Appeals panel: Ballroom construction can continue for now - UPI.com
1 of 2 | President Donald Trump shows a rendition of the East Wing with the new White House Ballroom in October. An appeals court ruled Saturday that construction can continue on the ballroom. File Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo April 11 (UPI) -- A panel of judges said Saturday it will»»»
Iran Has Won the War, It Will Be Up to the US to Secure the Peace: Mohammad Marandi
Whether or not Iran-US peace negotiations succeed depends entirely on the American side, renowned international affairs commentator Dr. Mohammad Marandi told Sputnik, commenting on Saturday's unprecedented face-to-face talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. Iran didn’t start the war, it wasn’t the one to es»»»
Easter truce between Russia and Ukraine begins
Kyiv: A truce between Russia and Ukraine to mark the Orthodox Easter entered into force on Saturday, with Kyiv warning it would respond "immediately" if Russia violated it. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the ceasefire on Thursday, more than a week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelen»»»
In Fiery Speech, Pope Leo Says ‘Enough to War!’
Pope Leo lashed out against warmongers on Saturday while calling on billions of people around the globe to embrace peace and "believe once again in love, moderation and good politics". In one of his most passionate entreaties yet to end the raging conflict in the Middle East, the American pope said»»»
Arab and international firms eye expansion in Syrian market at Agro Syria exhibition
Damascus, April 11 (SANA) – Arab and international companies participating in the 4th Syria International Exhibition for Agricultural Mechanization, Livestock and Agricultural Production Supplies (Agro Syria) expressed interest in expanding their presence in Syria, viewing it as a promising investm»»»
4 women accuse Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct; 1 claims rape - UPI.com
Rep. Eric Swalwell D-Calif., speaks during a hearing in 2023. Four women have accused him of sexual misconduct. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo April 11 (UPI) -- Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., who is running for California governor, is facing several allegations of sexual misconduct and»»»
Iraq elects Kurdish politician Nizar Amidi as president amid war fallout
Baghdad: Iraq's parliament voted Saturday to elect Nizar Amidi, a political official with one of the country's two main Kurdish parties, as president, five months after a parliamentary election that didn't produce a bloc with a decisive majority. His election comes as Iraq is reeling from the fallo»»»
Libya Signs First Unified State Budget in More Than a Decade
Libya's two rival legislative bodies have approved the country's first unified state budget in more than a decade, its central bank said in a statement on Saturday. The oil-producing North African country has been divided since a 2014 civil war that spawned two administrations in the west and east.»»»
UN Demands Accountability for Violations of Rules of War in Middle East
UN agency chiefs on Saturday demanded an end to impunity for widespread international law violations in the Middle East, as casualties pile up six weeks into the war unleashed by US-Israeli strikes on Iran. In a joint statement, the heads of multiple United Nations agencies said they were "alarmed »»»
Arsenal suffer major blow in Premier League title charge
London: Arsenal suffered a huge blow in the Premier League title race on Saturday, losing 2-1 at home to Bournemouth to give Manchester City renewed hope they can catch the long-time leaders. The visitors took the lead at a nervy Emirates through Junior Kroupi but Mikel Arteta's men levelled throug»»»
A Syrian Man Buries His Wife and 4 Children Killed in Israeli Strikes on Beirut
A Syrian man on Saturday buried his wife and four of his five children, killed in the massive wave of Israeli strikes that pounded Beirut earlier this week, laying them to rest in Deir Ezzor province in northeastern Syria. It was not the homecoming they had anticipated when they fled to Lebanon six»»»
US-Iran Direct Talks Begin in Pakistan as War’s Fragile Ceasefire Holds
The United States and Iran began face-to-face negotiations Saturday in Pakistan, days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced, as the war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets entered its seventh week. The White House confirmed the direct nature of the talks. Iran'»»»
Zayed Sustainability Prize expands funding for all finalists
Abu Dhabi: The Zayed Sustainability Prize has expanded its support framework, announcing funding for all finalists in its 2027 cycle, continuing the approach introduced in 2026. The move reflects the Prize’s shift from a recognition platform into a broader support system that helps projects at diff»»»
Holy Fire Distributed from Synodal Palace in Sofia on Easter Eve
The Holy Fire from Jerusalem, kept at the Palace of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) in Sofia, is being spread out by priests taking it to evening service in their churches in Bulgaria on Holy Saturday, which for Orthodox Christians this year is on April 11. Normally, the Holy »»»
Fireworks arrests in countdown to Easter
With just hours to go before traditionally noisy midnight firework celebrations on Orthodox Easter Saturday, police announced further arrests across the country in a bid to clamp down on the illegal custom. On the island of Salamis, just off Athens, two suspects aged 70 and 69 were taken into custo»»»
Iraq's Parliament holds session to elect new president
Baghdad, Iraq: The Council of Representatives of Iraq held a session on Saturday to elect a new President of the Republic. Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al Halbousi opened the session after the quorum was achieved with the attendance of 223 MPs. In a speech during the session, Al Halbousi said that 1»»»
Hezbollah MP slams planned Lebanese talks with Israel as strikes kill 10
Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah on Saturday reiterated his group's rejection of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, where authorities reported 10 people killed in Israeli attacks in the south. The office of President Joseph Aoun said on Friday that officials from Lebanon, Israel and»»»
Iranian Source Says US Agreed to Unfreeze Iranian Funds, Washington Denies: Reuters
A senior Iranian source said on Saturday the US had agreed to release Iranian frozen assets held in Qatar and other foreign banks, but a US official swiftly denied the assertion, Reuters news agency reported. The senior Iranian source welcomed the purported US move as a sign of “seriousness” in r»»»
Why the Philippines is shifting focus from remittances to diaspora engagement
Dubai: The Philippines is redefining its approach to the 10.7 million Filipinos living abroad. Historically reliant on remittances, the country is now turning to its diaspora as “permanent strategic partners” for long-term development. The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has shifted the agen»»»
CEO of Omran inspects cement plants in Raqqa, Deir Ezzor to boost productivity
Raqqa, April 11 (SANA) Mahmoud Fadila, Director General of the General Company for Cement and Building Materials Industry and Marketing (Omran), paid on Saturday a field visit to the company’s factories in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor provinces to assess the current status of operations and production at t»»»
Russia Returns 175 Soldiers From Ukrainian Captivity
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia has returned 175 military personnel from the Ukrainian captivity, with 175 Ukrainian servicemen handed over in exchange, the Russian Defense Military said on Saturday. "On April 11, 175 Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime. In e»»»
In Europe first, Netherlands to allow Teslas to self-drive
The Hague: In a first for Europe, the Netherlands is poised to allow Tesla owners to use their car's self-driving feature -- as long as they are in the vehicle and keeping a watchful eye over it. The country's RDW agency for roadworthiness certifications said in a statement late Friday: "Thanks to »»»
Three weeks of fuel, 170 million people: Inside Bangladesh’s worsening fuel shortage
“My daughter is sleeping in the ICU of a hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka and I have been in the queue at the Trust filling station since 1:30 AM. It is now a quarter to three... If I cannot get fuel, I will leave the bike on the road and just walk away. I do not have the strength left in my body to pu»»»
Delegations Meet Pakistani PM Ahead of Expected Iran-US Talks
Iran’s delegation, headed by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, as part of high-level diplomatic engagements ahead of expected talks with US officials later on Saturday. US Vice President JD Vance also met with the Pakistani PM, media reports said. P»»»
MoI urges adherence to safety guidelines for elevator breakdowns
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior, MoI, urged the public to remain calm and follow key safety procedures in the event of an elevator malfunction. In a social media post, the ministry emphasized that improper actions could increase risks and advised individuals trapped in elevators to avoid pani»»»
Iran, Lebanon Bore Brunt of Missiles and Drones Launched During War
Some three-quarters of the airstrikes during the Middle East war targeted sites in Iran or Lebanon, according to an AFP analysis of data from ACLED, a non-profit that tracks political violence worldwide. At least 7,700 strikes or series of strikes by missiles, drones, rockets or bombs, were recorde»»»
In Europe First, Netherlands to Allow Teslas to Self-Drive
In a first for Europe, the Netherlands is poised to allow Tesla owners to use their car's self-driving feature -- as long as they are in the vehicle and keeping a watchful eye over it. The country's RDW agency for roadworthiness certifications said in a statement late Friday: "Thanks to the type ap»»»
US and Iran Envoys Meet Pakistani PM as Negotiations Kick off
Senior Iranian and American delegations met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Saturday to begin negotiations towards a deal to end the Middle East war unleashed six weeks earlier by US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. With the talks under way at Islamabad's Serena Hotel, Iranian med»»»
President reviews development plans for Aravan district - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov visited Aravan district as part of his working trip to Osh region. District head Daniyar Erkimbaev briefed the president on progress in improving the social sector and infrastructure, as well as future development prospects. Between 2021 and 2025, notable progr»»»
Fines of up to SR50,000 for Hajj lodging violations
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has introduced a new set of regulations outlining violations and penalties for hospitality facilities in Mecca and Medina during the Hajj season, in a move aimed at improving service standards for pilgrims. The ministry said the Hajj season extends annually»»»
From Boston to Denver, US Drivers Cut Back as Iran War Pushes Fuel Costs Higher
Boston resident Pat Ouedraogo has cut longer-distance trips, while aspiring law student Skyler Burke drives extra miles to avoid pricier gasoline pumps closer to home. In Houston, auto broker David Wright has switched from a gas-guzzling race car to an all-electric vehicle. These struggles are bein»»»
Ukraine Can Play Useful Role in Strait of Hormuz, Britain Says
Ukraine can play a useful role in international efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, Britain's armed services minister said, praising its drone technology as among the best in the world. Britain has organized discussions this month among more than 30 nations on how to reopen the strait, amid an »»»
[Interview] Hungarian scientist László Mérő: ‘The language of Fidesz is unmistakably Nazi speech’
László Mérő, mathematician and psychologist: “Hungarians are an accepting, tolerant, friendly people. This hatred has been deliberately stoked.” After the 2010 election, you responded to Fidesz’s two-thirds victory in a relatively optimistic article. At the time, you thought it might bring an end t»»»
Justice Minister Adamant that Sarafov Cannot Continue as Acting Prosecutor General
The statutory time limit introduced by the legislature for temporarily performing the duties of Prosecutor General is six months, yet Borislav Sarafov has held the post for nearly three years, and in this situation there is no way he can continue to perform the functions of Prosecutor General, said»»»
Qatar National Library to reopen on April 12
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar National Library has announced that it will reopen its doors to the public tomorrow, April 12, 2026. The announcement was on the library's social media platforms, where it expressed its eagerness to welcome readers back. The library will operate daily from 8am to 8pm, except »»»
Developing Suez Canal area starts in East Port Said
by Maye Kabil “It is only one of the thousand steps” on the road of developing the country, was how president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi referred to the New Suez Canal in his speech during the opening ceremony held to celebrate the opening of the enlargement work of the historical waterway. Many projects»»»
In Gaza, fibreglass homes aim to offer more 'dignity' for displaced
Khan Yunis, Palestinian Territories: In southern Gaza, aid workers are meticulously assembling fibreglass homes meant to shelter thousands of Palestinians still displaced six months after a ceasefire started between Israel and Hamas. Nearly two million people in Gaza are living in makeshift shelter»»»
Dubai night beaches draw record crowds as visitors double
Dubai: Visitor numbers to Dubai’s night swimming beaches rose by 50 per cent last year compared to 2024, due to the growing demand for after-dark swimming activities across the emirate. According to Emarat Al Youm, Dubai Municipality said it is working on plans to expand the concept to additional p»»»
India–UAE ties: Indian foreign minister Jaishankar arrives in Abu Dhabi to review strategic partnership
Abu Dhabi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday landed at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Jaishankar will be in the UAE from April 11-12 as a part of an official visit and will be meeting the leadership of the UAE to review close cooperation and deepen the Comprehensive Strateg»»»
'Howl at the Moon': NASA's bid to boost space enthusiasm
Houston: When NASA flight director Zebulon Scoville was working a shift during the uncrewed Artemis I test flight, he realized the US space agency wasn't consistently livestreaming the spacecraft's journey to Earth. "They said, well, we don't have bandwidth, we've got to get all this vehicle and en»»»
Artemis II astronauts splash down on Earth after record-breaking lunar flyby
NASA celebrated late Friday as four astronauts splashed down safely off the California coast, completing the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years and marking a major milestone for the US space agency’s ambitions to return humans to the moon. The NASA spacecraft carrying four astronauts sp»»»
UAE rain alert: Abu Dhabi Police urge caution, slower speeds and safe driving
Abu Dhabi Police have urged motorists to exercise caution and follow safety measures during fluctuating weather conditions and rainfall, warning against distractions while driving. The Traffic Directorate and Safe Patrols stressed the importance of staying focused on the road at all times, especial»»»
Why a 10-year-old Dubai student’s letter moved Sheikh Hamdan and KHDA officials
Dubai: A 10-year-old Indian student has shared her joy and pride after her letter to the leadership expressing gratitude for life in Dubai has been acknowledged by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of »»»
Dubai Police issue fresh alert on phone and SMS scams
Dubai: Dubai Police have renewed their warning to residents about a surge in fraud attempts involving fake phone calls and text messages posing as officials or bank staff. The alert comes as part of the force’s ongoing “Be Aware of Fraud” campaign, which aims to educate the public on how scammers a»»»
LIVE UPDATES: US–Iran Peace Talks in Pakistan
Talks between the US and Iranian delegations will take place in Islamabad, with Pakistan acting as a mediator in hopes of achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East. Ahead of the highly anticipated US-Iran peace talks, preparations are in full swing in Islamabad. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsi»»»
Undersecretary of Defence Zoubi effuses about the forthcoming Flintlock military exercises in Sirte as a sign of progress in Libya’s unification
Abdelsalam Zoubi, Undersecretary of Defence in the Tripoli based Libyan government and Commander of the Western based 111 Brigade yesterday extoled the forthcoming between both former foes, the western and the Hafter-controlled eastern forces in mid-April in the central city of Sirte. Zoubi effuse»»»
US advances second oil reserve release amid Middle East conflict
Washington: The US Department of Energy said it had loaned 8.48 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to four companies, as part of a second round of releases aimed at easing fuel prices amid the Middle East conflict. The Department said the recipients were Gunvor »»»
Dozens Martyred as Israeli Airstrikes Intensify Across Southern Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon escalated sharply on Saturday, hitting multiple towns and residential areas across the Nabatieh district and beyond, leaving dozens martyred and causing extensive destruction to homes, infrastructure, and civilian facilities. Israeli warplanes launched a serie»»»
Dubai ties residency and property services in new move
Dubai: The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai and the Dubai Land Department have signed a memorandum of understanding to bring real estate and residency services under one system. The agreement, signed by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri and Omar Hamad Bu Sheha»»»
World Bank Chief: Middle East War to Cut Growth, Deliver Cascading Impact
The war in the Middle East will have a cascading impact on the global economy, even if a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump takes hold, World Bank President Ajay Banga told Reuters in an interview on Friday. And the damage will be far deeper if the ceasefire fails and the conflict esc»»»