ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has praised Saudi Arabia’s Hajj arrangements and thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Kingdom’s Hajj ministry for facilities provided to Pakistani pilgrims during a visit to Mina camps housing worshippers from the South Asian nation, »»»

Makkah: Pilgrims from Qatar joined worshipers from around the world at Mount Arafat on Tuesday to perform the most important ritual of Hajj, in an atmosphere marked by prayer, reflection and devotion. Pilgrims will perform Dhuhr and Asr prayers combined and shortened in accordance with the traditio»»»

California authorities said on Sunday they had discovered a crack in a damaged tank containing toxic chemicals, easing fears over a potential explosion that earlier prompted the evacuation of about 40,000 residents. The leak began on Friday in Orange County's Garden Grove area, sending fumes across»»»

Colombia is heading into a high-stakes presidential election on Sunday, amid rising violence, inflation, and deep political division. Voters will choose between continuing left-wing social reforms under Ivan Cepeda, a centrist-right shift led by Paloma Valencia, or a hardline security agenda from A»»»

Scientists have discovered a new species of octopus nearly 1,800 metres below the water's surface near the Galapagos Islands. The team from the Charles Darwin Foundation named the “tiny” cerulean cephalopod Microeledone galapagensis because of its blue hue, which is believe»»»

Athletes using performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision in an attempt to break records : that is the concept behind the Enhanced Games currently taking place in Las Vegas. But the open use of banned substances is already fuelling major controversy, with many experts warning that the lo»»»

ANGELES: Lea Casilao and her husband usually began each day exchanging text messages: “Good morning” from her, and his usual reply of “Good morning, love.” But on Sunday morning, no reply came. Casilao said she knew her husband, Joselito, had been staying at the workers’ barracks on Saturday night »»»

NEW DELHI: The foreign ministers of Australia, India, Japan and the United States, also known as the Quad, are meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday on how to strengthen their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and common concerns about China’s growing influence in the region. The meeting brings together In»»»

More than a million worshippers gathered in Mecca on Monday for the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Islam's holiest city, but the harsh heat has been brutal for many attendees. This week’s daytime temperatures will hover between 42 and 47 degrees Celsius, according to Saudi Arabian of»»»

US President Donald Trump has tempered expectations of a swift agreement with Iran despite signs of progress in negotiations. The talks reportedly focus on Iran pledging not to acquire nuclear weapons in exchange for possible sanctions relief and an easing of US economic pressure.»»»

Iran's ⁠President Masoud ​Pezeshkian has issued ​an order to reopen international internet access, Iranian ​state ‌media ⁠reported on Monday, ‌citing an official. Authorities first imposed an internet blackout from January 8 in response to nationwide anti-government protests, with ​access gradually»»»

Despite signs of progress, uncertainty still surrounds a possible agreement between Washington and Tehran, with both sides signalling caution over the terms of any final deal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that negotiations were still a “work in progress”, though his comments sug»»»

The United States and Iran have downplayed prospects for a rapid deal to end the Middle East war, despite signs of progress in talks. Key sticking points remain over Iran’s nuclear programme, control of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and a possible ceasefire in Lebanon, with both sides sign»»»

Israeli strikes killed two people in southern Lebanon during the weekend despite the ongoing ceasefire with Hezbollah. At the same time, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected talks with Israel, opposed disarmament, and called for protests against the Lebanese government, drawing condemnation from t»»»

Despite security concerns linked to the conflict in the Middle East, pilgrims from around the world continue to arrive in Mecca for this year’s Hajj. Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million people have already reached the kingdom, with numbers expected to rise further as many say they are willing»»»

In the occupied West Bank, illegal Israeli settlements are dramatically increasing, encouraged by the Israeli government and protected by the army. Meanwhile, Palestinians are suffering greater numbers of violent attacks by extremist settlers, for which they almost always receive no justice. O»»»

Forecasters in Europe warned Tuesday of exceptional heat as record temperatures driven by a "heat dome" push temperatures well above seasonal norms across the continent. The surge follows a record-breaking Monday, with France logging its hottest day in the month of May on record, according to its w»»»

Simon Mabon, Professor of International Politics and Middle East Studies at Lancaster University, joins FRANCE 24 to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East. While Iran and the United States are still exploring a possible deal to end the conflict, both sides are now downplaying hopes of »»»

Israel’s Foreign Ministry mocked the activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla online, alleging that injuries were “staged” for the cameras as an activist pictured in a neck brace displayed a “marvellous recovery," when returning home without it. This comes as many activists have returned to their h»»»

Israel intensified air strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon on Monday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to “crush” Hezbollah, deepening fears of a wider regional conflict. The escalation comes despite an April ceasefire and as another round of US-Iran talks takes place in Doha in»»»

London: Forecasters in Europe warned Tuesday of exceptional heat as record temperatures driven by a "heat dome" push temperatures well above seasonal norms across the continent. The surge follows a record-breaking Monday, with France logging its hottest day in the month of May on record, according »»»

Senegal's parliamentary speaker El Malick Ndiaye stepped down Sunday, clearing the way for his ally Ousmane Sonko – sacked two days ago by the country's president – to run for his position as the head of parliament. Sonko's Pastef party commands a strong majority in the West African »»»

The World Health Organization warned Monday that a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Uganda was outpacing response efforts, with at least 220 suspected deaths reported. Health workers in the conflict-hit Ituri province face attacks on medical fac»»»

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda is raising fears of wider spread, with over 900 suspected cases and more than 200 deaths reported in the DRC. Health workers warn the toll is likely higher due to limited testing, while conflict, mistrust, and lack of treatment for th»»»

An unusually early heatwave has pushed temperatures above 30°C across France, leading to multiple medical emergencies during running events. In suburbs of Paris and other cities, dozens of participants collapsed, with several hospitalised in serious condition and emergency services overwhelmed by h»»»

More French households are turning to air conditioning as heatwaves become more frequent, despite traditionally low adoption rates compared with countries like the United States or Japan. Rising temperatures are driving demand, but many people remain concerned about the environmental impact and the»»»

It's the story of an online joke that became a viral sensation on social media and started what appears to be the grass roots of a political movement. India's Cockroach Party was founded by a public relations student to parody comments made by India's chief Supreme Court judge about young people. A»»»

Australia’s spy chief on Monday told an inquiry into the Bondi Beach mass shooting that anti-Semitism was left unchecked in the country after the start of the war in Gaza. Australian Security Intelligence Organisation head Mike Burgess added that before the attack that kill»»»

A viral online joke in India, the “Cockroach Janta Party,” created as a parody of comments by a Supreme Court judge, has grown into a Gen Z–driven political movement with millions of followers. It promotes youth frustration with traditional politics but has also faced attempts by authorities to res»»»

China has successfully launched and docked the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with its Tiangong Space Station, marking a major step forward in the country’s space ambitions. The new crew will begin a mission that includes preparations for future lunar landings, advanced scientific experiments, and China’s »»»

Dubai: In the lead-up to Eid Al Adha and in line with the objectives of the “Year of Family,” the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has launched a series of integrated humanitarian and community initiatives aimed at supporting families, enhancing social stability, and spreading joy acr»»»

Chinese industrial developer Cloud Chain is planning to establish a USD 1.5 billion–2 billion integrated textile industrial city in Port Said, in what officials describe as a potentially carbon-neutral manufacturing complex and one of the largest textile investment projects proposed in Egypt in rec»»»

At Kumtor mine, 13 operators and instructors are undergoing training to work with modern Sandvik DD322i self-propelled drilling rig. This equipment is unique in that, among other mining companies in the CIS, such a digital drilling rig is currently used only at Kumtor mine. The new rig takes underg»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari has rejected reports suggesting Iran was "offered" payment to secure an agreement to end the war. In a post on X, Dr Al Ansari said, "The reports suggesting Qatar 'of»»»

Pope Leo XIV on Monday published his long-awaited manifesto on artificial intelligence outlining the Catholic Church’s response to the technology’s ethical and social challenges. The US-born pontiff presented the eagerly awaited “Magnifica Humanitas” encyclical at the Vatican alongside senior Churc»»»

The mullet hairstyle is enjoying a revival, with around 2,000 fans gathering in Belgium for the European Mullet Championship. Beyond the haircut itself, participants described the mullet as a symbol of freedom, individuality and resistance to conformity.»»»

Kyiv is still dealing with the aftermath of a large-scale Russian overnight strike that killed four people and injured dozens, with emergency teams continuing search and cleanup operations across the city. More than 50 sites were hit, including homes, a school and a museum, while Russia says it use»»»

PRESS REVIEW – Monday, 25 May 2026: First, papers discuss whether Russian President Vladimir Putin has lost support from his backers. Next, a police raid of opposition party headquarters in Turkey is getting considerable coverage. Also, the Enhanced Games do not lead to the»»»

Mecca: More than 2.5 million Muslim pilgrims gathered on the plain of Arafat on Tuesday to perform the most sacred rite of the Hajj pilgrimage, in one of the world’s largest annual displays of faith and devotion. Pilgrims streamed into the vast desert plain in an atmosphere of calm and order, as Sa»»»

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told confidants in private conversations that Israel has little ability to influence US President Donald Trump’s decision-making on Iran as the president negotiates a deal in the nearly three-month-old war, according to two sources speaking to Reuters o»»»

The Board of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic has decided to keep the discount rate at 12 percent. This decision comes into effect on May 26, 2026, the press service of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic reported. Since the beginning of 2026, the external economic environment has been»»»

Former Economy and Energy Minister Rumen Ovcharov sharply criticized the management of Lukoil under special manager Rumen Spetsov, describing the results as “catastrophic” after Parliament moved to limit the powers of the state-appointed administrator. Speaking to Bulgarian National Radio, Ovcharov»»»

Hosting Eurovision 2027 could bring Bulgaria between EUR 45 million and EUR 70 million in net economic revenue, according to a preliminary analysis by cross-border payment company iBanFirst. The estimate depends largely on how many foreign visitors arrive for the contest and how long they remain in»»»

A consortium including private equity firm Advent and FedEx has launched a recommended all-cash public offer to acquire all shares of Polish automated parcel locker operator InPost and delist it from the Euronext Amsterdam exchange. Funds managed and/or advised by Advent International, FCWB - a who»»»

Slovenia’s parliament on May 22 approved right-leaning leader Janez Janša as prime minister-designate, ending a post-election deadlock and paving the way for a new coalition government promising tax cuts and pro-business reforms. Janša, leader of the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), secured 51 vot»»»

Nigeria’s state oil company is considering an equity partnership that could give Chinese investors a controlling stake in the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries of about 51%, marking a potentially significant shift in the country’s downstream restructuring strategy. The proposed arrangement follows»»»

Health authorities across Central and East Africa are racing to contain a rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak centred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, as the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that insecurity, weak health systems and the absence of an approved vaccine for t»»»

Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government, deepening uncertainty in the West African state as it attempts to restart suspended negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and stabilise deteriorating public finances. A»»»

Millions of Ukrainian refugees are likely to remain in the European Union for years – and possibly permanently – even if the war with Russia ends, according to a new report by Dutch think-tank Clingendael Institute that warns European governments must prepare for long-term integration rather than a»»»

For years, Ukraine and Moldova have vied for the dubious honour of being the poorest country in Europe. The contest was close enough to be largely academic and they regularly traded last and second to last places for years. That symmetry is over. The average Moldovan today earns approximately 1.5 t»»»