Zelensky seeking to ‘punish’ Slovakia for peace aspirations – Fico
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky will never restore oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, which serves as the key artery for delivering Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said. He has rebuked the EU for its reluctance to exert sufficient pressure on Kiev to unlo»»»
Justice Ministry calls for coordination to reactivate humanitarian law committee
Tunis, March 16 (WAT) – The Ministry of Justice has confirmed, in response to a written question from MP Najlaa Lahiani regarding the reactivation of the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law (NCIHL), that restoring the committee...»»»
OECD: Ensuring fiscal sustainability, improving competitiveness, and boosting employment are essential for Romania
The OECD’s economic survey of Romania projects that GDP growth will reach 1.0% this year, before rising to 2.2% next year, following 0.7% growth last year. Inflation is expected to remain high, at 6.6% in 2026, before falling to 3.0% in 2027, as the impact of previous fiscal measures fades. “Romani»»»
‘Not NATO’s war’: Germany, UK push back on Trump pressure over Hormuz
Germany and the United Kingdom have pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s call for NATO to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz during the escalating war with Iran, stressing that the conflict is not a mission for the alliance. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s spokesman said Monday that the»»»
Creed to Sinners: Michael B Jordan's road to Oscars recognition
Across more than a decade, Michael B Jordan and director Ryan Coogler have built one of Hollywood's most productive creative partnerships. Their collaborations have given audiences Creed and Black Panther, and now their latest film, Sinners, has delivered the biggest moment yet. The vampire horror »»»
8 arrested after fans threaten journalists at Thessaloniki soccer match
Police have arrested eight suspects following an incident at a soccer match in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, where a group of fans threatened journalists covering the game from the press stands. The confrontation occurred Sunday at Toumba Stadium during a Greek Super League match between PAOK and »»»
UK won't commit soldiers to a war without 'legal basis' amid Trump threats
US President Donald Trump has warned allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, and that refusal would mean NAto would face a 'very bad' future. Addressing the war, the British Prime Minister point blank rejected the threat, saying the UK would not commit to a war unless it had a clear objective a»»»
Interior Ministry: 80,884 Recorded Crimes in 2025, Down From Previous Years
Bulgaria recorded 80,884 crimes in 2025, including 70,075 offences against individuals and property and 10,809 economic crimes, according to a written reply by Interior Minister Emil Dechev to a question from Ivaylo Shotev MP of Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria. The data show a 4% decrease»»»
Trump may delay state visit if China doesn't help defend Hormuz Strait - UPI.com
U.S. President Donald Trump warned he may postpone an upcoming trip to China for a summit with President Xi Jinping if China doesn't agree to help defend the Strait of Hormuz. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo March 16 (UPI) -- U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to postpone an upcoming »»»
Is this product 'human-made'? The race to establish an AI-free logo
Organisations worldwide are racing to develop a universally recognised label for "human-made" products and services as part of the growing backlash against AI use. Declarations like "Proudly Human", "Human-made", '"No A.I" and "AI-free" are appearing across films, marketing, books and websites. It »»»
Fears of energy crisis rise as Iran keeps stranglehold on shipping and hits Dubai airport
Fears of a global energy crisis rose Monday as the war in the Middle East raged on, with more U.S.-Israeli strikes on the Iranian capital and Israel's bombardment of Lebanon. An Iranian drone strike temporarily shut Dubai's airport, a crucial global travel hub, underscoring the threats to the world»»»
Dubai drivers warned some parking fees may apply during Eid
Dubai: Dubai motorists planning to rely on free parking during the upcoming Eid holiday may need to double-check signage at certain locations after a private parking operator said charges could still apply in some areas. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Parking operator»»»
'One Battle of Another' wins big at Oscars 2026 as Michael B. Jordan and Jessie Buckley rewarded
Paul Thomas Anderson’s 'One Battle After Another' was crowned best picture at the 98th Academy Awards, handing Hollywood’s top honor to a comic, multi-generational American »»»
'One Battle After Another' dominates Oscars
Hollywood, United States: "One Battle After Another" triumphed at the Oscars on Sunday, winning six awards, including the coveted best picture statuette, besting "Sinners" in a thrilling finale to one of the most competitive awards seasons in recent years. Director Paul Thomas Anderson personally w»»»
Krunic/Danilina lose in Indian Wells final
INDIAN WELLS - The Serbian-Kazakh duo of Aleksandra Krunic and Anna Danilina lost 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 to the US-Czech pair of Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova in the women's doubles final at the Indian Wells tournament on Saturday. Townsend and Siniakova won after an hour and 34 minutes of play. E»»»
Trump claims Iran victory but warns Nato on Hormuz security
Dubai: Just a week ago, US President Donald Trump suggested Britain did not need to send ships to the Middle East, saying the United States had already “won” the war with Iran. Now the tone appears to have shifted. Trump is urging allies — including Nato partners, Britain and even China — to help r»»»
Japan not currently mulling maritime ops despite Trump pressure over Hormuz
Tokyo: Japan said Monday it was not currently thinking about ordering maritime security operations, after US President Donald Trump called for other countries to send warships to help protect the Strait of Hormuz. "In the current Iran situation, we are not at the moment considering issuing a mariti»»»
S. Korean currency slips to fresh 17-yr low against U.S. dollar amid Iran crisis - UPI.com
This photo, taken Monday, shows the trading room of Hana Bank in central Seoul as the South Korean won fell to a 17-year low against the U.S. dollar amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Photo by Yonhap The South Korean currency fell to a 17-year low against the U.S. dollar Monday as global »»»
Lee congratulates Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters' on winning Academy Awards - UPI.com
Michelle L.M. Wang, Chris Appelhans, and Maggie King celebrate after winning Best Animated Feature for "Kpop Demon Hunters" during the 98th annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo President Lee Jae Myung congratulated Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunters" o»»»
Security Protocols and Responsible Gaming Practices in Online Casinos
In an age where digital interaction is the norm, the integrity and safety of online platforms have become paramount. From banking to social media, we entrust our sensitive information to myriad websites and applications daily. The online casino industry is no exception, facing the dual challenge of»»»
Francis Ngannou buys an ultra-luxury Palm Jumeirah residence
Dubai: Former UFC heavyweight champion and professional boxer Francis Ngannou has purchased a five-bedroom residence at Armani Beach Residences on Palm Jumeirah in one of the latest high-value property deals in Dubai’s luxury market. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Dev»»»
AI is already answering your bank and telecom queries in the UAE
Dubai: Artificial intelligence is already playing a major role in how customers interact with banks, telecom providers and airlines in the UAE, often operating quietly behind the scenes while human agents step in only when necessary. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Ind»»»
Majid Al Futtaim posts record profit in milestone year
Dubai: Majid Al Futtaim delivered its strongest financial performance to date in 2025, reporting record profit growth and a stronger balance sheet as the company marked three decades of operations across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & »»»
Experts urge caution on Trump call for Hormuz deployment - UPI.com
The Dae Jo Yeong, a 4,400-ton South Korean destroyer, departs a naval base for the Gulf of Aden; in Busan, South Korea. File. Photo YONHAP / EPA March 15 (Asia Today) -- South Korean experts said Sunday that any response to U.S. President Donald Trump's call for allied naval deployments to the Stra»»»
Evidence shows US behind missile attack on Iran’s Minab girls’ school
The US-Israeli war on Iran opened with massive strikes on urban centers, the assassination of the country’s supreme leader and his family, and the brutal slaying of more than 160 children at a girls’ elementary school in Minab. As more information about the bombing has come to light, discussion has»»»
Over 100 non-Arab Muslims attend Itikaf activities
Doha, Qatar: The activities of the last ten nights Itikaf during Ramadan commenced at the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, with the participation of more than 120 non-Arabic speaking Muslims representing eight different communities. The Itikaf aims to educate and raise aw»»»
Dubai gold prices slip to monthly low amid global market swings
Dubai: Gold prices in Dubai slipped to their lowest level this month on Monday morning, giving buyers a brief window of relief after several weeks of elevated prices driven by global market turmoil. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, »»»
Japan weighs options to protect vessels in Strait of Hormuz
Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, said on March 16 that the government is considering measures within its legal constraints to ensure the safety of Japanese-linked vessels and their crews in the Middle East amid the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, Kyodo News reports. »»»
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»»»
Fidesz and Tisza flex muscles, mobilise hundreds of thousands in last big rallies before election
Hungary’s two leading political blocs, Fidesz and the Tisza Party, held mass rallies on March 15 in a prominent display of power, widely seen as a measure of their capacity to rally voters ahead of the April 12 elections. Prime Minister Viktor Orban vowed to keep Hungary "an island of security and »»»
Doha Equestrian Tour wraps up local competitions at Al Shaqab
Doha, Qatar: The Doha Equestrian Tour wrapped up its three-day local show jumping competitions at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab on Saturday night, showcasing top-level performances from more than 120 riders and 240 horses. Total prize money for the tour exceeded QR490,000. The tour opened with th»»»
Peso hits record low against UAE dirham as oil shock rattles currency
Dubai: The Philippine peso fell to a record low against the UAE dirham on Monday morning, reflecting mounting pressure on emerging market currencies amid volatile energy markets and growing global uncertainty. (Check live forex rates here) Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balanc»»»
Romanian-American Director Natalie Musteata wins Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film
The 2026 Academy Awards delivered a rare moment in the history of the Academy when the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film was awarded in a tie, with both The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva receiving the prize. For Romanian audiences, the news carries particular significance: one of the»»»
Top looks as stars bring glamour to Oscars red carpet
Hollywood, United States: Hollywood's best and brightest stars on Sunday hit the red carpet for the 98th Academy Awards, the movie industry's biggest night. Here are some of the top looks: Spring hues Pops of spring color were a welcome sight on the red carpet. Jessie Buckley at the 98th Oscars at »»»
Trump Pressures NATO, China over Iran's Closure of Key Waterway
President Donald Trump urged NATO partners and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical conduit for crude that Iran has effectively closed, as major economic players began releasing oil reserves on Monday to ward off supply disruptions. Global oil prices have surged by 40 to 50 perce»»»
How Ukraine's drone defence model can help Gulf states
As Iranian Shahed drones continue to strike targets across the Middle East amidst the raging war with Israel and the US that has stretched regional air defences to their limits, Ukraine has quietly emerged as an unlikely but highly relevant source of expertise. President Volodymyr Zelensky has anno»»»
Oscars 2026: Here are all the moments you didn't see on TV
It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. While movie magic plays a role in the show itself (the ceremony, after all, is actually hosted at the Dolby Theatre in a shopping centre), there is a lot you don't see on»»»
Russia wins three more golds at Paralympics
Russian cross-country skier Anastasia Bagiyan has won gold in the 20 km individual start race for visually impaired athletes at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, becoming a three-time champion at the Games in Italy. The 24-year-old earlier won the sprint and the 10 km classical race. This year’s Games a»»»
In France's municipal elections, 2027 presidential race looms large
France holds municipal elections on Sunday – including for the mayor of Paris – less than a year before the 2027 presidential vote, with some candidates looking to use the polls as a springboard for higher office. The votes will be held in two rounds on consecutive Sundays, with the secon»»»
French far right eyes Marseille upset after strong showing in mayoral elections
Candidates for the far-right National Rally posted strong results in the first round of France’s municipal elections on Sunday, winning several races outright and polling neck-and-neck with the incumbent left in Marseille, in the last major test of the French public mood ah»»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
COMMENT: whoever wins control of the Straits of Hormuz will control half of China's oil flow
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz is underway, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. Whoever wins will control half of China’s flow of oil. One unstated objective of Washington’s fore»»»