Author: gulf-daily.com

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck Colombia on Sunday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The seismic event occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6.21 miles), making it a relatively shallow earthquake, which can often result in more intense surface shaking. The tremor was recorded on June 8, 2025, at 7:15 PM local time. The exact location of the epicenter has not been officially detailed, but shallow earthquakes in Colombia typically affect a wide region due to the country’s complex tectonic setting. Colombia lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known…

American planetary scientists have significantly reduced the probability of the existence of the hypothetical ninth planet, commonly referred to as “Planet X,” following an extensive survey of the outer solar system. Utilizing the PAN-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii, the research team has effectively ruled out Planet X’s presence in approximately 75 percent of the regions where it was previously suspected. The study, led by Matthew Holman from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, represents one of the most comprehensive searches to date for large planetary bodies residing in the distant reaches of the solar system. The findings, which have been published on the preprint server…

China’s consumer prices declined for a fourth consecutive month in May, heightening concerns over persistent deflation and sluggish domestic demand despite ongoing government stimulus efforts. Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday indicated that the consumer price index (CPI) dropped 0.1% year-on-year, slightly better than the 0.2% decline forecast by analysts surveyed by Reuters. The CPI has remained in negative territory since February, when it fell 0.7%, followed by declines of 0.1% in both March and April. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.6% in May, marking the highest level since January, according to…

China’s exports to the United States collapsed in May, plunging 34.5% year-on-year in the sharpest drop since the pandemic-era crash of early 2020. The dramatic fall underscores escalating trade tensions and the deepening economic fallout from tit-for-tat tariffs between Washington and Beijing, even as both sides attempt to stabilize relations. Overall, China’s exports were 4.8% up in May from a year earlier, falling short of economists’ expectations for a 5% gain. Customs data released Monday showed that while trade with other global partners remained resilient, U.S.-bound shipments dragged heavily on overall growth. Imports also disappointed, dropping 3.4% against forecasts for a 0.9% decline, highlighting continued weakness in…

Rents declined across most major U.S. metro areas in May, marking the largest year-over-year drop in two years as rising supply outpaced demand, according to new data from Redfin. Out of 44 major core-based statistical areas analyzed, 28 recorded annual rent decreases, the highest count since September 2023. The national median asking rent fell 1% year-over-year to $1,633 in May, still below the peak of $1,705 set in August 2022. On a monthly basis, rents increased 0.5% in May, a typical growth rate for the spring leasing season. “Apartment construction in America has been hovering near a 50-year high, and even though…

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has projected a record global cereal production of 2,911 million tonnes in 2025, marking a 2.1% increase compared to 2024 levels. The forecast was released on Friday in the FAO’s latest Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, highlighting a notable recovery in global agricultural output following previous fluctuations. According to the FAO, the anticipated growth in cereal production is driven by favorable weather conditions, improved yields, and expanded planting in key producing regions. The 2025 forecast includes gains across major cereal categories, such as wheat, maize, and barley, contributing to the overall production surge.…

The European Union’s nuclear sector currently contributes €251.2 billion annually to the region’s economic output and sustains more than 883,000 jobs, according to a recent report commissioned by Brussels-based industry association Nucleareurope and prepared by Deloitte. The study evaluates both the current and potential future economic impacts of the EU’s nuclear industry as the bloc seeks to meet its energy security and decarbonization goals. The report analyzed the direct and indirect economic benefits of the EU’s existing nuclear capacity, which currently stands at approximately 106 gigawatts electric (GWe). In addition to its significant economic contribution, the sector also generates around €47.6 billion in public…

A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile on Friday, impacting infrastructure and leaving thousands temporarily without power. The tremor, which occurred at 1:15 p.m. local time, was centered near the coast of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest regions on Earth. Despite the force of the quake, authorities have reported no casualties. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed that the earthquake originated at a depth of 76 kilometers, with its epicenter situated close to several small towns and mining operations common to the Atacama region. The depth of the quake, while considerable, still allowed for strong surface shaking across multiple communities, contributing to minor…

Japan’s Cabinet has approved a comprehensive five-year plan to enhance the country’s disaster resilience, committing more than 20 trillion yen ($139 billion) toward bolstering critical infrastructure through 2030. The sweeping initiative responds to the growing vulnerabilities of Japan’s aging infrastructure and intensifying natural disasters. The plan, outlined in detail on Friday, includes 326 specific measures that government ministries and agencies will implement starting from fiscal year 2026. Local and regional governments will share part of the financial burden as the country prepares to upgrade transportation, communication, energy, and water systems across the nation. The decision comes after several high-profile disasters underscored…

In the first quarter of 2025, the euro area and the European Union both registered a seasonally adjusted GDP growth of 0.6% compared to the previous quarter, according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. This marks an acceleration from the fourth quarter of 2024, when GDP growth stood at 0.3% for the euro area and 0.4% for the EU. On an annual basis, seasonally adjusted GDP increased by 1.5% in the euro area and by 1.6% in the EU during the first quarter of 2025. This follows annual growth rates of 1.2% for the euro area and 1.4% for…