‘Significant long-term opportunities for investors in QSE’
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) closed this week down 1.99 percent, losing 213.34 points to settle at 10,485 points, driven by pressure from six sectors, led by the insurance sector, which suffered the largest losses at 5.64 percent. The telecommunications sector was the only gainer thi»»»
Gold Set for Weekly Drop as Oil Price Surge Weighs on Rate-cut Hopes
Gold prices were on track for a second consecutive weekly drop, despite edging up on Friday, as surging energy prices due to the Middle East war dimmed prospects for near-term US interest rate cuts. Spot gold was up 0.3% at $5,095.55 per ounce, as of 0633 GMT on Friday. US gold futures for April de»»»
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 »»»
US Wants to 'Divide Europe', EU's Kallas Tells FT
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the US wants to "divide Europe" and doesn't "like the European Union" in an interview published by the Financial Times on Friday, after more than a year of turmoil in transatlantic relations. "What I think is actually important for everybody to u»»»
Iran War Raises Concerns Over Impact on Suez Canal Traffic
The Iran war has sparked growing concern in Egypt over its potential impact on navigation through the Suez Canal, one of the country’s most important sources of national income. Experts say the conflict has already begun affecting traffic through the strategic waterway as security risks for ships i»»»
Ex-military judge detained in Kyrgyzstan for extorting $32,000 - | 24.KG
Officers of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS) detained lawyer A.K.A., a former military judge, on suspicion of systematic extortion. The security services reported. According to the investigation, the suspect, using his personal connections and status, organized a schem»»»
20-year-old dies after stabbing in Thessaloniki
A 20-year-old man died in Thessaloniki in northern Greece after an attack late Thursday night, authorities said. The incident occurred in the Kalamaria district, where one or more unidentified individuals allegedly argued with the young man in a dispute believed to be related to sports rivalries. D»»»
A 5.5 quake jolts central Turkey, sending residents into the cold streets
A moderately strong earthquake struck central Turkey on Friday, Turkey’s emergency response said. The tremor sent some residents rushing into the streets but no damage has been reported. The magnitude 5.5 quake was centered in the town of Niksar in Tokat province, at a depth of 6.4 kilometers (4 mi»»»
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»»»
World Bank: Kambarata-1 HPP will strengthen Kyrgyzstan's energy security - | 24.KG
The Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP) construction project is of strategic importance for the energy sector of Kyrgyzstan and all of Central Asia. Hugh Riddell, World Bank Group Country Manager for the Kyrgyz Republic, said at a meeting with Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibraev. The Ministry of Energy»»»
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»»»
Locally misty in morning with occasionally dense clouds over northern coastal areas
Tunis, March 13 (TAP) - Weather conditions on Friday morning will be characterised by local mist and occasionally dense clouds over northern coastal areas, and by scattered rain, extending during the afternoon to the rest of the northern and...»»»
RAF Typhoon jets in action over Bahrain
RAF Typhoon jets have been in action over Bahrain as part of the UK's contribution to the defence of its Gulf Arab allies, the BBC has been told. Two jets out of the four sent to Qatar have been allocated specifically to help Bahrain intercept incoming drones, as the US-Israel war with Iran has ent»»»
US refuelling plane crashes in Iraq, military says
Rescue operations are under way after a US military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, US Central Command (Centcom) has said. Neither hostile nor friendly fire were involved in the downing of the KC-135, which occurred over western Iraq, Centcom said. The tanker had been involved in ongoi»»»
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»»»
Social Monitor: Young Romanians among Europeans who know the fewest foreign languages
Only 73.7% of the young people in Romania aged between 18 and 24 state they know at least on foreign language which places Romania 24th out of 27 member states of the EU, according to the Eurostat data analysed by the Social Monitor, project of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiflung Romania.‘The students in Roma»»»
Fiscal Council: 2026 budget framework compatible with a 6.25% of GDP cash deficit
The Fiscal Council (CF) considers the 2026 budget framework to be compatible with a cash deficit of around 6.25% of GDP, although this assessment does not take into account the possible severe effects of the war in the Middle East or any measures that may be associated with it, according to its opi»»»
Trade balance deficit down 15.5pct, to 2.32 billion euro, in January 2026
The trade balance deficit (FOB/CIF) in January 2026 stood at 2.325 billion euro, down 425.1 million euro (-15.5%) compared with January 2025, according to data the National Institute of Statistics (INS) published on Thursday.According to the INS, in January 2026 FOB exports totalled 6.903 billion e»»»
Gov't approves draft law on state social insurance budget for 2026
The Government approved, during the extraordinary meeting held on Thursday evening, the draft law on the state social insurance budget for 2026.According to a press release from the Executive, the social insurance budget for 2026 is built on total revenues of 159,129.5 million lei, of which 158,743»»»
Net investments in national economy reach 216.45 billion lei in 2025
Net investments in the national economy totalled 216.45 billion lei last year, up 5% compared with 2024, according to data National Institute of Statistics (INS) published on Thursday.Thus, new construction works increased in 2025 by 6.1%, totalling 133.86 billion lei, other investment expenditure »»»
PM Bolojan: If party in coalition dissatisfied with gov't work it may inititate motions of censure
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Thursday evening that if a party in the coalition is dissatisfied with how the coalition or the Government is functioning, it has the possibility to initiate motions of censure, but stressed that regardless of who is prime minister and who is in government, 'poli»»»
INSCOP: 50.4% of Romanians opt for striking a balance between EU, U.S.
A bit over half of Romanians (50.4%) believe that, amid the ongoing tensions between the European Union and the American Administration led by Donald Trump, Romania should strike a balance between the EU and the U.S., according to the Informat.ro Barometer - INSCOP Research, eighth edition, conduct»»»
ORNISS to guarantee protection of classified information generated under the Maritime Multi-Purpose Corvette Programme
The Government approved on Thursday the signing by the National Registry Office for Classified Information (ORNISS) of a Security Assurance document required under the Maritime Multi-Purpose Corvette Programme.According to a press release, the Government approved a memorandum on the signing by the »»»
Hungary's President to visit Targu Secuiesc on Sunday for Day of Hungarians Worldwide
Hungary's President Sulyok Tamas will attend on Sunday, 15 March, the events organised in Targu Secuiesc for the Day of Hungarians Worldwide and the commemoration of the 1848-1849 Revolution, the leadership of the Covasna County Council (CJ) announced on Thursday.According to the quoted source, the»»»
Gov't approves agreement with R. Moldova on coordinated border control
The Government on Thursday approved, through a draft law, the ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Romania and the Government of the Republic of Moldova on the introduction of coordinated controls on Romanian territory, in both directions, at the Falciu (Romania) - Cantemir (Repu»»»
Foreign minister Oana Toiu meets deputy premier for Moldova's reintegration Valeriu Chiveri
Foreign minister Oana Toiu met deputy premier for Moldova's reintegration Valeriu Chiveri. The latter's visit to Bucharest over March 9-10, 2026, is part of the coordination between Romania and Moldva on regional security topics. Minister Toiu reiterated Romania's support for a comprehensive, peace»»»
Ukraine's President Zelensky, meeting with Prime Minister Bolojan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the Victoria Palace on Thursday, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.The two high-ranking officials will have a meeting, with topics on the agenda of the discussions including bilateral and European cooperation, the»»»
DefMin Miruta and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky paid a visit 86th Air Base in Borcea
The Minister of National Defense, Radu Miruta and the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky paid a visit on Thursday to the 86th Air Base "Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociornita", in Borcea, Calarasi County.On this occasion, the two officials met with the staff and cadets of the F-16 Training Ce»»»
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 »»»
Presidents Dan, Zelenskiy discuss new border crossings, attending B9 meeting
Romania's President Nicusor Dan and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed on Thursday in Bucharest opening new border crossings, as well as participation in the upcoming B9 Summit in May in Bucharest."We are also working on opening new border crossings between the two countries. W»»»
Zelensky: Over 700 missiles used in Middle East; Ukraine had not so many in 4 years of war
President Volodymyr Zelensky, present in Bucharest on Thursday, declared that 700 missiles were used in the first two days of the conflict in the Middle East and that his country has not benefited from a similar number of missiles during four years of war.Over 700 missiles in the Middle East were u»»»
President Dan: It is unacceptable for European Council decision on loan to Ukraine to be later challenged
President Nicusor Dan on Thursday said that it is not acceptable for a decision taken by the European Council in the formula of 27 on a loan to Ukraine to be challenged later, noting that Romania will support any kind of legal option to break the deadlock."It is not acceptable that a decision taken»»»
Zelensky: US and over ten other countries ask Ukraine for support in shooting down drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Bucharest on Thursday, said the United States as well as more than ten other countries in Europe and the Middle East have asked Ukraine for assistance in shooting down drones after the war in the Middle East began."Now, after the start of a new war in the»»»
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Iran, an ally of Russia, has supplied hundreds of thousands of shells and drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is on a visit to Bucharest on Thursday, said Iran is an ally of Russia and has supplied it with hundreds of thousands of drones and shells."We know very well how they were launched. The Russians did not have operators. They were from another country, the»»»
Romania, Ukraine sign strategic partnership, other defence, energy collaboration documents
President Nicusor Dan on Thursday received the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, with military honours at the Cotroceni Palace.The official welcoming ceremony took place on the Marinescu Plateau. The national anthems of Ukraine and Romania were played and the Guard of Honour was inspected.A»»»
Annual inflation rate fell to 9.31% in February
”The consumer price index in February 2026 compared to January 2026 was 100.59%. The inflation rate since the beginning of the year (February 2026 compared to December 2025) was 1.5%. The annual inflation rate in February 2026 compared to February 2025 was 9.3%. The average rate of change in consum»»»
Bulgaria’s Fuel Monopoly: Experts Call for Transparency in Lukoil Neftochim Pricing
In Bulgaria, energy experts are calling for greater transparency in fuel pricing, focusing on the role of Lukoil Neftochim, which dominates the country’s oil market. Speaking on Nova TV, Elenko Bozhkov and Ivan Hinovski highlighted the monopoly’s influence and the distortions it creates in fuel cos»»»
Israeli strike targets apartment in Bourj Hammoud's Nabaa
An Israeli strike hit Friday an apartment in the Nabaa neighborhood of Bourj Hammoud. The Israeli army said the strike targeted a member of Hezbollah. "A short while ago, the IDF struck a Hezbollah terrorist in the area of Beirut," the Israeli military said in a statement. On Thursday, strikes hit »»»
North Korea Condemns Japan's Long-Range Missile Deployment - Reports
SEOUL (Sputnik) - North Korea condemns Japan's plans to deploy long-range missiles, warning such moves heighten regional tensions and threaten security, North Korean state-run news agency KCNA reported on Friday. Tokyo has already stationed an upgraded Type-12 anti-ship missile with extended range »»»
Qatar rejects attempts to ‘drive wedge’ with US over gas pause
DOHA: Qatar has rejected claims in sections of Israeli media that it had stopped its LNG production to affect energy prices in the US, calling such accusations an attempt to “drive a wedge” between Qatar and the US. In a statement on Thursday, a senior Qatari official told Al Jazeera that “Qatar wi»»»
London’s Most Urban Riding School Transforms Lives Through Horses
Sandwiched between social housing blocks and busy train tracks in south London is Britain's most urban riding school, where children from disadvantaged backgrounds learn to ride horses as part of a project aimed at improving their well-being. About 160 children each week attend the Ebony Horse Club»»»
Iran Guards Vow ‘Stronger’ Response Than in January if New Protests Erupt
Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the country's military, warned on Friday that any new protests against the authorities would be met with a stronger response than in January, when several thousand people were killed. "The evil enemy, failing to achieve its field battle goals, 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»»»
Stranded UAE residents tell of detours across countries to get back amid US-Israel-Iran war
Dubai: When regional airspace closures swept across the Middle East due to the US-Israel-Iran war at the end of February, thousands of UAE residents found themselves stranded far from home. For some, the journey back meant days on buses through desert highways. For others, it meant hopping across t»»»
MoI says situation stable, all services across sectors operate normally
DOHA: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) stressed that the situation remains stable, with services across vital sectors continuing to operate normally. It added that competent authorities were following developments. This was posted on the ministry's X account. It added that National Warning System ale»»»
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 »»»
U.S. releases emergency oil reserves as Middle East tensions push prices higher
Washington, March 13 (SANA) The United States announced the release of 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve on Monday, aiming to curb rising oil prices amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to global energy supplies, Reuters reported. The move is coordinate»»»
‘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»»»
Abu Dhabi expands autonomous taxi services on Yas Island
The Integrated Transport Centre, an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has expanded commercial operations of Level 4 autonomous taxis on Yas Island, marking another step in the emirate’s push toward smart and sustainable mobility. The initiative is being implemented under »»»