Passenger arrested with 43 kilos of smuggled cigars at Athens airport
A Cuban national was arrested at Athens International Airport after police found about 43 kilos of smuggled Havana cigars in his luggage. Authorities said that the passenger, who had arrived in Athens via Turkey, carried a total of 2,806 cigars of various brands. The total taxable value of the ciga»»»
Mladen Marinov Is Top-of-the-List Candidate of GERB-UDF for Sofia Region 26th Constituency
BTA will publish the names of the top-of-the-list candidates of every party/coalition for all constituencies for the April 19 parliamentary elections. The information about the candidates is provided by the respective political entity, the candidates themselves and other official sources. Mladen Ma»»»
Report: Egyptian security delegation meets with Hezbollah officials
In the past hours an Egyptian security delegation arrived in Beirut following a directive from the Egyptian leadership to initiate engagement with Lebanese authorities aimed at reducing tensions on the Lebanese scene and finding solutions, An-Nahar newspaper said. Their first meeting was with a del»»»
Why Pakistan has emerged as a mediator between US and Iran
As fears of a wider regional conflict escalate following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began in late February, Pakistan has emerged as an unexpected mediator, offering to help bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table. Islamabad isn't often called on to act as an intermediary in »»»
Two killed in Israeli strike on Tahwitat al-Ghadir in Dahieh
An Israeli strike hit Beirut’s southern suburbs early Friday, killing two people, according to the health ministry. AFPTV footage showed smoke billowing from the area after the raid. The National News Agency reported that "enemy aircraft" carried out a raid on Tahwitat al-Ghadir in the southern sub»»»
Troops surge, strikes paused: What is Trump planning next?
The United States is ramping up its military footprint in the Middle East, sending around 10,000 additional troops even as President Donald Trump says Washington will not launch new attacks on Iran “for now,” in a strategy that blends deterrence with restraint. The deployment, as reported by The Wa»»»
Poverty eradication and minority rights remain the core of Egypt’s development process
By Sarah Tarek For the past few decades, many have claimed that the Egyptian government had not made enough effort to ensure the protection of basic human rights for Egyptian citizens, such as providing a good standard of living and education, as well as protecting minority rights. During the last »»»
Media Review: March 27
Friday’s media coverage focuses on the fallout from the Advocate General’s opinion in the case involving caretaker PM Andrey Gurov and his removal as deputy governor of the Bulgarian National Bank, election-related police actions ahead of the April 19 vote, and the economic spillover from the Middl»»»
Country managing situation properly, set of measures could stir inflation: FinMin
Skopje, 24 March 2026 (MIA) - It is easy to pass a set of measures but they could stir inflation. Measures should be carefully analyzed and it is no coincidence that we have started with the VAT decrease. We will respond as necessary, said Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska on Tuesday. "»»»
Sofia Stabbing Attacks: Hospitals Confirm Recoveries as Police Probe Motive and Mental Health Factors
Three of the four foreign nationals injured in the knife attacks in central Sofia have been discharged from hospital after receiving medical treatment, health institutions confirmed. One of the victims remains hospitalized following surgery, while the others are continuing recovery at home. Further»»»
'One in 1,000': Gabon eco-rangers battle for baby sea turtles' survival against the odds
Despite sometimes going without wages for months at a time, Gabon's eco-rangers continue to patrol the African nation's beaches to protect the nests of sea turtles against seagulls, crabs and encroaching sea levels. Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, newly hatched sea turtles scramble ac»»»
Abortion anarchy: What the new UK law will really achieve
In March 2026, the BBC announced: “Peers in the House of Lords have backed plans to decriminalize abortions, which MPs voted in favour of last summer.” Immediately, and following demonstrations in front of the House of Lords, people went into a fury on social networks, accusing the government of th»»»
How Dubai is turning uncertainty into opportunity for international students
Dubai: While headlines abroad focus on regional tensions, a different story is unfolding on the ground in Dubai. For a growing number of international students, the UAE is not a place to leave during uncertain times, but one to stay, learn, and grow in. Their decisions reflect their confidence in t»»»
Man arrested in Thessaloniki for rape of underaged girls
A 23-year-old man has been arrested in Thessaloniki in connection with the rapes of three underaged girls that took place last year, police said. Authorities issued a case file against the suspect for rape, violating sexual dignity, and laws on addictive substances. According to the police, the man»»»
Alireza Tangsiri… The Supreme Leader’s Man in the Shipping Lanes
When Alireza Tangsiri took command of the naval arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in 2018, he appeared to fit squarely into the role envisioned by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei: an ideological and confrontational force operating at the frontline of daily tensions with the United States, »»»
Nepal’s youngest PM 'Balen' takes charge: A nation’s expectations soar
Nepal’s youngest prime minister, Balendra Shah, was sworn in on Friday after a landslide election victory, marking a dramatic political shift in the Himalayan nation. At 35, Shah — widely known as “Balen” — becomes one of the youngest leaders globally, riding a wave of public anger against corrupti»»»
Over 50% of Bulgarians Fear Losing Their Job Over AI
Studies show that over 50% of Bulgarian workers fear losing their jobs due to robotization and artificial intelligence (AI), said Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) President Plamen Dimitrov in a video address to participants at a conference, titled “From Social Dialogue »»»
Pope Leo XIV Makes a Rare 1-day Visit to Glitzy Monaco
Pope Leo XIV travels Saturday to the principality of Monaco, becoming the first pope in nearly five centuries to visit the glitzy Mediterranean enclave and highlighting how small states can punch above their weight on the global stage. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the visit would provide »»»
Gabon Battles for Baby Sea Turtles’ Survival
Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, newly hatched sea turtles emerged on a Gabonese beach to embark on the treacherous 10-meter (33-foot) scramble across the sand to the ocean. "The survival rate for turtles is one in 1,000," Francois Boussamba, a Gabonese turtle expert and head of the NG»»»
Russia’s Lavrov Says US Wants to Take Over Nord Stream Gas Pipelines
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the US has been seeking control over the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea, which were damaged by mysterious blast in September 2022. Explosions that destroyed the pipelines more than three years ago largely severed Russian gas transit to Europ»»»
Dollar Rides Haven Demand as Middle East Talks Ring Hollow
The dollar hovered near multi-month peaks on Friday as investors sought safety in the shadow of an intensifying Middle East war and mounting doubts over any path to de-escalation. Markets were on edge following another rollercoaster week as US President Donald Trump again extended a deadline for st»»»
New Manila airport off-ramp opens: What travellers need to know
Dubai: Travellers heading to the Philippines’ main international gateway can now expect shorter journeys following the opening of a new access road to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The westbound off-ramp of the NAIA expressway, which leads directly to terminal 3, is expected to cut tra»»»
IMPACT Developer & Contractor announces EUR 9.75 million in reservations for ARIA Verdi
ARIA Verdi is designed to offer a harmonious lifestyle, based on several key concepts: a multigenerational community, distinctive and sustainable architecture, integrated amenities, and luxurious, refined finishes. Designed to BREEAM Outstanding and nZEB standards, the compound includes 865 apartme»»»
With Top Figures Dead, Who Is Now Running Iran?
Iran's veteran supreme leader and a host of other top figures and Revolutionary Guards commanders have been killed in US-Israeli strikes, but the ruling system has maintained its ability to strategize and operate in the war that began on February 28. Born from a 1979 revolution, the Iranian regime»»»
Nine orphans in Zhaiyl district provided with land plots - | 24.KG
Nine orphans and children left without parental care were provided with land plots in Zhaiyl district. The Prosecutor General’s Office of Kyrgyzstan reported. According to it, violations were identified during an inspection of compliance with child and housing laws. It was established that Ak-Basha»»»
Qatar’s PPI for industrial sector decreases by 14.90% in January
Doha: The general Producer Price Index (PPI) for the industrial sector for January 2026 is estimated at 97.02 points, reflecting a 4.03% decrease compared to the previous month. On a year -on-year basis, the index recorded a 14.90% decline compared to January 2025. The relative weights of the four »»»
Investment Platform which Defrauded Bulgarians Found to Be Registered in UK, Operated by Russians or Ukrainians - Prosecutor
The investment platform in which victims from Plovdiv and Pazardzhik invested over EUR 415,000 is registered in the United Kingdom, but the individuals running it are believed to be of Ukrainian or Russian origin, Plovdiv Deputy District Prosecutor Plamen Pantov told reporters here Friday. The man »»»
Israeli strike targets Tahwitat al-Ghadir in Dahieh
An Israeli strike hit Beirut’s southern suburbs early Friday, which Israel has repeatedly struck since war erupted on March 2. AFPTV footage showed smoke billowing from the area after the raid. The National News Agency reported that "enemy aircraft" carried out a raid on Tahwitat al-Ghadir in the s»»»
Expert urges early diagnosis to manage PCOS and protect health
Doha: Health experts are urging greater awareness of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a widespread hormonal condition affecting women, highlighting that timely diagnosis and appropriate care can significantly ease symptoms and safeguard long-term wellbeing. A specialist at Sidra Medicine emphasi»»»
PM Bolojan: Every party has the right to decide on its own approach, to table a motion of no confidence, and to withdraw its ministers
Premier Ilie Bolojan stated on Tuesday when referring to the situation where PSD asks for his replacement from his position, that it is every party’s right to decide its own approach, to initiate different political actions, to lodge a censure motion, to withdraw its ministers, mentioning that as l»»»
Trump to order immediate pay for TSA as 41-day shutdown continues
President Donald Trump said Thursday he would order the immediate payment of TSA agents as Congress struggles to end a 41-day funding shutdown that has snarled airports, left workers unpaid and forced officials to consider emergency measures, including shifting money or invoking a national emergenc»»»
Watch: Heavy rains trigger flash floods in Oman; woman swept away in Musandam
Dubai: Heavy rainfall across the Sultanate of Oman triggered flash floods in several areas, with the impact most severe in parts of Musandam Governorate. Authorities confirmed that a woman was swept away by floodwaters in Khasab, highlighting the dangers posed by rapidly rising water levels during »»»
Pope Leo XIV makes a rare 1-day visit to glitzy Monaco
Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV travels Saturday to the principality of Monaco, becoming the first pope in nearly five centuries to visit the glitzy Mediterranean enclave and highlighting how small states can punch above their weight on the global stage. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the visit »»»
Bulgaria: Woman Who Stabbed Four Germans Detained, Attacks Linked to Xenophobic Motive
Police have detained the woman suspected of carrying out a series of knife attacks in central Sofia that left four foreign nationals injured. The victims, all German citizens, were treated in two hospitals in the capital and are now out of danger. The suspect, identified as a woman in her late 30s,»»»
Minister Gulyás: “Why are Ukrainian spies working within the Tisza Party?”
At Thursday’s Government Info press briefing, Gergely Gulyás outlined the government’s position on an unfolding espionage case, linking Ukrainian intelligence activity to individuals connected with the Tisza Party. Opening the briefing, Minister Gulyás stated that recent developments have placed al»»»
Orbán: “We will not accept Ukrainian interference, there will be no pro-Ukraine government in Hungary”
“We call on President Zelenskyy to call back his agents – Hungarians will decide their own future," PM Orbán said. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said Hungary rejects any attempt by Ukraine to influence its domestic politics and elections, speaking at a campaign rally in Törökszentmiklós. At the cente»»»
'Return hubs': EU parliament clears the way for offshore migrant detention centres
The European Parliament on Thursday approved a proposed reform that would allow member states to deport migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected to offshore detention facilities outside EU borders. Migrant arrivals to Europe have declined in recent years, shifting the focus to repatria»»»
Focus - In Hungary, some mayors can reject 'undesirable' residents
In Hungary, mayors now have the right to "select" residents of their towns after a new law was passed last summer. The far-right mayor of Pilis, a town of 12,000 inhabitants, is one of them. One former resident of the town, who was forced to leave, explains why he believes the procedure is discrimi»»»
Blasts Heard as Lebanese State Media Says Israel Strikes Beirut Suburbs
Lebanese media reported an Israeli strike hit Beirut's southern suburbs early Friday, as AFP correspondents heard several explosions from the Hezbollah stronghold that Israel has repeatedly struck since war erupted this month. AFPTV footage showed smoke billowing from the area after the raid. Leban»»»
The Observers - '100% human?' We tested 10 AI-detection tools
The proliferation of AI-generated images has created demand for a new kind of tool: sites and apps that claim to determine whether an image was created or modified by AI. We tested 10 of the tools on the same image. There are dozens of AI detection tools claiming to identify images generated o»»»
Press Review - Meta and YouTube verdict: Social media shakedown or bellwether?
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, March 26: We look at reactions after Meta and YouTube were found guilty of social media harms in what is being hailed as a "landmark" trial. Will it give impetus to thousands of other lawsuits in the waiting? Also: Italy's Giorgia Meloni headed to Algeria in a lig»»»
China becoming the first Electrostate
China is well on the way to becoming the world's first “Electrostate”. The nature of the global economy is changing. The carbon-based economy that has dominated since the industrial revolution giving away to a silicon-based economy which is driven by energy consumption and data. »»»
Mexico risks Beijing trade retaliation in bid to curry favour in Washington
China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) delivered its most pointed rebuke yet of Mexican trade policy on March 25, capping a six-month investigation by formally designating Mexico's recently enacted import tariffs as barriers to trade and investment. And, most crucially, reserving the right to impose»»»
China becoming the first Electrostate
China is well on the way to becoming the world's first “Electrostate”. The nature of the global economy is changing. The carbon-based economy that has dominated since the industrial revolution giving away to a silicon-based economy which is driven by energy consumption and data. »»»
Mexico risks Beijing trade retaliation in bid to curry favour in Washington
China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) delivered its most pointed rebuke yet of Mexican trade policy on March 25, capping a six-month investigation by formally designating Mexico's recently enacted import tariffs as barriers to trade and investment. And, most crucially, reserving the right to impose»»»
Mexico risks Beijing trade retaliation in bid to curry favour in Washington
China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) delivered its most pointed rebuke yet of Mexican trade policy on March 25, capping a six-month investigation by formally designating Mexico's recently enacted import tariffs as barriers to trade and investment. And, most crucially, reserving the right to impose»»»
Iran drives US military out of all thirteen of its gulf military bases
Iran has driven the US military out of all thirteen of its Gulf military bases, The New York Times (NYT) reported on March 25. “Many of the 13 military bases in the region used by American troops are all but uninhabitable…»»»
Israel targeting civilians in southern Lebanon invasion
Israel is deliberately targeting residential buildings and populated areas in an attempt to depopulate southern Israel, according to reports. »»»
Israel targeting civilians in southern Lebanon invasion
Israel is deliberately targeting residential buildings and populated areas in an attempt to depopulate southern Israel, according to reports. »»»
Iran drives US military out of all thirteen of its gulf military bases
Iran has driven the US military out of all thirteen of its Gulf military bases, The New York Times (NYT) reported on March 25. “Many of the 13 military bases in the region used by American troops are all but uninhabitable…»»»