Taiwan Opposition Leader Says China Visit to Sow ‘Seeds of Peace’
Taiwan's opposition leader, a proponent of closer ties with Beijing, said on Wednesday she hoped to sow the "seeds of peace" during a rare visit to China. Kuomintang (KMT) chairwoman Cheng Li-wun is the party's first leader to visit China in a decade but her trip -- during which she hopes to meet C»»»
China’s Xi Urges Demand‑Driven Growth in Services Sector
China's President Xi Jinping has called for a demand-driven approach coupled with reform and technological empowerment to develop the service sector, the official Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday. China will expand and upgrade the services sector, cultivate more "China service" brands and p»»»
Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula receives Ambassador of Sri Lanka
Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula Prof. Khalid Mubarak Al-Shafi received the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar, H E Sithara Khan Azard, at the newspaper’s office yesterday. The Ambassador was briefed about the evolution of the newspaper over the past two decades, its mission and vision in addition to»»»
Clouds, scattered rain and cooler weather expected in coming days
Clear skies will prevail over most of the country Wednesday, but from the early afternoon cloud cover and scattered rain will affect much of mainland and northern Greece. The winds will be overall mild, strengthening in the north, and temperatures will hit a high of 23 degrees Celsius in Crete. In »»»
The US-Iran war tanked Trump's popularity at home
An operation that Donald Trump said could take Iran out “in one night” had turned into a six-week regional war that had the US president increasingly frustrated, as evidenced by his unhinged social media posts. In an expletive-ridden rant on Sunday, he warned that the US would take out all of Iran’»»»
Expert to Asharq Al-Awsat: Zelenskyy Offered Syria Phosphate-for-Wheat, Drones Deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s first visit to Damascus might have passed as routine, aimed at strengthening ties, but its timing amid regional tensions and Türkiye’s presence gave it added weight. Analysts saw multiple messages in the trip, including signals to Russia as regional power b»»»
Katara Director General named Uzbekistan’s Cultural Ambassador to Qatar
Doha, Qatar: In a move aimed at strengthening cultural diplomacy and deepening bilateral cooperation between Qatar and Uzbekistan, the Director General of Katara Cultural Village Foundation, Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, was yesterday appointed as Uzbekistan Cultural Ambassador to Qa»»»
‘Qatar-Uzbekistan ties on new level of cooperation in past three years’
Doha, Qatar: The bilateral ties between Qatar and Uzbekistan have witnessed remarkable growth, especially over the past three years, reaching what can be described as a “new level” of cooperation, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Qatar, H E Ashraf Khodjaev has said. Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidel»»»
The US-Iran war is tanking Trump’s popularity at home
An operation that Donald Trump said could take Iran out “in one night” has now turned into a regional war that has just entered its sixth week, with the US president appearing increasingly frustrated over the situation, as evidenced by his unhinged social media posts. In his latest expletive-ridden»»»
Officers seize over 7 kg of hashish, foreign national detained - | 24.KG
Officers of the Drug Control Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan have disrupted the activities of an individual suspected of large-scale drug trafficking. According to the ministry, on March 31, 2026, as part of Operation Transit, a foreign national identified as R.A.Sh., 43, »»»
The world could run out of chocolate by 2050
The world could face a severe shortage of chocolate by 2050 as climate change disrupts cocoa production in key growing regions, according to scientific estimates and industry data. Rising temperatures and declining rainfal»»»
The world could run out of chocolate by 2050
The world could face a severe shortage of chocolate by 2050 as climate change disrupts cocoa production in key growing regions, according to scientific estimates and industry data. Rising temperatures and declining rainfal»»»
US consumers under pressure as Gulf energy crisis expands
US consumers are coming under increasing pressure as the effects of the energy shock from the Gulf War ripple amounts across the world. Petrol prices at the pump have soared to record highs. Inflation is increasing. And ma»»»
US consumers under pressure as Gulf energy crisis expands
US consumers are coming under increasing pressure as the effects of the energy shock from the Gulf War ripple amounts across the world. Petrol prices at the pump have soared to record highs. Inflation is increasing. And ma»»»
US consumers under pressure as Gulf energy crisis expands
US consumers are coming under increasing pressure as the effects of the energy shock from the Gulf War ripple amounts across the world. Petrol prices at the pump have soared to record highs. Inflation is increasing. And ma»»»
The world could run out of chocolate by 2050
The world could face a severe shortage of chocolate by 2050 as climate change disrupts cocoa production in key growing regions, according to scientific estimates and industry data. Rising temperatures and declining rainfal»»»
Meloni visits Gulf to cement Italy's energy ties as European rift with US over Iran widens
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni concluded a two-day tour of the Persian Gulf on April 4, meeting the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in an effort to shore up Italy's energy security as Iranian attacks on Gulf states and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz push»»»
Meloni visits Gulf to cement Italy's energy ties as European rift with US over Iran widens
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni concluded a two-day tour of the Persian Gulf on April 4, meeting the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in an effort to shore up Italy's energy security as Iranian attacks on Gulf states and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz push»»»
Meloni visits Gulf to cement Italy's energy ties as European rift with US over Iran widens
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni concluded a two-day tour of the Persian Gulf on April 4, meeting the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in an effort to shore up Italy's energy security as Iranian attacks on Gulf states and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz push»»»
Meloni visits Gulf to cement Italy's energy ties as European rift with US over Iran widens
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni concluded a two-day tour of the Persian Gulf on April 4, meeting the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in an effort to shore up Italy's energy security as Iranian attacks on Gulf states and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz push»»»
The world could run out of chocolate by 2050
The world could face a severe shortage of chocolate by 2050 as climate change disrupts cocoa production in key growing regions, according to scientific estimates and industry data. Rising temperatures and declining rainfal»»»
US consumers under pressure as Gulf energy crisis expands
US consumers are coming under increasing pressure as the effects of the energy shock from the Gulf War ripple amounts across the world. Petrol prices at the pump have soared to record highs. Inflation is increasing. And ma»»»
PANNIER: Uzbekistan’s air pollution officials search for lasting solutions
Uzbekistan’s air pollution problem has noticeably worsened over the last several years, but at the end of March authorities strengthened efforts to combat the dilemma. The government introduced a series of measures aimed a»»»
PANNIER: Uzbekistan’s air pollution officials search for lasting solutions
Uzbekistan’s air pollution problem has noticeably worsened over the last several years, but at the end of March authorities strengthened efforts to combat the dilemma. The government introduced a series of measures aimed a»»»
Hungarian election outcome may do little to ease EU funding deadlock for Ukraine
Ukraine’s access to tens of billions of euros in European Union support may remain uncertain regardless of the outcome of Hungary’s closely contested election this month, as the anti-Ukrainian ruling Fidesz’ main challenger has also indicated reservations over key elements of assistance to Kyiv. »»»
Bosnian lawmakers set to fast-track gas pipeline amendments despite transparency concerns
Proposed legal changes to a long-delayed gas pipeline linking Bosnia & Herzegovina to Croatia have drawn criticism from anti-corruption groups and energy experts, who warn the project risks undermining transparency and saddling the public with long-term costs. »»»
Bosnian lawmakers set to fast-track gas pipeline amendments despite transparency concerns
Proposed legal changes to a long-delayed gas pipeline linking Bosnia & Herzegovina to Croatia have drawn criticism from anti-corruption groups and energy experts, who warn the project risks undermining transparency and saddling the public with long-term costs. »»»
Can pipelines make a comeback?
The shock to LNG supply is forcing buyers to confront both physical disruption and rising dependence on the US, which could revive interest in long-stalled pipeline projects. WHAT: A fifth of global LNG supply has been kno»»»
US consumers under pressure as Gulf energy crisis expands
US consumers are coming under increasing pressure as the effects of the energy shock from the Gulf War ripple amounts across the world. Petrol prices at the pump have soared to record highs. Inflation is increasing. And ma»»»
Russian procurement platform B2B-RTS to IPO
Russia’s largest electronic procurement platform B2B-RTS announced it will proceed with an IPO on the Moscow Exchange (MOEX), offering 11.5% of its share capital through a secondary sale by existing shareholders, including Sovcombank and other financial investors, according to RBC business portal. »»»
The world could run out of chocolate by 2050
The world could face a severe shortage of chocolate by 2050 as climate change disrupts cocoa production in key growing regions, according to scientific estimates and industry data. Rising temperatures and declining rainfal»»»
Hungarian election outcome may do little to ease EU funding deadlock for Ukraine
Ukraine’s access to tens of billions of euros in European Union support may remain uncertain regardless of the outcome of Hungary’s closely contested election this month, as the anti-Ukrainian ruling Fidesz’ main challenger has also indicated reservations over key elements of assistance to Kyiv. »»»
Pakistan brokered US-Iran ceasefire — now Islamabad hosts talks starting Friday
The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday in an 11th-hour bid to avert all-out destruction threatened by US President Donald Trump. Here's what we know about the truce between two countries, which are set to begin negotiations but remain poles apart in their positions on »»»
Solar push helps Pakistan temper Gulf energy shock
Lahore, Pakistan: Pakistan's solar power push has cushioned the full impact of the war in the Middle East, analysts said, despite lingering concerns over fuel supplies and rising prices. A study published last month assessed that the uptake of solar around 2018 helped the country avoid more than $1»»»
Dubai gold jumps Dh11 as ceasefire talks trigger global rebound
Dubai: Dubai gold prices opened higher on Wednesday morning, tracking a strong rebound in global bullion markets after a temporary easing of geopolitical tensions. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and India.) Sign up for our daily b»»»
Iran Declares 'Historic Victory' as Trump Accepts 10-Point Plan — Reports
Iran has declared it achieved a decisive outcome in the recent confrontation, stating the US has accepted a 10-point plan proposed by Tehran, according to the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, cited by Tasnim News Agency. The Council said the enemy suffered an “undeniable, historic, and cr»»»
Energy shocks drive fertiliser costs higher, as Jordan seen as stabilising supplier
AMMAN — Rising global energy prices and supply disruptions are driving up fertiliser costs, with direct implications for farmers in Jordan and food prices more broadly.While natural gas is widely associated with heating and electricity, it is also a critical input in the production of fertilisers u»»»
Strait of Hormuz shipping blockade update
LONDON — Here are the latest key facts about impacts from the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route virtually paralysed by the Middle East war.Around a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes through the waterway in peacetime.The war erupted on February»»»
IATA Chief: Jet Fuel Supply Could Take Months to Recover after Hormuz Reopening
The head of a body representing global airlines said on Wednesday that even if Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz it would take months for jet fuel supply to recover given disruptions to Middle East refining capacity. Oil fell below $100 per barrel after US President Donald Trump said he had agreed»»»
One assailant killed, two wounded after shooting outside Istanbul's Israeli consulate
An assailant was killed and two others were wounded in a shooting on Tuesday outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, although no diplomats were present at the time. Two police officers also sustained minor injuries, according to initial reports. The interior ministry said the dead gunm»»»
Iran-backed Iraqi armed group release kidnapped US journalist
An Iran-backed Iraqi armed group has released an American journalist abducted in Baghdad last week, an Iraqi official said on Tuesday. The group had earlier agreed to release the journalist in a gesture of goodwill toward Iraq’s outgoing prime minister. American journalist Shelly Kittleson, w»»»
Are war crimes being committed in the Middle East war?
With US and Israeli strikes on Iran's critical infrastructure already underway Tuesday amid threats of more to come, the UN and other organisations have warned that such attacks could constitute war crimes. A war crime is a serious violation of international humanitarian law during times of conflic»»»
Eye on Africa - Dozens killed in Easter attacks in Nigeria
In tonight's edition: Dozens of people have been killed in multiple attacks in Nigeria over the Easter weekend. Also, disruption to shipping routes linked to the Iran war has left about 8 million kilograms of tea stuck in warehouses in Kenya. And in the DRC, tens of thousands of jubilant fans welco»»»
'I'm innocent': Former president Sarkozy challenges conviction over alleged Libya funding
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy protested his innocence at an appeals trial on Tuesday for illegally accepting financing from Libya's former leader Muammar Gaddafi for his 2007 election campaign. In September 2025, the initial case saw Sarkozy become modern France's first president to have »»»
North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles Towards East Sea
North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, South Korea's military said, hours after reporting an "unidentified projectile" launched from the North's capital area the previous day. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has sought to repair ties with North Korea since taki»»»
Why Viktor Orban wants energy prices at the heart of Hungary’s elections
Faced with the very real prospect of defeat in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has built his campaign around cheap and secure energy and outspoken opposition to EU support for Ukraine. An alleged plot to blow up a pipeline bringing Russian gas into Hungary – »»»
North Korea launches missiles for second day in a row, Seoul says - UPI.com
North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Wednesday, Seoul's military said. In this March photo, people watch reports of a North Korean launch at a train station in Seoul. File Photo by Jeon Heon-Kyun/EPA SEOUL, April 8 (UPI) -- North Korea launched several »»»
From investment banker to farmer: Why Dubai founder says UAE needs vertical farming now
Dubai: The UAE imports the vast majority of what it eats. And Roman Ulyanov, founder and CEO of high-end vertical farm Greeneration, believes that it is a vulnerability the country can no longer afford to ignore — and he and some other investors has spent $5 million building an alternative. Walking»»»
Borouge shareholders approve $1.32 billion FY 2025 dividend
ABU DHABI: Borouge Plc confirms shareholder approval at its 7th April General Assembly Meeting of a final 2025 dividend of $1.32 billion, reflecting the Company’s strong operational performance and record sales. The final shareholder-approved dividend payment for 2025 amounts to $658 million (8.1 f»»»
North Korea fires missiles toward sea after ridiculing South's hopes for better ties
SEOUL, South Korea: North Korea fired several ballistic missiles toward the sea Wednesday in its second launch event in two days, South Korea’s military said, hours after a senior North Korean official released crude insults against Seoul’s hopes for warmer relations. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of »»»