IN PHOTOS: Pakistan's blossom season brings calm in a troubled world
Gilgit, Pakistan: The harsh days of winter are over in Pakistan's high north and while snow still tops the towering peaks that dominate the landscape, spring has arrived in the foothills. But this year, visitors who have come to witness the region's cherry and apricot blossoms see it as the perfect»»»
Trump signs executive order to expand federal control over mail voting - UPI.com
President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing on election integrity in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. The order will have the federal government, through the U.S. Postal Service, provide states with information concerning who is an eligible vot»»»
Hong Kong’s ‘Hero Trees’ Lose Their Glory as Climate Warms
Hong Kong's beloved kapok trees are not blooming the way they used to, drawing concern from conservationists who see it as a sign that nature is falling out of sync as the climate warms. Locally known as "hero trees" for their majestic appearance, kapoks attract large numbers of photographers every»»»
3 Turkish nationals sentenced over shooting targeting Greek intelligence officer
A mixed jury court in Edessa, northern Greece, has handed prison sentences ranging from six to 11 years to three Turkish nationals convicted in a May 2025 shooting incident targeting an officer of Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP) in Tagarades, Thessaloniki. The court found the 50-year-o»»»
PM Gurov: Caretaker Cabinet Will Withstand Attacks, Stay United
The caretaker Government will continue to act with decency, responsibility, and as a unified team, regardless of how many directions the attacks come from, caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said at the start of the Cabinet's weekly meeting on Wednesday. "There is no doubt these days that the ca»»»
Bulgaria's Interior Minister: Vote-Buying Parties Won’t Be Named Until After Elections
Acting Interior Minister Emil Dechev said he is not in a position to publicly name the political parties involved in vote-buying at this stage, but indicated that such information could be disclosed once the elections are over. Speaking on BNT, he suggested that certain political formations clearly»»»
Saudi Women Help Steady Unemployment at End of 2025
In a sign of the profound changes reshaping Saudi Arabia’s labor market, Saudi women emerged as a key factor in keeping unemployment stable at the end of 2025, helped by higher economic participation and growing job opportunities across a range of vital sectors. The labor force participation rate f»»»
Charlie Kirk bullet not linked to alleged killer Robinson’s rifle, lawyers say
Investigators could not match the bullet that killed conservative influencer Charlie Kirk to the rifle used by his alleged assassin, lawyers for the suspect have claimed. The accused killer’s defense team is using this fact to push for a delayed trial. Tyler Robinson’s lawyers said in a recent cour»»»
Interior Minister Says Prosecution Service Is ‘Major Absentee’ in Key Petyo Petrov, Martin Bojanov, Petrohan Cases
The prosecution service is the major absentee in the cases involving Petyo “the Euro” Petrov, Martin “the Notary” Bojanov, and the Petrohan case, caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev told the Bulgarian National Television on Wednesday. He again stated that Sofia City Prosecutor Emilia Rusinova h»»»
Seven killed, 24 wounded in Israeli strikes on Khaldeh and Beirut's Jnah
Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and a nearby town killed at least seven people, as Israel's military said it had targeted senior Hezbollah members. The health ministry said an Israeli raid early Wednesday in the Jnah area, which borders Hezbollah's stronghold in the southern suburbs of»»»
Gold slides 14% in March Despite War, Testing Safe-Haven Status
Gold defied its traditional role as a crisis hedge in March, posting its steepest monthly fall since October 2008. The metal dropped more than 14% over the month - its sharpest decline in over 17 years - despite heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, prompting questions about whether »»»
Ashghal temporarily closes Messaimeer Interchange Tunnel
Doha, Qatar: The Public Works Authority, Ashghal, announced the closure of Messaimeer Interchange Tunnel for vehicles coming from Mesaieed Road towards the E-Ring Road. The closure, in coordination with General Directorate of Traffic, to carry out essential maintenance works will be on Friday, Apri»»»
Official: Yemen’s Arabian Sea Ports Poised to Become Global Logistics Hubs
A Yemeni maritime official said ports along the Arabian Sea are capable of becoming global logistics hubs, citing their competitive advantages and capacity to handle various types of commercial vessels, particularly container ships and general cargo vessels, as well as dry and liquid bulk carriers.»»»
US judge orders suspension of Trump's White House ballroom construction
A federal judge on Tuesday ordered the Trump administration to halt construction of a $400 million White House ballroom after demolition of the East Wing, ruling the project cannot proceed without congressional approval. US District Judge Richard Leon granted a preliminary injunction sought by a pr»»»
Artemis 2: What to know about first crewed Moon mission in half a century
NASA's Artemis II mission will send four astronauts circling around the Moon in humanity's first crewed lunar mission since 1972 – and the first to feature a woman. Its main goal is to prepare for the return of boots on the Moon in 2028. Here's what to know about the highly anticipated mission»»»
‘Blatantly racist’: Death penalty law among 'worst legislation' in Israeli parliamentary history
Carys Garland is pleased to welcome Bentzi Sykora, Policy Director at Zulat for Equality and Human Rights. He observes profound tension within Israeli democracy, a moment shaped by trauma, political opportunism, and a struggle over constitutional values. As Policy Director of the Zulat Institute, »»»
As US pursues 'maximalist demands', Iran relies on four decades of asymmetric warfare
Carys Garland is pleased to welcome Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project & International Crisis Group Senior Advisor. He examines the evolving dynamics of the confrontation between the US, Israel, and Iran. Military escalation risks triggering systemic regional and global consequences, while »»»
Macron Lauds Europe’s ‘Predictability’ in Seeming Contrast to Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Europe's "predictability" during a visit to Japan on Wednesday, contrasting it with countries that "could hurt you without even informing you" in an apparent swipe at Donald Trump. The US president lashed out at France on Tuesday, writing on social media tha»»»
Yemen's Houthis Claim 3rd Missile Attack Targeting Israel
Yemen's Houthis on Wednesday claimed a missile attack against Israel that they said was launched jointly with their backer Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah group -- the third such attack by the militias since they entered the Middle East war. Earlier on Wednesday, Israel's military said its air defense»»»
On This Day, April 1: Hitler imprisoned for Beer Hall Putsch - UPI.com
On April 1, 1924, Adolf Hitler was sent to prison for five years after failing to take over Germany by force in the unsuccessful "Beer Hall Putsch." 1 of 5 | The defendants in the Beer Hall Putsch trial pose for a photo in Munich, Germany, on the last day of the trial, April 1, 1924. From left are »»»
Bulgaria's Acting PM Signed the Right Agreement at the Wrong Time for All the Wrong Reasons
Acting Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov flew to Kyiv, signed a 10-year defense cooperation agreement with Volodymyr Zelensky, and flew back. On paper, a straightforward show of solidarity with real strategic substance. In practice, he attached enough additional baggage to the visit to hand nearly every»»»
PM Bolojan: EU's eastern border must be stronger; we need to strengthen both military and economic security
The European Union's eastern border must be strengthened in the coming years through a combination of enhanced military and economic security, as one cannot function effectively without the other, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Tuesday.He is taking part in the Government Roundtable entitled 'S»»»
Trump Lashes Out at France, UK Over their Stance on Iran War
US President Donald Trump has attacked America's allies, particularly France and the UK, over their reluctance to get involved in the Iran war. In a post on his social media company Truth Social, Trump blamed France for being “VERY UNHELPFUL” in the killing of Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamene»»»
Kyrgyzstan and Turkey discuss development of industrial cooperation - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan’s Trade Representative in Turkey, Chingiz Esengul uulu, met with Orhan Aydin, Chairman of the Board of OSTİM, the Organized Industrial Zone of the Middle East Center for Industry and Trade. The press service of the Ministry of Economy reported. According to the press service, during the »»»
MoCI recalls FORD Taurus, Flex, Explorer, Mustang, Fusion and LINCOLN MKT, MKZ 2015- 2016 models
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in cooperation with Almana Motors Company, Qatar’s Ford and Lincoln, has announced the recall of Ford Taurus, Flex, Explorer, Mustang, Fusion and Lincoln MKT, MKZ 2015- 2016 models. The recall is due to the potential a blank or distorted im»»»
UAE launches ‘Basma 15’ initiative to bring Emirates ID services directly to schools
Dubai: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has launched "Basma 15", a proactive government initiative aimed at simplifying identity services for students aged 15 and above by bringing key procedures directly to schools. Under the programme, specialised »»»
Japan’s LNG diversification will not shield it against global price spikes
Despite government assurances that Japan is insulated from the direct impacts of a Strait of Hormuz closure, Tokyo remains painfully exposed to LNG price fluctuations. As it stands, Japan’s LNG import bill is poised to sur»»»
Japan’s LNG diversification will not shield it against global price spikes
Despite government assurances that Japan is insulated from the direct impacts of a Strait of Hormuz closure, Tokyo remains painfully exposed to LNG price fluctuations. As it stands, Japan’s LNG import bill is poised to sur»»»
HMC honours staff from Qatar Foundation for Social Work over awareness initiative for social workers
Doha, Qatar: Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Corporate Social Service in collaboration with the Corporate Communications Department organised a ceremony honouring Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QSW) and its employees who participated in an initiative of awareness sessions for social workers at»»»
Al Rayyan, Al Wajba book final showdown
Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan and Al Wajba booked their places in the final of the third edition of the Al Thumama Ramadan Football Tournament at the Al Furjan Stadium in Al Thumama. In the semi-finals, Al Rayyan defeated Al Shaab 4-0 while Al Wajba secured a 3-0 win over Al Raya Medical. Al Shaab and Al »»»
Young Antelope Shot Dead at Vienna Zoo
Vienna's Schoenbrunn Zoo expressed outrage on Tuesday over the death of one of its blackbuck antelope, whose males are recognizable by their large twisted horns, which was shot dead by an unknown gunman. According to the zoo, the shot was fired from outside the enclosure overnight from Saturday to »»»
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra cancels April 5 & 11 concerts
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) has announced the cancellation of its scheduled concerts on April 5 and April 11, citing unforeseen circumstances. In a statement issued on their official social media accounts yesterday, the orchestra expressed regret over the decision but reassu»»»
Gulf News Edufair at 10: How it helps UAE students make the right career move
Choosing the right degree or career path has become increasingly complex. As industry demands change and new fields continue to emerge across technology, business and sustainability, students today face more options, and greater uncertainty, than ever before. This is where the 10th edition of Gulf »»»
Wolf Bites Woman in Shopping Area in Germany's 2nd-biggest City
A wolf bit a woman in a shopping area in Hamburg before it was pulled out of a lake in Germany’s second-biggest city, authorities said, in what is believed to be the first such attack since wolves returned to the country in 1998. The fire service said that the woman was taken to a Hamburg hospital »»»
Syria Will Stay Out of Iran Conflict Unless It Faces Aggression, Sharaa Says from London
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Tuesday that his country will stay out of the US-Israeli war against Iran unless Syria is subject to aggression and has no diplomatic solutions. "Unless Syria is targeted by any party, Syria will remain outside any conflict," the Syrian president said at an »»»
Russian Military Transport Plane Crashes in Crimea, Killing 29
A Russian An-26 military transport plane crashed into a cliff in Crimea, killing 29 people on board, due to a possible technical malfunction, Russia's defense ministry said early on Wednesday, according to news agencies. TASS news agency, quoting the ministry, said communication with the aircraft w»»»
US-Israel war on Iran, Day 33: What UAE residents need to know on April 1
Dubai: Regional tensions continue to shape daily life on day 33 of the US–Israel war with Iran, as authorities respond to air defence debris incidents, announce significant fuel price changes, and extend distance learning across the country. Here are the key developments UAE residents should know t»»»
Israel Deploys AI Agents Across Multiple Fronts
The Israeli Army has begun deploying “AI agents” to detect missile launchers, generate real-time aerial intelligence and sharpen strike speed and precision across multiple fronts, officials told Haaretz and the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper on Tuesday. “The pace, scope and precision of strikes — as we»»»
Storm Erminio triggers red alert in seven regions across Greece
Dangerous weather is expected across Greece over the next 48 hours as Storm Erminio places seven regions under red alert, authorities said. The affected areas include Attica, Central Greece, Thessaly – including the Sporades islands – the Peloponnese, the South Aegean, and the regional units of Ima»»»
Qatar calls on all parties to refrain from targeting vital civilian infrastructure
Doha, Qatar: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari has called on all parties to the war to refrain from targeting vital civilian infrastructure. Al-Ansari further called upon all parties to the conflict to refrai»»»
Iran’s Fractured Leadership is Struggling to Coordinate, Officials Say
Washington: Ronen Bergman, Adam Goldman, Julian Barnes The US-Israeli war against Iran has fractured the Iranian government, complicating its ability to make decisions and coordinate larger retaliatory attacks, according to officials familiar with US and Western intelligence assessments. Several do»»»
Siege of Balad Base May Prelude ‘Doomsday’ Scenario in Iraq
An American contractor responsible for operating Iraq’s F-16 fighter jets has withdrawn its staff from an Iraqi air base after attacks by Iran-aligned factions, leaving Baghdad racing to find replacements before its most advanced aircraft risks becoming “scrap,” officials and sources said. The atta»»»
Drone attack targets Kuwait airport, fuel tanks on fire: aviation agency
Kuwait City, Kuwait: Kuwait's civil aviation authority said Wednesday that the Gulf state's international airport had come under an Iranian drone attack that led to "a large fire" at fuel tanks. “Kuwait International Airport has been subjected to blatant attacks by drones launched by Iran and the a»»»
Respiratory virus season in Kyrgyzstan nears end, situation stable - | 24.KG
The season of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) and influenza in Kyrgyzstan is coming to an end, with the overall epidemiological situation described as stable. The Department of Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance reported. According to specialists, the A»»»
Boxer Munarbek Seyitbek uulu advances to semifinals at Istanbul Tournament - | 24.KG
Kyrgyz boxer Munarbek Seyitbek uulu has advanced to the semifinals of an International Boxing Tournament in Istanbul. The competition, held in Turkey, features athletes from different countries. In a bout on March 31, the Paris Olympic finalist secured a confident victory over an opponent from Aust»»»
Dubai gold extends rebound after worst month since 2008
Dubai: Dubai gold prices moved higher early Wednesday, extending a short-term rebound after a sharp correction through March that unsettled buyers and traders alike. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.At 8:22 am, 24K gold stood at Dh566.75, up from Dh563.25 a day earlier,»»»
Al Dardari to Asharq Al-Awsat: War Escalation Drives Huge Surge in Losses
With the release of a special report by the Development Programme on the economic fallout of escalating tensions in the region, Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States said the region is facing an “accelerating economic shock»»»
US Needs to Re-Examine NATO's Value to Country — State Secretary
The United States needs to reassess NATO's importance to the country, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. "We have to re-examine the value of NATO and that alliance for our country," Rubio said in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday. Rubio also accused NATO of acting unilaterally against the »»»