On 2024, the estimate on GDP growth has been upgraded by 0.5 percentage points compared with the forecast published last September to 4.1%

Police say that there was no immediate indication of foul play

Sebastien Lecornu stressed that France did not seek this way to «get back the funds» invested in Ukraine's defense and other industries

Singapore has much to celebrate this year with SG60, but we must be aware of the rapidly changing global landscape and invest in creating our future, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Thursday (Feb 27). Speaking in support of Budget 2025 in Parliament, he emphasised the need to «double down on our investments in Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE)», in order to improve lives and to keep Singapore competitive. According to Heng, science, technology and innovation are advancing at an accelerated pace, given the example of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it has disrupted the global tech landscape. Investing in RIE will not only benefit Singapore's economic development, but also benefit Singaporeans, directly and indirectly. Heng raised several examples of how AI can support Singapore's declining workforce, personalise students' learning and optimise medical treatments. Singapore invests around one per cent of its gross domestic product annually to support RIE activities, and has committed $28 billion to the current RIE 2025 plan.

The increase in Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices and Goods and Services Tax (GST) reflect the financial pressures faced by Singaporeans, said Workers' Party (WP) chair Sylvia Lim on Thursday (Feb 27). Speaking in Parliament on the second day of the Budget debate, Lim referred to the Ministry of Finance's budget forecasting for this year as «notably inaccurate». The Government had projected a surplus of $0.78 billion for the Financial Year (FY) 2024 during the 2024 Budget statement. However, revised figures revealed an $8 billion increase in total operating revenue, rising from the estimated $108.6 billion to $116.6 billion. «To put this into perspective: $8 billion equates to $8,000 million — a substantial underestimation,» said Lim. The WP chairwoman questioned why the projected surplus of $0.78 billion was reiterated by PM Wong while responding to a Parliamentary Question from WP MP Louis Chua in September last year.

According to Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, the Russia's banking sector remains stable and profitable

The regulator projects annual inflation in Russia at 7-8% in 2025

Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan said that «the decision to open the border is a political matter and is not solely dependent on Armenia’s position»

The reduction in embassy staff in both countries began after 2014, when Washington adopted a policy of «systemic containment» toward Russia

Mogadishu (HOL) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday for high-level talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking a pivotal moment in the nations' diplomatic relations following months of strained ties.

«The war in Ukraine began as a consequence of the failure of the US’s deterrence strategy,» Krzysztof Bosak noted

Sun Liang sought shelter behind a large rock and built a makeshift bed using dry straw and leaves to protect himself from the harsh winds

«Chinese-Russian relations will continue to make steady progress despite significant shifts in the international landscape,» Lin Jian said

Sergey Shoigu pointed out that the parties had particularly addressed cooperation in the fields of finances and energy

Steffen Kotre underscored that his party, AfD, achieved the most success in its history and that elections' result should encourage other parties to reconsider their position

During a special visit to Wales on Wednesday, Kate, 43, revealed she enjoys making jam when she promised to send her own recipe for a plum preserve to a young royal fan.

The Trump Administration may soon do away with a major scientific finding that has been the basis for hundreds of billions in government spending on climate change.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee has denied any intention of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), affirming his loyalty to TMC and Mamata Banerjee. He pledged to continue exposing traitors within the party and criticized those spreading rumors about his defection.

A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped inside a parked bus at Pune’s Swargate bus depot in the early hours of February 25. Maharashtra's transport minister has ordered a departmental inquiry and multiple law enforcement teams are actively searching for the accused, with a Rs 1 lakh reward announced.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin criticizes the BJP-led central govt for its 'anti-Hindi' stance, claiming the push for Hindi dominance endangers regional languages. Stalin argues that native languages in North India are becoming relics and denounces the three-language policy as a threat to Tamil culture. BJP leader Soundarajan accuses the DMK of hypocrisy on the language issue.

Claudia Lawrence (pictured) was 35 when she vanished without a trace after failing to turn up to work at York University on March 19, 2009.

Message des leaders communautaires Excellence Monsieur le Président de la Transition, Président de la République, Chef de l'Etat, S.E Général de Brigade Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Nous nous exprimons aux noms des communautés de l'Ogooué-Maritime en général et de la Commune de Port-Gentil en particulier au sujet du conflit ethnique latent. En effet, sur vos instructions, indirectement transmises le 22 Février 2025 à la foire municipale de Port-Gentil par la mission de médiation (...) - POLITIQUE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

With most credit union members borrowing to purchase motor vehicles, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is encouraging them to access loans for other forms of investment and personal development. He made the call during Infiniti Cooperative Credit...

CAIRO (AP) — Observant Muslims the world over will soon be united in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan starts. For Muslims, it’s a time of increased worship, religious reflection, charity and good...

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP): Tens of thousands of Hindu devotees gathered at a revered temple in Nepal’s capital on Wednesday to celebrate one of the country’s biggest religious festivals. In the Bankali forests near Pashupati, the temple of the Hindu...

WESTERN BUREAU: Students of the Chetwood Memorial Primary School, in Montego Bay, St James got a special hands-on agricultural experience yesterday when they created their very own school garden under the school’s Quality Educator Circle (QEC) 29-...

PORT ANTONIO, Portland: Senator Delano Seiveright has hinted that Port Antonio, Portland, is poised to attract additional luxury boutique vessels, as the Ministry of Tourism seeks to establish the resort town as a favourite destination for...

Prior to the meeting, Moscow and Washington held two rounds of preliminary technical consultations

«If the country is unwilling to extradite the criminal, it must bring him to trial,» Oleg Stepanov stressed

The parties also agreed on holding consultations «on issues of economic, trade and investment collaboration»

The talks will be held behind closed doors, and the parties did not provide the names of their delegation members

Dmitry Peskov also noted that YouTube, whose work was previously slowed down, must comply with Russian laws

Liverpool tightened their grip on this season's Premier League title with a 2-0 win at home to Newcastle United on Wednesday night.

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali National Army (SNA) forces repelled an Al-Shabab attack on military bases on the outskirts of Bal'ad district in the Middle Shabelle region early Thursday morning, military officials reported.

Mogadishu (HOL) – Five African nations, including three of Somalia’s neighbours, will deploy a total of 11,900 troops under the African Union’s new Somalia Mission (AUSSOM) to stabilize and counter Al-Shabaab militants.