1,777 building permits issued in Q1 2026
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Municipality has released its latest statistics on building permits and technical affairs for the first quarter of 2026, highlighting sustained momentum across the construction and urban development sectors. According to the report, a total of 1,777 building permits wer»»»
Qatari investments support Syria’s economic reforms, says Syrian Minister of Finance
Damascus: Syrian Minister of Finance H E Mohammed Yasser Barnieh affirmed that cooperation with the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) in the project to assess the financial and banking sector represents an important strategic step in a qualitative transformation phase that the Syrian economy is wit»»»
Community College, Qatar Scientific Club sign MoU to advance expertise and innovation
Doha, Qatar: Reflecting a shared commitment to integrating the roles of academic and scientific institutions across Qatar, the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) and the Qatar Scientific Club (QSC) have signed a memorandum of understanding. It aims to strengthen joint collaboration in technical train»»»
On This Day, April 24: Benedict XVI becomes Roman Catholic pope - UPI.com
On April 24, 2005, Benedict XVI was installed in Rome as the 265th Roman Catholic pope. 1 of 4 | Pope Benedict XVI leads the beatification ceremony of Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's square in the Vatican on May 1, 2011. On April 24, 2005, Benedict XVI was officially installed in Rome as the 265th»»»
Thai court accepts ethics case against opposition leader, MPs
Bangkok: A Thai court decided on Friday to hear a case against 10 MPs, including the leader of the largest opposition party, for trying to reform the royal insult law, but refrained from suspending them. The progressive People's Party, led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, came second in February's gen»»»
‘Quran Teacher’ programme to be piloted in select schools from Sunday
Doha, Qatar: The Chairman of the Committee for Developing and Enhancing Quran and Arabic Language Education, Professor Dr. Sultan Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, has announced that the “Quran Teacher” programme will officially begin implementation in schools from Sunday as part of a national effort to strength»»»
'Cretaceous Kraken' Prowled the Seas During the Age of Dinosaurs
The Kraken is a huge tentacled sea monster from Norse folklore that drags ships and sailors down into the deep. During the age of dinosaurs, new research shows, there existed a creature as close to a real-life Kraken as you could possibly get - an enormous octopus that prowled the seas as an apex p»»»
Education Ministry honours Ruwwad programme participants
Doha, Qatar: The Higher Education Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education held a recognition ceremony on Wednesday for participants in the 2026 “Ruwwad” programme, implemented by the British Council in partnership with the British Embassy in Doha and the Ministry. During th»»»
MoI’s Industrial Security Directorate honours distinguished personnel
Doha, Qatar: As part of its commitment to fostering a culture of professional excellence, the General Directorate of Industrial Security at the Ministry of Interior honoured a number of its personnel from various affiliated departments in recognition of their outstanding performance and dedication »»»
Israeli enemy forces conducted demolition operations in Bint Jbeil and Hanin on Friday morning: Al-Manar correspondent in south Lebanon - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli enemy forces conducted demolition operations in Bint Jbeil and Hanin on Friday morning: Al-Manar correspondent in south Lebanon 24-»»»
US President Donald Trump: Ceasefire in Lebanon has been extended by three weeks - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe US President Donald Trump: Ceasefire in Lebanon has been extended by three weeks 24-04-2026 00:55 AM Latest News Urgent News Maariv’s Avi A»»»
Behind The Scenes: US-Israeli Military Decisions Shaping Iran's War
Although US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have made the ultimate war and ceasefire decisions regarding Iran, The Jerusalem Post revealed the details and extent to which Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, US Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, a»»»
What to know if your flight is canceled amid rising jet fuel costs
Airlines worldwide have begun canceling flights as the war in the Middle East strains jet fuel supplies and pushes up prices — but the disruption doesn’t end there. For travelers, it can mean having to navigate a confusing web of passenger protections that vary widely depending on where they’re fly»»»
Akhil Marar sparks outrage over pregnancy remarks; Kerala women, doctors push back
Dubai: Filmmaker and former Bigg Boss Malayalam winner Akhil Marar has come under fire for his recent comments on pregnancy, with women, doctors, and activists in Kerala strongly pushing back against his views. In a recent interview, Marar described pregnancy as a “natural process” that has been tu»»»
Brzoska urges reform
At the European Economic Congress in Katowice, Rafał Brzoska said Poland’s biggest barrier to investment is not access to capital, but slow administrative procedures that delay projects and discourage investors. He argued that projects which can be completed within a year often wait several years f»»»
Hormuz Crisis Throws Spotlight on World's Largest 'Chokepoint' - the Malacca Strait
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has forced policymakers in Asia to face questions over the security of other maritime chokepoints, including the Strait of Malacca, which is the world's busiest waterway for international trade. Importance of The Malacca Strait The 900-km (550-mile) long Malacca »»»
Foot-and-mouth disease mutation reduces vaccine effectiveness in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
Previously used foot-and-mouth disease vaccines in Kyrgyzstan have proven less effective due to a virus mutation. It was announced at a meeting of El Umutu — Ata Zhurt parliamentary group, where MP Saltanat Amanova raised the issue of the quality of the vaccines being used. According to Ishenbek Al»»»
Wildfires spread towards northern Japan town
Tokyo: Flames from raging wildfires in northern Japan were spreading towards the centre of a town Friday, April 24, 2026, with authorities urging more than 2,500 people to evacuate their homes, media reports and the government said. As of Friday morning, fires in the mountainous areas of Iwate regi»»»
A 60-Day Deadline Could Pressure Trump on Ending the Iran War
Washington - Robert Jimison Over nearly eight weeks of war in Iran, Republicans in Congress have turned back repeated efforts by Democrats to halt the operation and force US President Donald Trump, who began the conflict without congressional authorization, to consult with lawmakers on the military»»»
Moldova’s industrial output up 2.4% y/y in January-February
Moldova’s industrial production (chart) increased by 2.4% year-on-year in January-February 2026, supported by strong growth in the energy sector, while a steep contraction in extractive industries weighed on overall performance, the National Bureau of Statistics (BNS) reported. »»»
Gold set for weekly loss on inflation concerns, higher oil prices
Singapore: Gold held near flat in early Asian trade on Friday, April 24, 2026, but was on track for a weekly decline, pressured by rising oil prices and persistent inflation concerns, while ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz added to market »»»
Fidesz prepares for complete renewal after defeat
Chancellery Minister Gergely Gulyás answered journalists’ questions after consultations on preparations for the next legislative term, addressing the causes of the election defeat and what comes next. Asked whether Viktor Orbán would also step down as leader of Fidesz, Gulyás referred to the party »»»
Oil rises on fears of renewed Middle East escalation
Singapore: Oil prices rose on Friday, April 24, 2026, on concerns that renewed Middle East tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could tighten global supply. Brent crude futures rose $1.23, or 1.17%, to $106.30 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $1.07, or 1.1»»»
Thumbay Healthcare inaugurates Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Unit and Royale Presidential Suite at Thumbay Medicity, Ajman
Thumbay Healthcare today marked another major milestone in its journey of clinical innovation with the inauguration of two landmark facilities at Thumbay Medicity, Al Jurf, Ajman — a state‑of‑the‑art Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) unit at Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital, and »»»
Two teens arrested in plot to attack Houston synagogue - UPI.com
April 24 (UPI) -- Authorities in North Carolina and Texas have arrested two teenagers accused of conspiring to attack a Houston synagogue, according to police and court documents. The two suspects were separately arrested: 18-year-old Angelina Han Hicks of Lexington, N.C., on Wednesday and an unnam»»»
Arab artists on display at the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale
Etel Adnan ‘Untitled’ The late Lebanese-American artist and writer was renowned for her use of bold colors in her paintings. “(Her) vibrant compositions unfold through rich, geometric fields of color, reflecting a dynamic interplay between abstraction and her deep-rooted engagement with landscapes »»»
Trump threatens Starmer with ‘big tariff’ over tech tax, Telegraph reports
US President Donald Trump said he would impose tariffs on Britain if Prime Minister Keir Starmer does not drop the digital service tax, The Telegraph reported on Friday, citing an interview with the president. Trump told The Telegraph he would “put a big tariff on the UK” if it did not drop its»»»
Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei 'Gravely Wounded' but 'Mentally Sharp'
Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei was seriously wounded in the US-Israeli airstrike that killed his father and predecessor Ali Khamenei but is mentally sharp, the New York Times reported on Thursday. Citing several Iranian officials which it did not name, the Times said Mojtaba Khamenei ha»»»
Central Asia, EU pledge deeper cooperation on water and energy
Central Asian countries and European partners pledged to deepen cooperation on water and energy challenges exacerbated by climate change, officials said at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (RES2026). Central Asia is amo»»»
Kazakhstan proposes regional ‘Green Shield’ to combat desertification in Central Asia
Kazakhstan has proposed a regional “Green Shield of Central Asia” initiative to combat desertification and dust storms, positioning it as a long-term ecological strategy rather than a one-off tree-planting campaign, officials said at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026. »»»
Central Asian countries commit to stronger action on air pollution at Astana summit
Central Asian governments pledged to step up efforts to tackle air pollution, with officials calling for deeper regional cooperation and greater international support at a ministerial dialogue in Kazakhstan’s capital. Offi»»»
Central Asia, EU pledge deeper cooperation on water and energy
Central Asian countries and European partners pledged to deepen cooperation on water and energy challenges exacerbated by climate change, officials said at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (RES2026). Central Asia is amo»»»
Kazakhstan proposes regional ‘Green Shield’ to combat desertification in Central Asia
Kazakhstan has proposed a regional “Green Shield of Central Asia” initiative to combat desertification and dust storms, positioning it as a long-term ecological strategy rather than a one-off tree-planting campaign, officials said at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026. »»»
Central Asia, EU pledge deeper cooperation on water and energy
Central Asian countries and European partners pledged to deepen cooperation on water and energy challenges exacerbated by climate change, officials said at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (RES2026). Central Asia is amo»»»
Kazakhstan proposes regional ‘Green Shield’ to combat desertification in Central Asia
Kazakhstan has proposed a regional “Green Shield of Central Asia” initiative to combat desertification and dust storms, positioning it as a long-term ecological strategy rather than a one-off tree-planting campaign, officials said at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026. »»»
Central Asia, EU pledge deeper cooperation on water and energy
Central Asian countries and European partners pledged to deepen cooperation on water and energy challenges exacerbated by climate change, officials said at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (RES2026). Central Asia is amo»»»
Kazakhstan proposes regional ‘Green Shield’ to combat desertification in Central Asia
Kazakhstan has proposed a regional “Green Shield of Central Asia” initiative to combat desertification and dust storms, positioning it as a long-term ecological strategy rather than a one-off tree-planting campaign, officials said at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026. »»»
Kazakhstan proposes regional ‘Green Shield’ to combat desertification in Central Asia
Kazakhstan has proposed a regional “Green Shield of Central Asia” initiative to combat desertification and dust storms, positioning it as a long-term ecological strategy rather than a one-off tree-planting campaign, officials said at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026. »»»
Central Asian countries commit to stronger action on air pollution at Astana summit
Central Asian governments pledged to step up efforts to tackle air pollution, with officials calling for deeper regional cooperation and greater international support at a ministerial dialogue in Kazakhstan’s capital. Offi»»»
Central Asia, EU pledge deeper cooperation on water and energy
Central Asian countries and European partners pledged to deepen cooperation on water and energy challenges exacerbated by climate change, officials said at the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (RES2026). Central Asia is amo»»»
Romanian PM installs interim cabinet, announces reforms after PSD withdrawal
Romania’s Social Democratic Party (PSD) withdrew its six ministers from Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan’s cabinet on April 23, triggering a shift to an interim government and deepening the political standoff at the centre of the ruling coalition, according to a PSD statement. The move comes as the»»»
Dhurandhar star Rakesh Bedi, who went viral as Pakistani politician, bags bonus
Dubai: While Dhurandhar may have been headlined by Ranveer Singh, it’s veteran actor Rakesh Bedi who has emerged as one of the film’s biggest talking points. His portrayal of Pakistani politician Jameel Jamali has struck a chord with audiences, earning both critical praise and viral popularity. Acc»»»
Iran scrambles to store more oil as Kharg Island nears capacity under blockade pressure
Iran is reportedly moving to expand crude storage at Kharg Island by reactivating the 30-year-old very large crude carrier M/T Nasha, a sign that the country’s main oil hub is nearing its onshore storage limit amid the US blockade of Iranian ports. Maritime analysts say the vessel, which had been a»»»
Kyrgyzstan extends compulsory health insurance coverage until 18 - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan has extended the age limit for compulsory health insurance for children. President Sadyr Japarov signed the law. The document, adopted by the Zhogorku Kenesh on April 1, 2026, aims to improve access to medical services. According to the amendments, the state will now pay compulsory healt»»»
Saudi Arabia, Switzerland Sign Agreement on Reciprocal Protection of Investments
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Minister of Investment Fahad Al-Saif have participated in the Saudi-Swiss Investment Roundtable Meeting in Jeddah, which was followed by the signing of an investment agreement between the two countries. The meeting took pla»»»
Kyrgyzstan’s energy specialists expect higher river inflows after snowy winter - | 24.KG
Specialists of the energy sector of Kyrgyzstan expect increased water levels in rivers following a snowy winter, Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev said on Birinchi Radio. According to him, the volume of water in Toktogul reservoir currently stands at about 19.5 billion cubic meters. «It is not 9 bil»»»
Coronary stents installed free of charge at Osh Interregional Hospital - | 24.KG
Coronary stents are being installed free of charge for patients with cardiovascular diseases at the Osh Interregional Combined Clinical Hospital. The hospital reported. The program is being implemented with the personal support of President Sadyr Japarov and funding from the High Technology Fund. P»»»
France, UK Eye 'Real Progress' in Hormuz Plan
Britain and France Thursday voiced hope that military plans to secure the Strait of Hormuz were coming together and would succeed in restoring trade flows through the vital passage. At a two-day meeting in London, military planners discussed the practicalities of a multinational mission led by the »»»
US State Department offers $10 million reward for leader of Iraqi armed group
WASHINGTON: The US State Department is offering up to $10 million for information on the leader of the Tehran-backed Iraqi armed group Kataeb Sayyid Al-Shuhada (KSS), which Washington designates as a terrorist organization. US officials said in a social media post Thursday they were seeking informa»»»
What to know if your flight is canceled amid rising jet fuel costs
Airlines worldwide have begun canceling flights as the war in the Middle East strains jet fuel supplies and pushes up prices — but the disruption doesn’t end there. For travelers, it can mean having to navigate a confusing web of passenger protections that vary widely depending on where they’re fly»»»