No Middle East escalation, urges EU foreign policy chief after US strikes

• US President Joe Biden vowing more attacks in retaliation for a deadly drone attack on an American base in Jordan.
• The EU is aiming to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea later this month to help protect international vessels from attacks.

UAE is the most popular destination for global workers, says report

• France, the United Arab Emirates, India, Turkey, and the United Kingdom were the top destinations for UAE recruiters.
• This trend underscores the UAE's commitment to fostering a diverse and vibrant multinational workforce.

Jordan defeats Tajikistan to reach first Asian Cup semi-final

China economic slowdown to continue for the next four years, says IMF

• The world's second-largest economy last year saw some of its slowest growth in decades
• A debt crisis in the property sector added to geopolitical tensions and weakening global demand.

Spain urges WTO meet in UAE to address de-globalization

• The ministerial meeting (MC13) will convene representatives of 164 nations and trading blocs.
• MC13 will seek key reforms to the global trading system, including expanding WTO membership .

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund posts record US$213bn profit

• Fueled by revenues from Norway's state-owned oil and gas companies, the fund is aimed at financing future spending in the generous welfare state
• Around 71 percent of its portfolio was dedicated to equities, with stakes in 8,859 companies worldwide -- or 1.5 percent of all listed stocks

UPS says will cut 12,000 jobs

• Three-quarters of the reductions are set to come in the first half, UPS CEO said.
• The decision comes after UPS reported Q4 2023 revenues of US$24.9 billion.

Residents of Gaza lament suspension of UN agency funding

• Several countries, including the United States, France, Britain, Germany and Japan, have announced the suspension of further funding to the agency.
• In Rafah, where 1.5 million displaced people have taken refuge, Gazans said that the support they received from the agency amounted to a lifeline.

UN chief calls for continuity in aid as battle rages in Gaza

• The Israeli army said special forces were continuing to engage in "intensive battles" in Gaza's main southern city of Khan Yunis.
• UNRWA said it had fired several employees over Israel's accusations of its staff

Australia, Canada stop UN agency funding after Israeli allegations

• "We are speaking with partners and will temporarily pause disbursement of recent funding," Australian Foreign Minister wrote on social media platform X.
• Canada's International Development Minister announced that Ottawa had “temporarily paused any additional funding to UNRWA”.