Media Review: March 19
POLITICS According to an analysis in mediapool.bg, which has perused relevant public documents, it is highly unlikely that Bulgaria's Constitutional Court will be able to determine explicitly whether a Judicial System Act amendment that limited the term in office of an acting prosecutor general to »»»
Eid Al Fitr 2026: Which countries will sight the Shawwal crescent today?
While a number of countries are getting ready to sight the moon and declare the first day of Eid Al Fitr on Wednesday (Mar 18, 2026), some nations will hold their moon-sighting moments a day later, on Mar 19. In many countries, the 29th of Ramadan will fall tomorrow and so Eid will fall on Friday o»»»
US-Israel war with Iran: UAE business leaders stand united amid regional tensions
Dubai: In the wake of recent regional developments involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, UAE business leaders have expressed steadfast confidence in the nation’s leadership, resilience, and long-term stability, underscoring the theme of “Unity in Strength.” Since February 28, parts of the »»»
Bishkek selects innovators to represent Kyrgyzstan at SCO Festival in Tashkent - | 24.KG
Participants who will represent Kyrgyzstan at the International 100 Future Innovators of SCO Festival in Tashkent have been selected in Bishkek, the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Innovation reported. A total of 98 applications were submitted from across the country. Following expert eva»»»
The Middle East conflict is reshaping the landscape of global economic risks
The length of the blockade remains the decisive factor The duration of the disruption to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains the decisive factor in assessing the economic impact. Allianz Trade analysts estimate that a disruption of up to two months in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—w»»»
US intelligence chief says Iran's regime 'intact' but 'degraded'
The top intelligence official in the US said on Wednesday that the Iranian regime was "intact" but "largely degraded". Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and other top Trump administration officials testified at a congressional hearing for more than two hours about worldwide threats to»»»
At Least 17 African Migrants Drown Off Comoros
At least 17 African migrants have drowned off the Indian Ocean island of Comoros, the interior minister said Thursday. Survivors said the group was from the Democratic Republic of Congo and thought they had arrived on the French island of Mayotte, Mohamed Ahamada Assoumani told reporters. "At this »»»
Tashiev signs non-disclosure agreement after five-hour interrogation - | 24.KG
Kamchybek Tashiev signed a non-disclosure agreement, according to sources in law enforcement agencies. Today, after arriving in Kyrgyzstan, the former head of the State Committee for National Security was taken to the Main Investigative Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for questioning»»»
Kremlin Blasts Ukraine’s Attempted Attacks on Compressor Stations
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Kiev's attempts to attack compressor stations that ensure the operation of the TurkStream and Blue Stream are irresponsible actions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "At a time when global energy markets are feeling uncomfortable, to put it mildly, such irrespons»»»
Alive Capital and Sieyuan Electric to build a battery energy storage capacities of up to 2.5 GWh in SEE
The agreement outlines the deployment of BESS in both stand-alone and co-located configurations, across multiple power classes. The agreement covers Alive Capital’s own investments, those of its affiliated group companies and the projects developed for its clients. “The energy market in Europe is e»»»
Gaza Civil Defense Says Israeli Strikes Killed Four
Gaza's civil defense agency said Israeli airstrikes killed four people on Thursday, in the latest violence to hit the war-shattered Palestinian territory despite the ceasefire. It came as Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened for a limited number of people, for the first time since Israe»»»
Roborock becomes world’s number one brand in smart robot vacuum cleaner category
According to IDC, considering companies that sell robot vacuums, robotic lawn mowers, and other types of home robots, Roborock ranked first globally in terms of shipments (5.8 million units in 2025) and market share (17.7%). In Romania, Roborock has been the leader in the robot vacuum cleaner (RVC)»»»
Greek ’FBI’ joins vulture poisoning investigation
Greece’s organized crime unit has joined the investigation into a mass poisoning of black vultures and other wildlife at Dadia National Park, authorities said. The unit’s involvement was triggered by the use of banned substances – including cyanide, methomyl and carbofuran – in poisoned bait, chemi»»»
51st Parliament Failed to Overcome Crises, BSP-United Left Floor Leader Says
The 51st National Assembly failed to overcome the crises, BSP-United Left Floor Leader Nataliya Kiselova said in a declaration read on Thursday from the parliamentary rostrum. Parliament holds its last regular plenary sitting before the start of the election campaign for the April 19 snap parliamen»»»
Eid in the UAE: Expats share how they celebrate across cultures
Dubai: In the UAE, where people from cultures across the world come together, Eid is no longer just a religious celebration, it’s a shared social moment. While the festival marks the end of Ramadan for Muslims, its spirit of generosity, food, and togetherness extends far beyond faith. From neighbou»»»
Bulgaria’s Balkan Stream Earns 286 Million Euros Profit in 2025, Says Energy Minister
The "Balkan Stream" gas pipeline generated a profit of 560 million leva, or 286 million euros, in 2025, Energy Minister Traycho Traykov announced. Reported total revenues for the year reached 570 million leva, equivalent to 291 million euros. Minister Traykov explained that the revenue stems from t»»»
Finnish president suggests he’ll back Trump’s Iran war in exchange for Ukraine aid
Despite generic calls for dialogue and restraint, some EU leaders are looking for opportunities to involve themselves in the US-Israeli war on Iran. Finland’s Alexander Stubb has emerged as the leader of a small, pro-war bloc in Europe. The EU’s position on the war thus far has been one of detachme»»»
Long war may undercut global economy, analysts warn
PARIS, France — Almost three weeks into the Middle East war, analysts fear that a long-drawn out conflict and the associated disruption to oil trade may undermine the global economy.Economists are contemplating a gloomy combination of prices rising across the board and growth stalling.The conflict,»»»
Iraq's gas imports from Iran halted due to war
BAGHDAD — Iraq's gas imports from Iran were completely halted on Wednesday, authorities said, the latest blow to the country's battered economy reeling from the impact of the Middle East war.The country has been unwillingly drawn into the conflict triggered by the US-Israel attack on its neighbour »»»
Canada central banks holds rate steady, says will act if war sparks inflation
TORONTO, Canada — Canada's central bank held its key lending rate at 2.25 per cent on Wednesday, but said it was "ready to respond" if the war in the Middle East caused inflation to surge.The decision marked the third consecutive hold by the Bank of Canada, which has said it wants to keep rates ste»»»
Bank of Japan says it sees inflation rising on oil price spike
TOKYO — Japan's central bank said Thursday it expected inflation to increase because of the "recent rise in crude oil prices" caused by the Middle East war.The Bank of Japan also said in a statement that it had left its key interest rate unchanged at 0.75 percent.While officials see the consumer pr»»»
Russian Forces Liberate Two Settlements in DPR - MoD
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces have taken control of the settlement of Pavlovka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. "As a result of decisive actions, units of Battlegroup Tsentr group of forces liberated the village of Pavlovka in the »»»
Wienerberger announces a new phase of development in Romania
In light of these changes, Răzvan Boșomoiu, General Manager of wienerberger Romania, has decided to pursue new professional challenges outside the Group. Until a new successor is appointed, operations in Romania will be coordinated directly by Tin Ban, Regional COO, who is expanding his responsibil»»»
10% of Voters Have Brought Down Present Parliament, MRF-New Beginning Declares
Addressing Bulgaria's Parliament Thursday in a declaration on behalf of MRF-New Beginning, occasioned by the end of the legislature's life, Deputy Floor Leader Jordan Tzonev said that the 51st National Assembly is ending its term at the will of less than 10% of Bulgarian voters who took part in pro»»»
Senate Republicans block Democrat's war powers resolution - UPI.com
Senate Republicans on Wednesday night blocked a war powers resolution to rein in President Donald Trump's ability to make war without Congressional approval. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo March 19 (UPI) -- Senate Republicans have blocked a Democrat-led effort to curb President Donal»»»
Prime Minister participates in Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Arab and Islamic countries on Iranian aggression
Riyadh: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani participated in the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Group of Arab and Islamic Countries on Iranian Aggression, which was held in Riyadh. The meeting was also at»»»
Qatar reaffirms support for UN refugee efforts in New York meeting
New York: Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations H E Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani has reiterated the country’s support for international efforts to assist refugees. This came during a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees H E Dr. Barham Sal»»»
Arab-Islamic bloc condemns Iran strikes on Gulf states as Saudi Arabia signals military option
RIYADH: Arab and Islamic foreign ministers issued a unified condemnation of Iran’s missile and drone attacks across the Gulf on Thursday, warning that the strikes on civilian infrastructure “cannot be justified under any circumstances” and urging Tehran to immediately halt its escalation. Meeting i»»»
Kyrgyzstan to upgrade electronic school enrollment system - | 24.KG
Kyrgyzstan will update its electronic school enrollment system. Deputy Minister of Education for Digital Development Lira Samykbaeva announced at a press conference. According to her, regulations governing the system are still being finalized, and the exact launch date will be announced later. «Upd»»»
Suspected seller of psychotropic substances detained in Osh - | 24.KG
Law enforcement officers in Osh have detained a man suspected of illegal trafficking in psychotropic substances, the Interior Ministry’s Service for Combating Drug Trafficking reported. According to the agency, on February 26, a Daewoo Matiz car was stopped during an operational investigation on Fe»»»
Naryn prepares for president’s visit for Nooruz celebrations - | 24.KG
A video by Naryn blogger m_omurbaev has surfaced on social media, showing the city’s preparations for Nooruz celebrations. Footage reveals that a large stage has already been installed on the central square, with rows of chairs arranged for spectators. As it was previously reported, the president p»»»
Saudi Arabia says reserves 'right to take military actions' over Iran attacks
Saudi Arabia has not ruled out military action in response to repeated missile and drone attacks from Iran, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters following a meeting in Riyadh of foreign ministers from the region, Prince Faisal said that Iran "tries to pr»»»
Russia's Gazprom Says Turk, Blue Streams Gas Export Facilities Come Under New Attacks
Facilities of critical infrastructure for gas exports via the TurkStream and Blue Stream were subjected to new attacks on March 17-19, Russian energy giant Gazprom said on Thursday. "On March 17-19, there has been an escalation of attacks on critical infrastructure facilities providing gas exports »»»
Shelters crowded in Sidon after Israeli evacuation warning
The city of Sidon on southern Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast was crowded with freshly displaced people Thursday after the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning two days earlier for residents of the city of Tyre, farther south on the coast, and nearby villages and Palestinian refugee camps. T»»»
Trial over handling of video footage linked to Tempe rail disaster delayed, again
A trial over the handling of video footage linked to the freight train involved in the deadly 2023 rail accident in Tempe in central Greece was postponed Thursday after the presiding judge called in sick. The acting president of the Single-Member Misdemeanor Court of Larissa announced at the start »»»
Korean won plunges to new 17-yr low against U.S. dollar as Iran crisis persists - UPI.com
This photo, taken Thursday, shows the trading room of Hana Bank in central Seoul as the South Korean won fell to its lowest level in 17 years amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Photo by Yonhap The South Korean currency fell sharply to its weakest level in 17 years against the U.S. dollar »»»
Qatar’s Ambassador participates in Tunisian Foreign Minister’s meeting with GCC Ambassadors
Tunis: Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Tunisia H E Zayed bin Saeed Al Khayarin participated in a meeting held by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad H E Mohamed Ali Nafti with Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) count»»»
Minister of Municipality inspects local farms
Doha, Qatar: Qatar has reached 100 percent self-sufficiency in essential vegetables and 99 percent in fresh poultry, underscoring the efficiency of its production systems and the stability of its food supply chains. Minister of Municipality and Chairman of the Food Security Policies Implementation »»»
Thani Humanitarian expresses gratitude to Qatar’s generous donors
Doha, Qatar: The leadership of Thani Bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services has extended heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to all individuals and institutions in Qatar who have contributed their support and generosity in recent times. According to the foundation, this widespread eng»»»
Shopping centres buzz with activity as people prepare for Eid
Doha, Qatar: With the approach of Eid Al-Fitr, citizens and residents across Qatar are stepping up preparations, as shopping malls, traditional markets and hypermarkets witness a surge in activity despite the backdrop of ongoing regional developments. Families and residents are making final prepara»»»
Truth or Fake - Are US soldiers really 'refusing orders' to fight in Iran war?
More than two weeks after the US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, a rumour has sprung up that American soldiers are refusing, en masse, to fight. There is no evidence for this. However, the number of conscientious objectors in the US military is on the rise, according to the NGO C»»»
Al-Manar correspondent reports Israeli air strike on Al-Hosh town in Tyre district - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Al-Manar correspondent reports Israeli air strike on Al-Hosh town in Tyre district 19-03-2026 11:03 AM Latest News Urgent News Hezbollah’s »»»
Trump threatens to strike world's largest gas field if Iran attacks Qatar again
U.S. President Donald Trump pledged the U.S. would "massively blow up the entirety" of the world's largest gas field if Iran attacks Qatar again. Trump made his threat on social media Wednesday night against Iran's South Pars natural gas field after Iranian missiles hit Qatar. The Iranian attack wa»»»
As Israel Expands Strikes on Beirut, Delivery Drivers Steer Clear of Danger
Lebanese food courier Hamza Hareb now keeps his distance if he spots a car with tinted windows while on a delivery run in Beirut. Hezbollah is rumored to use such cars, and Hareb wants to steer clear of any Israeli strikes targeting the armed group. Israel has expanded its air campaign to new parts»»»
Tokyo’s Dazzling Cherry Blossom Season Officially Begins
Tokyo's meteorologists declared the start of the much-loved cherry blossom season in the Japanese capital on Thursday, as residents prepare to host outdoor picnics under dazzling floral displays. The cherry season for Tokyo starts when the official sample tree at Yasukuni Shrine opens at least five»»»
Bonapp and Carrefour partner up to tackle food waste in Romania
Bonapp, Romania’s leading food-saving app, has announced a strategic partnership with Carrefour Romania, one of the country’s largest food retailers, with a network of over 470 stores. The partnership launches across 15 Carrefour stores in Bucharest, marking the beginning of a long-term collaborati»»»
Vazrazhdane's Kostadinov: CEC Has Decided Not to Apply European Commission Regulation on Political Parties' Campaign Materials Financing
Speaking to reporters in the Parliament's lobby on Thursday, Vazrazhdane Chair Kostadin Kostadinov said that on Wednesday the Central Election Commission (CEC) has taken the unprecedented decision not to apply a European Commission (EC) regulation on the financing of political parties’ campaign mat»»»
Bulgaria Supports All Positions that Would Boost EU's strength, Says Caretaker PM Gurov
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov told reporters in Brussels on Thursday that Bulgaria needs to be moving full steam ahead in Europe, as the country supports all positions that would make the EU stronger. The Prime Minister is in Brussels to attend a meeting of the European Council, the Council»»»
U.S., South Korea conclude Freedom Shield drills amid North Korea tensions - UPI.com
The United States and South Korea concluded their annual Freedom Shield joint military exercise on Thursday. In this photo, taken March 9, U.S. Army Gen. Xavier T. Brunson (R), speaks with Korean Marine Maj. Gen. Park Sung Soon (L) at Camp Mujuk in Pohang. Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Aaron S. Patterson/U»»»
Oun app keeps municipal services running smoothly
Doha, Qatar: In the current situation, the Ministry of Municipality continues to provide its services to the public efficiently and without interruption. Residents and businesses can easily complete their transactions and request a wide range of municipal services through the “Oun” mobile applicati»»»