Iraq Takes Over UN Compound In Baghdad As Mission Concludes

BAGHDAD, Jan 4 (NNN-NINA) – Iraq, yesterday, took over the United Nations Integrated Compound in Baghdad, as the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), concluded its mandate at the end of 2025. A statement by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said, the handover document was signed by Iraqi Deputy Foreign…

Three Killed In Clashes During Protests In Western Iran: Local Media

TEHRAN, Jan 4 (NNN-IRNA) – Three people were killed in clashes, during protests in Iran’s western Ilam province last night, the semi-official Fars news agency reported, citing informed sources. Fars said “rioters” attempted to storm a law enforcement centre in Malekshahi county, triggering clashes with security forces. One member of…

Saudi Arabia Approves 58 Billion USD Borrowing Plan For This Year

RIYADH, Jan 4 (NNN-SPA) – Saudi Finance Minister, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, yesterday approved the country’s Annual Borrowing Plan for the 2026 fiscal year. The kingdom’s funding needs for 2026 are projected at around 217 billion Saudi riyals (around 57.9 billion U.S. dollars), intended to cover an expected budget deficit…

Egypt Sees Record 19 Million Tourists Last Year, Up 21 Percent

CAIRO, Jan 4 (NNN-MENA) – Egypt received a record of nearly 19 million tourists last year, up 21 percent from the previous year, Tourism and Antiquities Minister, Sherif Fathy said, yesterday. Fathy attributed the increase to security and stability, a clear development strategy, and efforts to diversify tourism products and…

Traffic Accidents Killed Three, Injured Seven In N. Afghanistan

KABUL, Jan 4 (NNN-BNA) – At least three people were killed and seven others injured, in two separate traffic accidents in northern Afghanistan, authorities confirmed, yesterday. In Jawzjan province, a vehicle overturned on a main highway, killing two on the spot, and injuring four others. In a separate incident in…

Sri Lanka To Allocate Nearly One Billion USD This Year For Roads: Minister

COLOMBO, Jan 4 (NNN-LNW) – Sri Lanka plans to allocate nearly one billion U.S. dollars this year, for road construction and the repair of roads damaged by floods and landslides, caused by Cyclone Ditwah, a senior minister said, yesterday. Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake, told journalists…

Mongolia Extends Visa Exemption Entry For 34 Countries This Year

ULAN BATOR, Jan 4 (NNN-APA) – Mongolia has extended its visa-free access for tourists from 34 countries until the end of this year, according to the country’s Immigration Agency (MIA), yesterday. The government’s decision prolongs the visa-free entry regime for citizens of 32 European countries and two island countries, through…

More Snow Forecast For Eastern, Northern Japan

TOKYO, Jan 3 (NNN-NHK) — Japan’s weather agency, today warned that, a strong cold mass over the nation will bring more snow to the country’s eastern and northern regions. Snowfall has intensified in Chugoku and Hokuriku regions, yesterday and today, due to the cold mass, along with a winter-type pressure…

Sri Lanka Logged Record Coconut Export Earnings Last Year

COLOMBO, Jan 3 (NNN-LNW) – Last year, Sri Lanka’s export earnings from coconuts and coconut-based products, exceeded one billion U.S. dollars, for the first time on record, according to official data. Export Development Board (EDB) data shows that, export revenue from coconuts and related products reached 1.0339 billion dollars, between…

Iranian FM Vows To “Forcefully Reject” Interference After Trump’s Threat To “Rescue” Protesters

TEHRAN, Jan 3 (NNN-IRNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, yesterday vowed to “forcefully reject” any interference in the country’s internal affairs, after U.S. President, Donald Trump earlier warned that the United States would act, if Iran “kills peaceful protesters.” In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi…