Finance Minister: The World Bank grant supports water and health services
Damascus, April 24 (SANA) Finance Minister Mohammad Yisr Barnieh said on Friday that a $225 million grant approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors for Syria, through the International Development Association, aims to support efforts to improve public service delivery in the water a»»»
Aoun: Lebanon Rejects Being A Bargaining Chip in Regional Conflicts
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon “refuses to be a bargaining chip in regional conflicts,” stressing it “negotiates in its own name, in defense of its national interests and sovereignty,” as Beirut pursues a US-sponsored diplomatic track backed by European and Arab support to reach a last»»»
Look: Ultra-rare split-colored lobster caught off Cape Cod - UPI.com
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wellfleet Shellfish Company (@wellfleetshell) April 24 (UPI) -- A lobster fishing boat off the coast of Cape Cod landed an extremely rare split-color lobster, which officials said is considered a 1 in 50 million catch. The Wellfleet Shellfish Company sai»»»
Meta to cut workforce by 10% as artificial intelligence spending surges
Meta outlined plans to cut about 8,000 jobs on Thursday as it invests heavily in artificial intelligence. The move comes as part of a broader tech-sector shift towards cost control, with Microsoft also weighing voluntary buyouts ahead of next week’s earnings reports. Meta plans to cut a tenth of it»»»
Al-Ahli reaching back-to-back ACL finals is ‘incredible,’ says Mahrez
JEDDAH: Riyad Mahrez says Al-Ahli have achieved something “incredible” in reaching back-to-back Asian Champions League finals, but warned his side not to underestimate their opponents — Japan’s FC Machida Zelvia — in the Jeddah showdown on Saturday. Mahrez, 35, told a press conference in Jeddah on »»»
Gaza Reconstruction Back on the Table, Parallel Track to the Board of Peace
The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip has returned to the agenda in recent days during Egyptian talks with international parties, amid a stalemate in implementing the ceasefire and earlier reports of funding problems facing the “Board of Peace” led by U.S. President Donald Trump. Those reports were »»»
Heidelberg Materials acquires Turkish partner Sabanci’s 40% stake in cement maker Akcansa for $437mn
Heidelberg Materials (Frankfurt/HEI) has agreed to acquire a 39.72% stake in Akcansa (AKCNS) from Turkish partner Sabanci Holding (SAHOL), Heidelberg has announced. SAHOL, meanwhile, said separately that HEI, its part»»»
Heidelberg Materials acquires Turkish partner Sabanci’s 40% stake in cement maker Akcansa for $437mn
Heidelberg Materials (Frankfurt/HEI) has agreed to acquire a 39.72% stake in Akcansa (AKCNS) from Turkish partner Sabanci Holding (SAHOL), Heidelberg has announced. SAHOL, meanwhile, said separately that HEI, its part»»»
Pakistan playing both sides in US-Iran negotiation is a high-risk balancing act
The war between Iran on one side and the US and Israel on the other has implications for the global economy. While the narrative on negotiations and their nature has been highly divergent between the one communicated by Iranian officials and that trumpeted by US President Donald Trump, one thing th»»»
Pakistan playing both sides in US-Iran negotiation is a high-risk balancing act
The war between Iran on one side and the US and Israel on the other has implications for the global economy. While the narrative on negotiations and their nature has been highly divergent between the one communicated by Iranian officials and that trumpeted by US President Donald Trump, one thing th»»»
Pakistan playing both sides in US-Iran negotiation is a high-risk balancing act
The war between Iran on one side and the US and Israel on the other has implications for the global economy. While the narrative on negotiations and their nature has been highly divergent between the one communicated by Iranian officials and that trumpeted by US President Donald Trump, one thing th»»»
UK Biobank data breach sees participant research data listed on Chinese consumer site
Participant data from UK Biobank was listed for sale on a Chinese consumer website owned by Alibaba, in what chief executive Professor Sir Rory Collins described as a clear breach of contract by three academic institutions that had been granted research access, according to a statement released by »»»
Chile's Kast launches 40-measure reform package with staged corporate tax cut
Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast has formally filed the Economic and Social Reconstruction and Development Bill in the Chamber of Deputies, a 40-plus measure package including a staged reduction in corporate tax from 27% to 23% aimed at reviving growth and cutting unemployment, El Mercurio repor»»»
Pakistan playing both sides in US-Iran negotiation is a high-risk balancing act
The war between Iran on one side and the US and Israel on the other has implications for the global economy. While the narrative on negotiations and their nature has been highly divergent between the one communicated by Iranian officials and that trumpeted by US President Donald Trump, one thing th»»»
Israel's buffer zone in Lebanon won't stop Hezbollah's fibre optic drones
Israel’s security buffer zone in southern Lebanon is supposed to be a shield against Hezbollah missile and drone attacks that have battered its northern communities for months. But even if the IDF occupies the entir»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
Lebanon urges UN action over Israel's targeting of journalists amid reports of IDF looting
Lebanon has appealed to the United Nations to intervene over what it calls Israel's deliberate targeting of media workers, citing 28 journalist deaths since October 2023, as Israeli soldiers admit to large-scale looting of civilian property in the south of the country. »»»
Lebanon urges UN action over Israel's targeting of journalists amid reports of IDF looting
Lebanon has appealed to the United Nations to intervene over what it calls Israel's deliberate targeting of media workers, citing 28 journalist deaths since October 2023, as Israeli soldiers admit to large-scale looting of civilian property in the south of the country. »»»
Israel's buffer zone in Lebanon won't stop Hezbollah's fibre optic drones
Israel’s security buffer zone in southern Lebanon is supposed to be a shield against Hezbollah missile and drone attacks that have battered its northern communities for months. But even if the IDF occupies the entir»»»
Lebanon urges UN action over Israel's targeting of journalists amid reports of IDF looting
Lebanon has appealed to the United Nations to intervene over what it calls Israel's deliberate targeting of media workers, citing 28 journalist deaths since October 2023, as Israeli soldiers admit to large-scale looting of civilian property in the south of the country. »»»
Pakistan playing both sides in US-Iran negotiation is a high-risk balancing act
The war between Iran on one side and the US and Israel on the other has implications for the global economy. While the narrative on negotiations and their nature has been highly divergent between the one communicated by Iranian officials and that trumpeted by US President Donald Trump, one thing th»»»
Iran claims bypass to US naval blockade using Jask port
Iran has claimed it is bypassing the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz by using the Jask port on the Gulf of Oman, with oil exports to China holding steady at an average of 985,000 barrels per day in the first half of April, state news reported on April 24. »»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
Pakistan playing both sides in US-Iran negotiation is a high-risk balancing act
The war between Iran on one side and the US and Israel on the other has implications for the global economy. While the narrative on negotiations and their nature has been highly divergent between the one communicated by Iranian officials and that trumpeted by US President Donald Trump, one thing th»»»
Iran claims bypass to US naval blockade using Jask port
Iran has claimed it is bypassing the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz by using the Jask port on the Gulf of Oman, with oil exports to China holding steady at an average of 985,000 barrels per day in the first half of April, state news reported on April 24. »»»
COMMENT: Iran was the prequel, China is the target
When Alexei Maslov, one of Russia's best-known Sinologists, told Sputnik radio on April 24 that the true purpose of the US campaign against Iran had been to wound China rather than Tehran, the remark read at first like standard Moscow framing. Iran, he argued, had never truly threatened American in»»»
Slovenia’s political vacuum fuels debate over sweeping economic reform bill
Slovenia has entered a period of political uncertainty following the inconclusive March 22 elections, but the absence of a new government has not prevented a fierce debate over a far-reaching draft development law that could reshape the country’s tax and social systems. »»»
Poland's Tusk warns Russia could attack NATO in months
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia could attack a NATO member within months and openly questioned whether the United States would honour its mutual defence commitment in the event of such an attack, Financial Times reported on April 24. »»»
Hungary's plans to join the euro but it won't be easy
For sixteen years, the question of Hungary joining the euro was not really a question at all. Viktor Orban's government was antagonistic towards Brussels, his party had deep eurosceptic roots, and his long-serving central bank governor argued publicly that it would be better to wait until Hungary's»»»
EU’s 20th Russia sanction package introduces full crypto ban
The European Union has approved its 20th sanctions package against Russia, targeting more than 120 individuals and entities, including oil companies, refineries, ports, tankers, banks, crypto platforms and a number of public figures, according to the announcement of the EU Council. »»»
ICESCO and AOAD sign deal to boost food security and climate resilience
Rabat: The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening food security and tackling climate change across the Islamic world. The agreement, signe»»»
Russia's Yandex will become a mobile phone operator
Russia's online giant Yandex (YNDX), often referred to as "the Russian Google," has moved to add mobile phone service provision to many of its other areas of operation. The launch is scheduled for this summer, the Russian business daily Kommersant reported, quoting a source in the local telecoms in»»»
Poland's Tusk warns Russia could attack NATO in months
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned that Russia could attack a NATO member within months and openly questioned whether the United States would honour its mutual defence commitment in the event of such an attack, Financial Times reported on April 24. »»»
Russia closes second bribery trial of former deputy defence minister Ivanov
Moscow's Simonovsky District Court has closed the second trial of former Russian deputy defence minister Timur Ivanov on bribery charges totalling RUB1.3bn ($15.69mn) to the public and media, Komsomolskaya Pravda reported on April 24, citing RIA Novosti. »»»
Thunderstorms to continue across Saudi Arabia until Tuesday
Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defence has called on residents to remain cautious as thunderstorms are expected to continue across several regions of the Kingdom until Tuesday. The authority urged people to stay in safe places and avoid valleys and areas prone to flash floods. It also »»»
Putin's ratings hit post-war low as internet crackdown becomes lightning rod for discontent
Vladimir Putin's approval rating has fallen for a seventh consecutive week to its lowest level since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to data from VTsIOM, the state-owned polling agency whose numbers the Kremlin monitors closely and whose methodology has every inc»»»
Exports of packaged olive oil up 69% in Q1 of 2026
Tunis, April 24 (TAP) - Exports of packaged olive oil posted a 69% increase to TND 340 million in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, compared with the same period last, data published Friday by the Industry, Mines and Energy Ministry show. The volume...»»»
UN rights chief calls for arms freeze as report details widespread violations in Lebanon conflict
NEW YORK CITY: A UN human rights report published on Friday documented widespread deaths, displacements and damage to civilian infrastructure in Lebanon during the first three weeks of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel. The UN’s high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, called on all »»»
Trump Dispatches Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan for New Talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister
President Donald Trump is sending his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan, the White House said Friday, just hours after Iran’s top diplomat headed to the South Asian nation where officials have been trying to get the United States and Iran to convene for a second round of ceasefire »»»
Syria Celebrates Arrest of Main Tadamon Massacre Suspect
For many residents of Damascus’ Tadamon district, Friday felt like a holiday. Celebratory chants rang through the streets and women handed out sweets after authorities officially announced the arrest of “Amjad Youssef,” 40, a criminal who was a former member of military intelligence under Bashar al»»»
Title race in Portugal has Porto and Villas-Boas leading mentor Mourinho at unbeaten Benfica
GENEVA: Porto holding off Benfica in the Portuguese title race is a rivalry between André Villas-Boas and his one-time mentor José Mourinho. Porto have been revived in two years with Villas-Boas as president of his boyhood club that he coached to a league, cup and Europa League treble at age 33 in »»»
Tunis Court orders detention of journalist Zied El Heni
Tunis, April 24 (TAP) - The Tunis Court of First Instance has ordered the detention of journalist Zied El Heni, following his hearing on Friday, on charges of offending others on social media, a judicial source told TAP. The Public Prosecutor had...»»»
Mexico strengthens economic team ahead of trade talks with U.S. - UPI.com
Led by Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, a multidisciplinary team aims to strengthen Mexico’s position on key issues, including automotive rules of origin and steel tariffs. File Photo by Jeff Kowalsky/EPA April 24 (UPI) -- Mexico's government has assembled a high-level economic team with a»»»
‘Life never stops in Dubai': Emirati filmmaker Nawaf Al Janahi powers global cinema showcase at DIFC Art Nights this weekend
Dubai: “Life never stops. We don’t believe in that. Here in the UAE, life goes on, and every challenge is just one more step towards more strength, right?” That unflinching belief from Emirati filmmaker Nawaf Al Janahi defines the mood at the on-going DIFC Art Nights, where crowds and creativity co»»»
US Moves to Strengthen Federal Death Penalty, Includes Firing Squad Among Methods - DOJ
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States is moving forward to strengthen federal death penalty, including through streamlining internal processes to expedite executions and introducing additional methods such as as the firing squad. "Today, the Department of Justice acted to restore its solemn duty»»»
Ukraine, Russia swap 193 prisoners of war each in US, UAE-facilitated exchange
KYIV/MOSCOW: Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner of war swap on Friday, sending back 193 captured personnel each in an exchange both sides said was facilitated by the United States and the United Arab Emirates. “It is important that there are exchanges and that our people are returning home»»»
Exit from Emirates Road to Maliha Road shut in Sharjah
Sharjah: A key interchange near the Sharjah Grand Mosque has been temporarily closed to traffic as part of ongoing Etihad Rail infrastructure works, the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority announced. The closure, which began at midnight on Friday, affects the exit ramp from Emirates Road (E611) t»»»
German Court Jails Hezbollah Supporter Over Videos Showing Weapons
A German court on Friday sentenced a supporter of Lebanon's Hezbollah party to more than three years in jail Friday over for "illegal access to weapons" and social media posts supporting the group. Earlier in the same trial the 30-year-old was acquitted on charges of actually fighting for Hezbollah»»»
Israel PM Says Hezbollah Trying to ‘Sabotage’ Peace Efforts with Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah on Friday of trying to "sabotage" efforts to reach a peace agreement with Lebanon. "We have started a process to reach a historic peace between Israel and Lebanon, and it's clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage this," he said in»»»