A Top Paramilitary Commander Defects to Sudan’s Military as War Enters 4th Year
A high-profile paramilitary commander in Sudan has changed sides and joined the country’s army in a move welcomed by army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan shortly after the war entered its fourth year. Burhan on Sunday welcomed Maj. Gen. al-Nour Ahmed Adam, who defected earlier this month from the Ra»»»
Saudi Venture Capital backs Growth Catalyst Fund to boost mid-market growth
RIYADH: Saudi Venture Capital has announced an investment in the Growth Catalyst Fund, marking a continued push to expand private equity activity in Saudi Arabia’s mid-market segment. The fund, managed by Growth Catalyst Investment Co., will target growth-stage businesses across the Kingdom and the»»»
School safety in focus as Sharjah classes restart
Sharjah: Sharjah Civil Defence calls for strict safety compliance as students return to classrooms Officials urge schools, students and staff to build a culture of prevention and emergency readiness As students across Sharjah return to in-person classes, the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority has unde»»»
Did the Pope change — or did the world finally listen?
Luanda: And in Africa, the lion roared. There is a case to be made that Pope Leo XIV, the careful, reserved, Midwestern Augustinian, found his voice on his epic trip through Africa, blasting the “handful of tyrants” and “chains of corruption” that have held the continent hostage for centuries. But »»»
Hungary’s Magyar Says Would Carry Out ICC Warrant Against Netanyahu
Hungary's incoming prime minister Peter Magyar said Monday the country will execute International Criminal Court warrants against anyone, after he invited Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu -- wanted under just such a warrant -- to Budapest later this year. In 2024, the ICC issued an arrest warrant »»»
EU to Gauge Member States’ Willingness to Punish Israel
The EU's top diplomat said Monday the bloc will gauge the willingness of member states to take measures against Israel, after Spain re-upped demands to suspend a cooperation deal. Foreign ministers from the 27-nation bloc are expected to discuss the matter at a meeting in Luxembourg Tuesday after a»»»
France's Macron Urges Iran, US to De-Escalate Amid Hormuz Tensions
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for the United States and Iran to de-escalate amid increased tensions over the weekend over the Strait of Hormuz. "Our position remains the same. We need to settle things through diplomacy. Everyone must calm down," Macron said during a joint p»»»
OCA President discusses further olympic cooperation in talks with Malaysia's King and PM
Kuala Lumpur: HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Qatar Olympic Committee, has held high-level talks in Malaysia focused on strengthening Olympic movement across the continent. His Excellency has been welcomed by HM Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, Kin»»»
World Bank backs Syria’s recovery efforts after Washington talks
WASHINGTON: The World Bank has backed the Syrian Arab Republic’s ongoing recovery efforts following talks with Syrian officials on the sidelines of the IMF (International Monetary Fund)-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington. The discussions, led by Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh and Syri»»»
Angry farmers promised more support as foot-and-mouth spreads
Greece’s first outbreak in 25 years of the deadly livestock foot-and-mouth disease has spread to a new part of the island where it was first recorded last month, authorities said Monday, appealing for farmers’ cooperation to deal with “a very difficult situation.” Rural Development Minister Margari»»»
Paraguay offers direct permanent residency with $150,000 investment - UPI.com
Paraguay's new Minister of Industry and Trade, Marco Riquelme, said the change in residence requirements responds to demands from foreign investors who questioned the previous requirement to generate employment. File Photo by Juan Pablo Pino/EPA ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, April 20 (UPI) -- Paraguay has la»»»
Who will make up Magyar’s new Hungarian government? Meet the team shaping up to be Tisza’s first cabinet
Originally published at Napunk The soon-to-be-formed Tisza government in Budapest will differ from Viktor Orbán’s governments not only in personnel but also in structure. Over the four terms since 2010, Viktor Orbán has repeatedly reshaped his governments, abolishing traditional ministries and fold»»»
Rosatom to Restart Work at Iranian Bushehr Nuclear Plant Once Peace Returns – CEO
TASHKENT (Sputnik) - Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom plans to resume construction of new units at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in Iran as quickly as possible once peace is restored, the company's CEO Alexey Likhachev said on Monday. "Our most important task, once peace is restored in t»»»
Real Madrid coach Arbeloa launches stout defence of Mbappe
Madrid: Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa mounted a strong defence of French superstar Kylian Mbappe, who was criticised for what some perceived as ignoring his defensive responsibilities in last week's Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich. Arbeloa, who himself is under fire with Real all but ce»»»
Kosovo deadly attack trial nears end, defence rejects charges
Pristina: The trial in Pristina over an alleged secession attempt in northern Kosovo entered its final phase Monday, April 20, 2026, with the defence rejecting charges against three Serbs accused of "terrorist acts". In September 2023, a group of dozens of heavily armed men led by Serb Milan Radoic»»»
Trump snaps at critique that Israel dragged him into Iran war
In the leadup and throughout the seven-week war, U.S. President Donald Trump has faced criticism from the left and from some of his own supporters that he followed Israel’s lead into launching the conflict. But Trump on social media is blaming the media for pushing what he claims is a false narrati»»»
US Navy fires at and boards Iranian-flagged cargo ship (VIDEOS)
US Central Command (CENTCOM) has released a video showing a US warship firing at an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that was later seized by US Marines. According to CENTCOM, the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the M/V Touska in the Gulf of Oman as it attempted to breach the US naval»»»
Durov backs Musk in French criminal probe, accuses Paris of free speech suppression
France is weaponizing criminal prosecution in an attempt to suppress free speech, Telegram founder Pavel Durov has said, as he backed X owner Elon Musk in the social media platform’s legal case in the country. Durov made the remarks on Sunday after the Wall Street Journal reported that the US Depar»»»
UAE threatens to ditch petrodollar for yuan in currency swap talks – WSJ
The United Arab Emirates has warned the US Treasury that it could be “forced to use Chinese yuan” in oil trade, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday. UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama delivered what the newspaper described as an “implicit threat” against the dollar’s dominant po»»»
20 startups launched through university accelerator program
RIYADH: Some 20 startups launched into the Saudi market at the conclusion of the University Startup Accelerator Program, organized by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, also known as Monshaat. A special event was held at the University of Business and Technology in Jeddah, mark»»»
Romanian PM Congratulates Rumen Radev on "His Clear Victory in Bulgaria's Elections"
In a post on X on Monday, Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan congratulated Rumen Radev, who won the snap parliamentary elections in Bulgaria on Sunday, and stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation, according to Ziare. Bolojan said he looked forward to further strengthening the strategic p»»»
Rhodes man gets 10 years for incest against daughter
A court on the Dodecanese island of Kos has jailed a 56-year-old man from Rhodes to ten years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of multiple counts raping his daughter and committing incest. As a result of the rape and incest, the daughter, now aged 31, gave birth to a child three-and-a-half ye»»»
Is Israel replicating Gaza's 'Yellow Line' in south Lebanon?
Israel says it has established a "Yellow Line" in south Lebanon near the border, where its forces are operating despite a 10-day ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah. What is the so-called "Yellow Line", how does it resemble an Israeli military demarcation in the Gaza Strip and where does it leave »»»
How Global Village is keeping you safe
After a month-long closure triggered by the Iran–Israel–US conflict, Global Village has reopened with renewed energy, and a sharpened focus on safety. As we are told by security, the priority is clear: Keep calm, stay alert, and protect every visitor who walks through the gates. We have to be calm.»»»
GCC chief praises Qatar's role in passing IPU emergency resolution
RIYADH: The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council has praised the State of Qatar's efforts in securing unanimous approval of a key emergency resolution at an international parliamentary gathering. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi commended Qatar, alongside several other countries, for its role »»»
IMI appoints Nakhle Elhage as chief transformation officer
LONDON: IMI has appointed Nakhle Elhage as chief transformation officer as the UAE-based media group pushes ahead with efforts to sharpen its news brands and deepen its digital reach. Elhage, who helped build some of the Arab world’s best-known news operations, will oversee the transformation of IM»»»
Iran Says 'No Decision' Yet on Joining New Round of US Peace Talks
Iran said it had yet to decide whether to attend a new round of peace negotiations with the United States on Monday, casting uncertainty on a push to stop the Middle East war from resuming. US President Donald Trump said he was sending negotiators to Pakistan for talks on ending the war that engulf»»»
Peru to confirm Keiko Fujimori runoff rival by mid-May - UPI.com
Peru’s Fuerza Popular party's Keiko Fujimori reacts after casting her vote in Lima on April 12. She now awaits finding out who her opponent will be in the June 7 presidential runoff. Photo by Renato Pajuelo/EPA April 20 (UPI) -- Peru's National Jury of Elections, known as Jurado Nacional de Eleccio»»»
Bulgaria's Progressive Party wins election amid fears of Russia meddling - UPI.com
Bulgarian Prime Minister-elect, Rumen Radev (C), leader of the Progressive Bulgaria coalition, addresses the media on Sunday night after the first exit polls indicated he was on track to win. Photo by Borislav Troshev/EPA April 20 (UPI) -- Former president Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria Party h»»»
Global Village Season 30 reopening: New attractions, expanded spaces, and upgraded experiences
Global Village has officially reopened its door today continuing its milestone 30th season, and it's bringing more than just nostalgia. Since first welcoming visitors in 1997, the beloved shopper's attraction has grown into one of the UAE's most beloved destinations, drawing a record-breaking 10.5 »»»
Ancient pond in northern Saudi Arabia fills with water after heavy rains
RIYADH: An ancient pond that served as a source of water for travelers along the Hijaz-Iraq trade route has been filled with water following the recent rainfall in northern Saudi Arabia. The Al-Jumaimiyah pond, which is a historic feature of the Northern Borders Province, has been filled to a level»»»
EU Proposes Full Resumption of Syria Cooperation Accord
Brussels on Monday proposed EU states fully restart the bloc's cooperation agreement with Syria, in the latest step to help bolster the country after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The deal -- which abolishes customs duties on imports of most industrial products from Syria -- was partially suspende»»»
E-Governance Ministry: Live Feed Covers 98.56% of Polling Stations on Election Night
Live streaming of ballot counting was available in 98.56% of polling stations on election night and faults affected 1.18% of voting machines, the Ministry of Electronic Governance said on Monday. Automated reports from the video surveillance system sent to the Ministry of Electronic Governance, the»»»
GCC Chief praises Qatar's role in passing IPU emergency resolution
Riyadh: The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council has praised the State of Qatar's efforts in securing unanimous approval of a key emergency resolution at an international parliamentary gathering. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi commended Qatar, alongside several other countries, for its role »»»
Lucic: Telekom Srbija's 2025 revenues at record-high 2.3 bln euros, profit at 1.3 bln
BELGRADE - Telekom Srbija registered record-breaking business results in 2025, with revenues totalling 2.3 bln euros and an operating profit of 1.3 bln euros, the company's CEO Vladimir Lucic said on Monday, adding that a full abolition of mobile roaming charges with the EU was possible as early as»»»
EU proposes full resumption of Syria cooperation accord
Brussels, Belgium: Brussels on Monday, April 20, 2026, proposed EU states fully restart the bloc's cooperation agreement with Syria, in the latest step to help bolster the country after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The deal -- which abolishes customs duties on imports of most industrial products »»»
IFAD to Asharq Al-Awsat: Repercussions of Hormuz Closure Trigger Global Food Security Shock
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) said the repercussions of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have triggered a global food security shock, warning that disruptions to fertilizer and fuel supplies, rising input costs, and declining purchasing power are threatening producti»»»
Closing Bell: Saudi main market holds steady in Monday trading
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s benchmark Tadawul All Share Index held steady on Monday, seeing a neglible fall off 97.75 points, or 0.85 percent, to close at 11,366.79. The parallel market Nomu declined 205.04 points, or 0.89 percent, to 22,863.75, while the MT30 index dropped 13.28 points, or 0.86 percent»»»
Saudi FM attends Group of Eight ministerial meeting on Gaza in Antalya
ISTANBUL: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has participated in the ministerial meeting of the Group of Eight at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye. The meeting was also attended by foreign ministers and representatives of Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Turkiye, and the UAE, the Saudi Pres»»»
Civil Defense urges caution as thunderstorms sweep Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid flood-prone areas as thunderstorms are forecast to continue affecting much of the country through Friday, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Citing projections from the National Center for»»»
Graphic storytelling gains attention in Saudi creative scene
DAMMAM: Saudi comic writer Abdullah Al-Otaibi outlined the fundamental differences between graphic novels and traditional fiction during a public discussion hosted at the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Dammam on Sunday. The session, part of the Literary Partner initiative launched by»»»
KSrelief steps up global health, food support
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief has implemented its Noor program to combat blindness and eye diseases in Yaounde, Cameroon. During the week-long campaign, its volunteer medical team examined 4,679 beneficiaries, distributed 926 eyeglasses, and performed 448 surgeries, the Saudi Press Age»»»
CRA reaffirms commitment to consumer protection, safe digital engagement
Doha, Qatar: The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and promoting safe digital engagement across the State of Qatar, while continuing its efforts to foster a digitally aware generation capable of making informed decisions in an increasing»»»
adidas and Saudia roll travel wear line across MENA
Dubai: Airlines are no longer just flying passengers — they’re now dressing them too. Sports apparel giant Adidas and Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia have launched a new travel-focused clothing line across the Middle East and North Africa, starting April 20. The aim, according to the airline»»»
First ‘Itmam’ centre for judicial services opens Sharjah
Sharjah :The Sharjah Judicial Department has launched the first centre under its “Itmam” judicial services initiative, marking a key step in enhancing service delivery and improving access to judicial processes in the emirate. Announcing the launch, Judge Dr Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Chairman of the»»»
Dubai Police welcome students with UAE flags as schools reopen
Dubai: Dubai Police marked the return of in-person learning with a series of field events aimed at welcoming students and fostering national pride. Through the “School Security” initiative, officers distributed UAE flags to students across schools, reinforcing a sense of belonging and identity from»»»
India, South Korea to cooperate on energy supply chains amid Iran war
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced on Monday new partnerships in energy supply chains and critical technologies to address global trade fallout from the US–Israeli war on Iran. Lee arrived in India as the war, which started on Feb. 28, »»»
Aviation authority: Iran reopens main airports in capital Tehran
Tehran: Iran reopened its main Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports in capital Tehran on Monday, April 20, 2026, the country's aviation authority said, after closures caused by the weeks-long war with the United States and Israel. "Authorization for passenger flights at Imam Khomeini International A»»»
Judicial probe after car tumbles into Thessaloniki building site
A Thessaloniki prosecutor has ordered an investigation after ground subsidence during a cable-laying project led to a parked car tumbling into a fenced construction site Monday. The incident beside what used to be the Papafis stables in the city’s Toumba district reportedly came after a water main »»»
UAE says it dismantled ‘terrorist group’ linked to Iran, arrests members
DUBAI: A “terrorist organisation” has been dismantled and its members arrested over alleged plans to carry out coordinated attacks aimed at undermining national security, authorities in Abu Dhabi said on Monday. The State Security Service said investigations found the group had links to Iran’s “Wil»»»