CBSE announces special assessment scheme for Class 10 students in UAE, Middle East
Dubai: India's Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Wednesday announced a special assessment scheme for declaring Class 10 results across Middle East countries, after several board examinations were cancelled due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war. The board had scrapped the Class 10 main »»»
Hezbollah storngly condemns Israeli crime against Al-Manar’s Director of Political Programs Department Hajj Mohammad Sherri: Media Relations statement - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Hezbollah storngly condemns Israeli crime against Al-Manar’s Director of Political Programs Department Hajj Mohammad Sherri: Media Relation»»»
Tunisia’s Ambassador to South Africa highlights role of diplomatic missions in supporting economic partnerships
Tunis, March 18 (TAP) – Tunisia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Karima Bardaoui, recently took part in the “Embassy Connect” event, which brought together a number of diplomats and economic stakeholders as part of preparations for the Gauteng...»»»
Four Explosions Heard in Iraq's Erbil
At least four explosions were heard on Wednesday in the city of Erbil in the autonomous Kurdistan region, AFP journalists reported. It was not immediately clear what the target was. From a suburb of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region, AFP journalists saw interceptions of projectiles over th»»»
Petro Africa 2026 next June 16-19 in Tunis
Tunis, March 18 (TAP) - Tunis will play host next June 16-19 to the eleventh edition of Petro Africa- a major oil, gas and renewables exhibition.The event seeks to put forward realistic solutions to real challenges, displaying technical advances and...»»»
ANAX Holding partners with Emirates Red Crescent to boost Eid charitable efforts
Dubai: This Eid, ANAX Holding, a Dubai-based investment firm, supported the noble initiatives carried out by the Emirates Red Crescent benefiting vulnerable families and individuals across the UAE. During a visit to the Emirates Red Crescent Dubai Center, Satish Sanpal, Founder and Chairperson of A»»»
Aster DM Healthcare wins shareholder backing for Quality Care India merger
Dubai: Aster DM Healthcare said it has secured overwhelming shareholder and creditor approval for its proposed merger with Quality Care India Limited (QCIL), clearing a key step toward creating one of India’s largest hospital networks. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.T»»»
President Iotova Expects Election Campaign Focused on Ideas, Not Conflict
“I am convinced that, for the first time in many years, there will be an election campaign that is not built solely on conflict and confrontation, but will feature a clash of proposals and ideas," President Iliana Iotova told journalists. She was speaking at a forum on healthcare, organized by the »»»
Healthcare Should be National Ambition, Says President Iotova
Healthcare is a topic that should unite Bulgarians and should be a national ambition, said President Iliana Iotova in her address to the participants in a discussion on healthcare from public attitudes to political decisions, organized by the Bulgarian Medical Association on Wednesday. Iotova said »»»
UAE air defences intercepts 13 ballistic missiles, 27 drones
The UAE air defence systems on Mar 18, 2026 (today) 13 ballistic missiles and 27 drones launched from Iran. Since the onset of Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 327 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,699 drones. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of two members of t»»»
Iran Executed Swedish Citizen, Says Sweden FM
Sweden's foreign minister on Wednesday confirmed that Iran had executed a Swedish citizen, after Iranian authorities announced the first execution of a man convicted of spying since the start of its war against Israel and the United States. "It is with dismay that I have received information that a»»»
Aoun says keen on both his initiative and 'consensus' over it
President Joseph Aoun on Wednesday said he is clinging to the initiative he has launched to end the Israeli war on Lebanon. In remarks to Al-Arabiya's Al-Hadath channel, Aoun added that he is keen on securing "internal consensus" for his initiative in order to "halt the war before anything else."»»»
EU and NATO leadership ‘worst in decades’ – El Pais columnist
The leadership of the EU and NATO is the worst either bloc has had in decades, marked by incompetence, a policy of appeasing the US, and failing to protect European interests, according to a scathing critique by journalist Claudi Perez in Spain’s leading newspaper, El Pais. The opinion piece, publi»»»
US counterterrorism chief resigns in protest over Iran war
Joe Kent, head of the US National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned in protest over Washington’s war with Iran, saying that Israel has dragged the US into another “never‑ending” conflict that does not serve American interests. A former military officer who also served in the CIA, Kent was nomin»»»
All Voting Machines to Undergo Software Check, E-Governance Minister Urges Voters to Use Machines
The software code of 100% of the installed voting machines will be verified for the upcoming elections, up from the previous 30%, caretaker Electronic Governance Minister George Sharkov, who is also coordinator of the election process, told a briefing here on Wednesday. To carry out the checks, the»»»
The US-Iran war confirms China’s four worst fears
When the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on 28 February, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and crippling Tehran’s military infrastructure, the world witnessed a dramatic reshaping of the Middle East’s power structure. Beijing’s public response—measured moral condemnations, an e»»»
Strategy Shift: Why Pakistan's ‘Righteous Fury’ Differs From Previous Cross-Border Strikes
This operation is not just about neutralizing militants; it is about compelling Kabul to act responsibly and stop tolerating groups that destabilize the region, Sultan M. Hali said. Earlier cross-border actions were limited to tactical raids against militant hideouts. However, Operation Righteous F»»»
Gold Falls 2% as Inflation Fears Bolster Hawkish Fed Bets
Gold prices fell to a one-month low on Wednesday as investors weighed the risk of a more hawkish US Federal Reserve policy stance, with high oil prices fuelling concerns about inflation. Spot gold fell 2% to $4,903.19 per ounce as of 1216 GMT, its lowest level since February 18. US gold futures for»»»
Fear in central Beirut as Israel strikes, with and without warning
Sara Saleh and her family fled wearing their pyjamas on Wednesday when Israel's military said it would strike a central Beirut building near the school-turned-shelter where they had been staying. Several other strikes, however, came without warning, jolting terrified residents in the middle of the »»»
France says it’s unreasonable to expect Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah amid bombing – Ya Libnan
Share: PHOTO- A person walks past debris at the site of an Israeli strike, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, Zuqaq al-Blat district in central Beirut, Lebanon, March 18, 2026. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi Beirut- It is unreasonable to expect th»»»
Iran war triggers helium shortage, hits semiconductor supply
BusinessMiddle EastIran war triggers helium shortage, hits semiconductor supplyTimothy RooksRising tensions in the Middle East are rattling high-end chipmakers. Among all the latest geopolitical uncertainties for the industry is a shortage of helium that could slow global production. https://p.dw.c»»»
Prosecution asks for seven years' jail for Norwegian crown princess's son
Prosecutors in the trial of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, have requested a jail term of seven years and seven months, arguing he should be found guilty of 39 of the 40 charges he is accused of. The 29-year-old denies the most serious charges, which include four cou»»»
Bulgarian Caretaker PM Gurov to Attend European Council Summit in Brussels
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov will participate in the regular European Council meeting in Brussels on March 19-20, the Council of Ministers said in a press release. European leaders are set to discuss key international and EU issues, including the military escalation in the Middle East and »»»
President Iotova Expects More Comprehensive Compensation Package Due to Rising Prices
President Iliana Iotova said that she expects a more comprehensive compensation package due to rising prices. “This is only the first step. I expect a more comprehensive package if the war continues,” she told journalists regarding the caretaker government’s aid porposal. She participated in a foru»»»
State Well-Stocked on Fuel, Holds 90 Days Reserve Buffer, Prime Minister Gurov Says
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov said in an interview for Radio Free Europe that the state has fuel reserves at quite solid levels, as required by law. Gurov noted that all traders are currently maintaining the required reserve levels, explaining that under the Crude Oil and Petroleum Products»»»
Over 160 Manufacturing Companies from 16 Countries Participate in 30th International Exhibition at Plovdiv International Fair
Over 160 manufacturing and trading companies from 16 countries are participating in the 30th International Nature. Hunting. Fishing Exhibition, which opened here on Wednesday, Plovdiv International Fair General Director Prof. Ivan Sokolov said. He emphasized that there is a 30% increase in new exhi»»»
Bahrain intercepts 130 missiles, 234 drones since start of Iranian attacks
Manama: The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) said that its air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed 130 missiles and 234 drones since the start of the Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom. In a statement, the General Command stressed that using ballistic missiles and dr»»»
Syrup spill closes California highway for nearly 9 hours - UPI.com
March 17 (UPI) -- A stretch of California highway was closed for nearly nine hours while crews worked to clean up a sticky syrup spill. The California Highway Patrol said a truck overturned Monday in the westbound lanes of the 10 Freeway in Fontana, causing hundreds of gallons of syrup to spill out»»»
Vucic: First section of Backi Breg-Sombor expressway to be completed in two years
BELGRADE - Speaking to reporters after the signing of a commercial agreement with the Azerbaijani company Azvirt to design and build an expressway that will connect the Backi Breg border crossing with Srbobran via Sombor, Kula and Vrbas, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said its first section, sp»»»
Israel targets car in Sidon, killing two including civil defense rescuer
An Israeli strike on Wednesday hit a car in the center of Sidon, southern Lebanon's largest city, killing two people, including a civil defense rescuer, and wounding another. An AFP correspondent at the scene said the strike hit near the city's civil defense headquarters and the seaside road, where»»»
Israelis had just returned to Kiryat Shmona, now rockets are flying again
Gila Pahima returned to Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel last spring, 18 months after its population had been evacuated because of Hezbollah rocket fire. Now air raid sirens are again sounding around the clock as the boom of missiles and interceptors echoes overhead. "I feel like we're in constant »»»
Israel strikes central Beirut as war targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon expands – Ya Libnan
Share: PHOTO – Flames engulf a building following an Israeli air strike in Beirut, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Lebanon, March 18, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer Israeli warplanes hit central Beirut in the early hours of Wednesday, destro»»»
Iranian footballers return home after dropping Australian asylum bids
Five members of Iran's national women's football team have returned to the country after dropping their bids for Australian asylum. The players were pictured in their team tracksuits as they crossed into Iran from Turkey on Wednesday afternoon, having flown back via Malaysia and Oman. They had init»»»
Nearly EUR 3.8 Mln in Revenues Generated from Organized Hunting Tourism in 2025
In 2025, over 4,400 Bulgarian and foreign hunters took part in organised hunting tourism activities, generating nearly EUR 3.8 million in income, Deputy Agriculture and Food Minister Nikolay Vassilev said Wednesday during the official opening of the Nature. Hunting. Fishing and Flower Spring exhibi»»»
Interior Minister and Turkish Ambassador Discuss Crime Countering, Easing Border Traffic
Interior Minister of Interior Emil Dechev on Wednesday conferred with Turkish Ambassador Mehmet Sait Uyanık. During the meeting, the sides discussed countering illegal migration, combating smuggling and drug trafficking, easing passenger and cargo traffic across the shared border, as well as measur»»»
U.S. pounds Hormuz Strait anti-ship missile sites with bunker-busters - UPI.com
U.S. forces targeted hardened Iranian missile sites on the Iranian side of the Strait of Hormuz with bunker-buster bombs in an effort to prevent attacks on shipping transiting the strategically key waterway. File photo courtesy Royal Thai Navy/EPA March 18 (UPI) -- U.S. forces successfully deployed»»»
Eid in the UAE: A guide for a safe celebration this 2026
Dubai: As the UAE awaits for Eid Al Fitr, authorities have issued fresh guidance to ensure that residents and visitors alike can celebrate safely and with peace of mind. The Dubai Media Office has released a safety guide explaining what to do if you receive an emergency alert on your phone, which c»»»
On the ground as Orbán hits streets to shore up support in key seats, as Magyar maintains lead
The main square of the Hungarian city of Eger was filled on Tuesday (17 March) with people welcoming the prime minister like a star. But it was not only his supporters who turned up. Spontaneous chants of ‘Viktor! Viktor!’ greet me as I arrive at Viktor Orbán campaign rally, a good half-hour before»»»
Carrefour gets food stock inspection from UAE minister
Dubai: UAE officials conducted an inspection at a Carrefour distribution centre to review food supply, procurement and stock levels, as authorities monitor market stability and ensure continued availability of essential goods nationwide. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances»»»
When football meets geopolitics: The challenges facing World Cup 2026
When the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America on June 11, 2026, it will be the largest sporting event ever staged. Matches will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, involving millions of spectators and a global television audience expected to exceed five bi»»»
Police in Haskovo Detain Four People on Suspicion of Vote-Buying
Police officers Wednesday detained four people in Haskovo on suspicion of vote-buying, said Miroslav Hristov, Director of the Haskovo Regional Directorate of the Interior Ministry. Police officers found several lists of names of people and amounts of money, which lead to the assumption of vote-buyi»»»
National Police General Directorate Deputy Director: 39 Reports of Election Violations and Crimes Received by Tuesday Morning
Senior Commissioner Tsvetan Yotsov, National Police General Directorate Deputy Director, said at a briefing on Wednesday, at the Council of Ministers, that 39 reports of election violations and crimes had been received by Tuesday morning. Approximately 12-13 investigations have been launched and in»»»
Iran after Larijani: a war without an exit
On the evening of 17 March 2026, Israel announced it had killed Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), in an air strike on Tehran, along with Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani. Tehran later confirmed both assassinations. It is a development that has dire impl»»»
ParkinUAE announces free parking during Eid Al Fitr
Good news, people with cars. ParkinUAE has announced free parking over the Eid Al Fitr period. The parking solutions provider in the UAE tweeted that all public parking will be free, with the exception of multi-storey parking, between Thursday, March 19, and Sunday, March 22. We’ll be back to payin»»»
Macut visits Hemofarm in Vrsac to discuss company's plans
VRSAC - Serbian PM Djuro Macut visited Vrsac-based pharmaceuticals firm Hemofarm on Wednesday and met with company executives, headed by CEO Ronald Seeliger, to discuss the Hemofarm Group's operations and future plans. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Internal and External Trade Jagoda »»»
Dubai 24K gold dips below Dh600, weakest in a month
Dubai: Gold prices fell below the Dh600 mark on Wednesday afternoon, with the 24K rate dropping to Dh597 per gram at 3.40 pm from Dh601 in the morning, while 22K declined to Dh552.75 from Dh556.50, tracking a broader pullback in global markets. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, alongside prices i»»»
Chronic Kidney Disease Officially Recognized in Bulgaria
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now officially recognized in Bulgaria. This was reported during a news conference to present the results of years of efforts by the medical community and patient organizations to improve the diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease. Hristina Nikolova, Chair»»»
State Funding Approved for Bulgarian Communities Abroad
The Council of Ministers Wednesday approved funding for the Foreign Ministry for 2026 amounting to up to EUR 1,750,000 to support projects benefiting Bulgarian communities in Albania, Serbia and Kosovo, as well as citizens of North Macedonia who self-identify as Bulgarian, Ukraine and Moldova. The »»»
Finnish President Concedes Europe May Have to 'De Facto' Recognize Land Lost by Ukraine
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Finland and the European Union as a whole might have to recognize Ukraine's de facto territorial concessions to Russia, Finnish President Alexander Stubb has said. "Finland or any European country will never ever accept a de jure land swap. De facto might be a reality, but de jur»»»
At Least 17 Dead in Fighting on Sudan's Border with Chad
The latest heavy fighting between warring parties along Sudan’s border with Chad has killed 17 people and many wounded, a medical group said. The attacks on Monday in Tina left 66 people in serious condition, Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières, or MSF, said in a post on»»»