Colombia, Venezuela seek full membership in Mercosur bloc - UPI.com
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said his country and Venezuela plan to submit formal applications to join Mercosur after a meeting in Caracas between delegations from the two governments. File Photo by Ricardo Maldonado Rozo/EPA March 16 (UPI) -- Colombia and Venezuela said they will seek full me»»»
Education Council announces continuation of distance learning in schools, higher education institutions; flexible remote work for federal government caregivers
ABU DHABI: The Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council has announced three regulatory measures aimed at ensuring the continuity of the educational process across the country while safeguarding the safety of students and the wider educational community, in coordination with t»»»
QF adopts advanced tech for virtual learning: Marmolejo
QNA Doha Higher Education President and Education Advisor at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) Francisco Marmolejo has affirmed that the Education City universities have adopted a range of innovative mechanisms and solutions to ensure the student engagement in v»»»
QF student promotesa culture of giving through home initiative
Tribune News Network Doha At a time when students are spending most of their time at home in compliance with state guidelines, student-led initiatives have emerged that seek to use this time in positive and meaningful ways. Jassim Al Musallam, a fourth-grade student at Qatar Academy Msheireb (QAM),»»»
Can energy strength help Gulf economies weather Iran war?
Dubai: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies are facing rising geopolitical risks as tensions with Iran disrupt regional trade and energy markets. Yet economists say the region’s energy strength — including export infrastructure, large reserves and higher oil prices — may help cushion the broade»»»
Al Sadd face Al Arabi tonight as Shamal seek win against Al Duhail
Tribune News Network Doha Leaders Al Sadd face Al Arabi challenge in their round 19 match of the Qatar Stars League to be played at the Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday. Defending champions Al Sadd’s ten-game winning streak was snapped by Umm Salal in the previous round where the Wolves suf»»»
Japan moves early on strategic oil release
Agencies Japan began to release oil from its reserves Monday to alleviate supply concerns that have grown amid the US-Israel war with Iran and stabilize the distribution of petroleum products, taking the step ahead of a planned International Energy Agency-led move. In its first oil release since 20»»»
Indian envoy briefs community on welfare measures
Tribune News Network Doha Ambassador of India to Qatar HE Vipul held another virtual interaction with representatives of Indian community organisations in Qatar to brief them on the steps being undertaken by the Embassy to ensure the welfare and well-being of the Indian diaspora in the current regi»»»
QC’s ‘27th Night Challenge’ raises QR40mn in 3 hours
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Charity (QC) and its partners thanked generous individuals, companies, and banks for their strong support of the “27th Night Challenge,” held under the theme “Warding off Calamity”, on Sunday from 9 p.m. to midnight, coinciding with the 27th night of Ramadan. The eve»»»
Ghada Kofa launches book that teaches children the true meaning of royalty
Tribune News Network Doha Children’s literature has the remarkable ability to plant values quietly yet powerfully in young hearts. In her newest release, ‘The Invisible Crowns’, published by Dar Al Sharq, author Ghada Kofa offers children a timeless lesson: kindness is the truest form of royalty. T»»»
QA to operate limited flights to & from Doha from March 18 to 28
QNA Doha Qatar Airways has announced that it will operate a limited number of flights to and from Doha from March 18 to 28, 2026. In a statement on Monday, the airline said that it continues to suspend part of its operational activities currently in light of the ongoing closure of Qatar’s airspace,»»»
‘Over 90% of incoming threats intercepted’
According to Dr Al Ansari, interception operations have successfully neutralised more than 90 percent of incoming threats. On diplomatic efforts, he said consultations between Qatar and Egypt on Sunday focused on coordination regarding regional developments. He also noted that communication among l»»»
The ‘rules-based order’ has failed in its mission – helping the West do whatever it wants
When European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had to come up with a speech for EU ambassadors, she tried on a punk rock routine similar to the one that scored former central banker and current Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney a standing ovation at Davos. But one key difference made it »»»
Corporate Social Impact Takes Centre Stage at Annual Responsible Business Awards 2025
The winners in the 2025 Annual Responsible Business Awards were announced by the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum here on Monday. The awards marked the 23rd edition of the national competition for corporate social responsibility, sustainable development and diversity. Awards in the individual categ»»»
How Poland rose as world's 20th-biggest economy
POZNAN, Poland (AP): A generation ago, Poland rationed sugar and flour while its citizens were paid one-tenth what West Germans earned. Today its economy has edged past Switzerland to become the world’s 20th largest with over $1 trillion in annual output. It’s a historic leap from the post-Communis»»»
Trump border patrol chief Gregory Bovino to retire
US Border Patrol leader Gregory Bovino, who became the leading public face of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, has announced he is retiring. Bovino led operations in Democratic-led cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and in Minneapolis, where federal agents shot and killed two US c»»»
Hungary announces oil pipeline deal amid feud with Ukraine
Hungary is set to sign a deal with neighboring Slovakia on building a new bilateral oil pipeline, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has announced. Budapest and Bratislava have been caught in an escalating feud with Ukraine and the EU over Russian oil deliveries being blocked by Kiev. The row centers»»»
Tennessee tens sue Musk's xAI for allowing Grok to undress them - UPI.com
A group of teens in Tennessee are suing xAI for allowing Grok to undress them in their Instagram photos. File Phot by Fazry Ismail/EPA March 16 (UPI) -- A group of Tennessee teens and one adult sued Elon Musk's xAI on Monday for allowing it to undress them creating child pornography. The teens alle»»»
Advisor to Prime Minister says stopping Iranian attacks requires clear decision, not investigative committees
Doha: The State of Qatar has said that Iran must take "a clear decision" to stop attacks on the countries of the region, rejecting suggestions that investigations or joint teams are needed to address the issue. Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' weekly media briefing, Advisor to the Prime»»»
Two charged in death of anti-Iranian regime activist in Canada
Canadian officials have charged two people with murder in what they have called a "targeted incident" that led to the death of an Iranian regime critic, generating widespread concern in the Canadian-Iranian community. The remains of Masood Masjoody, 45, a former university math instructor, were fou»»»
European countries decline participation in military operations in Strait of Hormuz
Capitals, March 16 (SANA) – Several European countries have signaled they will not participate in military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing tensions in the region and calls by the United States to form a coalition to secure shipping through the strategic waterway. Greece announced i»»»
Trump says Hezbollah 'rapidly being eliminated'
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated that Hezbollah is a "big problem," while noting that "they're rapidly being eliminated" in the ongoing war with Israel. "Hezbollah is a problem. It's been a problem for a long time, not just now," Trump said in response to a reporter's question. The »»»
Socialist Party Condemns Opposition Boycott of Iran Terrorism Resolution
The head of Albania’s Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, criticized the Democratic Party’s (PD) decision to boycott Tuesday’s plenary session. Balla said the session will vote on an urgent draft resolution to declare Iran a state sponsor of terrorism, calling it a priority for Alba»»»
Syria, Financial Action Task Force to boost anti-Fraud cooperation
Vienna, Mar. 16 (SANA) A delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic, headed by Central Bank Governor, Abdelkader Husrieh, met on Monday in Vienna with President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Elisa Madrazo, on the sidelines of the Global Anti-Fraud Summit 2026. The two sides discussed means»»»
Rising Chinese energy demand reshapes global oil and gas supply routes
Capitals, March 16 (SANA) – China’s growing demand for energy is increasingly influencing global oil and gas supply routes, as Beijing moves to diversify imports and reduce reliance on vulnerable maritime chokepoints amid rising geopolitical tensions. Security concerns in the Middle East—particular»»»
'My mother cried out one last time': Palestinian boy, 12, describes how Israeli forces killed his family in car
In the few moments of silence after the shootings, before he was dragged from the family car, 12-year-old Khaled Bani Odeh thought he was the only member of his family left alive. Seconds before, his parents and two youngest brothers had been shot dead through the windscreen by Israeli forces, as t»»»
Egypt to offer seawater desalination plants to private sector for operation, maintenance
Randa El-Menshawy, Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, has directed that a number of seawater desalination plants be offered to specialised local private-sector companies to undertake operation and maintenance activities, as part of the state’s efforts to improve operation»»»
Tourism Minister discusses boosting arrivals, investment opportunities in South Sinai
Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, began his visit to Sharm El-Sheikh with a meeting with Ismail Kamal, Governor of South Sinai, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and further support the tourism sector in the governorate. The meeting addressed a number of issues of m»»»
EU, Egypt work jointly to de-escalate regional tensions: Ambassador Eichhorst
Angelina Eichhorst, Ambassador of the European Union to Egypt, said the European Union is working closely with Egypt to help preserve regional stability and support efforts to de-escalate tensions. Her remarks came in press statements on the sidelines of the World Water Day 2026 event. Eichhorst th»»»
Egypt’s FM reaffirms solidarity with Oman during Muscat visit
Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty met Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, in Muscat as part of a regional tour aimed at addressing escalating tensions in the Middle East and supporting efforts to reduce conflict in the region. During the meeting, Abdelatty conveyed greetings from Eg»»»
Iranian cluster munitions hit Israel as Gulf tensions threaten global energy flows
The military confrontation involving the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other entered its 17th day, with missile strikes and air raids intensifying across the region and raising international concern over the potential impact on Gulf security and global energy supplies. Iran’s»»»
From water hyacinth to opportunity: EU initiative helps Egyptian women weave new futures
Along the quiet canals branching from the Nile River in Egypt, thick clusters of water hyacinth drift across the surface. For years, the fast-growing plant has been viewed largely as a nuisance; clogging irrigation channels and complicating farmers’ work. But for a group of Egyptian women, the plan»»»
MSMEDA directs EGP 18.7bn in financing to 934,000 women-led projects over 11 years
Bassel Rahmy, CEO of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA), said the agency has directed 45% of its total financing between July 2014 and December 2025 to projects owned or managed by women, amounting to EGP 18.7bn. According to Rahmy, the financing supported around 934»»»
Israel Steps up Campaign in Lebanon, as Iran Keeps Stranglehold on Shipping
The war in the Middle East raged on multiple fronts on Monday, as the US and Israel pummeled military targets in Iran’s capital, Israel stepped up its campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran retaliated with a drone strike that temporarily forced the closure of Dubai’s airport, a »»»
Middle East War ‘Not a Matter for NATO’, Says Germany’s Merz
Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday said the war in the Middle East started by US-Israeli strikes on Iran was "not a matter for NATO" and Germany would not be taking part in it. "It has been clear at all times that this war is not a matter for NATO," Merz said, adding that the US and Israel "did no»»»
North Korea launches rockets amid U.S. asset redeployment - UPI.com
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (R) and his daughter Kim Ju Ae watching a live feed of a strategic cruise missile test-fire from the naval Destroyer Choe Hyon at an undisclosed location in North Korea, 10 March 2026 (issued 11 March 2026). According to KCNA, the test aimed to verify the reliability»»»
UAE cyber security council warns of risks from unsecured surveillance cameras
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Cyber Security Council has urged individuals, families and organisations to remain vigilant against cyber threats that may target surveillance cameras, warning that poorly secured devices can become gateways for cyberattacks. In an awareness campaign, the council said surveillanc»»»
Israel Army Says Ground Assault Against Hezbollah Underway in Lebanon
The Israeli military said on Monday it was carrying out what it described as "limited" ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with its defense minister warning that those displaced would not return home until northern Israel was secure. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war o»»»
Why Iranian Drones Are Hard to Stop
Cheap and deadly, Iranian-designed Shahed drones have inflicted major damage in the Middle East war, and have anti-jamming and other capabilities that make them difficult to stop. - Offline navigation - Designed to explode on impact, Shahed drones connect to GPS to register their location shortly b»»»
Sheikh Khalifa Int’l Road E11 to be partially closed from March 17 to April 23
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility) has announced a partial road closure on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road (E11) near Al Mirfa in the Al Dhafra region as part of ongoing traffic and infrastructure management works. According to the authority, three left lanes heading towards Al»»»
Mapping Global Oil Lifelines
On February 28, the US and Israel struck targets in Iran, prompting Iranian retaliation against Israeli territory and US military facilities in the region. The escalating conflict later let to the halted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for Persian Gulf oil and LNG, disrupting regio»»»
Iran war: Why gold prices are not soaring?
BusinessGlobal issuesIran war: Why gold prices are not soaring?Dirk KaufmannGold is typically seen as a safe haven, especially in times of war and other crises. Notwithstanding the ongoing war in Iran, the price is steady. What's driving the stability? https://p.dw.com/p/5AULKGold is likely to rema»»»
Syrian delegation participates in anti-fraud conference at UN headquarters in Vienna
Vienna, March 16 (SANA) A delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic headed by Central Bank Governor Abdelkader Husrieh participated in the Global Anti-Fraud Summit 2026 at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna, aimed at engaging in international efforts to combat financial crimes and exchange expe»»»
China Warns Trump's Latest Tariff Moves Could Damage Trade Ties
China warned Monday that US President Donald Trump's latest tariff moves could harm the countries' trade relationship, at the end of high-level talks in Paris. Li Chenggang, China’s international trade representative, said the Chinese side had expressed serious concern about trade investigations in»»»
Iranian drone strike sets stategically key UAE oil trading hub on fire - UPI.com
Iran stepped up its targeting of Gulf neighbors, attacking and setting on fire a fuel tank close to Dubai International Airport, forcing flights to be suspended, and the key Fujairah oil export hub on the UAE's east coast, on the supposed "safe" side of Strait of Hormuz. Photo by Stringer/EPA March»»»
Afghan asylum-seeker who helped U.S. military dies in ICE custody - UPI.com
An Afghan immigrant and father of six died in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Saturday, less than 24 hours after being detained. File Photo by Craig Lassig/UPI | License Photo March 16 (UPI) -- An Afghan father of six died in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs En»»»
Colorado JBS meat packing plant goes on strike - UPI.com
The JBS meat processing plant in Greeley, Colo., went on strike Monday demanding higher wages and safer working conditions. File Photo by Bill Greenblat/UPI | License Photo March 16 (UPI) -- Workers at a JBS plant in Greeley, Colo., went on strike Monday morning, demanding higher wages and safer wo»»»
Israel starts ground operation in Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced that its troops launched a ground offensive against Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon on Monday. The operations are said to be aimed at increasing security for residents of northern Israel. In a statement on X, the IDF explained that the “limited »»»
Syria and UN discuss energy sector cooperation
Damascus, March 16 (SANA) Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir met with Nathalie Fustier, acting UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, to discuss priority issues in the country’s energy sector, the ministry said. According to a statement posted on the ministry’s Telegram channel, the mee»»»
Systems of Health Insurance Fund, Council on Medicinal Products Prices Now Connected
The systems of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the National Council on Prices and Reimbursement of Medicinal Products (NCPRMP) are now connected, the Health Ministry reported Monday. The two systems will exchange data in real time. The integration was carried out by Information Servic»»»