First published in Respekt. Defending the status quo cannot be exciting for anyone. Europe must be able to imagine a society that is better than ours and see opportunities even where there are objectively many risks. Where do you think the world is heading? In 1643, an English Protestant priest tol»»»

Doha, Qatar: As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance oversight and regulate the air transport sector, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), represented by Air Transport Department, conducted an inspection campaign targeting travel and air cargo agencies to ensure compliance with applicable laws,»»»

IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited), India’s largest fertilizer cooperative, has formally launched the IFFCO Nano Urvarak Jagrukta Maha Abhiyaan — a comprehensive Integrated nationwide awareness campaign to drive adoption of nano fertilizers among Indian farmers. The launch event »»»

Berlin and Kiev will coordinate efforts to return military-age Ukrainian men residing in Germany to their home country, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced following a meeting with Vladimir Zelensky. As Ukrainian forces suffer mounting losses in the conflict with Russia and the pool of w»»»

Secretary of State Marco Rubio participated in trilateral talks with Israel and Lebanon in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. File Photo by Will Oliver/UPI | License Photo April 15 (UPI) -- Delegations from Lebanon and Israel have concluded negotiations in Washington, the first diplomatic talks between »»»

Dubai: The United States has hosted the first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel since 1993 in Washington, DC, in what officials describe as a high-level diplomatic push to contain escalating violence. Both sides agreed to hold direct negotiations after “productive discussions” between the env»»»

Wednesday’s Bulgarian media coverage is dominated by the April 19 parliamentary elections, with outlets focusing on coalition arithmetic, vote-buying and the possibility that the Hemus Motorway tunnel blockage was a political provocation. Energy security also remains high on the agenda after Washin»»»

Dubai: Tucked away in one of Alserkal Avenue’s lanes, Swey Collective doesn’t look like your typical retail space. Housed inside a repurposed container, the store leans into an edgy, stripped-back aesthetic, metallic, clean lines, and a steady flow of creatives filtering in and out. Gulf News talke»»»

Vote buyers will remain the target of the Interior Ministry's attention even after the snap elections this coming Sunday, acting Interior Ministry Secretary General Georgi Kandev told Prime Minister Andrey Gurov on Wednesday. In a Facebook post, the Prime Minister repeated an announcement made by K»»»

Acting Interior Ministry Secretary General Georgi Kandev has reported that police operations against vote buying in Bulgaria have so far led to the seizure of around 1 million euros, alongside thousands of inspections and a sharp rise in citizen alerts ahead of the elections. “We are already at 1 m»»»

In the jagged Hindu Kush in eastern Afghanistan, hundreds of men dug into the rocky bed of the Kunar River searching for a few grams of gold dust as an alternative source of income. At the foot of imposing peaks, some still covered in snow in April, they toiled near the border with Pakistan to find»»»

Beijing, China: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, urged closer and stronger strategic coordination between China and Russia to firmly defend their legitimate interests and safeguard the unity of Global South countries. Xi made the remarks when meeting with Russian Foreign M»»»

Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters fired a barrage of rockets targeting Israeli settlement of Misgav Am: Hezbollah Military Media statement 6 15-0»»»

“The CarAudit technical inspection is very detailed and includes up to 270 checkpoints. In about a quarter of cases, we do not recommend that the customer purchase the selected vehicle,” explains Vlad Ion, Country Manager at Carvago Romania. “Common reasons include service history, inconsistencies »»»

head of the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that "very detailed" measures to verify Iran's nuclear activities must be included in a potential U.S.-Iran agreement to end their war in the Middle East. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi stressed the need for the t»»»

The aviation services sector continues to demonstrate strong resilience amid geopolitical tensions disrupting air traffic across the Middle East, said Hassan El-Houry, chairman of Menzies Aviation. While airspace closures, flight cancellations and reroutings have strained operations, El-Houry descr»»»

Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli Aggression Claims Four Martyrs from One Family as Aid Vehicle Targeted in Saadiyat 15-04-2026 11:26 AM Israeli enemy forces carried»»»

Copenhagen, Denmark: Denmark's double Olympic badminton champion Viktor Axelsen announced his retirement at 32 on Wednesday, saying back problems meant he could no longer "compete and train at the highest level". Axelsen, who won gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021 and again in Paris in 2024, had back »»»

One million euros have been seized so far in operations by the Interior Ministry against vote buying, Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. “We will break both old and new cartels – vote buyers will be in the Ministry’s sights even after the elections,” said acting Inter»»»

The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog said Wednesday that “very detailed” measures to verify Iran’s nuclear activities must be included in a potential US-Iran agreement to end their war in the Middle East. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi stressed the need for the t»»»

US President Donald Trump is once again at odds with the Vatican, this time hurling personal attacks and wild insults at Pope Leo XIV. Conflicts between the White House and the Vatican, however, are nothing new. From John Paul II’s open defiance of George W. Bush over the Iraq war to heated exchang»»»

Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Hezbollah’s Military Media statements 4, 5 on Wednesday set out two earlier rocket strikes targeting Israeli gatherings in the northern out»»»

Dubai: A Dubai court has upheld the acquittal of an Arab institute owner accused of forgery and fraud, ruling that the evidence presented was insufficient to support a conviction and ordering the confiscation of the disputed training certificate. The Court of Appeal accepted the case in form but re»»»

Raipur: The death toll from a boiler blast at a power plant in central India has risen to 19, a police officer said on Wednesday, noting 17 others were injured. The explosion occurred Tuesday at a facility operated by Vedanta Limited, a subsidiary of London-listed Vedanta Resources, in Chhattisgarh»»»

Ukrainian Foreign ‌Minister Andrii Sybiha held a call with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar to discuss a Russian vessel carrying what he described as grain stolen from Ukraine that was allowed to dock in an Israeli port. Kyiv considers all grain produced in the four regions Russia claimed as it»»»

Since the US and Israel waged war on Iran on 28 February, China has issued a cascade of diplomatic communiqués condemning the strikes, calling for a ceasefire, invoking UN Charter principles, and proposing a joint five-point peace initiative with Pakistan. Not a single weapon has followed. Not a wa»»»

Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Hezbollah’s Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Israeli settlement of Kiryat Shmona for the second time on Wednesday with a salvo of r»»»

Abu Dhabi Police conducted roadside safety checks targeting heavy truck and fuel tanker drivers across the Al Dhafra region, as part of the force's broader 'Smart Road Security' strategy aimed at reducing risks associated with the transport of petroleum products and protecting lives and property. T»»»

Germany has unveiled a sweeping €4bn military support package for Ukraine and Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for the rapid disbursement of a long-delayed €90bn EU loan to Kyiv, as European powers scramble to shore up Ukraine's defences as the Trump administration loses interest in the conflic»»»

Dubai’s most recognisable hotel, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, is preparing to undergo its first major restoration since opening in 1999, marking a new chapter in the landmark’s history. Owned by Jumeirah Group, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, the hotel said the project is designed to preserve one of the e»»»

Nikola Nikolov, known as "Pascal" and described by investigators as a long-standing figure in cigarette smuggling, has admitted guilt and finalized a plea deal with the prosecution. The agreement, approved by the Sofia City Court at the end of March, imposes a suspended prison sentence of two years»»»

Washington, USA: Apple announced Wednesday the launch of its new comprehensive Apple Business platform for managing devices and services within organizations in a unified digital environment. The platform features built-in mobile device management, helping businesses easily configure employee group»»»

Doha, Qatar: Coach Roberto Mancini heaped praise on Al Sadd SC after their outstanding display secured a place in the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026 on Monday. The Qatari side showed tremendous resilience, coming from behind three times to force extra time after a thrilling 3-3 draw,»»»

Gaza’s civil defence agency said on Tuesday that 10 people, including a toddler, were killed in separate Israeli strikes in the north of the enclave. Violence has persisted despite an October 10 ceasefire. A strike on a police vehicle in Gaza City killed four people, including a child, and wounded »»»

Nearly 40% of Romanians believe the country's political system is so flawed that it should be completely replaced, regardless of the means, according to the Poll/Int Romania Barometer conducted by the Political Rating Agency (ARP) between 1 and 10 April.When asked which statement best reflects thei»»»

Dubai: Various organisations across the UAE continue to strengthen community ties and extend support to workers and families through a series of humanitarian initiatives rooted in unity and compassion. From meal distributions to gift-giving missions, these efforts reflect the enduring spirit of wha»»»

Dubai: A 21-year-old woman is in critical condition after an acid attack in Delhi’s Indira Vihar area, police said. The victim was rushed to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, where doctors said she remains in a critical state. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply »»»

BEIJING (Sputnik) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that Russia can fill the energy shortfall in China and other interested countries caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. On Russia-China Relations"Russia can certainly fill the resource gap that has arisen in Chin»»»

As military tensions flare in the Strait of Hormuz, another battle is unfolding behind the scenes, one no less dangerous. Insurance companies have emerged as key players shaping the fate of global shipping. With premiums surging to unprecedented levels, experts told Asharq Al-Awsat the world is app»»»

Doha, Qatar: Doha Design District (DDD) has announced its Public Art Open Call, inviting artists, designers, and creatives to submit proposals for innovative public artworks. The initiative positions public art as an integral part of the public realm, enhancing everyday urban life while reinforcing»»»

Manila: The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, 2026 disrupted passage for roughly a quarter of the world’s daily seaborne oil. To this day, uncertainty remains and the global fuel crunch continues to raise fears of a deeper supply shock. Uncertainty over freedom on navigation»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Sheikh Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre, under the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, has launched a new series of English-language da’wah lessons targeting Muslim expatriate communities who speak English as part of its ongoing efforts to promote religious a»»»

Acting Energy Minister Traycho Traykov said Bulgaria should not tap into its 90-day fuel reserves to ease prices, stressing that they must remain a safeguard in case of an actual supply disruption. Speaking to journalists after the opening of the National Repository for Radioactive Waste, he underl»»»

Dubai: Dubai gold prices edged lower on Wednesday morning as signs of easing geopolitical tension in the Iran conflict cooled safe-haven demand, with bullion retreating after Tuesday’s rebound. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and I»»»

Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan and six other countries condemned the killings of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon on Tuesday while calling "for an urgent end to hostilities" in the country where Israeli attacks have killed over 2,000 people since March. "Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, »»»

The United States and Israel may have obstructed the path towards a future Iran-built nuclear bomb by severely damaging Tehran's nuclear and ballistic capabilities in recent attacks. But they have not succeeded in seizing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, key to any future negotiations betw»»»

The United States said on Wednesday its military had completely halted trade going in and out of Iran by sea, even though President Donald Trump said talks with Tehran on ending the war could resume this week. Trump said negotiations between US and Iranian officials could resume in Pakistan in the »»»

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that the stability and certainty of China-Russia relations are particularly “precious” in the face of an international landscape intertwined with change and chaos. During a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing, Xi said the strong»»»

The U.S. military under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth conducted another strike Tuesday targeting an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacifiic. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 15 (UPI) -- The U.S. military killed four men on Tuesday in a strike on a suspected drug-traf»»»

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow and Beijing cannot agree with Western efforts to preserve global dominance. “Blatant attempts by the West, both the United States and Europe, to maintain and even upgrade its hegemony… including the slave trade, colonialism… continue living… at the»»»