Meta strikes $100b AMD chip deal to power next-gen AI push
Meta has struck a multiyear chip agreement with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) that could be worth as much as $100 billion, marking one of the largest artificial intelligence infrastructure deals to date as the social media giant accelerates its push toward advanced AI systems and what CEO Mark Zucke»»»
No Unpaid Funds to Municipalities, Regional Minister Todorova-Boneva Says
Caretaker Regional Minister Angelina Todorova-Boneva said on Tuesday that the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works has no unpaid funds to municipalities and that over BGN 750 million have been paid out to municipalities in 2025. She spoke at the 39th General Assembly of the National As»»»
Caretaker PM Gurov Reaffirms Bulgaria's Strong Support for Ukraine
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov reaffirmed the Bulgarian government's clear and consistent position of strong support for Ukraine. He took part in a videoconference meeting of leaders from the so-called "Coalition of the Willing", the government information service said on Tuesday. This was G»»»
JEA launches policy paper to enhance Jordan's infrastructure
AMMAN — Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) has issued a policy paper on the state of the Kingdom's infrastructure.The paper calls for a "radical" transition in running this sector to shift from a model of expanding projects to an integrated scheme for managing national assets.This transition approa»»»
e& CEO Hatem Dowidar to step down by end of March 2026
Dubai: e& said on Monday that Group Chief Executive Officer Hatem Dowidar will step down at the end of March, concluding a six-year tenure during which the company expanded beyond its core telecommunications business. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The board has appoi»»»
Their Names Must Not Be Forgotten: Bulgarians Who Fell in Ukraine
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, it did not count on one thing: that among the defenders standing in its way would be Bulgarians. Not just ethnic Bulgarians born on Ukrainian soil, but citizens of Bulgaria itself - men who crossed borders, left families »»»
US to integrate Musk’s Grok AI into classified military systems – media
The US Department of War has reportedly signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s xAI to integrate its Grok chatbot into classified military systems, escalating pressure on rival contractor Anthropic as it refuses to lift safeguards on its Claude model. The deal, first reported by the New York Times and»»»
UAE launches ‘One Million Volunteer Hours’ initiative
The UAE’s Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at mobilising students and parents to contribute one million volunteer hours in schools and communities, as part of efforts to strengthen social responsibility and civic engagement. The programme, titled “One Million Volunte»»»
US TV anchor Savannah Guthrie offers $1 million in mother's abduction
US TV anchor Savannah Guthrie said Tuesday her family is now offering up to $1 million for a tip leading to the recovery of her mother, who was kidnapped 24 days ago. Guthrie acknowledged that her mother might now be dead, in what would be a tragic end to a case that has gripped America and baffled»»»
Anytime brings fully digital motor insurance to Romanian drivers
With a streamlined quote journey requiring only four essential fields and a completely paperless experience from payment to policy delivery, Anytime continues to invest in digital solutions designed around customer needs. “The new option available on our website marks an important step in strengthe»»»
Opinion | China at the Heart of the Iranian Crisis
Venezuela and Iran are the countries most affected by the “peace through strength” doctrine inaugurated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The former faced maritime and aerial blockades, the kidnapping of its president, and the initiation of his trial in Miami, all without any effective global respons»»»
Lebanon Fears Israeli Strikes if Iran Situation Escalates
Lebanon's foreign minister said Tuesday his country feared its infrastructure could be hit by Israeli strikes if the situation with Iran escalates, as Israel has intensified its attacks on Tehran-backed Hezbollah. Also on Tuesday, Lebanon's army accused the Israeli military of firing near a positio»»»
Cosmopolis sold 570 homes in 2025, equivalent to approximately EUR 50 million
In Ilfov County, Cosmopolis sales account for almost 50% of the total transactions reported by ANCPI for this county, where Buftea recorded 219 sales and Popesti-Leordeni 1,051 sales during the same period. In addition to the transactions already completed, Cosmopolis has also concluded numerous pr»»»
Iran stages large-scale IRGC drills along southern coast
Dubai: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have launched large-scale military drills along the country’s southern coast, according to state media reports. The exercises, involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ground forces, are being conducted across coastal areas overlooking the Gulf. Stat»»»
Woman arrested on Kos over wiring fault scam
A woman has been arrested on the southeastern Aegean Sea island of Kos for alleged involvement in the increasingly widespread home wiring fault scam that has parted many vulnerable people from their cash and jewellery. A police statement Tuesday said the 22-year-old woman picked up an unspecified q»»»
Bulgaria: Legal Committee Rejects President’s Veto on Cap for Polling Stations Abroad
The parliamentary committee on constitutional and legal affairs has rejected President Iliana Yotova’s veto on amendments to the Electoral Code that cap the number of polling stations in non-EU countries at 20. The committee reapproved the contested provisions with 11 votes in favor, eight against »»»
Press Review - Russia's 'death economy' and Ukrainian resistance: Four years of war in Ukraine
PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, February 24, 2026: First, the fourth anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine makes the front pages in France and Europe. Elsewhere, the British front pages discuss the arrest of former British ambassador Peter Mandelson over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Next»»»
Four years into Russia's invasion, four young Ukrainians look to the future
Their names are Oleksandr, Sofiia, Bohdan, and Angelina. They are between 18 and 28 years old and live in Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, their lives and plans for the future were turned upside down by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. FRANCE 24 sp»»»
Defence Minister: National Plan to Raise Defence Spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 Must Be Approved
A draft National Plan to increase defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035 must be approved, caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said on Tuesday at the opening of the annual conference of the Chief of Defence. This year's conference reviews the development of the Bulga»»»
Israel threatens to hit Lebanon infrastructure if Hezbollah backs Iran
Foreign minister Youssef Rajji said Tuesday that Lebanon fears its infrastructure could be hit by Israeli strikes if the situation with Iran escalates. Rajji said Lebanese authorities had appealed to Hezbollah, which has fought several wars with Israel, most recently in 2024, not to respond in any »»»
Is Washington preparing for a multi-week air campaign against Iran?
Dubai: Fresh satellite imagery and flight-tracking data point to a significant expansion of US military assets across Europe and the Middle East, underscoring rising tensions with Iran and fuelling renewed debate over whether Washington is preparing for a sustained military campaign. Signals of pos»»»
Ukrainian Nukes: UK and France Trying to Drag US Into Nuclear Conflict With Russia
The UK and France are preparing to hand Ukraine a nuclear bomb to strengthen its leverage in forcing more favorable terms to end the conflict, according to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). "France and the UK are likely acting with the goal of pulling the US more directly into the situat»»»
Meta, AMD agree to major chips deal
Washington, United States: American tech giant Meta has reached an agreement to purchase millions of chips from processor manufacturer AMD, in which it could become a shareholder, the two companies announced Tuesday. AMD has committed to supplying Meta with up to 6 gigawatts worth of graphics proce»»»
Evros placed under code red alert over flood risk
The Evros regional unit, in northeastern Greece, has been placed on code red from Tuesday through Friday due to heavy rainfall and an increased risk of flooding from the rising Evros river. According to an announcement, authorities reactivated the code red status after the regional governor and a r»»»
Enemy Failed to Defeat Russia Strategically, Now Resorts to Individual Attacks and Terrorism - Putin
The enemy failed to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia on the battlefield and now resorts to individual attacks and terrorism, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting of the Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) board. Other statements by the Russian president: FSB employees are now »»»
Plot to assassinate Serbia’s Vucic thwarted – Interior Ministry
The Serbian authorities have arrested two people suspected of plotting to assassinate President Aleksandar Vucic and his wife and children, the Interior Ministry has said. The arrests come as Serbia grapples with anti-government protests which Vucic says are driven by foreign interference. In a sta»»»
Israel threatens to hit Lebanon infrastructure if Hezbollah backs Iran
Foreign minister Youssef Rajji said Tuesday that Lebanon fears its infrastructure could be hit by Israeli strikes if the situation with Iran escalates. Rajji said Lebanese authorities had appealed to Hezbollah, which has fought several wars with Israel, most recently in 2024, not to respond in any »»»
Bank of Israel holds interest rate steady, citing risk of regional conflict
The Bank of Israel Monetary Committee maintained the interest rate at 4%, halting a streak of two consecutive 0.25% cuts implemented in November and January. Most analysts had anticipated a third reduction until geopolitical tensions with Iran altered the calculus, Globes noted. »»»
Polish stock exchange posts gains amid US-Iran delay and strong domestic data
The Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) posted significant gains on February 23, defying a broader downturn across Western equity markets. The local rally was largely driven by robust domestic retail sales data and relief that a feared US military strike on Iran, which markets anticipated could have o»»»
Freezing Poles flock to fashion stores in January, prompting surprise surge in retail sales
Polish retail sales grew 4.4% year-on-year (y/y) in constant prices in January, easing somewhat from a 5.3% y/y rise in December, the statistics office GUS said on February 23. The January reading beat market consensus, wh»»»
Want a cheap Eid break? Here’s how to travel for under Dh1,500
Dubai: We know what you must be thinking. A holiday for under Dh2,000? A few weeks away from the Eid holidays, no way, José. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Fortunately, travel agents have confirmed that UAE travellers have a few short- and mid-haul options that offer »»»
Superstar meets chief minister: Mohanlal to interview Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Malayalam movie fans and political watchers in Kerala have something to look forward to: superstar Mohanlal will be interviewing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a programme that delves into his personal life, political journey, and governance. Pictures of the two together have already gone viral»»»
Every Kuwaiti now required to register for national service within six months of turning 18
Kuwait has brought into force a new compulsory national service law requiring every male citizen to report for military service within 180 days of turning 18, in a move aimed at strengthening defence readiness and closing gaps in previous legislation. The amended law entered into effect last Sunday»»»
Bulgaria's Foreign Ministry Reaffirms Support for Ukraine, Calls for Peace Without Concessions to Russia
As the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is marked, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its continued backing for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. In an official statement, the min»»»
Bulgaria May Face F-16 Delay as Government Renegotiates Payments
Acting Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov has indicated that the delivery of Bulgaria’s second batch of eight F-16 fighter jets is likely to be postponed by approximately one year. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the annual conference of the Chief of Defence, he explained that the delay »»»
Gostivar - Kichevo motorway to be finished by end of 2029
Gostivar, 21 February 2026 (MIA) - The Gostivar - Kichevo motorway will be finished as planned by 2029, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski and State Roads Director Koce Trajanovski during Saturday's inspection of construction works on the G»»»
Foreign radical preacher expelled from Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
Authorities in Kyrgyzstan have stopped the activities of a recently arrived foreign national. The man adhered to an extremely radical religious ideology and planned to establish underground cells by recruiting local youth, the press center of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan »»»
Media Review: February 24
No single topic dominates the Bulgarian news media on Tuesday. POLITICS 24 Chasa publishes an analysis by Prof. Ivan Todorov assessing the relative weight of ministries and regulators in the caretaker government over a three-month horizon. The analysis identifies the Ministries of Energy, Agricultu»»»
BSP Questions Impartiality of Caretaker Cabinet after Regional Governors' Appointment
Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) Chair Krum Zarkov said that the impartiality of the caretaker cabinet is at risk following the appointment of regional governors with political affiliations and the quick resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for fair elections. He was speaking at a pr»»»
Lawyers appeal to UN over men jailed in alleged power struggle in UAE
Lawyers acting for two Jordanian citizens who have been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2014 have lodged petitions with the UN claiming they are victims of an internal power struggle within the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah. Jihad Quzmar and Karam al-Sadeq are serving lengthy prison se»»»
Post-it maker 3M faces Belgian trial over 'forever' chemicals
Brussels, Belgium: Hundreds of Belgians living near a 3M plant have sued the US multinational maker of Post-it and Scotch tape over pollution from so-called "forever chemicals" in a trial that opens on Tuesday. The residents are demanding almost 30 million euros ($35 million) in total in potential »»»
Anytime Romania launches fully digital motor insurance issuance flow
Anytime Romania, the digital insurance brand of Interamerican and part of the Dutch financial group Achmea, announces the launch of its fully digital motor insurance issuance flow. With more than 500,000 customers across Greece and Cyprus, Anytime leverages its proven expertise to deliver a fast, s»»»
National Association of Municipalities Operated Stably, in Line With Core Goals in 2025 - Report
The National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) operated in a stable, consistent manner and fully in line with its core objectives in 2025, providing expert and reliable support to Bulgarian municipalities, according to the organization's annual report. It was present»»»
China’s new Ambassador to Libya Ma Xuliang presents his credentials
Taher Al-Baour, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received last Sunday (22 February) Ma Xuliang, the newly appointed Ambassador of China to Libya, in the presence of Hassan Mohammed Rabha, Director of the Asia and Australia Affairs Department at the Ministry. During »»»
Dubai Bling’s Farhana Bodi speaks out against bullies, 'damage has been done'
Dubai: "The damage has been done. He hurt me. He just needs to move on," says Dubai Bling star Farhana Bodi, her voice steady, but exhausted. We are at her home in Business Bay, Dubai, where Farhana, 40, is quietly managing a chaotic month. Her co-star from the glossy Netflix show has been taking t»»»
The evolving role of immigration lawyers in Europe’s skilled worker market
As Europe continues to face a changing economic situation, the competition for skilled workers has intensified significantly. The services of immigration lawyers are increasingly becoming essential for companies seeking high-tech and specialised talent. While national laws across the European Union»»»
Trump to deliver State of the Union speech amid anxieties over Iran, tariffs and economy
US President Donald Trump will deliver his State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday, possibly outlining a case for US military intervention in Iran and renewing a push to reinstate his global tariff regime. On the domestic front, the president may discuss the rising cost of living, his admi»»»
Dubai Police arrest 26 beggars in first week of Ramadan crackdown
Dubai Police have arrested 26 beggars of various nationalities during the first week of Ramadan as part of an intensified campaign to combat begging across the emirate. The arrests were carried out by the Suspicious Persons and Criminal Phenomena Department at the General Department of Criminal Inv»»»
Israel warns it would hit Lebanon hard if Hezbollah gets involved in any US-Iran war, report – Ya Libnan
Share: GENEVA/BEIRUT – Israel has sent an indirect message to Lebanon that it would strike Lebanon hard, targeting civilian infrastructure including the airport, in the event that Hezbollah gets involved in any U.S.-Iran war, two senior Lebanese officials said on Tuesday. The office of the Israeli »»»
Iran looms large over Trump's address to the nation
US President Donald Trump takes to the podium tonight to deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term. "It’s going to be a long speech because we have a lot to talk about," Trump said ahead of the address. The State of the Union—an annual speech delivered by the US president to C»»»