OpenAI says new model adept at making AI better
SAN FRANCISCO: OpenAI released a new model it touts as its best yet for handling research work like making improved versions of itself, as rapid-fire releases by AI rivals pick up pace. GPT-5.5 was billed as a “new class of intelligence” and comes just months after the launch of its predecessor. “W»»»
19 injured in head-on train crash in Denmark - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Two trains collided between Hilleroed and Kagerup at Isteroedvejen, Denmark, Thursday morning. At least 19 are injured. Photo by Steven Knap/EPA April 23 (UPI) -- Two passenger trains crashed head-on in Denmark on Thursday leaving 18 injured, five of them critically, law enforcement offici»»»
Kuwait airport to resume flights after weeks-long airspace closure
Kuwait has reopened its airspace at Kuwait International Airport starting this evening after a nearly two-month closure, with flights set to resume gradually, the state-run news agency Kuna said on Thursday. The move marks the start of a phased restart of operations following a temporary precaution»»»
BSP tightens policy in the Philippines as inflation surge overrides growth concerns
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raised its policy rate by 25bp to 4.50% on April 23, in the process demonstrating the prioritisation of inflation risks after a sharp rise in price pressures throughout March, and despite a weakening growth backdrop, a note from Capital Economics reports. Further tig»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
Threatened, Bombed, Abandoned: Israel kills Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil
Israel targeted and killed well-known Lebanese Al-Akhbar correspondent Amal Khalil on April 23 after she received death threat messages from an Israeli number WhatsApp number. Khalil and Zeinab Faraj, a freelance photojour»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
Israel's Lebanon offensive threatens to unravel US-brokered gas deal and block Beirut's energy future
Israel's military occupation of southern Lebanon is threatening to upend a landmark 2022 US-brokered maritime border agreement and derail Lebanon's best remaining hope of tapping its offshore gas wealth. On April 19, the I»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
Threatened, Bombed, Abandoned: Israel kills Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil
Israel targeted and killed well-known Lebanese Al-Akhbar correspondent Amal Khalil on April 23 after she received death threat messages from an Israeli number WhatsApp number. Khalil and Zeinab Faraj, a freelance photojour»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
Israel's Lebanon offensive threatens to unravel US-brokered gas deal and block Beirut's energy future
Israel's military occupation of southern Lebanon is threatening to upend a landmark 2022 US-brokered maritime border agreement and derail Lebanon's best remaining hope of tapping its offshore gas wealth. On April 19, the I»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
Iran war's fertiliser shock sets the stage for a slow-burning food inflation crisis
The Iran war's most insidious economic aftershock may not be measured in oil price spikes or shipping costs, but in the price of the nutrients that grow the world's food. A sharp and sustained surge in fertiliser prices, d»»»
MOSCOW BLOG: EU unblocks Ukrainian loan, twentieth sanctions package, as Kyiv builds a robot army
Phew. That was an effort. EU leaders met in Brussels yesterday and signed off on releasing the €90bn loan for Ukraine that will keep it in the fight with Russia for another two years. They also passed the twentieth sanctions package on Russia, however, that was gutted of some of its most painful me»»»
4 tickets to World Cup final are listed on FIFA’s resale site for more than $2m
GENEVA: FIFA’s resale site has four tickets on sale for the World Cup final for just under $2.3 million each. The $2,299,998.85 seats for the July 19 match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, are located behind a goal in the lower deck in block 124, row 45, seats 33-36. FIFA does not»»»
From South Asia to MENA: Can Pakistan Now Become the Gulf's Back Office?
The World Bank has quietly reclassified Pakistan from being part of South Asia to being part of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. What seems like a bureaucratic tweak actually opens the door to regional financing and investment mandates.Pakistani start-ups and IT companies gain formal»»»
Cuba sees short-term relief as Russian oil begins to flow
HAVANA: Cubans this week began to reap the benefits of a recent 100,000 metric ton delivery of Russian oil, a temporary lifeline for the energy-starved nation and the first major shipment of oil to the island since the United States moved to cut off its fuel early this year. The Russian-flagged Ana»»»
Gradual Escalation in South Lebanon Complicates Diplomatic Efforts
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in southern Lebanon are running up against a gradual escalation on the ground, as fighting expands beyond the border area following four days of Israeli violations, with Hezbollah beginning limited attacks on Israeli forces deeper inside Lebanon and along th»»»
Perspective - War in Lebanon: Most people 'are severely traumatised', CARE country director says
Lebanon's country director for the charity CARE has told FRANCE 24 that life for the Lebanese is a perpetual challenge that people have to overcome. Michael Adams says the ceasefire there is very fragile, and the constant infractions mean people don't have confidence in it. He told us about how man»»»
Shadow of failed 1983 agreement haunts new Israeli-Lebanon talks
As Lebanon prepares to resume direct discussions with Israel, the ghost of the May 17 Agreement of 1983 – a deal that was signed but never implemented – is haunting the new round of negotiations. President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam are facing a smear c»»»
The Debate - Truce without talks: What room for diplomacy between US and Iran?
How to mediate between Iran and the United States when one side wants revenge for the killing of its leader and the other’s erratic messaging seems ratings driven?Donald Trump’s unilateral ceasefire declaration bringing neither side back to the bargaining table, what with more ships seized in Strai»»»
Prize-winning book 'Houris' brings prison term for French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud
French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud says he has been sentenced in Algeria to three years in prison and fined over his award-winning novel “Houris,” which revisits the country’s civil war. The ruling reflects the mounting pressure on authors confronting Algeria’s violent past and raises fresh concern»»»
US accuses China of 'intimidation campaign' to block Taiwan president’s Africa trip
The United States on Wednesday accused China of pressuring African nations to block a planned visit by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, after several countries revoked overflight permits. Beijing denied the claims while expressing "high appreciation" for the states in question as tensions over»»»
Reports: Riyadh presses for stability, Taif Accord as Berri says no peace with Israel before KSA
Saudi envoy Yazid bin Farhan met again Thursday evening with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, without media coverage, to discuss the details of implementing the Taif Agreement in its entirety, without any procrastination, LBCI television reported. Berri meanwhioe affirmed to Bin Farhan in their f»»»
Spotlight - EU 'must' shift to renewables to end fossil fuel 'blackmail from war-driving authoritarian regimes'
François Picard is pleased to welcome Hannah Neumann, German MEP, Greens/EFA and Chair of the EU Parliament's Delegation for Iran. She offers analysis on the growing geopolitical instability surrounding Iran, energy security, and the EU’s strategic position in an increasingly fragmented global orde»»»
Radio outage cripples police operations
Police units across Attica have been coordinating operations through mobile phones in recent days after the encrypted Tetra Sepura communication system at the Athens Police Operations Center went offline. Multiple sources confirmed that officers responsible for directing units are often forced to r»»»
Press Review - AI robot beats elite table tennis players in 'pivotal breakthrough'
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, April 23: Le Parisien reports on an "unprecedented" criminal complaint filed against food delivery giants UberEats and Deliveroo for human trafficking in France. Le Monde looks at the important role of priests in the war in Ukraine and we also look at a suggestion to r»»»
Iran’s Mehr says air defenses heard ‘engaging hostile targets’ in Tehran
TEHRAN: Air defense systems were heard engaging what were described as “hostile targets” in parts of the Iranian capital Tehran on Thursday, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported, after earlier reports that air defense batteries had been activated in the city.»»»
19 injured in head-on train crash in Denmark - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Two trains collided between Hilleroed and Kagerup at Isteroedvejen, Denmark, Thursday morning. At least 19 are injured. Photo by Steven Knap/EPA April 23 (UPI) -- Two passenger trains crashed head-on in Denmark on Thursday leaving 18 injured, five of them critically, law enforcement offici»»»
Washington Tightens Conditions on Lebanese Army, Unconditional Aid Ends
As US-brokered direct talks between Lebanon and Israel unfold in Washington, Congress is stepping up pressure of a different kind, pushing the Lebanese army to act on pledges to disarm Hezbollah or face a freeze in annual US military aid. Senior congressional sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Repub»»»
Teen held in custody over Athens crash that seriously injured girl
A 16-year-old boy accused in a traffic accident on Liosion Street in Athens that seriously injured another 16-year-old was ordered held in custody on Thursday. In his testimony, the teenager reportedly accepted responsibility, saying he fled the scene after realizing he did not have a driving licen»»»
Lebanese Prime Minister Rejects Deal With Israel Unless All Troops Are Pulled - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Lebanese government will not sign any agreement with Israel as part of negotiations unless it includes a "full withdrawal" of the Israeli troops from its territory, the Washington Post reported on Thursday, citing Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. "We cannot live with a so»»»
Iran war effects on Europe: Is a recession already unfolding
Brussels, Apr.23 ( SANA) The eurozone’s private sector slipped back into contraction in April, marking its weakest performance in nearly a year and a half since November 2024, as the war in Iran hit services and fuelled inflation. The war in the Middle East, involving Iran, has now done what no tra»»»
Lebanon to request end to attacks, Trump 'to attend' Lebanon-Israel talks
Tonight's second round of preparatory direct talks between Lebanon and Israel will be held at the White House instead of the State Department, Lebanese TV networks said. The meeting is scheduled for 11:00 pm Beirut time (8:00 pm GMT). MTV and Al-Arabiya later reported that U.S. President Donald Tru»»»
Coventry chairman King shrugs off reports linking Lampard with Chelsea return
LONDON: Coventry City chairman Doug King is unconcerned about the prospect that Frank Lampard, the manager who led the club back to the Premier League after 25 years, may leave in the close season, with reports linking the coach with a return to Chelsea. Lampard spent 13 years at Chelsea as a play»»»
Miguel Díaz-Canel says no talks if U.S. rejects Cuba's terms - UPI.com
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel speaks at an event commemorating the 65th anniversary of the proclamation of the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution, in Havana on April 16. Photo by Ernesto Mastrascusa/EPA April 23 (UPI) -- President Miguel Díaz-Canel said any negotiations with the United»»»
Inside Iran’s 40-year power shift: Clerical rule fades as IRGC takes control
Dubai: Iran’s decision-making core has undergone a quiet but profound transformation, with real power shifting away from clerics to a hardened network of military commanders, according to a detailed report by The New York Times. At the centre of this shift is Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamen»»»
UK health data of 500,000 people listed for sale in China
London, United Kingdom: Anonymised medical data of half a million members of UK health database Biobank was temporarily listed for sale on a popular Chinese website, the government said on Thursday. Data minister Ian Murray told parliament that the breach involved the information of all 500,000 Bio»»»
‘No time frame’ for ending US-Israeli war against Iran – Trump
The US is not setting any deadlines for concluding the war against Iran, President Donald Trump has said. The remarks contrast with Trump’s earlier claim, made shortly after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, that the fighting would last “four to five weeks.” He also repeate»»»
'Free Timmy!': Beached whale grips and divides Germany
Berlin: The sad saga of a humpback whale stranded a month ago on the German coast has sparked a flood of compassion but also a media frenzy, angry spats, conspiracy theories and death threats. As Germans have followed the travails of the sea mammal, dubbed "Timmy" by a newspaper, on their live news»»»
Qatar to face El Salvador in pre-World Cup friendly in LA
DOHA: Qatar will take on El Salvador in an international friendly at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on June 6, the Qatar Football Association announced on Thursday, as Al Annabi continue their build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match forms part of a crucial overseas training camp designed to fine»»»
From Ukraine to Taiwan: Drone warfare lessons meet Indo-Pacific reality - UPI.com
A C-230 Overkill (Striker)) one-way attack drone is on display during a press tour in Taichung, Taiwan, on Tuesday. Thunder Tiger Corp. is a Taiwanese company that designs and manufactures defense-oriented unmanned vehicles, including UAVs, unmanned surface vessels, underwater ROVs and all-terrain »»»
Veliko Tarnovo Grand Hotel Attracts Guests with Mineralized Water at Renovated Spa Centre
The spa centre with mineralized water at the Grand Hotel Veliko Tarnovo spans 2,000 sq. m. The renovated hotel has once again become an attractive site for congress tourism, international events, team-building activities, and individual visits. Construction of the hotel began in 1967 and finished i»»»