Sharjah boosts safety drive to prevent summer risks
Sharjah: With summer approaching, the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority has ramped up inspections and awareness campaigns across industrial and commercial zones, aiming to prevent accidents and strengthen public safety. The authority said the move is part of a proactive strategy focused on reducing r»»»
Bring it: Akylas the police dog finds cocaine stash
A police sniffer dog named Akylas has helped locate a stash of drugs hidden in a parked car in Thessaloniki, over which one man has been arrested, authorities said Wednesday. A police statement said the dog sniffed out 1.1 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside the car in the northern port city, and»»»
Agriculture Ministry and Sofia Municipality Sign Memorandum on Vitosha Nature Park Development
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Sofia Municipality have signed a memorandum of cooperation placing emphasis on key projects for the development of the Vitosha Nature Park, including the construction of a new panoramic viewing platform in the Kopitoto area. The partnership also provides an »»»
Nothing Begins or Ends with Borislav Sarafov, Politicians Must Act Wisely but Swiftly, PM Gurov Says
Nothing begins or will end with Borislav Sarafov, and both new and established politicians have a role to play on this critical issue, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said in a video published on Facebook. They must act wisely but quickly – not with threats, but with legislation, he added. Gu»»»
Private consumers, largest solar power producers in Tunisia, says Secretary of State
Tunis, April 22 (TAP) – “Private consumers are the largest solar power producers in Tunisia,” Secretary of State for Energy Transition Wael Chouchane said on Wednesday during a study day on draft laws relating to concessions for electricity...»»»
Macut lays wreath at Jajinci memorial park
BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut laid a wreath at the Jajinci memorial park on Wednesday at a state ceremony that marked the Remembrance Day for the Victims of the Holocaust, Genocide and Other Victims of Fascism in WWII. "Macut emphasised that today we stand as guardians of the memory of tens of »»»
Two killed in Israeli airstrike in Southern Lebanon
Beirut: Two people were killed Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes targeted a car in the town of Al-Tayri in southern Lebanon, killing two people inside. Earlier today, one person was killed and two o»»»
Palantir’s Technological Republic is a blueprint for digital tyranny
Walking through the glass-and-steel corridors of the modern tech-security apparatus reveals that the telescreen is a tireless processor of our very souls. Palantir Technologies’ vision of a “Technological Republic” arrives as a manual for the refinement of the boot, the one destined to remain on th»»»
du posts 15.5% profit growth in Q1 despite March slowdown linked to regional tensions
Dubai: Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) reported a strong set of first-quarter results for 2026, with revenue and profit growth supported by solid performance in the early part of the year, despite a slowdown in March linked to regional geopolitical developments. Get updated fast»»»
Gulf war poses major threat to global fertiliser markets and food security, IFPRI warns
The ongoing Iran war is disrupting global fertiliser markets with sustained impacts likely on food production, particularly in Africa and South Asia, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) said on April 1. »»»
Hungary’s new leader unlikely to shift EU stance on Russia and Ukraine dramatically
Hungary’s political landscape has been reshaped by the electoral defeat of longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, but expectations that the country will now pivot sharply away from Russia and toward a more assertive European Union policy on Ukraine may prove misplaced, says a commentary by Carnegie »»»
Spain's far-right Vox returns to power in regional government
Madrid: Spain's far-right Vox party returned Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to the regional government of Extremadura after reaching a deal with the conservative Popular Party (PP), renewing their alliance ahead of a general election expected in 2027. Regions wield significant powers in key areas such »»»
St. George Ribbon Campaign Commences in Moscow
Dmitry Kiselev, general director of Sputnik News Agency's parent company Rossiya Segodnya, has launched the St. George Ribbon campaign, commemorating the heroic deeds of the Soviet people during WWII. The St. George Ribbon is a long-time symbol of wartime courage and memory. This year, the campaign»»»
Saudis Looking to China, Pakistan & Turkiye for Security as Trust in US Erodes - Expert
Saudi Arabia’s calculations are being shaped by erratic US policy that prioritizes Israeli interests, with Saudi and wider Gulf Cooperation Council concerns “coming second,” Prof. Mohsin Raza Khan, Associate Dean at O.P. Jindal Global University’s School of International Affairs, tells Sputnik. As »»»
In Gaza, first local vote in years offers gauge of Hamas popularity
GAZA: Palestinians in one of the only Gaza cities not overrun by Israeli ground forces during the war will vote this weekend in municipal elections that will feature some pro-Hamas candidates, offering a rare barometer of the militant group’s popularity. The vote in Deir Al-Balah is part of Palesti»»»
Hezbollah supporters defiant after sons killed fighting Israel
Lebanese town official Sharif Badreddine begged his youngest son not to leave to fight for Hezbollah against Israel in the country's south, but as the tearful father buried his child he could not hide a sense of pride. In the face of a government push to disarm the group, its supporters call on a l»»»
QSE index closes lower
Doha: Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index closed lower on Wednesday shedding 7.12 points, or 0.07 percent, to settle at 10,677.64 points. A total of 203,741,453 shares were traded in 27,528 transactions across all sectors, valued at QR 489,915,860.157. Shares of 24 companies advanced, while 26 decline»»»
Syrian President reaffirms solidarity with Qatar over security threats
Damascus: President of the Syrian Arab Republic HE Ahmed Al Sharaa has reiterated his country's solidarity with the State of Qatar regarding threats to its security and sovereignty. In a post on the social media platform X, the Syrian president said he held a "fraternal meeting" with HH the Amir Sh»»»
Kyrgyzstan intends to sell electricity to Turkmenistan - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan, together with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, is implementing a new energy project. Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev announced on Birinchi Radio. According to him, the World Bank will allocate $40 million for the project over 40 years. As part of the initiative, the construction of power lin»»»
Trump vs. Powell: Interest rates, investigation and a replacement - UPI.com
1 of 4 | Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s term is nearing its end and President Donald Trump is pushing for his replacement but an investigation into Powell may hold up the appointment of a new chair. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 22 (UPI) -- Federal Reserve Chairman J»»»
Automechanika Riyadh announces new date after 2026 event postponement
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s flagship automotive aftermarket trade show, Automechanika Riyadh, has been rescheduled to Jan. 11–13, 2027, after its original May 2026 dates were postponed due to the Iran war. The event, which was initially set to take place from May 4 to 6 at the Riyadh International Conve»»»
MoCI to relocate to new Lusail headquarters from April 26
DOHA: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has announced that it will officially relocate to its new headquarters in Lusail City, with the move taking effect on Sunday, April 26. The ministry confirmed that all services will be provided from the new premises, including Single Window service»»»
As internal divisions simmer, Lebanese see echoes of civil war
BEIRUT: An Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, bombings in Beirut, massive displacement and rising sectarian friction. The year is 2026, but for those who lived through Lebanon’s civil war five decades ago, it may as well be the 1970s. Lebanese who fought in the 1975-1990 war or documented it as »»»
Israeli strikes kill 3 in Lebanon despite ceasefire
Israeli strikes killed three people in Lebanon on Wednesday, Lebanese state media said, despite an ongoing 10-day ceasefire, which an official said Beirut will request an extension for in the upcoming talks with Israel in Washington. Ahead of the talks on Thursday, Israel called on the Lebanese gov»»»
Under-fire Nepal minister quits after weeks in office
Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepal's home minister stepped down Wednesday over growing criticism of his finances after less than a month in office he won on an anti-corruption platform. Sudan Gurung, a key figure in the Gen-Z protests last September that toppled Nepal's previous government, said he was steppi»»»
FNC condemns terrorist plot targeting UAE's security, stability
The Federal National Council (FNC) strongly condemned the terrorist plot that sought to undermine national unity and destabilise the country. The plot was uncovered and the terrorist cell responsible for planning it was apprehended. The council affirmed that the group harbored ill intentions toward»»»
South Korean fighter pilot fined for mid-air photos that caused crash
Seoul: A South Korean fighter pilot has been ordered to pay 88 million won ($59,200) in damages over a 2021 mid-air collision he caused by trying to get photos and videos of himself flying, an official report said on Wednesday. The pilot, whose identity was withheld, wanted to capture footage of hi»»»
Virginia redistricting vote could boost Democrats in US midterms
Virginia voters on Tuesday approved a new congressional map that could boost Democrats’ representation in the US House by as many as four seats, reshaping the political landscape ahead of November’s midterm elections. The move, seen as a direct response to President Donald Trump’s push for mid-deca»»»
Florida launches probe into OpenAI over ChatGPT’s alleged role in shooting
Florida has opened a criminal investigation into OpenAI following a deadly shooting in 2025 at Florida State University, Attorney General James Uthmeier said Tuesday. Authorities are looking into claims that the company's ChatGPT chatbot provided information to the suspect prior to the attack»»»
NASA says new space telescope will create 'atlas of the universe'
NASA on Tuesday unveiled the Nancy Grace Roman space telescope, a powerful new observatory designed to map the universe and search for distant planets. Aiming to shed light on dark matter and dark energy, the new telescope will be able to observe light emitted by celestial bodies billions of years »»»
Macron: Second French peacekeeper dies after 'Hezbollah ambush'
PARIS: A second French soldier died Wednesday "of the consequences of his wounds" suffered in a weekend ambush against UN peacekeepers in Lebanon blamed on Hezbollah, President Emmanuel Macron said. A first soldier was shot dead in the Saturday ambush, for which Hezbollah has denied responsibility,»»»
Second French peacekeeper dies after ambush blamed on Hezbollah
A second French soldier died on Wednesday from wounds suffered in a weekend ambush against U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon blamed on Hezbollah, President Emmanuel Macron said. A first soldier, staff sergeant Florian Montorio, was shot dead in the Saturday ambush, for which Hezbollah has denied respons»»»
Navigation warning extended: Transport Ministry
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) announced that a navigation warning, published last March 18th and warned ships and maritime vessels to refrain from approaching the areas where hydrographic surveys are being conducted, has been extended and will remain in effect until May 15, 2026. “Al»»»
Egypt’s Monetary Stability Strengthens as Reserves Rise and Energy Dues Cleared
Cairo — Egypt’s economic strategy is gaining renewed institutional and market confidence, supported by rising foreign reserves and the accelerated settlement of energy-sector obligations, according to official statements presented to Parliament and subsequent policy updates. Following an address by»»»
European company to train drivers from Kyrgyzstan for work in EU - | 24.KG
Training for obtaining the Code 95 certificate, required for international freight transportation in the European Union, will be launched in Kyrgyzstan. The program is being implemented by a European company, which will also handle employment for drivers abroad. As Kanybek Tumanbaev, head of the Pr»»»
Dollar Gains as Iran War Keeps Central Banks in Wait-and-see Mode
The dollar edged up against the euro on Wednesday on lingering concerns about the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, even after President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire to give Tehran more time to present a unified proposal for ending the conflict. Iran seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz »»»
Middle East war live: Second French peacekeeper dies after weekend ambush in Lebanon, Macron says
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on X Wednesday the death of a second French peacekeeper who was killed in an ambush in Lebanon on Sunday. Earlier, Beirut said it will ask for a one-month ceasefire extension in its talks with Israel in Washington on Thursday. It comes as US President »»»
IRGC asserting themselves as Iran 'responds to Trump’s method of conducting diplomacy in kind'
Carys Garland is pleased to welcome Dr Burcu Ozcelik, Senior Research Fellow for Middle East Security within the Int'l Security Dept at RUSI. Dr. Ozcelik argues that Iran is simultaneously responding to external pressures: particularly the performative diplomacy of the Trump administration while sa»»»
'We cannot let Iran be our spokesperson': Lebanon charts own path in talks with Israel
François Picard is pleased to welcome Jad Shahrour, Communications Manager at the Samir Kassir Foundation. Lebanon is at a geopolitical crossroads, where sovereignty, regional rivalries and international diplomacy collide. Shahrour places the current negotiations with Israel within a broader strugg»»»
Press Review - Rabbi who bulldozed Palestinian homes selected for Israel's national celebration
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, April 22: An extremist rabbi accused of war crimes has been selected to participate in Israeli Independence Day celebrations. Next: papers look at LGBTQ laws in Hungary and Russia. Also: did someone manipulate France's official meteorological station for insider betting on»»»
Spotlight - 'We cannot let Iran be our spokesperson': Lebanon charts own path in talks with Israel
François Picard is pleased to welcome Jad Shahrour, communications manager at the Samir Kassir Foundation. Lebanon is at a geopolitical crossroads, where sovereignty, regional rivalries and international diplomacy collide. Joining us from Beirut amid the ongoing uncertainty, Shahrour places the cur»»»
Perspective - Iran: 'Going back to war is not in anyone's interest,' risk analyst says
A risk management analyst has spoken to FRANCE 24 about what it means, amid the ceasefire, if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. Paymon Azmoudeh is a senior consultant with the risk and compliance practice at Forward Global. He says he thinks the calculation on all sides is that going»»»
Focus - Residents pay the price as Afghanistan-Pakistan border remains closed
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been completely closed for six months, a direct consequence of the conflict between Kabul and Islamabad. Despite several mediation attempts, negotiations have failed, and the two countries remain at a diplomatic impasse in a war that has already displ»»»
Ukraine to receive $106B loan European Union loan after 5 month delay - UPI.com
European Union ambassadors unanimously backed a long-delayed $106 billion loan to help Ukraine keep defending itself when they met in Brussels on Wednesday, along with a 20th package of sanction on Russia. File photo by Patrick Seeger/EPA-EFE April 22 (UPI) -- European Union ambassadors meeting in »»»
In photos: Iranians rally in Tehran with missile display - All Photos - UPI.com
By Wade SheridanIranians gather and rally at Enghelab Square in Tehran with a missile on display on Tuesday. The rally came in support of Iran's negotiating team as President Donald Trump extended the cease-fire agreement. A missile identified as "Khorramshahr-4" was on display during a public rall»»»
Best Buy names Jason Bonfig as new CEO, hoping for sales boost - UPI.com
Best Buy announced on Wednesday that Jason Bonfig will take over as the company's CEO. File Photo John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo April 22 (UPI) -- Best Buy announced its new CEO will be Jason Bonfig, who has worked as the company's chief customer, product and fulfillment officer, to replace Cor»»»
Government Approves Talks on F-16 Industrial Cooperation Amendment
The caretaker Government authorized the ministers of Economy and Industry and Innovation and Growth to negotiate and sign a framework agreement between the Bulgarian Economy Ministry and Lockheed Martin concerning the F-16 Block 70 Industrial Cooperation Programme, the Council of Ministers said on »»»
Transport ministry's navigation warning extended
DOHA: The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has extended the navigation warning it issued in March. The navigation warning, published on March 18and warning ships and maritime vessels to refrain from approaching the areas where hydrographic surveys are being conducted, has been extended and will remain i»»»
Tunisia to chair Union of Arab Securities Authorities for 2026-2027
Tunis, April 22 (TAP) - Tunisia will chair the Union of Arab Securities Authorities (UASA) during the 2026–2027 term, represented by Chairman of the Board of the Financial Market Authority (French: CMF) Hatem Smiri, thereby strengthening the...»»»