From bats to bonds: Uganda's 'cricket grannies'
Jinja, Uganda: Giggles and songs ripple across a field in rural eastern Uganda where elderly women swing cricket bats as a way to reshape what ageing, health and sports can look like in later life. The so-called "cricket grannies" are bound together by a growing love of a game they initially knew n»»»
Group claims arson attack on Czech defense facility linked to Israel’s Elbit Systems
An anti-Zionist group has claimed responsibility for a fire at a warehouse belonging to a defense firm linked to Israel’s Elbit Systems in the Czech Republic. The Earthquake Faction, which describes itself as “an internationalist underground network,” posted a video purportedly showing the arson at»»»
Israel bombs Beirut's southern suburbs and south Lebanon
The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes on Beirut's southerb suburbs, claiming to target Iran-backed Hezbollah early Saturday, while Lebanese state media reported strikes in the country's south. In a brief statement on Saturday, the Israeli military said its forces were "currently s»»»
Iran Says Its Natanz Nuclear Facility Has Been Hit in an Airstrike as War in Middle East Enters Week 4
Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility was hit in an airstrike on Saturday, the official Iranian news agency Mizan reported. There was no radiation leakage, it said, as the war in the Middle East entered its fourth week. Natanz, Iran’s main enrichment site, was hit in the first week of the war a»»»
Trump’s Peace Board Hands Hamas Disarmament Proposal, Sources Say
Donald Trump's Board of Peace has presented Hamas with a written proposal on how it could lay down its weapons, two sources said, a step the Palestinian movement has thus far refused to take as the US president pushes on with his plan for Gaza's future. The proposal, first reported by NPR, was subm»»»
Louise Minchin taken to hospital with frostbite during Artic challenge
BBC presenter Louise Minchin has been taken to hospital after contracting frostbite during an Artic adventure challenge. The 57-year-old had been attempting to cycle 300 miles (483km) in three days in Canada's Northwestern Territories to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. But little ove»»»
In Finland, divers learn to explore icy polar waters
Kilpisjärvi, Finland: In a square hole carved out of the thick ice, two divers vanished into the depths of an Arctic lake, leaving nothing but bubbles at the surface. Returning 45 minutes later, Marta Lukasik tapped her fist on the top of her head -- a diver's signal that means "I'm ok." On the fro»»»
IMF Says Gulf Buffers, Export Flexibility Can Absorb War Shock
The International Monetary Fund said that the economic impact of the ongoing conflict on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states will depend on its duration, scope and intensity, with strong financial buffers and export flexibility expected to limit the fallout. IMF spokeswoman Julie Kozack noted tha»»»
Venezuela Reshapes Military in Shift Toward Washington
A sweeping overhaul of Venezuela's top brass is designed to remake the armed forces and draw them closer to Washington, multiple military and political sources told AFP. Delcy Rodriguez has been in power for less than three months, but has already taken major steps to overhaul Venezuela's economy a»»»
Eid retail surge highlights shifting consumer spending patterns
Doha, Qatar: Retailers across Doha have noted a strong pickup in consumer spending, driven by discounting, promotional campaigns, and a seasonal rise during Eid Al Fitr. Malls and high streets are witnessing increased footfall, with industry players pointing to a concentrated surge in demand for fa»»»
Models With Down Syndrome in Romania Strike a Pose for World Down Syndrome Day
Dozens of models with Down syndrome strutted down a catwalk at a fashion show in Romania’s capital for an evening celebrating style, “atypical beauty” and courage to mark World Down Syndrome Day. The SEEN Anonymous Seamstresses Gala in Bucharest brought together designers from across the country, w»»»
Israel Says Targeting Hezbollah in Beirut as South Lebanon Struck
The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes on Beirut claiming to target the Iran-backed group Hezbollah early Saturday, while Lebanese state media reported strikes in the country's south. Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on Mar»»»
Report: Iran Ready to Let Japanese Vessels Transit Hormuz
Iran is ready to let Japanese-related vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, Kyodo news reported, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Tehran has started talks with Tokyo, including with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, about possibly opening»»»
How did a small Eid bike ride grow into one of the UAE’s annual brotherhood event
Dubai: What started as a modest gathering of motorcycling enthusiasts has evolved into one of the UAE’s much-anticipated multi-club biking events, drawing hundreds of riders united by both passion and purpose. Amid the current geopolitical situation, the fourth edition of the “Biker Buddies Eid Bro»»»
Eid staycation demand lifts domestic tourism, hotel bookings
Doha, Qatar: Hotels across Doha are experiencing a notable surge in bookings for Eid Al Fitr holidays amidst ongoing tensions in the region, as citizens and residents increasingly opt for local staycations rather than travelling abroad. Industry experts say the combination of time off, competitive »»»
Israel Strikes Hezbollah’s Civilian as Well as Military Wings in an Attempt to Crush the Group
An Israeli strike on a health center in southern Lebanon instantly killed 12 medical workers, seriously wounded one and left four missing under the rubble for hours. The March 13 strike in the village of Burj Qalaouiyah, one of the single deadliest strikes in Lebanon since the latest Israel-Hezboll»»»
Streamlining the kill chain: how AI is changing modern warfare
The US-Israeli war with Iran has put AI use in defence systems in the spotlight like never before. AI's exact role in the military, its accuracy and possible repercussions are slowly beginning to emerge – but the extent of its use and role in the war so far still largely remain a mystery. The»»»
Citizens and residents mark Eid with resilience and unity amid regional crisis
Doha, Qatar: Eid celebrations across Qatar are unfolding in a spirit of resilience and unity, as citizens and residents come together to observe the festive occasion despite the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions. Eid prayers, held indoors yesterday at designated venues such as the Education Cit»»»
What you need to know about the Philippines’ 2-month toll relief amid fuel price surge
Dubai: The Philippines is introducing a temporary toll discount for public transport and freight services starting March 23 to offer a breathing space to the transportation sector, who is currently under pressure from rising fuel prices, amid the situation in the Middle East. In a statement, Philip»»»
Trump Hints at Wind-Down of War as US Sends More Troops and Iran Threatens Tourism Sites
US President Donald Trump said he was considering “winding down” military operations in the Middle East even as the United States is sending three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional Marines to the region. Trump’s post Friday on social media followed an Iranian threat to atta»»»
US public opinion is decisively shifting against Israel
For decades, American support for Israel was one of the most durable constants in US foreign policy, to such an extent that successive administrations, whether Democratic or Republican, hardly needed to debate it. That truism no longer holds. A Gallup poll conducted between 2-16 February confirmed »»»
No, Iran didn't publish a 'list' of 11 American cities to target
A video claiming that Iran published a list of 11 American cities it plans to target has gone viral since it was first posted on Instagram on March 3. We found the origin of this list, and it turns out that it has nothing to do with Iran. Instagram user truecrimewithbella posted a video on Ma»»»
French jihadist sentenced to life in jail over IS group genocide of Iraq's Yazidis
A court in France has sentenced jihadist Sabri Essid for his part in "the genocide perpetrated by the Islamic State group" against Iraq's Yazidi minority, in the first French trial of its kind. Essid is presumed to have been killed in 2018, but without proof of his death he was tried and convicted »»»
Mojtaba Khamenei says Iran dealt its enemies a 'dizzying blow' in written message
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Friday said Iran had struck a “dizzying blow” in its war with Israel and the United States in a written message marking Nowruz, the Persian New Year, even as blasts rocked the capital Tehran. Israel accused the Islamic republic of targeting Jerusalem’s holiest sit»»»
Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor Nicholas Brendon dies aged 54
US actor Nicholas Brendon, renowned for his starring role in the cult TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died aged 54. Brendon's family confirmed in a statement on social media "he passed in his sleep of natural causes". His family added: "He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to »»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
Georgians continue fight for democracy after almost 500 days of protest
It's Saturday night in Tbilisi. A crowd is gathering outside the city's State Concert Hall, chatting among themselves. For some, the gathering offers a brief respite from the exhaustion of prolonged demonstration. For others, it is an act of defiance against a government that opposition figures, We»»»
Kyrgyzstan: Ousted security services chief now facing corruption allegations
Ousted former Kyrgyz security services boss Kamchybek Tashiyev, a former boxer who until last month was President Sadyr Japarov’s right-hand man, is on the ropes. A little more than a month after Japarov uncere»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
Belarus frees another 250 political prisoners as US eases sanctions
Belarus has released another 250 political prisoners, the largest single release to date, after cutting a new sanctions relief deal with the US, Associated Press reported on March 19. President Alexander Lukashenko ordered»»»
Philippine EV sales hit fast lane, hybrids jump 600%
Manila: Philippine car buyers are easing off the gas — but electric vehicles (EV) are stepping on the pedal. New internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales fell more than 8% in February to 35,842 units, down from 39,164 a year ago, according to data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers »»»
Nebius raises $4bn in convertible bonds
Nebius Group, led by founder and ex-CEO of Russian internet major Yandex Arkady Volozh, raised $4bn through a placement of convertible bonds, according to RBC business portal citing company disclosures. Nebius Group is led»»»
UAE conducts 695,000 inspections as fake Emiratisation cases drop 62%
Abu Dhabi: The UAE stepped up oversight of its labour market in 2025, carrying out nearly 695,000 inspections across private sector establishments, as authorities reported rising compliance levels and a decline in violations. Figures released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation sho»»»
Trump says he is considering 'winding down' Iran war
President Donald Trump has said he is considering "winding down" the war in Iran because the US was "getting very close" to meeting its military objectives. He also said the Strait of Hormuz would have to be guarded by other nations who use it, stating that the US wasn't one of them. Energy prices »»»
Trump says considering 'winding down' Iran war, US eases oil sanctions; Khamenei claims to have dealt a 'dizzying blow' to country's enemies
President Donald Trump said Friday that he was considering "winding down" military operations against Iran, as the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil shipments to stem a global supply crisis. Iran launched a new wave of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and Israel mean»»»
Socialists battle to hold Paris in key mayoral elections across France
Mayors for France's major towns and cities will be chosen on Sunday, in the last vote before next year's presidential elections. Excitement is especially high in Paris and Nice. The capital could shift to the right after 25 years under a Socialist-led coalition, if Rachida Dati comes from behind in»»»
Chuck Norris memes were undefeated for a generation of young fans
Chuck Norris will always be remembered for his iconic film and television performances, such as a crime-fighting sheriff in Walker, Texas Ranger. But many young people only know the late actor for his starring role in thousands of memes. Originating on message boards in the early 2000s, the memes, »»»
Iran drone swarms test limits of missile-based defenses - UPI.com
A test flight of the LUCAS low-cost attack drone deployed by the U.S. military in operations against Iran. The system, reverse-engineered from Iran’s Shahed-136, is operated by a U.S. Central Command task force in the Middle East. /U.S. Department of Defense (DARPA) Graphic by Asia Today and transl»»»
Hubble catches comet breaking apart by accident - UPI.com
This series of Hubble Space Telescope images of the fragmenting comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), or K1 for short, was taken over the course of three consecutive days: November 8, 9, and 10, 2025. Captured by Hubble&rsquos STIS instrument. Photos courtesy of NASA, ESA, D. Bodewits (Auburn). Image processing»»»
The attack on Iran’s South Pars, world’s largest gas field, and Tehran’s retaliation threatens energy supply
Israel’s recent strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field and Tehran’s retaliation on key energy infrastructure in several Gulf countries is more than just another escalation of the war roiling the Middle East. What began as a campaign of decapitation strikes and base‑to‑base missile exchanges has esca»»»
Ukraine-Hungary oil pipeline row threatens EU loan
A bitter dispute pitting Hungary and Slovakia against Ukraine is holding up a crucial €90bn (£77.95bn) EU loan to Ukraine. No oil has flowed through the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline, from Russia to Hungary and Slovakia across Ukraine, since the major oil hub at Brody, in western Ukraine, was damag»»»
DOJ files suit against Harvard for failing to protect Jewish students - UPI.com
The President Donald Trump administration has filed suit against Harvard University, claiming it didn't protect Jewish Students during protests against Israel starving Palestinians. File Photo CJ Gunther/EPA March 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. Justice Department sued Harvard University on Friday, accusing t»»»
White House releases AI laws framework to prevent state laws - UPI.com
The White House Friday released a legislative framework for artificial intelligence. File Photo by Fazry Ismail/EPA March 20 (UPI) -- The White House released a new legislative framework for artificial intelligence creating a federal policy to prevent states from making their own laws about it. "Th»»»
'Resistance' Axis without Voice as It Loses Narrative, Psychological Warfare Architects
Since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, the confrontation in the Middle East has not been limited to missiles and drones, but has expanded to a parallel front no less dangerous: the architects of narratives and psychological warfare. Military spokesmen and media figures emerged, some masked, some officers,»»»
Chuck Norris, martial artist and Hollywood movie star, dies aged 86
Tributes have been pouring in from around the world to US martial artist and Hollywood action star Chuck Norris, who died aged 86. "He may have a warrior exterior, but his heart was so full of love," his daughter Danilee Norris said. Swedish actor and martial artist Dolph Lundgren - who starred alo»»»