Oil prices surge on Mideast war, stock markets diverge
LONDON — World oil prices soared Wednesday, with the benchmark international contract Brent North Sea crude surpassing $95 for the first time in nearly six weeks as the United States and Iran carried out more strikes.Crude futures went on to give up some of the gains but still banked gains of about»»»
Jordan-US Trade deal to boost investment, business partnerships
AMMAN — The newly signed Reciprocal Trade Agreement between Jordan and the United States marks a "significant" step in strengthening bilateral economic ties beyond tariff adjustments, creating new opportunities for trade, investment and long-term business partnerships, the Chairman of American Cham»»»
#Gaza: #Mamdani urges government to arrest #Netanyahu if he visits #US
In a video posted to social media on July 21, #NYC mayor Zohran #Mamdani urges the US federal government to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin #Netanyahu if he visits the #US later this year, after admitting he does not have the authority to enforce the #ICC's arrest warrant.»»»
Parliament Authorizes Deployment of US Aircraft, Military Personnel at Bezmer Air BaseIn Support of US Middle East Operations
Parliament on Wednesday authorized the presence in Bulgaria of up to eight US Air Force KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft and up to 250 US military personnel at Bezmer Air Base from July 24 to October 1, 2026, in support of US operations in the Middle East. The proposal was submitted by the Council»»»
Drug gang threats force French police to put southern mayor under protection
The mayor of Alès in southern France was taken from his home at night by an elite police unit amid fears of an imminent attack by the country’s most dreaded drug gang, officials said Tuesday. Christophe Rivenq had previously received death threats linked to the DZ Mafia gang, which has grown out of»»»
'We'll miss you, Dad' a child's loving message turned into an airport nightmare.
Dubai: A father's journey from Egypt to Germany was abruptly halted after airport authorities deemed his passport invalid because of a handwritten message left by his young daughter, turning an affectionate gesture into an unexpected travel ordeal. The Egyptian traveller, who lives in Germany, said»»»
Mid-air chaos: A fight involving about 10 passengers forces an easyJet flight back to Tenerife.
Dubai: An easyJet flight bound for Liverpool was forced to return to Tenerife after a fight involving about 10 passengers broke out roughly half an hour after take-off, prompting the captain to declare a security concern and request police assistance on landing. Spanish air traffic controllers repo»»»
Firefighters battle one of Spain’s biggest-ever wildfires during heat wave across the Mediterranean
BARCELONA: Firefighters in central Spain on Wednesday battled a wildfire that has burned over 32,000 hectares (79,000 acres) in one of the country’s largest blazes on record. The fire in rural Guadalajara comes less than two weeks after a deadly blaze devastated a small expat community in southern »»»
Guyana to launch independent inquiry after ferry disaster kills 53 - UPI.com
Guyana Prime Minister Mark Anthony Phillips said an independent inquiry will be established "as early as possible" to determine what happened before the MV Barima departed and whether operating procedures were followed. File Photo by Nathalia Aguilar/EPA July 22 (UPI) -- Guyana will establish an in»»»
Riyadh’s Security Forces Hospital performs first kidney transplant
RIYADH: Security Forces Hospital in Riyadh has successfully performed its first kidney transplant, marking the launch of its organ transplant program, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. The operation was carried out on a 32-year-old patient with kidney failure, who received a kidney dona»»»
Trump to tout child investment accounts in Georgia speech - UPI.com
President Donald Trump appears at the West Wing Portico of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he was expected to travel to Georgia where he will give a speech on Trump Accounts. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo July 22 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Wednes»»»
Jeffrey Epstein model scout Daniel Siad found dead in France - UPI.com
Sky and Amanda Roberts, brother and sister-in-law of Epstein survivor Virginia Roberts Giuffre, speak during a press conference with survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, D.C., on June 15. Epstein's model scout was found dead Wednesday in France. He had also recruited f»»»
Kyrgyzstan tightens control due to sanctions, but not to halt trade with Russia - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan is not helping to circumvent international sanctions, but it has no intention to restrict traditional trade with Russia. At the same time, the authorities have tightened controls over banking operations, the export of dual-use goods, and corporate activities. First Deputy Chairman of the»»»
Government Approves Draft Amendments to Foreigners in Bulgaria Act
The Government approved here on Wednesday a bill amending and supplementing the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act. The amendments are necessitated by the need to fully incorporate into relevant Bulgarian legislation the requirements of Directive (EU) 2024/1233 of the European Parliament of»»»
Man City’s Foden extends contract until 2030
MANCHESTER: Manchester City’s Phil Foden has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2030, the English Premier League club announced on Wednesday. The new deal reinforces City’s commitment to the academy graduate, who has made 411 appearances and scored 131 goals since breaking »»»
Spain keeper Rodriguez joins Arsenal after six years at Real
MADRID: Spain goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez, who captained Real Madrid last season, has joined Arsenal on a free transfer after six years at the Spanish club, the Women’s Super League side said on Wednesday. Media reports said Rodriguez joined Arsenal on a three-year contract, with the option to e»»»
Don't suspend Paredes for World Cup final fracas: Spain midfielder Gavi
Madrid: Spain midfielder Gavi said on Wednesday that he did not believe Argentina's Leandro Paredes should be banned for his role in the incidents that followed Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final. As Spain's players began celebrating after the final whistle, Argentina de»»»
US to announce landmark deal allowing Saudis to enrich nuclear fuel, reports say
The US on Wednesday is set to announce a deal with Saudi Arabia that would allow the oil-rich Gulf nation to enrich uranium, according to US media reports. Riyadh has long asserted its right to a civilian nuclear programme, but Israel and several policy experts warn that it could spark a nuclear pr»»»
India: Youth-led 'Cockroach' protests increase pressure on Modi's government
With each passing day, India's youth-led cockroach movement seems to swell. As the sit-in by anti-corruption campaigners grows in New Delhi, opposition lawmakers relay their call for the education minister to resign over the leaking of exam tests. The standoff grew with the Supreme Court refusing t»»»
India parliament deadlock deepens as Rahul Gandhi demands Pradhan’s resignation over NEET leak
New Delhi: The political confrontation over the NEET-UG paper leak intensified on Wednesday, with India’s Parliament remaining deadlocked as the Opposition renewed its demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The government insisted it was prepared for a full debate but rejec»»»
Germany greenlights controversial joint French-Russian nuclear project
Germany's environment ministry on Wednesday approved a French-Russian project to produce fuel rods used in Russian-designed reactors in the northwestern German town of Lingen. The joint venture project by a subsidiary of French company Framatome and Russia's state-owned Rosatom sparked fears o»»»
MP: War Threat Is Now at Bulgaria's Door
Revival leader Kostadin Kostadinov said Bulgaria is facing the danger of war after Parliament approved the temporary deployment of up to eight US tanker aircraft and as many as 250 American military personnel at the Bezmer Air Base in support of US operations in the Middle East. Speaking after the »»»
Bulgarian Parties DPS, BSP Ordered to Vacate State Buildings
The Bulgarian government has decided to transfer the building at 23 Vrabcha Street in Sofia, currently used as the headquarters of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), to the National Revenue Agency (NRA). The Council of Ministers also announced that the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) will »»»
Rolling blackouts, rising prices: What Amangeldiev said about energy sector - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan will be able to significantly reduce its electricity deficit in 2027-2028 after commissioning new generating capacity. However, the problem won’t be completely solved by adding a few new facilities—power plant construction must be ongoing. First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Minister»»»
Blazing a trail or firing blanks?: Will France’s social media ban for kids actually work?
France passed Europe’s first social media restrictions for minors on Tuesday (21 July), with a blanket ban for users aged under 15 – going against the EU’s advised features-based restriction. After passing in the French senate, the vote passed with 279 in favour to 81 against on Tuesday evening in »»»
China to open Afghanistan border after nearly a century? Iran to bomb “Trump” route? “Cargo corridor” journalism is where it’s at nowadays
“Cargo corridor” journalism might have seemed a dull proposition to most reporters just a few years ago, but when it comes to geographies including the Middle East, Turkey, the Caucasus and Central and South Asia, it is by now a big thing among many news outlets. First-came the full-scale invasion »»»
Trump approves nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia - UPI.com
President Donald Trump has reached an agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday that will involve the United States supporting the creation of a Saudi nuclear power program. File Photo by Nathan Howard/UPI | License Photo July 22 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump has reached an agreement with Saudi Ar»»»
Poland, Hungary’s foreign worker curbs create headache for business
KISVARDA/GDANSK: Facing a choice between upsetting businesses and a public opinion backlash, the Polish and Hungarian ruling centrists are opting for curbs on foreign labor — something economists warn may hurt the two countries’ growth prospects. Both Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who won »»»
Trump attends return of US soldiers killed in Iran war
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Delaware: US President Donald Trump attended a ceremony for four US service members who returned to American soil in flag-draped caskets on Wednesday after being killed in Iranian attacks in the Middle East. The ceremony, known as a “dignified transfer” of the bodies, comes am»»»
Latvian army uses tear gas, warning shot against migrants from Belarus
VILNIUS: Latvian soldiers used tear gas and fired a warning shot to stop migrants trying to enter from Belarus, the army said on Wednesday, as the prime minister said Latvians were worried about a rising number of migrants trying to cross the border. Latvia, along with Poland and Lithuania, has acc»»»
French modelling scout with links to Epstein found dead
PARIS: A French modelling scout with close ties to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been found dead at his home outside Paris, prosecutors and his lawyer said on Wednesday. Under investigation in France, Daniel Siad, 69, was one of several French men accused of aiding the convicted sex»»»
Two foreign Jihadists arrested in Nigeria for helping local terror groups
After 17 years, the Nigeria military’s efforts to contend a Jihadist insurgency do not seem to be successful. The military is facing fresh hurdles with foreign fighters, including those from the Middle East joining the insurgents. The foreigners are bringing skills and technology that have proved v»»»
'Our cultural institutions not safe: If they could break into the Louvre, they can get in anywhere'
Annette Young is pleased to welcome Christopher Marinello, veteran lawyer , founder of Art Recovery International and one of the world's foremost experts in recovering stolen, looted, and missing works of art. The reopening of the Apollo Gallery at the Louvre, nine months after one of the most braz»»»
India's Cockroach protests vow to continue despite police crackdown
The leaders of India's youth-led Cockroach movement are vowing to continue protesting a day after police cracked down on demonstrators. They have been demanding the country's education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, resign amid repeated leaks for entrance tests to medical schools. While two of the m»»»
Indian students vow to continue 'cockroach movement' protests despite crackdown
Protests continue for a third day in the Indian capital, New Delhi, as pressure mounts on Narendra Modi to sack his education minister. The youth-led movement remains defiant even after Monday's heavy handed police crackdown. While the minister in question says the government remains committed to r»»»
French parliament passes social media ban for young teens - UPI.com
A screen displays the results of the vote on a bill to ban young teens from social media in the French National Assembly in Paris Wednesday. Photo by Teresa Suarez/EPA July 21 (UPI) -- The French parliament passed a new law to ban children younger than 15 from using social media. The law was a pet »»»
Killer illegal immigrant sues Trump for $75 mn and US citizenship
A Mexican national serving a decades-long prison sentence for murdering a Michigan woman has filed a federal lawsuit against US President Donald Trump, seeking $75 million in damages, a public apology, and American citizenship after claiming his case was exploited for political gain. Brandon Ortiz-»»»
Mayor: Budapest's busiest M3 metro to be extended after EU funding secured!
Budapest’s busiest metro line is set to be extended after the Hungarian government confirmed funding for the long-awaited northern expansion of the M3 metro. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy during the presentation of the government’s new Baro»»»
French minister quits, then unquits over farm bill dispute
PARIS: French Environment Minister Monique Barbut, who handed in her resignation in protest after parliament’s approval of a farm bill allowing the temporary reintroduction of two pesticides suspected of harming bees, will remain in the government, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said on Wedne»»»
Adolf Hitler’s birthplace in Austria reopens as a police station to deter Nazi pilgrimages
BRAUNAU AM INN, Austria: Adolf Hitler’s birthplace in Austria was officially inaugurated as a police station on Wednesday in an effort to destroy the building’s appeal as a site of pilgrimage for people who glorify the Nazi dictator. A memorial stone is to remain in place outside the house in Braun»»»
Trump threatens Iran bridges, power as payback for Hormuz attacks
TEHRAN: US President Donald Trump threatened Wednesday to knock out one Iranian bridge or power plant in return for each attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, warning he was “not finished” with a war that has already cost Washington $37.5 billion. Fighting over the strait led to the collapse »»»
Army Leadership Reshuffling Exposes Unchecked Corruption in Ukraine
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and top army commander Oleksandr Syrsky were both sacked after none of the initiatives they backed helped turn the tide of the conflict in Ukraine’s favor, military expert Alexey Anpilogov tells Sputnik. Syrsky’s insistence in press ganging more Ukrainian»»»
Evacuees from Spain's wildfire struggle with scale of devastation
Humanes, Spain: You can smell the fire dozens of kilometres away, and its smoke has partly blocked out the sun: the huge wildfire north of Madrid has unnerved officials and evacuees alike. For seven days now, hundreds of firefighters backed by dozens of aircraft have been battling the blaze in Guad»»»
UAE voices full support for Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq after Iranian attacks
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has strongly condemned renewed Iranian attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq’s Kurdistan Region with missiles and drones, calling them a serious violation of the sovereignty of neighbouring states. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attacks pose»»»
US stocks mixed as oil prices rise further
New York, USA: Wall Street stocks were mixed early Wednesday as markets weighed the latest rise in oil prices amid increased US-Iran tension in the Middle East. Crude prices were up more than two percent early Wednesday. About 15 minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.2 per»»»
Orbán declares “We’re fine” as Fidesz launches ‘resistance’ campaign against Hungary’s new government
Former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán insisted that “we’re fine” as Fidesz sought to regroup after its heavy election defeat, unveiling a new strategy that frames the party as the leader of a nationwide “resistance” against what it calls Hungary’s new “authoritarian” political system. Speaking outside»»»
Greece advises fleet to boost security in Black Sea after attacks
ATHENS: Greece has advised Greek-flagged commercial ships to upgrade security measures when sailing in the Black Sea following a string of attacks on tankers over the past days, according to a shipping ministry advisory seen by Reuters. Greek-operated ships are among the world’s largest fleets of »»»
Saudi director explores AI animation potential in ‘Shama’
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia writer and director Bassmah Abdullah is combining animation and artificial intelligence in “Shama,” a short film that uses AI-generated cultural imagery as the Kingdom expands its investment in creative industries under Vision 2030. The animator has been producing fiction and c»»»
Southampton boss Eckert charged over spying scandal
LONDON: Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has been charged by the Football Association over the spying scandal that led to his side being kicked out of the Championship play-offs. In a stunning controversy that rocked English football last season, Southampton admitted spying on a training session he»»»
Arab stock markets post broad gains in Q2 despite composite index dip, says AMF
RIYADH: Most Arab stock exchanges closed the second quarter of 2026 on the up, even as the Arab Monetary Fund’s composite index slipped 0.16 percent, its latest quarterly bulletin shows. Arab equity markets broadly advanced during the quarter, with 13 of the 16 exchanges tracked by the AMF recordin»»»