Zhogorku Kenesh committee rejects new Construction Law - | 24.KG
The Zhogorku Kenesh Committee on Industrial Policy, Transport, Fuel and Energy, Architecture, and Construction of Kyrgyzstan has rejected the draft law «On the Fundamentals of Urban Development, Architectural, and Construction Activities.» Deputy Minister of Construction, Architecture, Housing and »»»
Kyrgyzstan urges Moody’s to upgrade sovereign credit rating - | 24.KG
Minister of Economy and Commerce of Kyrgyzstan, Bakyt Sydykov, met with analysts from Moody’s during the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C., the ministry’s press service reported. According to the statement, the Kyrgyz side proposed that »»»
Russia Arrests German Woman in Alleged Bomb Plot
Russia said Monday it had arrested a German woman found with a homemade bomb in her backpack in what it alleged was a Ukrainian-hatched plot to blow up a security services facility in the south. Russia has arrested dozens of people throughout the four-year war, mostly its own citizens, on allegatio»»»
EU Hosts Palestinian Leader in Conference About Security and Peace in Gaza and the West Bank
More than 60 nations are sending representatives to Brussels to discuss with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamed Mustafa stability, security and long-term peace in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, as global attention largely remains focused in the Middle East on the ongoing crises in Iran and Lebanon»»»
China Voices Concern Over US Seizure of Iranian Cargo Ship, Urges Further Talks
China has expressed concern over the "forced interception" by the US of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday, urging relevant parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement in a responsible manner. "The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is sensitive»»»
Atlantis Dubai pauses select dining venues to refine offerings
Dubai: Atlantis Dubai has temporarily paused a number of venues across Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, while maintaining strong visitor demand across its core dining portfolio. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The move comes as part of what the operator descri»»»
Media Review: April 20
HEADLINES The outcome of Sunday’s snap parliamentary elections dominates coverage across all types of media on Monday, including print, television and online outlets, with a particular focus on the reported performance of former president (2017-2026) and Progressive Bulgaria party leader Rumen Rade»»»
Central Election Commission: Based on 97.52% of Tally Sheets, Progressive Bulgaria Leads with 44.7%, GERB-UDF Second with 13.4%
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has published preliminary results from the parliamentary elections held on April 19 based on 97.52% of tally sheets of the section election commissions processed at the constituency election commissions as at 12 p.m. on Monday. Following are the parties and coa»»»
Qatar opens airspace, foreign airlines’ operations resume
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has issued a notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing the gradual resumption of operations for foreign airlines in the State of Qatar via Hamad International Airport. QCAA stated that this decision follows a comprehensive assessment of the situation, co»»»
Saudi Central Bank Governor Says National Model Has Shielded Economy from Shocks
Saudi Arabia’s economy has emerged as a model of resilience and crisis readiness, Central Bank Governor Ayman Alsayari said, citing steady progress under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform agenda. He stressed that continued implementation of the plan has helped protect the economy from regional shock»»»
Iran Foreign Ministry Says US Not Serious About Pursuing Diplomacy
Iran's foreign ministry said Monday that the United States was not serious about pursuing diplomacy, citing what it called "violations" of their two-week ceasefire. "While claiming diplomacy and readiness for negotiations, the US is carrying out behaviors that do not in any way indicate seriousness»»»
Tsunami Warning as 7.4-Magnitude Quake Hits Northern Japan
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan Monday, Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) said, issuing a tsunami warning for waves up to three meters (10 feet). The quake, which hit at 4:53 pm (0753 GMT) in Pacific waters off northern Iwate prefecture, was strong enough to shake large buildings»»»
Israel questions France, China, Pakistan over Iran shipping deals at UN
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations has lashed out at his French, Chinese, and Pakistani counterparts, accusing their countries of effectively backing Iran by allegedly striking deals to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The rebuke appears to stem from media reports which rece»»»
Paid parking expands in Musaffah: What drivers need to know
Q Mobility has announced the activation of paid parking in new sectors of Musaffah, starting Monday, April 20. The move comes under the supervision of the Integrated Transport Centre, part of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and is part of the second phase of a wider plan to improve »»»
Ceasefire on edge: Uncertainty deepens risk of return to war
Dubai: The fragile Iran ceasefire is rapidly unravelling, with escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz exposing both Washington’s limited control over events and Tehran’s growing leverage over a critical global chokepoint — a dynamic that risks pushing the conflict back toward full-scale war. W»»»
21 dogs poisoned in mass killing in Halkidiki village
Authorities are investigating the deaths of 21 dogs found poisoned in the northern Halkidiki peninsula in what local officials described as a mass killing that has sparked widespread outrage. The animals, which were under the care of a livestock breeder and kept on a property just outside the villa»»»
Mid-air horror: Passengers panic, pray as Fly91 flight circles for 4 hours
Dubai: A distressing mid-air ordeal unfolded on a Fly91 flight after it ran into severe weather, leaving passengers panicked for nearly four hours — with a viral video capturing prayers, cries and visible fear onboard, according to NDTV. In the shaky footage, a woman is seen with folded hands, init»»»
Israel levels homes in Lebanon's border villages as truce teeters
Israel said its military had been instructed to use "full force" against threats in Lebanon despite a truce, and vowed to level homes allegedly used by Hezbollah, with state media reporting demolitions were underway on Sunday. Some displaced residents have rushed back to their homes in the south bu»»»
No Plan Yet: Iran’s Spokesman Says No Decision on Next US Talks in Pakistan
Iran has not yet made any decision about participating in a new round of Pakistani-mediated negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday, citing Washington’s contradictory actions. Speaking to reporters at a weekly press conferen»»»
Israeli Army Brings in Demolition Contractors to Raze Dozens of Lebanese Villages
The Israeli army is using the ceasefire period to accelerate large-scale destruction in areas it occupies in southern Lebanon, which have been largely emptied of residents displaced by the conflict, according to local accounts. Working around the clock across an area estimated at more than 800 squa»»»
Two arrested in London synagogue arson case amid terrorism probe - UPI.com
Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes (C) and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, senior national coordinator for counterterrorism, speak to reporters Sunday outside Kenton United Synagogue in London, Britain, on Sunday. Photo courtesy Metropolitan Police/Release April 20 (UPI) »»»
Endowments ministry inaugurates Abdullah bin Khabbab Mosque in Al Wakrah
DOHA: The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, represented by the Mosques Department, opened the Abdullah Bin Khabbab Mosque in Al Wakrah City. It is located on a large land area of 3631 square meters, and attached to the mosque is a house for the imam and a residence for the muezzin. The »»»
Iran military vows to 'soon respond' after US destroyer hits cargo ship
Pakistan moved ahead Monday with preparations for a new round of talks between the United States and Iran days before a tenuous ceasefire is set to expire, even as renewed conflict around the Strait of Hormuz raised questions about whether the meeting would take place. Over the weekend, the U.S. at»»»
Dubai sets benchmark in safety and travel efficiency
Dubai: The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai has affirmed that the dynamic movement across the emirate’s ports — marked by a significant influx of travellers and remarkable diversity of nationalities — reflects Dubai’s status as a trusted global destination and a leadin»»»
Central Election Commission: Based on 96.41% of Tally Sheets, Progressive Bulgaria Leads with 44.7%, GERB-UDF Second with 13.4%
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has published preliminary results from the parliamentary elections held on April 19 based on 96.41% of tally sheets of the section election commissions processed at the constituency election commissions as at 11 am on Monday. Following are the parties and coali»»»
Oil prices jump on Iran war escalation but stocks up on peace hope
Hong Kong: Oil prices surged Monday on a re-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East war after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz at the weekend, just a day after reopening it, citing the United States' blockade of its ports. However, lingering hopes for a deal to end the seven-week crisis contin»»»
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei: Transfer of Iran’s nuclear stockpiles has never been a negotiation option - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei: Transfer of Iran’s nuclear stockpiles has never been a negotiation option 20-04-2026 11:»»»
Iran Entitled to Peaceful Nuclear Energy as Full Member of NPT - Ambassador to Russia
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - As a full member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran should be entitled to the right to peaceful nuclear energy, and the country's authorities "are planning for the future within the framework" of that treaty, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said. "As fu»»»
60% Saudisation now in force: Saudi Arabia tightens hiring rules in marketing and sales
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has begun enforcing new decisions to raise Saudisation rates in marketing and sales professions to 60 per cent, following the end of a grace period for private sector firms. The measures, effective from Sunday, April 19, form part of»»»
Creating aspirational minds: The difference is how deeply we care
At Doha College, education goes far beyond academic success. As a not-for-profit British international school, every decision we make is driven by what is best for our pupils—investing in exceptional teaching, inspiring environments, and a breadth of experiences that shape confident, capable young »»»
Iran doubts U.S. 'seriousness', says 'no decision' on next round of talks
Iran's foreign ministry said Monday that the United States was not serious about pursuing diplomacy, citing what it called "violations" of their two-week ceasefire. "While claiming diplomacy and readiness for negotiations, the U.S. is carrying out behaviors that do not in any way indicate seriousne»»»
Teacher in Tokmok suspected of raping 13-year-old schoolgirl - | 24.KG
A teacher in Tokmok is suspected of raping a 13-year-old schoolgirl. The Main Department of Internal Affairs of Chui region confirmed this information. According to the department, on April 10, police received a report that physics teacher A.A., 21, raped a schoolgirl, 13, at a secondary school in »»»
Suspect in distribution of narcotics detained in Bishkek - | 24.KG
On April 12, information was received that an unknown young man was distributing narcotics through so-called stashes at the intersection of Tuleberdiev and Vasilyev Streets. The press service of the Main Department of Internal Affairs of Bishkek reported. A criminal case has been opened under Artic»»»
Araghchi: US Diplomacy Driven by Bad Faith - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Araghchi: US Diplomacy Driven by Bad Faith 20-04-2026 11:33 AM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the United States pursues malic»»»
Iran Slams US Attack on Merchant Ship as Act of Aggression
Iran’s joint military command pledged that Tehran would respond soon and called the US attack against an Iranian-flagged container ship near the Strait of Hormuz an act of piracy that violated the ceasefire that has been in place since April 8. By continually violating the ceasefire, the United Sta»»»
Italy Discussing Expanding EU Aspides Mission to Include Strait of Hormuz, Defense Minister Says
Italy’s defense minister said discussions are underway to expand the European Union’s Red Sea naval mission, Aspides, to include the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Iran’s missile and nuclear ambitions pose a global threat. In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said t»»»
IEA Proposes Building Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline to Bypass Hormuz
International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol proposed building a new oil pipeline linking Iraq’s Basra oil fields and Türkiye’s Mediterranean oil terminal in Ceyhan to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, according to Turkish newspaper Hürriyet. “I believe a Basra-Ceyhan pipeline could be ext»»»
Hamas Gives ‘Positive Response’ in Cairo, Raising Hopes of Near-Term Deal
Sources within Hamas said the group’s delegation in Cairo has delivered a “positive response” to a revised proposal from mediators, particularly Egypt, potentially paving the way for an agreement on Gaza soon. Negotiations on the deal remain stalled. Hamas and other factions insist Israel must firs»»»
UAE sees inbound travel rush as schools reopen, despite flight constraints
Dubai: UAE travel agents report a surge in inbound travel demand over the next two weeks as schools reopen, with thousands of residents returning after weeks of disruption caused by regional tensions and flight cancellations. The rebound comes after a volatile period for the aviation sector, during»»»
North Korea tests cluster warheads on ballistic missiles - UPI.com
North Korea tested cluster bomb and fragmentation mine warheads on tactical ballistic missiles, state-run media reported Monday. Photo by KCNA/EPA SEOUL, April 20 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test-launch of tactical ballistic missiles carrying cluster bomb and fragmentation mi»»»
Fresh to strong winds expected throughout the week
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Meteorology Department said the country is expected to be affected by northerly winds from today Monday, April 20, 2026 until the end of the week ranging between fresh and strong winds. A marine warning for today was also issued as the wave height ranges between 2 to 4ft and »»»
Suspect in investment fraud case detained in Bishkek - | 24.KG
Officers of the Internal Affairs Department of Pervomaisky district of Bishkek detained a suspect in an investment fraud case, the department’s press service reported. According to investigators, on March 24 a citizen D.S. filed a complaint against a man T. The suspect allegedly gained the victim’s»»»
Iran will ‘stand to the end’ as talks with US stall over Hormuz and nuclear issues
Iran will not yield to US pressure, parliament speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said. He stressed that progress has been made in the negotiations, though fundamental issues are still unresolved. The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad took place last weekend in the Paki»»»
Teen motorcyclist faces prosecutor after hit-and-run seriously injures girl
A 16-year-old suspect was brought before a prosecutor Monday in connection with a hit-and-run that seriously injured a teenage girl on Liosion Street north of central Athens, authorities said. The collision occurred shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Liosion and Kazazi streets, h»»»
SJC, Public Prosecution to auction over 40 pieces of seized gold jewellery
Doha, Qatar: The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has announced that it will conduct a public auction of seized valuable items through the Courts Auctions application. In a social media post, it stated that the auction of gold jewellery will be held in coordination with the Public Prosecution and wil»»»
Pilot critical after helicopter crash in Australia
Sydney, Australia: A pilot has been critically injured after a helicopter crashed on a remote property in the Australian state of Queensland on Monday morning. The Queensland Police Service said the helicopter crashed on a property near the small town of Blackall, over 800 km northwest of Brisbane »»»
Why My Children Learn to Speak Chinese
As UN Chinese Language Day is marked around the globe, it is worth reflecting on a broader reality: We have long since moved beyond the strange unipolar moment that followed the Cold War. By Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of Sputnik's parent media group Rossiya SegodnyaPower is no longer c»»»
Why are we still policing women’s bodies? From Patralekha to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Bollywood needs to do better
Dubai: There’s something deeply exhausting about how predictable the outrage cycle around women’s bodies in Bollywood has become. A woman gains weight, shows up in public after giving birth to a tiny human, or simply exists outside the narrow bandwidth of “acceptable beauty" and suddenly, her body »»»
Central Election Commission: With 91.68% of Tally Sheets Processed, Progressive Bulgaria Leads with 44.7%, Second Is GERB-UDF with 13.4%
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has published preliminary results from the parliamentary elections held on April 19 based on 91.68% of tally sheets of the section election commissions processed at the constituency election commissions as at 10 am on Monday. Following are the parties and coali»»»
France's New Nuclear Strategy to Weaken Security in Europe - Russian Foreign Ministry
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The security of non-nuclear European countries will ultimately be weakened by France's plans to deploy nuclear weapons on their territory, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with Sputnik. "As a result, instead of the French declaring a strength»»»