Grandmother arrested after row at school over grandson’s grades
Police in Trikala have arrested an elderly woman after a dispute at a local high school over her grandson’s academic results escalated and required police intervention. According to local media reports, the woman had gone to the school to collect the student’s half-yearly results on behalf of the f»»»
Parliament Approves Introduction of Multi-fund Model in Supplementary Pension Insurance at First Reading
The National Assembly on Friday approved at first reading amendments to the Social Insurance Code tabled by the Council of Ministers introducing a multi-fund model in supplementary pension insurance. The amendments were supported by 103 MPs from GERB-UDF, Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria, »»»
Africa leads growth in solar energy as demand spreads beyond traditional markets
Africa was the world's fastest-growing solar market in 2025, defying a global slowdown and reshaping where the momentum in renewable energy is concentrated, according to an industry report released in late last month. The report by the Africa Solar Industry Association says the continent's solar in»»»
NASA's Crew-12 launches to ISS - UPI.com
1 of 5 | In this time exposure, NASA's Crew-12 Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Friday. The second streak slightly to the right is the Falcon 9 first stage booster returning to LC-40. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo Feb. 13 (UPI) -- NASA's SpaceX C»»»
Britain accelerates hypersonic missiles development through GBP-12-mln investment
LONDON, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- The United Kingdom announced on Friday a GBP-12-million investment with engineering contractor, Amentum UK, to accelerate hypersonic missiles and systems development.A statement by the Ministry of Defense revealed that the effort will strengthen national security and boost »»»
Valentine’s Day at eMAG: Customers are looking for personalized gifts and premium products
In 2025, the most ordered gifts in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day were beauty and makeup products, followed by personal care products, supplements, as well as books and media products. There was also high interest in fashion items and plush toys, which are often chosen as symbolic gifts for»»»
Crowds flock as Sharjah lights up the night
Dubai: A week into its run, the Sharjah Light Festival continues to captivate residents and tourists, with 13 landmarks across the emirate glowing nightly in spectacular colour. Now in its 15th edition, the festival has drawn steady crowds eager to experience immersive projections and interactive l»»»
US Inflation falls as gas prices fall and housing costs cool
A key measure of inflation fell to nearly a five-year low last month as apartment rental price growth slowed and gas prices fell, offering some relief to Americans grappling with the sharp cost increases over the past five years. Inflation dropped to 2.4% in January compared with a year earlier, do»»»
World shares mixed after sharp Wall Street losses on AI-related worries
World shares were mixed on Friday, following sharp Wall Street losses on a sell-off of technology-related stocks that investors fear could lose out from artificial intelligence disruptions. U.S. futures edged lower. The future for the S&P 500 fell less than 0.1%, while that for the Dow Jones Indust»»»
Report: Unlike Netanyahu, Israeli army and Mossad want withdrawal from Lebanon
The Israeli army and Mossad prefer that Israeli forces withdraw from Lebanon, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is rejecting this move due to “his personal and electoral calculations,” a senior Lebanese official quoted a Western official as saying. In remarks to al-Joumhouria newspaper,»»»
Focus - Facial recognition: ICE agents use app to scan US citizens and immigrants
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are using a new facial recognition smartphone app called Mobile Fortify to scan the faces of both US citizens and immigrants. They point a phone camera at their target and it pulls up the person's immigration status. Previously reserved for use at»»»
Bulgaria Explores Role in Gaza Reconstruction at Munich Security Conference
Outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and outgoing Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev met with Nickolay Mladenov, the UN High Representative for Gaza, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, focusing on the evolving security situation in the Middle East. The discussion centered on devel»»»
Sheikh Daamoush: Hezbollah Defense Formulas Have Protected Lebanon
Head of Hezbollah’s Executive Council, Sheikh Ali Dammoush, emphasized that what really overburdens Lebanon is the continuation of the Israeli aggression as the state abandons its people in terms of protection and care. He stressed that resistance has always been a factor of strength and resilience»»»
Kyrgyzstan to become “trade gateway” for Tajik goods to EAEU and EU - | 24.KG
The first meeting of the Kyrgyz—Tajik Intergovernmental Council was held in Bishkek today, February 13. The meeting was chaired by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev and Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda. Border and political dialogue The head of the C»»»
State Duma Speaker invites Speaker of Kyrgyz Parliament to Moscow - | 24.KG
Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia, held a telephone conversation with Marlen Mamataliev, Speaker of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan. During the conversation, Volodin congratulated his Kyrgyz counterpart on his election to this high-ranking government post»»»
The liberal order’s last stand at Munich: Live updates
The most ardent defenders of the Western “rules-based international order” are meeting at the Munich Security Conference on Friday and Saturday. This year the focus isn’t just on Russia; it’s also on US President Donald Trump and the “populist” threat in Europe’s own backyard. Friday’s events kick »»»
UK High Court rules ban of Palestine Action under terrorism legislation "unlawful"
LONDON, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- The UK High Court issued a ruling on Friday deeming the ban on Palestine Action group under the terrorism legislation unlawful, though the ban will continue to be in place, while the government will take the case to the Court of Appeal.Huda Ammori, the co-founder of the gro»»»
EU: Chinese duties on European dairy products "unjustified"
BRUSSELS, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- The European Union said on Friday that the tariffs imposed by China on certain European dairy products are "unjustified," after Beijing announced duties of up to 11.7 percent for a period of five years.EU trade spokesman Olof Gill told reporters at the European Commission»»»
BNP wins majority in Bangladesh Polls
NEW DELHI, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) under Tarique Rahman on Friday secured majority winning 209 parliamentary seats in the national elections.The Dhaka Tribune reported quoting Election Commission of Bangladesh that the BNP led by former Prime Minister Khalida Zia's s»»»
Kuwait PM meets Yemeni pres.
MUNICH, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah met on Friday with Rashad Al-Olaimi, President of the Yemeni Presidential Council, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.During the meeting, they reviewed the strong bilaterial ties and way»»»
Parliament Ratifies Long-Awaited Bulgaria-North Macedonia Railway Link
Bulgaria’s parliament has approved an agreement with North Macedonia to build and operate a cross-border railway tunnel connecting the two countries. Lawmakers passed the deal in both the first and second readings during a single parliamentary session. The agreement, signed on 6 November, marks the»»»
Shepherds arrested for allowing their animals out to graze despite pox protocols
Two shepherds have been arrested in parts of central Greece hit by the sheep and goat pox epidemic that’s devastating traditional livestock breeding, for allegedly allowing their animals out to graze near their pens in breach of health protocols designed to eradicate the disease. Police said Friday»»»
Mariam bint Mohamed to chair Zayed Education Foundation
Under direction of the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court issued a decision to appoint Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as chairperson of Zayed Edu»»»
US committed to boosting friendship with Serbia, Trump writes to Vucic in Statehood Day message
BELGRADE - Congratulating Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Serbia's Statehood Day (February 15), US President Donald Trump noted that the US was committed to strengthening further the firm friendship with Serbia as the two countries worked together on boosting bilateral trade and investments a»»»
Canadian, UK finance groups freeze new DP World deals over CEO’s Epstein emails
Financial groups in Canada and the United Kingdom have paused future ventures with DP World after newly released US Justice Department documents revealed years-long correspondence between CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and Jeffrey Epstein. The emails included references to pornography and escorts, dr»»»
Schedule of temporary closure of Kyrgyzstan–China border checkpoints changed - | 24.KG
Due to the celebration of the Chinese New Year, amendments have been made—at the initiative of the People’s Republic of China—to the schedule for closing checkpoints on the state border, the Border Service of the Kyrgyz Republic reported. The changes affect two checkpoints: According to the Border »»»
Kyrgyzstan refutes reports of thousand-percent surge in imports from Europe - | 24.KG
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic commented on publications in foreign media based on analytics by the Brookings Institution, stating that claims of explosive growth in exports from European countries to Kyrgyzstan by «thousands of percent» do not reflect reality. Accordin»»»
UNHCR: Nearly 5.4 mln people have returned to Afghanistan since Oct. '23
GENEVA, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported on Friday the return of 5.4 million people since October 2023 in Afghanistan, stressing that the massive influx is placing the country under severe humanitarian and economic strain.Speaking fro»»»
EU approves Universal Music's acquisition of Downtown Music with conditions
BRUSSELS, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- The European Union on Friday approved Universal Music's acquisition of the US-based Downtown Music for USD 775 million on condition that Downtown's royalty accounting platform known as 'Curve' is fully divested.In a statement, the European Commission, which is responsible»»»
Two people dead and hundreds of thousands without power after Storm Nils lashes France
Two people have been killed in southern France as Storm Nils swept through the region. Some 450,000 households in the country's south were still without power as of Friday morning. Around 450,000 households in southern France were without power on Friday, operator Enedis said, a day after a storm t»»»
Macron calls for 'mandatory electoral bans' for people guilty of anti-Semitic or racist acts
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday called for those found guilty of anti-Semitic or racist acts or remarks to receive "mandatory electoral bans". Macron was speaking on the 20-year anniversary of the kidnapping, torture and murder of French Jewish man Ilan Halimi. French President Emmanuel »»»
Bulgarian Wineries Made 66 Mln Liters of Wine in 2025
A total of 66 million litres of wine were produced by Bulgarian wineries in 2025, Krasimir Koev, Executive Director of the Executive Agency on Vine and Wine, said on Friday. He was among the official guests at а vine-pruning ritual of the Plovdiv Agricultural University, dedicated to Trifon Zarezan»»»
'Dhaka seems ready for a reset': Rudabeh Shahid on Bangladesh election
As polls close in Bangladesh’s landmark general election, experts weigh in on the country’s future and high stakes. Rudabeh Shahid, Atlantic Council nonresident senior fellow on South Asia, discusses the impact of the 2024 Gen Z protests and the three-block political contest shaping the nation’s ne»»»
Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins landmark general election
Bangladesh Nationalist Party has won Bangladesh’s general election, with leader Tarique Rahman expected to form the next government after months of unrest and economic disruption in Bangladesh. The vote follows the 2024 uprising that removed former leader Sheikh Hasina, whose party was barred from »»»
Presidential and Cabinet Representative to Zhogorku Kenesh replaced - | 24.KG
Almasbek Abytov has been relieved of his duties as the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President and the Cabinet of Ministers in the Zhogorku Kenesh, the Cabinet’s press service reported. It is noted that the official stepped down at his own request. The corresponding decree was signed by the»»»
Foreign Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan discuss Issyk-Kul—Almaty road - | 24.KG
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jeenbek Kulubaev, and his Kazakh counterpart, Yermeк Kosherbayev, held talks in Bishkek, the press service of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Kyrgyzstan reported. The ministers discussed the progress of construction of an industrial trade and »»»
Forbes Travel Guide Grants Red Sea Destination the World’s First Comprehensive Destination Accreditation
Red Sea Global announced in a press release today a historic milestone in the global tourism sector as The Red Sea became the first destination ever to receive a comprehensive accreditation from Forbes Travel Guide. This accreditation follows a year of rigorous efforts and meticulous evaluations ai»»»
Watch: Serial underwear thief at New Zealand school identified as cat - UPI.com
Feb. 12 (UPI) -- A serial thief who has been stealing items including towels, shoes and underwear from a New Zealand school for over a year was finally caught on camera and identified as a literal cat burglar. Marama Stewart, principal of the Apanui School in Whakatāne, said items had been mysterio»»»
EU imposes anti-dumping duties on valine imports from China
BRUSSELS, Feb 13 (KUNA) -- The European Commission announced on Friday the imposition of definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of valine into the European Union from China, as part of measures to protect European industry and counter Chinese competition.In a statement, the Commission said the d»»»
Rompetrol builds 13 new fuel stations in 2026
Rompetrol is expanding its presence this year with 13 new fuel distribution stations in Romania, located in areas of interest across the country and along high-speed roads. The first six stations are at various stages of construction, with completion estimated for April and opening planned for the »»»
UK High Court Rules Ban on Palestine Action Unlawful, Gov’t to Appeal
London’s High Court ruled on Friday that the British government’s ban on pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization is unlawful, after a legal challenge by the group’s co-founder. The organization’s co-founder Huda Ammori successfully challenged the British governme»»»
Turkey detains 16 in OnlyFans probe, seizes $6.9 mln in assets
Turkey detained 16 people and seized assets worth about 300 million lira ($6.9 million) on Friday in an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to content shared on the OnlyFans platform, prosecutors said. The probe, led by a department investigating terrorism financing and money launde»»»
Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Remote work for Ajman government employees on Fridays
Ajman: All employees of Ajman government entities will work remotely on Fridays throughout Ramadan, following the directives of Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman. Also Read: Ramadan working hours in UAE for public and private sectors explainedThe A»»»
Dubai university students get parking relief as Dh20 hourly fee is suspended
Dubai: Students at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) have received good news after being notified that basement parking at the campus would cost Dh20 per hour. UOWD has clarified to Gulf News that the fee will be paused for now as discussions continue. University responds to student conc»»»
Issa discusses means to attract investments with IMF official
Achieving a stable and prosperous future for Lebanon requires both comprehensive financial restructuring and a foundation of peace and security that rebuilds trust with the international community, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut said on Friday. It said U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa discussed w»»»
Rețele Electrice Romania builds a new substation in Balotești, a RON 75 million investment
The works on the structure of the building that will house the newest 110/20 kV substation in the Rețele Electrice România portfolio began in January, the substation being designed in a modern, interior construction, designed for safety and high energy efficiency. In parallel, work is being done on»»»
Visa holds workshops with Syrian banking sector ahead of digital payment launch
Damascus, Feb. 13 (SANA) Visa has held two workshops in Syria as part of preparations for launching electronic payment services and support the banking sector’s transition to digital payments. The Central Bank of Syria said in a statement on its Telegram channel that Visa conducted a workshop with »»»
Bangladesh's BNP wins landslide in first election since popular coup - UPI.com
Young women celibrate casting their votes in Thursday's election with a selfie showing their inked thumbs outside a polling station at Dhaka Government Muslim High School in Dhaka, Photo by Monirul Alam/EPA Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a resounding victory on Friday, wi»»»
Strong winds, blowing dust forecast from Sunday: Qatar Meteorology
Doha, Qatar: Fresh to strong winds are expected to affect the country on Sunday and Monday, February 15 and 16, 2026, according to the latest forecast issued by the Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD). The department said the northwesterly winds may lead to blowing dust and reduced horizontal visibi»»»
Iran military degraded by 12-day war with Israel, but still has significant capabilities
With one American carrier strike group already in the Middle East and another apparently on its way as U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on Iran to give up its nuclear program, fears are rising of the outbreak of another war that could spread into a regional conflict. The 12-day Israel-»»»