Early Roma Marriages Cluster in South-Central, South-Eastern and North-Eastern Bulgaria, Report Finds
Early marriages in Roma communities are concentrated in south-central Bulgaria (Plovdiv and Pazardzhik), south-eastern Bulgaria (Sliven and Yambol) and north-eastern Bulgaria, according to a report by the Amalipe Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance published on the organization's website.»»»
Kyrgyz team takes second place at International Enduro Championship - | 24.KG
The Kyrgyz team won silver medals in the team competition at the International Enduro Championship, which took place in Chongqing, People’s Republic of China. Team member Bekzat Ooganov told 24.kg news agency. The Kyrgyz delegation participated in the competition through an official invitation sent»»»
Cardinal Tagle’s UAE visit to turn Simbang Gabi into a homecoming for OFWs
MartinelliAs Simbang Gabi begins to draw Filipino worshippers to churches across the UAE, one name continues to resonate strongly within the community: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. Known for his humility, warmth and ability to connect with ordinary Catholics, the Filipino cardinal remains one of th»»»
Trump defends his criticism of killed Hollywood director Rob Reiner
US President Donald Trump has repeated his attack on Rob Reiner - after his earlier remarks about the killed Hollywood director, a longtime Trump critic, sparked widespread condemnation. The US president told reporters the director was "very bad for our country", having earlier written on Truth Soc»»»
Organizers announce timings of Qatar National Day Parade in Corniche
Doha, Qatar: Organizing Committee of the National Day Celebrations invites residents and citizens to the 2025 National Parade at Doha Corniche on Thursday. In a social media post by the Ministry of Culture, it announced that the parade will be held on Thursday, December 18, with public entrances to»»»
Haykal to meet in France with US, French and Saudi officials
Over the past weeks, the U.S. has increased pressure on Lebanon to work harder on disarming Hezbollah and canceled a planned trip to Washington last month by Army chief Gen. Rodolph Haykal. U.S. officials were angered in November by a Lebanese army statement that blamed Israel for destabilizing Leb»»»
Russian Forces Take Control of Novoplatonovka Settlement in Kharkov Region
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Zapad battlegroup took control of the settlement of Novoplatonovka in the Kharkov region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday. "As a result of active operations, units of the Zapad battlegroup liberated the village of Novoplatonovka in the Kharkov region," the m»»»
Two buses carrying passengers get into road accident in Bishkek - | 24.KG
Two passenger buses collided in central part of Bishkek, eyewitnesses reported. According to preliminary reports, the road accident occurred in a busy area of the city. There were passengers on both buses at the time of the traffic accident. There were no casualties. At the time of publication, t»»»
Bahrain's Amb. affirms strength of Bahraini-Kuwaiti relations
By Nasser Al-Khamri KUWAIT, Dec 16 (KUNA) -- Ambassador of Bahrain to Kuwait Salah Al-Malki affirmed on Tuesday the strength of relations between the two brotherly countries witnessed in various fields.Speaking to KUNA, Ambassador Al-Malki expressed joy over the deep-rooted relations linking Kuwait»»»
Kuwait's Mubarak Al-Abdullah College delegation visits Oman defense studies academy
MUSCAT, Dec 16 (KUNA) -- A delegation from Mubarak Al-Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College (MAJCSC) visited Oman on Tuesday as part of efforts to bolster military and academic cooperation as well as exchange expertise between the two countries.A statement by the General Staff of Kuwait's Armed »»»
Zelenskyy Says Peace Proposals to End War in Ukraine Could Be Presented to Russia within Days
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says proposals negotiated with US officials on a peace deal to end his country’s nearly four-year war with Russia could be finalized within days, after which American envoys will present them to the Kremlin before further possible meetings in the United State»»»
Mubadala Bio opens high-potency drug facility and launches new oncology medicines in the UAE
Dubai: Mubadala Bio has opened a new high-potency pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi and launched a portfolio of advanced oncology medicines, strengthening local drug production and supply in the UAE. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The facility, locate»»»
UAE net wealth reaches new high of $3.12 trillion, BCG report shows
Dubai: The UAE's net wealth climbed to a record $3.12 trillion in 2024, fueled by strong gains in financial and real assets that outpaced rising liabilities. Financial wealth rose 9.5% from $1.05 trillion to $1.15 trillion, while real assets jumped 10.2% to $2.18 trillion from $1.98 trillion. Liabi»»»
Bondi Beach shooting suspects visited the Philippines: What Manila authorities found
Manila: Australian authorities are intensifying an investigation into a month-long trip to the Philippines taken by the two men accused of carrying out the deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney. A probe is on to determine whether the visit was connected to extremist activity, Australian med»»»
Ukraine’s Corruption Crisis Could Nudge Zelensky to Peace Deal – Report
Ukraine has never been “so serious” about striking a peace deal as right now, the Washington Post cites a European diplomat as saying. Overall, "the feeling is that this has to do with the whole scandal on corruption and the whole domestic mess as well,” the source told the publication. Zelensky’s »»»
Exhibition of inmates’ works to be held in Bishkek - | 24.KG
An exhibition of artistic and applied works created by inmates will take place in Bishkek on December 18 at 10:30 a.m. The press service of the State Penitentiary Service reported. The cultural and social event «Umuttun Kyl Kalemi» aims to showcase the creative potential of people who, while servin»»»
DMCC, Crypto.com to advance tokenised commodities trading
Dubai: DMCC has signed a strategic partnership with cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com to explore the use of blockchain technology in global commodities trade, with a focus on tokenisation, settlement efficiency and digital trade infrastructure. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & »»»
Eye on Africa - 200,000 displaced in DR Congo as M23 rebels eye mineral-rich south
In tonight's edition: Some people are 200,000 displaced in DR Congo as the M23 rebels eye the mineral-rich south of the country. Also, ex-Congolese rebel leader Roger Lumbala is sentenced in France to 30 years in prison over atrocities committed two decades ago during the Second Congo War. And the »»»
Islamic State group claims responsibility for attack on Syrian personnel
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for an attack that killed four Syrian security personnel the day before, the SITE Intelligence Group reported. "The soldiers of the Caliphate attacked a patrol for the apostate Syrian government on the Maaret al-Numan road yesterday with machine gu»»»
Barrack meets Netanyahu over Syria, Lebanon
U.S. envoy Tom Barrack held talks Monday in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top Israeli officials. The talks were to focus on preventing escalation in Syria and Lebanon, media reports said prior to the meeting. Informed sources meanwhile told the PSP’s al-Anbaa news portal t»»»
EU, Lebanon discuss Hezbollah disarmament, Israeli violations in Brussels
The European Union and Lebanon held Monday in Brussels the ninth meeting of the EU–Lebanon Association Council. The two sides reviewed the state of EU–Lebanon relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing the bilateral partnership within the framework of the Association Agreement an»»»
EXCLUSIVE. The ARO legend is reborn: New Romanian 4×4 vehicle could appear on roads and in the Army’s endowment within 2 years
The Romanian Association for Advanced Strategic Research, Nanotechnologies and Quantum Technologies (ARCSANTQ) has relaunched the ARO program, through which the traditional Romanian auto brand will be reborn. The project is led by Eng. Eduard Costache – a member of the Association – and aims to rev»»»
PASOK MP speaks out after arrest of underage son
PASOK lawmaker Michalis Katrinis, whose son was arrested early Tuesday morning for driving without a licence, speeding and refusing to stop at a police check, denounced the teenager’s “unjustified and illegal act.” “My younger son was driving without a license. An unjustified and illegal act. The l»»»
Unified state portal egov.kg launched in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev officially presented the unified state portal egov.kg at a government meeting. Opening the presentation, he emphasized the importance of open and transparent interaction between the state and citizens, as well as the need to prov»»»
Chartered Institute of Marketing to host exclusive launch event in Dubai
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), the world’s leading professional body for marketing, will host an exclusive event in Dubai to mark the opening of its new regional hub in Dubai Knowledge Park. This expansion demonstrates CIM’s commitment to supporting both the UAE and the wider GCC as th»»»
Doctor and mom of two found dead inside discount store freezer
A 32-year-old physician and mother of two was found dead inside a walk-in freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami’s Little Havana neighbourhood, police said, in an incident that has left authorities and the local community seeking answers. Officers from the Miami Police Department were called to th»»»
Companies delay major investments as caution dominates corporate strategies – Horváth CFO survey
More than 4 in 10 chief financial officers (CFOs) assess the current economic environment as unfavourable, according to the latest edition of the CFO 2026 study conducted by international management consulting company Horváth. This perception is driven by rising economic complexity, in a context wh»»»
Thessaloniki woman accused of sexually abusing underage son of employee
Police in Thessaloniki filed a criminal case against a 55-year-old woman on Tuesday on charges of rape and abuse of a minor. Authorities said the complaint alleged that the woman’s sexual assault started when the victim, now aged 18, was nine years old, and ended in May 2025. Police said the woman »»»
Kazakhstan increases oil supplies to Kyrgyzstan in December - | 24.KG
In December of this year, KazTransOil JSC will increase oil supplies to Kyrgyzstan and resume transit to Uzbekistan. Inbusiness.kz reports, citing the company’s press service. According to the company, oil supplies to Kyrgyzstan resumed in November. Previously, transportation in this direction took»»»
Bulgaria's President Shares Revival's Concerns About the Euro, Party Demands Early Elections
Bulgaria’s “Revival” party has ruled out participating in any attempts to form a new government under the 51st National Assembly, reiterating its demand for early elections in March. Party leader Kostadin Kostadinov, accompanied by MPs Tsoncho Ganev, Yordan Todorov, and Svetoslav Todorov, met with »»»
Epstein's UK flights had alleged British abuse victims on board - BBC investigation
Almost 90 flights linked to Jeffrey Epstein arrived at and departed from UK airports, some with British women on board who say they were abused by the billionaire, a BBC investigation has found. We have established that three British women who were allegedly trafficked appear in Epstein's records o»»»
How divides emerged at the heart of Trump’s Maga world
At a meeting of his cabinet at the White House two weeks ago, US President Donald Trump looked around the long room filled with his top advisers, administration officials and aides, and made a prediction. The next Republican presidential candidate, he said, is "probably sitting at this table". "It »»»
Qatar stresses comprehensive UN Reform as key to global peace leadership
New York, USA: The State of Qatar affirmed that effective global leadership for peace requires comprehensive reform of the United Nations system, fully consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, stressing that mediation remains an indispensable pillar for the peaceful resolution»»»
Rainfall reported across several areas of Qatar
Doha, Qatar: Rain was observed in various areas of the country in the early morning today, including Doha. According to the Qatar Meteorology Department, Al Ghuwayriyah stations recorded the lowest temperature at 16°C, while the capital Doha recorded 21°C. The department observed light to moderate »»»
Thematic Digital and Mediascope launch R1 Retail First – a unique media retail network
Thematic Digital, a digital sales house with an extensive portfolio, in partnership with Mediascope, a 360° brand management agency with expertise in trade marketing and in-house production, launches R1 Retail First, a new joint venture that brings together expertise in media, digital and trade mar»»»
Dubai Police explores smart technologies for next-generation VIP protection
Dubai: Dubai Police has hosted a specialised partner dialogue titled “VIP Protection in the Era of Artificial Intelligence”, bringing together security leaders and strategic partners to examine how emerging technologies are reshaping VIP protection operations. Organised by the General Department of»»»
Wynn Al Marjan Island tower tops out, marking major step toward 2027 opening
Dubai: Wynn Al Marjan Island marked a pivotal construction milestone on Monday, with the resort's 70-floor tower topping out at 283 meters of structural concrete height. Just 27 months after foundations began, the project stands ready for its spire installation next year, pushing the full height to»»»
U.S. kills 8 in strikes on 3 alleged drug boats in Pacific - UPI.com
Dec. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. military has attacked three boats in the eastern Pacific, killing eight people, amid the Trump administration's use of military strikes against vessels allegedly transporting drugs into the United States. U.S. Southern Command said in a statement that three people were killed »»»
President Radev Describes Political Situation in Bulgaria as Complex
At the start of consultations with Vazrazhdane on Tuesday morning, President Rumen Radev said that the socio-economic and political situation in the country is complex. On Monday, the head of State held talks with representatives of the two largest political forces in Parliament – GERB-UDF and Cont»»»
UK Urges EU to Justify Theft of Russian Assets, Sideline Dissenters- Russian Foreign Intel
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - London is urging the European Commission to justify seizing frozen Russian assets via "loopholes" in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), while brushing aside dissenting member states, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said on Tuesday. "London »»»
Russia Wants to End Conflict in Ukraine, Welcomes US Efforts - Deputy Foreign Minister
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia wants to end the conflict and Ukraine and welcomes the efforts of the US administration, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said. "What I'm saying is we want to finish this on the premise that is sufficient to sides that are involved, and we are appreciative of»»»
Saudi Inflation Slows to Nine-Month Low in November
Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate slowed to 1.9 percent in November 2025, its lowest level in nine months, down from 2.2 percent in October, driven by easing housing costs and lower prices for food and beverages. On a monthly basis, inflation remained broadly stable, edging up 0.1 percent compar»»»
Iraq’s Dreams of Wheat Independence Dashed by Water Crisis
Iraqi wheat farmer Ma'an al-Fatlawi has long depended on the nearby Euphrates River to feed his fields near the city of Najaf. But this year, those waters, which made the Fertile Crescent a cradle of ancient civilization 10,000 years ago, are drying up, and he sees few options. "Drilling wells is n»»»
The art of saying sorry in business: Why restraint, humility and intent matter more than visibility
There is a quiet irony in corporate life. Organisations invest years and substantial budgets in building trust, credibility, and brand goodwill. Yet, when something goes wrong, many struggle with the most basic human response of all: saying sorry. The recent IndiGo episode brought this into sharp f»»»
Prospect of Trump–Kim summit rises in 2026, report says - UPI.com
The prospect of a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, seen here meeting at the DMZ on June 30, 2019, is on the rise, according to a report Tuesday by think tank KNDA. File White House Photo by Shealah Craighead/UPI | License Photo SEOUL, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- »»»
Vazrazhdane Consider Early Parliamentary Elections in March Feasible
The country is in a very complex situation that the party sees as a crisis, Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said during consultations with President Rumen Radev ahead of the awarding of exploratory government-forming mandates. “We see no reason to waste more time – the sooner new elections a»»»
Scattered showers expected on Tuesday
Tunis, Dec. 16 (TAP)- The weather on Tuesday is very cloudy in most regions with scattered showers and temporary thunderstorms in the morning in the east and the south, the National Institute of Meteorology said. The wind is blowing southwest strong...»»»
Emirates to deploy retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft with Premium Economy cabins on two routes from 2026
Dubai: Emirates will deploy retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft with Premium Economy cabins on key routes to Beirut and Beijing starting early next year. The EK953/954 Dubai-Beirut service gets the upgrade from January 6, 2026, while EK306/307 to Beijing follows on February 1, 2026. Sign up for our dai»»»
PSG gear up for Intercontinental Cup final in Doha
Doha, Qatar: Paris Saint-Germain stepped up preparations for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 final with their first training session in Doha yesterday, ahead of tomorrow’s showdown with Brazil’s CR Flamengo at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. The French champions took to the pitch just hours after a»»»
Chile elects hardline president, joining Latin American neighbours in swing to the right
Chile on Sunday voted in far-right leader Jose Antonio Kast, making it the latest country in Latin America to ditch the left. As many voters are looking for solutions to economic woes, US President Donald Trump has also upped the ante vowing to pull US support for some countries if leftist can»»»