UK production costs hit record high amid Middle East conflict
London, April 22 (SANA) British companies reported a record rise in production costs this month, according to a new economic survey, highlighting renewed inflationary pressures that could feed into prices amid global energy disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict. Data from S&P Global showed»»»
Trump orders US Navy to destroy boats laying mines in Hormuz
Washington, United States: President Donald Trump on Thursday vowed the United States would destroy any vessel laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as he rachets up pressure on Iran to reopen the crucial sea passage. "I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats th»»»
Trump Says Ordered US Navy to Triple Mine Clearing Activity in Strait of Hormuz
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he is ordering the United States Navy to triple mine clearing activity in the Strait of Hormuz. The US president said that he ordered the Navy to shoot any Iranian boat allegedly putting mines in the strait. "Additionally, our mine '»»»
Aldar acquires KEZAD logistics assets for Dh650m to expand portfolio
Dubai: Aldar Properties has acquired an industrial and logistics portfolio from a subsidiary of AD Ports Group for Dh650 million, expanding its presence in Abu Dhabi’s key economic zone. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.The transaction involves the»»»
Saudi Ministry of Culture pays tribute to doyen of Indian theater
RIYADH: The Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission launched the Ebrahim Al-Kazi Chair of Research at the Saudi Center for Research and Knowledge Intercommunication, supported by the Ministry of Culture. “The Commission announces the launch of the Ebrahim Al-Kazi Research Chair, who serves as »»»
Photo of migrant family separation in US scoops World Press prize
Amsterdam: A picture of an Ecuadoran family separated when US immigration agents arrested the father following a court hearing won the 2025 World Press Photo of the Year Award on Thursday. The photo, taken by Carol Guzy of the ZUMA Press agency and iWitness for the Miami Herald, shows the moment Im»»»
US military says it seizes another oil tanker associated with Iran
The U.S. military on Thursday seized another tanker associated with the smuggling of Iranian oil, ratcheting up a standoff with Iran a day after its paramilitary Revolutionary Guards took control of two vessels in the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The Defense Department released video footage of U.S. f»»»
What Does the Inclusion of Saudi Bonds in the J.P. Morgan Index Mean?
Saudi Arabia’s debt market is set for a strategic shift in early 2027, following J.P. Morgan’s announcement that local-currency bonds will be included in its global emerging markets bond index. The move represents a vote of confidence in the Kingdom’s structural reforms and is expected to open the »»»
Bangladesh measles crisis deepens as child deaths reach 194
Dhaka: Bangladesh has recorded 194 child deaths due to measles in an outbreak that began last month, while the number of suspected child cases has exceeded 28,000, government data showed on Thursday. Between three and five children have died from the disease every day for the past week. Five childr»»»
Lebanon leaders accuse Israel of war crime after journalist killed
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s president and prime minister accused Israel on Thursday of a war crime, after an airstrike killed a Lebanese journalist in the country’s south, where Israeli forces occupy several areas. Rescuers and the reporter’s employer on Wednesday confirmed the death of Amal Khalil, a 42-yea»»»
Saudi ministries launch award to promote innovation in pilgrims’ services
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, has opened registration for the second Researchers in the Service of Pilgrims award, supporting innovation and applied research in the Hajj and Umrah sector. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the aw»»»
Sri Lanka Plans to Pay for Russian Oil in Chinese Yuan - Reports
NEW DELHI (Sputnik) - Sri Lanka is planning to pay for future imports of Russian crude oil in Chinese yuan, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported on Thursday, citing the country's new energy minister, Aruna Karunatilake. The discussions on the matter are still ongoing, the minister said. "We expect t»»»
Aoun, Salam accuse Israel of war crime after journalist killed
Lebanon's president and prime minister accused Israel on Thursday of a war crime, after an airstrike killed a Lebanese journalist in the country's south, where Israeli forces occupy several areas. Rescuers and the reporter's employer on Wednesday confirmed the death of Amal Khalil, a 42-year-old jo»»»
US Navy secretary exits administration effective immediately
US Navy Secretary John C. Phelan has stepped down in an abrupt move announced by the Pentagon without any public explanation or indication that his exit was linked to the naval blockade of Iran. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement that Phelan was “departing the administration” at on»»»
Watch: Electric wheelchair explosion caught on camera in Florida - UPI.com
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hollywood Fire Rescue (@hollywoodfirerescue) April 21 (UPI) -- A Florida woman's home security camera was recording when an electric wheelchair she bought from a thrift store exploded in her driveway. Hollywood Fire Rescue shared a video on social media »»»
58-year-old woman killed in bear attack in Poland
Warsaw: A 58-year-old woman was killed by a bear in Southeastern Poland on Thursday, Pawel Giba, press officer for the District State Fire Service Headquarters in Sanok, told AFP. A report received by the fire department "indicated that in the village of Plonna a woman was allegedly attacked by a b»»»
Amir, Italian defence minister review latest developments in Middle East
DOHA: His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received Minister of Defence of the friendly Italian Republic HE Guido Crosetto, and his accompanying delegation at his office in the Amiri Diwan, on the occasion of their visit to the country. During the meeting, the»»»
UN 'working on' keeping presence in Lebanon in 2027
The United Nations said Thursday it was "working on" maintaining a presence in Lebanon once the mandate for its UNIFIL peacekeeping force expires at the end of the year. "In terms of the post-UNIFIL, we're currently in the process of working on these options," said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the U.N. Und»»»
Indonesia rules out Malacca Strait toll as Hormuz crisis spotlights Asia’s key chokepoint
JAKARTA: Indonesia will not charge tolls in the Strait of Malacca, its foreign minister said on Thursday, dispelling reports it could follow Iran’s example in the Strait of Hormuz. Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono spoke to reporters in response to media reports over the possible blockage of the»»»
Tanzania poll violence report is ‘whitewash’: opposition
NAIROBI: A Tanzanian government report into election violence that killed hundreds is “an attempt to whitewash the regime’s crimes,” the main opposition party told AFP on Thursday. A commission of enquiry reported on Thursday that 518 people were killed in protests and violence around the election »»»
EU approves a massive loan package to help Ukraine after Hungary lifts its veto
BRUSSELS: The European Union on Thursday approved a massive loan package to help Ukraine meet its economic and military needs for the next two years, the bloc’s Cypriot presidency said, after Hungary lifted its veto. The EU also approved a new raft of sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukrain»»»
Pentagon says US forces boarded tanker carrying Iranian oil
Washington, United States: The US Defense Department said Thursday its forces boarded a vessel in the Indian Ocean that was providing material support to Iran, the second time it had done so in three days. "Overnight, US forces carried out a maritime interdiction and right-of-visit boarding of the »»»
Iran’s Hormuz tolls defy global law, set dangerous precedent
Dubai: Iran’s move to impose and reportedly collect tolls from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz marks a direct challenge to international law and a dangerous escalation in its confrontation with the United States and its allies. A senior Iranian parliament official has claimed that Tehran»»»
Textile sector mission scheduled in Hanover ahead of “ITMA 2027” (AHK)
Tunis, April 23, 2026 (TAP) — A business mission for Tunisian companies will be organized ahead of the World Textile and Garment Technology Fair “ITMA 2027,” scheduled to take place from September 16 to 22, 2027, in Hanover, Germany.Known as the...»»»
Amir meets Italian Minister of Defense
Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received HE Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defense of the friendly Italian Republic, and his accompanying delegation at Amiri Diwan today, April 23, 2026, on the occasion of their visit to the country. During the meeting, they reviewed regional »»»
S&P Warns African Sovereign Credit Rating Risks Likely to Worsen
S&P Global Ratings warned on Thursday that the risks to African sovereign credit scores were likely to worsen the longer the Middle East war drags on. The ratings agency said that higher fuel and fertilizer import costs would increase inflation and fiscal strains for countries, "potentially leading»»»
UAE flights disrupted: Where you can still travel today
Dubai: Air travel across the UAE continues to operate under strain nearly two months after the US-Israel-Iran conflict that erupted on February 28, with airlines relying on restricted air corridors, longer flight paths, and reduced schedules to maintain connectivity. The aviation sector has been am»»»
Amir meets TotalEnergies Chairman
Doha, Qatar: The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received at his office in the Amiri Diwan today, April 23, 2026, HE Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of French giant TotalEnergies, and his accompanying delegation, on the occasion of their visit to the country. During the meeting»»»
Cimpress seeks increased investments in Tunisia
Tunis, April 23 (TAP)- Cimpress, the global leader in web-to-print mass customisation, wants increased investments in Tunisia. A Cimpress delegation was received by Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (FIPA) Director General Jalel Tebib. It was made...»»»
Indonesia Eyes Iran’s Strategy to Monetize Malacca Strait
Indonesia's Foreign Minister Purbaya Yudha Sadewa has floated copying Iran's tax on the Strait of Hormuz for ships sailing the Strait of Malacca—bordered by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Indonesia "is not a peripheral country. We sit on a strategic global trade and energy route. Ships pass wi»»»
UN ‘working on’ keeping presence in Lebanon in 2027
GENEVA: The United Nations said Thursday it was “working on” maintaining a presence in Lebanon once the mandate for its UNIFIL peacekeeping force expires at the end of the year. “In terms of the post-UNIFIL, we’re currently in the process of working on these options,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the »»»
Gold Slips on Inflation Concerns as High Oil Prices and Stronger Dollar Weigh
Gold prices fell on Thursday, pressured by a stronger dollar and elevated oil prices that stoked inflation worries, as investors tried to assess the conflict direction from stalled US-Iran talks. Spot gold was down 0.9% at $4,696.71 per ounce, as of 1135 GMT. US gold futures for June delivery fell »»»
UAE to move 50% of government services to AI within two years
Dubai: The UAE will transform half of its government sectors, services and operations to autonomous artificial intelligence systems within two years, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The major government shift was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mo»»»
After first disappearing, Hungarian minister Szijjártó speaks out, alleging foreign interference (11 days after the election)
Our weekly digest of Hungarian politics continues as we report on developments after the historic April election and on the formation of the Tisza government. This week we cover the following topics: After 10 days, outgoing foreign minister Péter Szijjártó has resurfaced. The newly-victorious Tisza»»»
Pentagon Says US Intercepted Majestic X Ship in Indian Ocean, Carrying Oil From Iran
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US Armed Forces intercepted the Majestic X ship in the Indian Ocean, allegedly carrying oil from Iran, the Pentagon said on Thursday. "Overnight, U.S. forces carried out a maritime interdiction and right-of-visit boarding of the sanctioned stateless vessel M/T Majestic X tran»»»
Caution advised: Strong winds, dust and rain expected in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: Unsettled weather conditions featuring rain, thunder, and strong winds are expected to affect Qatar this weekend, stated the Qatar Meteorology Department. In its latest update on social media, the department stated that, today, Thursday, April 23, 2026, will see thundery rain accompani»»»
Fire breaks out aboard identity-fluid $8bn USS Zumwalt
Three sailors were injured after a fire broke out aboard USS Zumwalt while the stealth destroyer was sitting pierside at HII Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, undergoing a costly modernization meant to give the ship a whole new identity. One sailor was taken to a local hospital in st»»»
Trump says he is under 'no pressure' to bring an end to war with Iran - UPI.com
U.S. President Donald Trump insisted Wednesday there was no time pressure to end the war with Iran and no deadline for when American military action would resume in the absence of a deal, saying the Iranians were more fearful of the U.S. maritime blockade than they were of the bombing. Photo by Dan»»»
US-led Digital Neocolonialism Enslaves Millions Worldwide
While the colonialism of old involved “the looting of gold and silver and the ransacking of nations,” digital age neocolonialism is all about “forcing citizens and countries to use certain technology while extracting their personal data,” Facebook whistleblower and censorship expert Ryan Hartwig te»»»
What makes workplace stress dangerous? New report reveals nearly 900,000 deaths a year
Dubai: Workplace stress is no longer just a matter of fatigue or burnout. A new report by the United Nations' International Labour Organisation (ILO) has revealed that it is linked to nearly 900,000 deaths every year worldwide. The study entitled “The psychosocial working environment: Global develo»»»
Why viewers can’t ignore Anubhav Sinha’s disturbing thriller Assi out on Zee5
Dubai: Indian filmmaker Anubhav Sinha’s latest Hindi-language rape trial drama Assi is not an easy watch and it’s not meant to be. Starring Kani Kusruti, Tapsee Pannu, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and Mohammed Zeeshan, the compelling and visceral courtroom procedural out on Zee5 now delves into sexua»»»
Cricket’s battle not to be overshadowed by the IPL
On April 25, the Indian Premier League will be halfway through its 19th edition. Coverage of it dominates the Indian-owned and based cricket media. Last week, Harsha Bhogle, one of its long-serving commentators and journalists, declared that the IPL “has to be one of the greatest sporting phenomena»»»
Iran war pushing more than 30 million back into poverty, UN development chief says
BANGKOK: More than 30 million people will be pushed back into poverty by the impacts of the Iran war including disruptions to fuel and fertilizer supplies just as farmers are planting crops, UN development chief Alexander De Croo said on Thursday. Fertilizer shortages — worsened by the blocking o»»»
Why trust in media matters most during times of crisis
At a forum celebrating powerful women, it was a man who chose to talk about the kind of leadership that rarely makes headlines. Speaking at the session Beyond the Headlines: A Trusted Voice in Times of Crisis, Mark Thompson, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News, traced his understanding of leadership back »»»
Nearly 180 migrants cross from Libya to Crete on Thursday
Authorities on Crete responded to three separate incidents involving nearly 180 migrants reaching the southern Aegean island by boat on Thursday morning, the state-run Athens Macedonian News Agency reported. The first incident involved a boat that was spotted by a Frontex EU border patrol vessel so»»»
New arrests for illegal power grid hookups
Seven people have been arrested for alleged power theft by illegally connecting their homes to the electricity grid following police raids on Roma camps in central Greece, authorities said Thursday. A police statement said Wednesday’s operation near Lamia was intended “to enhance the public’s feeli»»»
Trump reportedly draws up NATO ‘naughty list’ after Iran war split
The White House has reportedly drawn up a NATO “naughty and nice” list, sorting member states into tiers as it considers how to reward countries that backed the US war against Iran and punish those that did not. According to Politico, the internal paper was prepared ahead of NATO Secretary General »»»
Ali Azaizeh shines for Al-Shabab to set international sights
BARCELONA: A feature of Jordan’s rise to footballing prominence over the past two years has been their fearsome attacking triumvirate. Stade Rennais’ Musa Al-Taamari might win all the plaudits but his partners in crime, Ali Olwan and Yazan Al-Naimat, scored the goals that delivered World Cup qualif»»»
Some 21.2% of Bulgaria's Population Lived below Poverty Line in 2025
In 2025, the national poverty line in Bulgaria was set at BGN 866.67 per person per month, with 1,368,700 people, or 21.2% of the population, living below it, according to data published on Thursday by the National Statistical Institute. Compared with the previous year, the poverty line increased b»»»
Moscow Contributing to Stabilizing Prices on Energy Markets Amid Hormuz Blockade - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow is contributing to stabilizing prices on energy markets and minimizing the consequences of the crisis amid the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "At the moment, you know, we are contributing to this price stabilization and »»»