LIVE UPDATES: Gold declines as oil prices stabilize amid Gulf regional tension
Doha, Qatar: The price of gold has slid sharply, reaching its weakest level since December 11 2025, after logging its worst week in about 43 years. Meanwhile, oil prices stabilized Monday as investors balanced US and Iranian threats to target energy facilities, which could escalate the war, against»»»
Shipping billionaire sails into war: Meet George Prokopiou, how his ships brave the Hormuz
As missiles light up the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions, most shipowners are rerouting fleets and hunkering down. One billionaire magnate defies the chaos — sailing straight into the firestorm. While his critics accuse him of profiteering, George Prokopiou, 79, the unyielding Greek tycoo»»»
UAE Equities Decline
Stock markets in the United Arab Emirates declined on Monday as the ongoing regional conflict has driven sharp increases in energy prices, disrupted air travel, and severely impacted shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz. Dubai's main share index tumbled 2.7% in early trade, dragged dow»»»
China Warns of 'Uncontrollable Situation' in Mideast after Trump Threats
China warned on Monday that further attacks on the Middle East risk creating an "uncontrollable situation" in the war-torn region, after US President Donald Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iran's power plants. Trump gave Tehran a 48-hour deadline on Saturday to end its partial blockade of the Stra»»»
Sharaa Receives Kurdish Delegation for Eid, Nowruz: Cultural Diversity Source of Syria’s Strength
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa received in Damascus on Saturday a Kurdish delegation on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz. The event was attended by the governors of Aleppo, Raqqa and Hasakeh, as well as a presidential envoy overseeing the implementation of a January 29 agreement with the Ku»»»
IEA Chief Warns World Could Face Worst Energy Crisis in Decades - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe IEA Chief Warns World Could Face Worst Energy Crisis in Decades 23-03-2026 10:17 AM Fatih Birol, the Executive Director of the Internationa»»»
Cloudy weather across entire country
Tunis, March 23 (TAP) — The weather, on Monday, will be cloudy across Tunisia.In the afternoon, rainfall will extend to the northern and eastern regions, at times accompanied by thunderstorms, according to the National Institute of Meteorology...»»»
Sharjah on high alert as rain response plan kicks in
Sharjah: Sharjah City Municipality has ramped up preparations to tackle anticipated weather conditions, including expected rainfall, activating a comprehensive emergency response plan to ensure swift action across the emirate. The Higher Committee for Rain Emergencies, along with its field teams, h»»»
UAE delivery riders urged to halt service amid rainfall
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police have urged delivery motorcycle riders to suspend riding and delivery services during periods of unstable weather, particularly during rainfall, as part of efforts to enhance road safety and reduce accident risks. The Traffic and Patrols Directorate stressed the importanc»»»
Nearly 19,000 people visited Ala-Archa National Park over weekend - | 24.KG
Nearly 19,000 people visited Ala-Archa National Park over the weekend, the Presidential Affairs Department told 24.kg news agency. According to the department, the highest number of visitors over the past three days was on March 20, the day of Orozo Ait celebration. Attendance statistics are as fol»»»
Bucur S.A. Joins Bucharest Stock Exchange Main Market
Bucur S.A. shares, a Romanian company with over seven decades of activity in the trade and logistics sector, are trading as of March 16, on the Regulated Market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB), following their transfer from the AeRO market. Bucur has been present on the capital market since .»»»
Twin fiscal deficits: How much Romania’s budget deficit could shrink if tax collection reached EU average levels
For years, Romania has been grappling with one of the most significant structural problems in its tax system: poor tax collection. For years, public debate has focused on the VAT gap, where Romania has the largest shortfall in the European Union. However, another issue has received far less attenti»»»
Salt Bank launches fuel cashback campaign amid rising prices
Salt Bank is rolling out a cashback campaign on fuel payments at the end of March, as fuel prices continue to increase across Romania. The offer applies during two promotional periods, March 19–22 and March 27–29, 2026. Customers who pay with a Salt-issued card at fuel stations in Romania receive c»»»
Romania Lists Nearly RON 1.2B Fidelis Government Bonds on BVB
The Ministry of Finance (MF) attracted, in March, RON 534mn and EUR 126mn (values totaling RON 1.17bn – EUR 231mn), through the third offer for selling government bonds dedicated to the retail investors (FIDELIS) held this year through Bucharest Stock Exchange’s (BVB) systems. The offer was carried»»»
Balance of payments and external debt – January 2026
In January 2026p, the balance-of-payments current account posted a deficit of EUR 977 million, compared with EUR 1,032 million in the same year-ago period. The breakdown shows that the deficit on trade in goods declined by EUR 414 million, the surplus on services went down by EUR 12 million, the pr»»»
Weak regional response to Iran hard to justify: Gargash
Abu Dhabi: Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, has questioned the response of Arab and Islamic institutions to the Iranian aggression against Gulf countries, calling attention to the lack of collective regional action. In a post on the social media platform X, Gargash asked w»»»
Trial opens over deadly Tempe rail disaster
Thirty-six people are set to face charges as a major trial opens Monday in the central city of Larissa, three years after Greece’s deadliest railway disaster killed 57 people and injured dozens. Due to the large number of participants, the trial has been relocated to a specially configured hall at »»»
Trend Survey: Nearly 60% of Bulgarians Intend to Vote in Snap Parliamentary Elections
Nearly 60% of adult Bulgarians living in the country say they intend to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections. This translates to around 3.1 million citizens expected to head to the polls on April 19, according to a survey by the Trend polling agency. The data were co»»»
25 pct of N. Korean defectors from near Punggye-ri nuclear test site show chromosome mutations: data - UPI.com
A quarter of North Korean defectors from regions near the Punggye-ri nuclear test site have shown chromosome mutations, data showed Monday. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo A quarter of North Korean defectors from regions near the northeastern Punggye-ri nuclear test site have shown»»»
Oil prices stabilize as investors assess US, Iranian threats to facilities
Singapore: Oil prices stabilized Monday as investors balanced US and Iranian threats to target energy facilities, which could escalate the war, against the release of millions of barrels of seaborne Iranian oil into global markets after Washington temporarily lifted sanctions. Brent crude futures f»»»
UN annual report on happiness: Romania is ranking 34th out of almost 150 countries
The intensive use of social networks negatively affects the well-being of young people worldwide, emphasizes the annual report on happiness published on Thursday under the auspices of the UN, in which Finland ranks first for the ninth consecutive year. Romania climbed one place in the top, compared»»»
ING Report: Inflation Rises, Economy Set to Grow in H2 2026
The shock from the U.S./Israel-Iran war, which has sent the oil and gas markets into turmoil—literally in some cases—will push inflation higher this year, according to the latest ING Bank forecast. In the currency market, although the Romanian leu appears stable, trading volumes have been significa»»»
Parliament approves 2026 state and social security budgets
Parliament adopted on Friday the 2026 draft state budget and the state social security budget.The budget bill passed with 319 votes in favor, 104 against and one abstention, while the social security budget received 314 votes in favour, 105 against and 12 abstentions.The Alliance for the Unity of R»»»
PM, discussions with Ministers of Finance,Economy to find solutions regarding increase in fuel prices
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan discussed on Friday with the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Energy the issue of rising fuel prices, later announcing that a new meeting with those responsible in the field will take place next week to finalize solutions that "will produce the maximum possible be»»»
Defence Ministry's budget increased by 19pct from 2025, including 38pct for acquisitions
Defence Minister Radu Miruta says that the MApN budget for 2026 is RON 49.426 billion, up 19% from 2025.Of this amount, which is 2.45% of GDP, about RON 18.8 billion (38%) go to acquisitions , the minister wrote on Friday in a social media post."Romania's budget for 2026 is, at the same time, a bud»»»
MApN:Romanian troops return home from Iraq amid regional security concerns
Romanian troops deployed in Iraq returned home on Saturday, following a decision prompted by recent developments in the regional security situation, the Ministry of National Defence (MApN) said."All 117 Romanian troops deployed in the Iraq theatre of operations returned to Romania on Saturday, 21 M»»»
Nicusor Dan thanks King Philippe of Belgium for his country's contribution to NATO Group in Cincu
President Nicusor Dan had a meeting in Brussels on Friday with King Philippe of Belgium, whom he thanked for the Belgian contribution to the NATO Battle Group at Cincu, ''a gesture of solidarity that Romanians appreciate''.''An honor and a joy to meet today, in Brussels, with His Majesty King Phili»»»
President Dan: Europe must remain focused on Ukraine, even though we are affected by war in Iran
When oil begins flowing again through the Druzhba pipeline, the loan for Ukraine will be unblocked, President Nicusor Dan said on Friday at the end of the European Council meeting."Yes, I stand by what I said, and many others said today in the debate on Ukraine: it is unacceptable for a decision th»»»
President Dan: We decide to join statement on ensuring freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz
President Nicusor Dan announced on Friday that Romania joins the statement of Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan on ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.''We have decided to join the statement of Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands »»»
President Dan: European Commission has put forward a 30 billion euros proposal to optimise energy networks
The European Commission has put forward a 30 billion euros proposal to optimise energy networks, President Nicusor Dan said on Friday.The head of state took part in the European Council meeting.He explained that, at leaders' level, discussions on energy prices are focused on investments that would »»»
Romania to attend First Lady Melania Trump's Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition Summit
An official delegation of Romania will attend the inaugural summit of a global coalition ("Fostering the Future Together") dedicated to children's digital education in Washington D.C., organised at the initiative of the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, who extended an invitation to M»»»
Drone near Ukraine border; radar contact lost as target moved east of Sulina
Two Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft of the German Air Force, on Enhanced Air Policing duty, took off on Sunday evening from the 57th Air Base (Mihai Kogalniceanu Air Base) after areal drones were detected near Romania's border with Ukraine, radar contact being lost when the target moved east of Sulina»»»
Opposition to Beirut Displacement Center Rises over Security, Sectarian Concerns
Security and sectarian concerns are fueling opposition in Lebanon to plans for a displacement center in central Beirut, as ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah drives new waves of displaced people. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called for tighter security measures, amid growing political »»»
Geologists Discover Earth’s Oldest Water Beneath Canadian Mine
Geologists have unearthed the world’s oldest known water, hidden deep beneath the surface of a Canadian mine for around 2.64 billion years. The find, which was detailed in a 2016 study published in Nature, has profound implications not only for understanding the planet’s history but also for the po»»»
Seoul shares crash over 6 pct on escalating U.S.-Iran conflict - UPI.com
This photo, taken Monday, shows the trading room of Hana Bank in central Seoul as South Korean stocks plunged more than 6 percent and the won fell to a 17-year low over Middle East concerns. Photo by Yonhap South Korean stocks plummeted over 6 percent Monday, as the Middle East crisis does not show»»»
Air Canada jet collides with vehicle on LaGuardia runway; FAA halts traffic - UPI.com
An Air Canada plane was involved in a collision late Sunday at new York City's LaGuardia Airport. Photo by Graham Hughes/EPA March 23 (UPI) -- An Air Canada regional jet with nearly 80 people onboard collided with an emergency vehicle at LaGuardia Airport, prompting federal officials to halt air tr»»»
ESCWA: Conflict Could Cut Arab Economic Output by $150 Billion in 1 Month
The regional war is imposing heavy economic costs across the Arab region, with preliminary estimates pointing to about $63 billion in regional losses within two weeks, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) warned in a recently issued policy brief. Under the titl»»»
Bulgaria’s Finance Minister: No Price Shock if Fuel Holds at €1.60
Finance Minister Georgi Klisurski said that the trajectory of prices across the economy will largely depend on developments in fuel costs, stressing that if they stabilize around €1.60 per liter, a sharp rise in the prices of other goods is unlikely. Speaking in a morning interview on Nova TV, he n»»»
On This Day, March 23: Obama signs Affordable Care Act into law - UPI.com
On March 23, 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. 1 of 5 | U.S. President Barack Obama signs the Affordable Care Act surrounded by Marcelas Owens (L) of Seattle, Vice President Joe Biden, Vickie Kennedy (behind the president), House Speak»»»
Kyrgyzkomur can now independently perform stripping operations at its sites - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzkomur state enterprise has begun independently performing stripping operations at its mines. Rustam Sadyraliev, the company’s Deputy General Director, announced on Birinchi Radio. According to him, this was made possible through the acquisition of new equipment, as previously, excavation and »»»
Air Canada Express Jet Hits Ground Vehicle, Closing New York's LaGuardia Airport
An Air Canada Express regional jet collided with a ground vehicle upon landing at New York's LaGuardia airport late on Sunday, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24, in an incident that closed the airport. The CRJ-900 plane, which was coming from Montreal, struck the vehicle at a speed»»»
Hamas Moves to Freeze Leadership Vote amid Regional Turmoil
Hamas is moving toward freezing its leadership election process as the US-Israeli war against Iran reshapes the region’s political and security landscape, senior sources in and outside Gaza said. The Palestinian militant group had been preparing to elect a new head of its political bureau, but mult»»»
Rain, thunder reported in several parts of Qatar: QMD
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Meteorology Department reported that rain was observed in several parts of the country on Monday, with thundery conditions at times. In a video post on X, the department said heavy rains were recorded in places like Mesaieed, Bin Omran and Mamoura. Latest weather images relea»»»
Free concerts, cinema, and rugby: Francophonie Week to be held in Bishkek, Osh - | 24.KG
The Alliance Française in Bishkek, with the support of the Embassies of France, Switzerland, Belgium, Romania, and the EU Delegation, announces the launch of Spring of Francophonie 2026. The festival will run from March 25 to April 12, 2026, and will focus on the theme «Women and Francophonie,» the»»»
Gold Slides to Nearly 4-month Low
Gold prices slipped more than 2% on Monday, hitting a nearly four-month low, as an escalating Middle East conflict stoked inflation concerns and expectations of higher global interest rates. Spot gold fell 2.7% to $4,366.94 per ounce as of 0432 GMT, extending losses into a ninth straight session. T»»»
Russian Spacecraft Antenna Problem Forces Manual Docking with ISS
An unmanned Russian cargo spacecraft has a problem with an antenna so it will have to be manually docked when it reaches the International Space Station (ISS), Russia's Roscosmos state space corporation said in a statement. A Soyuz-2.1a rocket launched the Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft on Sunday »»»
European Gasoline Heads to Asia as Iran War Sparks Supply Fears
European and US gasoline cargoes are heading to the Asia Pacific after Asian prices surged on tightening supply due to the US-Israeli war with Iran, according to trade sources and shipping data. The war has disrupted crude and oil product shipments from the Middle East to Asia, causing Asian refine»»»
Pakistan Vows to 'Eradicate Terrorism' as Afghan Truce Nears End
Pakistan's foreign minister said Monday that the country remains committed to "eradicating the menace of terrorism", as the clock ticked down to the end of a temporary ceasefire with Afghanistan. Both countries last Wednesday announced a halt to weeks of hostilities for the Eid al-Fitr holiday mark»»»
Attack on Iraqi Intelligence HQ Ends Opportunities for Dialogue between Govt, Armed Factions
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani slammed on Sunday the attack by a “cowardly” armed faction against an intelligence headquarters in Baghdad. His position effectively puts an end to opportunities to hold dialogue between his government and the factions to stop their attacks on various US»»»
Director couldn't get Jamie Oliver angry for CMAT music video
The director of CMAT's latest music video says she tried - unsuccessfully - to make Jamie Oliver act angry during filming. Eilís Doherty directed the video for the Irish singer's track The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station, which features the celebrity chef. In the song, CMAT - real name Ciara Mary-Alice»»»