France withdraws controversial anti-Semitism bill ahead of debate
French lawmakers linked to President Emmanuel Macron have withdrawn a controversial bill aimed at expanding anti-Semitism laws in the country, which had been set for debate in parliament on Thursday. The “law to combat renewed forms of anti-Semitism” was drafted in 2024 by a group of MPs led by Car»»»
Tornadoes cause damage in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois; no injuries - UPI.com
Storms tore through the upper midwest, causing damaging tornadoes Friday. Image courtesy of UPI April 18 (UPI) -- Tornadoes swept through several midwestern cities Friday leaving destruction and devastation in their wakes as a massive storm system tore through the area. Rochester, Minn., Lena, Ill.»»»
Qatar condemns attack targeting UNIFIL patrol in southern Lebanon
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar condemned the attack that targeted a patrol belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the south of the country, which led to the death of a French soldier and the injury of several others. Qatar considers this a serious violation of the rul»»»
Egypt steps up efforts to shield startups, SMEs from global headwinds: MSMEDA chief
Bassel Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), said state entities are working in close coordination to mitigate the impact of global economic challenges on startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt. He added that efforts are also focu»»»
Leon fires Sundowns into African Champions League final
Pretoria: Colombian Brayan Leon was the match-winner again for Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on Saturday, April 18, 2026, scoring in a 1-0 CAF Champions League semi-final second leg win over Esperance of Tunisia. The 25-year-old, who joined the Pretoria club from Independiente Medellin three mo»»»
Suez Canal Bank signs tripartite protocol with eHealth, eAswaaq to drive healthcare digitalisation
Suez Canal Bank has signed a tripartite cooperation protocol with eHealth and eAswaaq—both affiliates of eFinance Investment Group—with the aim of supporting and developing Egypt’s healthcare sector by providing integrated financing solutions and accelerating digital transformation. The agreement w»»»
Ahmed Fouad appointed head of SME Committee at FEB
The Federation of Egyptian Banks (FEB), chaired by Mohamed El-Etreby, has approved the appointment of Ahmed Fouad as head of its SME Committee, in a move aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of specialised committees and renewing their leadership. The appointment comes as part of ongoing efforts to»»»
Middle East war live: French UNIFIL soldier killed in Lebanon, Hezbollah responsible, says Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday that a French soldier who was part of international forces stationed in southern Lebanon was killed, adding that evidence suggests Hezbollah was responsible. Earlier, Iranian patrol boats fired at an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, accordi»»»
Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz 'completely open' amid fragile ceasefire
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial shipping during the Lebanon ceasefire, triggering a sharp drop in oil prices, while Donald Trump welcomed the move but kept a US naval blockade in place. At the same time, Emmanuel Macron and the UK are leading plans for a neutral mission to secu»»»
Hormuz domino effect: How the Middle East crisis affects food, flights and global supply chains
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered by the war in the Middle East hasn't just affected oil prices. Despite a provisional reopening during the current 10-day ceasefire, global supplies of jet fuel, fertilisers, industrial CO2 and naphtha have already been affected, potentially leading to s»»»
French soldier killed in attack on UN mission in southern Lebanon, officials say
A French soldier was killed and three others wounded while clearing a road in southern Lebanon in an attack that UNIFIL peacekeepers and French officials said on Saturday was likely carried out by Iran-backed Hezbollah. In calls with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam»»»
UNIFIL sheds light on southern Lebanon attack that killed French soldier
A French soldier was killed in southern Lebanon on Saturday 18, while serving with UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping force. UNIFIL deputy spokesperson Tilak Pokharel was FRANCE 24’s guest this afternoon to explain what happened and what is currently known about those responsible.»»»
Eye on Africa - Day 5 of Pope's African tour
Day 5 in Africa for Pope Leo the 14th. In the midst of a pause in the ongoing violence in Cameroon, the Pope headed to Douala after the city of Bamenda, to celebrate a Mass. Also It's now more than 48 hours since Million Beyene disappeared without a trace. And Literature takes centre stage in the F»»»
US issues sanctions waiver on Russian oil sales again
The Trump administration on Friday issued a one-month sanctions waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded at sea, despite the treasury secretary indicating two days earlier that Washington would not renew the measure. The move comes amid efforts to ease global en»»»
Spain's Sanchez, Brazil's Lula lead global gathering of left-wing leaders against far-right rise
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are set to co-chair a gathering of left-wing leaders in Barcelona on Saturday aimed at countering the rise of the far right and strengthening democratic institutions. The meeting brings together figures from acro»»»
Carney leads middle power coalition drive as CANZUK gains traction
Energy giant Canada has emerged as the leading driver of efforts to build a formal middle-power coalition among like-minded Commonwealth nations, with Prime Minister Mark Carney using his first year in office to push the long-dormant CANZUK concept and a broader variable-geometr»»»
Chile’s Kast pushes sweeping tax and spending overhaul
Chile’s President José Antonio Kast has unveiled an ambitious package of more than 40 economic and regulatory reforms aimed at breaking what he described as a decade of stagnation, but the proposal has already triggered political resistance and street protests as it moves towards Congress. »»»
Latvia approves €30mn airBaltic loan as Iran war fuel shock hits national carrier
Latvia's parliament has approved a €30mn ($32.7mn) short-term state loan to national carrier airBaltic after a dispute that threatened to collapse the ruling coalition, LETA reported on April 16. The loan was approved by 4»»»
Latvia approves €30mn airBaltic loan as Iran war fuel shock hits national carrier
Latvia's parliament has approved a €30mn ($32.7mn) short-term state loan to national carrier airBaltic after a dispute that threatened to collapse the ruling coalition, LETA reported on April 16. The loan was approved by 4»»»
New hardline security unit in charge of Russia’s VPN crackdown
The control of Russia’s internet, including the latest escalation of the war on VPNs, has reportedly shifted to the Federal Security Bureau’s (FSB) Second Service unit, headed by Colonel General Alexei Sedov, according to an investigation by The Bell. »»»
Israel launches first strikes on Lebanon since ceasefire to isolate 55 villages
The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes and artillery bombardments on southern Lebanon on Saturday, marking its first such operations since a 10-day ceasefire took effect, citing the need to enforce a “Yellow Line” that isolates 55 Lebanese villages. In a concurrent blow to stability i»»»
Spain hosts Global South leaders to forge broad alliance countering Trump policies
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed 15 bilateral agreements as Spain opened a summit of approximately 12 heads of state and government to build a broad alliance countering the policies of United States President Donald Trump, according to Bl»»»
Egypt’s TMG launches EGP 1.4trn ‘The Spine’ project to attract global firms
Egypt’s Talaat Moustafa Group Holding (TMG) has launched a new cognitive city project, “The Spine,” with investments exceeding EGP 1.4trn, aimed at contributing 1% to the country’s gross domestic product and establishing a major destination for international companies. The project, located within t»»»
Shura Council officials to QNA: Adoption of Qatar's emergency item at IPU reflects growing parliamentary diplomacy impact
Doha, Qatar: Officials and members of the Shura Council stated that the adoption of Qatar's emergency item at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reflects the growing impact of Qatari parliamentary diplomacy and its role in supporting national, Arab, and Islamic positions. They noted in statements »»»
Qatar does not view mediation as a matter of media visibility or international competition: Al Khulaifi
ANTALYA: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi participated in a high-level session on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum titled 'Emerging Partnerships in International Mediation for Peace'. In his remarks during the session, D»»»
RT’s complete guide to the Bulgarian election
Bulgarians are about to vote in the country’s eighth election in five years. Unpopular caretaker governments have come and gone, and now victory looks almost certain for former president, Ukraine skeptic and left-winger Rumen Radev. Read more Battle for Bulgaria: The EU opens a new front in its ele»»»
Strong Pressure on Hamas to Agree to Gaza Disarmament
Hamas is facing its strongest pressure yet from mediators and other parties to agree, even in principle, to the “Peace Council” document before negotiating its terms, particularly the plan to disarm factions operating in the Gaza Strip, especially its armed wing, the Qassam Brigades. Two Hamas sour»»»
Lebanon President Vows to Prosecute Those Who Attacked French UN Peacekeepers
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowed on Saturday to prosecute those who targeted French UN peacekeepers, killing one and wounding three. In a statement shared by the presidency, Aoun expressed his condolences to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a phone call, condemning the incident and vow»»»
France Blames Hezbollah for French Peacekeeper's Death in Lebanon
A French soldier was killed and three others wounded in an attack Saturday on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon that appeared to have been carried out by Hezbollah, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "Everything points to Hezbollah being responsible for this attack," he said on X, urging Lebanese auth»»»
'Gouged': World Cup fans to pay 'insane' $150 for NY stadium train ticket
Newark, United States: World Cup fans will have to pay $150 -- more than 10 times the normal price -- for the quick round-trip train between New York and Meadowlands stadium when it hosts the tournament's final and seven earlier matches, local officials said Friday, drawing outrage. The 36 miles (5»»»
Macron blames Hezbollah for French peacekeeper's death in Lebanon
A French soldier was killed and three others wounded in an attack Saturday on U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon that appeared to have been carried out by Hezbollah, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "Everything points to Hezbollah being responsible for this attack," he said on X, urging Lebanese au»»»
One killed, 4 seriously injured in blast in Western Germany
Berlin, Germany: One man was killed and four others seriously injured in a powerful explosion inside a pedestrian tunnel in Volklingen, western Germany. German police said the injured include two men in life-threatening condition. Investigators believe the blast was caused by human action, without »»»
QNB sees India's economy sustaining growth above 6 percent despite global headwinds
Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Bank (QNB) expects the Indian economy to maintain robust growth despite global challenges and geopolitical volatility, projecting that strong domestic fundamentals will keep expansion above 6%, reinforcing its position among the world's fastest-growing major economies. I»»»
US extends sanctions waiver on purchases of Russian oil
Washington, United States: US President Donald Trump's administration on Friday issued a month-long sanctions waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil and petroleum products that are at sea, extending an earlier move to soften surging energy prices. The license, issued by the Treasury Department, co»»»
UAE’s Ghobash says Palestine cause faces global delay
Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) said that the Palestinian cause today faces a growing gap between the clarity of principle and the hesitation of international will to implement it, noting that this gap lies at the heart of the conflict as it reflects the disparity betwee»»»
French film star Nathalie Baye dead at 77: family to AFP
Paris, France: French film star Nathalie Baye, a multi-Cesar Award winner who starred in Steven Spielberg's "Catch Me if You Can," has died at the age of 77, her family told AFP on Saturday. Baye, a stalwart of French cinema, starred in some 80 films and took home the best actress Cesar -- France's»»»
US Had Plans to Take Control Over Iranian Oil While Preparing Attack - Lavrov
ANTALYA (Sputnik) - One of the goals of the US operation in Iran was to control the oil that passes through the Strait of Hormuz, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Saturday. "I do not think there really were plans to destroy civilization. I think it is just a figure of speech. But the »»»
EGYPT’s new is to create jobs and raise people’s living standards
Prime Minister Sherif Ismail said that there are no reforms without challenges, and that Egypt’s economic reform has went through its most difficult phase, and that the government is committed to continue its reform through, backed by the political leadership’s will and support, towards achieving i»»»
FinMin meets IMF officials: Commitment to macroeconomic and public finance stability
Skopje, 17 April 2026 (MIA) - The Government remains committed to maintaining the macroeconomic and public finance stability, fiscal consolidation, accelerated and sustainable economic growth. It closely follows developments amid the global uncertainty and undertakes measurds to manage the challeng»»»
Austria recalls baby food jars in health scare
Vienna: A supplier of baby food jars in Austria is recalling a line saying a lethal substance may have been introduced through tampering. The HiPP brand said it was recalling its "entire line of baby food jars sold at SPAR Austria" as "it cannot be ruled out that a hazardous substance was introduce»»»
LIA to revalue its assets using one of the Big Four global auditing firms
The Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) announced last Wednesday (15 April) that it is to revalue its assets. This comes in line with its approved strategy and to reinforce its commitment to good governance principles and transparency and disclosure requirements, it said. This valuation project of it»»»
Trump claims uranium deal with Iran while Tehran rejects any potential transfer of its enriched stockpile
President Donald Trump said on Friday that the US would work alongside Iran, using “a lot of excavators” to recover Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium and bring it to the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, however, reiterated that Iran would not give up the stockpi»»»
Al-Jadaan: Ending Conflicts, Securing Peace Are Essential to Sustainable Growth
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said the global economy’s ability to withstand crises depends on adopting a “unified strategic vision and swift reforms,” warning that excessive market optimism may be masking serious geopolitical risks, particularly conflicts that threaten supply security.»»»
UAE’s push for homegrown tax experts gains pace with first phase rollout of Emirati Tax Agent Programme
Dubai: The UAE’s drive to develop homegrown tax expertise has gained momentum with the rollout of the first phase of the Emirati Tax Agent Programme, as authorities move to strengthen national capabilities in the sector supporting the country’s economy. The initiative, announced at the Emaar Square»»»
Solar power plant to be launched in Naryn, details discussed in Washington - | 24.KG
A solar power plant will be built in Konorchok area of Kochkor district of Naryn region and will begin generating energy in 2027. It was announced during a meeting between Energy Minister of Kyrgyzstan Taalaibek Ibraev and World Bank Vice President and Chief Financial Officer John Gandolfo, which t»»»
Explainer: What to know about Strait of Hormuz reopening?
Tehran: Although the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the world's oil supply, has been declared fully open for commercial vessels, its operational status remains contested. Both Washington and Tehran confirmed on Friday that the strait had been completely open for all commercial vessels. Howe»»»
Global Markets Regain Momentum after Strait of Hormuz Reopening Announcement
Global markets moved sharply on Friday after Iran said it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels, prompting investors to rapidly reassess geopolitical supply risks. Iran’s foreign minister said the strait was fully open to all commercial shipping for the duration of the ceasefi»»»
Dubai Police outline plans to strengthen financial efficiency
Dubai: Dubai Police has reviewed its financial sustainability plans as part of ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, strengthen governance and support long-term stability. The discussion took place during the second meeting of the Financial Sustainability Council, chaired by Dr Major General Ahmad»»»
Minister of Economy Abushiha approves creation of new foreign companies – signalling internationally that Libya is improving its business climate
The Ministry of Economy and Trade announced last Thursday (16 April) that its Minister, Suhail Abushiha, had approved the decisions for the formation of four foreign and joint venture (JV) companies to support the investment climate in several vital sectors. The Ministry said this comes within the »»»
Myanmar release of Suu Kyi top ally spurs small democracy hope
Yangon, Myanmar: The release of Myanmar's putsch-ousted former president has piqued speculation about the fate of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but little optimism among citizens and analysts watching for a democracy comeback. "I don't expect much from this release," said one 50-year-old Yangon»»»