Parliament Rejects Bill to Increase Childcare Benefit for Mothers Returning to Work Early
The National Assembly rejected at first reading proposed amendments to the Social Security Code submitted by Continue the Change, which sought to increase compensation from 50% to 100% for mothers who return to work before the end of their maternity leave, thereby foregoing leave related to pregnan»»»
EGX30 faces a new support level at 7425 points
Ihab Saeed, managing Director at Osool ESB Securities Brokerage, said that Egyptian Exchange (EGX) benchmark index EGX30 is facing a new support level at 7425 points, during this week’s trading. In case it failed to remain above it, it will probably keep falling downward at 7280 points. In a statem»»»
Region Trade Bank strengthens international governance as Iraq and the Gulf deepen financial cooperation
Doha, Qatar: Region Trade Bank (RTB) has announced the appointment of a new Board of Directors comprising internationally recognised experts in financial integrity, banking supervision, sanctions policy and payment systems, reinforcing the bank's commitment to international best practice as Iraq's »»»
Shura Council participates in Arab Parliament Plenary session
Cairo, Egypt: The Shura Council participated in the plenary session of the Arab Parliament, held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in Cairo. The Shura Council was represented at the session by HE Amina bint Youssef Al Jaidah, HE Nasser bin Mohammed Al Nuaim»»»
Washington or 'Trumptown': The architectural expression of a cult of personality
The redevelopment of a public golf course, extensions to the White House and dreams of a triumphal arch: Donald Trump seems to have a growing spate of building projects on the boil in Washington. So what’s driving the president to remake the US capital in his image? For US President Donald Trump, g»»»
Kyrgyzstan to maintain duty-free fuel imports and price control - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan’s fuel and lubricant supply remains stable, and Russia’s temporary restrictions on gasoline and aviation kerosene exports should not lead to a fuel shortage, the Antimonopoly Regulation Service stated. The agency assured that measures are being taken to contain prices and ensure uninterr»»»
Kyrgyzstan seeks new fuel suppliers amid global market instability - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan has begun negotiations with several countries to expand its fuel and lubricant supplies. Authorities explain this move by the need to diversify fuel imports amid the unstable global energy market. The Ministry of Energy told 24.kg news agency that official requests have already been sent»»»
Kyrgyzstan completes implementation of medicines database - | 24.KG
The implementation of a medicines database has been completed in Kyrgyzstan. Nuradin Karataev, head of the Department of Medicines and Medical Products, told journalists. According to him, the database primarily helps combat smuggling. All medicines imported into the country through this system are»»»
Middle East air travel slump eases as passenger demand improves in May
RIYADH: Middle East airlines showed signs of recovery in May as passenger demand decline eased to 28.4 percent from 46.6 percent a month earlier despite the ongoing conflict. The improvement helped limit the global decline in air passenger demand to 2.2 percent from 3.4 percent in April, as disrupt»»»
Kim Jong Un vows stronger ties with China in letter to Xi - UPI.com
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (2-R) sent a congratulatory message to Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) on the 105th founding anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party, state media reported Wednesday. In this photo, Xi and Kim are seen at a welcoming ceremony in Pyongyang in June. File Photo by KC»»»
Dinar-to-euro exchange rate at RSD 117.3578
BELGRADE - The Serbian dinar's official median exchange rate against the euro is 117.3578 dinars for one euro on Wednesday, which is a slight change relative to Tuesday, the National Bank of Serbia said. The dinar is steady against the euro m-o-m, down by 0.2 pct y-o-y and down by 0.1 pct relative »»»
OFAC extends operating licence for NIS until July 31
BELGRADE - The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has extended an operating licence for the Serbian oil company NIS for 30 more days - until July 31, Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic announced on Tuesday evening. "We have just been informed by the OFAC that»»»
A propos - South Africa's anti-migrant protesters march nationwide, after thousands flee violence
Thousands of people marched across South Africa on Tuesday to demand the departure of undocumented foreign nationals after a weeks-long campaign that has sent thousands fleeing and claimed four lives. Police were out in force for nationwide protests which capped demonstrations led by citizen-led gr»»»
More than 100,000 killed in Myanmar since 2021 coup, monitor says
Since a 2021 coup ousted Myanmar's democratically elected government and triggered a civil war, 100,114 people have been killed across the country, according to a report by monitoring group Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) released Wednesday. More than 100,000 people have been »»»
Government Has Approved State Budget Bill, Finance Minister Says
“The government has approved a draft state budget, and I expect serious, responsible, and meaningful work and debate on it in the National Assembly,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Galab Donev told a briefing after Wednesday’s cabinet meeting. During discussions on the draft budgets »»»
Digital euro: The plan to Trump-proof the EU's economy
BusinessEuropeDigital euro: The plan to Trump-proof the EU's economyNik MartinThe EU’s central bank is preparing a digital euro to cut dependence on Visa, Mastercard and Apple Pay. Success hinges on giving consumers an easy-to-use payment system without prompting a flight from bank savings. https:/»»»
Breakaway Catholic society defies Vatican again by ordaining bishops
ECONE, Switzerland: Decades after triggering a rift with the Vatican by consecrating bishops in 1988, the Society of Saint Pius X was doing it again on Wednesday — in defiance of Pope Leo XIV. The ultra-traditionalist breakaway group, which has around 600,000 followers worldwide, intends to appoint»»»
The Debate - Crimea back in play? Russia feels pain of Ukraine long-range strikes
A couple of weeks back, we asked if the tide was turning in Ukraine. The short answer: a little, but it's hard to cut through the fog of war. Now, we're beginning to wonder if Crimea could be back in play. Kyiv's new line of longer-range missiles and drones are wreaking havoc on fuel and power supp»»»
Bulgarian MiG-29 Escorted Warsaw-Tel Aviv Flight After Hijacking Alert
A Bulgarian Air Force MiG-29 fighter jet was scrambled on June 30 after a passenger aircraft flying from Warsaw to Tel Aviv transmitted transponder code 7500, the internationally recognized signal indicating unlawful interference on board, most commonly associated with a suspected hijacking. The al»»»
Bulgaria Launches 24/7 Corruption Hotline
The Council of Ministers has launched a round-the-clock hotline and email channel for reporting corruption, abuse of authority, and conflicts of interest, Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced at the start of today’s government session. Alongside the new reporting mechanism, the government is prepar»»»
European Prosecutors Detain Eight in Bulgaria in Investigation into Employment Subsidy FraudOpinions
At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, eight individuals were detained in Sofia in connection with an investigation into suspected fraud involving nearly €990,000 in EU-funded employment support schemes. Authorities said the case concerns the alleged misuse of subsidies under la»»»
Sustainable consumption in Romania recalibrates under economic pressure – MKOR study
Most Romanian consumers have not yet adopted a clear position on sustainable consumption, despite growing awareness around environmental and ethical choices, according to the study “The sustainable consumer in Romania in 2026” conducted by MKOR. The study analyses how sustainable consumption behavi»»»
Ship runs aground in Strait of Hormuz
A ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz after not running Iran's approved route through the water, Iranian state television reported Wednesday. The report identified the affected vessel as a foreign container ship, but offered no other immediate details. The Iranian state TV report appeared aime»»»
President orders faster construction of fish farm and ship assembly complex - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov today, July 1, reviewed investment projects for the construction of a modern fish farm and a ship assembly complex in Pristan Karakol settlement during a working visit to Issyk-Kul region. The head of state was presented with a fish farm project aimed at restor»»»
16 branches of state El Aman pharmacies to sell discounted medicines in Bishkek - | 24.KG
Sixteen branches of the state-owned pharmacy chain El Aman in Bishkek will sell discounted medicines, Health Minister of Kyrgyzstan Damir Osmonov told journalists. According to him, a pilot project of the Ministry of Health will run in Bishkek from July 1 to December 31. Under the pilot project, me»»»
UAE police warn parents as drug networks target young people online
The UAE is continuing to strengthen its fight against drugs through a nationwide strategy that combines law enforcement, public awareness and community partnerships to protect young people from addiction. Led by the Ministry of Interior and police forces across the country, including Abu Dhabi Poli»»»
ANRE to require electricity suppliers to alert customers at 80% of estimated monthly consumption
Romania’s National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE) has drafted an order amending the regulation on electricity supply to final customers, introducing several new requirements for suppliers, including a consumption alert that must be sent to customers when they reach a predefined threshold of up »»»
Al-Manar correspondent insouthern Lebanon: Israeli occupation forces establish crossing point at their position along Iskenderun road, and another near Reve De La Mer Hotel in Naqoura - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Al-Manar correspondent insouthern Lebanon: Israeli occupation forces establish crossing point at their position along Iskenderun road, and »»»
Vietnam unveils 'baby bonus' after scrapping two-child policy
Hanoi, Vietnam: One year after lifting its long-standing two-child limit, Vietnam is offering incentives for people to have more babies as the communist country risks getting old before it gets rich. A new population law and regulations coming into effect Wednesday extend maternity leave from six t»»»
Dubai's World Zone rewards staff with Dh2.75 million in bonuses
Fujairah: World Zone Shipping Services has awarded Dh2.75 million in employee rewards, incentives and benefits as part of its annual Spotlight 2025 recognition programme. The event brought together staff and leadership from seven countries. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balan»»»
Trump says first-ever GOP midterm convention to be held in Texas - UPI.com
President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that the first-ever GOP midterm convention will be held in Dallas, Texas, on Sept. 9-10. File Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo July 1 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump has announced that the Republican Party will hold a midterm convention, an unpre»»»
A ship ran aground in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state TV reports
DUBAI: A ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz after not running Iran’s approved route through the water, Iranian state television reported Wednesday. The report identified the affected vessel as a foreign container ship, but offered no other immediate details. The Iranian state TV report appear»»»
US, Iran officials to hold indirect talks in Doha
DUBAI: Officials from the United States and Iran will on Wednesday hold indirect technical talks on their deal aimed at ending the Middle East war, a diplomat with knowledge of the talks told AFP.“US and Iranian officials are to hold indirect technical talks on Wednesday in Doha with Qatari and Pak»»»
Ukraine “gold convoy” scandal: Orbán faces prison?
János Hajdu, once the personal bodyguard of former prime minister Viktor Orbán and later head of Hungary’s Counter Terrorism Centre (TEK), is said by witnesses to have remained in constant contact with Orbán during the operation against a Ukrainian “gold convoy”. Hajdu stands accused of unlawfully »»»
Qatar Pledges Continued Mediation as US Envoys, Including Kushner, Arrive in Doha for Iran Talks
Qatar’s Prime Minister has reaffirmed Doha’s commitment to mediating talks between Washington and Tehran, as senior US envoys including President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner arrived in the Qatari capital for high-stakes diplomatic discussions. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s »»»
Lebanese Health Ministry updates toll of Israeli aggression on Lebanon since March 2: 4,278 people martyred and 12,196 other wounded - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Lebanese Health Ministry updates toll of Israeli aggression on Lebanon since March 2: 4,278 people martyred and 12,196 other wounded 01-07-»»»
Trump Holds Course on Iran Diplomacy, “For Now”: WSJ
US President Donald Trump “has considered resuming large-scale military action” against Iran in recent days but “has decided to continue diplomatic efforts for now,” the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing US officials familiar with the discussions. According to the WSJ report, Trump he»»»
Parliament Seeks Stronger Institutional Role for National Investment Bank
Egypt’s parliamentary Economic Affairs Committee has called on the National Investment Bank (NIB) to submit a comprehensive development strategy—or a timetable for completing one—as lawmakers seek greater clarity over the institution’s future role in managing state-owned assets under the country’s »»»
Partly cloudy weather Wednesday
Tunis, July 1 (TAP) – The weather, on Wednesday, will be partly cloudy across all regions of the country, with the development of localized thunderstorm cells accompanied by afternoon rainfall in the eastern regions, according to forecasts from the...»»»
HRW: Banning EU Trade with Israeli Settlements an Obligation Rather than an Option
The European Union’s obligation to ban trade with Israel’s illegal settlements is not in question, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday. The watchdog’s Associate Director and EU Advocacy Claudio Francavilla stressed that the ban is an obligation “to comply with international law,” rather than an opti»»»
Asian airlines lose ground as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Ethihad rebound
DOHA: Asian airlines that gained passengers and charged higher fares on European routes after the start of the war on Iran are seeing those advantages erode, as Gulf carriers restore flights, the Reuters news agency reports, citing industry data. It said Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways carried »»»
Prime Minister Says Lukoil Neftochim Burgas Will Operate Normally After Restrictions Are Lifted
At a meeting held on Tuesday with representatives of Litasco, a critically important agreement for the future of the Burgas oil refinery was reached, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said at the start of the regular government meeting. Radev recalled that at the end of last year, Litasco imposed restrict»»»
CONAF: Romania’s low childcare coverage limits women’s participation in the labour market
Romania is looking for solutions to its labour shortage through immigration, digitalization and automation, while leaving underused one of its most important internal reserves of economic growth: women’s participation in the labour market, according to an analysis by the National Confederation for »»»
Qatar Foundation hosts summer of discovery at Education City
Doha, Qatar: Whether developing leadership skills, exploring creative talents, staying active through sport, or discovering new passions, people across Qatar will find something to inspire them at Education City this summer. From June to August, Qatar Foundation (QF) is offering a diverse range of »»»
Champions Barcelona to host Athletic Club on opening weekend of 2026-27 La Liga season
MADRID: The 2026-27 La Liga season kicks off on Aug. 16 with the opening weekend having champions Barcelona taking on Athletic Club at Camp Nou, Real Madrid hosting Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu and Atletico Madrid welcoming Malaga to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. The Spanish top tier — of»»»
NAIA Developments to launch 1st branded serviced residences in Ras El Hekma Arab Finance For Information Technology
Arab Finance: NAIA Developments is scheduled to launch its branded serviced residences project within NAIA Bay in partnership with the globally renowned Accor Group under the Swissôtel Residences brand, according to an emailed press release. The project will introduce Ras El Hekma's first internati»»»
All Military Tanker Aircraft Left Sofia Airport by June 30, Prime Minister Says
All military aerial refuelling tanker aircraft deployed at Vasil Levski Sofia Airport have left the airport within the established deadline, which minimizes the risk of potential attacks in immediate proximity to the Bulgarian capital, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said at the beginning of the cabinet»»»
How the US shaped the world: 250 years of power and policies
GlobalizationUnited States of AmericaHow the US shaped the world: 250 years of power and policiesPeter Hille | Gianna-Carina GrünThe United States declared its independence from Britain 250 years ago. Here's how the US's relations with other nations — and its global image — have changed since. http»»»
Türkiye tightens security for NATO summit as Erdogan seeks to boost global standing
DUBAI: Turkiye is preparing for next week’s NATO summit with heightened security measures across Ankara, as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks to use the gathering to reinforce the country’s role as a key player in the alliance. Tens of thousands of police officers have been deployed, air defense»»»
Syria offers major investment opportunities, economy minister tells business conference
Damascus, July 1 (SANA) Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal al-Shaar said on Wednesday that Syria is entering a new phase of economic development after years of isolation, highlighting significant investment opportunities across the country. Speaking at the opening of the Syrian-British Business»»»