Saudi Ministry of Culture pays tribute to doyen of Indian theater
RIYADH: The Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission launched the Ebrahim Al-Kazi Chair of Research at the Saudi Center for Research and Knowledge Intercommunication, supported by the Ministry of Culture. “The Commission announces the launch of the Ebrahim Al-Kazi Research Chair, who serves as »»»
Photo of migrant family separation in US scoops World Press prize
Amsterdam: A picture of an Ecuadoran family separated when US immigration agents arrested the father following a court hearing won the 2025 World Press Photo of the Year Award on Thursday. The photo, taken by Carol Guzy of the ZUMA Press agency and iWitness for the Miami Herald, shows the moment Im»»»
US military says it seizes another oil tanker associated with Iran
The U.S. military on Thursday seized another tanker associated with the smuggling of Iranian oil, ratcheting up a standoff with Iran a day after its paramilitary Revolutionary Guards took control of two vessels in the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The Defense Department released video footage of U.S. f»»»
What Does the Inclusion of Saudi Bonds in the J.P. Morgan Index Mean?
Saudi Arabia’s debt market is set for a strategic shift in early 2027, following J.P. Morgan’s announcement that local-currency bonds will be included in its global emerging markets bond index. The move represents a vote of confidence in the Kingdom’s structural reforms and is expected to open the »»»
Lebanon leaders accuse Israel of war crime after journalist killed
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s president and prime minister accused Israel on Thursday of a war crime, after an airstrike killed a Lebanese journalist in the country’s south, where Israeli forces occupy several areas. Rescuers and the reporter’s employer on Wednesday confirmed the death of Amal Khalil, a 42-yea»»»
"Tunisian travel market" to kick off May 7 to promote domestic, neighbouring tourism
TUNIS, April 23, 2026 (TAP) – Tunisia is set to launch, on May 7, 8 and 9, 2026, at the City of Culture in Tunis, the first edition of the “Tunisian Travel Market,” a new professional conference focused on domestic and neighbouring tourism....»»»
Mesarovic meets with top BYD executives in Shenzhen
SHENZHEN,- Serbian Deputy PM and Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarovic met with top executives of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD in Shenzhen on Thursday to discuss active inclusion of Serbian automotive companies in a sustainable supply chain of a BYD factory in Szeged, Hungary, due to »»»
Sri Lanka Plans to Pay for Russian Oil in Chinese Yuan - Reports
NEW DELHI (Sputnik) - Sri Lanka is planning to pay for future imports of Russian crude oil in Chinese yuan, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported on Thursday, citing the country's new energy minister, Aruna Karunatilake. The discussions on the matter are still ongoing, the minister said. "We expect t»»»
Aoun, Salam accuse Israel of war crime after journalist killed
Lebanon's president and prime minister accused Israel on Thursday of a war crime, after an airstrike killed a Lebanese journalist in the country's south, where Israeli forces occupy several areas. Rescuers and the reporter's employer on Wednesday confirmed the death of Amal Khalil, a 42-year-old jo»»»
Egypt Expands IPO Programme with Six State Firms to Deepen Market Activity
Cairo — Egypt is advancing its state IPO programme with the addition of six new government-owned companies to the Egyptian Exchange (EGX), in a move aimed at strengthening market depth and broadening investor participation. According to official EGX statements, and as confirmed by Deputy Chairman M»»»
Egypt Opens 9 Industrial Projects in Suez Canal Economic Zone with $182.5mn Investments
Cairo — Egypt has accelerated its industrial expansion drive with the inauguration of nine new industrial projects in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, as Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly led an official tour of the Sokhna integrated industrial area. The projects span strategic sectors including enginee»»»
US Navy secretary exits administration effective immediately
US Navy Secretary John C. Phelan has stepped down in an abrupt move announced by the Pentagon without any public explanation or indication that his exit was linked to the naval blockade of Iran. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement that Phelan was “departing the administration” at on»»»
Salam says Lebanon won't sign any agreement without Israel's full withdrawal
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has urged the Trump administration to pressure Israel to scale back its demands and end its military invasion of the country. In an interview with the Washington Post, Salam said Lebanon could not sign any agreement that does not include a “full withdrawal” of Israeli for»»»
UN 'working on' keeping presence in Lebanon in 2027
The United Nations said Thursday it was "working on" maintaining a presence in Lebanon once the mandate for its UNIFIL peacekeeping force expires at the end of the year. "In terms of the post-UNIFIL, we're currently in the process of working on these options," said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the U.N. Und»»»
Tanzania poll violence report is ‘whitewash’: opposition
NAIROBI: A Tanzanian government report into election violence that killed hundreds is “an attempt to whitewash the regime’s crimes,” the main opposition party told AFP on Thursday. A commission of enquiry reported on Thursday that 518 people were killed in protests and violence around the election »»»
EU approves a massive loan package to help Ukraine after Hungary lifts its veto
BRUSSELS: The European Union on Thursday approved a massive loan package to help Ukraine meet its economic and military needs for the next two years, the bloc’s Cypriot presidency said, after Hungary lifted its veto. The EU also approved a new raft of sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukrain»»»
Sophos appoints Hussain Salman as Enterprise Services Director for the Gulf region
Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, today announced the appointment of Hussain Salman as Enterprise Services Director for the Gulf Region, where he will lead across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. With the region consistently ranking among »»»
Iran’s Hormuz tolls defy global law, set dangerous precedent
Dubai: Iran’s move to impose and reportedly collect tolls from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz marks a direct challenge to international law and a dangerous escalation in its confrontation with the United States and its allies. A senior Iranian parliament official has claimed that Tehran»»»
Syria’s economic prospects: priorities and challenges
Damascus, April 23 (SANA) After one year in power, Syria’s government is focusing on reintegrating the country into the global political and economic system, seeking to end decades of sanctions and isolation. While officials say the most difficult phase has passed, the country still faces deep stru»»»
UAE flights disrupted: Where you can still travel today
Dubai: Air travel across the UAE continues to operate under strain nearly two months after the US-Israel-Iran conflict that erupted on February 28, with airlines relying on restricted air corridors, longer flight paths, and reduced schedules to maintain connectivity. The aviation sector has been am»»»
Five new sheep pox cases recorded in two weeks
Five new cases of the deadly livestock disease sheep pox have been recorded in the second fortnight of April, authorities said Thursday, while a total 486,666 animals have been culled since the epidemic started. The Rural Development ministry said 2,152 cases of sheep or goat pox have been recorded»»»
Indonesia Eyes Iran’s Strategy to Monetize Malacca Strait
Indonesia's Foreign Minister Purbaya Yudha Sadewa has floated copying Iran's tax on the Strait of Hormuz for ships sailing the Strait of Malacca—bordered by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Indonesia "is not a peripheral country. We sit on a strategic global trade and energy route. Ships pass wi»»»
Popovic, Grushko discuss further advancement of Serbia-Russia cooperation
BELGRADE - Serbian Minister for International Economic Cooperation Nenad Popovic met on Thursday in Belgrade with Russian Deputy FM Alexander Grushko, who is on an official visit to Serbia for a meeting of a Serbia-Russia intergovernmental committee on trade and economic and science and technical c»»»
UN ‘working on’ keeping presence in Lebanon in 2027
GENEVA: The United Nations said Thursday it was “working on” maintaining a presence in Lebanon once the mandate for its UNIFIL peacekeeping force expires at the end of the year. “In terms of the post-UNIFIL, we’re currently in the process of working on these options,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the »»»
UK agrees ban on cigarette sales for people born after 2008
London: Both chambers of Britain's parliament have approved a bill that would ban children aged 17 and under from buying cigarettes during their lifetime. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to stop anyone born after January 1, 2009 (now aged 17) from taking up smoking. Health minister Wes Streeting ca»»»
Gold Slips on Inflation Concerns as High Oil Prices and Stronger Dollar Weigh
Gold prices fell on Thursday, pressured by a stronger dollar and elevated oil prices that stoked inflation worries, as investors tried to assess the conflict direction from stalled US-Iran talks. Spot gold was down 0.9% at $4,696.71 per ounce, as of 1135 GMT. US gold futures for June delivery fell »»»
UAE to move 50% of government services to AI within two years
Dubai: The UAE will transform half of its government sectors, services and operations to autonomous artificial intelligence systems within two years, under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The major government shift was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mo»»»
Limited-edition gold coins inspired by UAE pride unveiled, supporting Dubai's Ferjan initiative
Dubai: Emirates Minting Factory has launched a limited-edition gold and silver coin collection in collaboration with Dubai Gold District, with proceeds set to benefit Ferjan Dubai, a social enterprise focused on community development across Dubai. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf »»»
After first disappearing, Hungarian minister Szijjártó speaks out, alleging foreign interference (11 days after the election)
Our weekly digest of Hungarian politics continues as we report on developments after the historic April election and on the formation of the Tisza government. This week we cover the following topics: After 10 days, outgoing foreign minister Péter Szijjártó has resurfaced. The newly-victorious Tisza»»»
Fire breaks out aboard identity-fluid $8bn USS Zumwalt
Three sailors were injured after a fire broke out aboard USS Zumwalt while the stealth destroyer was sitting pierside at HII Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, undergoing a costly modernization meant to give the ship a whole new identity. One sailor was taken to a local hospital in st»»»
Trump says he is under 'no pressure' to bring an end to war with Iran - UPI.com
U.S. President Donald Trump insisted Wednesday there was no time pressure to end the war with Iran and no deadline for when American military action would resume in the absence of a deal, saying the Iranians were more fearful of the U.S. maritime blockade than they were of the bombing. Photo by Dan»»»
What makes workplace stress dangerous? New report reveals nearly 900,000 deaths a year
Dubai: Workplace stress is no longer just a matter of fatigue or burnout. A new report by the United Nations' International Labour Organisation (ILO) has revealed that it is linked to nearly 900,000 deaths every year worldwide. The study entitled “The psychosocial working environment: Global develo»»»
Why viewers can’t ignore Anubhav Sinha’s disturbing thriller Assi out on Zee5
Dubai: Indian filmmaker Anubhav Sinha’s latest Hindi-language rape trial drama Assi is not an easy watch and it’s not meant to be. Starring Kani Kusruti, Tapsee Pannu, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, and Mohammed Zeeshan, the compelling and visceral courtroom procedural out on Zee5 now delves into sexua»»»
Cricket’s battle not to be overshadowed by the IPL
On April 25, the Indian Premier League will be halfway through its 19th edition. Coverage of it dominates the Indian-owned and based cricket media. Last week, Harsha Bhogle, one of its long-serving commentators and journalists, declared that the IPL “has to be one of the greatest sporting phenomena»»»
Park Hotel Kyustendil Introduces New Therapies Aligned with Current Trends in Wellness Industry
Park Hotel Kyustendil offers opportunity for complete rest and recovery, due to its mineral water with proven therapeutic properties and its proximity to Hisarlaka Park. The hotel combines balneology traditions of the region with modern facilities and services focused on relaxation and health, Ange»»»
Journalist Gabriela Naplatanova Elected to Chair Council for Electronic Media
Journalist Gabriela Naplatanova has been elected to chair the Council for Electronic Media (CEM). She was nominated for the position by the previous leader, Simona Veleva, and by member Kadrinka Kadrinova. During a CEM meeting on Thursday, Naplatanova was also supported by Prolet Velkova, while Gal»»»
New arrests for illegal power grid hookups
Seven people have been arrested for alleged power theft by illegally connecting their homes to the electricity grid following police raids on Roma camps in central Greece, authorities said Thursday. A police statement said Wednesday’s operation near Lamia was intended “to enhance the public’s feeli»»»
Moscow Contributing to Stabilizing Prices on Energy Markets Amid Hormuz Blockade - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow is contributing to stabilizing prices on energy markets and minimizing the consequences of the crisis amid the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "At the moment, you know, we are contributing to this price stabilization and »»»
US–Iran war clock: May 1 deadline puts Trump under pressure
As the United States edges closer to a critical May 1 deadline in its war with Iran, a decades-old law is quietly becoming one of the most consequential forces shaping the next phase of the conflict. Nearly eight weeks after Washington joined Israeli strikes against Iran, President Donald Trump fac»»»
Gold price in Qatari market falls by 2.61% this week
Doha, Qatar: The price of gold in the Qatari market edged down by 2.61% during the current week, reaching $ 4706.00000 per ounce, according to data issued by Qatar National Bank (QNB). The data showed that the price of gold fell from $ 4832.56640 per ounce recorded last Sunday. It also indicated th»»»
US pushes Lebanon to rethink Israel Boycott law ahead of Washington talks
A new push in the US-backed diplomacy between Lebanon and Israel is beginning to take shape, with another round of talks expected in Washington later this week. According to Asharq News, sources say the US is preparing to press Lebanon to reconsider its law criminalizing contact with Israel, follow»»»
King Charles on US mission to bolster UK’s special relationship with royalist Trump
LONDON: Britain’s King Charles heads to the United States next week for the most high-profile trip of his reign so far, on a mission to shore up the future of the two allies’ “special relationship” which the Iran war has plunged to its lowest point in 70 years. The state visit marks the 250th anni»»»
Catalin Albu (Publicis): “We are fundamentally changing our approach by moving from selling big ideas to an Outcome-First philosophy”
As part of BR’s new interview series with professionals in the Media & Marketing sector, we sat down with Catalin Albu, Associate Managing Director at Publicis Romania, and talked about the agency’s last year and the near future, AI implementation & trends, as well as what will impact the industry »»»
Ex-Philippine President to Face Trial on Crimes Against Humanity Charges
Judges at the International Criminal Court on Thursday confirmed crimes against humanity charges against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he allegedly oversaw while in office. A three-judge panel found unanimously there were “substantial grounds” to belie»»»
Egypt sets LE4 trillion revenue target in 2026/27 budget
Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk affirmed that the new fiscal year 2026/2027 budget aims to meet citizens’ basic needs, improve services, and support economic activity. During his presentation of the financial statement for the 2026/2027 draft budget before the House of Representatives on Wednesday,»»»
Lack of Young Professionals, Aging Infrastructure Among Most Pressing Challenges for Bulgaria’s Water Supply Sector
A shortage of young professionals, significant water losses, and aging infrastructure continue to be among the most pressing challenges for Bulgaria’s water supply sector, said Bulgarian Water Association Chair Ivan Ivanov on Thursday in Ruse during a professional competition for water utility empl»»»
Media Review: April 23
The results of the April 19 parliamentary elections and the resignation of acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov dominate Thursday’s news media. POLITICS & ELECTION RESULTS Dnevnik.bg has an article about the news members of Parliament who were elected on April 19. The 52nd National Assembly w»»»
Schneider Electric and Deloitte collaborate to drive AI-enabled digital transformation across industrial operations
Global energy technology leader Schneider Electric and Deloitte, a leading professional services organization, have announced a collaboration designed to help customers and clients — from manufacturers and industrial operators to data center and infrastructure leaders — modernize end-to-end process»»»
Al-Rahi says negotiations 'necessity not concession' after meeting Aoun
Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi said Thursday that negotiations are a necessity, not a concession, after he met President Joseph Aoun in Baabda ahead of a second session of direct talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington. "Negotiations are the only path toward ending wars and destruction, »»»
Zambia says it has custody of ex-president’s body in dispute with family over burial
JOHANNESBURG: The Zambian government says it has taken custody of former President Edgar Lungu’s body from his family in a long-running dispute over where he should be buried after he died in South Africa nearly a year ago. In a statement Wednesday, Zambia’s attorney general said the government had»»»