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Qatar will kick off 2025 with a packed calendar of events, from desert escapes and shopping festivals to kite displays and a major marathon, promising a diverse range of attractions for both local and international visitors. The ongoing Ras Abrouq events, which began on December 18 and running until January 18, 2025, marked the start of these festivities. Situated at the northern tip of the Zekreet Peninsula, Ras Abrouq borders the Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve, a Unesco World Heritage site. This exclusive desert experience invites guests to explore the Film City and Desert Escape near the Our Habitas Ras Abrouq Resort. Attendees can immerse themselves in wellness activities, gourmet dining, live music, and cultural performances. According to Visit Qatar, the month-long event also features children's workshops hosted by Al-Hosh Gallery, ensuring a blend of engaging experiences for all ages. The highly-anticipated Shop Qatar 2025 will take place from January 1 to February 1. Dubbed as the nation’s largest shopping festival, this month-long extravaganza will offer a variety of attractions, including live shows, family-friendly entertainment, interactive activations, and promotional offers. Shoppers will also have the chance to win prizes through raffle draws, with rewards ranging from cash to brand-new vehicles. The preservation of Qatari heritage will take centre stage at the 16th Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2025), also scheduled for January 1 to February 1 at Sabkhat Marmi in the Sealine Area. This annual event, organised by the Al Gannas Qatari Society, attracts a large audience of locals, expatriates, and international tourists eager to witness the various championships and competitions that showcase falconry, a deeply rooted tradition in Qatar and the wider GCC region. Adding a splash of colour to Doha’s skyline, the Qatar Kite Festival is set to return to Old Doha Port from January 16 to 18, 2025. Following its successful debut in February 2024, this three-day festival will feature dozens of kites from around the world, exhibiting a wide array of designs, colours, and sizes. The highlight is set to be a spectacular day-night kite flying display that will captivate spectators. Meanwhile, runners will lace up their shoes on January 17 for the 13th edition of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo. Anticipating more than 15,000 participants, the event promises to be the largest ever, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both runners and their families. The marathon will start and finish at Hotel Park and will follow a scenic route along Doha’s Corniche. The allure of luxury will be in the spotlight from January 30 to February 5 with the 21st Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition. Taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, the exhibition will host more than 500 renowned brands, immersing attendees in the world of high-end design and craftsmanship. With an average of 30,000 visitors from 175 countries, this is a crucial event on the global jewellery and watch calendar. February will continue with the annual Qatar International Food Festival taking place at Hotel Park from February 12 to 22. This popular food fair will showcase an array of local, regional, and international cuisines. The festival will also include nightly fireworks, live entertainment, and culinary workshops. Visit Qatar noted that Web Summit Qatar will return to DECC from February 23 to 26. This Middle Eastern edition of the world’s largest technology conference will bring thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to Doha, creating opportunities for collaboration and the development of cutting-edge technologies.
At the heart of Trump's demands is a push for greater burden-sharing among NATO members, with the goal of achieving a more equitable distribution of defense spending. The Trump administration has made it clear that it expects allies to fulfill their financial commitments and increase their defense budgets to help strengthen the collective defense capabilities of the alliance. Failure to do so, Trump warns, could result in the United States reconsidering its role within NATO and potentially withdrawing from the alliance altogether.
OnePlus Open 2 alleged leaks suggest upgraded design, IPX8 rating, and Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC
NEW DELHI: Described as a “reluctant king” in his first stint as prime minister, the quietly spoken Manmohan Singh was arguably one of India’s most successful leaders. The first Sikh in office, Singh, 92, was being treated for age-related medical conditions and died after he was brought to hospital after a sudden loss of consciousness on Thursday. He is credited with steering India to unprecedented economic growth and lifting hundreds of millions out of dire poverty. He went on to serve a rare second term. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr Manmohan Singh Ji.” He applauded the economist-turned-politician’s body of work. Born into a poor family in a part of British-ruled India now in Pakistan, Singh studied by candlelight to win a place at Cambridge University before heading to Oxford, earning a doctorate with a thesis on the role of exports and free trade in India’s economy. He became a respected economist, then India’s central bank governor and a government advisor but had no apparent plans for a political career when he was suddenly tapped to become finance minister in 1991. During that tenure to 1996, Singh was the architect of reforms that saved India’s economy from a severe balance of payments crisis, promoted deregulation and other measures that opened an insular country to the world. Famously quoting Victor Hugo in his maiden budget speech, he said: “No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” before adding: “The emergence of India as a major economic power in the world happens to be one such idea.” Singh’s ascension to prime minister in 2004 was even more unexpected. He was asked to take on the job by Sonia Gandhi, who led the center-left Congress party to a surprise victory. Italian by birth, she feared her ancestry would be used by Hindu-nationalist opponents to attack the government if she were to lead the country. Riding an unprecedented period of economic growth, Singh’s government shared the spoils of the country’s newfound wealth, introducing welfare schemes such as a jobs program for the rural poor. In 2008, his government also clinched a landmark deal that permitted peaceful trade in nuclear energy with the United States for the first time in three decades, paving the way for strong relations between New Delhi and Washington. But his efforts to further open up the Indian economy were frequently frustrated by political wrangling within his own party and demands made by coalition partners. And while he was widely respected by other world leaders, at home Singh always had to fend off the perception that Sonia Gandhi was the real power in the government. The widow of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, whose family has dominated Indian politics since independence from Britain in 1947, she remained Congress party leader and often made key decisions. Known for his simple lifestyle and with a reputation for honesty, Singh was not personally seen as corrupt. But he came under attack for failing to crack down on members of his government as a series of scandals erupted in his second term, triggering mass protests. The latter years of his premiership saw India’s growth story, which he had helped engineer, wobble as global economic turbulence and slow government decision-making battered investment sentiment. In 2012, his government was tipped into a minority after the Congress party’s biggest ally quit their coalition in protest at the entry of foreign supermarkets. Two years later Congress was decisively swept aside by the Bharatiya Janata Party under Narendra Modi, a strongman who promised to end the economic standstill, clean up graft and bring inclusive growth to the hinterlands. But at a press conference just months before he left office, Singh insisted he had done the best he could. “I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or, for that matter, the opposition parties in parliament,” he said. Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters. – ReutersIn a recent development that has sparked widespread interest and discussion, it has been reported that former Brazilian footballer Oscar's naturalization materials have been officially submitted to the General Administration of Sport in China. This significant step marks a crucial advancement in Oscar's journey towards becoming a naturalized Chinese citizen and potentially representing the Chinese national football team in the future.
Biden pledges £472m for rail project to improve access to Africa’s minerals
From PSX highs to debt traps: Pakistan’s economic reality in 2024 A foreign currency counts Pakistani rupee notes at a shop in Karachi, on March 2, 2023. — Online The year 2024 marked a transformative yet tumultuous chapter for Pakistan’s economy, blending breakthroughs with setbacks. From record-breaking stock market performance to persistent inflation and systemic issues, the economic narrative reflected both resilience and fragility. Shaped by crucial policy decisions, global trends and structural challenges, the year encapsulated a complex journey of growth amid volatility. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); One bright spot was the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) hitting record highs. Improved investor sentiment and foreign inflows buoyed the benchmark KSE-100 index, reflecting optimism over macroeconomic stabilisation. Progress on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) front played a significant role, with stringent reforms beginning to yield results, narrowing the fiscal deficit and stabilising foreign exchange reserves. Despite these gains, structural challenges persisted. The tax-to-GDP ratio remained low, corruption and inefficiencies plagued public institutions and political instability hampered economic decision-making. Frequent turnover of key policymakers further complicated long-term planning. Former finance minister Miftah Ismail offered a grim assessment, accusing the government of failing to meet IMF commitments and implement necessary reforms. “This government has done nothing to rise up to the challenges facing our economy,” he said, listing unfulfilled promises such as pension reforms, taxation of shopkeepers and reducing government ministries. He criticised the administration for prioritising political survival over economic measures. Debt remained a pressing concern. External debt exceeded $130 billion, creating immense repayment pressures. Domestic debt also burgeoned due to fiscal shortfalls and borrowing. “We are in a debt trap where net governmental revenues after taxes are less than the interest on the debt,” Ismail noted, urging measures to widen the tax base and rationalise fiscal policies. Agriculture emerged as a rare success, growing by 6.3 per cent in FY24. Wheat production surged 11.6 per cent, cotton rebounded 108.2 per cent, and rice grew 34.8 per cent, driven by favourable weather and policy interventions. This performance contributed to a modest GDP growth of 2.5 per cent, though systemic issues like low productivity and inadequate investment persist. Rupee stability and monetary policy The rupee displayed intermittent stability, closing the year at around Rs280 to the dollar, aided by tighter monetary policies and reduced speculation. Measures like anti-smuggling initiatives narrowed the gap between interbank and open-market rates. Sana Tawfiq of Arif Habib Limited credited these efforts with maintaining manageable deficits and stabilising the currency. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) played a crucial role, keeping interest rates high to curb inflation, which eased from alarming peaks. In June, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduced the policy rate by 150 basis points (bps) to 20.5 per cent, reflecting easing inflationary pressures. Economist Ammar Habib Khan commended the SBP’s efforts but noted high rates earlier in the year dampened industrial activity. IMF engagement: a necessary lifeline The country’s engagement with the IMF defined 2024. Fulfilment of IMF conditions facilitated financial inflows, stabilising foreign exchange reserves from a precarious $4 billion. However, reliance on IMF programmes underscored the country’s inability to generate sustainable growth independently. Experts stressed the importance of structural reforms to reduce this dependency. Experts agree that sustainable recovery hinges on overdue reforms. Dr Khaqan Hassan Najeeb outlined a roadmap focusing on fiscal consolidation, energy sector reforms, and privatisation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). He criticised the government’s inaction, particularly regarding entities like Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). “The government’s reluctance to act has thwarted privatisation,” he said, lamenting the absence of advertisements for utility company sales. The energy sector’s inefficiency remains a significant drag, contributing to high circular debt and unaffordable tariffs. Reducing technical and non-technical losses and rationalising government expenditures are essential. While macroeconomic indicators improved, ordinary Pakistanis faced harsher realities. Poverty rates rose from 40.2 per cent in FY23 to 40.5 per cent in FY24. Inflation, though lower than its peak, continued to erode purchasing power, and high tax rates stifled growth. Dr Najeeb highlighted the need for inclusive policies to address challenges like inadequate education and high stunting rates. A glimpse into 2025 Looking ahead, experts predict GDP growth of 2-3 per cent in 2025, with inflation falling to single digits. Achieving these targets will require disciplined fiscal management and meaningful reforms. Khan emphasised reducing subsidies and investing in productive sectors. Ismail advocated for privatisation, empowered local governance, and rationalised expenses to drive sustainable growth. The lessons of 2024 are clear: Pakistan must use the breathing room provided by the IMF to address structural deficiencies. “Authorities need to focus on deregulation, private sector participation, and finding new growth engines,” said Dr Najeeb. Without significant changes, Pakistan risks remaining trapped in a recurring pattern of crises and external dependence. The writer is a Geo.tv staffer.EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson has been ruled out for the Colts' big game at the New York Giants on Sunday. Richardson missed practice on Thursday and Friday because of back and foot injuries. He was listed as questionable before he was downgraded to out on Saturday. Indianapolis (7-8) has a slim chance of making the playoffs. The Colts need to win out and get some help. Richardson's absence likely means Joe Flacco will start against New York. Flacco, a New Jersey native who turns 40 on Jan. 16, has passed for 1,167 yards and nine touchdowns in six games this season, including four starts. He also has thrown five interceptions. The 22-year-old Richardson was selected by Indianapolis with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft. He has passed for 1,814 yards and eight touchdowns with 12 interceptions this year. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl