Business
– Bilateral trade between Russia and Oman reached $1.5 billion in the first seven months of 2026, its highest level in a decade, according to Sergei Shoigu. The Secretary of Russia’s Security Council said trade had increased 22-fold over the
– Japan’s exports rose for a 13th straight month in September, but faster growth in imports left the country with a trade deficit of 536.6 billion yen. Preliminary figures from the Ministry of Finance showed exports up 16.7% year on
– South Korea’s semiconductor exports surged 222.5% year on year to $27.5 billion in the first 20 days of October, driving total exports to $61.6 billion. Overall outbound shipments more than doubled from the same period last year, according to
– Oil prices climbed sharply on Friday, with Brent crude touching $110 a barrel for the first time since May. Worries that escalating Middle East tensions could further tighten supplies drove the rally. Brent for December delivery settled up $3.94,
– Egypt received a record $33.9 billion in remittances from citizens working abroad during the first eight months of 2026. The Central Bank of Egypt said on Tuesday, October 13, that inflows rose 27.2% from $26.6 billion a year earlier.
– 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
– 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
Technology
– A new ultrasonic welding method developed by Russian and Chinese scientists doubles the strength of metal joints and extends component life, TV BRICS reported. The work was carried out by researchers at South Ural State University in cooperation with
Sports
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland are among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Organizers announced the men’s shortlist on September 8 before the awards ceremony in London on October 26. Ousmane Dembélé, Rodri and
Health
– More than one in five women diagnosed with breast cancer in five sub-Saharan African countries were younger than 40, according to a study highlighted by St. George’s University. The figure of 21.9% has prompted the university to call for
Travel
– Türkiye has set its sights on becoming the sixth-highest-earning tourism country in the world, according to its 2027 central government budget draft. Anadolu Agency reported that the draft allocates $244.5 million to tourism, compared with $188.4 million this year.
