Why is France’s bill against ‘new forms of anti-Semitism’ sparking controversy?
This article was originally published on April 4, 2026 – French lawmakers are on Thursday set to debate a controversial bill that proposes labeling any implicitly expressed "hatred" against the state of Israel as anti-Semitic, making it a crime under the country’s terrorism laws»»»
Two million flowers to be planted in Bishkek - | 24.KG
In the coming weeks, the streets of Bishkek will begin to visibly transform as the city prepares for one of its most colorful seasons. Municipal services have begun a large-scale planting of annual flowers that will decorate the capital all summer long. According to the press service of the City Ha»»»
Xi expresses ‘full confidence’ in China-Taiwan unity in meeting with opposition chief
Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his opposition to Taiwanese independence during a meeting with Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's pro-Beijing opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party. Her official trip to Beijing, the first such visit in a decade, sparked controversy in the self-ruled»»»
EasyJet says first-half loss to deepen on Mideast war
London: British no-frills airline EasyJet on Thursday said it expects to post a deeper first-half loss compared with one year earlier after the Middle East war sent jet fuel prices soaring. EasyJet said it expected a headline loss before tax of between GBP540 million and GBP560 million ($733 millio»»»
Two Americans sentenced over North Korea IT worker scheme - UPI.com
Two U.S. nationals were sentenced to federal prison for helping North Korean operatives obtain remote IT jobs, the Justice Department said Wednesday. This photo from the Department shows North Korean IT workers that were allegedly part of a scheme to help Pyongyang fund its weapons programs. Photo »»»
What happened in Mayfadoun and how Israel targeted paramedics in triple-tap strikes
The Israeli military killed four Lebanese rescue workers and wounded six others in three consecutive, targeted strikes Wednesday, paramedic groups said, a stark illustration of the human cost of the Israeli military campaign in southern Lebanon a day after Lebanon and Israel held historic talks in »»»
Afghans comb riverbed in search of gold dust
Ghaziabad District, Afghanistan: In the jagged Hindu Kush in eastern Afghanistan, hundreds of men dug into the rocky bed of the Kunar River searching for a few grams of gold dust as an alternative source of income. At the foot of imposing peaks, some still covered in snow in April, they toiled near»»»
Watch: 67-million-year-old fossils turned into stunning art in Amsterdam
Dubai: A striking fusion of science and creativity is taking centre stage in Amsterdam, where ancient fossils are being transformed into captivating works of art. The “Relics” exhibition at Art Zoo showcases nine pieces by creative duo Jaap Sinke and Ferry van Tongeren, blending natural history wit»»»
Central Asia becomes one of world's most promising tourism regions - | 24.KG
Central Asia is becoming one of the world’s most promising tourism regions. Cordula Wohlmuther, Regional Director for Europe of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, stated speaking at Turkmentravel 2026 conference. «Central Asia is today becoming one of the world’s most promising tourism »»»
US Democrats File Impeachment Articles Against Pentagon Chief
US House Democrats introduced six articles of impeachment against Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, accusing him of "high crimes and misdemeanors" including waging war on Iran without congressional approval. The impeachment resolution is led by Yassamin Ansari, a Democratic Congresswoman fr»»»
UAE postpones school bus operations
The Ministry of Education has announced the postponement of school bus operations for all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools across the UAE during the current phase. More to follow...»»»
UAE postpones school bus operations for public, private schools
The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the postponement of school bus operations for all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, and schools across the UAE during the current phase, as part of the operational arrangements accompanying the resumption of in-person learning. “This will allow»»»
Market Links Poll: Five Political Forces Enter Next Parliament, Four Stand Chance
An opinion poll, conducted by Market Links and co-financed by bTV, indicates that five political formations would enter the new Bulgarian parliament, while four others remain near the 4% threshold, show the survey’s results, which were circulated to the media on Thursday. The national quantitative »»»
UK PM to meet social media bosses over online child safety
London, United Kingdom: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer will hold talks on Thursday with representatives from social media firms to press them to do more to keep children safe online, as calls grow for a ban on under-16s using the platforms. "Today is about making sure social media compa»»»
Kadamdzhai Antimony Plant OJSC undergoes environmental modernization - | 24.KG
On April 13, Maksat Tentimishov, Consul General of the Kyrgyz Republic in Yekaterinburg, received Alexey Kabanov, CEO of Voyager. During the meeting, the company’s CEO expressed gratitude to the Consulate General for its assistance, which resulted in the restart of production at Kadamdzhai Antimony»»»
Court remands ex-deputy SCNS head Timur Shabdanbekov in custody - | 24.KG
Former deputy chairman of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS), Timur Shabdanbekov, has been remanded in custody until June 13. This decision was made by the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek on April 15. According to the court’s press service, Timur Shabdanbekov is ch»»»
Oil Little Changed on Skepticism US-Iran Peace Talks Will Ease Hormuz Disruption
Oil prices were little changed on Thursday, reversing earlier declines, on skepticism that peace talks between the US and Iran will reach a deal to end the war that has bottled up oil output from the key Middle East producing region. Brent crude futures were down 26 cents to $94.67 a barrel at 0611»»»
US official says Trump welcomes end to Lebanon war but has not asked for it
A U.S. official says President Donald Trump would welcome an end to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict as part of a broader peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon but has not specifically asked for one. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Trump administration’s position d»»»
Girl, 3, mauled by lion cub during circus photo op in Egypt
A three-year-old girl has suffered serious injuries after being attacked by a lion cub during a souvenir photo session at Egypt’s National Circus in the Agouza district of Giza. The incident occurred at the headquarters of the Artistic House for Folk and Performing Arts, widely known as the “Nation»»»
Khabib Nurmagomedov enters UAE real estate market
Dubai: UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has officially stepped into the UAE’s booming real estate sector through a strategic long-term partnership with DIA Holding, marking his first major venture in the region’s property market. The collaboration debuts with the launch of LuzOra Residences, a premiu»»»
Labour Minister Ademov: Making a Choice Between Bread and Ballot in 21st Century Is Absurd
The Labour Ministry is continuing its efforts to stop harmful practices involving pressure on vulnerable citizens through the social system, said caretaker Labour Minister Hasan in a televised interview on Thursday. The goal is to bring these practices to light so they are not repeated. Ademov adde»»»
Srbac-Made Gin Wins Gold Medal in Frankfurt (PHOTO)
A London dry gin from the “Milijaš” distillery in Srbac has won a gold medal at the prestigious international competition in Frankfurt, which featured more than 3,300 samples from around the world. In addition to the gold medal awarded at the “Frankfurt International Trophy”, “D Gin” also received »»»
Awqaf Ministry opens Boumerzaz Cemetery Mosque with integrated community facilities
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has inaugurated the Boumerzaz Cemetery Mosque in the Boumerzaz area, located along Al Mazrouah Road, west of Umm Salal Ali, as part of its strategic plan to expand mosque infrastructure and enhance religious facilities across the country. The i»»»
Pakistan International School Qatar hosts Qirat competition
Doha, Qatar: Pakistan International School Qatar (PISQ) successfully organised its Qirat competition, “Echoes of Devotion – Edition 2,” under the esteemed patronage of Principal Ch. Muhammad Afzal. The event brought together students and faculty in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere, celebrating th»»»
Philip Morris International Value Report 2025: change in motion
Philip Morris International released its Value Report 2025, offering a holistic perspective on the company’s approach to sustainable value creation. The report marks the completion of PMI’s 2025 Roadmap, communicating achievements for each aspiration introduced by the company in 2020, and introduce»»»
Leonardo Badea, BNR: Modernizing Romania through integration and convergence
Romania has made significant progress in the process of aligning with the standards of developed economies and joining the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), having already obtained 24 of the 25 formal opinions required within the OECD committees. The completion of the a»»»
Ukrainian Border Guards Recruiting Colombians Along Poland's Perimeter
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukrainian border guard troops have been recruiting Colombians into the Ukrainian armed forces at the border with Poland, a source linked to the Colombian recruitment circles in Ukraine and the Middle East told Sputnik. "Once mercenaries reach the Polish-Ukrainian border, they are»»»
US says optimistic about reaching peace deal with Iran
The United States is discussing a possible second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and is optimistic about reaching a deal, U.S. officials said, as Tehran threatened to shut down Red Sea trade unless Washington lifted a naval blockade of its ports. A Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran»»»
Dubai launches “Hayat” initiative to advance public understanding of obesity through structured medical collaboration
A new public health initiative titled “Hayat” has been launched in Dubai, bringing together global expertise across pharmaceutical research, body composition technology, and clinical practice in a structured effort to enhance public understanding of obesity. The three-month initiative is supported »»»
Police Arrest Two over London Synagogue Arson Attempt
Police in London arrested two people on Wednesday over an attempted arson attack on a synagogue in the north of the city, amid an upsurge in “antisemitic” incidents in Britain. The pair -- a 47-year-old woman and a 46-year-old man -- were detained in Watford, north of the capital, and are being hel»»»
Limitless women’s leadership forum to spotlight influential voices driving resilience
Periods of change and disruption place leadership under sharper focus, testing the ability to respond with clarity, speed and conviction. Recent regional developments have created one of the most critical strains in recent times, emphasising the importance of firm response under pressure. To highli»»»
Turkey to hold funerals for school shooting victims
Turkey: Turkey will hold funerals for nine victims killed in a school shooting by a 14-year-old, an attack that has sent shockwaves across the country, with authorities saying the suspect had referenced a US mass killer in a WhatsApp profile image. The attack in the southern province of Kahramanmar»»»
Akshaya Tritiya 2026: Joyalukkas unveils collection with cashback, gold rate protection and more
UAE: Joyalukkas, the world's favourite jeweller operating across 12 countries with 190 showrooms worldwide, has unveiled its exclusive Akshaya Tritiya 2026 collections and cashback celebrations, offering customers an opportunity to invest in eternal radiance during the most auspicious day for jewel»»»
TotalEnergies: Strong Trading, High Oil Prices Will Boost Q1 Earnings
TotalEnergies expects a significant increase in first-quarter earnings from a strong trading performance, as well as in its upstream production and oil sales due to higher prices caused by the war in Iran, even as the conflict shut down 15% of the French group's overall production, it said on Thurs»»»
Australia to Boost Defense Spending Citing Growing Threats
Australia will raise defense spending to 3.0 percent of GDP by 2033 as armed conflicts flare worldwide, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Thursday. The new commitment follows pressure from US President Donald Trump's administration for Canberra to boost military expenditure as a share of total a»»»
Turkiye to hold funerals for school shooting victims
Turkiye: Turkiye will hold funerals for nine victims killed in a school shooting by a 14-year-old, an attack that has sent shockwaves across the country, with authorities saying the suspect had referenced a US mass killer in a WhatsApp profile image. The attack in the southern province of Kahramanm»»»
Natural gas leads US energy mix, with nuclear, coal and renewables filling the rest
Natural gas remained the largest source of electricity generation in the United States, underscoring the fuel’s central role in meeting demand as utilities balance affordability, reliability and the shift toward cleaner energy. Nuclear power held steady as the second-largest source, according to En»»»
Syria’s UN envoy at General Assembly: Transitional justice is foundation for new Syria
New York, April 16 (SANA) Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, said transitional justice and redress for victims of crimes committed against Syrians form the foundation for building a new Syria. Speaking at a session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednes»»»
US DoJ seeks to vacate convictions for far-right extremists over Capitol Hill riots
The US attorney’s office in Washington has requested that a federal appeals judge overturn convictions for members of far-right groups Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, who had been found guilty of seditious conspiracy over the January 2021 Capitol Hill riots. The members of the groups were granted »»»
Foraj Sonde Videle acquires Raffles Energy and Zenith Resources; deal expected to close by end-August
Onshore drilling company Foraj Sonde Videle has acquired 100% of the share capital of Raffles Energy Ltd., a UK holding company that owns Raffles Energy SRL and Zenith Resources SRL, two Romanian energy firms active mainly in natural gas and electricity production. The transaction is expected to be»»»
Schoenherr advises Renalfa on acquisition of Horia 2 PV power plant
Schoenherr advised Renalfa Power Clusters ("Renalfa") on the acquisition of Horia 2, a photovoltaic power plant with an installed capacity of 365 MWp located in Arad County, Romania. The project is part of the Horia-Arad cluster, which also includes a standalone BESS project recently acquired by Re»»»
New Rompetrol retail IT system goes live in Romania, set for rollout in three neighbouring markets
KMG International (Rompetrol) has recently integrated a new retail IT system that serves the entire network of fuel stations managed by Rompetrol Downstream in Romania, the company announced on Wednesday in a press release.This year, the system will be expanded and finalized in the Republic of Mold»»»
Expert: Measures to address the new energy shock should not derail fiscal consolidation
The adoption of measures to respond to the new energy shock should not derail the course of fiscal consolidation, according to academician Daniel Daianu, President of the Fiscal Council.'The budget correction programme resulted in the deficit being even lower than the target set at the November 202»»»
e-Mobility to include investment in renewable energy production, storage systems
The e-Mobility state aid scheme will include a new category of eligible expenses, namely investments in the production of energy from renewable sources and in storage systems, directly integrated with the recharging infrastructure, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Ciprian Serban, annou»»»
Libya France Business Forum 2026 – first leg opens in Marseille
Part one of the Libya France Business Forum 2026 officially kicked off last Tuesday (14 April) in southern French city of Marseille, with broad and high-level participation from economic institutions and business leaders from Libya and Franch. The opening session was attended by the Chargé d’affair»»»
On This Day, April 16: MLK Jr. writes 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' - UPI.com
On April 16, 1963, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote "Letter from Birmingham Jail" while imprisoned in Alabama for protesting segregation. 1 of 7 | The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is seen as cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Washington, D.C., on March 27, 2025. On April 16, 1963, MLK wrote »»»
President Iotova Expresses Condolences on the Passing of Singer Margret Nikolova
President Iliaana Iotova has expressed condolences to the family and relatives of singer Margret Nikolova, the presidential press office said. Margret Nikolova, one of the most prominent and iconic voices in Bulgarian popular music, died at the age of 97, the Bulgarian National Television reported »»»
Younousse, Tijan seal Samila Open title
Doha, Qatar: Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan powered their way to gold with a commanding run at the AVC Beach Tour 25th Samila Open, sealing victory in the men’s final in Songkhla yesterday. The Qatari duo capped an impressive campaign with a hard-fought win over Australia’s Ben Hood-Thomas Hodges»»»
Al Sadd brace for tougher Kobe test in Elite quarters
Doha, Qatar: Al Sadd head coach Roberto Mancini has warned his side face an even greater challenge against Japan’s Vissel Kobe in their AFC Champions League Elite quarter-final at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah as they look to build on their dramatic Round of 16 triumph. “W»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters confronted an Israeli enemy force attempting to advance from the direction of Taybeh town toward the Al-Khazzan area in Qantara town. Beginning at 05:30, the fighters engaged the enemy force in direct-fire clashes and targeted it with guided weapons, destroying 4 tanks and 2 armored personnel carriers. The clashes are ongoing as of the time of this statement: Statement 8 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters confronted an Israeli enemy force attempting to advance from the direction of Taybeh town toward the Al-Khazzan»»»