Property Concept rebranded as Alera: It is a year of recalibration in the real estate market
Property Concept, one of the leading companies in Romania specialized in turnkey real estate investments, offering integrated services including sales, interior design, and property management, is rebranding as Alera, marking a new stage in its development. The company is targeting accelerated grow»»»
Fake viral AI clip of India FM Sitharaman on high returns exposed
Dubai: A viral video claiming to show India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promoting a high-return investment scheme has been declared fake by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit. The clip, widely circulated on social media, falsely suggests that an initial investment of aroun»»»
Mali urges international companies to become part of EXPO 2027, Serbia's accelerated growth
WASHINGTON - At a reception in Washington, Serbian First Deputy PM and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali urged international companies to become a part of EXPO 2027 Belgrade and Serbia's accelerated growth. "The EXPO in Belgrade is the biggest event in our history, but it is also the biggest event that »»»
Sofia Zoo Expo 2026 Opens with Over 60 Exhibitors, Representing More than 200 Brands
The third Sofia Zoo Expo 2026 opened at the Inter Expo Centre on Friday, bringing together business representatives, animal lovers, and international participants from the pet care sector. The forum, organized by Animalia, runs from April 17 to 19 and has significantly expanded in scale this year. »»»
China launches high-precision greenhouse gas detection satellite
Jiuquan: China on Friday launched a Long March-4C carrier rocket to send a satellite for high-precision greenhouse gas detection into the preset orbit. The rocket blasted off at 1210 p.m. (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. It was the 638th flight mission of »»»
Oil Prices to Swing Wildly In $95-$120 Loop Amid US-Iran Standoff - Investor
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Global oil prices will fluctuate between $95 and $120 per barrel in the near future due to the Middle East conflict, Kyle Shostak, director of Navigator Principal Investors, told RIA Novosti. "My reading of the situation is that the Trump administration is hopeful that the bl»»»
Mideast Chaos May Boost Northern Sea Route's Value - Korea Arctic Shipping Association
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The conflict in the Middle East, combined with the United States' blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, may ramp up interest in the Northern Sea Route, Subeom Choi, secretary general of the Korea Arctic Shipping Association, told RIA Novosti. "This crisis may strengthen global in»»»
US-Israeli war on Iran may spark global famine, charity founder warns
Disruptions to fertilizer supplies caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran risk triggering a multi-year food crisis globally, World Central Kitchen (WCK) founder Jose Andres has warned. Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have already driven up energy prices and rattled the global economy, disrupting»»»
13 killed in Israeli strike on Tyre just before Lebanon truce
Israeli strikes on Tyre in southern Lebanon killed at least 13 people just before the 10-day ceasefire with Israel took effect at midnight, a city official said on Friday. The official, who asked not to be identified, said another 35 people were injured, and emergency workers were still searching t»»»
Paris conference to discuss formation of international force to secure navigation in Strait of Hormuz
Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to discuss on Friday, April 17, 2026, in Paris, with leaders of allied countries, a proposal to form a multinational force to ensure security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, following the consolida»»»
Japan rallies Asian nations with $10b plan to counter supply risks
Dubai: In a move to address the growing concerns over global energy security, Japan has announced a major regional initiative aimed at protecting Asian economies from supply disruptions, particularly those linked to key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. During an online meeting held on »»»
China’s “Petroyuan” Gains Traction Amid Gulf Tensions
Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region are breathing new life into China’s long-standing ambition to expand the role of the yuan in global energy trade, reviving discussions around the so-called “Petroyuan” as an alternative to the Dollar-dominated system. Recent developments surroundi»»»
Egypt Targets Near 5% Growth as Government Balances Reform and Global Pressures
Cairo — Egypt expects its economy to grow between 4.8% and 5% in the third quarter of the current 2025/2026 fiscal year, reflecting continued resilience despite global uncertainty, according to Ahmed Kouchouk in statements reported by Asharq Bloomberg. Speaking on the sidelines of the Spring Meetin»»»
Electricity benefits extended in Kyrgyzstan until 2027 - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov signed a decree introducing amendments to support measures for low-income citizens in paying for electricity in Kyrgyzstan. According to the document, electricity benefits have been extended until January 1, 2027. At the same time, the support mechanism will be»»»
No flight? No problem. Step inside Abu Dhabi airport
Abu Dhabi: Zayed International Airport has opened its doors to the public, allowing citizens and residents to explore its facilities without the need to travel. The initiative, running for eight weeks, invites visitors to step inside the airport’s usually restricted areas to enjoy its retail outlet»»»
Fragile calm in Lebanon as truce holds and families head home
A fragile calm settled over parts of Lebanon on Friday as a 10-day ceasefire brokered by the United States took hold between Israel and Hezbollah, prompting thousands of displaced families to begin the journey home — even as uncertainty, destruction and Israeli warnings against going back to parts »»»
Dusty winds and mild conditions to continue across UAE until Monday
Dubai: Fair to partly cloudy weather is expected across the UAE on Friday, with light to moderate northwesterly winds picking up at times and raising dust, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.Wind»»»
GERB Leader Borissov: We Want to Govern Because We Have Proven Ourselves
“We are not fighting for power. We want to govern because we have shown what happens during our governance - construction, construction, construction, including in Haskovo,” said GERB leader Boyko Borissov during a meeting with mayors, municipal councilors, activists, and supporters from the Haskov»»»
Denis Kitaev: Education, Career and Vesper
Denis Kitaev is a property developer, a co-founder and shareholder of Vesper, a firm specialising in premium residential construction and renovation. Born in Moscow on 3 February 1977, Denis Vladimirovich Kitaev attended Secondary School No. 622, where he developed a marked interest in drawing and »»»
India wealth shake-up: Gautam Adani becomes Asia’s richest, overtakes Mukesh Ambani
Gautam Adani has emerged as Asia’s richest individual, with his net worth rising to $92.6 billion, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He is now ranked 19th globally. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.Ambani slips to second in Asia»»»
'I Read Sputnik Every Day': Cuban President Visits Sputnik’s Booth at Patria Colloquium
The 5th “Patria” International Colloquium which opened on Thursday in Havana will run for three days until April 18. The media forum brings together around 150 journalists, analysts, academics, and media specialists from over 20 countries. Sputnik has its own booth in the colloquium’s exhibition ar»»»
UAE banks offer loan relief, 0% transfers: Who benefits and how
Dubai: UAE banks are rolling out a series of relief measures — from free loan deferrals to zero-interest payment plans — as residents navigate mounting financial pressures amid the ongoing crisis. In return, lenders are widening support across housing, healthcare and everyday expenses. Banks are in»»»
Oil prices to remain as they are or go down: PM
Skopje, 15 April 2026 (MIA) - The situation with the oil derivatives is stable and unchanged, with not a liter from the oil reserves spent, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski on Wednesday, adding that fuel prices would remain as they are or go down considering oil stock prices. Regarding the pi»»»
Body of Athens teenager found in Corinth Canal, investigation underway
The body of a young woman was found floating Friday morning in the waters of the Corinth Canal, authorities said. According to initial information, the victim is a 17-year-old resident of Athens district Psychiko, whose disappearance had been reported Thursday night at the local police station. Sea»»»
Pleven Gets First Toxicochemistry Lab Outside Sofia
The first toxicochemistry laboratory outside Sofia was opened in Pleven by caretaker Minister of the Interior Emil Dechev on Friday. The facility will speed up drug and alcohol testing in pre-trial proceedings involving drivers and crime suspects. Dechev cut the ribbon in the presence of his deputy»»»
US envoy Barrack says ceasefire with Hezbollah is 'beginning of a road'
Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey, told a diplomacy conference Friday that the “brilliance” of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon was that it ended “senseless killing.” “The brilliance of what happened yesterday is it stopped senseless killing and Presiden»»»
Young girl runs to hug Pope after emotional Cameroon mass
Dubai: A young girl ran into the arms of Pope Leo XIV for a heartfelt hug after his mass in Bamenda, in conflict-hit northwest Cameroon. The touching moment came as the pontiff concluded a visit to the region, which has been at the centre of a prolonged English-speaking separatist conflict. During »»»
Dinar-to-euro exchange rate at RSD 117.3783
BELGRADE - The Serbian dinar's official median exchange rate against the euro is 117.3783 dinars for one euro on Friday, which is a slight change relative to Thursday, the National Bank of Serbia said. The dinar is steady against the euro m-o-m, down by 0.1 pct y-o-y and down by 0.1 pct relative to»»»
3 Charged after Attempted Arson at Iran International Office in London
British police said on Friday they had charged three people over an attempted arson attack on offices linked to television station Iran International in northwest London earlier this week. The three, two men and a teenager and all British, are accused of arson with intent to endanger life after an »»»
Trump’s real religion is “Israelism,” Tucker Carlson says
US President Donald Trump’s true religion is “Israelism” rather than Christianity, conservative journalist and podcaster Tucker Carlson has claimed, criticizing the president’s Middle East policies. Carlson made the remarks in response to controversial statements Trump made over the past week, incl»»»
CBL Governor Issa holds and participates in several meetings during the IMF's Spring Meetings held 13 – 18 April in Washington DC
The Governor of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL), Naji Issa, held and participated in several meetings during his participation in the IMF Spring Meetings 2026 held at the IMF’s headquarters in Washington DC from 13 to 18 April. US Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for the Middle East and AfricaTh»»»
UK police charge three over attempted arson on Persian TV
London: UK police said Friday they had charged two young men and a teenage boy, following an attempted arson attack on the offices of Persian-language outlet Iran International. London's Met police said Oisin McGuinness, 21, and Nathan Dunn, 19, both of Watford, northwest of London, and a 16-year-o»»»
South Korea unveils plan to bring back Formula One
Seoul: South Korea wants to host a Formula One race for the first time since 2013 after unveiling a new circuit design that officials say is financially viable. The plan would see races held on a five-kilometre street circuit in the city of Incheon, just outside the capital Seoul. The Korean Grand »»»
Mandelson files fallout: Why Starmer is under pressure again
A senior UK Foreign Office official has resigned over the growing scandal surrounding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office’s top civil servant, stepped down after it emerged t»»»
Operation Illegal Migrant: 4 crimes, 37 violations detected in Batken region - | 24.KG
Illegal Migrant preventative operation, which ran from April 13 to 16, 2026, has concluded in Batken region of Kyrgyzstan. The press service of the Department of Internal Affairs of Batken region reported. As part of the operation, law enforcement officers verified the legality of the stay and empl»»»
Lee hails S. Korean oil tanker exiting Red Sea - UPI.com
President Lee Jae Myung, seen here at the Blue House on Friday, shared a news report that a South Korean oil tanker exited the Red Sea for the country's first shipment since the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Photo by Yonhap President Lee Jae Myung on Friday shared a news report that a South Kor»»»
Grandfather detained after child chlorine incident
Police in western Greece have arrested a man near Pyrgos on charges of exposing a minor to danger after his two-year-old grandson swallowed chlorine while under his supervision on Wednesday. The child was initially taken to a regional clinic in Lechaina before being transferred to Pyrgos Hospital f»»»
Pirin Golf and Country Club Eyes More Golfers From Across Europe
Pirin Golf and Country Club in Razlog expects stronger interest from golfers from across Europe in the coming months as the golf season gets under way at the complex, Sales and Marketing Manager Koicho Koev told BTA. He added that alongside its sports facilities, the hotel complex remains focused o»»»
Hezbollah says 'finger on the trigger' in case Israel violates truce
Hezbollah said Friday that it was keeping its "finger on the trigger" in case of any Israeli violations of a ceasefire that went into effect overnight. In a statement, the Iran-backed movement said it had carried out "2,184 military operations" against Israel and its troops inside Lebanon, adding: »»»
Wolf captured, returned to zoo 9 days after escape - UPI.com
Neukgu lies anesthetized at Daejeon O-World theme park on Friday, following his capture, in this photo provided by Daejeon city government. Photo courtesy of Daejeon Metropolitan Government/Yonhap A young wolf that broke out of a zoo in the central city of Daejeon was captured Friday, nine days aft»»»
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to step down May 31 - UPI.com
Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons is to resign at the end of May, the Trump administration announced Thursday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 17 (UPI) -- Todd Lyons is to resign as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according»»»
Back to school, back to life
Throughout this conflict, one of the biggest impacts on many of our lives has been the forced and necessary closure of schools. The education establishments have done a commendable job of switching to online learning, especially in such challenging circumstances. However, we all know how important »»»
Ministry of Economy and Labour: Minimal price increase, lower trade margins on basic products
Skopje, 14 April 2026 (MIA) - The Ministry of Economy and Labour announces that, in cooperation with the State Market Inspectorate, it has prepared a comparative analysis of the prices of basic food and non-food products, which shows a minimal increase in retail prices from February 1 to April 1 th»»»
Abu Dhabi hosts forum to boost school safety preparedness
Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, in collaboration with Aldar Properties, organised the Community Responder Forum for School Safety aimed at improving emergency readiness among school staff. The forum encouraged educational and supervisory staff to join the “Community Responder” programme, which f»»»
Media Review: April17
The upcoming April 19 early parliamentary elections and the anticipated results is a major topic for Bulgarian media on Friday. POSSIBLE OUTCOMES – ANALYSIS Capital: “At this stage, we do not have a clear political partner, because all of them, in one way or another, have entered into harmful allia»»»
Philippine foreign ownership rules updated: What it means for global investors
Dubai: The Philippines has updated its foreign investment framework, maintaining strict ownership limits in various fields while gradually opening others to global investors. Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed executive order (EO) 113, approving the 13th regular foreign investment»»»
Soyuz-2.1b Launched From Russian's Plesetsk Placed Into Target Orbit - Defense Ministry
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle with satellites lifted off in the interests of the Russian Defense Ministry were placed into their target orbit on Friday, with the Aerospace Forces' space troops taking over the control, the ministry said. The Russian Aerospace Forces have lifted off a »»»
Seoul says explained to U.S. background of minister's remarks on N. Korea's Kusong nuclear facility - UPI.com
South Korea's Unification Ministry said Friday that remarks by Minister Chung Dong-young on North Korea's Kusong nuclear enrichment site were based on public information. Chung is seen here testifying at the National Assembly on Wednesday. Photo by Yonhap The unification ministry has explained to t»»»
Students return to mosque-based Quran classes across UAE
Dubai: The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has announced the resumption of in-person learning at all Quran memorisation centres and study circles in mosques across the UAE, effective Monday, April 20, 2026. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now -»»»
Military equipment, movement restrictions: Curfew imposed in Issyk-Kul region - | 24.KG
Security-2026 command and staff exercises will be held in Issyk-Kul region from April 21 to 23, the regional administration announced. The exercises will take place in Karakol, as well as in the villages of Kazasuu and Ak-Suu. During the exercises, a curfew will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. A»»»