Country-specific trends in life expectancy
Between 1990 and 2019, life expectancy improved for all observed countries in the WPR (Table 1). Among lower-middle-income countries, Laos underwent the most substantial gains in life expectancy for both…

Between 1990 and 2019, life expectancy improved for all observed countries in the WPR (Table 1). Among lower-middle-income countries, Laos underwent the most substantial gains in life expectancy for both…

Cui F, Blach S, Manzengo Mingiedi C, Gonzalez MA, Sabry Alaama A, Mozalevskis A, et al. Global reporting of progress towards elimination of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023;8:332–42.
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Star England paceman Mark Wood is in grave doubt for the first Ashes Test in Perth after suffering a potential hamstring injury in his side’s low-key warm-up fixture.
Wood had returned figures of 0-29 from eight overs before going off the field…

November 13, 2025 I Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abdul Latif Jameel Finance, a leader in innovative financing solutions and services that is regulated by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), has been honored with two awards at the Biban Forum 2025, held in Riyadh.
Presented by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at), Abdul Latif Jameel Finance was recognized as both the “The Leading Non-Bank Financial Institution for MSME Funding in 2024” for the second year in a row, and the “The Highest Growing Non-Bank Financial Institution for MSME Funding in 2024”.
The awards highlight Abdul Latif Jameel Finance’s leadership in advancing access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises across Saudi Arabia, and its ongoing contribution to driving entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and sustainable economic development in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Dr. Khalid Alsharif, CEO of Abdul Latif Jameel Finance, said: “We are deeply honored to receive two awards from Monsha’at recognizing our leadership and growth in MSME financing. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, supporting business sustainability, and contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. We remain dedicated to developing innovative, responsible financial solutions that help Saudi businesses grow and thrive.”
To date, Abdul Latif Jameel Finance has funded more than 294,000 MSMEs, extending over SAR 4.2 billion in financing across key sectors including technology, tourism, entertainment, crafts, and production.
As a trusted partner in Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Abdul Latif Jameel Finance continues to innovate tailored financing solutions that enable business growth, promote financial inclusion, and support the Kingdom’s ongoing economic transformation.

The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) will soon install self-service kiosks across Pakistan to simplify the renewal and re-issuance of Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs).
The move aims to reduce long queues…

The Punjab Home Department has suspended the process of validating and computerizing manual arms licenses throughout the province.
According to an official circular issued to all Divisional Commissioners and the Additional Secretary…

A research group at The University of New Mexico has identified how an unusual prehistoric plant may provide new ways to interpret Earth’s ancient climate conditions.
Led by UNM Earth and Planetary Sciences Professor Zachary Sharp, the team…

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman wants his team to follow ‘strict’ work-from-office rules. He wants an in-person working culture, with stricter requirements for working from the office than is standard across the rest of the company. In an…