Edi Rama Announces €167 Million Transfer to Special Pension Fund Account
Albania has transferred €167 million into a special pension fund account aimed at strengthening the country’s long-term retirement system, Prime Minister Edi Rama said during an appearance on the podcast “Flasim” on Sunday. Speaking on the program, Rama confirmed that the funds have been deposited »»»
Parliament to Review Immunity of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku
Belinda Balluku faces a potential parliamentary review of her immunity, as the Council of Mandates is scheduled to meet on Monday to consider a request from the Special Prosecutio Against Corruption (SPAK). The decision to convene the Immunity Council comes days after the European Commission urged »»»
Pakistan strikes seven militant camps near Afghan border
Pakistan’s armed forces have carried out strikes on seven alleged militant camps and hideouts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, in what officials described as a retaliatory response to a series of recent suicide bombings, local media Dawn reports. »»»
Syria empties al-Hol camp as final convoy departs for Aleppo
Syria's notorious al-Hol ISIS camp, which once held tens of thousands of women and children linked to the Islamic State group, has been fully cleared after the final convoy departed on February 22, officials said. Fadi al-»»»
Israel withdraws own bobsleigh team from Milan-Cortina Winter Games over false illness claim
Israel's Olympic Committee has withdrawn its four-man bobsleigh team from the 2026 Winter Games after an athlete falsely claimed to be ill in order to allow a substitute to race in his place, the Times of Israel reported on February 22. »»»
Khamenei says Iran will not submit to US pressure as nuclear talks continue
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has said American threats against Iran produce the opposite of their intended effect, as US nuclear envoy Steve Witkoff publicly questioned why Tehran had not "submitted" despite sustained pressure from Washington, his media service reported on February 22. »»»
Iran signs €500mn 'secret' arms deal with Russia to restore air defences
Iran has concluded a clandestine €500mn (approximately $541mn) weapons agreement with Moscow to procure thousands of advanced portable air defence systems, as Tehran moves to replenish military capabilities lost during its conflict with Israel last year, the Financial Times reported on February 22.»»»
Students at Iranian universities chant against system as security clash with protesters
Students at at least eight universities across Iran held anti-government protests for a second consecutive day on February 22, chanting slogans against the Islamic Republic and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei while calling for the return of the Pahlavi monarchy, according to footage and reports circula»»»
CENTRAL ASIA BLOG: Should Kyrgyzstan’s Japarov fear a triumphant return of Tashiyev as his nemesis?
What kind of autocracy will take shape in Kyrgyzstan now that President Sadyr Japarov has purged co-ruler Kamchybek Tashiyev and his allies? “Today, Japarov appears to be on the brink of achieving what none of his predeces»»»
INTERVIEW: FeroInvest bets on battery storage as North Macedonia’s solar capacity grows
As renewables capacity expands in North Macedonia, the country is beginning to confront a common challenge: too much electricity at certain hours of the day and too little flexibility in the system. To address this, FeroInvest recently installed the first battery energy storage system in the countr»»»
Pakistan strikes seven militant camps near Afghan border
Pakistan’s armed forces have carried out strikes on seven alleged militant camps and hideouts along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, in what officials described as a retaliatory response to a series of recent suicide bombings, local media Dawn reports. »»»
Iran signs €500mn 'secret' arms deal with Russia to restore air defences
Iran has concluded a clandestine €500mn (approximately $541mn) weapons agreement with Moscow to procure thousands of advanced portable air defence systems, as Tehran moves to replenish military capabilities lost during its conflict with Israel last year, the Financial Times reported on February 22.»»»
Russia dumps milk as overproduction crisis drives up dairy prices
Russia has been forced to destroy thousands of litres of unsold milk amid a nationwide overproduction crisis, and increasing imports from Belarus, according to the latest data out of the country. Farmers have been una»»»
Doha to host International Cricket Council Board and Committee meetings
Doha: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Doha will host the next round of ICC Board and Committee meetings from March 25-27, 2026. The meetings will bring together ICC Board Directors, Chief Executives, Committee Members and senior leadership as part of the organisation’s on»»»
Nighttime temperatures forecast to range between 3°C and 13°C
Tunis, Feb. 22 (TAP)- The weather on Sunday night is temporarily cloudy in most regions. The wind is blowing west in the north and the midland and east in the south light to moderate, the National Institute of Meteorology (INM) said.The sea is rough...»»»
JPMorgan closed Trump accounts after Jan. 6, court documents show - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Chairman and CEO of J.P. Morgan Chase Jamie Dimon, pictured in 2023, has been named in a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the bank for closing his accounts after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Feb. 22 (UPI) -- JPMor»»»
Arsenal's Eze sinks Spurs again, Liverpool late show floors Forest
London: Eberechi Eze was the scourge of Tottenham again as his double restored Arsenal's five-point lead at the top of the Premier League in a 4-1 win on Sunday, while Liverpool needed Alexis Mac Allister's 97th-minute goal to beat Nottingham Forest 1-0. Eze, who nearly joined Spurs prior to moving»»»
UAE backs Kuwait over maritime sovereignty
Dubai: The UAE has reaffirmed its full and unwavering solidarity with Kuwait in all measures it takes to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, stressing its support for Kuwait against any infringement of its sovereignty or national interests. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs»»»
BSP Floor Leader Kiselova: Neynsky’s Return as Foreign Minister Is Wrong After Libya Trial
BSP–United Left Floor Leader Nataliya Kiselova said on Sunday that it was wrong for caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky to return to the post years after the Libya trial. Kiselova added that Bulgaria’s foreign policy should be more moderate. Kiselova said there were ministers with baggage f»»»
Top Mexican drug cartel leader killed: reports
Mexico City: The Mexican army on Sunday killed the powerful drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, several media outlets reported, although there has been no official government confirmation. Oseguera, who had a $15 million reward on his head from the United States, was reported killed by the Mexican»»»
7.1-magnitude quake hits Borneo region -- GFZ
Beijing: An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 jolted Borneo region at 1657 GMT on Sunday, the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences said. The epicenter, with a depth of 632.7 km, was initially determined to be at 6.89 degrees north latitude and 116.25 degrees east longitude.»»»
OIC to hold emergency ministerial meeting on Illegal Israeli decisions
Jeddah: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold an emergency meeting of the Open-ended Executive Committee at the level of Foreign Ministers, at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, on Thursday. The emergency meeting will discuss the illegal Israeli occupation decisions aimed at p»»»
Armed attack on gold mine in Indonesia kills two people
Jakarta: Two people were killed in an armed attack on a gold mine today in Central Papua province, Indonesia. ANTARA News said that an armed attack targeted a gold mine in Central Papua, leading the death of two people. Local authorities have identified one of the victims, while efforts are continu»»»
Qatar to host Nishan Ramadan Shooting Championship 2026 in Lusail
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Shooting and Archery Association is set to stage the 2026 Nishan Ramadan Shooting Championship at the Lusail Shooting Complex from February 27 to March 8. The annual community event, held under the slogan "Ramadan Challenge", is one of the association's key fixtures, attracti»»»
Former Caretaker Minister for Fair Elections Tzitzelkov: I Will Not Quit CEC Public Council
Former caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Fair Elections Stoil Tzitzelkov said on Sunday he will not resign from the Public Council with the Central Election Commission (CEC), speaking on bTV. Tzitzelkov, who stepped down as deputy prime minister on Friday, said there was no legal or »»»
Caretaker Interior Minister Dechev Meets Bistritsa Mayor After Arson Attack
Caretaker Minister of the Interior Emil Dechev met Bistritsa Mayor Samuil Popov to discuss two incidents involving Popov, including an arson attack earlier this week, the Interior Ministry press service said here on Sunday. In July 2025, masked people entered the mayor’s office building, and earlie»»»
Geneva to Host US-Iran Talks on Thursday - Omani Foreign Minister
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The next round of negotiations between the United States and Iran will be held in Geneva on February 26, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced on Sunday. "Pleased to confirm US-Iran negotiations are now set for Geneva this Thursday, with a positive push to go the extra »»»
Mexican Army Kills Leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel
The Mexican army killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” in an operation Sunday, a federal official said. The official, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said it happened during a military opera»»»
Thousands attend Ramadan awareness program for non-Arab communities in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: An outreach initiative organised by the Sheikh Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center has attracted thousands of non-Arabic-speaking Muslims as part of preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs said on Sunday. The program f»»»
Secret Service Kills Armed Man Trying to Access Trump Florida Estate
US Secret Service agents fatally shot a man armed with a shotgun who breached the security perimeter of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida in the early hours of Sunday morning. Although the president often spends weekends at his resort, he and first lady Melania Trump»»»
Abu Dhabi Police launch e-scooter safety drive
Abu Dhabi Police have carried out a field awareness campaign targeting electric scooter users on Abu Dhabi Island as part of efforts to enhance road safety and ensure compliance with traffic regulations. The initiative was implemented by the Department of Traffic and Patrols at Abu Dhabi Police, in»»»
Iran Reportedly Agreed Secret Shoulder-fired Missile Deal with Russia
Iran agreed a secret 500 million euro ($589 million) arms deal with Russia to acquire thousands of advanced shoulder-fired missiles, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. The agreement, signed in Moscow in December, commits Russia to deliver 500 man-portable "Verba" launch units and 2,500 "9M336"»»»
Greenland says 'no thanks' to Trump US hospital boat
Greenland's prime minister has asked US President Donald Trump to talk to him instead of making "random outbursts on social media", after Trump said he was sending a US hospital boat to "take care" of people on the island. Trump wrote on Truth Social that he was going to send a boat filled with med»»»
Bones of St Francis of Assisi go on public display in Italy
The remains of Italy's patron saint, St Francis of Assisi, have gone on public display to mark 800 years since his death. Italian officials say about 400,000 people from around the world have reserved a place to see his bones in the central Italian town of Assisi. The 13th Century skeleton is being»»»
Qatar Meteorology warns of rise in humidity levels, chances of mist to fog formation
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD) has warned the public of a rise in relative humidity levels and the chances of mist to fog formation over some areas during the night hours and Monday morning, according to its daily weather updates. Earlier on Sunday, QMD announced that weather c»»»
UAE: NCM issues fog, low visibility alert
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecast a chance of fog formation with a deterioration in horizontal visibility. In its weather update on Sunday, the NCM said horizontal visibility may drop even further at times over some coastal and internal areas from 10pm Sunday until 10am Monday. The »»»
EU Says US Must Honor a Trade Deal after Court Blocks Trump Tariffs
The European Union's executive arm requested “full clarity” from the United States and asked its trade partner to fulfill its commitments after the US Supreme Court struck down some of President Donald Trump’s most sweeping tariffs. Trump has lashed out at the court decision and said Saturday that »»»
Strong demand for UAE seven-year sukuk
Dubai: The UAE has issued its first seven-year Islamic Treasury Sukuk valued at Dh550 million, marking the longest maturity under the programme to date, the Ministry of Finance said on Sunday. The tranche attracted bids of around Dh3.1 billion, nearly six times the size of the issuance, underscorin»»»
Sun illuminates Ramses II statue in Egypt
Dubai: At least 2,000 tourists gathered on Sunday to witness the alignment of the sun with the face of King Ramses II at Abu Simbel in southern Egypt, a phenomenon regarded as one of the world’s most remarkable astronomical and architectural events. Egypt’s Cabinet Media Centre said visitors assemb»»»
Syria Closes ISIS-linked al-Hol Camp after Emptying it
Syrian authorities have closed al-Hol camp, which long housed relatives of suspected ISIS militants, after emptying the formerly Kurdish-controlled facility, a camp official told AFP on Sunday. "All Syrian and non-Syrian families were relocated," Fadi al-Qassem, the official appointed by the govern»»»
The uncertainties facing businesses and consumers after Trump's tariff changes
US President Donald Trump's latest tariff changes have heightened uncertainty for businesses and consumers, industry experts and economists say. The changes followed a Supreme Court ruling on Friday that Trump could not use a 1977 law - the International Emergency Economic Powers Act - to levy taxe»»»
Qatar and Russia discuss boosting cooperation in agriculture and food security
DOHA: Minister of Municipality HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah met on Sunday with Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation HE Oksana Lut, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. The meeting reviewed ways to enhance collaboration between Qatar and Russia in areas of mu»»»
New Round of Iran-US Nuclear Talks May Take Place in Geneva on Thursday - Foreign Minister
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that a new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States could take place in Geneva on Thursday. Iran and the US are working on a draft proposal of a potential deal in order to work out the elements suitable for both sides,»»»
2nd Season of "Wa Aamanahum Min Khawf" talk show begins airing Monday from Imam Mosque
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Qatar has announced the launch of the 12th edition of its Ramadan talk show, "Wa Aamanahum Min Khawf", (Arabic for 'eased their fear') for the year 1447 AH (2026). The show will be hosted at Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab Mosque followi»»»
Dreama Center launches second edition of Scientific Research Award to promote innovation in social care
Doha, Qatar: Dreama Orphan Care Center, one of the entities operating under the umbrella of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work, announced the organisation of the Scientific Research and Community Innovation Excellence Ceremony under the theme "A Thought that Explores... Creativity that Inspires."»»»
Rights center documents ongoing Israeli occupation violations of Gaza ceasefire agreement
Gaza: Gaza Center for Human Rights stated that Israeli occupation continues to violate the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip for the 134th consecutive day. In a statement issued on Sunday, the center said Israeli occupation forces are pursuing a systematic policy involving deliberate killings, »»»
Armed man killed after entering secure perimeter of Trump's residence, Secret Service says
An armed man has been shot dead after entering the secure perimeter of US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, the Secret Service has said. The man was carrying a shotgun and fuel can when he was stopped and shot by Secret Service agents and a Sheriff's deputy, authorities said»»»
Netanyahu Says India's Modi to Visit Israel Wednesday
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on Wednesday, his counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu announced, saying the trip will help forge a new alliance to counter what he described as "radical" adversaries. "On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, will arrive here; he wi»»»
Secret Service shoots, kills armed man entering Mar-a-Lago - UPI.com
An unidentified man gained unauthorized access to the secure perimeter at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in West Palm Beach, Florida, carrying a shotgun and a gas can. He was shot and killed by law enforcement after raising the gun into a firing position. File Photo by Gary I Rothstein/»»»
Philippines allots 686 mln USD calamity fund for 2026
Manila: A total of 39.8 billion pesos (about 686.04 million U.S. dollars) in fresh funding has been allocated this year to strengthen the Philippines' disaster response and rehabilitation efforts, lawmaker Marcelino Libanan said Sunday. Libanan, the House of Representatives' minority leader, said t»»»