MRF Leader Requests Probe Whether Interior Minister Pressured Mayors to Become False Witnesses Against Him
Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) leader Delyan Peevski has filed a complaint with the prosecution service requesting an investigation into statements and actions by Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev. The complaint was submitted by MP Hamid Hamid in his capacity as Peevski's lawyer, according»»»
Slovan Bratislava to join ABA basketball league, Cibona Zagreb to return
BELGRADE - The board of directors of the ABA basketball league announced on Thursday the regional competition would feature 20 clubs next season, including Cibona Zagreb, which will return to the fold after a one-season absence, and Slovan Bratislava, which will make a debut. In view of the expansi»»»
Russian delegation visits General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security
Doha A delegation from the Russian Ministry of Defense visited the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Russian Federation. The delegation was welcomed by the Director General of Coasts and Border»»»
Islamic Resistance Has Frustrated All Israeli Attempts to Advance into Ali Al-Taher Area, Inflicting Heavy Losses Upon Enemy Forces: Operations Room
The Islamic Resistance Operations Room issued on Thursday a statement to detail the confrontation with and frustration of the enemy’s attempts to reach Ali Al-Taher Heights. The statement indicated that the Resistance has been targeting the enemy forces with rockets, drones, and loitering gliders [»»»
Syrian and Turkish military officials discuss greater defense cooperation
LONDON: A military delegation from the Syrian Arab Republic visited the National Defense University in Istanbul on Thursday, as Syria and Turkiye deepen their defense cooperation since the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in late 2024. The delegation, led by Maj. Gen. Salim Idris from Syria’s Ministry»»»
Lebanon receives assurances from Syria on non-interference after Trump remarks, official says
BEIRUT: Lebanon has received assurances from Syria that it will not interfere in Lebanese affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri told Arab News on Thursday, rejecting suggestions that Damascus could play a role in confronting Hezbollah as fighting between Israel and the group continues. Mitri’s»»»
Israel issues demolition notices for 9 Palestinian homes near Hebron
LONDON: Israeli authorities issued demolition notices on Thursday for nine Palestinian homes in the town of Ash-Shuyukh, northeast of Hebron in the West Bank, that they said were built without permits. The houses, in the Qanan Nias area of the town, belong to the Abu Eid, Ayaydeh and Jabarin famili»»»
Health Infrastructure, Workforce Shortages Among Key Challenges Facing Bulgarian Healthcare, Minister Says
Health infrastructure, staffing shortages, hospital management and the development of outpatient care are among the main challenges facing Bulgaria's healthcare system, Health Minister Katya Ivkova said on Thursday. Speaking at the National Meeting of Local and Central Executive Authorities in Sofi»»»
MRF Leader Requests Probe Whether Interior Minister Pressured Mayors to Bear False Witness Against Him
Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) leader Delyan Peevski has filed a complaint with the prosecution service requesting an investigation into statements and actions by Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev. The complaint was submitted by MP Hamid Hamid in his capacity as Peevski's lawyer, according»»»
NASA’s High-Stakes Gamble vs. China’s Clockwork Advance in Race to Mars
NASA has tapped Relativity Space, a 3D-printing rocket startup led by former Google executive Eric Schmidt, to deliver the Aeolus Mars orbiter mission, targeting a launch in 2028. China's Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission is well on track for the same launch window.The contrast is striking: NASA»»»
Poland arrests a suspect in daylight killing of a Russian artist critical of Putin
WARSAW: Polish authorities have arrested a man suspected of fatally shooting in broad daylight a Russian activist critical of President Vladimir Putin and believe there is a likely link to a foreign intelligence service, top officials said Thursday. The killing is the latest act which Polish author»»»
Education Department moves civil rights to Justice Department and disabilities to HHS - UPI.com
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon speaks at an education roundtable on June 11. The department announced Tuesday that it's moving four segments to other agencies. Photo by Daniel Heuer/UPI | License Photo June 16 (UPI) -- The Department of Education will shift two of its major departments, civil»»»
Trump says Apple, Intel partnering on U.S. made computer chips - UPI.com
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Apple CEO Tim Cook after announcing an additional $100 billion Apple investment in the U.S., which now will total over $600 billion over the next four years, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 6. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI »»»
Bulgaria Faces Deepening Education Disparities, Minister Warns
Education Minister Georgi Valchev on Thursday warned of widening disparities across Bulgaria's education system, describing the growing gap between high-performing schools and those failing to provide adequate preparation as one of the sector's most serious challenges. Speaking at the National Meet»»»
UK drops UAE travel warning — what travellers need to know
Dubai: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for the UAE, removing its warning against all but essential travel, while continuing to caution that the wider regional security situation remains unpredictable. The move is expected to come as a welcome»»»
UK, Norway warn of atrocities, imminent RSF escalation in Sudan’s Al-Obeid
GENEVA: The UK, Norway and a group of countries on Thursday raised the alarm at the UN Human Rights Council that the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan could imminently escalate their assault on the central Sudanese city of Al-Obeid, possibly resulting in large-scale atrocities. »»»
EBRD Launches Tech Sofia Hub to Support Operations, Boost Digital Innovation in Bulgaria
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Vice President for Banking Matteo Patrone and Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister and Economy, Investments and Industry Minister Alexander Poulev opened EBRD's Tech Sofia technology hub on Thursday. EBRD Tech Sofia will support the institution's »»»
Austrian Tourists Get 70% More Value for Money in Bulgaria Than at Home, Bank Austria Says
Bulgaria is among the European countries where Austrian tourists get the highest value for their money, with EUR 1 buying around 70% more goods and services than at home, according to Bank Austria’s annual analysis of the so-called holiday euro, quoted by APA on Thursday. In some tourist destinatio»»»
Greenland sees wildfires earlier in the year
Copenhagen: Greenland has recently been hit by localised wildfires, a rarity at this time of year that could be explained by global warming, a researcher at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources said Thursday. "It is rare for such fires to occur as early as June, and it is reasonable to thin»»»
Samoa confirms its EXPO 2027 participation
BELGRADE - The Independent State of Samoa has confirmed its participation in Specialised EXPO 2027 Belgrade, the EXPO 2027 enterprise announced on Thursday. Samoa is the 139th country to have confirmed its participation in the event. As one of the most authentic Pacific states, under the theme of R»»»
Qatar Foundation expands access to arts across Education City with new online space
Doha, Qatar: Within Education City, the arts are embedded across galleries, public spaces, academic institutions, architecture, and everyday experiences to inspire learning, spark connection, and deepen understanding of the world. And as this landscape continues to grow, Qatar Foundation has launch»»»
IEA chief hails ceasefire and says reopening Hormuz is key
ISTANBUL: The head of the International Energy Agency said on Thursday the interim agreement to end the U.S.-Iran war "made me and everyone happy" but the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened without conditions and negotiations must conclude in the next 60 days. Speaking in Istanbul, Fat»»»
Two men jailed in Britain for spying for China
LONDON: Two men, including one who worked as a British immigration officer, were jailed on Thursday after being convicted of spying on prominent pro-democracy dissidents now based in Britain on behalf of Hong Kong, and ultimately China. Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen, 66, and Chi Leung “Peter” Wai, 41, who»»»
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to visit Britain with kids in July - UPI.com
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the fourth game of the MLB World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in October. The couple are planning to take their children back to England for a visit in July. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI |»»»
HRSD ministry awards LuLu for community impactSUCCESS PARTNER
LuLu Hypermarket was officially recognized as a key success partner by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development at the closing ceremony of the Social Security Beneficiaries Empowerment Forums. The high-profile event, held under the patronage of the ministry, celebrated nationwide deve»»»
UN food agencies seek $202m to shield 8.8 million people from El Niño
ROME: The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Programme on Thursday appealed for $202 million to help protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries from the looming El Niño weather pattern. Strong El Niño conditions in the second half of 2026 are predicted t»»»
Fashion students showcase heritage-inspired collections in Riyadh
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia’s fashion sector expands, designers are increasingly drawing inspiration from the Kingdom’s diverse landscape and heritage. This was evident at the Arts and Skills Institute’s 13th cohort showcase, held under the theme “Beyond the Horizon,” where emerging designers reinterpr»»»
Deputy PM Outlines Broad Reform Agenda Aimed at Improving Investment Climate
Bulgaria's government is making investment a national priority and a key tool for supporting municipalities and businesses, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev said on Thursday. Speaking at the National Meeting of Local and Central Executive Auth»»»
Bulgaria's Social System Is under Growing Pressure from Demographic Trends, Labour Minister Says
Bulgaria's social system is coming under increasing strain as the country's demographic challenges deepen, Labour and Social Policy Minister Natalia Efremova said on Thursday. Speaking at a National Meeting of Local and Central Executive Authorities in Sofia, organized by the National Association o»»»
Bulgaria Supports New EU-Wide Corporate Legal Regime, But Opposes Zero Minimum Capital Possibility
Bulgaria supports in principle an EU proposal to create a unified corporate legal framework, known as the "28th regime", but insists on additional safeguards against abuse and opposes the possibility of establishing companies with zero capital. This transpired from remarks by Deputy Justice Ministe»»»
Qatar Airways to resume daily flights to Kuwait City
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways has announced the resumption of its daily flights to Kuwait City, Kuwait, starting June 21, 2026. In a social media post, the national carrier said the service will operate daily between Doha and Kuwait City. All flights will be handled through Terminal T4 at Kuwait Inter»»»
QAF President to QNA: Doha Diamond League meet will be more distinctive
Doha, Qatar: President of the Qatar Athletics Federation (QAF) and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Doha Diamond League Mohammed Issa Al Fadala confirmed that preparations have been completed for the event, which will kick off Friday at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar Sports Club. »»»
Iran to start charging vessels using key global shipping route
Dubai: Iran has announced plans to impose charges on ships transiting the strategically important Strait of Hormuz after the expiry of a 60-day fee-free period outlined in a memorandum of understanding with the United States. Speaking in an interview aired on Iranian state television, Iran's chief »»»
Hegseth announces review of U.S. forces in Europe as part of NATO reform - UPI.com
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a meeting of fellow NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Thursday that the Pentagon would be launching a review of U.S. forces deployed in Europe as part of a reboot of the alliance -- but that they would be consulted. Photo by Olivier Hoslet/EPA June 18 (U»»»
Rush-hour congestion on key Dubai and Sharjah roads after incidents
Dubai: A series of traffic incidents and heavy congestion led to significant delays across major roads in Dubai and Sharjah during Thursday evening’s rush hour, with commuters facing slow-moving traffic on key routes. The disruption caused delays for thousands of commuters on key inter-emirate rout»»»
World Cup Debrief - Harry Kane Shines For England As Ronaldo Misfires
The Three Lions began their World Cup campaign with an upbeat win against Croatia. Thomas Tuchel's tactics saw them get ahead and win 4-2 after the two sides were level at halftime. Meanwhile Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo in the latest upset of a team consider»»»
Trump faces growing criticism from own party regarding US-Iran deal
In the US, the Memorandum of Understanding to end the war in Iran has been met with mixed reactions. While loyalists of President Donald Trump have hailed the deal, many - including from his own party - have been sharply critical of it, with one senior Republican Senator calling it "the worst forei»»»
The UAE has a new digital spokesperson — and his name is Zayed
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has introduced a new digital spokesperson named Zayed — an artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to communicate the work and initiatives of the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Th»»»
Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra to conclude season with concert Friday
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, will conclude its artistic season on Friday with a concert titled "Pictures at an Exhibition" at the Opera House in the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara). The concert fea»»»
Kept outside of negotiations, can the US-Iran deal bring peace to Lebanon?
Since the signing of the peace deal between Iran and the US, fighting in Lebanon has dropped. But according to Lebanese media, Israeli strikes on south of the country did kill at least five people. Whether the deal will lead to peace in Lebanon remains unclear.»»»
U.S. gas prices drop below $4 mark for first time since March 30 - UPI.com
The average price of a gallon of regular gas in the United States dropped below $4 Thursday, marking the first time prices have been this low since March 30. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo June 18 (UPI) -- The average price of a gallon of regular gas in the United States dropped below »»»
Bulgaria’s New Pilgrimage Route Set to Join Europe’s Camino Network
Bulgaria’s new pilgrimage route, “The Way to the Relics of St. John the Baptist,” is moving toward official integration into the European pilgrimage network and direct cooperation with Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago. The announcement was made Thursday in Burgas during a visit by international ex»»»
French connections - Keeping cool: How French cities are adapting to extreme heat
If you've spent any time in France recently, you'll have noticed it has got warmer, especially in French cities. How is climate change impacting France? Why do cities suffer more and what are big urban areas doing to combat the effects of climate change? Also, why are the French so resistant to air»»»
Iran declares victory over US
The newly signed memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran is a diplomatic victory for Tehran secured through strength and is evidence that Washington failed to achieve any of its military objectives, Iranian officials have said. The 14-point document was signed remotely by President Dona»»»
A mother's dream comes true as Filipino twins are separated
RIYADH: For the first time in their young lives, Filipino twins Olivia and Gianna Manuel are one step closer to experiencing the world on their own. The two-year-old sisters, who were born joined at the chest and abdomen, were successfully separated on Thursday in a complex operation carried out by»»»
REVIEW: ‘House of the Dragon’ finally delivers the fire and blood we’ve been waiting for
DUBAI: After a divisive second season that often felt like an extended prologue to a war that viewers were desperate to see, “House of the Dragon” returns with a burning and renewed zeal. Showrunner Ryan Condal appears to have taken criticism of the previous outing to heart, wasting little time in »»»
Graft probe into Spanish ex-PM expanded to daughters: court
MADRID: A judge investigating former Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero for alleged influence peddling has expanded his politically explosive probe to the Socialist’s daughters, a court said on Thursday. Jose Luis Calama notified Alba and Laura Rodriguez Espinosa “to allow them to »»»
Netanyahu says Israel to keep buffer zone in Lebanon as long as needed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that Israel's "struggle" is not over yet, and that more challenges lie ahead, after the U.S. and Iran signed an MoU to end the war between them, which also inlcudes a clause about stopping the conflict in Lebanon and respecting its sovere»»»
Washington and Tehran release details of MoU to end war
Washington The United States and Iran revealed the text of the MoU that was electronically signed between the two sides. The memorandum includes an immediate and permanent ceasefire, a commitment to negotiate a final agreement within 60 days, as well as measures related to sanctions relief, freedom»»»
World Cup songs: from local themes to global industry
Rewind almost a century, to the 1930s, and the FIFA World Cup had no need to produce an official song or fashion a unified sonic identity. This was a purely sporting event, shaped by the era's politics and communication methods. Match results were printed in newspapers, and fans followed the games »»»