With the appointment of Apostolos Tzitzikostas as European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, tourism policy has received new impetus. In the European Commission's communications, returning policy objectives are geared towards making tourism greener, more digital, more competitive and – since the COVID-19 pandemic – more resilient. The Commission has also set out several initiatives to improve the travel experience by protecting the rights of passengers and making tourism more accessible for people with disabilities. In addition, the EU makes use of digital tools for issuing or refusing travel authorisations, processing biometric data and protecting travellers' personal data. Furthermore, it addresses the environmental impact of tourism with legislation that encourages energy efficiency and the use of alternative fuels. It also promotes eco-friendly accommodation and little-known destinations in order to cope with overtourism. Service providers in the travel industry face several challenges and opportunities. The sector is affected, among other things, by new taxation rules. Service providers will be able to collect more reliable information on hosts and their short-term rental properties. Funding for tourism is spread across several EU programmes. Some are meant to make the sector more resilient, others to support businesses, protect the environment or encourage cultural exchange. Looking ahead, the Commission work programme for 2025 envisages amending passenger rights, digitising passports and identity cards, facilitating consular protection and protecting travellers. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

TEHRAN – Brigadier General Hossein Zolfaqari, the Secretary General of Iranian Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ), and Monika Oledzka Nielson, the United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) ad interim Representative in Iran, have underscored the need for the development of a cooperative model between the two organizations to be able to realize joint objectives and enhance the efficiency of collaborative measures.

TEHRAN – A total of 979,923 births were registered in the country in the past Iranian calendar year (March 2024 – March 2025), the Civil Registration Organization has announced.

TEHRAN – The preparation of a document for the development of nanotechnology in Venezuela using Iran’s knowledge and expertise has been discussed by officials from the two countries.

TEHRAN – According to the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) latest Human Development Report (HDR) 2025, Iran has been placed among the countries with a High Development Index (HDI).

[allAfrica]

[allAfrica] President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema paid tribute to Raymond Ndong Sima after the prime minister resigned, saying Ndong Sima was «essential» to the success of the country's transition.

Now that the election is over, the new Liberal government has a lot to deal with, especially on the tariff front, and not just with the U.S. Last fall, Canada implemented an additional 100 per cent tariff on electric vehicles from China — a move that some critics say now doesn't make sense, including Canada’s canola farmers.

Dutch cops are searching for a missing British tourist who disappeared after telling his friends at the airport that he had forgotten his passport. 

A Secret Service agent was caught on camera violently pushing a man who got too close to Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.

Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, some destinations are safer than others for single holidaymakers.

The US president has made it clear that he does not believe claims that Russia destroyed its own pipelines Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia has denounced paramilitary attacks in Sudan, which also targeted civilian infrastructure, as unacceptable Read Full Article at RT.com

Germany’s main political parties have failed to elect an agreed candidate as chancellor in a historic moment for the EU nation’s politics Read Full Article at RT.com

Ukrainian “neo-Nazis” serving the British agenda were invited to march in London, Maria Zakharova has said Read Full Article at RT.com

African nations have hosted ‘Immortal Regiment’ events honoring the 80th anniversary of the USSR’s victory over Nazi Germany Read Full Article at RT.com

The Bombay High Court has expressed serious concerns about police officers routinely copy-pasting witness statements into charge sheets, even in serious criminal cases, cautioning that this «dangerous culture» could benefit the accused. The court has directed the Maharashtra government to issue guidelines for recording witness statements and appointed an amicus curiae to suggest improvements to investigation quality.

Shashi Tharoor stated that Pakistan faced tough questions regarding terrorism and Lashkar-e-Taiba at a recent UNSC closed-door meeting following the Pahalgam attack. Despite Pakistan's attempt to raise the issue, member countries focused on LeT's role and the threat of terrorism. Tharoor anticipates a general call for peace but no specific resolutions due to potential vetoes from China.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has criticized the extensive security crackdown following the Pahalgam terror attack, labeling it a «collective punishment.» In a letter to LG Manoj Sinha, she expressed concern over the reported 3,000 arrests and 100 PSA detentions.

Amidst escalating tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan is set to significantly increase its defense budget by 18%, exceeding Rs 2.5 trillion. This decision, driven by consensus between major political parties, comes after India announced punitive measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.

Baroness Morgan will use a speech marking a year until Senedd elections that she 'will not stay silent' when the PM makes 'decisions that we think will harm Welsh communities'.

Kenya’s President William Ruto fended off a shoe thrown at him during a speech about the cost of living which has been a source of public anger, videos shared on social media showed.

Garowe (HOL) — Puntland military forces stationed along key frontlines in the Calmadow mountain range have withdrawn from their positions in Galgala, Afurur, and Bali-Khadar and regrouped in the Cowsane area of Sanaag region, citing dissatisfaction with political leadership and financial grievances.

Algiers (HOL) — The Algerian government has pledged to support Somalia in its fight against terrorism, offering to share its extensive experience in counterinsurgency during a high-level meeting between Algerian Parliament Speaker Ibrahim Boughali and Somali Lower House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Aden Madoobe) in Algiers.

[New Times] Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said that Rwanda has already submitted its contributions to the draft peace agreement that will be finalised and signed with DR Congo to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern part of DR Congo.

[New Times] Ibuka, an association of Genocide survivors, and the Association of Genocide Widows (AVEGA Agahozo) have urged the government to implement stricter measures to end the silence of the whereabouts of Genocide victims.

[New Times] Rwanda and the United States are currently engaged in bilateral discussions about a potential migration deal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe has confirmed.

Kenya's private sector growth accelerated to a 27-month high in April, driven by robust sales volumes and solid business activity, according to the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) released on Tuesday.

Israeli warplanes conducted dozens of airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeidah province Monday, killing at least two people and wounding 42 others, according to health authorities run by the Houthi militant group.

Unemployment in the construction sector in Galkayo, in central Somalia’s Mudug region, is causing families who were once stable to move into displacement camps as they can no longer support themselves.

A British man has been arrested for allegedly stealing items amounting to over $2,900 from shops at Changi Airport. These items included perfumes, cosmetics, wine, confectionery and a wallet. The police said in a statement on Monday (May 5) that they were alerted to a case of shop theft at Shilla Perfume and Cosmetic in the transit area of a Changi Airport terminal at about 9.45 pm on April 15. According to preliminary investigations and CCTV footage, the man had entered the shop and allegedly left with a bottle of perfume without paying. The retail supervisor later noticed the missing bottle from the shop’s shelf while taking stock of the inventory. In a follow-up investigation, officers from Airport Police Division were able to identify and arrest the 32-year-old. The man is expected to be charged on Wednesday with eight counts of theft in dwelling. If found guilty, he may be jailed up to seven years, fined or both for each count.

The MOEX Index with additional IMOEX2 ticker added to 2,770.02 points