Artemis II heading back to Earth: What to know
After looping around the Moon and completing its primary objectives, NASA’s Artemis II mission is now on its return journey to Earth, marking a critical milestone in humanity’s push to send astronauts deeper into space than at any time in the past half-century. Artemis II is the first crewed missio»»»
Indian expat in Dubai casts two votes in Kerala Assembly Election 2026
Dubai: While millions of Keralites headed to polling booths across the state on Thursday, one Indian expat in the UAE did something that raised eyebrows and then smiles. Dubai resident Babu MC cast not one, but two votes in the Kerala Assembly Election 2026. And every bit of it was legal. Babu, who»»»
Israel to hold direct talks with Lebanon but no ceasefire: Netanyahu – Ya Libnan
Share: Israel launched a blitz of air strikes on Lebanon on Wednesday, hitting over 100 targets in 10 minutes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his government to begin direct talks with Lebanon, he said in a statement on Thursday. Netanyahu said the talks would focus on the disa»»»
After oil, Venezuela opens up mining to private investors
Venezuela on Thursday threw open the country's vast mineral reserves to private investment, less than three months after rolling back state control over the oil sector, in line with US demands. The South American country, which is undergoing a profound transformation following the US overthrow of l»»»
Bahrain, UK discuss regional developments, impact on global economy
MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain met on Thursday in Manama with Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, to discuss the latest regional and international developments. The discussions focused on the situation in the region and its security and economic repercu»»»
Why the UAE is seeing rain and cooler weather this spring
Dubai: Rain showers and unusually cool temperatures across the UAE this week may feel surprising for April, but meteorologists say such conditions are a natural part of the country’s spring transition between winter and summer. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said the country is experienci»»»
Gen Z steadily using AI, but skepticism rising, Gallup reports - UPI.com
Although people in Generation Z -- those born between 1997 and 2012 -- continue to use artificial intelligence tools at a steady clip, there is growing skepticism among people in their teens and 20s about the benefits and harms of the technology. File Photo by Wu Hao/EPA-EFE April 9 (UPI) -- Use of»»»
Bahrain Defence Force announces interception of 194 missiles, 515 drones since onset of Iranian aggression
MANAMA: The General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) has announced that air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed 194 missiles and 515 drones targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain since the onset of the Iranian aggression. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app no»»»
Trump cautions Iran against imposing Hormuz 'toll fees' on commercial ships
The Trump administration has cautioned Tehran against imposing fees on commercial vessels transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz, amid reports Iran has sought to charge tolls as part of cease-fire arrangements. The White House warned that if reports of charges are accurate, Tehran “better stop n»»»
Florida AG Uthmeier to probe OpenAI, ChatGPT role in FSU shooting - UPI.com
Flowers are left near the scene after a gunman shot multiple people on April 17 at Florida State University, in Tallahassee. File Photo by Don Hayes/EPA-EFE April 9 (UPI) -- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced plans Thursday to open investigations into the artificial intelligence plat»»»
Hostile drone attack against Kuwait causes damage, no casualties
KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti National Guard announced early on Friday that one of its sites was targeted by hostile drones, resulting in significant material damage without any human casualties recorded. Brigadier General Dr Jadaan Fadel, Director of the Moral Guidance Directorate and spokesperson for the N»»»
MoT urges maritime sector to uphold fair pricing
Tribune News Network DOHA The Ministry of Transport’s Maritime Transport Sector has called on all licensed maritime service providers to adhere to the principles of fairness and transparency when delivering services. In a statement, the ministry stressed that the directive comes in line with the pr»»»
Trump escalates NATO criticism on heels of Rutte visit and Iran war fallout
US President Donald Trump has lashed out at NATO over the inaction of European allies during the war with Iran. Trump, according to sources close to bloc chief Mark Rutte who spoke to Bloomberg, has issued an ultimatum to its members demanding a commitment to help secure the Strait of Hormuz “withi»»»
Arab League commends EU's efforts to support Palestinian people
Cairo: The Arab League on Thursday commended the efforts exerted by the European Union (EU) in advancing the Middle East peace process and working towards the implementation of the two-state solution, in addition to the various forms of support it provides to the Palestinian people, particularly in»»»
Lebanon Maintains Exclusive Negotiations and State Control of Weapons
In Beirut, Lebanon’s leadership signaled it is moving forward with its decision to keep negotiations in official hands, alongside efforts to place all weapons under state control. The government took a further step by ordering the army and security forces to immediately reinforce full state authori»»»
13 US troops killed, more than 380 wounded in Operation Epic Fury
Washington, April 9 (SANA) In the 40 days since the start of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, 13 U.S. soldiers have been killed and 381 have been wounded, according to data provided Wednesday by U.S. Central Command. “The Defense Department has added the war on Iran to its Defense Casualty Analysi»»»
Israeli strikes in Lebanon on Wednesday killed more than 300
Lebanon's health ministry said Thursday that Israeli strikes across the country a day before killed more than 300 people and wounded at least 1,150. In a statement, the ministry said "the Israeli enemy's airstrikes yesterday, Wednesday, resulted in a preliminary toll of 303 martyrs and 1,150 wounde»»»
Putin announces Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine: Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire with Ukraine for the duration of the Orthodox Easter holidays, the Kremlin said Thursday, after Kyiv also proposed a pause in hostilities. "By the decision of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief... V.V. Putin, in connection with the approaching Orth»»»
One Office, Many Perspectives
From Leadership Expectations to Market Realities and the Needs of HR and Administration This event is for you because every move counts! The Tenant Academy at SkyHall in Warsaw is a meeting for those in administration and HR who understand that office design isn't a simple move, but a complete game»»»
Saudi suspends operations at key energy sites after Iranian attacks
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has announced the suspension of operations at several energy facilities following recent Iranian attacks to Iran, according to a source at the Ministry of Energy. According to Saudi Gazette, the source said that the strikes targeted major refining sites, including SATORP in Juba»»»
Eli Lilly's GLP-1 weight-loss pill now available - UPI.com
April 9 (UPI) -- Eli Lilly announced that its GLP-1 weight-loss pill is available for purchase in the United States starting Thursday, little more than a week after the Food and Drug Administration approved it. The Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical company said orforglipron, which goes by the brand»»»
Melania Trump denies any links to Epstein
US First Lady Melania Trump on Thursday made a surprise statement denying unspecified allegations about her and Jeffrey Epstein, a scandal that her husband President Donald Trump has long downplayed. The 55-year-old former model's on-camera remarks at the White House came out of the blue, with no e»»»
Telegram founder Pavel Durov slams Soros-backed ‘globalist’ EU censorship
The EU is relying on non-governmental organizations, bankrolled by billionaire financier George Soros, as well as controlled media to justify its push for more online surveillance and censorship, Telegram founder Pavel Durov has said. On Wednesday, state-owned broadcaster France 24 reported on a st»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the settlements of Shlomi, Nahariya, and Kabri with rocket salvos: statement 29 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the settlements of Shlomi, Nahariya, and Kabri with rocket salvos: statement 29 09-04-2026 21:03 PM La»»»
Leader: Iran’s Heroic People Definitive Victors in Third Imposed War - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Leader: Iran’s Heroic People Definitive Victors in Third Imposed War 09-04-2026 21:47 PM New Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Say»»»
Mexico's Sheinbaum defends energy shift to cut reliance on U.S. gas - UPI.com
“Mexico must guarantee its sovereignty. And a fundamental part of sovereignty is energy sovereignty,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has reiterated. Photo by Isaac Esquivel/EPA April 9 (UPI) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum signaled a major shift in the country's energy policy aimed at r»»»
Sharjah Ruler approves hiring 330 Emiratis in municipalities
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved the recruitment of 330 Emirati citizens, including university graduates and high school diploma holders, across the municipalities of the Emirate of Sharjah in various cities, as part of »»»
CC-DB Offers Concrete Solutions for Ruse, Says Coalition's Top-of-the-List Candidate
Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) offers concrete solutions to the problems of Ruse, on the Danube, CC–DB top-of-the-list candidate in Ruse Nadezhda Yordanova said on Thursday. She was speaking to the local media together with Yes, Bulgaria co-chairs Ivaylo Mirchev and Bozhidar Bozhan»»»
UAE convenes Industrial Resilience Forum
The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has convened the Industrial Resilience and Supply Chain Continuity Forum in Abu Dhabi, bringing together ministers, senior officials, industry leaders, and financial institutions to accelerate coordinated responses to mounting global trade an»»»
Al Habtoor Group launches Dh5 billion commercial tower in Dubai
Dubai-based Al Habtoor Group has announced plans to develop a new commercial tower within Al Habtoor City in Dubai, with an investment exceeding Dh5 billion. The project forms part of the group’s broader expansion strategy in the UAE, as it continues to strengthen its footprint in key sectors acros»»»
Argentina approves Glacier Law reform, opens protected areas to mining - UPI.com
A demonstrator faces off with police officers during a protest against Glacier Law reform near Congress in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. Photo by Juan Ignacio Roncoroni/EPA April 9 (UPI) -- Argentina's Chamber of Deputies approved Thursday a reform of the Glacier Law that loosens environmental protect»»»
Vazrazhdane Top-of-the-List Candidate in Vratsa Says Bulgaria's Social System Left to Drift
The social system in Bulgaria has been left to drift instead of addressing people's problems, said Ivaylo Papov, top-of-the-list candidate of Vazrazhdane in the 6th multi-member constituency in Vratsa, the party's press office said on Thursday. According to Papov, the system tends to sustain proble»»»
Lebanon steps up diplomacy to confirm inclusion in U.S.–Iran cease-fire - UPI.com
People flee from areas the Israeli army has warned could come under attack in Beirut, Lebanon, on Wednesday. Photo by Wael Hamzeh/EPA BEIRUT, Lebanon, April 9 (UPI) -- Lebanese officials engaged Thursday in intensive diplomatic contacts to confirm the country's inclusion in the Pakistan-mediated U.»»»
Dubai Police deploy 379 horse-mounted patrols to boost safety in Q1 2026
Dubai: Dubai Police have intensified their visible security presence across the emirate, deploying 379 mounted patrols during the first quarter of 2026, covering residential, commercial and tourist areas. The patrols, carried out by the Mounted Police Station, are part of ongoing efforts to enhance»»»
Russian propaganda claims Norway is helping Ukraine prepare attacks on vessels in northern waters
In an apparent attempt to divert attention from GUGI’s failed North Sea operation, the Kremlin’s propaganda outlet TASS on Thursday accused Norway of assisting Ukraine in preparing attacks on Russian vessels in the Barents and Norwegian Seas. “The criminal Kyiv regime, with the assistance of milita»»»
Israel Carries Out Incursions in Syria’s Quneitra as UNDOF Monitors
As Israeli forces press deeper into Syrian territory along the ceasefire line in the occupied Golan Heights, a Syrian official source told Asharq Al-Awsat that increased patrols by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) stem from the 1974 disengagement agreement, not new understand»»»
MoCI takes action against central market over pricing, fraud violations
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has recorded three violations at a central market involving pricing non-compliance, commercial fraud, and misleading practices. In a statement on social media, the Ministry said that legal measures have been taken against the Al Sailiya Cent»»»
European Development Bank Unveils 5 Bn Euros for War-hit Economies
The European development bank said Thursday it was unlocking five billion euros ($5.9 bn) to help shore up economies hit by the Middle East war. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said it will "deploy EUR5 billion in 2026 in economies impacted by Middle East conflict". The »»»
Israel to negotiate peace directly with Lebanon – Ya Libnan
Share: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he has instructed Israel’s Cabinet to open direct negotiations with Lebanon. “In light of Lebanon’s repeated calls to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the Cabinet yesterday to open direct negotiations with Lebanon as s»»»
Disney to lay off up to 1,000 employees - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Disney plans to lay off up to 1,000 employees and cut their positions, focusing largely on its marketing department. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo April 9 (UPI) -- Disney plans to lay off up to 1,000 employees and cut their positions, focusing largely on its marketing de»»»
4 banks join the Wages Protection System
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the new Wages Protection System in the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced the inclusion of four new financial institutions in the system, further strengthening wage management efficiency and expanding options for employers.»»»
Trump administration ‘weaponizing Christianity’ as Israel acts with impunity – activist
The administration of US President Donald Trump is “weaponizing Christianity” to justify its actions in the Middle East, while Israel continues to act with impunity as much of the West turns a blind eye, Irish activist and satirist Tadhg Hickey has said. Appearing on RT’s East Meets West show, host»»»
Djuric: UNMIK presence in Kosovo-Metohija must not be weakened, but strengthened
NEW YORK - Addressing a UN Security Council session on the work of UNMIK, the UN mission in Kosovo-Metohija, Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Thursday its presence continued to serve as a key guarantee of peace, stability and protection of the fundamental human rights of Serbs living in the province»»»
The battle for Hungary: How the election became a US-EU battleground
Not so long ago, US President Donald Trump openly endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of the Hungarian parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12. From a diplomatic standpoint, urging citizens of another country to vote for a specific candidate is contentious, to say the least.»»»
Northwest Bulgaria a Priority, Radev Says at Vidin Campaign Launch
Progressive Bulgaria leader Rumen Radev met his supporters at Festivalna Sports Hall in Vidin, the coalition’s campaign headquarters announced on Thursday. Radev presented the formation as an alternative for restoring trust in the state. Among the main priorities, Radev highlighted the "dismantling»»»
Israeli Fire Kills at Least 4 Palestinians in Gaza
Israeli forces shot and killed a young female student on Thursday while she was attending a class held in a tent in the town of Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip, health and education officials said. The education ministry said third-grade student Ritaj Rihan was hit by a bullet in front of he»»»
BSP – United Left Meets with Hunters' and Anglers' Union
Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) Deputy Chair Atanas Merdzhanov told the leadership of the National Hunters' and Anglers' Union (NHAU) that protecting Bulgaria's nature, its forests and biodiversity are inherently left-wing values which the BSP – United Left coalition will uphold in the next parliam»»»
Cannes Festival promises escapism in Hollywood-lite edition
Paris, France: The Cannes Film Festival unveiled its roster of films for this year's edition on Thursday packed with historical dramas, "gentleness" and even football, with the absence of major Hollywood studios set to dial down the American razzle-dazzle of previous editions. Festival director Thi»»»
Dubai real estate transactions jump 31% to Dh252b in Q1 2026
Dubai: Dubai’s real estate sector recorded a strong start to 2026, with total transactions reaching Dh252 billion in the first quarter, marking a 31 per cent year-on-year increase in value and a 6 per cent rise in volume. Data released by the Dubai Land Department showed that 60,303 real estate tra»»»
Syria, Türkiye launch strategic partnership, expand coordination
Ankara, Apr. 9 (SANA) Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani affirmed that Syria and the Republic of Türkiye have inaugurated a new phase of relations based on strategic partnership and mutual respect. Speaking during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hak»»»