Italy’s football chief resigns after World Cup disaster
Milan: The head of Italy’s football federation (FIGC) resigned yesterday, falling on his sword after the men’s national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time. Gabriele Gravina revealed he would step down as the country’s top football official following a meeting held»»»
North Korea’s Kim Pets Puppies, Kittens at Pyongyang Pet Shop
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un petted puppies and kittens with his delighted daughter as they toured a new Pyongyang housing district, state media said Friday. The Hwasong area, formerly mostly farmland, is a newly developed residential district with about 40,000 housing units built through a seri»»»
Man Arrested After Setting off Pyrotechnics on German Train, Injuring 12
A man armed with knives was arrested after setting off pyrotechnics on a high-speed train in Germany, injuring 12 people, police said Friday. The incident occurred late Thursday on an Intercity Express train, the German equivalent of France's TGV, bound for Frankfurt in western Germany, with around»»»
UN Security Council Delays Vote on Authorizing Force to Protect Hormuz
The UN Security Council has postponed a vote scheduled for Friday on authorizing the use of "defensive" force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks, according to the official program. The 15-member body was set to vote Friday morning on a draft resolution brought by Bahra»»»
Fresh Snow Increases Snow Cover on Rozhen Peak, Pamporovo
A fresh 20 cm of snow fell on Rozhen Peak, bringing the total snow cover there to 59 cm, meteorologists at the station told BTA on Friday. Snow fell in the higher parts of the Rhodope Mountains over the past 24 hours, while rain fell elsewhere. The Mountain Rescue Service in Pamporovo told BTA that»»»
MoCI strengthens supply chains with suppliers and companies
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), in cooperation with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), held a coordination meeting yesterday bringing together major suppliers in Qatar and a number of relevant local companies to enhance the resilience and sustainability of supply chains at the»»»
Investors await QSE listed companies first quarter 2026 earnings
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) index ended the week’s trading up by 0.66 percent, raising its balance by 66.85 points to reach 10,227 points, supported by the positive performance of five sectors, particularly the industrial sector, which recorded an increase of 1.62 percent. In this c»»»
Trump mocks Macron, wife: France pushes back
Seoul: French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday Donald Trump’s mocking comments about his marriage did not merit a response, calling them “neither elegant nor up to standard”. But after days of tensions over US-Israeli strikes on Iran and over NATO, an apparently irritated Macron launched »»»
Dubai gold steadies, what buyers should know
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai edged slightly higher on Friday morning, offering a pause after the sharp declines seen through much of March. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and India.) Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Chequ»»»
Germany limits gas price hikes to once a day
Berlin: The German government announced the implementation of new regulatory measures to curb frequent fuel price fluctuations by limiting the number of price increases to once per day. Price increases are permitted once at midday, whereas price decreases may be made at any time without limit. The »»»
Rising oil prices put global economy on brink of stagflation
Doha, Qatar: Surging global oil and gas prices are creating a new set of economic challenges for countries worldwide. The most prominent of these challenges is the fight against stagflation, with major fears of stagflation, central banks are now facing a dilemma over raising interest rates to contr»»»
Middle East live: UN Security Council to vote on force to protect Hormuz access
The UN Security Council is set to vote Friday on a draft resolution allowing a “defensive” force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran’s actions disrupt a vital global trade route. Backed by the United States, the measure comes amid rising tensions and concerns over energy supplies a»»»
North Korea to Hold Burial Ceremony for Troops Killed in Ukraine War
North Korea will hold a ceremony this month to bury the remains of its soldiers killed while fighting overseas alongside Russia against Ukraine, state media said Friday. Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops -- as well as missiles and munitions -- to support Russia's war in Ukraine. Seoul estimate»»»
Trump’s Anger Over Iran Thrusts NATO into Fresh Crisis
The NATO alliance has in recent years survived existential challenges - ranging from the war in Ukraine to multiple bouts of pressure and insults from US President Donald Trump, who has questioned its core mission and threatened to seize Greenland. But it is the US-Israeli war with Iran, thousands »»»
Qatar University strengthens institutional preparedness to ensure community safety
Doha, Qatar: As part of its institutional responsibility and commitment to the safety of its community, Qatar University (QU) confirmed that it continues to implement measures aimed at strengthening institutional preparedness in response to the directives issued by the Ministry of Interior and rele»»»
Ports see steady growth from January to March
Doha, Qatar: Hamad, Doha, Ruwais Port handled over 291,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in first quarter (Q1) of 2026, along with around 237,000 tonnes of general cargo and more than 200,000 tonnes of bulk cargo. The ports also processed nearly 25,000 RoRo units and 75,779 heads of livestock»»»
LuLu Hypermarket lights up in blue for World Autism Awareness Day
Doha, Qatar: LuLu Hypermarket marked World Autism Awareness Day 2026 by illuminating its D-Ring Road branch in blue, demonstrating support for individuals with autism and promoting awareness across the community. Aligned with this year’s global theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value “wh»»»
Traditional Crafts Center opened in Bishkek - | 24.KG
The official opening ceremony of a Traditional Crafts Center was held at the Gapar Aitiev Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts. This event was made possible through cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Korea. The initiative aims to modernize production and introduce digital ma»»»
About 90 percent of emergencies in Kyrgyzstan linked to climate factors - | 24.KG
Over the past 60 years, the average annual temperature in Kyrgyzstan has risen by approximately 1.2°C — twice the global rate. Zhibek Kadoeva, a senior specialist at the Main Department of Environmental and Climate Policy of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, sai»»»
Lee says S. Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz - UPI.com
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (R) enter a welcome luncheon at the presidential Blue House in Seoul Friday. Photo by Yonhap President Lee Jae Myung said Friday he and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to work together to secure the safe passage t»»»
Ministry of Awqaf to host third ‘Ummah Seminar’ on April 7
Doha, Qatar: The Department of Islamic Research and Studies at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs will host the third seminar in its fourth season of the cultural project “Ummah Seminar” in the evening of April 7 at Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque. This season’s seminars are organised »»»
Seminar on educational leadership in crises and recovery strategies held
Doha, Qatar: The Doha-based Arab Centre for Educational Training for the Gulf States organised a virtual symposium yesterday on educational leadership in crises, with the participation of a select group of educational leaders and specialists from Gulf and Arab countries. The seminar, held as a cont»»»
South Korea, France Agree to Deepen Defense Cooperation Amid Middle East Conflict
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday they planned to boost defense cooperation and work together to address the economic and energy crises triggered by the war in Iran. Macron arrived in South Korea on Thursday for a two-day state visit after also»»»
Kyrgyzstan ratifies agreement with World Bank on pandemic prevention - | 24.KG
President Sadyr Japarov signed a law ratifying an agreement with the International Development Association and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to finance a healthcare project. The project is part of One Health program — the first phase of an initiative aimed at pandemic pr»»»
MoEHE holds workshop for academic advisors to review scholarship plan
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, represented by the Scholarship Department and the School and Student Affairs Department, recently organised a specialised training workshop for academic advisors from both public and private schools, with the participation of approximatel»»»
Spain Rethinks How to Turn Tide against Beach Erosion
Every winter, storms wipe out swathes of the picturesque Spanish coast, undoing summer reconstruction work and threatening the foundations of the country's vital tourism industry. Faced with a futile cycle of damage followed by reparations of artificial material, some beach holiday destinations are»»»
World Autism Awareness Day: Expert advice helps parents support children during stressful moments
Doha, Qatar: As the world marked World Autism Awareness Day yesterday, parents and caregivers are being encouraged to better support children with autism, particularly during times of stress and uncertainty. Consultant Developmental Pediatrician at Sidra Medicine, Dr. Aboud Babiker Ali Eltom says s»»»
QF lights up Education City in blue for World Autism Day
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation (QF) is marking World Autism Awareness Day, observed annually on April 2, by lighting its headquarters in Education City, along with Education City Stadium and Sidra Medicine, in blue over three consecutive evenings. World Autism Awareness Day is a global initiative pr»»»
Seminar discusses role of volunteering in building student character
Doha, Qatar: The Core Curriculum Programme at the Deanship of General Studies at Qatar University (QU) organised a virtual seminar titled ‘How Does Volunteering Enhance Your Character?’ which was attended by more than 150 students from various colleges across the university. The seminar was held vi»»»
No Sign of War Winding Down in Mideast as Friday Dawns with Attacks across Region
There was little sign Friday of the war in the Mideast winding down as Israel said it faced incoming fire from Iran, Kuwait and Bahrain reported being under attack, and Iran said eight people were killed while celebrating the close of Persian new year near a major bridge hit by a US strike. Tehran »»»
UN Resumes Operations in Sudanese Capital after 3 Years of War
The United Nations announced on Thursday that it was officially resuming operations in the Sudanese capital Khartoum after three years of war. UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian and Development Coordinator in Sudan Denise Brown said the move was significant and allows UN agencies to reach all»»»
Kyrgyzstan launches national exchange trading mechanism for precious metals - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan has officially launched a national digital exchange trading mechanism for precious metals on the platform of the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange (KSE). The KSE, Kyrgyzaltyn OJSC, and Central Depository CJSC have signed a trilateral agreement enabling the free buying and selling of precious metals »»»
UAE to see clouds, dust and rain in coming days
Dubai: Fair to partly cloudy conditions are expected across the UAE on Friday, with humid weather forecast overnight into Saturday morning in some coastal and internal areas, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). Light to moderate winds are expected during the day, occasionally fre»»»
Qatar launches cloud privacy assessment tool to strengthen data protection
Doha, Qatar: National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) yesterday announced the launch of a new Cloud Computing Privacy Assessment Tool aimed at helping organisations enhance privacy governance and strengthen data protection as the country accelerates its digital transformation. In a post on X, the agen»»»
Iraq begins oil exports on tankers through Syria — ministry
BAGHDAD — Iraq has begun exporting crude using tanker trucks through Syria, its oil ministry said, more than a month into a war that has wrought havoc on energy markets.A founding member of the OPEC oil cartel, Iraq is hugely dependent on its oil exports, accounting for some 90 percent of its budge»»»
No Threat to Bulgaria From Iran, Analyst Says Amid Diplomatic Note Row
Journalist Hristo Rimpopov told Bulgarian National Radio that there is no basis to assume Bulgaria could become a target of Iranian attacks, following confirmation by the Foreign Ministry that Tehran had sent a diplomatic note concerning the presence of US aircraft at a Bulgarian airport. The clari»»»
Oil Prices Surge While Asian Share Prices Rise Moderately
Oil prices continued to surge on worries of a prolonged Iran war but the Asian markets that were open Friday rose moderately in cautious trading, while others were closed for the Good Friday holidays. Benchmark US crude rose 11.4% to $111.54 a barrel. The price of Brent crude, the international sta»»»
A Look at the UK’s Royal Navy, Which Has Faced Jibe After Jibe from Trump and Hegseth
US President Donald Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been damning of the UK's naval capabilities. Their jibes may have stung in a country with a long and proud maritime history, but they do carry some substance. The UK has been at the forefront of Trump’s ire since the onset of the»»»
Qatar strengthens inclusive education for students with autism
Doha, Qatar: Marking World Autism Awareness Day, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and empowering students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), advancing inclusive education and fostering greater societal integration. Demonstrating th»»»
Trump pledges to 'finish the job' in Iran in national address but offers no exit plan
President Donald Trump said US forces would keep hitting Iran "very hard" in the next two or three weeks and bring the country "back to the Stone Ages" in a televised address on Wednesday night, even as he argued that Washington had accomplished its goals but offered no clear timeline for ending th»»»
Trump fires loyalist Pam Bondi as US attorney general
US President Donald Trump has fired Pam Bondi, a loyalist who oversaw Justice Department upheaval during her role as US attorney general, replacing her with his former personal attorney Todd Blanche. US President Donald Trump on Thursday fired his attorney&nb»»»
First Chadian police arrive in Haiti to join UN-backed Gang Suppression Force
An advance contingent of police from Chad arrived in Haiti on Wednesday along with the new head of a UN-backed gang-suppression force tasked with helping Haitian security forces fight off powerful gangs that control most of the capital Port-au-Prince. Chad has pledged 800 officers, b»»»
The Debate - No longer so mighty? Iran war tests US strength and resolve
Might is right... until it's not. 2026 began with US commandos grabbing Venezuela’s president with zero casualties, an operation that put the rest of the world was on notice. But now, Donald Trump's first prime time address in nearly five weeks of war worrying markets instead of reassuring the»»»
Truth or Fake - Fact-checking Trump's address on the war in Iran
In his 19-minute address to the nation from the White House on Wednesday, President Donald Trump defended his war in Iran, which is now entering his second month, presenting the operation as a success that he said was “nearing completion.” But the President also stretched the truth about certain vi»»»
Kyrgyzaltyn granted subsoil use rights for Taldy-Bulak deposit - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzaltyn OJSC has been granted subsoil use rights for Taldy-Bulak deposit in Talas region. The corresponding order was signed by Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev. According to the document, the company is authorized to develop the Taldy-Bulak gold and copper deposit covering 178.6 hectares an»»»
Dubai’s Dh1bn support plan eases costs, boosts business confidence
Dubai: Dubai’s Dh1 billion economic support package is being interpreted by business leaders and economists as a pre-emptive move to protect growth momentum, with authorities stepping in early to ease pressure on companies facing tighter liquidity and rising operating costs. Sign up for our daily b»»»
Endless lines, empty wallets: World’s poorest nations buckle under $155 billion fuel burden
Amidst the global fuel crunch, a stark economic and humanitarian reality confronts the world's most vulnerable. A relentless cascade: fuel prices spiraling, household budgets breaking, roads falling silent — and snaking queues at the pump growing longer by the hour. "Poorest nations pay $155 billio»»»
Gulf states call for UN approval to use force to secure Hormuz Strait
Gulf states have called for the UN Security Council to authorise the use of force to secure the Strait of Hormuz against Iranian attacks, after the vital shipping lane was effectively shut by Iran, disrupting global energy supplies. Iran has warned of “more destructive” attacks on Israel and t»»»
Macron says 'unrealistic' to open Hormuz Strait by force, urges Trump to 'be serious'
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to force open the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump challenged allies to work towards reopening it. In unusually strong criticism, Macron accused Trump of constantly con»»»
US war on Iran: 'Absolute disaster' for Middle Eastern airlines
Nadia Massih is pleased to welcome Dr. Wouter Dewulf, professor at the University of Antwerp AMS where he serves as Academic Director for the Master of Maritime/Air Transport Management. According to Dr. Dewulf, the current crisis facing global airlines must be understood as a convergence of geopol»»»