How the Strait of Hormuz blockade could ground Europe’s airlines within weeks
LONDON: Europe’s commercial aviation sector is moving closer to a jet fuel crunch as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to choke off supplies from the Gulf, threatening summer travel plans for millions and forcing airlines and governments to weigh rationing, cancellations and emergency fu»»»
JD14.2m total net profit for electricity distribution — EDCO
AMMAN — The Electricity Distribution Company (EDCO) achieved a net profit of JD14.2 million for the fiscal year 2025, compared with JD15.4 million in 2024, the company announced on Wednesday.The reported earnings include revenues from EDCO's 55.5 per cent stake in the Irbid District Electricity Com»»»
Mexico seeks answers from U.S. over agents in Chihuahua operation - UPI.com
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wants an explanation about the unauthorized participation of U.S. agents in field operations on Mexican territory. Photo by Alberto Estevez/EPA April 22 (UPI) -- President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that Mexico sent a diplomatic note to the U.S. Embassy req»»»
Oil to Fabric: Middle East Crises Reshape Global Fashion
Rising oil prices are no longer just an energy market story; they are feeding directly into the cost of clothing. From petrochemical plants to fabric mills and retail racks, a complex supply chain is passing on higher costs, pushing up the final price consumers pay. According to the “Materials Mark»»»
Supreme Court Supreme hears arguments on permanent resident parole case - UPI.com
The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Wednesday in Blanche vs. Lau, which would determine when immigration officers can demote a permanent resident's status to parole, a temporary status that can be revoked and result in deportation. File Photo by Eric Lee/UPI | License Photo WASHINGTON, April»»»
Qatar University opens readmission application for 2026 Fall semester
DOHA: Qatar University's (QU) Admissions Department has announced that applying for readmission to undergraduate programs for the 2026 Fall semester is open, from April 19-29. Fall 2026 applications are available for all but the College of Sport Sciences, the University has said. Those eligible for»»»
Food security: Why Guterres’s UN plan to get fertiliser flowing in Hormuz is stalling
The United Nations is pushing its proposal for a humanitarian corridor to get fertiliser and other essential goods through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked since the start of the Iran war. This plan, which FRANCE 24 has seen, has yet to be approved by several countries.»»»
First direct flight from Tripoli lands in Madrid after a hiatus of more than a decade
The Spanish Embassy in Tripoli welcomed yesterday the arrival of the first direct flight from Tripoli’s Mitiga airport to Madrid – after a hiatus of more than a decade. The Spanish Ambassador to Libya participated in the celebration event of the Medsky flight at Madrid. The Spanish Embassy said the»»»
French Soldier Dies of Wounds After Attack on UN Force in Lebanon
President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that a second French soldier had died following an attack on United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon last week, which he said was carried out by Iran-backed Hezbollah. The soldier, Chief Corporal Anicet Girardin, was severely wounded on April 18 and died o»»»
New York AG sues Coinbase, Gemini over illegal gambling - UPI.com
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed lawsuits against cryptocurrency companies Coinbase and Gemini for violating state gambling laws. FilePhoto by Derek French/UPI | License Photo April 22 (UPI) -- New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed lawsuits against cryptocurrency compan»»»
Vucic, Whitaker discuss regional security issues, Serbia-US relations
BELGRADE, April 22 (Tanjug) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker on Wednesday to discuss the most significant security and political issues in the region, especially noting that preservation of security for Serbs in the Autonomous Province of Kosovo-M»»»
Afghanistan joint chamber forms border committee with next-door Iran
The joint Afghan-Iran committees have been set up to resolve border issues and improve the movement of goods across the border, according to the Iran Chamber of Commerce press release on April 22. The initiative was announ»»»
CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: There are those who swear Tokayev just auditioned for the UN top job
Did Kazakhstan’s president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, just audition for the role of the next UN secretary-general? Rumours have swirled for months that Tokayev – for many years a career diplomat and a former director-general »»»
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»»»
Italy summons Russian ambassador after TV host targets Meloni with stream of insults
Rome has called in Moscow's ambassador after a Russian TV presenter attacked Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on air, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Tuesday. The remarks, condemned across the political spectrum, risk deepening already strained ties between Rome and Moscow amid tensi»»»
Hungary and Slovakia quietly drop Russia-sanctions veto, freeing up EU’s €90bn for Ukraine
Hungary and Slovakia have lifted their Russia vetoes, marking the end of an era, with the next round of EU sanctions on Moscow to snap into place almost immediately. The move, which legally comes into effect at 1PM on Thursday (23 April), marks the final collapse of outgoing Hungarian prime ministe»»»
Qatar Winter Sports Committee and Years of Culture Launch 2026 Winter Sports Development Programme
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Winter Sports Committee (QWSC), in collaboration with Years of Culture, is set to launch a year-round programme of winter sports development initiatives as part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture partnership. This marks a major step in expanding winter sports»»»
Cabinet Adopts Report on Implementation of 2026 Action Plan on Measures Arising from Bulgaria's EU Membership
By a decision of the Cabinet, a report was adopted on the implementation of the 2026 Action Plan containing the measures arising from Bulgaria’s membership of the European Union as at March 31, 2026. Out of a total of 100 measures with a deadline for implementation by March 31, 41 have been complet»»»
Kyrgyzstan receives over $220 million in remittances in February 2026 - | 24.KG
The volume of remittances received by Kyrgyzstan in February 2026 amounted to $224.2 million, the National Bank reported. According to the bank, the bulk of this amount came from CIS countries—$208.2 million. Transfers from non-CIS countries amounted to $16 million. In February 2026, the volume of »»»
From survivor to supporter: Abu Dhabi-based expat offers free autism assessments to UAE families
Dubai: For many parents in the UAE, the first signs of developmental delay in a child can bring uncertainty and often, hesitation. This Autism Awareness month, Abu Dhabi-based Filipina expatriate Lilac Schonberg is working to remove that hesitation by offering free applied behaviour analysis assess»»»
Win-Win’ or ‘Sign of Weakness’? Experts Split on Trump's Ceasefire Move
Trump has given no indication of how long the extension will last. The US leader's ceasefire is therefore considered indefinite, ex-ambassador to Iran Asif Durrani points out. The second round of US–Iran talks in Islamabad did not take place, as the two sides failed to agree on preliminary conditio»»»
Chairman of QMC meets Iraqi Ambassador
Doha, Qatar: Chairman of Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) HE Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al-Thani met on Wednesday with Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the State of Qatar HE Mohammed Jaafar Al Sadr. During the meeting, they discussed aspects of cooperation and coordination between the two countries »»»
Kuwait sentences lawyer to 3 years over false social media posts on citizenship
Kuwait’s Court of Appeal has sentenced a lawyer to three years in prison with immediate effect after convicting him of posting misleading and false information via X platform that sparked public confusion over citizenship revocation cases. The State Security Circuit found that the defendant had exc»»»
Syrian minister discusses economic recovery with U.N. envoy
Damascus, April 22 (SANA) Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Nidal al-Shaar met on Wednesday with U.N. Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation and expand support for Syria’s productive sectors. The talks focused on improving coordination w»»»
Parliament approves Ulan Mamatkanov for post of Deputy Cabinet Chairman - | 24.KG
Parliament of Kyrgyzstan approved Ulan Mamatkanov’s candidacy for the post of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. The decision was made at a meeting of the Zhogorku Kenesh. Members of Parliament did not ask Mamatkanov questions; his candidacy was approved unanimously. The new acting Deputy»»»
Qatar speaker, Spain envoy hold talks on bilateral ties and regional security
Doha: Shura Council Speaker HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim has held talks with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the State of Qatar HE Alvaro Renedo Zalba, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and discussing regional developments. According to a statement, the meeting reviewed cooper»»»
Israel could lose observer status at European political assembly over death penalty law
London: Israel could lose its observer status at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe over a new death penalty law, the assembly president has warned. The law could see Palestinians face execution for offenses including murder and terrorism if convicted in military courts in occupied»»»
Report says US blocked $500 mn cash shipment to Iraq over pro-Iran attacks
Washington: The United States blocked a plane carrying nearly $500 million in banknotes from delivering the cash to Iraq, US media reported on Tuesday, piling pressure on Baghdad to fight Iran-backed militant groups. The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington has suspended cash shipments to I»»»
Makkah Route expands in Indonesia as first Hajj flights take off
JAKARTA: Indonesia started its Hajj flights on Wednesday with expanded access to the Makkah Route, as Saudi authorities added a new major Indonesian airport to the flagship initiative that streamlines immigration procedures for pilgrims. Indonesia, the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, will »»»
China denies US-detained ship in Middle East contained ‘gift’ for Iran
BEIJING: China on Wednesday denied again that a ship intercepted by the United States contained a “gift” from Beijing for Iran, a day after US President Donald Trump made the accusation. Trump had said that an Iranian-flagged ship seized by US forces in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday contained “a gift »»»
Will Iran war reshape global trade more than COVID?
TradeGlobal issuesWill Iran war reshape global trade more than COVID?Nik MartinAs the Iran war simmers, trade experts wonder if this conflict will reshape supply chains more than the pandemic. Companies are already rethinking strategies to future-proof revenues from other geopolitical risks. https:»»»
Morocco’s Inflation Rises to 0.9% in March
Morocco's annual inflation, measured by the consumer price index, rose to 0.9% in March from -0.6% a month earlier, the statistics agency said on Wednesday. Food prices, the main driver of inflation, rose 0.6% from a year earlier, while non-food inflation increased 1.1%. Core inflation, which »»»
Report Says US Blocked $500M Cash Shipment to Iraq Over Pro-Iran Attacks
The United States blocked a plane carrying nearly $500 million in banknotes from delivering the cash to Iraq, US media reported on Tuesday, piling pressure on Baghdad to fight Iran-backed armed factions. The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington has suspended cash shipments to Iraq and froze»»»
Saudi cabinet backs PIF strategy, approves tax pact and cross-border deals
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s cabinet backed the Public Investment Fund’s 2026–2030 strategy and approved a tax pact and cross-border deals, as non-oil exports rose 15 percent and digital readiness ranked first globally. The cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on April 21 on beh»»»
Governor of Qatar Central Bank meets German Ambassador
Doha, Qatar: Governor of Qatar Central Bank HE Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani met today, April 22, 2026, with HE Oliver Owcza, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the State of Qatar. During the meeting, they discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation between the two co»»»
Authorities Shut Down Two More Slaughterhouses
The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has shut down two slaughterhouses—one registered in the village of Gergevets near Sliven and an illegal one in Byala Slatina, the Agency said on Wednesday. At the slaughterhouse in Gergevets, inspectors from the BFSA Central Office and the Regional Directorat»»»
Report: US Blocks Iraq’s Dollar Shipments to Squeeze Iran-Backed Factions
US President Donald Trump's administration has halted US dollar shipments to Iraq and frozen security cooperation programs with its military, as it presses Baghdad to dismantle Iranian-backed factions operating in the country, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing Iraqi and US offic»»»
Abu Dhabi's new HR regulations tighten rules on government appointments and promotions
Abu Dhabi: The Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi has issued the Executive Regulations of Law No. (8) of 2025 concerning Human Resources in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The regulations outline a set of conditions and controls governing employee selection, appointment, and promotion, ensu»»»
Iran Demands Release of Touska Vessel, Crew
Iran called on the UN to require the US to immediately release the commercial vessel Touska and its crew after a US military attack near the Iranian coast in the Sea of Oman. In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council president on Tuesday, Iran’s ambassador Amir S»»»
Saudi construction costs rise 2% as equipment, labor drive gains
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Construction Cost Index recorded a 2 percent year-on-year increase in March, driven largely by higher equipment rental and labor expenses, with both residential and non-residential segments posting gains. According to a report released by the General Authority for Statistics,»»»
Trump Declares Iran Ceasefire Extension
US President Donald Trump said he would indefinitely extend the ceasefire with Iran to allow for further peace talks, although it was not clear on Wednesday if Iran or Israel would agree. Trump said in a statement on social media the US had agreed to a request by Pakistani mediators "to hold our At»»»
‘YoC with Canada, Mexico: A platform for diplomacy’
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s 2026 Year of Culture (YoC) with Canada and Mexico is emerging as a dynamic platform for international cultural diplomacy, fostering long-term partnerships and people-to-people connections, according to Years of Culture Advisor on Latin American Affairs, Mohammed Al Kuwari. Spea»»»
OpenAI develops image generation for ChatGPT
Washington: OpenAI, a leading AI research company, announced a new update to its image generation mechanism in ChatGPT, adding what the company describes as "thinking capabilities," enabling online search and the creation of a set of related images based on just one command. The update is based on »»»
Minister of Municipality meets Ambassador of Guinea
Minister of Municipality H E Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah met yesterday with Ambassador of the Republic of Guinea to the State of Qatar H E Thierno Abdoulaye Sow. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.»»»
Minister of Labor and US Ambassador to Romania discuss cooperation in field of labor and social protection
The Minister of Labor, Petre-Florin Manole, had a meeting with the US Ambassador to Romania, Darryl Nirenberg, during which they discussed the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the field of labor and social protection and common directions of action in the context of current challenges on t»»»
Child protection law struck down by EU court
The European Court of Justice has officially declared Hungary’s child protection law unlawful due to discrimination and stigmatization. In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) annulled the law on protection against paedophiles and the protection of childr»»»
Justice Department indicts Southern Poverty Law Center on financial fraud charges - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel hold a press conference at the Department of Justice Headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 22 (UPI) -- Federal prosecutors Tuesday even»»»
Hezbollah Fires at Israel, Citing Truce Breaches
Lebanese armed group Hezbollah said it fired rockets and drones into northern Israel on Tuesday, accusing the Israeli military of violating a ceasefire ahead of US-mediated talks between the Israeli and Lebanese governments this week. The Israeli military earlier said Iran-aligned Hezbollah had fir»»»
Lebanese State Not Seeking Confrontation with Hezbollah but Won’t Be Intimidated, PM Says
Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Tuesday his government was not seeking confrontation with Iran-backed Hezbollah, but would not allow itself to be intimidated as it prepares direct talks with Israel to end the conflict. Salam and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris to see how »»»
Trump extends Iran ceasefire indefinitely as peace talks stall
President Donald Trump said Tuesday the United States would indefinitely extend its ceasefire with Iran, easing fears that a fragile pause in fighting could collapse as stalled peace talks remain in limbo. The move comes amid mounting diplomatic pressure, with Pakistan scrambling to bring both side»»»