5.8‑magnitude quake hits Afghanistan, Pakistan; 8 dead in Kabul
Kabul: An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8 rattled parts of northern and eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan late Friday. The spokesperson for Kabul's governor said at least eight people are dead. The region is highly seismically active, and quakes have caused thousands of deaths»»»
Bulgaria Can Party Leader Presents Certificates to MP Candidates in Pleven
The leader of the Bulgaria Can party, Kuzman Iliev, presented certificates to the party's candidates for members of parliament for the Pleven 15th Multi-member Constituency for the early parliamentary elections on April 19. This took place at a campaign meeting in Pleven where the party's prioritie»»»
Qatar foils drone attack
DOHA: The Ministry of Defense announced that Qatar was subjected, on Friday, to an attack by a number of drones from Iran, noting that the Qatar Armed Forces successfully intercepted all the drones.»»»
GRIFID Encanto Beach Hotel Develops New Detox Programme for Guests
GRIFID Encanto Beach Hotel in the Golden Sands resort has developed a new detox programme for its guests. The programme offers stays of varying length designed to promote health, balance and body harmony, the hotel manager Anita Atanasova told BTA. Key elements of the GriFit D-TOX programme are thr»»»
Using emergency alert sounds as ringtones could land you in legal trouble
The Ministry of Interior in Qatar has cautioned the public against playing or circulating audio or video clips that mimic the National Emergency Alert System, including using such tones as mobile ringtones. Authorities warned that these risks causing panic and disturbing public order. In a statemen»»»
National study to strengthen governance and ensure sustainability of port services – Ministry of Agriculture
Tunis, April 3 (TAP) - The Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries is working to address the challenges facing fishing ports by preparing a national study aimed at improving governance and ensuring the sustainability of port...»»»
One killed, several injured in fire at UAE’s Habshan gas facilities
One Egyptian national has been killed in a fire on the UAE’s Habshan gas facilities that was caused by debris from an intercepted attack, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. It added that four others – two Pakistanis and two Egyptians – were injured. The media office said that fire has now bee»»»
Results in Campaign Against Election Violations Between Four and Six Times Higher Than in 2024 - Interior Ministry Secretary Kandev
So far, results in a campaign of the Ministry of Interior against election violations are between four and six times higher than in 2024, acting Interior Ministry Secretary General Georgi Kandev told journalists in Yambol on Friday. He and caretaker Minister of Interior Emil Dechev awarded the poli»»»
Specialized bomb squads responded to 9 reports: Kuwait's Interior Ministry
Kuwait: Kuwait's Interior Ministry said on Friday that the explosive ordnance disposal teams responded to nine field reports related to falling shrapnel and foreign objects, bringing the total number of reports to 649 since the beginning of the Iranian aggression. During a media briefing, Spokesper»»»
MSF condemns 'appalling' attack on Sudan hospital
Geneva: International doctors' charity MSF on Friday denounced a drone assault on a Sudanese hospital the day before that killed 10 people, attributing the attack to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The attack on Thursday saw two strikes on Al Jabalain Hospital in White Nile State, hitt»»»
UAE: One dead, four injured after fires at Habshan gas facilities in Abu Dhabi
Authorities confirmed that two fires broke out at the Habshan Gas Processing Plant after debris fell following a successful air defence interception. Emergency response teams responded swiftly and brought the situation under control, officials said, adding that the incident occurred as part of the »»»
Earthquake in India: Tremors felt across Delhi-NCR, parts of North India
Earthquake tremors were felt across Delhi-NCR and several parts of North India on Friday, triggering panic among residents who rushed out of homes and office buildings. There were, however, no immediate reports of any casualties. The tremors were reported from multiple locations, including Delhi, N»»»
Pam Bondi’s firing had nothing to do with Epstein files – Trump’s acting AG
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has dismissed reports that President Donald Trump fired former AG Pam Bondi over her botched handling of the Epstein files. Blanche made the remarks on Fox News on Thursday, hours after Trump announced that Bondi, who had served since early 2025, was out. The»»»
In photos: Christians observe Good Friday in Jerusalem - All Photos - UPI.com
By Wade SheridanChristians celebrate Good Friday in Jerusalem's Old City on Friday. Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and takes place just days before Easter. Altar boys take part in the Good Friday service at the St. Saviour Monastry in the Old City of Jerusalem on April 3, 2026. P»»»
Bulgaria's Tallest Ferris Wheel Is Unveiled in Sofia
A 40-meter Ferris wheel, the tallest in Bulgaria, was unveiled in the Boris’ Garden in Sofia as part of the city’s newest event, Sun Fest Sofia. The opening of the Ferris wheel is included in the festive program marking 147th anniversary of Sofia as capital of Bulgaria. The attraction was manufactu»»»
1 crew member rescued after US fighter jet goes down in Iran
One crew member has been rescued after an American aircraft went down in Iran, according to one U.S. and one Israeli official, who both spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive ongoing military operations. The rescue occurred as the U.S. military was conducting a search and rescue oper»»»
Indian national wins Big Ticket's Dh20 million grand prize
An Indian national has won the Dh20 million grand prize in Big Ticket’s live draw series 285, held in Abu Dhabi. Shamon Shaji was holding ticket number 229425 which she purchased on March 22. "I am watching live. Thank you so much," said Shaji during the phone call. Show hosts Richard and Bouchra h»»»
Indian national bags Dh20m in Big Ticket
Dubai: An Indian national has won the Dh20 million grand prize in Big Ticket’s live draw series 285, held in Abu Dhabi. Shamon Shaji was holding ticket number 229425 which she purchased on March 22. "I am watching live. Thank you so much," said Shaji during the phone call. Show hosts Richard and Bo»»»
Iran Shoots Down US Fighter Jet, One Pilot Rescued, Media Say
One US crew member has been rescued after Iran shot down a warplane on Friday, Israeli and US media reported, as the war looked set to intensify with US President Donald Trump threatening more attacks on civilian infrastructure. Two US sources told Reuters the plane was a two-seat F-15E and a »»»
US Embassy in Beirut Warns of Possible Iran Threat to Universities in Lebanon
The US embassy in Beirut said on Friday that Iran and its aligned armed groups "may intend to target universities in Lebanon". In a security alert, the embassy also urged US citizens to depart Lebanon "while commercial flight options remain available". Lebanon was dragged into the conf»»»
Series of Black Sea Incidents: Bulgarian Navy Recovers Drone Wing, UAV and a Buoy
Specialized Navy teams in Bulgaria carried out multiple operations over two consecutive days in response to reports of objects found in the Black Sea. All cases involved reconnaissance, identification and transport of items initially suspected to be unexploded ordnance or hazardous debris. On April»»»
'Do you know my name?': Sheikh Mohammed's moment with child melts hearts
Dubai: It was a brief exchange that lasted only seconds, but for many who watched it online, it captured something larger about leadership. In a widely shared video, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, is seen engaging in a warm, sp»»»
Kozani manhunt underway after suspect abandons cannabis-laden car
Police in northern Greece are searching for a 43-year-old man who fled on foot after abandoning his vehicle during a pursuit in Kozani, northern Greece. The incident unfolded on Thursday morning, when officers from a local anti-drug unit signaled the driver to stop for a routine road check after de»»»
Tunis to host Tunisian-Congolese professional meetings on April 7 (CEPEX)
Tunis, April 3 (TAP) - Tunisian-Congolese B2B professional meetings will be held on April 7 in Tunis at the initiative of the Export Promotion Centre (French: CEPEX) with the support of Tunisia's embassy in Kinshasa. These meetings are to boost...»»»
Kozarev meets with North Macedonian ambassador
BELGRADE - Secretary General at the Serbian MFA Dusan Kozarev met with North Macedonian Ambassador to Belgrade Nikola Tupanceski on Friday to discuss stepping up economic and cultural cooperation, as well as strengthening ties in the infrastructure and energy sectors. "Serbia remains firmly committ»»»
Air Serbia carries record-high 813,188 passengers in Q1 2026
BELGRADE - In Q1 2026, Air Serbia set a new standard for its business operations with 813,188 passengers carried and 3 pct growth y-o-y, the national airline said on Friday. "This is also the first time that the number of 800,000 carried passengers was surpassed in the January-March period. During »»»
Abu Dhabi aluminium complex recovery could take up to 12 months
Abu Dhabi: Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has said its Al Taweelah site sustained significant damage following recent Iranian missile and drone attacks, with full restoration of primary aluminium production likely to take up to 12 months. In an initial assessment released on Friday, the company co»»»
Trump: JD Vance will be new fraud czar, focus on 'blue states' - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Colin McDonald listens as Vice President JD Vance speaks during his swearing in as Assistant Attorney General for National Fraud Enforcement in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Pool Photo by Will Oliver/UPI | License Photo April 3 (UPI) -- Vice President JD Vance is now the government's fra»»»
Iran shoots down U.S. fighter jet; one pilot rescued, one missing - UPI.com
The Iranian military shot down a U.S. F-15E similar to the one pictured on Friday. File Photo by Senior Airman Mitch Fuqua/U.S. Air Force. April 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. forces rescued at least one crew member after Iran shot down a U.S. F-15E fighter jet Friday, unnamed U.S. military sources told multi»»»
Chile joins regional debate to regulate surrogate motherhood - UPI.com
The Chilean The Family Committee of the Chamber of Deputies began this week to discuss a bill supported by all political parties that would prohibit and penalize the practice of surrogate motherhood. Photo by widephish/Pixabay SANTIAGO, Chile, April 3 (UPI) -- Chile has joined other Latin American »»»
Belchin Garden Hotel Offers Four Mineral Water Pools and Year-Round Spa Services
SPA Hotel Belchin Garden offers year-round spa services to its guests, hotel manager Petar Ivanov told BTA. The entire centre uses mineral water and features four pools, both indoor and outdoor. The children’s pool, located outdoors, is heated at 35C. The spa centre also includes a Finnish sauna an»»»
State Policy Must Support Citizens, Says BSP - United Left's Top Candidate in Ruse
The state must support its citizens with solidarity, justice and real solutions, Denitsa Ivanova, top-of-the-list candidate of the BSP - United Left coalition in Ruse, said on Friday. She, together with MP candidate Emil Georgiev, met with representatives of the Union of the Blind in Bulgaria and w»»»
Photo Exhibition of Ukrainian Sculptor's Works Opens on Sofia’s Capital Day
A photo exhibition titled "In the Footsteps of Mykhailo Parashchuk," dedicated to the 147th anniversary since Sofia was declared Bulgaria’s capital, was opened on St Nedelya Square on Friday. Mykhailo Parashchuk was a Ukrainian sculptor and the author of sculptural facades and decorations on buildi»»»
Environment Minister, French Ambassador Discuss Current Topics on Environmental Protection
Caretaker Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov discussed current topics on environmental protection with the Ambassador of France to Bulgaria Marie Dumoulin, the Ministry's press centre reported on Friday. A topic raised by the French side was the import of batteries and solar panels. Pop»»»
Finance Ministry Revises Inflation, GDP Projections for 2026 Due to Middle East Conflict
The average annual inflation in Bulgaria is expected to reach 4.3% this year, while the annual increase in consumer prices is projected to amount to 5.2% by the end of 2026, according to the spring macroeconomic forecast of the Finance Ministry, published on its website. At the same time, the real »»»
Rising energy prices deepen economic strain in Turkiye: Turkish economists
Istanbul: Turkiye's economy is facing mounting pressure from persistently high global energy prices, as the country relies heavily on imports of oil and gas to meet domestic demand. This dependence has exposed it to global market volatility, driving up production costs, increasing the burden on bus»»»
Ukraine uncovers alleged $17.7 million grain embezzlement scheme, investigators say
An alleged corruption scheme involving the embezzlement of $17.7 million worth of grain has been uncovered in Ukraine, implicating senior officials of a state grain corporation and an unnamed foreign company. The US-backed National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-C»»»
Iranians Urged to Hunt for Crew of Downed US Fighter Jet
Iran authorities urged people living in the rugged southwest of the country to search for the crew of a downed US fighter jet on Friday as state TV broadcast images of what was said to be the mangled remains of the plane. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for military operations in the »»»
US Fighter Shot Down Over Iran as Trump Threatens to Hit More Infrastructure
Iran shot down a US warplane on Friday, setting off a search by both sides for surviving crew as the war looked set to intensify with President Donald Trump threatening more attacks on civilian infrastructure. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was combing an area near where the plane came do»»»
White House Requests Giant $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget Amid Iran War
The White House sent a spending proposal to lawmakers Friday calling for a massive $1.5 trillion US defense budget next year as it faces increased costs due to the war in Iran. The total year-on-year increase in Pentagon spending would be the largest since World War II, US media reported, although »»»
10 Dead as Russia Launches New Daytime Attacks on Ukraine
Russian strikes killed at least 10 people in Ukraine on Friday, officials said, as Moscow launched the latest in an increasing number of daytime barrages. Moscow has been firing aerial broadsides at Ukraine throughout its more than four-year invasion, mostly at night, but in recent weeks it has ste»»»
Iran Leaders Join Crowds on Tehran’s Streets to Project Control in Wartime
After more than a month of being stalked by targeted assassinations, Iran's leadership has adopted a new tactic to show it is still in control - with senior officials walking openly in the streets among small crowds who have gathered in support of the regime. In recent days, Iran's president and fo»»»
Madagascar thwarts alleged plot to assassinate president
Antananarivo: Authorities in Madagascar have foiled an alleged assassination plot targeting President Col. Michael Randrianirina. In a televised statement, Madagascar's Attorney General Narindra Navalona Rakotoniaina said preliminary investigations have led to the arrest of 13 individuals, 11 of wh»»»
Serbia's January-February external trade at 11.5 bln euros
BELGRADE - Serbia's January-February 2026 external goods trade totalled 11.5 bln euros, which is a 1.3 pct decline y-o-y, according to figures released by the national statistical office this week. Goods exports were worth 5,291.6 mln euros, rising by 1.6 pct y-o-y, while imports totalled 6,227.9 m»»»
Hegseth’s Pentagon Purge Designed to Prevent a Mutiny: Karen Kwiatkowski
The secretary of war’s dismissal of Army Chief of Staff General Randy George and two other top generals signals intensifying rot in the Department amid the Iran war, former senior DoD insider-turned whistleblower Karen Kwiatkowski says. General George represented “experience in Army battlefield ope»»»
UN Force Says 3 Peacekeepers Wounded in Blast Inside South Lebanon Position
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said a blast hit one of its positions and wounded three peacekeepers on Friday, the third such incident in a week. "This afternoon, an explosion inside a UN position... injured three peacekeepers, two seriously. They are all currently being evacuated to h»»»
Ethiopia secures $13.1bn in deals led by $10bn Ming Yang investment into green ammonia project
Ethiopia has signed investment agreements and memoranda of understanding worth $13.1bn at the Invest in Ethiopia 2026 forum, with the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia describing the outcome as a boost to investor sentiment, although most commitments remain at an early stage. »»»
Ethiopia secures $13.1bn in deals led by $10bn Ming Yang investment into green ammonia project
Ethiopia has signed investment agreements and memoranda of understanding worth $13.1bn at the Invest in Ethiopia 2026 forum, with the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia describing the outcome as a boost to investor sentiment, although most commitments remain at an early stage. »»»
Ghana’s macro rebound signals coordinated policy success as inflation, rates and currency stabilise
Ghana’s central bank governor says a synchronised improvement in key economic indicators reflects coordinated monetary and fiscal policy, as inflation, interest rates, and the currency stabilise after years of crisis. Bank»»»
Putin strengthens food supply ties with Egypt, proposes grain and energy hub
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his government to work on securing food supplies to Egypt, particularly grain shipments, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic ties between the two countries, a Kremlin statement said. »»»