UK to consult on social media ban for under 16s
The government will consult on whether social media should be banned for under-16s in the UK. It said "immediate action" would give Ofsted the power to check policies on phone use when it inspects schools, and it expected schools to be "phone-free by default" as a result of the announcement. A simi»»»
Musk donates $10M to Kentucky candidate vying for U.S. Senate - UPI.com
Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk has donated $10 million to a super PAC supporting Nate Morris, a candidate for U.S. Senate in the race for Mitch McConnell's Senate seat. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Elon Musk has donated $10 million to a candidate in the Senate race»»»
Emirates NBD issues Dh1 billion first-ever digital bond in MENA
Emirates NBD has issued Dh1 billion in 3-year fixed-rate Digitally Native Notes (DNNs). This marks the first AED-denominated digital bond and the largest public digital bond in MENA, listed on Nasdaq Dubai. The issuance highlights Emirates NBD’s leadership in digital assets and reinforces the UAE’s»»»
French PM Lecornu inches closer to passing budget bill without vote
France’s government is set to meet Monday to discuss a highly controversial budget bill that has left Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu and political parties at an impasse. Lecornu is moving closer to pushing the bill through parliament without a vote, while simultaneously seeking a way to avoid bei»»»
French PM Lecornu will use special power to force through budget with ‘regret’
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed on Monday that he will invoke a special constitutional power, Article 49.3, to force a budget for 2026 through parliament without a vote. The decision, he said, was made with "regret" after budget negotiations came to an impasse. The use of Art»»»
French PM to force budget bill through parliament
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is set to ram his budget bill through parliament without a vote, parliament and government sources said on Monday, after weeks of stalled negotiations. Any use of "Article 49.3", a constitutional power to push legislation through parliament without a vote, ca»»»
Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court sees surge in civil marriages and wills
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has reported strong growth in civil family services, with the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court registering around 53,000 civil marriage contracts and 21,000 civil wills since the introduction of Civil Marriage Law No. 14 of 2021. The figures highlight the court’»»»
More all-female SWAT teams to debut at UAE SWAT Challenge 2026
Women tactical teams are set to play a larger role at the UAE SWAT Challenge 2026, following a significant increase in female participation announced by the organising committee. Also Read: Final call for global teams to join UAE SWAT Challenge 2026This year records the highest number of women’s te»»»
Visiting Dubai during Ramadan 2026? Here’s what You should know
Dubai: Ramadan is one of the most meaningful times of the year in Dubai, a month defined by reflection, fasting and a strong sense of community. During the holy month, the city slows, the evenings stretch longer, and daily life takes on a quieter, more reflective rhythm. Also In This Package Ramada»»»
IMF raises Egypt economic growth outlook to 5.4% for FY 2026/27
The International Monetary Fund has revised its growth forecasts for Egypt upwards to reach 5.4% in the fiscal year (FY) 2026/27, citing a positive shift in economic indicators. In its January 2026 World Economic Outlook Update, the IMF raised Egypt’s GDP growth projection for the FY 2025/26 to 4.7»»»
Dubai expands green charging network to 1,860 points as electric mobility gains pace
Dubai’s network of EV Green Charger stations has expanded to more than 1,860 points across the emirate, reflecting the city’s accelerating shift towards sustainable mobility, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executi»»»
Why did Harry and Meghan leave the Royal family?
The Duke of Sussex is expected to give evidence against the publisher of the Daily Mail, during a court case which started in London on Monday 19 January. Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, moved to the US after stepping back from official royal duties. Harry and Meghan stepped down as»»»
Russian hockey legend Ovechkin refuses to wear LGBTQ ribbon
Russian hockey legend Alexander Ovechkin has refused to participate in an NHL event in support of the LGBTQ community. Ovechkin’s team the Washington Capitals hosted their annual Pride Night during a game against the Florida Panthers on Saturday. Several players wrapped their hockey sticks with rai»»»
Media Review: January 19
OVERVIEW All media report on the potential change of the voting system in Bulgaria. POLITICS An article in 24 Chasa predicts that on Wednesday, President Rumen Radev will announce his resignation as head of State before the Constitutional Court and will enter politics to run in the early parliament»»»
China’s grand strategy reaches a critical juncture
As 2026 begins, China stands at a decade-long inflection point. Beijing’s leadership faces mounting pressure to demonstrate that its state-directed model can withstand intensifying external pressure while delivering its domestic stability agenda. For observers of China’s grand strategy, 2026 is sha»»»
Kyrgyzstan to introduce fines for violation of halal industry requirements - | 24.KG
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce is proposing to introduce fines for violating the requirements of the Law «On the Halal Industry in the Kyrgyz Republic.» Deputy Minister Sultan Akhmatov announced at a meeting of the Committee on Finance, Budget, Entrepreneurship, and Competition Development of»»»
ACDIMA and EIPICO Anchor $165mn Arab API Project to Deepen Egypt’s Pharmaceutical Base
ACDIMA and EIPICO are jointly anchoring Egypt’s most significant push to localise pharmaceutical raw-material production following the inauguration of the Arab API manufacturing complex in the Suez Canal Economic Zone at Ain Sokhna. The foundation stone for the $165 million facility was laid at a c»»»
Legislative Revisions Target Introduction of Multi-fund Model in Supplementary Pension Insurance - Deputy Finance Minister
A bill to amend and supplement the Social Insurance Code was presented at a meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation (NCTC) here on Monday. The revisions are basically intended to introduce a multi-fund model in supplementary pension insurance, Bulgarian Deputy Finance Minister Ki»»»
Iran to Consider Lifting Internet Ban; State TV Hacked
Iran may lift its internet blackout in a few days, a senior parliament member said on Monday, after authorities shut communications while they used massive force to crush protests in the worst domestic unrest since the 1979 revolution. In the latest sign of weakness in the authorities' control, st»»»
Smart crowd system goes live at Makkah's Grand Mosque ahead of Ramadan
Dubai: Saudi authorities have officially introduced advanced smart counting systems at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, a move aimed at strengthening crowd management ahead of the sharp rise in worshippers expected during Ramadan and the upcoming Hajj season, local media reported The new technology trac»»»
Romania’s voluntary private pension funds post record returns in 2025
The ten voluntary private pension funds (Pillar 3) recorded the highest investment return in the system’s nearly 19-year history in 2025, at 19.6%, while net assets under management rose to 7.4 billion RON (1.45 billion EUR), up 33% compared to the end of 2024, according to figures released by APAP»»»
Indian-origin motel owners arrested in US sex trafficking and drug trafficking case
Dubai: An Indian-origin couple and three others have been arrested in the United States for allegedly running a sex trafficking and drug distribution operation from a motel in Virginia, US prosecutors said. Tarun Sharma (55) and Kosha Sharma (52) were arrested for allegedly allowing prostitution an»»»
Serbia’s NIS restarts Pancevo refinery after US sanctions waiver
Serbia’s majority Russian-owned oil company NIS has restarted oil processing at its Pancevo refinery after securing a temporary waiver from US sanctions, Serbia’s energy minister said on January 18. Production of petroleum»»»
Emirates increases Manila flights with new weekly services
Dubai: Emirates is expanding its Dubai-Manila route with four additional weekly flights starting April 2, 2026, strengthening travel options for residents, overseas Filipino workers, and business travellers between the UAE and the Philippines. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Ba»»»
Tripartite Council to Discuss Social Insurance Code Amendments
The National Council for Tripartite Cooperation (NCTC) 0f the government, trade unions and employers will be meeting Monday at the Council of Ministers to discuss a draft bill to amend and supplement the Social Insurance Code, submitted by the Minister of Finance, said the government press office. »»»
Federal prosecutors investigating after anti-ICE protest at St. Paul church - UPI.com
Anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protesters march after groups from competing protests confronted each other in downtown Minneapolis, Minn., on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Photo by Craig Lassig/UPI | License Photo Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Federal prosecutors are investigating anti-Immigration and C»»»
Surging billionaire wealth a political threat, Oxfam warns as Davos opens
The collective wealth of the planet's billionaires soared to a record level in 2025, charity Oxfam reported Monday, warning of "highly dangerous" political consequences as the global elite gathers for the World Economic Forum. Also Read: Wealth inequality ‘out of control,’ with billionaires' fortun»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Mercosur and EU finalise historic trade deal in Paraguay ceremony
The European Union and Mercosur concluded a free trade agreement on January 17 in Asunción, bringing to an end 25 years of on-and-off negotiations between the two blocs. Senior officials from both sides gathered in the Par»»»
Briefing of KUNA main news for Saturday until 00:00 GMT
3270830 KUWIAT -- The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the commencement of phase two of President Trump's plan to end Gaza conflict. 3270880 MANAMA -- Bahrain receives US invitation to join the Board of Peace that will oversee the implementation of Trump's plan to end Gaza conflict. 327»»»
Commercial Bank reports financial year 2025 net profit before Pillar Two Tax of QR2,384.4 million
Doha, Qatar: The Commercial Bank (P.S.Q.C.) (the “Bank”) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) announced today its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025. The Group reported Net Profit before Pillar Two Tax of QAR 2,384.4 million for FY 2025, down from QAR 3,032.1 million in FY 2024. Co»»»
FRA grants fintech licence to Granite, enabling Egypt’s first fully digital money market account
Granite Financial Holding, a digitally enabled asset management company, has received a fintech licence from the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), paving the way for the immediate launch of its proprietary mobile application, the Granite Money Market Account (Granite MMA). The launch follows an»»»
New People, New Parties Always Emerge during Elections and That Shouldn't Be a Problem - TISP Floor Leader Yordanov
There Is Such a People (TISP) Floor Leader Toshko Yordanov told Bulgarian National TV here on Sunday evening that the appearance of new people and new parties in elections should not be a problem for anyone. He noted that political life is not static, which he considers a positive thing, and added »»»
Sharjah charity targets 25,000 beneficiaries with Ramadan food baskets
Sharjah Charity International has launched early field preparations for its Ramadan food basket project as part of its annual Ramadan campaign, Jood, aiming to support vulnerable families ahead of the holy month. The initiative seeks to ensure that essential food supplies reach underprivileged hous»»»
Bulgaria’s Postal Service Smoothly Handles Lev-to-Euro Exchange, Says Outgoing Deputy PM Karadjov
Outgoing Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Grozdan Karadjov stated that Bulgarian Posts are handling the exchange of leva to euro flawlessly so far, particularly in remote areas without bank branches. Speaking to bTV’s here on Sunday, he noted that postal security has been reinforced and»»»
Video Shows Fires in Palestinian Village in West Bank During Israeli Settler Attack
Israeli settlers rampaged through a Palestinian village in the West Bank, setting fire to a series of structures, according to security camera footage obtained by The Associated Press on Sunday, in an overnight onslaught that has become a common phenomenon in the occupied territory. In the video, t»»»
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni wins seventh term as rival Bobi Wine rejects 'fake results'
Uganda's incumbent President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term in office, official results showed Saturday, allowing the former guerrilla to extend his four-decade rule of the East African country. His main opponent, Bobi Wine, remains in hiding after security forces raided his home. Ugandan Presi»»»