Russia to block Kazakh oil flows to Germany via key pipeline
BusinessRussia to block Kazakh oil flows to Germany via key pipelineArthur SullivanGermany has confirmed that Russia will block flows of Kazakh oil to a vital refinery that supplies much of Berlin's energy needs from May 1. https://p.dw.com/p/5Ce5vThe PCK refinery is a vital energy hub for BerlinIm»»»
China steps up targeted pressure on Japan amid Taiwan tensions - UPI.com
China intensifies targeted "pinpoint" pressure on Japan as all-front tensions escalate across the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea The People's Liberation Army Navy Type 052C destroyer Haikou, NATO code name Luyang II class, sails into Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, China. Photo by JEROME FAVRE / E»»»
From survivor to supporter: Abu Dhabi-based expat offers free autism assessments to UAE families
Dubai: For many parents in the UAE, the first signs of developmental delay in a child can bring uncertainty and often, hesitation. This Autism Awareness month, Abu Dhabi-based Filipina expatriate Lilac Schonberg is working to remove that hesitation by offering free applied behaviour analysis assess»»»
Greece to make cost-of-living payments to families, seniors
Athens: Greece's conservative government on Wednesday announced special payments to seniors and families with children, and the extension of a fuel subsidy for farmers, to help counter a cost-of-living crisis. The aid worth hundreds of millions of dollars came as the country's parliament voted on w»»»
Win-Win’ or ‘Sign of Weakness’? Experts Split on Trump's Ceasefire Move
Trump has given no indication of how long the extension will last. The US leader's ceasefire is therefore considered indefinite, ex-ambassador to Iran Asif Durrani points out. The second round of US–Iran talks in Islamabad did not take place, as the two sides failed to agree on preliminary conditio»»»
Tunisia gets offers in 27,000 ton corn tender, traders say
HAMBURG: The lowest price offered in a tender from Tunisian state grains agency ONF on Wednesday to purchase around 27,000 metric tons of animal feed corn was believed to be $267.09 per ton, cost and freight (c&f) included, European traders said. No purchase has yet been reported and offers are»»»
James O’Keefe has released an interview with a US military official dealing with nuclear surety
A US Army nuclear surety official has reportedly described the rampant corruption he witnessed in Ukraine since the administration of US President Barack Obama. The interview was released by the media group run by the controversial journalist James O’Keefe, whose modus operandi is to send reporters»»»
New UAE farming tech cuts energy by 60% and saves water
Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority has announced the adoption of the “Advanced Agriculture 4.0” system, as part of its efforts to support digital transformation in the agricultural sector. Officials said the system marks a shift from traditional farming methods to a more modern, data-d»»»
Kuwait sentences lawyer to 3 years over false social media posts on citizenship
Kuwait’s Court of Appeal has sentenced a lawyer to three years in prison with immediate effect after convicting him of posting misleading and false information via X platform that sparked public confusion over citizenship revocation cases. The State Security Circuit found that the defendant had exc»»»
Wedding tragedy in Kirkuk as house collapse kills woman and injures children
A 22-year-old woman was killed and four children seriously injured after part of an old house collapsed during a wedding gathering in Kirkuk, local authorities said. The incident occurred as guests were preparing to bring in the bride; a section of the ageing structure gave way, turning the celebra»»»
70-year-olds fit enough for service – Germany’s reservist association head
The upper age limit for military reservists in Germany should be raised to 70 given that people stay fit longer, Bastian Ernst, the newly elected president of the country’s Reservists’ Association, has said. Following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Germany has pursued a major recru»»»
LG strengthens alliance with NVIDIA for AI - UPI.com
LG AI Research head Lim Woo-hyung (L) speaks with NVIDIA Vice President Bryan Catanzaro at the company’s head office in Seoul on Tuesday. Photo by LG Group SEOUL, April 22 (UPI) -- South Korea's LG AI Research said that it has agreed to strengthen cooperation with NVIDIA to develop next-generation »»»
UAE Indian consular services to shift from BLS to Alhind from July 1
Abu Dhabi: Indians in the UAE will need to use a new service provider for passport renewals, visa applications, and other consular services from July 1, after tour and travel firm Alhind Tours and Travels won a three-year contract to replace the long-standing operator BLS International. The Embassy»»»
GDRFA Dubai meets workers, boosts on-site welfare checks
Dubai: The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) has stepped up efforts to enhance worker welfare, conducting a field visit to the Arab Construction Company site as part of its ongoing drive to improve living and working conditions across the emirate. The visi»»»
FIFA releases more tickets for 2026 World Cup
Zurich: FIFA has announced the release of a new allocation of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 50 days ahead of the tournament's kick off in North America. In a statement published on its official website, FIFA said fans will be able to purchase tickets for all 104 matches through FIFA's online»»»
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival to return in July
DUBAI: The Liverpool Arab Arts Festival will return from July 17 to 26 across various venues in the British city, organizers announced this week. Now in its 24th year, the UK’s longest-running annual festival dedicated to Arab arts and culture will present a wide-ranging program celebrating creativ»»»
Review: ‘Azzedine Alaia and Christian Dior, Two Masters of Haute Couture’ charts Tunisian couturier’s roots
DHAHRAN: The Damiani-published coffee table book “Azzedine Alaia and Christian Dior, Two Masters of Haute Couture” gorgeously weaves together a thread of visual dialogue between these iconic 20th-century couturiers. Through photographs capturing these sculptural garments, it is a visually elegant f»»»
The tiny, defiant Nile island caught in the heart of Sudan's war
Khartoum: For nearly two years, Al-Shubbak watched through ancient grey eyes as Tuti, the crescent-shaped island in the heart of the Sudanese capital she calls home, emptied of its inhabitants under a punishing paramilitary siege. She refused to leave. "I didn't even move for the English when they »»»
Parliament approves Ulan Mamatkanov for post of Deputy Cabinet Chairman - | 24.KG
Parliament of Kyrgyzstan approved Ulan Mamatkanov’s candidacy for the post of Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. The decision was made at a meeting of the Zhogorku Kenesh. Members of Parliament did not ask Mamatkanov questions; his candidacy was approved unanimously. The new acting Deputy»»»
Qatar speaker, Spain envoy hold talks on bilateral ties and regional security
Doha: Shura Council Speaker HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim has held talks with Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the State of Qatar HE Alvaro Renedo Zalba, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and discussing regional developments. According to a statement, the meeting reviewed cooper»»»
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival to return in July
DUBAI: The Liverpool Arab Arts Festival will return from July 17 to 26 across various venues in the British city, organizers announced this week. Now in its 24th year, the UK’s longest-running annual festival dedicated to Arab arts and culture will present a wide-ranging program celebrating creativ»»»
Russia Has Lower Public Debt-to-GDP Ratio Than Major Western Economies
While Japan is at 206%, the US at 124%, and even major Global South carry far higher debt, Russia remains one of the most fiscally stable countries in the world.»»»
Israel could lose observer status at European political assembly over death penalty law
London: Israel could lose its observer status at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe over a new death penalty law, the assembly president has warned. The law could see Palestinians face execution for offenses including murder and terrorism if convicted in military courts in occupied»»»
KSrelief extends healthcare, food aid to thousands across crisis zones
Riyadh: The mobile clinics of Saudi aid agency KSrelief in Hairan district of Yemen’s Hajjah governorate provided medical services to 472 beneficiaries in one week. The facilities handled infectious disease cases and provided emergency, internal medicine, and reproductive health services, the Saudi»»»
Report says US blocked $500 mn cash shipment to Iraq over pro-Iran attacks
Washington: The United States blocked a plane carrying nearly $500 million in banknotes from delivering the cash to Iraq, US media reported on Tuesday, piling pressure on Baghdad to fight Iran-backed militant groups. The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington has suspended cash shipments to I»»»
Fitch Ratings affirms Kyrgyzstan's rating at B - | 24.KG
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Kyrgyzstan’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ’B’ with a stable outlook, website of the agency says. The ratings reflect Kyrgyzstan’s modest fiscal deficits, low government debt burden, and strong growth prospects, driven by investments in the ene»»»
Ukraine to restart Russian oil pipeline to Europe 'within a few hours'
Kyiv, Ukraine: Ukraine will resume shipping Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia "within a few hours" Wednesday following the completion of repairs to the Druzhba pipeline damaged by a Russian attack, a Kyiv official told AFP. The pipeline has been at the centre of a standoff between Hungary and Slo»»»
Russian Forces Hit Ukrainian Missiles and Drones, Black Sea Fleet Strikes Energy and Port Facilities
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defense systems shot down a guided aerial bomb, three HIMARS rockets and 368 Ukrainian drones, and Russian Black Sea Fleet forces destroyed a Ukrainian unmanned boat in the Black Sea, as well as attacked Ukrainian energy, transport and port infrastructure facilities, »»»
Municipality Ministry launches new online services to streamline land transactions
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Municipality has unveiled a new list of electronic services for the Urban Planning Affairs sector, marking a further step in the country's ongoing digital transformation efforts. In a statement shared on platform X, the ministry said the services are now available on it»»»
Weather alert issued in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
A weather alert has been issued in Kyrgyzstan for April 23-24, the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported. According to the service, unstable weather with localized heavy rains is expected in the foothills and mountainous regions of the republic. This may lead to mudflows and rising river levels»»»
Israel’s occupation of Lebanon likely to derail Beirut’s search for offshore gas
Israel’s latest land grab is dashing Lebanon’s hope of tapping offshore gas to solve its persistent energy shortage. Maritime energy prospects were the focus of a 2022 deal on a disputed border between the two nations. On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) published a map of a “forward defense»»»
Europe's €24bn energy shock: What the EU's emergency plan means for you
Dubai: The European Commission has launched a sweeping energy emergency package after the conflict in the Middle East pushed the bloc's fuel import costs up by €24 billion — without delivering a single additional unit of energy. The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled a broad package of emerg»»»
UAE’s real estate market thrives in Q1 despite Iran conflict
RIYADH: The UAE’s real estate sector remained resilient in the first quarter of 2026 despite conflict in the Middle East, while office markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi remained tight due to limited new supply, according to CBRE. In its latest report, the real estate consultancy said that average offi»»»
Sofia Mayor Urges State to Act Beyond Party Interests After Elections
Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev Wednesday urged the State to act beyond party interests after the April 19 snap parliamentary elections. "My task is to protect the interests of all Sofia residents - regardless of their political choice. And I expect the same from the state - an attitude driven not by pa»»»
More expensive flights ahead as Philippine fuel surcharge jumps levels
Dubai: Airfares have been expected to rise again, with authorities increasing fuel surcharges to near-maximum levels. The Philippine Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has raised the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge to level 19 for the second half of April. In an advisory released today, the CAB has n»»»
Mesarovic, Guangzhou mayor discuss potential investments in Serbia
GUANGZHOU - Serbian Deputy PM and Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarovic, who is on a visit to Guangzhou, China, met with the city's mayor Sun Zhiyang on Wednesday to discuss opportunities for investments in Serbia by Guangzhou-based companies. "This city is famous for research and development cent»»»
Israeli FM: Hezbollah Sole Remaining Obstacle to Normalization with Lebanon
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Wednesday described Hezbollah as the sole remaining obstacle to “peace” and normalization with Lebanon, calling on the Lebanese Government to cooperate in disarming the Lebanese resistance group. In remarks cited by Israeli media, Gideon Sa’ar said the Zioni»»»
PIF backs State Street’s new Saudi equity ETF in latest global market push
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has become an anchor investor in a newly launched exchange-traded fund by State Street Investment Management, one of the world’s largest asset managers. The newly launched ETF, State Street Saudi Arabia Enhanced Active Equity UCITS ETF, or SAQL, activel»»»
Norway’s government takes over planning for Europe’s largest rare earth deposit
OSLO: Norway will take over planning for the Fen rare earth deposit — Europe’s largest — to speed up development after a resource upgrade nearly doubled its estimated size, the government said on Wednesday. Fen was estimated last month to hold 15.9 million metric tons of rare earth oxide in indica»»»
Makkah Route expands in Indonesia as first Hajj flights take off
JAKARTA: Indonesia started its Hajj flights on Wednesday with expanded access to the Makkah Route, as Saudi authorities added a new major Indonesian airport to the flagship initiative that streamlines immigration procedures for pilgrims. Indonesia, the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, will »»»
Russia is back in international sports with flag and anthem (VIDEO)
A Russian national team has appeared at a major team sport event under the national flag and anthem for the first time since 2022. The women’s water polo team became the first Russian squad to participate in a competition in a full-fledged status after the World Aquatics lifted all the restrictions»»»
MRF Sees Reshuffle of Acting Prosecutor General as Enforcement of Constitutional, Legal Norms within Independent Judiciary MRF Sees Reshuffle of Acting Prosecutor General as Enforcement of Constitutional, Legal Norms within Independent Judiciary
The reshuffle of the acting Prosecutor General is a process of implementing constitutional and legal norms within the independent judiciary, and in particular within the Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) said in a statement sent to the media»»»
OneClickDrive expands car rental marketplace across Morocco, including Marrakech
OneClickDrive, the mobility marketplace that has established a strong presence across the UAE and wider Middle East, has extended its platform to Morocco, offering travelers, residents, and tourists a structured way to compare and book vehicles across the country's major cities. The platform is now»»»
Lufthansa scales back operations, canceling 20,000 flights amid fuel shortages
Berlin, April 22 (SANA) Lufthansa announced it will cancel around 20,000 flights from its schedule amid a sharp rise in fuel costs and growing concerns over jet fuel (kerosene) supplies, highlighting mounting pressure on Europe’s aviation sector. According to Germany’s Bild magazine, the airline sa»»»
China Has Developed Into Indispensable Nation for Green Transition in World
In an era marked by ecological challenges, development dilemmas and geopolitical dynamics are increasingly intertwined. Through a series of innovative practices, Chinese modernization offers a "green solution" to some of humanity's pressing questions of survival and development. Rooted in the wisdo»»»
IMF mission to begin official visit to Serbia Thursday
BELGRADE - An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission will begin an official visit to Belgrade on Thursday, with the opening meeting to be held at the National Bank of Serbia (NBS). A plenary meeting of the IMF mission and a Serbian delegation at the NBS is scheduled for 10 am, the central bank h»»»
Iran Detains Two Unauthorized Vessels Trying to Transit Strait of Hormuz
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran's military has detained two unauthorized vessels that tried to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the naval forces of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday. "The IRGC naval forces detained and escorted to the coast of Iran two violating vesse»»»
Homestay horror: US tourist alleges spiked drink, rape, WiFi cut off
Dubai A woman tourist from the United States has alleged that she was sexually assaulted at a homestay in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, with police arresting two men, including the property owner and a staff member, following a complaint, according to multiple media reports. The incident took place »»»
Planning child travel? Philippines names pages to avoid fake travel clearance services
Dubai: Parents planning to send children to travel have been advised to avoid relying on unverified social media services, as Philippine authorities have officially named Facebook pages offering fake travel clearance assistance. The Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), th»»»
Vista Bank makes debut on Bucharest Stock Exchange with bond issue worth EUR 17 million
The bonds listed today are part of a broader Medium‑Term Notes (MTN) Programme, under which the Bank may issue bonds in several tranches. The maximum nominal value of all tranches under the programme amounts to EUR 100 million. Key features of the bond issue VISTA36E: “We welcome Vista Bank to the »»»