Macron set for first meeting with Pope Leo amid calls for peace in Middle East
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to have his first face-to-face meeting with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican Friday as the leader of the Roman Catholic church has criticised his fellow American, US President Donald Trump, for "unacceptable belligerence" during the Iran war. Macron has called for»»»
Man takes wife to court over Dh5.8m after she sells family home with power of attorney
Dubai: A man has filed a lawsuit against his wife seeking more than Dh5.8 million in financial and moral compensation, alleging she transferred ownership of their family home to herself and later sold it while he was abroad, a claim that was ultimately dismissed by a civil court in Dubai. Get updat»»»
Trump Slams Right-Wing Commentators Who Oppose Iran War
US President Donald Trump on Thursday angrily lashed out at multiple well-known conservative commentators who have criticized his war against Iran, slamming his onetime allies as attention-seeking "NUT JOBS." "They're stupid people, they know it, their families know it, and everyone else knows it, »»»
Cuban President Tells NBC He Won't Resign under US Pressure
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Thursday that he would not resign under US pressure and called for open dialogue in his first television interview with an American broadcaster. "We have a free sovereign state, a free state. We have self-determination and independence, and we are not subjecte»»»
Sleepy seal diverts traffic in Australian seaside town
Sydney, Australia: Traffic in a seaside Australian town was briefly diverted on Friday when a local seal decided to take a nap on the road. The dozy pinniped was spotted snoozing on a road in Dromana in the southern state of Victoria. Local police placed cones around the seal -- known to some local»»»
Emrić Warns of Negative Impact of Nuclear Facility Near BiH Border
Member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH Jasmin Emrić stated yesterday that any nuclear facility on the border with BiH would have negative consequences for life and the prospects of the region. “We believe that any nuclear facility, whether a storage site or a di»»»
Trump vs Pope Leo XIV: A rare clash over Iran war
Donald Trump is accustomed to criticism from coast to coast - Democrats, disaffected Republicans, late-night comedians, massive protests. Yet in his second presidency, Trump’s most influential American critic doesn’t live in the country but at the Vatican. It’s an unprecedented situation, with the »»»
Sleepy Seal Diverts Traffic in Australian Seaside Town
Traffic in a seaside Australian town was briefly diverted on Friday when a local seal decided to take a nap on the road. The dozy pinniped was spotted snoozing on a road in Dromana in the southern state of Victoria. Local police placed cones around the seal -- known to some locals as Sammy -- who c»»»
Overpass in Bishkek: Demolition of 64 structures begins for new interchange - | 24.KG
Demolition of 64 structures has begun at the intersection of Molodaya Gvardiya Boulevard and Leo Tolstoy Street in Bishkek, where a new transport interchange with an overpass bridge is planned. The Bishkek City Hall’s press service reported. The project affects both private and municipal lands, som»»»
‘Qatar Private Sector Nationalisation Award drives workforce excellence’
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Private Sector Nationalisation Award continues to set benchmarks for recognising organisations and individuals driving national workforce participation in the private sector. Khames Mohammed Al Naimi, Assistant Undersecretary for National Manpower Affairs in the Private Secto»»»
Emirates travel update: Flights adjusted across over 100 destinations
Emirates has issued an operational update, confirming it is running a limited flight schedule across more than 100 destinations as the airline adjusts services in response to ongoing disruptions. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight status and booking options as the Dubai-based carrier»»»
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato that includes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato. »»»
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato that includes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato. »»»
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato that includes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato. »»»
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato that includes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato. »»»
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato that includes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato. »»»
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato that includes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato. »»»
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato that includes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato. »»»
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato that includes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato. »»»
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato that includes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato. »»»
Saudi oil output hit as attacks disrupt key facilities, raising fresh global supply fears
Dubai: Saudi Arabia said recent attacks linked to Iran have damaged key parts of its energy network, cutting production capacity and disrupting exports at a time when global supply is already strained. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.An energy ministry official said st»»»
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato that includes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato. »»»
Melania Trump Blasts ‘Lies’ Linking Her to Epstein
US First Lady Melania Trump made a surprise statement on Thursday denying any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, or that she herself was a victim of the convicted sex offender. The 55-year-old's rare on-camera remarks at the White House came out of the blue, in an extraordinary intervention in a»»»
Citizen ‘Frog Patrol’ Helps Amphibians Survive a Dangerous Road Journey in Poland
On rainy spring nights in a forest near the Polish capital, a citizen “Frog Patrol” springs into action — humans helping amphibians survive dangerous road crossings for a chance to enjoy millennia-old mating rituals. As warmer weather comes to Mlochowski Forest, 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of War»»»
IMF expects to provide vulnerable economies hit by Iran war up to $50b
WASHINGTON, United States — The International Monetary Fund expects to have to provide up to $50 billion in immediate financial assistance to countries affected by the Middle East war, its managing director said on Thursday, with the crisis likely to have lasting economic effects."Given the spillov»»»
Al Wakrah, Al Shamal reach Qatar Cup semis
Doha, Qatar: Al Wakrah and Al Shamal advanced to the semi-finals of the 13th edition of the Qatar Basketball Cup for the 2025–2026 sports season, after defeating Qatar SC and Al Gharafa respectively in the quarter-final clashes held yesterday. At Al Gharafa Hall, Al Wakrah beat Qatar SC 86-73, deli»»»
Philippines shifts focus to EVs — scraps multi-year, multi-million incentives for Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Mirage
Manila: Amid the global price shock due to the Middle East war, the Philippines has now cancelled the multi-year, billion-peso incentives for automakers like Toyota and Mitsubishi aimed at encouraging them to "develop" local manufacturing capacity based on internal combustion engines (ICE). In a ma»»»
Asian stocks extend gains on Iran talks optimism, markets watch next move closely
Dubai: Asian equities climbed on Friday, extending their first weekly gain since the Middle East conflict began, with investors leaning into optimism ahead of planned US-Iran talks this weekend. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose 0.8%, whi»»»
ADB forecasts Kyrgyzstan's economic growth at 8.9 percent in 2026 - | 24.KG
The economy of Kyrgyzstan will grow by 8.9 percent in 2026. The April edition of the Asian Development Bank’s Asian Development Outlook (ADO) says. Analysts estimate that growth will slow down compared to 2025, when it reached 11.1 percent, but will remain sustainable. Domestic demand will remain t»»»
CGB organises workshop to develop Ministry of Sports and Youth’s unified digital platform
Doha, Qatar: The Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, yesterday held an idea-generation workshop to advance the ministry’s unified digital platform project. According to posts on CGB’s official social media accounts, the sess»»»
Zelenskiy proposes a new European version of Nato that includes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has proposed the creation of a new European-centred security bloc that would include Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Turkey and Norway, as concerns mount over the future of US support for Nato. »»»
Israel-Lebanon Direct Negotiations Expected Next Week in Washington
Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected next week in Washington, according to a person familiar with the matter, a day after deadly Israeli strikes targeted several areas simultaneously around the country and pounding the capital, Beirut. "We can confirm that the Department will host a»»»
China's Xi hosts Taiwan's KMT chair in landmark Beijing meeting
China’s President Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has met Cheng Li-wun, chair of Taiwan’s main opposition party – the Kuomintang (KMT). Cheng is visiting China at the invita»»»
China's Xi hosts Taiwan's KMT chair in landmark Beijing meeting
China’s President Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has met Cheng Li-wun, chair of Taiwan’s main opposition party – the Kuomintang (KMT). Cheng is visiting China at the invita»»»
China's Xi hosts Taiwan's KMT chair in landmark Beijing meeting
China’s President Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has met Cheng Li-wun, chair of Taiwan’s main opposition party – the Kuomintang (KMT). Cheng is visiting China at the invita»»»
ASIA BLOG: How Taiwan’s KMT risks the nation’s sovereignty
As Taiwan’s opposition leader, Cheng Li-wun leads a senior Kuomintang (KMT) delegation across China this week, complete with ceremonial stops at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and high-level meetings in Shanghai and Beijing, the fine line between opposition outreach and quasi-diplomacy is being delibera»»»
EU paid €2.88bn for Russian Arctic LNG in first quarter
The EU paid an estimated €2.88bn ($3.33bn) to Russia for liquefied natural gas from the Yamal Arctic LNG project, majority owned by Novatek (NVTK.MM), in the first quarter of 2026, according to analysis of shipping data published by campaign group Urgewald on April 10. The payments were driven in p»»»
Peru vote puts new Senate, not presidency, at centre of democracy battle
With polls set to open on April 12, Peru enters its most consequential vote in a generation, defined less by who wins the presidency than by who controls a brand-new Senate — and whether democratic institutions can survive the candidates now vying to lead them. »»»
Shipping begins moving through Strait of Hormuz
Shipping data from April 9 shows vessels beginning to transit the Strait of Hormuz, providing the first visual evidence that shipping is cautiously resuming through the waterway a day after the US-Iran ceasefire took effect. »»»
Shipping begins moving through Strait of Hormuz
Shipping data from April 9 shows vessels beginning to transit the Strait of Hormuz, providing the first visual evidence that shipping is cautiously resuming through the waterway a day after the US-Iran ceasefire took effect. »»»
Shipping begins moving through Strait of Hormuz
Shipping data from April 9 shows vessels beginning to transit the Strait of Hormuz, providing the first visual evidence that shipping is cautiously resuming through the waterway a day after the US-Iran ceasefire took effect. »»»
Shipping begins moving through Strait of Hormuz
Shipping data from April 9 shows vessels beginning to transit the Strait of Hormuz, providing the first visual evidence that shipping is cautiously resuming through the waterway a day after the US-Iran ceasefire took effect. »»»
Lebanon on the brink as government moves against Hezbollah
Lebanon on the brink as government moves against Hezbollah In one of the most consequential moments in Lebanon’s modern history, this could be the moment the country crossed a dangerous threshold: a moment when the aftersh»»»
Shipping begins moving through Strait of Hormuz
Shipping data from April 9 shows vessels beginning to transit the Strait of Hormuz, providing the first visual evidence that shipping is cautiously resuming through the waterway a day after the US-Iran ceasefire took effect. »»»
Shipping begins moving through Strait of Hormuz
Shipping data from April 9 shows vessels beginning to transit the Strait of Hormuz, providing the first visual evidence that shipping is cautiously resuming through the waterway a day after the US-Iran ceasefire took effect. »»»
Shipping begins moving through Strait of Hormuz
Shipping data from April 9 shows vessels beginning to transit the Strait of Hormuz, providing the first visual evidence that shipping is cautiously resuming through the waterway a day after the US-Iran ceasefire took effect. »»»
Lebanon on the brink as government moves against Hezbollah
Lebanon on the brink as government moves against Hezbollah In one of the most consequential moments in Lebanon’s modern history, this could be the moment the country crossed a dangerous threshold: a moment when the aftersh»»»
Uzbekistan’s National Investment Fund eyes IPOs in London and Tashkent
Uzbekistan’s National Investment Fund (UzNIF) on April 9 announced that it is considering dual initial public offerings (IPOs) on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the Tashkent Stock Exchange (TSE). Its listing»»»
Shipping begins moving through Strait of Hormuz
Shipping data from April 9 shows vessels beginning to transit the Strait of Hormuz, providing the first visual evidence that shipping is cautiously resuming through the waterway a day after the US-Iran ceasefire took effect. »»»
Oil price spike: How does the Kremlin tax its oil industry?
Oil prices have spiked and that should produce a huge windfall for the Kremlin which has been desperately short of cash to fund its war machine in Ukraine since the start of this year. For its part, Ukraine has been workin»»»