Convict on house arrest back in prison after firing gun into the air
A 71-year-old man under house arrest since last year for attempting to bribe a Supreme Court judge was taken back into custody Monday night after allegedly firing a shotgun outside his home in eastern Attica, police said. Christos Mavrikis, known for his role in a high-profile political wiretapping»»»
Look: Amazon van follows GPS to firing range, gets stuck in mud - UPI.com
Feb. 16 (UPI) -- An Amazon delivery van took a wrong turn while following GPS directions and ended up stuck on mudflats used as a shooting range by Britain's Ministry of Defense. HM Coastguard Southend on Sea said on social media that crews responded Sunday morning to The Broomway, "a 600-year-old,»»»
Researchers develop 'Smart Underwear' to track a wearer's farts - UPI.com
University of Maryland researchers designed "Smart Underwear" to track and measure the wearer's flatulence. Photo courtesy of the University of Maryland Feb. 16 (UPI) -- University of Maryland researchers designed "Smart Underwear" to track and measure flatulence -- and they are seeking volunteers »»»
Lent 2026: Start date, mass timings in Dubai
As Catholics prepare to mark Lent starting from tomorrow, February 18, Pope Leo XIV has called on Church members to listen, fast, and come together in a shared journey of faith. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, when a mass will be held followed by the marking of the ashes on the forehead. The whole se»»»
UAE enforces strict Ramadan price checks to protect consumers
Dubai: The UAE has once again put the interest of the people first by warning retailers against price increases for nine categories of essential goods during Ramadan, while inspection teams in Dubai have already begun field visits ahead of the holy month to ensure price labels match checkout bills »»»
Nancy Guthrie's family cleared as possible suspects, with search in its third week
Police in Arizona say family members of Nancy Guthrie have been cleared as possible suspects, as speculation grows on social media about the whereabouts of the missing 84-year-old mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie. "The family has been nothing but co-operative and gracious and are victims in th»»»
Bill Gates stays on India AI Summit agenda after Epstein-related confusion
Dubai: Uncertainty surrounding Bill Gates’ participation in the India AI Impact Summit has been resolved, with the Gates Foundation confirming that the Microsoft co-founder will attend as scheduled and deliver his keynote address. Questions had emerged after Gates’ name did not appear on the summit»»»
French President Emmanuel Macron meets Bollywood stars in Mumbai minus blue aviators
Dubai: French President Emmanuel Macron, who turned heads at the World Economic Forum with his blue reflective aviators, brought his signature style to Mumbai today while meeting Bollywood stars like Anil Kapoor and Manoj Bajpayee. In the pictures that are now doing the rounds, Macron was spotted w»»»
$2bn Cyprus–Egypt Gas Pipeline Project Targets 2030 Start
Egypt and Cyprus have agreed to establish a Cyprus-based company to construct and operate a subsea natural gas pipeline linking the Aphrodite gas field to Egypt, in a project expected to exceed $2 billion in investments. According to a senior Egyptian government official cited by Asharq Business wi»»»
AI can spot the crescent before the eye but faith still decides the start of Ramadan
Modern technologies and artificial intelligence can now detect the crescent moon with remarkable accuracy, often identifying what the naked eye and ground-based telescopes cannot. Yet, despite these advances, the final decision on the start of Islamic months remains a matter of religious judgement,»»»
Mayors Rally in Bistritsa to Support Colleague After Arson Attack
Mayors from across Bulgaria gathered in the village of Bistritsa to show support for their colleague Samuil Popov, following the arson of his home and car on Monday night, Bulfoto reported. The demonstration, held in front of the local administration building, was attended by political figures incl»»»
Trump warns Iran of 'consequences' of no deal at nuke talks in Geneva - UPI.com
Speaking on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday night, President Donald Trump said he would be involved in nuclear talks with Iran that get underway Tuesday but reiterated warnings to Tehran that it may face further U.S. military strikes if it doesn't make a deal. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UP»»»
Bangladesh’s new PM Tarique Rahman takes office
Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was sworn into office on Tuesday to lead the first elected government since a deadly 2024 uprising, facing a daunting list of challenges. Top of the list for 60-year-old Rahman will be improving security, healing rifts in a country polarised by years »»»
ECHR: Bulgarian Authorities Failed to Effectively Investigate Racist Assault
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has found that the Bulgarian authorities failed to effectively investigate a racist assault, the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) reported on Tuesday. The Court delivered its judgment in the case of British national Leon Koffi, who was beaten by a group o»»»
QCB announces working hours for financial institutions during Ramadan
Doha, Qatar: On the occasion of the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has announced the working hours for financial institutions. In a statement, QCB said: "It has been decided that the official working hours for the financial institutions would be 5 hours a day, sta»»»
Protesters Block Beirut Roads after Cabinet Approves New Taxes that Raise Fuel Prices
Protesters blocked main roads in and around Beirut on Tuesday after Lebanon’s Cabinet approved new taxes that raise fuel prices and other products to fund public pay hikes. The Cabinet approved a tax of 300,000 Lebanese pounds (about $3.30) on every 20 liters (5.3 gallons) of gasoline on Monday. Di»»»
Why this ultra-luxury hotel brand still doesn’t have a UAE address. The CEO says that's on purpose
Dubai: For a luxury hotel group founded in 1865, the absence of a UAE address stands out. Langham Hospitality Group has been eyeing the Emirates for years. Deals were discussed. Opportunities came close. There were whispers of launches. But a Langham in the UAE is yet to materialise. Sign up for ou»»»
Dubai becomes new global hub for NKEY Architects following rapid growth in MENA
Dubai: NKEY Architects, an international full-cycle architecture and design company, behind more than 500 residential and commercial projects across over 45 countries, has announced the relocation of its global headquarters to Dubai, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s next phase of growt»»»
South Asia: A disconnected giant in a connected world
South Asia is one of the great paradoxes of the global economy. Home to nearly a quarter of the world’s population, including three of the ten most populous countries, it should logically be among the most interconnected regions on earth. Instead, it remains one of the least integrated — economical»»»
865 children to receive Eid gifts under Sharjah’s ‘Eid Joy’ campaign
The Sharjah Social Services Department has launched the 14th edition of its community initiative “Eid Joy”, aimed at bringing happiness to children benefiting from the department’s social care programmes through the distribution of special “Boxes of Joy”. The initiative, organised by the department»»»
Deputy Amir leads farewell of Crown Prince of Bahrain
Doha, Qatar: The Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani led the farewell of HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa upon departure, along with his accompanying delegation, from Doha International Airport on Tuesday, after the end o»»»
Over 1,000 Romanian patients were treated in 2025 at the private hospital Wiener Privatklinik in Vienna
Wiener Privatklinik (WPK), one of Austria’s largest private hospitals, treated more than 1,000 Romanian patients in 2025, while the total value of treatments provided to Romanian patients increased by 10% compared to the previous year. Romanian patients accounted for 24% of all international patien»»»
China overtakes the US in nuclear submarine production, says IISS
China has long ago overtaken the US when it comes to the navy, but now Beijing has also overhauled the US in submarines. China has rapidly expanded its nuclear-powered submarine production, surpassing US launch numbers and»»»
Slovenia’s GDP grows 1.1% in 2025, driven by domestic consumption
Slovenia’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 1.1% in 2025 (chart), according to a first estimate published by the statistics office on February 16. Growth was primarily supported by domestic consumption, which rose»»»
EU may freeze Serbia funds over controversial judicial reforms
The European Union could withhold part of a €1.6bn allocation of loans and grants to Serbia after Belgrade passed judicial reforms that are “eroding trust” in its commitment to the rule of law, the bloc’s enlargement commissioner told Reuters on February 12. »»»
Western Balkans truck drivers warn of new blockades over Schengen stay rules
Truck drivers from Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bosnia & Herzegovina are considering new blockades of cargo border crossings after the European Union rejected all proposals aimed at easing restrictions on their stay in the Schengen area, local media reported on February 16. »»»
Sarajevo protests enter fourth day after deadly tram crash
Protests in Bosnia’s capital entered a fourth day on February 16 as demonstrators demanded accountability after a tram derailment killed a 23-year-old man and seriously injured several others, including a teenage girl who lost a leg. »»»
Western Balkans truck drivers warn of new blockades over Schengen stay rules
Truck drivers from Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bosnia & Herzegovina are considering new blockades of cargo border crossings after the European Union rejected all proposals aimed at easing restrictions on their stay in the Schengen area, local media reported on February 16. »»»
Ukrainian Geneva talks kick off
A new round of peace talks kicks off today in Geneva. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kuchner have already landed and are due to begin talks in a few hours. We're getting close to the end in the sense that we're running out of time. Trump has already made it clear that he wants the deal done by June ahead »»»
Two ex-municipal officials convicted of breach of trust in Halkidiki
A criminal court in Thessaloniki on Tuesday convicted an ex-mayor and a former legal adviser of the Municipality of Sithonia in Halkidki, northern Greece, of breach of trust for failing to defend municipal land from private ownership claims, court officials said. According to the Athens-Macedonian »»»
Mayors Rally in Village of Bistritsa in Support of Mayor Samuil Popov
Mayors from across the country gathered in front of the village hall in Bistritsa in support of the village mayor Samuil Popov, whose car and the front door of his home were set on fire on Monday. Popov told BTA that he accepted the show of support with gratitude and thanked all colleagues who had »»»
Symphopay platform changing payment infrastructures for big retail
Symphopay is strengthening its position as a payment orchestration solution for retail on the Romanian market, following the successful implementation carried out across more than 1,750 stores in the national Profi network. Previously, the company was selected to manage complex payment and settleme»»»
Real estate transactions down 30% YoY in 2025 as Romanian capital takes leading role
The total volume of real estate transactions in 2025 reached approximately EUR 525 million, almost 30% below the EUR 750 million recorded in 2024, according to the annual report published by real estate consultancy Colliers. Romanian investors were the main source of capital on the local property m»»»
Ukrainian Geneva talks kick off
A new round of peace talks kicks off today in Geneva. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kuchner have already landed and are due to begin talks in a few hours. We're getting close to the end in the sense that we're running out of time. Trump has already made it clear that he wants the deal done by June ahead »»»
16 new school buildings commissioned in Osh region in 2025 - | 24.KG
During a working visit to Osh region, Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, attended the opening ceremony of a school in the village of Zhylaldy in Uzgen district. The head of the Cabinet noted that the old schoo»»»
Bulgaria: Teacher Arrested in Pleven Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Two 13-Year-Old Girls
A teacher from the Pleven region has been taken into custody over allegations of sexual abuse involving two 13-year-old girls, Nova TV reported. The 29-year-old mathematics instructor, who works at a school in the village of Sadovets, is accused of engaging in sexual acts with one girl and committi»»»
Media Review: February 17
PETROHAN Mediapool reported that a group of 10–12 men on ATVs were in the area of Petrohan lodge hours before the deaths of three of its residents, citing testimony from Deyan Iliev, the man who found the bodies, “confirmed by the media outlet’s sources.” He spotted them in the nearby village of Gi»»»
Ramadan in Dubai: Free Salik during these hours
Salik has announced amended toll timings for the month of Ramadan on its social media channels. Dubai’s road toll system will be levying the following tariffs across the holy month: From Mon to Sat, the toll will be set at Dh6. For the Zakat calculator, click here. On these days, the toll will dip »»»
Looking for advanced and gentle dental treatments? Discover the advantages of laser dentistry
The landscape of dental care is evolving fast. Recent technological advancements like laser are revolutionizing many dental procedures. This way, more and more patients are benefiting from reduced pain and shorter recovery times, not to mention excellent results. If you’re searching for high-qualit»»»
Russian Forces Carry Out High Precision Strike on Ukrainian Military Energy Infrastructure
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian forces delivered a massive retaliatory strike on Ukraine's military-industrial complex facilities and energy infrastructure used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday. "In response to the terrorist attacks by the Ukrainian regime on »»»
Germany inflation rises 2.1% at start of 2026
BusinessGermany inflation rises 2.1% at start of 2026Richard ConnorIncreases in food and fuel prices were the main drivers of inflation in Germany, new statistics confirmed. https://p.dw.com/p/58tg7People in Germany saw themselves paying more for food compared to a year agoImage: Michael Bihlmayer/»»»
Egyptian woman wins share of SR150 million Saudi fortune
Dubai: A Saudi appeals court has ruled that an Egyptian woman is entitled to a share of her late husband’s estate worth more than 150 million riyals (around 1.8 billion Egyptian pounds), concluding a high-profile inheritance dispute involving a Saudi businessman. The Jeddah Personal Status Court of»»»
Outgoing Interior Minister Mitov, UK's Ambassador Copsey Visit Kalotina Border Checkpoint
Nathaniel Copsey, the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Bulgaria, has visited the Kalotina border checkpoint together with outgoing Interior Minister Daniel Mitov to observe how the EU’s Entry/Exit System is being implemented at the bloc’s external land borders, the Interior Ministry said on Tuesday. »»»
17th Century Wreck Reappears from Stockholm Deep
A 17th century Swedish Navy shipwreck buried underwater in central Stockholm for 400 years has suddenly become visible due to unusually low Baltic Sea levels. The wooden planks of the ship's well-preserved hull have since early February been peeking out above the surface of the water off the island»»»
Explained: Why BMC wants to ban Aditya Dhar’s studio from shooting in Mumbai over Dhurandhar 2 violations
Dubai: It looks like Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar’s upcoming second installment of his hit spy series has landed in controversy ahead of its theatrical release this March. According to reports, Mumbai’s civic authorities BMC have initiated action against Dhar's production banner, B62 Studios, ci»»»
Rio carnival parade honours President Lula, sparks criticism
A colossal metallic robot depicting Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva towered over Rio de Janeiro's famed Sambadrome avenue on Sunday night, in a Carnival parade that has drawn fire for its tribute to a sitting president in an election year. Samba school Academicos de Niteroi kicked off three days»»»
‘Get the files out’: Hillary Clinton slams Trump's Epstein cover-up
Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton accused President Donald Trump of staging a "cover-up" over files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Days before her scheduled deposition before a Congressional committee, Clinton said the Republicans probing her are trying to deflect attention awa»»»
US civil rights activist and African American icon Jesse Jackson dies aged 84
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime US civil rights leader, two-time presidential candidate and African American icon died on Tuesday aged 84, his family said. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday aged 84, had a three-pronged career of civil rights, liberal missions and political activism, and his two White »»»
Dammam Airport Launches Saudi Arabia’s First Category III Automatic Landing System
Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region, inaugurated on Monday two major aviation projects at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam: a dedicated General Aviation Terminal for private flights and the Kingdom’s first Category III Instrument Landing System (IL»»»
PM: Gov’t gives top priority to restructuring economic entities
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the government gives a top priority to restructuring economic entities during the current phase. Madbouly made the remarks in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Eissa on Monday, February 16, 2026, to follow up on the developments o»»»