Iraq’s Sadr Accepts Defectors’ Return, Signals Force to Rivals
Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Shiite National Current, has offered what amounts to an amnesty to a group of former followers who had broken away from his movement and joined armed factions, most of which have strained relations with him. The majority of leaders and fighters in the Sh»»»
Egypt Signs Renewable Energy Deals Worth $1.8 Billion
Egypt has signed renewable energy deals worth a combined $1.8 billion, state TV reported on Sunday. Among the deals were contracts with Norwegian renewable energy developer Scatec and China's Sungrow. Egypt hopes to have renewable energy reach 42% of its electricity generation mix by 2030, but offi»»»
Astronaut’s health issues force NASA to cut mission short
The SpaceX Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) will be cut short and the astronauts will return to Earth ahead of schedule, as one of them needs medical care, NASA Director Jared Isaacman has announced. The four-person team has been conducting research aboard the ISS since Augu»»»
Musk accuses UK of drive to ‘suppress free speech’
Elon Musk has accused the UK government of suppressing free speech after officials threatened to ban Grok, his X platform’s AI chatbot, over reports that it generates non-consensual erotic deepfake images of women and children. British communications watchdog Ofcom has said that it is investigating»»»
Amir appoints President of Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology
Doha, Qatar: The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani issued Amiri Decree No. (6) of 2026, today, January 11, 2026, appointing Engineer Nawaf Ibrahim Al Hamad Al Mana as President of the Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology. The decision is effective starting from its»»»
Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces meets with French counterpart
Doha, Qatar: Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces, H. E. Lt. Gen. (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Mannai, met with Chief of Staff of the French Armed Forces, H. E. Gen. Fabien Mandon. During the meeting, the two sides discussed aspects of joint military cooperation and ways to further develop them a»»»
GERB to Return Cabinet-Forming Mandate Unfulfilled Immediately So Elections Could Be Held Sooner - MP Dobrev
GERB-UDF will return the cabinet-forming mandate unfulfilled upon receiving it from the head of State to save time and hold elections sooner, MP Delyan Dobrev told Bulgarian National Radio on Sunday. The President is expected to hand the mandate to the biggest parliamentary group on January 12. Dob»»»
Syria, Egypt seek closer economic ties at new forum in Damascus
Damascus, Jan. 11 (SANA) The Syrian-Egyptian Economic Forum opened Sunday in Damascus, aiming to boost trade, investment, and the development of joint projects. The event, organized by the Chambers of Commerce of both countries, brings together officials, business leaders, and economic institutions»»»
Ethiopia eyes sky-high ambitions with $12.5 billion airport
Dubai: Ethiopia has officially begun construction of what will be Africa’s largest airport, a $12.5 billion project aimed at transforming the country into a major global aviation hub by 2030, local media reported. The project, led by Ethiopian Airlines, is being built in Bishoftu, about 45 kilometr»»»
Iraq Says Gas Flaring to Reach Zero by End-2028
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated on Saturday that the government is moving forward with the development of clean and renewable energy sectors. Speaking at the opening of the Iraq Energy Exhibition and Conference, al-Sudani said Iraq has made significant progress in capturing ass»»»
Bahbah Says ‘Board of Peace’ to be Announced Tuesday, ‘Gaza Committee’ to Follow
The head of Arab Americans for Peace and a mediator on Gaza, Bishara Bahbah, said on Saturday that information he has received indicates US President Donald Trump will announce a “Board of Peace” overseeing a transitional administration for the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Jan. 13, followed a day or two »»»
Abu Dhabi schools programme earns 7-star global honour
The Sustainable Schools Initiative of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has received a 7-star rating, the highest distinction for excellence, at the 11th cycle of the International Best Practice Competition organized by the Centre for Organisational Excellence Research (COER) in New Zealand.»»»
New York's Chrysler Building, an art deco jewel, seeks new owner
New York: The future of the Chrysler Building, a unique monument to art deco architecture on the Manhattan skyline, remains in limbo as it awaits a possible sale. The building, affixed with gargoyles, stainless steel design nods to early Chrysler vehicles and a celebrated crown and needle top, has »»»
Doha to host 298th session of IPU Executive Committee
Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar, represented by the Shura Council, will on Tuesday, January 13 and Wednesday, January 14, host the 298th session of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The meeting is part of Shura Council's ongoing support for multilateral parliamentary w»»»
'One Battle After Another' heads into Golden Globes as favorite
Beverly Hills, United States: Hollywood's A-listers are set to hit the red carpet on Sunday for the Golden Globes, with the politically charged "One Battle After Another" expected to solidify its status as the film to beat this awards season. With nine nominations, "One Battle" appears a lock to ta»»»
Access to water: Over 3,000 citizen alerts recorded in 2025 (Tunisian Water Observatory)
Tunis, January 11, 2026 (TAP) – A total of 3,064 citizen alerts related to water access issues were recorded in 2025, highlighting the exacerbation of the water crisis across Tunisia, according to the annual report of the Tunisian Water Observatory,...»»»
Tunisians’ remittances rise 6% in 2025 (BCT)
Tunis, January 11 (TAP) – Remittances from Tunisian expatriates reached 8.761 billion dinars in 2025, up 6% from 8.263 billion dinars in 2024, according to the latest figures released by the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT).This rise comes amid...»»»
Massive Iconic Iceberg 'on Verge of Complete Disintegration'
One of the largest and oldest icebergs ever tracked by scientists has turned blue and is “on the verge of complete disintegration,” NASA said on Thursday. A23a, a massive wall of ice that was once twice the size of Rhode Island, is drenched in blue meltwater as it drifts in the South Atlantic off t»»»
Bulgaria Records First Case of Counterfeit Euro: How to Spot and Handle Fake Banknotes
Bulgaria has registered its first case of counterfeit euro banknotes, highlighting the challenges posed by the new currency, which remains unfamiliar to many. Some of the fake notes are of relatively high quality, making them difficult to identify, warns currency dealer Tavex. Using or circulating »»»
Pakistan: Tragic wedding blast in Islamabad kills eight, including bride and groom
At least eight people, including a newly-wed couple, were killed and 12 others injured in a devastating explosion at a house in Islamabad on Sunday, officials confirmed. The blast, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, occurred shortly after a wedding reception in the city’s Sector G-7/2. Aut»»»
Vazrazhdane Supports US President's Claims to Greenland, Says Party Leader
Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said that his party supports US President Donald Trump's claims to Greenland, according to a report from the party's press center on Sunday. “Why is Donald Trump’s desire to annex Greenland good news for Bulgaria? Because it weakens the main enemy of our count»»»
Min. of Health inaugurates advanced children's dental facility in Kuwait
KUWAIT, Jan 11 (KUNA) -- Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi inaugurated Sunday the Nasser Abdulmohsen Al-Saeed Specialized Center for Pediatric Dentistry in the Abdullah Al-Salem area, a leading healthcare facility providing dental care services for children.Dr. Al-Awadhi praised the center's s»»»
Russian Forces Liberate Belogorye Settlement in Zaporozhye Region
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Dnepr battlegroup liberated the settlement of Belogorye in the Zaporozhye Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. "As a result of decisive actions, units of the Dnepr group of forces liberated the settlement of Belogorye in the Zaporozhye region," the minist»»»
Olive oil: 108,000 tons exported in last quarter of 2025 (Ministry of Trade)
Tunis, January 11, 2026 (TAP) – Olive oil exports totaled approximately 108,000 tons during the last quarter of 2025 (from September 1 to the end of December), including 50,000 tons in December alone, according to data presented at a regular meeting...»»»
PM inspects 5 healthcare projects worth over LE25 bln
CAIRO, Jan 10 (MENA) – Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly Saturday inspected five healthcare projects with a total investment cost surpassing LE 25 billion. In a press conference following field visits to healthcare facilities in Cairo and Giza governorates, Madbouly said that the visit underscores th»»»
AI pendants back in vogue at tech show after early setback
Las Vegas: Pendants and brooches packed with artificial intelligence abounded at the Consumer Electronics show, using cameras and microphones to watch and listen through the day like a vigilant personal assistant. The return of the wearable tech comes about a year after the discontinuation of a Hum»»»
Economy Minister: Aleppo to remain key economic hub
Damascus, Jan. 11 (SANA) Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar said Saturday that Aleppo, with its significant industrial and economic role, will continue to serve as a vital pillar of Syria’s economy and a cornerstone of the country’s recovery and reconstruction. Al-Shaar stressed the mi»»»
Legal Advice, Legislation Department launches program on taxation, public freedoms in cooperation with France
KUWAIT, Jan 11 (KUNA) -- The Legal Advice and Legislation Department launched a specialized training program Sunday for its members in cooperation with the French State Council, focusing on double taxation, taxation authority powers, and the protection of public freedoms.The initiative is part of t»»»
N. Korea demands detailed 'explanation' from Seoul over drone incursion
Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's powerful sister has demanded a detailed "explanation" from Seoul over a drone it accused South Korea of flying over its territory, state media reported Sunday. The North alleged on Saturday that a craft crossed from the South Korean border county of Ganghwa »»»
Iraq: Economic crisis deepens weeks ahead of new gov't formation
News report by Alaa Al-Huwaijel BAGHDAD, Jan 11 (KUNA) -- As Iraqis await government formation after the November 11 elections, caretaker Prime Minister Mohammad Shia' Al-Sudani imposed rapid austerity measures, prompting mixed reactions and conflicting economic assessments, despite Iraq holding th»»»
Doha to host 298th session of Executive Committee meeting of Inter-Parliamentary Union
DOHA: The State of Qatar, represented by its Shura Council, will host the 298th session of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Tuesday and Wednesday. This reflects Qatar's ongoing support for multilateral parliamentary action and its commitment to strengthening interna»»»
Saudi Arabia’s oldest man dies at 142, leaves 134 children and grandchildren
Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s oldest known man, Nasser bin Radan Al Rashid Al Wadaei, has died at the age of 142, according to local reports. Funeral prayers were held in Dhahran Al Janoub, in the southern region of the Kingdom, before he was buried in his home village of Al Rashid. Also ReadAlso Read: Voi»»»
35-year-old arrested in Thessaloniki on Turkish extradition request
Police arrested a 35-year-old foreign national Saturday in Thessaloniki for lacking valid residency documents. The arrest followed an outstanding detention order issued by the Thessaloniki Appeals Prosecutor’s Office at the request of Turkish authorities. The man is wanted in Turkey by the 1st High»»»
RAK Police develop smart system to anticipate security challenges
Also ReadAlso Read: Ras Al Khaimah Police launch Integrated Security Dome SystemAlso Read: Ras Al Khaimah Police launch smart services system to cut bureaucracyAlso Read: RAK Police launch people-first approach to safetyAlso Read: Ras Al Khaimah Police report drop in serious crimes by 6.9%Ras Al Kh»»»
Power outage hits Sharjah malls, homes
Sharjah: A sudden power outage has been reported across several parts of Sharjah on Sunday, affecting malls and residential areas, including Sahara Centre. Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) has informed residents that power is expected to be restored within four hours, following an out»»»
Venezuelan Foreign Ministry Denies US Claims About Unsafe Situation in Country
MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry has rejected US claims of an unsafe situation in the country and the presence of armed groups at checkpoints. On Saturday, the US State Department said that armed militias in Venezuela, known as colectivos, were setting up checkpoints in searc»»»
Russia Adds Almost 500Mln Tonnes in Commercial Oil Reserves in 2025 - Rosnedra
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The preliminary increase in commercial, or production-ready, oil reserves in 2025 was 490 million tonnes, while gas reserves will increase by 650 billion cubic meters, Oleg Kazanov, the head of Russia's Federal Agency for Mineral Resources (Rosnedra), told Sputnik. "It's worth no»»»
Trump Seriously Considering Options for Attack Against Iran - Reports
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump has been briefed on possible attack options against Iran amid protests in the country, and he is seriously considering approving the strikes, the New York Times reported citing officials. The US president has not made a final decision yet, the newspaper »»»
Sharjah to host 5th International Education Improvement Summit in February
Sharjah will host the fifth Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education on February 14 and 15, 2026, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Held under the theme “Collaborating for Impact,” the su»»»
Dubai processes 1.37 million travellers during New Year holiday
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) successfully managed peak travel movement during the New Year holiday, maintaining smooth entry and exit procedures across the emirate’s air, land and sea ports through high operational readiness and advanced digital s»»»
Indian Idol star Prashant Tamang found dead at home
Singer and actor Prashant Tamang, who rose to national fame after winning the third season of Indian Idol, died on Sunday at his residence in New Delhi. He was 43. According to reports, Tamang was found unresponsive at his home earlier in the day. The exact cause of death is yet to be officially co»»»
NATO States Consider Arctic Troop Presence as US Eyes Greenland
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United Kingdom is holding talks with other European NATO allies about deploying NATO troops in Greenland to protect the island from annexation by the United States, The Telegraph newspaper reported. UK officials have recently met with their French and German counterparts to b»»»
Scores of homes razed, one dead in Australian bushfires
Sydney: Bushfires have razed hundreds of buildings across southeast Australia, authorities said Sunday, as they confirmed the first death from the disaster. Temperatures soared past 40C as a heatwave blanketed the state of Victoria, sparking dozens of blazes that ripped through more than 300,000 he»»»
Bulgaria: First Week in Eurozone Sees Most Food Prices on the Rise
During the first full working week after Bulgaria joined the eurozone, wholesale prices for most basic food items moved upward, according to figures from the State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Markets. The Market Price Index, which tracks changes in wholesale food prices nationwide, climbe»»»
Commemoration in Sofia Honors Bulgarians Killed in Vardar Macedonia in 1945
Sofia held a commemorative ceremony marking 81 years since the events known as the Bloody Christmas in Vardar Macedonia, when thousands of people identified as Bulgarians were killed in January 1945. The anniversary was observed on Saturday with the unveiling of a memorial plaque and a memorial ser»»»
VMRO Leader Calls on All Parties to Return Government-Forming Mandate
The handing over of a government-forming mandate within the framework of the 51st National Assembly is a constitutional procedure and it must be carried out, VMRO leader Krasimir Karkachanov said as quoted by the party's press centre on Sunday. "What matters, however, is that none of the parties in»»»
Kuwaiti Dive Team launches major campaign to clean, rehabilitate Kuwait Bay
KUWAIT, Jan 11 (KUNA) -- The Kuwait Dive Team, affiliated with the Environmental Voluntary Foundation, has launched a large-scale environmental campaign to clean and rehabilitate Kuwait Bay, aiming to remove plastic waste, abandoned fishing nets, wooden debris and sunken vessels, with the participa»»»
Will Golden Globes 2026 be political and controversial - Top 11 things to know
Dubai: The Golden Globes 2026, which UAE fans can catch live on Monday early morning, are supposed to be Hollywood’s most relaxed, glamorous night. But this year, the ceremony arrives with the film and TV industry facing political tension, corporate upheaval and a shifting global audience, accordin»»»