Sadyr Japarov: Kyrgyzstan opens new chapter in history by hosting UIM F1H2O - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov spoke at the opening ceremony of the UIM F1H2O World Championship round on Issyk-Kul Lake. The head of state said that hosting the «Formula 1 on Water» was a significant event for the country and marked a new chapter in the history of independent Kyrgyzstan. «T»»»
Spectacular show held for F1H2O spectators - | 24.KG
The UIM F1H2O World Championship races have kicked off on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. Before the start of the races, a grand opening ceremony was held, featuring a parade of racing boats on water and a spectacular show with the participation of athletes. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov spok»»»
Kazakh Energy Ministry Rules Out Complete Shutdown of Caspian Pipeline Consortium
ALMATY (Sputnik) - A complete shutdown of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) is not being considered, the Kazakh Ministry of Energy said on Saturday. "The Kazakh Ministry of Energy reports the following regarding the operation of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium [CPC]. Some media outlets have rep»»»
India August 2026 financial deadlines: ITR filing, RBI policy, bank charges and Tatkal booking changes explained
August brings several important financial deadlines and policy events that could affect taxpayers, investors and banking customers. Businesses and professionals required to file ITR-3 or ITR-4 and not subject to tax audit must submit their income tax returns by August 31. The deadline applies to se»»»
Startup Wrap: Gaming, healthcare and fintech firms raise funding and expand operations in lively market
RIYADH: Strategic investments, product launches and expansion plans by companies across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, were all announced this week, alongside funding rounds and a regional investor’s participation in a Canadian AI startup. Saudi Arabia-based insurance tech startup DESAISIV has l»»»
Arms, Military Equipment Deliveries Increased Fivefold Since 2022 – MoD
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The deliveries of weapons and military equipment have increased five-fold since the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Sanchik said. "Since the beginning of the special military operation, the volume of military equi»»»
Search resumes for missing climbers from Pakistan avalanche
Skardu, Pakistan: Pakistan rescue teams resumed a high-altitude search on Saturday for seven climbers missing after a powerful avalanche on one of the world's highest peaks, with the remains of three mountaineers recovered. The avalanche struck Thursday, cutting off contact with the ten-member inte»»»
On This Day, Aug. 1: Worldwide ban on cluster bombs goes into effect - UPI.com
On August 1, 2010, a worldwide ban on cluster bombs went into effect. 1 of 6 | Airman David Rodriguez (R) prepares cluster bombs aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence on February 12, 1998. On August 1, 2010, a worldwide ban on cluster bombs went into effect. File Photo by Felix Garza/U.S. Na»»»
‘Responsibility’: Saudi fitness influencers thriving as online space drives physical and mental health transformation
RIYADH: As people turn increasingly to social media for direction about diet, fitness and sports culture, the online athletic community is booming with interest, content creators, and a following that is here to stay in the Kingdom. Both male and female athletes are growing significant followings a»»»
Broad Peak avalanche: 7 climbers located by drone, Pakistani mountaineer still missing
Search and rescue efforts are underway on Pakistan's Broad Peak after ten climbers were caught in an avalanche on July 30. According to the latest update from the Alpine Club of Pakistan, two bodies have been recovered and flown to Skardu by helicopter, while seven more climbers have been spotted v»»»
QNB explores prospects for US monetary policy under Fed Chair Kevin Warsh
Doha, Qatar: Qatar National Bank (QNB) highlighted the expected shift in the US monetary policy approach under Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, saying the next phase could see a reassessment of the balance between forward guidance and policymakers' flexibility in managing monetary policy in respo»»»
Radiation markers found in 44% of North Korean defectors tested - UPI.com
South Korea says results cannot establish that exposure came from nuclear testing at Punggye-ri Earth is displaced during an explosion on the first day of dismantling at North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site in Punggye-ri, North Korea, 24 May 2018. On 24 May North Korea started to demolish its»»»
UAE welcomes announcement of agreement on disarmament in Gaza Strip
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the announcement by US President Donald Trump that the Board of Peace has reached a historic agreement on the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in the Gaza Strip as part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan to end the war in Gaza. The UAE affirmed that this»»»
No more printed OEC? Manila airport rolls out digital OFW Pass on 24 airlines
Dubai: Filipino workers travelling overseas will no longer need to carry a printed overseas employment certificate (OEC) when departing from Manila, as 24 international airlines at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have started accepting the new digital OFW Pass. The move has been expected »»»
Tanker hit, explosion reported off Oman: Strait of Hormuz shipping under pressure
Two tanker-related incidents have been reported off Oman as tensions continue to rise across Gulf waters, with maritime authorities urging vessels to exercise caution. The developments come as shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz declines sharply amid the ongoing Iran-US standoff, with ope»»»
Google rolls back new satellite image AI tool
Washington, United States: Google rolled back Friday a new feature allowing Google Earth users to generate AI visualizations on top of the service's satellite imagery, following a furious backlash from researchers and open-source intelligence experts about the potential for disinformation. "We've s»»»
First Session of Bulgaria's 52nd Parliament Marked by Budget Adoption, Electoral and Judicial Reforms
The first session of Bulgaria's 52nd National Assembly was dominated by the newly formed Progressive Bulgaria party, which secured a parliamentary majority following the April 19 snap elections, enabling the adoption of the 2026 budget, changes to electoral legislation and amendments to the Judicia»»»
Russian Missiles Hit Military Hubs and Plants in Kiev - Defense Ministry
Russian forces pounded Kiev's defense industry and military logistics hubs overnight in a heavy coordinated strike, Russia’s Ministry of Defense said. The barrage targeted facilities tied to the production, storage, and supply of missiles, drones, radar systems, and electronic-warfare gear for the »»»
Social media use among Australian under-16s falling since ban implemented
Canberra, Australia: The proportion of Australian children with social media accounts fell by 10 percentage points in the first three months of the country's world-first under-16 social media ban, according to new data. The eSafety Commissioner, Australia's online safety watchdog, on Friday release»»»
Can Saudi Arabia build a stronger retirement system before today’s workers retire?
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has an opportunity to strengthen its retirement system and unlock billions of riyals in long-term domestic investment, according to a BlackRock report, which found that while many workers are financially confident today, fewer are adequately prepared for retirement. The “Read o»»»
Social Security Income Thresholds Increase from August 1, Civil Servants Pay Own Contributions
Higher minimum and maximum social security income thresholds took effect in Bulgaria on August 1, while civil servants began paying personal social security contributions under changes introduced by the 2026 State Social Insurance Budget Act. The minimum insurable income for self-employed persons i»»»
Study finds mining threatens over 12,000 species worldwide
Canberra, Australia: Scientists have found that mining threatens more than 12,000 species worldwide, including nearly 6,000 already classified as "threatened." Researchers in Australia and Britain combined global maps of mining activity with data on threatened species to examine the extent of minin»»»
Asian football body welcomes FIFA backdown, calls for transparency
Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation said on Saturday it welcomed the scrapping of FIFA's proposal to allow private investment in the World Cup. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa "welcomed the withdrawal of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise," the Kuala Lumpur-based bod»»»
Russian Scientists Discover Mineral Worth More Than Gold
Researchers identified the new mineral at the Kirovsky mine in the Khibiny Massif on the Kola Peninsula. It has been named Kola Ashcroftine, a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education told Sputnik. Even a thin coating of the new mineral on rock is valued at an average o»»»
US fighter jet crashes near California military base
Los Angeles, United States: A US F-35 fighter jet crashed Friday near a military base in San Diego, but the pilot was able to eject before impact, officials said. "There was an aviation mishap involving a Marine Corps F-35B in the vicinity" of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar at about 10:00 am (170»»»
FIFA scraps private investment plan after backlash
Paris, France: FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Saturday he had scrapped a plan to allow private investment in the World Cup following fierce backlash from football officials worldwide. "Our purpose has always been -- and will always be -- to unite and improve," Infantino said in a statement»»»
Italy suspends Schengen travel rules with Spain: What UAE travellers need to know
Italy has temporarily suspended Schengen free-movement arrangements with Spain for one month, introducing targeted checks on some travellers arriving from Spain by air and sea. The move follows a surge in migrant arrivals into Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa, from neighbouring Morocco. I»»»
Iran Prepared Large-Scale Plan to Respond to Possible US, Israeli Attacks - Reports
A senior security source commented to the Tasnim news agency on reports of possible US and Israeli attacks on Iran, stating that Tehran has prepared a comprehensive "response plan" in the event of military action. Earlier, CBS News, citing sources, reported that the US and Israel are preparing larg»»»
Here's how much time Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant may take to restart after unprecedented shutdown
Restarting Hungary’s Paks Nuclear Power Plant could take up to a week if all four reactor units are shut down simultaneously, according to the plant’s Deputy CEO for Technical Affairs. The unprecedented situation is expected due to the record-low water level of the Danube, which has reduced the ava»»»
Pakistan’s Broad Peak avalanche: Three climbers’ bodies recovered, search continues
Pakistani rescuers recovered three bodies on Friday after an avalanche hit Broad Peak during a climbing expedition, officials said. The Gilgit-Baltistan government identified the recovered climbers as Nepalese mountaineer Pur Bahadur Gurung, Omani climber Nathira Ahmed and American climber Mallory »»»
Ceuta explained: Why migrants are crossing into the Spanish territory from Morocco
Thousands of migrants have entered Spain’s tiny North African territory of Ceuta from Morocco, with at least 57 people reported dead during the attempt, prompting Spain to deploy military support to reinforce the border. Migrant arrivals surge at Ceuta borderVideos and images from the frontier show»»»
What UAE residents need to know today: US-Iran conflicts, flight updates and travel advisories
The Middle East remains on alert as the US weighs further strikes on Iran, Gaza ceasefire efforts continue, and regional shipping and aviation face disruption. Here are the key updates UAE residents need to know today. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click h»»»
Paks shutdown safe but costly, minister says after plant visit
The shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant is not an emergency — every step is being taken in accordance with the strictest safety regulations and a pre-established procedure, wrote István Kapitány, Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy, on his Facebook page, following a visit to the nuclear po»»»
Kyrgyzstan ready to export berries to Turkish market - | 24.KG
Deputy Minister of Economy of Kyrgyzstan Benazir Nurlanova met with a delegation of Turkish entrepreneurs. According to the Ministry of Economy, the parties discussed prospects for expanding Kyrgyzstan — Turkey trade, economic, and investment cooperation, increasing the export of domestic berries t»»»
Saudi meteorology center forecasts hotter-than-normal weather through October
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is expected to experience above-average temperatures across most of the Kingdom through October, with rainfall intensifying from September and potentially reaching heavy to very heavy levels in some areas later in the season, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) said on Fr»»»
IDF strikes Gaza after Trump announces Hamas disarmament plan
Israeli strikes have continued across Gaza hours after US President Donald Trump announced a “historic agreement” under which Hamas would be disarmed and the IDF would completely withdraw from the enclave. At least one Palestinian was killed and several others were wounded in the attacks on Friday,»»»
Flying from UAE? Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia issue latest flight updates and cancellations
Travellers flying to and from the UAE are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as airlines continue to adjust schedules amid operational changes and heightened regional tensions. While most UAE carriers are operating near normal levels, Etihad Airways, Emirates and Ai»»»
Japan launches intelligence bureau but lacks overseas network - UPI.com
The 730-person agency will coordinate intelligence for the prime minister, while a separate foreign intelligence service is planned The photo shows the Prime Minister's Office (Kantei) in Japan. The Japanese government launched the National Intelligence Bureau on Friday as an organization reporting»»»
$20,000 US visa bond to be made permanent: Countries affected
WASHINGTON: The State Department is making permanent a pilot program under which citizens from 50 countries, mainly in Africa, are required to post bonds to apply for a US visa, and it’s raising the cost as well, to as much as $20,000. A draft notice published Friday in the Federal Register says a »»»
Prosecutors admit 'botched installation' damaged D.C. reflecting pool - UPI.com
President Donald Trump claimed the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which cost nearly $15 million to renovate, had been damaged by vandals. But in a court filing Friday evening, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the damage was caused by a "botched installation." Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI. | Licen»»»
Turkish man arrested in UK on US charges accusing him of aiding Hamas
NEW YORK: A Turkish man was arrested Friday in the United Kingdom on charges alleging he conspired to funnel money and supplies to Hamas through his senior role in what prosecutors say was a sham global humanitarian organization. Mohammad Yousef Hasna, 45, of Istanbul, was ordered held pending extr»»»
US Justice Department drops criminal case against ex-Olympian charged with damaging Reflecting Pool
WASHINGTON: The Justice Department moved Friday to dismiss a criminal case charging a former Olympian with deliberately damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying evidence prosecutors had recently received refuted the idea that vandals were to blame. Government lawyers said in a 20-page »»»
North Korea says NATO fuel plan shows alliance preparing for war
SEOUL: North Korea accused NATO on Saturday of preparing for war by expanding military fuel infrastructure across Europe, saying the alliance’s plans show it is becoming a more aggressive military bloc. In a commentary carried by state media KCNA, North Korea criticized NATO’s Fuel Supply Chain »»»
FIFA scraps World Cup sell-off plan after resistance from members
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Friday that world soccer’s governing body had scrapped plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors after widespread backlash. FIFA’s plan was to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling about a 20 percent stake in a new unit that would run FIFA ev»»»
US says Strait of Hormuz open as 30 ships rerouted in Iran blockade
The US military said it has redirected 30 commercial vessels since the start of its blockade of Iranian ports, while maintaining that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping. In an update posted on X on Friday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that, as of July 31, its forces ha»»»
Major American oil companies reap massive profits as US and Iran fighting drives energy prices higher
NEW YORK: American oil and gas giants raked in massive spring profits while fighting between Iran and the US impeded petroleum shipments and consumers around the world paid more for fuel and confronted shortages. The conflict, now in its sixth month, halted most shipping through the Strait of Hormu»»»
Figures behind rush for Hormuz oil export alternatives
Disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has prompted oil-producing countries in the Gulf to accelerate plans for alternative export routes, with a series of pipeline projects announced or revived. Here is a breakdown of the proposals. - Regional picture -A total of 14.95 million barrels»»»
Reports: New wave of U.S. strikes could target Iran's energy resources - UPI.com
President Donald Trump said the U.S. would be hitting Iran "very hard" with new airstrikes that could be launched as early as this weekend. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo July 31 (UPI) -- The United States military is preparing to launch a fresh wave of airstrikes on Iran as early as t»»»
$20,000 US visa bond to be made permanent: Countries affected
WASHINGTON: The State Department is making permanent a pilot program under which citizens from 50 countries, mainly in Africa, are required to post bonds to apply for a US visa, and it’s raising the cost as well, to as much as $20,000. A draft notice published Friday in the Federal Register says a »»»
9 new Dubai malls set to transform where residents shop and dine
Dubai: Dubai residents will soon have more places to shop, eat, exercise and access everyday services, with nine new malls and community retail destinations planned across the city. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The pipeline stretches from Nad Al Sheba and Sobha Hart»»»