Hear, move, express with Human Mobile Devices (HMD)
Human Mobile Devices (HMD), the European brand celebrated for designing technology around real human needs, is making its Middle East debut with an all-new line of accessories, ahead of its global rollout. Leading the charge is DUB, a bold new audio brand, alongside two stylish smartwatches, offeri»»»
Nicolas Sarkozy back in court over alleged Libyan funding for 2007 presidential campaign
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy returns to court on Monday to challenge his conviction over allegations he sought campaign funding from Muammar Gaddafi’s Libya for his 2007 election. Sarkozy, who denies wrongdoing, briefly served time last year. The Paris appeals court retrial will run unti»»»
Apartment transactions down 18.6% in Bucharest in first two months of 2026
These figures follow a 2025 in which the total transaction volume in the Bucharest–Ilfov metropolitan area had already dropped 8.5% compared to 2024, to 55,297 units, while prices for new units rose by approximately 20%, reaching an average of €2,500/sqm. “What we are seeing in the market now is th»»»
Sofia Makes Part of City Geographic Data Public
The Sofia Municipality is opening part of the geographic data for Sofia for public use, Mayor Vassil Terziev said in a Facebook post on Monday. The data include orthophoto maps, addresses, green areas, zones for commercial sites and other spatial information. "The more data are brought into the ope»»»
Francis Ngannou buys an ultra-luxury Palm Jumeirah residence
Dubai: Former UFC heavyweight champion and professional boxer Francis Ngannou has purchased a five-bedroom residence at Armani Beach Residences on Palm Jumeirah in one of the latest high-value property deals in Dubai’s luxury market. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Dev»»»
Parliamentary committee approves construction of KRSU campus in Baytik - | 24.KG
A new campus for the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University (KRSU) is planned for construction on a site of approximately 30 hectares in Baytik aiyl aimak of Alamedin district, Chui region. The Committee of Parliament on Science, Education, Innovative Development, Information Technology, Culture, Sports,»»»
Israel launches fresh strikes on Dahieh as rain piles more misery on displaced
Israel launched fresh strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs late Sunday as Israel's military said it was striking Hezbollah infrastructure in the city following earlier raids mainly in the country's south. A midnight strike, heard in the capital, came after a morning Israel army evacuation warning f»»»
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»»»
Iraq Warns Drone Strikes Could Trigger al-Qaeda Prison Break
Iraq’s Ministry of Justice warned Sunday that repeated drone attacks near Baghdad International Airport pose a danger to a nearby prison holding high-risk al-Qaeda inmates. In a statement, the ministry said areas around the airport and Airport Prison - also known as Karkh Central Prison near Abu Gh»»»
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»»»
Govt reviews targeted investments under 2026/2027 economic, social development plan
CAIRO, March 12 (MENA) – Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the State attaches great importance to economic and social development projects, foremost among them the presidential initiative “Hayah Karima” (Decent Life) projects as well as health and educational projects as government investment pl»»»
AI is already answering your bank and telecom queries in the UAE
Dubai: Artificial intelligence is already playing a major role in how customers interact with banks, telecom providers and airlines in the UAE, often operating quietly behind the scenes while human agents step in only when necessary. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Ind»»»
India pushes diplomacy to reopen Hormuz Strait as Trump urges naval escort
Direct talks with Iran have proven the most effective way to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Indian official said, even as calls grow for a multinational naval effort to secure the critical waterway amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The comments came after Donald »»»
Israel army says begun 'limited targeted ground operations' in south Lebanon
The Israeli military said on Monday it had begun what it described as "limited ground operations" against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. "In recent days, IDF troops from the 91st division have begun limited and targeted ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, aimed »»»
North Korea hackers used KakaoTalk in spear-phishing campaign, report says - UPI.com
North Korea-linked hackers used the popular South Korean messaging platform KakaoTalk to spread malware and steal sensitive information, according to a cybersecurity report released Monday. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo SEOUL, March 16 (UPI) -- North Korea-linked hackers carried »»»
Trump pressures NATO, China over Iran's closure of key waterway
Tehran: President Donald Trump urged NATO partners and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical conduit for crude that Iran has effectively closed, as major economic players began releasing oil reserves on Monday to ward off supply disruptions. Global oil prices have surged by 40 to »»»
Experts urge caution on Trump call for Hormuz deployment - UPI.com
The Dae Jo Yeong, a 4,400-ton South Korean destroyer, departs a naval base for the Gulf of Aden; in Busan, South Korea. File. Photo YONHAP / EPA March 15 (Asia Today) -- South Korean experts said Sunday that any response to U.S. President Donald Trump's call for allied naval deployments to the Stra»»»
Lebanon–Israel Talks: A ‘Political Declaration’ and Return to UN Resolution 1701?
Hopes for imminent negotiations between Lebanon and Israel have been tempered after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Sunday that no talks are expected in the coming days, despite reports suggesting discussions could begin this week on a French-backed plan to end the conflict. France’s Fore»»»
Evidence shows US behind missile attack on Iran’s Minab girls’ school
The US-Israeli war on Iran opened with massive strikes on urban centers, the assassination of the country’s supreme leader and his family, and the brutal slaying of more than 160 children at a girls’ elementary school in Minab. As more information about the bombing has come to light, discussion has»»»
Securing Strait of Hormuz should be ‘a team effort’ – Trump
Countries that receive oil through the Strait of Hormuz “must take care” of securing it, US President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social late on Saturday, adding that Washington “will help – A LOT!” The US and Israel began coordinated strikes on the Islamic Republic in late February, trigg»»»
PM Bolojan: We cannot cancel fuel price increases, but we can mitigate their impact
Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Friday, during a visit to Bihor county, that the Government will monitor the development of fuel prices in order to "mitigate, in a certain way, their impact," but stressed that price increases cannot be cancelled.The Prime Minister added that, due to the conflic»»»
TransMin Serban, meeting with the US Ambassador to Romania, Darryl Nirenberg
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure encourages the growth of US investments in Romania and in the Central and Eastern Europe region, in a favourable context marked by administrative reforms, the accelerated development of infrastructure and progress towards accession to the Organisation fo»»»
DefMin Miruta meets new U.S. ambassador: Romania is firm promoter of strengthening transatlantic relationship
Romania is a "firm" promoter of the Strategic Partnership with the United States of America and of the consolidation of the transatlantic relationship, the Minister of National Defense, Radu Miruta said on Friday during the meeting he had with the new U.S. ambassador in Bucharest, Darryl Nirenberg.»»»
FinMin Nazare: With 2026 budget we're getting closer to exiting excessive deficit procedure
Through the 2026 budget we are taking the first decisive step towards exiting the excessive deficit procedure, and by the end of the year we will be on the trajectory agreed with the European Commission, of 6.2% of GDP, the Minister of Finance, Alexandru Nazare, informed on Thursday evening.'At the»»»
Secretary-General of the OECD to meet President Nicusor Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan in Bucharest
The Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Mathias Cormann, will be in Bucharest on Monday, during which he will meet President Nicusor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.According to the schedule announced by the Government's Press Office, the OECD»»»
Qatar’s Ambassador participates in launch of urgent international funding appeal for Lebanon
Beirut: Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lebanon H E Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has participated in the launch of an international appeal aimed at mobilising funding to address the country’s growing humanitarian needs. The appeal was held at the Grand Serail of Beirut (Government Palac»»»
Families encouraged to create calm environment to support mental well-being
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has called on the public to maintain psychological balance and deal calmly with current developments, emphasising the importance of following supportive mental health practices to navigate such circumstances with reassurance and stability. In a video mess»»»
Japan weighs options to protect vessels in Strait of Hormuz
Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s prime minister, said on March 16 that the government is considering measures within its legal constraints to ensure the safety of Japanese-linked vessels and their crews in the Middle East amid the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, Kyodo News reports. »»»
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»»»
London Boasts 12 of Top 100 Cinemas in the World
The cinema might feel like a relic to some – a moment from before films were available at the press of a button at home – but those interested in cinemas never turn their back on an afternoon spent sitting in complete darkness with total strangers in front of a booming big screen. According to METR»»»
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 »»»
Drone strike temporarily suspends flights at Dubai International Airport - UPI.com
March 16 (UPI) -- Dubai officials temporarily suspended all flights at the city's international airport Monday morning, as the United Arab Emirates was defending itself against a barrage of Iranian drone and missile strikes. A drone fired by Iran caused a fire to erupt from a fuel tank in the vicin»»»
One-Bedroom or Two-Bedroom Apartment: Which Is More Liquid on the Market in 2026
In 2026 the Bulgarian residential market is shaped less by size and more by adaptability. Buyers increasingly evaluate how easily a property can later be sold or rented, not just whether it fits their two-bedroom apartmentcurrent lifestyle. That is why the classic dilemma — one-bedroom apartment or»»»
Prime minister, Saudi FM discuss military escalation in the region, ways to resolve disputes peacefully
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani held a telephone call with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HH Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud. Discussion during the call focused on the developments »»»
Oil Hovers around $100, Stocks Mixed as Iran War Rages
Oil prices hovered around $100 a barrel Monday and stocks fluctuated as the Iran war moved into a third week with both sides showing no sign of backing down and diplomats trying to ensure safe passage for tankers through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Crude shot up in the opening minutes after the U»»»
Israel Army Says Begun 'Limited Targeted Ground Operations' against Hezbollah in South Lebanon
The Israeli military said on Monday it had begun what it described as "limited ground operations" against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The military said in a statement that in recent days, Israeli army “troops from the 91st division have begun limited and targeted ground operations against key He»»»
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 »»»
Orbán: “We will preserve Hungary as an island of peace and security even in a turbulent world”
At Hungary’s March 15 national commemoration, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a speech centered on the country’s security, sovereignty, and the coming election. According to the prime minister, Europe is entering a dangerous period as Brussels prepares for deeper involvement in the war in Ukr»»»
France stands as ‘reliable, predictable and determined’ partner to Qatar: Envoy
Doha, Qatar: France has reaffirmed its strong strategic partnership with Qatar, highlighting deep diplomatic ties, and the defence dimension of the partnership has taken on heightened importance as the region navigates a complex geopolitical situation. In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula y»»»
MRF-New Beginning to Table Amendment That Would Require Regulator to Cover Cost of Electricity Meter Accuracy Tests
The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) - New Beginning parliamentary group will table an amendment that would require the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) to cover the cost of electricity meter accuracy tests amid complaints about high electricity bills since the start of the year,»»»
Qatar bolsters market stability with adequate supplies, continuous inspections
Doha, Qatar: Qatar has maintained a robust stockpile of essential food and consumer goods to ensure market stability. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has affirmed that sufficient stock is available in the country to ensure the availability of goods and prevent monopolistic practices. T»»»
Agriculture Minister of Kyrgyzstan reviews operations of two dairy plants - | 24.KG
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan Erlist Akunbekov visited two dairy enterprises — Belaya Reka and Umut & Co — in Issyk-Ata district of Chui region. The working visit was carried out as part of an assignmen»»»
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»»»
Trump demands nations join his Hormuz policing coalition - UPI.com
U.S. President Donald Trump walks across the South Lawn after landing in Marine One on Sunday, in Washington, D.C. The President is returning to the White House after spending the weekend at his private club, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Fla. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo March 16 (UPI) -»»»
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»»»
Iran Accuses Israel of Ecocide That Will Scar Generations
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi demands that Israel be "punished for its war crimes" against the Islamic Republic. The bombings of fuel depots in Tehran by Israeli authorities “violate international law and constitute ecocide,” he posted on X. Araghchi warned the attacks could leave lasting»»»
Trump Pressures NATO, China over Iran's Closure of Key Waterway
President Donald Trump urged NATO partners and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical conduit for crude that Iran has effectively closed, as major economic players began releasing oil reserves on Monday to ward off supply disruptions. Global oil prices have surged by 40 to 50 perce»»»
How Ukraine's drone defence model can help Gulf states
As Iranian Shahed drones continue to strike targets across the Middle East amidst the raging war with Israel and the US that has stretched regional air defences to their limits, Ukraine has quietly emerged as an unlikely but highly relevant source of expertise. President Volodymyr Zelensky has anno»»»
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»»»
US Seeking Allies to 'Police' the Strait of Hormuz — Trump
President Donald Trump said the United States is discussing cooperation with other countries on “policing” the Strait of Hormuz, speaking aboard Air Force One. “We are talking to other countries about working with us on the policing of the Strait. And I think we're getting good response,” Trump sai»»»