Japan footballer 'King Kazu' to play on at the age of 58
Tokyo: Evergreen 58-year-old striker Kazuyoshi Miura is set to join a Japanese third-division team to begin his 41th season as a professional footballer, local media reported Sunday. Miura, known as "King Kazu", will join Fukushima United on a year-long loan after spending last season with fourth-t»»»
“Hour and Hour” celebrates Qatar National Day
Doha, Qatar: The “Hour and Hour” program organized a Qatar National Day celebration on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Lusail Boulevard, under the slogan “Our Identity Lies in Our Heritage.” The event highlighted Qatari heritage and culture, embodied the spirit of national identity, and included seve»»»
Elysee Palace Silver Steward Arrested for Stealing Thousands of Euros’ Worth of Silverware
Three men will stand trial next year after a silver steward employed at the official residence of the French president was arrested this week for the theft of items of silverware and table service worth thousands of euros, the Paris prosecutor's office said. The Elysee Palace’s head steward reporte»»»
Shura Council Speaker meets Ambassadors of India, Rwanda
Doha, Qatar: The Speaker of the Shura Council, HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim met separately on Sunday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of India to the State of Qatar HE Vipul and Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the State of Qatar, HE Igor Marara Kayinamura.During the two meetings, bila»»»
Egypt, Equatorial Guinea FMs in talks over economic, development cooperation
CAIRO, Dec 21 (MENA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty discussed with Equatorial Guinea’s Foreign Minister Simeon Oyono Esono ways to strengthen bilateral relations and step up coordination and consultation on issues of mutual interest. Abdelatty prai»»»
Japanese prosecutors seek life sentence for Abe assassin - UPI.com
Peoples offer flowers and prays during the 2nd anniversary of late former President Shinzo Abe's assassinated at the site where he was shot near Yamato-Saidaiji station in Nara-Prefecture, Japan on Monday, July 8, 2024. File Photo by Keizo Mori/UPI | License Photo Dec. 19 (Asia Today) -- Japanese p»»»
Kuwait hosts 5th GCC Cybersecurity Conf. with member states' participation
KUWAIT, Dec 21 (KUNA) -- The fifth Gulf Cybersecurity Conference and Exhibition kicked off in Kuwait on Sunday, with representatives from all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and the GCC Secretariat General attending. In opening remarks, Kuwait National Cybersecurity Center Head, Engine»»»
UNSC welcomes Qatar's mediation efforts between DR Congo and M23
New York: The UN Security Council welcomed the efforts of the State of Qatar in mediating between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance (M23 Movement), which led to the signing of the Doha Framework for Peace on November 15, 2025, in Doha. This came in »»»
Russian Forces Strike Ukrainian Defense Industry Facilities - MoD
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces have struck Ukrainian defense industry facilities as well as energy, transport and storage infrastructure used by the Ukrainian armed forces, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. "Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, missile troops, and a»»»
At Least 16 Files Have Disappeared from the DOJ Webpage for Documents Related to Jeffrey Epstein
At least 16 files disappeared from the Justice Department’s public webpage for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein — including a photograph showing President Donald Trump — less than a day after they were posted, with no explanation from the government and no notice to the public. The missing file»»»
Australia observes moment of silence for Bondi Beach shooting victims
Australians held a moment of silence on Sunday in tribute to the 15 Bondi Beach shooting victims, marking one week since gunmen fired into Jewish crowds on one of the nation's darkest days. A father and son are accused of targeting the family-thronged Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach, a touris»»»
Trump says he could pay himself $1 billion in damages from federal funds
Donald Trump has claimed that he could pay himself $1 billion in US government money as damages for a raid carried out at his Mar-a-Lago estate by the FBI. Federal agents searched Trump’s property in Palm Beach, Florida in August 2022 as part of an investigation into his alleged mishandling of clas»»»
Lebanon .. hopes for economic recovery amid signs of trade and tourism revival
News report by Fawaz Al-Otaibi BEIRUT, Dec 21 (KUNA) -- Amid growing indications of recovery, commercial and tourism activity in Lebanon is witnessing noticeable momentum as the New Year holiday season approaches, traditionally one of the most economically active periods of the year. Preliminary in»»»
Head of Prime Minister Diwan congratulates Amir on 2nd anni. of assuming power
KUWAIT, Dec 21 (KUNA) -- Head of the Prime Minister's Diwan Abdulaziz Al-Dakhil extended his highest congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the second anniversary of assuming power. In a press statement on Sunday, he expressed deep pride in the Amir's l»»»
Philippines extends sugar import ban until December 2026
Manila, Philippines: The Philippines' Department of Agriculture on Sunday said the ban on sugar importation will remain in place until December next year, extending protection for local producers amid improving supply conditions. "Based on the current outlook for sugar production and demand, a long»»»
NCC receives Germany’s Minister of Interior
Doha, Qatar: The National Command Center (NCC) received the Federal Minister of the Interior of the Federal Republic of Germany, HE Alexander Dobrindt, and the accompanying delegation. HE Dobrindt was received by Brigadier Ali Mohammed Al Mohannadi, Head of the National Command Center (NCC), along »»»
Msheireb Downtown Doha launches 3rd edition of Baraha Cinema Nights starting Thursday
DOHA: Msheireb Properties announced the launch of the third edition of Baraha Cinema, which will run from December25-January 3, which will include an outdoor cinema experience featuring family films, seasonal activities, and a movie-themed culinary programme. Baraha Cinema is part of Msheireb Downt»»»
Egypt Approves $300m Prometeon Tyre Plant, Operations Expected Within Three Years
Egypt has approved a $300 million tyre manufacturing plant by Prometeon Tyre Group, marking another major step in the country’s drive to localise automotive manufacturing and expand export-oriented industry. The project received formal approval in mid-December 2025 during a session of the Ministeri»»»
GCC Net Wealth Climbs Above $7.5 Trillion, Led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Total net wealth across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) exceeded $7.5 trillion in 2024, underscoring the region’s growing financial depth and asset accumulation, according to data from Boston Consulting Group. Saudi Arabia ranked as the region’s wealthiest economy, with total net wealth reaching»»»
New warning: This fast-lane mistake could cost Dubai drivers Dh400
Dubai: If you are one of those drivers who likes to cruise along in the fast lane, you might want to think twice. Authorities in Dubai have once again issued a stern reminder about a traffic rule that many motorists continue to violate, and it could cost you Dh400. The Roads and Transport Authority»»»
Amir appoints undersecretary for Ministry of Social Development and Family
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Decree No. 122 of 2025, appointing HE Khalifa bin Issa bin Abdullah Al Kubaisi as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Family. The decree is effective starting from its date of issue and is »»»
Amir appoints Amiri Guard commander
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Amiri Decision No. (66) of 2025, appointing HE Major General Staff Mohammed bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Salmeen Al Suwaidi as Amiri Guard Commander. The decision is effective starting from its date of issue and »»»
Taiwan police rule out 'terrorism' in metro stabbing
Taipei, Taiwan: Taiwan police on Sunday ruled out "terrorism" in a metro stabbing in the capital Taipei, where an attacker killed three and wounded 11. A 27-year-old man, identified by police by his family name Chang, set off smoke bombs at Taipei Main Station metro on Friday afternoon before launc»»»
Explained: Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi 17-year new sentence
Dubai: A special court has sentenced former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case, which revolves around allegations that the couple retained a Saudi gift at a fraction of its value. The case concerns a Bulgari jewellery set give»»»
Former Left legislator and filmmaker P.T. Kunju Muhammed gets bail in sexual assault case in Kerala
The Thiruvananthapuram Seventh Additional Sessions Court on Saturday granted anticipatory bail to acclaimed filmmaker and former legislator P.T. Kunju Muhammed in a sexual assault case filed by a woman from the film industry, according to local media reports. The court allowed the bail under strict»»»
Bulgaria Never Abstained on Freezing Russian Assets - Outgoing Foreign Minister
Bulgaria has never abstained when it came to the freezing of Russian assets and voted in favor of their long-term freeze, outgoing Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev told Bulgarian National Television on Sunday. He was asked to clarify Bulgaria’s position after this country, along with Italy, Belgium,»»»
Kremlin Says Chances of Peace Not Improved by European and Ukrainian Changes to US Proposals
Russian President Vladimir Putin's top foreign policy aide said on Sunday that he was sure the chances of peace in Ukraine were not improved by changes to US proposals made by the Europeans and Ukraine, Interfax news agency reported. "This is not a forecast," Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri U»»»
Flu Wave Hits Bulgaria: H3N2 Dominates, Peak Expected in February
With the start of the holiday season, Bulgaria is seeing the early stages of a flu wave, and the Pernik region has already recorded a particularly high incidence of 240 cases per 100,000 people, twice the national average. Speaking on Nova TV, Prof. Iva Hristova, director of the National Center for»»»
Bulgaria Weighs March and April Dates for Possible Early Parliamentary Elections
The constitutional process for forming a new government is expected to begin after January 5, when the procedure for handing out parliamentary mandates officially starts. According to the established order, the first attempt to form a cabinet will be entrusted to the largest parliamentary group, GE»»»
EU Rejects Russian Energy, Now Faces Soaring Costs and Canceled Holidays - MFA Spox
Brussels’ policy forces local authorities to adopt strict austerity measures, cancel holiday events, and abandon traditional lighting, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. In the EU, including its economic heart, Germany, amid authorities' failure to save New Year and Christma»»»
Kremlin Denies Three-way US-Ukraine-Russia Talks in Preparation
The Kremlin on Sunday denied that three-way talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States were on the cards, as diplomats gathered in Miami for talks on ending the conflict. "At present, no one has seriously discussed this initiative, and to my knowledge, it is not in preparation," Russian Pr»»»
Putin Does Not Have Phone Call Scheduled With Trump - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin's schedule does not yet include a phone call with US President Donald Trump, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "It is not yet scheduled, but it can be arranged quickly if necessary," Peskov told reporters.When asked whether Putin planned to wi»»»
Israel’s Security Cabinet Approves 19 New Settlements in West Bank
Israel's security cabinet approved the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, bringing the total number approved over the past three years to 69, an official statement said Sunday. "The proposal by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz to declare»»»
Gujarat receives first indigenous metro train for Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad on Saturday received its first indigenously built metro train, marking a major milestone for Gujarat’s urban transport system and India’s push for domestic manufacturing. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the new metro coaches during his visit to the Titagarh Rail Systems ma»»»
US again seizes oil tanker off coast of Venezuela
Washington, United States: The United States "apprehended" an oil tanker off Venezuela on Saturday, a move Caracas deemed a "theft and kidnapping," in the latest salvo of a pressure campaign by Washington, the US government said. It was the second time in two weeks that US forces have interdicted a»»»
Ras Al Khaimah strengthens flood preparedness after rains
Dubai: Ras Al Khaimah’s Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Police, Brigadier Jamal Ahmed Al Tair, conducted field inspections of several vital areas and dams across the emirate following the recent weather conditions that brought heavy rainfall over the past two days. He was accompanied by Ali Rashid Al »»»
Israeli Military Says Killed Two Palestinians in West Bank
Israel's military said it killed two Palestinians in the north of the occupied West Bank Saturday, accusing one of throwing "a block" and the other an explosive at its soldiers. In a statement the military said that during an operation "in the area of Qabatiya, a terrorist hurled a block toward the»»»
Iraq Top Judge Says Armed Factions to Cooperate on Weapons
The head of Iraq's highest judicial body said Saturday that the leaders of armed factions have agreed to cooperate on the sensitive issue of the state's monopoly on weapons. However, the powerful Kataib Hezbollah group said that it would only discuss giving up its arms when foreign troops leave the»»»
‘Greek Escobar’ uses same drug-running methods
In 2004, Alexandros Angelopoulos had been arrested, and convicted, for attempting to import 4.5 tons of cocaine from South America into Europe using a fishing trawler. Angelopoulos was released in 2024, after serving 20 years of a 22-year sentence. An earlier release, in 2015, made possible thanks »»»
These gingerbread pancakes will make any morning feel like a holiday
This recipe reminds me of those vintage Looney Toons cartoons where the aroma of something cooking lifts Bugs Bunny off his feet and into midair. He blissfully floats along, surrendering to the fragrant current, until he reaches its source and devours the dish. Similarly, the wafting scent of cinna»»»
Amir appoints Undersecretary for Ministry of Social Development and Family
Doha, Qatar: The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani issued today Decree No. 122 of 2025 appointing HE Khalifa bin Issa bin Abdullah Al Kubaisi as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Family. The decision is effective starting from its date of issue, and is to be p»»»
Snow and Cold on the Horizon: Bulgaria Braces for Sub-Zero Temperatures Next Week
Next week in Bulgaria, cloudy skies will dominate much of the country, with fog persisting in several regions. Rain showers are expected in the eastern half, while Southwestern Bulgaria will see mostly sunny weather, though valleys and lowlands may experience localized fog. Winds will be generally »»»
Australia falls silent, lights candles for Bondi Beach shooting victims
Sydney: Australians fell silent in flickering candlelight Sunday to honour the Bondi Beach shooting victims, marking one week since gunmen fired into crowds at a Jewish festival. A father and son are accused of targeting the beachside Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people including children and H»»»
Amir issues Amiri decree appointing Minister of State at Amiri Diwan
Doha, Qatar: The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani issued today Amiri Order No. 3 of 2025 appointing HE Hazza bin Khalil bin Mansour Al Shahwani as Minister of State at the Amiri Diwan. The decision is effective starting from its date of issue, and is to be published in the official»»»
Amir issues Amiri decree appointing Commander of Amiri Guard
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani issued today Amiri Decree No. 66 of 2025, appointing HE Major General Mohammed bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Salmeen Al Suwaidi as Commander of the Amiri Guard. The decision is effective starting from its date of issue, and is to be published in»»»
Bild Mocks Bulgarian PM at EU Summit Over Euro Coin Display
Germany’s mass-circulation tabloid Bild published a sharply critical piece targeting outgoing Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, focusing on his behavior during a high-level EU summit dedicated to major geopolitical and economic decisions. In the article, Bild describes how Zhelyazkov drew »»»
Peace Plan Provisions Proposed by Europe, Ukraine Hinder Progress - Kremlin Aide
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said he is confident that provisions that Europeans and Ukrainians are trying to introduce into the draft peace plan will not bring about long-term stability. "I am more than confident that the provisions that Europeans and Ukrainians have introduced and are trying to impl»»»
Sheikh Mohammed announces economist Badi Baltagi as Great Arab Mind 2025
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced Professor Badi Baltagi as the winner of the Great Arab Minds Award 2025 in the Economics category, recognising a career that has reshaped modern economic analysis and s»»»
North Korea Says Japan's Nuclear Ambitions Must Be Stopped 'at Any Cost'
North Korea said on Sunday that Japan's nuclear ambitions "must be prevented at any cost", after a Tokyo official reportedly suggested the country should possess atomic weapons. Pyongyang's reaction came after the unnamed official in the prime minister's office was quoted by Kyodo News on Thursday »»»