Breaking news as it happens
Continuous coverage of the latest developments from Al-Forat’s newsroom and its correspondents in the provinces, newest first.
Heavy rain floods streets in Basra as municipal and sewerage crews mobilise
- Heavy rain floods Basra streets as municipal and sewerage crews mobilise to drain waterThe season’s first rains exposed weak drainage networks in several neighbourhoods, and the local government has declared a state of alert and sent tanker trucks to the affected areas.
Council of Representatives votes to amend consumer protection law, toughens penalties for commercial fraud
- Economic bulletin: dinar holds steady, stock index rises and local gold prices easeA summary of the main items in the economic bulletin, from exchange rates and stock exchange trading to gold and food prices in local markets.
- Government launches national plan to rehabilitate infrastructure in 18 provinces over three yearsThe plan covers roads, bridges and water plants, gives priority to stalled projects and introduces electronic monitoring of progress.
- Council of Representatives amends consumer protection law and toughens penalties for commercial fraudThe amendment raises fines for violators, requires online shops to disclose where their goods come from and creates a unified platform for consumer complaints.
Council of Ministers approves distribution of 70,000 residential plots to low-income families
- Main bulletin: highlights of today’s Council of Ministers sessionA video summary of the key decisions and issues discussed by the Council at its weekly session.
Iraq and Turkey agree on permanent technical committee to monitor water releases
- General Traffic Directorate launches online driving licence renewal via the Ur portal in Baghdad and the provincesThe service lets applicants submit requests and pay fees without visiting traffic offices; they come in only once, for the medical check and to collect the licence.
- Parliament hosts planning minister to discuss next year’s budget prioritiesThe Finance Committee calls for larger allocations for the provinces most in need, while the minister presents investment spending indicators.
General Traffic Directorate: driving licences can now be renewed online via the Ur portal without visiting offices
Karbala Health Directorate launches measles vaccination campaign targeting 160,000 children
- New bridge over the Tigris opens, linking Karkh and RusafaThe 420-metre bridge is expected to ease traffic on existing bridges by up to 30%.
Ministry of Electricity: trial operation of Gulf grid link begins with 500 megawatts capacity
- Iraq and Turkey agree to form permanent technical committee to monitor Tigris and Euphrates water releasesThe agreement came at the end of talks in Baghdad in which the Iraqi side presented data on dwindling water reserves and the needs of the winter growing season.
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