Sudan Enters a Fourth Year of War as Officials Lament an 'Abandoned Crisis'
Famine. Massacres. And now badly needed food and other supplies are under strain. Sudan on Wednesday entered a fourth year of war that's been called an “abandoned crisis,” as a new Middle East conflict throws into shadow the fighting that has forced 13 million people to flee their homes. The North »»»
Gaza's War Amputees Short of Prostheses under Israeli Restrictions
Fourteen-year-old Fadel al-Naji used to be a keen footballer but is now largely confined to his home in Gaza City since both legs were severed in an Israeli drone attack in September. He sits sullenly on a couch with one hollow pant leg dangling and the other tucked into his waist beside his 11-yea»»»
Iran Accuses US, Israel of Crimes Against Humanity Over Leadership Killing
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran wants to hold the United States and Israel accountable for the assassination of the Iranian leadership, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told Sputnik. "We have to do this. And I think not only Iran, but the entire international community is asking for accoun»»»
U.S. blacklists Iranian oil network amid war negotiations - UPI.com
Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent makes remarks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Photo by Shawn Thew./UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- The United States blacklisted three people, 17 entities and nine oil tankers accused of aiding Iran»»»
'Safe weapons-free city': MPs convene to back demilitarization of Beirut
Lebanon said Thursday it is "not aware" of any upcoming contact with Israel, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the leaders of Lebanon and Israel would speak on Thursday. In Lebanon, those negotiations have drawn backlash from Hezbollah and its supporters. Al Akhbar, a Lebanese newspaper that i»»»
BR Cover Story | How Symfonia is redefining business software in Romania
As Romanian companies navigate increasing regulatory complexity and operational pressure, business software is becoming a critical foundation for growth. Business Review spoke with Roxana Epure, the CEO of Symfonia in Romania, about the company’s strategic transformation, its vision for the local m»»»
Prime Minister of Pakistan arrives in Doha
Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan HE Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha on Thursday morning for a working visit to the country. His Excellency and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by HE Minister of State for Fore»»»
Trump Says Lebanese and Israeli Leaders to Speak, Pakistan Says Lebanon Peace Essential
US President Donald Trump said Lebanese and Israeli leaders will speak for the first time in decades on Thursday, while Pakistan said peace in Lebanon was essential for talks it is mediating between Washington and Tehran on ending the Iran war. The Lebanon conflict spiraled out of the US-Israeli wa»»»
Chinese automaker patents voice-activated in-car toilet
Shanghai: A Chinese automaker has patented a toilet concealed beneath a sliding car seat that can be operated using voice commands, according to a government database. Electric vehicle company Seres received patent approval for its mobile latrine earlier this month, public records show. Get updated»»»
Why is France’s bill against ‘new forms of anti-Semitism’ sparking controversy?
This article was originally published on April 4, 2026 – French lawmakers are on Thursday set to debate a controversial bill that proposes labeling any implicitly expressed "hatred" against the state of Israel as anti-Semitic, making it a crime under the country’s terrorism laws»»»
What happened in Mayfadoun and how Israel targeted paramedics in triple-tap strikes
The Israeli military killed four Lebanese rescue workers and wounded six others in three consecutive, targeted strikes Wednesday, paramedic groups said, a stark illustration of the human cost of the Israeli military campaign in southern Lebanon a day after Lebanon and Israel held historic talks in »»»
UK PM to meet social media bosses over online child safety
London, United Kingdom: United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer will hold talks on Thursday with representatives from social media firms to press them to do more to keep children safe online, as calls grow for a ban on under-16s using the platforms. "Today is about making sure social media compa»»»
Tripoli follow-up meeting held on US State Department's Investment Climate Report on Libya - investment climate reform measures matrix reviewed
A meeting of the Tripoli Libyan government team tasked with following up on the US State Department’s Investment Climate Report was held in Tripoli last Monday, pursuant to Prime Minister’s Resolution No. (593) of 2025. The meeting was attended by the team leader and Minister of Economy and Trade, »»»
US official says Trump welcomes end to Lebanon war but has not asked for it
A U.S. official says President Donald Trump would welcome an end to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict as part of a broader peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon but has not specifically asked for one. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Trump administration’s position d»»»
Girl, 3, mauled by lion cub during circus photo op in Egypt
A three-year-old girl has suffered serious injuries after being attacked by a lion cub during a souvenir photo session at Egypt’s National Circus in the Agouza district of Giza. The incident occurred at the headquarters of the Artistic House for Folk and Performing Arts, widely known as the “Nation»»»
Labour Minister Ademov: Making a Choice Between Bread and Ballot in 21st Century Is Absurd
The Labour Ministry is continuing its efforts to stop harmful practices involving pressure on vulnerable citizens through the social system, said caretaker Labour Minister Hasan in a televised interview on Thursday. The goal is to bring these practices to light so they are not repeated. Ademov adde»»»
Philip Morris International Value Report 2025: change in motion
Philip Morris International released its Value Report 2025, offering a holistic perspective on the company’s approach to sustainable value creation. The report marks the completion of PMI’s 2025 Roadmap, communicating achievements for each aspiration introduced by the company in 2020, and introduce»»»
Leonardo Badea, BNR: Modernizing Romania through integration and convergence
Romania has made significant progress in the process of aligning with the standards of developed economies and joining the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), having already obtained 24 of the 25 formal opinions required within the OECD committees. The completion of the a»»»
US says optimistic about reaching peace deal with Iran
The United States is discussing a possible second round of peace talks with Iran in Pakistan and is optimistic about reaching a deal, U.S. officials said, as Tehran threatened to shut down Red Sea trade unless Washington lifted a naval blockade of its ports. A Pakistani delegation arrived in Tehran»»»
Progressive Bulgaria Leader Radev Accuses Political Circles of Attempting to Discredit Elections
The leader of Progressive Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, told election campaign meetings in Kyustendil (Southwest Bulgaria) and Pernik (West Bulgaria) that political circles have the “ill ambition” to discredit the elections because they realize they cannot win them, Progressive Bulgaria said on Thursday. »»»
Limitless women’s leadership forum to spotlight influential voices driving resilience
Periods of change and disruption place leadership under sharper focus, testing the ability to respond with clarity, speed and conviction. Recent regional developments have created one of the most critical strains in recent times, emphasising the importance of firm response under pressure. To highli»»»
Turkey to hold funerals for school shooting victims
Turkey: Turkey will hold funerals for nine victims killed in a school shooting by a 14-year-old, an attack that has sent shockwaves across the country, with authorities saying the suspect had referenced a US mass killer in a WhatsApp profile image. The attack in the southern province of Kahramanmar»»»
Australia to Boost Defense Spending Citing Growing Threats
Australia will raise defense spending to 3.0 percent of GDP by 2033 as armed conflicts flare worldwide, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Thursday. The new commitment follows pressure from US President Donald Trump's administration for Canberra to boost military expenditure as a share of total a»»»
Petrol-Lukoil refinnery to resume operations within 45 days
The Minister of Energy, Bogdan Ivan, announced that he has received official confirmation from the Government of the United States of America granting a waiver from the sanctions against Lukoil, allowing Romania to restart the Petrotel-Lukoil refinery, which, through this mechanism, will be able to»»»
e-Mobility to include investment in renewable energy production, storage systems
The e-Mobility state aid scheme will include a new category of eligible expenses, namely investments in the production of energy from renewable sources and in storage systems, directly integrated with the recharging infrastructure, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Ciprian Serban, annou»»»
Major gas leak sparks fire at oil refinery in Australia
Canberra, Australia: A fire broke out Thursday at an oil refinery in Geelong, southeastern Australia, according to Australian authorities. Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said that the impact on fuel production will be significant, especially at this stage. Meanwhile»»»
Romania to send humanitarian aid to Lebanon after EU request
Romania is set to provide humanitarian aid to civilians in Lebanon, comprising 15 tonnes of food, tents and bedding supplies.The decision was taken by the National Committee for Emergency Situations, convened by Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, in response to a request for assistance made through the E»»»
On This Day, April 16: MLK Jr. writes 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' - UPI.com
On April 16, 1963, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote "Letter from Birmingham Jail" while imprisoned in Alabama for protesting segregation. 1 of 7 | The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is seen as cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Washington, D.C., on March 27, 2025. On April 16, 1963, MLK wrote »»»
Aoun: Lebanon Appreciates Saudi Crown Prince’s Efforts to Promote Regional Stability
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun hailed on Wednesday the “balanced and wise” efforts made by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, saying his endeavors have created an “atmosphere to support stability, which Lebanon appreciates as a source of pride”. In a post on media platform X»»»
President Sulyok tasks Péter Magyar with forming a government
Tisza Party chairman Péter Magyar announced on Wednesday that President Tamás Sulyok will entrust him with forming a government. Magyar spoke to journalists after consultations with the head of state at the Sándor Palace. Leaving the building, the politician said the president had informed him abou»»»
Primark opens second Dubai store at City Centre Mirdif in partnership with Alshaya Group
Kuwait: Primark, the international fashion retailer known for its affordable fashion and everyday essentials, has officially opened its second store in Dubai in partnership with Alshaya Group, at City Centre Mirdif. Arriving just two weeks after Primark’s highly anticipated UAE debut at Dubai Mall,»»»
Court overturns property gifts to daughter in Dh19m embezzlement case
The Dubai Civil Court of First Instance has ruled that property gifts made by a convicted embezzler to his daughter cannot be enforced against creditors, ordering the assets to be restored to his name to allow recovery of funds. The court found that the defendant, previously convicted of embezzling»»»
Partnership with US EXIM Bank key to turning major projects into concrete investments
Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare held talks in Washington with the leadership of US EXIM Bank on financing new strategic projects in energy and infrastructure, aimed at accelerating investments and strengthening Romania's role in regional energy security."I had another meeting in Washington with J»»»
Bogdan Ivan, in Washington: Talks with president of World Bank Group
Bogdan Ivan, the energy minister, who is on an official visit to the US, announced on Tuesday night that the main target was to make Romania the first country in the world where the World Bank finances the production of nuclear energy. “My task in Washington is clear: Romania must be the first coun»»»
QCDC releases annual report spotlighting expanded national reach and measurable impact
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), founded by Qatar Foundation (QF), has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of expanded programmes, stronger partnerships, and measurable progress in equipping young people in Qatar with the awareness, skills, and support needed to»»»
Syria's Kurds Register for Citizenship after Decades of Marginalization
In a packed hall in Qamishli's sports stadium in northeast Syria, Firas Ahmad is one of dozens of Kurds waiting to apply for citizenship after many in the minority were barred from doing so for decades. Since last week, "unregistered" Kurds, who have been stateless since a controversial 1962 census»»»
Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs meets with officials on the sidelines of the Third International Conference on Sudan
Berlin: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, met separately with His Excellency Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan »»»
Is Oman requiring HIV tests for Filipino travellers? What you need to know
Dubai: The Philippine Embassy in Oman has issued a clarification in response to circulating online reports suggesting that Filipino nationals travelling to Oman may be required to undergo HIV testing prior to departure. The embassy has noted that it has been receiving a number of inquiries from mem»»»
Qatar participates in the third International Conference on Sudan
Berlin: The State of Qatar participated in the Third International Conference on Sudan, currently being held in the German capital, Berlin. The State of Qatar was represented at the conference by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of F»»»
Chingiz Aidarbekov voluntarily renounces his mandate - | 24.KG
Chingiz Aidarbekov has submitted a statement canceling his registration as a candidate for deputy of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan, sources informed. Chingiz Aidarbekov himself confirmed on his Facebook page that he submitted a statement to the Central Election Commission on April 16. A meeting»»»
Saudi Arabia, US Sign Tax Information Exchange Agreement
Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan has held a series of meetings in Washington, D.C. to discuss strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and addressing challenges facing the global economy. Al-Jadaan began his meetings on Wednesday by holding talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bes»»»
‘Qatar’s environmental status stable, no cause for concern’
Doha, Qatar: Minister of Environment and Climate Change H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie has reassured the public that the country’s environmental condition remains stable, emphasizing that there are no indicators or phenomena that warrant concern. In an interview with Qatar Telev»»»
Qatar emerges as key player in next-gen financial infrastructure
Doha, Qatar: Venture capital investment across the Gulf, especially Qatar, is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from opportunistic funding toward more strategic, long-term deployment aligned with national economic agendas, according to market experts. Speaking to The Peninsula on»»»
European Council President reaffirms solidarity with Qatar, Gulf states
Doha, Qatar: European Council President António Costa (pictured) yesterday underscored the European Union’s unwavering support for Qatar and other Gulf nations amid regional tensions, stressing the need for a stable ceasefire and the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Spe»»»
Jordan, Syria sign MoU to enhance cooperation in postal services
AMMAN — Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Sami Smirat, and Syrian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdul Salam Haikal, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral cooperation in the postal services sector.The agreement»»»
Australia secures extra 100 mn litres of diesel
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Australia has secured an additional supply of some 100 million litres of diesel from Brunei and South Korea, as the country looked to boost precarious reserves, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday. "I can announce that my government has secured an additional 100 mi»»»
Spotlight - War and peace: Israel brings Lebanon to negotiating table as air strikes rain down on Beirut
François Picard welcomes Farès Boueiz, former Lebanese minister of foreign affairs. The ongoing Israeli-Lebanese talks cannot be described as a "breakthrough", Boueiz argues, but rather as a technical prelude to meaningful negotiations. What we are witnessing, he suggests, is the exploratory stage »»»
War and Peace: Israel brings Lebanon to negotiating table as airstrikes rain down on Beirut
François Picard welcomes Farès Boueiz, former Lebanese minister of foreign affairs. The ongoing Israeli-Lebanese talks cannot be described as a "breakthrough", Boueiz argues, but rather as a technical prelude to meaningful negotiations. What we are witnessing, he suggests, is the exploratory stage »»»
Tête à tête - 'If we don't divide the land we're heading to apartheid': Ex-head of Israel's Shin Bet
In an interview with FRANCE 24, Ami Ayalon, former head of Israel's domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, warned that Israel is "heading to apartheid" unless it divides the land with the Palestinians. He argued that "there is a limit to what we can achieve by the use of military power" in Iran and»»»
US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz: What do the numbers show?
Between Tehran and Washington's blockades of the Strait of Hormuz, the number of ships passing through the critical waterway has slowed to a trickle. Here's what marine tracking data tells us about the situation. A trickle of ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz Tuesday and Wednesday as a US blockade»»»