UN envoy cites regional push to end Middle East conflict
NEW YORK / MENA Newswire / — UN envoy Jean Arnault said regional agreement is emerging around a quick end to the Middle East conflict. He also cited the need to restore trust and support a lasting settlement. Arnault serves as the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Middle East Conflict and its Consequences. His [...] The post UN envoy cites regional push to end Middle East conflict appeared first on Middle East Standard.
<article id="post-46540" class="post-46540 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-news tag-antonio-guterres tag-ceasefire tag-conflict-resolution tag-content-syndication-services tag-cryptowire tag-de-escalation tag-diplomacy tag-egypt tag-eurowire tag-freedom-of-navigation tag-global-security tag-international-humanitarian-law tag-iran tag-jean-arnault tag-maritime-security tag-mena-newswire tag-middle-east-conflict tag-middle-east-peace tag-new-york tag-oman tag-peace-process tag-regional-consensus tag-regional-cooperation tag-saudi-arabia tag-security-council tag-strait-of-hormuz tag-trust-rebuilding tag-un-charter tag-un-secretary-general tag-un-security-council tag-united-nations"> NEW YORK / MENA Newswire / — UN envoy Jean Arnault said regional agreement is emerging around a quick end to the Middle East conflict. He also cited the need to restore trust and support a lasting settlement. Arnault serves as the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Middle East Conflict and its Consequences. His assessment followed consultations with affected countries, Security Council members, and other member states. Middle East conflict diplomacy centers on ceasefire, dialogue and safe maritime movement. (Credit – WAM) The envoy’s office said the broad regional convergence offers a channel for work on conflict resolution and long-term stability. It placed diplomacy at the center of the effort. Arnault has held meetings inside and outside UN headquarters in recent weeks. Those contacts have carried the call by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for de-escalation and consolidation of the ceasefire. Guterres appointed Arnault on March 25 to lead his efforts on the conflict and its wider consequences. The role gives him a mandate to support peace efforts and engage with governments in the region. UN statements since April have described stops in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt. Those visits formed part of his consultations with governments affected by the conflict. Diplomatic contacts widen Arnault’s latest consultations focused on countries affected by the war and states involved in diplomacy. His office said the contacts also included Security Council members and other UN member states. The discussions centered on reducing tensions and supporting mediation. They also addressed the need to prevent any return to hostilities after the current ceasefire. Freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue in the UN effort. Arnault reaffirmed the need to restore safe movement through the waterway. The strait links the Gulf with major global shipping routes. Guterres has linked disruption there to energy, fertilizer, trade, and humanitarian concerns tied to the conflict. Ceasefire remains central The mission has also emphasized dialogue under the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. During his regional tour, Arnault met officials and gathered views on a comprehensive settlement. Official readouts described the meetings as part of support for efforts to reach a durable resolution. The envoy’s office said his work continues through regional and international engagement. The latest statement said Arnault is preparing further consultations with regional and international parties. It presented the emerging consensus as relevant to ending the conflict and rebuilding cooperation damaged by war. The statement did not announce a settlement plan or a new negotiating format. It also did not set dates for the next round of meetings. The post UN envoy cites regional push to end Middle East conflict appeared first on Middle East Standard.
Global health bodies seek $518 million for Ebola response
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA / MENA Newswire / — Africa’s top public health body and the World Health Organization launched a $518 million Ebola response plan on June 5, as health authorities worked to contain a Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The plan covers June through November 2026 and supports [...] The post Global health bodies seek $518 million for Ebola response appeared first on Middle East Standard.
<article id="post-46537" class="post-46537 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-health tag-africa-cdc tag-africa-health-security tag-bundibugyo-ebola-virus tag-clinical-care tag-community-engagement tag-content-syndication-services tag-cross-border-health tag-cryptowire tag-democratic-republic-of-the-congo tag-disease-surveillance tag-drc tag-ebola tag-ebola-outbreak tag-ebola-response-plan tag-emergency-preparedness tag-essential-health-services tag-eurowire tag-global-health tag-health-funding tag-infection-prevention tag-infectious-disease tag-ituri tag-laboratory-testing tag-mena-newswire tag-north-kivu tag-outbreak-response tag-public-health-emergency tag-south-kivu tag-uganda tag-who tag-world-health-organization"> ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA / MENA Newswire / — Africa’s top public health body and the World Health Organization launched a $518 million Ebola response plan on June 5, as health authorities worked to contain a Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The plan covers June through November 2026 and supports African countries in preparing for, detecting and responding to the disease. Ebola response planning expands across Africa as agencies coordinate preparedness efforts. (Credit – WAM) The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization said the joint plan uses a single continental framework for emergency coordination, surveillance, lab testing, infection control, clinical care, community work, research, logistics and core health services. The plan also supports national response plans already launched by the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern on May 17. At that time, the World Health Organization said Bundibugyo Ebola disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda met the criteria for that designation. The agency also said the event did not meet the definition of a pandemic emergency under international health rules. Response plan targets outbreak control The Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 452 confirmed cases and 82 confirmed deaths as of June 5, after 71 new cases were confirmed in 24 hours. The outbreak remained concentrated mainly in Ituri province, with cases also reported in North Kivu and South Kivu. Uganda reported cases linked to the same Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak. The six month plan focuses on affected and at risk countries. It includes stronger disease surveillance, more laboratory capacity, safer clinical care and wider community engagement. It also calls for screening and public health measures at points of entry, along with closer cross border coordination among member states. Health officials said these steps support early detection and rapid response. Funding needs remain central The plan notes that no licensed vaccines or therapeutics have been approved specifically for the Bundibugyo species of Ebola. That makes early case finding, infection prevention, safe care and contact tracing central parts of the response. It also places attention on health workers, vulnerable groups and communities in affected areas, where trust and timely information shape outbreak control. The $518 million plan brings together governments, partners and communities under a shared operating model. It also aims to maintain essential health services during the outbreak and reduce disruption to other health emergencies, including mpox, cholera and measles. Health authorities said work had already started across affected and priority countries before the plan was announced. The post Global health bodies seek $518 million for Ebola response appeared first on Middle East Standard.
Dollar heads for weekly gain as yen nears 160 level
Dollar heads for a weekly gain as the yen nears 160 per dollar, with Japan intervention data and rate gaps in global market focus. The post Dollar heads for weekly gain as yen nears 160 level appeared first on Middle East Standard.
<article id="post-46532" class="post-46532 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-business tag-160-yen-level tag-asian-currencies tag-bank-of-japan tag-business-news tag-content-syndication-services tag-cryptowire tag-currency-intervention tag-currency-markets tag-dollar-yen tag-eurowire tag-federal-reserve tag-foreign-exchange tag-foreign-exchange-reserves tag-forex-news tag-fx-markets tag-global-markets tag-japan-ministry-of-finance tag-japan-rates tag-japanese-yen tag-market-news tag-mena-newswire tag-monetary-policy tag-oil-prices tag-satsuki-katayama tag-us-dollar tag-us-rates tag-usd-jpy tag-weekly-dollar-gain tag-yen-weakness"> TOKYO / MENA Newswire / — The dollar headed for a weekly gain on Friday as the yen hovered near the key 160 per dollar level, keeping currency markets focused on Japan. The Japanese currency traded around 159.9 per dollar in Asian and European dealings. It was on course for a fourth straight weekly decline, even after Japan spent heavily to support it in recent weeks. Dollar yen trading stays in focus as Japan tracks moves near 160 per dollar. The dollar index rose about 0.4 percent for the week and gained about 1.3 percent over the month. Higher U.S. yields supported the greenback against major peers. Stronger U.S. data also kept attention on interest rate gaps between the United States and Japan. The euro and sterling moved in narrow ranges, while the yen remained the main focus in major currency trading. Japan’s Ministry of Finance said it spent 11.7349 trillion yen from April 28 to May 27 in foreign exchange operations. That marked the country’s largest monthly currency intervention total on record. The operations followed a slide beyond 160 per dollar in late April. The yen briefly strengthened after that action, but it later moved back toward the same level. Yen pressure returns Japan’s foreign reserves fell by $77.1 billion in May to $1.306 trillion. The decline followed the large currency operations and drew attention to the scale of official support. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said authorities were ready to respond to excessive currency moves. She also said Japan was watching speculative trading closely. Officials have used similar language during past periods of sharp yen weakness. The yen has weakened as Japan’s interest rates remain far below U.S. rates. The Bank of Japan held its short term policy rate at 0.75 percent at its April meeting. The U.S. Federal Reserve kept its target range at 3.50 percent to 3.75 percent at its latest policy meeting. That gap has remained a central factor in dollar yen trading. Dollar gains hold Oil prices above $90 a barrel added pressure on Japan’s currency because the country imports much of its energy. Higher energy import costs can affect Japan’s trade balance and inflation. The dollar also drew support from demand for liquid assets during market stress linked to tensions in the Gulf. Those moves came as investors tracked U.S. labor data due later on Friday. The yen last moved near 160 per dollar in late April, when Japan entered the market to buy yen and sell dollars. This week’s return to that level revived focus on official warnings and reserve data. The dollar’s weekly advance showed broad support across major currencies, while the yen’s losses kept Japan at the center of global foreign exchange trading. The post Dollar heads for weekly gain as yen nears 160 level appeared first on Middle East Standard.
Investor interest lifts UAE real estate in global index
Investor interest in UAE property led surveyed markets, supported by return potential, stability and ownership access in the index. The post Investor interest lifts UAE real estate in global index appeared first on Middle East Standard.
<article id="post-46528" class="post-46528 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-business tag-arada tag-business-news tag-content-syndication-services tag-cryptowire tag-dubai tag-dubai-land-department tag-dubai-real-estate tag-egypt-investors tag-eurowire tag-fdi-confidence-index tag-foreign-investment tag-gcc-investment tag-global-investors tag-india-investors tag-investor-survey tag-kearney tag-mena-newswire tag-middle-east-real-estate tag-penta-group tag-property-investment tag-property-market tag-real-estate-investment tag-real-estate-transactions tag-saudi-arabia-investors tag-uae tag-uae-economy tag-uae-property-investment-index tag-uae-real-estate"> DUBAI / MENA Newswire / — The UAE has been ranked the world’s leading real estate investment destination in a new global investor survey commissioned by Arada and conducted by Penta Group, reflecting continued international demand for property exposure in the country. The UAE Property Investment Index found that 56 percent of surveyed global investors expressed serious interest in the UAE property market, placing it ahead of the United States at 54 percent, the United Kingdom at 41 percent, France at 28 percent and Spain at 27 percent. UAE real estate investor survey highlights global demand for property exposure in the Emirates. The index was based on responses from 689 established property investors across 12 key markets during April 2026. Arada said the research was designed to measure international buyer sentiment toward the UAE real estate sector, including levels of awareness, market appeal and the factors shaping investment decisions. The survey ranked the UAE as the top destination among the markets covered, with investor interest supported by perceptions of return potential, stability and ease of ownership. Investor interest was particularly strong in markets with established economic and travel links to the Emirates. The survey found that 91 percent of respondents in India, 92 percent in Egypt and 85 percent in Saudi Arabia placed the UAE among their top three real estate investment destinations. Among European respondents, the UAE was listed as the top non-domestic option by investors surveyed in France, Germany and Switzerland. Investor demand broadens The research identified potential returns as the leading factor in real estate investment decisions, cited by 38 percent of global respondents. Safety and stability followed at 36 percent, while ease of purchase and ownership was cited by 34 percent. Penta Group’s findings also showed that familiarity with UAE real estate opportunities stood at 51 percent, broadly comparable with investor awareness of property opportunities in the United States and the United Kingdom. The survey results come as Dubai’s property market continues to report elevated transaction activity. Dubai Land Department data showed that total real estate transactions in the emirate reached AED252 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a 31 percent increase in value compared with the same period a year earlier. The quarter included 60,303 real estate transactions, while investment value reached AED173 billion across 57,744 investment transactions. Market data supports ranking Foreign investment remained a major component of Dubai’s property activity in the first quarter, with overseas real estate investment valued at AED148.35 billion. The number of new investors also rose during the period, with 29,312 new market participants recorded, up 14 percent year-on-year. The data followed a record 2025, when Dubai registered more than 270,000 real estate transactions with a total value of AED917 billion. The UAE ranking adds to broader indicators of international investor interest in the country’s economy and property sector. The 2026 Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index placed the UAE ninth globally and second among emerging markets. For real estate investors, the latest Arada and Penta Group survey places the country alongside the world’s largest established property markets while showing that cross-border demand remains concentrated in Dubai and the wider UAE market. The post Investor interest lifts UAE real estate in global index appeared first on Middle East Standard.
Abu Dhabi advances climate adaptation tools
Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023-2027
UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience
UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi is advancing climate adaptation, biodiversity protection and resource monitoring across the emirate. The post Abu Dhabi advances climate adaptation tools appeared first on Middle East Standard.
<article id="post-46525" class="post-46525 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-news tag-abu-dhabi tag-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan tag-abu-dhabi-climate-change-strategy-2023-2027 tag-ai tag-arabian-caracal tag-artificial-intelligence tag-biodiversity tag-climate-adaptation tag-climate-resilience tag-content-syndication-services tag-cop28 tag-cryptowire tag-dr-shaikha-salem-al-dhaheri tag-drones tag-ead tag-ecosystem-resilience tag-environment-agency-abu-dhabi tag-environment-sector-2025-2050 tag-environmental-monitoring tag-environmental-protection tag-eurowire tag-groundwater tag-groundwater-atlas tag-mena-newswire tag-natural-resources tag-smart-monitoring tag-soil tag-uae tag-uae-framework-for-global-climate-resilience tag-uae-national-climate-change-plan-2017-2050 tag-world-environment-day-2026"> ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / MENA Newswire / — Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi said the emirate is continuing to advance science-based environmental programmes and innovative tools to strengthen climate adaptation, protect natural resources and preserve biodiversity, as the world marks World Environment Day 2026 under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” EAD is using science and smart monitoring to strengthen ecosystem protection. (Credit – WAM) Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said the occasion renews attention on protecting natural systems and improving ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change. The agency said its work over more than three decades has been built on scientific research, field monitoring and conservation programmes covering Abu Dhabi’s land, marine and coastal environments. The agency said advanced technologies and artificial intelligence are being used in environmental monitoring and natural resource management to support climate adaptation across the emirate. Its programmes include data-driven assessment of ecosystems, monitoring of sensitive habitats and tools designed to improve understanding of pressures affecting groundwater, soil and biodiversity, which are central to Abu Dhabi’s environmental stability. Adaptation plan sets long-term actions The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector 2025-2050 is a central part of the emirate’s current environmental planning. The plan focuses on groundwater, soil and biodiversity, which the agency identifies as highly vulnerable systems that support water security, food security, agricultural productivity, human health and the overall condition of Abu Dhabi’s ecosystems. The plan includes 142 adaptation actions extending to 2050, with 86 projects identified for implementation over the next five years. It was developed under the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023-2027 and aligns with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050 and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience established at COP28. Technology supports field conservation Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi said recent milestones include the documented return of the Arabian caracal after a 35-year absence, the use of smart monitoring technologies and drones to survey more than 700 sites, and the development of Abu Dhabi’s first groundwater atlas. The atlas documents more than 118,000 wells and supports the emirate’s understanding of groundwater availability and use. The agency said its adaptation and conservation work is being carried out with partners across government, academic, civil society and youth sectors. The wider programme is part of Abu Dhabi’s environmental efforts to protect biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and sustain natural resources while supporting quality of life across the emirate. The post Abu Dhabi advances climate adaptation tools appeared first on Middle East Standard.
WHO says Congo Ebola response improves as challenges remain
Ministry of Public Health Hygiene and Social Welfare
KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / MENA Newswire / — The World Health Organization (WHO) said the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is showing measurable progress, while warning that the outbreak remains difficult to contain in areas affected by insecurity, population movement and strained health systems. WHO reported 344 confirmed [...] The post WHO says Congo Ebola response improves as challenges remain appeared first on Middle East Standard.
<article id="post-46510" class="post-46510 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-health tag-africa-health-news tag-bundibugyo-ebola tag-bundibugyo-virus tag-congo-ebola tag-contact-tracing tag-content-syndication-services tag-cryptowire tag-democratic-republic-of-the-congo tag-disease-surveillance tag-drc tag-ebola-disease tag-ebola-outbreak tag-epidemic-response tag-eurowire tag-health-security tag-infectious-disease tag-ituri tag-laboratory-testing tag-mena-newswire tag-ministry-of-public-health-hygiene-and-social-welfare tag-north-kivu tag-outbreak-response tag-public-health-emergency tag-south-kivu tag-supply-chains tag-tedros-adhanom-ghebreyesus tag-travel-restrictions tag-uganda tag-who tag-world-health-organization"> KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / MENA Newswire / — The World Health Organization (WHO) said the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is showing measurable progress, while warning that the outbreak remains difficult to contain in areas affected by insecurity, population movement and strained health systems. WHO reported 344 confirmed cases and 60 confirmed deaths in the country as of June 3, with infections recorded across 24 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Ebola response planning expands across Africa as agencies coordinate preparedness efforts. (Credit – WAM) The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus disease, a less common form of Ebola for which there is no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare declared the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15 after laboratory confirmation in affected health zones. Uganda has also confirmed 15 cases and one death linked to the outbreak, with authorities maintaining surveillance and response measures near areas connected to cross-border movement. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the response had begun to catch up after the outbreak spread faster than early control efforts. Testing has expanded, with 1,445 laboratory tests completed and many previously suspected cases ruled out. WHO said 116 suspected cases and 220 suspected deaths remained under assessment. Six people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and two in Uganda have recovered, according to the latest figures presented by the agency. Testing expands as suspected cases decline The improvement in testing has clarified the scale of confirmed transmission after earlier figures included large numbers of suspected infections and deaths. Health authorities have been working to distinguish Ebola cases from other illnesses in communities where fever, weakness and bleeding symptoms can overlap with different diseases. WHO said improved diagnostics have reduced the backlog of pending samples, although access to laboratory testing remains uneven in conflict-affected and remote areas of eastern Congo. Contact tracing remains one of the main gaps in the response. WHO said about 45 percent of identified contacts had been followed, far below the level needed for rapid interruption of transmission. The agency has said insecurity, displacement, misinformation and limited access to some communities continue to affect surveillance, safe burials, case investigation and early care. The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare is coordinating response work with WHO, Uganda’s health authorities and regional partners. Travel curbs complicate supply routes WHO has urged governments not to impose blanket travel and trade restrictions, saying such measures can disrupt movement of health workers, laboratory materials, protective equipment and other essential supplies. The agency has recommended targeted exit screening at airports, ports and border crossings instead. It has also said response teams need stable supply routes for diagnostics, infection prevention materials and clinical care in areas where road access and security conditions are already difficult. The agency has estimated that $115 million is needed over three months to support the response, with about 35 percent of that amount secured. The funding covers surveillance, testing, case management, community engagement, logistics and cross-border coordination. Health officials have said the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s experience with previous Ebola outbreaks remains central to the current response, while the Bundibugyo strain, active conflict and population movement continue to make the operation complex. The post WHO says Congo Ebola response improves as challenges remain appeared first on Middle East Standard.
Jangmi disrupts Tokyo flights and rail services
Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi weakens after landfall but keeps Tokyo on alert with heavy rain, flight cancellations and rising rivers. The post Jangmi disrupts Tokyo flights and rail services appeared first on Middle East Standard.
<article id="post-46483" class="post-46483 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-news tag-all-nippon-airways tag-content-syndication-services tag-cryptowire tag-east-japan-railway tag-emergency-alerts tag-eurowire tag-flight-cancellations tag-flood-warnings tag-haneda-airport tag-heavy-rain tag-jangmi tag-japan tag-japan-airlines tag-japan-meteorological-agency tag-japan-weather tag-kanto-region tag-mena-newswire tag-okinawa tag-power-outages tag-rail-delays tag-severe-tropical-storm-jangmi tag-suzuki-motor tag-tokyo tag-tokyo-electric-power-company-holdings tag-tokyo-weather tag-toyota-motor tag-travel-disruption tag-typhoon-jangmi tag-wakayama-prefecture tag-zenpukuji-river"> TOKYO / MENA Newswire / — Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi brought heavy rain, flooding concerns and widespread travel disruption to the Tokyo region on Wednesday after crossing central Japan, forcing airlines to cancel hundreds of flights and affecting rail services across parts of the country. The system made landfall in Wakayama Prefecture at typhoon strength before weakening as it moved inland and tracked northeast toward the Kanto region, where authorities warned of swollen rivers, flooded roads and hazardous conditions in low-lying areas. Storm Jangmi keeps Tokyo on alert as heavy rain disrupts travel across eastern Japan, The Japan Meteorological Agency said Jangmi was east of Shima city around midmorning and moving northeast with maximum sustained winds of about 90 kph. The storm had earlier produced winds of about 126 kph at landfall before weakening below typhoon strength. Rainfall was heavy across central Japan, including about 50 centimeters in the Owase area over 24 hours, while further rain was expected in parts of eastern and central Japan, including Tokyo, through Thursday morning. Flood warnings were issued in several central and eastern areas as river levels rose and rain continued across densely populated districts. In Tokyo, residents near the Zenpukuji River were advised to seek shelter as muddy water neared overflow levels. Evacuation advisories covered hundreds of thousands of residents across eight prefectures in southwestern, central and eastern Japan, while officials urged people in vulnerable locations to move early and avoid rivers, slopes and underpasses affected by heavy rain. Airlines cancel hundreds of flights Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways canceled nearly 900 domestic and international flights on Wednesday morning, affecting passengers at major airports including Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita, Nagoya Chubu and Osaka Kansai. Haneda Airport said some flights to and from the airport had been canceled because of Typhoon Jangmi and advised travelers to confirm their flight status with airlines. The airport also said some shops could change operating hours because of the storm. Rail operators also reported disruption as heavy rain and wind affected travel across several regions. Bullet train services in Kyushu and western Japan faced delays, while East Japan Railway said some Tokyo-area services were suspended. Road traffic in Tokyo was slowed by rain and localized flooding. Power outages were also reported, with Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings saying thousands of homes in the capital region had lost electricity as the storm moved through eastern Japan. Flood risks remain across region Jangmi earlier passed through Okinawa, where local officials reported 15 minor injuries, before moving toward Japan’s main islands and bringing stronger rain to the Pacific side of the country. The storm’s main impact in Tokyo and surrounding areas centered on flooding risks, transport disruption and power outages. Weather officials maintained warnings for rivers, low-lying neighborhoods and areas prone to landslides as bands of rain continued to move across central and eastern Japan. The storm also affected business operations, with Toyota Motor suspending work at 13 domestic plants on Wednesday morning and Suzuki Motor halting operations at five plants in Shizuoka Prefecture. Public agencies, transport operators and utilities continued monitoring conditions as Jangmi moved northeast away from parts of central Japan. Authorities kept safety advisories in place for affected communities, emphasizing flood precautions, transport updates and local evacuation guidance while rain continued across the Tokyo region. The post Jangmi disrupts Tokyo flights and rail services appeared first on Middle East Standard.
Uganda Ebola cases rise to 15 after six new infections
international organization for migration
Uganda confirmed six new Ebola cases, raising the outbreak total to 15 as health teams trace contacts and care for admitted patients. The post Uganda Ebola cases rise to 15 after six new infections appeared first on Middle East Standard.
<article id="post-46479" class="post-46479 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-health tag-africa-health-news tag-bundibugyo-ebola tag-bundibugyo-virus tag-congo tag-contact-tracing tag-content-syndication-services tag-cryptowire tag-democratic-republic-of-congo tag-drc tag-ebola tag-ebola-outbreak tag-eurowire tag-global-health tag-health-news tag-health-surveillance tag-infection-prevention tag-international-organization-for-migration tag-iom tag-ituri tag-kampala tag-mena-newswire tag-north-kivu tag-outbreak-response tag-public-health-emergency tag-south-kivu tag-uganda tag-uganda-ministry-of-health tag-viral-hemorrhagic-fever tag-wakiso tag-who tag-world-health-organization"> KAMPALA, UGANDA / MENA Newswire / — Uganda has confirmed six new cases of Ebola, raising the country’s total in the current outbreak to 15, the Ministry of Health said, as authorities continue tracing infections linked to previously confirmed patients. The new cases were identified among known contacts, bringing Uganda’s confirmed toll to one death, two hospital discharges and 12 patients still admitted for care. Public health response continues as Uganda reports 15 Ebola cases. The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola virus that has been reported in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo during the current regional emergency. Uganda’s latest figures mark an increase from nine confirmed cases reported days earlier, when cases had been recorded in Kampala and Wakiso. Health authorities have linked several infections to travel or contact chains connected with Congo. Uganda confirmed its outbreak after detecting an imported case from Congo, where the larger outbreak has affected Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The World Health Organization has classified the outbreak in Congo and Uganda as a public health emergency of international concern, with response measures including surveillance, laboratory testing, isolation and care, contact tracing, infection prevention and community engagement. Confirmed cases rise Uganda’s latest update said the six new infections were contacts of confirmed cases, indicating that case finding remains focused on known exposure chains. The country has maintained treatment and monitoring for admitted patients while following contacts linked to confirmed infections. Earlier official updates said hundreds of contacts had been identified for follow-up in Uganda, including household and hospital contacts connected to infected patients. In Congo, confirmed cases have risen sharply since the outbreak was announced, while suspected case counts have shifted as investigations ruled out illnesses that were not confirmed as Ebola. Health authorities there have reported transmission across several health zones, with Ituri province accounting for the largest share of confirmed cases. The outbreak has also involved infections among health workers, underscoring the role of health-care settings in case detection and infection control. Response focuses on tracing Bundibugyo virus disease can spread between people through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and through contaminated materials. Symptoms can begin with fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat before progressing to vomiting, diarrhoea, organ dysfunction and, in some cases, bleeding. Laboratory confirmation is required because early symptoms can resemble other common febrile illnesses. The International Organization for Migration has warned that border closures between Uganda and Congo may lead some travelers to use informal crossings that are less monitored. Uganda has said border communities are being sensitized on Ebola risks as authorities seek to limit spread through official health measures. Current control efforts rely on case identification, isolation, clinical care, contact tracing, safe burials and public health messaging. The post Uganda Ebola cases rise to 15 after six new infections appeared first on Middle East Standard.
Punjab wildfire chars 3,037 hectares in Kotli Sattian
Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination
Satellite data shows the Kotli Sattian forest fire burned 3,037 hectares across 25 sites, damaging Punjab pine cover during heatwave conditions. The post Punjab wildfire chars 3,037 hectares in Kotli Sattian appeared first on Middle East Standard.
<article id="post-46495" class="post-46495 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-news tag-burned-area tag-chir-pine-forest tag-climate-risk tag-content-syndication-services tag-cryptowire tag-environmental-damage tag-eurowire tag-forest-conservation tag-forest-cover-loss tag-forest-fire tag-heatwave tag-hill-forest tag-indus-basin tag-jhelum-basin tag-kotli-sattian tag-mena-newswire tag-ministry-of-climate-change-and-environmental-coordination tag-murree tag-pakistan tag-pakistan-wildfire tag-pine-forest tag-punjab tag-punjab-forest-department tag-rawalpindi tag-satellite-data tag-space4climate tag-suparco tag-wildfire tag-wildfire-response"> KOTLI SATTIAN, PAKISTAN / MENA Newswire / — A major forest fire has destroyed more than 3,000 hectares of natural forest tree cover in Kotli Sattian, an ecologically sensitive region of Punjab, after flames spread across multiple locations during a period of intense heat and dry conditions. Satellite data released by SUPARCO through Space4Climate placed the burned area at an estimated 3,037.1 hectares, equal to about 7,504.7 acres, across 25 locations, making it one of the most significant recent wildfire events reported in the area. Satellite data helps assess wildfire damage across Kotli Sattian forest areas. The affected zone includes Chir pine forests that form part of the Murree and Kotli Sattian landscape, a hilly forest belt linked to sub-watersheds feeding the Indus and Jhelum river systems. Analysis comparing satellite imagery from May 9 to May 29 showed extensive burn scars across forested slopes. The fire damaged tree cover, undergrowth and young regeneration in areas where pine needles, shrubs and dry vegetation created combustible ground conditions during the heatwave. Local response teams, residents and forest personnel worked to contain the flames as strong winds pushed the fire through steep terrain. The Punjab Forest Department reported a series of fire incidents in the Murree and Rawalpindi forest divisions between May 26 and May 29, including areas connected to Kotli Sattian. Officials said multiple fires during that period were brought under control through coordinated field operations, with firefighting teams deployed across affected forest and private land. Satellite data shows extensive burn scars The Kotli Sattian fire added to a wider pattern of forest fire incidents recorded in northern Punjab during the recent heatwave. Authorities said more than 20 fires were reported in the Murree and Rawalpindi forest divisions over four days, with damage recorded in several localities, including Peja, Baroota Kahuta, Java Malkiyat, Kamkot and Kotli Sattian. The incidents occurred as very high temperatures and dry weather increased fire risk across forested and semi-forested areas. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination said forest fires can affect wildlife breeding, seedling regeneration and natural recovery in burned landscapes. In Kotli Sattian, the reported damage covered pine forest areas that support local biodiversity and help stabilize slopes. Environmental assessments identified risks to saplings, ground vegetation and habitats used by birds and animals during the breeding season, while also noting the potential spread of fire-tolerant grasses and shrubs in burned sites. Heatwave conditions strain firefighting response Field accounts described difficult conditions for crews working in rugged terrain, where flames moved through dry pine needles, shrubs and forest litter. Firefighters and local residents used available resources to stop the spread near homes and forest edges, while wind and heat complicated containment efforts. Reports from the affected area noted limited equipment and manpower for frontline forest staff, underscoring the operational challenges of responding to fast-moving fires in steep pine forests. No confirmed casualties were reported in the available official accounts of the Kotli Sattian fire. The confirmed damage remains centered on forest tree cover and associated ecological loss across the burned locations. Authorities have not announced a final official cause for the main blaze. The satellite-based assessment provides the clearest confirmed measure of the damage, identifying more than 3,000 hectares of burned forest cover in one of Punjab’s most environmentally significant hill regions. The post Punjab wildfire chars 3,037 hectares in Kotli Sattian appeared first on Middle East Standard.
Tokyo market splits as Nikkei sets closing record
Tokyo stocks ended mixed as the Nikkei hit a record close on tech gains while the Topix fell, showing narrow market leadership. The post Tokyo market splits as Nikkei sets closing record appeared first on Middle East Standard.
<article id="post-46468" class="post-46468 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-business tag-ai-stocks tag-asia-markets tag-content-syndication-services tag-cryptowire tag-equity-markets tag-eurowire tag-financial-markets tag-index-heavyweights tag-japan-equities tag-japan-stocks tag-japanese-market tag-market-breadth tag-market-capitalization tag-mena-newswire tag-nikkei tag-nikkei-225 tag-prime-market tag-record-close tag-softbank-group tag-stock-market tag-tech-shares tag-technology-stocks tag-tokyo-stock-exchange tag-tokyo-stocks tag-topix tag-toyota-motor tag-trading-value"> TOKYO / MENA Newswire / — Tokyo stocks ended mixed on Monday as the Nikkei Stock Average closed at a fresh record high, supported by gains in heavyweight technology shares, while the broader market weakened. The 225 issue Nikkei rose 604.83 points, or 0.91 percent, to 66,934.33 after reaching an intraday record of 67,231.28. The broader Topix fell 16.47 points, or 0.42 percent, to 3,940.70. SoftBank gains helped lift the Nikkei while the Topix ended lower in Tokyo. The split performance showed the rally was concentrated in selected index heavyweights rather than across the Tokyo market. Official index data showed 70 Nikkei components advanced, while 155 declined and none were unchanged. Technology added 826.32 yen to the Nikkei’s daily move, offsetting declines in consumer goods, materials, capital goods, financials, transportation and utilities. SoftBank Group was the largest weighted Nikkei component on the day, with a 10.27 percent index weight, followed by Fast Retailing, Advantest and Tokyo Electron. Technology represented 57.68 percent of the Nikkei’s sector weight, underlining the influence of large technology and semiconductor related shares on the price weighted benchmark. Tech shares drive index gap The Nikkei opened at 66,363.43, touched its session low of 66,244.84 at the start of trading and reached its intraday peak at 10:27 a.m. in Tokyo. Total market capitalization for the Nikkei constituents stood at 1,032.95 trillion yen, while total trading value was 9.91 trillion yen, based on official index figures for the session. SoftBank Group shares advanced sharply during the session as AI infrastructure related shares drew buying interest. The company’s market value rose above Toyota Motor’s, putting the technology investment group ahead of Japan’s largest automaker by market capitalization during the trading day. Toyota shares declined, contributing to the weaker tone in parts of the broader market. Broader market closes lower The mixed finish followed strong recent gains in Japanese equities and highlighted the difference between the Nikkei’s heavyweight driven structure and the wider Topix measure. The Nikkei 225 is a price weighted index of 225 stocks listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, while the Topix reflects a broader set of companies across the prime section. The record close was followed by a pullback in the next trading session. On Tuesday, June 2, the Nikkei ended at 66,609.48, down 324.85 points, or 0.49 percent, after opening at 66,629.60. The index moved between 65,551.13 and 66,748.06 during the session, keeping the benchmark below Monday’s closing record but still near historic highs. The post Tokyo market splits as Nikkei sets closing record appeared first on Middle East Standard.