World

Norway’s wealth fund posts $107 bln first quarter gain

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, fueled by oil and gas revenues, reported a 6.3 percent return in the first quarter, resulting in a $107 billion gain and a total value of $1.6 trillion. The fund is the world’s largest single investor, with stakes in 9,000 companies globally and follows ethical guidelines in its investments.

This country shows interest to run Islamabad airport

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is accelerating the outsourcing process of Islamabad International Airport, with Turkey expressing interest in the plan. Investors from various countries and local groups have also shown interest in outsourcing Pakistan's three major airports. The government is actively engaging with interested parties to facilitate the privatisation process.

UN Security Council to vote Friday on Palestinian UN membership

The UN Security Council is set to vote on a Palestinian request for full UN membership on Friday at 3 p.m. If approved, it would recognize a Palestinian state. The US is expected to veto the resolution, as it believes statehood should be achieved through direct negotiations. The Palestinians currently hold non-member observer state status.

Pakistan, Czech Republic agree to expand bilateral ties

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Czech Republic counterpart Jan Lipavsky confirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral ties. Both sides aim to bolster cooperation in trade, economy, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. Dar invited Lipavsky to visit Pakistan, while also discussing regional matters with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Chinese company introduces annual ‘sad leave’ for employees

Chinese company Fat Dong Lai introduces "sad leave," allowing employees up to 10 days off annually without managerial approval, recognizing the human need for emotional well-being. Notwithstanding its exceptional customer service, the supermarket chain fosters a 7-hour workday, prioritizes employee well-being, and compensates for grievances, setting a positive example for other companies.

Iran agrees to ‘free’ Pakistanis stranded on seized Israeli ship

Iran has agreed to release the stranded Pakistanis from the captured Israeli ship, as reported by ARY News. The Iran Embassy confirmed the Pakistanis' presence and assured their release after legal formalities. The Foreign Office efforts led to Iran's consent, allowing the Pakistanis to leave the MSC Aries Container. Diplomatic communication between Iran and Pakistan facilitated the process.

Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital devastated in two-week battle

Israeli forces have withdrawn from Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital after a two-week military operation, leaving behind extensive destruction and numerous bodies. The health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza reported significant damage and stated that the hospital is now out of service. The war sparked by Hamas's attacks has led to widespread suffering, with the UN warning of a looming famine in Gaza.

Saudi Arabia may hike May crude oil prices to Asia

Saudi Arabia is considering raising the official selling price (OSP) for Arab Light and Arab Extra Light crude in May following the strengthening of Middle East benchmarks. This is driven by a narrowing backwardation structure, rising demand in Asia, and tight supply due to oilfield maintenance and OPEC+ production cuts. The May OSPs are expected to have increases ranging from 20 to 50 cents a barrel.

Tajikistan detains 9 people over Russian concert hall attack

Tajikistan has detained nine people in connection with the recent Russian concert hall attack, with some suspects believed to have ties to the militant Islamist group claiming responsibility. Four of the alleged gunmen are Tajik citizens. Russian investigators will question the suspects and their families in Dushanbe. The claim of a link to "Ukrainian nationalists" has been refuted.

Russia claims West aided Moscow attackers

FSB head Alexander Bortnikov alleged that Western and Ukrainian special services aided the attackers at a Moscow concert hall, with claims of Ukraine's involvement and the attackers' tie to Western special services. However, Ukraine has strongly refuted these allegations. Russia maintains its belief in Ukraine's connection to the attack, despite ISIS claiming responsibility.