Tech 24 - Love, loneliness and robots: AI prompts new questions around human connection
VivaTech turned ten this year and Europe's biggest tech showcase has never been louder, shinier, or more crowded. But walking the show floors, France 24 tech reporters Charlotte Lam and Peter O'Brien were drawn to one topic: not about productivity or performance, but about companionship and how the»»»
Former East Timor president and independence fighter Francisco Guterres dies at 71
DILI: Francisco Guterres, a former president of East Timor and a leading figure in the country’s independence movement, has died. He was 71. Guterres, widely known by his nom de guerre “Lu Olo,” died on Sunday at Prince Court Medical Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he had been in intensive »»»
MoHRE warns UAE firms ahead of Emiratisation deadline
Dubai: Private sector companies with 50 or more employees have until June 30 to meet their Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2026, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has reminded. MoHRE also warned that financial penalties will be imposed on non-compliant firms from»»»
Two Saudi citizens rescued after boat breaks down off Yanbu
Dubai: Two Saudi citizens have been rescued after their vessel suffered a mechanical failure at sea off Yanbu governorate in the Medina region, border guard authorities said. The General Directorate of the Border Guard said search and rescue teams responded to the incident and provided the stranded»»»
Kuwait executes five convicted murderers after death sentences upheld by high courts and Emir
Dubai: Kuwait has executed five men convicted of murder and other serious crimes after their death sentences were upheld by the country's highest courts and ratified by the Emir, the Public Prosecution said. The executions were carried out by hanging at the Central Prison after all legal procedures»»»
Iran, US agree to set up Lebanon 'de-confliction cell'
Iran and the United States agreed Monday to set up communications lines to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open and end fighting in Lebanon, mediators said, after their first round of talks in Switzerland toward ending the war in the Middle East. The teams led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ir»»»
NATO, EU Preparing for Clash With Russia Around 2030 - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia assumes that NATO and European Union countries are preparing for a military clash with Moscow around 2030, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said. "We proceed from the premise that they [NATO and EU countries] are really preparing for a military clash with »»»
De la Espriella wins razor-thin majority in Colombia's election, Cepeda calls for final count
Conservative political outsider Abelardo de la Espriella won a razor-thin lead in Colombia's runoff presidential election on Sunday, a result that will be challenged in the coming days by the ruling party’s progressive candidate. Read our live blog to see how all the day's events unfolded.&nbs»»»
Switzerland talks enter tough phase after Trump renews threats against Iran
US Vice President JD Vance said Sunday there was a chance to “turn over a new leaf” with Iran as negotiators met in Switzerland to build on last week’s interim agreement. But President Donald Trump’s renewed threats over Iran-backed Hezbollah and the Strait of Hormuz – and Israel's refusal to withd»»»
Pound dips as speculation mounts over PM Starmer exit
LONDON: The pound eased on Monday, as speculation mounted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer could set out a timetable for his departure imminently, paving the way for Andy Burnham to become Britain’s seventh leader since the Brexit vote a decade ago.Sterling, which has lost some 3 percent since pre»»»
Australian police uncover 3 tons of cocaine
MELBOURNE: Police found 2.7 metric tons (3 tons) of cocaine on a property on Sydney’s outskirts in Australia’s largest ever seizure of the drug, officials said on Monday. The drug was found on June 19 in plastic tubs buried in underground bunkers hidden beneath three shipping containers on a semiru»»»
Israeli soldiers shoot dead two Palestinian teens in West Bank
RAMALLAH: Israeli soldiers shot dead two Palestinian teenagers in the occupied West Bank on Monday, Palestinian officials said, while the Israeli military said the two had attacked a nearby Jewish settlement with fire bombs and burning tires. There was no immediate further comment from Palestinia»»»
Qatar strengthens commitment to refugee support through collaborative event
Doha, Qatar: Qatar continues to reinforce its role in advancing humanitarian action and refugee protection through dialogue, cooperation, and diplomacy, a senior academician said yesterday, underscoring Qatar's growing contribution to humanitarian and mediation efforts. Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail Ela»»»
China Bans State Procurement of Goods From 46 US Companies - Finance Ministry
BEIJING (Sputnik) - China has released a list of 46 US companies, including Lockheed Martin Corporation, from which it is prohibited to purchase any products through government procurement, the Chinese Ministry of Finance announced on Monday. "In accordance with applicable laws and regulations, a d»»»
Russia Strikes UAV, Arms Logistics Center of Ukraine in Kharkov Region - MoD
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces carried out strikes on a logistics center of the armed forces of Ukraine in the Kharkov region containing weapons and UAVs, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. "As a result of the reconnaissance activities of the Russian armed forces in the area »»»
On This Day, June 22: Nixon, Brezhnev sign nuclear pact - UPI.com
On June 22, 1973, U.S. President Richard Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev signed a pledge to try to avoid nuclear war. 1 of 4 | President Richard Nixon and Soviet Communist Party Chief Leonid Brezhnev exchange pens used in signing an agreement on June 22, 1973, to avoid military confrontatio»»»
Iran Signals Major Breakthrough in War Talks, Warns Lebanon Ceasefire Is ‘First Real Test’
In what could mark a significant turning point in Middle Eastern diplomacy, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has announced “major progress” toward ending the war on Iran, while warning that the ultimate test of good faith rests on the successful implementation of a fragile ceasefire in Lebano»»»
Trade Gap Deepens as Imports Outpace Exports in Bulgaria’s External AccountsOpinions
Bulgaria’s external accounts deteriorated in April 2026, with the current account deficit widening significantly, according to preliminary data from the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB). The central bank reports that the current account deficit reached €1.2093 billion in April, compared with a smaller»»»
South Korea ex-minister gets 25 years for role in martial law disaster: Yonhap
SEOUL: A court sentenced a former South Korean justice minister on Monday to 25 years in prison for his role in ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief and disastrous declaration of martial law in 2024. Park Sung-jae was found guilty of involvement in “insurrection,” the Yonhap news agency reported from»»»
Not just a hideout: Sahel forests provide base for militants
DAKAR: Along Mali’s National Route 6, a major thoroughfare connecting the capital to the country’s center, the army has reshaped the landscape: the vegetation from the surrounding forest has been cleared in anticipation of militant ambushes. Armed groups use forest areas both as refuge and a base f»»»
Moscow shoots down nearly 60 drones; Russian attacks kill five in Ukraine
Moscow shot down dozens of drones in the early hours of Monday and briefly suspended flights at airports, authorities in the Russian capital said, just days after Ukraine hit the city's oil refinery again. Ukrainian authorities said Russian drones had hit civilian merchant vessels, killing an Egypt»»»
Awqaf Ministry launches Qatar International Arabic Calligraphy Competition ‘Al Raqim’
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has officially launched the second edition of the Qatar International Arabic Calligraphy Competition, “Al Raqim,” reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its position as a global hub for Islamic arts, culture, and intellectual exchange.»»»
Islamic Cultural Center organises training course on AI tools for staff
Oha, Qatar: As part of its efforts to develop its staff, the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center organised a training course on artificial intelligence (AI) tools for its employees. The course focused on essential tools in the fields of presentation and interactive delivery, »»»
Qatari diplomacy played key role in US-Iran MoU: Ambassador
Switzerland: Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Swiss Confederation H E Mohamed bin Jaham Al Kuwari affirmed that Qatari diplomacy played a pivotal role in supporting the efforts that led to the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States of America and the Islam»»»
Graduate Career Path Forum supports employment and development
Doha, Qatar: As part of its efforts to empower national talent and enhance its readiness for the labour market, and under the theme “Empowering Qatari Talent Towards a Promising Professional Future”, the Ministry of Labour, represented by the National Workforce Employment Department and the Qualify»»»
Doha Historical Dictionary launches text-to-speech feature on its website
Doha, Qatar: The Doha Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language has launched an automated text-to-speech service on its website, aimed at enhancing user experience and facilitating access to and use of the dictionary’s content through multimedia tools. The service enables users to listen to dict»»»
Mowasalat partners with Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Doha, Qatar: Mowasalat (Karwa), Qatar’s national transport provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Qatar Airways through its loyalty programme, Privilege Club, enabling customers to collect Avios across Karwa Taxi and Chauffeur Services. The collaboration introduces Avios as a new loya»»»
QF, QNB Group announce partnership to rename World Cup venue
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation and QNB Group have signed an agreement that will see one of Qatar’s most iconic sporting venues renamed the QNB Education City Stadium. Located at the heart of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Education City, the stadium will carry the name under a five-year agreement between t»»»
U.S. kills two men in latest suspected drug boat attack - UPI.com
June 22 (UPI) -- The U.S. military killed two men in its latest strike targeting a suspected drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean, U.S. Southern Command announced late Sunday, lifting the monthslong operation's death toll to at least 213. The strike left six survivors, according to SOUTHCOM, whic»»»
Embassy of India marks International Day of Yoga 2026
Doha, Qatar: The Embassy of India in Qatar, in association with the Indian Sports Centre (ISC), Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF), and Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC) Qatar, organized the grand celebration of International Day of Yoga 2026 on Sa»»»
QDF, Assouline unveil world-first ‘Travel Series Kiosk’ at HIA
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Duty Free (QDF) and Assouline announced a landmark collaboration with the launch of the luxury publisher’s first-ever ‘Travel Series Kiosk’, to be unveiled at Hamad International Airport (HIA), Doha. This innovative retail concept marks a world-first for both brands, bringing Ass»»»
Doha British School students celebrate graduation
Doha, Qatar: More than 140 students from Doha British School’s Ain Khaled, Rawdat Al Hamama and Al Wakrah campuses celebrated their graduation during a prestigious ceremony held at the Al Wosail Ballroom at The Ritz-Carlton Doha. The event welcomed over 400 guests, including parents, educators, sch»»»
Sheikh Thani bin Ali appointed member of CRCICA Board of Trustees
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) at Qatar Chamber announced the appointment of Sheikh Dr. Thani bin Ali Al Thani, Vice-Chairman of QICCA’s Board of Directors, as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Cairo Regional Centre for International Comm»»»
US, Iran make 'encouraging progress' in high-stakes peace talks despite tensions sparked by Trump remarks
US and Iranian negotiators made what mediators described as "encouraging progress" in high-level talks aimed at turning a fragile ceasefire into a broader peace agreement, despite a rocky start triggered by President Donald Trump's renewed threats against Iran. After the first day of negotiations a»»»
Moscow shoots down nearly 60 drones; Russian attacks kill five in Ukraine
Moscow shot down dozens of drones in the early hours of Monday and briefly suspended flights at airports, authorities in the Russian capital said, just days after Ukraine hit the city's oil refinery again. Ukrainian authorities said Russian drones had hit civilian merchant vessels, killing an Egypt»»»
Acting Minister Pislaru:We successfully complete technical negotiations with European Commission on latest amendment to NRRP
The negotiations with the European Commission regarding the latest amendment to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) have been successfully concluded, and Romania is maintaining a NRRP worth over 20 billion euros and fully maintaining the non-reimbursable European money component, the i»»»
Miruta: We are doing well on SAFE in terms of transport;6 out of 9 contracts signed and other 3 soon
Six of the nine contracts for highway sections financed from SAFE have been signed, and the other three will follow in a fairly short period of time, declared on Friday the interim Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Radu Miruta, in a press conference."On SAFE, there were nine projects, nine »»»
PNRR absorption rate stands at 84% for Development Ministry projects
The absorption rate of European funds under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) has reached 84% for investment projects managed by the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration, Minister Cseke Attila said on Friday in Orastie, where he attended the inauguration of a nurs»»»
Lech Walesa - decorated with National Order of Star of Romania in the Grand Cross degree
President Nicusor Dan conferred the National Order of the Star of Romania in the degree of Grand Cross on former Polish President Lech Walesa.''Considering the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as a sign of high appreciation for the exceptional merits in consolidating and deepening Roman»»»
The Central European Initiative Launches the 2026 Call for Project Proposals for the KEP Program
The ministry of foreign affairs has announced on Saturday that the call for project proposals for the KEP Program (Know how Exchange Program) has been launched in the Central European Initiative (ICE).According to a MAE press release, the programme supports initiatives for the consolidation of the »»»
Corvette Contraamiral August Roman commissioned into Romanian Naval Forces service
President Nicusor Dan said on Saturday in Istanbul, where he joined Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the flag-granting ceremony for the HISAR-class corvette Contraamiral August Roman, that the ship will strengthen Romania's contribution to regional security and to the country's commitments»»»
Toiu, at Kiel Conference: Black Sea, geopolitical role in connecting with Caucasus, Middle East, Asia
The Black Sea has a "critical" geopolitical and economic role for connecting with the South Caucasus, the Middle East and Asia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana Toiu, pointed out at the 5th edition of the Kiel Security Conference.According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry (MAE) sent on»»»
President Dan: Romania's objective is for future EU multiannual budget to be as large as possible
Romania's objective is for the future EU multiannual budget to be as large as possible, as this would also increase the country's net contribution, President Nicusor Dan said on Friday after the summer European Council meeting.Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, the Romanian head of state n»»»
President Dan: Strategic partnership between Romania and Turkey could be expanded
President Nicusor Dan said on Saturday in Istanbul that at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, the strategic partnership between Romania and Turkey could be expanded to include cooperation on Black Sea undersea infrastructure."We have a 15-year strategic partnership and shared interests - first of »»»
Nicusor Dan: Discussion on drone incidents, mentioned in European Council conclusions, to continue in Gdansk
The discussion on drone incidents, also reflected in the conclusions of the summer European Council, will continue next week in Gdansk (Poland), where Romania will participate in the so-called 'Helsinki format', President Nicusor Dan declared on Friday, after the end of the EU summit.''First of all»»»
Ilie Bolojan re-elected as PNL President
Ilie Bolojan was re-elected on Sunday as President of the National Liberal Party (PNL) at the PNL Extraordinary Congress.Following the vote cast by the Liberal delegates, Bolojan received 1,769 votes in favour.A total of 1,886 delegates were present at the Congress, with 1,842 votes cast. Of these,»»»
USR National Bureau votes for Dominic Fritz to remain party leader
Save Romania Union (USR)'s National Bureau voted unanimously on Friday for Dominic Fritz to remain party president.The decision came after Romania's High Court of Cassation and Justice on Thursday upheld a ruling by the National Integrity Agency (ANI), which found Fritz guilty of an administrative »»»
Nicusor Dan: I don't play political parties' game
President Nicusor Dan declared on Friday, regarding the political crisis in Bucharest, that he does not play the political parties' game and that appointing Adrian Vestea as prime minister was the option he considered most likely to pass in Parliament, given that the parties did not come up with a »»»
President Dan: I presented guarantees to European leaders we will maintain pro-European direction
President Nicusor Dan declared on Friday that there is a "huge" state of tension and distrust in society in the context of the current political crisis.Asked what his message is to Romanians and how he comments on the protests announced in the country as a result of the decisions taken on Thursday »»»
PNL proposes national pact to parties and the President to support a minority Government
The National Liberal Party (PNL) is proposing to parties and President Nicusor Dan a national pact to support, for a period of six months, a minority Government formula, Liberal leader Ilie Bolojan announced on Sunday, mentioning that PNL MPs will not support the Government proposed by Adrian Veste»»»