Keir Starmer tells social media firms he is considering a child ban - UPI.com
Europe, Middle East and Africa President of Snap, Ronan Harris (L), and Wifredo Fernandez, director of global government affairs at X, leave No. 10 Downing Street in London on Thursday morning after meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss ways to protect children safe when they are on social»»»
EU spells out how Google must share data with rivals
Brussels, Belgium: The European Commission set out Thursday how it wants Google to make a wide range of data accessible to rival search engines in order to comply with the bloc's digital rules. The announcement forms part of amicable proceedings launched in January to ensure Google meets its obliga»»»
Qatar Airways expands global network to over 150 destinations
DOHA: Qatar Airways announced it is expanding its international flight network, with services to over 150 destinations from 16 June 2026, connecting more passengers to more of the world this summer. The carrier said in a press statement that the updated schedule, valid until 15 September 2026, intr»»»
Syria welcomes complete handover of U.S.-held military sites
Damascus, April 16 (SANA) Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the transfer of military sites previously operated by U.S. forces to the Syrian government, saying the move marks a step toward restoring state control over all territory. In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said the handover reflects»»»
If Iran Refuses US Proposal, Israel Vows 'Even More Painful' Strikes
Israel's defense minister warned Iran on Thursday against rejecting a US proposal focused on renouncing "nuclear armament" and vowed to stage "even more painful" strikes on new targets if it did so. "Iran is standing at a historic crossroads: one path is renouncing the ways of terror and nuclear ar»»»
Djuric: Czechia a friendly country, we will work on advancement of cooperation
PRAGUE - Serbian FM Marko Djuric said on Thursday in Prague Serbia considered Czechia and its current government as friendly and noted that Serbia and Czechia were focusing on advancement of political, economic and cultural cooperation, besides cooperation on the European aspect and regional affair»»»
Lula Says Trump Has 'No Right' to Threaten Countries
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized US President Donald Trump, saying the US leader has "no right" to threaten other nations, in an interview published in Spain on Thursday. Lula's comments come after Trump this month warned that a "whole civilization will die" in Iran if the c»»»
Prediction markets create forum for trading on non-public information - UPI.com
1 of 3 | The rise in prediction markets and an email to White House staff have lawmakers weighing how to regulate prediction markets and prevent government officials from trading using nonpublic information. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 16 (UPI) -- The rise in prediction mark»»»
President, Parliament Chair, Prime Minister, Patriarch, Magistrates, Guests Mark Constitution Day Together
Bulgaria's President, Parliament Chair, caretaker Prime Minister and Patriarch, as well as magistrates, representatives of institutions and guests gathered for the celebration of Constitution Day at the Museum of the Bulgarian Revival and Constituent Assembly in Veliko Tarnovo on Thursday. This mar»»»
Pakistani army chief in Iran to discuss new round of US talks
The influential chief of Pakistan's armed forces visited Iran to meet the head of Tehran's negotiators on Thursday, as Washington considers agreeing to another round of peace talks in Islamabad. Iranian state television showed Field Marshal Asim Munir meeting Iran's speaker of parliament, Mohammad »»»
Senate rejects effort to halt arms sales to Israel, but most Democrats vote to block them
More than three dozen Democrats supported an effort by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday to block arms sales to Israel, signaling a growing discontent in the party with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the wars in Gaza and Iran. The two resolutions to block U.S. sales of bulldozers and »»»
What should families do if they rely on school buses and cannot arrange alternative transport?
UAE schools are heading back to in-person learning from Monday, April 20, but the return looks different depending on which school your child attends. While some schools have told parents their campuses will not be opening on that date, others are requiring students who travel by private transport »»»
Pakistan: Lebanon Part of Broader Ceasefire
Pakistan stressed on Thursday that Lebanon remains part of the ceasefire agreement in place between the United States and Iran, stressing that stability in Lebanon is essential for the success of peace talks in the region. “Lebanon, in our interpretation, is part of the broader ceasefire,” Foreign »»»
Vastint Romania secures first tenant for Timpuri Noi Square Phase 2
SCOR, a leading global reinsurer headquartered in Paris, offers its clients a diversified and innovative range of reinsurance and insurance solutions and services to control and manage risk. In 2025, the Group generated premiums of EUR 18.7 billionand serves clients in more than 150 countries throu»»»
Hungary’s incoming PM Peter Magyar pledges crackdown on critical media
Hungary’s incoming prime minister, Peter Magyar, has pledged to suspend the news operations of the state broadcaster following two tense interviews he gave on Wednesday. Magyar’s Tisza party secured a decisive victory in Sunday’s parliamentary election, effectively ensuring he will form the next go»»»
EU spied on Hungary’s Viktor Orban for years – former Slovak minister
The EU spy campaign that helped bring down Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is a lesson to anyone who defies Brussels, former Slovak Interior Minister Vladimir Palko has warned. “What they did to Orban yesterday, they can do to you tomorrow,” he told the outlet ‘Marker’ on Monday. Orban’s Fide»»»
Man dies after fall from building in Thessaloniki
A 33-year-old man died early Wednesday after falling from the roof of a residential building in central Thessaloniki. The incident occurred shortly after midnight, when the man was found on a sidewalk below the building. Authorities said initial findings show no evidence of foul play. An investigat»»»
What should families do if they rely on school buses and cannot arrange alternative transport?
UAE schools are heading back to in-person learning from Monday, April 20, but the return looks different depending on which school your child attends. While some schools have told parents their campuses will not be opening on that date, others are requiring students who travel by private transport »»»
Dana Nae Popa (pastel): Clients are looking for clarity, perspective and ideas that can make a real difference
In our recently launched series of interviews dedicated to the MarComm industry, BR sat down with Dana Nae Popa, Owner & Managing Director pastel and President Asociatia pastel and talked about the agency celebrating 20 years, top moments during this time, clients and what they are looking for, tre»»»
Pope blasts ‘tyrants’ ravaging the Earth during his visit to Cameroon
Bamenda: Pope Leo XIV blasted the “handful of tyrants” who are ravaging Earth with war and exploitation, as he preached a message of peace Thursday in the epicentre of a separatist conflict considered one of the world’s most neglected crises. Leo travelled to the western Cameroon city of Bamenda, w»»»
Environmental breach? Philippines awaits report on cyanide use in disputed shoal
Dubai: The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has declared that it is awaiting the results of a “scientific and technical analysis” into the alleged use of cyanide in waters of Ayungin Shoal or Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea, before determining its next st»»»
Liwa project supports houbara breeding and desert wildlife conservation
In the heart of the Liwa desert, an Emirati-led project is helping protect wildlife and preserve heritage, with a focus on breeding the houbara bustard, a key symbol of the UAE’s desert environment. The project, led by Ahmed Hayay Al Mansoori, began as a personal initiative and has grown into a str»»»
Visiting British minister calls for ceasefire in Lebanon
Visiting British Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer on Thursday called for a ceasefire in Lebanon where Israel and Hezbollah are at war, and welcomed direct talks between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war on March 2 after militant group Hezbollah fired rockets at Isr»»»
Roxana Memetea (DDB): In a world where everyone can produce quickly, the role of the idea is more important than ever
In a new series of interviews launched today, BR set down with Roxana Memetea, Managing Director DDB, and talked about her wishes for 2026, both for the agency and the advertising industry, clients and what they are looking for, trends and many more. By Romanita Oprea How did you start the year / W»»»
Distance learning to continue for some UAE schools on Monday
Dubai/ Sharjah: As UAE schools prepare for the gradual return to in-person learning from Monday, April 20, some schools have informed parents they will not be reopening their campuses on that date — while certain schools have made physical attendance compulsory for students who travel by private tr»»»
Sig Sauer CEO Ron Cohen visits Cugir to built partnership
His itinerary included Cugir, Alba County, and Bucharest, with the objective to assessing the potential for industrial partnerships with Romanian defense manufacturers and opening a series of bilateral discussions with relevant industry and institutional stakeholders. The visit has three concrete o»»»
Silva to leave Man City at end of season
London: Bernardo Silva will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, the Premier League club announced Thursday as they hailed his "incalculable" contribution to our "greatest sustained period of success". The 31-year-old Portuguese playmaker, who is the current club captain, joined City fro»»»
Wolt Romania: Record growth of over 2600% for “cozonac” orders during Easter
“The results of the first quarter confirm the growing trust users have in our services, not just for restaurant delivery, but as a complete solution for daily shopping. The Easter period highlighted a clear trend: Romanians want to balance tradition with the efficiency that technology offers. The f»»»
UAE workshop discusses gap between legal education and job market needs
More than 90 legal experts, academics and industry representatives gathered at a national workshop to discuss the gap between legal education and labour market requirements in the UAE. The workshop was organised by Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and hosted by the Legal Talent »»»
Farhana Bodi breaks down during interview: 'I was shattered when my son was diagnosed with autism'
Dubai: In a scenic lake-side resort in Geneva, miles away from Dubai, Indian reality star, model, and influencer Farhana Bodi logs in for our conversation with her usual polish and flourish. She was on a work trip for a luxury watch event and was naturally composed, camera-ready, and effortlessly g»»»
Agroland Group Q1 2026: 40% increase in volume and 25% increase in average price for eggs
“First-quarter results in the table egg segment show a significant increase in sales volumes, against a backdrop of steadily rising average prices. This trend confirms the validity of the decisions we have made in recent years to expand production capacity in a region with growing consumption trend»»»
No date fixed for next US-Iran talks, says Pakistan Foreign Office
Dubai: Pakistan on Thursday said no date has been set for the second round of talks between the United States and Iran, urging the media to avoid speculation as diplomatic consultations continue under a highly confidential process. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, during »»»
Women’s seats, bigger India Parliament: What’s changing?
India is moving towards one of the most significant changes to its parliamentary structure since independence, with plans to expand the size of Parliament while reserving one-third of seats for women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pitched the move as a “historic step” to empower women and reshap»»»
Anti-France influencer Kemi Seba arrested in South Africa for inciting rebellion in Benin
An anti-France activist and influencer has been arrested in South Africa for “inciting rebellion” by openly supporting last year’s foiled coup in Benin. Kemi Seba was born in France to Benin parents but was stripped of his French nationality two years ago for his many attempts to fuel anti-French s»»»
Pakistan: Sharif diplomacy, army outreach boost peace efforts
Dubai: Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic and military outreach across the Middle East this week in a coordinated effort aimed at easing regional tensions, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif toured key Gulf capitals while the country’s army chief held high-level talks in Iran. The parallel engag»»»
SIGNAL IDUNA accelerates transformation in Romania: the group closes 2025 with 19% growth
SIGNAL IDUNA ASIGURARE REASIGURARE (life and health insurer) reported RON 376.7 million in gross written premiums, up 19% year-on-year. SIGNAL IDUNA ASIGURĂRI (general insurer) grew by RON 21% to 131.5 million, while GARANTA ASIGURĂRI (life and general insurer) increased by 9%, reaching RON 60.2 mi»»»
US Treasury Starts Operation 'Economic Fury' to Maximize Pressure on Iran - Hegseth
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Treasury is launching Operation "Economic Fury" against Iran to maximize economic pressure on the country, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Thursday. "At the same time, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and our friends over at Treasury are launching Operation 'Econ»»»
How alternative schooling models are gaining momentum in the UAE
Dubai: Changing lifestyles, increased mobility, and the rise of hybrid work models are reshaping how families in the UAE and regionally approach education, prompting a clear shift towards more flexible and personalised learning models. While traditional schooling remains central, online and hybrid »»»
Pakistan Central Bank Receives $2 billion from Saudi Arabia as Part of Broader Financial Support Package
Pakistan announced that it has received $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance as part of a broader financial support package. Earlier, Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, said that Saudi Arabia had committed to depositing an additional $3 billion, while extending an existi»»»
Watch: Falling ice chunk crashes through roof, lands on living room couch - UPI.com
April 15 (UPI) -- A Los Angeles County supervisor is calling for a Federal Aviation Administration investigation after a chunk of ice crashed through the roof of a house. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn shared photos on social media showing the dirt-covered ice chunk that crashed through »»»
101-year-old New Zealand man named world's oldest croquet player - UPI.com
Neville Sandiford earned the Guinness World Record for the oldest competitive croquet player (male) when he participated in an August 2025 tournament at the age of 101 years and 262 days old. Photo courtesy of Guinness World Records April 15 (UPI) -- A New Zealand man who took up the game of croque»»»
Ombudsman Delcheva: Any Constitutional Amendment Should Safeguard Institutional Balance and Public Trust
Any amendment to the Constitution should be made with particular responsibility, not only through the lens of political expediency, but with due regard for the balance of institutions and public trust in them, Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva said in her opening remarks during the Constitution Day cele»»»
Justice Ministry Proposes Legal Safeguards against Abusive Lawsuits Targeting Public Participation
The Justice Ministry announced Thursday that it has introduced a set of proposed amendments to the Civil Procedure Code aimed at strengthening protections against abusive lawsuits, commonly known as SLAPP cases (from "Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation"). These cases are typically used»»»
Qatar Airways expands global network to over 150 destinations
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways is expanding its international flight network, with services to over 150 destinations from June 16, 2026, connecting more passengers to various destination across the the world this summer. The updated schedule, valid until September 15, 2026, introduces new routes and in»»»
Qatar Philharmonic to hold concert at Katara saturday
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of Qatar Foundation, will hold a concert this Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 7:30 pm at Katara Cultural Village, Opera House. Titled "Brass, Brilliance and Beethoven," the program highlights the richness of brass and wind instruments through sel»»»
ING launches ING Travel Protect, available through Home’Bank, offered in partnership with Allianz-Țiriac
ING Travel Protect fits the way people organize their trips today: simple, digital, and directly on their mobile phones. Customers can quickly set up their policy based on their destination, travel dates, and type of trip (vacation, study, or work). Furthermore, they can purchase coverage for their»»»
Suspected Russian-linked plot disrupted
A suspected international plot with elements of espionage has unfolded in Greece, where authorities arrested a 55-year-old Greek from the former Soviet Union in Thessaloniki, accused of involvement in a network allegedly planning assassinations in Lithuania. According to judicial documents from a V»»»
Claret Credit announces 150% increase in sales in 2025
These results validate Claret Credit’s development strategy, which focuses on strengthening the management team and digitalizing operations. In 2024, the company appointed Mircea Lupu as CEO, an executive with over 20 years of experience in the banking and non-banking financial sectors. Claret Cred»»»
Israeli Strike Severs Last Bridge Linking Southern Lebanon to Rest of Country
An Israeli strike has severed the last bridge linking southern Lebanon to the rest of the country, a senior Lebanese security official told Reuters on Thursday, adding that the strike “shattered” the bridge and left no possibility of repairing it. The state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported t»»»
US in discussions on holding second round of Iran talks in Pakistan – White House
The US is in discussions on staging a second round of peace talks with Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said. The first direct meeting between the sides since the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28 took place in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, at the weekend, but deliv»»»