Focus - Pakistan becomes major drug hub as Afghanistan exports crisis
Long considered a transit route, Pakistan is now emerging as a major hub for both drug production and consumption. This shift follows the upheaval triggered by the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. A year later, the new Afghan authorities abruptly banned the cultivation of poppy, th»»»
Caretaker Agriculture Minister Hristanov Vows Consistent Work to Stabilize System and Uphold Statehood in Agriculture
Ivan Hristanov took over the post of Agriculture Minister, stating clearly his priorities: providing adequate support for the sector, ensuring proper conditions for fair elections, combating corruption and theft, closing all channels for the misuse of public resources, and building sustainable poli»»»
US Planes Spotted in Bulgaria as Tensions With Iran Intensify (UPDATED)
A notable presence of US military aircraft has been observed at Terminal 1 of Sofia Airport in Bulgaria, according to former Deputy Foreign Minister and security analyst Milen Keremedchiev. In a post on Facebook, he reported that seven US Air Force tanker aircraft, used for aerial refueling of comb»»»
New Health Minister Prioritizes Prevention and Clearer Communication of Health Risks
As he stepped in office Thursday, the caretaker Minister of Health, Michail Okoliyski, highlighted prevention and better communication of health risks as his priorities. "I will focus my efforts on prevention, early diagnosis, prophylaxis and better communication of health risks," Okoliyski said as»»»
Department of Meteorology warns of low horizontal visibility inshore tonight
Doha, Qatar: Weather inshore until 6am on Friday will be hazy, becoming misty to foggy in some places later, and cold, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report, warning of expected poor horizontal visibility. Offshore, conditions will be hazy to misty at times, with some cloud»»»
UK police arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office
UK police on Thursday arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince who was stripped of his royal titles because of his links to Jeffrey Epstein, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. King Charles III expressed "deepest concern" over his younger brother's arrest, adding that "the la»»»
Bulgaria: Borissov Reviews Zhelyazkov Cabinet Achievements and Calls for Full Election Mobilization
GERB leader Boyko Borissov met with ministers from the outgoing “Zhelyazkov” cabinet after they formally handed over power to the caretaker government, using the gathering to review the work of the administration and outline the party’s next political steps. At GERB headquarters, Borissov was joine»»»
Klass Wagen appoints Răzvan Vedel, former Chief Sales Officer of UniCredit Leasing, to lead its Mobility Division
Klass Wagen announces the launch of its Mobility Services division, offering flexible solutions for medium- and long-term car usage. In line with its strategic goal of becoming a comprehensive provider of mobility solutions, Klass Wagen is launching the new division to develop and expand the mobili»»»
Look: Escaped pig breaks into N.C. home in search of snacks - UPI.com
Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Authorities in North Carolina entered a resident's home to apprehend an unusual "bacon and entering suspect" -- a trespassing pig in search of snacks. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office said on social media that deputies responded Monday to an Ellenboro-area home on a report of»»»
Netanyahu: We insist on the Israeli army remaining in the “buffer zone” in Lebanon and Gaza - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Netanyahu: We insist on the Israeli army remaining in the “buffer zone” in Lebanon and Gaza 19-02-2026 16:33 PM Latest News Urgent News Net»»»
MCIT advances digital transformation in small and medium-sized enterprises
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) continues to advance the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises through the SMEs Go Digital Program, a national initiative launched toward the end of 2024 to provide a practical pathway for SMEs to s»»»
Hungary won’t bow to Ukrainian ‘blackmail’ – Orban
Ukraine’s decision to block the delivery of Russian oil to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline is “blatant political blackmail,” Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said. The transit of oil via the pipeline has remained on hold since late January, with Kiev blaming Russia and accusing it of dama»»»
Settlers shoot at 19-year-old Palestinian-American in West Bank clashes
Clashes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank killed a 19-year-old Palestinian-American man late Wednesday night, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. The ministry said Nasrallah Muhammad Jamal Abu Siyam was shot by settlers in the village of Mukhmas, north of Jerusalem. The Israeli military said sold»»»
Stock market closes on positive note
Tunis, Feb. 19 (TAP) - The stock market closed on a positive note on Thursday, with the benchmark index rising 0.71% to 14,730.2 points on a volume of TND 9.8 million, according to broker Tunisie Valeurs.CITY CARS was the best performer of the...»»»
US Plans to Build 5,000-Person Military Base in Gaza Strip – Reports
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The administration of US President Donald Trump plans to establish a military base in the Gaza Strip for 5,000 personnel, the Guardian reported on Thursday, citing Board of Peace contracting documents. The base would serve as headquarters for the International Stabilization F»»»
Aoun and Haykal tell Quintet north Litani plan has begun
Contrary to the reports about the dissatisfaction of some countries with the army’s report on the second phase of the arms monopolization plan, all foreign countries are satisfied and have agreed to the report but they are hoping for quick implementation, official sources told al-Liwaa newspaper. T»»»
UAE Food Bank launches Ramadan campaign to distribute 8 million meals
Dubai: Under the guidance of Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE Food Bank has launched its ‘Bank of Goodness in the Month of Giving’ campaign. The initiat»»»
Caretaker Energy Minister Prioritizes Stable, Competitive, Sustainable Energy Sector
Protecting the national interest and developing a stable, competitive and sustainable energy sector will be the main priorities of caretaker Energy Minister Traicho Traikov. The newly appointed minister took over from his predecessor, Zhecho Stankov, at a ceremony at the Energy Ministry on Thursday»»»
Gold Advances on US–Iran Tensions as Markets Weigh Fed Policy Path
Gold prices extended gains on Thursday after rising more than 2% in the previous session, as lingering tensions between the United States and Iran prompted a flight to safety, while investors evaluated the Federal Reserve's monetary policy path. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $4,989.09 per ounce by 1227 GM»»»
Microsoft offers $50B to counter global AI divide - UPI.com
Visitors explore the Microsoft pavilion at the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India, where Microsoft on Wednesday announced a $50 billion investment to narrow the global AI divide. Photo by Rajat Gupta/EPA Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Microsoft announced Wednesday it's allocating $50 bi»»»
Netherlands refuses to repatriate ISIL militants and their families transferred from Syria to Iraq: reports - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Netherlands refuses to repatriate ISIL militants and their families transferred from Syria to Iraq: reports 19-02-2026 15:08 PM Latest News»»»
Brazil's Lula targets $20bn India trade as he begins Asia tour with AI summit
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived in India on February 18 for a state visit targeting $20bn in bilateral trade for the year, up from $15.2bn in 2025, as he seeks to deepen ties with one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. »»»
Brazil's Lula targets $20bn India trade as he begins Asia tour with AI summit
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived in India on February 18 for a state visit targeting $20bn in bilateral trade for the year, up from $15.2bn in 2025, as he seeks to deepen ties with one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. »»»
Israel Canada becomes Israel’s biggest real estate developer through historic Acro acquisition
Israel Canada is set to acquire Acro's operations for ILS3.1bn ($990mn), turning Israel Canada into the largest real estate company in Israel. Representing a 10% premium over market value, the transaction will lead the company to an estimated combined valuation of ILS10bn ($3.2bn), Globes repo»»»
Brazil's Lula targets $20bn India trade as he begins Asia tour with AI summit
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived in India on February 18 for a state visit targeting $20bn in bilateral trade for the year, up from $15.2bn in 2025, as he seeks to deepen ties with one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. »»»
Armenia outlines tech priorities, focusing on AI, semiconductors, biotech and high-tech engineering
Armenia will prioritise artificial intelligence (AI), data science, biotechnology, semiconductor design and high-tech engineering solutions as part of a strategic push to strengthen its technology sector, Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry Ruben Simonyan said on February 17. »»»
Slovakia declares oil emergency and cuts fuel supplies to Ukraine
The Slovak government has declared an oil emergency and the country’s key refinery, Hungarian MOL-owned Slovnaft, has cut fuel exports to Ukraine to keep its products only for the domestic market. Slovakia has been facing »»»
Slovakia declares oil emergency and cuts fuel supplies to Ukraine
The Slovak government has declared an oil emergency and the country’s key refinery, Hungarian MOL-owned Slovnaft, has cut fuel exports to Ukraine to keep its products only for the domestic market. Slovakia has been facing »»»
Slovakia declares oil emergency and cuts fuel supplies to Ukraine
The Slovak government has declared an oil emergency and the country’s key refinery, Hungarian MOL-owned Slovnaft, has cut fuel exports to Ukraine to keep its products only for the domestic market. Slovakia has been facing »»»
Caretaker Economy and Industry Minister to Tackle Rising Prices in Coordination with Other Ministries
Newly appointed caretaker Minister of Economy and Industry Irina Shtonova took on the post from Peter Dilov in a changing of the guard ceremony here on Thursday. Outlining her priorities, Shtonova said she would take decisive steps to curb rising prices and stressed that the issue would be addresse»»»
Slovakia declares oil emergency and cuts fuel supplies to Ukraine
The Slovak government has declared an oil emergency and the country’s key refinery, Hungarian MOL-owned Slovnaft, has cut fuel exports to Ukraine to keep its products only for the domestic market. Slovakia has been facing »»»
Fair Elections, Stability, and Continuation of Key Infrastructure Projects are Priorities for New Regional Development Minister
The newly appointed caretaker Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Angelina Boneva officially took over the management of the department from her predecessor, the former minister Ivan Ivanov. At the handover ceremony, Boneva stated that her main mission over the next three months will »»»
New bill seeks sustainable reintegration program for returning overseas Filipinos
A new measure has been filed in the Philippines which eyes the establishment of a reintegration program for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and for those whose overseas employment contracts have ended. Senate bill no. 1776, also known as the “National Reintegration Bill,” has been propos»»»
E-Commerce Product Reels: Turn Your Catalog Into Scroll-Stopping Short Videos
Online shopping has fundamentally changed how customers discover and purchase products. The days when a clean product photo and a detailed description were sufficient are long gone. Today’s consumers want to see products in action, understand how they work, and visualize themselves using them. They»»»
Iran, Russia Stage Mock Rescue of Hijacked Ship in Joint Naval Drills Near Strait of Hormuz - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Iran, Russia Stage Mock Rescue of Hijacked Ship in Joint Naval Drills Near Strait of Hormuz 19-02-2026 14:46 PM Iranian and Russian naval f»»»
House Speaker Nabih Berri meets Saudi ambassador to Lebanon Walid Al-Bukhari - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe House Speaker Nabih Berri meets Saudi ambassador to Lebanon Walid Al-Bukhari 19-02-2026 13:59 PM Latest News Urgent News House Speaker Nabi»»»
Syrian Finance Ministry, Lazard discuss financial sector reform
Damascus, Feb. 19 (SANA) Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh met with representatives of the French advisory firm Lazard to discuss financial sector reform and institutional development. The ministry said on its Telegram channel on Thursday that discussions focused on supporting governmen»»»
Romania boasts the second largest retail stock in the CEE region, while still having the lowest density
Retail developers continue to accelerate their expansion plans across Romania, as projects cumulating more than 750,000 sq. m GLA are currently in different construction and planning stages, being due for delivery until 2029, according to the Romania Retail Marketbeat Q4 2025 published by the Cushm»»»
US Tankers and Cargo Planes Spotted in Bulgaria as Tensions With Iran Intensify (UPDATED)
A notable presence of US military aircraft has been observed at Terminal 1 of Sofia Airport in Bulgaria, according to former Deputy Foreign Minister and security analyst Milen Keremedchiev. In a post on Facebook, he reported that seven US Air Force tanker aircraft, used for aerial refueling of comb»»»
Donald Trump weighs strikes on Iran, the WSJ says
US President Donald Trump is weighing the possibility of striking the Iranian leadership in an attempt to bring about regime change, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing American and foreign officials. The publication said the president has not made a final decision. According to t»»»
Report: Berri-led contacts with Hezbollah seek to prevent it from backing Iran militarily
There are intensive political and security contacts with Hezbollah, led by Speaker Nabih Berri, with the aim of reining in any attempt to back Iran militarily should a new war be waged on the Islamic republic, media reports said. In remarks to the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper, Shiite circles warned tha»»»
Lukoil Burgas Cuts 8 Million in Costs After Dropping Swiss Intermediary
Lukoil’s Burgas refinery has reported significant cost savings following the removal of its Switzerland-based intermediary, Litasco. Speaking to the parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy and Innovation, Rumen Spetsov, Lukoil’s Special Commercial Administrator, confirmed that the refinery now o»»»
Police break ring that sold sunflower oil as top-of-the-range olive oil
Police in northern Greece have broken a ring that allegedly sold hundreds of tons of cheap sunflower seed oil packaged as top-quality, award-winning olive oil in the domestic and German market, netting more than €3 million. A police statement Thursday said three people were arrested in the vicinity»»»
CTN reschedules Tunis–Genoa service over adverse weather
TUNIS, Feb. 19 (TAP) – The Tunisian Shipping Company (CTN) announced a change to the sailing schedule of the Carthage Ship on its Tunis–Genoa–Tunis service from February 20 to 22, 2026, due to adverse weather conditions prevailing in the...»»»
House Speaker Nabih Berri meets Lebanese Army Commander Major General Rodolph Haykal - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe House Speaker Nabih Berri meets Lebanese Army Commander Major General Rodolph Haykal 19-02-2026 13:50 PM Latest News Urgent News House Spea»»»
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque enhances Ramadan experience
Abu Dhabi: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has enhanced its readiness to welcome visitors during the holy month of Ramadan as part of a wider national initiative. A coordination meeting with strategic partners was held to align efforts and strengthen cooperation, attended by Dr. Yousef Al Obai»»»
Authority finds more than €10 million undeclared by farm unionist
Greece’s authority against money-laundering has issued an additional report on a farmer’s union official from Crete, as part of an investigation into an EU farm subsidies scam on the southern island, stating that he concealed a total of €8 million from tax authorities. According to information, an »»»
Macut: EXPO 2027 a major opportunity for development of Serbian tourism
BELGRADE - The 47th International Tourism Fair opened in Belgrade on Thursday. At the opening of the event, held at the Belgrade Fair, Serbian PM Djuro Macut said EXPO 2027 Belgrade would be a great moment for Serbia and a major opportunity for development of Serbian tourism and the national hospit»»»
St. Kitts, Nevis to introduce biometric data collection for citizenship applicants
St. Kitts and Nevis is all set to impose mandatory biometric data collection on all Citizenship Programme applicants from the first quarter of 2026. The sweeping overhaul will directly affect thousands of citizenship holders and applicants, including a substantial number of dual nationals based in »»»
Caretaker Tourism Minister Georgieva Pledges Continued Dialogue with Tourism Sector
Caretaker Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva pledged to keep working closely with municipalities and the tourism industry at a handover ceremony at the Ministry of Tourism in Sofia on Thursday. She said her team would build on the progress made and strengthen Bulgaria’s position as a year-round to»»»