Why Orban lost: Hungary’s 16-year rule ends
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been ousted after 16 years in power, marking a dramatic political shift in one of Europe’s most closely watched elections. In a high-turnout vote, Orban conceded defeat to conservative challenger Peter Magyar, ending a long period of nationalist rule that h»»»
Border guard dies after shooting himself at Irkeshtam border post - | 24.KG
Contract soldier I. uulu A., who had previously sustained a serious gunshot wound at a border post, has died in the hospital. The State Border Service confirmed the news. Related news Border guard shoots himself at Irkeshtam post According to the agency, the soldier, 22, was hospitalized in Gulcho,»»»
Estithmar Holding announces 20% share dividend after record 2025 results and global expansion
DOHA: Driven by international expansion and record-breaking results Estithmar Holding has decided to distribute20% of capital as share dividends to shareholder for the year ended December 31, 2025 Estithmar Holding’s General Assembly approved a 20% profit distribution of the company’s capital to sh»»»
Türkiye Foreign Minister: Iran, US 'Sincere' about Ceasefire
Türkiye's foreign minister said on Monday he believed both Iran and the United States remain "sincere" about reaching a ceasefire despite the failure of Pakistan-mediated talks on the weekend. US President Donald Trump has blamed the Iranian republic's refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions for t»»»
Strong winds and blowing dust expected across Qatar on April 15–16
DOHA: The Qatar Meteorology Department has issued a warning of strong winds expected to affect the country on Wednesday and Thursday, April 15–16. According to the alert, northwesterly winds will range from fresh to strong, with a possibility of blowing dust that could reduce horizontal visibility »»»
Philippines Accuses China of Poisoning Disputed Waters
The Philippines accused Chinese fishermen on Monday of pouring cyanide in waters in the Spratly Islands, a flashpoint in the disputed South China Sea that has been the site of violent confrontations with Chinese vessels. Beijing claims the strategic South China Sea in nearly its entirety, despite a»»»
One Killed in Ukraine Despite Easter Ceasefire, Officials Say
A Russian drone attack killed one person in Ukraine's frontline eastern Donetsk region on Sunday, Ukrainian police said on Monday, before the expiry of a ceasefire to mark Orthodox Easter. Police said in a statement that an FPV (first-person-view) drone strike killed one person in the city of Druzh»»»
Jana Nayagan leak sparks sabotage fears as Vijay’s farewell film faces fresh uncertainty
Dubai: What was meant to be a grand cinematic farewell for Tamil actor Vijay has instead turned into a crisis. Over five minutes of footage from Jana Nayagan, widely expected to be Vijay’s final film before his full-time entry into politics, leaked online on April 9 and 10, triggering outrage among»»»
Bulgaria Sees Modest Monthly Industrial Growth, But 8% Yearly Drop Persists
Industrial output in Bulgaria posted a modest monthly increase in February 2026, but continued to decline sharply on an annual basis, according to preliminary, seasonally adjusted data from the National Statistical Institute. On a monthly comparison, the industrial production index rose by 0.9% com»»»
Why Edufair Abu Dhabi is a must-attend for every student and parent
The highly anticipated Edufair Abu Dhabi will take place from May 16–17 at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, bringing together more than 25 prestigious universities and career service providers from the UAE and abroad. The event aims to help students and families identify the rig»»»
Two Killed in Ukraine Despite Easter Ceasefire, Governor Says
Two people were killed and one injured by Russian troops in Ukraine's frontline eastern Donetsk region before the expiry of a ceasefire to mark Orthodox Easter, a local official said on Monday, One person was killed in the city of Kramatorsk and one in Druzhkivka on Sunday, regional governor Vadym»»»
Abu Dhabi parking update: New paid system in Musaffah starts April 20
Abu Dhabi’s mobility authorities have announced the activation of a paid parking system in new sectors of Musaffah starting Monday, April 20, as part of efforts to improve traffic flow and regulate parking usage. The initiative, announced by Q Mobility, aims to reduce haphazard parking, ease conges»»»
Russian FM to Visit China April 14-15
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit China this week, Beijing said on Monday, as the two sides hope to boost cooperation. "Russia's foreign minister Lavrov will pay an official visit to China from April 14 to 15," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference. Lavrov wil»»»
Easter Traditions Endure: Between Faith, Symbolism and Modern Life
On the occasion of Easter, the greatest Christian holiday, Orthodox believers continue to preserve customs passed down through generations. From painted eggs and festive tables to family gatherings, tradition remains deeply rooted in everyday life – even as modern lifestyles reshape how it is pract»»»
UAE exporters stay confident as growth outlook holds steady
Dubai: Companies across the UAE and global markets continue to expect export growth in 2026, even as the Middle East conflict reshapes financial conditions and risk dynamics across global trade. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The latest Allianz Trade Global Survey, wh»»»
China launches first AI-powered digital doctor platform for Parkinson's disease
Beijing, China: As population aging accelerates in China, Parkinson's disease is emerging as an increasingly common chronic condition among older adults, prompting Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University in Beijing to launch the country's first AI-powered digital doctor platform for the disea»»»
Masoud Barzani’s Party Rejects Result of Iraqi Presidential Vote
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by Masoud Barzani, has rejected the election of Nizar Amidi as Iraq’s president, worsening political tensions in the Kurdistan Region and across the country. The party has instructed its representatives in the federal government and parliament to return to »»»
Misrata Free Zone Port Customs Centre thwarts attempt to smuggle 4.5 million tablets of highly dangerous narcotics
Misrata Free Zone Port Customs Centre reported last Wednesday (8 April) that iIn a qualitative operation reflecting the vigilance of customs men and their keenness to protect national security, the Head and members of the Misrata Free Zone Port Customs Centre were able to thwart an attempt to smugg»»»
Exports up 36.7 pct during first 10 days of April on robust chip demand - UPI.com
South Korea's exports jumped 36.7 percent in the first 10 days of April on strong overseas demand for semiconductors, data showed Monday. This photo shows containers stacked at a port in Pyeongtaek on April 1. Photo by Yonhap South Korea's exports jumped 36.7 percent from a year earlier in the firs»»»
Oil surges as Hormuz tensions rise, markets turn cautious
Dubai: Oil prices climbed at the start of the week while global equities and bonds came under pressure, after the US confirmed plans to impose a blockade around Iranian ports, raising concerns over energy supply and market stability. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Bre»»»
Bread Shortage Deepens in Gaza as Hamas Accuses Israel of ‘Engineering Starvation’
A bread shortage in Gaza is worsening as Israeli restrictions on the entry of supplies continue to affect bakeries that had reopened following an October ceasefire. The flow of aid and food supplies, including from the World Food Program (WFP), has declined further over the past month, amid Israeli»»»
Croatia braces for tough summer tourism season amid global uncertainty
Croatia expects a fierce competition for European tourists this summer as war and global instability disrupt travel patterns, even as the Adriatic destination leans on its reputation for safety to sustain visitor numbers. »»»
Serbia's FX reserves fall in March as gold prices slump
Serbia’s foreign exchange reserves fell in March, as outflows linked to government debt repayments and central bank interventions outweighed inflows, the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) said on April 9. Gross foreign exchang»»»
Lavrov to Visit China on April 14-15 to Discuss Ukraine, Mideast - Russian MFA
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay a visit to China on April 14-15, where he will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on a number of issues, including the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday. "On April 1»»»
China and Russia's calculated backing of Iran
When the US and Israel waged war on Iran on 28 February 2026, killing its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, two global powers watched intently from afar: China and Russia. Both had signed a trilateral strategic pact with Tehran just weeks earlier, pledging to deepen economic and defence ties (though off»»»
Early screening key to improving autism outcomes: Expert
Doha, Qatar: As Autism Acceptance Month spotlight on inclusion and understanding, healthcare leaders in Qatar are underscoring the importance of early detection and intervention in improving the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Assistant Medical Director of Children and Adoles»»»
World Bank Chief Sounds Alarm about Looming Jobs Crisis Even after War Ends
The Middle East war will dominate global finance officials' talks this week in Washington, but World Bank President Ajay Banga is sounding the alarm about a bigger, looming crisis: a huge gap in jobs for the 1.2 billion people who will reach working age in developing countries in the next 10 to 15 »»»
Dukhan Bank AGM approves additional cash dividend of 8%
Doha, Qatar: Dukhan Bank convened its Ordinary Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday via video conferencing through the Zoom application. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad bin Jassim Al-Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors, in the presence of 86.46% of the Bank’s shareholder»»»
Gold Drops as Inflation Worries Linger on Failed US-Iran Talks
Gold prices touched a near one-week low on Monday, pressured by a stronger dollar, while a surge in oil prices following failed US-Iran peace talks fueled inflation worries and dampened expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year. Spot gold was down 0.7% at $4,716.70 per ounce, as»»»
Spanish Premier Urges China to Take Bigger Role in Multipolar Order
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday said China should take on a more substantial role with issues including climate change, security, defense and the fight against inequality, adding that Europe will also have to redouble its efforts as the US withdraws from leadership roles on many fro»»»
US Military to Begin Blockade of Iranian Ports on Monday
The US military said it would begin a blockade of all Iranian ports on Monday, after talks between the warring sides in Pakistan collapsed with President Donald Trump blaming Tehran's refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Trump had announced on social media he would blockade the strategic Strai»»»
Ten lessons from the Hungarian election: how the myth of ‘illiberalism’ collapsed
Four years ago it was Viktor Orbán who inflicted a humiliating defeat on the then Hungarian opposition; this time his party, Fidesz has been beaten just as badly. We sum up the lessons of Sunday’s Hungarian elections in 10 points. After 16 years, the Orbán system has fallen and Viktor Orbán is leav»»»
DWTC Free Zone partners Wio to speed up business banking
Dubai: Companies across the UAE and global markets continue to expect export growth in 2026, even as the Middle East conflict begins to tighten financial conditions and raise concerns around payments and counterparty risk. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The agreement »»»
Al Sadd upbeat for Al Hilal clash as Al Duhail target Al Ahli upset
Doha, Qatar: Captain Hassan Al-Haydos said Al Sadd are confident as they prepare to face Al Hilal SFC in the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah tonight. Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal start as favourites in the one-legged knockout tie after »»»
Euro Zone Bond Yields Rise After US-Iran Talks Collapse
Euro zone government bond yields rose on Monday after the United States and Iran failed to reach a peace deal, heightening concerns that higher oil prices could fuel inflation and support expectations for European Central Bank rate hikes. Oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel as the US Navy pre»»»
Loan deferral move signals proactive step to safeguard financial stability
Doha, Qatar: Director of the Banking Supervision Department at Qatar Central Bank Ali Hamad Al Marri has underscored the importance of the decision to defer loan instalments and interest payments for three months, describing it as a proactive step to maintain financial stability and support both in»»»
Job hunting in the UAE? How to stand out in interviews, avoid common mistakes and impress recruiters
One of my previous employers once recalled a series of interview moments that stuck with them for all the wrong reasons. It’s easy to understand why, interviews can be nerve-wracking, and in that pressure, candidates often swing between two extremes. Some become so overwhelmed that they struggle to»»»
Etihad ramps up China flights with new routes
Dubai: Etihad Airways is increasing its presence in China with five new routes and 28 additional weekly flights. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The expansion will lift Etihad’s mainland China operations to 35 weekly flights across six destinations, including its exist»»»
Russia–Ukraine Easter truce expires amid mutual accusations of violations
A 32-hour Easter truce between Russia and Ukraine expired on Monday, with both sides accusing each other of thousands of violations despite a brief lull in air and missile strikes along the 1,200-kilometre front line. The ceasefire period still saw ongoing drone and artillery activity, officials sa»»»
Negotiations between Lebanon, Israel Deepen Hezbollah’s Crisis with the State
Lebanon will hold direct negotiations with Israel at the US State Department on Tuesday amid concerns that they will be a failure with each party clinging to their conditions. The success of the negotiations will also have implications in Lebanon because Hezbollah opposes any agreement that would r»»»
Dubai gold dips again. Should you buy now?
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai edged lower on Monday morning, tracking a cautious global market mood shaped by rising geopolitical tensions and renewed inflation concerns. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.At 9:19am, 24-karat gold was priced at Dh569 per gram, down from Dh5»»»
As US Talks Fail, Iranians Caught Between ‘War and Peace’
Iranians reacted with a mixture of disappointment and defiance on Sunday after 21 hours of talks between the US and Iran ended without an agreement, casting fear over the future of a fragile two-week ceasefire and the possible comeback of military escalation, according to AP and AFP. US officials s»»»
Recycling fee not to significantly affect production costs - | 24.KG
Recycling fee rates will not have a significant impact on production costs. Asel Mambetova, director of the state enterprise Eco Operator, said on Birinchi Radio. According to her, recycling standards are taken into account when calculating the fee. As an example, she explained that if a business i»»»
Oil Surges, Stocks Fall as Trump Says to Blockade Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices surged and stocks sank Monday after US-Iran peace talks fell apart and Donald Trump announced a blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, adding to fears of energy supplies from the Middle East. Negotiations in Islamabad at the weekend fell apart with the US delegation -- led by Vice P»»»
Australia names Coyle first woman to lead army
Sydney: A woman will command Australia's army for the first time since its founding 125 years ago, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Monday as he unveiled the "deeply historic" appointment. Lieutenant general Susan Coyle was named Australia's Chief of Army following a three-decade career during »»»
Rep. Eric Swalwell suspends Calif. governor campaign amid sexual misconduct allegations - UPI.com
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., announced the suspension of his California gubernatorial campaign after several women accused him of sexual misconduct. File Photo by Jemal Countess/UPI | License Photo April 13 (UPI) -- Eric Swalwell, the Democratic congressman running for California governor, announc»»»
Gold dropped 12% in March, early April flows hint at a shift
Dubai: Gold’s sharp March decline has caught investors off guard, coming at a time when geopolitical tensions and inflation risks would typically support prices, yet the move was driven less by fundamentals and more by a rapid unwind of leveraged positions across markets. (Check latest UAE gold pri»»»
Trump Says US Needs to Reassess Relations With NATO After Lack of Support Against Iran
The United States needs to reassess its relations with NATO after the alliance failed to support Washington in its military operation against Iran, US President Donald Trump said. "Now we have to reexamine NATO, because they weren't there for us," Trump told Fox News. The US leader added he was con»»»
Hezbollah Opposes Direct Lebanon-Israel Talks - Spokesman
The Hezbollah movement opposes direct talks between Lebanon and Israel and does not expect positive results from them, Mahmoud Komati, deputy head of Hezbollah's political council, told Sputnik. "The ceasefire in Lebanon is thanks to Iran. We do not expect positive results [from the talks] regardin»»»
'Unconditional surrender' was never an option for Iran
US-Iran talks aimed at finding a permanent end to the war ended on Saturday night without any deal, leaving the fate of a two-week ceasefire hanging in the balance. The meeting in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad brought together Iranian and US officials, chief among them US Vice President JD Van»»»