WASHINGTON — The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday projected the global economy to grow by 4.4 percent in 2022, down by 0.5 percentage point from October’s forecast, according to a newly released update to its World Economic Outlook report.

Growth will slow as economies grapple with supply disruptions, higher inflation, record debt and persistent uncertainty, First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath told a virtual press briefing. (IMF-Global Economy-2022)

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RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and Thailand agreed on Tuesday to restore full diplomatic relations during the official visit of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the first of its kind in more than 30 years.

In a joint statement, the two sides announced the exchange of ambassadors in the near future and deepening of cooperation in the green economy, renewable energy, digital transformation, cybersecurity and others, the Saudi Press Agency reported. (Saudi-Thai-Relations)

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ROME — A second ballot to elect Italy’s new president took place in the parliament on Tuesday, delivering no results as it occurred in the first round the previous day.

Out of 976 votes totally cast, 527 were blank ballots.

Yet, talks within and between the two main coalitions — center-left and center-right — intensified alongside the proceedings, helping clear the way for the first strong candidatures. (Italy-President-Election)

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DAR ES SALAAM — At least one fisherman was killed, 190 houses were flooded and 60 tour and fishing boats were swept away by heavy rains and strong winds in Tanzania’s Zanzibar, an official said on Tuesday.

Makame Khatib, the director of the Zanzibar Disaster Management Commission, said the fisherman died in Uroa coastal village after his boat capsized after it was hit by strong winds in the Indian Ocean. (Tanzania-Zanzibar-Strong wind)

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SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir — At least four civilians including two women were wounded Tuesday in a grenade attack in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The grenade was hurled towards government force personnel at Hari Singh High Street market in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Police said the grenade missed the intended target and exploded with a bang on road, leaving civilians wounded. (India-Kashmir-Attack)