Fake Images, Videos in Wartime: How to Tell Fact from Deepfakes
As tensions escalate across several fronts in the Middle East, information is spreading almost as quickly as the events themselves. Social media platforms are often the first place where images, videos, and reports of alleged attacks or military developments appear. But alongside legitimate informa»»»
The World This Week - Iran: A 'Nepo-Ayatollah', the 'Hubris trap" & the costs of a "very complete war"
It’s been a week that’s seen a new Ayatollah proclaimed in Iran. Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei, has not been seen in public and is believed to be in hiding after reportedly being injured in the same strike that killed his father. State television showed crowd»»»
'Hate-watch classic' War of the Worlds sweeps Razzie Awards
Last year's War of the Worlds – starring Ice Cube as a man who must save humanity from an alien invasion without leaving his desk – has swept the board at this year's Razzie Awards, for the worst films of 2025. As Hollywood gears up to honour the year's best films at the Oscars on Sunday, the Prime»»»
EXCLUSIVE: Cyprus acts as a “third force” in EU sanctions extension vote
EU presidency chair Cyprus has changed its stance on lifting EU sanctions on Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and now opposes it due to historical disputes with Turkey, a bne IntelliNews source familiar with the Coreper discussions in the EU on March 13. »»»
Air travel disruption: Chemical odour stops flights at four US airports
Washington: Four airports serving Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, Virginia, halted all flights on Friday evening for over an hour because of a strong chemical smell that was impeding air traffic controllers, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The ground stop affected Ronald»»»
Australia announces first day of Eid Al Fitr
The Australian Fatwa Council has announced that Ramadan 1447AH will conclude on Thursday, March 19, making Friday, March 20 the first day of Eid Al Fitr and the start of Shawwal 1447AH. The decision follows careful consultation with local and international moon observatories, using calculations of »»»
World’s richest nations ranked by natural resources — where Iran, US, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, China, India, Congo and the Philippines stand
In an era where energy security and mineral dominance shape international alliances, a fresh compilation of data has unveiled the world's wealthiest nations — not by GDP, but by the staggering value of their untapped natural resources. Drawing from authoritative sources like the World Bank, IMF, an»»»
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 »»»
There Is Such a People Floor Leader Yordanov Sees No Issue With Bulgaria Joining Trump’s Board of Peace
There is no problem with Bulgaria joining US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, There Is Such a People (TISP) Floor Leader Toshko Yordanov said in a television interview on Friday. Asked whether that support was linked to a wish of MRF Chair Delyan Peevski, Yordanov said Peevski could decide »»»
Austrian glaciers disintegrating due to climate change, say scientists
Scientists are warning that glaciers in the Austrian Alps are not just shrinking, but are disintegrating, because of climate change. The latest report on glaciers by the Austrian Alpine Club say they "continue to shrink dramatically in length, area and volume". "Many glaciers are not only shrinking»»»
Australian man convicted of selling info to possible Chinese spies - UPI.com
March 13 (UPI) -- An Australian businessman was found guilty Friday of selling information to two people believed to be Chinese spies. Alexander Csergo, 59, was convicted of reckless foreign interference in a Sydney court after compiling reports for two people he knew as Ken and Evelyn in Shanghai »»»
Argentina expands pistachio production amid rising global demand - UPI.com
pistachios are experiencing strong popularity in multiple markets. Consumption as a snack continues to grow steadily, while their use in ice cream, chocolate and baked goods is becoming more common. File Photo by Ali Haider/EPA BUENOS AIRES, March 13 (UPI) -- Pistachio cultivation is expanding rapi»»»
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»»»
Main suspect in Thessaloniki stabbing surrenders to police
The main suspect in Thursday’s fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, has turned himself in to police. Authorities had been searching for the 23-year-old suspect since early Friday after gathering evidence that placed him at the scene of the deadly clash. His home is locate»»»
US eases oil sanctions, boosting Russia
BusinessUS eases oil sanctions, boosting RussiaArthur SullivanThe US has further eased sanctions on Russian oil in an attempt to bring soaring energy prices down. The news is a huge boost to the Kremlin, just when it needed one. https://p.dw.com/p/5AM3iA tanker carrying Russian oil, pictured on Jan»»»
Geagea: Hezbollah an Iranian faction, Iran playing its last card
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said Friday in an interview with Al-Arabiya's Al-Hadath channel that "Hezbollah is an Iranian faction present in Lebanon." He added: "Iran has directly transferred the battle to Lebanon, and I believe that the situation in the Gulf and in Iran is not comfortable.»»»
As Iran regime change hopes fade, Netanyahu faces political test
There is a new and concerted effort from Israel's military and political leaders to frame the achievements of the Iran war as having changed the Middle East, even without the regime change in Tehran that Israel's prime minister has focused on. Benjamin Netanyahu has spent decades preparing for this»»»
EU divided on Iran war: Energy fears and security risks escalate across Europe
The EU is facing a dilemma that could define its role in the escalating confrontation with Iran. Supporting Washington’s military campaign may strengthen transatlantic unity, but it also risks dragging the continent into a conflict that could trigger severe economic and energy consequences for the »»»
'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»»»
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»»»
Trump Claims US Has 'Virtually Unlimited' Ammunition, Operations Could Continue 'Forever'
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump claimed on Friday the Pentagon has "virtually unlimited" stocks of ammunition allowing the military to continue operations against Iran for as long as required. "We're hitting them very hard. We have unlimited ammunition ... We have virtually unlimit»»»
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»»»
BSP-United Left: Parliament Obliging Cabinet to Submit Ratification Bill Is Usurpation of Authority
BSP - United Left Floor Leader Nataliya Kiselova Thursday said that it is not permissible for the National Assembly, through its own act, to oblige he Government to submit a bill for ratification. She was speaking during the debate before Parliament's vote to instruct the caretaker Cabinet to submi»»»
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»»»
U.S. to probe 60 economies for allowing import of forced labor goods - UPI.com
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer speaks during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the 2026 budget for the Office of the Trade Representative in December. His department just announced investigations into 60 economies for allowing trade from countries with forced labor. File Photo »»»
Special Flights Authority former official sentenced to five years imprisonment and US$ 13 million fine for Antonov engines corruption
Libya’s oversight entity, the Administrative Control Authority (ACA), reported yesterday that the Tripoli Court of Appeal issued its judgment on 16 February 2026, finding former Director General of Libya’s Executive Authority for Special Flights (which refers to itself in English as the EACS for sh»»»
Australia orders non-essential staff to leave Lebanon over security concerns
Canberra, Mar 13, 2026 (SANA) Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced on Friday that Australia has asked its non-essential officials in Lebanon to leave the country due to the deteriorating security situation in the region. According to Reuters, Wong said that a limited number of officials»»»
Foreign Ministry Constantly Monitors Global Developments in View of Conflicts, Minister Says
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is constantly monitoring global developments with regard to international military conflicts, said Minister Nadezhda Neynski at a briefing with caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov on Friday. Neynski assured that appropriate measures are taken when necessary. She sa»»»
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:»»»
Watch: Mario Day event in New York draws 270 people dressed as Mario - UPI.com
March 12 (UPI) -- A GameStop store in New York gathered 270 people in Mario costumes to attempt a world record and celebrate the Nintendo character's holiday. The GameStop store located in Manhattan's Union Square counted 270 participants at its event on Tuesday, which was known as Mario Day due to»»»
Israel expands strikes on Lebanon, cuts bridge over Litani river
Beirut: Israel expanded its strikes in Lebanon on Friday, targeting multiple areas including a bridge over the Litani river that it said Hezbollah had been using as a passageway for its fighters. The raids came after Israel threatened to also carry out a ground operation to disarm Hezbollah if the »»»
All But 2 of Austria's 96 Glaciers Have Retreated Over Last 2 Years
All but two of Austria’s 96 glaciers have retreated over the last two years, monitors in the Alpine country reported Friday, saying the “dramatic development” highlights the impact of climate change. The latest report from the Austrian Alpine Club shows the Alpeiner Ferner in the western Tyrol regi»»»
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, »»»
Russia Says It Doesn't See Iran Crisis Reducing US Interest in Ukraine Peace Talks
Russia is not concerned at this point that the Iran crisis will reduce US interest in mediating peace talks on Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. "No, there are no such concerns at this time; our contacts with our American counterparts provide no grounds for such dou»»»
Birth rate drops sharply in northern part of Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
The birth rate has sharply declined in northern regions of Kyrgyzstan. Nurgul Ibraeva, head of the Department for the Organization of Medical Care and Pharmaceutical Policy, said at a joint meeting of two deputy groups. She was responding to a question from MP Zhumabek Salymbekov about the current »»»
Australia orders all 'non-essential' officials to leave Lebanon
Australia has ordered all non-essential officials in Lebanon to leave, Canberra's foreign minister said Friday, after issuing the same command to diplomats in Israel and the United Arab Emirates. In a post on X, top diplomat Penny Wong said they had been ordered to depart due to the "deteriorating »»»
‘The UAE is my only home’: Why residents fought to return during flight disruptions
We rarely articulate our love for home, not unless someone asks. Most of the time, the feeling resides in the background of our lives, built from years of routine and small, ordinary moments: Greeting the familiar faces at the grocery store, wandering through the neighbourhood park, stopping to pla»»»
Australia minister warns against 'dangerous' price gouging of fuel
Sydney, Australia: Australia's energy minister warned on Friday against "dangerous" price gouging of petrol as he relaxed rules on how much fuel companies needed to hold in stock in a bid to boost supply. The country -- reliant on oil imports for fuel -- has seen petrol prices spike due to panic bu»»»
One-Fifth of Australian Teens Still Use TikTok, Snapchat After Social Media Ban
One-fifth of Australian teenagers under 16 were still using social media two months after the country banned platforms from allowing minors, industry data showed, raising questions about the effectiveness of their age-gating methods. The number of 13-to-15-year-olds using TikTok and Snapchat, among»»»
Israelis Demand Netanyahu Clarify War’s Exit Strategy
Growing public unease in Israel over the war with Iran has prompted mounting calls for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to clarify the conflict’s objectives and trajectory. The demands follow conflicting statements about when the war might end, coupled with Netanyahu’s continued refusal to answer »»»
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»»»
Mission accomplished? The 2003 boast that haunts today's Iran conflict
On 9 April 2003 a statue of the leader of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, was pulled down in the centre of Baghdad. The metal plaque at the base of the statue was torn off and the statue's marble plinth attacked with a sledgehammer. Iraqi civilians initially tried to pull it down, scaling the statue to secur»»»
President Dan: Romania is safe and will be even safer once U.S. capabilities are in country
Romania was safe, is safe and once U.S. capabilities, equipment and troops are in the country, it will be even safer, President Nicusor Dan said on Thursday."Romania was safe, Romania is safe and once the U.S. capabilities, equipment and troops are in Romania, Romania will be even safer. So, it is »»»
Australia orders all ‘non-essential’ officials to leave Lebanon
Sydney: Australia has ordered all non-essential officials in Lebanon to leave, Canberra’s foreign minister said Friday, after issuing the same command to diplomats in Israel and the United Arab Emirates. In a post on X, top diplomat Penny Wong said they had been ordered to depart due to the “deteri»»»
TAQA investors approve new board and multi-year dividend plan
Dubai: Shareholders of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company confirmed a new board of directors at the company’s annual general assembly, marking a leadership update at one of the region’s largest listed utilities groups while approving dividends that will return around Dh5 billion to investors. Sign u»»»
Australia Orders All 'Non-essential' Officials to Leave Lebanon
Australia has ordered all non-essential officials in Lebanon to leave, Canberra's foreign minister said Friday, after issuing the same command to diplomats in Israel and the United Arab Emirates. In a post on X, top diplomat Penny Wong said they had been ordered to depart due to the "deteriorating »»»
‘The UAE is my only home’: Why residents fought to return during flight disruptions
We rarely articulate our love for home, not unless someone asks. Most of the time, the feeling resides in the background of our lives, built from years of routine and small, ordinary moments: Greeting the familiar faces at the grocery store, wandering through the neighbourhood park, stopping to pla»»»
About 9,000 US citizens choose to remain in UAE despite evacuation offer
Dubai: Around 9,000 American citizens living in the United Arab Emirates have chosen to remain in the country despite offers from the US government to arrange charter evacuation flights, the US State Department has said. In a statement issued by Dylan Johnson, Assistant Secretary of State for Globa»»»
Oil surge and rising yields stall global gold rally, Dubai prices edge lower
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai moved slightly lower on Friday morning, extending a period of volatile trading that has shaped the precious metals market over the past two weeks. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and India.) Sign up for »»»