Philippines: Coal dominates power generation, while oil is only at 1% — so why are electricity rates rising?
Manila: Following the massive jump in oil prices due to the tanker squeeze in the Strait of Hormuz, the Philippines' power distribution giant Meralco has announced an additional electricity charge. And this does not yet include the effect of the current crisis in the Middle East. Where does the ele»»»
Joining the ranks of Walt Disney - meet the director nominated for 2 Oscars for 2 different films
Being nominated for an Academy Award is a dream come true, the ultimate recognition in film that can open doors and bolster name recognition to further a successful career. But that dreamy feeling is doubled for American filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir. She is nominated twice - in two separate categories »»»
Is Dubai's glossy image under threat? Not everyone thinks so
Stephanie Baker had been celebrating her birthday with friends at a bar on Palm Jumeirah - Dubai's iconic man-made palm-shaped island lined with luxury hotels and beach clubs. But as the group stepped outside to head to another nearby venue, something unusual streaked across the night sky. Moments »»»
Pink Floyd guitar sold for record-breaking $14.6m
A guitar used by David Gilmour on six of Pink Floyd's albums has sold for a record $14.6m (£10.9m), making it the most expensive guitar ever sold, auction house Christie's has said. Gilmour played the 1969 Fender Stratocaster, nicknamed the 'Black Strat', on all of the British rock band's albums be»»»
Sheikh Qassem: Hezbollah Prepared for Prolonged Battle Against Israeli Enemy, Lebanese Government’s Diplomacy Failed - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Sheikh Qassem: Hezbollah Prepared for Prolonged Battle Against Israeli Enemy, Lebanese Government’s Diplomacy Failed 13-03-2026 23:07 PM He»»»
Netanyahu reportedly names Dermer to lead possible negotiations with Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assigned former Minister Ron Dermer the responsibility of handling the Lebanese file during war, U.S. news portal Axios reported on Friday. This means that Dermer would be in charge of contacts on the issue with the U.S. administration, and of managing »»»
Trial starts in case of explosives sent to UK and Poland
The trial has opened in the Polish capital, Warsaw, of five men suspected of involvement in sending parcels containing a liquid high explosive to the UK and Poland on behalf of Russian intelligence. The men, who are Ukrainian and Russian citizens, have been charged with participating in an act of t»»»
Rama Defends Parliament’s Role as Debate Continues Over Prosecutorial Requests
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said Friday that recent public statements regarding an ongoing investigation have been misinterpreted, insisting that authorities should continue their work while respecting institutional roles. Speaking during a press conference, Rama said he interprets the stateme»»»
Time for Tom Barrack to grab the ball and run with it if US truly wants peace between Lebanon and Israel – Ya Libnan
Share: File- US envoy Tom Barrack at Lebanon’s Baabda presidential palace If Washington truly wants Hezbollah disarmed and peace between Lebanon and Israel, it must stop hesitating and seize President Aoun’s opening before the moment disappears. By : Ya Libnan, Op.Ed For months, U.S. envoy Tom Barr»»»
India extends visas, waives overstay fines for stranded foreigners including Gulf nationals
Dubai: India has announced an extension of visas and a waiver of overstay penalties for foreign nationals, including those from the Gulf countries, who find themselves stranded in the country due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The Indian Consulate in Dubai on Friday shared the decisions, whi»»»
Senate Democrats file war powers resolution to block Cuba action - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and two other senators filed a war powers resolution to prevent President Donald Trump from invading Cuba. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo March 13 (UPI) -- Senate Democrats filed a war powers resolution Friday to stop President Donald Trump from starti»»»
Fourth quarter GDP growth revised down to 0.7% - UPI.com
Gas prices rise in Walnut Creek, Calif., on Tuesday. The economic effects of the violence in Iran -- which controls much of the world's oil -- come as the United States's GDP weakens. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo March 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. gross domestic product rose at a inflation-ad»»»
IndiGo introduces fuel charge on all routes from March 14 amid surge in fuel prices
Doha, Qatar: Indian airline IndiGo has announced the introduction of a fuel charge on both domestic and international routes, effective from March 14, 2026, citing a sharp rise in aviation fuel prices. The airline said the move comes in response to a significant surge in fuel prices following ongoi»»»
Bulgaria Introduces R&D Tax Incentives, Industry Group Says
Companies will now be able to deduct an additional 25% of their research and development (R&D) expenses for tax purposes, after the National Assembly adopted on second reading amendments to the Corporate Income Tax Act, the Association for Innovation, Business Excellence, Services and Technology (A»»»
UAE aviation sector shows strong recovery in flights
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has confirmed the gradual and strategic resumption of flight operations across the country’s airports, supported by high operational readiness and efficient air traffic management systems. In a statement, the authority said the progressiv»»»
'World's best' James signs new six-year Chelsea deal
London: Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior hailed Reece James as the "best player in world football in his position" after the captain signed a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge. The England defender, 26, who first trained with the club 20 years ago, said he wanted to remain at the club for his "peak ye»»»
Secretary of State for Security calls for enhanced preparedness to protect agricultural and forest resources
Tunis, March 13 (TAP) – Secretary of State to the Minister of Interior in charge of Security Sofiene Bessadok called on Thursday, during a visit to the headquarters of the Regional Directorate of Civil Protection in Jendouba, for further...»»»
Florida legislature passes new voter ID law similar to SAVE Act - UPI.com
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is likely to sign a voter ID law passed by the state's legislature that could disenfranchise thousands in the state. File Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo March 13 (UPI) -- Florida's legislature has passed a voter registration law similar to the Safeguard American V»»»
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»»»
Thaad missile system move: Why the US is shifting defences from Korea to the Middle East
The United States is relocating parts of its advanced Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (Thaad) missile defence system from South Korea to the Middle East, according to officials cited by The Washington Post and South Korean media. The reported move comes nearly two weeks into the escalating US-I»»»
Dubai mandates official registration for shared housing tenancy contracts
Dubai: Dubai has introduced new regulations requiring tenancy contracts for shared accommodation to be officially registered in a dedicated government registry, a move aimed at strengthening tenant protection and improving transparency in the housing sector. The legislation, issued on February 27, »»»
Who holds the biggest strategic oil reserves?
BusinessGlobal issuesWho holds the biggest strategic oil reserves?Nik MartinIran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed dozens of countries to tap their emergency oil stockpiles. But what exactly are strategic reserves and who holds the world's biggest crisis-ready supplies? https:»»»
Lorena Novac becomes Partner at Ijdelea & Associates
Ijdelea & Associates announces the promotion of Lorena Novac to the position of Partner, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s history: the first lawyer entirely grown within the team to reach partnership level. Lorena joined Ijdelea & Associates almost one year after completing her trainee»»»
Snow Geese Take Off for the Arctic in Mesmerizing Sunrise Display
A few dozen birdwatchers gathered in the predawn darkness to wait for the moment when thousands of migrating snow geese stopped honking and preening to suddenly take flight from a Pennsylvania reservoir. The mesmerizing display, about an hour after sunrise, was over almost as soon as it began. The »»»
Religious Denominations Exempted from Rent Income Tax
By amendments to the Corporate Income Tax Act passed conclusively on Friday, Bulgaria's Parliament exempted from corporate tax the income accruing to religious denominations from renting real estate. Under the adopted provisions, the profit from renting real estate owned by a religious denomination»»»
Iranian charge d'affaires summoned to Foreign Ministry, handed protest letter
The Iranian Chargé d'Affaires in Lebanon, Tawfiq Samadi, appeared Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the summons of Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji. He was met by the Secretary-General of the Ministry, Ambassador Abdel Sattar Issa, who raised "a series of serious questions regarding statem»»»
Islamic nations D-8 summit postponed due to Middle East regional tension
Jakarta: An April summit of the D-8 bloc of Muslim-majority developed countries that includes Iran has been postponed due to the regional tension in the Middle East, host Indonesia said Friday. No new date was announced for the meeting that was to have stretched over four days, culminating in a lea»»»
Media Review: March 13
HEADLINES Trud’s top story is about measures the Cabinet plans to introduce to soften the impact of rising fuel prices on low-income individuals. 24 Chasa also covers the issue on its front page. Duma leads with the headline “There Is No Matter That Can Be Solved Through War,” quoting Krum Zarkov, »»»
Dh5,000 rooms for Dh600? UAE hotels roll out surprising Eid staycation deals
Dubai: Luxury hotel rooms that often sell for thousands of dirhams during peak seasons are now appearing on booking platforms for a lower price — as UAE hotels pivot toward residents with sharply discounted Eid staycation offers. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app »»»
Islamic Nations D-8 Summit Postponed Due to Middle East War
An April summit of the D-8 bloc of Muslim-majority developed countries that includes Iran has been postponed due to the war in the Middle East, host Indonesia said Friday. No new date was announced for the meeting that was to have stretched over four days, culminating in a leaders' summit on April »»»
CEO Talks | Răzvan Lăzărescu, CARO Hotel Bucharest: Building experiences, not just stays
With over two decades of experience in hospitality, Hotel CARO stands as a reflection of leadership shaped by long-term vision and adaptability. Rooted in industrial heritage and thoughtfully reimagined for today’s business traveller, the hotel goes beyond traditional accommodation. Business Review»»»
Laser defence race heats up: Can light beams stop drone swarms?
High-energy lasers are increasingly being viewed as a potential game-changer in defending oil facilities, military bases and critical infrastructure against the growing threat of drones and missiles in the Middle East. Unlike traditional interceptor systems such as Patriot missiles — which can cost»»»
Singapore assists 24 Filipinos stranded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Dubai: The Singapore government has assisted 24 Filipinos who have been stranded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by facilitating their transit through Singapore on their travel back to the Philippines. The group, nine men and 15 women, arrived in Singapore on March 13 aboard a Singapore-chartered evacuati»»»
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»»»
Iran War and Rising Fuel Costs Could Boost Panama Canal Traffic, Administrator Says
Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez said Thursday that the conflict in the Middle East and rising fuel costs could ultimately benefit the interoceanic waterway as global shippers adjust routes. In an interview with The Associated Press, Vásquez said that higher energy, fuel and navigation c»»»
Qatar Media Corporation urges public to rely on official sources for information
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) has called on the public to rely on official sources when seeking information, emphasising the importance of verifying news and avoiding the spread of rumours during the current exceptional circumstances. The message was delivered through a video publi»»»
Thousands of Chinese Boats Mass at Sea, Raising Questions
Thousands of Chinese fishing boats have been massing in geometric formations in the East China Sea, in coordinated actions that experts believe are part of Beijing's preparations for a potential regional crisis or conflict. Monitoring ship-tracking data on Christmas Day, Jason Wang could tell somet»»»
Assailant Dead after Ramming Vehicle into Michigan Synagogue
A 41-year-old man was killed Thursday after ramming his pickup truck into a synagogue on the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, causing a blaze and triggering a huge police response. US media reported the assailant had recently lost family members in an Israeli strike in Lebanon, as part of the ongoin»»»
On This Day, March 13: Trump declares national emergency over COVID-19 - UPI.com
On March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 1 of 4 | President Donald Trump, joined by members of his administration, declares a national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic during a news conference at the White House in Washingto»»»
Socialists: Bulgaria's Participation in Board of Peace Contradicts Principles on Which Country's Foreign Policy Is Based
The Executive Bureau of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) issued a statement on Friday, stressing that Bulgaria’s participation in the Board of Peace contradicts the principles on which Bulgarian foreign policy and international relations are based – respect for international law and the UN Chart»»»
Trump threatens Iran following new wave of attacks on Gulf states and Israel
Iran launched multiple attacks early Friday on Gulf Arab states, including dozens of drones at Saudi Arabia, following warnings from its new supreme leader about hosting American bases, and US President Donald Trump threatened major new retaliation. "Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags to»»»
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows revenge
Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since succeeding his father, allegedly vowed retaliation against the United States and Israel and called for national unity in his first public message released on March 12, according to his official website.&n»»»
TEHRAN BLOG: Permits-for-passage system emerges as the US heads towards a strategic defeat in Iran
An informal system of “permits-for-passage” through the Straits of Hormuz is emerging after Tehran has started to grant navigation permission to oil tankers headed to “friendly countries" with cargos of oil and gas. A tank»»»
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows revenge
Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since succeeding his father, allegedly vowed retaliation against the United States and Israel and called for national unity in his first public message released on March 12, according to his official website.&n»»»
Prof. Schlevogt’s Compass No. 46: Dirty work by proxy – The ethics of the Kanzler’s outsourced war
The KGB was reputed to favor a characteristic test to take the measure of a man: Place him in a deliberately trying situation and observe how he responds. The premise was deceptively simple: Under acute pressure even a carefully composed façade would collapse, and true nature would stand revealed. »»»
Air India, Air India Express operate 78 special flights to the UAE and West Asia on March 13
Air India and Air India Express will operate 78 flights to and from the UAE and West Asia on Friday, March 13. The carriers continue their scheduled services to key destinations, including Jeddah and Muscat, while also operating multiple non-scheduled flights across the UAE and Saudi Arabia to acco»»»
US lawmakers probe Epstein’s wealth as ex-accountant testifies on finances and ties
US House lawmakers on Wednesday examined Jeffrey Epstein’s financial empire as a committee questioned his former accountant in a closed-door deposition. Richard Kahn, an executor of Epstein’s estate, told lawmakers he had not seen evidence of abuse but described how the financier accumulated hundre»»»
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»»»
New Israeli strikes on Beirut as Netanyahu vows hard line on Hezbollah
Several Israeli strikes targeted a building in the heart of Beirut on Thursday, with Israel threatening to "do the job on the ground" if Lebanon did not disarm Hezbollah. Since March 2, the war has killed more than 687 people and displaced more than 800,000, according to the latest official Lebanes»»»
Truth or Fake - Iran trolls Trump with AI-generated Lego propaganda video
The war in Iran is not only being fought on the battlefield, it is also playing out online. Iran’s state media recently took a leaf about of the White House's own social media playbook: mocking Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu with an AI-generated propaganda ideo styled like a LEGO animatio»»»