Russia’s Lavrov Warns of Growing Risks of Militarization in Asia-Pacific, NATO Presence
MANILA (Sputnik) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned of rising risks of militarization in the Asia-Pacific region and the introduction of NATO elements there, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. "The Russian side drew attention to the growing risks of militarization of the As»»»
Climate change, not dams, driving Caspian Sea shrinkage, researcher says
Climate change is the dominant force behind the falling water level of the Caspian Sea and outweighs human intervention such as upstream damming, water policy researcher Anoush Nouri Esfandiari said on July 22. The world's largest enclosed body of water, surrounded by Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan»»»
Uzbekistan balances secular rule with Islamic revival
The first International Forum of Islamic Civilization earlier this month brought over 450 religious leaders, scholars, diplomats, government officials and other participants from more than 50 countries to Uzbekistan. Across events in Tashkent, Samarkand and Termez on July 7-11, participants discuss»»»
Climate change, not dams, driving Caspian Sea shrinkage, researcher says
Climate change is the dominant force behind the falling water level of the Caspian Sea and outweighs human intervention such as upstream damming, water policy researcher Anoush Nouri Esfandiari said on July 22. The world's largest enclosed body of water, surrounded by Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan»»»
CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Is Kazakhstan quietly ditching Russia?
China’s continuously growing leverage over Russia is not in question and reports in recent days have continued to stress the point. For instance, Beijing has apparently flexed a muscle by declining to provide marine propulsion systems needed for Russia's planned expansion of the Northern Sea Route,»»»
Woman, 70, charged in France over murder of UK grannies footballer
BORDEAUX: French prosecutors have charged a 70-year-old woman with the murder of a British expat who was fatally stabbed in southwestern France in 2025. Karen Carter, who played for the local “Queens of Football” team, was killed in the Dordogne village of Tremolat. The elderly woman was indicted i»»»
Modi vows to punish exam fraud fueling student anger in India
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday vowed “stringent punishment” for those involved in exam fraud that has fueled student anger, in his first direct comments tied to major protests challenging his government. “Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth»»»
Bab El-Mandeb Strait: Another key oil shipping route under threat
LONDON: Yemen’s pro-Iranian Houthi rebels have claimed attacks in the Red Sea on two Saudi oil tankers and say they will blockade the Bab El-Mandeb strait, a crucial passage into the Red Sea, as part of a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia. Gateway to the Red Sea Known as the “Gate of Tears” in Arab»»»
Bab El-Mandeb Strait: Another key oil shipping route under threat
LONDON: Yemen’s pro-Iranian Houthi rebels have claimed attacks in the Red Sea on two Saudi oil tankers and say they will blockade the Bab El-Mandeb strait, a crucial passage into the Red Sea, as part of a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia. Gateway to the Red Sea Known as the “Gate of Tears” in Arab»»»
PM Magyar: Eximbank probe targets Orbán foreign deals
The Hungarian government has filed criminal complaints over four transactions linked to the state-owned Eximbank, requesting investigations into financing worth more than HUF 1,000 billion – approximately EUR 2.74 billion. The Eximbank investigations will examine whether the high-value transactions»»»
Parliament Approves Bills Amid Opposition Protests
Albania's Parliament descended into chaos on Thursday as opposition Democratic Party (PD) lawmakers disrupted the plenary session by blocking the speaker's podium and creating loud disturbances in protest. Opposition lawmakers stood in front of the podium, preventing normal proceedings while bangin»»»
Sweden’s far right party says it won the arguments. Now it wants a share of power
STOCKHOLM: After championing huge policy shifts in Sweden by propping up a minority center-right government for four years, the far-right Sweden Democrats say they have won the political arguments and now deserve a share of power for themselves. But it is a demand that could prove a step too far fo»»»
MENAFATF backs Syria’s efforts to strengthen anti-money laundering framework
Damascus, July 23 (SANA) President of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF), Hamid al-Zaabi, said Syria’s launch of a national strategy to combat money laundering and terrorism financing reflects a clear political commitment to developing the country’s national fra»»»
Three Villages in Sliven Region Collect Signatures against US Aircraft Deployment at Bezmer
Residents of the villages of Skobelevo, Bozadzhii and Chokoba in Sliven Region are collecting signatures against the deployment of US Boeing KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft at Bezmer Air Base in the neighbouring Yambol Region, Skobelevo Mayor Stelli Stefanova told BTA on Thursday. She said the in»»»
Trump Says He's on the Brink of Approving Biggest Iran Strikes of the War
"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," the US president told Axios on Thursday. Israel "would join in two minutes if I ask them to," but the US doesn't "need anybody" for the potential new round of aggression, Trump adde»»»
Oil soars to $100 on fresh Mideast attacks
LONDON — Oil prices surged to $100 a barrel on Thursday as Tehran-backed Houthi rebels targeted Red Sea shipping and US President Donald Trump threatened to strike them in return.International benchmark oil contract Brent North Sea soared more than six per cent to hit the symbolic $100 level, as th»»»
Ajman launches UAE's first Agentic AI service to renew trade licences
Ajman: The Government of Ajman, represented by the Department of Digital Ajman, has completed the UAE's first government transaction to renew a trade licence using Agentic AI through a proactive, headless government service model. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairma»»»
Bulgaria Wants Rheinmetall Partnership Saved Despite Disputes Over Money, Land and Structure
Bulgaria’s government will continue talks with German defense giant Rheinmetall to resolve problems surrounding a planned joint project with state-owned arms manufacturer VMZ Sopot, Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Alexander Pulev said after a meeting with representatives of the company. »»»
Bulgarian National Wanted by UK for Child Sexual Exploitation, Child Pornography Is Detained
A 33-year-old Bulgarian citizen, who was wanted internationally under an Interpol Red Notice issued by Manchester, has been detained in connection with an investigation into crimes related to the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography committed in the United Kingdom, the Stara Zagora»»»
Al-Manar correspondent: An Israeli drone struck the Ali Al-Taher area while IOF carried out a controlled explosion in the town of Kfar Tebnit, southern Lebanon - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Al-Manar correspondent: An Israeli drone struck the Ali Al-Taher area while IOF carried out a controlled explosion in the town of Kfar Tebn»»»
IRGC: After US warships in the Indian Ocean exhausted their cruise missile stockpiles, the US military resorted Wednesday to B-1 bombers launched from RAF Fairford in the UK - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe IRGC: After US warships in the Indian Ocean exhausted their cruise missile stockpiles, the US military resorted Wednesday to B-1 bombers la»»»
Google hit with ‘bare minimum’ EU fine for steering users to their services
The European Commission’s latest belated attempt of regulating Big Tech came in the form of a €890m fine for breaches of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) on Thursday (23 July), which commentators immediately deemed “the bare minimum.” “It’s taken the commission over two years to get to this stage of t»»»
Zelenskyy names young general Drapatyi as Ukraine’s new military chief
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has named youthful Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi as Commander-in-Chief of the country’s armed forces, replacing the old guard Oleksandr Syrskyi in the most significant change at the top of Ukraine’s military since 2024. Zelenskiy announced the decision»»»
PANNIER: Central Asia on cusp of ending quest for independence in electricity provision
Since the early post-Soviet days that followed the independence achieved in 1991, Central Asia’s five states have been working toward becoming self-sufficient in meeting their energy needs. However, after 35 years, it is only Turkmenistan, with its massive natural gas and significant oil reserves, »»»
Wealth shifts to longevity
The wealthiest clients expect more from financial advisors than just high rates of return. Planning for a longer and more fulfilling life is becoming a new goal. According to Capgemini's latest "World Wealth Report 2026," 69% of wealth management executives consider longevity strategies and health-»»»
ArcelorMittal advances rail technology
Dąbrowa Górnicza, July 23, 2026 – ArcelorMittal Poland has begun implementing a new generation of railway rail designed for some of the world's most demanding operating conditions. The company is developing R400HT, the hardest and most wear-resistant rail grade defined under European standards, str»»»
ECB opens door to September rate-hike as Iran war flares up
FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank on Thursday kept its key deposit rate unchanged at 2.25 percent but opened the door to a rise in September as fresh fighting in the Middle East threatens to send prices higher. “Yes, it was a unanimous decision,” ECB President Christine Lagarde said of Thursday’»»»
Hezbollah says Lebanon president’s US visit ‘submission’ to foreign power
BEIRUT: The Iran-backed Hezbollah group on Thursday branded Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s recent visit to Washington a failure and said it showed the government’s submission to a foreign power. In a statement, the group’s lawmakers said the visit revealed “the extent of subservience and submissi»»»
Uber’s $14.8bn Delivery Hero deal set to reshape Saudi food delivery market
RIYADH: Uber Technologies’ planned takeover of Delivery Hero is set to reshape Saudi Arabia’s booming food delivery sector, giving the US mobility giant direct control over one of the Kingdom’s leading platforms. The $14.8 billion deal brings HungerStation — fully owned by Delivery Hero and a key p»»»
US Secret Service Employee Suspected of Leaking Details on Vance's Travels - Reports
WASHINGTON, (Sputnik) - A US Secret Service worker was probably involved in leaking information about US Vice President JD Vance's travels, and is now on administrative leave, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. "A member of the Vice Presidential Protective Division is the subjec»»»
Greek billionaire dilutes largest EU anti-Russian sanctions package with an LNG exemption
The European Union is still trying to find ways to slow Russia’s war machine in Ukraine. But its member states are becoming increasingly less able to agree on how to do so. Nevertheless, after lengthy and chaotic talks on Wednesday (22 July), they managed to agree on the 21st sanctions package agai»»»
Yambol Governor Stresses Temporary Nature of US Tanker Aircraft Deployment at Bezmer
The presence of US Boeing KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft at Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria is temporary and does not constitute permanent basing, Yambol Regional Governor Georgi Chalakov said in an official statement released to the media on Thursday. Chalakov noted that the decision to allow the a»»»
A thief allegedly spent three months cutting up Gamal Abdel Nasser's 1961 Cadillac, then sold it as scrap.
Dubai: An Egyptian court has ordered the detention of a man accused of breaking into a private garage in Alexandria and dismantling a rare 1961 Cadillac once owned by former Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser, allegedly selling its parts as scrap metal over a period of several months without rea»»»
Saudi Arabia can become film powerhouse, says Hollywood studio president
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is well poised to be an attractive filming location for Hollywood and independent filmmakers, Valentina Castellani-Quinn, president and chair of Quinn Studios Entertainment in Los Angeles, has told Arab News’ “The Mayman Show.” Speaking as the first guest of the show’s latest s»»»
Iran Warns UK of Implications of Providing Its Bases for US Aircraft
TEHRAN, (Sputnik) - Iran has warned the United Kingdom of the potential implications of its decision to provide its air bases allowing the United States to carry out strikes on Iran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnha»»»
US-Iran conflict: Evening updates for UAE residents
Dubai: The conflict between the US and Iran has entered a more dangerous phase, with hostilities spreading across the Middle East and raising concerns over regional security, global energy supplies and international trade. Although the UAE has not been directly targeted, residents and businesses ar»»»
Hundreds of non-citizens voted in New Jersey in 2024 elections
A software glitch in New Jersey mistakenly registered thousands of non-citizens to vote, allowing nearly 400 to cast ballots, Governor Mikie Sherrill has said. The disclosure has reignited debate over election integrity in the US. In a statement on Tuesday, the White House argued the incident under»»»
Orbán’s NKA defence faces dissent among Fidesz voters
The Fidesz asset recovery scandal is revealing a potential weakness in Viktor Orbán’s defence of decisions made before his party lost power. The former Hungarian prime minister continues to insist that public funds distributed under the Fidesz government were allocated legally and that the investig»»»
Friday Sermon, June 24, 2026: Sending Blessings upon the Prophet
First Sermon (Khutbah One) All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, Who has commanded us to invoke blessings and peace upon the Seal of the Prophets. I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship but Allah alone, and I bear witness that our Master and Prophet, Muḥammad, is the M»»»
Moriyasu to continue as Japan coach and replaced after Asian Cup by Oiwa
TOKYO: Japan coach Hajjime Moriyasu will continue through next year’s Asian Cup and then step away, the Japan Football Association said in a statement on Thursday. The JFA met over the coaching position on Thursday and said Go Oiwa, who has managed Japan Under-23s, will take over the top team after»»»
Saudi app Hudhud guides Umrah pilgrims through Makkah’s sacred and historic landscape
MAKKAH: Digital innovation is rapidly reshaping Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah services sector, and Saudi application Hudhud is another front-runner. With the influx of Umrah pilgrims all year round, navigating Makkah’s complex web of alleys and traffic can be difficult for those unfamiliar with the»»»
IRGC: In response to the attack on Arbaeen pilgrims, we destroyed the US electronic warfare unit at Al-Udeid Air Base and struck its personnel quarters, killing or wounding several troops - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe IRGC: In response to the attack on Arbaeen pilgrims, we destroyed the US electronic warfare unit at Al-Udeid Air Base and struck its person»»»
Supporters across India send food via delivery apps to sustain the ‘Cockroach’ protest
NEW DELHI: The food arrives almost as steadily as the protesters. Every few minutes, delivery riders on motorbikes pull up outside the protest site with bags of burgers, snacks and bottled water. Volunteers collect the food, stack it along other donated supplies and distribute it to demonstrators. »»»
France evacuates 20,000 as fire rages in pine forest
Le Porge, France: Flames roared through crackling pine trees on Thursday as a wildfire gained ground on the coast of southwestern France, forcing more than 20,000 tourists and residents to flee to safety. France has been battered by three heatwaves since May as part of increasingly common extreme w»»»
Trump: Saudi Arabia must join Abraham Accords as part of nuclear deal - UPI.com
President Donald Trump said on social media Thursday that Saudi Arabia must sign the Abraham Accords as part of its nuclear deal with the United States. File Photo by Nathan Howard/UPI | License Photo July 23 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said on social media Thursday that Saudi Arabia must sign »»»
UAE launches 11-month national readiness programme to bridge school and work for Emirati graduates
Dubai: The UAE is creating a structured gap year programme between high school and adulthood for young Emiratis, backed by the government and tied directly to national workforce priorities. On July 23, following directives from the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, the»»»
World Athletics Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Banning Russian Athletes'— Expert
A legal challenge by the Russian Athletics Federation could test whether World Athletics is justified in continuing to bar Russian athletes from international competition, Turkish sports commentator Mustafa Eren told Sputnik. "World Athletics has effectively ignored the IOC's revised approach to th»»»
Fidesz on the brink of collapse as Orbán’s puppets fall, while Magyar makes his first major blunder (102 days since the election)
Ex-president Tamás Sulyok self-terminates by signing Fundamental Law. Péter Magyar has made his first serious mistake. Fidesz’s server infrastructure has been seized. The prosecutor general has resigned. Fidesz may have lost 900,000 voters since the elections. The Tisza government is moving full st»»»
‘Museum on the Road’ initiative brings interactive experience to schools across Riyadh
RIYADH: The Museums Commission of Saudi Arabia has launched “Museum on the Road,” its first mobile unit built specifically for students, which was inaugurated on Wednesday at The Cultural House in Riyadh. A specially equipped truck, converted into a fully interactive exhibition space, will travel d»»»
Food insecurity has improved in Gaza, but the gains are fragile and warning signs are mounting
RAMALLAH: The world’s leading authority on food insecurity said Thursday that the situation in Gaza had improved since famine was declared in parts of the Palestinian territory last year, but warned that conditions remained at crisis levels and could slip back into catastrophe. The Integrated Food »»»