Jordan’s financial inclusion rate rises to 62% in 2024 — WB
AMMAN — Jordan has recorded "marked" progress in expanding access to financial services, according to the Global Financial Inclusion Index 2025 issued by the World Bank, with 62 per cent of adults hold a bank account or electronic wallet in 2024.The figure represents a steady increase from 47 per c»»»
Audit Bureau launches 1st 'Peer Review' with UK NAO
AMMAN — The Audit Bureau announced on Sunday the launch of the first "peer review" mission, marking a milestone in its history. This initiative is part of the Bureau’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability and institutional efficiency.This mission is consider»»»
Pakistan confirms Sunday attack on 7 camps in Afghanistan - UPI.com
Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif speaks on the fourth day of the 80th session of the General Debate in the UN General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in 2025. On Sunday, Pakistan confirmed attacks in Afghanistan. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo Feb. 2»»»
More than 1,500 prisoners set for release under Venezuela's new amnesty law
At least 1,557 people - including opposition members, activists, human rights defenders and journalists who were held in Venezuela for political reasons, are expected to be released from prison after submitting their applications under an amnesty bill that was signed into law th»»»
Cuban exiles in the US send aid to loved ones on the island
In the early morning, Florida resident Gisela Salgado headed to a local store with a bag stuffed with clothes, coffee and powdered milk to send to her brother in Cuba. She was not alone. Even though some shipping agents in the Sunshine State have restricted the mailing of packages to the nearby cri»»»
US Secret Service kill armed man trying to access Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate
An armed man was shot and killed by the US Secret Service on Sunday after driving into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump's resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The North Carolina man, who was in his early 20s, had a gas can and a shotgun and had been reported »»»
Mar-a-Lago incident reflects ‘tense’ US political environment, analyst says
An armed man drove into the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump’s resort in Palm Beach, Florida, early Sunday as another vehicle was exiting, and was shot and killed, according to a US Secret Service spokesman. David Smith, Washington bureau chief at the Guardian, noted that the »»»
New York mayor Mamdani orders citywide travel ban ahead of major snowstorm
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday ordered a travel ban and shutdown of the city's traffic network ahead of a massive snowstorm expected to hit the northeast United States. The ban will not affect essential workers or New Yorkers needing to travel due to emergencies. New York Mayor Z»»»
Hezbollah says 'resistance' is the only choice after deadly Israeli strike
A Hezbollah official on Saturday said that "resistance" was the only option after Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed eight of its operatives. On Friday, the Israeli military said it had hit Hezbollah command centres in eastern Lebanon and targets linked to the Palestinian group Hamas in th»»»
Arab, Muslim nations slam ‘inflammatory’ remarks by US ambassador to Israel
Several members of the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Sunday issued a joint statement condemning remarks by the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, that it “would be fine” if Israel took over a huge swath of the Mid»»»
Iranian students protest at universities amid tensions with US
Iranian students chanted anti-government slogans and scuffled with counter-protesters on Saturday in the latest display of anger at the country's clerical leaders, who also face a US military build-up aimed at pressuring them into a nuclear deal. The gatherings at universities, which were reported »»»
Spain’s Sagrada Familia reaches maximum height (VIDEO)
The final piece of the central tower of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia has been set in place, bringing the basilica to its maximum height of 172.5 meters – a milestone reached 144 years after the first stone was laid. Construction of the basilica began in 1882 and continued for decades under the direc»»»
A week in France - Killing of nationalist student has repercussions for French Politics
A march to honor Quentin Deranque was held in Lyon on Saturday. The far-right student activist was beaten to death on February 12th, following a fight between two groups from opposite political extremes. His killing has shocked the country and put France on edge. President Emmanuel Macron has denou»»»
France to summon US ambassador over comments on slain far-right activist, foreign minister says
France will summon the US ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, over comments on the killing of a French far-right activist Quentin Deranque last week, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Sunday French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Sunday that he would summon»»»
Pakistan launches strikes in Afghanistan, ‘dozens’ killed and wounded, Kabul says
Pakistan launched multiple cross-border strikes targeting "terrorist training camps and hideouts" in eastern Afghanistan, the information ministry said Sunday. Afghanistan's defence ministry said "dozens" of civilians, including women and children, were killed and wounded as tensions between the tw»»»
A Russian passport, a mother's vigil for Ukraine's children
When her kids aren’t watching, Olga devours every piece of news she can find about the war in Ukraine. The Russian mother forces herself to look at photographs of the Ukrainians who have been killed, trying to remember the face of every child lost in her country’s four-year aggression. Speaking out»»»
Live: Hungary will block new EU sanctions on Russia over Ukraine oil dispute
Hungary will block the European Union's next package of sanctions against Russia, its foreign minister said on Sunday, until Ukraine resumes shipments of Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline, which has been cut off since January 27 after being damaged by a Russian drone,»»»
Greenland does not need Trump’s ‘great hospital boat’, Denmark says
Greenland does not need healthcare assistance from foreign countries, Denmark's Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Sunday after President Donald Trump announced the US was sending a "great hospital boat" to tend to the "many" sick people "not being taken care of" in the autonomous Danish ter»»»
Russian launches missile barrage on Ukraine's energy facilities
Russia fired scores of missiles and drones at targets across Ukraine on Sunday, crashing into energy and rail infrastructure and residential buildings, just two days before the fourth anniversary of Moscow's all-out invasion. The capital Kyiv, regularly targeted by Russian missile and drone attacks»»»
Democratic Party Schedules New Protest for February 28
Democratic Party of Albania has announced a new protest set for February 28, party leader Sali Berisha said in a message to party structures. The announcement comes less than two weeks after violent clashes marked the February 20 demonstration outside the Parliament and Prime Minister’s office. In »»»
Ministry of Endowments reaffirms support for Al Tamakon School
Doha, Qatar: The General Directorate of Endowments at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has reaffirmed its continued support for Al Tamakon Comprehensive School (also known as Al Tamakon for Comprehensive Education) to strengthen the stability of the educational journey for students wi»»»
Mexican military kills cartel kingpin 'El Mencho' - UPI.com
The Mexican military on Sunday killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, a Mexican national also known as "El Mencho," the alleged co-founder and current leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, which is a noted violent Mexican drug cartel responsible for the trafficking of fentanyl and other »»»
US ‘totally’ rejects global AI governance, White House adviser tells India summit
The US "totally" rejects global governance of AI, White House technology adviser Michael Kratsios said Friday, noting that "risk-focused obsessions" inhibit a "competitive ecosystem". Kratsios addressed an AI summit in New Delhi a day after French President Emmanuel Macron told the gather»»»
Edi Rama Announces €167 Million Transfer to Special Pension Fund Account
Albania has transferred €167 million into a special pension fund account aimed at strengthening the country’s long-term retirement system, Prime Minister Edi Rama said during an appearance on the podcast “Flasim” on Sunday. Speaking on the program, Rama confirmed that the funds have been deposited »»»
Parliament to Review Immunity of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku
Belinda Balluku faces a potential parliamentary review of her immunity, as the Council of Mandates is scheduled to meet on Monday to consider a request from the Special Prosecutio Against Corruption (SPAK). The decision to convene the Immunity Council comes days after the European Commission urged »»»
Pakistan strikes seven militant camps near Afghan border
Pakistan’s armed forces have carried out strikes on seven alleged militant camps and hideouts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, in what officials described as a retaliatory response to a series of recent suicide bombings, local media Dawn reports. »»»
Syria empties al-Hol camp as final convoy departs for Aleppo
Syria's notorious al-Hol ISIS camp, which once held tens of thousands of women and children linked to the Islamic State group, has been fully cleared after the final convoy departed on February 22, officials said. Fadi al-»»»
Israel withdraws own bobsleigh team from Milan-Cortina Winter Games over false illness claim
Israel's Olympic Committee has withdrawn its four-man bobsleigh team from the 2026 Winter Games after an athlete falsely claimed to be ill in order to allow a substitute to race in his place, the Times of Israel reported on February 22. »»»
Khamenei says Iran will not submit to US pressure as nuclear talks continue
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has said American threats against Iran produce the opposite of their intended effect, as US nuclear envoy Steve Witkoff publicly questioned why Tehran had not "submitted" despite sustained pressure from Washington, his media service reported on February 22. »»»
Iran signs €500mn 'secret' arms deal with Russia to restore air defences
Iran has concluded a clandestine €500mn (approximately $541mn) weapons agreement with Moscow to procure thousands of advanced portable air defence systems, as Tehran moves to replenish military capabilities lost during its conflict with Israel last year, the Financial Times reported on February 22.»»»
Students at Iranian universities chant against system as security clash with protesters
Students at at least eight universities across Iran held anti-government protests for a second consecutive day on February 22, chanting slogans against the Islamic Republic and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei while calling for the return of the Pahlavi monarchy, according to footage and reports circula»»»
CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Should Kyrgyzstan’s Japarov fear a triumphant return of Tashiyev as his nemesis?
What kind of autocracy will take shape in Kyrgyzstan now that President Sadyr Japarov has purged co-ruler Kamchybek Tashiyev and his allies? “Today, Japarov appears to be on the brink of achieving what none of his predeces»»»
INTERVIEW: FeroInvest bets on battery storage as North Macedonia’s solar capacity grows
As renewables capacity expands in North Macedonia, the country is beginning to confront a common challenge: too much electricity at certain hours of the day and too little flexibility in the system. To address this, FeroInvest recently installed the first battery energy storage system in the countr»»»
Pakistan strikes seven militant camps near Afghan border
Pakistan’s armed forces have carried out strikes on seven alleged militant camps and hideouts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, in what officials described as a retaliatory response to a series of recent suicide bombings, local media Dawn reports. »»»
Iran signs €500mn 'secret' arms deal with Russia to restore air defences
Iran has concluded a clandestine €500mn (approximately $541mn) weapons agreement with Moscow to procure thousands of advanced portable air defence systems, as Tehran moves to replenish military capabilities lost during its conflict with Israel last year, the Financial Times reported on February 22.»»»
Russia dumps milk as overproduction crisis drives up dairy prices
Russia has been forced to destroy thousands of litres of unsold milk amid a nationwide overproduction crisis, and increasing imports from Belarus, according to the latest data out of the country. Farmers have been una»»»
Doha to host International Cricket Council Board and Committee meetings
Doha: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Doha will host the next round of ICC Board and Committee meetings from March 25-27, 2026. The meetings will bring together ICC Board Directors, Chief Executives, Committee Members and senior leadership as part of the organisation’s on»»»
JPMorgan closed Trump accounts after Jan. 6, court documents show - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Chairman and CEO of J.P. Morgan Chase Jamie Dimon, pictured in 2023, has been named in a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the bank for closing his accounts after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Feb. 22 (UPI) -- JPMor»»»
Arsenal's Eze sinks Spurs again, Liverpool late show floors Forest
London: Eberechi Eze was the scourge of Tottenham again as his double restored Arsenal's five-point lead at the top of the Premier League in a 4-1 win on Sunday, while Liverpool needed Alexis Mac Allister's 97th-minute goal to beat Nottingham Forest 1-0. Eze, who nearly joined Spurs prior to moving»»»
UAE backs Kuwait over maritime sovereignty
Dubai: The UAE has reaffirmed its full and unwavering solidarity with Kuwait in all measures it takes to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, stressing its support for Kuwait against any infringement of its sovereignty or national interests. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs»»»
BSP Floor Leader Kiselova: Neynsky’s Return as Foreign Minister Is Wrong After Libya Trial
BSP–United Left Floor Leader Nataliya Kiselova said on Sunday that it was wrong for caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky to return to the post years after the Libya trial. Kiselova added that Bulgaria’s foreign policy should be more moderate. Kiselova said there were ministers with baggage f»»»
Top Mexican drug cartel leader killed: reports
Mexico City: The Mexican army on Sunday killed the powerful drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, several media outlets reported, although there has been no official government confirmation. Oseguera, who had a $15 million reward on his head from the United States, was reported killed by the Mexican»»»
Former Caretaker Minister for Fair Elections Tzitzelkov: I Will Not Quit CEC Public Council
Former caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Fair Elections Stoil Tzitzelkov said on Sunday he will not resign from the Public Council with the Central Election Commission (CEC), speaking on bTV. Tzitzelkov, who stepped down as deputy prime minister on Friday, said there was no legal or »»»
Geneva to Host US-Iran Talks on Thursday - Omani Foreign Minister
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The next round of negotiations between the United States and Iran will be held in Geneva on February 26, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced on Sunday. "Pleased to confirm US-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra »»»
Mexican Army Kills Leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel
The Mexican army killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” in an operation Sunday, a federal official said. The official, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said it happened during a military opera»»»
Thousands attend Ramadan awareness program for non-Arab communities in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: An outreach initiative organised by the Sheikh Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center has attracted thousands of non-Arabic-speaking Muslims as part of preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs said on Sunday. The program f»»»
Secret Service Kills Armed Man Trying to Access Trump Florida Estate
US Secret Service agents fatally shot a man armed with a shotgun who breached the security perimeter of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida in the early hours of Sunday morning. Although the president often spends weekends at his resort, he and first lady Melania Trump»»»
Abu Dhabi Police launch e-scooter safety drive
Abu Dhabi Police have carried out a field awareness campaign targeting electric scooter users on Abu Dhabi Island as part of efforts to enhance road safety and ensure compliance with traffic regulations. The initiative was implemented by the Department of Traffic and Patrols at Abu Dhabi Police, in»»»
Iran Reportedly Agreed Secret Shoulder-fired Missile Deal with Russia
Iran agreed a secret 500 million euro ($589 million) arms deal with Russia to acquire thousands of advanced shoulder-fired missiles, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. The agreement, signed in Moscow in December, commits Russia to deliver 500 man-portable "Verba" launch units and 2,500 "9M336"»»»
Greenland says 'no thanks' to Trump US hospital boat
Greenland's prime minister has asked US President Donald Trump to talk to him instead of making "random outbursts on social media", after Trump said he was sending a US hospital boat to "take care" of people on the island. Trump wrote on Truth Social that he was going to send a boat filled with med»»»