Man’s body found near stream in eastern Attica
Authorities in the eastern Attica district of Zefyri are investigating after a man’s body was found near a stream. Residents alerted police earlier that a man had been swept away by floodwaters near the Eschatia stream. A forensic examination has been ordered to determine the cause of death. Storm »»»
Sofia Mayor and Ambassador of Japan Discuss Cooperation Opportunities in Key Areas
Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev met with Japan’s Ambassador to Bulgaria Chikahisa Sumi on Thursday to discuss cooperation opportunities in key areas that included infrastructure development, improvement of urban environment, and cultural exchange and education, the municipality reported. The Mayor prese»»»
Arab League Urges Action to Force Israel to Repeal Prisoner Execution Law
The Arab League strongly condemned on Thursday the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a law allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners. It urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations Human Rights Council, to act urgently to compel Israe»»»
OxfordAQA cancels IGCSE and A Level exams in UAE for May/June 2026 series
Dubai: UK exam board OxfordAQA has cancelled all International GCSE and International A Level exams in the UAE for the May/June 2026 series. The announcement came in an email to UAE schools on Thursday, signed by Rob Bryson, Director of International Delivery, and seen by Gulf News. “After consulti»»»
U.N. urges El Salvador to review life sentences for minors - UPI.com
The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights wants authorities in El Salvador to reconsider constitutional and legal changes that allow life sentences for minors as young as 12. File Photo by Rodrigo Sura/EPA April 2 (UPI) -- The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human»»»
Iran Hangs 18-Year-Old Over Protests in Latest Wartime Execution, Say Activists
Iranian authorities Thursday executed a teenager convicted over January protests after a fast-track trial rights groups labelled as "grossly unfair", as the country ramps up executions during the war with the US and Israel. Amir Hossein Hatami, 18, was sentenced to death in February along with six »»»
President Iotova Appoints Three New Secretaries in Her Administration since Taking Office in Late January
Three new secretaries have been appointed to Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova has appointed three new secretaries in her administration since taking office on January 20: Meglena Plugchieva, Kristiela Simeonova, and Milena Dimitrova, according to information on the President's website. Plugchieva »»»
Golden helmet, bracelets recovered year after Dutch museum theft - UPI.com
The recovered golden helmet of Coțofenești and two gold bracelets that were stolen from the Drents Museum are being shown to the press in the presence of a heavily armed officer in Assen, the Netherlands, on Thursday. Photo by Sam van der Wal/EPA April 2 (UPI) -- An ancient golden helmet and two br»»»
Capital planning commission to vote on White House ballroom plans - UPI.com
The East Wing of the White House was demolished in October. The National Planning Commission will meet today to vote on the ballroom plans. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 2 (UPI) -- The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to vote Thursday on President Donald Trump»»»
Back to Israeli Occupation of South Lebanon?
A month into Israel's war against Hezbollah, invading Israeli troops are gradually advancing in south Lebanon, raising fears for the area's fate following the last Israeli occupation that lasted nearly two decades. Since war erupted last month, Israeli officials have said Israel intends to establis»»»
Israel Says Hezbollah Chief to Pay ‘Heavy Price’ for Jewish Holiday Attacks
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Thursday warned that Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem would pay an "extraordinarily heavy price" for escalating attacks during the ongoing Jewish holidays. "I have a clear message for Naim Qassem... you and your associates will pay an extraordinarily heavy »»»
Veteran sports journalist discharged after two-year recovery
Long-serving sports journalist Manolis Mavrommatis, a household name in Greece, has been discharged from a rehabilitation center after two years of treatment for injuries sustained in a major fire at his Athens apartment. Mavrommatis and his wife, Rena Venieri, were rescued from the heavily damaged»»»
Danish warship sunk by Nelson's British fleet discovered after 225 years
Copenhagen: More than 200 years after being sunk by Adm. Horatio Nelson and the British fleet, a Danish warship has been discovered on the seabed of Copenhagen Harbor by marine archaeologists. Working in thick sediment and almost zero visibility 15 meters (49 feet) beneath the waves, divers are in »»»
Milosevic, Venezuelan ambassador discuss situation in Venezuela, support for Serbia
BELGRADE - The head of the Serbian parliamentary friendship group with Venezuela, Marko Milosevic, met with Venezuelan Ambassador to Belgrade Jaidys Briceno on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations, support for Serbia on the Kosovo-Metohija issue and the situation in Venezuela following the event»»»
All radiation levels are within normal and safe limits: MoECC
DOHA: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has said thatradiation levels in the country are within normal and safe limits. The ministryannounced that it is running a radiation monitoring and early warning system that monitors the levels of radiation in the air, land, and sea. "Cur»»»
MoCI and QDB hold coordination meeting with suppliers and companies
DOHA: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in cooperation with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), held a coordination meeting on Thursday, bringing together major suppliers in the State of Qatar and a group of relevant local companies to enhance the resilience and sustainability of supply chain»»»
Austria Denies US Use of Airspace for Iran Military Operations
Austria has denied the United States use of its airspace for military operations against Iran due to Austria's neutrality law, the country's defense ministry said on Thursday. A spokesperson for the ministry confirmed a report from Austrian news agency APA that the US had made "several" flyove»»»
Interior Minister Sees Increased Public Trust in Ministry’s New Leadership as Police Target Vote Buying across Bulgaria
Caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev Thursday said that public trust in the Ministry’s new leadership has increased. He pointed to what he described as a several-fold increase in alerts about election-related crimes compared to the October 2024 parliamentary elections. Dechev noted that the Mini»»»
ICAO Council condemns Iranian attacks on Gulf states and Jordan, affirms threat to aviation safety
Doha, Qatar: The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), during its 237th session, adopted a firm resolution based on a joint working paper submitted by the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuw»»»
Iran Fires on Israel as Trump Claims Threat from Tehran Nearly Eliminated
Iran fired more missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states Thursday, demonstrating Tehran’s continued ability to strike its neighbors even as US President Donald Trump claimed the threat from the country was nearly eliminated. Iran’s attacks on Gulf states along with its chokehold on the Strait of Hor»»»
UN Experts Call for Investigation into Israel's Killing of Lebanese Journalists
UN experts on Thursday called for an international investigation into the death of three Lebanese journalists in an Israeli strike, saying Israel had not provided "credible evidence" of their alleged links to armed groups. The three journalists, including Ali Shoeib, a star correspondent for Al Man»»»
Democrats sue to block Trump order restricting mail voting
Democrats have filed a lawsuit seeking to block US President Donald Trump’s latest executive order restricting mail-in voting, arguing that the Constitution gives states and Congress – not the president – the authority to decide voter eligibility for mail ballots. Trump on Tuesday signed an executi»»»
US lifts sanctions on Delcy Rodriguez as ties with Venezuela shift after Maduro raid
The US has removed the sanctions on interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, according to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The move was announced on Wednesday and marks a significant policy shift as Washington builds closer ties with Caracas after kidnapping Venezuel»»»
Syria’s al-Sharaa pushes back on German Chancellor Merz’s 80% refugee repatriation claim
Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has denied claims that he told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that up to 80% of Syrians living in Germany could be convinced to return home within three years. Merz cited the figure and timeline on Monday during a joint press conference with al-Sharaa, a former jihad»»»
Court issues more fines over hotel floor demolition delays
Greece’s top administrative court has ordered the state to pay €10,000 in compensation to four residents over delays in enforcing a ruling to demolish upper floors of a controversial hotel in central Athens. The case concerns the Coco-Mat Athens BC in the Makriyianni district, a 10-storey building »»»
Turkiye warns of wider conflict in Middle East
Ankara: Turkiye on Thursday warned of a wider war in the Middle East amid rising regional escalation. In a statement on the latest developments, Turkish Ministry of Defense emphasized that all conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with international law, and affirmed »»»
MoI warns against misuse of emergency alert sounds
DOHA: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has issued a public notice urging the public to refrain from playing or circulating audio or video clips that include sounds of the National Warning System, citing concerns over public safety and social stability. In a statement released on Thursday, the ministr»»»
Medical Needs Surging in Iran and Supplies Under Threat, Red Cross Warns
Emergency medical needs in Iran are rising exponentially, and stocks of trauma kits and other gear could run low if the war persists, the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delegation there said on Thursday. More than 1,900 people have been killed since the»»»
War Crimes Complaint Filed in France Over 2024 Deadly Israeli Strike in Beirut
A complaint filed Thursday in France seeks a war crimes investigation into an Israeli strike on a Beirut apartment building in November 2024 said to have killed seven civilians including the parents of a French-Lebanese artist, a human rights group said. The artist, Ali Cherri, and the Internationa»»»
Report: Egyptian initiative stalls despite Berri's involvement
The Egyptian intelligence's initiative for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel remains stalled "in the study and consultation phase," with no final response yet from either side, despite Speaker Nabih Berri's involvement in the negotiations, sources told the Nidaa al-Watan newspaper. A week af»»»
Democratic Party, Green-Left Front reject Vucic's invitation to consultations
BELGRADE - Serbia's opposition Democratic Party and the Green-Left Front announced on Thursday they would not be taking part in consultations with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. In a statement, Democratic Party leader Srdjan Milivojevic said the party would not be participating in the consulta»»»
Playing national emergency alert sounds in public may lead to legal action: MoI
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior has issued a public notice urging the public to refrain from playing videos or audio recordings that include the National Warning System alert sound. In a statement released on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Ministry emphasized that using these alert tones as mob»»»
Education Minister: Bulgaria Has Tradition in Dual Education, Builds on It with Swiss Programme
Acting Education and Science Minister Sergei Ignatov said Bulgaria and Switzerland are cooperating successfully in education and science, with a key focus of their joint work on the development of dual education and support for scientific research. He met with Swiss Ambassador Pierre Hagmann and Th»»»
Philippines secures from Iran 'safe passage' of its ships, seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz
Manila: The Philippines has secured assurances from Iran for the safe passage of its ships and seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz, following high-level diplomatic outreach ordered by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said she held a “very productive” phone call o»»»
Eight Arab, Muslim Countries Condemn Israeli Death Penalty Law
DOHA (Sputnik) - Foreign Ministers of Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE condemned Israel for passing a death penalty bill for terrorists and warned it will heighten regional tension, according to a joint statement released on Thursday. On Monday, Israeli Mini»»»
Macron Says it is Unrealistic to Open Hormuz Strait by Force
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to force open the Strait of Hormuz, after US President Donald Trump challenged US allies to work towards reopening it. Thousands of people have been killed across the Middle East since February »»»
Strike Hits Bridge Near Tehran Again
US-Israeli strikes hit a bridge near Tehran on Thursday, which had already been hit around an hour earlier, Iranian state TV reported. "A few minutes ago, the American-Zionist enemy once again targeted the B1 bridge in Karaj," a city west of Tehran, state TV said, adding that the first strike had c»»»
International Federation of Gymnastics Bends Over Backwards to Show Double Standards Against Russia
On April 1, the Federation threatened possible disciplinary action against 15-year-old Russian gymnast Sofia Ilteryakova after she failed to turn toward the flags raising behind her at an awards ceremony at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Sofia, Bulgaria on March 30. The event was Ilteryakova’»»»
Iran Almost Finalized Draft of New Navigation Regime in Strait of Hormuz
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Iran has nearly completed its draft protocol, which would establish a new navigation regime in the Strait of Hormuz, and plans to begin talks with Oman to develop a joint solution, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in an interview with Sputnik. "The draft of »»»
IRGC Says Attacked US-Linked Industrial Facilities in Middle East
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - The Iranian military has attacked US-linked steel and aluminum industry facilities in the Middle East, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday. Iran has previously said that US and Israel attacked facilities of the Iranian metallurgical companies Khouzest»»»
Artemis II astronauts complete first burn, head back to sleep - UPI.com
1 of 6 | The Earth is seen from NASA’s Orion spacecraft as it orbits above the planet during the Artemis II test flight. NASA astronauts launched at 6:35 p.m. EDT on Wednesday for a 10-day mission around the Moon and back to Earth. Image courtesy of NASA April 2 (UPI) -- The Artemis II astronauts h»»»
10 days to election: Campaign in Hungary resembles political spy movie
In our ongoing weekly digest, award-winning journalist Veronika Munk summarises and explains the most important political developments in Hungary. We guide readers on the route to the crunch 12 April 2026 election — a poll without precedent in the region over the past 15 years. This week, we cover:»»»
Cambridge cancels UAE June 2026 exams for IGCSE, O Level, AS & A Level and IPQ students
Dubai: Cambridge International Education has announced that schools in the UAE will not sit traditional exams in the June 2026 series, replacing them with a portfolio of evidence route for all candidates. The decision, made in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Education, affects students taking»»»
Hezbollah 'Addresses Its Supporters'...Reveals Using Surface-to-Air Missiles
Hezbollah has, in recent days, activated the use of surface-to-air missiles to target Israeli drones, in addition to firing them at helicopters and fighter jets, according to statements it issued. It reported the downing of several drones in southern Lebanon and damage to a helicopter, while expert»»»
Athens road fatalities drop 75% in March
Road accident fatalities in the greater Athens area fell by 75 percent in March compared to the same month last year, according to the latest traffic police data. A total of 433 traffic accidents with 511 injuries were recorded, resulting in four deaths, a 75% decrease from March 2025. Authorities »»»
Dacic back at work, to start returning to ministerial duties on Monday
BELGRADE - Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic announced on Thursday he was back at work following a 36-day sick leave and that he would be returning to his duties from next Monday. "In the coming days, I will have to follow all instructions given to me by doctors and be careful. From Monday, I w»»»
Was the crashed Batroun drone headed to Hamat airbase?
MP Ghayath Yazbek of the Lebanese Forces said Thursday that an "Iranian-made" drone that crashed earlier in the day in the Batroun district had been headed to the nearby Hamat airbase, which is used by U.S. forces, suggesting that Hezbollah and Iran were behind it. "They have lost their political a»»»
Which countries' ships are hit by Hormuz crisis?
London: Shipping companies from Greece, the UAE and China are most affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from Bloomberg and marine traffic organisations. Around 670 commodity vessels sent signals from west of the Strait of Hormuz over the last day, with companies from t»»»
UAE President and King of Jordan discuss regional developments
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received a phone call from King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, during which they discussed regional developments and their serious implications for regional and international security and stability. »»»
Syrian Troops Uncover Tunnel Network on Lebanon Border
In rugged terrain along the Syrian-Lebanese border, yellow bulldozers raised earthen berms in front of armoured vehicles while soldiers combed through tunnels they said were used by Hezbollah, as Syria reinforces its side of the border. Syria is seeking to stay out of the regional war, whose flames»»»