OCA President visits Athletes' Village at Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games
Sanya, China: President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani visited the Athletes' Village at the 6th Asian Beach Games, being held in Sanya, People's Republic of China. This visit comes as part of his ongoing mo»»»
Umluj: A sustainable tourism destination in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Umluj governorate is redefining its status on the global tourism map, leveraging its natural wealth and maritime heritage to create a sustainable, inclusive destination. Historically known as the “white city” for its pristine sands, Umluj’s modern identity is being shaped by national transf»»»
Press Review - After losing her son, healthy British woman will legally end her life in Swiss clinic
PRESS REVIEW – Friday, April 24: We look at reactions in the German, Russian and Kazakh press after an important oil pipeline from Russia is suspended to Germany. Russia says it's for "technical" reasons, but the German press say it is "political". Also: the press is divided over the case of a»»»
Tête à tête - Humanitarian worker Mike Penrose on the 'Food from Ukraine' programme
In an interview with FRANCE 24, Mike Penrose, a veteran humanitarian worker and special adviser to the government of Ukraine on the "Food from Ukraine" humanitarian programme, explained that this initiative "increases the value of the aid that's being distributed" in an "era of diminishing amounts »»»
Reporters - Why are so many Colombians fighting for Ukraine?
On the most dangerous parts of Ukraine's front line, it's almost as common these days to hear Spanish as Ukrainian. Many Colombian soldiers are now fighting in Ukraine, lured by the comparatively high salaries, but also by a sense of adventure and of helping a good cause. Our reporters Gulliver Cra»»»
Meta to cut workforce by 10% as artificial intelligence spending surges
Meta outlined plans to cut about 8,000 jobs on Thursday as it invests heavily in artificial intelligence. The move comes as part of a broader tech-sector shift towards cost control, with Microsoft also weighing voluntary buyouts ahead of next week’s earnings reports. Meta plans to cut a tenth of it»»»
FDA begins push to study psychedelics for mental health disorders - UPI.com
President Donald Trump signs an executive order on researching the effects of psychedelic drugs in medical treatment on Saturday in the Oval Office. The FDA has begun to make changes to allow more research on the drugs for mental health treatment. Photo by Allison Robbert/UPI | License Photo April »»»
Heidelberg Materials acquires Turkish partner Sabanci’s 40% stake in cement maker Akcansa for $437mn
Heidelberg Materials (Frankfurt/HEI) has agreed to acquire a 39.72% stake in Akcansa (AKCNS) from Turkish partner Sabanci Holding (SAHOL), Heidelberg has announced. SAHOL, meanwhile, said separately that HEI, its part»»»
Heidelberg Materials acquires Turkish partner Sabanci’s 40% stake in cement maker Akcansa for $437mn
Heidelberg Materials (Frankfurt/HEI) has agreed to acquire a 39.72% stake in Akcansa (AKCNS) from Turkish partner Sabanci Holding (SAHOL), Heidelberg has announced. SAHOL, meanwhile, said separately that HEI, its part»»»
Chile's Kast launches 40-measure reform package with staged corporate tax cut
Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast has formally filed the Economic and Social Reconstruction and Development Bill in the Chamber of Deputies, a 40-plus measure package including a staged reduction in corporate tax from 27% to 23% aimed at reviving growth and cutting unemployment, El Mercurio repor»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
Slovenia’s political vacuum fuels debate over sweeping economic reform bill
Slovenia has entered a period of political uncertainty following the inconclusive March 22 elections, but the absence of a new government has not prevented a fierce debate over a far-reaching draft development law that could reshape the country’s tax and social systems. »»»
Poland's Tusk warns Russia could attack NATO in months
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia could attack a NATO member within months and openly questioned whether the United States would honour its mutual defence commitment in the event of such an attack, Financial Times reported on April 24. »»»
Hungary's plans to join the euro but it won't be easy
For sixteen years, the question of Hungary joining the euro was not really a question at all. Viktor Orban's government was antagonistic towards Brussels, his party had deep eurosceptic roots, and his long-serving central bank governor argued publicly that it would be better to wait until Hungary's»»»
Lebanon Ambassador in Riyadh: Saudi Arabia Played Key Ceasefire Role
Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ali Karanouh, said a phone call on Tuesday between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, along with a statement by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, marked the culmination of Saudi efforts that drew on the kingd»»»
Russia's Yandex will become a mobile phone operator
Russia's online giant Yandex (YNDX), often referred to as "the Russian Google," has moved to add mobile phone service provision to many of its other areas of operation. The launch is scheduled for this summer, the Russian business daily Kommersant reported, quoting a source in the local telecoms in»»»
Poland's Tusk warns Russia could attack NATO in months
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia could attack a NATO member within months and openly questioned whether the United States would honour its mutual defence commitment in the event of such an attack, Financial Times reported on April 24. »»»
Tunis Stock Market closes week of April 20-24, on positive note
Tunis, April 24 (TAP) - After fluctuating up and down, the stock market closed the week of April 20-24, 2026 on a positive note. The benchmark index recorded a gain of 0.5% to 15,804.26 points, bringing its year-to-date performance to +17.5%,...»»»
Trump Dispatches Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan for New Talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister
President Donald Trump is sending his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan, the White House said Friday, just hours after Iran’s top diplomat headed to the South Asian nation where officials have been trying to get the United States and Iran to convene for a second round of ceasefire »»»
Large tornado causes injuries, damages homes in Oklahoma - UPI.com
April 24 (UPI) -- A tornado touched down in Enid, Okla., injuring at least 10 people and causing extensive damage to homes in the area, local authorities said. About 40 homes were damaged in the Enid area Thursday evening. The city is in north-central Oklahoma. Local news said the tornado passed th»»»
‘Life never stops in Dubai': Emirati filmmaker Nawaf Al Janahi powers global cinema showcase at DIFC Art Nights this weekend
Dubai: “Life never stops. We don’t believe in that. Here in the UAE, life goes on, and every challenge is just one more step towards more strength, right?” That unflinching belief from Emirati filmmaker Nawaf Al Janahi defines the mood at the on-going DIFC Art Nights, where crowds and creativity co»»»
Justice Department drops probe of Fed's Jerome Powell - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Chairman of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell speaks during a press conference at the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C., on March 18. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said she would restart the criminal investigation into Powell if need be. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April »»»
Merz Floats Sanctions Relief for Iran Peace Deal, Other EU Leaders Cautious
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested on Friday that the European Union could ease sanctions on Tehran as part of a comprehensive deal that would end the Iran war, but other EU leaders struck a more cautious note. The 27-nation EU has imposed sanctions on Iran for years, including travel bans »»»
Special center to support admission of foreign students in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the charter of the state enterprise Center for the Admission of Foreign Students. Deputy Minister of Science, Higher Education and Innovation of Kyrgyzstan Durus Kozuev said at a briefing. According to him, the new center will serve as a unified coordination hu»»»
Qatar Sports for All Federation launches community running sessions to promote daily physical activity
DOHA: The Qatar Sports for All Federation has launched a new training run as part of its 365 Days of Activity program, an initiative aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles through daily exercise in public parks. The first session took place on the green fields of Al Rayyan Park, where more than »»»
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says he was treated for prostate cancer - UPI.com
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that he was recently treated for prostate cancer. Pool photo by Ilia Yefimovich/UPI | License Photo April 24 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer. Netanyahu, 76,»»»
Amusement Park Among New Features at Grand Hotel Therme in Village of Banya
Grand Hotel Therme in the village of Banya attracts visitors with healing mineral water and fresh mountain air. The hotel complex features numerous pools and thermal facilities, and covers a total area of over 6,000 sq. m. Pulse Therme Banya is the largest spa centre in Bulgaria, hotel management t»»»
Middle East Conflict Already Deprived World of 15% of LNG Supplies Through 2030 - IEA
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The conflict in the Middle East has deprived the world of approximately 120 billion cubic meters (bcm) of total liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies between 2026 and 2030, accounting for about 15% of expected global supplies during that period, according to a report by the Intern»»»
Unexploded Bombs Littering Gaza Threaten Recovery for Decades, UN Warns
War-torn Gaza is heavily contaminated by unexploded ordnance, which frequently kill and maim people and could threaten recovery efforts far into the future, the UN said Friday. Unexploded ordnance, ranging from undetonated bombs or grenades to simple bullets, has become a common sight in the Gaza S»»»
Glaciers in Kyrgyzstan melting faster than normal - | 24.KG
A high-level country session «Mountains and Climate Change: From Vulnerability to Sustainable Development» was held in Astana as part of the Regional Ecological Summit, the press service of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic reported. The event served as a platform for developing joint solutions »»»
Beyond fake news: The real risk in times of conflict
Periods of geopolitical unrest can create uncertainty, and that uncertainty can create space for misinformation and disinformation to thrive. In recent years, we have seen how rapidly unverified claims, edited videos, and misleading commentary, whether accidentally (misinformation) or deliberately »»»
Araghchi Set to Travel to Pakistan, Raising Hope for Renewed Talks to End War
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency confirmed Friday that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was heading to Pakistan for talks and will also stop in Oman and Russia. The trip to Pakistan comes as officials there have been trying to get the United States and Iran to a second round of ceasefire ne»»»
Turkiye’s Istanbul Park to host F1 for at least 5 years from 2027
ISTANBUL/LONDON: Turkiye’s Istanbul Park circuit will return to the Formula One calendar from 2027 for at least five years, F1 and the Turkish presidency said on Friday, marking the culmination of Turkiye’s years-long campaign to return to the sport. President Tayyip Erdogan, F1 Chief Executive Of»»»
British Airways owner IAG to raise ticket prices amid jet fuel shortage crisis
Dubai: International Airlines Group (IAG) announced Friday it will raise ticket prices to offset rising jet fuel costs linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war, even as it says supply remains stable, according to a Reuters report. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The ai»»»
Trump administration extends Jones Act waiver by 90 days - UPI.com
The Trump administration announced Friday that it is extending its waiver of the Jones Act by 90 days to combat high oil prices. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 24 (UPI) -- The Trump administration announced Friday that it is extending its waiver of the Jones Act by 90 days to combat»»»
AlUla Manara Team Hosts Lyrid Meteor Shower Observation
AlUla Manara team hosted an educational astronomy evening yesterday near the iconic Arch Rock, aimed at promoting astrotourism and scientific awareness. The event utilized AlUla’s exceptionally clear skies and low light pollution to provide residents and visitors with an immersive celestial experie»»»
Nike announces 1,400 job cuts as sales lag - UPI.com
Nike is cutting 1,400 jobs, it announced Thursday, as sales lag. Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo April 24 (UPI) -- Sportswear giant Nike announced Thursday it's cutting about 1,400 jobs in its operations division, mostly tech workers. COO Venkatesh Alagirisamy said in a note to employee»»»
Crete 5.1 aftershock strengthens view 5.7 quake was main event
A 5.1-magnitude aftershock recorded at midday Friday off the coast of Ierapetra, southeastern Crete, is reinforcing – but not confirming – the view that the earlier 5.7-magnitude earthquake was the main shock, according to seismologists monitoring the area. Scientists describe the aftershock sequen»»»
Dubai court awards father custody, child welfare first.
Dubai: A mother has lost custody of her two daughters after Dubai’s highest court ruled that the children’s welfare must take precedence over the interests of either parent, affirming a decision to transfer their care to their father. In a final judgment, the Dubai Court of Cassation rejected the m»»»
Chinese EVs, flying cars take centre stage at world's biggest auto show
Beijing: Thousands squeezed into the world's biggest car show Friday, snapping selfies beside Chinese electric vehicles as automakers showcased AI, humanoid robots and flying-car ambitions in a cut-throat market. Rows of influencers posed in front of gleaming models at the capital's cavernous inter»»»
Qatar to promote daily physical activity, launches community running sessions
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Sports for All Federation has launched a new training run as part of its 365 Days of Activity program, an initiative aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles through daily exercise in public parks. The first session took place on the green fields of Al Rayyan Park, where mor»»»
Iran foreign minister expected in Islamabad Friday night
Iran’s top diplomat is expected to travel to Pakistan by this weekend for talks, two Pakistani officials told The Associated Press on Friday, raising hopes for revived negotiations in the Iran-U.S. war. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was expected to be accompanied by a small government del»»»
'Really big pig' seen wandering loose in North Carolina - UPI.com
View this post on Instagram A post shared by DurhamSheriff (@durhamsheriff) April 23 (UPI) -- Authorities in North Carolina are asking local residents to keep an eye out for a "really big pig" seen wandering loose in Durham County. The Durham County Sheriff's Office said on social media that the "n»»»
Yes, Bulgaria! Accuse Prosecutors of Being Used to Target Reformers After Pressure Claims by Interior Ministry Official
The Yes, Bulgaria party accused prosecutors on Friday of being used, "once again", to target officials working for institutional reform. Their statement followed claims by Interior Ministry acting Secretary General Georgi Kandev that he had come under pressure and was smeared through false testimon»»»
Flights are back, Kuwait Airways resumes 17 routes
Kuwait Airways will resum operations from Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport, restoring flights to 17 destinations from Sunday, 26 April, following the reopening of the country’s airspace after a temporary suspension. The move comes after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation lifted res»»»
Baladna Algeria launches dairy cattle airlift from the United States as part of its integrated project following $635 million phase two signing
Algeria: Algeria today hosted the official signing of the second phase of the “Baladna Algeria” project. This includes a new set of contracts for the integrated farm project, alongside the launch of an airlift program to import dairy cows from the United States, starting in November 2026. The step »»»
Baladna Algeria launches dairy cattle airlift from US as part of its integrated project following $635 million phase two signing
ALGIERS: Algeria has hosted the official signing of the second phase of the 'Baladna Algeria'project. This includes a new set of contracts for the integrated farm project, alongside the launch of an airlift program to import dairy cows from the United States, starting in November 2026. The step ref»»»