CEO Talks | Marek Noetzel, NEPI Rockcastle: A disciplined path to regional expansion
In a business where scale, timing, and trust can redefine entire markets, Marek Noetzel brings a clear sense of direction to NEPI Rockcastle’s next stage of growth. As CEO, he is shaping a strategy built on continuity, disciplined ambition, and a leadership approach focused on turning long-term vis»»»
Diana Iosu (DiFine PR): “Consultancy today means offering that human, profound, and educated perspective that technology cannot fully replace”
As part of our new interview series with professionals in the local communication industry, BR sat down with Diana Iosu, founder DiFine PR, and talked about the agency, challenges, consultancy, influencer marketing, storytelling, entrepreneurship, and leadership. By Romanita Oprea How did you start»»»
Taiwan president says he ‘won’t give up’ on defense spending after parliament cuts
NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Tuesday he would “not give up” on increasing defense spending, after the island’s opposition-majority parliament last month passed just two-thirds of a $40 billion supplementary budget. Taiwan’s government is prioritizing drones and other as»»»
China slams EU claims it trained Russians fighting in Ukraine
BEIJING: China denounced on Tuesday European Union claims that Beijing had trained Russian troops sent to Ukraine as “pure slander,” after the bloc’s top diplomat became the latest to raise the issue. China has presented itself as a neutral party since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, although Kyiv’»»»
Iranian official says end of war includes end of Israel’s occupation of Lebanon, state TV reports
DUBAI: Iran’s top diplomat was quoted as saying Tuesday that the end of the Iran war included the end of Israel’s occupation of Lebanon. Iranian state television quoted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi making the comment to foreign diplomats in a briefing. It did not air the remarks, but put them in»»»
Media Review: June 16
ECONOMY Citing estimates released by the National Statistical Institute on Monday, the Trud tabloid daily publishes an article titled “Services Fuel Record-High Inflation”. According to the publication, the sharp rise in service prices has become the main factor behind Bulgaria’s annual inflation r»»»
Star cast set for Doha Diamond League meeting
Doha: Qatar's high jump legend Mutaz Barshim and India's Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra will headline a star-studded Wanda Diamond League meeting in Doha this week, with Olympic champions Marileidy Paulino and Soufiane El Bakkali also among the top attractions. The Road to the Final returns to Asia»»»
India blocks Telegram before retest exam to curb cheating
New Delhi: India blocked access to Telegram messenger on Tuesday ahead of a retest of a nationwide medical college entrance examination, after a scandal last month over a question paper leak. The failure of the hugely competitive exam, along with a separate marking fiasco in high school tests, spar»»»
A $112b global credit firm is setting up in DIFC after DFSA approval
Dubai: Dubai International Financial Centre has welcomed Oak Hill Advisors after the global credit-focused alternative investment firm received regulatory authorisation from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to establish in the emirate. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Bala»»»
France seek revenge as Senegal target another World Cup shock
Doha, Qatar: More than two decades after one of the greatest upsets in FIFA World Cup history, France and Senegal are set to renew acquaintances when they launch their Group I campaigns at the New York-New Jersey Stadium today. For France, the memories are impossible to ignore. Back in 2002, Les Bl»»»
Nearly half the world's children exposed to three or more climate risks: UNICEF
United Nations, United States: More than one billion children face at least three overlapping climate hazards, UNICEF warned Monday, while highlighting the disproportionate impact in some regions of the world. For the report, the UN agency cross-referenced data showing where the roughly 2.4 billion»»»
US Embassy announces notice of funding opportunity to advance US-Qatar strategic partnership
Doha, Qatar: The US Embassy in Doha has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for proposals under the US-Qatar Strategic Partnership Initiative: Economic, Technology, and Security Cooperation (Freedom250 Commemorative). This funding opportunity seeks to support programmes that advance concrete »»»
China’s Xi says ‘firmly supports’ Myanmar in safeguarding sovereignty
BEIJING: Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged support on Tuesday for Myanmar in safeguarding its sovereignty, state media reported, as he met with President Min Aung Hlaing in Beijing. China is Myanmar’s most crucial ally and a rare enduring partner after Min Aung Hlaing’s 2021 coup ousted the elected»»»
Saudi Arabia warns of five-year jail, SR5m fine for misuse of electronic transactions and signatures
Saudi Arabia's Public Prosecution has warned that the misuse of electronic transactions and electronic signatures is punishable by up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to SR5 million, as the Kingdom strengthens protections for digital dealings. The prosecution said criminal safeguards ar»»»
10 Qatari firms among Forbes’ top 100 Arab family businesses
Doha, Qatar: Ten Qatari family businesses were featured in the list of Top 100 Arab Family Businesses in the MENA during the year 2026 by Forbes magazine. The following have made it to the ranking of top companies in their respective categories in June 2026 issue of Forbes Middle East: Power Intern»»»
Minister of Commerce and Industry inaugurates Doha Islamic Finance Conference today
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Commerce and Industry, H E Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, will inaugurated the 12th Doha Islamic Finance Conference today (June 16, 2026) under the theme ‘Islamic Finance in the Age of Agentic Systems’. Held under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister o»»»
Colombian left pins hopes on philosopher candidate Ivan Cepeda
BOGOTA: Philosopher-turned-politician Ivan Cepeda, who made his first public appearance following his father’s assassination by paramilitaries, is decades later running for president of Colombia — one of two candidates in this weekend’s runoff election. Losing his parent, a communist senator, prove»»»
Andy Burnham: ‘King of the North’ eyeing UK premiership
LONDON: Labour mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has emerged in the past decade as one of Britain’s most recognizable regional leaders, and a persistent thorn in Westminster’s side.Now all eyes are on him as a potential usurper of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with a historic by-election loom»»»
Trial begins of former Central African leader
BANGUI: A UN-backed court in the the Central African Republic will on Tuesday begin the trial in absentia of former president Francois Bozize, over crimes against humanity committed between 2009 and 2013. The alleged crimes committed by members of Bozize’s security forces include murder, enforced d»»»
With war likely over, Iranian rulers must face demands of angry, embittered population
DUBAI/LONDON: Iran’s theocratic rulers have seen off a US military campaign but their real problems may be about to begin: managing the competing demands of hard-liners buoyed by surviving the onslaught and those of an impoverished, angry people. Iran’s powerful hard-liners are energized by a thre»»»
Argentina begin title defence against ambitious Algeria
Doha, Qatar: Defending champions Argentina will launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign tomorrow (4am, Qatar time) when they face Algeria in a Group J encounter that marks the beginning of their quest to retain football’s most coveted trophy. Standing across from them will be an Algerian side eag»»»
How Doha residents adapt to life in summer heat
Doha, Qatar: As summer temperatures in Qatar climb well above 40°C, residents across the country are once again adjusting their daily routines to cope with the intense heat. In a country home to people from more than 100 nationalities, the ways of dealing with summer may differ, but many residents »»»
Nearly 1.1 billion children exposed to three or more climate risks: UNICEF
More than one billion children face at least three overlapping climate hazards, UNICEF warned Monday, while highlighting the disproportionate impact in some regions of the world. For the report, the UN agency cross-referenced data showing where the roughly 2.4 billion children on the planet live wi»»»
Saudi Arabia unveils Middle East’s largest national tennis centre in Qiddiya City to boost global sporting ambitions
Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya Investment Company has unveiled plans for the Middle East’s largest National Tennis Centre, a landmark project designed to position the Kingdom as a leading destination for international tennis while accelerating the development of local talent and expanding community partici»»»
Ukraine eyes bank privatisations and PrivatBank IPO as foreign investors circle
Ukraine is preparing a new phase of banking sector reforms that could see major state-owned lenders privatised and shares in the country's largest bank offered to investors, as authorities seek to attract foreign capital and reduce the state's dominant role in the financial system, reported Ukraine»»»
New Hungary re-engages with Europe, says foreign minister
Hungary is once again behaving like a European country, always keeping national interests in mind but pursuing them within the alliance system, Foreign Minister Anita Orbán declared on Monday in Luxembourg upon arriving for a meeting of European Union foreign ministers. She said that for Hungary, t»»»
UN chief to visit gang-plagued Haiti in solidarity with victims
UNITED NATIONS, United States: UN chief Antonio Guterres will visit gang-ravaged Haiti on Tuesday to show solidarity with victims of violence in the impoverished Caribbean nation long plagued by political, economic and security woes. The secretary-general, who last traveled to Port-au-Prince in Jul»»»
Nearly half the world’s children exposed to three or more climate risks: UNICEF
THE UNITED NATIONS, United States: More than one billion children face at least three overlapping climate hazards, UNICEF warned Monday, while highlighting the disproportionate impact in some regions of the world. For the report, the UN agency cross-referenced data showing where the roughly 2.4 bil»»»
UN sanctions loom over US-Iran peace deal as ‘snapback’ divide clouds path to economic relief
NEW YORK CITY: When the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 14, ending more than three months of war and opening a 60-day negotiating window, the announcement was greeted with international relief. But many questions remain unanswered, central among them whether the economic re»»»
How immigration fears and far-right politics are reshaping Britain a decade after Brexit
LONDON: On June 23, it will be exactly 10 years since the UK voted narrowly to leave the EU, a decision driven primarily by concerns about what politicians campaigning for Brexit described as “out-of-control immigration.” Britain, insisted the UK Independence Party in the run-up to the 2016 referen»»»
Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan to be only 'Dan Sullivan' on state's ballot - UPI.com
Alaska's top elections official ruled Monday that a challenger with the same name as Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan will not appear on the state's primary ballot. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo June 15 (UPI) -- Alaska's top elections official ruled Monday that a primary challenger shar»»»
Egypt held 1-1 by Belgium in Seattle
DPA/TNN Seattle (Washington) Substitute Romelu Lukaku forced an equalizer moments after coming on to help Belgium deny Egypt a first men’s World Cup victory in a 1-1 draw on Monday. Lukaku’s season at Napoli was ravaged with injury but he was picked for his fourth World Cup because of his experienc»»»
BEYOND THE BOSPORUS: EU Parliament is having a laugh again. Sanctions gun turns to Turkish justice minister Gurlek
On June 17, the European Parliament is scheduled to vote on a draft report assessing progress made by Turkey last year towards EU accession. The document calls for the sanctioning of the country’s justice minister, Akin Gurlek. Prepare for a bit of noise. Political actors, who i»»»
Belgium and Egypt draw 1-1 in World Cup group game
SEATTLE: Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 in their World Cup opener on Monday after a second-half Belgian equalizer spoiled Mohamed Salah’s 34th birthday. Emam Ashour opened the scoring early in the first half in Seattle, before Romelu Lukaku came off the bench after the hour to force Egypt’s Mohamed Han»»»
Belgium and Egypt draw 1-1 in World Cup group game
Seattle: Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 in their World Cup opener on Monday after a second-half Belgian equalizer spoiled Mohamed Salah's 34th birthday. Emam Ashour opened the scoring early in the first half in Seattle, before Romelu Lukaku came off the bench after the hour to force Egypt's Mohamed Han»»»
Uganda opposition figure seized by soldiers as army chief vows ‘hurt and pain’
KAMPALA, Uganda: An opposition figure in Uganda was detained Monday on the orders of the army chief, whose increased role in his father’s administration has worried opposition and human rights defenders. Erias Lukwago was taken from his house by armed soldiers after he had sought to serve Gen. Muho»»»
California Gov. Newsom accuses Trump of targeting him politically in probe - UPI.com
California Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a media availability in Los Angeles on July 16. On Monday, he accused the Trump administration of targeting him unfairly in a probe. File Photo by Jonathan Alcorn/UPI | License Photo June 15 (UPI) -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday said the federal governme»»»
Son of Norwegian crown princess jailed for rape
The son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been sentenced to four years in prison for rape. The verdict comes as the country’s monarchy has been caught up in an ongoing scandal over the princess’ links to late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Marius Borg Hoiby, 29, was found guilty on Mond»»»
Video shows man beaten by police officers in Budapest
A Budapest Central District Court has ordered the pre-trial detention of a man for one month in a final ruling after he fled from police in a car. Proceedings have been initiated against him on suspicion of violence against a public official, the Metropolitan Court told MTI on Monday. RTL News on S»»»
Why many Israelis believe Trump’s Iran deal could backfire
After more than three and a half months of fighting and intense back-and-forth negotiations, US President Donald Trump announced that Washington and Tehran, under Pakistani mediation, have reached a final agreement to end hostilities between them. The deal is expected to be signed in Geneva on June»»»
Somaliland opens embassy in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM: Somaliland opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, Israel’s foreign ministry announced, months after Israel became the first country to recognize the breakaway African state’s independence. “Honoured to host my dear friend President @Abdirahmanirro at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, »»»
Somaliland opens embassy in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM: Somaliland opened its embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, Israel’s foreign ministry announced, months after Israel became the first country to recognize the breakaway African state’s independence. “Honoured to host my dear friend President @Abdirahmanirro at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, »»»
Dutch court sentences Syrian to 26 years in prison for torture
THE HAGUE: A district court in The Hague on Monday sentenced to 26 years in prison a former pro-Assad militia member for committing crimes against humanity by torturing and raping prisoners more than a decade ago. The judges said it was established that 58-year-old Rafik A., whose last name was w»»»
Stocks drop, oil rises as Iran and rate worries
HONG KONG — Fresh worries about the Middle East ceasefire and the prospect of a US interest rate hike hit most stocks and lifted oil prices Thursday, following a rollercoaster week for markets that has sent shivers through trading floors.Investors took a little heart from closely watched data Wedne»»»
German working-age population to shrink dramatically — study
FRANKFURT, Germany — Germany's working-age population will shrink by 4.3 million by 2036 as people retire, the birth rate drops and tougher migration policies deter foreign workers, a study warned Monday.Falling numbers of workers spell yet another challenge for Europe's struggling top economy, alr»»»
FBI warns of Kali365 phishing scam targeting Microsoft 365 users - UPI.com
The Federal Bureau of Investigations issued a public service announcement Monday to warn of a phishing scam that targets Microsoft 365 users. File Photo by Sascha Steinbach/EPA June 15 (UPI) -- The Federal Bureau of Investigations issued a public service announcement Monday to warn of a phishing sc»»»
Dutch court sentences Syrian to 26 years in prison for torture
THE HAGUE: A district court in The Hague on Monday sentenced to 26 years in prison a former pro-Assad militia member for committing crimes against humanity by torturing and raping prisoners more than a decade ago. The judges said it was established that 58-year-old Rafik A., whose last name was w»»»
Min of Energy: Polish energy in the crosshairs of adversaries
Energy Minister Miłosz Motyka said cybersecurity in the energy sector and protection of critical infrastructure are now strategic issues for Poland’s state security, economy, and citizens. In a letter to CYBERSEC EXPO & FORUM 2026 participants in Katowice, he stressed that the energy transition, ra»»»
Trump to hold rally during July Fourth celebration on National Mall - UPI.com
President Donald Trump said Monday that he will hold a rally during America’s 250th anniversary celebration on the Fourth of July. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo June 15 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said Monday that he will hold a rally on the National Mall during America's 250th anniv»»»
KSrelief chief meets ambassador of Brunei
RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, the adviser at the Royal Court and the general supervisor of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, met Harun Junid, the ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Kingdom, at the center’s headquarters in Riyadh on Monday. The two sides discussed topics of mutual interest relat»»»