Americas

Washington, United States: A divided US Federal Reserve lowered interest rates Wednesday for a third consecutive time this year, flagging labor market concerns even as inflation remained elevated while President Donald Trump's tariffs bite. The cut by a quarter percentage point brings rates to a range between 3.50 percent and 3.75 percent, but the path ahead is less certain. A split within the central bank deepened with two officials voting to keep rates unchanged, while one policymaker sought a bigger reduction.

Middle East

Ankara: The Pathway to a just and enduring peace in the Gaza Strip passes through the enhancement of the ceasefire deal and the enforcement of a two-state solution, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday. In a statement issued by the Turkish Presidency to mark Human Rights Day, which is annually observed on Dec. 10, Erdogan added that the genocide the Israeli occupation committed in Gaza, which killed over 70,000 Palestinians, indicates a gross violation of the tenets put forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). He expressed regret over the persistent grievances in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, despite all international community-led efforts, stressing that Israel underestimates the law and order by breaching the ceasefire and unleashing attacks that have killed as many as 370 Palestinians since its entry into force on Oct. 10. In addition, Erdogan emphasized that rebuilding Gaza, which has morphed into a massive pile of debris, is a joint responsibility of all humankind toward the Palestinians.

Middle East

Cairo: Egypt's beloved national dish Koshary has been officially inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2025, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture said Wednesday in a statement. The inclusion marks the 11th item registered in Egypt's name on UNESCO's intangible heritage lists, read the statement. Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno called it a new confirmation of the global interest in the daily life culture of Egyptians, which represents an authentic part of their identity, read the statement. "Koshary is the first Egyptian dish to be registered," he noted, adding that the coming years are expected to witness the registration of more elements associated with social and cultural practices passed down through generations. "This inclusion reflects the success of the concerted efforts made by the Egyptian state to document and protect its heritage," he said. Koshary is one of the most famous and popular staple dishes in Egypt, consisting of a blend of pasta, rice, black lentils, chickpeas, and fried onions, typically topped with a tangy tomato sauce. Essential additions often include vinegar, lemon, and chili sauce. It is widely regarded as a low-cost, high-calorie meal accessible to all segments of society.