Yungblud festival goes international, but not everyone's convinced
Rock singer Yungblud is taking his music festival BludFest abroad, but the move has split fans. The third edition of the event is going to take place in the Czech Republic in June, after being held in Milton Keynes for the past two years. Some fans told BBC Newsbeat they are glad festival-goers in »»»
Protest in Central Sofia Calls for Resignation of Acting Prosecutor General Sarafov
A protest is taking place outside the Palace of Justice in Sofia, calling for the resignation of acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov. The event has been organized by the Justice for All initiative. There is a heightened police presence in the area, and traffic has been restricted. The organi»»»
Surviving Strike, Shamkhani Resumes Central Role in Iran’s War Room
Ali Shamkhani, who taunted Israel after being pulled alive from the rubble of his Tehran home following a strike in June 2025, has survived at the center of Iranian policy-making during its most testing military confrontations and diplomatic endeavors. The 70-year-old former Revolutionary Guard com»»»
Pope Leo to make his first papal trip to Africa in April - UPI.com
1 of 5 | Pope Leo XIV delivers on the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica the Urbi et Orbi message on Christmas Day in Vatican City. The pope will visit Africa in April. File Photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI | License Photo Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV will make a 10-day trip through Africa visiting»»»
Qatar participates in high-level segment of Conference on Disarmament
Geneva: The State of Qatar participated in the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament held in Geneva. Qatar was represented at the event by Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Delegation of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva, Jawhara bint Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi. A»»»
Mexico threatens legal action against Musk
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced she is weighing a lawsuit against billionaire Elon Musk after he claimed she is controlled by drug cartels. Musk wrote the comment on Monday after Mexican authorities announced the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New»»»
Spain declassifies files on 1981 attempted coup in effort to dispel conspiracy theories
Spain's government has released dozens of documents related to an attempted coup that took place 45 years ago - regarded as a key moment in the country's history. On 23 February 1981, a group of officers burst into the main chamber of the national parliament, wielding guns and threatening the polit»»»
Parliament Rejects President’s Veto on Election Code Revisions, Sparkling Intragroup Division
Parliament Wednesday rejected, 126-86 with 11 abstentions, President Iliana Iotova's veto on amendments to the Election Code, which limit to 20 the number of voting sections in Bulgarian elections in non-EU countries. The vote of the MPs from the Socialists' BSP - United Left group was critically i»»»
Iraqi Justice Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: ISIS Prisoners Held at a Fortified Site, Escape Impossible
Iraqi Justice Minister Khaled Shwani told Asharq Al-Awsat that Iraq will not repatriate foreign prisoners affiliated with ISIS to their home countries if their involvement in crimes against Iraqi citizens is proven. He said a heavily fortified Iraqi prison currently holds thousands of ISIS members »»»
Interior Minister Heard in Parliament over Petrohan-Okolchitsa Case, PM Warns Cabinet Is Being Targetted in Intimidation Campaign
Caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev was heard in Parliament on Wednesday amid allegations that he had exerted pressure on investigators working on a high-profile multiple deaths case, the Petrohan–Okolchitsa Case, which has drawn intense public and political scrutiny. Earlier the same day, care»»»
Hungary and Slovakia in standoff with Ukraine over broken Russian oil pipe
This story is a part of the weekly newsletter about economy, defence and tech in the eastern flank of Nato, How we cee it. Tensions between Slovakia, Hungary, and Ukraine reached new heights over the past week, as it became clear that Russian oil hasn’t been flowing to the two EU countries through »»»
Trump gives no clear signal on Iran in State of the Union
In a world on edge waiting to see what US President Donald Trump does next in the Middle East, he provided no clear signal when he presented the longest ever State of the Union address. The world's most powerful commander-in-chief decided not to make his comprehensive case for possible military act»»»
Germany's Merz secures 120 aircraft Airbus deal in Beijing talks with Xi
China will buy up to 120 aircraft from European aviation giant Airbus, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said following talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday. Merz's visit comes as Berlin and Beijing seek to build on their decades-old economic ties to weather global uncertainty spa»»»
About Trump’s Complex Strategic Calculations on the Confrontation with Iran: Israeli Explainer
US President Donald Trump’s approach to a potential confrontation with Iran is driven by layered strategic calculations, senior researchers at the Zionist entity’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) found on Wednesday. In an article published in the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom on Wed»»»
US and South Korean Militaries will Have Joint Drills in March as Tensions with North Korea Escalate
The US and South Korean militaries said on Wednesday they will conduct their annual springtime exercises next month to bolster their countries’ combined defense capabilities against a backdrop of a deepening diplomatic freeze with nuclear-armed North Korea. The Freedom Shield drills is set for Marc»»»
Bulgaria: Acting Interior Minister Rejects Pressure Allegations over “Petrohan” Investigation
Acting Interior Minister Emil Dechev told the National Assembly that he is the target of a deliberate attack by what he described as “frightened individuals” who do not want the truth clarified regarding the “Petrohan” and “Okolchitsa” cases. He appeared for a hearing at the request of There Is Suc»»»
Iran’s FM Araghchi Leaves for Geneva for Nuclear Talks with US
Iran’s negotiating delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, has left Tehran for Geneva to take part in a third round of nuclear talks with Washington. Heading a nuclear negotiating team, comprising Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-Ravanchi and the Deputy Foreign »»»
NGOs want ex-Meta MEP removed from EU digital rules relaxation
Transparency and lobbying watchdogs have called for MEP Aura Salla to be removed as a lead European Parliament legislator on the controversial Digital Omnibus proposal, due to her former employment as a lobbyist for the US Big Tech giant Meta. Salla is a Finnish centre-right politician with the Eur»»»
Trump’s Tariff Decisions Could Shake Bulgaria’s Automotive Industry
US President Donald Trump has stepped back from his earlier threat to raise global tariffs to 15%, leaving current rates on US exports at 10%, according to Politico. This move spares the UK and the EU from facing higher trade barriers under the new White House regime. Yesterday, the European Parlia»»»
Djuric, Tenney discuss topics related to Serbia, region
WASHINGTON - Serbian FM Marko Djuric met on Wednesday in Washington with US Congress member Claudia Tenney, co-chair of the Serbian Caucus in the US Congress, to discuss key topics related to Serbia and the region that are also of interest to Capitol Hill. Djuric gave a comprehensive snapshot of th»»»
Majority That Rejected President's Veto on Election Code Revisions Was Predictable - Former PM Zhelyazkov
The majority that rejected the President’s proposal to reconsider a bill proposing amendments to the Election Code was predictable, as was the joint vote of Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) and Movement for Rights and Freedoms - New Beginning, former prime minister and current GERB»»»
Caretaker Interior Minister Denies Meeting Investigators over Petrohan-Okolchitsa Case
Caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev told Parliament on Wednesday that he had not met with law-enforcers investigating the Petrohan–Okolchitsa case and that all other claims were untrue. Dechev was heard in Parliament following three reports alleging pressure exerted by him on investigators work»»»
Velichie Supports Presidential Veto as Election Code Revisions Affect Rights of Bulgarian Citizens Abroad
Parliament Wednesday rejected President Iliana Iotova's veto on amendments to the Election Code, which slash the number of polling stations in Bulgarian elections in non-EU countries. Ahead of the vote, Velichie MP Stiliana Bobcheva said that her parliamentary group would back the veto, which gives»»»
India’s Modi in Israel to ‘strengthen cooperation’
JERUSALEM Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a two-day visit to Israel on Wednesday aimed at focusing on strengthening security, economic and technological cooperation between the two countries. The Indian leader stepped out of the plane beaming and descended the staircase to a big hug »»»
Socialist MPs Who Voted against Veto Not to Be Part of BSP Group in Next Parliament, Party Leader Says
Parliament Wednesday rejected President Iliana Iotova's veto on amendments to the Election Code due to 8 MPs of BSP - United Left, BSP leader Krum Zarkov told journalists after the National Assembly's sitting. Zarkov specified that these MPs were three of the ministers in the Zhelyazkov cabinet, Dr»»»
UK and French Elites Cynically Turning Europe Into Nuclear Testing Ground - Expert
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said that the UK and France are preparing to transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine. The UK and France’s plan to transfer atomic weapons to Ukraine is a blatant act of nuclear blackmail aimed at Russia, Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Institu»»»
Upgrades: Pakistan introduces major changes to ID cards, find out more
Dubai: In a landmark step toward a unified and digitally secure identity ecosystem, the Federal Government has formally upgraded Pakistan’s National Identity Card (NIC) and Pakistan Origin Card (POC) frameworks. The amendments introduce QR-based verification, enhanced biometric features, stronger f»»»
Presidential Veto Was Rejected due to 8 Socialist MPs, BSP Leader Says
Parliament Wednesday rejected President Iliana Iotova's veto on amendments to the Election Code due to 8 MPs of BSP - United Left, BSP leader Krum Zarkov told journalists after the National Assembly's sitting. Zarkov specified that these MPs were three of the ministers in the Zhelyazkov cabinet, Dr»»»
France appoints new president at Louvre after jewellery heist
Paris, France: The president of France's famed Palace of Versailles took over as head of the Louvre following a litany of problems at the world's most-visited museum including a $100-million jewellery robbery. Christophe Leribault, who replaced Laurence des Cars, was appointed president of the icon»»»
Ramadan in the UAE: Why begging surges and how to give responsibly
Dubai: As Ramadan begins, the UAE is defined by a spirit of compassion. Mosques fill, communal tables are set, and charitable giving reaches its annual peak. However, authorities warn that this surge in generosity, driven by the obligations of Zakat and Sadaqah (charity), is increasingly being targ»»»
Kerala health minister injured in Kannur protest
Kannur Kerala Health Minister Veena George was injured as opposition student activists, protesting against her, clashed with police at the Kannur railway station, forcing her to cancel her onward journey and seek medical treatment. The minister had arrived at the Kannur railway station to board the»»»
Vucic, Sorensen discuss course, resumption of Belgrade-Pristina dialogue
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met on Wednesday in Belgrade with the EU special envoy for the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue Peter Sorensen to discuss the current course of the dialogue and its resumption with more active EU engagement, with special focus on the position of Kosovo-Metohi»»»
CIA hunting for Iranian informants with new recruitment ad in Farsi
The CIA has published a plea to potential informants in Iran with guidance on how to securely contact the organization as tensions between Washington and Tehran approach a critical juncture. The two-minute video published Tuesday provides detailed technical instructions for establishing contact, re»»»
Antoniya Dimova, Petar Gribnev and Vladimir Afenliev Appointed Deputy Health Ministers
Prof. Antoniya Dimova, Dr. Petar Gribnev and Vladimir Afenliev have been appointed Deputy Ministers of Health, the Ministry said on its website on Wednesday. Dimova will coordinate and oversee healthcare system policies in the Budget and Finance, European Coordination and International Cooperation,»»»
Ice Melt Threatens Emperor Penguins During Annual Molt, Say Researchers
Emperor penguins shed all their feathers once a year, a precarious ritual that may have become deadly as climate change pushes them into shrinking patches of Antarctic sea ice, researchers said Wednesday. The flightless birds molt during summer, relying on stored fat to survive for several weeks un»»»
Ice melt threatens emperor penguins during annual moult: researchers
Paris, France: Emperor penguins shed all their feathers once a year, a precarious ritual that may have become deadly as climate change pushes them into shrinking patches of Antarctic sea ice, researchers said Wednesday. The flightless birds moult during summer, relying on stored fat to survive for »»»
Vazrazhdane Blames Russia's War of Aggression on Ukraine, Calls it "Geopolitical Anti-Russian Project", Calls EC "Pro-Fascist"
In a declaration in Parliament on the occasion of the 4th year since the start of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, Vazrazhdane blamed the war on Ukraine and called the country "a geopolitical anti-Russian project". Leader Kostadin Kostadinov said the war "was provoked by the policy of Ukraine»»»
Epstein-linked former Norwegian PM hospitalized after suicide attempt – media
Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland was hospitalized last week after a suicide attempt, days after being charged with gross corruption over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Norwegian outlet iNyheter has claimed. Citing a “rock-solid source,” iNyheter wrote that Jagl»»»
Filipinos protest corruption on anniversary of Marcos's ouster
Manila: Philippine protesters took to the streets Wednesday on the 40th anniversary of the fall of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr, aiming their anger at a corruption scandal under his son's current administration. At a pair of protests barely a kilometre (0.6 miles) apart, demonstrators braved a scor»»»
‘My brain is full of chaos’: Fear and fatigue grip Iranians ahead of crunch talks
DUBAI As Washington amasses formidable military firepower across the Middle East and a crucial round of nuclear talks in Geneva, anxiety is once again threading through daily life in Iran — not only in political corridors, but around kitchen tables, shop counters and sleepless bedrooms.\ Iran and t»»»
Baghaei Lambasts US, ‘Israel’ Over Big Lies Against Iran
Referring to the repetition of false claims about Iran’s nuclear program and other issues related to the country, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that professional liars are adept at creating the “illusion of truth.” Baghaei lashed out against the United States and the Zionist »»»
Aston Martin to cut 20% of workforce, sell F1 branding rights amid tariff hit
Dubai: Aston Martin Lagonda said on Wednesday it will cut up to 20% of its workforce and has agreed to sell the branding rights to its Formula One team, as the British luxury carmaker grapples with mounting losses, US import tariffs and weak demand in China. Sign up for our daily business newslette»»»
Media Review: February 25
HOME SCENE Bulgarian National TV (BNT) reported on Tuesday that the Sofia City Prosecution Office has ordered a preliminary check into the actions of caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev following three reports alleging pressure on investigators working on the Petrohan–Okolchitsa case, the prose»»»
Bulgaria: Interim PM Warns of Pressure Campaign on Interior Minister, Promises Firm Government Response
At the start of today’s Council of Ministers session, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov addressed the absence of Interior Minister Emil Dechev, stating it was not due to personal reasons but because an intimidation campaign had been launched against him. Gyurov described the effort as a reacti»»»
Iraq’s West Qurna 2 Oilfield Poised for Output Surge with Chevron, Minister Says
Iraq could nearly double its output from West Qurna 2 oilfield to 800,000 barrels per day as Chevron enters exclusive talks to take over operations from Russia's Lukoil, Iraq's oil minister said on Wednesday. Iraq has been seeking to increase its oil and gas production, with oil majors vying to exp»»»
Modi's Israel visit to test India's priorities in the Middle East
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Israel for a two-day visit, his first since the war in Gaza began. Modi is expected to address Israel's parliament, the Knesset, and hold meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. There is no meeting with Palestinian »»»
CC-DB Says Putin Has Failed in Ukraine and Bulgaria Has Chosen the Right Side of History
Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to achieve any of his objectives in Ukraine, and Bulgaria has stood on the right side of history, Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) said in a declaration marking four years since Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. The statement »»»
GERB-UDF Says Support for Ukraine Is Investment in Europe’s Security
According to a declaration by GERB-UDF, presented by MP Georg Georgiev on Wednesday, support for Ukraine is not an act of momentary solidarity but a strategic investment in Europe’s security and in preserving the international order. Georgiev marked four years since the start of the Russian Federat»»»
Germany Wants Deeper, Fairer Economic Ties with China, Merz Tells Li
China and Germany want to deepen cooperation, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Beijing on Wednesday, as Merz began a visit aimed at resetting ties amid a widening trade imbalance. Merz told Li that Germany attached great importance on maintaining and deepening i»»»
German leader arrives in China to press for fair trade and help ending Ukraine war
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is meeting China's top leaders Wednesday at the start of a whirlwind two-day visit to press for a fair economic playing field for German companies, and China's assistance in bringing about an end to Russia's four-year-old war in Ukraine. The German leader's plane to»»»