St. George Ribbon Campaign Commences in Moscow
Dmitry Kiselev, general director of Sputnik News Agency's parent company Rossiya Segodnya, has launched the St. George Ribbon campaign, commemorating the heroic deeds of the Soviet people during WWII. The St. George Ribbon is a long-time symbol of wartime courage and memory. This year, the campaign»»»
In Gaza, first local vote in years offers gauge of Hamas popularity
GAZA: Palestinians in one of the only Gaza cities not overrun by Israeli ground forces during the war will vote this weekend in municipal elections that will feature some pro-Hamas candidates, offering a rare barometer of the militant group’s popularity. The vote in Deir Al-Balah is part of Palesti»»»
Syrian President reaffirms solidarity with Qatar over security threats
Damascus: President of the Syrian Arab Republic HE Ahmed Al Sharaa has reiterated his country's solidarity with the State of Qatar regarding threats to its security and sovereignty. In a post on the social media platform X, the Syrian president said he held a "fraternal meeting" with HH the Amir Sh»»»
Kyrgyzstan intends to sell electricity to Turkmenistan - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan, together with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, is implementing a new energy project. Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev announced on Birinchi Radio. According to him, the World Bank will allocate $40 million for the project over 40 years. As part of the initiative, the construction of power lin»»»
Trump vs. Powell: Interest rates, investigation and a replacement - UPI.com
1 of 4 | Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s term is nearing its end and President Donald Trump is pushing for his replacement but an investigation into Powell may hold up the appointment of a new chair. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 22 (UPI) -- Federal Reserve Chairman J»»»
Automechanika Riyadh announces new date after 2026 event postponement
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s flagship automotive aftermarket trade show, Automechanika Riyadh, has been rescheduled to Jan. 11–13, 2027, after its original May 2026 dates were postponed due to the Iran war. The event, which was initially set to take place from May 4 to 6 at the Riyadh International Conve»»»
As internal divisions simmer, Lebanese see echoes of civil war
BEIRUT: An Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, bombings in Beirut, massive displacement and rising sectarian friction. The year is 2026, but for those who lived through Lebanon’s civil war five decades ago, it may as well be the 1970s. Lebanese who fought in the 1975-1990 war or documented it as »»»
Under-fire Nepal minister quits after weeks in office
Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepal's home minister stepped down Wednesday over growing criticism of his finances after less than a month in office he won on an anti-corruption platform. Sudan Gurung, a key figure in the Gen-Z protests last September that toppled Nepal's previous government, said he was steppi»»»
South Korean fighter pilot fined for mid-air photos that caused crash
Seoul: A South Korean fighter pilot has been ordered to pay 88 million won ($59,200) in damages over a 2021 mid-air collision he caused by trying to get photos and videos of himself flying, an official report said on Wednesday. The pilot, whose identity was withheld, wanted to capture footage of hi»»»
Virginia redistricting vote could boost Democrats in US midterms
Virginia voters on Tuesday approved a new congressional map that could boost Democrats’ representation in the US House by as many as four seats, reshaping the political landscape ahead of November’s midterm elections. The move, seen as a direct response to President Donald Trump’s push for mid-deca»»»
Florida launches probe into OpenAI over ChatGPT’s alleged role in shooting
Florida has opened a criminal investigation into OpenAI following a deadly shooting in 2025 at Florida State University, Attorney General James Uthmeier said Tuesday. Authorities are looking into claims that the company's ChatGPT chatbot provided information to the suspect prior to the attack»»»
NASA says new space telescope will create 'atlas of the universe'
NASA on Tuesday unveiled the Nancy Grace Roman space telescope, a powerful new observatory designed to map the universe and search for distant planets. Aiming to shed light on dark matter and dark energy, the new telescope will be able to observe light emitted by celestial bodies billions of years »»»
Best Buy names Jason Bonfig as new CEO, hoping for sales boost - UPI.com
Best Buy announced on Wednesday that Jason Bonfig will take over as the company's CEO. File Photo John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo April 22 (UPI) -- Best Buy announced its new CEO will be Jason Bonfig, who has worked as the company's chief customer, product and fulfillment officer, to replace Cor»»»
Over 500 Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem
LONDON: Hundreds of Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem on Wednesday. The Jerusalem governorate said that 508 settlers entered the site, accompanied by Israeli forces, and performed Jewish rituals, including “epic prostration,” near Bab»»»
'Landmark' EU court ruling rejects Hungary anti-LGBTQ law
The EU's top court ruled Tuesday that anti-LGBTQ legislation in Hungary breached the bloc's rules, in a move hailed as a "landmark" victory by Brussels. The European Commission, 16 of 27 member states and the European Parliament took Hungary to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over the law, in w»»»
Starmer says unaware of security lapse when appointing Mandelson
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday told parliament he was unaware that Peter Mandelson was flagged by security checks prior to his appointment as envoy to the US. The remarks came after Olly Robbins, a senior foreign ministry official who was fired last week, said that Starmer had a "dismi»»»
Italy summons Russian ambassador after TV host targets Meloni with stream of insults
Rome has called in Moscow's ambassador after a Russian TV presenter attacked Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on air, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Tuesday. The remarks, condemned across the political spectrum, risk deepening already strained ties between Rome and Moscow amid tensi»»»
Kalba families to receive support in rental dispute cases
Sharjah : Families in Kalba facing court rulings over rental disputes are set to receive targeted financial support under a new agreement between Sharjah Charity International and Kalba Municipality. The initiative centres on fast-tracking assistance to residents in financial distress, using a coor»»»
Sharjah Ruler launches Al Qawasim digital application, platform
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday morning launched Al Qawasim application and digital platform, dedicated to documenting the history of Al Qawasim family. The launch took place at Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in the presenc»»»
Qatar Olympic Committee officials inspect team preparation ahead of Asian Beach Games
SANYA: Senior officials from the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) have visited the national delegation's headquarters in Sanya, China, to review preparations for the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Hainan Province. QOC Second Vice President Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari and Secretary-General Jassim bin Ra»»»
Central and Eastern Europe emerges as new defence industry hub, KPMG says
Central and Eastern Europe is rapidly becoming the focal point of Europe’s defence industrial expansion, driven by rising military spending, supply chain restructuring and the war in Ukraine, according to a new KPMG report. »»»
Extreme heat threatens global food systems, UN agencies warn
ROME: Extreme heat is pushing global agrifood systems to the brink, threatening the livelihoods and health of more than a billion people, according to a new report by the UN’s food and weather agencies. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Meteorological Organiza»»»
Mexico explores new investments to expand presence in Cuba - UPI.com
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Cuba's decision to further open its economy to private sector participation could allow Mexican private and mixed-capital companies to expand operations on the island. File Photo by Ernesto Mastrascusa/EPA April 22 (UPI) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbau»»»
Qatar Olympic officials inspect team preparation ahead of Asian Beach Games
Sanya: Senior officials from the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) have visited the national delegation's headquarters in Sanya, China, to review preparations for the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Hainan Province. QOC Second Vice President Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari and Secretary-General Jassim bin Ra»»»
Qatar Winter Sports Committee and Years of Culture Launch 2026 Winter Sports Development Programme
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Winter Sports Committee (QWSC), in collaboration with Years of Culture, is set to launch a year-round programme of winter sports development initiatives as part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture partnership. This marks a major step in expanding winter sports»»»
Cabinet Adopts Report on Implementation of 2026 Action Plan on Measures Arising from Bulgaria's EU Membership
By a decision of the Cabinet, a report was adopted on the implementation of the 2026 Action Plan containing the measures arising from Bulgaria’s membership of the European Union as at March 31, 2026. Out of a total of 100 measures with a deadline for implementation by March 31, 41 have been complet»»»
Some EUR 150,000 to Be Allocated for Compensation over Delays in Administration of Justice
The Council of Ministers Wednesday approved a decision to allocate EUR 150,079 to the Justice Ministry for 2026. The funds will reimburse the Ministry for payments made to citizens and legal persons affected by delays in the administration of justice. This amount represents the total compensation p»»»
As internal divisions simmer, Lebanese see echoes of civil war
ISTANBUL: Sadri Haghshenas spends her days selling borek — a layered, savory pastry — at a shop in Istanbul, but her mind is on her daughter in Tehran. The family had to send her home to Iran after they ran into difficulties renewing her visa, despite fears that a shaky ceasefire could soon collaps»»»
Apple switches CEO: What it means for the tech giant
BusinessUnited States of AmericaApple switches CEO: What it means for the tech giantNik MartinApple's top hardware engineer John Ternus will lead the $4 trillion iPhone maker, as Tim Cook steps back. Will Apple chase rivals for the smartest intelligence, or deliver the best personal AI experience? »»»
Pages that remember, rooms that listened
In the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, a wedding album quietly claimed the room. When it appeared on the side table, roles were set: some turned the pages carefully, others recalled details the photographs could not. You weren’t just visiting — you were stepping into someone’s life, one frame at a time. T»»»
Political tribalism is blocking democratic progress - UPI.com
former Guatemalan President Vinicio Cerezo, a signatory of the Esquipulas peace accords, demonstrated how leadership can expand political space by prioritizing dialogue and regional peace over permanent confrontation. File Photo by Juan Pablo Pino/EPA April 22 (UPI) -- Latin America is moving throu»»»
Ukraine-Russia escalation intensifies as civilian toll rises
Kyiv/Moscow, April 22 (SANA) Fighting between Ukraine and Russia intensified on Wednesday, with both sides reporting casualties and damage as attacks expanded across several regions. Agence France-Presse quoted Zaporizhzhia regional governor Ivan Fedorov as saying a civilian was killed and another »»»
‘Butter Chicken Tsunami’ remark sparks outrage in New Zealand
A senior New Zealand minister has sparked outrage by deriding a planned free trade deal with India as a "butter chicken tsunami". Wellington is poised to sign a free trade agreement with India in New Delhi next week. Also Read: Australia: Albanese demands apology as senator’s anti-Indian remark spa»»»
Pakistan to cut car duties, open market by 2030
Dubai: Pakistan is set to roll out a sweeping new five-year auto sector policy in consultation with the International Monetary Fund, aimed at slashing import tariffs, restructuring duties and opening up the vehicle market by 2030, The News reported on Wednesday. Under the $7 billion Extended Fund F»»»
Watch: Dubai unveils new Metro project connecting 15 areas
Dubai has announced an ambitious new addition to its public transport network with the launch of the Gold Line metro project. Revealed on X by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai the Dh34 billion initiative will span 42»»»
How a Dubai teenager is tackling traffic and climate change with a no-app, free carpool idea this World Earth Day
Dubai: Anvith Yalamanchili, a 15-year-old student from Dubai, has developed a free ride-sharing platform that connects commuters travelling along similar routes, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and emissions this World Earth Day. In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Anvith said the idea, n»»»
ICC Is Western Tool To Reinforce Global Hegemony — Expert
The West and the US have used their ability to maneuver through legalities since the end of WW2 to control the international justice system, international relations researcher Professor Eli Georgi Elias tells Sputnik. The goal of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is no longer to serve justice,»»»
US halts Iraq dollar cash shipment after militia strikes, sources say
BAGHDAD/DUBAI: The United States has halted a shipment of about $500 million in cash bound for Iraq and suspended parts of its security cooperation with Baghdad, in a move aimed at pressuring the Iraqi government over the actions of Iran-backed militias, Iraqi sources told Reuters. The measures wer»»»
Duterte jurisdiction appeal quashed at ICC
THE HAGUE: International Criminal Court judges Wednesday threw out a challenge against the court’s jurisdiction by Rodrigo Duterte, meaning the former Philippines president could still stand trial over his war on drugs. The 81-year-old faces three counts of crimes against humanity at the internatio»»»
Kyrgyzstan receives over $220 million in remittances in February 2026 - | 24.KG
The volume of remittances received by Kyrgyzstan in February 2026 amounted to $224.2 million, the National Bank reported. According to the bank, the bulk of this amount came from CIS countries—$208.2 million. Transfers from non-CIS countries amounted to $16 million. In February 2026, the volume of »»»
Watch: Roads closed when bear spends hours in a New York tree - UPI.com
April 21 (UPI) -- Multiple roads were closed Tuesday in Albany, N.Y., when a black bear climbed a tree and spent hours lounging on a branch. The Albany Police Department said Second Avenue was closed between Hoffman Avenue and Frisbie Avenue, while Garden Street was closed at Raymo Street due to th»»»
China steps up targeted pressure on Japan amid Taiwan tensions - UPI.com
China intensifies targeted "pinpoint" pressure on Japan as all-front tensions escalate across the Taiwan Strait and East China Sea The People's Liberation Army Navy Type 052C destroyer Haikou, NATO code name Luyang II class, sails into Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, China. Photo by JEROME FAVRE / E»»»
Under-fire Nepal minister quits after weeks in office
Nepal's home minister stepped down Wednesday over growing criticism of his finances after less than a month in office he won on an anti-corruption platform. Sudan Gurung, a key figure in the Gen-Z protests last September that toppled Nepal's previous government, said he was stepping down to ensure »»»
Wounded Hezbollah fighter turns himself in to Israel after receiving first aid in Rmeish
Lebanese Civil Defense personnel in the southern border town of Rmeish on Wednesday provided first aid to a wounded Hezbollah fighter who had crawled to Ain Ebel from Bint Jbeil, the National News Agency said. "They then contacted the Lebanese Red Cross to transport him to a safe area," NNA added. »»»
Moldovan oligarch sentenced to 19 years in prison over $1bn fraud
Chisinau: A Chisinau court sentenced oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc to 19 years in prison on Wednesday in a case linked to the disappearance of $1.0 billion from the Moldovan banking system. A former businessman, lawmaker and kingpin in the Democratic Party of Moldova, Plahotniuc fled the country in »»»
Under-fire Nepal minister quits after weeks in office
Katmandu: Nepal’s home minister stepped down Wednesday over growing criticism of his finances after less than a month in office he won on an anti-corruption platform. Sudan Gurung, a key figure in the Gen-Z protests last September that toppled Nepal’s previous government, said he was stepping down »»»
Kuwait sentences lawyer to 3 years over false social media posts on citizenship
Kuwait’s Court of Appeal has sentenced a lawyer to three years in prison with immediate effect after convicting him of posting misleading and false information via X platform that sparked public confusion over citizenship revocation cases. The State Security Circuit found that the defendant had exc»»»
Wedding tragedy in Kirkuk as house collapse kills woman and injures children
A 22-year-old woman was killed and four children seriously injured after part of an old house collapsed during a wedding gathering in Kirkuk, local authorities said. The incident occurred as guests were preparing to bring in the bride; a section of the ageing structure gave way, turning the celebra»»»
LG strengthens alliance with NVIDIA for AI - UPI.com
LG AI Research head Lim Woo-hyung (L) speaks with NVIDIA Vice President Bryan Catanzaro at the company’s head office in Seoul on Tuesday. Photo by LG Group SEOUL, April 22 (UPI) -- South Korea's LG AI Research said that it has agreed to strengthen cooperation with NVIDIA to develop next-generation »»»
Mali: Chinese TBMs for Belgrade metro complete
CHANGSHA - The manufacture of two tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) that will be used to build a Belgrade metro system is complete, Serbian First Deputy PM and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali announced on Wednesday. Technical tests of the machines, made by the Chinese company CRCHI, began in the city of C»»»