NEW YORK: The Dow edged to a fresh record Friday, extending a rally on a mixed day for global equities after this week’s central bank announcements.

BRUSSELS: The European Union reached an agreement on Thursday to reform the bloc’s electricity market in a bid to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and stabilize consumer prices, the EU Council said in a statement.

PARIS: Global consumption of coal reached an all-time high in 2023, the IEA energy watchdog said Friday, as Earth experienced its hottest recorded year.

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s economy grew in the September quarter, the central bank said Saturday, its first expansion since a foreign exchange shortage forced a debt default last year.

TOKYO: Leaders from Southeast Asia and Japan will hold talks this weekend on boosting security ties with an eye on China, as well as Tokyo’s contentious efforts on energy cooperation.

DUBAI: Two of the world’s largest shipping firms, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, said Friday they were suspending passage through a Red Sea strait vital for global commerce, after Yemeni rebel attacks in the area.

CAIRO, Dec 16 (KUNA) -- The Arab League is set to host the meeting of the 31st ministerial meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) next Monday.

Kuwait: In support of aspiring programs that effectively develop young people’s skills, Zain announced its return as a Platinum Sponsor of the third season of SpeakUp Kuwait, the initiative that empowers university students and fresh graduates to acquire personal and professional skills.

LONDON: Struggling UK utility firm Thames Water on Thursday announced that Chris Weston, a former senior executive at British Gas owner Centrica, will be the new boss charged with solving its financial problems.