Saudi Arabia and Neighbours on Edge as Iran Conflict Deepens

Regional tensions across the Middle East have intensified sharply as the escalating conflict involving Iran continues to send shockwaves through security arrangements, energy markets, and diplomatic relations in the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia and neighbouring states taking heightened precautionary measures amid fears of further escalation. The crisis, now stretching across multiple fronts, has created what…

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Middle East escalation: Energy at the center, risks far beyond

The military escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran is putting extreme pressure on energy markets. Although no major supply disruptions have been reported yet, the risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz pose a threat to the global economy if the conflict continues. Key figures: ‘A conflict limited to a few days or weeks…

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Botswana’s Power Play: From Coal Reliance to a Renewable Revolution

Botswana’s energy landscape is at a crossroads — a complex tapestry of traditional coal dependence, emerging renewable ambitions, and urgent structural challenges. This is a story of a nation rich in sunlight and potential, striving to rewrite its energy future for sustainability, security, and economic growth. For decades, Botswana’s electricity supply has been dominated by…

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Jewellery Quarter at a Crossroads: Industry Leaders Call for Protection, Skills Revival and Stronger Collaboration

Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter — long celebrated as the beating heart of British jewellery manufacturing — is facing what business leaders describe as a pivotal moment. Meeting at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery, a panel of manufacturers, educators and entrepreneurs told Birmingham Business editor Henry Carpenter that while pride in the district remains strong,…

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A toxic gas leak at a mine in north-central Nigeria killed 37 people and led to the hospitalization of 26 others, according to police.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Kampani Zurak community, located in the Wase area of Plateau state, police spokesman Alfred Alabo said in a statement. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the miners were affected due to a sudden discharge of lead oxide and other associated gases like sulphur and carbon monoxide which…

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LGA Review Applauds West Midlands Ambition — But Warns Delivery Must Now Accelerate

A major review has praised the ambition and leadership of the West Midlands Combined Authority, while making clear that bold plans must now translate into rapid delivery. A major review has praised the ambition and leadership of the West Midlands Combined Authority, while making clear that bold plans must now translate into rapid delivery. The…

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Rising Global Demand for ‘Green’ Luxury Homes Boosts MQDC’s Forestias Project

Thailand-based property developer Magnolia Quality Development Corp. Ltd. (MQDC) is witnessing increasing interest from international investors in sustainable luxury real estate, particularly projects that prioritize human well-being and environmental stewardship. The company is responding by embedding green design and wellness-focused concepts across its developments. CEO Suttha Ruengchaipaiboon highlighted The Forestias, MQDC’s flagship project in eastern…

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University of Birmingham to Sell Sections of Selly Oak Campus to Unlock Housing and Economic Growth

The University of Birmingham has announced plans to sell two sections of its Selly Oak campus, signaling a major step in its long-term development strategy for the area. The land, acquired by the university in 2001, includes several heritage buildings that are currently vacant, offering potential for both residential and commercial development. Erica Conway, Chief…

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Plastic pollution: No end in sight as world treaty fails in Geneva.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 6th negotiation on plastic pollution, which held from 5 – 15 August 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland ended in a deadlock with negotiators from countries across the globe failing to reach a consensus. The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) discussion held to develop the long-awaited internationally binding treaty on plastic pollution…

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Birmingham’s Bohemian Quarter Sees Surge in House Prices Amid Rail Renaissance.

A little-known pocket of Birmingham, often referred to by locals as the city’s “bohemian quarter”, is fast becoming one of the UK’s most desirable property hotspots, with house prices soaring by up to 20% in the past year alone. Centred around the neighbourhoods of Stirchley, Moseley, Kings Heath and Balsall Heath, this south Birmingham enclave…

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Jigawa State Targets 5,000 Hectares in Bold Tree Planting Drive to Combat Land Degradation.

The Jigawa State Government has launched an ambitious 2025 Tree Planting Campaign (TPC) aimed at restoring over 5,000 hectares of degraded land, signalling a renewed commitment to environmental protection and climate resilience. The flag-off ceremony, held on Saturday at the Pentagon Roundabout in Dutse, saw Governor Umar Namadi represented by the Secretary to the State…

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West Midlands Railway to be nationalised from February 2026.

By Jason Aldridge West Midlands Railway will officially come under public ownership from February 1, 2026, as part of the UK government’s wider “Public Ownership Programme,” the Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed. The move will see both West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway brands transferred to DfT Operator of Last Resort Ltd, as…

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UK Orders Zero-Emission Buses in 10-Year Green Transport Push

By Zac Macdonald Transport Minister Heidi Alexander has announced a landmark 10-year procurement plan for zero-emission buses, with 60% of the fleet to be built by UK-based manufacturers. The initiative is aimed at bolstering the domestic green transport industry while driving forward the country’s net-zero ambitions. The announcement comes as the Bus Services Bill makes…

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World Bank Greenlights High‑Tech Livestock Facilities in Ekiti State

In a major step forward for agricultural transformation and livestock modernization, the World Bank has approved the construction of ultra‑modern cattle markets, semi‑automated poultry pen estates, and a broiler processing plant across Ekiti State under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L‑PRES) project At a public forum in Ado‑Ekiti, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security,…

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Heathrow Unveils Ambitious £49bn Expansion Plan amid Growing Environmental Backlash

Heathrow Airport has announced a sweeping £49 billion proposal to expand and modernise its operations, including the long-debated third runway, in a bid to boost the UK’s global connectivity. But while business groups hail the move as essential to national growth, environmental campaigners and political opponents are warning of dire ecological consequences. The airport, which…

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Birmingham Slashes Speed Limits to 30mph Across 27 Major Roads in Citywide Safety Push.

By, Jason Campbell Drivers across Birmingham will soon need to ease off the accelerator as new 30mph speed limits are introduced on 27 major roads by the end of the year. The sweeping changes are part of Birmingham City Council’s ambitious strategy to reduce road accidents, injuries, and fatalities. In what city officials describe as…

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UK Government Plots 10-Year Boost for British-Built Green Buses.

By Shabana Abass (Birmingham,UK) British bus manufacturing is set for a major lift following renewed pledges from ministers and metro mayors to support job creation, green technology, and long-term investment in zero-emission transport. At the heart of the drive is a 10-year pipeline of zero-emission bus orders, designed to give UK manufacturers the certainty to…

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India Accelerates Green Future: Highlights from the Green Hydrogen Summit in Andhra Pradesh

By Anish Patel India’s march toward a sustainable energy future gathered serious momentum last week as the Green Hydrogen Summit 2025 convened at SRM University, Andhra Pradesh. The landmark event brought together key stakeholders in renewable energy, signaling a bold intent to place India at the forefront of the global green hydrogen revolution. The summit,…

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