End of Orban era opportunity for Orlen and Polish energy projects
The likely end of Viktor Orbán’s long rule, after a strong election win by the opposition TISZA party, could reshape Hungary’s energy sector and create opportunities for Orlen. A new government led by Péter Magyar is expected to reduce reliance on Russian energy and diversify gas supplies, potentia»»»
Poles returned 520 million cans and bottles through deposit system so far
Since the launch of the deposit system, Poles have returned 520 mln bottles and cans by the end of March, according to the Ministerstwo Klimatu i Środowiska. Although the system started in October 2025, it accelerated in early 2026. Returns were made across 52,000 locations, with 78% collected via »»»
MPC: probability of lowering rates decreased significantly
Members of the Rada Polityki Pieniężnej (RPP) said the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East has significantly reduced the likelihood of further interest rate cuts in the coming months, despite falling inflation and slower wage growth. Although the Narodowy Bank Polski (NBP) cut rates by 25 bp to»»»
Work will start in September for Port Polska
Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) signed agreements with Polska Agencja Inwestycji i Handlu (PAIH) and Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu (ARP) to launch the “Port Polska” program, aimed at maximizing the benefits of large infrastructure projects for the domestic economy. The initiative is expected to incr»»»
Colombia to cull up to 80 hippos tied to late drug lord Pablo Escobar - UPI.com
According to official data, the population in Colombia could reach 500 hippos by 2030 if control measures are not implemented. A scientific study cited by the government recommends removing at least 33 animals per year to achieve a significant reduction. File Photo by Daniel Irungu/EPA April 13 (UP»»»
Members of Bangladesh human rights body resign over govt inaction
All five members of Bangladesh's autonomous human rights commission resigned on Monday in protest over the newly elected government's failure to renew beefed up authorities for the body. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) members said the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), which won a landsl»»»
Qassem asks Lebanese state to cancel Tuesday meeting with Israel
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem on Monday urged the Lebanese state to cancel a planned meeting with Israel in Washington the following day, reiterating his group's rejection of direct negotiations with Israel. "We reject negotiations with the usurping Israeli entity... We call for a historic and heroi»»»
Safa says Hezbollah won't abide by any agreements from Lebanon-Israel talks
Hezbollah will not abide by any agreements that may result from the direct Lebanon-Israel talks in the United States, negotiations it firmly opposes, a senior Hezbollah official said Monday. Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking member of Hezbollah's political council, spoke on the eve of the talks expected i»»»
No one has the right to close Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic: IMO
Paris, France: Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez, said Monday that no country has the right to close the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. During a press conference, Dominguez added, "Under international law, no country has the right to prohibi»»»
Gas tanker arrives at Banyas terminal to support supplies
Tartous, April 13 (SANA) The gas tanker GAS SERENITY arrived on Monday at Banyas oil terminal carrying 11,600 metric tons of gas, as part of efforts to ensure continuity of supplies and enhance stability of deliveries to the local market. The Syrian Petroleum Company said that technical teams began»»»
Syrian railways record strong growth in freight transport
Damascus, April 13 (SANA) – Syria’s General Establishment for Railways recorded notable growth in freight transport during the first quarter of 2026, despite challenges facing the railway sector. Director General Osama Haddad said Monday that trains are currently transporting fuel oil shipments fro»»»
Fuel shortages in Cuba hamper humanitarian aid efforts - UPI.com
A man climbs a staircase next to a portrait of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara in Havana on Friday). The United States have prevented oil shipments to Cuba for months, except for one Russian tanker, Photo by Ernesto Mastrascusa/EPA April 13 (UPI) -- Cuba's fuel shortages are disrupting the distribution of hu»»»
Here's the Real Reason Netanyahu is Escalating the Lebanon Crisis
Israel is effectively “held hostage” by the Netanyahu government, and the war in Lebanon is another distraction action designed to divert the public’s attention from the mounting problems he personally and the country as a whole face, Tel Aviv-based national security observer Dr. Simon Tsipis told »»»
Lufthansa pilots strike for 2 days, cabin crew will follow
BusinessGermanyLufthansa pilots strike for 2 days, cabin crew will followMark Hallam with AFP, dpaPilots who are members of the Vereinigung Cockpit trade union are striking on Monday and Tuesday. As hundreds of flights were canceled, the UFO cabin crew union said it would also strike on Wednesday a»»»
UK halts Chagos handover to Mauritius amid US concerns
The United Kingdom has halted a plan to hand over the Chagos Islands, an Indian Ocean archipelago, to Mauritius. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an agreement last year transferring sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius. However, the deal allowed Washington and London to retain control »»»
Israel Summons Italy Envoy Over Comments on Lebanon Attacks
Israel summoned Italy's ambassador Monday to protest after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israel's "unacceptable attacks" on civilians in Lebanon during a visit to Beirut, an Italian diplomatic source said. Tajani, a senior member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, visited Be»»»
Bulgarian PM Praises Hungarians for Showing that "Democracy Is More than a Ballot Box"
Bulgaria's caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov on Monday congratulated Hungary's Tisza party leader Peter Magyar on their victory in the country's parliamentary elections. "I also congratulated the citizens of Hungary, who expressed their will with record turnout and showed Europe that democracy »»»
European Commission calls on EU countries to rely on renewable, nuclear energy sources
Brussels, Belgium: The European Commission (EC) has called on EU member states to rely on renewable and nuclear energy sources to address the energy crisis resulting from the military escalation in the Middle East. EC President Ursula von der Leyen stated Monday that the sharp rise in oil and gas p»»»
EU's Military Buildup Signals It Prepares for Large-Scale War Against Russia - Russian Envoy to UN
UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - Increased military preparations of the European Union make it obvious that it is getting ready for a major war against Russia, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said on Monday. "These large-scale military preparations leave no doubt a»»»
Sheikh Khaled meets Premier Li Qiang in Beijing
Beijing: Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, have discussed ways to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and advance cooperation across»»»
FAO warns Strait of Hormuz closure could disrupt current and next agricultural seasons
Rome, Italy: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warned on Monday, April 13, 206, that the current and upcoming agricultural seasons could be affected if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and fertilizer shipments are disrupted. According to FAO estimates, between 20 »»»
Gwador-to-Central Asia Route Opens as Pakistan Mediates US-Iran Talks
Pakistan has officially launched a new transit corridor connecting its ports to Central Asian markets through Iranian territory. Pakistan just opened a new trade route to Central Asia through Iran. The first shipment, frozen beef, left Gwadar Port for Tashkent on Monday. Here's what you need to kno»»»
Dozens killed in air strike on market by Nigerian military - UPI.com
Dozens of people were killed in an air strike on a Nigerian town market by the Nigerian military. Some say around 200 are dead from the attack. File Photo by Justin Lane/EPA April 13 (UPI) -- More than 50 people were killed in an air strike at a Nigerian market by the Nigerian military, and some sa»»»
Minister of State for International Cooperation meets Lebanon's Ambassador
Doha, Qatar: Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Monday with Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon to the State of Qatar HE Bilal Kabalan. The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enh»»»
Israel Presses Assault on Lebanon Border Town Ahead of US-Hosted Talks
Israeli troops launched an attack on Monday to seize a key town in south Lebanon from Hezbollah fighters holed up there, pressing the war on the Iran-backed group on the eve of rare talks between Israeli and Lebanese government envoys. With the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States »»»
Syria, Türkiye agree on steps to boost economic integration and exports
Damascus, April 13 (SANA) – President of the Syrian Exporters Union Abdul Qader Tahan said talks held with the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) during the Syrian economic delegation’s visit to Istanbul last week resulted in strategic understandings aimed at moving from coordination to practical imp»»»
UN warns Middle East conflict could push 32 million more into poverty
New York: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warned that more than 32 million people worldwide could be pushed into poverty due to the economic fallout of the conflict in the Middle East, with developing countries expected to bear the brunt. In a report issued on Monday, the agency sai»»»
How different will Magyar be from Orbán? We analyse his views on EU, Russia, Ukraine, and Trump
Péter Magyar promised during the election campaign that he would dismantle Viktor Orbán’s entire political system “brick by brick” — a system with which he had close ties until very recently. Over the past two years, Magyar has travelled almost constantly around the country, saying he would curb co»»»
Report: defense spending in Poland not boosting GDP
Although Poland spends more on defense than any other NATO country relative to GDP, the economic impact is limited, according to the International Monetary Fund. Defense spending has risen sharply to about 4.5% of GDP, but around 80% of military equipment is imported, mainly from the U.S. and South»»»
Blockade of Strait of Hormuz will send oil prices to record levels
A potential U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports could trigger an unprecedented shock in global energy markets. Oil prices have already surged, with Brent crude exceeding $103 per barrel after failed diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran. Experts warn that current prices do not reflect a w»»»
Von der Leyen: we pay a very high price for dependence on fossil fuels
During 44 days of war in the Middle East, the EU’s fossil fuel import bill rose by over €22 bln, according to Ursula von der Leyen. She stressed that the crisis, including disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, is driving up fuel, food, and household costs across Europe. Von der Leyen warned that»»»
Magyar beats Orban in battle for Hungary: What happens now?
Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar has pulled off a stunning victory in the country’s parliamentary election, with his Tisza party beating Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz by more than 16 points. The result is set to dramatically change Hungary’s relations with the EU, Russia, and Ukraine»»»
Keiko Fujimori leads Peru vote count after delayed balloting - UPI.com
Peruvian presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori speaks at a press conference in Lima on Monday. Fujimori, the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, is the frontrunner to compete for the Peruvian presidency in a runoff election scheduled June 7. Photo by Renato Pajuelo/EPA April 13 (UPI) -- »»»
Canadians voting in federal byelections as Carney seeks majority - UPI.com
Voters in Ontario and Quebec, Canada are voting in byelections Monday that could give Prime Minister Mark Carney a liberal majority. File Photo by Eric Reid/EPA-EFE April 13 (UPI) -- Voters in Ontario and Quebec, Canada, are voting in byelections on Monday that could give Prime Minister Mark Carney»»»
Israel lashes out at Spain over Benjamin Netanyahu effigy burning (VIDEO)
Israel has condemned Spain after a fireworks-filled effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was blown up during an Easter festival in the southern town of El Burgo. The long-strained ties between Madrid and West Jerusalem have deteriorated even further in light of the US-Israeli attack on Iran,»»»
Strait or canal: Who can charge ships - and who can’t?
A dispute over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is fast becoming a global economic concern. Iran’s threat to charge vessels for passing through the narrow waterway — combined with ongoing disruptions to traffic — has unsettled energy markets and raised fresh questions about the rules governing inte»»»
UN Maritime Chief Says No Country Has Right to Close Hormuz
The head of the UN maritime agency said Monday no country had a legal right to block shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a trade passage paralysed by the US-Iran war. The International Maritime Organization's Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez addressed a news conference as access to the strait rema»»»
‘El Nas Lel Nas’ launches UAE community movement to boost home-grown SMEs
Dubai: Publsh Group and the news platform Lana have launched El Nas Lel Nas, meaning “People for People”, a new community-driven initiative designed to shine a spotlight on small and medium-sized businesses across the UAE by mobilising the country’s most influential public figures. The initiative b»»»
How Alserkal Avenue reflects Dubai’s resilient spirit: 'We don’t stand still’
Dubai: “We don’t stand still.” As Basmah El Bittar, director of Alserkal Avenue, says these words, we’re walking through Alserkal Avenue on a windy April afternoon in Dubai's industrial-chic Al Quoz neighbourhood. She’s giving Gulf News a tour of the vibrant cultural district she oversees. It's a s»»»
US’s 'Very Foolish' Double Blockade of Hormuz Strait Makes Absolutely No Sense: Here’s Why
Every step Washington has taken in the conflict with Iran to date has worsened its own strategic position, and the blockade of Iranian oil exports is no exception, says Center for Contemporary Iranian Studies director Rajab Safarov. "This is a very foolish move on the part of the United States. Wit»»»
Inquiry into Southport knife rampage blames authorities, killer's parents - UPI.com
Protesters gather outside Liverpool Crown Court in Liverpool in January 2025 where then-18 year-old Axel Rudakubana was sentenced to 52 years in prison for the Southport child killings. File photo by Adam Vaughan/EPA-EFE April 13 (UPI) -- The official inquiry into the killings of three young girls »»»
Qatar highlights role of family medicine ahead of National Family Day
Doha, Qatar: Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting family medicine as a cornerstone of community health, ahead of Qatar Family Day 2026. The annual occasion observed on April 15 reflects the country's growing focus on the family as the foundation of a stab»»»
DICID roundtable highlights social cohesion as key to crisis resilience
DOHA: The Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID) organised a roundtable on strengthening social cohesion and building community resilience in times of crisis, in partnership with the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara and in cooperation with the 'Qatar Minna wa Nahnu Minha' ini»»»
Sobha Realty enters Abu Dhabi with large-scale housing project
Abu Dhabi: Sobha Realty has entered the UAE capital with the launch of Sobha City, a 38 million square foot residential development in Al Bahiya. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The project marks the developer’s first large-scale community in Abu Dhabi, expanding its f»»»
Indonesia can outlast MidEast conflict fallout to year end: minister
Jakarta: Indonesia's economy minister said Monday the Southeast Asian nation can outlast the impacts of Middle East conflict-fuelled oil price hikes for as many as 10 months without cutting fuel subsidies. Minister Airlangga Hartarto told foreign media in Jakarta his government "is ready for five, »»»
Investment deal signed to build 32-story business tower in Idlib
Idlib, April 13 (SANA) Syrian authorities on Monday signed an investment agreement to build the “Idlib Business Tower,” a major mixed-use development in the city center aimed at boosting economic activity and attracting investment. The agreement was signed during a ceremony organized by the Syrian »»»
UN: Iran War Could Plunge 32 million into Poverty
More than 32 million people worldwide could be plunged into poverty by the economic fallout from the Iran war, with developing countries expected to be hit hardest, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) warned. In a report issued amid doubts over a fragile ceasefire, the UNDP said the world»»»
‘My Love, My King’: How an AI chatbot relationship led to a man’s death
Dubai: A Florida man’s death after an intense and increasingly delusional relationship with Google’s AI chatbot Gemini is raising urgent questions about the psychological risks of human-like artificial intelligence. At the centre of the case is 36-year-old Jonathan Gavalas, described by his family »»»
Prime Minister receives phone call from Iranian Foreign Minister
Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, received a phone call from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran HE Dr Abbas Araghchi. During the call, the latest developments related to the ceasefire were»»»
Multiple bills highlight challenge protecting children online - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced the Kids Online Safety Act in 2022. It is endorsed by 62 senators. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 13 (UPI) -- Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are considering more than a dozen bill proposals to »»»