EU says Ukraine to spend bulk of 90-bn-euro loan on military needs
The European Union will dedicate most of a massive new loan program to Ukraine's military needs over the next two years while also injecting billions into its war-ravaged economy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday. EU leaders agreed last month to loan Ukraine 90 bill»»»
JD Vance to hold talks with Danish, Greenland foreign ministers - UPI.com
Vice President JD Vance was due to host the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland on Wednesday to discuss the Arctic island's future. Vance has a particular interest in Greenland and visited there in March. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Jan. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President JD V»»»
Singapore court hears details of Zubeen Garg’s drowning
Dubai: Popular Indian singer Zubeen Garg, who died in Singapore in September last year, was “severely intoxicated” and drowned after entering the sea without a life jacket near Lazarus Island, Singapore Police told the Coroner’s Court on Wednesday. According to testimony cited by Channel NewsAsia (»»»
Free but Priceless: Bulgaria to Receive Seven New Minehunters
Bulgaria has finalized a contract to acquire seven minehunter ships, marking a significant step in modernizing the country’s naval capabilities. The announcement came after a government meeting, with outgoing Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov confirming the deal. Under the agreement, four of the mi»»»
Vucic: Serbia dependable energy partner, open to UAE investors
ABU DHABI - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi Serbia was a dependable energy partner and open to all investors and ready to offer the best possible terms to them. Vucic was speaking at an Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 panel. Asked by the moderator what his messa»»»
Will the STC's dissolution bring Yemen closer to unity?
An eventful six weeks in Yemen have been capped off by the dissolution of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC), which began in December by seizing half of Yemen’s territory, before withdrawing and ultimately disbanding. After its forces were pressured into retreating from the two la»»»
Personnel departure from Al Udeid Air Base linked to regional tensions: Qatar
DOHA: The International Media Office of the State of Qatar has issued a statement regarding media reports circulating about the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base. With reference to circulating media reports regarding the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base, the»»»
Cairo peace talks call for urgent humanitarian ceasefire to protect Sudanese state institutions
International mediators meeting in Cairo on Wednesday demanded an immediate humanitarian truce in Sudan, warning that the escalating conflict threatens the stability of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, chairing the fifth meeting of the Consultativ»»»
Scandalous Turn in Parliament: MPs Keep State Security for Peevski and Borissov, Opposition Sounds Alarm
Bulgaria’s National Assembly on Wednesday rejected a bill that would have removed National Security Service (NSS) security from members of parliament. The legislation, proposed by Ivaylo Mirchev and several MPs from “We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria” (WCC-DB), aimed to limit NSS protectio»»»
Qatar’s International Media issues statement regarding media reports circulating about departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base
Doha, Qatar: With reference to circulating media reports regarding the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base, the International Media Office (IMO) of the State of Qatar states that such measures are being undertaken in response to the current regional tensions. In an official statem»»»
Iranians Mourn Martyrs Claimed by Rioters’ Fire
A massive funeral procession was held in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Wednesday for the martyrs who died at the hands of rioters. The huge public turnout at this funeral follows the massive demonstrations that took place in various Iranian cities the day before yesterday, in which Iranians decla»»»
Bulgaria Takes 10% Stake in Black Sea Oil and Gas Exploration with OMV and NewMed
Bulgaria is set to take an active role in oil and gas exploration in the Black Sea, joining forces with international energy companies OMV and NewMed, outgoing Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov announced. For the first time in recent history, the Bulgarian state will not limit itself to collecting con»»»
Saudi Arabia: Visiting Riyadh? how to use the world’s longest driverless metro
Dubai: Travelling around Riyadh has become more convenient and affordable with the launch of the Riyadh Metro in December 2024. This mega transport project is designed to tackle traffic congestion and transform mobility in Saudi Arabia’s capital. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Riyadh Metro aims »»»
4,000 US soldiers deploy to Norway for Arctic exercise
The United States is not drawing down its forces training with NATO allies inside the Arctic Circle amid turmoil over Trump's threats to seize control of Greenland. The upcoming Cold Response 2026 will be the largest military exercise in Norway in 2026 with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 participant»»»
International Hauliers Report Heavy Losses Due to Blockades on Greek Border
International hauliers are reporting losses of millions of leva due to the blockades on the Greek border, Teodor Vergov, Head of Legal Department at the Bulgarian Union of International Hauliers (UIH), told BTA on Wednesday. He stressed that the exact amount of financial losses caused by the protes»»»
Evening traffic alert: Major Dubai–Sharjah routes face delays due to congestion
Dubai: Evening commuters between Dubai and Sharjah are facing medium to heavy congestion across several major roads, according to live traffic data and map updates. Significant delays have been recorded on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), particularly in both directions between the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (J»»»
Sharjah Police clarify rules on debt, arrest and financial hardship
Sharjah: Sharjah Police have reaffirmed that humanitarian measures aimed at protecting financially distressed citizens do not cancel legal obligations or invalidate court rulings, following a public complaint by a landlord who said he was unable to recover unpaid rent and compensation for property »»»
Gold and coal reserves increase in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
From 2021 to 2025, Kyrgyzstan’s mining industry has demonstrated steady positive growth. The significant growth has been driven by intensified geological exploration, the inclusion of new reserves in the state balance, and the launch of processing projects, the press service of the Ministry of Natu»»»
Italian influencer Ferragni awaits verdict in Christmas cake fraud trial
Milan, Italy: Italian fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni on Wednesday was awaiting a verdict in a trial in which the Instagram star is accused of fraud over charity endorsement deals. The 38-year-old social media star and businesswoman has been on trial since September for aggravated fraud over pro»»»
Russia arrests hospital staff after nine newborns die
Moscow: Russian police have arrested the chief physician and the acting head of intensive care at a Siberian hospital where nine babies died this month, prosecutors said Wednesday. The case, which has shone a spotlight at chronic staff shortages and funding gaps in the country's medical system, has»»»
QSE index closes lower
Doha: The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index on Wednesday closed lower by 18.56 points, or 0.17 percent, to reach 11,210.66 points. During the session, a total of 135,743,750 shares were traded, with a value of QAR 432,221,810.959, through 43,662 transactions across all sectors. The session saw the s»»»
Wifaq Center wins international award in social responsibility field
DOHA: Wifaq Family Consulting Center, member of Qatar Foundation for Social Work, has won the international award for the most community giving institutions (Ataa) in recognition of its outstanding contributions to social responsibility and its active role in supporting family cohesion and promotin»»»
Parties Lay Out Priorities as Parliament Opens Likely Final Session of 51st National Assembly
The National Assembly opened on Wednesday the new plenary session of the 51st Parliament, widely expected to be its last, with 216 MPs registering as present at the start of the sitting. Parliament Chair Raya Nazaryan urged MPs to keep a constructive and respectful tone ahead of the election campai»»»
Ramadan collections to shop in the UAE now
Ramadan 2026 is fast approaching, and retailers in the UAE are launching their exclusive Ramadan collections online and in stores. Whether you're looking for a new outfit to wear for suhoor, new dishes and serving bowls for iftar at home, or Ramadan decorations, there are a range of options availab»»»
UAE announces automatic recognition of degrees from 34 universities
Dubai: Students who graduate from 34 UAE-based universities can now get their educational qualification recognised automatically, thanks to a new initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR). The ministry on Wednesday announced that 34 UAE-based universities have »»»
What countries are warning travellers about Iran — and which airlines have cancelled flights?
Dubai: Iran has been gripped by widespread anti-government protests since late December 2025, driven by economic challenges, rising inflation and political discontent. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Demonstrations have spread across major cities, and authorities have »»»
Parliament Backs Temporary Caps on Mark-ups for Essential Goods, Services at First Reading
Temporary caps on mark-ups for essential goods and services during the period of euro adoption in Bulgaria are envisaged in a bill on measures for price control of essential goods and services, adopted at first reading by Parliament on Wednesday. The bill was tabled by BSP - United Left MP Nina Dim»»»
After TISP Vote Flip, Parliament Votes Down Plan to Strip MPs of Security Detail
After a re-vote and a vote flip by There Is Such a People (TISP), Parliament Wednesday rejected a bill amending the National Service for Protection (NSP) Act, that would have stripped MPs of NSP security detail. The bill was submitted by Ivaylo Mirchev and a group of deputies from Continue the Chan»»»
Markovic: Increase of Serbian stake in NIS makes sense if there are two more owners
BELGRADE - A potential increase of the Serbian stake in the Russian-majority owned oil company NIS by five percent or more would make sense if the Russian stake in the firm is acquired by two new owners, says energy expert Zeljko Markovic. "If it is a split ownership, if there are two (new) owners,»»»
UAE temperatures expected to dip over the weekend
January 14 kicked off cool enough, with temperatures dipping overnight to a nippy 5.2-degree Celsius in Al Ain’s Raknah at 6.30am, the National Centre of Meteorology reported. And while the UAE saw some temperature fluctuations and mist formation in some areas, it remained a fairly clear day. As Gu»»»
Military official says army evaluating situation between Awwali and Litani rivers
The Lebanese Army is “logistically assessing the situation between the Awali and Litani rivers," a Lebanese military source said, noting that "based on this assessment, the army will develop a vision for the second phase of arms monopolization." The source emphasized to Al-Jazeera that "military ef»»»
Trump says anything less than having Greenland in US hands is ‘unacceptable’
Nuuk: President Donald Trump said Wednesday that anything less than US control of Greenland is unacceptable, hours before Vice-President JD Vance was to host Danish and Greenlandic officials for talks. In a post on his social media site, Trump reiterated his argument that the U.S. “needs Greenland »»»
4,000 US soldiers deploy to Norway for Arctic excercise
The United States is not drawing down its forces training with NATO allies inside the Arctic Circle amid turmoil over Trump's threats to seize control of Greenland . The upcoming Cold Response 2026 will be the largest military exercise in Norway in 2026 with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 participan»»»
Thessaloniki: 20-year-old man convicted over child porn
A court in the northern port city of Thessaloniki on Wednesday convicted a 20-year-old local man of possessing hundreds of files of child pornography, and sentenced him to six years’ imprisonment. But the defendant walked free pending his appeal court trial. The man was arrested in February 2025, w»»»
Bulgaria Unveils First 2026 Postage Stamp Celebrating Eurozone Membership
Bulgaria officially marked a symbolic milestone today with the validation of its first postage stamp for 2026, titled “Bulgaria in the Eurozone”. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Transport and Communications and highlighted the country’s entry into the single European currency area. The s»»»
Iran president blames delayed response to guild demands for sparking protests
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the government's failure to address complaints from merchants and guild members in a timely manner created conditions for recent protests, Tasnim News Agency reported on January 13. »»»
Arab monarchies lobby Trump to prevent a US strike on Iran
Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar have united to call on US President Donald Trump and actively urge Washington not to launch a strike against Iran on January 14. The call comes as social media is tracking US military mov»»»
Iran judiciary chief signals fast trials for protesters as death toll reaches 2,571
Iran's judiciary chief has indicated authorities will conduct swift trials and executions for those detained during nationwide protests, as activists reported the official death toll has climbed to at least 2,571 people,Tasnim and HRANA reported on January 14. »»»
US expected to announce Palestinian governance "Peace Council" as Gaza deal advances
The US is expected to announce on January 14 the composition of a Palestinian technocratic committee or "Peace Council" that will temporarily govern the enclave of Gaza, marking progress in the next phase of President Donald Trump's peace plan initially started in 2025. »»»
COMMENT: Instability in Iran bigger threat to global oil markets than Venezuela
The mass demonstrations rocking Iran presents a far more serious risk to global oil markets than the US decapitation of Venezuela, according to note by Kieran Tompkins, Senior Climate and Commodities Economist at Capital Economics. »»»
North Macedonia raises €1bn with oversubscribed Eurobond
North Macedonia’s Ministry of Finance said on January 13 that it had successfully completed the auction for the issuance of the country’s 10th Eurobond, raising a total of €1bn through two equal tranches of €500mn each. Th»»»
US expected to announce Palestinian governance "Peace Council" as Gaza deal advances
The US is expected to announce on January 14 the composition of a Palestinian technocratic committee or "Peace Council" that will temporarily govern the enclave of Gaza, marking progress in the next phase of President Donald Trump's peace plan initially started in 2025. »»»
India-backed joint venture discovers onshore oil in Abu Dhabi
Dubai: India’s oil companies have made an onshore oil discovery in Abu Dhabi, marking a new overseas upstream milestone. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The discovery was made by Urja Bharat PTE Ltd (UBPL), a 50:50 joint venture between Indian Oil Corporation and Bhara»»»
Amir sends condolences to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the passing of HRH Princess Hind bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.»»»
Minerals and a strategic location: Why Greenland is coveted
Copenhagen: Greenland, which US President Donald Trump has vowed to seize for national security reasons, is an ice-covered self-governing Danish territory in the Arctic. On Wednesday, senior Danish and Greenlandic diplomats are visiting the White House for high-stakes talks with US Vice President J»»»
Pepe Escobar: How BRICS May Deliver Structural Shock to US Dollar System
The oligarchy that really controls the Empire of Chaos has hit the panic button, as the structural contours of Hegemony seriously wobble. The petrodollar is one of the key features of this Hegemony: a recycling machine channeling non-stop buying of US Treasuries then spent on Forever Wars. Any play»»»
Trump threatens Greenland’s leader with ‘big problem’
US President Donald Trump has dismissed Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen as someone he doesn’t even know, threatening him with a “big problem” after Nielsen reaffirmed the island’s commitment to Denmark over the US. The confrontation over Trump’s ambitions to acquire the strategic Arc»»»
US ‘vassals’ will fall into line on Greenland grab – American journalist
Western European nations are “vassals” of the US and will inevitably submit if President Donald Trump moves to annex Greenland, American journalist John Varoli has told RT. The US president has renewed his push for Denmark to relinquish control of the Arctic island, arguing that Copenhagen is too w»»»
Number of foreign tourists up 10.3% in Jan-Nov 2025: statistics
Skopje, 13 January 2026 (MIA) - In November 2025, the country recorded 77,570 tourists and 146,605 overnight stays. Domestic tourists made up 25.7 percent of the total, while foreign tourists accounted for 74.3 percent. According to the State Statistical Office, most foreign tourists in November ca»»»