionary restrictions after evaluating aviation risks related to ongoing developments in the region. According to the aviation authority, the situation continues to be closely monitored while airlines gradually restore regular schedules. The confirmation has allowed carriers operating through the country’s major…

Washington: The US Cuba talks have gained renewed attention after United States President Donald Trump indicated that Washington could soon reach an agreement with Havana or consider alternative actions. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said discussions between the two governments are ongoing. Trump said that, “Cuba also wants to make a deal, and I think we will pretty soon either make a deal or do whatever we have to do.” Trump also indicated that the administration is currently prioritising developments related to Iran before focusing on the negotiations with Cuba. Relations between the United States and Cuba…

London: Global oil prices have risen again after military strikes targeted Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub, intensifying fears about energy supply disruptions in the Middle East. Brent crude, the international benchmark, climbed 1.8 percent during early trading to reach $104.98 (£78.64) per barrel. The increase has followed a weekend of heightened violence in the region, raising concerns about the stability of global energy markets. Kharg Island, located in the Persian Gulf roughly 27 miles from the Iranian mainland, serves as a critical processing and export hub for Iran. Approximately 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports normally pass through the…

Hanoi: Millions of voters across the country have taken part in the Vietnam election, selecting representatives for the National Assembly and local government councils. The five yearly vote has involved between 73.5 million and 79 million eligible voters choosing 500 members of the National Assembly along with representatives for local councils. The process remains one of the few electoral activities in the one party political system that governs the Southeast Asian nation. The Vietnam election has featured 864 parliamentary candidates, with nearly 93 percent belonging to the Communist Party of Vietnam. According to the national election council, only about 7.5…

United States: The United States has called on allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for global energy supplies. US President Donald Trump has urged countries including the United Kingdom, China, France, Japan and South Korea to deploy warships to the strategic waterway. The request has come after several tanker attacks were reported since military operations against Iran began two weeks ago. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is considered the busiest oil shipping route in the world. Around 20 percent of global oil…

New York: A historic guitar used by Pink Floyd musician David Gilmour has been sold for a record $14.6 million (£10.9 million) during an auction in New York. The instrument, a 1969 Fender Stratocaster known as the “Black Strat”, was played by Gilmour on several of the band’s most famous albums. The guitar featured on Pink Floyd records released between 1970 and 1983, including The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall. The sale took place during a rock memorabilia auction organised by Christie’s in New York. The bidding lasted about 21 minutes before the…

Menlo Park: Meta has been considering large scale layoffs that could affect around 20 percent or more of its workforce, according to sources familiar with internal discussions. The company has been examining the job reductions as part of efforts to manage rising costs linked to artificial intelligence infrastructure and to prepare for productivity gains expected from AI assisted work systems. Executives at Meta have recently informed senior leaders to begin planning workforce reductions across departments. The sources indicated that the final number of layoffs has not yet been determined and that a timeline for the cuts has not been set.…