Media Review: April 1
The news of caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov signing a ten-year security agreement with Ukraine during a Bulgarian delegation’s visit to Kyiv on Tuesday dominates Wednesday's news media. POLITICS 24 Chasa’s headline reads that President Iliana Iotova reacted strongly to the agreement’s signing»»»
Lebanese displaced by war fill Beirut's streets, upending city life
Beirut is bursting. It's been a month since Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel after the U.S.-Israeli attack on its patron, Iran, triggering Israeli bombardment of Lebanon and a ground invasion. Since then, more than 1 million people from southern and eastern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs »»»
Bulgarian Party Claims Interim Government Hid Iranian Warning Over US Aircraft for Weeks
Bulgarian party “There Is Such a People” (TISP) has accused the caretaker government of withholding for around two weeks a diplomatic note allegedly sent by Iran to the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry. According to the party, the document warned that the Islamic Republic would defend its national intere»»»
MFA: Skopje Must Ensure Real Protection for Bulgarian Community Rights
Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry has reiterated its position that North Macedonia must fully implement its commitments regarding the protection of the rights of communities, particularly in the context of its EU accession process. The statement comes amid concerns raised by organizations representing th»»»
Iran FM Says Not Responded to US Plan, ‘No Negotiations’
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there were no negotiations with the United States and that Tehran had not responded to a reported 15-point proposal from Washington to end the war. "We receive messages from the American side, some direct and some through our friends in the region, and wh»»»
EU dissatisfied with Kiev’s obstruction of Druzhba pipeline inspection – media
Ukraine’s delay of an EU inspection of the Druzhba oil pipeline for nearly two weeks is “not smart,” unnamed diplomatic sources have told Euractiv. Kiev had earlier agreed to allow the bloc’s experts to check the conduits for alleged damage. The Soviet-era pipeline has been used to deliver Russian »»»
Bulgaria Insists that North Macedonia Fulfil its Commitments to Protect Rights of Communities
Bulgaria insists that the Republic of North Macedonia fulfil its commitments to protect the rights of communities, the Foreign Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday. Organizations representing the Bulgarian community in the Republic of North Macedonia have issued an official letter regardin»»»
When employees become employers: The hardest promotion of all
For decades, professional success followed recognisable architecture. Careers advanced through structure. Performance led to responsibility, responsibility to authority, and authority was formalised through designation. Institutions provided continuity, and titles provided clarity. Identity and hie»»»
Iran, Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah launch joint missile strike on Israel
Yemen's armed forces carried out a joint missile attack with Iran and Hezbollah on targets in southern Israel, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced on March 31, describing it as the third operation in what the group calls the "Sacred Jihad Battle." »»»
Iran, Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah launch joint missile strike on Israel
Yemen's armed forces carried out a joint missile attack with Iran and Hezbollah on targets in southern Israel, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced on March 31, describing it as the third operation in what the group calls the "Sacred Jihad Battle." »»»
Iran, Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah launch joint missile strike on Israel
Yemen's armed forces carried out a joint missile attack with Iran and Hezbollah on targets in southern Israel, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced on March 31, describing it as the third operation in what the group calls the "Sacred Jihad Battle." »»»
Iran, Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah launch joint missile strike on Israel
Yemen's armed forces carried out a joint missile attack with Iran and Hezbollah on targets in southern Israel, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced on March 31, describing it as the third operation in what the group calls the "Sacred Jihad Battle." »»»
American journalist Shelly Kittleson abducted in Baghdad by Shi’ite militia
American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been abducted in central Baghdad on March 31 by gunmen with suspected ties to Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, Iraq's Interior Ministry confirmed. Kittleson was se»»»
Iran, Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah launch joint missile strike on Israel
Yemen's armed forces carried out a joint missile attack with Iran and Hezbollah on targets in southern Israel, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced on March 31, describing it as the third operation in what the group calls the "Sacred Jihad Battle." »»»
ING sees Azerbaijan as safe haven amid Middle East risks
Azerbaijan's external economic position remains very strong despite risks stemming from the Middle East conflict, according to a macroeconomic report on CIS countries by ING Group, the Netherlands' largest banking holding, as cited by Report.az. »»»
Pakistan’s Blossom Season Brings Calm in a Troubled World
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 tonic to the war »»»
Punch in the gut: Viral baby monkey makes new friends, sparking fan heartbreak
Punch, the baby Japanese macaque, became a symbol of hope for many chronic social media users. Videos of him clutching a stuffed orangutan, named Mo, went viral, offering one of the most heartwarming moments amid widespread uncertainty and unrest in the world. And perhaps, that's why the internet i»»»
Indian Consulate in Dubai issues advisory for Grade 12 students ahead of college admission
Dubai: The Indian Consulate General in Dubai on Wednesday issued an advisory for Grade 12 students offering them a rare walk-in facility to apply for NRI certificates. The move comes as India's college admission season approaches, giving families a narrow but welcome window to get their paperwork i»»»
“We will keep the lights on”: Coca-Cola Arena shifts from concerts to shopping fests in Dubai
Dubai: When you think of the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, the first image that comes to mind is often a live concert: lights flashing, music reverberating through thousands of fans, and the thrill of a packed crowd. But understandably, in uncertain times due to regional conflict, the iconic venue is p»»»
Israel Medics Say 14 Wounded After Iranian Missile Fire
Israel's emergency medical service said 14 people including an 11-year-old girl were wounded during a missile attack that the military blamed on Iran and police said caused damage at several sites. The military said it had "identified missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State o»»»
Securing Iran’s Enriched Uranium by Force Would Be Risky and Complex, Experts Say
Should the US decide to send in military forces to secure Iran’s uranium stockpile, it would be a complex, risky and lengthy operation, fraught with radiation and chemical dangers, according to experts and former government officials. US President Donald Trump has offered shifting reasons for the w»»»
Why dealing with fixers could lead to airport offloading
Dubai: Filipinos planning to travel abroad have been warned against dealing with fixers offering to process Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) requirements for a fee. Authorities have stressed that such shortcuts can lead to offloading at the airport, where passengers are prevented from boardin»»»
Bulgaria's Interim PM: Caretaker Government Will Stay “Decent and United” Despite Attacks
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov said the interim government will continue to operate “with decency, responsibility and as a team,” despite what he described as coordinated political pressure and criticism from multiple directions. Speaking at the start of a regular cabinet meeting, he stress»»»
Lebanese Displaced by War Fill Beirut’s Streets, Upending City Life
Beirut is bursting. It's been a month since Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel after the US-Israeli attack on its patron, Iran, triggering Israeli bombardment of Lebanon and a ground invasion. Since then, more than 1 million people from southern and eastern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs ha»»»
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»»»
King Charles III to Make a State Visit to the US Despite Calls to Cancel Due to the Iran War
King Charles III is going ahead with a state visit to the United States despite calls for the ceremonial event to be called off due to US President Donald Trump’s repeated criticism of the British government for failing to support the war in Iran. Buckingham Palace said Tuesday that the king and Qu»»»
Lebanon denounces Israel's 'clear intention' for new occupation
Lebanon denounced what it called Israel's plans for "a new occupation of Lebanese territory" on Tuesday, after Israel said it would establish a "security zone" in the country. Defense Minister Major General Michel Menassa said the remarks by his counterpart Israel Katz were "no longer mere threats"»»»
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»»»
Philippines extends visa relief for stranded foreigners amid Middle East conflict
Dubai: The Philippines has extended its visa relief programme for foreign nationals stranded due to the ongoing developments in the Middle East, offering them temporary legal stay without fines or penalties. Philippine justice secretary Fredderick Vida has signed department order 219, extending the»»»
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»»»
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»»»
Defence minister: Government expects transparency from private sector in SAFE negotiations
Defence Minister Radu Miruta said on Tuesday that the government seeks fair and transparent cooperation with the private sector, but expects the same level of transparency in return, referring to ongoing negotiations on projects under the SAFE programme.Miruta took part in the Romania Government Ro»»»
Israel Medics Say 11-Year-Old Wounded After Iran Missile Fire
Israel's emergency medical service said an 11-year-old girl was in serious condition after a missile attack that the military blamed on Iran and police said caused damage at several sites. The military said it had "identified missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel"»»»
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»»»
Al Annabi step up FIFA World Cup preparations
Doha, Qatar: Qatar players train during a camp at Aspire Academy as Al Annabi step up preparations for the FIFA World Cup, which starts on June 11. Head coach Julen Lopetegui has selected a 32-man squad as he looks to fine-tune preparations and identify the players who will represent the team at th»»»
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 »»»
Dubai Police alert: Why your next social media share could be a risk to public safety
Dubai: Dubai Police have issued an advisory to the public regarding the spread of inaccurate information, warning that relying on unverified sources can undermine community safety and stability. The reminder, shared via social media, highlights the risks associated with the rapid pace of modern com»»»
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»»»
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»»»
New solar tech uses heat-wasting energy for 130% 'leap'
In a stunning leap that shatters decades of scientific “impossibility,” researchers have achieved what was for long dubbed an "unthinkable" solar technology. A new “spin-flip” emitter material harvests energy previously lost as wasteful heat, pushing quantum yields to a mind-blowing 130%. The break»»»
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»»»
Trump Says Military Could End Iran Offensive in 2 to 3 Weeks
US President Donald Trump has said the military could end its Iran offensive in two to three weeks and will shift responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz to countries that rely on it for oil and shipping. Trump said the US “will not have anything to do with” what happens next in the vital waterway »»»
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»»»