Crude Prices Surge, Stocks Sink as Iran Warns of Regional Energy Strikes
Oil surged more than five percent Thursday and stocks sank as Iran carried out a series of attacks on Gulf energy facilities and warned of more following a strike on one of its key gas fields, while warnings of higher US inflation also soured the mood. After spending much of Wednesday hovering arou»»»
US intel report sees direct homeland threat from Pakistani missiles
In its March 2026 Annual Threat Assessment of The US Intelligence Community report, the US Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) has highlighted Pakistan a 'Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA)' of Washington, as on the path to developing missile technology that can threaten the US itself. »»»
Stocks extend gains and oil dips as US, Israel, Iran continue strikes
HONG KONG — Oil prices sank Wednesday after Iraq said it had resumed exports through Turkey, avoiding the effectively closed Strait of Hormuz, while equities rose following another tech-led advance on Wall Street.The drop in crude, which saw WTI sink more than four per cent, came even as the United»»»
Russian oil tankers close in on Cuba after island's worst blackout in decades
Russia has sent two ships carrying crude oil and gas to Cuba as the Caribbean island endures its worst energy crisis in living memory, with a 29-hour nationwide blackout laying bare the depth of a fuel emergency that Washington's sweeping oil embargo has brought to the brink of humanitarian ca»»»
Russian oil tankers close in on Cuba after island's worst blackout in decades
Russia has sent two ships carrying crude oil and gas to Cuba as the Caribbean island endures its worst energy crisis in living memory, with a 29-hour nationwide blackout laying bare the depth of a fuel emergency that Washington's sweeping oil embargo has brought to the brink of humanitarian ca»»»
Russian oil tankers close in on Cuba after island's worst blackout in decades
Russia has sent two ships carrying crude oil and gas to Cuba as the Caribbean island endures its worst energy crisis in living memory, with a 29-hour nationwide blackout laying bare the depth of a fuel emergency that Washington's sweeping oil embargo has brought to the brink of humanitarian ca»»»
Russian oil tankers close in on Cuba after island's worst blackout in decades
Russia has sent two ships carrying crude oil and gas to Cuba as the Caribbean island endures its worst energy crisis in living memory, with a 29-hour nationwide blackout laying bare the depth of a fuel emergency that Washington's sweeping oil embargo has brought to the brink of humanitarian ca»»»
Russian oil tankers close in on Cuba after island's worst blackout in decades
Russia has sent two ships carrying crude oil and gas to Cuba as the Caribbean island endures its worst energy crisis in living memory, with a 29-hour nationwide blackout laying bare the depth of a fuel emergency that Washington's sweeping oil embargo has brought to the brink of humanitarian ca»»»
The US-Iran war confirms China’s four worst fears
When the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on 28 February, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and crippling Tehran’s military infrastructure, the world witnessed a dramatic reshaping of the Middle East’s power structure. Beijing’s public response—measured moral condemnations, an e»»»
Macau woman hospitalised after being startled by humanoid robot
Hong Kong: A woman on an evening walk in Macau was briefly hospitalised after a humanoid robot startled her and left her feeling unwell, police told AFP on Wednesday. Police said they had received a call for assistance for the woman, who "was startled when she suddenly noticed a robot behind her wh»»»
Remittances surge past $3b in January as Filipinos abroad send more money home
Dubai: Overseas Filipinos (OFs) have continued to contribute greatly to the Philippine economy, with cash remittances rising to $3.02 billion in January this year, a 3.5 percent increase from $2.92 billion recorded in the same month last year. The growth has highlighted the resilience of Filipinos »»»
Disneyland Abu Dhabi stays on course: Miral
Dubai: Plans to bring Disneyland to Abu Dhabi are moving forward, with Miral Group’s chief reaffirming commitment to the project in a public message that signals continued momentum on one of the region’s most closely watched developments. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balance»»»
Stocks Extend Gains and Oil Dips as US, Israel, Iran Continue Strikes
Oil prices sank Wednesday after Iraq said it had resumed exports through Türkiye, avoiding the effectively closed Strait of Hormuz, while equities rose following another tech-led advance on Wall Street. The drop in crude, which saw WTI sink more than four percent, came even as the United States hit»»»
Philippines down to its last three weeks of fuel reserves, turns to Russia for help
The Philippines is currently navigating a perilous and largely overlooked period of economic vulnerability: its national fuel supply could run out in around three to four weeks if international imports don't arrive soon. According to reports from The Manila Times, what was once a distant geopolitic»»»
Chinese firms dominate supply chains sustaining Russia’s war effort, investigation finds
Thousands of Chinese companies have supplied goods to Russian firms linked to the country’s defence sector, highlighting Beijing’s central role in sustaining Moscow’s war effort despite its claims of neutrality, reported Newsweek. »»»
Chinese firms dominate supply chains sustaining Russia’s war effort, investigation finds
Thousands of Chinese companies have supplied goods to Russian firms linked to the country’s defence sector, highlighting Beijing’s central role in sustaining Moscow’s war effort despite its claims of neutrality, reported Newsweek. »»»
Chinese firms dominate supply chains sustaining Russia’s war effort, investigation finds
Thousands of Chinese companies have supplied goods to Russian firms linked to the country’s defence sector, highlighting Beijing’s central role in sustaining Moscow’s war effort despite its claims of neutrality, reported Newsweek. »»»
Oil prices climb as fresh strikes target infrastructure
LONDON — Oil prices rose again Tuesday as Iran launched fresh attacks on crude-producing neighbours, while stock markets were higher ahead of key central bank meetings.Prices rebounded from the previous day's decline, which came after the head of the International Energy Agency said stockpiles coul»»»
World Shares Are Mixed and US Futures Slip as Brent Hovers Above $100 a Barrel
Shares were mixed in Europe and Asia on Tuesday after a drop in oil prices helped send the US stock market to its best day since the war in Iran began. The reprieve in prices for crude was short-lived, with Brent crude climbing nearly 4% early Tuesday to $104.13 a barrel. US benchmark crude also cl»»»
Philippines: Massive cut in airport fees, faster fuel 'surcharge' reviews to slash airfare costs — what to know
Manila: In a bold move to shield Filipino travelers from soaring jet fuel prices triggered by ongoing Middle East tensions, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has directed key government agencies to slash aviation-related charges and speed up airfare adjustments. On Tuesday, the Philippine C»»»
Trump snubs Beijing, will not travel to China
US President Donald Trump now plans to postpone a scheduled visit to China later this month, by at least a month owing to the ongoing war in Iran, BBC reports. The White House confirmed that the original dates for the meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, set between March 31 and April 2, will»»»
China mobilises 2,000 vessels as Taiwan ramps up defences
Beijing has massed up to 2,000 fishing vessels in coordinated formations near Taiwan, raising concerns over blockade rehearsals, AFP reports. Satellite tracking data showed large groups of Chinese vessels assembling in geometric patterns in the East China Sea, sometimes holding position for about 3»»»
Why a Chinese invasion of Taiwan looks tempting, but would be ill-advised
As global attention fixates on the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, global energy prices and Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic calculus in East Asia has shifted in ways that are increasingly worrying to Taiwan. »»»
Eight INSAIT Research Papers Accepted for One of World's Premier Conferences in AI Field
Eight research papers by researchers from the Institute of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia have been accepted for presentation at the International Conference on Learning Representations 2026, one of the world’s most p»»»
Hong Kong warns govt departments not to install AI tool OpenClaw
Hong Kong: Hong Kong's technology secretary said on Monday he has asked government departments not to install the artificial intelligence agent tool OpenClaw, citing security risks. OpenClaw, created in November by an Austrian coder, has gripped tech-savvy companies and individuals on the mainland,»»»
Qatar positions itself for rapid growth in global battery market
Doha, Qatar: Following successful pilot projects and increasing international interest in the growth potential of its domestic alternative energy market, Qatar is forecasted to be one of the leaders in the adoption of batteries in the MENA region. Increasing battery storage capabilities is a strate»»»
Oil Hovers around $100, Stocks Mixed as Iran War Rages
Oil prices hovered around $100 a barrel Monday and stocks fluctuated as the Iran war moved into a third week with both sides showing no sign of backing down and diplomats trying to ensure safe passage for tankers through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Crude shot up in the opening minutes after the U»»»
North Korea tests nuclear-capable rocket launchers amid US-South Korea military drills
North Korea on Sunday tested nuclear-capable multiple rocket launchers that Pyongyang’s leader Kim Jong Un said should make the country's enemies feel a sense of "uneasiness". The tests came one day after South Korea detected 10 ballistic missiles launched from North Korea. North Korea t»»»
Qatar Airways operates limited flight schedule to and from Doha
DOHA: With scheduled flight operations of Qatar Airways still temporarily suspended due to the continued closure of Qatari airspace, the airline has assured passengers that it is making every effort to support their travel needs and help reunite them with family and loved ones. In a statement, the »»»
Qatar Airways updates flight destinations for March 15 until 18
Doha: Following temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirming limited operating corridors, Qatar Airways intends to operate the following flight schedule in the coming days to support passengers who have been affected by the current disruption, and to help them reunite »»»
On This Day, March 14: FBI's 'Most Wanted Fugitives' list debuts - UPI.com
On March 14, 1950, the FBI's "10 Most Wanted Fugitives" list appeared for the first time. 1 of 4 | Franklin County Sheriff Steven Pelton stands near a poster of Donald Eugene Fields II as he was announced being added to the FBI's "10 Most Wanted Fugitives" list in St. Louis on May 25, 2023. On Marc»»»
ING: Asia’s outlook under higher oil prices
Heavy dependence on Middle Eastern oil leaves Asia vulnerable to sustained supply shocks. While inflation risks remain largely manageable at the moment given a low starting point, higher import bills will result in weaker trade balances with some currencies like PHP, THB, INR and KRW more vulnerabl»»»
As the US shifts THAAD assets from South Korea, Taiwan watches and waits
The US is relocating parts of a missile defence system installed in South Korea to the Middle East, according to officials cited by the Washington Post and South Korean media. The reported move comes almost two weeks into »»»
Chile signs rare minerals cooperation agreement with United States
Santiago, March 13 (SANA) – Chile has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States to cooperate on the supply of critical rare minerals, Chile’s Foreign Ministry announced Friday. According to a ministry statement cited by AFP, the agreement commits both countries to exploring public»»»
United States, Chile sign pact on critical minerals, rare earths - UPI.com
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called for a strengthening of supply chains between the United States and Chile. File Photo by Luis Gandarillas/EPA SANTIAGO, Chile, March 13 (UPI) -- The United States and Chile have signed a declaration to establish consultations on critical miner»»»
UAE-India flights to get pricier: IndiGo to also add fuel charge from March 14
Dubai: India’s largest airline by market size, IndiGo, will introduce a fuel charge on domestic and international routes starting March 14. The airline has cited the additional charge due to a sharp rise in jet fuel prices linked to geopolitical issues in the Middle East. Stay updated: Get the late»»»
Etihad announces latest flight schedule until March 16
Etihad Airways has released an updated limited commercial flight schedule connecting Abu Dhabi with key international destinations. Passengers with existing bookings will be accommodated, and new tickets are available for purchase at its website. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading t»»»
Air Freight Rates Soar as Middle East Conflict Blocks Trade Routes
Air freight rates have risen by as much as 70% on some routes since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, data shows, as the conflict limits flights, blocks some ocean shipments and pushes up jet fuel costs. Rates on routes between South Asia and Europe have been the most affected by Middle East»»»
Chinese investors pile into Hong Kong equities as inflation at home heads north
Investors from China are buying Hong Kong stocks at a record pace, raising questions about whether the surge reflects limited confidence in other regional markets or a more deliberate but defensive shift by domestic investors seeking opportunities outside the mainland. »»»
Chinese investors pile into Hong Kong equities as inflation at home heads north
Investors from China are buying Hong Kong stocks at a record pace, raising questions about whether the surge reflects limited confidence in other regional markets or a more deliberate but defensive shift by domestic investors seeking opportunities outside the mainland. »»»
Chile marks sharp turn to the right as new hardline president vows sweeping reforms
Right wing hardliner Jose Antonio Kast was sworn in as Chile’s president Wednesday, marking the nation’s most stark shift to the right since since the brutal dictatorship of general Augusto Pinochet, whom Kast greatly admires. Kast vowed in his inaugural address to follow through on sweep»»»
UAE flight status March 13: Latest schedules as Emirates, Etihad warn of rising ticket scams
As UAE airlines gradually resume operations amid ongoing regional airspace restrictions, passengers are urged to stay informed about flight schedules, booking options, and potential scams. Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia are all operating limited flights, with updated timetables and safe»»»
Qatar Airways adds new destinations, updates its Limited flight schedule
Doha: Following temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirming limited operating corridors, Qatar Airways intends to operate the following flight schedule in the coming days to support passengers who have been affected by the current disruption, and to help them reunite »»»
Air France-KLM hikes long-haul ticket prices
Paris, France: Air France-KLM said Thursday it is raising long-haul ticket prices due to soaring jet fuel prices caused by the Middle East conflict. "The current geopolitical situation in the Middle East has led to a sudden and significant increase in fuel prices, particularly kerosene. As a result»»»
Cathay Pacific roughly doubles fuel surcharge on most routes
Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific announced new fuel surcharges for most routes Thursday that are roughly double the existing ones. The company revealed a detailed list of affected routes in a statement titled "Fuel surcharge updates", a day after warning that fuel prices had soared in March »»»
Almaz Imangaziev: China asks Kyrgyzstan to introduce visa-free regime first - | 24.KG
China is asking Kyrgyzstan to be the first to introduce a visa-free regime for Chinese citizens. Deputy Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Almaz Imangaziev said at a meeting of Parliament. He made the statement while responding to a question from MP Zhumabek Salymbekov, who asked why China had already »»»
Oil price tops $100 a barrel - again
Oil prices continued to climb early on March 12, even after major economies agreed to release a record volume of crude from emergency reserves in an effort to mitigate the impact of the Iran conflict. Brent crude rose almo»»»
UAE flight status March 12: Updated schedules and how to rebook your trip
UAE airlines continue to operate on a reduced schedule as regional airspace gradually reopens. Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, and Air Arabia have all updated their flight operations, offering rebooking and refund options to affected passengers. Authorities and airlines emphasise that travel is»»»
COMMENT: Strategic reserve releases cannot replace an open Strait of Hormuz
A proposed record release of emergency strategic oil reserves from the International Energy Agency (IEA) could offer temporary relief to global markets if Middle Eastern supply disruptions deepen, but it will not prevent prices from rising again. »»»
China’s COSCO halts Panama Canal port calls after government seizes terminals
The abrupt suspension of services by China's state-owned shipping giant COSCO at the Pacific-side port of Balboa marks the most visible commercial reaction yet to Panama's decision to seize control of two strategic terminals flanking the Panama Canal, a move that has triggered legal disputes, diplo»»»