Author: gulf-daily.com

The European Union has announced a further delay to its planned retaliatory trade tariffs on United States exports, extending the suspension until early August to allow more time for negotiations between Brussels and Washington. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement during a press conference on Sunday, citing the need to exhaust all possibilities for a diplomatic resolution before enacting the measures. The EU’s countermeasures were initially intended as a response to the 25 percent tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on European steel and aluminum exports earlier this year. These European tariffs, valued at approximately €21 billion ($24.5 billion), were first suspended in…

U.S. stock futures declined sharply on Monday as investors reacted to the latest escalation in global trade tensions. President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that the United States will impose a 30% tariff on goods imported from both the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1. The move rattled financial markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures falling by 226 points, or 0.51%. S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures each dropped by 0.55% in pre-market trading. The tariff announcement has sparked renewed concerns about the impact of protectionist policies on corporate profits and consumer prices. European Union and Mexican officials stated they would continue negotiations with the Trump …

Over 2,100 senior-ranking employees at the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are set to leave the agency amid a sweeping federal workforce reduction effort under the Trump administration. Internal documents obtained by multiple outlets, confirm that a total of 2,694 civil servants have accepted offers of early retirement, buyouts, or deferred resignations, with 2,145 of them occupying GS-13 to GS-15 ranks positions associated with advanced technical expertise or managerial responsibilities. Of the departing personnel, 1,818 serve in NASA’s core mission areas, including science and human spaceflight. The remaining individuals work in mission support roles such as information technology, finance,…

Minutes from the United States Federal Reserve’s June 17-18 policy meeting reveal growing divergence among officials over the direction and pace of interest rate cuts, as policymakers grapple with the impact of new trade tariffs, inflation dynamics, and a shifting labor market. Despite these differences, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) unanimously voted to keep the benchmark federal funds rate steady at 4.25% to 4.50% for the fourth consecutive meeting. While most officials indicated that rate reductions later this year are likely appropriate, opinions varied significantly on the scale and timing. Some participants viewed the inflationary effects of recent tariffs as temporary, arguing…

U.S. copper prices have surged to record levels, widening a historic gap between domestic and international markets, after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports. The move, intended to encourage domestic production, has triggered immediate concern over its potential economic fallout. On Tuesday, U.S. copper prices climbed more than 13%, marking their sharpest single-day gain since 1989 and closing at $5.69 per pound. Meanwhile, prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) edged up just 0.3%, highlighting the stark divergence. The premium of U.S. copper futures over global benchmarks soared 138% in a day, reaching over $2,600 per metric…

Sand and dust storms are affecting more than 330 million people across over 150 countries, according to the latest Airborne Dust Bulletin issued by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The organization has highlighted growing threats to health, the economy, and ecosystems, urging stronger investment in monitoring and early warning systems. The 2024 bulletin reports that while global average dust surface concentrations were slightly lower than in 2023, regional disparities were significant. In some heavily impacted areas, concentrations exceeded the long-term average from 1981 to 2010. Each year, approximately two billion tonnes of dust are emitted into the atmosphere, mostly originating…

The UK and France are set to announce a landmark declaration enabling the coordination of their nuclear deterrents in response to any extreme threat to Europe. While reaffirming that both countries retain full national control over their respective nuclear arsenals, the agreement signals a historic step in Anglo-French defense cooperation. The declaration, scheduled to be signed on Thursday, underscores a mutual commitment to collective security in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges. According to a joint statement from the UK Ministry of Defence and the French presidency, the accord asserts that any grave threat to European stability would elicit a joint response from both nations, reflecting…

McDonald’s Corporation has announced a limited-time update to its breakfast menu with the nationwide rollout of three new spicy McMuffin sandwiches, marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic Egg McMuffin. The additions, introduced on July 8, 2025, include the Spicy McMuffin, Spicy Sausage McMuffin, and Spicy Sausage McMuffin with Egg. These items are available at participating locations across the United States while supplies last. The new offerings are built on the original McMuffin framework featuring combinations of cheese, egg, Canadian bacon or sausage, and a buttered English muffin but with a new component: McDonald’s proprietary Spicy Pepper Sauce. This move represents a strategic…

Samsung Electronics has announced the Galaxy Z Fold7, its most advanced foldable smartphone to date, highlighting a blend of precision engineering, lightweight design, and AI-powered functionality. Launched on July 9, 2025, the device is positioned to deliver premium performance and improved productivity through a larger, immersive display and upgraded software features. Weighing 215 grams and measuring 8.9 mm when folded, the Galaxy Z Fold7 is the thinnest and lightest device in the Galaxy Z Fold series. It features a 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio. When unfolded, the device reveals an 8-inch main display, which is 11 percent…

Tesla has launched a redesigned version of its Model Y electric SUV in major global markets, including China, Europe, North America, and the UAE. The refreshed model, referred to internally as “Juniper,” introduces exterior styling changes, improved range, and new interior technology aimed at strengthening its position in the competitive electric vehicle segment. The updated Model Y features revised front and rear bumpers, streamlined LED lighting, and improved aerodynamics. Tesla has responded to user feedback by reintroducing traditional steering stalks, replacing the touch-based controls found in previous models. Inside the vehicle, enhancements include a quieter cabin achieved through acoustic glass and upgraded insulation materials.…