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Klaudia Glam -- a popular influencer from the UK -- has died ... after cops say a former "X-Factor" star hit her with her car. Glam -- real name Klaudia Zakrzewska -- was plowed down
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Brian Hooker Calmly Recalls Wife Falling Overboard to Fellow Captain ... Just Two Days After Disappearance Published April 25, 2026 2:43 PM PDT Play video content Brian Hooker calmly ... very calmly ... explained what
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Today millions of South Africans at home and across the world commemorate Freedom Day, a moment of profound significance for our nation.This date marks South Africa’s decisive transition from the oppressive apartheid system to a free, democratic and constitutional state, following the country’s first democratic elections on April 27, 1994.Freedom Day is more than an anniversary; it is a powerful reminder of transformation against immense odds.This year’s commemoration, held under the theme United in Resilience for the Defence of Our Freedom and Democracy, concludes our year-long marking of 30 years of freedom and democracy.It speaks both to how far we have come as a nation and to the responsibility we carry to protect these gains in an increasingly uncertain world.From being a pariah state excluded from global institutions, South Africa has emerged as a country widely recognised for its commitment to human dignity, democracy, non-racialism, non-sexism, and constitutional governance, values the world urgently needs.South Africa’s transition stands as proof that dialogue, sacrifice, compromise, and principled leadership, exemplified by President Nelson Mandela, can overcome entrenched injustice.Freedom Day invites all the friends of South Africa to reflect honestly on the lived realities of apartheid and to contrast them with life in a democratic South Africa.Under apartheid, millions, especially Black South Africans, were systematically marginalised, dispossessed and denied basic human rights: the vote, freedom of movement, economic opportunity and dignity.Families were torn apart, livelihoods undermined, and social cohesion destroyed.Yet, from this painful history, a new social order emerged, founded on constitutionalism, democracy, and the rule of law.The adoption of South Africa’s Constitution in 1996, whose 30th anniversary we commemorate this year, gave concrete expression to the ideals of the Freedom Charter, shaped by decades of struggle against colonialism, apartheid and oppression.Today, the South African Constitution remains the highest law of the land, guiding efforts to consolidate democracy while confronting persistent inequality and historical injustice.For South African residents in Qatar, this reflection carries added significance, as their presence here as professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and skilled contributors to Qatar’s development is itself a direct product of South Africa’s democratic transformation.It reflects a restored international standing and full re-entry into the global community.South Africa’s historical experience has also shaped its approach to global justice.The values enshrined in our Constitution compel us to act consistently on the international stage. It is within this moral and historical framework that South Africa has approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold Israel accountable for acts of genocide.This action underscores our commitment to international law, accountability and the protection of civilians, and serves as a warning against the dangers of extreme nationalism and unchecked violence.Our own past reminds us that silence in the face of injustice is never neutral.South Africa’s post‑apartheid identity is inseparable from global solidarity, having emerged from a collective international struggle in which states, civil society, and ordinary people around the world collaborated to dismantle apartheid and affirm the universality of human dignity.Conscious that its own freedom was secured through the moral courage and principled action of the international community, South Africa has consistently framed its foreign policy as a debt owed to peace, justice, and international law.It is within this ethical tradition that South Africa approached the ICJ, invoking the Genocide Convention to hold Israel accountable for alleged acts of genocide, not as an act of hostility, but as a reaffirmation of the same legal and moral principles that once protected South Africans themselves, namely, that grave injustices must never be normalised and that no people should be denied protection under international law.As we commemorate Freedom Day, we must celebrate progress while remaining clear eyed about what remains to be done.In 1994, South Africa inherited a deeply divided, unequal society and an economy isolated from the world. Despite limited resources and enormous backlogs, tangible progress has been made.Access to housing, clean water, electricity and basic services has expanded significantly for millions.These improvements have transformed everyday life for many South Africans.In 2024, South Africa entered a new chapter with the establishment of a Government of National Unity, reflecting a shared commitment to inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction and social cohesion.Encouragingly, key economic indicators have stabilised: inflation has eased, public investment is rising, electricity generation has improved, and confidence, both domestic and international, is slowly returning.At the same time, the South African government has intensified efforts to combat organised crime, illegal mining and gender based violence, while advancing transformative legislation, including the National Health Insurance Act, the Expropriation Act, and the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, to expand access to opportunity in line with constitutional values.South Africa’s relationship with Qatar exemplifies how shared principles can be translated into practical cooperation.Bilateral relations since 1994 have been dynamic and characterised by consistent high level engagement.President Cyril Ramaphosa has undertaken a state visit to Qatar, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani was a special invited guest at the G20 Leaders’ Summit.South Africa and Qatar share a conviction that peace is the foundation for sustainable socio‑economic development.Both countries firmly maintain that dialogue, diplomacy, and inclusive mediation are the most effective means of resolving conflicts, particularly at a time of heightened and protracted hostilities in the Middle East.In this context, South Africa unequivocally condemns all attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including critical energy facilities, as such acts are not only illegal in terms of international law and human morality, but also inflict immense human suffering and threaten regional and global stability.Upholding international law, protecting civilian lives, and fostering peaceful engagement remain central to efforts aimed at enduring security and prosperity.Energy co-operation remains a pillar of the bilateral relationship, exemplified by Sasol’s gas to liquids investment in Qatar and PetroSA’s involvement in the chemical sector.These partnerships support South Africa’s industrial stability while diversifying Qatar’s international energy co-operation.Multilaterally, South Africa’s role in BRICS and Global South platforms complements Qatar’s diplomatic outreach.At a time of geopolitical fragmentation, middle powers must build resilience through co-operation rather than rigid alignment.Current global disruptions – from energy supply shocks to disruptions in Red Sea and Suez trade routes – underscore the interconnectedness of energy security, civilian infrastructure and economic stability.These challenges contribute to inflationary pressures worldwide, affect Africa’s trade and food security, and demand closer co-operation between responsible global actors.Today, Qatar is South Africa’s fifth-largest trade partner in the Middle East and Gulf, with total bilateral trade of R7.9bn in 2023, spanning multiple fields.There remains significant untapped potential – particularly in attracting greater Qatari investment into South Africa’s priority, job creating sectors.In light of regional uncertainty, the South African government, through its mission in Doha, remains fully attentive to the safety and wellbeing of South Africans in Qatar.We continue to engage closely with Qatari authorities, who have demonstrated their commitment to stability and the protection of all residents. Qatar remains a safe and welcoming host country.As South Africans abroad, you are ambassadors of our nation, embodying resilience, excellence and solidarity. Your contributions strengthen South Africa’s reputation and deepen the bonds of friendship between countries.As we commemorate Freedom Day, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals that shaped our liberation: unity, dignity, equality and mutual respect.Let us defend our democracy, deepen our partnerships, and work collectively to build a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it.Freedom, after all, is not only something we commemorate – it is something we must continuously protect and advance, together.
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Governments from most countries around the world are set to participate in the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which opens today at United Nations headquarters and runs through May 22.Held every five years, the conference assesses the effectiveness of the treaty – born out of Cold War tensions more than half a century ago – and examines whether it can advance disarmament, restraint, and co-operation amid mounting global security challenges.The NPT is one of the most widely adhered-to multilateral agreements and a cornerstone of international security.Entering into force in 1970 and regarded as a landmark diplomatic achievement of the United Nations, the treaty aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons by prohibiting their development, testing, production, acquisition, transfer, use, or threat of use.It also promotes co-operation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and advances the goal of general and complete nuclear disarmament.To date, 191 states have joined the treaty, which formally recognises five nuclear-weapon states – the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China – on the basis that they conducted nuclear tests prior to January 1, 1967.However, non-signatory states possessing nuclear weapons remain a major challenge to the treaty’s effectiveness, as they operate outside its legal and verification framework.The UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, said the review conference provides an opportunity for countries to identify common ground despite an increasingly difficult security environment and escalating rhetoric.She warned that the risk of nuclear weapons use is rising and must not be allowed to become normalised.Despite the treaty’s success in preventing the use of nuclear weapons in conflict for over five decades, the global non-proliferation regime is facing what many describe as its most serious crisis in years.The international security landscape is marked by rising nuclear risks and deepening mistrust, while many Cold War-era agreements have either collapsed or expired.In February, the New START treaty between the United States and Russia – which capped deployed strategic nuclear warheads – expired without a replacement.At the time, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the world is entering uncharted territory, with no legally binding limits on the nuclear arsenals of the United States and Russia, which together possess the vast majority of the world’s nuclear weapons.This era of mistrust was reflected in the previous two NPT review conferences in 2015 and 2022, both of which concluded without agreement on a substantive final document.All Arab states are parties to the NPT and have placed their nuclear facilities under comprehensive safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); a step Israel has yet to take despite repeated international calls and UN resolutions.Qatar has consistently emphasised, across international forums, the importance of adhering to all agreements and treaties related to nuclear disarmament and weapons of mass destruction.In February, Qatar participated in the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, represented by Jawhara bint Abdulaziz al-Suwaidi, the charge d’affaires at Qatar’s Permanent Mission in Geneva.She stated that the international system is undergoing a critical phase marked by increasing armed conflicts, declining adherence to international law and the UN Charter, rising geopolitical polarisation and competition, accelerated nuclear modernisation programmes, and the integration of emerging technologies into military systems.Al-Suwaidi noted that 2026 represents a pivotal moment for the global nuclear order with the convening of the 11th NPT Review Conference.She stressed that the treaty remains the cornerstone of the non-proliferation regime and a fundamental basis for pursuing nuclear disarmament, emphasising that disarmament is a humanitarian, security, and developmental necessity.She further underscored that establishing a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction remains a priority for enhancing regional security and stability. – QNA
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and President of Moldova Maia Sandu (front left) with other participants pay their respects at a memorial to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster at the Chernobyl Power
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A column of black smoke rises above buildings as traffic passes the Africa Tower monument in Bamako on April 26, 2026. April 25, 2026's shock attacks, synchronised by Tuareg rebels of the Azawad Liberation Front
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Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan will face compatriots Mohamed Ehab and Moussa al-Khair today After impressive group-stage performances, the country’s two men’s teams will meet in an all-Qatari round of 16 clash in the beach volleyball competition at the Asian Beach Games - Sanya 2026 today.The first team of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan booked their place at the top of Group B after a hard-fought 2-1 (21-11, 21-23, 15-13) victory over Iran yesterday, underlining their strong title credentials. Meanwhile, the second team of Mohamed Ehab and Moussa al-Khair finished runners-up in their group following a 0-2 defeat to hosts China, setting up a direct encounter with their compatriots. The fixture guarantees Qatar a place in the quarter-finals and reflects the teams’ impressive group-stage performances. Younousse and Tijan had earlier secured wins over the Maldives and Uzbekistan, while Ehab and al-Khair recorded victories against Saudi Arabia and Macau before their loss to China. In the women’s competition, Haya Abu Issa and Laila Mohammed exited after a 0-2 defeat to China.Qatar is represented by four teams—two men’s and two women’s—reflecting growing participation and the sport’s expanding continental presence. Meanwhile, Qatar’s beach handball team faces Thailand today, aiming to secure a place in the semi-finals and continue its title defence. The team enters the match in strong form, having recorded five consecutive wins against Pakistan, Oman, Bangladesh, Mongolia and Jordan to top the group with 10 points. Drawn in a competitive group that also includes the Maldives and Thailand, Qatar has maintained a high level from the outset. Today’s match is key to confirming top spot and shaping the knockout path, ahead of the final group fixture against the Maldives tomorrow. The semi-finals are set for Tuesday, with the final on Thursday, as Qatar looks to extend its winning run and move closer to another title. Bright start for Qatar’s men’s 3x3 basketball team Qatar’s men’s 3x3 basketball team opened their Asian Beach Games – Sanya 2026 campaign with two wins, defeating Bahrain 21-11 and Kazakhstan 22-15 to boost their qualification chances.The team delivered strong performances in both matches, imposing a fast pace and making the most of scoring opportunities through effective teamwork to secure a perfect start. In contrast, the women’s team lost their opener 5-21 to China. The men conclude the group stage against India tomorrow, a key match for their progression, while the women face Kazakhstan next. The knockout rounds begin on Tuesday, with the competition concluding on Wednesday with the semi-finals and final. The men’s squad includes Mohammed Bashir, Dejan Janic, Nadim Muslic and Osman Deng, while the women’s team features Sama Jasser, Tania Al-Tawil, Mona Al-Sayed and Alaa Suleiman, reflecting continued efforts to support and expand the sport. Elsewhere, Qatar’s sailing team continue its participation, with Tamim Shams set to compete in the sixth and seventh races of the Optimist class for boys, while Thani Shams will race in the sixth and seventh rounds of the ILCA 4 class. The competition follows a cumulative format in which all sailors take part in every race, with final standings determined by the total results across ten races running through Tuesday. This system requires consistent performance, while also allowing competitors to improve their positions with each race amid close competition, as the Qatari sailors aim to achieve strong results and enhance their overall standings. China extended its lead in the medal standings after yesterday’s events, with 19 medals (9 gold, 8 silver, 2 bronze). Thailand moved into second with eight medals (3 gold), followed by the Philippines in third with six (3 gold). The United Arab Emirates ranked fourth with six medals (2 gold), while Vietnam placed fifth with five medals (2 gold), as competition remains tight heading into the final stages.
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France’s Cyrine Cherif delivered a composed performance to win the Diamond Round 150cm class during the eleventh round of the Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour held at the main arena of the Qatar Equestrian Federation yesterday. Cherif guided Triple T Calamando Blue to a faultless finish in 31.48 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Khaled al-Eid secured second place aboard Rakker Dmc in 32.11 seconds, while Qatar’s Mohammed Saeed Haidan finished third riding Wathnan Stand By Me in 32.36s seconds. Speaking after her victory, Cherif said: “My horse was a bit slow today so I was cautious and stayed steady and it worked. I’m glad to have won but I would have been happy with any podium finish. My horse had too much to do through the season and the Doha Equestrian Tours. But yes, having won a Grand Prix at DET, even 1.50m now appears smaller when I go into the arena.” In the Bronze Tour 120cm, Qatar’s Hussain Saeed Haidan claimed first place riding D Saucedo in 28.77 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Khaled al-Hadi finished second aboard Carlton de Sauvageonn in 29.33 seconds, while Kuwait’s Annaz al-Annaz took third place with Be Bop de Lyons in 29.41 seconds. In the Bronze Tour Teams event, Marwan Al Shaqab secured first place with a clear round in 61.93 seconds, followed by Ajwad in second place with 72.89 seconds, while Gazal Al Shaqab finished third after incurring four faults in 63.70 seconds. In the Future Riders 90cm class, Qatar’s Salha Khalid al-Obaidli claimed first place riding Violet Van Het Koetshuis in 21.57 seconds. Alqaqaa Tamim al-Thani finished second aboard Bon Suela in 22.34 seconds, while Fahad Talal al-Naimi secured third place with Kroaat Van Orchid’s in 23.05 seconds. Meanwhile, in the first dressage competitions, Sharifa Ahmed al-Ansari was crowned Amateur (Introductory Level) champion in Group 7 with a score of 70.119 points. Georgina Roy Khan won the Introductory Level 2 title in Group 7 with 72.625 points, while Hamad Nasser al-Marri recorded 71.5 points to top the Junior category for the Introductory Level 2 test. Michelle Grimes also claimed first place in the Dressage Level 1 class in Group 7 with 70.425 points.
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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attend a press briefing following their meeting in Qabala, Azerbaijan, yesterday. (Reuters) Ukraine and Azerbaijan signed six co-operation agreements yesterday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, as he pushes to share Kyiv’s drone expertise amid the Middle East war.Zelensky has clinched several defence deals with Gulf countries that suffered Iranian drone attacks with Kyiv offering its experience and expertise after more than four years of relentless Russian strikes.“We have signed six documents today,” said Zelensky in the Azerbaijan capital Baku, without specifying which fields. “Today, the number one area is security. This concerns the defence-industrial complex,” he said. “We have shared our experience in countering the aggressor today”.Speaking alongside Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, Zelensky said Ukrainian drone experts were already working in Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic on the Caspian Sea that borders southern Russia. In early March, drones launched from Iran hit an Azerbaijani airport and exploded near a school, wounding four people and raising fears of a spillover of the conflict into the Caucasus.Since then, already tepid relations between Baku and Tehran have declined further. The Ukrainian president also said he was ready to hold trilateral talks on ending the war with Russia in Azerbaijan, if Moscow showed a willingness to do so.“We shared with the president of Azerbaijan that we are ready for trilateral talks,” said Zelensky. Azerbaijan repeatedly expressed support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sent humanitarian aid after the Russian invasion in 2022.Ties between Moscow and Baku have cooled over the past year, after an Azerbaijani passenger plane was mistakenly hit by a Russian anti-aircraft missile in 2024, causing a crash that killed 38.
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Turkiye could consider taking part in demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz following a possible peace agreement between Iran and the United States. Fidan said any demining work would be carried out by a technical team from various countries, formed after a possible Iran-US peace agreement Turkiye would have “no problem” with participating in mine-clearing operations under those conditions Fidan cautioned that Turkiye would reassess its position if any future technical coalition of countries became a party to renewed conflict Fidan also said he believed issues related to Iran’s nuclear programme could be resolved at the next round of talks in Pakistan.
