Pentagon’s Colby visits ‘model ally’ South Korea amid shifting U.S. defense strategy - UPI.com
U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby (R) met with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-Back (L) on Monday in Seoul as part of a three-day trip to South Korea. Photo courtesy of South Korea Ministry of Defense SEOUL, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy E»»»
Truck burns down in Suusamyr, two people killed - | 24.KG
A truck burned down in Suusamyr, two people killed. The Main Department of Internal Affairs of Chui region reported. According to the department, on January 25, 2026, at approximately 11:35 a.m., the duty unit of the Department of Internal Affairs of Zhaiyl district received a call from the 112 ser»»»
Social Media Giants Face Landmark Trial Over Addiction Claims
A landmark trial beginning this week in Los Angeles could establish a legal precedent on whether social media companies deliberately designed their platforms to addict children. Jury selection is set to start in California state court on Tuesday in what is being called a "bellwether" proceeding bec»»»
Russia says Ukraine talks in UAE held in 'constructive spirit'
The Kremlin on Monday said the US-brokered trilateral talks in the UAE between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators had been held in a "constructive spirit" but that there was still "significant work ahead". "It would be a mistake to expect any significant results from the initial contacts... But the »»»
No Pressure on Government over Peace Board, Outgoing Foreign Minister Georgiev
Outgoing Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev said in a television interview on Monday that no pressure had been exerted on the government over Bulgaria’s accession to the Board of Peace. “Whatever happens, the issue is always framed as some kind of pressure. Can it not simply be accepted that the gover»»»
Outgoing Foreign Minister to Critics: Next Parliament Will Decide on Bulgaria’s Role in Trump’s Board of Peace
Outgoing Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev defended Sofia’s decision to join US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza, emphasizing that the move aligns with national interests and follows all legal procedures. Speaking to bTV, Georgiev questioned critics of the decision, arguing »»»
Hundreds Rescued from Deadly Ferry Disaster in Philippines
A ferry with more than 350 people on board sank early Monday near an island in the southern Philippines. Rescuers have saved at least 316 passengers and retrieved 15 bodies, officials said. The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, an inter-island cargo and passenger ferry, was sailing from the port city of Zamboa»»»
Top US Defense Official Hails 'Model Ally' in South Korea Talks
The Pentagon's number three official hailed South Korea as a "model ally" as he met with local counterparts in Seoul on Monday, days after Washington's new defense strategy called for reduced support for partners overseas. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby arrived in South Korea »»»
Dana Gas secures long-term gas deal for Kurdistan’s cement and steel plants
Dubai: Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum have signed long-term gas sales agreements to supply up to 142 million standard cubic feet a day of natural gas to industrial customers in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, strengthening fuel security for cement and steel producers and advancing development of the»»»
Sheikh Joaan elected President of Olympic Council of Asia, outlines Together for Asia vision
Tashkent, Uzbekistan: President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani was today, January 26, 2026, elected as the 22nd President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to serve the Olympic Movement in Asia since the first ever multisport Games were held in 1913. The»»»
Death toll rises to 4 after fire at food factory
The death toll from a fire at a food factory near the city of Trikala in central Greece has risen to four, while one woman remains missing, according to reports. A Fire Service official said 13 people were inside the Violanta factory when the fire broke out around 4 a.m. on Monday, and eight manage»»»
Tunisia to host 9th FITA conference on April 28–29
Tunis, Jan. 26, 2026 (TAP) — The 9th edition of the FITA International Conference (Financing Investment and Trade in Africa) will take place in Tunis on April 28–29, 2026, bringing together more than 3,000 participants from 65 countries under the...»»»
Zayed Sustainability Prize opens 2027 entries with $7.2m fund and global call for solutions
Abu Dhabi: The Zayed Sustainability Prize, an affiliate of Erth Zayed Philanthropies and the UAE’s pioneering global award for sustainability and humanitarian innovation, has opened submissions for its 2027 cycle. The Prize carries forward the vision and legacy of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh »»»
Venezuela frees more political prisoners, Rodriguez rejects US pressure
A human rights group said more than 100 political prisoners were freed as releases continued across Venezuela. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said on Sunday she had “had enough” of what she called orders from Washington, rejecting US pressure following recent strikes and the capture of leader Nic»»»
Pillar 3 voluntary private pension funds record best return and one million participants in 2025
The ten voluntary private pension funds (Pillar 3) recorded in 2025 the best investment return in the almost 19-year history of the system, namely 19.6%, reaching net assets under management of 7.4 billion lei (1.45 billion euros), up 33% compared with the end of 2024, according to calculations by »»»
Net accounting assets become a risk indicator as of 2026
As of 2026, companies' net accounting assets have become a risk indicator, following amendments to the Companies Law introduced under last year's second fiscal package, a change that will affect companies and entrepreneurs alike, particularly in relation to dividend distributions or the repayment o»»»
Raiffeisen Bank issues a new series of bonds denominated in euro
Raiffeisen Bank S.A. has placed its first benchmark Eurobond issue with a total nominal value of EUR 500 million, in a landmark transaction for the capital markets of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The Bank’s non-preferred senior euro-denominated bonds were subscribed at a fixed coupon of 4.136%»»»
Strong deterioration of payment discipline; October and November 2025, critical for financial deadlock
The end of 2025 brought a strong deterioration of payment discipline, October and November being crtiical months for financial deadlock, Sierra Quadrant analysts warned in an analysis about the situation of Romanian business. According to the source, on the background of inflation, of tax incease, »»»
Survey: Romanians plan to tighten spending and boost savings in 2026
At the start of the year, Romanians are taking a cautious view of their personal finances. According to a study conducted by Raiffeisen Bank Romania in partnership with Appinio, more than half of respondents (53%) say they intend to manage their spending more carefully in 2026, while over 30% plan »»»
National Bank of Romania Board decisions on monetary policy
In its meeting of 19 January 2026, the Board of the National Bank of Romania (NBR) decided the following: to keep the monetary policy rate at 6.50 percent per annum; to leave unchanged the lending (Lombard) facility rate at 7.50 percent per annum and the deposit facility rate at 5.50 percent per ..»»»
At least three dead in Greece biscuit factory fire
At least three people have been killed and two others are still missing after a fire broke out at a food factory near the central Greek city of Trikala, officials say. The blaze began in the early hours of Monday at a Violanta biscuit factory, where 13 workers were on site, according to local media»»»
Two killed in Israel's strikes on Khirbet Selm, Derdghaya
Israeli strikes on south Lebanon on Sunday have killed two people, the health ministry reported, with Israel's military saying it struck Hezbollah targets. Israel has kept up regular strikes in Lebanon despite a November 2024 truce that sought to end more than a year of hostilities with Hezbollah, »»»
Industrial turnover, up 2.9pct 11 months into 2025
Industrial turnover overall (domestic market and foreign market) increased 2.9% in nominal terms in the first 11 months of last year compared with the same period in 2024, due to increases recorded in the extractive industry (+10.6%) and the manufacturing industry (+2.6%), according to data the Nat»»»
Environmental protection spending in Romania accounts for 2.4% of GDP in 2023
The value of environmental protection spending in Romania in 2023 stood at 38.094 billion lei, equivalent to 2.4 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS) data published on Friday.According to the quoted source, the investments for environmenta»»»
New manufacturing orders down 12.6% in November 2025, up 3.8% over first 11 months
New orders in the manufacturing industry as a whole (domestic and external markets) fell in November 2025 in nominal terms, both compared with the previous month, by 12.6%, and compared with November 2024, by 4.1%, according to data released on Friday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).O»»»
Romania, among EU states where government debt share in GDP grew in quarter 3, 2025
The GDP share of the government debt grew up in quarter 3, in the euro zone to 88.5% from 88.2% at the end of quarter 2, and in EU, up to 82.1% from 81.9%, data released by Eurostat on Thursday show. At the end of quarter 3, 2025, the highest GDP shares of government debt were recorded in Greece (1»»»
Ministry of Finance proposes amendments to align legislation with European and international standards
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has launched a draft Government Ordinance for public consultation to amend and supplement the Fiscal Procedure Code (Law no. 207/2015), in order to align Romanian tax legislation with European and international standards."The project has as its main purpose the transpo»»»
Government's responsibility in Parliament on administration reform, before February 1
The Government wants to commit its responsibility in Parliament for the reform of local and central public administration, along with economic recovery measures, before February 1, declared Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.He was asked on Friday whether the Government's commitment to Parliament for the »»»
PM Bolojan: The budget should be adopted as quickly as possible
Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan has outlined an ambitious agenda for 2026, emphasizing economic recovery, legislative reform, and investment in public services while addressing fiscal responsibility and energy efficiency. Speaking on various national media outlets, Bolojan emphasized his commi»»»
PM Bolojan: Property taxes not to increase in 2027; software will generate market value of properties
Property taxes will not increase in 2027, declared Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, but they would also be established based on software currently being developed at the Ministry of Finance, which will generate data on the market value of properties."Property taxes are not expected to increase in 2027,»»»
INSCOP survey: 7 out of 10 Romanians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction
Seven out of ten Romania consider that the country goes to a wrong direction, according to the latest Barometre Informat.ro – INSCOP Research, the 7th edition, made between 12 and 15 January.According to sociological research, 22.1% of respondents believe that things in Romania are moving in the ri»»»
Chief of Defence, Japanese counterpart hold talks at MCCS in Brussels
Chief of the Defence Staff General Gheorghita Vlad held talks in Brussels with his Japanese counterpart on bilateral cooperation in the area of educational exchanges between military education institutions.According to a press release the Ministry of National Defence (MApN) sent on Friday, on the s»»»
Romania expresses solidarity with Greenland, but US remains its security anchor
Romania’s President Nicu?or Dan on Friday expressed solidarity with Denmark in the Greenland crisis, but said that Bucharest considers the U.S to be its main security pillar. “For Romania, the United States of America is an essential strategic partner for the country’s security and we are acting ac»»»
Clinton, Obama warn U.S. values, rights at stake after Alex Pretti killing - UPI.com
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, seen here during the January 20, 2025, inauguration of President Donald Trump, condemned Trump's immigration crackdown on Sunday after a second protester was fatally shot in Minneapolis. Pool File Photo by Julia Demaree Nikhinson/UPI | License Photo »»»
Peevski Pushes Parliament to Fast-Track Bulgaria’s Entry Into Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza
The parliamentary group “DPS-New Beginning” has called for the swift parliamentary ratification of Bulgaria’s participation in the Board of Peace for Gaza, an initiative of US President Donald Trump. In a statement released to the media, party leader Delyan Peevski said the stance taken by the outg»»»
425,000 people planned to be provided with drinking water in three regions - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers intends to provide 425,000 people with drinking water in three regions of the Kyrgyz Republic — in Osh, Chui, and Issyk-Kul regions. It was announced at a meeting of the Committee on Agrarian Policy, Water Resources, Subsoil Use, Ecology, and Environmental Protection during»»»
Saudi Arabia’s Non-Oil Exports Rise by 20.7% in November
Data released by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) showed that the Kingdom’s non-oil exports (including re-exports) increased by 20.7% in November compared with the same month in 2024. This rise coincided with a marked improvement in the surplus of the merchandise trade balan»»»
Rain expected in far northwest of Tunisia on Monday
Tunis, Jan. 26 (TAP) — The weather, on Monday, will be at times very cloudy in northern regions, with isolated showers that may become temporarily thundery and locally heavy in the far northwest. Elsewhere, it will be partly cloudy. Rain is expected...»»»
Dollar sinks on yen intervention talk, gold breaks $5,000
Hong Kong: The dollar fell in Asian trade Monday amid speculation US officials could join their Japanese counterparts to help support the yen after a recent sell-off, while equities started the week with losses. Reports that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York had checked in with traders about the»»»
Rent or Buy: How to Make the Right Decision Based on the Real Estate Market in Bulgaria
Choosing between renting and buying a home is a decision that goes far beyond personal preference. In Bulgaria, this choice is increasingly shaped by economic uncertainty, changing work patterns, and significant differences between regional real estate markets. While home ownership has traditionall»»»
Could Europe face a colder February? What the polar vortex is signaling
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Over 65% of Schools and Kindergartens in Bulgaria Lack Ventilation Systems - Survey
More than 65% of schools and kindergartens in Bulgaria lack ventilation systems, according to a national survey published by the Bulgarian Association for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (BAOVK) on Monday. The survey, carried out at the end of 2025 as a voluntary online questionnaire wit»»»
Gaza: A child injured by Israeli army gunfire west of Khan Younis, according to medical sources - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Gaza: A child injured by Israeli army gunfire west of Khan Younis, according to medical sources 26-01-2026 09:41 AM Latest News Urgent News»»»
Continuation of Negotiations in Abu Dhabi Scheduled for Next Week - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - While an atmosphere of friendliness is unlikely in negotiations over Ukraine, as long as talks are ongoing, there must be an effort to achieve concrete results, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. Key statements by Dmitry Peskov: A conversation with US president Trump»»»
On This Day, Jan. 26: 7.9-magnitude earthquake rocks western India - UPI.com
On Jan. 26, 2001, a magnitude-7.9 earthquake struck western India, killing more than 20,000 people, injuring tens of thousands and causing billions of dollars in damage. 1 of 6 | A Swiss rescue worker, with the aid of a search and rescue dog, searches for survivors and bodies in Ahmedabad, India, o»»»
Big Chui Canal to be concreted: €37 million project to halve water losses - | 24.KG
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have completed negotiations on financing a large-scale project on the Big Chui Canal. The project involves concreting of the channel’s western branch. The press service of the Ministry of Water Re»»»
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Discuss Projects and Unified Tax Framework in Divided Zone
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have discussed major projects and the establishment of a unified mechanism for tax procedures in the Divided Zone, during a meeting of the Permanent Joint Saudi-Kuwaiti Committee held on Sunday at its headquarters in Al-Khafji, Saudi Arabia. The meeting, co-chaired by Kuwait»»»
Saudi Private Sector Commissions International Firm to Improve Cost Efficiency
The Saudi private sector has commissioned an international consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive study on the business environment and rising operating costs faced by commercial enterprises, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat. The move aims to identify practical solutions to curb rising financial bu»»»