Six Parties, Coalitions Would Enter Next Parliament if Elections Were Held Monday - Survey
A survey by the polling agency Sova Harris, published on Monday, shows that six parties and coalitions would enter Bulgaria's Parliament if elections were held on this day. These are Progressive Bulgaria, GERB-UDF, Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms – Ne»»»
Ministry announces government healthcare sector working hours for Eid Al-Fitr
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced today the working hours across the government health sector during the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr holiday. The Ministry confirmed that all emergency services and inpatient care at Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals (HMC), including Pediatric Em»»»
Awqaf Ministry calls for sighting of Shawwal Crescent
Doha, Qatar: The Crescent Moon Sighting Committee at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has called upon all Muslims living in the State of Qatar to observe the sighting of the Shawwal crescent on Wednesday evening, March 18, 2026. The committee said that whoever witnesses the crescent s»»»
Buzz, Unease as UK Crowds Watch US Bombers Head to War
Hidden behind a tall hedgerow in the English countryside, Charlie Cumming stood at the fence of an air force base, camera raised towards a US B-1 Lancer bomber parked nearby. He was one of hundreds of curious onlookers who flocked to the airfield at RAF Fairford in the southwestern county of Glouce»»»
TikTok and Meta risked safety to win algorithm arms race, whistleblowers say
Social media giants made decisions which allowed more harmful content on people's feeds, after internal research into their algorithms showed how outrage fuelled engagement, whistleblowers told the BBC. More than a dozen whistleblowers and insiders have laid bare how the companies took risks with s»»»
Chinese Firms Seek to Loosen West's Grip on Lucrative Snow Business
Lianhuashan's slopes have been kept snow-covered by ageing European snow cannons for more than 20 years, but the Beijing resort added its first Chinese snowmaker this ski season. The snow gun, made by Beijing-based Carving Ski, costs about a third less than Western brands such as Italian giant Tech»»»
Drone attack triggers fire at Fujairah petroleum facility, no injuries reported
Fujairah: A fire broke out at a petroleum industries site in the Emirate of Fujairah following a drone attack, according to an official statement issued by the Fujairah Government Media Office. Specialised emergency teams confirmed that the incident resulted in a limited fire at the facility, with »»»
GASTAT: Saudi Consumer Inflation Eased to 1.7% in February
Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate edged down to 1.7 percent in February, the lowest level since January 2025, according to data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The consumer price index eased from 1.8 percent in January to 1.7 percent, GASTAT said Sunday. The data further show»»»
Over 100 non-Arab Muslims attend Itikaf activities
Doha, Qatar: The activities of the last ten nights Itikaf during Ramadan commenced at the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, with the participation of more than 120 non-Arabic speaking Muslims representing eight different communities. The Itikaf aims to educate and raise aw»»»
Syria says Turkey will temporarily close border crossings during Eid al-Fitr holiday
Damascus, March 16 (SANA) Turkey will temporarily close all border crossings with Syria to passenger and commercial traffic during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, a Syrian border authority official said Sunday. Mazen Alloush, director of relations at Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, said »»»
Japan ruling party urges caution over possible Middle East deployment
A senior figure in Japan’s ruling party has called for caution over any decision to deploy the Japan Self-Defense Forces to the conflict-hit Middle East to escort vessels and ensure safe passage, according to Kyodo News. T»»»
Egypt’s Trade Deficit Widens to $4.9bn as Imports Outpace Exports
Egypt’s trade deficit widened at the end of 2025 as import growth outpaced gains in exports, according to newly released data from Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS). In its monthly foreign trade bulletin, CAPMAS reported that the country’s trade gap expanded 12.2% year-»»»
On This Day, March 16: Congress establishes West Point - UPI.com
On March 16, 1802, the U.S. Congress authorized the establishment of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. 1 of 5 | President George W. Bush watches the graduates throw up their hats at Michie Stadium for the 2006 Graduation Ceremony of the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., on May »»»
Fidesz and Tisza flex muscles, mobilise hundreds of thousands in last big rallies before election
Hungary’s two leading political blocs, Fidesz and the Tisza Party, held mass rallies on March 15 in a prominent display of power, widely seen as a measure of their capacity to rally voters ahead of the April 12 elections. Prime Minister Viktor Orban vowed to keep Hungary "an island of security and »»»
Bahrain Starts to Cut Production at World’s Largest Aluminium Smelter
Aluminium Bahrain, known as Alba, said on Sunday it had initiated a shutdown of three aluminium smelting lines accounting for 19% of its capacity to preserve business continuity amid ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. The closures are the latest impact on the Middle East aluminium sector, »»»
US Marines Sent to Middle East, Join 2-Week-Old War in Iran
By Thomas Gibbons-Neff and Eric Schmitt The deployment of about 2,500 Marines to the Middle East represents a new phase in the two-week-old war in Iran, as Iranian forces increase their attacks on the Strait of Hormuz. The unit, officially known as the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, according to t»»»
MFA clarifies number of Kyrgyzstanis injured in road accident in New Moscow - | 24.KG
Six citizens of Kyrgyzstan were injured in a road accident on Kaluzhskoye highway in New Moscow, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan reported. According to the ministry, the accident occurred on March 14 at the 45th kilometer of Kaluzhskoye highway and involved a sightseeing bus and a Vol»»»
Why France is Bolstering Military Presence in the Middle East, as Macron Prepares for Postwar Talks
France's government is bolstering the country's military presence in the Middle East, dispatching its aircraft carrier and other warships, while President Emmanuel Macron engages with key players in the conflict, including Iran, in a bid to position Paris for future diplomatic talks. Macron said th»»»
THIS WEEK: EU summit on Iran war and support for Kyiv, plus Slovenia election and ‘EU Inc’ top agenda
THIS WEEK offers a weekly snapshot of the key developments in Brussels and across Europe over the next seven days, published every Monday morning. EU leaders are meeting on Thursday (19 March) for a busy and timely European Council in Brussels, where support for Ukraine, energy security, Middle Eas»»»
Slight decline in viral hepatitis prevalence rate reported in Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
A slight decline in the prevalence rate of viral hepatitis has been recorded in Kyrgyzstan compared with 2019, a study published in the journal Healthcare of Kyrgyzstan says. At the same time, researchers emphasize that the overall level of the disease remains high, and the country continues to be »»»
Trump Warns NATO Faces 'Very Bad Future' if Allies Don’t Help in Hormuz — Reports
US President Donald Trump warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if US allies fail to assist Washington in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to an interview with The Financial Times. “It’s only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the Strait will help to make sure t»»»
Arab Maritime transport sector attracts $4b in foreign investment in 23 years
AMMAN — The Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman) revealed that the maritime transport sector in the Arab region attracted 146 foreign projects with a total investment value of nearly $4 billion over the past 23 years.In its fourth sectoral report for 2025 on maritime tra»»»
Myktybek Orolbai enters UFC top 3 for most takedowns in single fight - | 24.KG
Kyrgyz fighter Myktybek Orolbai has entered the top three in Ultimate Fighting Championship history for the highest number of takedowns in a single fight. During his bout against American fighter Chris Curtis at UFC Fight Night 269 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, the Kyrgyz athlete set a welte»»»
Are Iran's retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region affecting the US' war strategy?
Israel's military said it began a broad wave of strikes on western Iran on Sunday. As the war progresses into the third week, further retaliatory strikes from Iran are likely to occur. So far, Iran has launched strikes across nine countries in the Gulf region. Most of these attacks have been interc»»»
Russia wins three more golds at Paralympics
Russian cross-country skier Anastasia Bagiyan has won gold in the 20 km individual start race for visually impaired athletes at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, becoming a three-time champion at the Games in Italy. The 24-year-old earlier won the sprint and the 10 km classical race. This year’s Games a»»»
In France's municipal elections, 2027 presidential race looms large
France holds municipal elections on Sunday – including for the mayor of Paris – less than a year before the 2027 presidential vote, with some candidates looking to use the polls as a springboard for higher office. The votes will be held in two rounds on consecutive Sundays, with the secon»»»
French far right eyes Marseille upset after strong showing in mayoral elections
Candidates for the far-right National Rally posted strong results in the first round of France’s municipal elections on Sunday, winning several races outright and polling neck-and-neck with the incumbent left in Marseille, in the last major test of the French public mood ah»»»
North Korea tests nuclear-capable rocket launchers amid US-South Korea military drills
North Korea on Sunday tested nuclear-capable multiple rocket launchers that Pyongyang’s leader Kim Jong Un said should make the country's enemies feel a sense of "uneasiness". The tests came one day after South Korea detected 10 ballistic missiles launched from North Korea. North Korea t»»»
Turkish foreign minister sees Iran as open to any “sensible back-channel” talks over war
Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan told the Associated Press (AP) on March 14 that while there is no serious initiative to resume peace negotiations between the warring US and Iran, he believes Tehran is open to back-channel talks. »»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
Turkish foreign minister sees Iran as open to any “sensible back-channel” talks over war
Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan told the Associated Press (AP) on March 14 that while there is no serious initiative to resume peace negotiations between the warring US and Iran, he believes Tehran is open to back-channel talks. »»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
Turkish foreign minister sees Iran as open to any “sensible back-channel” talks over war
Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan told the Associated Press (AP) on March 14 that while there is no serious initiative to resume peace negotiations between the warring US and Iran, he believes Tehran is open to back-channel talks. »»»
Turkish foreign minister sees Iran as open to any “sensible back-channel” talks over war
Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan told the Associated Press (AP) on March 14 that while there is no serious initiative to resume peace negotiations between the warring US and Iran, he believes Tehran is open to back-channel talks. »»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
Michael B Jordan, Jessie Buckley and One Battle After Another reign at Oscars
Political thriller One Battle After Another has dominated this year's Oscars, scoring six wins including best picture It marks the first best picture and best director win for Paul Thomas Anderson, who had never previously won an Oscar despite being one of Hollywood's most respected film-makers. "Y»»»
Middle East war strains US air defence supplies needed by Ukraine
The widening US-led war with Iran is rapidly consuming expensive American air defence munitions that Ukraine relies on to shield its cities from Russian missile strikes, raising concerns among European allies that Kyiv could face critical shortages in the months ahead, reported Politico. »»»
UAE travel alert: Etihad updates flight schedule - Check destinations until March 16
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi's flag carrier Etihad Airways has released its latest limited flight schedule, operating to key destinations from Abu Dhabi. The airline has listed flights for March 16, allowing passengers with existing bookings to be accommodated as soon as possible. The airline advises trave»»»
From allies to enemies: 10 key turning points in US–Iran relations since 1953
Dubai: Relations between Washington and Tehran have swung dramatically over the past seven decades, shaped by coups, revolutions, sanctions, nuclear diplomacy and military confrontations. Successive US presidents — from Eisenhower and Nixon to Obama and Trump — have pursued sharply different strate»»»
Ukraine's urgent fight on the financial frontline
For Ukraine the financial frontline is perhaps the unseen battlefield in the war with Russia. Keeping the economy on a level footing isn't just about today, but central to the future that they've spent four years fighting for. "We don't want to be just a poor neighbour [to the EU]," says Ukraine's »»»
British entrepreneurs highlight UAE stability during regional tensions
Dubai: Some international coverage of the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East has suggested a wave of departures from the UAE and portrayed the situation in dramatic terms, including AI-generated videos circulating online depicting war-like conditions in Dubai. Sign up for our daily bu»»»
Philippines boosts EV adoption with tax breaks, driving privileges under new law
Manila: Glenn Cuarto, a former Dubai-based Filipino expat, and now a businessman based in Iligan City, was one of the first 10 buyers of Tesla when its dealership opened in BGC here in 2024. Cuarto, a father of three, regularly charges his white Tesla Model 3 at a nearby mall. Giuseppe Alden, a fat»»»
Medicine works best when patients anddoctors collaborate: Mayo Clinic experts
Hanane Djoua Doha In hospitals around the world, two very different medical battles unfold every day. One takes place in the operating theatre, where surgeons work to rebuild damaged spines after traumatic injuries. The other occurs in laboratories and public health centres, where specialists track»»»
Medicine works best when patients anddoctors collaborate: Mayo Clinic experts
Hanane Djoua Doha In hospitals around the world, two very different medical battles unfold every day. One takes place in the operating theatre, where surgeons work to rebuild damaged spines after traumatic injuries. The other occurs in laboratories and public health centres, where specialists track»»»