Asian shares were mixed Thursday in thin holiday trading, with most markets in the region and elsewhere closed for Christmas. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 edged 0.1% higher to 50,407.79. It has gained nearly 30% this year. The dollar slipped to 155.85 Japanese yen from 155.94 yen. The euro climbed to $»»»

Starting April 1, 2026, the salaries of teachers and medical workers in Kyrgyzstan will be increased by 100 percent, President Sadyr Japarov announced today at the People’s Kurultai. According to him, respect for teachers and doctors is the foundation of a strong state. «A teacher shapes the nation»»»

Doha, Qatar: The latest numerical forecast models from the Qatar Meteorology Department show that cloud cover is expected to increase during the weekend, raising the chances of light rain in certain parts of the country. In a social media post, the department said that the cloud cover is expected t»»»

Four United Nations rights experts on Wednesday condemned the US partial naval blockade of Venezuela, determining it illegal armed aggression and calling on the US Congress to intervene. The United States has deployed a major military force in the Caribbean and has recently intercepted oil tankers »»»

The People’s Kurultai has been opened today, December 25, in Bishkek at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic Hall. It is attended by approximately 700 delegates from across the country. President Sadyr Japarov addressed the participants. In his address, the head of state stated that Kyrgyzstan is wagin»»»

Doha, Qatar: Sun Amer emerged victorious in a tough field in a gripping Purebred Arabian Handicap (80–100) for four-year-olds, clinching the Muaither Cup by a head at Al Rayyan Racecourse yesterday. The thrilling 1700m Class 2 contest saw several leaders, including Alhafar, Rammah and Al Mustafiz. »»»

Sharjah: Sharjah Police, in coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), have announced a temporary traffic diversion affecting motorists heading towards the Northern Emirates. In a notice shared on social media, authorities said »»»

Doha, Qatar: Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Maha Zayed Al-Qaqa’ Al-Rawaili, inspected the activities of the Spring Break 2025 Student Activity Centres yesterday at Saad Bin Muath School. During the visit, she received a detailed br»»»

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, speaking at the IV People’s Kurultai, thanked State Committee for National Security (SCNS) Chairman Kamchybek Tashiev for his role in resolving border issues. Addressing the delegates, the head of state noted that for many years, unresolved state border issues»»»

On Dec. 25, 2020, an RV exploded in downtown Nashville, killing the driver of the vehicle and injuring eight people. 1 of 3 | On December 25, 2020, an RV exploded in downtown Nashville, killing the driver of the vehicle and injuring eight people. File Photo courtesy Nashville Fire Department | Lice»»»

Israel reacted furiously on Thursday to a condemnation by 14 countries including France and Britain of its approval of new settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling the criticism discriminatory against Jews. "Foreign governments will not restrict the right of Jews to live in the Land of Israel»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has launched the seasonal Student Activity Centres for the 2025 Spring Break, running from December 22 to 31, 2025. This initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to investing in students’ free time in a way that contributes to»»»

A 43-year-old school teacher was shot dead inside the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday night, sparking fear and outrage at one of India’s most prominent educational institutions. The victim has been identified as Rao Danish Ali, a former AMU student who had been »»»

Traffic across the country’s national road network is testing drivers’ nerves as agricultural blockades and police-ordered detours slowed travel on Tuesday, creating kilometer-long queues and hours of delays, authorities and participants said. At Ritsona, lines of vehicles stretched as long as nine»»»

President Rumen Radev and outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov extended Christmas greetings to the Bulgarian people through messages published on Facebook. In his message, President Radev wished that the great Christian holiday bring health, warmth and hope for a better future to every Bulgaria»»»

Torrential rains unleashed widespread flash flooding and mud flows across Southern California on Wednesday, as authorities warned motorists to stay off roads while urging residents in flood zones to evacuate or shelter in place. In the rain-soaked mountain resort of Wrightwood, east of Los Angeles,»»»

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a nuclear submarine factory and received a message from Russia's Vladimir Putin hailing the countries' "invincible friendship", Pyongyang's state media said Thursday. North Korea and Russia have drawn closer since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Uk»»»

Tunis, Dec. 25 (TAP)- President of the Republic Kais Saïed had a talk on Wednesday afternoon in Carthage with Premier Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri.The Head of State said it is imperative to "move up another gear in various fields," mainly following the...»»»

Doha: Qatar Police Sports Federation concluded its inaugural Police Open Padel Championship for Men at the 1969 Platinum Padel Hall, with 48 players from 24 teams participating. The closing ceremony was attended by HE Security Advisor to HE the Minister of Interior Lieutenant General Saad bin Jassi»»»

Doha, Qatar: Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar is issuing a final call for its Frame & Focus: Advanced Photography Course, a 14-week professional programme developed with The VII Foundation and Qatar Photography Society (QPS). Designed for practitioners across the GCC, the course serves as a regional be»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Municipality, represented by the Public Cleanliness Department, in cooperation with Qatari Diar, organised a public cleanliness march yesterday in Lusail Boulevard, under the slogan “One March... A Cleaner City.” The march was held under the patronage of Minister of Mun»»»

When Bulgarians talk about real home cooking, svinsko sas zele—pork with cabbage—always comes up. This hearty, warming dish is the kind of food that makes you feel instantly better on a cold winter day. While it might not have the elegance of some holiday dishes, what it lacks in sophistication it »»»

After the quiet, meatless traditions of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day in Bulgaria bursts into life with joy, abundance, and the unmistakable aroma of roasting meat filling homes across the country. December 25th, known as Коледа (Koleda), transforms the solemn fasting into a full-blown celebration w»»»

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans Thursday for a national bravery award to recognize civilians and first responders who confronted “the worst of evil” during an antisemitic terror attack that left 15 dead and has cast a heavy shadow over the nation’s holiday season. Albanes»»»

Doha, Qatar: The world’s top chess players have descended in Doha ahead of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships Qatar 2025, scheduled to run from tomorrow, until December 30 at the Sports and Events Complex of Qatar University. World number one Magnus Carlsen arrives in Doha as the to»»»

Doha, Qatar: Qatar has unveiled a new national framework aimed at bolstering the capabilities of its government workforce, marking a significant shift toward competency-based training and continuous professional development. In its official X handle, the Civil Service and Government Development Bur»»»

Abu Dhabi: Residents of the UAE should be aware that insulting another person may carry both criminal and civil consequences. A man has been ordered to pay Dh20,000 in compensation after the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court found that he had insulted another individual on soci»»»

The Iraqi judiciary warned on Wednesday that people involved in the war between Russia and Ukraine will face jail as it attempts to crack down on the recruitment of Iraqis joining the conflict. Faiq Zidan, the head of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council, received on Wednesday National Security Advisor »»»

Abu Dhabi: In the heart of the golden sand dunes, amid the vibrant atmosphere of the Liwa International Festival, the “Desert Rally” adventure in Liwa Village stands out as one of the festival’s most exciting entertainment attractions. It combines the spirit of challenge with the thrill of driving,»»»

The UAE Floating Hospital in the city of Al-Arish has received the fifth batch of the Indonesian medical team, comprising a number of doctors and nurses from various specialties, to work alongside the Emirati medical staff as part of the healthcare system provided to Palestinian patients and the wo»»»

The wife of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan is being held in conditions that could pose a serious risk to her physical and mental health, a UN expert warned Wednesday. Alice Jill Edwards, the United Nations' special rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment o»»»

Dubai: A Dubai court has ordered a former manager to repay a $20,000 loan he received from an employee more than a decade ago, ruling that the debt remains outstanding despite repeated promises to settle it. In its judgment, the civil misdemeanours court ordered the defendant to return the loan’s v»»»

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) has issued a warning for heavy snowfall Thursday, December 25. Yellow and orange code weather alerts will be in force, according to data published on the official NIMH website. An orange code has been issued for the regions of Vidin, Montan»»»

US President Donald Trump seized on the occasion of Christmas Eve to assail opposition Democrats, branding them "radical left scum" as he sent out holiday greetings. From his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, the Republican spent the day before Christmas spreading some yuletide cheer. He participated i»»»

Officers of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS) detained the President of Kok-Boru Federation of Kyrgyzstan on suspicion of large-scale fraud. The SCNS reported. According to their information, citizen of Kyrgyzstan Dzh.R.M., using alleged connections in national security»»»

Doha, Qatar: The third meeting of the Higher Committee for the Joint Tactical Exercise of the security agencies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Arabian Gulf Security 4) was held in Doha, with the participation of representatives of the security agencies of the GCC member states. The meeting comes »»»

Tarique Rahman, the front-runner to be the next prime minister of Bangladesh, has returned to the country after 17 years in exile ahead of landmark general elections. The 60-year-old is the figurehead of the influential Zia family and the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia. The party he leads»»»

Doha, Qatar: Social media could play a significant role in helping parents in Qatar establish a “dental home” for their preschool-aged children, according to a new study conducted among parents visiting Sidra Medicine. The study titled ‘Social media as a path to acquire dental home for children: A »»»

President Rumen Radev and his wife Desislava Radeva will attend the Bulgarian Christmas charity concert here on Thursday at 8:00 PM, the President’s Press Secretariat said. The performance will be held at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre and will be broadcast live on NOVA Television, Bulgarian Natio»»»

Residents of Somalia's capital Mogadishu will vote on Thursday in municipal elections meant to pave the way for the East African country's first direct national polls in more than half a century. With the exception of votes in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland and the breakaway region of Somal»»»

Following the listing of the KGST stablecoin on Binance cryptocurrency exchange, trading activity in the token surged sharply. According to market data, KGST’s daily trading volume reached $4.29 million, while its market capitalization stands at around $1 million. As a result, the volume-to-market-»»»

Many of us have been waiting all year to tuck into our favourite festive treats. Christmas dinner can look very different for each household - but for professional footballers, it is still a time to stay focused on fitness and recovery for matches. Private chef Tommy Cole whips up meals for Premier»»»

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) announced on Wednesday that it had seized full control of areas bordering Chad in North Darfur in western Sudan. The RSF released videos of its forces as they deployed in several towns in the regions. The Sudanese army has yet to comment on the development. In a s»»»

Kumtor’s net profit has amounted to $2 billion over the past three years. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov announced today at the 4th People’s Kurultai. According to him, significant profits began to flow after Kumtor was transferred to state ownership. In 2025 alone, the company’s net profit »»»

Doha, Qatar: Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula and Media Advisor at Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) Prof. Khalid Mubarak Al-Shafi has said that academic partnerships have become a cornerstone in strengthening the media sector, as cooperation between national media institutions and universities plays a»»»

The XXXVII International Weightlifting Tournament is taking place in Bishkek from December 24 to December 26. According to the Weightlifting Federation, it is dedicated to the 45th anniversary of Kanybek Osmonaliev’s victory at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. The competitions are being held in various we»»»

The US Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that more than a million additional documents potentially related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have been found. Officials said the files are being reviewed and redacted to protect victims, with release expected to take a few more week»»»