158 giant tortoises reintroduced to a Galapagos island
Quito: More than 150 giant tortoises have been reintroduced to Floreana Island in Ecuador's famed Galapagos archipelago where they disappeared more than a century ago, the environment ministry said Friday. Park rangers carried large crates containing the 158 tortoises on their backs, hiking seven k»»»
Parliamentary Elections Preparations Kick off in Lebanon Despite Doubts They Will Be Held
Political forces in Lebanon have kicked off their preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections in May despite doubts that they may not be held. No more than ten candidates have so far submitted their nominations as the political powers work on postponing the elections while still preparing»»»
Palestinian Authority in dire straits as Israel's hold on West Bank deepens
With Israeli settler violence surging in the occupied West Bank, al-Mughayyir, north-east of Ramallah, has found itself on the frontline. It faces regular incursions by the Israeli army and has seen farmland seized by settlers who have built new outposts. Marzoq Abu Naim from the village council sa»»»
Somalia Moves to Contain Public Criticism Over Türkiye Ties
Growing cooperation between Mogadishu and Ankara has drawn domestic criticism in Somalia over what some describe as a “one-sided benefit” for Türkiye, prompting Somali authorities to stress that the country’s sovereignty and the rights of its people remain unaffected. The official denial issued on »»»
Family of Palestinian-American man killed in West Bank demand accountability
The family of a 19-year-old Palestinian-American man who they say was shot dead by an Israeli settler in the occupied West Bank have called for accountability over his killing. Nasrallah Abu Siyam was shot near the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, becoming at least the sixth»»»
Kyrgyzstanis to compete at Asian Cross Country Championships in Japan - | 24.KG
Athletes from Kyrgyzstan will take part in the Asian Cross Country Championships in Japan. The Athletics Federation reported. The race will take place on February 21 in Fukuoka, Japan, starting at 11:45 a.m. Bishkek time. Three athletes will compete for Kyrgyzstan’s national team: Nursultan Keneshb»»»
Aldabaiba calls on CBL Governor to halt all 2026 project spending across Libya - until the newly US-brokered unified spending agreement is adhered to
Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abd Alhamid Aldabaiba, sent an official letter (dated 19 February) to the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya, Naji Issa, calling for a halt to all spending under Chapter Three of the budget. Specifically, the letter called for the stop of all project financin»»»
Yemen Presidential Leadership Council Vows to Confront Saboteurs
After elements loyal to what was known as the Southern Transitional Council attempted to storm the presidential palace in Aden, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council said it would not tolerate chaos in the city or across the southern provinces, accusing regional forces of involvement in suspiciou»»»
Board of Peace Pledges on Gaza Face Test of Implementation on the Ground
The first meeting of the Board of Peace, chaired by US President Donald Trump and attended by Arab and Israeli representatives in the absence of the Palestinian Authority, set out ambitious goals but left key issues unresolved. Washington distilled its priorities into two tracks: funding the recons»»»
Türkiye, Saudi Arabia Sign Comprehensive Power Purchase Agreement
Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Ministry signed a comprehensive power purchase agreement with Saudi energy giant ACWA Power to develop solar power plants and projects in Türkiye with major investments. The agreement, signed in Istanbul on Friday, was attended by Türkiye’s Energy and Natural »»»
Dubai to host landmark 25th Airport Show in May 2026
Dubai will host the 25th edition of the Airport Show at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 12 to 14, 2026, bringing together leading aviation companies from around the world. The three-day event will spotlight the latest air traffic management (ATM) and air traffic control (ATC) systems d»»»
Xbox boss Phil Spencer retires as Microsoft shakes up gaming unit
San Francisco, United States: Microsoft on Friday put out word that Xbox stalwart Phil Spencer is retiring, in a shakeup of leadership at the tech titan's video game unit. Former Instacart chief operating officer Asha Sharma will take over as head of Microsoft Gaming, with Matt Booty becoming execu»»»
Floyd Mayweather to come out of retirement
Los Angeles, United States: Floyd Mayweather is coming out of retirement and will return to professional boxing after his exhibition fight with Mike Tyson this spring, the 48-year-old announced Friday. Former multi-weight world champion Mayweather retired from boxing in 2017, unbeaten in 50 bouts, »»»
Donald Trump answers a Supreme Court rebuke with new tariff threats
Rarely does so totemic a presidential policy receive so resounding a smackdown. On 20 February, the Supreme Court ruled, in Learning Resources v Trump, that the bulk of President Donald Trump’s tariffs were illegal. Mr Trump had asserted that a 1970s-era law, the International Emergency Economic Po»»»
Ernisbek Ormokov dismissed as Mayor of Manas city - | 24.KG
Ernisbek Ormokov has been dismissed from his position as Mayor of Manas city. The press service of the head of state reported. Ernisbek Ormokov was appointed to this position in the summer of 2021. At that time, 29 deputies of the Jalal-Abad City Council voted for Ernisbek Ormokov, the sole candida»»»
Couple gets death for sexually assaulting 33 children
A special court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district has sentenced two people — Rambhawan and his wife Durgawati — to death for the sexual abuse and exploitation of dozens of children. The verdict was delivered on Friday after the court»»»
How will Trump's new 10% global tariffs work and what's next?
The US Supreme Court has ruled that President Donald Trump overstepped his powers when he imposed sweeping global tariffs last year. In its 6-3 decision, the court ruled that Trump could not use a 1977 law - the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) - to levy taxes on imports from nea»»»
Anna Murdoch-Mann, mother of News Corp heir, dies aged 81
Anna Murdoch-Mann, writer and ex-wife of media baron Rupert Murdoch, has died aged 81, his media outlets have announced. Married to the mogul for 31 years, she was described by the New York Post as an "active partner" in building News Corp. She was mother to three of Murdoch's children, Elisabeth, »»»
UAE weather: Fog expected in coming days as temperatures fluctuate
Dubai: The UAE is set to experience generally fair weather over the coming days, with periods of fog expected during early mornings, as temperatures fluctuate slightly before rising again midweek. According to the latest forecast from the National Center of Meteorology, conditions on Saturday will »»»
Pakistan: a fragile economic calm after crisis
Pakistan has stepped back from the brink of economic collapse a note from Capital Economics suggests. Foreign exchange reserves have been rebuilt, inflation has eased, the current account is broadly balanced and the fiscal position has strengthened markedly. Yet weak growth and fractious domestic p»»»
Indonesia’s GDP puzzle raises fresh data integrity questions
The acceleration in Indonesia’s GDP growth in Q4 sits uneasily with other activity indicators, which suggest the economy lost momentum towards the end of last year, a note from Capital Economics says. With the government intent on lifting growth to 8% and signs that the national accounts may have b»»»
It's not just a prediction anymore: See the 8 companies already using AI to replace staff
Dubai: Artificial intelligence (AI) replacing human workers is no longer a thought experiment, it's corporate strategy and it's playing out right now at some of the world's largest companies. The people building the technology aren't mincing their words either. In 2025, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated»»»
Canada looks to trade talks after US Supreme Court tosses Trump's tariffs
Celebrations in Canada over the decision by the US Supreme Court to strike down President Donald Trump's global tariffs were both brief and muted. The high court's decision, which included the "fentanyl" tariffs Trump imposed on Canada, China and Mexico, reinforced Canada's position that the levies»»»
Deadline diplomacy: Is US hinting at wider Iran operation amid unresolved talks?
Dubai: The arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean Sea has sharpened focus on Washington’s Iran strategy, as military preparations intensify even while diplomatic contacts continue. Trump has said prospects for a deal with Iran would become clear within roughly 10 days, warning that »»»
Financial freedom starts with awareness, not income
Before setting out on any journey, you must understand your current position — only then can you move toward your destination. Your financial freedom journey is no different - if you don’t know your situation today, you will not reach your goal. This article will provide a roadmap to this journey u»»»
Trump ends some tariffs, imposes new 10% global one
BusinessUnited States of AmericaTrump ends some tariffs, imposes new 10% global oneSean Sinico | Jon Shelton with AFP, APAfter suffering a loss at the Supreme Court, US President Donald Trump has ended the tariffs declared illegal, but he has also announced a new 10% global duty. https://p.dw.com/p»»»
Trump ends some tariffs, imposes new global one
BusinessUnited States of AmericaTrump ends some tariffs, imposes new global oneSean Sinico | Jon Shelton with AFP, APAfter suffering a loss at the Supreme Court, US President Donald Trump has ended the tariffs declared illegal, but he has also announced a new 10% global duty. https://p.dw.com/p/599»»»
Trump lashes out at Supreme Court justices over tariffs ruling
US President Donald Trump lashed out in unusually personal terms against the six Supreme Court justices who handed him one of the biggest setbacks of his second term in office by striking down the administration's global tariffs. The court's Friday ruling was "deeply disappointing". The justices wh»»»
Killing of nationalist student leaves French far left in deep trouble as elections loom
Is the far left about to replace the far right as the pariah of French politics? The question is inescapable following the killing in Lyon of nationalist student Quentin Deranque by suspected far-left militants. Deranque was killed on 12 February after a small university protest by far-right femini»»»
Which Trump tariffs did the Supreme Court strike down? Here's what to know
NEW YORK: The highest US court struck down some of President Donald Trump's most sweeping tariffs on Friday, in a 6-3 decision that he overstepped his authority when using an emergency powers law to justify new taxes on goods from nearly every country in the world. Trump has launched a barrage of n»»»
Who was Alan Rumi? Expat father in UAE pays tribute to toddler son killed in Sharjah freak accident
Sharjah: Just like Alan Kurdi, the Syrian refugee toddler whose body on a Turkish beach in 2015 broke millions of hearts across the world, Alan Rumi's death has left a trail of grief stretching from a Sharjah neighbourhood all the way back to Kerala in south India. He was 22 months old. He had a si»»»
In the army now: Pictures that show how ordinary Ukrainians have been shaped by war
The Russian bombs that began falling on Ukraine on 24 February 2022 turned tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians into soldiers overnight. Many who had never held a weapon before rushed to take up arms. In the four years that have followed, as the war has ground on and the initial patriotic fervo»»»
AI exec Asha Sharma to replace Microsoft Gaming head Phil Spencer - UPI.com
Microsoft's gaming executive Phil Spencer is retiring after 38 years and will be replaced by Asha Sharma, company officials said on Friday. Photo by Friedemann Vogel/EPA Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Microsoft Gaming Chief Executive Officer Phil Spencer is retiring after 38 years at the tech giant and is being »»»
Dubai hits 4m residents while property deals cross Dh900b
Dubai: Dubai’s population has surpassed four million, a milestone that is already feeding directly into housing demand and reinforcing record activity in a property market that saw transactions approach Dh900 billion last year. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The emira»»»
Indonesia, US sign bilateral trade deal, announce new strategic partnership
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Indonesia officially signed a bilateral trade agreement with the United States on Friday, titled "Implementing the Agreement Towards a New Golden Era of the US-Indonesia Alliance," during a meeting between Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Donald Trump in Washington.Ind»»»
Kuwait Towers .. nat'l landmark, icon of contemporary Arab heritage
KUWAIT, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Kuwait Towers, inaugurated in 1979 overlooking the Arabian Gulf, were initially constructed as a water storage project. Over time, they have become a prominent national landmark and an icon of contemporary Arab heritage.The concept was the idea of late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-»»»
Over 10 killed, 30 injured in Israeli occupation airstrike on Lebanon's Beqaa Valley
BEIRUT, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- More than 10 people were killed and over 30 others injured in an airstrike carried out by Israel occupations forces on the Beqaa Valley region in eastern Lebanon, the Lebanese National News Agency said Friday.The airstrike targeted a building in the city of Riyaq in Beqaa G»»»
Trump slams Supreme Court ruling voiding emergency tariffs, vows "stronger alternatives"
WASHINGTON, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump described a Supreme Court ruling invalidating tariffs he imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) as "disgraceful," asserting he has "stronger alternatives" and announcing plans to introduce a 10 percent global tari»»»
Cyberattack closes dozens of Mississippi medical clinics - UPI.com
Feb. 20 (UPI) -- The University of Mississippi Medical Center closed its 35 clinics throughout Mississippi on Friday after being targeted in a ransomware attack. Medical center officials also canceled all elective medical procedures that were scheduled for the day and rescheduled all but dialysis a»»»
Trump says he is considering limited military strike on Iran
US President Donald Trump has said he is considering a limited military strike on Iran in order to pressure its leaders to agree a deal to curb the nuclear programme. The president made the remark in response to a question from a journalist hours after officials had suggested the possibility of a s»»»
Trump considers strike on Iran as Tehran says draft nuclear deal coming soon
US President Donald Trump on Friday said he was considering a limited strike on Iran as he sent a major naval buildup to the region with the goal of pressurising Tehran to cut a deal that would curb its nuclear programme. Iran's foreign minister said a draft proposal for an agreement with Washingto»»»
Can India rival US, China, UAE in AI after Google’s new undersea cables?
Dubai: Google’s decision to build new undersea internet cables linking India to multiple continents has raised a bigger question: can India realistically challenge the United States and China in artificial intelligence — and match the UAE’s rapid progress in AI adoption? Sign up for our daily busin»»»
UK agrees drone defence plan with four EU allies
Britain is to develop new air defence weapons alongside the EU's four biggest military powers, deepening ties with the European defence sector. The project will invite manufacturers in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Poland to submit plans to build low-cost missiles and autonomous drones. The al»»»
US wants India to buy Venezuelan oil – envoy
The US is in “active negotiations” with India, which it hopes to persuade to import oil from Venezuela instead of Russia, the American ambassador in New Delhi has said. The US issued licenses to two trading houses to distribute oil produced in Venezuela after kidnapping the Latin American nation’s »»»
Venezuela enacts political amnesty law
Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, has enacted an amnesty law meant to grant immediate clemency to individuals jailed for participating in political unrest. The law, signed on Thursday, had been formally proposed by Rodriguez in January, weeks after she was appointed interim president.»»»
Poll: 62% oppose ICE's tactics in immigration efforts - UPI.com
Tens of thousands of people march through downtown Minneapolis as they protest the federal government's immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis on Jan. 30. A new poll shows that most Americans believe President Donald Trump has gone too far in his immigration efforts. Photo by Craig Lassig/UPI»»»
Civil Flights Suspended in Bulgaria as American Military Aircraft Flood Sofia Airport
Sofia International Airport will suspend all civil flights during two short nighttime windows on February 23 and 24, allowing only military aircraft to operate, according to data published on Flightradar24 and an official notice to airmen (NOTAM). The restrictions will apply from 01:15 to 02:50 on »»»
US and Chinese warplanes face off near Korea – media
US and Chinese fighter jets faced off not far off the South Korean coast this week, according to local media outlets. Approximately ten US Forces Korea (USFK) F-16 warplanes took off from Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek – about 60km south of Seoul – and flew over international waters in the Yellow Sea,»»»
US trade gap reaches historic high despite tariffs
Washington, Feb. 20 (SANA) The US trade deficit reached a new record level last year, totaling $1.24 trillion, despite broad tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. According to CNN, US Commerce Department data showed the goods and services trade gap widened in December to $70.3 billion. The »»»
Austrian court fines man $11K in climber girlfriend's 2025 death - UPI.com
An Austrian court on Thursday fined a man and suspended his five-month sentence after finding him guilty of negligence in his climber girlfriend's death amid wintry conditions while climbing Grossglockner Mountain in January 2025. Photo by Helmut Fohringer/EPA Feb. 20 (UPI) -- An Austrian man recei»»»