Navigation warning extended: Transport Ministry
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) announced that a navigation warning, published last March 18th and warned ships and maritime vessels to refrain from approaching the areas where hydrographic surveys are being conducted, has been extended and will remain in effect until May 15, 2026. “Al»»»
Egypt’s Monetary Stability Strengthens as Reserves Rise and Energy Dues Cleared
Cairo — Egypt’s economic strategy is gaining renewed institutional and market confidence, supported by rising foreign reserves and the accelerated settlement of energy-sector obligations, according to official statements presented to Parliament and subsequent policy updates. Following an address by»»»
European company to train drivers from Kyrgyzstan for work in EU - | 24.KG
Training for obtaining the Code 95 certificate, required for international freight transportation in the European Union, will be launched in Kyrgyzstan. The program is being implemented by a European company, which will also handle employment for drivers abroad. As Kanybek Tumanbaev, head of the Pr»»»
Dollar Gains as Iran War Keeps Central Banks in Wait-and-see Mode
The dollar edged up against the euro on Wednesday on lingering concerns about the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran, even after President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire to give Tehran more time to present a unified proposal for ending the conflict. Iran seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz »»»
Middle East war live: Second French peacekeeper dies after weekend ambush in Lebanon, Macron says
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on X Wednesday the death of a second French peacekeeper who was killed in an ambush in Lebanon on Sunday. Earlier, Beirut said it will ask for a one-month ceasefire extension in its talks with Israel in Washington on Thursday. It comes as US President »»»
IRGC asserting themselves as Iran 'responds to Trump’s method of conducting diplomacy in kind'
Carys Garland is pleased to welcome Dr Burcu Ozcelik, Senior Research Fellow for Middle East Security within the Int'l Security Dept at RUSI. Dr. Ozcelik argues that Iran is simultaneously responding to external pressures: particularly the performative diplomacy of the Trump administration while sa»»»
'We cannot let Iran be our spokesperson': Lebanon charts own path in talks with Israel
François Picard is pleased to welcome Jad Shahrour, Communications Manager at the Samir Kassir Foundation. Lebanon is at a geopolitical crossroads, where sovereignty, regional rivalries and international diplomacy collide. Shahrour places the current negotiations with Israel within a broader strugg»»»
Press Review - Rabbi who bulldozed Palestinian homes selected for Israel's national celebration
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, April 22: An extremist rabbi accused of war crimes has been selected to participate in Israeli Independence Day celebrations. Next: papers look at LGBTQ laws in Hungary and Russia. Also: did someone manipulate France's official meteorological station for insider betting on»»»
Spotlight - 'We cannot let Iran be our spokesperson': Lebanon charts own path in talks with Israel
François Picard is pleased to welcome Jad Shahrour, communications manager at the Samir Kassir Foundation. Lebanon is at a geopolitical crossroads, where sovereignty, regional rivalries and international diplomacy collide. Joining us from Beirut amid the ongoing uncertainty, Shahrour places the cur»»»
Perspective - Iran: 'Going back to war is not in anyone's interest,' risk analyst says
A risk management analyst has spoken to FRANCE 24 about what it means, amid the ceasefire, if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. Paymon Azmoudeh is a senior consultant with the risk and compliance practice at Forward Global. He says he thinks the calculation on all sides is that going»»»
Focus - Residents pay the price as Afghanistan-Pakistan border remains closed
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been completely closed for six months, a direct consequence of the conflict between Kabul and Islamabad. Despite several mediation attempts, negotiations have failed, and the two countries remain at a diplomatic impasse in a war that has already displ»»»
Ukraine to receive $106B loan European Union loan after 5 month delay - UPI.com
European Union ambassadors unanimously backed a long-delayed $106 billion loan to help Ukraine keep defending itself when they met in Brussels on Wednesday, along with a 20th package of sanction on Russia. File photo by Patrick Seeger/EPA-EFE April 22 (UPI) -- European Union ambassadors meeting in »»»
In photos: Iranians rally in Tehran with missile display - All Photos - UPI.com
By Wade SheridanIranians gather and rally at Enghelab Square in Tehran with a missile on display on Tuesday. The rally came in support of Iran's negotiating team as President Donald Trump extended the cease-fire agreement. A missile identified as "Khorramshahr-4" was on display during a public rall»»»
Best Buy names Jason Bonfig as new CEO, hoping for sales boost - UPI.com
Best Buy announced on Wednesday that Jason Bonfig will take over as the company's CEO. File Photo John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo April 22 (UPI) -- Best Buy announced its new CEO will be Jason Bonfig, who has worked as the company's chief customer, product and fulfillment officer, to replace Cor»»»
Government Approves Talks on F-16 Industrial Cooperation Amendment
The caretaker Government authorized the ministers of Economy and Industry and Innovation and Growth to negotiate and sign a framework agreement between the Bulgarian Economy Ministry and Lockheed Martin concerning the F-16 Block 70 Industrial Cooperation Programme, the Council of Ministers said on »»»
More than 62,000 Lebanon housing units damaged, destroyed in Israel war
Israeli attacks on Lebanon during its latest war with Hezbollah damaged or destroyed more than 62,000 housing units in the country, a government estimate found on Wednesday. "Within about 45 days (of the war), we had 21,700 destroyed housing units and 40,500 damaged housing units," Chadi Abdallah, »»»
GTA extends 2025 tax return submission deadline until June 30
Doha, Qatar: The General Tax Authority (GTA) has announced an extension of the deadline for submitting the tax return for the 2025 tax year until June 30, 2026. This step aims to support taxpayers and enhance tax compliance by providing additional time to fulfill their obligations, according to the»»»
Sniper rifle and ammunition: Weapons cache found in Naryn - | 24.KG
The illegal possession of weapons and ammunition has been discovered in Naryn region, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported. According to the agency, information was received on January 15 that a resident of the region may be in possession of weapons allegedly linked to members of organized cri»»»
Over 500 Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem
LONDON: Hundreds of Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem on Wednesday. The Jerusalem governorate said that 508 settlers entered the site, accompanied by Israeli forces, and performed Jewish rituals, including “epic prostration,” near Bab»»»
Qatar takes part in GCC Investment cooperation meeting
Doha: The State of Qatar has participated in the fifth meeting of the GCC Committee of Investment Undersecretaries, held virtually on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The State of Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Mohammed bin Hassan Al Mal»»»
'Landmark' EU court ruling rejects Hungary anti-LGBTQ law
The EU's top court ruled Tuesday that anti-LGBTQ legislation in Hungary breached the bloc's rules, in a move hailed as a "landmark" victory by Brussels. The European Commission, 16 of 27 member states and the European Parliament took Hungary to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over the law, in w»»»
Starmer says unaware of security lapse when appointing Mandelson
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday told parliament he was unaware that Peter Mandelson was flagged by security checks prior to his appointment as envoy to the US. The remarks came after Olly Robbins, a senior foreign ministry official who was fired last week, said that Starmer had a "dismi»»»
Italy summons Russian ambassador after TV host targets Meloni with stream of insults
Rome has called in Moscow's ambassador after a Russian TV presenter attacked Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on air, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Tuesday. The remarks, condemned across the political spectrum, risk deepening already strained ties between Rome and Moscow amid tensi»»»
Iran Seizes Ships in Strait of Hormuz after Trump Halts Attacks
Iran seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, tightening its grip on the strategic waterway, after US President Donald Trump called off attacks indefinitely with no sign of peace talks restarting. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said the Revolutionary Guards had seized two ves»»»
Closing Bell: Saudi main market sheds 100 points
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s benchmark Tadawul All Share Index fell 99.97 points, or 0.88 percent, to close at 11,244.99 on Wednesday. The MT30 index declined 12.41 points, or 0.82 percent, to 1,510.16, while the parallel market Nomu rose 1.18 points, or 0.01 percent, to 22,861.47. Trading turnover on th»»»
Kalba families to receive support in rental dispute cases
Sharjah : Families in Kalba facing court rulings over rental disputes are set to receive targeted financial support under a new agreement between Sharjah Charity International and Kalba Municipality. The initiative centres on fast-tracking assistance to residents in financial distress, using a coor»»»
Sharjah Ruler launches Al Qawasim digital application, platform
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday morning launched Al Qawasim application and digital platform, dedicated to documenting the history of Al Qawasim family. The launch took place at Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in the presenc»»»
Hungary and Slovakia quietly drop Russia-sanctions veto, freeing up EU’s €90bn for Ukraine
Hungary and Slovakia have lifted their Russia vetoes, marking the end of an era, with the next round of EU sanctions on Moscow to snap into place almost immediately. The move, which legally comes into effect at 1PM on Thursday (23 April), marks the final collapse of outgoing Hungarian prime ministe»»»
Qatar Olympic Committee officials inspect team preparation ahead of Asian Beach Games
SANYA: Senior officials from the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) have visited the national delegation's headquarters in Sanya, China, to review preparations for the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Hainan Province. QOC Second Vice President Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari and Secretary-General Jassim bin Ra»»»
Syrian president leaves Doha following working visit
DOHA: President of the Syrian Arab Republic HE Ahmed Al Sharaa departed Doha on Wednesday following a working visit to the country. The president and the accompanying delegation were seen off at Doha International Airport by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Ab»»»
Business - France freezes some spending to offset €6 billion fallout from Iran war
France says the economic fallout from the Iran war has cost the country at least €6 billion, as the government has rolled out support measures for businesses and households, increased defence spending and faced surging borrowing costs. To offset this while meeting its budget deficit target, French »»»
"Digital transformation, pillar of State’s reform programme" (Sofiene Hemissi)
Tunis, April 22 (TAP) — Tunisia’s digital transformation is a “historic necessity,” driven by development needs and rising citizen expectations for efficient and transparent public services, Minister of Communication Technologies Sofiene Hemissi...»»»
Vucic: I believe in Magyar's pragmatism, I am very pleased with our conversation
PARACIN - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday he believed in the pragmatism of Hungary's future PM Peter Magyar and noted that he was very pleased with their telephone conversation on Tuesday about key topics for further advancement of overall Serbia-Hungary relations. Vucic said t»»»
Central and Eastern Europe emerges as new defence industry hub, KPMG says
Central and Eastern Europe is rapidly becoming the focal point of Europe’s defence industrial expansion, driven by rising military spending, supply chain restructuring and the war in Ukraine, according to a new KPMG report. »»»
Extreme heat threatens global food systems, UN agencies warn
ROME: Extreme heat is pushing global agrifood systems to the brink, threatening the livelihoods and health of more than a billion people, according to a new report by the UN’s food and weather agencies. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Meteorological Organiza»»»
Strategic project Expo-Demilge launched in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
The large-scale multifunctional project Expo-Demilge has been launched in Kyrgyzstan. Shumkarbek Adilbek uulu, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Director of the National Institute of Strategic Initiatives, announced its launch at a press conference. He noted that the key goal of the initiati»»»
Mexico explores new investments to expand presence in Cuba - UPI.com
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Cuba's decision to further open its economy to private sector participation could allow Mexican private and mixed-capital companies to expand operations on the island. File Photo by Ernesto Mastrascusa/EPA April 22 (UPI) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbau»»»
Qatar Olympic officials inspect team preparation ahead of Asian Beach Games
Sanya: Senior officials from the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) have visited the national delegation's headquarters in Sanya, China, to review preparations for the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Hainan Province. QOC Second Vice President Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari and Secretary-General Jassim bin Ra»»»
Hezbollah Responds to Israeli Violations, Strikes Israeli Site in Al-Bayyada
Hezbollah announced on Wednesday a retaliatory drone strike targeting an Israeli site in Al-Bayyada, in response to the ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire announced last week. In a statement, the group’s Military Media said Islamic Resistance fighters targeted newly established Israeli art»»»
Qatar Winter Sports Committee and Years of Culture Launch 2026 Winter Sports Development Programme
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Winter Sports Committee (QWSC), in collaboration with Years of Culture, is set to launch a year-round programme of winter sports development initiatives as part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture partnership. This marks a major step in expanding winter sports»»»
President of Kyrgyzstan warns of climate crisis and glacier loss - | 24.KG
President Sadyr Japarov warned of the growing climate risks for Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia while speaking at the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana. The head of state noted that despite Kyrgyzstan’s minimal contribution to global emissions—only approximately 0.03 percent—the country bears a sign»»»
Brutal murder near Bishkek: Body of foreigner found buried in field - | 24.KG
The body of a murdered man was discovered in Alamedin district of Chui region, sources in law enforcement agencies reported. According to preliminary reports, the body was found outside the village of Archaly. The victim has been identified as a foreign citizen. Several people have been detained on»»»
Türkiye Central Bank Holds Rates at 37% as it Eyes Iran War Fallout
Türkiye's central bank held its key interest rate at 37% as expected on Wednesday, deciding not to hike but warning that fallout from the Iran war could yet change the inflation outlook. It was the second straight policy meeting at which the bank held steady despite some expectations that it could »»»
Government Adopts 2026-2030 Strategy to Counter Radicalization and Terrorism
The Council of Ministers has adopted a decision approving the Strategy for Countering Radicalization and Terrorism (2026–2030). The strategy consolidates the progress achieved so far and expands the capacity of the state and society for the effective prevention of radicalization and countering terr»»»
Cabinet Adopts Report on Implementation of 2026 Action Plan on Measures Arising from Bulgaria's EU Membership
By a decision of the Cabinet, a report was adopted on the implementation of the 2026 Action Plan containing the measures arising from Bulgaria’s membership of the European Union as at March 31, 2026. Out of a total of 100 measures with a deadline for implementation by March 31, 41 have been complet»»»
Some EUR 150,000 to Be Allocated for Compensation over Delays in Administration of Justice
The Council of Ministers Wednesday approved a decision to allocate EUR 150,079 to the Justice Ministry for 2026. The funds will reimburse the Ministry for payments made to citizens and legal persons affected by delays in the administration of justice. This amount represents the total compensation p»»»