Iran demands U.S. release seized ship, threatening to defend itself - UPI.com
The container vessel Touska, seen here off Hong Kong's Ap Lei Chau islet in November 2017, was seized by the U.S. military on Sunday. Iran's Foreign Ministry demanded Tuesday that the United States release the vessel. Photo by Jerome Favre/EPA April 21 (UPI) -- Iran on Tuesday demanded the United S»»»
UAE campuses reopen following regional disruptions
It was with deep appreciation for the country and its leadership that universities across the UAE began to reopen their doors for students, welcoming them back to in-person classes after weeks of remote learning caused by regional friction, on April 20. One of the first to reopen its campus to pupi»»»
France’s Macron urges Iran, US to de-escalate amid Hormuz tensions
GDANSK, Poland: 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 »»»
Hello Kitty’s parent company to make own video games
Tokyo: Seeking new fans for Hello Kitty, the company behind the enigmatic character on Tuesday launched a video games division aiming to release 10 original titles over the next three years. Hello Kitty, which started life as an illustration on a 1970s vinyl coin purse, is emblematic of Japan’s luc»»»
Japan lifts ban on lethal weapons exports in break from pacifist policy
TOKYO: Japan on Tuesday scrapped a ban on lethal weapons exports, a major change in its postwar pacifist policy as the country seeks to build up its arms industry amid worries over Chinese and North Korean aggression. The approval by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet of the new guideline clea»»»
Hot Air Balloon with 13 Aboard Makes Emergency Landing in California Backyard
A balloon landed in a Southern California backyard — a balloon with 13 people. The enormous hot air balloon, with a pilot and passengers in the basket, descended perfectly Saturday on a small plot of grass at a home in Temecula. Hunter Perrin said he had no idea that he had visitors until a neighbo»»»
Driven by the Pressures of War, Iran Gives Its Field Commanders More Power Over Factions in Iraq
Iran has granted its commanders greater autonomy over armed factions in Iraq, allowing some groups to carry out operations without Tehran’s approval, a shift driven by the pressures of the war, three faction members and two other officials told The Associated Press. Many Iran-backed factions are fu»»»
Philippines gets 52 million litres of diesel shipment
Manila: The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) has received 44,199 metric tonnes of diesel shipment at the Port of Subic Bay in Zambales as the government works to bolster fuel reserves and cushion the effects of of global supply shocks. The shipment, totaling about 329,505 barrels of diesel (o»»»
Man arrested for starting Neochori fire
A 59-year-old man was arrested for a fire that broke out in central Greece on Monday. According to the Fire Department’s investigation, the blaze started when the man started burning dry branches in a field near Neochori, in Thessaly, without taking the required safety measures. It took 39 firefigh»»»
Pope Leo XIV recalls 'great suffering' at historic slave trade shrine in Angola
Pope Leo XIV visited a historic Angolan shrine once tied to the trans-Atlantic slave trade on Sunday, recalling the “sorrow and great suffering” endured by generations of Africans. His remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of the Catholic Church’s historical role in slavery and colonial-era doctrine. »»»
iCAUR to convene global partners at 2026 International Business Summit in China
iCAUR, the Middle East’s most trend-forward new-generation SUV brand, will host its 2026 International Business Summit this April, bringing together a select group of global partners, media, and creators for an invitation-only programme focused on immersive mobility experiences. Rather than followi»»»
Stories behind the caps: Inside the UAE’s ‘Latagan’ exhibition
Dubai: For many in UAE, the word “latagan” may be unfamiliar. In Filipino culture, it simply means “to lay out” or “to display” items, often in an open, informal setting where collections are shared for others to see and appreciate. In this context, latagan has taken on a deeper meaning. It is not »»»
QRCS supplies dialysis kits for kidney patients in Syria
Doha, Qatar: As part of a project to provide dialysis supplies for patients with kidney failure in Syria, the field personnel of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) are distributing medical supplies to dialysis centres across the country, to ensure sustained access to such life-saving services. Co-im»»»
Awqaf Ministry receives QR100,000 endowments to launch annual Waqf initiative
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has announced the receipt of a new investment cash endowment valued at QR100,000, dedicated to supporting the “Waqf Al-Wuqoof” initiative under the Endowment Fund for Righteousness and Piety. The contribution, made by a female donor, will be ov»»»
US and Iran warn they are ready for war as talks in limbo
The United States and Iran both warned they were ready for war as the clock ticked down on a ceasefire on Tuesday, with uncertainty over whether talks that President Donald Trump had announced would resume in Pakistan. The White House said Vice President JD Vance was ready to fly back to Islamabad,»»»
Lebanon Seeking to Leverage US Support in Negotiations with Israel
Efforts to extend the ceasefire in Lebanon are accelerating amid Israeli reports of a new round of talks at the ambassador level paving the way for direct negotiations. Lebanese officials say a meeting between President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump could be scheduled “at any moment,” s»»»
Italy and Romania were the EU countries with the lowest employment rates in 2025
The employment rate in the EU increased at over 76% in 2025, but Romania is among the member states with the lowest employment rates, show the data published on Friday by Eurostat.According to these data, last year, 76.1% (197.7 million people) of working-age people (20-64 years) in the European Un»»»
Dubai sees Dh501m apartment sale as luxury property demand surges
Dubai: Dubai’s property market recorded a landmark deal on Monday with the sale of an off-plan residential apartment for more than Dh500 million, signalling sustained demand for high-end real estate in the emirate. Data from the Dubai Land Department’s Dubai REST app showed the unit was sold for Dh»»»
EPPO indicts Romanian company over fraud in EU-funded research project
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), through its Cluj-Napoca branch, has sent a company and its administrator to trial before the Iasi Court of Justice on charges of fraud involving an EU-funded research and innovation project intended to boost competitiveness and economic recovery.Accor»»»
FinMin Nazare: Romania obtained financing of over 2 billion euros for strategic investments, following visit to US
Romania obtained financing of over 2 billion euros for strategic investments following the visit to the US of the delegation led by Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare, the institution announced on Monday, in a statement.According to the Ministry of Finance, following discussions in the US capital, t»»»
Oil falls on expectations US-Iran talks likely to proceed, opening supply
SINGAPORE: Oil prices fell over $1 on Tuesday, reversing gains in the previous session, on expectations peace talks between the US and Iran will take place this week and lead to more supply to flow from the key Middle East producing region. Brent crude futures declined $1.04, or 1.1 percent, at $9»»»
On This Day, April 21: South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu resigns - UPI.com
On April 21, 1975, Nguyen Van Thieu resigned as president of South Vietnam after denouncing the United States as untrustworthy. 1 of 4 | President Nguyen Van Thieu of South Vietnam is escorted by Vice President Spiro Agnew upon arrival at nearby Andrews Air Force base on April 4, 1973. On April 21,»»»
Russian Troops Finalize Lugansk People’s Republic Liberation, Advance on All Fronts – Gerasimov
Chief of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff Valery Gerasimov has inspected the progress of combat missions carried out by units of Battlegroup Yug. “Full liberation of the Lugansk People’s Republic has been completed,” Gerasimov stated.He added that Russian troops had liberated 34 settlements »»»
No Talks Under Threat: Iran Ready to Reveal New Cards on Battlefield, Says Qalibaf
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has declared that Tehran will not accept negotiations with Washington under the shadow of threats. In a post on his X handle early Tuesday, Qalibaf denounced US President Donald Trump for acting on a delusion. His remarks came in response to continu»»»
Oil Falls on Expectations US-Iran Talks Likely to Proceed, Opening Supply
Oil prices fell over $1 on Tuesday, reversing gains in the previous session, on expectations peace talks between the US and Iran will take place this week and lead to more supply to flow from the key Middle East producing region. Brent crude futures declined $1.04, or 1.1%, at $94.44 a barrel at 06»»»
Russia intercepts 97 Ukrainian drones over various regions
Moscow: The Russian Ministry of Defense announced Tuesday that its air defense systems shot down 97 Ukrainian drones overnight over several regions. The ministry said in a statement that Ukrainian forces targeted the regions of Astrakhan, Belgorod, Volgograd, Voronezh, Kursk, Rostov, Samara, and Sa»»»
Taking a mindful approach to news: How to avoid information overload
Doha, Qatar: During periods of conflict, when the world is changing and breaking news feels endless, it can be tempting to remain glued to the phone or TV. Many people feel the best way to alleviate their anxiety is to chronically consume information from all possible sources. However, this can be »»»
Gaza’s Civil Defense Agency Says 3 Killed in Israeli Strike
Gaza's civil defense agency said Tuesday that an Israeli strike killed three people in the Palestinian territory overnight, with Israeli warplanes seen soaring over the region after the assault, according to AFP journalists. Despite an October 10 ceasefire, Gaza remains gripped by daily violence as»»»
Head of Iran’s judiciary, Gholam Mohsen Ejei: The blockade of ports and coasts and the attack on an Iranian ship constitute a war crime, and a response is certain - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Head of Iran’s judiciary, Gholam Mohsen Ejei: The blockade of ports and coasts and the attack on an Iranian ship constitute a war crime, an»»»
El Salvador holds mass trial of nearly 500 alleged MS-13 gang members
SAN SALVADOR: Nearly 490 alleged members of the powerful Central American gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), including several alleged leaders, went on trial collectively in El Salvador on Monday, accused of thousands of murders. El Salvador is conducting mass trials of thousands of suspected gang memb»»»
On Ukraine front, married medics face war side by side
While Ukrainian combat medic Anastasia Podobailo cleaned blood from a wounded soldier’s arm and called him “little bun,” her colleague and husband Mykola Yasinenko checked the patient’s intravenous drip was flowing.The couple navigated their small surgery together and treated the groaning servicema»»»
Iran war fuel hike adds $100 to long-haul flight cost, study says
BRUSSELS/LONDON: Disruption to global oil supplies from the Iran war has added more than $100 to the price of long-haul flights from Europe, a cost likely to trigger higher ticket prices, campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E) said. The rise in jet fuel prices has increased the average fuel »»»
Cafu: 2026 World Cup 'perfect moment' for Brazil to win again
Madrid: Brazil’s two-time World Cup winner Cafu said yesterday he believes this year’s tournament is the perfect time for the five-time champions to take back the crown for the first time for 24 years. Cafu was captain when Brazil won their fifth World Cup, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in »»»
Bishkek appeals to Belarus for cancer treatment quotas - | 24.KG
Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan, Marlen Mamataliev, held talks with Igor Sergeyenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus. In addition to interparliamentary cooperation, the discussion focused on cancer treatment. Marlen Mamataliev emphasized tha»»»
Japan Overhauls Decades-Old Weapons Export Rules
Japan will ease decades-old arms export rules, the government's top spokesman Minoru Kihara said on Tuesday, a policy shift that paves the way for the sale of lethal weapons overseas. The new rules end Japan's self-imposed curb on sales of lethal arms as Tokyo seeks to enter the international arms »»»
Contenders to Head Crisis-Wracked UN Face Live Grillings
The four candidates vying to become the next United Nations secretary-general face live hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday on their bids to lead the troubled global organization from next year. Chile's Michelle Bachelet, Argentina's Rafael Grossi, Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan and Senegal's Macky Sal»»»
India fertiliser output drops a quarter on Midle East war
New Delhi: India's fertiliser production plunged nearly a quarter in March, official data showed, after natural gas imports used in its manufacture were hit by the Middle East conflict. Natural gas is used to power the production of urea, a key part of the lifeline fertilisers used by India's vast »»»
Al Ahli brace for Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in AFC Champions League Two semi-final
Doha, Qatar: After defeating Al Hussein, Qatar’s Al Ahli are bracing for a strong challenge against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr, with Julian Draxler saying the team will be ready for Cristiano Ronaldo’s side in the AFC Champions League Two semi-final in Dubai tomorrow. Younes Ali-coached Al Ahli delive»»»
India-South Korea summit unveils new agreements
India and South Korea unveiled 25 bilateral outcomes on the second day of the ongoing summit between the two countries. The summit is being held as a three day affair, with South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung visiting India's capital New Delhi between April 19 and 21. »»»
India-South Korea summit unveils new agreements
India and South Korea unveiled 25 bilateral outcomes on the second day of the ongoing summit between the two countries. The summit is being held as a three day affair, with South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung visiting India's capital New Delhi between April 19 and 21. »»»
India-South Korea summit unveils new agreements
India and South Korea unveiled 25 bilateral outcomes on the second day of the ongoing summit between the two countries. The summit is being held as a three day affair, with South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung visiting India's capital New Delhi between April 19 and 21. »»»
India-South Korea summit unveils new agreements
India and South Korea unveiled 25 bilateral outcomes on the second day of the ongoing summit between the two countries. The summit is being held as a three day affair, with South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung visiting India's capital New Delhi between April 19 and 21. »»»
Nigeria fintech Flutterwave denies $75mn government investment, imminent IPO plans
Nigerian fintech Flutterwave has denied reports that the country’s federal government plans to invest $75mn in the company, pushing back against claims that the move was linked to a potential initial public offering. Local»»»
Romania’s Social Democrats withdraw support for PM Bolojan forcing coalition reset
Romania’s Social Democratic Party (PSD) has voted overwhelmingly to withdraw political support for Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, raising the prospect of a government collapse, Agerpres reported on April 20. While the PSD aims to increase its influence over the executive, the attempts may end in»»»
SHEVCHENKO: Money for Ukraine - between speed and control
When Europe finances Ukraine, it does so through a complex web of institutions: the European Commission — via the Ukraine Facility, macro-financial assistance and potentially the new €90bn Ukraine Support Loan for 2026-2027 — the World Bank, the European Investment Bank and other multilateral partn»»»
Belarus plans to actively attract labor migrants from Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
Belarus plans to actively attract labor migrants from Kyrgyzstan. Gennady Kazakevich, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of the republic, reported. According to him, the roadmap for developing relations between the two countries for 2025-2027 is aimed, among other things, at attracting labor migra»»»
How a Paris-Area Wildlife Hospital Keeps Rescued Animals Wild
A wildlife hospital in a southeastern Paris suburb is a place of no cuddles but lots of care. It helps injured, sick and orphaned animals — often victims of human activity and increasing urbanization — heal so they can return to their natural habitat. Last week, a female fox cub was found alone in »»»
Late Queen Elizabeth II's Legacy Still Looms Over British Monarchy 100 Years After Her Birth
Queen Elizabeth II lives on at the Cool Britannia gift shop across the road from Buckingham Palace. Four years after the queen’s death, the shop is doing a brisk business in mugs, tea towels and key rings bearing the likeness of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch as the nation marks the centenary o»»»
Iran War Fuel Hike Adds $100 to Long-Haul Flight Cost, Study Says
Disruption to global oil supplies from the Iran war has added more than $100 to the price of long-haul flights from Europe, a cost likely to trigger higher ticket prices, campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E) said. The rise in jet fuel prices has increased the average fuel cost by 88 euros (»»»
Gulf screen legend Hayat Al Fahad passes away at 78 after illness
Iconic Kuwaiti actress Hayat Al Fahad, widely known as the “Lady of the Gulf Screen”, has died at the age of 78 after a prolonged illness, in a loss that has reverberated across the Arab artistic community. The announcement was made on Tuesday via the official account of the Al Fahad Artistic Produ»»»