World's oldest tortoise very much alive despite death rumors
London: Reports of the death of the world's oldest living land animal - a nearly 200-year-old tortoise - were greatly exaggerated. Jonathan, believed to be 193, is still kicking - albeit slowly - on the island of St. Helena. "It was a hoax," Anne Dillon, head of communications on the island, told T»»»
Oil price jumps after Trump says Iran going to be 'hit extremely hard' - UPI.com
The price of oil surged while stock markets fell back after U.S. President Donald Trump's address Wednesday night stoked fears the Iran war could be about to get a lot worse. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo April 2 (UPI) -- The price of oil surged while stocks retreated on Thursday afte»»»
Qatar Museums moves Doha Design Biennale 2026 opening to November
Doha, Qatar: After careful consideration, in light of the evolving situation in the region, Qatar Museums and Design Doha have made the decision to postpone the opening of the Design Doha Biennial 2026 to Nov. 5-7, 2026, with exhibitions remaining on view until Dec. 31, 2026. Qatar Museums remains »»»
POLITICO: Bulgaria Seeks EU Help to Counter Election Interference Ahead of April Snap-Vote
Bulgaria has formally requested assistance from the European Union to counter potential foreign interference and disinformation campaigns ahead of its upcoming parliamentary elections, according to reporting by POLITICO and correspondence seen by the publication. In the request, Bulgarian authoriti»»»
Over EUR 0.5 Mln Seized in Police Operations Related to Elections, PM Says "State No Longer Pretends to Be Blind"
At this point, more than half a million euros have been seized in police operations related to the upcoming elections, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said in a video published on his Facebook page on Thursday. According to him, this is the budget of a small municipality. “Against this sum, t»»»
Prosecutor's office dismisses reports of new "police raid" of faculty building as untrue
BELGRADE - The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade on Thursday dismissed as untrue reports by some media outlets about a fresh "raid" of the Faculty of Philosophy building in Belgrade by Criminal Police Directorate personnel. In a statement on its website, the prosecutor's office said tha»»»
South Asian Journalists Join In-Person SputnikPro Session
The Rossiya Segodnya media group has launched a new SputnikPro internship for nine specialists from leading media in South Asia at its headquarters in Moscow. The project is part of the InteRussia programme of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.The event was opened by Director for Intern»»»
Danube Group pledges no layoffs, on-time salaries amid geopolitical turmoil
Dubai: At a time when the US–Israel–Iran conflict is reshaping geopolitical and economic realities, businesses across the region are being tested on their ability to adapt and endure. Against this backdrop, Danube Group’s Founder and Chairman Rizwan Sajan is setting a strong example of leadership b»»»
Singapore Airlines extends Dubai flight cancellations
Dubai: Singapore Airlines has extended the cancellation of its Dubai flights until May 31, citing the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East. In an advisory, the airline confirmed that these two services will remain suspended during this period - SQ494 departing Singapore for Dubai and S»»»
Minister of Energy meets UK’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
Doha, Qatar: The Minister of State for Energy Affairs, HE Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, met today, April 2, 2026, with the Rt. Hon. Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of the United Kingdom. Discussions during the meeting, which was held virtually, dealt with the impact of»»»
UAE parents welcome distance learning extension: 'Our children's safety comes first'
Dubai: The UAE government's decision to extend distance learning until April 17 amid regional tensions has been met with relief and gratitude by parents, who say their children's safety outweighs any disruption to routine. For Praseetha Rajesh, a mother of two whose elder daughter Anushka is a univ»»»
IRGC announces targeting US-linked steel facilities in Abu Dhabi, parts of aluminum operations in Bahrain, as well as military industries tied to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and US Army depots near Manama - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe IRGC announces targeting US-linked steel facilities in Abu Dhabi, parts of aluminum operations in Bahrain, as well as military industries t»»»
Iran War as a New Catalyst...China Secretly Enters Nuclear Arms Race
When three villagers from China’s Sichuan Province wrote to local officials in 2022 questioning why the government was confiscating their land and evicting them from their homes, they received a brief response: "It is a state secret." An investigation by CNN revealed that this secret centers on Chi»»»
COSMO PHARM reports 25% growth in retail partner network in 2025
COSMO PHARM, one of Romania’s most prominent producers of dietary supplements, has continued to expand its network of retail partners, achieving a 25% increase in 2025 compared to 2024. This growth has directly enhanced the visibility of the company’s products, which are now available in over 1,000»»»
Misrata Chamber of Commerce hosts delegation representing 30 Egyptian companies in the food packaging sector
Misrata Chamber of Commerce received last Monday (30 March 30) at its administrative headquarters, an economic delegation that includes representatives of 30 major Egyptian companies specialized in the manufacture, trade, packaging and packaging of foodstuffs. The Egyptian delegation was hey recei»»»
Monastir : wall frescos at Mustapha Ben Jannet stadium to raise environment awareness
Tunis, April 2 (TAP)- Under BeMed+ project, an initiative was put into motion to make wall frescos at Mustapha Ben Jannet stadium in Monastir, in collaboration with street artist Skander Tej.The project is supported by the French Facility for...»»»
Agriculture Minister Hristanov Sees No Significant Rise in Food Prices
Caretaker Agriculture and Food Minister Ivan Hristanov said on Thursday that he does not expect a significant increase in the prices of goods. He was speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Iliana Iotova, during which they shared concerns about prices, the resilience of the agri-food»»»
Pakistan intensifies diplomacy to ease US-Iran tensions, offers to host talks
Dubai: Pakistan has stepped up high-level diplomatic engagement with the United States and regional stakeholders in a bid to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, positioning itself as a key facilitator for dialogue amid a conflict that has rattled global energy markets and heightened geopolitic»»»
Austria says refused US requests for military overflights
Vienna: Austria has rejected US requests for military overflights of its territory since the start of the conflict in the Middle East in line with its policy of neutrality, a defence ministry spokesman told AFP on Thursday. "There have indeed been requests and they were refused from the outset," Co»»»
UAE: Sharjah issues mosquito safety guide
Sharjah: The Sharjah City Municipality has issued a set of guidelines to curb mosquito breeding during the rainy season, urging residents to take preventive measures to protect public health and maintain environmental standards. The municipality highlighted that Puddle or standing water remains the»»»
Dubai Airport highlights autism friendly services as part of awareness day
Dubai: On Autism Awareness Day, Dubai International Airport took to social media to highlight their efforts to make travel more inclusive, focusing on support for passengers with autism and other hidden disabilities. The airport hopes to create a calm, sensory-friendly experience at every stage, fr»»»
Trump’s War Rhetoric Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Contradictions, Casualty Questions Deepen
US President Donald Trump addressed the nation in a speech that resembled political theater more than presidential leadership, offering remarks that reflected less a coherent strategy than a projection of self-crafted illusion. Claiming sweeping military triumphs—including the destruction of Iran’s»»»
Strait of Hormuz crisis worsens as over 40 nations push to restore shipping
London: Britain accused Iran on Thursday of holding the world's economy hostage as diplomats from more than 40 countries held talks on ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that has been choked off by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. The U.S. is not attending the virtual mee»»»
Sofia Restaurant Prices Surge 110% in a Decade, Near Central Europe Levels
Restaurant and café prices in Bulgaria have increased sharply over the past decade, rising by close to 110%, according to analysis by the Institute for Market Economics. Economist Adrian Nikolov pointed out that this growth significantly outpaces the rise in key cost components such as labor, elect»»»
Four children stabbed to death at kindergarten in Uganda: police
Kampala: Four children were stabbed to death on Thursday at a kindergarten in Uganda's capital, Kampala, police said, with local media reporting the victims were aged between two and three. "We confirm a tragic incident at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Program school in Makindye Division Ka»»»
Dollar Jumps as Trump Pledges More Iran Strikes
The dollar rose sharply on Thursday after US President Donald Trump's address on Iran shattered hopes for a swift end to the conflict, sending investors towards safe-haven assets as oil prices jumped and stocks tumbled. In a televised speech, Trump vowed more aggressive strikes on Iran in the next »»»
Dubai's luxury stores take hit as Mideast war drags on
Dubai: Rows of luxury boutiques line an upmarket Dubai mall, yet a month into the Middle East war their sales staff sit idly, phones in hand, watching for the rare customer. Salespeople in immaculate suits say they have been told not to speak to reporters, but one briefly described the mood. "Of co»»»
Orphaned baby chick gets feather duster as a surrogate mom - UPI.com
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Animal Rescue League of Iowa (@arliowa) April 1 (UPI) -- Animal rescuers in Iowa shared a photo of an orphaned baby chick being comforted by its new surrogate mother -- a feather duster. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa said on social media that the baby»»»
Hezbollah fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli occupation soldiers and vehicles in the towns of Rshaf and Beit Lif with rocket barrages: Military Media Statement 28 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Hezbollah fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli occupation soldiers and vehicles in the towns of Rshaf and Beit Lif with rocket barrages:»»»
Police Operation Targeting Election-Related Crimes Is Underway in Shumen Region, Six Detained
A specialized police operation is underway in the Shumen region, targeting election-related crimes and aiming to ensure the integrity of the upcoming vote, the press office of the Regional Directorate of the Interior Ministry reported on Thursday. Six individuals have been detained, and witnesses h»»»
Movement of Socialists proposes binding referendum on Serbia's EU path
BELGRADE - In a statement released after a session of its head committee, the Movement of Socialists proposed an urgent reshuffle of the Serbian government, the passage of a law granting Serbian citizenship to all Serbs in the territory of the former Yugoslavia, as well as a binding referendum on t»»»
Russia will send second ship with oil to Cuba: minister
Moscow: Russia will send a second ship carrying oil to Cuba as the island grapples with a US fuel blockade, Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev said Thursday. Cuba has been suffering from an energy crisis since January, when US forces abducted Venezuela president and Cuban ally Nicolas Maduro. His remo»»»
Israel slowly crawls into south Lebanon amid stiff resistance and occupation fears
A month into Israel's war against Hezbollah, invading Israeli troops are gradually advancing in south Lebanon, raising fears for the area's fate following the last Israeli occupation that lasted nearly two decades. Since war erupted last month, Israeli officials have said Israel intends to establis»»»
Filipino workers in UAE can now send money faster with du-GCash tie up
Dubai: Sending money home could soon become faster and more flexible for thousands of Filipinos living in the UAE. Digital wallet platform du Pay has partnered with GCash to improve cross-border transfers, aiming to make it easier for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to support families back home. »»»
Bangladesh hikes bottled gas as Mideast energy crisis deepens
Dhaka: Bangladesh on Thursday hiked prices of liquefied petroleum gas used for cooking and compressed natural gas in some cars by 29 percent, as the Mideast war worsens an energy crunch. The South Asian nation of 170 million people imports 95 percent of its oil and gas needs. With the latest price »»»
Hezbollah fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli occupation army soldiers and vehicles at the Kfar Giladi and Marj Israeli sites with rocket barrages: Military Media Statement 27 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Hezbollah fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli occupation army soldiers and vehicles at the Kfar Giladi and Marj Israeli sites with rock»»»
Gulf News Edufair returns to Abu Dhabi with expanded academic and career pathways
After drawing more than 8,000 visitors across its May and October editions last year, Gulf News Edufair returns to Abu Dhabi on May 16-17 at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, bringing together a broader mix of universities and education providers. More than 25 higher education in»»»
Macron says military operation to 'liberate' Strait of Hormuz 'unrealistic'
Seoul, South Korea: French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that a military operation to liberate the Strait of Hormuz is "unrealistic", expressing frustration at US President Donald Trump's alternating statements on the Iran war. "There are those who advocate for the liberation of the St»»»
How Japan’s new shared custody law affects migrant lives
Dubai: Japan has introduced a major reform to its family law, allowing divorced couples to share custody of their children for the first time. The amendment to its Civil Code, which took effect starting this April, has marked a step away from the system that granted custody to only one parent after»»»
Uchkun to begin gradual issuance of all denominations of national currency - | 24.KG
Uchkun OJSC will gradually increase the production of Kyrgyzstan’s own banknotes: starting with 20 soms, followed by 50, 100, and 200 soms denominations. The full transition to domestic production of all denominations will allow the country to stop ordering banknotes from abroad and reduce costs. T»»»
Philippines' Pacquiao says Mayweather fight 'not an exhibition'
Manila: Manny Pacquiao's planned September fight with Floyd Mayweather will not be an exhibition, the Philippine boxing legend said Thursday, days after his fellow hall of famer said their bout would be strictly entertainment. Netflix last month announced a long-awaited rematch of the highest-gross»»»
UAE air defense intercepted 19 ballistic missiles and 26 drones from Iran on April 2, 2026
The UAE Ministry of Defence said on Thursday that air defenses engaged 19 ballistic missiles and 26 drones originating from Iran. Since the start of Iran's brazen attacks, the UAE air defenses have engaged 457 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles, and 2,038 drones. The attacks have resulted in ca»»»
Tunisia/Ecological Transition: Establish precise indicators to measure real impact of climate policies
Tunis, Apr. 2 (TAP) – Tunisia should implement precise indicators to measure the real impact of its climate policies to succeed in its ecological transition, according to a policy brief released in March 2026 by the think tank Global Institute 4...»»»
5 killed, 11 injured in large-scale Russian strikes across Ukraine - UPI.com
Airborne attacks across large areas of Ukraine by Russian forces with drones and artillery killed at least five people, injured 11 others over the past 24 hours, inflicting widespread damage to infrastructure and in residential areas. File photo by Sergey Kozlov/EPA April 2 (UPI) -- At least five p»»»
Jordan's Electricity System Functioning Safely and Sustainably
Amman, Jordan: Jordanian National Electric Power Company's Director General Sufian Al-Batayneh said Jordan's power network is functioning safely and sustainably on April, 2, 2026, stressing that there are no indications of disruptions to electricity supply. Speaking to Jordan News Agency (Petra), A»»»
Abu Dhabi issues traffic alert ahead of Saturday closures
The Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced temporary road closures in Mohammed bin Zayed City and Musaffah Shabiya, on Saturday, April 4, as part of traffic management measures. According to the advisory, closures will affect sections of Sheikh Najm Street and surrounding internal roads in Musaffah Shabi»»»
Umm Al Quwain Police crack down on kids riding illegal e-bikes
Umm Al Quwain: Umm Al Quwain Police General Headquarters has urged parents to prevent children from using unlicensed motorcycles and electric bikes in residential areas, citing rising safety risks and noise complaints. The Traffic and Patrols Department said reckless riding by untrained youngsters—»»»
Police Seize Lists of Names, Documents, EUR 76,280 in Crackdown on Vote Buying in Shumen
Urgent searches of private properties, vehicles and commercial premises were carried out in an operation against vote buying in the town of Varbitsa, in the northeastern Shumen Region, Interior Ministry Secretary General Georgi Kandev said on Facebook on Thursday. Identity cards, lists of names and»»»
Hezbollah reports 26 precise strikes so far on Monday, targeting Israeli occupation army gatherings of vehicles and soldiers and key sites, settlements with guided missiles, rocket barrages, and attack drones in response to aggression against Lebanese areas: Military media statements - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Hezbollah reports 26 precise strikes so far on Monday, targeting Israeli occupation army gatherings of vehicles and soldiers and key sites,»»»
EU uses interest from frozen Russian funds for new Kiev aid package
The European Commission has announced a new financial aid package for the cash-strapped Ukrainian government using the revenue generated from frozen Russian assets. The sum of €1.4 billion ($1.63 billion) would largely be spent on covering Kiev’s debts to its Western backers, the statement said. Uk»»»