Bulgaria's pro-Russian former president takes strong lead
Bulgaria’s ex-president Rumen Radev is on course to win a parliamentary election, according to exit polls, but may fall short of a governing majority. His Progressive Bulgaria coalition leads with, in a vote marked by low turnout and deep political instability, the country’s eighth elect»»»
Why My Children Learn to Speak Chinese
As UN Chinese Language Day is marked around the globe, it is worth reflecting on a broader reality: We have long since moved beyond the strange unipolar moment that followed the Cold War. By Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of Sputnik's parent media group Rossiya SegodnyaPower is no longer c»»»
Why are we still policing women’s bodies? From Patralekha to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Bollywood needs to do better
Dubai: There’s something deeply exhausting about how predictable the outrage cycle around women’s bodies in Bollywood has become. A woman gains weight, shows up in public after giving birth to a tiny human, or simply exists outside the narrow bandwidth of “acceptable beauty" and suddenly, her body »»»
Croissant conceals cocaine in food delivery to detainees in Crete
Police arrested a 27-year-old man after a small quantity of cocaine was found hidden in food intended for detainees at the Iraklio Police Headquarters on the island of Crete, authorities said. According to police, the man had delivered a bag containing various items for foreign detainees, including»»»
Central Election Commission: With 91.68% of Tally Sheets Processed, Progressive Bulgaria Leads with 44.7%, Second Is GERB-UDF with 13.4%
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has published preliminary results from the parliamentary elections held on April 19 based on 91.68% of tally sheets of the section election commissions processed at the constituency election commissions as at 10 am on Monday. Following are the parties and coali»»»
Apple to release new Siri voice assistant design in iOS 27
Washington, USA: Apple plans to redesign its Siri voice assistant in iOS 27, according to technical reports linked to the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC26) scheduled for next June. Bloomberg said that the new design for Siri includes a visual interface based on glow effects inspired by the c»»»
Prime Minister receives phone call from Finland Foreign Minister
Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call from HE Elina Valtonen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland. During the call, they reviewed the relations of cooperation between the two countr»»»
France's New Nuclear Strategy to Weaken Security in Europe - Russian Foreign Ministry
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The security of non-nuclear European countries will ultimately be weakened by France's plans to deploy nuclear weapons on their territory, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with Sputnik. "As a result, instead of the French declaring a strength»»»
Israel army warns Lebanese against returning to south
Israel's military on Monday warned Lebanese civilians against returning to dozens of villages in southern Lebanon, claiming Hezbollah's activities in the area were violating a ceasefire agreement struck last week. Thousands of displaced residents have begun making their way back to parts of souther»»»
Iran Warns of Imminent Response to US Piracy
The spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters warned that the latest act of “piracy” by US military forces against an Iranian trade vessel will soon be met with retaliation. “The aggressive United States, by violating the ceasefire and engaging in maritime banditry, attacked one of »»»
UAE property market jumps in Q1 with strong gains across all emirates
Dubai: The UAE’s real estate sector delivered a strong start to 2026, with transaction volumes and values rising across all major emirates, pointing to sustained investor demand and continued momentum in the property market. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Data from Du»»»
Counterpoint: Philippines cannot afford romantic anti-development politics
Manila: Fiery attacks or protests against the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) and the idea of “Pax Silica” Initiative (PSI) tap into a familiar reflex in Philippine politics. Last week (April 2026), Manila signed up as the 13th member of PSI, resulting in the planned establishment of a "giant" 16 km²»»»
Progressive Bulgaria Wins Most Votes in Greece Voting Sections, Preliminary Results Show
Progressive Bulgaria received the most votes in the Bulgarian snap parliamentary elections at voting sections in Greece, according to 95.74% of processed tally sheets as of 08:00 AM Monday morning, data published on the website of the Central Election Commission show. According to the data, 2,061 B»»»
Woman dies after fall from Tourism Ministry building
A 51-year-old woman died Monday morning after falling from the second floor of the Ministry of Tourism building on Amalias Avenue in central Athens, authorities said. The incident occurred at around 8.30 a.m. Initial reports indicate the woman was an employee of the ministry. Her identity has not b»»»
Russia’s inflation fight faces push-me-pull-you pressures
Russia’s economy slowed in the first quarter of 2026 broadly as policymakers had anticipated, but the Central Bank of Russia now faces a more complex task as persistent domestic price pressures collide with fresh geopolitical risks abroad. »»»
On This Day, April 20: Deepwater Horizon explosion, oil spill kills 11 - UPI.com
On April 20, 2010, an explosion and fire on the Deepwater Horizon BP oil rig off the Louisiana coast in the Gulf of Mexico killed 11 workers and caused a massive oil spill. 1 of 5 | Fire boat response crews battle the blazing remnants of off shore oil rig Deepwater Horizon off the coast of New Orle»»»
Five wounded in shooting near University of Iowa campus - UPI.com
Authorities in Iowa City are asking the public for help identifying five people of interest related to the early Sunday shooting that left five people wounded. Photo courtesy Iowa City Police Department/Release April 20 (UPI) -- Five people were wounded in a shooting near the campus of the Universi»»»
Libyan-Moroccan Business Forum to be held on 8 June in Casablanca
The Libyan Business Council (LBC) informed that it is co-convening a Libyan-Moroccan Business Forum on 8 June in Casablanca. The LBC said the holding of the forum comes based on the decision of the Chairman of the LBC to establish the Libyan-Moroccan Business Council, and following discussions with»»»
OneClickDrive strengthens used car platform for sellers and international buyers in Dubai
OneClickDrive, the UAE-based mobility marketplace, is reinforcing its position in Dubai's pre-owned vehicle market by expanding its focus on connecting local sellers with a growing base of buyers, including international trade buyers sourcing vehicles from the emirate. The platform, which initially»»»
Dubai Islands project moves ahead with Dh527m infrastructure award
Dubai: Nakheel has awarded a Dh527 million contract for infrastructure works on Island B at Dubai Islands, marking further progress on one of Dubai’s largest coastal developments. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The contract has been awarded to Al Nasr Contracting Comp»»»
Israeli Intelligence Reveals Major Fracture in Iran’s Leadership
Tel Aviv has confirmed a major fracture in the Iranian leadership, which implies a partial collapse of the regime in Tehran in wake of the US-Israeli war on Iran, revealed a report by the Military Intelligence Directorate of the Israeli Army (Aman). According to Aman, the absence of Supreme Leader »»»
Central Election Commission: With 87.23% of Tally Sheets Processed, Progressive Bulgaria Leads with 44.6%, Second Is CC-DB with 13.5%
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has published preliminary results from the parliamentary elections held on April 19 based on 87.23% of tally sheets of the section election commissions processed at the constituency election commissions as at 9 am on Monday. Following are the results: Progressi»»»
Ahli Bank net profit surges by 2.8% to QR236m for Q1 2026
Doha, Qatar: Ahlibank (ABQK) announced a net profit of QR236m for the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, compared to QR229m for the same period in 2025, representing a growth of 2.8%. This performance reflects the bank’s continued disciplined approach to managing its core business, strong financial founda»»»
North Korea fired cluster bombs in latest weapons test, state media reports
North Korea fired cluster munitions, which are banned under an international convention, in its latest weapons test, state media reported on Monday.The launch of Sunday followed other tests in recent weeks of weaponry including ballistic missiles and anti-warship cruise missiles. North Korea f»»»
Ukrainian Drones Kill Man in South Russia
A Ukrainian drone attack killed a man and wounded another in the resort city of Tuapse on the Black Sea in southern Russia, the regional governor said Monday. It was the second assault on the seaport in a matter of days, with drone debris damaging windows in buildings across the city, including apa»»»
Fintech companies Finqware and Ebury enter strategic partnership to automate financial operations
Fintech companies Finqware and Ebury have entered a strategic partnership to automate financial operations for their shared clients by integrating payment services and multi-currency accounts into a unified real-time liquidity management platform. The companies say the collaboration will significan»»»
Individuals to get on shame list for outstanding tax debts of at least RON 1,200
Individuals in Romania will be included on a shame list for outstanding tax debts of at least RON 1,200, while legal entities will get the same treatment for such debts at least RON 5,000.The size was established by a decision on Thursday passed by the government, spokesperson for the government Io»»»
Gov’t extends excise tax cuts on oil derivatives, retail prices expected to drop
Skopje, 18 April 2026 (MIA) - The government at its session on Saturday, after reviewing the current economic situation and the impact of global price shocks on the domestic market, decided to extend the measure to reduce excise taxes on oil derivatives, effective until May 4. According to the calc»»»
Caretaker Justice Minister Yankulov Urges Immediate Removal of Acting Prosecutor General, Calls for Swift Judicial Reform
The judicial system should not spend more months with an [acting] Prosecutor General at the head of the prosecution service who is there contrary to the law and morality, said caretaker Justice Minister Andrey Yankulov in a Facebook post on Monday. Yesterday’s [Sunday’s] elections have both their c»»»
Where global meets local: Inside MIE-SPPU’s academic vision
As Qatar continues to position itself as a regional hub for quality education and knowledge-driven development, institutions that combine global academic standards with local relevance are playing an increasingly significant role. Among these, MIE-SPPU Institute of Higher Education has emerged as a»»»
Islamic Resistance: Pre-Prepared Explosives Devastate Israeli Armored Convoy Between Taybeh and Deir Siryan - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance: Pre-Prepared Explosives Devastate Israeli Armored Convoy Between Taybeh and Deir Siryan 20-04-2026 09:28 AM Islamic Res»»»
QC organises training course on legal aspects amid economic changes
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Chamber (QC), in cooperation with the Young Entrepreneurs Club, held a training course titled “In Times of Crisis: Key Legal Aspects Amid Economic Changes”, delivered via video conferencing by lawyer Abdullah Al Ajmi from Abdullah Al Ajmi Law Firm. Also attending the event was Mi»»»
Third edition of E-QSL kicks off
Doha, Qatar: The third edition of Electronic Qatar Stars League (E-QSL) begins today. The tournament will run until April 22, 2026, at Mall of Qatar, with 12 teams (2025-2026 season Qatar Stars League clubs) competing divided into two groups. Group A consists of Al Rayyan, Al Duhail, Al Arabi, Qata»»»
UK's Starmer to face grilling from MPs over Mandelson vetting scandal
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will face questions from members of parliament on Monday in the wake of revelations that former US ambassador Peter Mandelson failed the vetting process for his position. Starmer's govenment has been embriloed in controversy since new details emerged about the depth o»»»
About 58,000 new jobs posted in quarter 1; higher interest for part time jobs
About 68,000 jobs were posted in quarter 1 on eJobs and iajob.ro platforms, while the number of applications reachd 3.7 millions, on the rise by 24% against 2025, on a labor market marked by prudence, but with a positive part time job offer evolution, according to an eJobs Romania press release. “A»»»
HealthMin Rogobete discusses with World Bank representatives reforms in healthcare system and projects in Romania
Minister of Health, Alexandru Rogobete, discussed with World Bank representatives on Friday about major burns centers, expanding the capacity of ICU departments in Romania, but also about the development of outpatient and family medicine, hospital reorganization, increasing access to innovative med»»»
PM Bolojan says he stirred up the hornets' nest by limiting the plundering of the state budget
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Friday that he had stirred up the hornets' nest quite a lot during his term by curbing abuses of the state budget and cutting back privileges."During this term, I've caused quite a disturbance. Think about how we limited the plundering of the state budget, we lim»»»
Grindeanu: PSD will initiate bill to prohibit sale of shares in profitable state-owned companies
The chairman of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Sorin Grindeanu, declared on Friday that the Social Democrats will initiate a bill that would prohibit the sale of shares from high-performing state-owned companies.He declared, in a press conference held in Sighetu Marma?iei, that the ban will be »»»
PM Bolojan: PNL will not work with PSD if PSD generates a political crisis
Romania's Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Sunday evening that the National Liberal Party (PNL) will not work with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) if the latter generates a political crisis."I trust my colleagues, and the National Liberal Party has a resolution that states as clearly as possib»»»
Bolojan:Romania does not need political crisis
Romania does not need a political crisis, because it has complicated problems to solve, related to the deficits accumulated in past years, but also to the absorption of funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan by the end of August, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan warned on Friday.The statem»»»
Prince Radu meets Patriarch of Coptic Church in Cairo
Prince Radu met on Saturday, at the Papal Palace in Cairo, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II.Afterwards, His Royal Highness visited the ancient Coptic church located near the Papal Palace, as well as the "Saint Apostle and Evangelist Mark" Coptic Orthodox Cathedral."The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of»»»
Romanian Anda Filip becomes first woman IPU Secretary General
In a historic first, Anda Filip has been elected the ninth Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the first woman to hold the post in the IPU's 137-year history, IPU announced in a press release on Sunday.Anda Filip was elected at the 152nd IPU Assembly in Istanbul, hosted by the»»»
"European Week at Cotroceni Palace": strategic debates to define Romania's priorities in the EU
The Presidential Administration will organize, between May 5 and 9, at the initiative of President Nicu?or Dan, a series of events within the "European Week at Cotroceni Palace" project.According to a press release sent on Saturday by the Presidential Administration, the main objective of this init»»»
Dutch ambassador: NATO cooperation key as Ukraine war felt at Romania's border
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Romania, Willemijn van Haaften, said on Friday that she witnessed explosions from a Russian attack in Ukraine overnight from her hotel room in Tulcea, near the Romanian border.The diplomat met local authorities in Tulcea in recent days, visited th»»»
IPU General Assembly adopts emergency item resolution submitted by Qatar
Istanbul: On its closing day in Istanbul, Turkiye, the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) unanimously adopted the resolution on the emergency item submitted by the State of Qatar along with a number of other countries, entitled: “the urgent need for coordinated parliament»»»
Dozens attend English-language religious lessons
Doha, Qatar: The English-language religious lessons held in mosques, organised by the Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center for Muslim communities have continued with the attendance of dozens of people. These sessions aim to enhance religious awareness among participants and c»»»
Al Rayyan and Al Arabi reach Amir Cup semis
Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan and Al Arabi secured their places in the Amir Cup basketball semi-finals after dominant quarterfinal wins at Al Gharafa Arena yesterday. Al Rayyan overpowered Al Gharafa 104–82 in a high-tempo contest marked by sharp offensive execution and quick transitions. They established»»»
Islamic Cultural Center continues school lecture programme
Doha, Qatar: Lecturers from the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center addressed the topics of bullying and crisis management during school lectures held in three schools, with a total attendance of 280 male and female students. The school lecture programme is considered one of »»»
Team Qatar tops 992-AM at Spa-Francorchamps
Doha, Qatar: Team Qatar claimed a landmark result at the Michelin 12H Spa-Francorchamps, topping the 992-AM class and finishing second overall in the 992 category during the latest round of the 24H Series at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium from April 16 to 19. The result was delivered by drivers Abdul»»»
Al Rayyan beat Al Qadsia, set up GCCL final with Al Shabab
Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan SC defeated Al Qadsia SC 2-0 in the Gulf Club Champions League (GCCL) semi-final at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, moving within one step of securing a second title in as many weeks. Roger Guedes and Aleksandar Mitrovic, who were also on target in the 2-0 win over Muaither in the QSL»»»