British Royals to Mark What Would Have Been Late Queen’s 100th Birthday
King Charles will visit an exhibition dedicated to his late mother's fashion on Monday, the first in a number of events which the British royals will attend to mark what would have been the late Queen Elizabeth's 100th birthday on Tuesday. Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning and longest-lived mon»»»
Briton in Russia Revives Soviet-Era Watches for Luxury Market
When David Henderson-Stewart first visited Russia's Raketa watch factory, its few remaining watchmakers were huddled in winter coats over vintage equipment. The British former lawyer knew nothing about watches, but his love of Soviet design led him to see potential in the ailing enterprise, which o»»»
BREAKING: Magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits off northern Japan, tsunami warning issued for Hokkaido and Tohoku
Japan's Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for Pacific coastal areas of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast on April 20, the Asahi Shimbun reported. The »»»
BREAKING: Tsunami of 80cm observed at Kuji, Iwate as 3m waves forecast for northern Japan
A tsunami of 80cm was observed at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake off the Sanriku coast on April 20, with waves of up to 3m forecast for Pacific coastlines of Hokkaido and northern Japan, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported. »»»
IMF: Middle East to see economic contractions in 2026 - Statista
Several Middle Eastern economies are expected to contract in 2026 in the wake of the war in Iran, which broke out in late February, according to the International Monetary Fund’s latest World Economic Outlook, reports Statista. »»»
IMF: War Darkens Global Economic Outlook and Reshapes Policy Priorities
The Middle East conflict halted growth momentum. The right policies and stronger global cooperation are needed to contain the damage. Despite major trade disruptions and policy uncertainty, last year ended on an upbe»»»
Threats in Eurasia Increasing Significantly, Require Additional Efforts From CSTO - Lavrov
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The threats in Eurasia are increasing significantly and this requires additional efforts from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday. "Those who are closely following the latest developments, threats in Eurasia ar»»»
Russia Arrests German Woman in Alleged Bomb Plot
Russia said Monday it had arrested a German woman found with a homemade bomb in her backpack in what it alleged was a Ukrainian-hatched plot to blow up a security services facility in the south. Russia has arrested dozens of people throughout the four-year war, mostly its own citizens, on allegatio»»»
EU Hosts Palestinian Leader in Conference About Security and Peace in Gaza and the West Bank
More than 60 nations are sending representatives to Brussels to discuss with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa stability, security and long-term peace in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, as global attention largely remains focused in the Middle East on the ongoing crises in Iran and Lebanon»»»
Media Review: April 20
HEADLINES The outcome of Sunday’s snap parliamentary elections dominates coverage across all types of media on Monday, including print, television and online outlets, with a particular focus on the reported performance of former president (2017-2026) and Progressive Bulgaria party leader Rumen Rade»»»
Central Election Commission: Based on 97.52% of Tally Sheets, Progressive Bulgaria Leads with 44.7%, GERB-UDF Second with 13.4%
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has published preliminary results from the parliamentary elections held on April 19 based on 97.52% of tally sheets of the section election commissions processed at the constituency election commissions as at 12 p.m. on Monday. Following are the parties and coa»»»
Israeli occupation forces detain two Syrian minors in Quneitra province
Quneitra, April 20 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces detained two minors in old Bariqa village in Quneitra countryside following a pre-dawn incursion on Monday. SANA’s reporter said an Israeli military force entered the village after midnight, detaining the two civilians—both under 18—and transferri»»»
Russian Army Launches Retaliatory Strike on Ukraine Military-Industrial Targets - MoD
The Russia Army carried out a retaliatory group strike on facilities of Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex, as well as transport and airfield infrastructure used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. “Over the past 24 hours, in response to Ukra»»»
Saudi Central Bank Governor Says National Model Has Shielded Economy from Shocks
Saudi Arabia’s economy has emerged as a model of resilience and crisis readiness, Central Bank Governor Ayman Alsayari said, citing steady progress under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform agenda. He stressed that continued implementation of the plan has helped protect the economy from regional shock»»»
Iran Foreign Ministry Says US Not Serious About Pursuing Diplomacy
Iran's foreign ministry said Monday that the United States was not serious about pursuing diplomacy, citing what it called "violations" of their two-week ceasefire. "While claiming diplomacy and readiness for negotiations, the US is carrying out behaviors that do not in any way indicate seriousness»»»
Tsunami Warning as 7.4-Magnitude Quake Hits Northern Japan
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan Monday, Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) said, issuing a tsunami warning for waves up to three meters (10 feet). The quake, which hit at 4:53 pm (0753 GMT) in Pacific waters off northern Iwate prefecture, was strong enough to shake large buildings»»»
Israel questions France, China, Pakistan over Iran shipping deals at UN
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations has lashed out at his French, Chinese, and Pakistani counterparts, accusing their countries of effectively backing Iran by allegedly striking deals to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The rebuke appears to stem from media reports which rece»»»
Dubai traffic alert: Accident on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road towards Abu Dhabi
Dubai: Dubai Police have alerted motorists to a traffic accident on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, urging drivers to exercise caution while passing the affected area. In a post on social media, authorities said the incident occurred after Global Village in the direction of Abu Dhabi, advising road»»»
Ceasefire on edge: Uncertainty deepens risk of return to war
Dubai: The fragile Iran ceasefire is rapidly unravelling, with escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz exposing both Washington’s limited control over events and Tehran’s growing leverage over a critical global chokepoint — a dynamic that risks pushing the conflict back toward full-scale war. W»»»
Mid-air horror: Passengers panic, pray as Fly91 flight circles for 4 hours
Dubai: A distressing mid-air ordeal unfolded on a Fly91 flight after it ran into severe weather, leaving passengers panicked for nearly four hours — with a viral video capturing prayers, cries and visible fear onboard, according to NDTV. In the shaky footage, a woman is seen with folded hands, init»»»
Israel levels homes in Lebanon's border villages as truce teeters
Israel said its military had been instructed to use "full force" against threats in Lebanon despite a truce, and vowed to level homes allegedly used by Hezbollah, with state media reporting demolitions were underway on Sunday. Some displaced residents have rushed back to their homes in the south bu»»»
No Plan Yet: Iran’s Spokesman Says No Decision on Next US Talks in Pakistan
Iran has not yet made any decision about participating in a new round of Pakistani-mediated negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday, citing Washington’s contradictory actions. Speaking to reporters at a weekly press conferen»»»
Israeli Army Brings in Demolition Contractors to Raze Dozens of Lebanese Villages
The Israeli army is using the ceasefire period to accelerate large-scale destruction in areas it occupies in southern Lebanon, which have been largely emptied of residents displaced by the conflict, according to local accounts. Working around the clock across an area estimated at more than 800 squa»»»
Two arrested in London synagogue arson case amid terrorism probe - UPI.com
Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes (C) and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counterterrorism, speak to reporters Sunday outside Kenton United Synagogue in London, Britain, on Sunday. Photo courtesy Metropolitan Police/Release April 20 (UPI) »»»
Iran military vows to 'soon respond' after US destroyer hits cargo ship
Pakistan moved ahead Monday with preparations for a new round of talks between the United States and Iran days before a tenuous ceasefire is set to expire, even as renewed conflict around the Strait of Hormuz raised questions about whether the meeting would take place. Over the weekend, the U.S. at»»»
National competition for young manaschi to be held in Bishkek - | 24.KG
The Kyrgyz National Theater Manas will hold a national competition to identify and support talented young manaschi. The Ministry of Culture of the Kyrgyz Republic reported. According to the ministry, the main goal of the competition is to popularize national values through the great epic Manas, as »»»
Central Election Commission: Based on 96.41% of Tally Sheets, Progressive Bulgaria Leads with 44.7%, GERB-UDF Second with 13.4%
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has published preliminary results from the parliamentary elections held on April 19 based on 96.41% of tally sheets of the section election commissions processed at the constituency election commissions as at 11 am on Monday. Following are the parties and coali»»»
Oil prices jump on Iran war escalation but stocks up on peace hope
Hong Kong: Oil prices surged Monday on a re-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East war after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz at the weekend, just a day after reopening it, citing the United States' blockade of its ports. However, lingering hopes for a deal to end the seven-week crisis contin»»»
Iran Entitled to Peaceful Nuclear Energy as Full Member of NPT - Ambassador to Russia
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - As a full member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran should be entitled to the right to peaceful nuclear energy, and the country's authorities "are planning for the future within the framework" of that treaty, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said. "As fu»»»
Iran doubts U.S. 'seriousness', says 'no decision' on next round of talks
Iran's foreign ministry said Monday that the United States was not serious about pursuing diplomacy, citing what it called "violations" of their two-week ceasefire. "While claiming diplomacy and readiness for negotiations, the U.S. is carrying out behaviors that do not in any way indicate seriousne»»»
Araghchi: US Diplomacy Driven by Bad Faith - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Araghchi: US Diplomacy Driven by Bad Faith 20-04-2026 11:33 AM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the United States pursues malic»»»
Iran Slams US Attack on Merchant Ship as Act of Aggression
Iran’s joint military command pledged that Tehran would respond soon and called the US attack against an Iranian-flagged container ship near the Strait of Hormuz an act of piracy that violated the ceasefire that has been in place since April 8. By continually violating the ceasefire, the United Sta»»»
Australia's most decorated serviceman vows to fight war crime charges
An Australian former soldier charged with committing war crimes in Afghanistan vowed on Sunday to clear his name, saying he had never "run from a fight" in his first public comments since his arrest. Ben Roberts-Smith was granted bail on Friday after a high-profile arrest on five counts of "war cri»»»
Italy Discussing Expanding EU Aspides Mission to Include Strait of Hormuz, Defense Minister Says
Italy’s defense minister said discussions are underway to expand the European Union’s Red Sea naval mission, Aspides, to include the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Iran’s missile and nuclear ambitions pose a global threat. In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said t»»»
Hamas Gives ‘Positive Response’ in Cairo, Raising Hopes of Near-Term Deal
Sources within Hamas said the group’s delegation in Cairo has delivered a “positive response” to a revised proposal from mediators, particularly Egypt, potentially paving the way for an agreement on Gaza soon. Negotiations on the deal remain stalled. Hamas and other factions insist Israel must firs»»»
UAE sees inbound travel rush as schools reopen, despite flight constraints
Dubai: UAE travel agents report a surge in inbound travel demand over the next two weeks as schools reopen, with thousands of residents returning after weeks of disruption caused by regional tensions and flight cancellations. The rebound comes after a volatile period for the aviation sector, during»»»
North Korea tests cluster warheads on ballistic missiles - UPI.com
North Korea tested cluster bomb and fragmentation mine warheads on tactical ballistic missiles, state-run media reported Monday. Photo by KCNA/EPA SEOUL, April 20 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test-launch of tactical ballistic missiles carrying cluster bomb and fragmentation mi»»»
Oil prices jump, dollar strengthens as Hormuz tensions escalate
London, April 20 (SANA) Oil prices rose by more than 7% on Monday and the U.S. dollar strengthened as tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz following renewed U.S.-Iran disputes. The price surge came after the strategic waterway closed again, with Washington and Tehran accusing each other of vi»»»
Eight taken to hospital after South Korea marathon in 30C
Seoul: Eight runners were taken to hospital with heat-related illnesses after a marathon near South Korea's demilitarised zone with North Korea took place amid record temperatures, local authorities told AFP on Monday. The DMZ Peace Marathon in the city of Paju allows participants to test their met»»»
Iran will ‘stand to the end’ as talks with US stall over Hormuz and nuclear issues
Iran will not yield to US pressure, parliament speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said. He stressed that progress has been made in the negotiations, though fundamental issues are still unresolved. The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad took place last weekend in the Paki»»»
Teen motorcyclist faces prosecutor after hit-and-run seriously injures girl
A 16-year-old suspect was brought before a prosecutor Monday in connection with a hit-and-run that seriously injured a teenage girl on Liosion Street north of central Athens, authorities said. The collision occurred shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Liosion and Kazazi streets, h»»»
Pilot critical after helicopter crash in Australia
Sydney, Australia: A pilot has been critically injured after a helicopter crashed on a remote property in the Australian state of Queensland on Monday morning. The Queensland Police Service said the helicopter crashed on a property near the small town of Blackall, over 800 km northwest of Brisbane »»»
Why are we still policing women’s bodies? From Patralekha to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Bollywood needs to do better
Dubai: There’s something deeply exhausting about how predictable the outrage cycle around women’s bodies in Bollywood has become. A woman gains weight, shows up in public after giving birth to a tiny human, or simply exists outside the narrow bandwidth of “acceptable beauty" and suddenly, her body »»»
Croissant conceals cocaine in food delivery to detainees in Crete
Police arrested a 27-year-old man after a small quantity of cocaine was found hidden in food intended for detainees at the Iraklio Police Headquarters on the island of Crete, authorities said. According to police, the man had delivered a bag containing various items for foreign detainees, including»»»
Central Election Commission: With 91.68% of Tally Sheets Processed, Progressive Bulgaria Leads with 44.7%, Second Is GERB-UDF with 13.4%
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has published preliminary results from the parliamentary elections held on April 19 based on 91.68% of tally sheets of the section election commissions processed at the constituency election commissions as at 10 am on Monday. Following are the parties and coali»»»
Israel army warns Lebanese against returning to south
Israel's military on Monday warned Lebanese civilians against returning to dozens of villages in southern Lebanon, claiming Hezbollah's activities in the area were violating a ceasefire agreement struck last week. Thousands of displaced residents have begun making their way back to parts of souther»»»
Israel says image of soldier striking Jesus statue in Lebanon is authentic
Israel's army said Monday it had determined that an image circulating on social media showing one of its soldiers in south Lebanon hitting a statue of Jesus Christ is authentic. The image appears to show an Israeli soldier using a sledgehammer to strike the head on a statue of a crucified Jesus tha»»»
Iran Warns of Imminent Response to US Piracy
The spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters warned that the latest act of “piracy” by US military forces against an Iranian trade vessel will soon be met with retaliation. “The aggressive United States, by violating the ceasefire and engaging in maritime banditry, attacked one of »»»
Counterpoint: Philippines cannot afford romantic anti-development politics
Manila: Fiery attacks or protests against the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) and the idea of “Pax Silica” Initiative (PSI) tap into a familiar reflex in Philippine politics. Last week (April 2026), Manila signed up as the 13th member of PSI, resulting in the planned establishment of a "giant" 16 km²»»»
Woman dies after fall from Tourism Ministry building
A 51-year-old woman died Monday morning after falling from the second floor of the Ministry of Tourism building on Amalias Avenue in central Athens, authorities said. The incident occurred at around 8.30 a.m. Initial reports indicate the woman was an employee of the ministry. Her identity has not b»»»