Prepared, not panicked: Abu Dhabi’s school safety guide sets a new standard for emergency readiness
ABU DHABI: Authorities have issued a comprehensive guide to enhance the readiness of educational institutions, including school transportation, to mitigate risks and manage emergency and exceptional situations. The guide applies to the remaining period of the current academic year and in 2026. The »»»
War with Pakistan halts school for Afghan border children
BARIKOT, Afghanistan: There are no children in the Afghan border village of Barikot, where the school has been smashed by shells and the playground sits deserted after weeks of war with Pakistan. Almost all of the 8,000 residents fled after the conflict erupted in late February, but AFP journalists»»»
US tells Afghans to choose Taliban home or DR Congo: activist
WASHINGTON, United States: The United States is looking to give former Afghan allies stuck in Qatar a choice between emigrating to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo or returning to their Taliban-ruled homeland, an activist said Tuesday. President Donald Trump’s administration, which has mad»»»
Gun used to kill 8 children was stolen from truck, Louisiana man tells investigators
A man who previously had the assault-style gun used to kill eight children in Louisiana told investigators he believes Shamar Elkins stole it from his truck in the weeks before the rampage in a Shreveport neighborhood, according to court documents released Tuesday. Charles Ford told investigators h»»»
UK SAS troops resigning amid Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, and Syria war crimes probe – media
Soldiers from the UK’s elite SAS force are resigning in significant numbers over fears of prosecution following human rights investigations into alleged war crimes, British media reports. The probe largely focuses on British special forces operations in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2013, as well as mis»»»
Israeli soldiers sexually assaulting Palestinians to force them from West Bank homes – report
Israeli soldiers and settlers are systematically using sexual violence and harassment to force Palestinians from their homes in the occupied West Bank, according to a report by the West Bank Protection Consortium – a group of international humanitarian organizations. The report, published on Sunday»»»
Frangieh to Aoun: Even Bashir Gemayyel Failed to Impose “Peace” When Israeli Tanks Were in Beirut
The head of the Marada Movement in Lebanon, Suleiman Frangieh, affirmed that the Resistance is a result of occupation, and what is happening today in the South — the “yellow line” and other matters — gives it full legitimacy to continue. Frangieh added during an interview with Al-Mayadeen channel t»»»
Sidra Medicine introduces gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia
Tribune News Network Doha Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has been qualified by Vertex Pharmaceuticals as one of a limited number of hospitals in the world to administer Casgevy, a groundbreaking, one-time CRISPR/Cas9-based gene therapy treatment. Casgevy is now available in Qatar for»»»
Qatar Charity boosts food security in Chad’s refugee camps
Tribune News Network Doha With the support of generous donors, Qatar Charity (QC) has distributed food baskets to refugee families in Gaoui camp in Chad, benefiting 656 households. The assistance was part of ongoing humanitarian efforts to ease daily hardship and strengthen food security amid one o»»»
QRCS empowers Gaza youths to earn their living
Tribune News Network Doha In partnership with the Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is implementing a livelihood project to help improve the economic conditions of the people of Gaza. Dr. Akram Nassar, head of QRCS’s representation office i»»»
UK agrees ban on cigarette sales for people born after 2008
LONDON: Both chambers of Britain's parliament have approved a bill that would ban children aged 17 and under from buying cigarettes during their lifetime. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to stop anyone born after January 1, 2009 (now aged 17) from taking up smoking. Health minister Wes Streeting ca»»»
EU's top court finds Hungary violated law with anti-LGBTQ reforms - UPI.com
1 of 2 | A participant holds a rainbow flag during the gay pride parade in downtown Budapest, Hungary, on July 24, 2021. On Tuesday, the European Union's top court said Hungary's anti-LGBTQ legislation violated the EU's treaty. File Photo by Szilard Koszticzak/EPA-EFE April 21 (UPI) -- The European»»»
Pope Leo marks anniversary of Pope Francis' death with tribute - UPI.com
1 of 5 | Pope Leo XIV waves to supporters as he leaves after his visit to the Ngul Zamba (Power of God) orphanage April 15 in Yaounde, Cameroon. The pontiff, who is on an 11-day apostolic journey to Africa, spoke about his predecessor, Pope Francis, on Tuesday, the first anniversary of Francis' dea»»»
Nafis expands: New groups supported, quotas unchanged
Dubai: The Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) has confirmed that Emirati spouses of citizens and children of Emirati mothers working in the private sector will not be counted towards the annual 2 per cent Emiratisation target under the Nafis programme. The council said the quota for priv»»»
Sidra Medicine introduces Qatar’s first advanced gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease and thalassemia
Doha, Qatar: Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has been qualified by Vertex Pharmaceuticals as one of a of a limited number of hospitals in the world, to administer Casgevy, a groundbreaking, one-time CRISPR/Cas9-based gene therapy treatment. Casgevy is now available in Qatar for patien»»»
Two Palestinians Killed in West Bank Village Attacked by Israeli Settlers, Witnesses Say
Two Palestinians, including a 14-year-old boy, were killed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Tuesday after Israeli settlers and soldiers opened fire, witnesses said, while in Gaza health officials said two Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said two»»»
Frontliners Tribute Initiative allows children of all ages to express their appreciation
Does your child have a hero? Now he or she can leave a little note of appreciation for those on the frontlines in the UAE. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge has launched the new project called the Frontliners Tribute Initiative, where students of all grades can, as part of the Natio»»»
Saudi HR ministry rolls out operational plan to enhance pilgrim services during Hajj
RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has begun implementing its operational plan for the Hajj season through a set of regulatory, supervisory, and social initiatives aimed at improving services for pilgrims and enhancing their experience in the holy sites. Ismail bin Saeed»»»
After Spain, Belgium Condemns Israel’s Conduct in Lebanon as Eurovision Boycott Grows
Mounting international pressure on the Israeli occupation entity intensified this week, as European officials and global cultural figures escalated criticism over its military conduct in Lebanon and Gaza, with calls ranging from sanctions to sweeping cultural boycotts. Belgium Pushes EU Action Over»»»
Rohingya refugees begin to bear spillover effects of Iran war
DHAKA: The impact of the US–Israel war on Iran has already reached Rohingya camps in Bangladesh, where refugees say spillover effects are compounding the existing crisis of displacement and shrinking humanitarian aid. Bangladesh relies on imports for 95 percent of its energy needs and has been stru»»»
Boulevard Flowers in Riyadh now open to visitors
RIYADH: One of the world’s largest flower gardens has opened opposite Riyadh’s Boulevard World, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. Boulevard Flowers, set across 214,000 sq. meters, features tens of millions of floral displays. These include more than 100 varieties of flowers and plants in »»»
Filipino expat’s LEGO tribute to Al-Balad’s Rawashin
JEDDAH: The carved wooden balconies of Jeddah Historic District, known as Rawashin, have long defined the skyline of the Red Sea city. Projecting gracefully from coral-stone facades, these intricate wooden screens are more than decorative elements; they are ingenious climate solutions designed for »»»
Counting a billion people: Inside India's mega census drive
New Delhi: Sukhwinder Kaur battles the scorching sun as she trudges door-to-door in New Delhi as part of India's colossal exercise to count more than one billion citizens. Kaur is among three million census enumerators fanning out across cities and villages in an exercise that will help shape polic»»»
Ivelia Hotel & Spa Welcomes Guests After Major Renovation and Upgrade to 4-star Category
Ivelia Hotel & Spa in the village of Dabnitsa is welcoming guests after a major renovation and an upgrade to a four-star category as of September 2025, the complex’s manager Anelia Uzunova told BTA. The spa centre uses salt electrolysis as a method for purifying the water in the pools, which avoids»»»
Children to be banned from using phones in schools in England by law - UPI.com
The British government said Monday that it will pass legislation to bar smartphones from schools in England amid broader political and societal debate over whether to ban social media for children younger than 16. File photo by Sascha Steinbach/EPA April 21 (UPI) -- The British government announced»»»
Saudi Masam project clears 1,906 explosive devices in Yemen
RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Masam project removed 1,906 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week. These include 1,815 unexploded ordnances, 68 anti-tank mines, nine anti-personnel mines, and 14 improvised explosive devices, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The explosives were»»»
SPEEDWELL unveils GLENWOOD Estate, a lakeside villa-community in Corbeanca
SPEEDWELL, a premium real estate developer with Belgian roots, highly active in Romania and Poland, and specialized in residential and mixed-use projects, launches GLENWOOD Estate – a distinctive residential compound in Corbeanca – on the shores of Ostratu Lake, with a total investment value estima»»»
Pope Leo XIV pays tribute to Pope Francis on the anniversary of his death
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE: Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Pope Francis on Tuesday on the first anniversary of his death, recalling his preaching about God’s mercy and his gestures of solidarity with poor people.“We thank the Lord for the great gift of the life of Francis, to the church and the world,” L»»»
Dubai school bus safety rules: What every motorist must know
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has taken to social media to remind motorists of the importance of strictly following school bus stop arm regulations, stressing that road safety for children remains a shared responsibility. In its message, the authority said drivers must comply with sto»»»
SPEEDWELL unveils lakeside villa-community GLENWOOD Estate in Corbeanca
SPEEDWELL, a premium real estate developer with Belgian roots, highly active in Romania and Poland, and specialized in residential and mixed-use projects, launches GLENWOOD Estate – a distinctive residential compound in Corbeanca – on the shores of Ostratu Lake, with a total investment value estima»»»
Rats, fleas plague Gaza’s displaced as temperatures rise
KHAN YUNIS: As springtime temperatures rise in Gaza, a surge in rats, fleas and other pests has compounded the misery of hundreds of thousands of displaced people still living in tents after more than two years of war. With meagre shelter and almost no sanitation, Palestinians told AFP the vermin a»»»
Rats, Fleas Plague Gaza’s Displaced as Temperatures Rise
As springtime temperatures rise in Gaza, a surge in rats, fleas and other pests has compounded the misery of hundreds of thousands of displaced people still living in tents after more than two years of war. With meager shelter and almost no sanitation, Palestinians told AFP the vermin are invading »»»
EU court deals major blow to Orbán’s legacy and anti-gay crackdown
Europe’s top court has ruled against Hungary’s homophobic laws, further dismantling Viktor Orbán’s far-right legacy which drew inspiration from Russian-style policies. The Luxembourg-based European Court of Justice on Tuesday (21 April) said Hungary’s child protection laws were unlawful because the»»»
Qatar seeks to consolidate position as regional hub for innovation: President of Arab Federation for AI
Doha, Qatar: The world is celebrating World Creativity and Innovation Day today, Tuesday, as the United Nations has designated April 21 of each year as a global day to highlight the use of creative thinking and technology towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. On this occasion, Presid»»»
European Immunization Week kicks off in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
European Immunization Week kicked off in Kyrgyzstan on April 20. Gulbara Ishenapysova, Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Kyrgyz Republic, announced at a press conference. According to her, up to 75,000 children and adults are vaccinated annually during the European Im»»»
What happens inside this UAE support network for autism, people of determination
Dubai: Inside a growing UAE-based community network, families of children with autism and other developmental needs are finding support that goes beyond awareness campaigns, ranging from therapy-led discussions and peer-sharing sessions to programmes preparing teenagers for adulthood. Ausome Family»»»
Hezbollah to bury fighters killed in war with Israel
Hezbollah announced it will hold mass funerals in south Lebanon on Tuesday for 44 fighters killed during more than six weeks of war with Israel. The burials come after Israel and Lebanon entered into a 10-day ceasefire on Friday announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Hezbollah has not given the »»»
Hezbollah to bury fighters killed in war with Israel
BEIRUT: Hezbollah announced it will hold mass funerals in south Lebanon on Tuesday for 44 fighters killed during more than six weeks of war with Israel.The burials come after Israel and Lebanon entered into a 10-day ceasefire on Friday announced by US President Donald Trump.Iran-backed Hezbollah ha»»»
Has India’s last school been built?
Thiruvananthapuram: For decades, India grappled with a surging population problem, and school textbooks explained the dangers of an exploding population. That trend has distinctly reversed now, with a steadily declining fertility rate, which in turn is manifesting in many ways – like school closure»»»
Musk fails to appear at French court hearing over sexualised AI deepfakes on X
Tech magnate Elon Musk, who has owned the X platform since 2022, failed to appear at his court hearing on Monday, the Paris prosecutor’s office said. The billionaire, founder of Tesla and the aerospace company SpaceX, had been summoned by French authorities as part of an investigation launched»»»
Indonesia passes long-awaited law to protect domestic workers
Jakarta: Indonesia's parliament passed a law on Tuesday to protect the rights of domestic workers after more than two decades of deliberations and multiple delays. The bill was first introduced in 2004 to protect the country's 4.2 million domestic workers, almost 90 percent of them women according »»»
GERB Leader: Radev Now Holds Full Power to Fulfill "Good Intentions"
GERB leader Boyko Borissov on Tuesday congratulated Rumen Radev and his Progressive Bulgaria party on winning Sunday's early parliamentary elections and highlighted the opportunities arising from the fact that they will command a majority in the new National Assembly. Borissov expressed hope that R»»»
Volunteers Count Sparrows across Bulgaria amid Long-Term Decline in Numbers
Volunteers across Bulgaria have counted nearly 3,600 sparrows at 278 locations as part of the annual We Count Sparrows campaign which highlighting both public engagement and ongoing concerns about urban biodiversity. Information about the campaign was made public Tuesday by the Bulgarian Society fo»»»
Hot Air Balloon with 13 Aboard Makes Emergency Landing in California Backyard
A balloon landed in a Southern California backyard — a balloon with 13 people. The enormous hot air balloon, with a pilot and passengers in the basket, descended perfectly Saturday on a small plot of grass at a home in Temecula. Hunter Perrin said he had no idea that he had visitors until a neighbo»»»
On Ukraine front, married medics face war side by side
While Ukrainian combat medic Anastasia Podobailo cleaned blood from a wounded soldier’s arm and called him “little bun,” her colleague and husband Mykola Yasinenko checked the patient’s intravenous drip was flowing.The couple navigated their small surgery together and treated the groaning servicema»»»
Kyrgyzstan increases diplomatic employees’ liability on foreign trips - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan is increasing the liability of diplomatic employees traveling on foreign business trips. Deputy Foreign Minister, Almaz Imangaziev, announced at a meeting of the Committee on Constitutional Legislation, State Structure, Local Government, and Regulations of the Zhogorku Kenesh. According »»»
Late Queen Elizabeth II's Legacy Still Looms Over British Monarchy 100 Years After Her Birth
Queen Elizabeth II lives on at the Cool Britannia gift shop across the road from Buckingham Palace. Four years after the queen’s death, the shop is doing a brisk business in mugs, tea towels and key rings bearing the likeness of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch as the nation marks the centenary o»»»
Aman Center unveils 2026-2030 strategy to boost social protection, empower women and children
Doha, Qatar: The Protection and Social Rehabilitation Center (Aman), one of the centers under the Qatar Foundation for Social Work yesterday launched its new strategy for 2026-2030, marking a significant milestone in its institutional development and a new phase in its efforts to enhance social saf»»»
128 people suffer from tick bites in Bishkek - | 24.KG
At least 128 people contacted the Bishkek State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance Center regarding tick bites. According to the center, including eight people (four adults and four children) were vaccinated with immunoglobulin against tick-borne encephalitis. A total of 189 people have been»»»
Spanish Catholic Church sexual abuse victims surpass 3,000 – El Pais investigation
More than 3,000 people have reportedly suffered sexual abuse as minors within the Spanish Catholic Church, according to a eight-year investigation by the El Pais newspaper which published its latest findings on Monday. The outlet began collecting data on sex crimes within the church in 2018, when o»»»