New York Subway Ends its MetroCard Era and Switches Fully to Tap-and-go Fares
When the MetroCard replaced the New York City subway token in 1994, the swipeable plastic card infused much-needed modernity into one of the world’s oldest and largest transit systems. Now, more than three decades later, the gold-hued fare card and its notoriously finicky magnetic strip are followi»»»
This Gulf country sets fuel prices for first quarter of 2026
Dubai: Kuwait will maintain fixed fuel prices through the first quarter of 2026, with premium petrol priced at 85 fils per litre, regular petrol at 105 fils, and diesel and kerosene each set at 115 fils, according to a senior oil source cited by Al Anba. The source said the state committee tasked w»»»
How Families in Bulgaria Can Help Children Understand the Switch to the Euro
Playing “shop” at home is among the most effective ways for parents to help young children understand the currency change Bulgaria will make on January 1, 2026. Setting up a small store using euros allows children to become familiar with the new coins and banknotes and to practise simple calculatio»»»
Dubai Airport’s busiest travel day is December 28 - How not to miss your flight
Dubai: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is gearing up for its busiest travel day of the festive season, with December 28 forecast to be the peak, as passenger numbers surge past 300,000 travellers a day during the final stretch of the year. Dubai Airports said traffic begins to build in the first »»»
Syria announces new currency framework, two-zero redenomination
Damascus, Dec. 28 (SANA) Syria’s central bank on Sunday announced the executive instructions for introducing a new Syrian currency, launching a monetary reform that includes removing two zeros from the pound and allowing a 90-day period of dual circulation. The announcement was made during a press »»»
Brazil’s ex-president Bolsonaro treated for hiccups
Brasmlia: Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro underwent a medical procedure Saturday to treat recurrent hiccups he has been dealing with for months, according to his medical team. The 70-year-old ex-president, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for an attempted coup, had been released f»»»
Zelensky looks to close out Ukraine peace deal at Trump meet
Palm Beach: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will sit down Sunday with Donald Trump and seek to secure the US president’s stamp of approval for a new proposal to end the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. The 20-point plan, which emerged from weeks of intense US-Ukraine negotiations, lack»»»
Sharjah Airport prepares for holiday surge with advanced check-in and new lounge
Dubai: Sharjah Airport has announced comprehensive preparations to accommodate the expected influx of passengers during the winter holiday season, rolling out enhanced operational measures to ensure seamless travel experiences. The airport is urging travellers to arrive at least three hours before »»»
On This Day, Dec. 28: Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501 crashes, killing 162 - UPI.com
On Dec. 28, 2014, Indonesia AirAsia Flight QZ8501 crashed into the Java Sea, killing 155 passengers and seven crew. 1 of 5 | On December 28, 2014, Indonesia AirAsia Flight QZ8501 crashed into the Java Sea, killing 155 passengers and seven crew. File Photo by Ahmad Yusni/EPA Dec. 28 (UPI) -- On this»»»
Abu Dhabi sets 42 violations for private schools with fines up to Dh150,000
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced a detailed framework of administrative violations and financial penalties governing private schools and partnership schools, outlining 42 types of offences related to school policies, with fines starting at Dh5,000»»»
MoI integrates advanced tech to enhance Metrash services
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has adopted modern standards and advanced technologies in the development of the new Metrash application, marking a significant step toward enhancing digital government services and improving user experience through smart solutions, including artificial i»»»
Al Shahania shock leaders Al Gharafa in QSL
Doha, Qatar: Mohamed Bader Sayyar scored a brace as Al Shahania resumed the Qatar Stars League (QSL) in emphatic fashion, pulling off a major upset by thrashing table-toppers Al Gharafa 3-0 at Al Khor Stadium yesterday. Al Gharafa came into the match as firm favourites, aiming to extend their four-»»»
Lebanon's cabinet approves draft law on financial crisis losses
BEIRUT, Lebanon — Lebanon's government on Friday approved a draft law to distribute financial losses from the 2019 economic crisis that deprived many Lebanese of their deposits despite strong opposition from political and banking officials.The draft law is a key demand from the international commun»»»
Rich and voiceless: How Putin has kept Russia's billionaires on side in the war
During the war with Ukraine, the number of billionaires in Russia has reached an all-time high. But in the 25 years Vladimir Putin has been in power, Russia's rich and powerful - known as oligarchs - have lost almost all their political influence. All this is good news for the Russian president. We»»»
UK restricts DR Congo visas over migrant return policy
The UK is to impose visa restrictions against people arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo after its government failed to agree to measures allowing the return of illegal migrants and foreign national offenders. Ministers say the DRC has not made changes required under the toughening up of»»»
21 mn needy people in 70 countries gained from QC initiatives in a year
Tribune News Network Doha Powered by the generosity of Qatar’s donors, Qatar Charity (QC) has reached 21 million people in 2025 through humanitarian aid, development projects, and social care across nearly 70 countries, advancing its mission to ease suffering and build resilient, dignified lives. Q»»»
Patel planning permanent closure of FBI's Hoover headquarters building - UPI.com
The J. Edgar Hoover Building will close permanently after the FBI moves its headquarters to the Ronald Reagan Building, FBI Director Kash Patel said on Friday. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI | License Photo Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The FBI Hoover headquarters in Washington soon will be vacant as the»»»
Russia’s CBR outlines phased cryptocurrency regulation with limits for retail investors
The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has published a formal concept for regulating cryptocurrency within the domestic market, proposing differentiated access for retail and professional investors while reaffirming its stance that digital assets are high-risk financial instruments. »»»
UAE schools to reopen on January 5, 2026
Dubai: Students and teaching staff across the UAE will return to schools on January 5, 2026, under the Ministry of Education’s approved academic calendar for the 2025–2026 school year. According to the calendar, first-term results will be released between January 7 and 9, marking the official start»»»
Fresh UK sanctions on Syria send a message
As Syrians were celebrating the full repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, the United Kingdom announced a new round of sanctions—an unmistakable reminder that Syria’s reckoning with punitive measures is far from over. By targeting not only figures linked to the former regime but also »»»
Paris lauds Lebanese govt.'s approval of financial gap bill
Lebanon's government on Friday approved a draft law to distribute financial losses from the 2019 economic crisis that deprived many Lebanese of their deposits despite strong opposition from political and banking officials. The draft law is a key demand from the international community, which has co»»»
Cypriot fishermen battle invasive lionfish and turn them into a tavern delicacy
LARNACA – Photis Gaitanos’ rough fingers adroitly untangle the venomous spikes of a lionfish from a net, throwing the exotic-looking creature into an ice-filled rubber bin along with other fish from the day’s catch. Unlike a few years ago when he would have mostly caught local staples as sea bream,»»»
Egyptian businessman proposes idea to solve nation’s domestic debt crisis
Egyptian businessman Hassan Heikal on Thursday proposed a “grand swap” as a solution to Egypt’s domestic debt woes. He explained that this solution involves transferring state investments to the sovereign wealth fund, with the state owning approximately 70 percent of it. Half of this stake would th»»»
Cypriot Fishermen Battle Invasive Lionfish and Turn Them into a Delicacy
Photis Gaitanos’ rough fingers adroitly untangle the venomous spikes of a lionfish from a net, throwing the exotic-looking creature into an ice-filled rubber bin along with other fish from the day’s catch. Unlike a few years ago when he would have mostly caught local staples as sea bream, red mulle»»»
Euro Transition Disruptions: List of Bulgarian Banks Halting Card Payments Around New Year
Bulgaria’s switch to the euro on January 1, 2026 will require a large-scale technical adjustment of banking systems, leading to temporary disruptions in card payments, ATM services and digital banking around the turn of the year, according to information published by commercial banks and summarized»»»
Don't rule out EU customs union, TUC boss tells Starmer
The leader of the Trades Union Congress has called for "the closest possible economic and political relationship with the European Union". The UK's most senior trade unionist, Paul Nowak, told the BBC that he believed this would be "essential" to boost economic growth and warned that faith in mains»»»
South Korea to end overseas adoptions amid UN concern over human rights abuses
South Korea on Friday announced plans to end foreign adoptions over a five-year period, aiming for zero by 2029, as UN investigators raise “serious concern” over decades of abuses. Many adoptees were sent abroad with falsified records or suffered mistreatment, and critics say Seoul has failed to pr»»»
How Israel's war on Gaza helped the Arab world rediscover its agency
The Gaza war has shattered illusions of regional stability and exposed the limits of Israeli and American dominance, but most importantly, it has hinted at what appears to be a rediscovery of Arab agency after decades of accumulated pressures, through the end of the Cold War and the Arab Spring 20 »»»
India's first gene-edited sheep just turned one. How's it doing?
India's first gene-edited sheep recently turned a year old and researchers who developed it say it's doing well. Born on 16 December last year in Indian-administered Kashmir, the sheep has been named Tarmeem – the Arabic word for modification or editing. Tarmeem is housed in a private enclosure at »»»
One general, one mathematician: The men competing for power in two African elections
On Sunday, citizens of Guinea and the Central African Republic (CAR) will go to the polls to elect their presidents for terms of office of seven years. Both contests could, in theory, go on to run-off ballots. Yet in both, the incumbents are strong favourites, with observers predicting they will cl»»»
'We will vote but not with our hearts': Inside the election staged by Myanmar's military rulers
On a patch of rough ground near the Irrawaddy River, aspiring member of parliament and retired Lieutenant-General Tayza Kyaw tries to muster some enthusiasm from his audience with a speech promising them better times. He is the candidate for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), backed»»»
Sharp cold snap to close the year in Hungary as arctic air sweeps in
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Epstein and Bill Clinton visited Russian Far East – US files
Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein flew to Russia on at least three occasions in the early 2000s, including traveling to the Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk together with former US President Bill Clinton, files published by the US Department of Justice have revealed. Last week, the DOJ uploaded »»»
Milei’s government bill cuts state role in Argentina public education - UPI.com
Argentine President Javier Milei's administration is promoting a reform that seeks to redefine the role of the state in public education, curb direct government intervention and give families greater control over their children’s schooling. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo BUENOS AIRES»»»
Midnight Hammer in 2025: Trump Ends Half Measures on Iran
With Donald Trump back in the Oval Office in early 2025, it took less than a year for his revamped “maximum pressure” campaign to set the pace for Iran. What began as an argument over reviving the nuclear deal quickly gave way to a far starker reality: war on Iranian soil, for only the second time »»»
Corruption scandal means Zelenskiy would likely lose a presidential election
The expanding Energoatom corruption scandal has hurt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's popularity and if elections were held this weekend he would lose in the second round, according to a Socis poll. A majority of »»»
Putin could step down if a Ukraine peace deal is agreed at Mar-a-Lago meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to meet US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28 in what he is billing as a possible breakthrough meeting to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as speculation swirls that Russian President Vladimir Putin may step down in favour of a»»»
Putin could step down if a Ukraine peace deal is agreed at Mar-a-Lago meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy plans to meet US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 28 in what he is billing as a possible breakthrough meeting to end the war in Ukraine. The meeting comes as speculation swirls that Russian President Vladimir Putin may step down in favour of a»»»
Corruption scandal means Zelenskiy would likely lose a presidential election
The expanding Energoatom corruption scandal has hurt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's popularity and if elections were held this weekend he would lose in the second round, according to a Socis poll. A majority of »»»
Lebanese Cabinet Approves Draft Law on Financial Crisis Losses
Lebanon's government on Friday approved a draft law to distribute financial losses from the 2019 economic crisis that deprived many Lebanese of their deposits despite strong opposition to the legislation from political parties, depositors and banking officials. The draft law will be submitted to th»»»
Maduro government announces release of 99 political prisoners - UPI.com
Congressman Tomás Guanipa (C) speaks during a press conference in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on Tuesday. Guanipa said Venezuelan prisons are holding people who have not committed crimes and were being detained for expressing dissent. Photo by Henry Chirinos/EPA Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Venezuela's government an»»»
The American people will never get closure on the Epstein files
Across the United States, Democrats and Republicans are demanding that their leaders come clean with the Epstein files and the truth finally be told. What they are getting instead is a massive redaction campaign. Not since 1998 with the Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky show trial has the American p»»»
Musona rescues Zimbabwe in AFCON draw with Angola
Marrakesh, Morocco: Veteran Knowledge Musona scored as Zimbabwe came from behind to draw 1-1 with Angola in Marrakesh on Friday as the second round of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group matches kicked off. Gelson Dala put Angola ahead midway through the first half and recalled Musona levelled deep»»»
Salam vows accountability and full funds return as cabinet approves banks law
After Cabinet passed a long-awaited banking draft bill that would distribute losses from the 2019 economic crisis amid objections from nine ministers and modest protests, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam appeared a bit agitated as he answered journalists' questions. The law stipulates that each of the st»»»
Cabinet approves banks financial gap law after long debate
Cabinet approved Friday a long-awaited banking draft bill that would distribute losses from the 2019 economic crisis. Thirteen ministers voted in favor of the financial gap law amid the objection of nine ministers: three Lebanese Forces ministers, two Hezbollah ministers, Kataeb minister Adel Nassa»»»
Russia to Repurpose Burevestnik, Poseidon Materials for Civilian Use - Official
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia will repurpose advanced materials and alloys used in the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone for civilian use, including in the energy and space industries, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov said. "Of course, we will leverage»»»
Former Malaysian PM Najib found guilty of money laundering in 1MDB corruption case
Malaysia's High Court on Friday found former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak guilty of all 21 counts of money laundering related to the sprawling corruption scandal involving Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). This conviction is likely to add years to the pri»»»
22 Years After Karbala: How Bulgaria Continues to Honor Its Fallen Soldiers
Twenty-two years have passed since the deadly attack in the Iraqi city of Karbala that claimed the lives of five Bulgarian servicemen. A truck bomb rammed into Camp India, where the Bulgarian contingent was stationed, killing Georgi Kachorin, Ivan Indjov, Svilen Kirov, Nikolay Saryev and officer ca»»»
Trump launched global tariff wars in 2025. Here's a recap of his trade actions this year
It's been a rollercoaster of a year for U.S. trade policy. President Donald Trump launched a barrage of new tariffs in 2025, plunging the U.S. into trade wars with nearly every country in the world. Volley after volley of threats and steeper import taxes often arrived erratically — with Trump claim»»»
10 UAE projects that will improve quality of life for residents
Every few months, UAE gets a lifestyle upgrade. From new ways to commute to the office to flying by cab between cities, there’s a new innovation around every bend. As the Emirates races towards its aim to be the best in terms of digitally connected and quality of life, we look at the 12 cool projec»»»