Europeans step up submarine hunting in the North
Norway’s Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik says ‘a burden-sharing arrangement’ with Germany and the UK related to submarine hunting in the north is coming into place. In an interview with the National Defense Magazine, the Norwegian defence minister confirms that the three countries have agreed to e»»»
Bolot Dzhusupbekov dismissed as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources - | 24.KG
Bolot Dzhusupbekov has been dismissed from his position as First Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan, the Cabinet of Ministers’ press service reported. The corresponding order was signed by Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers o»»»
Iran flexes military muscle while pursuing diplomacy in Geneva
Dubai: Iran on Monday projected a dual strategy of diplomacy and deterrence, launching fresh military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz even as its top diplomat arrived in Geneva for a new round of nuclear negotiations with the United States. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) began na»»»
Media Review: February 16
A key topic that continues to dominate media coverage in Bulgaria is the high-profile criminal case in which six bodies were found at two remote mountain locations in Northwestern Bulgaria: a lodge near the Petrohan Pass and a camper van near Okolchitsa Peak. Simultaneously, attention is turning to»»»
Best outdoor Ramadan decorations
Ramadan outdoor decorations not only enhance the beauty of your living space, but also reflect cultural heritage and meaning. From stunning lanterns to statement lighting and Ramadan Kareem banners, these outdoor Ramadan decorations can enhance all outdoor spaces. Whether you're looking for somethi»»»
Sharjah rolls out “Masar” for trucks
Sharjah: The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), in partnership with the emirate’s central finance department, has launched Masar, a new electronic system designed to collect fees for heavy trucks, marking a major step in advancing digital transport services across the emirate. The strate»»»
Hydrocarbons: 12 exploration and prospecting permits valid as of end of December 2025
Tunis, Feb. 16 (TAP) – The total number of valid permits in 2025 stood at 12, including 11 exploration permits and 1 prospecting permit, the National Observatory of Energy said in its Energy Outlook Report.The total number of concessions is 57, of...»»»
German president urges Israel and Hezbollah to adhere to ceasefire agreement
Following a meeting with President Joseph Aoun in Baabda on Monday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reassured that Berlin “will remain by Lebanon's side after the UNIFIL mission concludes." "We support the Lebanese Army and want to rebuild everything that has been destroyed with the suppor»»»
Bondi Beach shooting suspect makes first court appearance - UPI.com
State-appointed defense counsel Ben Archbold, who is representing Naveed Akram, speaks to the media outside Downing Center Local Court in Sydney on Monday after his client made a brief appearance by video-link from prison. Photo by Bianca de Marchi/EPA Feb. 16 (UPI) -- The lone surviving suspect in»»»
Parliamentary Committee approves Zhumgalbek Shabdanbekov as SCNS Chairman - | 24.KG
The Committee on International Affairs, Defense, Security and Migration of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan approved the candidacy of Zhumgalbek Shabdanbekov for the post of Chairman of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS). President Sadyr Japarov appointed Zhumgalbek Shabdanbekov as A»»»
Shaiyrbek Tashiev denies criminal case and detention reports - | 24.KG
Member of Parliament of Kyrgyzstan Shaiyrbek Tashiev stated that no criminal case has been opened against him and denied reports alleging his detention. He made the remarks in an interview with Azattyk. According to the lawmaker, information circulating about a criminal investigation and arrest doe»»»
Community College of Qatar launches first employers forum
Doha, Qatar: Community College of Qatar (CCQ) launched on Monday its first employers forum for employees and college graduates under the theme of aligning CCQ programs with the requirements of the labour market in Qatar. The forum kicked off with the participation of 45 entities and institutions fr»»»
ADJD launches 108 initiatives to stem bureaucracy
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) announced that it implemented 108 development initiatives during 2025 as part of the Government Bureaucracy Elimination Project and Procedures Re-engineering programme. The initiative aims to simplify processes through an institutional methodology while moti»»»
Kyrgyzstan submits bid to host 2028 U-23 Asian Cup - | 24.KG
The Kyrgyz Football Union (KFU) has submitted an official bid to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to host the 2028 U-23 Asian Cup. This is one of the continent’s key tournaments, featuring 16 of Asia’s strongest national teams. The federation estimates that hosting the competition in Kyrgyzst»»»
Swiss train derails, injuries likely
Geneva: A regional train derailed early on Monday in southern Switzerland, police said, adding that people were likely to be injured as a result. “Derailment of train, probably with injuries,” regional police said in a post on the social media platform X, adding that the derailment occurred at 7am »»»
Ashghal announces partial road closure at Umm Al Houl Interchange
Doha, Qatar: The Public Woks Authority, Ashghal, announced partial road closure on Mesaieed Road at Umm Al Houl Interchange. The closure will affect the third and fourth lanes on the left towards Al Wakrah, while the first and second lanes from the right will remain open to traffic. The closure is »»»
Pernod Ricard and Mediascope strengthen performance of off-trade portfolio campaigns in autumn-winter 2025 season
After the in-store activations during the summer season, Pernod Ricard Romania and the trade marketing and innovation agency Mediascope continued to develop an extensive program of off-trade campaigns dedicated to the autumn and end-of-year season – one of the most relevant commercial periods for t»»»
Abdulaziz Mohammed Faraj Al Mulla appointed Director General of Federal Tax Authority
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, issued a Federal Decree appointing Abdulaziz Mohammed Faraj Al Mulla as Director General of the Federal Tax Authority, with the rank of Ministry Undersecretary. Abdulaziz Al Mulla has more than 20 years of professional ex»»»
Sali Berisha Rejects Penal Code Changes, Opposes Amnesty for Corruption Convicts
The leader of Albania’s Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, on Monday ruled out any possibility that opposition lawmakers would support proposed legal amendments aimed at preventing the suspension from duty of senior state officials. Speaking to reporters after leaving SPAK, Berisha said the opposition»»»
Aoun says Lebanon insists on 'absolute peace' but wants its rights
President Joseph Aoun stressed Monday that Lebanon is “no longer able to bear anyone's conflicts, nor anyone's burdens.” “We desire nothing but the well-being of our people, the prosperity of our nation and the lives of our children,” Aoun said during a joint press conference with his German counte»»»
Iran Meets UN Nuclear Watchdog in Geneva Ahead of a Second Round of US Talks
Iran's top diplomat met with the head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency on Monday, ahead of a second round of negotiations with the United States over Tehran's nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency»»»
Australian Citizens with Alleged ISIS Ties Depart Syria’s Roj for Repatriation
A group of Australian citizens left on Monday a camp in northeast Syria housing people with alleged ties to ISIS militants to begin the journey to their home country, part of an ongoing repatriation process. Relatives of the 34 individuals, from 11 families, traveled from Australia to accompany the»»»
Deputy Cabinet Chairman holds sanctions talks at Munich Security Conference - | 24.KG
First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, Daniyar Amangeldiev, took part in the 62nd Munich Security Conference during a working visit to Germany. As part of the event, Daniyar Amangeldiev held a series of bilateral meetings and negotiations with: — Antonio Tajani, D»»»
Head of SCNS Department for Osh Salmoorbek Dzhumabekov dismissed - | 24.KG
Salmoor Dzhumabekov, who was appointed head of the Department of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic (SCNS) for Osh and Osh region in December 2025, has been dismissed from his post. Sources in the security forces informed. Salmoor Dzhumabekov is the son of renowned sur»»»
Strike disrupts flights at Kenya's main airport
Nairobi, Kenya: A worker's strike disrupted flights and air traffic control operations at Kenya's main airport on Monday, the national carrier said. Kenya Airways (KQ) warned passengers of "possible schedule adjustments, including delays" and advised them not to proceed to the airport without first»»»
Humidity levels to rise from tomorrow: Qatar Meteorology
Doha: Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) forecasts an increase in relative humidity from tomorrow, February 17, until Friday, February 20, 2026. This is according to a recent weather update issued on Monday. The Department further stated that chances of mist to fog formation is also expected in som»»»
Romanians show strong trust in EU defence role, call for higher national investment – Eurobarometer
Romanians express above-average trust in the European Union’s role in security and defence, while signalling concerns about national investment levels and placing strong emphasis on mobility and defence in the EU’s space agenda, according to a Flash Eurobarometer on “The European Union in defence a»»»
Abu Dhabi now requires digital registration for off-plan property interest
Dubai: The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) has introduced a new digital system for registering Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in off-plan property projects through its Madhmoun platform. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.An Expression of Interest is an early payment»»»
Catriona Gray, Sam Milby among 16 stars set for UAE ‘All-Star’ concert
Dubai: Attention all Filipino fans! A star-studded event is headed your way as 16 artists are lined up to rock the UAE stage. Bringing together icons and contemporary hitmakers, the “Cornerstone All-Star” concert is expected to draw strong support from the country’s large Filipino community. Big na»»»
'Suspension of Belinda Balluku Disrupted Energy Ministry Operations'
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Monday that the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has hindered the functioning of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, calling the move unprecedented and institutionally damaging. Rama convened the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group at the Pre»»»
Council on Mandates to Meet February 23 on Immunity of Belinda Balluku
Albania’s Council on Mandates is set to convene on February 23 at 10:00 a.m. to review the request concerning the parliamentary immunity of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku, according to sources from the Presidency of the Assembly. The meeting comes am»»»
Berri says 'certain party' trying to force elections' postponement
The response from the Ministry of Justice's Legislation and Consultations Authority to Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar's question regarding the right of expats residing abroad to vote from their place of residence for the 128 parliamentary seats has drawn categorical rejection from Speaker Nabih Ber»»»
Kremlin Rejects European Assessment Navalny Died of Poisoning
The Kremlin said Monday that it "strongly rejected" an assessment by five European countries that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died from poisoning two years ago, as his supporters marked the anniversary of his death in prison. Navalny, a charismatic anti-corruption campaigner who rallie»»»
Bulgarians Pay More for Oranges Than Neighbors: Why the Price Gap?
At the start of the year, Bulgaria’s fruit market has seen notable price swings, particularly for citrus fruits. Data from the State Commission for Commodity Exchanges and Markets (DCBMT) show that in January, tangerine prices surged by over 14 percent, reaching 1.33 euros per kilogram, while orang»»»
Data sovereignty: an existential issue for nations and enterprises
Data has long been recognised as an organisation’s most valuable asset, arguably more important than physical infrastructure or even brand. This is reflected by intangible corporate assets, primarily data including R&D and intellectual property, exceeding $60 trillion in value in 2024. When used ef»»»
Ashghal announces QR11bn worth projects, including Hamad General Hospital redevelopment
Doha, Qatar: The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ announced the awarding and tendering of 20 new projects with a total value estimated at about 11.5 billion riyals, within the framework of the state's plan to complete infrastructure, building, drainage and service facilities projects, in line with »»»
Storms to hit Tuesday and Wednesday, authorities warn
The National Meteorological Service (EMY) issued an emergency weather bulletin placing areas throughout Greece on orange alert on Tuesday and Wednesday. Short but heavy rain and thunderstorms will hit Lesvos and Chios islands on Tuesday afternoon, with worsening weather expected on Wednesday, the N»»»
4m visitors to Abu Dhabi Hindu temple; Sheikh Nahyan calls it a bridge between India-UAE
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has welcomed more than four million visitors in just two years, emerging as a “powerful symbol” of India-UAE friendship. Marking the temple’s second anniversary, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, noted how the landmark has»»»
Rompetrol Rafinare invests in emergency vehicles for Petromidia refinery
At the Petromidia refinery, the intervention fleet has been renewed with two fire trucks and two foam‑transport tankers, specially acquired to complement the semi‑fixed extinguishing system on petroleum product tanks. “Through this project, we have succeeded in integrating state‑of‑the‑art technica»»»
Ukrainians are ready to fight – against getting sent to war
Ukraine’s self-declared above-election leader Vladimir Zelensky has found time to publicly share his fantasies with the only audience he cares about: the West, in particular the US, and specifically its president Donald Trump. Since it must be hard for Zelensky to get anyone’s ear in Washington now»»»
Quantum investments could reach $20 billion by 2030: How GCC real estate can benefit
Did you know there’s a new market quietly emerging at the intersection of technology and real estate, and it is anticipated to redefine digital infrastructure as we know it?JLL’s ‘Future of Quantum Real Estate’ report lays down a clear roadmap for quantum computing, and says it is accelerating towa»»»
20 New Vehicles Strengthen Bulgaria’s Protection of Natura 2000 Sites
Twenty high-clearance vehicles will strengthen the work of the state authorities responsible for protecting the Bulgarian areas within the EU's Natura 2000 ecological network. Manol Genov, Minister of Environment and Water in the outgoing government, received a symbolic key for the vehicles after t»»»
Sofia Directorate of Interior Conducting Large-Scale Operation in Bistritsa Village Area
A massive police operation of the Sofia Directorate of the Interior is being carried out in the area of the village of Bistritsa, as announced on their Facebook page. The operation is in connection with the search for the perpetrators of the arson of the car and front door of the house of Bistrit»»»
Shared mobility and future of sustainable urban transport in UAE
Transport systems are being redefined. Across the world, the emphasis is shifting from vehicle ownership to access on demand. This change is not simply technological; it reflects broader trends in how people live and work, the growing focus on sustainability, and the increasing expectation for conv»»»
Obama clarifies 'low' chance aliens have visited Earth
Former US President Barack Obama has clarified that the chances Earth has been visited by aliens is "low" after comments he made about extra-terrestrial species caught attention online. "They're real but I haven't seen them," he told American podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen during an interview publi»»»
CTP completes 54,000 sqm warehouse at CTPark Bucharest South
The newly delivered building was developed in line with CTP’s standard technical specifications and forms part of the wider CTPark Bucharest South development. With this addition, the park now totals approximately 140,000 sqm of completed space, further consolidating its position as a growing logis»»»
Israeli drone targets an area surrounding a bulldozer in the town of Ma’roub: Al-Manar correspondent in south Lebanon - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli drone targets an area surrounding a bulldozer in the town of Ma’roub: Al-Manar correspondent in south Lebanon 16-02-2026 12:40 PM L»»»
Lebanese Army redeploys forces to Al-Hadb area in southern border town of Ayta Al-Shaab - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Lebanese Army redeploys forces to Al-Hadb area in southern border town of Ayta Al-Shaab 16-02-2026 12:37 PM Latest News Urgent News Lebanes»»»
Motorcycle bomb near police station kills two, injures 17 in Pakistan’s Bannu
Dubai: At least two people, including a child, were killed and 17 others injured in a motorcycle bomb explosion near a police station in northwestern Pakistan on Monday, officials said. The blast occurred near Miryan Police Station in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a region that has»»»