Russian, Chinese, Iran warships conduct 'surprise' Hormuz Strait exercises, amid massive US military Mideast buildup
Russia, China and Iran have deployed naval vessels for joint exercises in the strategic Strait of Hormuz region under the “Maritime Security Belt 2026” framework, Russian and Iranian state media reported. Global Surveillance, a geopolitics think-tank, described the move as a “surprise”. The Moscow »»»
Beijing’s expanding grip on Central Asian debt
As Central Asia is drawn more and more into China’s orbit, Beijing is emerging not as a source of strain but as a critical stabilising factor in the region. As was highlighted in the World Bank’s International Debt Report (IDR) published in December 2025, concentrated borrowing can heighten risk if»»»
Beijing’s expanding grip on Central Asian debt
As Central Asia is drawn more and more into China’s orbit, Beijing is emerging not as a source of strain but as a critical stabilising factor in the region. As was highlighted in the World Bank’s International Debt Report (IDR) published in December 2025, concentrated borrowing can heighten risk if»»»
Beijing’s expanding grip on Central Asian debt
As Central Asia is drawn more and more into China’s orbit, Beijing is emerging not as a source of strain but as a critical stabilising factor in the region. As was highlighted in the World Bank’s International Debt Report (IDR) published in December 2025, concentrated borrowing can heighten risk if»»»
Renewables to contribute 26% of India’s power generation by end-FY2026
Renewable energy is expected to account for 26% of India’s total electricity generation by the end of FY2026, even as demand conditions remain relatively subdued, according to a report by Infomerics Ratings cited by PV Magazine on February 18. »»»
Beijing’s expanding grip on Central Asian debt
As Central Asia is drawn more and more into China’s orbit, Beijing is emerging not as a source of strain but as a critical stabilising factor in the region. As was highlighted in the World Bank’s International Debt Report (IDR) published in December 2025, concentrated borrowing can heighten risk if»»»
Rubio holds secret talks with Raúl Castro's grandson on Cuba transition
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been conducting clandestine discussions with the grandson of Cuba's ageing former leader Raúl Castro as Washington explores options for political change on the island, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Axios. »»»
Rubio holds secret talks with Raúl Castro's grandson on Cuba transition
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been conducting clandestine discussions with the grandson of Cuba's ageing former leader Raúl Castro as Washington explores options for political change on the island, according to people familiar with the matter cited by Axios. »»»
Beijing’s expanding grip on Central Asian debt
As Central Asia is drawn more and more into China’s orbit, Beijing is emerging not as a source of strain but as a critical stabilising factor in the region. As was highlighted in the World Bank’s International Debt Report (IDR) published in December 2025, concentrated borrowing can heighten risk if»»»
Renewables to contribute 26% of India’s power generation by end-FY2026
Renewable energy is expected to account for 26% of India’s total electricity generation by the end of FY2026, even as demand conditions remain relatively subdued, according to a report by Infomerics Ratings cited by PV Magazine on February 18. »»»
Beijing’s expanding grip on Central Asian debt
As Central Asia is drawn more and more into China’s orbit, Beijing is emerging not as a source of strain but as a critical stabilising factor in the region. As was highlighted in the World Bank’s International Debt Report (IDR) published in December 2025, concentrated borrowing can heighten risk if»»»
Beijing’s expanding grip on Central Asian debt
As Central Asia is drawn more and more into China’s orbit, Beijing is emerging not as a source of strain but as a critical stabilising factor in the region. As was highlighted in the World Bank’s International Debt Report (IDR) published in December 2025, concentrated borrowing can heighten risk if»»»
Beijing’s expanding grip on Central Asian debt
As Central Asia is drawn more and more into China’s orbit, Beijing is emerging not as a source of strain but as a critical stabilising factor in the region. As was highlighted in the World Bank’s International Debt Report (IDR) published in December 2025, concentrated borrowing can heighten risk if»»»
Beijing’s expanding grip on Central Asian debt
As Central Asia is drawn more and more into China’s orbit, Beijing is emerging not as a source of strain but as a critical stabilising factor in the region. As was highlighted in the World Bank’s International Debt Report (IDR) published in December 2025, concentrated borrowing can heighten risk if»»»
Agriculture minister signs support agreements for 2 food factories
AMMAN — Minister of Agriculture, Saeb Khraisat, on Wednesday signed support agreements for two food factories as part of the project to stimulate industries in industrial and development estates and municipalities.This step comes within the framework of the Ministry of Agriculture's efforts to stim»»»
ASE launches update to enhance features of 'Boursa' App
AMMAN — The Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) has launched a new update for its mobile application, "Boursa", reflecting its ongoing commitment to developing advanced digital tools that meet investor expectations and enhance accessibility to market data.The update aims to facilitate precise monitoring of»»»
CBJ Governor presides over 4th cycle of HFE research awards on key economic issues
AMMAN — Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hussein Fund for Excellence (HFE), Adel Sharkas, presided over the awards ceremony for the winners of the fourth cycle of the Hussein Fund Economic Research Awards.Speaking on behalf of the Governor, »»»
Peru ousts interim president Jeri amid corruption probe weeks before elections
Peru’s Congress on Tuesday voted to remove the interim President Jose Jeri over corruption allegations, deepening political uncertainty just weeks before the nation’s April presidential and congressional elections. Jeri is under preliminary investigation for alleged influence peddling tied to a ser»»»
Two paths, one pressure: The quiet guilt of modern motherhood
Motherhood is often framed as a choice between two opposing paths: returning to work or staying at home. Yet what is rarely acknowledged is that neither option comes without an emotional cost. No matter which path a woman takes, guilt seems to follow - quietly, persistently, and often invisibly. Fo»»»
Former Palestinian delegate to France Leïla Shahid dies age 76
Leïla Shahid, a former Palestinian delegate-general to France who became one of the most recognisable political figures of the Palestinian cause, died on Wednesday at the age of 76. Leila Shahid, the first woman diplomat representing Palestine abroad, died in southern France aged 76, her family sai»»»
Russia hosts Cuban foreign minister, urges US not to blockade Cuba
MOSCOW: Russian top officials hosted the Cuban foreign minister for talks in Moscow on Wednesday and spoke out in support of the island nation as it faces blackouts and severe fuel shortages worsened by a US oil embargo. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met with his Russian counterpart Sergey»»»
India's Chief of Naval Staff meets heads of Russian, Thai, Lanka navies at IFR
Visakhapatnam: Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Dinesh K. Tirpathi had an interaction with chief of Russian Navy at the International Fleet Review here on Wednesday. According to spokesperson of the Indian Navy, the CNS held an interaction with Admiral Aleksandr Alekseevich Moiseev, Commande»»»
Eye on Africa - At least 28 people killed in drone strikes on Sudan market
In tonight's edition: At least 28 people are killed in drone strikes on a market in central Sudan's Kordofan region. Also, our correspondent Tom Canetti sits down with Sanda Ojiambo, the Assistant Secretary General and CEO of the UN's Global Compact initiative. And as Muslims around the world gear »»»
Hamas is reasserting control in Gaza despite its heavy losses fighting Israel
When a US-imposed ceasefire halted the Gaza War last October, Hamas's war for survival against Israel switched into a battle for control at home. The war had left the group's disciplined military units shattered into guerrilla forces, and most of its leaders killed; Gaza's buildings and infrastruct»»»
Press Review - Death of Quentin: Suspect's links with France Unbowed party put left in spotlight
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, February 18, 2026: The killing of far-right activist Quentin Deranque has plunged France into political chaos, as one of the suspects was revealed to be working for the far-left France Unbowed party. Meanwhile, as tributes for civil rights act»»»
She was headhunted for VP roles in UAE — until she said she was pregnant
Dubai: Ahead of a job interview, Aisha Mohamed had rehearsed answers about strategy, revenue growth and AI transformation. She was ready to talk about leadership, performance metrics and scaling teams. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Instead, she found herself explaini»»»
Microsoft offers $50B to counter global AI divide - UPI.com
Visitors explore the Microsoft pavilion at the AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India, where Microsoft on Wednesday announced a $50 billion investment to narrow the global AI divide. Photo by Rajat Gupta/EPA Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Microsoft announced Wednesday it's allocating $50 bi»»»
Focus - Indonesia's picture-postcard island of Bali grapples with property frenzy
Bali's picture-postcard image is cracking. On Indonesia's premium tourist resort, the race to build luxury villas and hotels has triggered an unprecedented property frenzy. Farmland is carved up into plots, coastline is privatised and bogus permits issued. Construction sites are springing up everyw»»»
Canada-Qatar relations enter promising new phase: Envoy
Ashraf Siddiqui HE Karim Morcos, Ambassador of Canada to Qatar, has affirmed that the steadily growing relationship between Canada and Qatar — now spanning more than five decades — is entering an exciting new phase, marked by deepening political, economic, and cultural cooperation. Speaking at a re»»»
MoEHE issues circular on student enrolment, relocation procedures for academic year 2026-27
QNA Doha The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has issued a new circular outlining instructions to regulate the enrolment and transfer of students in public schools for the upcoming academic year 2026-2027. These instructions are intended to streamline procedures for parents and en»»»
Cabinet approves amending National Committee for Customs Clearance System, Single Window provisions
Congratulations were also extended to ministries and government entities that won the Government Excellence Award in its second edition. The Cabinet praised their outstanding institutional performance and the award’s role in elevating the quality of public services since its launch. The Cabinet app»»»
QU hosts 11th Annual IPE Student Association Forum
Tribune News Network Doha The 11th Annual Interprofessional Education (IPE) Student Association Forum at Qatar University (QU) marked a significant milestone in the ongoing development of collaborative health profession education. The forum brought together students, health professionals, educators»»»
Qatar Tourism, HMC sign pact to promote off-road safety
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Tourism and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to raise awareness about off-road safety among Qatar’s adventurist residents, families, and high-risk groups. The MoU seeks to enhance collaboration and coordination between t»»»
Ramadan season of QF’s Siraj enhances children’s connection to Names of Allah
Tribune News Network Doha Siraj, an initiative of Qatar Foundation’s (QF’s) Pre-University Education (PUE), launched its special Ramadan edition for children in Qatar and across the Arab world, featuring five episodes that highlight the meanings of the Names of Allah. Each episode explores one of t»»»
Trump adviser calls for Fed economists to be 'disciplined'
One of Donald Trump's most senior economic advisers has said a group of economists should be "disciplined" for a Federal Reserve study which argued that US firms and consumers have borne the brunt of the president's tariffs. National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett said the report, publishe»»»
India targets $200 billion data centre boom to power AI ambitions
Agencies India hopes to attract as much as $200 billion in data center investment over the next few years as it boosts its ambitions to become a hub for artificial intelligence, the country’s top electronics and information technology official said Tuesday. The investments underscore the reliance o»»»
8 skiers dead, 1 missing after Tahoe National Forest avalanche - UPI.com
Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Eight skiers died and one is missing from a group of 15 people completing a three-day backcountry tour in California's Tahoe National Forest when an avalanche struck, local law enforcement said Wednesday. Local emergency services received a 911 call at 11:30 a.m. PST on Tuesday to »»»
Canada Conservative leader dismisses MP's 'hissy fit' remark over US relations
Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said he does not agree with an elected member of his party who claimed that Canada was harming its relationship with the US by throwing an "anti-American hissy fit". Jamil Jivani, a Conservative MP from Ontario, made the remark in an interview with righ»»»
Things to do this weekend in Qatar (February 19-21, 2026)
Doha, Qatar: The first weekend of the holy month of Ramadan has arrived, carrying with it a pleasant mix of activities. Old Souq Bazaar Until April 30, 2026 10am - 10pm Tawar Mall Tawar Mall invites you to enjoy the From Our Homeland Productive Families Markets Exhibition hosted at the Old Souq Baz»»»
Microsoft Arabia: Saudi Arabia Accelerates AI Adoption, Turns It Into Competitive Edge
Saudi Arabia has cemented its global standing in artificial intelligence after pouring significant investments into the sector in 2025, accelerating digital transformation and expanding real-world applications across government and the wider economy. From education and manufacturing to energy and p»»»
75% of global coffee supply faces rising extreme heat, analysis says - UPI.com
Climate Central's researchers found in a new analysis that heat threatens coffee harvests and coincides with recent record highs in prices. File Photo by Fully Handoko/EPA Feb. 18 (UPI) -- An analysis by Climate Central found that the world's five largest coffee-producing countries, which account f»»»
Israeli Circles Underline Imam Khamenei’s “Shrewd” Threats to Sink US Carriers amid Fluctuating War Expectations - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Israeli Circles Underline Imam Khamenei’s “Shrewd” Threats to Sink US Carriers amid Fluctuating War Expectations 18-02-2026 21:27 PM The Zi»»»
Pilot rollout of universal health insurance set for Minya to expand coverage
Egypt is preparing for the pilot implementation of its universal health insurance system in Minya as part of the second phase of the nationwide initiative aimed at broadening healthcare coverage and enhancing service quality, Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said. The Health Ministry reporte»»»
Dubai police warns of accident on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
Dubai Police issued a warning for drivers in Dubai headed towards Sharjah. On its X handle, it said: "An accident is causing a traffic disruption on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road opposite City Centre Mirdif, heading towards Sharjah. Please exercise caution." Karishma H. NandkeolyarAssistant Online»»»
Textile sector in Monastir: UN Human Rights report denounces workers precariousness and environmental impact
Tunis, Feb 18 (TAP) - A predominantly female workforce trapped in precarious employment, deteriorating occupational health and alarming environmental consequences: such is the stark assessment presented in a report by the Office of the United...»»»
Chile’s cherry industry faces challenging outlook - UPI.com
Some fruit industry analysts say the boom in Chilean cherries may have peaked and that weaker demand in China, the main export market for the fruit, could force producers to rethink supply levels. File Photo by Benjamin Hernandez/EPA SANTIAGO, Chile, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Chile's cherry industry faces a»»»
How Gaza Armed Gangs Recruit New Members
As Hamas moves to strike armed gangs operating in areas of the Gaza Strip under Israeli army control, the groups are responding with defiance, stepping up efforts to recruit young men and expand their ranks. Videos posted on social media show training exercises and other activities, signaling that »»»
India declares first day of Ramadan
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, Qazi-e-Shahr and President of the Markazi Chand Committee, Farangi Mahal, Lucknow, has announced that the moon was sighted, reported ANI. Which means the first day of Ramadan would be Feb 19, Thursday, in India. Karishma H. NandkeolyarAssistant Online EditorKa»»»
Egypt to link export incentives to measurable performance targets, minister says
Egypt will link all future export incentives and “burden-reduction” programmes to measurable numerical targets and performance indicators (KPIs), Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Mohamed Farid said on Wednesday. The move marks a shift toward a “disciplined partnership” between the state and th»»»