Sicily’s Gibellina Is Concrete-Covered ‘Second Pompeii’
The Sicilian village of Gibellina was destroyed by an earthquake in 1968, but its ruins were to be reborn as a spectacular piece of land art. 20th-century artist Alberto Burri poured concrete over 926,000 square feet of hillside, freezing the streets and pathways for eternity, transforming this dis»»»
Awqaf Ministry issues 212th edition of ‘Book of the Nation’ series
Doha, Qatar: The Department of Islamic Research and Studies at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has issued the 212th edition of the “Book of the Nation” series under the title “Book of the Nation: Enlightened Contributions and Renewed Giving” (Part One), featuring contributions from a dist»»»
QFC joins GCMA to advance Qatar’s asset management ecosystem
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business centre, has joined the Gulf Capital Market Association (GCMA) as an associate member, marking an important step towards building a more structured and competitive financial ecosystem in Qatar. This development build»»»
Deputy Cabinet Chairman comments on Western sanctions against Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
A meeting of journalists with Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Daniyar Amangeldiev, is taking place today, May, 18 at Yntymak Ordo as part of the Open Cabinet project. In response to a question from 24.kg news agency about whether Kyrgyzstan is currently facing pressure fr»»»
President Iotova Visits Plant in Azerbaijan Built with Bulgarian Investment
President Iliana Iotova visited a plant built entirely with Bulgarian investment in the industrial free economic zone of the city of Sumgait, 25 kilometres from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, the presidential press secretariat reported on Monday morning. The plant for recycling of used industrial»»»
UDST graduates: National talents leading sectors of future
Doha, Qatar: As the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) celebrates the graduation of a new cohort of students, the institute continues to strengthen its role in shaping qualified national talents equipped with the knowledge, practical expertise, and future-focused skills needed to »»»
Museums as bridges: QF’s Lawh Wa Qalam curator on art, dialogue and shared humanity
Doha, Qatar: As the world marks International Museum Day under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” curator of Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum, Amita Shenoy has said museums have an increasingly vital role in fostering dialogue, empathy, and cultural understanding. Speaking about the rol»»»
Ikhlef bags silver at Asian Weightlifting Championships in India
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s Ouisal Ikhlef delivered an impressive performance at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Gandhinagar, India, claiming silver in the women’s +86kg category against a high-quality field featuring Olympic and world-level competitors. Ikhlef finished ahead of world No.2-ranked»»»
Gulf Cup draw ceremony in Jeddah tomorrow
Doha, Qatar: Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation will host the draw ceremony for the 27th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup in Jeddah tomorrow. The tournament will take place from September 23 to October 6. The ceremony is set to begin at 4:00 pm at the Culture Square - Arts Center Building, located»»»
Romania had 4,682,638 pensioners in end-April 2026; average pensions 2,783 lei
A total of 4,682,638 pensioners were registered in Romania in April 2026, 1,836 fewer than in the previous month, while the average pension stood at 2,783 lei, according to data centralised by the National House of Public Pensions (CNPP).The total value of pension entitlements amounted to nearly 13»»»
EY Study: Romania, between security and economy- defense investments stake
acceleration re-arming at European level, in a situation of strategic inflexion, in which defence decisions can have a significant impact on national security and long term economic development, according to the report “Romania at the crossroad between security and economy,”made by EY Romania. The »»»
U.S. showcases cutting-edge defense tech at BSDA, reinforces partnership with Romania
U.S. defense leaders showcased world-class capabilities at the Black Sea Defense and Aerospace (BSDA) exhibition, strengthening the U.S. - Romania Strategic Partnership, the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest said on Friday.According to the Embassy's statement, this year's BSDA expo highlights cutting-edge »»»
President Dan : Defence investments have become a priority in the current global context with multiple military conflicts
President Nicusor Dan said on Friday, in a social media message, that it is Romania's responsibility to increase its defence spending given increasing security risks. He added that "only by ensuring peace can our societies remain free and prosper in the future."Dan participated in the Black Sea Def»»»
President Dan: There is no risk of the SAFE programme being blocked
President Nicusor Dan stated on Friday that there is no risk of the 'Security Action for Europe' (SAFE) programme being blocked for Romania.He was asked during a press conference whether there was any risk of the European defence industry programme being blocked, in the context of the latest govern»»»
Nicusor Dan: Romania-Ukraine agreement on countering drones will be finalised in two to three months
A Romania-Ukraine agreement on countering drones will be finalised in two to three months, President Nicusor Dan said on Friday at a news conference.The collaboration of the two countries has two components, he added.The first is the inclusion in the SAFE programme of a drone production component i»»»
AHK Romania survey: Political turbulence and high costs weigh on companies' economic prospects
Political uncertainty, high costs and tighter financing conditions are weighing on Romania's business climate, with the share of companies rating their current situation as "poor" doubling in a year, according to the spring business survey conducted by the German-Romanian Chamber of Commerce and In»»»
S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed Romania's sovereign rating at 'BBB-/A-3' for both long-term and short-term debt
The reaffirmation of Romania's sovereign credit rating, in a context of political uncertainty, although encouraging, highlights the major impact political decisions have on investor confidence in Romania, Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare believes.The international financial rating agency S&P Globa»»»
President Dan: 2027 budget plan confirmed for autumn submission
President Nicusor Dan told a press conference on Friday that the budget for next year could be submitted by the Government this autumn in order to project financial stability."We already have an approved 2026 budget and there is agreement not to amend it. Thus, for 2026, this is the fiscal outlook.»»»
Central Bank's Board of Directors decides to maintain monetary policy at 6.50% per annum
The Board of Directors of the National Bank of Romania (BNR), meeting on Friday, decided to maintain the monetary policy interest rate at 6.50% per annum, the central bank said in a press release sent on Friday.According to the same source, the Board members also decided to keep the lending facilit»»»
Central bank expects Romania's annual inflation rate to overshoot previous forecasts in Q2 2026
Romania's annual inflation rate is expected to rise above previous forecasts in the second quarter of 2026, before posting a substantial downward correction in the third quarter, the National Bank of Romania (BNR) said on Friday.At its meeting, the BNR Board reviewed and approved the May 2026 Infla»»»
Three African candidates and one Romanian candidate are running for the position of Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie
Four candidates have entered the race for the position of Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), with the election scheduled for November: Louise Mushikiwabo of Rwanda, whose term is ending; Juliana Amato Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Coumba»»»
Most European countries expressed their support in Chisinau for the establishment of a tribunal to address Russian aggression in Ukraine
The majority of the European countries supported on Friday in a reunion of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, meeting in Kishinev, the capital of the Republic of Moldova called for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, according to re»»»
Acting ForMin Toiu co-chaired, in Chisinau, roundtable meeting on protecting the integrity of elections
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana Toiu, participated in Chisinau on Friday in the ministerial meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. During the event, she co-chaired, together with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popsoi, the roundtable mee»»»
Minister Pislaru: I don't believe a technocrat leading the government would work
The interim Minister of Investments and European Projects, Dragos Pislaru, said on Saturday that he does not believe in the option of a technocrat leading the Government, because such a figure would rely on 'volatile political support'.Pislaru was asked in an interview with Digi24 private televisio»»»
Kelemen: UDMR's first option is to rebuild the coalition
National leader of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) Kelemen Hunor, said, after Friday's meeting of the Council of the UDMR Representatives(CRU), that the first option of his party is to rebuild the former governing coalition, but he does not exclude the option of entering the opposi»»»
USR's Fritz, interim PM Bolojan agree not to support any governing formula involving PSD
The Mayor of Timisoara and Save Romania Union leader, Dominic Fritz, stated on Saturday, following a meeting with interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, that they had discussed Monday's consultations at Cotroceni Palace, convened by President Nicusor Dan, agreeing that both parties would not support »»»
Interim PM Bolojan: If the PSD is in government, the PNL will be in opposition
The president of the National Liberal Party (PNL), interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, stated on Saturday in Timisoara that the party has two political objectives: in the short term, to find a governing formula in which the PNL assumes its responsibilities, and in the medium term, for 2028, to cre»»»
President Dan: Consultations to focus on majority proposed for forming Gov't
Monday consultations at the Cotroceni Palace with parliamentary parties will start from the question of what majority they are proposing, whether a "full", minority or technocratic Government, President Nicusor Dan said on Friday, mentioning that a pro-Western majority is needed."We will have talks»»»
Was Israel Secretly Running Two Military Bases in Iraqi Desert for Months?
Israel built two covert bases in Iraq’s rugged western desert for well over a year to aid in its wars with Iran, The New York Times reported Sunday. Iraqi officials described the development as a “blatant disregard for Iraqi sovereignty,” while a shepherd was killed after he stumbled on the base. I»»»
IDF arrests 10 Israeli civilians after crossing the Israel-Syria border
CAIRO: The Israeli army arrested ten Israeli civilians on Sunday after they crossed the Syrian border, according to the Jerusalem Post. In a statement, the army said IDF soldiers operating in the area returned the civilians from Syrian territory to Israel, before transferring them to the Israeli po»»»
Russia launched 524 drones, 22 missiles at Ukraine overnight, Ukraine air force says
Russia launched 524 drones and 22 missiles in overnight attacks targeting Ukraine, Ukraine’s air force said on Monday. Air defense units shot down or neutralized 503 drones and four missiles, the air force said in a post on Telegram, adding that the main target of the attack was the ci»»»
WHO kicks off annual assembly amid hantavirus, Ebola crises
GENEVA: World Health Organization member states gather for their annual meeting in Geneva Monday amid concern over deadly hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks and uncertainty over announced US and Argentinian withdrawals.While the rare hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that has gripped global attentio»»»
Hong Kong court hears final arguments in the trial of Tiananmen vigil organizers
HONG KONG: A Hong Kong court was hearing the final arguments Monday in the national security trial for two organizers of the large vigils remembering the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Hong Kong for decades was the only place in China where a large-scale public commemoration of the crackdown was »»»
Oil touches two-week high after drone attack on UAE nuclear power plant
NEW DELHI: Oil prices extended gains on Monday as efforts to end the Iran war appeared to have stalled, after a nuclear power plant in the UAE came under attack and as US President Donald Trump is expected to discuss military options on Iran. Brent crude futures climbed $2.01, or 1.84 percent, to»»»
Qatar cross 100-medal mark as athletics end with 12 gold, Aya wins table tennis crown
Doha, Qatar: Mubarak Saeed and Zakaria Al-Alami secured a one-two finish in the men’s 1500m as Qatar’s athletics team claimed two more gold medals, while Aya Mohammed triumphed in table tennis to lift the hosts’ gold tally to 39 at the GCC Games Doha 2026 yesterday. Qatar crossed the 100-medal mark»»»
Qatar to participate in World Health Assembly and Executive Board meetings
Doha, Qatar: Qatar will take part in the seventy-ninth session of the World Health Assembly, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 18 to 23, as well as in a number of related meetings and side events. Minister of Public Health H E Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud will lead Qatar’s delegation to»»»
Israel at ‘Peak Readiness’ for Possible Renewed Conflict with Iran
US President Donald Trump may order renewed limited military strikes against Iran amid what appears to be a deadlock in talks between the Chinese and US presidents last week in Beijing and the American leader’s growing frustration with Tehran. On Saturday, Israeli officials said the military is at »»»
Thousands of flamingos transform Navi Mumbai into a stunning sea of pink
Dubai: A breathtaking natural spectacle unfolded in Navi Mumbai as thousands of migratory flamingos descended on wetlands and creek areas near the NRI Complex in Nerul, turning the landscape into a vivid sea of pink. Large flocks of the birds gathered in shallow waters and mudflats, creating a stri»»»
SCNS warns of prison terms for inciting interethnic tensions - | 24.KG
Kanat Tabaldiev, head of the Osh Regional Department of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS), warned of criminal liability for attempts to incite interethnic hatred. The statement was made during a discussion of a land issue in a village in Osh region. According to Tabaldi»»»
Ban on concealing antibiotic use in meat, dairy products proposed in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has submitted for public discussion a draft amendment to veterinary and sanitary requirements aimed at preventing animal diseases. The document introduces new mandatory rules for producers of meat, milk, and other animal-origin products. Authorities propose st»»»
New AI-related specialties to be introduced in Kyrgyzstan’s universities - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has submitted for public discussion a draft of a new list of higher education fields and specialties in Kyrgyzstan. The document provides for a complete overhaul of the classification system for university programs, introducing a new 9-digit coding system. Acc»»»
Rafeeq and Google announce strategic partnership to accelerate AI-first commerce and operations
The partnership goes beyond a standard vendor arrangement. It signals to the market that Rafeeq is placing artificial intelligence at the center of its next phase of growth, with a focus on transforming customer experience, operations, employee capabilities, and platform intelligence. Doha, Qatar: »»»
Trump Issues Dire Warning to Iran to Accept Peace Deal
President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran on Sunday, saying it had to move quickly towards a peace deal or "there won't be anything left of them." Washington, locked in conflict with Tehran since US and Israeli forces launched major strikes on the country beginning February 28, has stru»»»
Bahrain’s CTM360 receives global recognition in Gartner Magic Quadrant, marking historic milestone for the Arab world
CTM360 has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first-ever Arab World software technology to be named among the 17 globally leading companies for “Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)”. This is reflected in Gartner’s First CTI Magic Quadrant report, published on 4th May, signifying that the glo»»»
Philippines: Users urged to conserve electricity, rotational brownouts hit Luzon, 'Yellow' alert up in Visayas, as heatwave, plant outages, line failures push grid to the brink
Manila: Rotational brownouts swept parts of Luzon as the Philippines’ power grid ran with razor-thin reserves while several large generating units and key transmission lines went “offline”, officials said. This forced utilities to cut electricity to selected areas to prevent a wider “blackout”. The»»»
National Bank of Romania keeps the monetary policy rate at 6.50% per annum
”Based on the assessments and data currently available, as well as given the high level of uncertainty, the NBR Board of Directors decided at its meeting today, May 15, 2026, to maintain the monetary policy interest rate at 6.50 percent per annum. At the same time, it was decided to maintain the in»»»
‘Clearly positive’: Angolan Ambassador hails growing ties with Qatar
Doha, Qatar: Relations between Angola and Qatar are entering a new phase of strategic cooperation driven by shared economic ambitions, expanding investment opportunities and growing collaboration in energy, agriculture, logistics and education, Ambassador of Angola to Qatar H E Antonio Coelho Ramos»»»
Israel PM Says Close to Killing All Architects of October 7 Attack
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel had almost completed a key goal of the war in Gaza -- eliminating all those responsible for orchestrating the October 7 attack. His remarks followed the Israeli military's announcement that Ezzedine Al-Haddad, commander of Hamas's armed wing»»»
Report: US Weighs Drone Threat from Cuba
Cuba has obtained more than 300 military drones and recently began discussing plans to use them to attack the US base at Guantanamo Bay, US military vessels and possibly even Florida, Axios reported Sunday, citing classified intelligence. The report comes as tensions simmer between Washington and H»»»
Qatar condemns attempt to target Saudi Arabia with drones
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar strongly condemned the attempt to target the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with drones, considering it an unacceptable act of aggression, a violation of the Kingdom's sovereignty, and a threat to its security and the safety of the region. The Ministry of Foreign A»»»