Syria’s tropical fruit cultivation shows promise amid market challenges
Damascus, March 19 (SANA) – The cultivation of tropical fruits in Syria has emerged as a promising agricultural shift, expanding alongside traditional citrus farming in coastal regions and offering farmers new income opportunities while helping reduce reliance on imports, despite ongoing climate an»»»
Little People of Bulgaria National Organization Marks 30th Anniversary
The Little People of Bulgaria National Organization celebrated its 30th anniversary with a formal event in Sofia on Thursday evening. It was attended by President Iliana Iotova, Health Minister Michail Okoliyska, Labour and Social Policy Minister Hasan Ademov, Education and Science Minister Sergei »»»
Uber to invest $1.25 billion in Rivian for 50,000 robotaxis - UPI.com
Uber will invest $1.25 billion in automaker Rivian for 50,000 robotaxis around the world. File Photo by James Atoa/UPI | License Photo March 19 (UPI) -- Uber Technologies said it plans to invest $1.25 billion into Rivian Automotive to launch 50,000 autonomous robotaxis around the world, the company»»»
Syria develops new framework to expand joint business councils network
Damascus, March 19 (SANA) – Syria is preparing a new regulatory framework to strengthen and expand its network of joint business councils, aiming to enhance economic cooperation and support national growth, officials said. Head of the Syrian Council for Coordinating Joint Business Councils Rawad Ra»»»
Lebanese electrical station knocked out by Israeli strike
Lebanon's state electricity company said on Thursday that an Israeli attack knocked out power to a region of southern Lebanon. There were no casualties in the attack, Electricite du Liban said, but it knocked out a "main transfer station" servicing the southern town of Bint Jbeil, its nearby villag»»»
Deira Clock Roundabout lights up for Eid celebrations
Dubai: Dubai Municipality has illuminated the historic Deira Clock Roundabout with festive designs and Eid Al Fitr greetings as part of the wider “Eid in Dubai” campaign, aimed at enhancing the city’s celebratory atmosphere. The initiative forms part of a broader programme of activities led by the »»»
Watch: Live possum snuggles stuffed toys at Australian airport store - UPI.com
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hobart Airport (@hobart_airport) March 19 (UPI) -- Workers and travelers at an airport in Tasmania, Australia, had an unusual encounter when a live possum was found snuggling with stuffed toys inside a store. Hobart Airport in Cambridge shared video on s»»»
Motorcyclist killed in train collision, fire set by residents brought under control (SNCFT)
Tunis, March 19 (TAP) - A motorcyclist was killed on Thursday after colliding with a train operating between Tunis and Sfax, according to the Tunisian National Railways Company (SNCFT).The accident occurred between the stations of Kalâa Seghira and...»»»
Eli Lilly’s retatrutide shows efficacy for diabetes, weight management - UPI.com
Eli Lilly said an experimental triple agonist molecule helped participants with type 2 diabetes in a trial significantly reduce their A1C levels while also losing weight without a plateau. File Photo by Wael Hamzeh/EPA March 19 (UPI) -- Eli Lilly's next generation obesity drug retatrutide helped si»»»
Reckless driving crackdown: Sharjah Police impound 12 vehicles, 30 bikes
Sharjah Police have confiscated 12 vehicles and 30 motorbikes and recorded 52 traffic violations during a wide-ranging campaign targeting reckless driving and noise disturbances across the emirate. The General Command of Sharjah Police said the crackdown focused on motorists and riders whose behavi»»»
US to 'unsanction' Iran oil — then use it against Iran? What it means
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced the possible "unsanctioning" of Iranian oil. The end-game: use it as gambit against the IRGC's chokehold in the Strait of Hormuz. The move highlights a striking, though not unprecedented, move on the part of the Trump administration amid US-Israel w»»»
Arab and Islamic foreign ministers condemn Iranian attacks, call for de-escalation
Riyadh, March 19 (SANA) – Foreign ministers from a group of Arab and Islamic countries strongly condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting several countries in the region, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and respect for international law. In a joint statement issued after a »»»
Bessent: U.S. may lift sanctions on Iranian oil to ease gas prices - UPI.com
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States may lift sanctions on Iranian oil that's already in transit to ease gas prices. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo March 19 (UPI) -- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that the United States may lift sanctions on Iranian»»»
UAE steps up emergency readiness as varied rainfall forecast
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has intensified its emergency preparedness measures as forecasts indicate varied rainfall across the country in the coming days. The National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, the National Centre of Meteoro»»»
EU financial guarantee for Kyiv ‘not working,’ Zelensky says
EU leaders failed to convince Hungary to lift its veto on Ukraine support, as president Volodymyr Zelensky lamented the blockage and the uncertainty around it. “For the third month now, the most important financial security guarantee for Ukraine from Europe is not working – the €90bn support packag»»»
Syria advances tax reforms and digitalization to improve efficiency and public services
Damascus, March 19 (SANA) – Syria is moving forward with tax reforms and digital transformation plans aimed at improving efficiency, simplifying procedures, and enhancing services for citizens and businesses, officials said on Wednesday. During a meeting of the General Commission for Taxes and Fees»»»
Iranian attacks disrupted 17 percent of gas export capacity: Minister of State for Energy Affairs
Doha, Qatar: The Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Managing Director and CEO of QatarEnergy, HE Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi has revealed that Iranian attacks disrupted 17 percent of Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, causing losses estimated at approximately USD 20 billion »»»
RAK Police ready with comprehensive plan for Eid Al Fitr
Ras Al Khaimah Police have announced full readiness to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays, implementing a comprehensive security and traffic plan aligned with the Ministry of Interior’s strategic goals. Authorities said the plan includes intensified polic»»»
Lessons From Libya’s Petrostate Curse: Global South Must Unite, Create Global Platforms to Survive
NATO’s intervention in Libya peeled back the curtain as to how a country with massive energy wealth can be thrown into collapse and prolonged fragmentation, Robinder Sachdev, founder and president of the Imagindia Institute, tells Sputnik. "For resource-rich states in the Global South, the lesson i»»»
Weekly quiz: How did this man turn himself blue?
This week, a deadly outbreak of meningitis hit schools and universities in the south-east of England, fuel prices soared as the Iran war continued, and War of the Worlds cleaned up at the Razzies. But how much attention did you pay to what else happened in the world over the past seven days? Quiz c»»»
Sources to Asharq Al-Awsat: Meshaal Contacts Gaza Factions on Fate of Weapons
Hamas is holding internal talks and consulting Palestinian factions on the fate of weapons in Gaza, an issue central to US President Donald Trump’s plan, which calls for full disarmament and links it to reconstruction. Talks have slowed in recent weeks amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. Still, Hamas »»»
Iranian Attack Hits Israeli Oil Refinery in Haifa, Some Damage Reported
An Iranian missile attack hit Israel's Oil Refineries in the northern port city of Haifa but did not cause "significant damage", Israel's Energy Ministry said on Thursday. Energy Minister Eli Cohen said power was briefly disrupted, with electricity restored to most of those who were affected. "The »»»
Sheikha Fatima greets wives of Arab, Islamic leaders on Eid Al-Fitr
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), has sent cables of greetings to the wives of the Arab »»»
Gargash warns Iran rhetoric breaches international law
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, said statements by some Iranian officials justifying attacks on Gulf states represent a serious breach of international law and pose a direct threat to regional stability. “The justification by some Iranian officials of their country’s aggr»»»
UN highlights Syria’s counterterrorism efforts, calls for respect of sovereignty
New York, March 18 (SANA) – Several UN Security Council members commended steps taken by the Syrian government to combat terrorism and promote stability, while stressing the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and halt repeated Israeli violations. During a session on the h»»»
Russia accuses Israel of 'deliberate and targeted' strike on TV crew in Lebanon
Russia on Thursday blamed Israel for what it called a "targeted" airstrike that wounded a TV crew from state-run RT in Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli strikes and ground operations in the country's south. The Ruptly video agency, a subsidiary of RT, posted footage showing an explosion and plumes of sm»»»
Deputy Prime Minister meets Turkish Foreign Minister
Doha, Qatar: HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, the Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of State for Defense Affairs met in his office Thursday, with HE Hakan Fidan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, during his visit to the country. During the meeting, the two»»»
24.kg news agency congratulates Kyrgyzstanis on Orozo Ait - | 24.KG
This bright and meaningful day marks the end of the month of fasting and spiritual purification, reminding us of the values of compassion, patience, and mutual support. During these days, it is especially important to be close to loved ones, support those in need, and share the warmth of our hearts»»»
Nuclear's cleanup cost threatens the expansion dream
Nature and EnvironmentGermanyNuclear's cleanup cost threatens the expansion dreamKiyo DörrerCountries are racing to build new reactors. But we've barely figured out how to clean up the old ones — and the bill is potentially staggering. https://p.dw.com/p/5AhHtA 156-ton steam generator is lifted fro»»»
Lebanon’s Electricity Authority Says Israeli Attack Put a Main Substation in South Out of Service
The Lebanese state electricity company said on Thursday that Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon earlier that day had put a main power substation out of service, a sign of expanding Israeli attacks on Lebanese infrastructure. In a statement carried by Lebanon’s state media, the electricity»»»
Ghalibaf: Iran’s New Strongman Running War Effort
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker and a veteran of the Revolutionary Guards, has emerged as the highest-profile political figure in the country after the killing of its leaders. A pillar of the Iranian establishment for some three decades and one of the regime's most prominent non»»»
Russia Accuses Israel of ‘Deliberate and Targeted’ Strike on TV Crew in Lebanon
Russia on Thursday blamed Israel for what it called a "targeted" airstrike that wounded a TV crew from state-run RT in Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli strikes and ground operations in the country's south. The Ruptly video agency, a subsidiary of RT, posted footage showing an explosion and plumes of sm»»»
Qatar's Permanent Representative participates in task force to eliminate remnants of former Syrian regime's chemical weapons program
New York: The Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani participated in the launch event of the "Breath of Freedom Task Force," which is concerned with removing the remaining elements of the chemical weapons program of the former S»»»
Gabbard: U.S., Israeli goals in Iran are different - UPI.com
1 of 4 | Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard arrives for a House Select Committee on Intelligence hearing on worldwide threats at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo March 19 (UPI) -- The United States and Israel's objectives in th»»»
Prosecutors want 7+ years for Høiby, son of Norwegian princess - UPI.com
Marius Borg Hoiby and his mother Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit attend a government party event in Oslo, Norway, in 2022. Hoiby is facing 39 charges, including four counts of rape. File Photo by Lise Aserud/EPA March 19 (UPI) -- Prosecutors said that if Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway's crow»»»
'Ready' to help keep Hormuz open: UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Japan
In a significant display of international unity amid escalating Middle East tensions, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan have issued a joint statement pledging “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts” to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. This vital chokepoi»»»
US states sue Trump over his move to scrap greenhouse gases ruling
Three dozen states and local governments have challenged the Trump administration's reversal of a landmark Obama-era scientific ruling which held that greenhouse gases were a threat to public health. The lawsuit seeks to overturn the administration's repeal last month of the 2009 "endangerment find»»»
Palestinians Were Bystanders to the Iran War. Now They’re Victims Too
For nearly three weeks, Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have mostly been bystanders as Israel and Iran have exchanged airstrikes. But on Wednesday, four women became victims of the war. In the town of Beit Awa, women and their daughters were inside a small beauty salon when an Iranian missil»»»
Progressive Bulgaria Leader Rumen Radev: Next Parliament's Top Priority Is to Form Majority to Replace Judicial Council, Clearing Way for Election of New Prosecutor General
Former President (2017-2026) Rumen Radev, leader of Progressive Bulgaria, presented the priorities of the coalition in Sofia on Thursday. He said the number one task is to have a two thirds majority in the next parliament after the April 19 elections, to replace the Supreme Judicial Council and to »»»
Israeli Attack on South Pars Gas Field: A US Move to Expand LNG Share?
The US may have been informed about the Israeli bombing of the Iranian South Pars gas field, energy security analyst Yeghia Tashjian of the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut tells Sputnik. "When it comes to major Israeli operations – especially those with regional escalatio»»»
Iran claims F-35 hit (VIDEO)
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed striking a US F-35 fighter jet with anti-aircraft fire and has circulated video of the plane sustaining a hit. The claims have been corroborated by CNN, which suggested the aircraft sustained damage but was able to make an emergency landin»»»
US F-35 hit over Iran during mission, makes emergency landing
DUBAI: A US F-35 stealth fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at an American air base in the Middle East after it was struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire, in what could mark a significant escalation in the ongoing war. Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN that the »»»
Cloudy skies expected Thursday night
Tunis, March 19 (TAP) – The sky will be partly cloudy across most regions, with occasionally dense clouds over western areas of the north and centre, accompanied by light and localised rainfall.Winds will blow from the east, relatively strong in the...»»»
UAE President, VPs congratulate heads of Arab, Islamic states on Eid Al-Fitr
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent cables of congratulations to the Kings, Emirs and Presidents of Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. Sheikh Mohamed wished them and their peoples continued progress, prosperity and stability. His Highness She»»»
UAE strengthens security and traffic readiness for Eid Al Fitr
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Interior has stepped up security and traffic preparedness nationwide ahead of Eid Al Fitr, in coordination with relevant authorities and police general commands, as part of a comprehensive plan to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow. The ministry said measures ar»»»
Trump administration seeks $200bn in military funding in wake of Iran war
The White House is seeking $200bn (£150bn) more in funding for the war in Iran, with President Donald Trump saying on Thursday its decision to ask Congress for the additional funds was based on a variety of factors. Earlier, a Trump administration official told the BBC that the defence department h»»»
Trump Says Not Putting US Troops in Region Amid Iran War
US President Donald Trump on Thursday suggested he was not looking at deploying more soldiers to the Middle East amid the Iran war. "I'm not putting troops anywhere," Trump said, asked by a reporter whether he was planning to send more service members to the region. "If I were, I certainly wou»»»
Israel escalates attacks on civilian infrastructure in Lebanon – Ya Libnan
Share: The Zrarieh Bridge over the Litani river was damaged in an Israeli strike on Friday, followed by other strikes on other bridges on Wednesday Israeli forces are intensifying airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, as well as hitting targets in Beirut neighborhoods. Israeli offic»»»
Global aid flows to Cuba as energy crisis deepens - UPI.com
European volunteers from the 'Convoy Nuestra America' initiative visit a hospital in Havana on Wednesday. This first delegation arrived with nearly 5 tons of medical supplies in a show of solidarity against the U.S. oil embargo, according to Progressive International. Photo by Ernesto Mastracusa/EP»»»
Thundery rain, strong winds, high seas tonight: Department of Meteorology
Doha, Qatar: The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for Thursday night, March 19, 2026, until 6am on Friday, forecasting thundery rain, strong winds, and high seas across Qatar. Inshore, conditions are expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy with scattered rain, which may become thundery»»»