Iran’s grip on Strait of Hormuz alarms Gulf states as shipping remains disrupted despite ceasefire
Dubai: Within hours of President Donald Trump announcing a halt to fighting with Iran, confusion over its terms, violations on the ground, and conflicting claims over the Strait of Hormuz cast doubt on whether the ceasefire existed at all. The uncertainty was immediate and multi-layered. The United»»»
How Dubai is preparing Emiratis for future finance jobs through this new partnership
Dubai: A new partnership between the Emirates Human Resources Development Council (EHRDC) and the Emirates Institute of Finance (EIF) has been formed to boost the pipeline of Emirati talent entering the financial and banking sectors, with a focus on practical skills and long-term career growth. The»»»
How cycling becomes a key part of Dubai transport
Dubai: Dubai has crossed a major milestone in its journey towards sustainable urban mobility, with more than 10 million trips completed on the Careem Bike service since its launch in 2020, underscoring the city’s growing shift towards cleaner, healthier transport options. The achievement, announced»»»
Saudi Arabia: AlUla Advances to 85th Place in IMD Smart City Index 2026
AlUla has recorded the highest improvement in the IMD Smart City Index 2026, advancing from 112th place in 2025 to 85th this year, placing it among the most improved cities globally in this edition of the index. This result reflects AlUla's ambition to become an ideal destination for living, workin»»»
Transparency, trust: International audit confirms Kumtor’s financial statements - | 24.KG
An independent audit firm, Ernst & Young, has completed its audit of the 2025 financial statements of Kumtor Gold Company CJSC. According to the audit results, the company’s financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, its financial position as of December 31, 2025, as well as its»»»
Snowstorms and avalanche risk forecast on Kyrgyzstan’s mountain passes - | 24.KG
A heightened risk of avalanches and snowstorms is forecast in the mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan from April 9 to 14, the Ministry of Transport and Communications reported. The most difficult conditions are expected on several key roads: Road services have already carried out preparatory work: sp»»»
'Say we are just friends': message exposes Bengaluru doctor murder case
Bengaluru: A message allegedly sent by a Bengaluru-based surgeon after his wife’s death has emerged as a key piece of evidence in an ongoing murder investigation, according to Indian media reports. The case relates to the death of dermatologist Dr. Kruthika Reddy, who was declared dead in April 202»»»
Kerala elections 2026: Mohanlal queues up like any voter as Mammootty and Prithviraj lead star turnout at polls
Dubai: As Kerala headed to the polls for the 2026 Assembly elections, it wasn’t just political heavyweights drawing attention, some of Malayalam cinema’s biggest names turned up early, quietly making their voices count. Among them, Mohanlal stood out for all the right reasons. The superstar was spo»»»
Calls for US-Iran Truce to Extend to Lebanon after Israeli Strikes
Calls were mounting on Thursday for the ceasefire between the US and Iran to be extended to Israel's war with Hezbollah, after a massive wave of Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed more than 200 people. US President Donald Trump has claimed victory in the Middle East war after agreeing a two-week tru»»»
Migrant rights discussed at Zhogorku Kenesh meeting with Russian Ambassador - | 24.KG
Elvira Surabaldieva, Chair of the Zhogorku Kenesh Committee on International Affairs, Defense, Security and Migration, met with Russia’s Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Sergei Vakunov, the parliament’s press service reported. The meeting focused primarily on labor migration issues. Elvira Surabaldieva ou»»»
Minus three meters: Northern part of Issyk-Kul may turn into marshland - | 24.KG
President of the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan, Kanatbek Abdrakhmatov, warned of risks facing Issyk-Kul Lake amid declining water levels. According to him, the lakebed relief is uneven: the northern part has a gentle slope, while the southern side drops off sharply. In the central part»»»
Thundery rain and strong winds expected across Qatar this weekend
DOHA: The Qatar Meteorology Department has forecast unsettled weather conditions for the weekend, with thundery rain, strong winds and rough seas expected across the country. According to the weekend forecast, Thursday will see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered rain that may turn thunder»»»
Mubadala scales to Dh1.4 trillion with UAE portfolio at core of growth
Dubai: Mubadala Investment Company's assets under management rose 17% to Dh1.4 trillion in 2025, supported by strong domestic investments and steady returns across its global portfolio. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The sovereign investor reported five-year and ten-y»»»
Defense chief says plan to cut border unit troops to be executed 'gradually' by 2040 - UPI.com
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, seen here in a plenary session at the National Assembly, said Thursday that his ministry plans to reduce the number of troops deployed to border units "gradually" by 2040. Photo by Yonhap Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Thursday that his ministry plans to reduce th»»»
Cyprus' Aphrodite Signs 15-year Natgas Supply Deal with Egypt
Cyprus' offshore Aphrodite field signed a 15-year deal to sell natural gas to the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company, one of the partners in Aphrodite said on Thursday. NewMed Energy said a binding term sheet was signed for the sale of all of the natural gas quantities recoverable from the Aph»»»
French Military Chief Says Possible War with Russia His 'Primary Concern'
France's top general on Thursday said the possibility of a war with Russia in the next few years remained his "primary concern" as he defended efforts to ramp up defense spending. The chief of the defense staff General Fabien Mandon spoke in parliament as he presented France's draft legislation to »»»
Almazbek Akmatov appointed Chairman of Accounts Chamber - | 24.KG
Almazbek Akmatov has been appointed Chairman of the Accounts Chamber. The press service of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic reported. Akmatov has thus been re-elected as head of the Accounts Chamber. According to the newly adopted Law «On the Accounts Chamber,» the number of a»»»
Food Safety Agency Says Operation Clean Food Shuts 27 Outlets, Stops 260 Tonnes of Unsafe Food
Operation Clean Food shut 27 outlets and stopped more than 260 tonnes of potentially dangerous food, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) Executive Director Angel Mavrovski said at a press conference on Thursday. Nearly 80% of the seized food, more than 208 tonnes, was products of animal origin carr»»»
Finance Ministry Provides Public Access to All Active Public Procurement Procedures
The Ministry of Finance has provided public access via its website to all more than 7,000 active public procurement procedures in the country, with a total value exceeding EUR 30 billion, caretaker Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski announced at a briefing at the Ministry of Finance building in Sofi»»»
Third of March Lead Candidate Ivan Kolev Hands Out Easter Sweet Breads in Yambol
Third of March coalition lead candidate Ivan Kolev handed out hundreds of Easter sweet breads baked in his own bakery to residents of Yambol, the coalition’s regional campaign headquarters said on Thursday. The giveaway took place at three locations in the city, where Kolev also spoke with local pe»»»
Drive to feed air-dropped rabies vaccines to foxes in the wild
A campaign to inoculate wild foxes against rabies through air-dropped, vaccine-laced baits will start at the end of April, authorities said Thursday, warning members of the public to seek medical assistance if they touch the baits. The Rural Development Ministry said the annual oral vaccination cam»»»
The smart habit: 5 tiny inconveniences that improve your brain
Doha, Qatar: Thanks to modern technology, writing an email, ordering a meal or looking up that random actor's name you can't remember has never been easier. But some are starting to wonder whether the quicker, frictionless path isn't always the best. Do we lose something by not engaging our brains »»»
Amir condemns Israeli airstrike in call with Lebanese President
Doha, Qatar: The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held a telephone conversation with His Excellency Joseph Aoun, President of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon. During the call, they reviewed the latest developments in Lebanon, particularly in light of the current escalation and its»»»
5 unanswered questions on the US-Iran ceasefire
The United States and Iran suddenly announced a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, and there are myriad open questions about what happens next. Israel has also agreed to the truce, though it reportedly did so reluctantly. Both Washington and Tehran have claimed victory, but it’s too early to declare th»»»
North Korea tests electronic warfare systems, cluster-bomb missile - UPI.com
North Korea said Thursday it conducted a series of weapons tests this week, including missiles tipped with a cluster-bomb warhead and electronic warfare systems. This January file photo shows the North's test-fire of a multiple-rocket launcher system. File Photo by KCNA/EPA SEOUL, April 9 (UPI) -- »»»
KHDA chief conveys Sheikh Hamdan’s regards to Dubai student who wrote heartfelt letter to him
Dubai: A touching exchange between a young student, her mother and senior education officials has captured hearts after Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) shared a video of their virtual meeting on Instagram. The conversation featured Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, spe»»»
Jerinic: EXPO to transform Serbia's international positioning
BELGRADE- EXPO 2027 Director Danilo Jerinic said on Thursday that, to date, 138 countries had confirmed their participation in specialised EXPO 2027 in Belgrade and that more than 120 countries were working actively on their pavilions and programmes, and noted that the EXPO would transform the way »»»
EGX rises as market capitalization gains EGP 71 bln
The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) closed higher on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, supported by buying from local, Arab, and foreign institutions and investment funds, while individual investors tended toward selling. Market capitalization of listed companies gained around LE 71 billion to reach LE 3.400 trill»»»
Taipei slams Cheng Li-wun's Beijing trip
Legislators from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party and various government representatives claimed on April 8, 2026, that the recent actions of KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in China have compromised the sovereignty of the nation, Taipei Times reports. These accusations emerged as the »»»
Taipei slams Cheng Li-wun's Beijing trip
Legislators from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party and various government representatives claimed on April 8, 2026, that the recent actions of KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in China have compromised the sovereignty of the nation, Taipei Times reports. These accusations emerged as the »»»
Taipei slams Cheng Li-wun's Beijing trip
Legislators from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party and various government representatives claimed on April 8, 2026, that the recent actions of KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in China have compromised the sovereignty of the nation, Taipei Times reports. These accusations emerged as the »»»
Trump warns US forces will remain in place around Iran until 'real agreement' is complied with
US President Donald Trump said on April 8 that all American military forces, ships and aircraft would remain deployed in and around Iran until the terms of the ceasefire agreement are fully met, warning that otherwise "the shootin' starts, bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen »»»
Russia emerges as 'strategic energy partner' for Global South thanks to Iran
Russian energy exports have surged in value and demand since the Iran war began on February 28, with Moscow moving to lock in new buyers across Asia and the Global South as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf infrastructure trigger the worst energy supply shock in decades, state»»»
Trump warns US forces will remain in place around Iran until 'real agreement' is complied with
US President Donald Trump said on April 8 that all American military forces, ships and aircraft would remain deployed in and around Iran until the terms of the ceasefire agreement are fully met, warning that otherwise "the shootin' starts, bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen »»»
Russia emerges as 'strategic energy partner' for Global South thanks to Iran
Russian energy exports have surged in value and demand since the Iran war began on February 28, with Moscow moving to lock in new buyers across Asia and the Global South as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf infrastructure trigger the worst energy supply shock in decades, state»»»
Trump warns US forces will remain in place around Iran until 'real agreement' is complied with
US President Donald Trump said on April 8 that all American military forces, ships and aircraft would remain deployed in and around Iran until the terms of the ceasefire agreement are fully met, warning that otherwise "the shootin' starts, bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen »»»
Russia emerges as 'strategic energy partner' for Global South thanks to Iran
Russian energy exports have surged in value and demand since the Iran war began on February 28, with Moscow moving to lock in new buyers across Asia and the Global South as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf infrastructure trigger the worst energy supply shock in decades, state»»»
Russia emerges as 'strategic energy partner' for Global South thanks to Iran
Russian energy exports have surged in value and demand since the Iran war began on February 28, with Moscow moving to lock in new buyers across Asia and the Global South as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf infrastructure trigger the worst energy supply shock in decades, state»»»
Djibouti's Guelleh set to win sixth presidential term amid Red Sea chokepoint's rising strategic importance
Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, who has ruled the strategically positioned Horn of Africa state since 1999, is expected to readily defeat his only challenger in Friday’s election, and secure a sixth term in office. »»»
Parliament approves agreement with ADB to support KR in emergency situations - | 24.KG
The Zhogorku Kenesh (Parliament) approved a grant agreement with the Asian Development Bank to support Kyrgyzstan in emergency situations. The decision was made at its meeting. As Deputy Finance Minister Nurbek Akzholov previously noted, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will allocate a grant of $28»»»
Russia emerges as 'strategic energy partner' for Global South thanks to Iran
Russian energy exports have surged in value and demand since the Iran war began on February 28, with Moscow moving to lock in new buyers across Asia and the Global South as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf infrastructure trigger the worst energy supply shock in decades, state»»»
Modi to push bill that will increase number of women in parliament
New Delhi, India: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday he is pushing a bill to fast-track a law guaranteeing at least one-third of lawmakers are women, and potentially expanding seats by two-fifths. If passed, the measure would sharply increase the number of women candidates and electe»»»
Putin Made No Decisions on Easter Truce as to Date - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has not made any decisions on an Easter truce as to date, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "As of today, the Supreme Commander has not made any decisions," Peskov told reporters, answering a question about a possible Easter truce.»»»
Israel Says Will Continue to Strike Hezbollah 'Wherever Necessary'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel would keep hitting Hezbollah "wherever necessary,” the day after Israeli strikes pummeled Lebanon. "We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with force, precision, and determination," Netanyahu said on his personal X account. "Our message »»»
Simsek: Türkiye Ready with Other Measures if War Shock Persists
The impact on Türkiye's economy of the conflict in the Middle East may be temporary and reversible if the recent ceasefire holds, and authorities are ready with a different set of tools if the shock persists, Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said on Thursday. In an interview on broadcaster Haberturk,»»»
Justice Ministry Publishes Competency Model for Top Judicial Appointments
The Justice Ministry released Thursday a working analysis outlining a competency model for senior administrative leaders in the judicial system, including the prosecutor general, the presidents of the Supreme Court of Cassation and the Supreme Administrative Court, the director of the National Inve»»»
Applying for a Philippine passport now? Here’s why it may take longer
Dubai: The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced that passport applications submitted from the last week of March this year may take longer than usual to process, citing logistical and supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing regional situation. The issue has stemmed fr»»»
Voting under way as Kerala heads to crucial 2026 polls
1/11First-time voters show their ink-marked fingers after casting their votes during the Kerala Assembly election at a polling station in Cherurakkal LPS in Kazhakoottam constituency, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Thursday, April 9, 2026. IANS2/11Elderly women voters show their ink-marked fingers »»»
US Supercharges Tomahawk Orders Amid Iran War Drain
The US Navy has requested $3 billion to procure 785 Tomahawk cruise missiles for fiscal year 2027, a review of Pentagon budget documents shows. By comparison, only 55 missiles are being purchased in the current fiscal year, which ends on September 30. In just 4 weeks of war with Iran, the US expend»»»
Dinar-to-euro exchange rate at RSD 117.3774
BELGRADE - The Serbian dinar's official median exchange rate against the euro is 117.3774 dinars for one euro on Thursday, which is a slight change relative to Wednesday, the National Bank of Serbia said. The dinar is steady against the euro m-o-m, down by 0.2 pct y-o-y and down by 0.1 pct relative»»»