First Western shipping vessel transits Strait of Hormuz since start of Iran war - UPI.com
Many international shipping vessels, such as the one pictured in March, have been anchored and idling in the Middle East after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian traffic after the United States and Israel engaged in a war there. Friday, Iran allowed vessels linked to France and Japan t»»»
Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing elected president - UPI.com
Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing sits during a ceremony to mark the one-year anniversary of the earthquake at the Myanmar International Convention Center in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on March 28. Min Aung Hlaing won a parliamentary vote Friday to become the country's pre»»»
Israeli strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs after warning
Fresh strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday as the Israeli army said it was striking Hezbollah "infrastructure", hours after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for the area. An AFP correspondent heard explosions as the state-run National News Agency reported strikes on the area»»»
US embassy says Iran, aligned groups 'may intend to target' universities in Lebanon
The U.S. embassy in Lebanon, where Tehran-backed Hezbollah is at war with Israel, said on Friday that Iran and allied groups could seek to target universities in the country. "Iran and its aligned terrorist militias may intend to target universities in Lebanon," said a security alert, without ident»»»
Live Updates: U.S. fighter jet shot down by Iran, 1 crew member rescued by US forces – Ya Libnan
Share: What to know about the Iran war today: A U.S. F-15E fighter jet was shot down by Iran and a crew member was rescued by American forces, U.S. officials told CBS News. U.S. officials confirmed to CBS News Iran’s claim that it shot down an American fighter jet. Images posted on social media and»»»
Flying from UAE? 42 Air India, Air India Express flights to West Asia on April 4
Air India and Air India Express will operate a total of 42 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on April 4, 2026. This includes 26 non-scheduled flights to and from the UAE, subject to slot availability and other operational conditions at departure airports. All flig»»»
Dubai property market tops Dh176bn on strong investor demand
Dubai: Dubai’s property market maintained strong momentum in the first quarter of 2026, with total sales reaching Dh176.7 billion across nearly 48,000 transactions, reflecting continued investor appetite and steady price growth. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Data fro»»»
SpaceX IPO: Can Elon Musk justify a $1.75 trillion valuation?
Dubai: When Elon Musk began positioning SpaceX for what could be a record-breaking IPO, the headline figure—up to $75 billion—drew the most attention, but the proposed listing is shaping up as much as a referendum on Musk’s broader strategy as it is on the company itself. Get updated faster and for»»»
1 crew member rescued after US fighter jet shot down in Iran
A U.S. fighter jet was shot down in Iran on Friday and one crew member was rescued, officials said, the first aircraft downed since the war began nearly five weeks ago. It marked a major escalation in the conflict just two days after President Donald Trump said in a national address that the U.S. h»»»
Pakistan cuts petrol prices a day after steep increase
Pakistan will cut petrol prices by 80 rupees per litre to 378 rupees ($1.35), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said late on Friday. The reduction will be funded through the government’s petroleum levy. The move comes just a day after it raised fuel prices by at least 43 percent, citing rising global o»»»
Samokov Hotel Spa in Borovets Offers Year-Round Wellness and Signature "After Ski" Therapy
The spa centre at the Samokov Hotel in the Borovets mountain resort offers year-round services, including a signature therapy called "After Ski," said the hotel manager Svetlana Atanasova to BTA. The centre was created as a space for complete relaxation, recovery, and health care. The spa services »»»
Democratic Currents National Congress kicks off under slogan "Tunisia as We Want It"
Tunis, April 3 (TAP) - The 4th National Congress of the Democratic Current kicked off on Friday in Sousse, under the slogan "Tunisia as We Want It", in the presence of numerous representatives of political parties, national organisations and civil...»»»
Democratic Current Partys National Congress kicks off under slogan "Tunisia as We Want It"
Tunis, April 3 (TAP) - The 4th National Congress of the Democratic Current kicked off on Friday in Sousse, under the slogan "Tunisia as We Want It", in the presence of numerous representatives of political parties, national organisations and civil...»»»
Gargash: Iran missile attacks show ‘arrogance, not strength’
Abu Dhabi: Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, has criticised arguments put forward by former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a recent article published in the US magazine Foreign Affairs, saying they overlook fundamental facts and Iran’s continued hostile be»»»
Spa Centre at Veliko Tarnovo's Grand Hotel Yantra Offers View of Historic Landmark Hills
The spa centre at Grand Hotel Yantra in Veliko Tarnovo now offers the most modern forms of relaxation after a major renovation, hotel manager Ivo Staykov told BTA. The renovation was completed in 2025 and covered the main areas - indoor pool, relaxation spaces, etc. The next phase will include cons»»»
CBSE curriculum revamp: Major 2026‑27 syllabus changes explained
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will phasedly implement its new curriculum starting 2026-27, officials said on Friday. The reforms include the three-language formula for Class 6 and a two-level system in mathematics and science for Class 9, according to a PTI report. Three-language »»»
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito hospitalized last month - UPI.com
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and his wife, Martha Bomgardner, attend inauguration ceremonies in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2025. Pool photo by Chip Somodevilla/UPI | License Photo April 3 (UPI) -- Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was taken to a Philadelphia hospital after a Federalist So»»»
White House calls on congress to approve 40 percent increase in defense budget next year
Washington: The White House administration Friday called on Congress to approve a massive $1.5 trillion defense budget for next year. This request comes amid the ongoing war between the US, Israel and Iran and Washington's efforts to fund its military operations and replenish its weapons stockpiles»»»
MRF Candidates for Parliament Hold Meetings with Residents in Kardzhali Region
The candidates for MPs from the list of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms party in Kardzhali 9th Multi-member Constituency met on Friday with residents of several settlements in the region - Sevdalina, Zaychino, Bagra, Skalna Glava, Kalinka, Chilik and Kostino, according to the local party press»»»
Bulgaria Can Party Leader Presents Certificates to MP Candidates in Pleven
The leader of the Bulgaria Can party, Kuzman Iliev, presented certificates to the party's candidates for members of parliament for the Pleven 15th Multi-member Constituency for the early parliamentary elections on April 19. This took place at a campaign meeting in Pleven where the party's prioritie»»»
Using emergency alert sounds as ringtones could land you in legal trouble
The Ministry of Interior in Qatar has cautioned the public against playing or circulating audio or video clips that mimic the National Emergency Alert System, including using such tones as mobile ringtones. Authorities warned that these risks causing panic and disturbing public order. In a statemen»»»
Bolivia defends Argentina's claim to Falkland Islands - UPI.com
Tensions escalated after remarks by United Kingdom Ambassador Richard Porter, who reaffirmed British sovereignty over the islands. The dispute over the Falkland Islands dates to the 19th century and remains unresolved. File Photo by Javier Lizon/EPA April 3 (UPI) -- Bolivia defended its support for»»»
Vazrazhdane's Top-of-the-List Candidate in Yambol Addresses Water Sector Issues
Bad management and an outdated water supply network have lead to huge losses, which in some places reach 85% on average for water utilities, said Nikola Dimitrov, top-of-the-list candidate of the Vazrazhdane party list in Yambol's 31st multi-member constituency in a position distributed to the medi»»»
UAE: One dead, four injured after fires at Habshan gas facilities in Abu Dhabi
Authorities confirmed that two fires broke out at the Habshan Gas Processing Plant after debris fell following a successful air defence interception. Emergency response teams responded swiftly and brought the situation under control, officials said, adding that the incident occurred as part of the »»»
Earthquake in India: Tremors felt across Delhi-NCR, parts of North India
Earthquake tremors were felt across Delhi-NCR and several parts of North India on Friday, triggering panic among residents who rushed out of homes and office buildings. There were, however, no immediate reports of any casualties. The tremors were reported from multiple locations, including Delhi, N»»»
Pam Bondi’s firing had nothing to do with Epstein files – Trump’s acting AG
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has dismissed reports that President Donald Trump fired former AG Pam Bondi over her botched handling of the Epstein files. Blanche made the remarks on Fox News on Thursday, hours after Trump announced that Bondi, who had served since early 2025, was out. The»»»
Bulgaria's Tallest Ferris Wheel Is Unveiled in Sofia
A 40-meter Ferris wheel, the tallest in Bulgaria, was unveiled in the Boris’ Garden in Sofia as part of the city’s newest event, Sun Fest Sofia. The opening of the Ferris wheel is included in the festive program marking 147th anniversary of Sofia as capital of Bulgaria. The attraction was manufactu»»»
1 crew member rescued after US fighter jet goes down in Iran
One crew member has been rescued after an American aircraft went down in Iran, according to one U.S. and one Israeli official, who both spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive ongoing military operations. The rescue occurred as the U.S. military was conducting a search and rescue oper»»»
Iran Shoots Down US Fighter Jet, One Pilot Rescued, Media Say
One US crew member has been rescued after Iran shot down a warplane on Friday, Israeli and US media reported, as the war looked set to intensify with US President Donald Trump threatening more attacks on civilian infrastructure. Two US sources told Reuters the plane was a two-seat F-15E and a »»»
US Embassy in Beirut Warns of Possible Iran Threat to Universities in Lebanon
The US embassy in Beirut said on Friday that Iran and its aligned armed groups "may intend to target universities in Lebanon". In a security alert, the embassy also urged US citizens to depart Lebanon "while commercial flight options remain available". Lebanon was dragged into the conf»»»
Series of Black Sea Incidents: Bulgarian Navy Recovers Drone Wing, UAV and a Buoy
Specialized Navy teams in Bulgaria carried out multiple operations over two consecutive days in response to reports of objects found in the Black Sea. All cases involved reconnaissance, identification and transport of items initially suspected to be unexploded ordnance or hazardous debris. On April»»»
Man arrested in scam targeting elderly woman’s gold and cash
A 35-year-old man was arrested in Thessaloniki over a scam that defrauded an 81-year-old woman in the northern region of Pella of 146 gold coins and about €4,000. Police said the victim received a call from a man posing as her son’s accountant, claiming her son faced a fine for undeclared money and»»»
Tunisia’s Ambassador to China presents credentials to President of Mongolia
Tunis, April 3 (TAP) - Tunisia’s Ambassador to China Adel Elarbi on Thursday in Ulaanbaatar, presented his credentials to President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tunisia to...»»»
Kozarev meets with North Macedonian ambassador
BELGRADE - Secretary General at the Serbian MFA Dusan Kozarev met with North Macedonian Ambassador to Belgrade Nikola Tupanceski on Friday to discuss stepping up economic and cultural cooperation, as well as strengthening ties in the infrastructure and energy sectors. "Serbia remains firmly committ»»»
Air Serbia carries record-high 813,188 passengers in Q1 2026
BELGRADE - In Q1 2026, Air Serbia set a new standard for its business operations with 813,188 passengers carried and 3 pct growth y-o-y, the national airline said on Friday. "This is also the first time that the number of 800,000 carried passengers was surpassed in the January-March period. During »»»
Trump: JD Vance will be new fraud czar, focus on 'blue states' - UPI.com
1 of 3 | Colin McDonald listens as Vice President JD Vance speaks during his swearing in as Assistant Attorney General for National Fraud Enforcement in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Pool Photo by Will Oliver/UPI | License Photo April 3 (UPI) -- Vice President JD Vance is now the government's fra»»»
Iran shoots down U.S. fighter jet; one pilot rescued, one missing - UPI.com
The Iranian military shot down a U.S. F-15E similar to the one pictured on Friday. File Photo by Senior Airman Mitch Fuqua/U.S. Air Force. April 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. forces rescued at least one crew member after Iran shot down a U.S. F-15E fighter jet Friday, unnamed U.S. military sources told multi»»»
Chile joins regional debate to regulate surrogate motherhood - UPI.com
The Chilean The Family Committee of the Chamber of Deputies began this week to discuss a bill supported by all political parties that would prohibit and penalize the practice of surrogate motherhood. Photo by widephish/Pixabay SANTIAGO, Chile, April 3 (UPI) -- Chile has joined other Latin American »»»
Putin, Erdogan Urge Immediate Middle East Ceasefire
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East war during a phone call on Friday, the Kremlin said. The war started over a month ago with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, triggering a conflict throughout the Middle East »»»
Belchin Garden Hotel Offers Four Mineral Water Pools and Year-Round Spa Services
SPA Hotel Belchin Garden offers year-round spa services to its guests, hotel manager Petar Ivanov told BTA. The entire centre uses mineral water and features four pools, both indoor and outdoor. The children’s pool, located outdoors, is heated at 35C. The spa centre also includes a Finnish sauna an»»»
State Policy Must Support Citizens, Says BSP - United Left's Top Candidate in Ruse
The state must support its citizens with solidarity, justice and real solutions, Denitsa Ivanova, top-of-the-list candidate of the BSP - United Left coalition in Ruse, said on Friday. She, together with MP candidate Emil Georgiev, met with representatives of the Union of the Blind in Bulgaria and w»»»
Photo Exhibition of Ukrainian Sculptor's Works Opens on Sofia’s Capital Day
A photo exhibition titled "In the Footsteps of Mykhailo Parashchuk," dedicated to the 147th anniversary since Sofia was declared Bulgaria’s capital, was opened on St Nedelya Square on Friday. Mykhailo Parashchuk was a Ukrainian sculptor and the author of sculptural facades and decorations on buildi»»»
Environment Minister, French Ambassador Discuss Current Topics on Environmental Protection
Caretaker Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov discussed current topics on environmental protection with the Ambassador of France to Bulgaria Marie Dumoulin, the Ministry's press centre reported on Friday. A topic raised by the French side was the import of batteries and solar panels. Pop»»»
Finance Ministry Revises Inflation, GDP Projections for 2026 Due to Middle East Conflict
The average annual inflation in Bulgaria is expected to reach 4.3% this year, while the annual increase in consumer prices is projected to amount to 5.2% by the end of 2026, according to the spring macroeconomic forecast of the Finance Ministry, published on its website. At the same time, the real »»»
Rising energy prices deepen economic strain in Turkiye: Turkish economists
Istanbul: Turkiye's economy is facing mounting pressure from persistently high global energy prices, as the country relies heavily on imports of oil and gas to meet domestic demand. This dependence has exposed it to global market volatility, driving up production costs, increasing the burden on bus»»»
Ukraine uncovers alleged $17.7 million grain embezzlement scheme, investigators say
An alleged corruption scheme involving the embezzlement of $17.7 million worth of grain has been uncovered in Ukraine, implicating senior officials of a state grain corporation and an unnamed foreign company. The US-backed National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-C»»»
Iranians Urged to Hunt for Crew of Downed US Fighter Jet
Iran authorities urged people living in the rugged southwest of the country to search for the crew of a downed US fighter jet on Friday as state TV broadcast images of what was said to be the mangled remains of the plane. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for military operations in the »»»
US Fighter Shot Down Over Iran as Trump Threatens to Hit More Infrastructure
Iran shot down a US warplane on Friday, setting off a search by both sides for surviving crew as the war looked set to intensify with President Donald Trump threatening more attacks on civilian infrastructure. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was combing an area near where the plane came do»»»
Security forces intensify measures to safeguard oil supply routes
Deir Ezzor, Apr. 3 (SANA) Internal security forces have reinforced measures to secure and protect oil tanker trucks convoys departing from al-Omar oil field in Deir Ezzor province and heading toward the city of Banyas, as part of a comprehensive plan to safeguard oil infrastructure and ensure the s»»»
White House Requests Giant $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget Amid Iran War
The White House sent a spending proposal to lawmakers Friday calling for a massive $1.5 trillion US defense budget next year as it faces increased costs due to the war in Iran. The total year-on-year increase in Pentagon spending would be the largest since World War II, US media reported, although »»»