Not BLS, not IVS: What Indian expats in UAE must know about Al Hind’s Indian Consular Application Centre launch
Abu Dhabi/Dubai: As the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai gear up to switch service providers for passport, visa and other consular services, there are plenty of changes that Indian expats in the UAE must be aware of. As announced by the Indian missions, Alhind Tours and»»»
Trump pressures congressional Republicans by delaying landmark housing bill over voter ID push
US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he would not sign a new landmark housing bill until congressional Repulicans pass his proposed SAVE America Act to restrict voting procedures which he has been calling for for months. US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will refuse to sign »»»
2 powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela
Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck the same area of Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing buildings to collapse, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and AFP journalists. The quakes drove residents of the capital, Caracas, into the streets. It remains unknown wheth»»»
Europe leaders reaffirm unity on defence ahead of Ankara NATO summit
European leaders met Wednesday in Berlin ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankarai to discuss European defence and security guarantees for Ukraine, following tensions with the United States and among the main European members. European leaders reaffirmed on Wednesday their commitment to a stro»»»
Brent sinks more than 4%, as Middle East risk premium fades
Oil prices remained under pressure in early Asian trading Thursday after investors continued unwinding the geopolitical risk premium that had driven crude prices higher during the recent Israel-Iran conflict, with global benchmarks posting steep losses as of 8:37 am Thursday (June 25) Tokyo time. A»»»
UAE shoppers may get Hormuz price relief, but savings will take time
Dubai: The impact of lower oil and shipping costs could begin to appear within a few weeks, but it may take several months for these savings to fully pass through to retail prices and consumer goods, depending on supply chains and existing contracts, industry experts said. Sign up for our daily bus»»»
Philippine school shooting reignites calls for social media ban, tougher campus security, debate on youth criminal liability
Manila: The deadly school shooting in Tacloban City has triggered renewed calls from Philippine lawmakers for stricter regulation of children's social media use, stronger security in schools and a fresh review of the country's juvenile justice law, as officials debate how to prevent similar attacks»»»
Grant sweltering workers cooling breaks, unions tell EU
Just like World Cup footballers, European workers should be allowed "cooling breaks" in sweltering summer days, trade unions said Thursday, urging the European Union to take action. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), an umbrella group, said workplace deaths have increased across the EU »»»
UN child rights chief slams ‘increased impunity toward international law’ in interview with Arab News
NEW YORK: “When I’m talking about them, I’m counting those numbers, reciting the numbers in the council. I have images of children in my mind,” Vanessa Frazier, the UN special representative for children and armed conflict, told Arab News, describing how she carries the toll of her own report — 38,»»»
CDC concludes response to hantavirus outbreak on cruise - UPI.com
Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius is anchored off the coast of the city of Praia on the island of Santiago, Cape Verde, on May 4 after three people died onboard from an acute respiratory syndrome, possibly hantavirus. File Photo by Elton Monteiro/EPA June 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control»»»
Syed Azfar Gardezi bridges science and spirituality through literature
For over two decades, Syed Azfar Gardezi has walked a unique dual path. By day, he operates in the high-stakes, empirical world of oil and gas exploration — an electrical engineer specialising in electronics and telecommunications, having managed complex drilling and completions across South Africa»»»
Kahramaa signs over QR2.2 billion deals for expansion of electricity network in western region
QNA Doha Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has signed a series of new project contracts worth over QR2.2 billion aimed at developing and enhancing the electricity network in the western region. The contracts were awarded to several qualified local and international companie»»»
New WCM-Q study maps gonorrhea burden and trends across sub-Saharan Africa
Tribune News Network Doha Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) have published a comprehensive assessment of the epidemiology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea) infection in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest burden of this infection globally. Published in the high-impa»»»
Philippines now ranks No. 1 in ASEAN for budget transparency: There's a big catch
Manila: The Philippines remains Southeast Asia's most transparent country in terms of budget disclosure, according to the 2025 Open Budget Survey (OBS) released by the International Budget Partnership (IBP). Despite its strong performance in making budget information publicly available, however, ex»»»
Nigeria tightens telecom ownership rules for major share transactions amid rising MTN, Airtel dominance
Nigeria's telecommunications sector is facing tighter regulatory scrutiny after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) introduced new approval requirements for significant changes in the ownership structures of licensed operators. Under the new rules»»»
Nigeria's SEC warns against unauthorised marketing of Dangote refinery IPO set for Q3
Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered capital market operators to immediately halt all promotional activities relating to a purported initial public offering (IPO) by Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE, warning that no application for such an offer has been»»»
Qatar bow out of World Cup after defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina
DOHA: Qatar were eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a must-win Group B clash in Seattle on Wednesday. Needing three points to stay alive in the tournament, Qatar fell short in their final Group B match at Seattle Stadium. Though Qatar looked an impro»»»
Israeli army says contractor killed in Gaza ‘accident’
JERUSALEM: Israel’s military said a contractor was killed in an “operational accident” in Gaza on Wednesday, the sixth Israeli death in the Palestinian territory since a ceasefire was reached with Hamas. “Earlier today, during IDF and security forces’ activity in the Gaza Strip, an employee working»»»
World court judges sue Trump administration over sanctions
WASHINGTON: Three International Criminal Court judges on Wednesday sued US President Donald Trump and his administration over sanctions imposed on them last year, arguing the measures were unlawful. In the lawsuit filed in the federal court in Manhattan, judges Kimberly Prost of Canada, Solomy Bal»»»
The Debate - Albania's flamingo revolution: Will protests stop Trump family luxury resort plan?
Can citizens of Albania, population 2-point-4 million, push back against their own government and the pull of the U-S president’s family whom they accuse of capitalizing on their connections to privatize protected coastline on the Adriatic Sea? Introducing what activists have dubbed the Flamin»»»
Western Balkans coal plants continue to breach pollution limits despite legal deadlines, report says
Coal-fired power plants across the Western Balkans emitted sulphur dioxide at more than six times legal limits in 2025, with dust pollution reaching its worst level since current emissions rules came into force eight years ago, according to a report published on June 23 by environmental watchdog Ba»»»
Bulgaria reaches limit on military aid to Ukraine, PM says
Bulgaria will continue to support Ukraine but has halted further military donations from its armed forces after reaching the limits of its capacity, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said on June 23. In a response to a parliamentary question, Radev said the decision reflects the need to preserve Bulgaria’»»»
Oasis500, SM Capital sign MoU to boost venture investment links between MENA, Europe, Mediterranean
AMMAN — Oasis500 and SM Capital, a venture capital and investment advisory firm specialising in fintech, artificial intelligence, and strategic infrastructure, have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening investment linkages between the Mediterranean, the Middle »»»
Was JD Vance snubbed by Qatar's prime minister?
A video clip filmed during the US-Iran talks in Switzerland has been circulating on social media, sparking claims that the US vice president was snubbed by Qatar's prime minister. However, the footage does not tell the whole story. “This is BRUTAL. Vance flew to Geneva for the Iran talks and the Qa»»»
Unconvincing Uruguay seek first win against revitalized Spain
WASHINGTON: Uruguay arrive at Friday’s Group H meeting with Spain in urgent need of a first World Cup win after two draws turned a promising start into a precarious path to the knockout rounds. La Celeste, world champions in 1930 and 1950, have two points from two matches after drawing 1-1 with Sa»»»
Germany scraps von der Leyen’s F126 frigate project
Germany has pulled the plug on its largest naval shipbuilding project since the end of WWII, scrapping plans for a fleet of six F126 frigates first ordered under then-Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen. The plans to axe the project were first reported by Der Spiegel on Tuesday, which said the pr»»»
'Climate adaptation increasingly means redesigning infrastructure for a hotter climate'
As Europe reels over a severe heatwave and the changing nature of climate change, Genie Godula is pleased to welcome Armel Castellan, Extreme Heat Services Technical Advisor at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Castellan suggests that extreme heat should no longer be understood as a temp»»»
Kyiv using AI-powered Hornet drones to strike deep into Russian territory
Ukraine has stepped up strikes on Russian infrastructure and resources with the aim of choking off its war machine, and as part of that, it's been using a new drone powered by artificial intelligence that seems to be giving it the upper hand over four years into Russia's invasion. FRANCE 24's Luke »»»
Lithuanian PM steps down as coalition prepares new government
Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene formally resigned on June 23, bringing an end to her Social Democrat-led administration as the country's ruling coalition prepares to install a new government, a government statement said. Lithuania’s ruling Social Democrats has formed a new government after»»»
Bulgaria's Finance Minister Donev Presents 2026 Budget With 5.7% Deficit and Broad Revenue MeasuresOpinions
Finance Minister Galab Donev presented Bulgaria’s draft 2026 state budget, setting a deficit at 5.7% of GDP, or about 7.2 billion euros, and outlining a series of fiscal and structural measures aimed at stabilizing public finances over the coming years. He said state debt is projected at 37.7 billi»»»
Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor funded by Russian Abramovich, key to Kremlin's sanctions-evasion network
Moldovan fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor has become one of the Kremlin's most important unofficial operatives in Moldova’s domestic politics. He is funded by some of Russia’s richest oligarchs, close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and is helping Russia circumvent the extreme sanctions regime, fin»»»
India’s Russian crude imports hit record level
First and foremost, energy security for India trumps any claims on sanctions the US throws at New Delhi, and Russia for now is a key crude supplier to the subcontinent. What: India is set to post record levels of Russian crude imports in June. Why: Out of options with the Strait of Hormuz ef»»»
Global growth to stabilise in 3Q26 as Iran ceasefire eases energy shock - Erste Bank
A framework agreement between Washington and Tehran has already pulled oil prices lower, but Erste Group's quarterly outlook warns the inflationary scar tissue from the conflict will outlast the crisis itself across the eurozone, the US and emerging markets alike. The third quarter of 2026 looks se»»»
Ukraine, Europe and Global Security - Lavrov
Below is the text of an article by Russia’s veteran Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that was originally planned to be published in the Brussels-based Politico-Europe outlet, but according to reports was pulled at the last minute by editors. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently publis»»»
Bulgaria reaches limit on military aid to Ukraine, PM says
Bulgaria will continue to support Ukraine but has halted further military donations from its armed forces after reaching the limits of its capacity, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said on June 23. In a response to a parliamentary question, Radev said the decision reflects the need to preserve Bulgaria’»»»
TIIF 2026: Uzbekistan sees tourism as next engine of growth as it seeks to become Central Asia's travel hub
The great cities of the Silk Road have captivated travellers’ imaginations for centuries. Today, however, Uzbekistan is pursuing a far more ambitious goal than simply preserving its tremendous historic heritage. Backed by billions of dollars of investment, sweeping visa reforms and a drive to turn »»»
Lebanon transfers 128 Syrian convicts home under agreement
Lebanon has transferred 128 Syrian convicts to their home country, a Lebanese security source told AFP on Wednesday, the second batch of handovers under an agreement the two sides signed earlier this year. Overcrowded Lebanese prisons host around 2,000 Syrian nationals held on various charges. Many»»»
What We Are Reading Today: ‘Marine Crustaceans of Britain and Ireland’
Authors: Lin Baldock, Charlotte Bolton, and Iain M.T. Dixon Crustaceans are a diverse group of animals found all around the coasts of Britain and Ireland, from beaches to deep offshore waters. This field guide offers a practical, easy-to-use approach for identifying the crustacean species commonly »»»
Just 1 in 4 Americans believes Iran war was worth its costs, poll finds
WASHINGTON: Just one in four Americans believes the war with Iran was worth its costs and a majority worry that a truce with Tehran is unlikely to last, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found. The five-day poll, which closed on Monday, also showed the war weighing heavily on President Donald Trump’s popularity»»»
Western Europe bakes under a ‘heat dome’
LONDON: Much of western Europe baked under a “heat dome” Wednesday as temperatures soared toward 40 degrees Celsius in places, and weather agencies warned that the extreme conditions could endanger lives across countries, many of which have limited air conditioning. France recorded its hottest-ever»»»
A giraffe named Gracie escaped in Texas and no one can seem to find her
TEXAS, USA: A giraffe named Gracie is missing in Texas, and the search for her has become a tall order. Gracie, who is about 3 years old, has been missing for nearly two weeks after escaping her enclosure at Cedar Hollow Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, said Vic Jones, who owns the remote property »»»
Judge blocks subpoena for medical records of transgender kids in N.Y. - UPI.com
Participants march down Fifth Avenue at the 2025 New York City Gay Pride Parade. Wednesday, a judge in New York blocked a Department of Justice subpoena for medical records of transgender children. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo June 24 (UPI) -- A federal judge in New York on Wednesd»»»
Israeli military: Dozens of Hezbollah fighters trapped in underground complex - UPI.com
Smoke rises in late May as a result of an Israeli strike in the south of Lebanon as seen from the Israeli side of the border in the Upper Galilee, Israel. The Israeli military says it has trapped dozens of Hezbollah fighters in an underground complex in southern Lebanon. Photo by Atef Safadi/EPA Ju»»»
Peru’s most polarizing dynasty is back at the gates of power
A long road to powerThe 2026 presidential campaign in Peru could finally bring victory to Keiko Fujimori, daughter of Alberto Fujimori, the country’s former president (1990-2000) and leader of the Popular Force party. In Peru, opinions about Alberto Fujimori are highly divided: Some call him a hard»»»
Sofa ve Miras: How Hatay is turning gastronomy into a symbol of recovery after the 2023 earthquakes - photos
Three years after one of the worst natural disasters in modern Turkish history, Hatay is once again inviting the world to its table. Daily News Hungary was among a group of international journalists, content creators and experts invited to attend the second edition of Sofa ve Miras (“Table and Heri»»»
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha seeks new club after World Cup stardom, doesn’t rule out Brazil move
Vozinha, one of the sensations of the World Cup, is looking for a new club. And the 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper hasn’t ruled out playing in Brazil, where fans helped him reach immediate stardom on social media. Vozinha said in an interview with Brazilian journalist and influencer Daniel Braun»»»
'Summer triangle' rises in the night sky, and a telescope reveals 4 nearby objects - UPI.com
Summertime stargazers have a new celestial gathering to look for in the night sky, along with a reason to dust off their telescopes. The Summer Triangle is now visible in the eastern sky after nightfall. It is not a constellation, but rather a formation of three bright stars: Vega, Altair and Deneb»»»
Hormuz, Lebanon emerge as key tests for fragile US-Iran rapprochement
Efforts to consolidate the recent US–Iran understanding faced fresh challenges on Wednesday, as disputes over the future management of the Strait of Hormuz and the implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon exposed deep differences among regional and international actors. Qatari Prime Minister and Fo»»»
Improving Egypt’s global mining ranking is a strategic priority to attract investment, Badawi says
mproving Egypt’s ranking in global mining investment indices is a strategic priority to boost investor confidence and attract international funding, the petroleum and mineral resources minister said. Minister Karim Badawi made the remarks during the first executive committee meeting for the Egypt M»»»
Finance Ministry Releases Updated Medium-Term Budget Forecast for 2026-2028 Period
Bulgaria's Ministry of Finance on Wednesday published on its official website an updated medium-term budget forecast for the 2026-2028 period, which is presented as an explanatory report reasoning the 2026 State Budget Bill. The three-year budget framework takes into account the European Commission»»»