More than 160 churchgoers kidnapped in twin Nigeria attacks - clergy
Armed gangs have kidnapped dozens of people attending two churches in Nigeria's Kaduna state, according to local police. A senior church leader said more than 160 worshippers were abducted by gunmen during Sunday service. It is the latest mass kidnapping in Nigeria, where both Christians and Muslim»»»
Heavy rainfall in Nabeul, Sousse, Zaghouan, Greater Tunis and Bizerte Monday night
Tunis, Jan. 19 (TAP) - Temporarily thundery rain will continue on Monday night over the northern and central regions and locally in the south. Rainfall may at times be heavy, with locally significant amounts, especially in the governorates of...»»»
Deadly wildfires in southern Chile force thousands to flee
Wildfires raging across southern Chile have killed at least 19 people and destroyed hundreds of homes. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the most affected areas. Wildfires raging across central and southern Chile on Sunday left at least 19 people dead, scorched »»»
Trump charges $1bn for permanent seat on Gaza ‘Board of Peace’, invites Russia’s Putin
A permanent seat on US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" aimed at resolving conflicts will cost countries $1 billion each, according to its charter. Invited world leaders include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian premier Viktor Orban and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carn»»»
UAE expresses solidarity with Pakistan over deadly shopping centre fire
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has expressed its solidarity with Pakistan following a fire at a shopping centre in the city of Karachi that resulted in a number of fatalities. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims,»»»
President Radev Makes "Last Address to Nation as President", to Step Down Tuesday
In a televized address to the nation Monday, Rumen Radev said this is his "last address as President" of Bulgaria. He said he will be submitting his resignation as head of State on Tuesday and expressed conviction that Vice President Iliana Iotova will make a worthy head of State President. Under A»»»
A week in France - France's Macron discusses Greenland and Iran during emergency defence council meeting
French President Emmanuel Macron held an emergency defence council meeting at the Élysée Palace on Thursday to discuss Greenland and Iran, among other issues. He then visited a military base in the south of France. In his speech to the troops, Macron highlighted the tense geopolitical situation and»»»
French PM Lecornu inches closer to passing budget bill without vote
France’s government is set to meet Monday to discuss a highly controversial budget bill that has left Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu and political parties at an impasse. Lecornu is moving closer to pushing the bill through parliament without a vote, while simultaneously seeking a way to avoid bei»»»
French investigators expose failings in Dominique Pelicot mass rape case
France's General Inspectorate of Justice has exposed failings in an investigation into Dominique Pelicot, accusing authorities of not acting on DNA evidence against him for a dozen years. Pelicot's DNA was taken by police after he was first apprehended in 2010 in a suburban Pari»»»
Louvre closes for third time in a month due to staff strike
A staff strike at the Louvre in Paris on Monday led to its closure for the third time in a month as trade unions pressed for more recruitment, higher pay and better maintenance of the museum. The prior closures in December and earlier in January resulted in a loss of "at least one million euro»»»
French PM Lecornu will use special power to force through budget with ‘regret’
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed on Monday that he will invoke a special constitutional power, Article 49.3, to force a budget for 2026 through parliament without a vote. The decision, he said, was made with "regret" after budget negotiations came to an impasse. The use of Art»»»
Police say blaze that gutted Athens plastic factory started by burglar
Police in western Athens have arrested a man suspected of burgling and then accidentally burning down a plastic manufacturing plant, in a blaze that mobilized dozens of firefighters and prompted public health warnings earlier Monday. The 37-year-old suspect is believed to have entered the premises »»»
Europe Will Lose the Most if It Continues to Respond Timidly to US Tariffs and Threats - Economist
EU lawmakers are shelving a 2025 transatlantic trade deal after Washington slapped on new tariffs and reignited its Greenland push. "[Trump] announced that he will increase or has already increased tariffs on a list of countries of Europe by 10% now and 25% in a few months," Paulo Nogueira Batista »»»
EU weighs countermeasures against Trump's tariff threats over Greenland
EU leaders are set to discuss countermeasures at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday in response to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats. One option is a package of tariffs on 93 billion euros ($107.7 billion) of US imports that could automatically kick in on February 6 after a six-mo»»»
'Most challenging situation’ for transatlantic relations as Trump threatens EU with tariffs
EU member states on Monday are exploring countermeasures in response to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats over Greenland, which he has expressed interest in acquiring despite opposition from Denmark and the EU. “This is not only about trade; it is putting enormous, unexpected stress on the»»»
Qatar steps up efforts to promote health of people with autism
Doha, Qatar: Qatar's Ministry of Public Health has intensified its efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These efforts come in line with the National Health Strategy 2024-2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, which place individual and family heal»»»
BREAKING: Bulgaria's President Steps Down to Run in Upcoming Elections
In a landmark address to the nation, President Rumen Radev announced that he will resign from his post before the Constitutional Court in order to participate in the upcoming elections. For weeks, speculation has swirled about the president’s potential resignation and plans to lead a political proj»»»
Syria Tightens Grip After Kurdish Pullback, Says ISIS Prisoners Escape
Syrian government troops tightened their grip on Monday across a swathe of northern and eastern territory after it was abruptly abandoned by Kurdish forces in a dramatic shift that has consolidated President Ahmed al-Sharaa's rule. A day after the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), once th»»»
Explainer: What Happens When President Resigns
Under Article 97 of the Constitution, the president of the Republic may tender his resignation to the Constitutional Court prior to the expiry of his term of office. In such case, the vice president must assume the office of president for the remainder of the term of office. Within a period at its »»»
President Radev Makes "Last Address to Nation as President"
In a televized address to the nation Monday, Rumen Radev said this is his "last address as President" of Bulgaria. He said he will be submitting his resignation as head of State on Tuesday and expressed belief that Vice President Iliana Iotova will make a worthy acting President. Under Article 97 o»»»
Damascus announces ceasefire with Kurdish forces in step towards “unified Syria”
Syria’s government on January 18 declared it has entered into a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with the Kurdish-led militia that controlled the northeast of the country for more than a decade to be dissolved and merged with the national military. »»»
Japan heads for February 8 snap election under Takaichi
Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has moved to dissolve parliament barely three months after taking office, setting the stage for a snap general election in early February that she hopes will consolidate her grip on power and strengthen her authority within the ruling bloc, the nation’s Kyodo»»»
Japan heads for February 8 snap election under Takaichi
Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has moved to dissolve parliament barely three months after taking office, setting the stage for a snap general election in early February that she hopes will consolidate her grip on power and strengthen her authority within the ruling bloc, the nation’s Kyodo»»»
Damascus announces ceasefire with Kurdish forces in step towards “unified Syria”
Syria’s government on January 18 declared it has entered into a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with the Kurdish-led militia that controlled the northeast of the country for more than a decade to be dissolved and merged with the national military. »»»
Japan heads for February 8 snap election under Takaichi
Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has moved to dissolve parliament barely three months after taking office, setting the stage for a snap general election in early February that she hopes will consolidate her grip on power and strengthen her authority within the ruling bloc, the nation’s Kyodo»»»
Iran's foreign minister barred from Davos following protestor deaths
Iran's Foreign Minister will not attend the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos following the deaths of civilians during recent protests in the country, the forum announced. "Although he was invited last autumn,»»»
OUTLOOK 2026 Central Europe
ED – this is bne IntelliNews's annual OUTLOOK report for Central Europe. We are making forward-looking assessments for major Global Emerging Markets in Emerging Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, drawing on insightful reporting from our bureaus around the world. »»»
OUTLOOK 2026 Central Europe
ED – this is bne IntelliNews's annual OUTLOOK report for Central Europe. We are making forward-looking assessments for major Global Emerging Markets in Emerging Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, drawing on insightful reporting from our bureaus around the world. »»»
OUTLOOK 2026 Central Europe
ED – this is bne IntelliNews's annual OUTLOOK report for Central Europe. We are making forward-looking assessments for major Global Emerging Markets in Emerging Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, drawing on insightful reporting from our bureaus around the world. »»»
Academic Bridge Program organises Harvard Model Congress 2026
Doha, Qatar: The Academic Bridge Program (ABP), part of Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, organised the Harvard Model Congress Middle East (HMCME) 2026 at Education City, in collaboration with Harvard University, under the theme "Diplomac»»»
GCC says Syria ceasefire and SDF integration support unity, stability
Riyadh, Jan. 19 (SANA) The Gulf Cooperation Council on Monday welcomed the ceasefire agreement and the full integration of the SDF into Syrian state institutions, saying the move will help enhance Syria’s stability and preserve its unity and territorial integrity. GCC Secretary-General Jassim al-Bu»»»
Employees over 50 filling gaps left by younger generations
Poland’s labor market is increasingly confronting demographic reality: skilled workers are scarce in transport, construction, and technical trades, forcing employers to reassess attitudes toward workers aged 50+, often called “silvers.” Experts note that this group offers experience, loyalty, and s»»»
Future of automotive industry bleak, possible 150,000 layoffs
Slower-than-expected growth in electromobility is failing to deliver the promised new jobs, while accelerating job losses in traditional automotive manufacturing. According to Polish Automotive Industry Association, Europe has lost over 150,000 jobs across carmakers and parts suppliers as vehicle p»»»
Tensions Erupt in Parliament Over Balluku’s Presence
Parliament was gripped by debates and tensions from the very start of the session this Monday. The presence of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku sparked protests by opposition lawmakers, who said she should have resigned and faced justice. The opposition described Balluku’s presence in the cham»»»
Trump pins push for Greenland on not receiving Nobel Peace Prize - UPI.com
1 of 2 | President Donald Trump told European leaders that part of his renewed push for the United States to acquire Greenland is because he was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and now does not have to focus as much on peace in his actions. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo Jan. 19 (UPI) -»»»
Petrofac stakeholders see "very positive" path for CB&I deal as vote looms
Dubai: Petrofac expects creditor approval for the sale of its Asset Solutions business to CB&I, with the Company Voluntary Arrangement tied to the transaction applying only to a limited group of creditors and leaving employees and trade partners unaffected, according to sources familiar with the ma»»»
UAE to launch new AI-powered trade platform
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Foreign Trade has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based AI solutions provider Presight, a G42 company, to build the Ministry of Foreign Trade AI Platform, a suite of AI-powered trade tools that will facilitate smarter, faster foreign trade and consolidate the UAE’s sta»»»
QRCS, JHCO provide hot meals to 72,000 people across Gaza
Doha: Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched a new food distribution project for the benefit of 72,000 war-affected and internally displaced people (IDPs) across the Gaza Strip. The initiative is co-implemented by Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) as part of the ongoing Qatari Ai»»»
Blast targets hotel in Kabul, casualties reported
Kabul: The Afghan authorities announced on Monday that several individuals had been killed and others wounded following a blast in the Shahr‑e Naw area of Kabul. According to preliminary reports, the blast resulted in fatalities and injuries, and details will be published later, said Spokesperson f»»»
New rules in Oman: Cash compensation for delayed car repairs
Dubai: Insurance companies in Oman will be required to pay cash compensation to motorists if vehicle repairs following an accident exceed a defined timeframe, under new rules introduced by the country’s financial regulator. The reforms, announced by the Financial Services Authority, amend the unifi»»»
'Europe is at a total loss': Russian media gloats over Greenland tensions
Listen to Donald Trump and you would think Moscow and Beijing were lying in wait off the coast of Greenland, ready to pounce to boost their power in the Arctic. "There are Russian destroyers, there are Chinese destroyers and, bigger, there are Russian submarines all over the place," President Trump»»»
Two babies die in incident at unlicensed Jerusalem daycare centre
At least two babies have died and more than 50 other babies and toddlers are being treated at Israeli hospitals after they fell ill at an unlicenced day care centre in West Jerusalem. The three-month-old and the other about six months old were pronounced dead at Hadassah Mount Scopus hospital and S»»»
Kuwait first Arab state to mandate a school subject on drugs and crime
Dubai: Kuwait is set to become the first Arab country to introduce a compulsory school subject focused on drugs and other crimes. The new subject will be taught at the intermediate (middle school) level starting from the next academic year, after the Ministry of Education agreed to a proposal submi»»»
Egypt signs $350m agreement to develop integrated textile industrial complex in New October City
Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel Al-Wazir, witnessed the signing of a contract to establish an integrated spinning and textile industrial complex in New October City, with initial investments estimated at $350m. The project will »»»
Al-Sisi calls for unified religious discourse to counter extremism, modernize Islamic outreach
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on Monday urged the development of a unified and enlightened religious discourse to confront extremism and adapt Islamic outreach to the digital era, as Cairo hosted senior Islamic officials and scholars at an international conference. Al-Sisi received minist»»»
Madinet Masr posts record EGP 52.1bn in new sales as deliveries surge 201% in 2025
Egyptian real estate developer Madinet Masr reported a strong performance in 2025, achieving record new sales of approximately EGP 52.1bn. During the year, the company sold 4,462 units, while the number of delivered units rose sharply to 1,941 units, compared with 645 units in 2024, representing a »»»
AfDB provides $170m to Egypt for economic diversification and sustainability
Egypt and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a $170m agreement for the second phase of the Private Sector Development and Economic Diversification Support Program (PSD-EDSP II) to support the state budget and advance structural reforms. The Minister of Planning, Economic Development an»»»
FRA issues regulations governing insurance coverage for medical errors under government fund
The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has issued regulations governing insurance operations covered by the Government Fund for Insurance against Risks Arising from Medical Errors, as part of efforts to enforce the provisions of the Unified Insurance Law and the Law Regulating Medical Liability a»»»
Egypt targets competitiveness, private capital as reforms enter delivery phase: Investment Minister
Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, said Egypt has decisively moved from a phase of stability to one of execution, noting that with macroeconomic stability restored, the focus has shifted to enhancing competitiveness, driving export-led growth and attracting private investme»»»
Taxi drivers hold new two-day strike over electric transition
Greek taxi drivers are holding a new two-day strike starting 6 a.m. Tuesday, to protest schedules for their obligatory transition to electric-powered vehicles. The greater Athens region’s SATA union has called the strike, and taxi drivers in Thessaloniki and other parts of the country are expected »»»