6 hours ago
Gold has been on an impressive run toward the $3,000-an-ounce milestone, with a years-long buying spree by central banks and economic uncertainty tied to President Donald Trump’s policies leading the metal to outperform other asset classes so far this year. Gold-mining stocks, meanwhile, have started to play catch up this year after lagging behind the metal’s climb in 2024. Yet long term, despite record highs for gold futures, the metal has failed to keep up with the pace of lofty gains in bitcoin and the U.S. stock market. “Gold typically does well when other assets do badly — most of all, when the stock market falls and keeps falling,” said Adrian Ash, London-based director of research at physical-gold marketplace BullionVault. “But stocks right now are also knocking on record highs,” Ash noted. In his more than 25 years in the gold market, he said he’s “only seen gold and stocks move like this twice” — first in 2005 to 2007 on the eve of the global financial crisis, and in mid-2020 when “stimmy checks, zero rates and pandemic [quantitative easing] laid the groundwork for double-digit inflation.” Year to date, futures prices for gold in New York GC00-0.37% have climbed more than 11%, […]
6 hours ago
The Starmer government, which has the most ambitious plan for decarbonizing the country in Europe, is going to make it easier to build nuclear power plants in what appears to be yet another piece of proof that an energy transition is unattainable without nuclear power. Bloomberg reports that the government of Keir Starmer plans to widen the availability of sites for nuclear power plant construction, which has been extremely restricted. The goal: bring down energy costs and provide a boost for the economy. There are currently two nuclear power plants under construction in the UK. Both, however, have suffered delays and massive cost overruns, drawing strong public criticism. Hinkley Point C began construction over 10 years ago and is yet several years away from completion. The delay would also increase the final tab for the power plant. Sizewell C has doubled in cost since 2020 when the original plans were made for the project, with developer EDF – which is also building Hinkley Point C – attributing the cost jump to construction material costs and general inflation. This is perhaps why the new government plan for nuclear focuses on small modular reactors rather than the traditional large-scale facilities that take years to build. Per the government’s website, “Reforms to […]
7 hours ago
El Salvador is still Bitcoin country, despite the fact that bitcoin is no longer legal tender in the country — at least from where I’m sitting. Let’s start with some background on the matter. On January 29, 2025, the Legislative Assembly in El Salvador voted to remove bitcoin’s status as legal tender. This means that businesses in the country no longer have to accept bitcoin (not that this rule was ever strictly enforced while bitcoin was classified as legal currency, as far as I know; however, I have been told that big businesses that operate in the country (e.g., McDonalds, Walmart) may stop accepting bitcoin as payment now, which could have a detrimental effect on adoption). This change occurred approximately one month after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) struck a deal with authorities in El Salvador that stipulated the following: While the news of the Salvadoran government’s reversing its policy on bitcoin as legal tender as a result of influence from the IMF feels like a gut punch even to me, someone who isn’t Salvadoran and doesn’t live in the country, I can’t help but believe that El Salvador is still Bitcoin country. And this feeling has only grown stronger based on what I’ve seen Bitcoiners […]
7 hours ago
President Donald Trump said in a new interview that he’s serious when he talks of wanting Canada to be a part of the United States. Trump was asked by Fox News host Bret Baier in an interview that aired ahead of the Super Bowl on Feb. 9 about comments made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the issue on Feb. 7. In remarks caught on a hot mic, Trudeau told attendees at the Canada–U.S. Economic Summit in Toronto that Trump’s wish for Canada to become a part of the United States “is a real thing.” Baier asked Trump if it is indeed a “real thing” as Trudeau suggested, to which the president responded, “Yeah, it is.” “I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen,” Trump said. “Why are we paying $200 billion a year, essentially a subsidy to Canada?” Trump claims his Canada as a 51st state troll is real. We should hold provincial referendums on this. Let the provinces decide. Those who vote yes join the US, those who vote no get Canada and Carney and his WEF eco-dystopia.pic.twitter.com/rvIU8ipGF8 — Jason […]
7 hours ago
An explosive new study conducted within the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) own laboratory has revealed excessively high levels of DNA contamination in Pfizer’s mRNA Covid-19 vaccine. Tests conducted at the FDA’s White Oak Campus in Maryland found that residual DNA levels exceeded regulatory safety limits by 6 to 470 times. The study was undertaken by student researchers under the supervision of FDA scientists. The vaccine vials were sourced from BEI Resources, a trusted supplier affiliated with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), previously headed by Anthony Fauci. Recently published in the Journal of High School Science, the peer-reviewed study challenges years of dismissals by regulatory authorities, who had previously labelled concerns about excessive DNA contamination as baseless. The FDA is expected to comment on the findings this week. However, the agency has yet to issue a public alert, recall the affected batches, or explain how vials exceeding safety standards were allowed to reach the market. The Methods The student researchers employed two primary analytical methods: Both methods confirmed the presence of DNA contamination far above permissible thresholds. These findings align with earlier reports from independent laboratories in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, and France. Expert Reaction Kevin McKernan, a former director of the Human […]
15 hours ago
Egypt has announced an emergency Arab summit to be held on February 27 in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent call to expel Palestinians from Gaza. Trump said he plans to take over the Gaza Strip, transfer its Palestinian population to other countries, and rebuild the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East”. The US leader further questioned why Palestinians would ever want to return there when asked whether they would be allowed to return. Speaking at a White House press conference last Tuesday, with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looking on, Trump said that Egypt and Jordan would “give us the kind of land that we need to get this done”. On Sunday, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said that it has communicated with several Arab countries in light of the “escalating developments in the Palestinian issue“. “Over the past few days, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made a series of phone calls with several Arab counterparts to mass regional efforts in a bid to thwart the US proposal of displacing the Palestinian people,” the ministry said. Trump’s announcement last week sparked confused and angry reactions across the globe, with Hamas rejecting his surprise plans on Gaza, saying it was aimed at eliminating the Palestinian cause. Egypt and Jordan have […]
15 hours ago
President Donald Trump said in a Monday interview with Fox News that Iran is terrified after losing almost all its air defenses amid last year’s Israeli aerial attack and is now seeking to make a deal with the Untied States. “Iran is very concerned. Iran is very frightened, to be honest with you, because their defense is pretty much gone,” Trump said of the October Israeli airstrikes. US intelligence has described that several Russian-supplied S-300 anti-air defense systems were destroyed. “Maybe they are trying to get new defense as we speak but their defense is largely gone… Iran is very nervous. I think they’re scared. I think Iran would love to make a deal and I would love to make a deal with them without bombing them,” Trump added. The remarks came days after Trump restored “maximum pressure” and fresh sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports, which reflects the policy of his first term, when he pulled the US out of the JCPOA nuclear deal with Tehran. “Everybody thinks Israel with our help or our approval will go in and bomb the hell out of them,” Trump said while noting that Israeli would need approval from Washington in that scenario. “I would prefer […]
15 hours ago
Following an urgent security cabinet meeting, the Israeli government has declared that it backs President Trump’s latest threat warning Hamas that “all hell” will break loose if Hamas doesn’t release all hostages from Gaza by Saturday. “All cabinet members expressed support for US President Donald Trump’s demand for the release of our hostages by noon on Shabbat, and for his revolutionary vision for the future of Gaza,” the Netanyahu cabinet statement said. This unanimous declaration includes backing Trump’s vision for taking over Gaza and relocating all Palestinians to neighboring Arab countries, which the UN and a number of nations’ leaders have condemned as ethnic cleansing. On Monday night, Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to reinforce its positions in the Gaza Strip and along the borders in readiness for “all scenarios” in the event Hamas refuses to release the hostages Saturday. Trump’s statement had demanded a full release by noon. However, Israel is unlikely to completely break the ceasefire if Hamas still frees the three captives originally scheduled for release. This would mark the sixth round of hostage release under the current 42-day first phase of the truce deal. One regional Arab pundit, Omar Rahman, a fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, […]
16 hours ago
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has proposed a ban on the sale of tobacco products in kiosks, grocery stores, and central markets, as part of a comprehensive set of draft regulations aimed at tightening control over tobacco sales and public health standards. The draft rules, published on the government’s Istitlaa public consultation platform, seek input from citizens before being finalised. Under the proposed regulations, the sale of tobacco products must comply with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) standards and remain completely out of sight within commercial establishments. The rules also reinforce existing prohibitions on selling tobacco to individuals under the age of 18, requiring sellers to verify age and display prominent health warnings at checkout counters. These warnings must include graphic images and text highlighting the risks of smoking, stating: “Smoking and tobacco products are a major cause of diseases and cancer of the mouth, lungs, heart, and arteries.” The draft also bans all forms of tobacco advertising and promotion and prohibits smoking within retail establishments, both for employees and customers. Clear “No Smoking” signs must be displayed inside stores. Beyond tobacco restrictions, the draft rules introduce new guidelines for the sale of energy drinks, mandating that they be stored separately from other beverages in designated refrigerators or shelves with visible warning signs. The regulations […]
16 hours ago
Saudi security authorities have said personal firearms licensed in the kingdom cannot be taken abroad and warned violators of penalties. The Saudi General Directorate of Public Security said that transporting licensed weapons outside the kingdom is a violation that makes the offender liable to legal accountability. It added that licences issued to carry and possess weapons and ammunition are valid within Saudi Arabia only in accordance with related regulations. Last November, a Saudi ministerial decree tightened rules for obtaining a gun licence and linked it to doing a mandatory drug test. Saudi Interior Minister Abdulaziz bin Saud issued a decree amending executive regulations associated with the arms and ammunition system. The amendment stipulates that passing a toxicology test is a “requirement” for obtaining a licence to carry individual firearms and hunting weapons. A toxicology test, also referred to as a tox screen, is conducted to determine traces of drugs in one’s blood and urine. Other requirements stipulate that the licence applicant must be a Saudi national, at least 22 years old, and free of any criminal record or security restrictions. Additionally, the applicant must not have a disability or disease that could hinder the use of firearms. In recent months, […]
16 hours ago
Abu Dhabi flying taxis will take off and land at vertiports in Yas Island, Al Bateen and Khalifa Port. LODD, an Abu Dhabi based company specialising in AI-powered drone technology and autonomous aerial logistics, and Skyports Infrastructure have unveiled vertiport designs to be developed across three strategic locations. The project aims to enhance air mobility solutions, integrating new infrastructure into Abu Dhabi’s transportation network to accelerate cargo and passenger movement and improve logistical efficiency in the UAE capital. Abu Dhabi flying taxis The announcement was made during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from February 10 to 12. During the event, LODD and Skyports signed an MoU for the development vertiport infrastructure which will connect key sites within Abu Dhabi, with potential for enabling connectivity between other Emirates. The development of a vertiport network will enable the launch and scale up of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operations and autonomous aerial logistics. Rashid Al Mannai, CEO of LODD, said building vertiports represents a significant step toward integrating uncrewed aerial mobility into Abu Dhabi’s public transportation system. He added that the designs are the result of extensive feasibility studies, fruitful collaboration with stakeholders, and a clear […]
16 hours ago
The UAE is launching the 10-year blue visa with recognition for sustainability professionals. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) have announced the details of the launch of the first phase of the Blue Visa system in the UAE. The Ministry said that 20 sustainability thought leaders and innovators will receive Blue Visa in this phase. UAE Blue Visa The announcement came within the activities of the World Governments Summit 2025, which is being held in Dubai from February 11 to 13. The Blue visa is a 10-year residence visa designed for individuals who have made an exceptional contribution towards the environment’s protection and sustainability, both inside and outside the UAE. This visa is given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations, international companies, members of associations and non-governmental organisations, global award winners, and distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work. Sustainability advocates and experts interested in obtaining the UAE’s Blue visa can apply directly to Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, or through nomination by competent authorities in the UAE. The activation of the Blue Visa initiative comes in continuation of the UAE’s ongoing efforts […]
16 hours ago
The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) announced the launch of a new electronic service that allows the Saudi citizen, who is the head of the family, to get issued a Saudi passport for one of the adopted family members, via the Ministry of Interior’s Absher platform. The Jawazat said that the steps to take advantage of the service begins with logging in to Absher, then selecting family member services, then the service to apply for the foster families program, filling in the required data completely, agreeing to the declaration and pledge, and then submitting the application. The service aims to facilitate the procedures and enable citizens to issue passports electronically with ease. It called on those citizens, who wish to benefit from it, to visit the Absher platform. The conditions necessary for adopting children stipulate that the family should be of Saudi nationality, consisting of a couple, and that the wife’s age does not exceed 50. It is permissible for adopting a child by a woman only under the necessary circumstances. The medical examination shall prove that the family members are free from contagious and infectious diseases, and that the number of children in the family under the age of […]
16 hours ago
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that companies and establishments that are licensed to offer Hajj services for domestic pilgrims can pay the fee of packages for this year’s Hajj in three installments. The ministry emphasized that pilgrims shall be given two mandatory vaccinations against Neisseria meningitis and seasonal influenza. According to the ministry, the first installment, representing 20 percent of the total value of the package, shall be paid within 72 hours from the date of booking, while the second installment, representing 40 percent, shall be paid until Ramadan 20, and the payment of the third and last installment, representing 40 percent, must be made until Shawwal 20. The ministry said that a separate invoice will be issued for each installment upon partial payment, and the reservation status will appear “Unconfirmed” until the completion of payment of the third installment. It is also possible to pay the full value of the package altogether. The ministry announced on Feb. 8 the opening of Hajj 2025 registration for domestic pilgrims, including citizens and residents, and urged applicants to submit their requests through the Nusuk app or the official e-portal. It emphasized that the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) […]
17 hours ago
The Royal Saudi Air Force will participate in the Cobra Warrior 25-1 exercise, which will be held in the United Kingdom alongside the forces of a number of friendly countries. A farewell party was given at King Khalid Air Base in the southern Asir region to the Air force members leaving for the UK to participate in the exercise. Addressing them, Commander of the Air Force Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar congratulated them on the honor of representing the homeland. He urged them to represent it in the best way, do their best and benefit from the exercise, and apply the highest safety standards. Lt. Gen. Turki stressed that participation in this exercise aims to strengthen relations and cooperation with the British Royal Air Force and other participating forces. It will highlight the capabilities, professionalism and readiness of the Saudi Air Force, and gain more combat experience for aircrews and support in a complex war environment. It is noteworthy that Cobra Warrior 25/1 exercise which will be held from February 24 to March 14 at several bases in the UK. The main base for the exercise is RAF Waddington, in addition to RAF Coningsby, RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. The […]