Malaysia to introduce 10-year term limit for prime minister
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim said Monday he would introduce legislation this year to limit the prime minister's term to a maximum 10 years, fulfilling one of his campaign promises. Speaking to ministers and civil servants after a cabinet meeting, Anwar cautioned against clinging»»»
On This Day, Jan. 5: New Hampshire adopts first state constitution - UPI.com
On Jan. 5, 1776, New Hampshire became the first American state to adopt its own constitution. 1 of 6 | The New Hampshire State House, completed in 1866, is in the capital of Concord. On January 5, 1776, New Hampshire became the first American state to adopt its own constitution. File Photo by Carol»»»
Dana Gas receives $50 million Egypt payment to fund drilling and cut fuel imports
Dubai: Dana Gas has received a $50 million (Dh184 million) payment from the Egyptian government, a move that trims overdue receivables and supports an accelerated drilling push aimed at boosting domestic gas supply and cutting costly imports. The payment is tied to the company’s multi-year investme»»»
Al Noor Center for the Blind celebrates World Braille Day
Doha, Qatar: Al Noor Center for the Blind, a member of the Qatar Social Work Foundation, celebrated World Braille Day, which falls on January 4 every year, and emphasised the pivotal role that Braille plays in the lives of people with visual impairments, as it is one of the basic pillars of knowled»»»
Kazakhstan: President signs amendments banning dissemination of “LGBT propaganda”
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a controversial set of amendments into law banning “LGBT propaganda.” Kazakh and international rights activists caution the amendments will institutionalise discrimination against LGBT people while giving authorities an additional tool to chill and »»»
Chamber adopts re-examined law on mandatory private pension payment; 30% initial lump-sum from Pillar II
The Chamber of Deputies adopted in a plenary meeting on last Tuesday the re-examination of the Law on the payment of private pensions, following Constitutional Court Decision No 676 of 25 November 2025, published in the Official Journal of Romania, Part I, No 1153 of 12 December 2025.A total of 199»»»
ICC gears up to host Bharat Utsav 2026 at Ideal India School ground in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha The Indian Cultural Centre, in association with the Embassy of India, is all set to present “Bharat Utsav 2026,” a grand celebration of India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, promising two days of spectacular performances, music, dance, and cultural displays. Schedule»»»
Air India Express launches special discounts for excess baggage
Tribune News Network Doha Air India Express, India’s first international value carrier, has announced a special limited-period offer for guests travelling from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to India, allowing them to pre-book 5 kg or 10 kg additional baggage at attractive »»»
Bowen: Trump's action could set precedent for authoritarian powers across globe
With the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, Donald Trump has demonstrated more powerfully than ever his belief in the power of his will, backed by raw US military force. On his orders the US has Maduro behind bars and now will "run" Venezuela. The US president made the announcement in a r»»»
Price Shock After January 1: Bulgarians Report Widespread Abuses in Euro Transition
Bulgaria’s entry into the eurozone has triggered a wave of consumer alerts over suspected price manipulation, with watchdog groups warning that some traders are exploiting confusion during the early days of the transition. Speaking on Nova TV, Bogomil Nikolov from the “Active Consumers” association»»»
Modernizing legislative framework key to economic transformation, investment attractiveness in Kuwait
Report by Mohammad Al-Enezi KUWAIT, Jan 4 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's institutional economic transformation is anchored in several pillars, foremost among them updating the legislative framework amid rapid global challenges, evolving production and investment patterns, shifting towards digital economy, and »»»
Indore water horror: Police outpost toilet without septic tank linked to 10 deaths
Dubai: Residents of Bhagirathpura, where 10 people died after consuming contaminated drinking water, have blamed a police outpost toilet allegedly built without a proper septic tank, calling it a shocking case of negligence that turned a basic civic facility into a deadly hazard. According to local»»»
On This Day, Jan. 4: Britain administers first AstraZeneca COVID-19 jab - UPI.com
On Jan. 4, 2021, a COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University was administered for the first time, to an 82-year-old man in Britain. 1 of 7 | File Photo by Dan Himbrechts/EPA-EFE Jan. 4 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1853, Solomon Northrop regained his freedom following h»»»
Watch: Pakistan Air Force successfully tests indigenous Taimoor cruise missile
Dubai: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor Weapon System, marking a major milestone in the country’s aerospace and defence capabilities. The Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile can strike land and sea targets with high precis»»»
Post-ceasefire Gaza requires new international framework beyond crisis management: Experts
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha With the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip entering into force last October, the Palestinian issue has once again moved to the centre of international attention through intertwined humanitarian and political dimensions. While the relative calm has enabled the partial return of disp»»»
Al Wakrah Souq hosts antiques exhibition, auction
Tribune News Network Doha Al Wakrah Old Souq has launched a special exhibition and auction showcasing a collection of antiques, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore rare and historic pieces in an authentic heritage setting. According to a post on the Al Wakrah Old Souq’ssocial media pl»»»
Finance Ministry to offer eight T-bill, bond tenders worth EGP 190bn this week
The Ministry of Finance announced that it will offer eight treasury bill and bond tenders this week with a combined value of EGP 190bn, as part of its ongoing financing plan. The offerings include four treasury bill tenders worth EGP 160bn and four treasury bond tenders totaling EGP 30bn. According»»»
Weekend Digest: New Year’s Eve, Burj Khalifa fireworks, UAE petrol prices, travel updates and more
Dubai: It’s been a news-packed week in the UAE, with the country welcoming 2026 through dazzling New Year’s Eve celebrations, headlined by Burj Khalifa fireworks and grand events across the emirates. Authorities rolled out phased road closures and extended Metro services to manage crowds, while uns»»»
Israeli Leaks Test Prospects for Gaza Deal’s Second Phase
A stream of Israeli leaks has highlighted moves toward alternative scenarios in Gaza if the disarmament of Hamas is not carried out soon. The options being floated range from freezing reconstruction across the enclave and limiting rebuilding to areas under Israeli control to the prospect of renewed»»»
Zohran Mamdani in action: NYC mayor hits subway, takes selfies, sparks controversy - Viral video
Zohran Mamdani, 34, New York City’s first Muslim, South Asian, and youngest mayor in a century, began his first full day on the job with a subway commute from his Queens apartment. Bundled against the cold, he posed for selfies, greeted fellow riders, and reviewed briefing materials—demonstrating h»»»
Leasehold or freehold? Philippine law unlocks 99-year land leases for foreign investors: Why RA 12252 matters
Manila: The Philippines has unlocked 99-year land leases to foreign investors with Republic Act No. 12252, signed in September. It's deemed a "game-changer". For one, it creates certainty for capital-intensive projects spanning decades, thus giving investors — and jobs — more predictability. Also I»»»
Storm to quench southeast U.S. drought, with a wintry twist for parts of Virginia - UPI.com
A quick-developing storm will spread rain over part of the lower Mississippi Valley and the central Gulf coast into Friday night before moving off the southern Atlantic coast on Saturday night. On the northern edge of the rain, there will be some snow or a mix of snow, sleet and rain. Much of the s»»»
‘America is toast if radical left wins’ – Musk
Elon Musk has indicated his intention to bankroll Republican candidates in the midterm elections later this year, saying that the US will cease to exist if the Democrats reclaim power in the Congress. On Friday, Tesla and SpaceX CEO commented on a post on X by a conservative influencer, who claimed»»»
Argentina OKs allowing undeclared savings into financial system - UPI.com
Official data show Argentines held about $254 billion outside the banking system as of September. Photo by QuinceCreative/Pixabay BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Argentina's government has enacted the so-called Fiscal Innocence Law, which changes tax evasion thresholds and seeks to encourage declarin»»»
Elon Musk's Grok AI alters images of women to digitally remove their clothes
Elon Musk's social media platform X has provoked outrage after people used its AI chatbot Grok to alter photos of women by removing their clothing. The BBC has seen several examples of it undressing women to make them appear in bikinis without their consent, as well as putting them in sexual situat»»»
UN official calls Israeli Occupation to drop bill on death penalty for Palestinians
GENEVA, Jan 2 (KUNA) - - The UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk on Friday called on the Israeli occupation authorities to drop a bill that would impose mandatory death sentences exclusively on Palestinians both in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in Israel.In a statement issued in Geneva, Turk»»»
GDRFA Dubai celebrates New Year with Dh500,000 prizes for workforce across Dubai
Dubai: The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) marked the first day of the new year by translating the values of the Year of Community into a large-scale celebratory initiative dedicated to the workforce across the emirate. The celebrations, organised across»»»
New UAE law: Buyers get more rights, longer time to claim defects
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has strengthened buyer protections under its new Civil Transactions Law, introducing clearer rules for sale contracts, expanding remedies for defective goods, and extending the time limit for filing claims related to hidden defects. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheq»»»
South Koreans now free to read North's newspaper, once banned as seditious
Seoul: Packed with missile tests, propaganda hailing the great leaders and tirades against the United States, North Korea's top newspaper was long considered so incendiary that South Korea banned its citizens from reading it. But dovish President Lee Jae Myung is now seeking better ties with Pyongy»»»
UAE government schools to adjust Friday timings
Dubai: The Ministry of Education has announced changes to the school timings on Fridays for government schools across the UAE, set to take effect from January 9, 2026. The adjustment comes in response to a nationwide directive modifying the timing of Friday prayers, with the aim of ensuring greater»»»
Dubai’s RTA offers convenient bus service to Global Village
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is making it easier for visitors to enjoy Global Village with its public bus service, providing a comfortable, sustainable alternative to driving. Bus route 102 connects Al Rashidiya Metro Station to Global Village, allowing travellers to skip the hassle »»»
Large Retail Chains in Bulgaria Start Operating with Euros as Transition Continues Smoothly
Large retail chains across Bulgaria reopened this morning following the public holiday, already operating under the new dual-currency rules after the country’s entry into the eurozone. Big stores are accepting payments both in leva and euros and are returning change in euros where required. So far,»»»
UAE law update: Teens can manage assets from 15 — adulthood now starts at 18
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has introduced a major shift in legal age rules under its new Civil Transactions Law, allowing minors as young as 15 to manage their assets with court approval, while setting 18 years as the age of full legal adulthood. Also Read: UAE lowers age of maturity to 18 years in landmar»»»
On This Day, Jan. 2: West Virginia coal mine explosion kills 12 - UPI.com
On Jan. 2, 2006, 12 men were killed in a methane gas explosion in a coal mine in West Virginia's Upshur County. 1 of 5 | Workers from United Drilling Inc. operate drilling equipment in attempts to drill an observation hole into a shaft where 13 trapped coal miners miners are believed to be in Tallm»»»
UAE's ICP rolls out 15 ‘Zero Bureaucracy’ initiatives to streamline services
Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has launched 15 development projects as part of the second phase of the “Zero Bureaucracy” programme, aiming to simplify procedures, reduce paperwork, and provide both customers and staff with faster, more d»»»
Digital transformation enhances Medical Commission Services
DOHA: A Laboratory Specialist at the Medical Commission Department of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Fatima Ahmed Al Sulaiti highlighted the key services offered by the Medical Commission and the role of digital transformation in improving procedures and enhancing the experience for visitors»»»
U.S. Army squadron in S. Korea deactivated last month amid concerns about potential troop cut - UPI.com
This file photo shows the 5th Air Cavalry Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, taking part in the Spur Ride event at Camp Humphreys, a key U.S. base in Pyeongtaek, on Sept. 25, 2025. File Photo by Pfc. Kalisber Ortega/U.S. Army/UPI A U.S. Army squadron tasked with a reconnaissance mission in South Kore»»»
Moving from the UK to the UAE? Healthcare is one change you can’t ignore
Dubai: For many Britons relocating to the UAE, healthcare is one of the most underestimated adjustments. The shift from the UK’s tax-funded NHS to an insurance-led system changes how care is accessed, how quickly treatment is delivered and how much choice patients ultimately have. Sign up for our d»»»
Swiss police say some 40 killed, 115 injured in NYE resort fire
Around 40 people were killed and at least 115 were injured after a fire ripped through a bar during New Year's Eve celebrations in a luxury resort town in southern Switzerland, police said Thursday. A fire ripped through a bar’s New Year celebration in a Swiss Alpine resort shortly after midn»»»
Bulgaria becomes 21st eurozone member
Bulgaria joined the Eurozone on January 1, becoming the 21st member of the single-currency bloc, even as the country enters the new year mired in political instability after the collapse of its government and mass street protests. »»»
US health insurance costs to rise by 114% for millions as subsidies expire
More than 20 million people in the United States will face sharply higher health insurance costs as of January 1 after enhanced tax credits that helped enrollees in the Affordable Care Act afford coverage expired overnight. The expiration of the subsidies will mostly affect families, small business»»»
'You're invisible, you don't exist' - life without a birth certificate
Many people may take their birth certificate, or similar official papers, for granted - hidden in a drawer and rarely seeing the light of day - but for those without one, it can lead to a shadow life or an uncertain existence. This is thought to affect millions of people around the world, described»»»
Affordable Care Act subsidies expire, insurance premiums expected to skyrocket - UPI.com
With Congress failing to extend subsidies for health insurance bought through federal and state Affordable Care Act online exchanges, the roughly 24 million people who obtain coverage through the ACA are set to see their monthly premiums double. Screenshot via Healthcare.gov Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Insuran»»»
Philippines unlocks 99-year land leases for foreigners — is now the time to cash in on PH economic boom?
Manila: The Philippines has just dropped a bombshell move to snag mega foreign cash. How? Amid the noise (and the haste) surrounding the multibillion flood-control scam, a new legislation has been crafted to drive foreign investments in energy, transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing — and, m»»»
Brazil's Bolsonaro heads back to prison after medical treatment
Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro left a hospital Thursday to return to prison and resume serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup. In a ruling published earlier in the day judges denied a request from Bolsonaro's lawyers to grant him house arrest on health grounds. Also Read: Brazil’s»»»
Crypto users forced to share account details with tax officials
People buying cryptocurrency in the UK now need to share their account details or face penalties, in changes that came into effect on 1 January. The move by the UK's tax body is designed to ensure they pay all relevant tax on buying and selling crypto, including capital gains tax. HMRC will begin a»»»
About 40 People Dead, 115 Injured in Fire at Swiss Alpine Resort During New Year’s Celebration
About 40 people were killed and another 115 injured, most of them seriously, after a fire ripped through a bar’s New Year celebration in a Swiss Alpine resort less than two hours after midnight Thursday, police said. Authorities did not immediately have an exact count of the deceased. The Crans-Mon»»»
CBS Governor: Transactions to apply Syrian Pound fractions in Pricing
Damascus, Jan.1 (SANA) Governor of Central Bank of Syria (CBS), Abdelkader Husrieh , called on economic activities to cooperate in implementing the cash replacement process and ensuring financial accuracy in transactions, in line with commercial customs and ethical values. This applies to all deali»»»
Dubai Duty Free smashes records with Dhs8.68 billion in sales
Dubai: Dubai Duty Free has reported a landmark year in 2025, posting annual sales of Dhs8.680 billion ($2.378 billion), a 9.85% rise over 2024, making it the most successful year in the retailer’s 42-year history. The strong performance was driven by ten record-breaking months, with December standi»»»
Americans brace to start New Year without healthcare
Adrienne Martin and her family are starting the New Year off without healthcare. The 47-year-old Texas mother had to make a difficult choice when she found out her monthly healthcare premium was increasing in 2026 from what she described as a manageable $630 (£467) to an unaffordable $2,400 (£1,781»»»