Abu Dhabi strengthens emergency readiness with new app
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, in partnership with the Emergency, Crises and Disasters Management Centre – Abu Dhabi, has launched the Community Responder application on official app stores. The move marks the second phase of the Our Community is Ready campaign, aimed at strength»»»
French prosecutors open hate speech probe into polarising news channel CNews
The Paris prosecutor's office announced Friday it had launched an investigation into alleged racist comments following remarks made in late March on French news channel CNews targeting the newly elected mayor of Saint-Denis Bally Bagayoko. The Paris prosecutor's office said on Friday it had opened »»»
Is opposing Israel 'anti-Semitism'? France’s latest attempt to fight hate risks inflaming it
The French government is backing a draft law based on the idea that "hatred" of Israel is inseparable from hatred of the Jewish people. Critics of the “Yadan law” warn the new legislation will not just muzzle legitimate criticism of Israel but could further fuel anti-Semitism in France. Frenc»»»
LIVE UPDATES: Iran downs two US warplanes as Middle East conflict intensifies
Doha, Qatar: Iranian and American forces raced each other Saturday to recover a crew member of the first US fighter jet to go down inside Iran since the start of the war. Tehran said it had shot down the F-15 warplane, while US media reported United States special forces had rescued one of its two »»»
On This Day, April 4: Gates, Allen found Microsoft - UPI.com
On April 4, 1975, Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. 1 of 8 | Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates attends the NBA Finals game on June 10, 1996, in Seattle. On April 4, 1975, Microsoft was founded by Gates and Paul Allen. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo April 4 (UPI) -- On th»»»
Syria rejects any attempt to target embassies or diplomatic premises- Foreign Ministry
Damascus, April 4 (SANA) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic affirmed its firm and unwavering position, rejecting any assault or attempt to target embassies and accredited diplomatic premises in the Syrian Arab Republic, saying that these premises are protect»»»
Report: Armed Forces Personnel Shortage Stood at 20.5% in 2025
In 2025, the shortage of military personnel decreased by 1.8% and reached 20.5%, according to the Report on the State of Defence and the Armed Forces, approved by the caretaker government on April 1. Despite the measures taken, vacant positions for military personnel remained close to those in 2024»»»
Report: Military Personnel Shortage Stood at 20.5% in 2025
In 2025, the shortage of military personnel decreased by 1.8% and reached 20.5%, according to the Report on the State of Defence and the Armed Forces, approved by the caretaker government on April 1. Despite the measures taken, vacant positions for military personnel remained close to those in 2024»»»
Hamas Hopes Pressure Will Amend Gaza Disarmament Plan
Hamas is pressing mediators to secure changes to a plan presented more than a week ago by Nikolay Mladenov, the High Representative of the “Board of Peace,” which calls for the full disarmament of Gaza without exception. A Hamas delegation in Cairo is holding intensive talks with Palestinian factio»»»
Baghdad Says Faction Attacks are ‘Individual Attempts’
The Iraqi government moved on Friday to contain the fallout from an escalating regional war, after the US issued sharp warnings of possible attacks on its interests inside Iraq. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani vowed to pursue those behind attacks and the kidnapping of foreigners, saying the »»»
Israeli Army: Hezbollah Disarmament Needs Full Occupation of Lebanon
A senior Israeli military commander said on Friday that disarming Hezbollah was not part of the current war objectives, and that the army’s plan instead focused on razing entire villages in southern Lebanon and forcibly displacing residents to create a buffer zone imposing a new border reality. Def»»»
Four injured in Bahrain from falling debris of intercepted Iranian drone
Manama: Bahraini authorities said that four people were injured after debris fell following the interception and destruction of an Iranian drone. In a post on X, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior confirmed that four citizens sustained minor injuries and several homes in Sitra were damaged due to fa»»»
Focus - Border town of Tiné caught in the crossfire as Sudan war spills into Chad
The war in Sudan is spilling into Chad with increasing intensity. In mid-March, a drone strike – the fourth and deadliest cross-border attack from Sudan – killed 20 people in the town of Tiné, which has become a frontline in the conflict’s spillover. Chadian authorities have not officially ide»»»
How a Russian influence network is spreading anti-Ukrainian propaganda in Ivory Coast
The Company – a network of Russian agents specialised in disinformation operations – has been carrying out a vast propaganda campaign against the Ukrainian embassy in Ivory Coast. When the pan-African media outlet The Continent received a trove of leaked documents about this operation, the FRANCE 2»»»
MPs of Zhogorku Kenesh to be trained in lawmaking and cybersecurity - | 24.KG
Orientation seminars for deputies of the 8th convocation of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan have begun. Participants will be trained in key aspects of parliamentary work — from lawmaking and oversight to engagement with citizens and the media, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) repor»»»
Iran hunts crew member of crashed US jet after one reported rescued
Iranian and American forces were racing each other early Saturday to recover a crew member of the first US fighter jet to go down inside Iran since the start of the war. Tehran said it had shot down the F-15 warplane, while US media reported American special forces had rescued one of its two crew m»»»
Strong geomagnetic storm may produce vivid northern lights as far south as Pennsylvania - UPI.com
The northern lights can be seen from Gillette, Wyo., on October 5, 2024. File Photo by Tony Laubach/AccuWeather Activity from the sun could create displays of the aurora borealis across the northern half of the United States this weekend. The sun has produced multiple solar flares and associated co»»»
Live Updates: U.S. fighter jet shot down by Iran, 1 crew member rescued by US forces – Ya Libnan
Share: What to know about the Iran war today: A U.S. F-15E fighter jet was shot down by Iran and a crew member was rescued by American forces, U.S. officials told CBS News. U.S. officials confirmed to CBS News Iran’s claim that it shot down an American fighter jet. Images posted on social media and»»»
White House calls on congress to approve 40 percent increase in defense budget next year
Washington: The White House administration Friday called on Congress to approve a massive $1.5 trillion defense budget for next year. This request comes amid the ongoing war between the US, Israel and Iran and Washington's efforts to fund its military operations and replenish its weapons stockpiles»»»
MRF Candidates for Parliament Hold Meetings with Residents in Kardzhali Region
The candidates for MPs from the list of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms party in Kardzhali 9th Multi-member Constituency met on Friday with residents of several settlements in the region - Sevdalina, Zaychino, Bagra, Skalna Glava, Kalinka, Chilik and Kostino, according to the local party press»»»
Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy, hit by cyberattack - UPI.com
The Uffizi Galleries, home to Italy's most precious art, were hit by a cyberattack, the museum said. The museum claims there was no data stolen. File Photo by Claudio Giovannini/EPA April 3 (UPI) -- The Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy, said Friday it suffered a cyberattack, but not a breach of »»»
Vazrazhdane's Top-of-the-List Candidate in Yambol Addresses Water Sector Issues
Bad management and an outdated water supply network have lead to huge losses, which in some places reach 85% on average for water utilities, said Nikola Dimitrov, top-of-the-list candidate of the Vazrazhdane party list in Yambol's 31st multi-member constituency in a position distributed to the medi»»»
Earthquake in India: Tremors felt across Delhi-NCR, parts of North India
Earthquake tremors were felt across Delhi-NCR and several parts of North India on Friday, triggering panic among residents who rushed out of homes and office buildings. There were, however, no immediate reports of any casualties. The tremors were reported from multiple locations, including Delhi, N»»»
Bulgaria's Tallest Ferris Wheel Is Unveiled in Sofia
A 40-meter Ferris wheel, the tallest in Bulgaria, was unveiled in the Boris’ Garden in Sofia as part of the city’s newest event, Sun Fest Sofia. The opening of the Ferris wheel is included in the festive program marking 147th anniversary of Sofia as capital of Bulgaria. The attraction was manufactu»»»
US Embassy in Beirut Warns of Possible Iran Threat to Universities in Lebanon
The US embassy in Beirut said on Friday that Iran and its aligned armed groups "may intend to target universities in Lebanon". In a security alert, the embassy also urged US citizens to depart Lebanon "while commercial flight options remain available". Lebanon was dragged into the conf»»»
State Policy Must Support Citizens, Says BSP - United Left's Top Candidate in Ruse
The state must support its citizens with solidarity, justice and real solutions, Denitsa Ivanova, top-of-the-list candidate of the BSP - United Left coalition in Ruse, said on Friday. She, together with MP candidate Emil Georgiev, met with representatives of the Union of the Blind in Bulgaria and w»»»
Photo Exhibition of Ukrainian Sculptor's Works Opens on Sofia’s Capital Day
A photo exhibition titled "In the Footsteps of Mykhailo Parashchuk," dedicated to the 147th anniversary since Sofia was declared Bulgaria’s capital, was opened on St Nedelya Square on Friday. Mykhailo Parashchuk was a Ukrainian sculptor and the author of sculptural facades and decorations on buildi»»»
US Fighter Shot Down Over Iran as Trump Threatens to Hit More Infrastructure
Iran shot down a US warplane on Friday, setting off a search by both sides for surviving crew as the war looked set to intensify with President Donald Trump threatening more attacks on civilian infrastructure. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was combing an area near where the plane came do»»»
Tunisian consular mission in Dubai calls on students to respect official authorities instructions
Tunis, April 3 (TAP) - Acting Consul General of Tunisia in Dubai and Northern Emirates Noureddine Dali met on Friday with Tunisian students and their parents in order to step up communication with the community established within this consular...»»»
Beyond Oil: How the Iran Conflict Is Disrupting Pakistan's Critical Labor Exports to the Gulf
Pakistan's economy depends heavily on labor exports to the Gulf, where millions of its citizens work. The Iran war has complicated this, prompting the government to devise a new strategy. In recent years, Pakistan has significantly increased both its labor exports and the volume of remittances that»»»
Predictability Is Key in Applying Measures Linked to Mideast Crisis Impact on Bulgaria, PM Says
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said predictability and a clear time horizon are essential in applying measures related to the impact of the Middle East crisis on Bulgaria. He was speaking at a meeting of the task force monitoring and controlling the prices of goods and fuels in response to t»»»
Gallup Poll: Five Parties Certain for Parliament, Progressive Bulgaria Leads
Five political formations are currently positioned to enter the next Bulgarian parliament, according to a nationally representative survey by Gallup International Balkans conducted during the early phase of the election campaign. The data also indicate a slight increase in declared voter turnout, w»»»
'War is Women’s Business': Ukraine Forces Women Into the Meat-Grinder
Calls to conscript women into the Ukrainian army are growing – but the reality is that they are already being recruited as contract soldiers, Institute of CIS Countries researcher Alexander Dudchak tells Sputnik. "The [Ukrainian] regime is carrying out an outright genocide," Dudchak says. "At the b»»»
Iran Guards recruit children to ‘defend the homeland’, placing them in line of fire
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps has launched a campaign aimed at recruiting children as young as 12 for the “defence of the homeland”. More than a month into the war triggered by the US and Israel, rights groups highlight the life-threatening risks&nbs»»»
UK is invited to open universities in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan Marlen Mamataliev met with British Ambassador Nicholas Bowler. The two sides discussed the development of political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation, as well as strengthening interparliamentary ties. Mamataliev proposed intensifying work»»»
Serbia registering stable macroeconomic results, March inflation at 2.8 pct - council
BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut chaired on Friday a session of a council coordinating activities and measures for GDP growth, at which it was noted that Serbia continued to register stable macroeconomic results and that March inflation had been at 2.8 pct. The council assessed macroeconomic and o»»»
Progressive Bulgaria Leader Says Forming Coalition with Peevski, Borissov "Absolutely Impossible"
Progressive Bulgaria leader Rumen Radev said on Friday that “it is absolutely impossible” for his political force to form a coalition with Movement for Rights and Freedoms leader Delyan Peevski and GERB leader Boyko Borissov. Radev spoke at a meeting with citizens in Zlatograd (Southern Bulgaria) a»»»
Anti-Corruption Bloc's Filip Pavlov Presents Vision for Sustainable Cities
Filip Pavlov, top-of-the-list MP candidate for the Anti-Corruption Bloc in Vratsa, presented a vision for more sustainable and healthier cities at a meeting with citizens on Friday, he told BTA. In his words, a national programme for rooftop solar panels, funded by the state and EU funds, should be»»»
National Council president calls for joint efforts to drive digital transformation
Bardo, April 3, 2026 (TAP) — Imed Derbali, President of the National Council of Regions and Districts, emphasized on Friday that achieving digital transformation requires coordinated efforts, fostering a culture of collaboration, as well as active...»»»
Egypt’s gold markets surge amid US-Iran war fluctuations
Gold bullion Gold prices in Egypt saw a rise on Friday, increasing by an average of LE 15 across various karats. The benchmark 21-karat gold reached LE 7,150. As of the time of this report, gold prices in Egypt are as follows: 24-Karat Gold: LE 8,171 21-Karat Gold: LE 7,150 18-Karat Gold: LE 6,128 »»»
How Does US Exercise ‘Predatory Hegemony,’ Extract Resources, Money and Influence?
Weeks have passed since the US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on February 28. The US government, although it had told US media on March 11 that the military operation would end "soon," later announced air raids on multiple Iranian targets, including its oil hub Kharg Island, repor»»»
Border crossing points with China to be temporarily closed - | 24.KG
The State Border Service of Kyrgyzstan announced that, at the initiative of the Chinese side, Torugart-Avtrodorozhny and Irkeshtam-Avtodorozhny checkpoints will be temporarily closed. According to the agency, the restrictions are related to the observance of the Qingming Festival in China. The clos»»»
CC-DB Can Put End to "Borissov-Peevski" Model, MP Mirchev Says
Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) MP Ivaylo Mirchev said on Friday that the coalition can put an end to the "Borissov-Peevski" model (named after GERB leader Boyko Borissov and MRF leader Delyan Peevski). Mirchev was speaking at a BTA press club in Targovishte during a campaign visi»»»
Plastic ban from 2027: Kyrgyzstan prepares stricter measures - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan may introduce a full ban on plastic bags and a number of other plastic products starting in 2027, the Ministry of Natural Resources reported. According to the ministry, large-scale reforms have been underway since 2023 to develop waste recycling systems and reduce environmental harm. Two»»»
“Second botanical garden” to be created in Bishkek - | 24.KG
Mayor of Bishkek Aibek Dzhunushaliev visited the nursery of the municipal enterprise Bishkekzelenstroy on Botaliev Street and inspected the available planting material. According to the City Hall’s press service, around 50,000 planting units have been delivered to the nursery, and 30,000 saplings o»»»
Stay alert: Abu Dhabi Police warn drivers against distracted driving
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police have called on motorists to remain fully focused on the road and avoid distractions, particularly during traffic congestion or sudden stops, warning that lack of focus can lead to serious accidents. The Traffic and Patrols Directorate issued the warning in a public aware»»»
Emirates Environmental Group honours 52 entities as UAE deepens net zero and circular economy drive
Dubai: The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) hosted its 29th Annual Corporate Gala Dinner, a distinguished evening dedicated to recognising sustainability leadership, strengthening partnerships and reaffirming the UAE’s steadfast commitment to environmental progress. Held under the gracious patron»»»
Media Review: April 3
ECONOMY – ENERGY The media cover the requested price increases by heating utilities. Trud: Bulgarian district heating companies have requested significant price increases for heating and hot water starting July 1, 2026, with Toplofikatsia Sofia seeking a nearly 30% hike and Toplofikatsia Veliko Tar»»»
Bulgarian Vote in the UK Expected to Run Smoothly Despite Fewer Polling Stations
The Bulgarian community in the United Kingdom is preparing for participation in the upcoming general election, with no major disruptions expected on voting day despite concerns linked to the reduced number of polling stations. A total of 28 polling stations will be available across the UK, with 15 »»»
Clash between Libya’s religious and secular authorities regarding the permissibility of surcharging for e-payments
A clash is occurring between Libya’s secular and religious orders as to the permissibility of merchants imposing an extra charge for receiving payments, for goods or services, electronically versus in cash. The religious viewLast Wednesday (1 April), the Libyan Fatwa House in Tripoli (Dar Al-Ifta) »»»