Sudan's Historic Acacia Forest Devastated as War Fuels Logging
Vast stretches of a once-verdant acacia forest south of Sudan's capital Khartoum have been reduced to little more than fields of stumps as nearly three years of conflict have fueled deforestation. What was once a 1,500-hectare natural reserve has been "completely wiped out", Boushra Hamed, head of »»»
Airbus Planning Record Commercial Aircraft Deliveries in 2026
Plane maker Airbus aims to deliver a record number of commercial aircraft this year, the company said Thursday, capitalizing on "strong demand" and a jump in profit in 2025. "2025 was a landmark year, characterized by very strong demand for our products and services across all businesses," CEO Guil»»»
Traffic in winter conditions with snow on carriageway on motorways in southern Romania
The Traffic Information Centre of the Romanian Police informed on Thursday morning that there are no motorways closed to traffic as a result of adverse weather conditions.Fog has been reported reducing visibility in traffic to below 200 metres, in places under 50 metres, on the A2 Bucharest-Cernavo»»»
Romania, Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2028
Romania will be Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2028, the world's most important book fair and creative industries event, with a tradition spanning more than 500 years.According to a press release issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Culture, this status marks Romania's entry into an i»»»
ANRE has approved renewable electricity generation capacities totalling nearly 850 MW
The National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) has approved renewable electricity generation capacities totalling 849.36 MW and storage capacities of 596 MW, according to a press release sent by the institution on Wednesday.At the meeting of the Regulatory Committee held on Tuesday, 17 February, i»»»
BNR:Updated forecast indicates slowdown in annual inflation rate in first quarter
The updated forecast indicates a slowdown in the annual inflation rate in the first quarter of 2026, followed by a temporary increase in the second quarter, mainly due to base effects associated with price reductions in the second quarter of 2025 recorded for energy products, according to the Febru»»»
ForMin Toiu met NATO's Special Coordinator for Hybrid Threats, Jean Charles Ellermann-Kingombe
Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu said on Tuesday, during a meeting with NATO's Special Coordinator for Hybrid Threats, Jean Charles Ellermann-Kingombe, that "Romania is not merely a security beneficiary, but a cyber expertise hub ready to offer solutions to the entire Alliance".According to a pre»»»
DefMin Miruta meets Japan's Ambassador to Bucharest Takashi
The Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruta, met on Wednesday with Japan's Ambassador to Bucharest, Katae Takashi, during which the two officials discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral defence cooperation.According to a press release from the Ministry of National Defence sent on W»»»
ForMin Toiu meets OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities
Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu had a meeting on Tuesday with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp, on the occasion of the visit the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe official is paying to Romania between 16 and 18 February.According to a press rel»»»
President Nicusor Dan to attend Board of Peace meeting in Washington on Thursday
President Nicusor Dan is attending in Washington on Thursday the Board of Peace meeting, an initiative of President of the United States of America Donald Trump, with Romania having an observer status.The head of state's delegation includes Presidential Adviser for National Security Marius Lazurca,»»»
Canada announces lifting of economic sanctions on Syria imposed since 2011
Ottawa, Feb. 19 (SANA) Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand said Wednesday that Canada had introduced substantial amendments to the “Syrian Economic Measures Regulations,” including lifting the comprehensive economic embargo in place since May 2011. In a statement, Anand said the amendm»»»
Lack of Anti-Inflation Policy Is a Growing Concern for Bulgaria
Lyubomir Datsov, a member of Bulgaria’s Fiscal Council, has warned that the country faces a growing problem due to the lack of an anti-inflationary policy, despite the current inflation not being overly high. He made the remarks on NOVA NEWS, noting that while some inflation is normal as the econom»»»
Top of the class: 16 QF students receive Qatar Education Excellence Award 2026
Doha, Qatar: The greatest embodiments of Qatar Foundation’s globally unique education ecosystem are its skilled and values-driven students – and across its schools and universities, 16 of these students have been recognised through the 19th edition of the Qatar Education Excellence Award. The stude»»»
Trump to Preside over First Meeting of Board of Peace with Many Gaza Questions Unresolved
US President Donald Trump will preside over the first meeting of his Board of Peace on Thursday with unresolved questions on the future of Gaza hanging over an event expected to include representatives from more than 45 nations. The disarmament of Hamas militants, the size of the reconstruction fun»»»
NutraONE, Nutrifactor Laboratories forge strategic alliance to expand in five key international markets
Dubai: NutraONE, a nutraceutical and wellness distribution company, has announced an exclusive strategic distribution partnership with Nutrifactor Laboratories, one of the region's largest dietary supplement and nutraceutical manufacturer, to expand access to science led health and wellness supplem»»»
North Korea's Kim Jon-Un unveils nuclear-capable rocket system
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a large array of nuclear-capable rocket launchers ahead of a rare congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, signalling the next stage of the country’s nuclear weapons programme. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a battery of large nuclear-capable»»»
South Korea court sentences ex-president Yoon to life in prison in martial law case
A South Korean court on Thursday found ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of leading an insurrection for his short-lived attempt to impose martial law in December 2024, sentencing the former leader to life imprisonment. A South Korean court found ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of insurrectio»»»
White House says Iran would be 'wise' to make deal, as US ramps up military presence
The White House has warned Iran would be "very wise" to make a deal with the US, amid reports that President Donald Trump is weighing fresh military action against the Islamic Republic. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told a news briefing that Trump was still hoping for a diplomatic resolution ove»»»
US to withdraw troops from Syria as tensions mount with Iran
The US is preparing to largely withdraw its remaining troops from Syria over the next few months, a senior White House official has told the BBC. The official said the Syrian government had agreed to take the lead combatting terrorism within its borders and US military presence "at scale" was no lo»»»
Some avalanche victims connected to private school for competitive skiers - UPI.com
Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Several victims of an avalanche that hit Northern California's backcountry on Tuesday were connected to a private school for competitive skiers, the institution said. Officials with Sugar Bowl Academy in Norden, Calif., confirmed Wednesday that multiple victims were either members »»»
MSDF evaluates status of civil society organisations in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) represented by the Private Associations and Institutions Department, in collaboration with the Excellence Centre for Training and Consulting at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, organised a specialised panel discussion titled »»»
Minister of Education visits Al Hidaya School Art Exhibition
Doha, Qatar: Al Hidaya School for Students with Special Needs (Primary, Preparatory and Secondary – Dafna Branch) organised the fourth annual “Ibda’a Bi Anamili” (I Create with My Fingertips) competition for the 2025–2026 academic year under the theme “Through the Eyes of Our Students, We See Qatar»»»
Renowned tennis player Hady Habib visits EAA Foundation’s First Assalam School
Doha, Qatar: Lebanese-American tennis star Hady Habib inspired students and educators during a special visit to First Assalam School, an initiative of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global foundation dedicated to advancing education and development. Launched in 2019, the First Assalam Scho»»»
No progress in Libya’s latest political Roadmap: UNSMIL head Tetteh
In her remarks on the situation in Libya to the UN Security Council yesterday, UNSMIL head and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Hanna Tetteh said ‘‘Regrettably, there has been no meaningful progress between the House of Representatives (HoR) and the High Council of State (»»»
Rawabi Wholesale Division distributes Silver Jubilee Bonanza prizes
Doha, Qatar: Rawabi Wholesale Division, a leading FMCG distribution network under Al Rawabi Group of Companies, successfully distributed the grand prizes of its much-anticipated “Silver Jubilee Bonanza” campaign on February 16, 2026, at Wholesale Plus – Al Nayef Square, Al Rayyan. The campaign was »»»
Saudi Arabia's Humain Invests $3 Bn in Musk's xAI
Saudi Arabia's artificial intelligence firm Humain said Wednesday it had invested $3 billion in US billionaire Elon Musk's xAI. The investment made Humain a "significant minority shareholder,” the company said in a statement. It added that its xAI holdings would be "converted into SpaceX shares" af»»»
Canada Eases Sanctions on Syria
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand said on Wednesday that Canada had amended its economic sanctions on Syria to ease restrictions related to the import and export of goods, investment activities and the provision of financial and other services, according to Reuters. "The amendm»»»
Health Ministry of Kyrgyzstan comments on detention of nephrologist - | 24.KG
The Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic issued an official comment regarding the detention of a nephrologist. The ministry stated that the investigation is being conducted by authorized law enforcement agencies within the framework of the current legislation. «The Ministry of Health consisten»»»
Top rice cookers in the UAE to try now
Rice remains a staple in most UAE homes, making a dependable rice cooker an everyday necessity. Rice is also a popular part of iftar and suhoor meals. Whether you live alone or you're part of a large family household, modern rice cookers are designed to deliver consistent results with minimal effor»»»
Europe clears stronger Wegovy dose, offering new option for obesity patients
Dubai: European regulators have approved a stronger maintenance dose of the weight-loss drug Wegovy, giving doctors across the European Union a new option to support patients struggling to achieve sufficient results on existing treatment levels. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & »»»
MRF - New Beginning Leader Congratulates Muslims on Ramadan
MRF - New Beginning Floor Leader Delyan Peevski Thursday congratulated Muslims on the start of Ramadan. "May the holy month of Ramadan inspire everyone to do good deeds," he said, as quoted by the party's press centre. In his greeting to Muslims, Peevski wished health, peace, and spiritual strength»»»
Al Subaie, QU President discuss cooperation
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, met with President of Qatar University H E Dr. Omar bin Mohammed Al Ansari, at the Ministry’s headquarters. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the»»»
Qatar attends meeting with Lebanese Army Commander, Quintet envoys
Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lebanon H E Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani participated yesterday in a meeting held between Commander of the Lebanese Army General Rodolphe Haykal and Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of the Quintet Committee. Discussions during the meeting focused on arr»»»
Minister of Labour meets Kenyan Ambassador
Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri held a meeting yesterday with Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to the State of Qatar H E Mohamed Nur Adan. The discussion focused on bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Kenya in the field of labour, exploring avenues to strengthen and furthe»»»
Minister of Environment reviews progress in implementing strategic projects for 2025
Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Subaie, chaired an expanded meeting with the ministry’s leadership, during which the level of progress in implementing the strategic projects for 2025 was reviewed, along with the achievement rates attained compa»»»
Tetteh: Despite UN Engagement, No Progress in Libya Roadmap
The UN’s top envoy for Libya, Hanna Tetteh, has informed the Security Council that despite active United Nations engagement, the Libyan House of Representatives and the High Council of State have failed to make progress on the first steps of the agreed political roadmap, including establishing a me»»»
After the revolution, Libya needs a state of institutions, the rule of law and a unified professional army: Undersecretary of Defence Zoubi
In a statement (published last Tuesday 17 February) commemorating the fifteenth anniversary of the 17 February Revolution, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, Major General Abdel Salam Zoubi, affirmed that Libyans, in a historic moment, chose dignity and overthrew a regime, recalling the sac»»»
Education Ministry outlines procedure for student registration and transfers in government schools
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has issued a new circular outlining procedures for student registration and transfers in government schools for the 2026–2027 academic year, aiming to streamline processes for parents and ensure schools are fully prepared to receive studen»»»
US Military Tells Trump It's ‘Ready’ to Strike Iran as Soon as Saturday
Top national security officials have told President Trump the military is ready for potential strikes on Iran as soon as Saturday, but the timeline for any action is likely to extend beyond this weekend, sources familiar with the discussions told CBS News. Trump has not yet made a final decision ab»»»
Education Ministry discusses Erasmus+ program with European Parliament members - | 24.KG
Minister of Education of Kyrgyzstan Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva, together with First Deputy Minister of Science, Higher Education, and Innovation Gulnur Mamyrova, held a meeting with members of the European Parliament, led by Giuseppina Princi, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with Central Asian Cou»»»
Qatar witnesses 6 percent growth in flight movements in Jan
Doha, Qatar: The Civil Aviation Authority of Qatar (CAAQ) released preliminary air transport statistics for January 2026, revealing a robust start to the year. The data shows significant year-on-year growth in aircraft movements, passenger traffic, and cargo handling, signaling a continued upward t»»»
TotalEnergies appoints Antoine Delafargue as Country Chair and Managing Director for Exploration and Production in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: TotalEnergies is pleased to announce the appointment of Antoine Delafargue (pictured) as Managing Director of TotalEnergies EP Qatar and Country Chair, effective January 2026. In this role, Antoine will lead the affiliate’s Exploration and Production activities in Qatar and contribute »»»
Gold rises above Dh600, UAE shoppers face fresh pressure
Dubai: Dubai gold prices moved back above the Dh600 mark on Thursday morning, keeping the local market on edge after weeks of sharp swings that have tested buyer sentiment across jewellery stores. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, an»»»
Magnitude 4.4 quake rattles southwestern Peloponnese
An earthquake with preliminary magnitude 4.4 shook the southwestern Peloponnese early Thursday, authorities said. No damage or injuries were reported. The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the undersea quake occurred nine kilometers west of Gargaliani, near the seaside town of Pylos, at a depth of 1»»»
Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2026: Building on excellence and community
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2026 returns to Doha for its second year as an ATP500 event, following its debut season’s recognition as the ATP 500 ‘Tournament of the Year.’ This success reflects the strong partnership between ExxonMobil Qatar and the Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF), a relati»»»
Ministry of Culture to hold ‘Al Razji’ at Darb Al Saai
Doha: The Ministry of Culture is organising this year’s ‘Al Razji’ at the Darb Al Saai from February 25 to March 3. The initiative, organised during Ramadan, is aimed at reviving Qatar’s cultural heritage and celebrating its traditions through an impactful experience in a unique Ramadan atmosphere.»»»
Qatar CPI rises 2.28% YoY in January
Doha, Qatar: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the State of Qatar recorded 109.90 points in January 2026, marking a decrease of 2.22 percent compared with December 2025, whereas it marked a year-on-year rise of 2.28 percent compared with the same month in 2025. The index, which measures inflation, »»»
Young talent in focus as Al Thumama Ramadan Tournament kicks off
Doha, Qatar: The third edition of the Al Thumama Ramadan Tournament kicks off tomorrow evening at Al Furjan Stadium, continuing a community football tradition that has gained momentum over the past two years. Organised in cooperation with the Qatar Sports for All Federation, the tournament targets »»»
US strike on Iran is all but inevitable with Trump backed into a corner
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt held a press conference on February 18 in which she indicated that a US strike on Iran is an increasing possibility. With the Iranians threatening to put a chokehold on cr»»»
COMMENT: India's healthcare model evolves as private capital reshapes access
India’s healthcare sector is drawing increasing investor attention as rising incomes, urbanisation and expanding insurance coverage fuel demand for hospital services, diagnostics and specialised treatment. Private capital »»»