Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans to adjust key green laws to secure support for a new climate target. In a letter circulated to national leaders on Monday, von der Leyen outlined proposals to modify the EU’s carbon pricing and existing climate targets for forests, among other areas. This announcement comes just days before EU leaders are set to debate the bloc’s new emissions-reduction target for 2040 at the European Council summit. According to Emirates News Agency, von der Leyen’s letter defended the upcoming target and emphasized the necessity of a decarbonized economy for Europe’s

Riyadh: The private sector’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product (GDP) has doubled over the past decade, rising from SAR1.1 trillion in 2016 to about SAR2.3 trillion at present. The contribution is expected to exceed SAR2.4 trillion within the next five years. According to Emirates News Agency, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih emphasized the vital and complementary role of the private sector within the national investment ecosystem, highlighting its significance in driving economic growth. Al-Falih noted that the sector recorded a 76 percent increase in domestic investment in 2024, with local investment

Barcelona: Researchers at the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI) and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona, Spain, have identified a link between an amino acid and depression. The compound, called proline, is found in common foods such as gelatin, beef, and fish. The study, published in Cell Metabolism, suggests that diets rich in proline may increase the risk of developing depressive symptoms. According to Emirates News Agency, the research was led by Dr. Jos© Manuel Fern¡ndez-Real and Dr. Jordi Mayneris-Perxachs from IDIBGI and CIBEROBN, and Dr. Rafael Maldonado from UPF. The team examined the type and amount of amino acids

Abu dhabi: The UAE Media Council has launched the ‘Amen’ digital platform to empower the public to monitor and share feedback on media content published in the UAE. According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative reflects the belief that society is a key partner in safeguarding the media landscape and preserving its values. Amen seeks to foster community engagement to build a responsible, safe media environment that supports the UAE’s leadership in advancing the media landscape. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, emphasised that the

Al ain: The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has officially opened the upgraded Zakher Intersection in Al Ain Region, marking a milestone in its ongoing infrastructure improvement programme. The AED185 million project involved redesigning the existing four-way roundabout, transforming it into a four-way traffic light-controlled intersection to cut journey times and improve safety. The redevelopment included the construction of a three-lane 900m tunnel in each direction, passing beneath Hazza bin Sultan, a vital artery connecting the north and south of the town centre. According to Emirates News Agency, the intersection connects Falaj Hazza from the east with Zakher to

Abu dhabi: The Zayed Authority for People of Determination continues its efforts to empower its members through the Accredited Vocational Programme, which grants participants a Level 2 Certificate in General Employability Skills, in collaboration with the National Qualifications Centre and the Ministries of Higher Education and Family Development. The move aligns with the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination 2020-2024. According to Emirates News Agency, the Authority has launched the first practical phase of the programme, titled Employment Programme and Career Opportunities Framework for People of Determination, with the participation of 83 trainees with moderate intellectual

Abu dhabi: The UAE, through the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), took part in the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting held in South Africa. Eng. Sharif Al Olama, the Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, led the UAE delegation at this significant global event. According to Emirates News Agency, Al Olama emphasized the UAE’s dedication to the G20 Presidency’s goals, which focus on achieving a secure, inclusive, and sustainable energy transition. He articulated the nation’s commitment to bolstering global energy security and expediting the move toward clean energy sources that facilitate sustainable development. Al Olama stated, “Energy

Abu dhabi: A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. The earthquake’s epicentre was located 116 kilometres south of Kokopo at a depth of 42 kilometres, the USGS said. According to Emirates News Agency, Papua New Guinea is highly prone to earthquakes as it lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for intense seismic and volcanic activity.