Kyrgyzstan to introduce one-year provisional licenses for new drivers - | 24.KG
Graduates of driving schools in Kyrgyzstan will no longer be able to immediately obtain a permanent driver’s license. Instead, a «provisional national driver’s license» valid for one year is being introduced, a draft government resolution says. Under the document, standard training lasts 10 months.»»»
Echo plans Grzybowska tower
Echo Investment has applied to demolish the Pekao Tower at 53/57 Grzybowska Street in Warsaw, paving the way for a new office project on a site it owns. The demolition request was filed on January 30, 2026. The existing building — also known as the Marian Kantor Building — was completed in 1991 as »»»
Blik eyes market debut
Blik is preparing for a potential debut on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, in what could become one of the most closely watched listings in Poland’s financial sector. The mobile payments platform, widely used for online transfers and in-store transactions, has grown into a key player in the country’s fa»»»
EU backs Polish SAFE
EU member states have approved Poland’s participation in the €150 billion SAFE defense program, concluding the bloc’s review of Warsaw’s plan. Poland will receive €43.7 billion in low-interest loans to finance 139 military procurement projects, largely sourced from European manufacturers. The loans»»»
India and France deepen defence partnership with new pacts
French President Emmanuel Macron wrapped up the first day of a state visit to India on February 17, 2026, elevating defence cooperation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and setting out an expanded industrial and military roadmap. »»»
India and France deepen defence partnership with new pacts
French President Emmanuel Macron wrapped up the first day of a state visit to India on February 17, 2026, elevating defence cooperation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and setting out an expanded industrial and military roadmap. »»»
Putin, women, favours: DOJ files reveal Jeffrey Epstein’s efforts to build Russian ties
Convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein sought to cultivate ties with Russia’s political elite and repeatedly pressed for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, according to US Justice Department files released on Tuesday. The documents detail Epstein’s travel to Russia and efforts to recruit y»»»
A propos - Jesse Jackson's death will 'harness the power of the people to go forward'
Speaking with FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney, Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, Professor of Constitutional Law at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY), founder of @The Law & Policy Group, and author of 'A Protest History of the United States', says that the death of civil rights leader Jesse Jacks»»»
Two poachers with illegal firearms detained in Chui region - | 24.KG
On October 29, 2025, officers of the Internal Affairs Department of Zhaiyl district conducted a raid in cooperation with representatives of the public association Kalininskoye Interdistrict Society of Hunters and Fishermen, resulting in the detention of two individuals engaged in poaching. The susp»»»
Iranian FM says progress made in nuclear talks with US in Geneva
Iran and the United States reached an understanding on the main "guiding principles" in a second round of indirect talks over their nuclear dispute on Tuesday, but that does not mean a deal is imminent, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. FRANCE 24's Angela Diffley brings you this analysi»»»
Security takes centre stage at African Union summit
The 39th edition of Africa’s top regional body ended Monday in Ethiopia with leaders of member nations focusing talks on security and regional stability. FRANCE 24's Tom Canetti reports from Addis Ababa.»»»
Starmer's Epstein scandal defence falls on deaf ears
The revelation that a high-profile member of the British government had close historic ties with the disgraced American financier Jeffrey Epstein has entrenched British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in the worst political crisis he has faced since taking office. Questions about his ability to sur»»»
Why Russia may have turned to dart‑frog toxin epibatidine to poison Navalny
Two years after Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died in prison, five European countries claim they have identified the substance that killed him: epibatidine, an extremely lethal toxin produced by the South American poison dart frog. But why go through the trouble of using such a rare, exo»»»
Russia, Ukraine seem to be 'putting up a performance for president Trump', analyst says
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators concluded the first of two days of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday, though neither side signalled they were any closer to ending Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, John Lough, Head of Foreign Policy at »»»
Who is Vladimir Medinsky, the nationalist historian leading Russia’s peace talks delegation?
Russia’s delegation to the latest round of US-brokered peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow in Geneva is once again being led by ultraconservative historian and presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky – a man who rewrote Russia’s history textbooks to justify Moscow’s all-out invasion of Ukraine. Vladimi»»»
First day of Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Geneva ends with no breakthroughs
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators wrapped up a first day of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday with no sign of a breakthrough. The nearly four-year war, Europe’s deadliest since World War II, grinds on as both sides signalled that they remain far apart on key issues like territory. »»»
'I am Sara Duterte. I will run for president of the Philippines'
Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday formally declared that she will seek the presidency in 2028, ending years of speculation about her political ambitions. “I am Sara Duterte. I will run for president of the Philippines,” she said during a press conference, delivering a direct and unequivocal »»»
First day of Ramadan sees heavy traffic and multiple road incidents across UAE roads
Dubai: Commuters faced significant delays on Wednesday morning as the first day of Ramadan brought heavy traffic and a series of incidents to the main arteries linking Sharjah and Dubai. The shift in traditional working hours and school timings, resulted in a concentrated surge of vehicles during t»»»
Ramadan 2026 UAE traffic guide: Peak hours, key roads and how to beat the congestion
Dubai: Today, the UAE marks the first day of Ramadan after the official moon-sighting committee confirmed the holy month will begin on Wednesday, February 18. The arrival of Ramadan brings one of the most significant shifts in daily traffic patterns seen all year. For the next 30 days, roads across»»»
European Parliament members discuss cooperation prospects with Osh students - | 24.KG
Members of the European Parliament met with students of Osh State University to discuss prospects for cooperation. During the meeting at the university, the parties addressed issues of international education, opportunities for studying abroad, academic mobility, and youth initiatives. A separate m»»»
Convicted webcam studio founder Daniel Azhiev released - | 24.KG
The President of Kyrgyzstan has pardoned Daniel Azhiev, the founder of webcam studios who was found guilty and sentenced. He was released early, his family announced on social media. In the fall of 2024, Daniel Azhiev was sentenced to nine years in prison with confiscation of property and a fine of»»»
Bayer agrees to pay billions to settle Roundup lawsuits
BusinessUnited States of AmericaBayer agrees to pay billions to settle Roundup lawsuitsKate Hairsine with AP, ReutersGerman chemical giant Bayer and cancer patient attorneys have agreed to a proposed $7.25 billion settlement over lawsuits claiming that glyphosate in its Roundup weedkiller causes ca»»»
MARINS: What happens if the Iran-US Geneva talks to stave off war fail?
After the first meeting in Oman this month, about which very little is known, the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi are meeting in Geneva on February 17. »»»
Kyrgyzstan’s national security chief fired by president reportedly leaves country
Kamchybek Tashiyev, last week stripped of his post as Kyrgyzstan’s national security chief by President Sadyr Japarov, has temporarily left the country, Ozodlik reported on February 17, citing a report by Region TV’s Utkirbek Rakhmonov. »»»
4 dead, many hurt in crashes involving over 30 vehicles in 'brown out' conditions on Colorado interstate
PUEBLO, Colorado: Four people died in crashes involving over 30 vehicles, including six semitrailers, on an interstate in Colorado Tuesday after blowing dirt made it nearly impossible to see, authorities said. Dirt kicked up by heavy winds blew across Interstate 25 just south of Pueblo around 10 a.»»»
Foggy mornings, fair days as stable weather continues across UAE
Dubai: The UAE will experience fair to partly cloudy weather today, the first day of Ramadan, with humid conditions developing overnight and into Thursday morning, and a probability of fog or mist over some western areas, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). (Click here for the Ra»»»
British passport rush: Millions of dual nationals now racing against time
Millions of dual nationals worldwide are suddenly facing a rush to obtain or renew British passports after the UK government tightened entry rules for people holding more than one citizenship. Many have been caught out by upcoming changes to passport rules for dual nationals, which are due to kick »»»
The power of early conversations: Raising resilient, responsible children
In today’s fast-paced world, where children are exposed to information, opinions, and influences from every direction, one timeless practice remains deeply powerful - meaningful conversations at home. The foundations of character, resilience, and responsibility are not built in teenage years. They »»»
Philippines: 100% discounts in electricity bills for certain Filipino households
Manila: In a game-changing move, the government has unleashed a major policy tweak allowing a 100% electricity subsidy for poorest Filipino families. Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos recently unveiled the "auto-enrollment" scheme for millions of target beneficiaries -- families unde»»»
Rescuers search for 10 missing skiers after California avalanche
An avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe region has left 10 backcountry skiers missing, authorities say, with six more people stranded and awaiting rescue. The avalanche was reported about 11:30PST (19:30GMT) in the Castle Peak area near the town of Truckee, according to the Nevada County Sheriff's »»»
Climber on trial for leaving girlfriend to die on Austria's highest mountain
More than a year after a 33-year-old woman froze to death on Austria's highest mountain, her boyfriend goes on trial on Thursday accused of gross negligent manslaughter. Kerstin G died of hypothermia on a mountain climbing trip to the Grossglockner that went horribly wrong. Her boyfriend is accused»»»
$198-million World Bank boost for India rooftop solar
Washington: India’s ambitious rooftop solar expansion plan on Tuesday secured a $197.67 million guarantee from the World Bank Group’s arm. The five-year backing supports refinancing of a $500 million World Bank loan to the State Bank of India for grid-connected solar systems serving commercial an»»»
Bayer agrees to $7.25B Roundup class-action settlement - UPI.com
Bayer subsidiary Monsanto on Tuesday said it would pay $7.25 billion over 21 years to settle class action lawsuits filed by those claiming its Roundup weedkiller caused cancer. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Officials for Germany-based Bayer have agreed to pay $7»»»
Guatemalan troops deploy to gang-plagued capital
Heavily armed Guatemalan troops and military police deployed to the country's capital Tuesday, challenging street gangs blamed for killing 11 officers and sparking a major security crisis. President Bernardo Arevala ordered the "Plan Sentinel" operation to break the stranglehold of Barrio 18 and MS»»»
Rubio extends Losar wishes, names envoy
Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday extended greetings to Tibetans worldwide on the occasion of Losar and announced the designation of a senior official as the United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. “I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Losar, the»»»
Stephen Colbert says CBS spiked interview with Democrat over FCC fears
Late-night host Stephen Colbert has accused his network of refusing to broadcast his interview with a Democratic politician over fears of retaliation by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). CBS, the network which hosts the programme, denies that it "prohibited" the interview from being aire»»»
I would scream in my sleep: Women from Syria's Alawite minority tell of kidnap and rape
Warning: This report contains accounts of sexual assault and violence that some readers may find distressing. Ramia was preparing for a family picnic, on a warm summer day in her village in Latakia province in western Syria, when a white car drove up, she said. Three armed men got out, saying they »»»
Food prices are surging in Russia. Is the war hitting Russians in the pocket?
"Life is becoming more expensive," complains Alexander, a Moscow-based advertising specialist who works for a big corporation. In the course of one month his monthly food budget soared by more than 22% - from 35,000 roubles (£330; $450) to 43,000 (£406; $555). With Russia's economy hanging somewher»»»
Oil prices fall back as 'hopeful' Tehran responds to Trump
Shares vacillated and oil prices dropped back down Tuesday as Tehran gave an encouraging response during talks with US officials in Geneva on Iran's nuclear programme, after days of escalating rhetoric from President Donald Trump. Also Read: Iran-US talks in Geneva advance on 'guiding principles'Oi»»»
Iran-US talks in Geneva advance on 'guiding principles'
Iran announced a "breakthrough" in Geneva talks with the US on February 17, 2026, agreeing on "guiding principles" for resolving its nuclear dispute, BBC reported. This marking progress after Oman's-hosted first round. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the indirect discussions "constru»»»
Winter is getting shorter across nearly 200 U.S. cities, new climate analysis finds - UPI.com
A water taxi/ferry is escorted through the ice in the Hudson River before docking in Manhattan as seen from "Edge" at Hudson Yards as sub freezing temperatures continue after the weekends major snow storm on January 29 in New York City. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo Across the United »»»
'We're going to always be grateful' - Chicagoans mourns the loss of Jesse Jackson
Residents of Chicago, Illinois, are mourning the loss of US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who died at age 84, surrounded by family, according to a statement released by his relatives. The BBC's Gary O'Donoghue spoke with Chicagoans about what Jackson's passing means for the city and for the wi»»»
Fulton County, Ga., officials say DOJ lied about elections office raid - UPI.com
Officials for Fulton County, Georgia, on Tuesday accused the FBI of lying to obtain a warrant that authorized a raid on the county's elections office on Jan. 18. File Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Officials for Fulton County, Ga., said in a filing Tuesday that the Department of J»»»
100 MW solar project financing completed
AMMAN — President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) Fathi Jaghbir, on Tuesday affirmed that the Shams Renewable Power Company project represents a "pioneering" national model for joint industrial work.He confirmed that the project’s financing is fully secured and that the company, established»»»
Kingdom records 11 patents, 717 trademarks in January
AMMAN — A total of 11 patents were registered in January, including 10 local patents, according to data from the Industrial Property Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply.The data monitored on Tuesday by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, indicates that 717 trademarks wer»»»
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the US Navy's newest and largest aircraft carrier crosses the Strait of Gibraltar, en route to the Middle East
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the US Navy's newest and largest aircraft carrier has recently crossed the Strait of Gibraltar and is en route to the Middle East. The move is widely interpreted as a strategic signal amid escalating regional dynamics, including US responses to Iranian threats and b»»»
Dangerous winds cause deadly Colorado pileup sparks fast-moving Plains wildfires - UPI.com
1 of 2 | A fatal crash on I-25 near Pueblo, Colo., took place Tuesday during a high-wind event. Photo courtesy Colorado State Patrol Powerful winds kicking up dust across the Plains contributed to multiple fatal crashes and sparked rapidly spreading wildfires on Tuesday as dry grasses fueled fast-m»»»
US Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin to leave post
Spokeswoman for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Tricia McLaughlin - one of the most prominent figures in the White House crackdown on immigration - plans to leave her post this week. McClaughlin has vigorously promoted and defended President Donald Trump's deportation push across socia»»»
Hillary Clinton accuses Trump of Epstein 'cover-up' in BBC interview
Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has accused President Donald Trump of orchestrating a "cover-up" over files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to an interview with the BBC published Monday. "Get the files out. They are slow-walking it," Clinton, who is due to testify be»»»
'One huge party': Brazilian carnival in full swing in Rio
The world’s biggest party is back as Carnival celebrations return to Brazil with glittery, outrageous costumes, samba rhythms ringing out until dawn and hundreds of raucous roaming parties flooding the streets. "It does really feel as though the whole of the city has become one huge party for this »»»