Iraq says maritime shipping routes must be protected from regional conflicts
Baghdad, March 12 (SANA) Iraq’s Oil Ministry said Thursday that international maritime shipping lanes and energy supply routes must remain protected from regional conflicts, warning that disruptions could threaten global energy markets. In a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the min»»»
Philippines explores alternative oil suppliers amid global market uncertainty
Dubai: The Philippines is looking into alternative sources of oil as part of its efforts to ensure a steady fuel supply amid ongoing uncertainty in global markets. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has noted that the government has already began discussions with several oil-producing nation»»»
Six Ukrainians Get Life Sentences in Absentia for Killing Russian POWs
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Six Ukrainian security officers have been sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment for the murder and torture of Russian prisoners of war, the Moscow prosecutor's office said on Thursday. Sergei Velichko, Konstantin Nemichev, Vitaly Posokhov, Artem Subachev, Andrey and Sergei Y»»»
Kenya Arrests Man Trying to Smuggle Over 2,000 Live Ants in his Luggage
A man was arrested with more than 2,200 live garden ants in his luggage at Nairobi's main airport this week amid a rise in cases of smuggling of the insects in Kenya. Chinese national Zhang Kequn, 27, was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday while he was trying to leave the co»»»
NYT: US Says Iran Campaign Cost $11 Billion in Six Days
The opening week of the war against Iran cost the United States more than $11.3 billion, lawmakers were told in a Pentagon briefing, according to a New York Times report underscoring the pace at which the conflict is consuming weapons and resources. The Times, citing unnamed sources familiar with T»»»
Schools in Bulgaria to Form ‘Digital Leader’ Teams to Support ICT Integration
Teams of “digital leaders” will be established in Bulgarian schools. These will be teachers or other specialists who will take a leading role in working with information technologies, developing innovative lessons and supporting other educators. The creation of such teams is part of the internation»»»
MRF - New Beginning, Sofia Mayor Trade Barbs over Intended Transfer of State Assets to Sofia Municipality
Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev and MRF - New Beginning led by Delyan Peevski Thursday traded barbs over the Mayor's idea to have state-owned properties in Sofia transferred to the local authorities. The bone of contention are dozens of state-owned properties that are currently lying unused, and which t»»»
Bishkek residents complain to European experts about trolleybus removal - | 24.KG
Residents of Bishkek met with a delegation from the Independent Project Accountability Mechanism of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) from London to discuss concerns over the removal of trolleybuses in the city. The visit was organized following an official appeal by local»»»
Mideast war: 'Largest oil supply disruption' in history — IEA
An "unprecedented volume" of crude oil has been removed from global supply due to the conflict affecting oil exports from the Arabian Gulf, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). According to its latest market report, the world’s main energy watchdog has stated that the conflict has al»»»
Hezbollah targets military intelligence base in Tel Aviv suburbs with barrage of missiles
Hezbollah said it launched missiles at an Israeli military intelligence base in the suburbs of Tel Aviv early on Thursday, the Iran-backed group's latest claim in a major operation against Israel it announced hours earlier. Hezbollah fighters "targeted the Glilot base (the headquarters of the 8200 »»»
N. Korea, China resume cross-border passenger train service for 1st time in 6 yrs - UPI.com
A passenger train linking North Korea and China crosses the Amnok River bridge, also known as the Yalu River bridge, on the border between two countries on Thursday. Photo by Yonhap North Korea and China resumed an international passenger train service linking their capitals Thursday for the first »»»
Qlayaa village wants army protection after Israeli shelling killed priest
After narrowly escaping death in her border village, Myriam Nohra is among the people in south Lebanon imploring the army for protection from the war between Israel and Hezbollah. In Christian-majority Qlayaa, which overlooks a vast green plain separating Lebanon and Israel, hundreds of people buri»»»
National Assembly passes special bill on U.S. investment pledges with bipartisan support - UPI.com
The National Assembly passed a special bill on Thursday that implements South Korea's US$350 billion investment pledge to the United States. Photo by Yonhap The National Assembly on Thursday passed a special bill on South Korea's US$350 billion investment pledge to the United States under a trade d»»»
Ramadan 2026: Filipino social club distributes 850 iftar meals to workers in Dubai
Dubai: In the true spirit of compassion and unity that defines the holy month of Ramadan, the Filipino social club (Filsoc) has continued its tradition of giving back to the community through their initiative called “Hand-in-Hand” iftar. Despite the current situation, Filsoc has been able to distri»»»
Thunder, rain and strong wind forecast this weekend: Qatar Meteorology Department
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Meteorology Department has warned of rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds across the country this weekend. In its latest weather forecast issued today, Thursday, March 12, 2026, the department said it expects to see thundery rain accompanied by strong winds along with»»»
Saudi Arabia Declares 2026 ‘Year of Artificial Intelligence’ to Boost Data Economy
As the global race toward a digital economy accelerates and the world enters a new era driven by algorithms, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key player in the future of advanced technologies. The Saudi Cabinet has declared 2026 the “Year of Artificial Intelligence,” a decision that reflects»»»
MRF–New Beginning Proposes Fund to Compensate Businesses and Individuals for High Fuel Prices
The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) - New Beginning parliamentary group Thursday tabled in Parliament a draft resolution obliging the Council of Ministers to take measures to compensate individuals and businesses for high fuel prices resulting from the military action in Iran. Speaking to re»»»
'Fingers on the trigger': Deadly warnings for Iranians being urged to take action
When US President Donald Trump began strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the process, he told Iranians to "take over your government". "It will be yours to take," Trump said. "This will be probably your only chance for generations." But as the war between the US and Is»»»
Renewables beating coal and nuclear power on costs
NEW YORK – Lazard Ltd has released its annual in-depth analyses comparing the costs of energy from various generation technologies and of energy storage technologies for different applications. Lazard’s latest annual Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis shows a continued decline in the cost of generat»»»
Four power workers to testify over Keratea wildfire
Four employees of Greece’s HEDNO power distribution network operator have been summoned to testify as suspects in connection with a wildfire near Athens last summer that killed one man. Fire service officials believe the blaze was started by sparks from an electricity pole whose fittings were alleg»»»
How Middle East conflict is costing '$1 billion a day', deepens humanitarian crisis
Dubai: The United Nations (UN) has warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East is costing around $1 billion a day, while humanitarian agencies struggle with a severe shortage of funding to assist millions of vulnerable people worldwide. According to UN relief chief Tom Fletcher, the Midd»»»
Pope Leo prays for peace in Middle East after Lebanese priest killed
Dubai: Pope Leo XIV has urged people around the world to pray for peace amid the ongoing regional tensions and has expressed sorrow for victims of violence. During his weekly general audience at the Vatican, the pope has called on the faithful to offer prayers that can bring comfort to those who ar»»»
False information: Interior Ministry of Kyrgyzstan combating fake accounts - | 24.KG
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan is combating fake accounts that spread false information about the government or the actions of high-ranking officials. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Nurbek Abdiev announced at a meeting of the Zhogorku Kenesh (Parliament) during a discussion of »»»
Dubai’s ‘Gift It Forward’ initiative delivers Dh14m in Eid support to 4,000 families
Dubai: More than 4,000 Emirati families have received essential goods and support following the conclusion of the third season of the ‘Gift It Forward’ initiative, a community programme that distributed items valued at more than Dh14 million. The six-day event, held at Al Twar Hall in late February»»»
Social enterprise accelerator launched along Via Transilvanica
A new initiative designed to support local entrepreneurship along the iconic hiking route Via Transilvanica has been launched by Asociația Tășuleasa Social in partnership with ADV România. The program, titled “Acceleratorul de întreprinderi sociale pe Via Transilvanica”, aims to support the creatio»»»
Qatar Airways warns about fake social media accounts
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways has issued a warning to travellers about fake social media accounts impersonating the airline online. The airline said that it has two official accounts - @QatarAirways and @QRSupport - both verified with a gold checkmark. It advised individuals to always confirm the acco»»»
Iran-US-Israel Conflict Enters Phase of Prolonged Attrition
The confrontation between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other has entered a phase of mutual attrition, shifting from temporary military escalation to a sustained pattern of operations, deterrence and endurance. According to a report released Wednesday by the Gulf Research»»»
Fiscal Council Warns: Higher Oil Costs Could Strain Bulgaria’s Economy and Trade
The Fiscal Council has assessed that a 25% surge in global oil prices would constitute a moderate external shock for Bulgaria, primarily impacting the economy through higher energy import costs, rising inflation, and a potential slowdown in external demand. In its 2026 fiscal outlook simulation, th»»»
Countries review Cuban medical brigades amid U.S. pressure - UPI.com
Reports say Cuba obtains billions of dollars a year through exporting professional services, including health specialists. File Photo by Ernesto Mastrascusa/EPA March 12 (UPI) -- Several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have begun to end or review medical cooperation agreements with Cub»»»
Citibank Closes UAE Branches Temporarily as Precautionary Measure
Citibank will close its branches and financial centers in the United Arab Emirates through March 14 as a precautionary measure, the bank's website showed on Thursday, following a wave of banks sending staff home as the crisis in the Middle East deepens. The US bank plans to reopen all affected br»»»
Can Nigeria and Angola shield Africa from oil hikes?
Lolade Adewuyi | Sandra QuialaThe war in Iran is pushing global oil prices higher. But could Nigeria’s massive Dangote refinery and Angola’s stable oil output help cushion the blow for Africa? https://p.dw.com/p/5ABN3AdvertisementThe US-Israel war in Iran has already driven global oil prices up by »»»
Agreement with Benelux countries on visa-free travel for diplomats approved - | 24.KG
On March 12, the Zhogorku Kenesh adopted in three readings a bill ratifying the agreement between Kyrgyzstan and the Benelux countries on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports. The agreement was signed on June 18, 2025, in Brussels. According to Deputy Foreign Minister Alma»»»
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 »»»
Oil prices surge above $100 as Iran-linked attacks hit Gulf shipping - UPI.com
Oil prices climbed back above $100 per barrel Thursday after attacks on commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf. This photo, taken March 10, shows a motorist refueling a car in London. Photo by Neil Hall/EPA March 12 (UPI) -- Oil prices climbed back above $100 per barrel Thursday after attacks on c»»»
OPEC: Ongoing Geopolitical Developments Warrant Close Monitoring of Markets
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has maintained, for the seventh consecutive month, its 2026-2027 global oil demand growth projections unchanged. OPEC kept its forecast for global oil demand growth at 1.38 million bpd for 2026 and at 1.3 million bpd for 2027. The Iran war ha»»»
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 »»»
Travelling from the UAE? What your travel insurance really covers during regional tensions
Dubai: With airspace disruptions and heightened geopolitical tensions affecting parts of West Asia, travel insurance is back in the spotlight for UAE travellers. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app - it's completely free. Click here for Apple or here for Android. Yo»»»
Dh220m villa deal shakes up Dubai luxury property market
Dubai: Dubai’s property market recorded a major transaction on Thursday with the sale of a luxury villa on the World Islands for Dh220 million, highlighting strong demand and sustained momentum in the emirate’s real estate sector. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Accord»»»
Macron calls on Israel, Hezbollah to stop offensives
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Israel to halt its ground offensive in Lebanon and on Hezbollah to "immediately" stop attacks. "Hezbollah made a major mistake in dragging Lebanon into a confrontation with Israel. It must immediately cease its attack," Macron posted on X. "For its pa»»»
Fake videos, misleading posts about UAE under scrutiny
Dubai: The UAE Public Prosecution has identified misleading and unlawful content circulating on social media platforms, including videos and scenes that occurred outside the country but were falsely attributed to the UAE, a senior prosecutor said. Khalid Al Madhani, Attorney General of the Federal »»»
US launches probe into trading partners including the EU, China and India
The US has launched a new investigation into some of its biggest trading partners after the Supreme Court struck down a key part of President Donald Trump's tariffs policies last month. On Wednesday, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Section 301 unfair trade practices probe could lead»»»
Noma head chef resigns from restaurant amid abuse allegations
The head chef of Noma, one of the highest-rated restaurants in the world, has resigned amid allegations of abuse. René Redzepi announced his exit on social media, saying: "After more than two decades of building and leading this restaurant, I've decided to step away and allow our extraordinary lead»»»
Bird Flu Outbreak Detected at Duck Farm in South Bulgaria
An outbreak of bird flu has been detected at a duck farm in the village of Kasnakovo near Dimitrovgrad, Georgi Iliev, Director of the Regional Food Safety Directorate in Haskovo, told the Bulgarian News Agency. The farm raises around 30,000 Mulards. It is a subsidiary of а poultry farm near the vil»»»
From gamer to coder: Turning screen time into future tech skills
Video game addiction has become increasingly common among youngsters, and many parents are understandably worried. Hours can disappear while levelling up characters, completing quests, and unlocking rewards. Gaming is deeply engaging, but when it begins to overshadow studies, work, and relationship»»»
7 killed, 21 wounded in Israeli strike on Ramlet al-Bayda in Beirut
An Israeli strike on central Beirut's seafront killed at least seven people early on Thursday, another attack in the heart of the capital as Hezbollah launched more missiles at Israel. The Israeli military said separately it had carried out strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs overnight, after Hezb»»»
Agreement for Energy Storage Projects in Romania Signed by Winners Holding Investments, Finas Group and Sieyuan Electric Co., Ltd.
The Cluj-based companies Winners Holding Investments and Finas Group, active investors in the development of renewable energy projects, signed on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sieyuan Electric Co., Ltd. (China), one of the international suppliers of electrical »»»
Romania has over 300,000 prosumers, and pressure on the distribution network is increasing
The number of domestic and small industrial prosumers in Romania has exceeded 300,000, and the dynamics of this phenomenon have been spectacular, stimulated by existing support schemes but also limited by their termination, according to a study conducted by AFEER and coordinated by Viorel Pintea, S»»»
HELLENiQ Renewables launches first solar projects in Romania
HELLENiQ Renewables, the renewable energy subsidiary of HELLENiQ ENERGY, announces the completion and start of commercial operations of two photovoltaic parks in southern Romania, marking a key milestone in the Group’s expansion into the Romanian renewable energy market. The two solar parks, with a»»»
Greenvolt Next delivers 1.32 MW decentralized solar energy for companies in the Moldova region
Greenvolt Next, part of Greenvolt Group, announces the completion of five photovoltaic projects for the commercial and industrial sector in the Moldova region, with a cumulative installed capacity of 1.32 MW. Four of the projects are already operational, while the fifth is in the final phase of imp»»»
EC approves Romanian state aid scheme for electricity storage
The European Commission (EC) has approved a EUR 150 million (RON 764 million) Romanian scheme to support electricity storage, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal, the EC reported in a press statement on Friday.This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero ec»»»