Bulgaria Adopts the Euro, Nearly 20 Years After Joining the EU
Bulgaria became the 21st country to switch to the euro as it entered the New Year on Thursday, a milestone met with both cheers and fears, nearly 20 years after the Balkan nation joined the European Union. At midnight (2200 GMT Wednesday), Bulgaria gave up the lev currency, which has been in use si»»»
Outgoing Justice Minister Says Major Legislative Reforms Carried Out, Two EC Payments Received in Single Year
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, outgoing Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev said that major legislative reforms, delayed for years, had been implemented and two payments had been received from the European Commission within a single year. “In less than a year, we changed laws, introduced new rules, »»»
World’s Disasters of 2025 That Shook the Globe
As 2025 comes to a close, Sputnik takes a moment to reflect on the natural disasters that left a lasting impact on the planet throughout the year. From the devastating wildfires that ravaged California, to the powerful earthquakes that rocked Tibet, and the catastrophic floods that overwhelmed the »»»
In pictures: New Year welcomed around the world
Countries around the world are welcoming the New Year as midnight strikes from time zone to time zone. The island of Kiritimati - an atoll in the remote Pacific nation of Kiribati - became the first place to enter 2026. One tourist there told us he marked it "on a beach with no satellites, no signs»»»
‘Several Tens’ Dead, About 100 Injured in Fire at Swiss Alps Resort During New Year’s Celebration
“Several tens of people” are presumed dead and about 100 injured, most of them seriously, following a fire at a Swiss Alps resort town bar during a New Year’s celebration, police said Thursday. Specific casualty figures were not immediately available from the fire at the bar called bar called Le Co»»»
India bullet train set for August 15, 2027 debut with phased rollout
Dubai: India’s first bullet train is set to begin operations on August 15, 2027, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday, outlining a phased rollout plan for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. Speaking during a Cabinet press briefing, Vaishnaw said the initial operatio»»»
One Dead as Israeli Forces Open Fire on West Bank Stone-Throwers
The Israeli military said its forces killed a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank in the early hours on Thursday as they opened fire on people who were throwing stones at soldiers. Two other people were hit on a main road near the village of Luban al-Sharqiya in Nablus, the military statemen»»»
UAE leaders condole death of Khaleda Zia
Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of condolences to President Mohammed Shahabuddin of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh over the passing of Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, V»»»
Trump Says National Guard Being Removed from Chicago, LA and Portland
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday his administration was removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland but he added in his social media post that federal forces will "come back" if crime rates go up. Local leaders in those cities and Democrats have said the deployments, »»»
Tsitsipas Considered Quitting Tennis during Injury-hit 2025
Stefanos Tsitsipas said on Thursday he seriously considered retiring from tennis in the depths of a struggle with serious back pain during much of the 2025 season. But the former world number three, now ranked 36th after playing just two Davis Cup matches since a second-round exit at the US Open, s»»»
Israel’s Netanyahu Among Partygoers at Trump’s New Year’s Eve Fete
US President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a glittering New Year's Eve party at his lavish Mar-a-Lago resort on Wednesday, according to social media. Netanyahu, who arrived at the US president's Palm Beach residence on Monday, was spotted alongside tuxedo-clad Tru»»»
N. Korea’s Kim Hails ‘Invincible Alliance’ with Russia in New Year’s Letter
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised his troops fighting abroad as forging an "invincible alliance" with Russia in a new year's message, state media said Thursday. Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine, according to South Korean and W»»»
Pakistan terror violence falls after Afghan border closure, despite deadly 2025: Report
Dubai: Pakistan recorded a notable decline in cross-border terrorist attacks and violence-linked fatalities after it shut its border with Afghanistan on October 11, according to a security report cited by Dawn on Thursday. Terrorist attacks fell by nearly 17 per cent in December, following a 9 per »»»
40 dead, 100 injured in New Year explosion at Swiss ski resort town Crans Montana: police
Crans-Montana, Switzerland: A fire ripped through a crowded bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana as revellers rang in the New Year, killing and injuring several people, police said early Thursday. Police, firefighters and rescuers rushed to the popular resort, one of the top-ran»»»
Philippines expands senior citizen support as pension programmes continue into 2026: What to know
Manila: The Philippine government keeps the good times rolling for lolo and lola, pumping up financial perks through a vibrant mix of social welfare goodies, pension tweaks, and hot-off-the-press legislation proposals. Manila continues to expand financial assistance for the country's seniors a mix»»»
Russia Blames Everyone Who Sponsors ‘Terrorist Bastards’ in Ukraine - MFA Spox on Attack in Kherson
Three Ukrainian drones attacked a hotel and cafe in the Kherson region, with one drone carrying an incendiary device. Regional governor Vladimir Saldo stated the strike intentionally targeted civilians leaving 24 dead, 29 injured, including 5 children. "This morning, alongside their croissants and »»»
The Bulgarian President’s New Year Address: Euro Entry Marks Historic Step but Exposes Deep Rift
President Rumen Radev described Bulgaria’s decision to adopt the euro as a strategic move taken at a highly contentious moment, speaking in his New Year’s address shortly before the country entered 2026. According to the head of state, the change of currency marks the final stage of Bulgaria’s inte»»»
Honest act earns expat appreciation from Abu Dhabi Police
Abu Dhabi Police have recognised an Asian expatriate resident for his honesty and integrity after he handed over a sum of money he had found. The award was presented by Brigadier Dr Hamad Abdullah Al Neyadi, Director of the Criminal Security Sector at Abu Dhabi Police, who also gave him a gift to a»»»
Zohran Mamdani Sworn in as New York City Mayor at Historic Subway Station
Zohran Mamdani became mayor of New York City just after midnight Thursday, taking the oath of office at an historic, decommissioned subway station in Manhattan. Mamdani, a Democrat, was sworn in as the first Muslim leader of America’s biggest city, placing his hand on a holy Quran as he took his oa»»»
Foreign Ministry: With Adoption of Euro, Bulgaria Affirms Its Place at Heart of EU
With the adoption of the euro, Bulgaria affirms its place at the heart of the European Union, facilitates travel, business, and investment, and contributes to stability and confidence in the common European economy, the Foreign Ministry said on Facebook. As of January 1, Bulgaria is the 21st member»»»
Bulgaria Switches to Euro: What Will Cost More, Less, and Stay the Same from January 1, 2026 (UPDATED)
As Bulgaria prepares to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, replacing the leva (BGN) at a fixed exchange rate of 1.95583 BGN = 1 EUR, the country faces a complex landscape of price adjustments across various sectors. This comprehensive analysis examines which prices are rising, which are falling, an»»»
Digital Age Brings Denmark’s 400-Year-Run Postal Service to Historic End
Beside the railroad tracks of Copenhagen’s train station, right in the heart of the Danish capital, stands a red-brick building with an ornate façade and a copper-clad cupola still turning green over time. When it opened in 1912 as the Central Post Building, its grandeur echoed the booming postal a»»»
Taiwan’s President Pledges to Defend Island’s Sovereignty After Chinese Military Drills
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Thursday vowed to defend the self-ruled island’s sovereignty in the face of China’s “expansionist ambitions,” days after Beijing wrapped up live-fire military drills near its shores. “In the face of China’s rising expansionist ambitions, the international communi»»»
Campaign Launched Against Somali Migrants in US after Vast Fraud Case
The Trump administration in recent months has latched onto news of a large-scale public benefit fraud scandal to carry out immigration raids and harsher policies targeting Minnesota’s large Somali migrant community. An influencer's video on the subject ignited conservative circles this weekend and »»»
How the Assad Regime Covered Up Its Crimes
Thousands of documents and interviews with Assad-era officials reveal how the Syrian regime worked to conceal evidence of its atrocities during the civil war, according to a report published by The New York Times. The heads of the security agencies arrived in convoys of black SUVs to Bashar al-Assa»»»
India’s cleanest city, toxic taps: 7 dead as over 200 hospitalised in Indore water crisis
Dubai: A lethal mix of sewage and drinking water triggered a public health disaster in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore — India’s cleanest city — killing at least seven people and hospitalising over 200, as investigations revealed shocking lapses in civic infrastructure and official coordination. According »»»
All UAE mosques shift to 12.45pm Friday prayers from tomorrow
Dubai: Friday sermons and prayers across the UAE will be held at 12.45pm from tomorrow, under a nationwide schedule announced last month by religious authorities. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat said the change, effective from tomorrow—the first Friday of the new year»»»
Syria’s Interior Minister Warns Remnants of Former Regime
Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab has warned the remnants of the former regime against efforts to lead chaos, killing, and destruction as his ministry announced the arrest of several people in Latakia and Tartus for involvement in war crimes and instigations that threaten civil peace. Khattab s»»»
This Is Our Story, Mohammed
This is our story, Mohammed. We fell in the trap early. We were lured by the beautiful, but deceitful, ink. We chose a thorny profession. We chose a long tunnel. No breaks and no truces. It is the hot pursuit of the news that takes up most of our lives. The reader is insatiable. The journalist purs»»»
Scattered rain expected Thursday morning over northern coastal regions
Tunis, Jan. 1 (TAP) – Scattered rainfall is expected Thursday morning over the northern coastal regions, followed by partly cloudy skies across the rest of the country, according to forecasts from the National Institute of Meteorology (INM).Maximum...»»»
Europe’s €90bn Ukraine Loan: Strategic Leverage or a Growing Burden?
Europe’s decision to mobilise a €90 billion EU-backed loan to keep Ukraine financially afloat marks one of the most consequential—and revealing—moments of the war. Beyond the complex night-long diplomacy that sealed the deal in Brussels, the key strategic question now confronting European capitals »»»
Acclaimed Egyptian Filmmaker Daoud Abdel-Sayed Dies at 79
Veteran Egyptian screenwriter and director Daoud Abdel‑Sayed has died in Cairo at the age of 79, bringing to a close one of the most intellectually influential careers in Egyptian and Arab cinema. Born on 23 November 1946, Abdel-Sayed emerged as a leading figure of Egyptian neo-realism, renowned fo»»»
Egypt Launches Unified Digital Health Procurement Platform to Strengthen Supply Chains and Expand Africa Reach
Egypt has taken a significant step in modernising its healthcare supply chain with the launch of a new unified digital portal by the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA), bringing together procurement, logistics, and medical technology management into a single national platform for the health sector»»»
Countercyclical Capital Requirement in Bulgaria Remains at 2% Amid Strong Credit Growth
The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has confirmed that the countercyclical capital buffer for credit risk exposures in Bulgaria is set to remain at 2 percent in the first quarter of 2027. This decision, announced by the BNB Governing Council, aims to strengthen banks’ ability to absorb potential loss»»»
ROBOTECH 26 to position Qatar as regional hub for advanced technology investment
Doha, Qatar: ROBOTECH 26 will position Qatar as a regional hub for advanced technology investment as the country is focusing on digital transformation as a fundamental sector for developing the digital economy, enhancing long-term capabilities in artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging tech»»»
Sovereign wealth funds pour $66 billion into AI as assets hit $15 trillion
Dubai: Sovereign wealth funds globally amassed a record $15 trillion in assets under management in a year when many deepened their technology investments and profited from buoyant markets, according to a new report by Global SWF. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Overall»»»
WWICS celebrates 32 years of immigration services
Doha, Qatar: As part of its continued commitment to excellence, WWICS successfully conducted its Annual Immigration Conference on 26th December 2025, where 300+ aspirants attended and interacted with immigration experts during free one-on-one counseling sessions. WWICS Group is the world’s largest »»»
UK, European Intel Might Be Involved in Ukraine's Deadly Strike in Kherson Region - Governor
Three drones struck a cafe and hotel in the Kherson Region, with preliminary data showing 24 people killed and over 50 injured. "The cynical and criminal strike was obviously executed to disrupt all attempts by Russia and the US to reach a diplomatic settlement," Governor Vladimir Saldo told Sputni»»»
On This Day, Jan. 1: First Tournament of Roses parade takes place - UPI.com
On Jan. 1, 1890, the first Tournament of Roses parade took place in Pasadena, Calif. 1 of 8 | Volunteers use thousands of flowers and other plant material to prepare floats for the 136th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on December 30. The Rose Parade will be televised live on»»»
France's Reunion warns of 'probable or imminent' volcanic eruption
Saint-Denis de La Réunion: France's Reunion island warned early Thursday of the "probable or imminent eruption" of its Piton de la Fournaise volcano, one of the most active in the world. All access to the volcano has been closed after the The Piton de la Fournaise Observatory detected a "seismic cr»»»
Asharq Al-Awsat's Mohammed al-Shafei Passes Away Leaving Behind Long Career in Pursuing the Toughest Files
Mohammed al-Shafei, one of Asharq Al-Awsat's most prominent journalists, passed away at 74 on Wednesday, leaving behind a career that spanned over 40 years during which he tackled the thorniest and most complex files. Al-Shafei specialized in extremist groups and was among the first journalists to »»»
Will petrol get cheaper in 2026? What UAE drivers should expect
Dubai: UAE motorists are heading into 2026 with fuel prices finally moving in a friendlier direction after a year marked by sharp swings at the pump. January opened with noticeable cuts across petrol and diesel grades, offering some relief after months of volatility and raising expectations that th»»»
Oman mandates premarital health checks to curb genetic and infectious diseases
Dubai: Mandatory premarital medical examinations came into force on Thursday, January 1, 2026, for all Omanis intending to marry, following a royal decree in a move the authorities say is designed to strengthen family health and curb the spread of genetic and infectious diseases. According to local»»»
Snowfall disrupts traffic on Mount Parnitha
Vehicle traffic has been suspended on Mount Parnitha Avenue, near the casino, due to ongoing snowfall. Snow has been blanketing the mountainous regions of central Evia since the morning, as well as the summit of Mount Parnitha in Attica. Snowfall has also been reported in Ippokrateios Politeia. Acc»»»
Mamdani to take over as New York mayor under Trump shadow
New York: Zohran Mamdani, young upstart of the US, was readying yesterday to take over as New York mayor for a term sure to see him cross swords with President Donald Trump. After the clocks strike midnight, bringing in 2026, Mamdani will take his oath of office at an abandoned subway stop, taking »»»
Bulgaria Marks One Year as Full Schengen Member
On January 1, 2026, Bulgaria marks one year since becoming a full member of the Schengen Area. On December 12, 2024, the Council of the European Union decided to lift checks at the land Schengen borders of Bulgaria and Romania. Bulgaria and Romania had waited to accede Schengen since 2010, when the»»»
Arsenal reaping rewards for ‘sacrifices and commitment’: Arteta
London: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his side are starting to see the benefits of their hard work as the Gunners head into 2026 at the top of the Premier League. Tuesday’s emphatic 4-1 win at home to title rivals Aston Villa left Arsenal five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, »»»
Member of Iranian Security Forces Reportedly Killed During Protests
A member of Iran's security forces was killed during protests that have swept across the country since last week, state television reported on Thursday citing a regional official, marking the first fatality among security forces during the protests. "A 21-year-old member of the Basij from the city »»»
QOC unveils action-packed 2026 calendar
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has officially announced its comprehensive calendar of sports events and competitions for 2026. The calendar features 83 championships, including 39 international events, 16 world championships, 10 Asian tournaments, three GCC competitions, one Arab ch»»»
H H the Father Amir Prix set to open Doha Equestrian Tour at Al Shaqab
Doha, Qatar: The prestigious H H the Father Amir Equestrian Prix 2026 will open the 2026 Doha Equestrian Tour, featuring wide international participation and a total prize pool exceeding €3.3m. The Organizing Committee of the 2026 Doha Equestrian Tour has announced its readiness for the inaugural H»»»