Bulgaria Sees Modest Monthly Industrial Growth, But 8% Yearly Drop Persists
Industrial output in Bulgaria posted a modest monthly increase in February 2026, but continued to decline sharply on an annual basis, according to preliminary, seasonally adjusted data from the National Statistical Institute. On a monthly comparison, the industrial production index rose by 0.9% com»»»
New 500-seat Arabaev school building completed in Kochkor district - | 24.KG
A new building for Arabaev secondary school has been completed in Kochkor district, the press service of the Ministry of Construction reported. The facility is designed to accommodate 500 students. Construction began in 2023 and was financed using the republican budget. The total area of the buildi»»»
Fraud in Sokuluk: Farmer loses livestock worth nearly 4 million soms - | 24.KG
A suspect has been detained in Sokuluk district on charges of fraud after allegedly deceiving a farmer and unlawfully taking livestock worth 3,853,000 soms. The press service of the Main Internal Affairs Department of Chui region reported. According to police, the victim filed a complaint on April »»»
Home Away Sports Festival returns with greater impact, celebrating community and connection
The second Home Away Sports Festival, held on Sunday 5 April 2026, was a resounding success, bringing together 196 blue-collar migrant workers for a full day of cricket, badminton, carnival games, music and community. Organised this year by Karam Kandhari and Aarin Taurani, in collaboration with Sm»»»
Partly cloudy weather, Monday
Tunis, April 13 (TAP) — The sky will be partly cloudy on Monday across Tunisia. Clouds will be temporarily dense in the northern and central areas, with a possibility of scattered and sometimes thundery rain, according to the National Institute of...»»»
Why Edufair Abu Dhabi is a must-attend for every student and parent
The highly anticipated Edufair Abu Dhabi will take place from May 16–17 at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, bringing together more than 25 prestigious universities and career service providers from the UAE and abroad. The event aims to help students and families identify the rig»»»
Two Killed in Ukraine Despite Easter Ceasefire, Governor Says
Two people were killed and one injured by Russian troops in Ukraine's frontline eastern Donetsk region before the expiry of a ceasefire to mark Orthodox Easter, a local official said on Monday, One person was killed in the city of Kramatorsk and one in Druzhkivka on Sunday, regional governor Vadym»»»
Starmer: UK Will Not Back Blockade of Strait of Hormuz
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday that whatever the pressure, Britain would not be dragged into the Iran war and was not supporting a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Starmer said it was vital to get the Strait reopened. "It is, in my view, vital t»»»
Trade Unions Warn: Prices in Bulgaria Won’t Fall Back Even If Fuel Gets Cheaper
The president of the Confederation of Bulgarian Trade Unions, Plamen Dimitrov, has warned that inflation in Bulgaria is likely to exceed earlier projections, even if fuel prices begin to decline. Speaking to the Bulgarian National Radio, he stressed that a formal meeting of the Tripartite Council h»»»
U.S. kills five in two strikes on alleged drug boats in Pacific - UPI.com
The Pentagon under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced Sunday that five people were killed in two strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Pacific. There was one reported survivor, but their condition was unknown. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. m»»»
Abu Dhabi parking update: New paid system in Musaffah starts April 20
Abu Dhabi’s mobility authorities have announced the activation of a paid parking system in new sectors of Musaffah starting Monday, April 20, as part of efforts to improve traffic flow and regulate parking usage. The initiative, announced by Q Mobility, aims to reduce haphazard parking, ease conges»»»
Russian FM to Visit China April 14-15
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit China this week, Beijing said on Monday, as the two sides hope to boost cooperation. "Russia's foreign minister Lavrov will pay an official visit to China from April 14 to 15," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference. Lavrov wil»»»
China Calls Reports It Supplied Weapons to Iran ‘Baseless Smears’
China on Monday called reports it had supplied or intended to supply weapons to Iran "baseless smears", after several outlets quoted US intelligence sources to that effect. "China has always adopted a cautious and responsible attitude towards the export of military items, implementing strict contro»»»
Continued Crisis in Middle East Endangers Global Food Security - Russian Security Council
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The continued crisis in the Middle East endangers the global food security, Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Alexander Maslennikov said on Monday. "An additional negative factor for ensuring global food security is the significantly increasing cost of shipping fre»»»
Easter Traditions Endure: Between Faith, Symbolism and Modern Life
On the occasion of Easter, the greatest Christian holiday, Orthodox believers continue to preserve customs passed down through generations. From painted eggs and festive tables to family gatherings, tradition remains deeply rooted in everyday life – even as modern lifestyles reshape how it is pract»»»
UAE exporters stay confident as growth outlook holds steady
Dubai: Companies across the UAE and global markets continue to expect export growth in 2026, even as the Middle East conflict reshapes financial conditions and risk dynamics across global trade. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The latest Allianz Trade Global Survey, wh»»»
Australian Prime Minister calls for resumption of US-Iran peace talks
Canberra, Australia: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday called for the resumption of peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, and for an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The call by Albanese came during a television interview with the Australian Broadc»»»
China launches first AI-powered digital doctor platform for Parkinson's disease
Beijing, China: As population aging accelerates in China, Parkinson's disease is emerging as an increasingly common chronic condition among older adults, prompting Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University in Beijing to launch the country's first AI-powered digital doctor platform for the disea»»»
Iran Military Says US Naval Blockade 'Illegal' and 'Piracy'
Iran's military said a US naval blockade set to begin on Monday would be illegal and amount to piracy, warning that no Gulf ports would be safe if its own were threatened. "The restrictions imposed by criminal America on maritime navigation and transit in international waters are illegal and consti»»»
Masoud Barzani’s Party Rejects Result of Iraqi Presidential Vote
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by Masoud Barzani, has rejected the election of Nizar Amidi as Iraq’s president, worsening political tensions in the Kurdistan Region and across the country. The party has instructed its representatives in the federal government and parliament to return to »»»
Russia Could Play Key Role in Resolving Middle East Conflict – Hezbollah Spokesman
BEIRUT (Sputnik) - Russia, due to its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and its strong ties with many Arab countries and Lebanon, could play an important role in the region, Mahmoud Kamati, deputy head of Hezbollah’s political council, told Sputnik. “Today, Russia, thanks to its relations»»»
Military Personnel, Equipment to Move across Bulgaria for Exercises on April 14-15
Military personnel and equipment from units of the Bulgarian Land Forces will move along the national road and rail network on April 14 and 15, 2026, to take part in planned exercises, the Defence Ministry said. On April 14, troops and equipment will travel from Sliven to the Koren Training Area fo»»»
Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya: Port Security in Gulf, Sea of Oman Either for Everyone or for No One
A senior military spokesperson said Iran will firmly enforce control over the Strait of Hormuz and could jeopardize regional port security if its own maritime interests are threatened, while accusing the United States of illegal interference in international waters. Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command»»»
Misrata Free Zone Port Customs Centre thwarts attempt to smuggle 4.5 million tablets of highly dangerous narcotics
Misrata Free Zone Port Customs Centre reported last Wednesday (8 April) that iIn a qualitative operation reflecting the vigilance of customs men and their keenness to protect national security, the Head and members of the Misrata Free Zone Port Customs Centre were able to thwart an attempt to smugg»»»
Exports up 36.7 pct during first 10 days of April on robust chip demand - UPI.com
South Korea's exports jumped 36.7 percent in the first 10 days of April on strong overseas demand for semiconductors, data showed Monday. This photo shows containers stacked at a port in Pyeongtaek on April 1. Photo by Yonhap South Korea's exports jumped 36.7 percent from a year earlier in the firs»»»
Oil climbs above $100 after Iran–US negotiations fail
London, April 13 (SANA) Oil prices exceeded $100 a barrel on Monday as tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz following the failure of negotiations between Iran and the United States, according to Reuters. Brent crude futures rose by $7.11, or 7.47 percent, to $102.31 per barrel, reversing a 0.»»»
Oil surges as Hormuz tensions rise, markets turn cautious
Dubai: Oil prices climbed at the start of the week while global equities and bonds came under pressure, after the US confirmed plans to impose a blockade around Iranian ports, raising concerns over energy supply and market stability. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Bre»»»
Debate grows in Korea, Japan over nuclear capability amid U.S. doubts - UPI.com
A new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a military parade celebrating the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea at the Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea. File. Photo by KCNA / EPA April 12 (Asia Today) -- South Korea and Japan are entering a period of in»»»
Lee, Polish PM agree to upgrade bilateral ties to comprehensive strategic partnership - UPI.com
President Lee Jae Myung (R) and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk shake hands after a summit at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Monday. Photo by Yonhap President Lee Jae Myung and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk agreed to upgrade the bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and bolster c»»»
Center holds awareness lecture on noble values at Education City students residence
Doha, Qatar: The Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center organised an awareness lecture at the student residence in Education City on the importance of moral values, remaining steadfast in upholding them, and the benefits they bring in both this life and the Hereafter. The lectur»»»
Islamic Cultural Center organises educational lectures at schools
Doha, Qatar: The Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center has organised a series of educational lectures on the blessing of safety and security at West One School and Ebla International School, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote religious awareness and strengthen educationa»»»
New York’s New Mayor Touts ‘Socialist’ Plans 100 Days in
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani marked his 100th day in office on Sunday with a rally to tout early successes and vow to follow through on his unabashedly "socialist" agenda. "I know there are many who use 'socialist' as a dirty word, something to be ashamed of," the 34-year-old told a packed room in»»»
Bread Shortage Deepens in Gaza as Hamas Accuses Israel of ‘Engineering Starvation’
A bread shortage in Gaza is worsening as Israeli restrictions on the entry of supplies continue to affect bakeries that had reopened following an October ceasefire. The flow of aid and food supplies, including from the World Food Program (WFP), has declined further over the past month, amid Israeli»»»
PISQ primary wing launches Art Festival with strong parent participation
Doha, Qatar: The primary wing of Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) successfully launched the first day of its Art Festival, marked by vibrant creativity and meaningful collaboration between students and parents. The opening day featured Grade 1 students working closely with their mothers i»»»
Qatar's envoy attends meeting of Nepal PM with accredited Ambassadors
Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal H E Mishaal bin Mohammad Ali Al Ansari participated yesterday in the meeting of Prime Minister of Nepal H E Balendra Shah with Their Excellencies Ambassador accredited to Nepal. During the meeting, the foreign policy features of the new government in Nepal were explaine»»»
Registration open for Qatar Private Sector Nationalisation Award
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Labour has announced that registration for the Qatar Private Sector Nationalisation Award is now open via the Himmah platform, inviting individuals and private sector entities to participate in one of the country’s key initiatives aimed at strengthening national workfor»»»
Japan calls for swift US-Iran agreement, stresses Strait of Hormuz security
Tokyo: Japan hopes a "final agreement" will be concluded swiftly between the US and Iran to de-escalate the Middle East situation, after Washington-Tehran weekend peace talks failed to reach a deal. "What is most important is that de-escalation, including securing the safety of navigation through t»»»
Croatia braces for tough summer tourism season amid global uncertainty
Croatia expects a fierce competition for European tourists this summer as war and global instability disrupt travel patterns, even as the Adriatic destination leans on its reputation for safety to sustain visitor numbers. »»»
Serbia's FX reserves fall in March as gold prices slump
Serbia’s foreign exchange reserves fell in March, as outflows linked to government debt repayments and central bank interventions outweighed inflows, the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) said on April 9. Gross foreign exchang»»»
Lavrov to Visit China on April 14-15 to Discuss Ukraine, Mideast - Russian MFA
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay a visit to China on April 14-15, where he will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on a number of issues, including the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday. "On April 1»»»
IMF warns AI poses risks to global monetary system stability
Washington, April 13 (SANA) The International Monetary Fund warned on Monday that the global monetary system remains unprepared to handle emerging risks from artificial intelligence, particularly in cybersecurity. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in remarks cited by Agence France-Pre»»»
China and Russia's calculated backing of Iran
When the US and Israel waged war on Iran on 28 February 2026, killing its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, two global powers watched intently from afar: China and Russia. Both had signed a trilateral strategic pact with Tehran just weeks earlier, pledging to deepen economic and defence ties (though off»»»
Early screening key to improving autism outcomes: Expert
Doha, Qatar: As Autism Acceptance Month spotlight on inclusion and understanding, healthcare leaders in Qatar are underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention in improving the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Assistant Medical Director of Children and Adoles»»»
Al Muraikhi receives copy of credentials of Portugal’s Ambassador
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H E Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received yesterday a copy of the credentials of Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic to the State of Qatar, H E Ana Filomena da Costa Rocha. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs wished the Ambassador success in fulfilling h»»»
UDST, CCQ sign MoU to strengthen academic collaboration
Doha, Qatar: The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) and the Community College of Qatar (CCQ), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic framework for academic cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two institutions. The agreement reflects a s»»»
Beyond compliance: How Vodafone Qatar champions health and safety
Doha, Qatar: In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, where infrastructure, technology, and people intersect, maintaining a strong health and safety (H&S) culture is a necessity. Vodafone Qatar recognises that a resilient and proactive approach to safety is fundamental to both operational exc»»»
LuLu Hypermarket launches ‘Half Pay Back’ promotion
Doha, Qatar: LuLu Hypermarket announced the launch of its highly anticipated ‘Half Pay Back’ promotion, running until May 2, 2026. Crafted to deliver exceptional value, the campaign gives customers the opportunity to enjoy significant savings across selected fashion categories. Shoppers can explore»»»
Trump lashes out at Pope Leo over Iran war criticism - UPI.com
President Donald Trump returns to the White House in Washington, D.C., from Miami, Fla., on Sunday, the same night he chastised Pope Leo for criticizing the war in Iran. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 13 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump lashed out at Pope LeoXIV over his critici»»»
World Bank Chief Sounds Alarm about Looming Jobs Crisis Even after War Ends
The Middle East war will dominate global finance officials' talks this week in Washington, but World Bank President Ajay Banga is sounding the alarm about a bigger, looming crisis: a huge gap in jobs for the 1.2 billion people who will reach working age in developing countries in the next 10 to 15 »»»
EV makers eye Philippines as Manila sets ₱60-billion incentives, ends ICE subsidy amid global oil shock
Manila: With the Philippine government discontinuing its multi-billion-peso support programme for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle manufacturing, electric vehicle (EV) makers are stepping up interest in the country’s new ₱60-billion ($1 billion) Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS). T»»»