TEHRAN –The administration has focused on increasing women's share of entrepreneurship in the science and technology sector from currently 12 percent to 30 percent, Zahra Behrouz-Azar, the Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, has said.

TEHRAN –According to Shina Ansari, the head of the Department of Environment (DOE), no single organization will be able to successfully preserve the environment on its own; environmental issues will be best addressed through public participation.

TEHRAN – On the occasion of National Mother’s Day, which fell on December 22 this year, a total of 1,000 female prisoners of unintentional crimes were released across the country.

TEHRAN –Barekat Charity Foundation is planning to inaugurate a heart mobile clinic in deprived areas to conduct cardiovascular screenings.

Qatar may halt gas exports to the European Union if fined by Brussels under the bloc’s carbon-emission due diligence directive Read Full Article at RT.com

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre has reshuffled his cabinet, dismissing and appointing key ministers in a decree issued on Sunday.

An aircraft that went missing in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Thursday has been found, the emergencies services have said Read Full Article at RT.com

Over 30 people have been killed in a traffic collision in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais Read Full Article at RT.com

Members of the president-elect’s team reportedly plan to announce a withdrawal from the WHO on January 20 Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts 480 casualties on Ukrainian army over past day

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi will visit Parbhani, Maharashtra, to meet families of two deceased individuals following violence sparked by alleged desecration of an Indian Constitution replica. Forty arrests were made after protests and stone-pelting erupted. While allegations of custodial death exist, the Chief Minister denies police brutality. The BJP criticizes Gandhi's visit as a «drama.»

Epigamia co-founder Rohan Mirchandani, 42, died from a sudden cardiac arrest on December 21. His passing follows other recent losses in the startup world, raising concerns about stress-related illnesses among young professionals. Mirchandani, an NYU and Wharton alumnus, founded Drums Food International in 2013, leading Epigamia to become a prominent yogurt brand in India.

RIYADH: Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, said that more than 12 million people have attended Riyadh Season so far this year. The diverse range of offerings at Riyadh Season, which began in October and lasts to March 2025, continues to captivate audiences. Recent additions, including The Groves and Souq Al-Awaleen, have further enhanced the visitor experience. The opening of the Courchevel Zone in Boulevard World has allowed visitors to enjoy a unique winter experience.

RIYADH: The Saudi Interior Ministry conducted inspection campaigns in the Kingdom between Dec. 12-18 to ensure compliance with residency, labor and border security laws. During this period, 20,159 violations were recorded, including 11,302 for residency violations, 5,652 for border security violations, and 3,205 for labor law violations.

ROME: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, met Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, in the Pope’s Vatican office recently. During the meeting, they discussed topics of mutual cooperation and common interest, the Muslim World League wrote on X on Saturday. The CEO of the league in the US and UK, Muath Alamri, wrote on X: “This meeting serves as an excellent example of religious diplomacy. Faith leaders should collaborate more effectively to promote understanding and tolerance among communities.”  

RIYADH: The agricultural landscape of the Najran region, historically a cultural and economic anchor, now stands at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s push for food security, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality, according to a report from the Saudi Press Agency published on Saturday.

RIYADH: Henry Moores, a British influencer, has made an unusual journey to Riyadh for the high-profile boxing rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, having walked across Saudi Arabia from the UAE. Describing the trip as an opportunity he “simply couldn’t afford to miss,” Moores told Arab News: “Riyadh has long been on my radar for many years, and when the opportunity presented itself through the Fury fight, everything aligned perfectly.”

Calin Georgescu’s surprise first round Romanian election win was canceled due to “irregularities” and alleged interference from Moscow Read Full Article at RT.com

Putin says Western leaders have admitted that pre-2022 peace talks had been intended to buy time for Kiev’s military Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia’s president hailed the debut of the Oreshnik missile, which was used to hit a Ukrainian weapons plant, as “unprecedented” Read Full Article at RT.com

UK soldiers continue to leave despite a record 6% pay raise, the paper reports Read Full Article at RT.com

The organizers of the Kazan attack will face “many times greater destruction,” the Russian president has said Read Full Article at RT.com

PM Modi received Kuwait's highest civilian honour, the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer. The Amir of Kuwait presented the award. The award recognizes PM Modi's work in strengthening bilateral ties. This prestigious honour has been given to prominent figures like Bill Clinton and George Bush. PM Modi's visit to Kuwait aimed to boost diplomatic relations. This is his 20th international award.

BJP candidate Navya Haridas challenged Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Wayanad by-election win. Congress called the challenge a publicity stunt. They expect the petition's rejection and a penalty against Haridas. Haridas alleges misleading nomination papers and hidden assets. BJP and communist parties questioned Gandhi's victory. The by-election happened after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat.

The Lokayukta stated that a total asset worth Rs 3,86,00,000 which includes vehicle and household goods of Rs 2,21,00,000, Gold and diamond jewellery of Rs 50,00,000 and cash of Rs 1,15,00,000 was recovered from the residence of a former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma.

Following a US court ruling against NSO Group for hacking WhatsApp, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala questioned if the Supreme Court would further investigate the alleged Pegasus spyware use on 300 Indian numbers. He demanded disclosure of the targeted individuals and questioned the government's actions and the court's next steps based on the US verdict.

Garowe (HOL) – At least two people were killed, and a dozen were injured in a clash between clan militias in the Harfo district, Mudug region, on Saturday, residents reported.

Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has called for dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts with SSC-Khatumo forces in the contested Sool and Sanaag regions.

Kismayo (HOL) – Jubbaland State First Vice President Mahmoud Sayid Adan has accused the federal government of meddling in Jubbaland's affairs, particularly in the contentious Gedo region.

Campaigners for people infected with contaminated blood have accused Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds of focusing too much on Brexit and not enough on securing compensation.

Earlier, an air raid alert was declared in the Kiev, Sumy and Chernigov Regions

The Ukrainian military also admitted the Russian army’s supremacy in terms of military equipment and the size of personnel