Blue Bulgaria Co-founder Lilkov: Elections Will Not Solve Bulgaria's Political Crisis
These elections will not resolve the political crisis in Bulgaria; they may even deepen it, Blue Bulgaria Coalition co-founder Vili Lilkov said in Sofia as the coalition closed its election campaign on Friday. "This is why we must be prepared to run in the next elections. If not in early parliament»»»
Korneliya Ninova Calls for “Defiant” Vote, Criticizes Campaign and Outlines Economic, Foreign Policy Proposals
Closing her election campaign in Haskovo on Friday, the leader of the Defiant Bulgaria National Movement party, Korneliya Ninova, called on all citizens to vote rationally rather than emotionally, and to remain defiant to the end, refusing to surrender or “sell out”. “We have proven over the years »»»
Dubai court sets strict rules for WhatsApp chats in divorce cases
Dubai: Court of Cassation in Dubai has ruled that WhatsApp messages must be carefully examined in divorce disputes when presented as evidence, underscoring their potential legal weight in family law proceedings. Appeal overturned over unexamined digital evidenceIn a significant judgment, the Dubai »»»
Bosch strategy 2030: Structural adjustments strengthen competitiveness
During the presentation of the company’s annual results, Stefan Hartung, Chairman of the Board of Management of Robert Bosch GmbH, stated: “As a global technology leader, we are committed to shaping trends in the fields of automation, digitalization, electrification, and artificial intelligence, as»»»
Beirut Residents Return to Southern Suburbs After Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Takes Effect
BEIRUT (Sputnik) - Residents of Beirut's heavily populated southern suburb were returning to their homes on Friday following the entry into force of a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a Sputnik correspondent said. US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun a»»»
Tunisia, Switzerland mark 70 years of diplomatic ties at book presentation ceremony
TUNIS, April 17 (TAP) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad Mohamed Ali Nafti attended, on Thursday, a ceremony held at the Residence of the Swiss Ambassador in Tunis, Josef Renggli, on the occasion of the presentation of the...»»»
Iran says Strait of Hormuz is open; oil prices fall 10% - UPI.com
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi welcoming Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir upon his arrival at the airport in Tehran, on Wednesday. Araghchi announced Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is open. Photo by Iranian Foreign Ministry/UPI. | License Photo April 17 (UPI) -- Iranian Foreign Mini»»»
Monet paintings sell for €16M
Paris: Sotheby's Paris announced the sale of two rare paintings by French artist Claude Monet for over €16 million at a major auction attended by international collectors. One work, Vetheuil, Morning Effect (1901), valued between €6-8 million, reflects key elements of Impressionism, particularly th»»»
Oil prices fall sharply after full reopening of Strait of Hormuz
London: Global oil prices have dropped by more than 10 percent following the announcement of the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over supply disruptions. The price of Brent crude for June delivery fell by 10.42 percent to USD 89.03 per barrel. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermedi»»»
US Mulls Unlocking $20Bln in Iranian Funds in Exchange for Enriched Uranium - Reports
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The Trump administration is considering unfreezing $20 billion worth of Iranian financial assets in exchange for the Islamic Republic abandoning its stockpile of enriched uranium, Axios reported on Friday, citing four sources. As part of the ongoing negotiations, Washington a»»»
Putin Says Russia Has Special Relations With CIS Countries
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia has had special relations with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries for decades. "We have always had, and I am sure will continue to have, a special attitude toward this, if only for historical reasons,»»»
Bulgaria’s election on Sunday may see a ‘new Orbán’ as prime minister in Sofia
First published in Denik N Former Bulgarian president (2017 to January 2026) Rumen Radev appears to be on his way back — but this time, to the prime minister’s office. The former air force commander with pro-Russian views, who in January stepped down from the presidency in order to run in Sunday’s »»»
No more 'anting-anting' politics: Why the Philippines urgently needs a Whistleblower Protection Law
MANILA: In Philippine folklore, the agimat or anting-anting is a talisman believed to make its bearer bulletproof, invisible to enemies — or mysteriously protected from harm. In modern Philippine politics, some officials seem to wear a different kind of anting-anting: impunity. Also Read: Flood con»»»
AfD leader takes aim at EU’s von der Leyen after Orban election defeat
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen can ignore voters’ opinions as she essentially cannot be voted out like recently defeated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Alice Weidel, co-chair of the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has said. The AfD is the most popular par»»»
Philippines pushes Oman to drop HIV certificate rule for Filipino travellers
Dubai: The Philippines has formally raised concerns with the Omani embassy in Manila over a requirement for a negative HIV medical certificate imposed on certain Filipino travellers heading to Oman. In a statement, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has noted that it made “strong re»»»
UN: More than 38,000 women, girls killed in Gaza war by end of 2025
Geneva: Over 38,000 women and girls were killed in the Gaza war by the end of 2025, the UN estimated Friday, amounting to over half of the 71,000 deaths recorded by the territory's health ministry. "Between October 2023 and December 2025, more than 38,000 women and girls were killed in Gaza -- the »»»
Australian soldier granted bail in war crimes case - UPI.com
Ben Roberts-Smith pictured in March 2022 outside federal court in Sydney during a defamation trial in which he unsuccessfully sued three former Fairfax group newspapers for carrying articles implicating him in war crimes in the Afghanistan war. File photo by Dan Himbrechts/EPA April 17 (UPI) -- Aus»»»
GOP wins temporary extension of FISA surveillance powers in House - UPI.com
House Speaker Mike Johnson failed to shepherd an 18-month reauthorization of a key part of FISA through Congress after struggling to find enough votes early Friday, but managed to secure a 10-day extension to allow more time for negotiations. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 17 (UPI) »»»
Bulgaria's April 19, 2026 Early Parliamentary Elections: Backgrounder
Bulgarians at home and abroad are going to the polls on Sunday to elect their new lawmakers. These will be the country's eighteenth parliamentary elections since the start of democratic changes in 1989 and the seventh snap ones in a row since 2021. The Election Code that regulates the process was a»»»
Beirut Conference Sees Wide Consensus Over Weapons-free Capital
Beirut MPs representing most of Lebanon’s political parties met in the capital to support a government move declaring the city “safe and weapons-free,” following recent security incidents and Israeli strikes. The conference brought together most factions, except MPs from Hezbollah, the Amal Movemen»»»
Cuban envoy to India cites Russia’s huge message to the world amid US blockade
Russia has sent an important message to the world by sending a ship with oil to Cuba last month as the US blockades the island, Havana’s envoy to New Delhi has said. Moscow shipped 100,000 tons of oil required for Cuba’s normal functioning after the US imposed restrictions, Juan Carlos Marsan Aguil»»»
Watch: Robbie Collins on why Dubai feels safe, 'I’m just happy to be here'
Dubai: At a time when headlines feel heavy, South African comedian Robby Collins (read the full interview here) chose laughter over fear. In Dubai with The Laughter Factory, he found packed rooms, warm audiences, and a city that feels incredibly safe, despite uncertainty due to ongoing regional ten»»»
Airlines warn of possible European flight disruptions over jet fuel shortages
Montreal: The head of the International Air Transport Association has warned that parts of Europe could begin canceling flights from late May due to potential jet fuel shortages, raising concerns about disruption during the busy summer travel season. Speaking on Friday, Director General Willie Wals»»»
International tourist train arrives in Bishkek from Balykchy - | 24.KG
An international tourist train operated by Golden Eagle Trains arrived in Bishkek today from Balykchy. The train brought visitors from Western Europe, North America, and East Asia, the state enterprise Kyrgyz Temir Zholu reported. At the railway station, a traditional crafts exhibition was organize»»»
Dubai: Is distance learning still an option? KHDA explains flexible return to schools
Dubai: Most schools across the UAE are set to welcome students back to classrooms from Monday, ending more than 40 days of distance learning introduced in response to regional conflict linked to the US-Israel Iran war. However, while campuses reopen, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said school tran»»»
“PM and I don’t have wife issues”: Rahul Gandhi’s jibe draws laughter in India's Lok Sabha
New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi struck a light-hearted note in the Lok Sabha on Friday during a debate on the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill and delimitation, drawing laughter when he remarked that both he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi do not have “wife issues”. The Leader of the Opposit»»»
At Sofia Forum, Scholars from Bulgaria, Europe, US Reassess Political, Social, Health Impact of Chernobyl Disaster
New Bulgarian University (NBU) is hosting a two-day international conference in Sofia marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, bringing together leading scholars from Europe, the United States and Bulgaria to reassess the political, social and health impacts of one of the wor»»»
Teodora Tompea: From breaking news to storytelling, sustainability, and entrepreneurship
After 17 years in journalism, spanning local newsrooms, radio, and national television, Teodora Tompea is stepping into a new rhythm at Observator 16, where speed meets meaning and news reporting blends with storytelling. On March 16, she also hosted the 21st edition of the Business Review Awards G»»»
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation warns over Palestinian prisoners
Jeddah: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed deep concern over the worsening conditions of more than 9,500 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons, including women and children, in addition to detainees from Gaza whose numbers remain unknown. In a statement, the OIC warned of se»»»
Hisense unveils 2026 RGB MiniLED TV range at FIFA Headquarters, highlighting the depth of its FIFA World Cup 2026™ partnership
Hisense, a leading global brand in consumer electronics and home appliances, has unveiled its new 2026 RGB MiniLED TV range at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, underlining not only its latest advances in display technology but also the strength and maturity of its long-standing partnership with FIFA ahe»»»
UAE says ties with US growing stronger despite regional tensions and global challenges
Washington: The UAE maintained security and continuity in the face of unprecedented and unprovoked attacks, a senior minister said, underscoring the country’s ability to respond swiftly while keeping daily life and institutions functioning without disruption. Speaking yesterday at the Semafor World»»»
Farmers urged to comply with biosecurity measures
Agriculture Minister Margaritis Schinas is expected to urge livestock farmers of Lesvos on Friday to comply with biosecurity measures aimed at containing foot-and-mouth disease, as authorities seek to curb its spread quickly. A delegation from the island has been invited to meet at 11 a.m. at the a»»»
Hasty register completion raises legal concerns
The Court of Audit has raised serious concerns about efforts to hastily complete the national cadastre, warning of prolonged uncertainty over property ownership and a surge in court appeals. In a report, the watchdog said recent measures allowing the register to operate before objections are examin»»»
ICE detention shock: Indian-origin woman held after 35 years in US
A 53-year-old Indian-origin woman who has lived in the United States for more than three decades has been detained by immigration authorities in Texas, triggering legal challenges and growing concern over her treatment. Meenu Batra, a court interpreter who has spent over 35 years in the US, was arr»»»
Macut: Serbia committed to regional cooperation, EU path
ANTALYA - Serbian PM Djuro Macut said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday that global governance mechanisms had an irreplaceable role but that regional cooperation was becoming increasingly important amid growing global uncertainty. Speaking at a panel titled The Role of Regional Ownership in »»»
British PM says 'furious' after fresh revelations over sacked US envoy
London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Friday he was "furious" after it emerged his sacked US ambassador Peter Mandelson was appointed despite failing security vetting, as the scandal again threatens his hold on power. The beleaguered British leader, who has been dogged for months by the contr»»»
Macquarie sells Evryo Group, including Distribuție Energie Oltenia, to Premier Energy Group
Macquarie invested in Evryo Group in 2021. Evryo Group is the owner of Distributie Energie Oltenia (DEO), a regulated electricity distribution network active in the south-western Romanian region of Oltenia. DEO develops, maintains, and operates the grid to safely supply electricity across 80,000 ki»»»
Dubai Safari Park earns global recognition with WAZA membership
Dubai: Dubai Safari Park has been accepted as an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) on March 19, 2026, marking a step in its efforts to align with international standards in animal welfare and conservation. WAZA is a global organisation representing zoos and »»»
Live Updates: Tense Israel-Lebanon ceasefire holds in potential boost for Iran war peace deal prospects – Ya Libnan
Share: The Lebanese army started reconstruction of some of the bridges bombed by Israel during its war with Hezbollah Here is the latest on Middle East war Hezbollah and Iran have indicated backing for the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, but both say they’re poised with their “fingers on the »»»
Trump says Iran has agreed to 'hand back' its enriched uranium stocks - UPI.com
U.S. President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters regarding Iran on the South Lawn of the White House on Thursday before departing on Marine One to travel to Las Vegas for a Republican Party event. Photo by Graeme Sloan/UPI | License Photo April 17 (UPI) -- U.S. President Donald Trump an»»»
Russian Foreign Minister Says Ukrainian Peace Process Lacks Concrete Initiatives
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - There are currently no concrete initiatives for ending the Ukrainian conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday. "We have informed our colleagues about the recent developments regarding efforts to address the Ukrainian crisis. No concrete initiatives are on t»»»
US Currently Not Interested in Russian Proposal to Export Iran's Enriched Uranium- Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's proposal to export enriched uranium from Iran is currently not in demand from the United States, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. "Now this proposal is not in demand from the United States," Peskov told reporters. At the same time, Russia remains open to a»»»
7,500 Voting Machines Installed and Validated Over Four Days
A total of 7,500 voting machines have been installed and validated over four days, representing about 80% of the total number used for voting in the country. For the first time, an effort is being made to verify all machines, the Ministry of E-Governance announced on Friday. The number of quarantin»»»
Israeli Media: Lebanese Return South of Litani Another Reminder of Broken Promises - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli Media: Lebanese Return South of Litani Another Reminder of Broken Promises 17-04-2026 14:12 PM People wave Hezbollah flags and an i»»»
HONOR launches ‘Dream Big with HONOR 600’ campaign across GCC
Dubai:HONOR a global AI device ecosystem has kicked off its latest campaign, “Dream Big with HONOR 600,” in celebration of the launch of the HONOR 600 Series, inviting people across the GCC to share their dreams and express their creativity. Running for six weeks from April 15, the campaign combine»»»
UN: Nearly 900 Rohingya refugees dead, missing in shipwrecks in 2025
Geneva: Last year was the deadliest on record for Rohingya refugees fleeing by sea, with deaths continuing to soar in 2026, the UN said Friday, after hundreds were lost in a shipwreck earlier this month. "In 2025, nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay»»»
Arrests fail to deter phone scam rings
Police say phone fraud rings continue to operate using familiar tactics, despite repeated arrests and prosecutions, with suspects often returning to crime after release. Authorities describe a pattern in which offenders pose as accountants or power utility technicians, warning victims of supposed f»»»
Property Concept rebranded as Alera: It is a year of recalibration in the real estate market
Property Concept, one of the leading companies in Romania specialized in turnkey real estate investments, offering integrated services including sales, interior design, and property management, is rebranding as Alera, marking a new stage in its development. The company is targeting accelerated grow»»»
Sofia Zoo Expo 2026 Opens with Over 60 Exhibitors, Representing More than 200 Brands
The third Sofia Zoo Expo 2026 opened at the Inter Expo Centre on Friday, bringing together business representatives, animal lovers, and international participants from the pet care sector. The forum, organized by Animalia, runs from April 17 to 19 and has significantly expanded in scale this year. »»»
China launches high-precision greenhouse gas detection satellite
Jiuquan: China on Friday launched a Long March-4C carrier rocket to send a satellite for high-precision greenhouse gas detection into the preset orbit. The rocket blasted off at 1210 p.m. (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. It was the 638th flight mission of »»»