South African politician Julius Malema sentenced to 5 years - UPI.com
President of the Economic Freedom Fighters Julius Malema greets the crowd at the party's final election rally in 2024. Malema was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison for firing a gun into the air at a rally. He is appealing. File Photo by Stringer/EPA April 16 (UPI) -- South African politic»»»
Keir Starmer tells social media firms he is considering a child ban - UPI.com
Europe, Middle East and Africa President of Snap, Ronan Harris (L), and Wifredo Fernandez, director of global government affairs at X, leave No. 10 Downing Street in London on Thursday morning after meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss ways to protect children safe when they are on social»»»
EU spells out how Google must share data with rivals
Brussels, Belgium: The European Commission set out Thursday how it wants Google to make a wide range of data accessible to rival search engines in order to comply with the bloc's digital rules. The announcement forms part of amicable proceedings launched in January to ensure Google meets its obliga»»»
Berri warns against direct talks, says Khalil in KSA on a mission
Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri has made no secret of his "displeasure and resentment" at President Joseph Aoun and PM Nawaf Salam's decision to engage in direct negotiations with Israel, al-Akhbar newspaper reported on Wednesday. "He reiterates to his visitors his categorical rejection of any fo»»»
Syria welcomes complete handover of U.S.-held military sites
Damascus, April 16 (SANA) Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the transfer of military sites previously operated by U.S. forces to the Syrian government, saying the move marks a step toward restoring state control over all territory. In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said the handover reflects»»»
If Iran Refuses US Proposal, Israel Vows 'Even More Painful' Strikes
Israel's defense minister warned Iran on Thursday against rejecting a US proposal focused on renouncing "nuclear armament" and vowed to stage "even more painful" strikes on new targets if it did so. "Iran is standing at a historic crossroads: one path is renouncing the ways of terror and nuclear ar»»»
Video: Pakistan PM thanks Amir for warm welcome, cordial meeting in Doha
Islamabad: Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan HE Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for the warm welcome and cordial meeting that took place at the Amiri Diwan today, April 16, 2026. In a post on his official X account, he said: "I had a most»»»
Amir, Sultan of Oman discuss regional developments, de-escalation efforts
Muscat: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HM Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the sisterly Sultanate of Oman, discussed developments in the region amid rising regional tensions. The two sides met at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat, where they exchanged views on current developments, particularl»»»
Op-ed | Marcelo Castellanos (IFC): How sustainable logistics infrastructure can strengthen Romania’s role in European value chains
Industrial and logistics infrastructure is a quiet enabler of modern economies — and a critical foundation for job creation. From manufacturing and e-commerce to export competitiveness, high-quality logistics networks underpin productivity, resilience, and integration into global value chains that »»»
Djuric: Czechia a friendly country, we will work on advancement of cooperation
PRAGUE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Thursday in Prague Serbia considered Czechia and its current government as friendly and noted that Serbia and Czechia were focusing on advancement of political, economic and cultural cooperation, besides cooperation on the European aspect and regional affair»»»
Israel vows 'even more painful' strikes, if Iran refuses US proposal
Israel's defense minister warned Iran on Thursday against rejecting a U.S. proposal focused on renouncing "nuclear armament" and vowed to stage "even more painful" strikes on new targets if it did so. "Iran is standing at a historic crossroads: one path is renouncing the ways of terror and nuclear »»»
Lula Says Trump Has 'No Right' to Threaten Countries
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized US President Donald Trump, saying the US leader has "no right" to threaten other nations, in an interview published in Spain on Thursday. Lula's comments come after Trump this month warned that a "whole civilization will die" in Iran if the c»»»
Prediction markets create forum for trading on non-public information - UPI.com
1 of 3 | The rise in prediction markets and an email to White House staff have lawmakers weighing how to regulate prediction markets and prevent government officials from trading using nonpublic information. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- The rise in prediction mark»»»
President, Parliament Chair, Prime Minister, Patriarch, Magistrates, Guests Mark Constitution Day Together
Bulgaria's President, Parliament Chair, caretaker Prime Minister and Patriarch, as well as magistrates, representatives of institutions and guests gathered for the celebration of Constitution Day at the Museum of the Bulgarian Revival and Constituent Assembly in Veliko Tarnovo on Thursday. This mar»»»
Pakistani army chief in Iran to discuss new round of US talks
The influential chief of Pakistan's armed forces visited Iran to meet the head of Tehran's negotiators on Thursday, as Washington considers agreeing to another round of peace talks in Islamabad. Iranian state television showed Field Marshal Asim Munir meeting Iran's speaker of parliament, Mohammad »»»
Senate rejects effort to halt arms sales to Israel, but most Democrats vote to block them
More than three dozen Democrats supported an effort by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday to block arms sales to Israel, signaling a growing discontent in the party with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the wars in Gaza and Iran. The two resolutions to block U.S. sales of bulldozers and »»»
Israel army to reportedly cease fire in Lebanon this evening
The Israeli army is preparing for a ceasefire in Lebanon expected to begin at 7:00 P.M. local time, Israel's Haaretz newspaper quoted Israeli army officials as saying. High-ranking Israeli army commanders "received instructions to prepare the forces currently deployed in southern Lebanon for the tr»»»
International Exhibition of Organic Agriculture and Agri-food kicks-off in Tunis
Tunis, April 16, 2026 (TAP) – Prospects for the development of organic agriculture are at the heart of the 16th edition of the International Exhibition of Organic Agriculture and Agri-food (Bio-Expo 2026), which opened on Thursday at the...»»»
Subsistence minimum in Kyrgyzstan reaches 9,290 soms - | 24.KG
In the first quarter of 2026, the average subsistence minimum in Kyrgyzstan amounted to 9,290.89 soms per capita, the National Statistical Committee of the republic reported. At year-end 2025, the subsistence minimum stood at 8,697 soms. Breakdown by population groups The largest amount of funds is»»»
Pakistan: Lebanon Part of Broader Ceasefire
Pakistan stressed on Thursday that Lebanon remains part of the ceasefire agreement in place between the United States and Iran, stressing that stability in Lebanon is essential for the success of peace talks in the region. “Lebanon, in our interpretation, is part of the broader ceasefire,” Foreign »»»
Vastint Romania secures first tenant for Timpuri Noi Square Phase 2
SCOR, a leading global reinsurer headquartered in Paris, offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. In 2025, the Group generated premiums of EUR 18.7 billionand serves clients in more than 150 countries throu»»»
EU spied on Hungary’s Viktor Orban for years – former Slovak minister
The EU spy campaign that helped bring down Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a lesson to anyone who defies Brussels, former Slovak Interior Minister Vladimir Palko has warned. “What they did to Orban yesterday, they can do to you tomorrow,” he told the outlet ‘Marker’ on Monday. Orban’s Fide»»»
What should families do if they rely on school buses and cannot arrange alternative transport?
UAE schools are heading back to in-person learning from Monday, April 20, but the return looks different depending on which school your child attends. While some schools have told parents their campuses will not be opening on that date, others are requiring students who travel by private transport »»»
Dana Nae Popa (pastel): Clients are looking for clarity, perspective and ideas that can make a real difference
In our recently launched series of interviews dedicated to the MarComm industry, BR sat down with Dana Nae Popa, Owner & Managing Director pastel and President Asociatia pastel and talked about the agency celebrating 20 years, top moments during this time, clients and what they are looking for, tre»»»
Pope blasts ‘tyrants’ ravaging the Earth during his visit to Cameroon
Bamenda: Pope Leo XIV blasted the “handful of tyrants” who are ravaging Earth with war and exploitation, as he preached a message of peace Thursday in the epicentre of a separatist conflict considered one of the world’s most neglected crises. Leo travelled to the western Cameroon city of Bamenda, w»»»
Environmental breach? Philippines awaits report on cyanide use in disputed shoal
Dubai: The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has declared that it is awaiting the results of a “scientific and technical analysis” into the alleged use of cyanide in waters of Ayungin Shoal or Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea, before determining its next st»»»
Debris found in search for missing helicopter carrying eight in Indonesia
Pontianak, Indonesia: Rescue crews in Indonesia searching for a missing helicopter carrying eight people on Thursday, April 16, 2026, found debris suspected to be from the aircraft, officials said. The helicopter, owned by local firm Matthew Air Nusantara, took off from the West Kalimantan province»»»
Watch: Hezbollah Fighters Fly Drones to Strike Kiryat Shmona Israeli Settlement - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Watch: Hezbollah Fighters Fly Drones to Strike Kiryat Shmona Israeli Settlement 16-04-2026 16:01 PM Screen capture of a video showing Hezbo»»»
Visiting British minister calls for ceasefire in Lebanon
Visiting British Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer on Thursday called for a ceasefire in Lebanon where Israel and Hezbollah are at war, and welcomed direct talks between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war on March 2 after militant group Hezbollah fired rockets at Isr»»»
Roxana Memetea (DDB): In a world where everyone can produce quickly, the role of the idea is more important than ever
In a new series of interviews launched today, BR set down with Roxana Memetea, Managing Director DDB, and talked about her wishes for 2026, both for the agency and the advertising industry, clients and what they are looking for, trends and many more. By Romanita Oprea How did you start the year / W»»»
Distance learning to continue for some UAE schools on Monday
Dubai/ Sharjah: As UAE schools prepare for the gradual return to in-person learning from Monday, April 20, some schools have informed parents they will not be reopening their campuses on that date — while certain schools have made physical attendance compulsory for students who travel by private tr»»»
Sig Sauer CEO Ron Cohen visits Cugir to built partnership
His itinerary included Cugir, Alba County, and Bucharest, with the objective to assessing the potential for industrial partnerships with Romanian defense manufacturers and opening a series of bilateral discussions with relevant industry and institutional stakeholders. The visit has three concrete o»»»
Silva to leave Man City at end of season
London: Bernardo Silva will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, the Premier League club announced Thursday as they hailed his "incalculable" contribution to our "greatest sustained period of success". The 31-year-old Portuguese playmaker, who is the current club captain, joined City fro»»»
Wolt Romania: Record growth of over 2600% for “cozonac” orders during Easter
“The results of the first quarter confirm the growing trust users have in our services, not just for restaurant delivery, but as a complete solution for daily shopping. The Easter period highlighted a clear trend: Romanians want to balance tradition with the efficiency that technology offers. The f»»»
Contract on Austria's participation in EXPO 2027 signed in Belgrade
BELGRADE - Serbia's EXPO 2027 Commissioner Jagoda Lazarevic, who is also minister of internal and external trade, EXPO 2027 Director Danilo Jerinic and Austria's EXPO 2027 Commissioner Philipp Gady signed on Thursday in Belgrade a contract on Austria's participation in the specialised expo. The con»»»
UAE workshop discusses gap between legal education and job market needs
More than 90 legal experts, academics and industry representatives gathered at a national workshop to discuss the gap between legal education and labour market requirements in the UAE. The workshop was organised by Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and hosted by the Legal Talent »»»
Farhana Bodi breaks down during interview: 'I was shattered when my son was diagnosed with autism'
Dubai: In a scenic lake-side resort in Geneva, miles away from Dubai, Indian reality star, model, and influencer Farhana Bodi logs in for our conversation with her usual polish and flourish. She was on a work trip for a luxury watch event and was naturally composed, camera-ready, and effortlessly g»»»
Agroland Group Q1 2026: 40% increase in volume and 25% increase in average price for eggs
“First-quarter results in the table egg segment show a significant increase in sales volumes, against a backdrop of steadily rising average prices. This trend confirms the validity of the decisions we have made in recent years to expand production capacity in a region with growing consumption trend»»»
Women’s seats, bigger India Parliament: What’s changing?
India is moving towards one of the most significant changes to its parliamentary structure since independence, with plans to expand the size of Parliament while reserving one-third of seats for women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pitched the move as a “historic step” to empower women and reshap»»»
Anti-France influencer Kemi Seba arrested in South Africa for inciting rebellion in Benin
An anti-France activist and influencer has been arrested in South Africa for “inciting rebellion” by openly supporting last year’s foiled coup in Benin. Kemi Seba was born in France to Benin parents but was stripped of his French nationality two years ago for his many attempts to fuel anti-French s»»»
Eye on Africa - Two billion dollars pledged for Sudan at Berlin aid conference
In tonight's programme: Donors have pledged nearly $2 billion for Sudan as the country marks three years of war. Also, Pope Leo XIV delivers a strong message in Cameroon's capital Yaoundé. Plus Ghana is cracking down on overfishing fuelled by foreign vessels and destructive practices.»»»
Human rights observatory calls for immediate, complete lifting of siege imposed on Gaza Strip
Geneva: The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor called on the Israeli occupation to immediately and completely lift the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, open the crossings, and guarantee full, safe, and sustainable humanitarian access to all parts of the Strip. In a statement, the Monitor warne»»»
Pakistan: Sharif diplomacy, army outreach boost peace efforts
Dubai: Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic and military outreach across the Middle East this week in a coordinated effort aimed at easing regional tensions, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif toured key Gulf capitals while the country’s army chief held high-level talks in Iran. The parallel engag»»»
SIGNAL IDUNA accelerates transformation in Romania: the group closes 2025 with 19% growth
SIGNAL IDUNA ASIGURARE REASIGURARE (life and health insurer) reported RON 376.7 million in gross written premiums, up 19% year-on-year. SIGNAL IDUNA ASIGURĂRI (general insurer) grew by RON 21% to 131.5 million, while GARANTA ASIGURĂRI (life and general insurer) increased by 9%, reaching RON 60.2 mi»»»
US Treasury Starts Operation 'Economic Fury' to Maximize Pressure on Iran - Hegseth
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Treasury is launching Operation "Economic Fury" against Iran to maximize economic pressure on the country, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Thursday. "At the same time, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and our friends over at Treasury are launching Operation 'Econ»»»
Etihad launches $399 pet travel offer, brings more pets into cabins
Dubai: Etihad Airways has introduced a limited-time pricing offer for its Pets Onboard service, lowering the cost of travelling with cats and dogs in the cabin in response to rising demand from passengers. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The airline is offering the ser»»»
How alternative schooling models are gaining momentum in the UAE
Dubai: Changing lifestyles, increased mobility, and the rise of hybrid work models are reshaping how families in the UAE and regionally approach education, prompting a clear shift towards more flexible and personalised learning models. While traditional schooling remains central, online and hybrid »»»
Pakistan Central Bank Receives $2 billion from Saudi Arabia as Part of Broader Financial Support Package
Pakistan announced that it has received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance as part of a broader financial support package. Earlier, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, said that Saudi Arabia had committed to depositing an additional $3 billion, while extending an existi»»»
Watch: Falling ice chunk crashes through roof, lands on living room couch - UPI.com
April 15 (UPI) -- A Los Angeles County supervisor is calling for a Federal Aviation Administration investigation after a chunk of ice crashed through the roof of a house. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn shared photos on social media showing the dirt-covered ice chunk that crashed through »»»
101-year-old New Zealand man named world's oldest croquet player - UPI.com
Neville Sandiford earned the Guinness World Record for the oldest competitive croquet player (male) when he participated in an August 2025 tournament at the age of 101 years and 262 days old. Photo courtesy of Guinness World Records April 15 (UPI) -- A New Zealand man who took up the game of croque»»»