Inbank scales Polish expansion
Estonian lender Inbank is accelerating growth in Poland through a new partnership with Otomoto, the country’s largest automotive platform. After talks that began in summer 2025 and a contract signed in December, full API integration enabled fully digital financing for car purchases in early Februar»»»
Poland’s push for chips
Warsaw University of Technology’s CEZAMAT research center is positioning itself as a future producer of secure semiconductors for Poland’s military and public administration, but says government funding is essential to launch production. The facility, whose infrastructure is valued at PLN 1.5 billi»»»
President vetoes farmer bill
President Karol Nawrocki has vetoed the Active Farmers Act, arguing that its provisions could harm small farms. The legislation aimed to regulate subsidy collection by landowners and introduce a national register of active farmers, but sparked strong debate across the agricultural sector. Hours bef»»»
Sadyr Japarov approves National Football Development Program - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov signed a decree approving the National Football Development Program in Kyrgyzstan for 2026–2034. The document provides for creating conditions for mass football participation, improving the professional development of players, and promoting a healthy lifestyle »»»
Gulyás: Government releases strategic oil reserves, further steps against Ukraine under review
At Thursday’s Government Info briefing, Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office, Gergely Gulyás, announced that the government has released Hungary’s strategic crude oil reserves following Ukraine’s decision to halt oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline. The minister described Kyiv’s move as»»»
US and Indonesia agree to cut tariffs to 19% under new trade deal
The administration of Donald Trump and the Indonesian government have confirmed the conclusion of a trade agreement that will reduce US tariffs on Indonesian goods to 19%, down from 32%, BBC reports. According to the White»»»
US and Indonesia agree to cut tariffs to 19% under new trade deal
The administration of Donald Trump and the Indonesian government have confirmed the conclusion of a trade agreement that will reduce US tariffs on Indonesian goods to 19%, down from 32%, BBC reports. According to the White»»»
Iran Has 15 Days Maximum to Make Deal With US - Trump
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Iran has 15 days maximum to make a deal with the United States. Ten days "would be enough time. 10-15 days. Pretty much maximum,” Trump told reporters abroad Air Force One.. The US president also did not specify what he meant by saying "bad things" ma»»»
Zaporozhye Nuclear Plant Now Only Relies on One Last Power Line — IAEA
The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant's (ZNPP) Ferrosplavnaya-1 (Ferosplavna-1) backup line was shut down on February 10, presumably due to nearby military activity, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Thursday. "ZNPP’s Ferosplavna-1 330 kV back-up off-site power line was disconnecte»»»
Sports college director Aibek Tashmatov taken into custody - | 24.KG
The Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek has taken Aibek Tashmatov (known by the nickname Kuchuk), Director of the Sh. Sydykov Republican Sports College, into custody until April 15. The decision was made at the request of the Kyrgyz Republic’s Military Prosecutor’s Office, the Pervomaisky Court r»»»
Sharjah-Dubai traffic update: Commuters face delays as major accident blocks E311 near Expo City
Dubai: Sharjah-Dubai commuters faced significant delays on Friday morning as peak-hour traffic built up across several major highways and inner-city roads, according to Google Maps data. A serious accident on the E311 near Expo City, heading towards Dubai South, has caused major disruptions. Witnes»»»
Venezuelan Delcy Rodriguez Signs Amnesty Law
Venezuela's acting president signed the Amnesty Law after unanimous parliamentary approval, granting pardon for political crimes committed between 1999 and 2026. Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez presented the initiative for the new law, which is set to take effect, under the premise tha»»»
North Korea's Kim Jon Un opens key party congress
PoliticsNorth KoreaNorth Korea's Kim Jon Un opens key party congressKate Hairsine with AFP, Reuters, APKim Jong Un lauded North Korea's improving economy as he opened the Workers’ Party congress. Held every five years, the country's most important political event is a forum for the leader to outlin»»»
President of Kyrgyzstan strengthens gender balance - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov has signed a decree introducing amendments to a number of his previous decisions aimed at ensuring gender balance and expanding women’s participation in the civil and municipal service. The document revises the state program on supporting women’s leadership thr»»»
New Head of Directorate for Non-Olympic Sports appointed in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
A new head has been appointed at the Directorate for Non-Olympic Sports. Samat Erkinbekov has been named to lead the body, the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports of Kyrgyzstan reported. «Samat Erkinbekov has been appointed with a three-month probation period and officially assumed his dut»»»
Pakistani PM holds talks with Rubio after Washington summit
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on February 19, with discussions focusing on cooperation in critical minerals, energy, counter-terrorism and the potential for increased American investment, according to a statement from the State Departme»»»
First Deputy Cabinet Chairman outlines measures to stabilize prices - | 24.KG
First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Daniyar Amangeldiev spoke about measures to stabilize prices and improve coordination between government agencies and markets at a board meeting of the Chui Regional State Administration summarizing the results of 2025. «It is precisel»»»
Filipinos get travel boost: South Korea eases visa rules for tourists
Manila: Filipinos applying for South Korea visa would soon find it easier to visit the world's K-pop and K-drama capital, it was announced on Friday. South Korea has rolled out major visa simplifications for Filipinos effective February 20, 2026, slashing paperwork to spur tourism and visits. Also »»»
Cabinet of Ministers outlines priorities in culture and youth policy - | 24.KG
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Edil Baisalov outlined the priorities of state policy in the sphere of culture and youth. He made the statement while addressing participants at a board meeting of the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy. According to him, cult»»»
Detained nephrologist Nasira Beishebaeva released under house arrest - | 24.KG
Detained nephrologist Nasira Beishebaeva has been released under house arrest. Her lawyer, Evgeniya Krapivina, told 24.kg news agency. According to her, the decision was made in the Pervomaisky District Court of Bishkek. On February 18, it was reported that nephrologist Nasira Beishebaeva had been »»»
RAGOZIN: Rubio in Budapest, pulling Orban's puppet strings
When US state secretary Marco Rubio toured Hungary and Slovakia last weekend, American liberals were aghast. They were specifically flared up by Rubio openly endorsing the incumbent Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, in the upcoming elections scheduled in April. »»»
Two new Deputy Mayors appointed in Osh city - | 24.KG
Further personnel appointments took place at the Osh City Hall: Shumkarbek Paiziev has been appointed First Deputy Mayor. The corresponding order was signed by the new Mayor, Zhanarbek Akayev. Shumkarbek Paiziev previously headed the Osh City Capital Construction Department, where he was appointed »»»
Galgotias University booted from AI summit over misrepresented robotic dog
New Delhi: A private Indian university was booted from a top artificial intelligence summit in New Delhi on Wednesday after one of its staffers displayed a commercially available robotic dog made in China, claiming it was the university's own innovation. According to two government officials, Galgo»»»
Keolis appoints Yoen Dupuis as CEO for Middle East and East Asia
Abu Dhabi: Keolis Group, a global leader in shared mobility and public transport, and the passenger services operator for Etihad Rail, on Thursday announced the appointment of Yoen Dupuy as Chief Executive Officer for the Middle East and East Asia region. In this strategic leadership role, Dupuis w»»»
'No one in the Philipppines can lay hands on Duterte, much less file cases against him'
Mary Ann Pajo watched quietly as cemetery workers opened her son's tomb in Manila this week and removed his body for examination by a forensic pathologist. Accused of dealing drugs, 30-year-old Joewarski Pajo was shot dead while playing a game on his phone, one of thousands of extrajudicial killing»»»
Kim Jong Un opens North Korea’s 9th party congress, highlights economic gains
North Korea has opened a major ruling party congress in Pyongyang, state media said on Friday, a rare gathering held roughly every five years that analysts say will set national priorities, including nuclear policy. The Workers’ Party congress is the regime’s top political event and often signals p»»»
Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane dies at 53 after ALS diagnosis
Eric Dane, the actor best know for his roles on Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has died less than a year after revealing he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 53. Dane starred as family patriarch Cal Jacobs on hit HBO teen drama show Euphoria. Before that, he was perhaps best known as Dr»»»
UAE set for fair weather, fog likely in early mornings
Dubai: The UAE is expected to see generally fair weather over the coming days, with periods of cloud, rising humidity overnight and a likelihood of fog in some areas, according to the National Center of Meteorology. The country will remain under the influence of a surface high-pressure system exten»»»
'It's a shame': Trump on ex-Prince Andrew's arrest over Epstein files probe
The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Thursday — now stripped of his royal titles and patronages — has sent shockwaves through the United Kingdom, with commentators calling it the most dramatic downfall of a senior royal in modern times. Thames Valley Police confirmed the morning detention of»»»
Would love to have China, Russia on Board of Peace: Trump
Washington DC: As US President Donald Trump held an inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, he expressed his desire to have China and Russia on the board. Interacting with the reporters, Trump said, "A lot of countries are going through the process of getting on the board... I would love to have C»»»
Trump's foreign policy dilemma laid bare by Iran tensions
US President Donald Trump delivered his latest ultimatum to Iran on Thursday during a meeting of the Board of Peace, the Middle East coalition Trump formed to stabilise a region he could soon plunge into a new, weeks-long war. The irony of simultaneously calling for peace and threatening military a»»»
Argentina's striking workers clash with police over Milei labor reforms
Shops and supermarkets shut, flights were canceled and garbage piled up across Argentina on Thursday as unions staged a 24-hour general strike against President Javier Milei’s labor reforms. Transport was largely halted, trains stood empty and protesters blocked key roads into Buenos Aires, with so»»»
New Mexico reopens criminal inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch
The US state of New Mexico will reopen a criminal probe into a ranch once owned by Jeffrey Epstein, following allegations that surfaced in justice department files on the convicted sex offender. State prosecutors said they would seek full access to unredacted Epstein files relating to the Zorro Ran»»»
Nasa boss says Boeing Starliner failure one of worst in its history
Nasa has labelled the botched 2024 Starliner mission, which left two astronauts stranded in space for months, a "Type A" mishap, on par with fatal shuttle disasters of the past, in a newly published report. The category is the space agency's most severe, reserved for incidents causing more than $2m»»»
US steel imports fall; India shipments jump
Washington: The United States bought less steel from the world in 2025 — but significantly more from India. New figures released on Thursday show that overall US steel imports fell 12.6 per cent last year, even as shipments from India surged by more than 118 per cent, reflecting a notable shift in »»»
Austrian climber found guilty after girlfriend froze to death on mountain
An Austrian climber has been found guilty of gross negligent manslaughter after his girlfriend froze to death on Austria's highest mountain last year. The man, named only as Thomas P in line with Austrian privacy laws, has been given a five-month suspended sentence and fined €9,600 (£8,400). His gi»»»
World Bank to manage Gaza reconstruction fund: Ajay Banga
Washington: World Bank President Ajay Banga announced the creation of a dedicated Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund to manage international contributions for rebuilding the war-ravaged territory, saying the institution would act as a “limited trustee” under the direction of the newly formed »»»
Truth or Fake - Did the Epstein Files prove the Pizzagate conspiracy theory right?
The US Department of Justice’s massive release of Epstein case files has turned some internet users into self-appointed digital sleuths. They’ve been combing through thousands of emails in search of hidden clues and have eventually fixated on one word: pizza. The term appears more than 900 times in»»»
Hamas holds vote to choose new interim leader, source tells BBC
Hamas is holding an election for a new interim leader, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the armed group's affairs has told the BBC. Voting is taking place across Gaza, the occupied West Bank and among Hamas's members elsewhere. The outcome may signal which direction the movement intends »»»
Evacuations ordered as wildfires burn in Texas, Oklahoma panhandles - UPI.com
Several wildfires in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles spurred evacuations while firefighters continued battling several on Thursday. Image courtesy of UPI Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Firefighters are battling several conflagrations in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, the largest of which burned more than 2»»»
The Russian village that lost its men to war
In the fishing village of Sedanka, in Russia's Far East, life is hard. Most homes lack basic amenities such as running water, indoor toilets and central heating, despite temperatures routinely falling to -10C (14F) during the winter months. Ringed by forest-tundra and bogs, its district centre can »»»
Meet Pakistani expat father and son driving Dubai together
Dubai: When Umer Zarin stepped off a plane into the UAE in 1983, Dubai was still finding its modern shape. The first job of the young Pakistani expat was tending the garden of an Arab family in Sharjah. He had no idea that he would eventually become a driver in Dubai and four decades later, he woul»»»
Ukraine strike on Sevastopol kills one: Moscow-installed governor
A Ukrainian strike on Sevastopol in Russian-annexed Crimea killed a man, the city's Moscow-installed governor said early Friday. Sevastopol, which is the historic home of the Russian navy's Black Sea fleet, has been heavily targeted by Ukraine throughout the four-year conflict. "Air defence forces »»»
Dubai RTA issues Ramadan driving alert for taxi and delivery drivers
Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a Ramadan road safety campaign targeting taxi drivers, delivery riders, and workers across the emirate. The initiative aims to promote responsible driving, reduce traffic accidents, and encourage safe behaviour during the Holy Month. A»»»
A propos - Trump is weighing initial limited strikes to force Iran into a nuclear deal: report
According to media reports, US President Donald Trump is weighing initial limited strikes to force Iran into a nuclear deal. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney, Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Centre, says that it's unikely the US will manage to overthrow the Iranian gover»»»
North Korea flexes nuclear-capable rocket launcher ahead of key congress
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a battery of huge nuclear-capable rocket launchers ahead of a key congress of the nation's ruling party, state media said Thursday. The 600-mm multiple launch rocket system was front and centre as preparations ramped up for the once-in-five-years gatheri»»»
India joins global list where petrol costs dropped the most in five years
Dubai: Syria, Iran and Japan recorded the steepest petrol price declines globally over the past five years, with India also ranking among the top ten markets where motorists are paying less today than they did in 2021, reflecting shifts in supply dynamics, geopolitics and global crude trends. Sign »»»
Planning an Eid break? Airfares from UAE nearly doubles as demand surges
Dubai: UAE residents planning an Eid Al Fitr getaway are facing airfares that have nearly doubled from February levels, with travel agents saying prices are also 15–20 per cent higher than last Eid. Also Read: Ramadan travel deals vs Eid Al Fitr rush: UAE travellers face airfare splitReturn economy»»»
'It's a shame': Trump on ex-Prince Andrew's arrest over Epstein files probe
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump said that the former English Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest in connection with the late convicted sex offender and trafficker Jeffrey Epstein is a "shame" and "bad for the royal family." Interacting with the reporters, Trump said, "I think it's a»»»
Workers restore the Philadelphia President's House slavery exhibit - UPI.com
The names of nine former slaves owned by George Washington appear at the President's House in Philadelphia, where workers continued restoring a slavery exhibit on Thursday. Photo by Joseph E.B. Elliott/National Park Service Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Workers are restoring a slavery exhibit at the site of the»»»