Gold drops over 5% as rate hike expectations intensify
Washington, March 23 (SANA) Gold prices dropped sharply on Monday, falling more than 5% to their lowest level in nearly four months as markets anticipated higher global interest rates amid persistent inflation concerns. According to CNBC, spot gold declined by 5.5% to $4,236.89 per ounce, marking t»»»
Foreign Ministry Condemns Attack on Ras Laffan LNG Hub
The Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the missile attacks against the Ras Laffan LNG plant in Qatar, which caused significant damage to the facility in a statement published on its website. “We reaffirm our position that attacks against critical civilian infrastructure are unacceptable, const»»»
Employees to resume on-site work tomorrow
Doha, Qatar: Employees in all ministries, other government entities, and public institutions will resume on-site work tomorrow, Tuesday March 24, 2026. In a statement on social media, the Qatar Civil Service and Government Development Bureau said “With reference to the statement issued by the Gener»»»
Moscow Bets on Tehran’s Resilience, Western Rift
The Kremlin’s expectations appeared markedly pessimistic in the fourth week of the Iran war, as confidence grew that Russia’s ability to influence the conflict was waning and that the repercussions for one of its key partners could be severe. With limited leverage, the Kremlin’s main options now se»»»
Sharjah Airport urges passengers to check flight status due to unstable weather
Sharjah: Sharjah Airport has urged travellers to stay updated on the status of their flights as unstable weather conditions may lead to delays or changes to some schedules. The advisory comes as the UAE experiences unstable weather marked by rainfall, strong winds and reduced visibility in some are»»»
Arada awards Dh183m contract for Sharjah’s first UK school campus
Sharjah: Developer Arada has awarded a Dh183 million contract to build a major new K-12 campus in Sharjah, marking the emirate’s first branch of a UK-based school and a significant addition to its growing education sector. The project, Reigate Grammar School Masaar, will be located within the Dh9.5»»»
Association Drafts Mechanism to Protect Prosecutors from Pressure, Encroachment on Independence
A draft of a mechanism with the Governing Board of the Association of Prosecutors in Bulgaria (APB) for support, protection, and institutional response in cases of pressure, threats, or damage to the professional image of prosecutors has been sent the members of the association for discussion, the »»»
Saudi Arabia’s Mawani Adds 5 Shipping Services
The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) said Monday that it has added five new maritime shipping services to enhance the connectivity of the Kingdom’s ports with global markets. The move was done in partnership with major global shipping lines MSC, CMA CGM, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd, with a total capacity»»»
Iran to Mine Sea Lanes in Persian Gulf in Case of Attack - Defense Council
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Tehran will mine all sea lanes in the Persian Gulf in the event of an attack on the coast of the country or islands, the Iranian Defense Council said on Monday. "We remind you that in the event of any attempt by the enemy to attack the coast or islands of Iran, all sea lanes in t»»»
Russia Sitting Pretty as Iran War Drains US Resources & Fractures NATO
Russia has turned out to be the “biggest winner” of the war that the US and Israel have unleashed against Iran, speculates the publication 19FortyFive. The US has shifted its focus to the Middle East, American weapons stocks are dwindling, and oil revenues are surging as crude prices spike amid Ira»»»
Global Market Losing 11Mln Barrels of Oil Per Day Due to Middle East Conflict – IEA Chief
JAKARTA (Sputnik) - The world risks facing the most serious energy crisis in decades amid the conflict in the Middle East, with the market losing 11 million barrels of oil per day, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, said on Monday. "Many of us remember the two consecuti»»»
UAE’s ADNOC Gas revises production due to Hormuz shipping disruption
ABU DHABI, March 23 (SANA) ADNOC Gas, the gas subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), said Monday it made temporary adjustments to its production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and export-traded liquids due to ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters,»»»
Over 30 go on trial over Greece worst train disaster
Larissa, Greece: A long-awaited trial opened Monday over Greece's worst train tragedy that killed 57 people in 2023, leaving the entire country in shock. Thirty-six people face charges and over 350 witnesses are due to be heard at the trial that opened in the central city of Larissa, near where a f»»»
The Tanker War returns: Why Hormuz risks repeating its dangerous past
Dubai: As US President Donald Trump considers deploying naval escorts to protect oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, history is offering a stark warning: Attempts to secure the world’s most critical energy chokepoint have often spiralled into dangerous and unpredictable conflict. The latest tensio»»»
22 countries join drive to ensure safe Hormuz passage amid Iran naval mine threats: Nato
Washington: At least 22 countries had joined an initiative to ensure safe navigation in the Hormuz Strait, according to head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato). Mark Rutte, Secretary General of Nato military alliance, revealed that 22 nations — including both Nato members and partners»»»
Regular flights from Osh to Tashkent to be launched on April 1 - | 24.KG
Starting April 1, Centrum Air will launch regular flights on Osh — Tashkent — Osh route. The press service of Airports of Kyrgyzstan OJSC reported. Flights will be operated twice a week—on Wednesdays and Saturdays—on Airbus A320 aircraft. Flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Tick»»»
EU Last in Line for Russian Energy, Special Envoy Dmitriev Says
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Russian special presidential envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries, said on Monday that the European Union is at the end of the queue for energy resources from Russia. "EU at the end of the»»»
Senate Republicans advance Markwayne Mullin's nomination to lead DHS - UPI.com
The Senate on Monday is expected to vote on the nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., for Department of Homeland Security secretary. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo March 23 (UPI) -- Senate Republicans have advanced the nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin for secretary of the Depar»»»
7 gear essentials for the UAE’s rainy days, 2026
The UAE rains have arrived, and with them, you can expect soaked shoes, waterlogged laptops, and commutes that turn into obstacle courses. To help you stay one step ahead of the downpour, we’ve rounded up 7 must-have travel and commuting essentials for 2026. We went through top-rated products, glow»»»
Latest Survey: “Progressive Bulgaria” Surges Ahead in April Elections Projection, GERB Trails Far Behind
According to the latest Trend survey, “Progressive Bulgaria” is leading the polls ahead of the early parliamentary elections on April 19, with support from 31.1% of respondents who said they plan to vote. GERB follows in second place, polling at 19.7%, while "We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulga»»»
China Limits Fuel Price Hike to Cushion Impact of Rising Oil Prices
China intervened to cushion rising fuel prices on Monday, increasing regulated ceiling prices for retail gasoline and diesel but limiting the hike to about half what would normally be applied under the government's pricing mechanism. However, the adjustments brought on by rising oil prices linked t»»»
Syrian Petroleum Company joins CERAWeek energy forum in United States
Damascus, March 23 (SANA) The Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC), represented by its CEO Youssef Qablawi, is participating in the CERAWeek energy conference in the United States, held from March 23 to 27 under the theme “Convergence and Competition: Energy, Technology, and Geopolitics.” The company sai»»»
Finance Minister: Basic needs, social protection top fiscal agenda
Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk stressed that the current priority is to secure sufficient and sustainable financial resources to meet citizens’ basic needs. He noted the ongoing coordination with all state entities to guarantee the availability of food commodities in the markets and secure ener»»»
Three killed as flash floods hit Oman’s Barka region
Dubai: Search teams in Oman have recovered the body of a woman who went missing after a vehicle was swept away by flash floods in the Wilayat of Barka, as severe weather continues to affect several parts of the Sultanate. The Search and Rescue Sector confirmed the discovery following intensive oper»»»
NATO chief backs US strikes, warns on Iran threat
Washington: Mark Rutte, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) military alliance, backed US actions against Iran, warning that Tehran is “very close” to developing missile capabilities that could threaten Europe, even as Nato assessed reports of a long-range strike on a »»»
Sharjah government says thunder during heavy rain is normal
Sharjah: The Sharjah Government Media Bureau has reassured residents that sounds associated with the current unstable weather, including thunder, are natural and expected as the UAE experiences heavy rainfall. In a public statement, the bureau said such sounds are typical during severe weather cond»»»
Sharjah shuts parks, medical fitness centres amid unstable weather
Sharjah: Sharjah City Municipality has announced the immediate closure of all public parks and medical fitness centres due to unstable weather conditions. The move, authorities said, comes as part of precautionary measures to ensure public safety amid the current weather situation. Also Read: Sharj»»»
Pilot, co-pilot killed in runway collision at New York airport
New York: A plane carrying dozens of people collided with a fire truck late Sunday on a runway at New York's LaGuardia airport, killing the pilot and co-pilot and forcing a halt to flights, authorities and US media reported. AFP pictures showed the heavily damaged nose and cockpit section of the Ai»»»
Murder suspect detained in Chui region - | 24.KG
A man suspected of a brutal murder has been detained in Chui region of Kyrgyzstan. The press service of the Main Internal Affairs Department of the region reported. According to police, on March 22, 2026, the Department of Internal Affairs of Zhaiyl district received a report of the discovery of a »»»
Channelisation vs. Black Market: What Germany’s Gambling Data Reveals About Regulated Digital Markets
Germany’s online gambling market has become one of the most closely observed case studies in digital regulation. Since the introduction of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021), policymakers have attempted to create a controlled ecosystem that balances consumer protection with market viab»»»
IEA Head Says Global Economy Faces ‘Major, Major Threat’ from Iran War
The head of the International Energy Agency said Monday that the global economy faces a “major, major threat” because of the Iran war. “No country will be immune to the effects of this crisis if it continues to go in this direction,” Fatih Birol said at Australia’s National Press Club in Canberra o»»»
French Far Right Fails to Win in Major Cities in Boost to Mainstream Rivals
France's far-right National Rally (RN) failed to win control of any major city in Sunday's nationwide municipal election, a setback that gave hope to embattled mainstream parties ahead of next year's presidential election. Marine Le Pen's nationalist euroskeptic party lost out in big target cities »»»
Brazil’s Lula accuses US of trying to colonize Latin America
Latin America faces the threat of a return to colonial rule, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said, describing the White House’s recent moves in the region as undemocratic. The United States kidnapped Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January before imposing an oil blockade on Cu»»»
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»»»
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»»»
Dan state enterprise resumes operations after modernization - | 24.KG
State-owned enterprise Dan is resuming operations and undergoing modernization with government support. The Ministry of Water, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan reported. Pasta production began at the enterprise in December 2025. The reconstruction of the mill, with a capacity of 1»»»
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»»»
Visa launches Agentic Ready program to accelerate AI-powered commerce in Europe
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, is launching Visa Agentic Ready, a program designed to help financial institutions and partners in the payments ecosystem prepare for commercial transactions initiated by AI-powered agents. Initially launched in Europe, the program will provide issuing par»»»
Allianz-Tiriac announces revenues of nearly RON 4 billion in 2025
Allianz-Tiriac Asigurari closed 2025 with solid financial results and new record levels across its key business indicators, strengthening its position in the Romanian insurance market in an economic environment marked by volatility and financial pressures. The company’s total sales volume reached n»»»
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»»»
Credit Guarantee Fund for SMEs to work with brokers to speed up business financing
The National Credit Guarantee Fund for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FNGCIMM) announced the launch of direct cooperation with credit brokers, an initiative aimed at creating a more efficient financial ecosystem for the business environment.According to a press release, by concluding cooperati»»»
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»»»