Mohini Barman

Saudi Arabia has announced plans for King Salman International Airport, a massive new facility designed to handle up to 120 million passengers annually by 2030. The airport will feature smart terminals, green energy use, and connections to the high-speed rail network. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the project is part of Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy and making Riyadh a global aviation hub. The airport is expected to create over 100,000 jobs and attract significant foreign investment. Aviation experts say it could rival hubs like Dubai and Doha, reshaping air travel in the Middle East.

Hurricane Fiona made landfall on Florida’s western coast with winds exceeding 140 km/h, flooding coastal cities and knocking out power for over two million people. Emergency crews rescued stranded residents as roads and homes were submerged. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, urging people to remain indoors. Schools and airports have been shut down, while federal agencies are rushing aid. The National Weather Service warned that heavy rains could continue for days, increasing the risk of landslides and flash floods. Scientists point out that stronger storms are becoming more frequent due to climate change, fueling calls for stronger…

South Africa is hosting a high-level climate summit where African leaders are pressing wealthy nations to invest more in renewable energy on the continent. The summit, attended by UN officials and European leaders, emphasized Africa’s potential in solar and wind power. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the continent contributes the least to global emissions but suffers the most from climate change impacts such as droughts and floods. Leaders urged developed countries to honor their climate finance pledges, stressing that Africa should not be left behind in the global green transition.

The latest economic data from the United States shows inflation slowing to its lowest level in two years, bringing some relief to households. The Consumer Price Index rose just 2.8% in July compared to last year, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve. Officials at the Fed announced that interest rates will remain unchanged, signaling cautious optimism that the economy is stabilizing. However, economists warned that the job market is showing early signs of weakness, with hiring slowing across several sectors. President Joe Biden said the figures prove his administration’s policies are working, while critics argue that many families still face…

Massive wildfires have forced over 30,000 residents in British Columbia, Canada, to evacuate their homes. Strong winds and dry conditions have fueled the flames, with firefighters struggling to contain the blaze. Provincial authorities have declared a state of emergency, while the federal government has sent military assistance to aid in rescue and relief efforts. Environmental scientists warn that climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense wildfires in Canada. Communities in western provinces remain on high alert as weather forecasts predict little rainfall in the coming days.

The US Congress has passed a sweeping healthcare reform bill that expands Medicare coverage and lowers prescription drug prices for millions of Americans. The law allows the government to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies, a move expected to reduce medicine costs significantly. President Joe Biden called the bill “a historic victory for working families,” while critics argued that it could impact drug innovation. The bill also increases subsidies for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Healthcare experts say this reform could reshape the American medical system and ease financial burdens on senior citizens.

Bangladesh has signed new trade agreements with the European Union to expand its garment exports. The deal, which ensures duty-free access for several textile products, is expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen Dhaka’s economy. Industry leaders say Bangladesh is now the second-largest garment exporter in the world, after China. The EU remains a key market, with over 60% of Bangladesh’s clothing exports going to European buyers. For Bangladesh-based readers, this represents a significant economic opportunity; for India and regional outlets, it highlights South Asia’s growing role in the global textile trade.

The US state of Florida is reeling after Hurricane Fiona made landfall, bringing heavy rainfall and winds exceeding 120 km/h. Authorities confirmed that nearly half a million residents lost electricity, with emergency crews working around the clock to restore power. The National Weather Service has warned of flash floods and issued evacuation orders in low-lying areas. Schools and businesses in coastal cities such as Miami and Tampa remain closed. President Joe Biden has pledged federal assistance, saying the government will prioritize rescue and relief operations. Environmentalists argue that worsening storms like Fiona underscore the urgent need to address climate change.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced a major expansion of mobile banking and digital payment systems to improve financial inclusion across the country. Over 40 percent of Nigeria’s population currently lacks access to traditional banking. Officials say mobile platforms can help rural communities access savings, loans, and payments more efficiently. The move is part of a broader plan to digitize Africa’s largest economy. Global financial institutions, including some from India and Bangladesh, are exploring partnerships in Nigeria’s growing fintech sector. Analysts believe this could create opportunities for cross-border innovation in digital finance.

The United States labor market continues to show strength as 250,000 new jobs were added in July, surpassing economists’ expectations. The unemployment rate remained steady at 3.9 percent, close to a historic low. The health, technology, and construction sectors drove most of the gains, while retail saw slower growth. Economists say the strong numbers suggest the US economy is resilient despite global uncertainties, including inflation and supply chain disruptions. President Joe Biden welcomed the report, calling it proof of “sustained economic recovery.” However, critics argue that wage growth is still lagging behind inflation, leaving many Americans struggling with high living…