Business

    – Oman’s electricity production increased 4.3% year on year during the first eight months of 2026. Total output reached 37,481.8 gigawatt-hours, compared with 35,935.3 GWh in the same period of 2025. The increase amounted to about 1,546.5 GWh. Preliminary figures

    – Indonesia recorded Rp131.1 trillion, about $7.33 billion, in foreign capital inflows through early October 2026. Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara presented the figure during the government’s latest state budget briefing in Jakarta. Most foreign investment moved into government bonds and

    – The African Union has formally launched the Africa Credit Rating Agency, known as AfCRA, in Mauritius. The agency will provide credit assessments for African sovereigns, companies, financial institutions and other issuers. Its launch took place in Port Louis during

    – Pakistan’s federal state-owned enterprises held about $36.5 billion in debt at the end of December 2025. The total increased 14.3% from a year earlier, adding roughly $4.7 billion at current exchange rates. Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance reported the figures

    – The UAE recorded $63.353 billion in outward foreign direct investment during 2025, according to UN Trade and Development. The country’s total outward FDI stock reached $402.729 billion at the end of the year. That figure stood at $55.560 billion

    – Pakistan raised petrol prices again on October 6, extending an increase announced three days earlier. Petrol climbed by Rs0.88 to Rs393.64 per litre under the latest fuel revision. High-speed diesel fell by Rs1.88 to Rs397.76 per litre. The move

    Sports

    Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland lead the 30-player shortlist for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Organizers released the nominees on September 8 ahead of the October 26 ceremony in London. Ousmane Dembélé, Rodri and Vinícius Júnior also

    Technology

    – Meta has introduced Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full, its most capable artificial intelligence models to date. The company designed the new systems for coding, long-running AI agents and complex personal or professional tasks. Meta said the models can

    – The European Commission has proposed a new EU Critical Communication System to connect first responders across European borders. The plan would link national networks used by police, firefighters, emergency medical services and civil protection teams. It covers all EU

    Apple introduced the iPhone Duo on Sept. 9, marking its first foldable iPhone. The device starts at $1,999 in the U.S. and opens to a 7.6-inch inner display. When closed, it uses a 5.4-inch outer screen for standard phone tasks.

    Apple has unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with major camera, performance and battery upgrades. The new models feature a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, a first for the iPhone. Both phones run on

    Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, with sales set to begin October 23. The new model opens to a 7.6-inch inner screen and carries a 5.4-inch outer display. Apple says the larger panel offers the biggest

    The United States is expanding domestic battery production as it works to reduce dependence on China. The larger challenge sits deeper in the supply chain. China still dominates battery materials, processing and key manufacturing technologies used worldwide. U.S. factories have

    Japan is expanding its fight against investment fraud with a new system that uses artificial intelligence to spot warning signs earlier. The Consumer Affairs Agency announced the package on September 1. It will analyze consumer complaints for language and patterns

    China’s digital industry generated 20.71 trillion yuan in revenue during the first half of 2026, up 13.6% from a year earlier. Total profit reached 1.79 trillion yuan, an increase of 19.3%. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said the