Elusive Wolf in South Korea Captured, Returned to zoo after 9 Days on the Run
A wolf that escaped from a zoo in the South Korean city of Daejeon was recaptured on Friday after nine days on the run, bringing to a close a saga that gripped the public as the elusive animal evaded earlier capture attempts. After a number of sightings following the escape of the 2-year-old male w»»»
Total earnings for Qatari-listed companies rise 3.7% in Q4 2025
Doha, Qatar: The total earnings for Qatari-listed companies witnessed a gain of 3.7% during fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025 to reach $3.1bn as compared to $3bn in Q4-2024. The surge in earnings was primarily driven by earnings growth in the Telecom, Capital Goods and F&B sectors. In terms of FY-2025, n»»»
EUR 200,000 Seized in Vote-Buying Probe in Varna, Four Arrested
Nearly EUR 200,000 intended for vote buying was discovered during searches at four addresses in Varna, along with envelopes containing lists of citizens' personal data, the Interior Ministry's acting Secretary General Georgi Kandev said on Facebook. He said the case involves an organized group and »»»
Awqaf Ministry expands Da’wah outreach in 2025, reaching millions through community programmes
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has reported a significant expansion in its da’wah (religious outreach) ecosystem in 2025, underscoring its growing role in strengthening societal values, promoting intellectual security, and supporting family cohesion across Qatar. According t»»»
MESIS students excel in CBSE board exam 2025-2026
Doha, Qatar: MES Indian School, Abu Hamour Branch, (MESIS) has once again upheld its tradition of academic excellence by achieving a remarkable 100 percent pass rate in the CBSE Class X Board Examination 2025–26. Out of 142 students who appeared, all successfully passed the examination. A total of »»»
Indonesia, US forge defence partnership
With the geopolitical architecture of Southeast Asia going through a shift of late, Indonesia and the US have taken a further, and important step in their security relationship by way of a Major Defence Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) signed at the Pentagon on April 13, Antara News reports. For Pres»»»
Indonesia, US forge defence partnership
With the geopolitical architecture of Southeast Asia going through a shift of late, Indonesia and the US have taken a further, and important step in their security relationship by way of a Major Defence Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) signed at the Pentagon on April 13, Antara News reports. For Pres»»»
Indonesia, US forge defence partnership
With the geopolitical architecture of Southeast Asia going through a shift of late, Indonesia and the US have taken a further, and important step in their security relationship by way of a Major Defence Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) signed at the Pentagon on April 13, Antara News reports. For Pres»»»
Indonesia, US forge defence partnership
With the geopolitical architecture of Southeast Asia going through a shift of late, Indonesia and the US have taken a further, and important step in their security relationship by way of a Major Defence Cooperation Partnership (MDCP) signed at the Pentagon on April 13, Antara News reports. For Pres»»»
GU-Q applications nearly double for class of 2030
Doha, Qatar: Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) has reached a new level of selectivity for the Class of 2030, with applications rising 92 percent. The surge marks the most competitive admissions cycle in the university’s history and brings the admit rate to a record low. The admitted class refle»»»
Utkurzhan Aisaev appointed First Vice President of Wrestling Federation - | 24.KG
Utkurzhan Aisaev has been appointed First Vice President of the Wrestling Federation of Kyrgyzstan. The sports association announced. Utkurzhan Aisaev replaces Bolotbek Ashyraliev, who held the position since July 2025 and has now been appointed Deputy Director of the State Agency for Physical Cult»»»
Doctors start performing heart surgeries in Balykchy - | 24.KG
Heart surgeries have begun to be performed in Balykchy city. At the new KATLAB center, a patient with acute myocardial infarction successfully underwent coronary angiography and stenting. According to local authorities, the first intervention was performed thanks to a team of doctors from the Natio»»»
Who actually qualifies for Nafis child allowance?
Dubai: Emirati women working in the private sector will be eligible for child allowance benefits under the Nafis programme only under specific conditions, as authorities expand support for families while tightening eligibility criteria. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app no»»»
Right-wing community needs complete renewal, says Orbán
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, also the leader of Fidesz, spoke about the need for a complete renewal of the right-wing community in an interview broadcast on the Patrióta YouTube channel on Thursday. He described the election outcome as a clear defeat for the governing parties and took full responsi»»»
Cabinet decision to update architectural requirements, technical specifications hailed
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Society of Engineers has praised the Cabinet’s approval of the draft decision of the Minister of Municipality to amend some provisions of Decision No. 7 of 1989 regarding architectural conditions and technical specifications for buildings, which came in the context of a compr»»»
Four new lawyers take oath before lawyers admission committee
Doha, Qatar: The Lawyers Admission Committee convened yesterday under the chairmanship of Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, and Chairman of the Committee H E Ibrahim bin Ali Al-Mohannadi at its permanent headquarters in the Ministry of Justice building. During the meeti»»»
White House Refuses to Disclose Iran War Costs to Senators – Reports
White House budget director Russell Vought declined to provide lawmakers with an estimate of the cost of US aggression against Iran, saying the figures “fluctuate” and are difficult to assess, American media reported. “I wouldn’t [want] to make a characterization of that at this point,” he said whe»»»
Research Center Trend: Five Parties Certain to Enter Next Parliament, Three Hover near Threshold
Five parties and coalitions are certain to enter the next National Assembly, while three are hovering around the 4% electoral threshold, according to a survey by Research Center Trend released to the media. The Trend poll, commissioned by 24 Chasa, examines voter attitudes ahead of the April 19 sna»»»
40-day test of resilience shows strength of UAE's defence and stability
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s armed forces are on constant readiness to defend the country under all circumstances, a senior defence official said, pointing to the military’s performance during recent attacks as evidence of a system built for sustained resilience rather than short-term response. Get updated»»»
Qatar cements status as pivotal stabiliser in global supply chains
Doha, Qatar: Qatar is emerging as a critical stabilising force in global supply chains amid geopolitical tensions, with helium and sulphur helping to underpin the semiconductor and electric vehicle (EV) sectors, according to a recent report by Fitch Solutions. As concerns grow over potential disrup»»»
More ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz despite blockade, tracking data shows
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor for oil and gas exports, has shown signs of increased vessel movement in recent days despite ongoing military tensions and a US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports. Maritime tracking data and reporting indicate that a growi»»»
Syria welcomes Lebanon ceasefire, reaffirms support for regional stability
Damascus, April 17 (SANA) Syria welcomed on Friday the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, describing it as an important step toward preventing further escalation in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said in a statement that Syria continues to support all efforts aimed at pres»»»
Big projects, bigger vision: UAE ramps up infrastructure in 2026
Abu Dhabi: Infrastructure development projects launched across the UAE in 2026 reflect a comprehensive national vision aimed at advancing development across sectors and enhancing quality of life for all residents. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.S»»»
Did Pete Hegseth read Pulp Fiction-style Bible verse at Pentagon?
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has sparked discussion after delivering remarks at a Pentagon prayer service that closely echoed dialogue from Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, blending military ceremony with language widely recognised from the film. Pentagon prayer service remarksDuring the serv»»»
After a paralyzing stroke, a South Korean pianist recreates himself as a one-handed performer
SEOUL, South Korea: When a major stroke paralysed South Korean pianist Lee Hun's right side in 2012, he first worried about whether he would ever walk again. Playing the piano wasn't even a consideration. He returned to the piano only after a mentor told him about a large number of piano pieces for»»»
Kim Jong-Un Oversees Artillery Drill on Day of the Sun
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw an artillery firing exercise of Korean People’s Army sub-units in the western area on April 15, marking the Day of the Sun, according to KCNA. KCNA reported that units “powerfully demonstrated their militant marksmanship” and “full war posture” under simulate»»»
National Bank conducts largest foreign exchange intervention since start of 2026 - | 24.KG
On April 16, the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan again intervened in the foreign exchange market, selling $168 million. This is one of the regulator’s largest operations since the beginning of 2026. According to the National Bank, of the total volume, $111.4 million were sold with settlements on the da»»»
Speakers of Parliaments of Kyrgyzstan and Turkey meet in Istanbul - | 24.KG
Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan Marlen Mamataliev met with the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Numan Kurtulmuş, in Istanbul. The parties discussed bilateral cooperation and the development of interparliamentary ties. The Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh praised the deve»»»
Filipino billionaire Enrique Razon looks for new gas fields to power Philippines’ future
Manila: Filipino billionaire Enrique 'Ricky' Razon Jr.’s energy firm is pressing beyond the aging Malampaya gas field in a bid to expand the country’s long-term domestic gas supply and reduce reliance on imported fuel. Prime Energy Resources Development B.V., the Razon-led operator of Malampaya, sa»»»
A 10-day Ceasefire Agreed on By Israel and Lebanon Goes into Effect
A 10-day truce began in Lebanon on Friday that could pause fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group and boost attempts to extend the ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel after weeks of devastating war. US President Donald Trump announced the agreement as a ceasefire »»»
Kyrgyzstan may become observer in Organization of American States - | 24.KG
During a visit to Washington, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev met with Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States. The two sides discussed expanding cooperation and Kyrgyzstan’s possible permanent observer status with the organizati»»»
Poland’s growth test
Poland is outpacing much of the EU, with GDP rising 3.6% in 2025 versus 1.6% across the bloc, and nominal output surpassing $1 trillion. Strong exports—worth PLN 1.426 trillion in the first eleven months of 2025—underscore its deep integration into European supply chains. Foreign media, particularl»»»
Video: US forces divert ship in Gulf of Oman amid US blockade on Iran ports
The US says its maritime enforcement operation targeting Iranian ports remains in place, with US Central Command (CENTCOM) reporting that multiple vessels have been diverted in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM said on Friday that a US Navy destroyer redirected a merchant vessel as part of ongoing measures»»»
U.S. bars entry to 26 people as visa restriction policy expands - UPI.com
The Department of State under Secretary Marco Rubio (L) announced an expansion to an existing policy to restrict visas to anyone in the Western Hemisphere it accuses of working to forward the interests of U.S. adversaries. File Photo by Will Oliver/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- The Trump ad»»»
PGE ramps up investment
Polska Grupa Energetyczna expects capital expenditure to rise by several dozen percent this year, driven mainly by renewables, offshore wind, and grid expansion, said CFO Przemysław Jastrzębski. Distribution spending alone should exceed PLN 5 billion. Group capex reached PLN 11.54 billion in 2025, »»»
Jet fuel supplies are lagging: What it means for airlines and travellers
A looming jet fuel shortage across Europe and Asia, triggered by the Iran war and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, could disrupt global travel within weeks if oil flows are not restored soon. The pressure on supplies risks higher airfares and potential flight cancellations as the peak»»»
US issues text of Lebanon Israel ceasefire agreement – Ya Libnan
Share: THE US State Department revealed the following on Friday “The text of the following statement was agreed to by the Government of Israel and Government of Lebanon: ” Following productive direct talks on April 14 between the governments of the Republic of Lebanon (hereinafter “Lebanon”) and th»»»
M.E. war live updates: Lebanese army accuses Israel of ceasefire violations – Ya Libnan
Share: Israeli soldiers next to artillery vehicles ( SIGMA 155) deployed in the Upper Galilee near the Israel-Lebanon border on April 16, 2026. © Jalaa Marey, AFP A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the US, went into effect at 5pm EST on Thursday. Lebanon’s army soon after re»»»
Lower-income countries investing record $302 million in immunisation programmes in 2025
GENEVA: New data released today by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, shows that lower income countries have collectively contributed over US$ 300 million towards Gavi-supported immunisation programmes for 2025, setting a new record for annual country investment in vaccines. This performance reflects the »»»
Flood control scam: Fugitive Filipino ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co arrested in Prague Philippines moves to extradite him
Manila: Former Zaldy Co, a fugitive at the center of a sprawling corruption scandal, has been detained by Czech authorities in Prague, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced Thursday night, ending months on the run. Marcos posted on social media that Co had been arrested, added that th»»»
UAE President receives credentials of newly appointed ambassadors
ABU DHABI: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday received the credentials of a number of newly appointed ambassadors to the UAE. During the credential presentation ceremony, His Highness welcomed the ambassadors and wished them success in strengthening cooperatio»»»
10-day Lebanon-Israel ceasefire begins after weeks of conflict
A ten-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel took effect on Friday as US President Donald Trump pushes for broader regional diplomacy, including a possible first-ever leaders’ meeting. The truce comes amid efforts to end wider conflict involving Iran and follows weeks of intense fighting and heav»»»
Breaking the negative narrative: How the Gulf changed the region’s story
The words we hear in our childhood rarely pass through our lives unnoticed. They linger like a cloud in the mind, reminding us — every time the rain of their conversations falls — of the thorns of negativity. For years, that narrative persisted in the minds of many across the region we share in lan»»»
Emergency services in Ukraine 'need armored vehicles' as Russia targets rescue workers
Russia hit civilian areas of Ukraine with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, killing at least 16 people and wounding more than 100 others, officials said Thursday. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Paul Vazeux, founder of Dignitas Ukraine, which brings mobile clinics to Eastern Ukraine, »»»
France to reimburse young women for reusable menstrual products
France announced Tuesday that it will expand access to sustainable menstrual products by reimbursing reusable cups and underwear for eligible young women and low-income groups. The move, aimed at tackling period poverty, is expected to benefit millions once implemented through the country’s social »»»
UAE tax penalties cut, 5 key changes businesses need to know
Dubai: The UAE has introduced sweeping changes to tax penalties, cutting fines and revising how violations are handled, with the Federal Tax Authority positioning the move as a step towards easing compliance and encouraging businesses to correct past errors. Sign up for our daily business newslette»»»
House extends deportation protection for Haitians in the United States - UPI.com
The House on Thursday passed a bill to extend temporary protected status for Haitians that currently live in the United States on a bipartisan vote, but the bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate and may be vetoed by the White House if it is sent the President Donald Trump's desk. File Photo by »»»
Friday Sermon, April 17, 2026: 'Say: All praise belongs to Allah'
First Sermon (Khutbah One)All praise is for Allah, and again all praise is for Allah. O Allah, to You belongs all praise as befits the majesty of Your Face and the majesty of Your dominion. Glory be to You—we cannot enumerate praise of You; You are as You have praised Yourself. We bear witness that»»»
Police: Virginia ex-Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax kills his wife and then himself — he was once a rising star before scandal sank his career
In the days after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam became engulfed in a scandal over a racist photo on his medical school yearbook in 2019, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax looked poised to ascend to the post and become the state’s second Black governor. That never happened. Soon after, Fairfax dealt with his ow»»»
PepsiCo's sales jump after it cuts prices
PepsiCo's decision to lower prices and cut artificial ingredients paid off in the first quarter, boosting demand for its snacks and drinks. Revenue jumped 8.5% to $19.44 billion in the January-March period compared to the same period a year ago, the Purchase, New York, company said Thursday. That h»»»