Strong geomagnetic storm may produce vivid northern lights as far south as Pennsylvania - UPI.com
The northern lights can be seen from Gillette, Wyo., on October 5, 2024. File Photo by Tony Laubach/AccuWeather Activity from the sun could create displays of the aurora borealis across the northern half of the United States this weekend. The sun has produced multiple solar flares and associated co»»»
First Western shipping vessel transits Strait of Hormuz since start of Iran war - UPI.com
Many international shipping vessels, such as the one pictured in March, have been anchored and idling in the Middle East after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian traffic after the United States and Israel engaged in a war there. Friday, Iran allowed vessels linked to France and Japan t»»»
Myanmar's junta leader Min Aung Hlaing elected president - UPI.com
Myanmar military Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing sits during a ceremony to mark the one-year anniversary of the earthquake at the Myanmar International Convention Center in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on March 28. Min Aung Hlaing won a parliamentary vote Friday to become the country's pre»»»
Israeli strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs after warning
Fresh strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday as the Israeli army said it was striking Hezbollah "infrastructure", hours after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for the area. An AFP correspondent heard explosions as the state-run National News Agency reported strikes on the area»»»
Live Updates: U.S. fighter jet shot down by Iran, 1 crew member rescued by US forces – Ya Libnan
Share: What to know about the Iran war today: A U.S. F-15E fighter jet was shot down by Iran and a crew member was rescued by American forces, U.S. officials told CBS News. U.S. officials confirmed to CBS News Iran’s claim that it shot down an American fighter jet. Images posted on social media and»»»
Dubai property market tops Dh176bn on strong investor demand
Dubai: Dubai’s property market maintained strong momentum in the first quarter of 2026, with total sales reaching Dh176.7 billion across nearly 48,000 transactions, reflecting continued investor appetite and steady price growth. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Data fro»»»
SpaceX IPO: Can Elon Musk justify a $1.75 trillion valuation?
Dubai: When Elon Musk began positioning SpaceX for what could be a record-breaking IPO, the headline figure—up to $75 billion—drew the most attention, but the proposed listing is shaping up as much as a referendum on Musk’s broader strategy as it is on the company itself. Get updated faster and for»»»
1 crew member rescued after US fighter jet shot down in Iran
A U.S. fighter jet was shot down in Iran on Friday and one crew member was rescued, officials said, the first aircraft downed since the war began nearly five weeks ago. It marked a major escalation in the conflict just two days after President Donald Trump said in a national address that the U.S. h»»»
Samokov Hotel Spa in Borovets Offers Year-Round Wellness and Signature "After Ski" Therapy
The spa centre at the Samokov Hotel in the Borovets mountain resort offers year-round services, including a signature therapy called "After Ski," said the hotel manager Svetlana Atanasova to BTA. The centre was created as a space for complete relaxation, recovery, and health care. The spa services »»»
Gargash: Iran missile attacks show ‘arrogance, not strength’
Abu Dhabi: Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, has criticised arguments put forward by former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a recent article published in the US magazine Foreign Affairs, saying they overlook fundamental facts and Iran’s continued hostile be»»»
Spa Centre at Veliko Tarnovo's Grand Hotel Yantra Offers View of Historic Landmark Hills
The spa centre at Grand Hotel Yantra in Veliko Tarnovo now offers the most modern forms of relaxation after a major renovation, hotel manager Ivo Staykov told BTA. The renovation was completed in 2025 and covered the main areas - indoor pool, relaxation spaces, etc. The next phase will include cons»»»
Three UNIFIL peacekeepers wounded in explosion in southern Lebanon
Beirut: Three peacekeepers from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured in an explosion in southern Lebanon today. UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardell said that "an explosion at a UN site this afternoon near the Al-Adaisseh area resulted in injuries to three peacekeepers, t»»»
MRF Candidates for Parliament Hold Meetings with Residents in Kardzhali Region
The candidates for MPs from the list of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms party in Kardzhali 9th Multi-member Constituency met on Friday with residents of several settlements in the region - Sevdalina, Zaychino, Bagra, Skalna Glava, Kalinka, Chilik and Kostino, according to the local party press»»»
Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy, hit by cyberattack - UPI.com
The Uffizi Galleries, home to Italy's most precious art, were hit by a cyberattack, the museum said. The museum claims there was no data stolen. File Photo by Claudio Giovannini/EPA April 3 (UPI) -- The Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy, said Friday it suffered a cyberattack, but not a breach of »»»
GRIFID Encanto Beach Hotel Develops New Detox Programme for Guests
GRIFID Encanto Beach Hotel in the Golden Sands resort has developed a new detox programme for its guests. The programme offers stays of varying length designed to promote health, balance and body harmony, the hotel manager Anita Atanasova told BTA. Key elements of the GriFit D-TOX programme are thr»»»
Using emergency alert sounds as ringtones could land you in legal trouble
The Ministry of Interior in Qatar has cautioned the public against playing or circulating audio or video clips that mimic the National Emergency Alert System, including using such tones as mobile ringtones. Authorities warned that these risks causing panic and disturbing public order. In a statemen»»»
One killed, several injured in fire at UAE’s Habshan gas facilities
One Egyptian national has been killed in a fire on the UAE’s Habshan gas facilities that was caused by debris from an intercepted attack, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. It added that four others – two Pakistanis and two Egyptians – were injured. The media office said that fire has now bee»»»
MSF condemns 'appalling' attack on Sudan hospital
Geneva: International doctors' charity MSF on Friday denounced a drone assault on a Sudanese hospital the day before that killed 10 people, attributing the attack to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The attack on Thursday saw two strikes on Al Jabalain Hospital in White Nile State, hitt»»»
Pam Bondi’s firing had nothing to do with Epstein files – Trump’s acting AG
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche has dismissed reports that President Donald Trump fired former AG Pam Bondi over her botched handling of the Epstein files. Blanche made the remarks on Fox News on Thursday, hours after Trump announced that Bondi, who had served since early 2025, was out. The»»»
1 crew member rescued after US fighter jet goes down in Iran
One crew member has been rescued after an American aircraft went down in Iran, according to one U.S. and one Israeli official, who both spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive ongoing military operations. The rescue occurred as the U.S. military was conducting a search and rescue oper»»»
Indian national wins Big Ticket's Dh20 million grand prize
An Indian national has won the Dh20 million grand prize in Big Ticket’s live draw series 285, held in Abu Dhabi. Shamon Shaji was holding ticket number 229425 which she purchased on March 22. "I am watching live. Thank you so much," said Shaji during the phone call. Show hosts Richard and Bouchra h»»»
Indian national bags Dh20m in Big Ticket
Dubai: An Indian national has won the Dh20 million grand prize in Big Ticket’s live draw series 285, held in Abu Dhabi. Shamon Shaji was holding ticket number 229425 which she purchased on March 22. "I am watching live. Thank you so much," said Shaji during the phone call. Show hosts Richard and Bo»»»
Iran Shoots Down US Fighter Jet, One Pilot Rescued, Media Say
One US crew member has been rescued after Iran shot down a warplane on Friday, Israeli and US media reported, as the war looked set to intensify with US President Donald Trump threatening more attacks on civilian infrastructure. Two US sources told Reuters the plane was a two-seat F-15E and a »»»
Kozani manhunt underway after suspect abandons cannabis-laden car
Police in northern Greece are searching for a 43-year-old man who fled on foot after abandoning his vehicle during a pursuit in Kozani, northern Greece. The incident unfolded on Thursday morning, when officers from a local anti-drug unit signaled the driver to stop for a routine road check after de»»»
Abu Dhabi aluminium complex recovery could take up to 12 months
Abu Dhabi: Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has said its Al Taweelah site sustained significant damage following recent Iranian missile and drone attacks, with full restoration of primary aluminium production likely to take up to 12 months. In an initial assessment released on Friday, the company co»»»
Iran shoots down U.S. fighter jet; one pilot rescued, one missing - UPI.com
The Iranian military shot down a U.S. F-15E similar to the one pictured on Friday. File Photo by Senior Airman Mitch Fuqua/U.S. Air Force. April 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. forces rescued at least one crew member after Iran shot down a U.S. F-15E fighter jet Friday, unnamed U.S. military sources told multi»»»
Chile joins regional debate to regulate surrogate motherhood - UPI.com
The Chilean The Family Committee of the Chamber of Deputies began this week to discuss a bill supported by all political parties that would prohibit and penalize the practice of surrogate motherhood. Photo by widephish/Pixabay SANTIAGO, Chile, April 3 (UPI) -- Chile has joined other Latin American »»»
Putin, Erdogan Urge Immediate Middle East Ceasefire
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East war during a phone call on Friday, the Kremlin said. The war started over a month ago with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, triggering a conflict throughout the Middle East »»»
Belchin Garden Hotel Offers Four Mineral Water Pools and Year-Round Spa Services
SPA Hotel Belchin Garden offers year-round spa services to its guests, hotel manager Petar Ivanov told BTA. The entire centre uses mineral water and features four pools, both indoor and outdoor. The children’s pool, located outdoors, is heated at 35C. The spa centre also includes a Finnish sauna an»»»
Environment Minister, French Ambassador Discuss Current Topics on Environmental Protection
Caretaker Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov discussed current topics on environmental protection with the Ambassador of France to Bulgaria Marie Dumoulin, the Ministry's press centre reported on Friday. A topic raised by the French side was the import of batteries and solar panels. Pop»»»
Finance Ministry Revises Inflation, GDP Projections for 2026 Due to Middle East Conflict
The average annual inflation in Bulgaria is expected to reach 4.3% this year, while the annual increase in consumer prices is projected to amount to 5.2% by the end of 2026, according to the spring macroeconomic forecast of the Finance Ministry, published on its website. At the same time, the real »»»
Rising energy prices deepen economic strain in Turkiye: Turkish economists
Istanbul: Turkiye's economy is facing mounting pressure from persistently high global energy prices, as the country relies heavily on imports of oil and gas to meet domestic demand. This dependence has exposed it to global market volatility, driving up production costs, increasing the burden on bus»»»
Ukraine uncovers alleged $17.7 million grain embezzlement scheme, investigators say
An alleged corruption scheme involving the embezzlement of $17.7 million worth of grain has been uncovered in Ukraine, implicating senior officials of a state grain corporation and an unnamed foreign company. The US-backed National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-C»»»
US Fighter Shot Down Over Iran as Trump Threatens to Hit More Infrastructure
Iran shot down a US warplane on Friday, setting off a search by both sides for surviving crew as the war looked set to intensify with President Donald Trump threatening more attacks on civilian infrastructure. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was combing an area near where the plane came do»»»
White House Requests Giant $1.5 Trillion Defense Budget Amid Iran War
The White House sent a spending proposal to lawmakers Friday calling for a massive $1.5 trillion US defense budget next year as it faces increased costs due to the war in Iran. The total year-on-year increase in Pentagon spending would be the largest since World War II, US media reported, although »»»
10 Dead as Russia Launches New Daytime Attacks on Ukraine
Russian strikes killed at least 10 people in Ukraine on Friday, officials said, as Moscow launched the latest in an increasing number of daytime barrages. Moscow has been firing aerial broadsides at Ukraine throughout its more than four-year invasion, mostly at night, but in recent weeks it has ste»»»
Iran Leaders Join Crowds on Tehran’s Streets to Project Control in Wartime
After more than a month of being stalked by targeted assassinations, Iran's leadership has adopted a new tactic to show it is still in control - with senior officials walking openly in the streets among small crowds who have gathered in support of the regime. In recent days, Iran's president and fo»»»
Serbia's January-February external trade at 11.5 bln euros
BELGRADE - Serbia's January-February 2026 external goods trade totalled 11.5 bln euros, which is a 1.3 pct decline y-o-y, according to figures released by the national statistical office this week. Goods exports were worth 5,291.6 mln euros, rising by 1.6 pct y-o-y, while imports totalled 6,227.9 m»»»
UN Force Says 3 Peacekeepers Wounded in Blast Inside South Lebanon Position
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said a blast hit one of its positions and wounded three peacekeepers on Friday, the third such incident in a week. "This afternoon, an explosion inside a UN position... injured three peacekeepers, two seriously. They are all currently being evacuated to h»»»
Ethiopia secures $13.1bn in deals led by $10bn Ming Yang investment into green ammonia project
Ethiopia has signed investment agreements and memoranda of understanding worth $13.1bn at the Invest in Ethiopia 2026 forum, with the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia describing the outcome as a boost to investor sentiment, although most commitments remain at an early stage. »»»
Ethiopia secures $13.1bn in deals led by $10bn Ming Yang investment into green ammonia project
Ethiopia has signed investment agreements and memoranda of understanding worth $13.1bn at the Invest in Ethiopia 2026 forum, with the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia describing the outcome as a boost to investor sentiment, although most commitments remain at an early stage. »»»
Ghana’s macro rebound signals coordinated policy success as inflation, rates and currency stabilise
Ghana’s central bank governor says a synchronised improvement in key economic indicators reflects coordinated monetary and fiscal policy, as inflation, interest rates, and the currency stabilise after years of crisis. Bank»»»
Putin strengthens food supply ties with Egypt, proposes grain and energy hub
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his government to work on securing food supplies to Egypt, particularly grain shipments, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic ties between the two countries, a Kremlin statement said. »»»
Nigeria exports 950,000 barrels of new Cawthorne blend crude in first lifting from FSO terminal
State oil company Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has exported 950,000 barrels of a new Cawthorne blend crude, marking the first lifting from the FSO Cawthorne facility — Nigeria’s first new crude oil terminal in 50 years, The Punch reported. »»»
Putin strengthens food supply ties with Egypt, proposes grain and energy hub
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his government to work on securing food supplies to Egypt, particularly grain shipments, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic ties between the two countries, a Kremlin statement said. »»»
Putin strengthens food supply ties with Egypt, proposes grain and energy hub
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his government to work on securing food supplies to Egypt, particularly grain shipments, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic ties between the two countries, a Kremlin statement said. »»»
Iran denies US helicopter assault on Kharg Island
Iran denied on April 3 that US forces had carried out a helicopter-borne assault on Kharg Island, the country's main crude oil export hub in the Persian Gulf, Tasnim News Agency reported from the island. Tasnim's correspon»»»
UPDATE: Iranian tribesmen hunt downed US f-15 pilot as Black Hawk allegedly shot down
Armed tribal groups in Iran's Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province have fanned out across mountains and plains searching for the pilot of a US fighter jet Iran claims to have shot down, as American forces launched what appears to be a large-scale search and rescue operation, Tasnim News Agency repor»»»
Gulf Islamic sukuk bond spreads hit five-year highs amid Iran war uncertainty
Yields on Gulf sovereign and corporate debt have surged to their widest spreads in five years as the war involving Iran drives a sharp reassessment of regional risk, according to Fitch Ratings. The agency said that “many G»»»
Gulf Islamic sukuk bond spreads hit five-year highs amid Iran war uncertainty
Yields on Gulf sovereign and corporate debt have surged to their widest spreads in five years as the war involving Iran drives a sharp reassessment of regional risk, according to Fitch Ratings. The agency said that “many G»»»