Weekend Digest: Philippines awards, Messi mania, UAE rain and more
From the Philippines being named Asia’s Best Retirement Destination to hailstorms and thunderstorms sweeping Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, this week brought a mix of global recognition and extreme weather. Lightning struck the Burj Khalifa as Dubai prepared for more rain, while UAE residents plan lon»»»
Lebanon: Return of Residents Dominates Naqoura Ceasefire Mechanism Meeting
The committee overseeing the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, known as the “mechanism,” convened its 15th meeting in Naqoura, the second to include civilian representatives, with renewed focus on the return of residents to their homes on both sides of the border. The statement issued after the»»»
Kuwait Amir congratulated by PM on 2nd power anniv.
KUWAIT, Dec 20 (KUNA) -- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Saturday a congratulatory letter from His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on the occasion of the second anniversary of assumption of power.In reply, His Highness the »»»
3.5°C in UAE after rain: Here’s what your weekend looks like
Coldest: 3.5°C at Jebel Jais Winter chills: Sharp drop across UAE Rain cleared: Heavy system over Showers possible / cold nights Weekend ready: Ideal for outdoor plans UAE wakes up to its coldest morningWinter has made a dramatic entrance across the UAE, with temperatures dipping to 3.5°C early Sat»»»
Kuwait Amir congratulated by Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad on 2nd power anniv.
KUWAIT, Dec 20 (KUNA) -- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Saturday a letter from His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah on the second anniversary of assumption of power.In reply, His Highness the Amir sent a reply letter t»»»
Orbán: The EU has chosen debt and war, we chose peace
Speaking after a tense EU summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Orbán described the meeting not as a political consultation but as a war council. “Yesterday, the European Council held a meeting under unusually tense circumstances, dealing with the most difficult question imaginable. It wasn’t really a»»»
Real wages up by 5 percent
Full-time employees’ average gross earnings were HUF 692,700 and average net earnings reached HUF 482,400 in October 2025. Average gross earnings grew by 8.7%, net average earnings increased by 10.0% and real earnings were 5.5% higher than a year earlier. The increase in net average earnings exceed»»»
Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption concludes in Doha
Doha, Qatar: The eleventh edition of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption concluded its work in Doha with the adoption of the Doha Declaration 2025. A statement issued by the Conference affirmed that the Doha Declaration delivered a clear message »»»
'LeBron James of spreadsheets' wins world Microsoft Excel title
Irishman Diarmuid Early emerged onto the HyperX arena in Las Vegas under the bright lights, dramatic music, and fanfare worthy of any major sporting final. Only this time, instead of a ball there was a keyboard and mouse, and the playing field a humble desktop setup. Dubbed the "LeBron James of Exc»»»
U.S. official: Syria Operation to last several weeks
WASHINGTON, Dec 20 (KUNA) -- The "Operation Hawkeye Strike", launched by the U.S. army against so-called ISIS or Daesh targets in Syria, is expected to last several weeks, according to a U.S. offiical."The strikes are expected to last several weeks or up to a month," the source was quoted by NBC Ne»»»
Taiwan president vows full inquiry into deadly metro attack
Taipei: Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te pledged a full, public inquiry into a deadly metro attack as he visited hospitals on Saturday. A 27-year-old suspect set off smoke bombs in Taipei's main metro station during the Friday evening rush hour before launching into a stabbing rampage, according to »»»
French government warns farmers against Christmas blockades over cattle cull
The French government held talks with farmers' unions on Friday and warned against staging further blockades during the Christmas holiday season after days of angry protests over a mass cull of cows ordered in response to an outbreak of lumpy skin disease. The French government on Friday warne»»»
Israel Turns Gaza ‘Yellow Line’ into Deadly Boundary
Israel has effectively turned the “yellow line” marked on the Gaza withdrawal map, part of a phased pullback agreed under the October ceasefire, into a de facto firing line, where approaching civilians are routinely shot, according to Palestinian officials, underscoring a widening pattern of Israel»»»
Japan sets $19 billion business target in Central Asia
Tokyo: Japan unveiled a five-year goal on Saturday for business projects totaling $19 billion in Central Asia as Tokyo vies for influence in the resource-rich region. The announcement came after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hosted an inaugural summit with the leaders of five Central Asia nations -»»»
Cabinet Chairman congratulates SCNS officers on professional holiday - | 24.KG
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev congratulated employees and veterans of the national security agencies on their professional holiday. In his address, he highlighted the key achievements of the agency in recent years. Fight against corruption and crime »»»
Kuwait marks two years of achievements under His Highness Amir
News report by Sarah Al-Mukaizeem KUWAIT, Dec 20 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait marks on Saturday His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's second anniversary of being named as Amir, celebrating years of rapid achievements and accelerated developments.Last year alone, and due »»»
How did he get there? Hungarian paedophile arrested in Myanmar – video
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US Hits More Than 70 ISIS Targets in Syria with Large Retaliatory Strikes
US fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery hit more than 70 targets across central Syria on Friday, the Pentagon said, in a major military operation against ISIS. "We will continue to relentlessly pursue terrorists who seek to harm Americans and our partners across the region," said Admiral »»»
Fatal road accident in Fujairah claims Bangladeshi man
Fujairah: A Bangladeshi national died early on Friday after being struck by a vehicle in Dibba Al Fujairah, according to the police. Brigadier Saleh Mohammed Abdullah Al Dhahnani, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at the General Command of Fujairah Police, said the incident occurred ne»»»
3 Killed in Taiwan Knife Attack, President Vows Full Inquiry
A man with at least one knife and smoke grenades attacked crowds indiscriminately in Taiwan's capital on Friday evening, killing at least three people and injuring 11 others, according to the national news agency and the city government. The suspect later fell to his death from a department store b»»»
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Says Rubio Hates Latin America, Caribbean
MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has sharply criticized statements made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying that Rubio’s remarks demonstrate hatred toward Latin America and the Caribbean and mask a desire to plunder the region's resources. "The press conference »»»
Who and what is in the Epstein files?
The US justice department has released an initial tranche of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The documents, which include photos, videos and investigative documents, were highly anticipated after Congress passed a law mandating the files be released in their entirety by Friday. The Department»»»
US Justice Dept. Releases Files Related to Sex Trafficking Probes Into Epstein, Maxwell
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Department of Justice made public thousands of documents concerning the late financier and convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, releasing them just hours before the deadline. The web page on the Department of Justice's site, whi»»»
Transition to 12-year school system: Baisalov checks reform implementation - | 24.KG
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Edil Baisalov paid a working visit to general education institutions in Kochkor district and the city of Balykchy, where he held a meeting with representatives of the teaching community. According to the Cabinet’s press service, the working »»»
Heavy fog prevents flights from landing at Manas airport - | 24.KG
Due to dense fog, Manas International Airport is currently not accepting flights. The information was confirmed to 24.kg news agency by the airport’s information service. Fog has been observed since last evening, and some flights have been delayed or diverted to other cities. For up-to-date informa»»»
Trump administration releases hundreds of thousands of Epstein files after months of wrangling
The US Justice Department began releasing several hundred thousand documents Friday from the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with more files to be published over the coming weeks. The publication marks the clearest opportunity yet to shed light on a politically explo»»»
Rajab moon sighting: What it means for the Ramadan timeline
Dubai: Most Islamic countries are expected to observe the crescent moon marking the start of Rajab 1447 AH on Saturday, according to the International Astronomical Centre. Rajab is the seventh month of the Hijri calendar and one of Islam’s four sacred months. It holds special importance as it signa»»»
Over 200 low-income families in Bishkek receive firewood from City Hall - | 24.KG
The municipal enterprise Bishkekzelenstroi is providing city residents with firewood based on an approved list provided by the Department of Social Development. The City Hall reported. To date, 236 low-income families have received firewood. Each family received 1.5 cubic meters, a total of 354 cub»»»
Financial literacy manual for migrants presented in Bishkek - | 24.KG
A financial literacy manual for migrant workers and their families was presented in Bishkek. The National Bank reported. According to the National Bank, the authors attempted to answer one of the most pressing questions: «Why does money earned abroad often not work for the future of the family?» «T»»»
UAE weather alert: Rain, strong winds and rough seas ahead
Dubai: The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast unsettled weather across the UAE as a surface low-pressure system extends over the country on Saturday, supported by an upper-air low-pressure system. The weather pattern is expected to bring periods of cloud cover, rainfall in some areas»»»
About 20 hospitals in Kyrgyzstan to receive autonomy - | 24.KG
A pilot project to grant autonomy to several healthcare organizations will be launched in Kyrgyzstan on January 1, 2026. Acting Minister of Health Kanybek Dosmambetov announced at a meeting with the staff of the Osh State University Medical Center. According to him, as part of the project, about 20»»»
Belgian PM mocks Politico after being labelled ‘Russia’s most valuable asset’
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever mocked Politico on Thursday after the outlet branded him “Russia’s most valuable asset,” joking that he was heading back to his “dacha in St. Petersburg” to join “neighbours” Gérard Depardieu and Bashar al-Assad. Axel Springer-owned Politico, which has a staff o»»»
'Very cool': The 70s Afro-rock genre enjoying a rebirth
Artists and music fans from around the world have been rediscovering the 1970s sound of Zambia known as Zamrock in recent years, and now one of the country's biggest stars is embracing it, hoping to give it a fresh twist. When devising her third studio album, Sampa the Great looked to the niche, br»»»
Jeffrey Epstein Files: Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Mick Jagger appear in newly released pictures
Dubai: 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson is among a roster of global music legends whose names and images appear in in a newly released batch of Jeffrey Epstein-related files published by the US Department of Justice. The records include photographs showing Jackson alongside Epstein, as well as images »»»
Aryan Khan wins career's first award but refuses to dedicate it to superstar father Shah Rukh Khan
Dubai: Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan seems to be doing a good job about stepping away from his superstar dad's shadow. Last night on December 19, Aryan marked a major milestone in his career, winning Best Debut Director of the Year for his Netflix series The Ba***ds of Bollywood at the NDTV India»»»
US bombs Syria in retaliation for American deaths
The United States has launched airstrikes against alleged Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria in what President Donald Trump described as “very serious retaliation” for the killing of American personnel earlier this month. In a statement on Friday, Trump said the strikes were ordered in response »»»
Kebabs, biryani and much more: Indian city on Unesco culinary list
Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani and whipped cloud-like desserts. The northern Indian city of Lucknow has always been a food lovers' paradise, with locals and visitors swearing by its cuisine. Last month, Unesco recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy - adding it to a select list of g»»»
HUD stopped from changing funding requirements for homeless programs - UPI.com
A federal judge on Friday issued a preliminary injunction to stop the Trump administration from revoking funding for homeless programs after recently changing funding requirements. File Photo by Paul Beaty/UPI | License Photo Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A federal judge has stopped the Trump administration fro»»»
EU member rejects further funding for Ukrainian military
Slovakia will not provide further funding for Ukraine’s military because the conflict cannot be settled on the battlefield, Prime Minister Robert Fico has said. Fico, who survived an assassination attempt by a pro-Ukraine activist in 2024, was speaking after EU leaders failed to reach agreement on »»»
Make Korea great again: The right-wing group wooing disenchanted youth
The line for a selfie with South Korea's disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol stretched around Seoul's iconic Gwanghwamun gate. Except Yoon wasn't there; it was just a picture of him. The real Yoon is in prison facing insurrection charges. But that didn't matter to the thousands of excited youn»»»
How UAE workers are using their salaries differently in 2026
Dubai: Financial inclusion in the UAE is entering a new phase, with the focus shifting from access to actual usage. While the Wage Protection System has ensured near-universal digital salary payments, a large share of low-income workers still operate largely in cash. Sign up for our daily business »»»
Donald Trump's name appears on 'Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' - UPI.com
1 of 4 | Workers make final adjustments after President Donald Trump's name is added to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on Friday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 19 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump's name was affixed Friday to The Kennedy Center »»»
Steve Rosenberg: Was Putin's response to my question about war in Europe an olive branch?
Reporters ask world leaders questions all the time. No big deal. Right? But what's it like putting a question to Vladimir Putin - the president who ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the leader whose country was accused this week by the head of MI6 of "the export of chaos"? And imagine ask»»»
UN agencies: Malnutrition remains alarmingly high in Gaza
GENEVA, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, the World Food Program (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that hunger, malnutrition, disease and the scale of agricultural destruction remained alarmingly high despite the declaration of the end of fa»»»
UN conf. urges maximizing AI potential to address corruption
DOHA, Dec 19 (KUNA) -- The Eleventh Session of the Conference of the States Parties (COSP11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) concluded in Doha on Friday with call to maximize the potential of AI systems to address corruption and economic crime.The world's largest anti-co»»»
Seven killed in floods in S. Iran
TEHRAN Dec 19 (KUNA) -- The Iranian Red Crescent Society said that seven people perished in the flash floods that recently swept through the southern parts of the country.The victims include a rescuer who died while carrying out relief operations in the city of Jahrom in Fars province, the IRCS sai»»»
Germany to reach record deficit since reunification – Bundesbank
Germany is on track to post its largest budget deficit since reunification, the country’s central bank has warned, as Berlin ramps up military spending and financial aid to Ukraine. In its December forecast, published on Friday, the Bundesbank said the government shortfall will rise steadily and re»»»
U.S. retaliates for deadly ISIS attack in Syria - UPI.com
The U.S. military began striking suspected ISIS targets in central Syria on Friday during an hours-long assault after President Donald Trump promised to retaliate for the shooting deaths of two U.S. soldiers and their civilian interpreter on Saturday. Photo by Graeme Sloan/UPI | License Photo Dec. »»»
Elise Stefanik drops out of N.Y. governor's race 6 weeks after bid - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican serving a district in New York state appears at a bill signing in the White House's Oval Office to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Olympic ice hockey team. The team won the gold medal in her district. Photo by Francis Chung/UPI | License P»»»
US carries out 'massive' strike against IS in Syria
The US says its military has carried out a "massive strike" against the Islamic State group (IS) in Syria, in response to a deadly attack on American forces in the country. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Operation Hawkeye Strike was aimed at eliminating IS "fighters, infrastructure, and weapon»»»