Dana Nae Popa (pastel): Clients are looking for clarity, perspective and ideas that can make a real difference
In our recently launched series of interviews dedicated to the MarComm industry, BR sat down with Dana Nae Popa, Owner & Managing Director pastel and President Asociatia pastel and talked about the agency celebrating 20 years, top moments during this time, clients and what they are looking for, tre»»»
Qatar Stars League reschedules Qatar Cup 2026 in next season calendar
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) has decided to reschedule Qatar Cup 2026, to be included in 2026-2027 season calendar. In a statement today, Qatar Stars League (QSL), said it had, in co-ordination with relevant stakeholders, discussed the remaining fixtures of the current 2025-2026 season»»»
Environmental breach? Philippines awaits report on cyanide use in disputed shoal
Dubai: The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has declared that it is awaiting the results of a “scientific and technical analysis” into the alleged use of cyanide in waters of Ayungin Shoal or Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea, before determining its next st»»»
Pope blasts ‘tyrants’ ravaging the Earth during his visit to Cameroon
Bamenda: Pope Leo XIV blasted the “handful of tyrants” who are ravaging Earth with war and exploitation, as he preached a message of peace Thursday in the epicentre of a separatist conflict considered one of the world’s most neglected crises. Leo travelled to the western Cameroon city of Bamenda, w»»»
Moment Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon areas
Dubai: A series of Israeli airstrikes struck multiple مناطق in southern Lebanon, hitting areas around Nabatieh and nearby villages. Explosions were reported in Kfar Roummane, where strikes targeted the outskirts of an industrial zone and areas near a local supermarket. Additional airstrikes hit Arn»»»
Liwa project supports houbara breeding and desert wildlife conservation
In the heart of the Liwa desert, an Emirati-led project is helping protect wildlife and preserve heritage, with a focus on breeding the houbara bustard, a key symbol of the UAE’s desert environment. The project, led by Ahmed Hayay Al Mansoori, began as a personal initiative and has grown into a str»»»
Debris found in search for missing helicopter carrying eight in Indonesia
Pontianak, Indonesia: Rescue crews in Indonesia searching for a missing helicopter carrying eight people on Thursday, April 16, 2026, found debris suspected to be from the aircraft, officials said. The helicopter, owned by local firm Matthew Air Nusantara, took off from the West Kalimantan province»»»
Watch: Hezbollah Fighters Fly Drones to Strike Kiryat Shmona Israeli Settlement - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Watch: Hezbollah Fighters Fly Drones to Strike Kiryat Shmona Israeli Settlement 16-04-2026 16:01 PM Screen capture of a video showing Hezbo»»»
Aoun reportedly rejects direct call with Netanyahu, insists on ceasefire before any talks
President Joseph Aoun on Thursday stressed the importance of a ceasefire before any direct negotiations with Israel, ahead of possible talks with Israel's leader that Beirut has not confirmed will take place. "The ceasefire requested by Lebanon with Israel is the natural starting point for direct n»»»
Visiting British minister calls for ceasefire in Lebanon
Visiting British Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer on Thursday called for a ceasefire in Lebanon where Israel and Hezbollah are at war, and welcomed direct talks between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war on March 2 after militant group Hezbollah fired rockets at Isr»»»
Roxana Memetea (DDB): In a world where everyone can produce quickly, the role of the idea is more important than ever
In a new series of interviews launched today, BR set down with Roxana Memetea, Managing Director DDB, and talked about her wishes for 2026, both for the agency and the advertising industry, clients and what they are looking for, trends and many more. By Romanita Oprea How did you start the year / W»»»
Distance learning to continue for some UAE schools on Monday
Dubai/ Sharjah: As UAE schools prepare for the gradual return to in-person learning from Monday, April 20, some schools have informed parents they will not be reopening their campuses on that date — while certain schools have made physical attendance compulsory for students who travel by private tr»»»
Sig Sauer CEO Ron Cohen visits Cugir to built partnership
His itinerary included Cugir, Alba County, and Bucharest, with the objective to assessing the potential for industrial partnerships with Romanian defense manufacturers and opening a series of bilateral discussions with relevant industry and institutional stakeholders. The visit has three concrete o»»»
Silva to leave Man City at end of season
London: Bernardo Silva will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, the Premier League club announced Thursday as they hailed his "incalculable" contribution to our "greatest sustained period of success". The 31-year-old Portuguese playmaker, who is the current club captain, joined City fro»»»
Wolt Romania: Record growth of over 2600% for “cozonac” orders during Easter
“The results of the first quarter confirm the growing trust users have in our services, not just for restaurant delivery, but as a complete solution for daily shopping. The Easter period highlighted a clear trend: Romanians want to balance tradition with the efficiency that technology offers. The f»»»
Contract on Austria's participation in EXPO 2027 signed in Belgrade
BELGRADE - Serbia's EXPO 2027 Commissioner Jagoda Lazarevic, who is also minister of internal and external trade, EXPO 2027 Director Danilo Jerinic and Austria's EXPO 2027 Commissioner Philipp Gady signed on Thursday in Belgrade a contract on Austria's participation in the specialised expo. The con»»»
UAE workshop discusses gap between legal education and job market needs
More than 90 legal experts, academics and industry representatives gathered at a national workshop to discuss the gap between legal education and labour market requirements in the UAE. The workshop was organised by Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and hosted by the Legal Talent »»»
Farhana Bodi breaks down during interview: 'I was shattered when my son was diagnosed with autism'
Dubai: In a scenic lake-side resort in Geneva, miles away from Dubai, Indian reality star, model, and influencer Farhana Bodi logs in for our conversation with her usual polish and flourish. She was on a work trip for a luxury watch event and was naturally composed, camera-ready, and effortlessly g»»»
Amir arrives in Muscat
Doha,Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived Thursday in Muscat, capital of the Sultanate of Oman. HH the Amir and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival by HM Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the sisterly Sultanate of Oman, along with HH Deputy Prime Minister for Defe»»»
Agroland Group Q1 2026: 40% increase in volume and 25% increase in average price for eggs
“First-quarter results in the table egg segment show a significant increase in sales volumes, against a backdrop of steadily rising average prices. This trend confirms the validity of the decisions we have made in recent years to expand production capacity in a region with growing consumption trend»»»
No date fixed for next US-Iran talks, says Pakistan Foreign Office
Dubai: Pakistan on Thursday said no date has been set for the second round of talks between the United States and Iran, urging the media to avoid speculation as diplomatic consultations continue under a highly confidential process. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, during »»»
Women’s seats, bigger India Parliament: What’s changing?
India is moving towards one of the most significant changes to its parliamentary structure since independence, with plans to expand the size of Parliament while reserving one-third of seats for women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pitched the move as a “historic step” to empower women and reshap»»»
Ghalibaf to Speaker Berri: “Ceasefire in Lebanon as Vital as in Iran”
A ceasefire in Lebanon is “just as important” as one in Iran, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri. In a phone call the Iranian speaker told his Lebanese counterpart that Tehran’s efforts are ongoing to force ‘Israel’ into a comprehensive and permane»»»
Anti-France influencer Kemi Seba arrested in South Africa for inciting rebellion in Benin
An anti-France activist and influencer has been arrested in South Africa for “inciting rebellion” by openly supporting last year’s foiled coup in Benin. Kemi Seba was born in France to Benin parents but was stripped of his French nationality two years ago for his many attempts to fuel anti-French s»»»
Eye on Africa - Two billion dollars pledged for Sudan at Berlin aid conference
In tonight's programme: Donors have pledged nearly $2 billion for Sudan as the country marks three years of war. Also, Pope Leo XIV delivers a strong message in Cameroon's capital Yaoundé. Plus Ghana is cracking down on overfishing fuelled by foreign vessels and destructive practices.»»»
Sudan civil war: Civilians caught in the deadly crossfire of a ruthless army-RSF power struggle
François Picard welcomes Dallia Abdelmoniem, Political / Media Analyst and Commentator on African and Middle Eastern affairs. Sudan is a war-torn nation unraveling in real time, warns Abdelmoniem. She says that we are not just witnessing a conflict between rival armed factions; it is a systematic w»»»
Lebanon President Thanks Rubio During Phone Call for US Efforts to Reach Ceasefire
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday thanked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for Washington's efforts to reach a ceasefire in Lebanon. Aoun received a telephone call from Rubio and "thanked him for the efforts Washington has been making to reach a ceasefire", a statement from the Lebanese p»»»
Confirmed direct hits were scored as Islamic Resistance fighters struck two Merkava tanks positioned on the Al-Sal’a height in the town of Al-Qantara, using guided missiles: Hezbollah Military Media statement 22 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Confirmed direct hits were scored as Islamic Resistance fighters struck two Merkava tanks positioned on the Al-Sal’a height in the town of »»»
Human rights observatory calls for immediate, complete lifting of siege imposed on Gaza Strip
Geneva: The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor called on the Israeli occupation to immediately and completely lift the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, open the crossings, and guarantee full, safe, and sustainable humanitarian access to all parts of the Strip. In a statement, the Monitor warne»»»
Pakistan: Sharif diplomacy, army outreach boost peace efforts
Dubai: Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic and military outreach across the Middle East this week in a coordinated effort aimed at easing regional tensions, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif toured key Gulf capitals while the country’s army chief held high-level talks in Iran. The parallel engag»»»
SIGNAL IDUNA accelerates transformation in Romania: the group closes 2025 with 19% growth
SIGNAL IDUNA ASIGURARE REASIGURARE (life and health insurer) reported RON 376.7 million in gross written premiums, up 19% year-on-year. SIGNAL IDUNA ASIGURĂRI (general insurer) grew by RON 21% to 131.5 million, while GARANTA ASIGURĂRI (life and general insurer) increased by 9%, reaching RON 60.2 mi»»»
US Treasury Starts Operation 'Economic Fury' to Maximize Pressure on Iran - Hegseth
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Treasury is launching Operation "Economic Fury" against Iran to maximize economic pressure on the country, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Thursday. "At the same time, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and our friends over at Treasury are launching Operation 'Econ»»»
Etihad launches $399 pet travel offer, brings more pets into cabins
Dubai: Etihad Airways has introduced a limited-time pricing offer for its Pets Onboard service, lowering the cost of travelling with cats and dogs in the cabin in response to rising demand from passengers. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The airline is offering the ser»»»
How alternative schooling models are gaining momentum in the UAE
Dubai: Changing lifestyles, increased mobility, and the rise of hybrid work models are reshaping how families in the UAE and regionally approach education, prompting a clear shift towards more flexible and personalised learning models. While traditional schooling remains central, online and hybrid »»»
Pakistan Central Bank Receives $2 billion from Saudi Arabia as Part of Broader Financial Support Package
Pakistan announced that it has received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance as part of a broader financial support package. Earlier, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, said that Saudi Arabia had committed to depositing an additional $3 billion, while extending an existi»»»
Watch: Falling ice chunk crashes through roof, lands on living room couch - UPI.com
April 15 (UPI) -- A Los Angeles County supervisor is calling for a Federal Aviation Administration investigation after a chunk of ice crashed through the roof of a house. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn shared photos on social media showing the dirt-covered ice chunk that crashed through »»»
101-year-old New Zealand man named world's oldest croquet player - UPI.com
Neville Sandiford earned the Guinness World Record for the oldest competitive croquet player (male) when he participated in an August 2025 tournament at the age of 101 years and 262 days old. Photo courtesy of Guinness World Records April 15 (UPI) -- A New Zealand man who took up the game of croque»»»
Ombudsman Delcheva: Any Constitutional Amendment Should Safeguard Institutional Balance and Public Trust
Any amendment to the Constitution should be made with particular responsibility, not only through the lens of political expediency, but with due regard for the balance of institutions and public trust in them, Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva said in her opening remarks during the Constitution Day cele»»»
Justice Ministry Proposes Legal Safeguards against Abusive Lawsuits Targeting Public Participation
The Justice Ministry announced Thursday that it has introduced a set of proposed amendments to the Civil Procedure Code aimed at strengthening protections against abusive lawsuits, commonly known as SLAPP cases (from "Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation"). These cases are typically used»»»
Qatar Airways expands global network to over 150 destinations
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways is expanding its international flight network, with services to over 150 destinations from June 16, 2026, connecting more passengers to various destination across the the world this summer. The updated schedule, valid until September 15, 2026, introduces new routes and in»»»
Qatar Philharmonic to hold concert at Katara saturday
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of Qatar Foundation, will hold a concert this Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 7:30 pm at Katara Cultural Village, Opera House. Titled "Brass, Brilliance and Beethoven," the program highlights the richness of brass and wind instruments through sel»»»
Pakistan flexes naval power with anti-ship missile test
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy has successfully test-fired a locally developed ship-launched anti-ship missile, accurately striking its target at extended range in a live exercise that underscores the country’s growing precision-strike capability and maritime deterrence. In a statement, the military said»»»
ING launches ING Travel Protect, available through Home’Bank, offered in partnership with Allianz-Țiriac
ING Travel Protect fits the way people organize their trips today: simple, digital, and directly on their mobile phones. Customers can quickly set up their policy based on their destination, travel dates, and type of trip (vacation, study, or work). Furthermore, they can purchase coverage for their»»»
U.S. Treasury tightens sanctions on Iran’s oil sector
Washington, April 16 (SANA) The U.S. Treasury Department said on Wednesday it was strengthening sanctions on Iran’s oil sector, targeting 20 individuals and entities linked to the network of oil trader Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, amid restrictions by Tehran on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.»»»
Suspected Russian-linked plot disrupted
A suspected international plot with elements of espionage has unfolded in Greece, where authorities arrested a 55-year-old Greek from the former Soviet Union in Thessaloniki, accused of involvement in a network allegedly planning assassinations in Lithuania. According to judicial documents from a V»»»
Claret Credit announces 150% increase in sales in 2025
These results validate Claret Credit’s development strategy, which focuses on strengthening the management team and digitalizing operations. In 2024, the company appointed Mircea Lupu as CEO, an executive with over 20 years of experience in the banking and non-banking financial sectors. Claret Cred»»»
Diesel prices down by Mden 2.5, unleaded fuels by 1.5
Skopje, 14 April 2026 (MIA) - The retail price of diesel is set to drop by Mden 2.5 per liter as of Tuesday midnight, while the prices of unleaded fuels will drop by Mden 1.5, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said Tuesday. The retail price of Eurodiesel (D-E V) is set to drop by Mden 2.5 and »»»
Gold Rises as Middle East Optimism Calms Inflation Fears
Gold prices rose on Thursday as growing optimism about a possible end to conflicts in the Middle East calmed inflation worries and improved prospects for lower interest rates. Spot gold rose 0.5% to $4,815.15 per ounce by 0926 GMT, after rising to a one-month high in the previous session. US gold f»»»
Israeli Strike Severs Last Bridge Linking Southern Lebanon to Rest of Country
An Israeli strike has severed the last bridge linking southern Lebanon to the rest of the country, a senior Lebanese security official told Reuters on Thursday, adding that the strike “shattered” the bridge and left no possibility of repairing it. The state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported t»»»