Singapore Seizes Record Asian Pangolin Scales Disguised as 'Dried Fish Skin'
Singapore has seized over 830 kilograms of Asian pangolin scales hidden in a shipment bound for Cambodia, authorities said Saturday, calling it the largest haul of its kind discovered in the city-state. Falsely declared as "dried fish skin", the scales -- estimated to be from more than 2,200 pangol»»»
CBSE Class 12 evaluation in UAE, Middle East: What students must know about how marks will be calculated
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced an alternative assessment policy for Class 12 students in West Asian countries, including the UAE, after board exams scheduled between March 16 and April 10, 2026, could not be held due to extraordinary circumstances. The new scheme aims»»»
World's 'ugliest' city finds allure in decay
Charleroi, Belgium: Belgian artist Nicolas Buissart started doubling as a tour guide as a joke after a newspaper in the neighbouring Netherlands named his city the ugliest in the world. Some 15 years later, he is still arranging tours of Charleroi for visitors seeking beauty in dilapidated factorie»»»
Russia's FSB Foils Terrorist Attack Planned by Ukraine
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) prevented a terrorist attack planned by Kiev against a law enforcement officer in Stavropol, the FSB press center said on Saturday. "The Federal Security Service of Russia in the city of Stavropol prevented a sabotage and terrorist act p»»»
UAE and Ukrainian Presidents discuss cooperation and regional developments
Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, discussed security developments in the region amid ongoing military escalation and their implications for regional and international peace and security, as well as their impact on»»»
Spaniard Noelia Castillo, 25, dies by euthanasia after courts rejected her father’s bid
Noelia Castillo died on Thursday after receiving life-ending medication at a medical facility in Sant Pere de Ribes, near Barcelona. She had requested to be alone at the time of her death, although relatives had been present earlier. A close friend who had hoped to persuade her to change her mind w»»»
SoftBank Secures $40 Billion Loan to Boost OpenAI Investments
Softbank Group said on Friday it has secured a $40 billion bridge loan to bolster investments in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI and for general corporate purposes, marking another significant step in its artificial intelligence strategy. The Japanese investment conglomerate, led by founder Masayoshi Son, con»»»
World's 'ugliest' city finds allure in decay
Belgian artist Nicolas Buissart started doubling as a tour guide as a joke after a newspaper in the neighbouring Netherlands named his city the ugliest in the world. Some 15 years later, he is still arranging tours of Charleroi for visitors seeking beauty in dilapidated factories and rundown wareho»»»
33 million litres/day: Diesel consumption in the Philippines — a data-driven look at diesel dependence and the electrification challenge
Manila: The Philippines faces ongoing energy security pressures. This was highlighted by recent government actions amid global oil market volatility induced by the Mideast war. According to data from the Philippine National Oil Co (PNOC) and the Department of Energy references cited in recent analy»»»
MoECC calls on public, institutions to observe Earth Hour in support of sustainability
DOHA: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has called on individuals and institutions across the country to participate in Earth Hour, observed this evening, by switching off lights and non-essential electrical appliances for one hour, from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. In a statement posted »»»
LIVE UPDATES: Sirens, interceptions persist across GCC as Middle East turmoil enters day 29
Doha, Qatar: Oman, Bahrain and the UAE confirmed interceptions of missiles and drones on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Few injuries have been reported. Stay tuned for more updates: 10am Doha Time Thai PM says reached deal with Iran for vessels to transit Hormuz Strait Thailand has reached an agreement »»»
On This Day, March 28: Sumatra quake kills hundreds - UPI.com
On March 28, 2005, an 8.6-magnitude earthquake jolted the western coast of Sumatra, killing about 1,000 people and destroying hundreds of buildings. 1 of 6 | An aerial photograph taken February 12, 2005, shows damage six weeks after a tsunami hit Banda Aceh on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. On M»»»
Indonesia begins enforcing social media ban for under-16s
Indonesia began enforcing a social media ban for children under the age of 16 on Saturday, after a minister warned digital platforms there was "no room for compromise." The Southeast Asian nation announced the ban this month citing threats from online pornography, cyberbullying and internet addicti»»»
UAE traffic update: Dubai RTA announces Sharjah bus service E315 resumes
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that bus service E315, operating between Etisalat Bus Station and Muwailih in Sharjah, will resume today from 11:00 am. Commuters are advised that minor delays may occur as services gradually return to full capacity. RTA confirmed that all»»»
Foreign Ministry calls on Kyrgyzstanis to leave the Middle East - | 24.KG
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on citizens of Kyrgyzstan currently staying in the Middle East to leave the region due to the escalation of tensions. Citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic are also advised to refrain from traveling to the region until the situation fully stabilizes. It is noted that»»»
Qatar urges one-hour lights off to mark Earth Hour 2026
Doha, Qatar: Qatar's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has called on individuals and institutions across the country to participate in Earth Hour, observed this evening, by switching off lights and non-essential electrical appliances for one hour, from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. In a stateme»»»
WTO Reform Talks Face US-Indian Obstacles
Large differences remain between most countries and the US and India as trade ministers meet to discuss reforms at the World Trade Organization, two diplomats told Reuters on Friday. The ministers are meeting in Yaounde, Cameroon, as the organization faces a critical test to its future amid a year »»»
Why a women-only bar in Minsk is triggering male backlash in 2026
If you haven’t seen an example of collective male hysteria for a while, take a look at the comments on the news story about the opening of a women-only pub in Minsk. There are tears, threats, and even strategic plans to take over the territory. The men commenting are furious that there will be a pl»»»
Thai PM says reached deal with Iran for vessels to transit Hormuz Strait
Bangkok: Thailand has reached an agreement with Iran to allow Thai oil vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the Southeast Asian nation's Prime Minister said on Saturday. Iranian forces have effectively slowed shipping through the strait to a trickle during the Middle East war, which b»»»
European Central Bank Member: No Rush to Hike Interest Rates
The European Central Bank should not rush to raise rates in response to surging energy costs, as its “baseline” outlook remains intact and there is no sign yet that inflation is becoming entrenched, Cypriot central bank chief Christodoulos Patsalides said. With energy prices surging on the US-Israe»»»
PWL League: Kyrgyzstani Sezim Zhumanazarova defeats her opponent from Uzbekistan - | 24.KG
The latest PWL wrestling league tournament took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The broadcast is available on wrestlingtv.ru. In the 59-kilogram weight class, Sezim Zhumanazarova defeated Lailokhon Sobirova (Uzbekistan) 9-3. Abdymalik Karachov defeated Osman Sultanov, Omurbek Asan uulu defeated Cher»»»
Kyrgyzstan's Agriculture Ministry receives rain-inducing drones from China - | 24.KG
China has donated 12 drones to Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, the ministry’s press service reported. According to the ministry, Minister Erlist Akunbekov met with representatives of the Chinese IT company Quanyibao (Hangzhou). «The unmanned aerial ve»»»
Middle East Power Struggle Faces Defining Moment
Perhaps the worst-case scenario long feared in decision-making circles has come true. With the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Washington and Tel Aviv used the same “shock and awe” approach Israel has relied on in recent years, one that delivers rapid gains before losing momentum by t»»»
Israel: Missile Fired from Yemen
Israel’s military said early Saturday that it had detected a missile fired from Yemen, the first since the Iran war began. Yemen’s Houthis so far had stayed out of the war. Hours earlier, the Houthis said they were prepared to act if what the group called an escalation against Iran and the "axis of»»»
How the Philippines is strengthening migrant worker protection ahead of UN meet
Dubai: The Philippines is stepping up efforts to strengthen protections for its migrant workers around the world, as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has convened multiple stakeholders in Quezon city this week ahead of a United Nations (UN) forum on migration. Together with the International»»»
Cholpon-Ata bypass road to be completed in time for WNG and SCO summit - | 24.KG
A 15.64-kilometer bypass road is under construction in Cholpon-Ata and is scheduled for completion in time for the World Nomad Games (WNG) and the SCO summit. The press service of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Kyrgyzstan reported. According to the ministry, the project involves th»»»
Cool night, strong winds and high seas expected across Qatar
DOHA: The Qatar Meteorology Department has forecast moderate temperatures with some cloud cover during the day on Saturday, becoming relatively cold by night. In its daily weather report, the department said offshore conditions will be partly cloudy at times, warning of strong winds and high seas. »»»
One month into Iran war, some Trump objectives are unfulfilled as he looks to wind down the conflict
Washington: President Donald Trump has listed five objectives that the US wants to achieve before ending its war with Iran. Now, one month into the conflict, he has suggested the US may soon be “winding down” the operation, even though some of his key aims remain undefined or unfulfilled. Trump las»»»
Tiger Woods arrested, charged with DUI after Florida crash
Miami: Tiger Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence Friday after a rollover crash near his Florida home, authorities said, as the 15-time major champion's golf career veered into fresh turmoil. Woods, 50, escaped injury but was detained after his vehicle clipped a truck whi»»»
Scoop - Israel tightens media restrictions on war coverage
This week, FRANCE 24's media show Scoop looks at media coverage of the war in Israel. The country's military censor has tightened restrictions on the press. Authorities say the changes are for national security, but critics argue it leaves audiences with an inaccurate and incomplete picture of the »»»
'New phenomenon of dangerous rhetoric': World leaders embrace proud disregard for international law
Gavin Lee is pleased to welcome Philippe Bolopion. Executive Director of Human Rights Watch. He describes a seismic shift in the conduct of war, marked not merely by violations of international humanitarian law, but by an unprecedented openness in asserting, even embracing, such violations. What di»»»
The World This Week - Iran: Rolling Ultimatums, Moscow "at the EU table"?
In a week of movable ultimatums set by President Trump, to “obliterate Iran’s power plants”, a deadline was set initially of Monday at Midnight, then extended by five days on account of “very productive conversations”, then to ten days with Trump claiming “talks are ongoing” and “going very well”. »»»
Spotlight - 'New phenomenon of dangerous rhetoric': World leaders embrace proud disregard for international law
Gavin Lee is pleased to welcome Philippe Bolopion. Executive Director of Human Rights Watch. He describes a seismic shift in the conduct of war, marked not merely by violations of international humanitarian law, but by an unprecedented openness in asserting, even embracing, such violations. What di»»»
Focus - Fifteen years after fall of Gaddafi, Libyan city of Benghazi reborn
Fifteen years after the revolution that deposed Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, our team reports from the eastern city of Benghazi. Although the security situation there is now relatively stable, reunification does not seem to be on the immediate agenda, with Libya still ruled by two differen»»»
Police detain French ex-cop suspected of kidnapping and killing mothers of his children
Former French police officer Cédric Prizzon, a "father's rights activist" who had been involved in a bitter custody dispute with his former partner, has been arrested in Portugal on suspicion of kidnapping and killing his partner and ex-girlfriend. Portuguese police have arrested a forme»»»
France is 'more and more keen' on Australia critical minerals investment, minister says
France is "more and more keen" on investing in Australian critical minerals projects, Australia's Resources Minister Madeleine King said Thursday, as countries across the world race to secure access to rare earths and other much-needed minerals. Canberra is hunting for billions in foreign investmen»»»
Kuwait Airways resumes Istanbul flights via Dammam from April 1
The Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) announced it will resume commercial flights to and from Istanbul, Turkey, via Saudi Arabia’s Dammam Airport starting April 1, with two weekly flights on Wednesdays and Fridays. Acting CEO Abdulwahab Al-Shatti told KUNA that KAC continues to operate efficiently, »»»
Jazeera Airways to resume Kuwait‑Karachi flights via Dammam from April 7
Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways announced it will resume commercial flights to and from Karachi, Pakistan, via Saudi Arabia’s Dammam Airport starting April 7. According to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), CEO Barathan Pasupathi said the move underscores the airline’s role in maintaining travel during exceptiona»»»
'Return hubs' for migrants clear EU parliament hurdle
European lawmakers cleared the way Thursday for tougher penalties for irregular migrants and their potential deportation to so-called "return hubs" outside the bloc. The measures, criticised by human rights groups, are part of a tightening of Europe's immigration rules in response to pressure acros»»»
Talking Europe - Trump administration sidelines, threatens Europe in Iran war: EU flounders in new world order
After Greenland and trade tariffs, US President Donald Trump is threatening European countries once again. If they fail to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, "it will be very bad for the future of NATO", Trump has said. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made it clear that the US will make its ow»»»
Talking Europe - 'We need to double down' on energy autonomy: EIB chief Nadia Calviño
Europe must speed up its push for energy independence and break free from "excessive dependence on fossil fuels" as the continent grapples with a more volatile and hostile global order, the head of the world's largest public bank told FRANCE 24's Douglas Herbert in Talking Europe. Nadia Calviño, th»»»
Spanish woman dies by euthanasia in case that drew national spotlight
A 25-year-old woman underwent legal euthanasia in Spain on Thursday after a nearly two-year protracted legal battle and struggling with psychiatric illness since she was a teenager. Noelia Castillo's case was closely followed in Spain, which passed legislation in 2021 enshrining the right to euthan»»»
Pope Leo XIV makes historic visit to glitzy Monaco
Pope Leo XIV will travel on Saturday to the principality of Monaco, becoming the first pontiff in almost five centuries to visit the Mediterranean enclave, in a trip the Vatican says will underscore the global influence of small states. Pope Leo XIV travels Saturday to the principal»»»
Iran war is Asia's Ukraine moment, rapid green energy rollout will accelerate
Three quarters of the world's population live in fossil importing countries and bleed out at least 3% of GDP every year to import oil to run their cars and power plants. However, the rollouts of green energy are so rapid and have become so cheap that just the new renewable green energy capacity bui»»»
Iran war is Asia's Ukraine moment, rapid green energy rollout will accelerate
Three quarters of the world's population live in fossil importing countries and bleed out at least 3% of GDP every year to import oil to run their cars and power plants. However, the rollouts of green energy are so rapid and have become so cheap that just the new renewable green energy capacity bui»»»
Iran war is Asia's Ukraine moment, rapid green energy rollout will accelerate
Three quarters of the world's population live in fossil importing countries and bleed out at least 3% of GDP every year to import oil to run their cars and power plants. However, the rollouts of green energy are so rapid and have become so cheap that just the new renewable green energy capacity bui»»»
Iran war is Asia's Ukraine moment, rapid green energy rollout will accelerate
Three quarters of the world's population live in fossil importing countries and bleed out at least 3% of GDP every year to import oil to run their cars and power plants. However, the rollouts of green energy are so rapid and have become so cheap that just the new renewable green energy capacity bui»»»
Iran war is Asia's Ukraine moment, rapid green energy rollout will accelerate
Three quarters of the world's population live in fossil importing countries and bleed out at least 3% of GDP every year to import oil to run their cars and power plants. However, the rollouts of green energy are so rapid and have become so cheap that just the new renewable green energy capacity bui»»»
Iran war is Asia's Ukraine moment, rapid green energy rollout will accelerate
Three quarters of the world's population live in fossil importing countries and bleed out at least 3% of GDP every year to import oil to run their cars and power plants. However, the rollouts of green energy are so rapid and have become so cheap that just the new renewable green energy capacity bui»»»
Iran war is Asia's Ukraine moment, rapid green energy rollout will accelerate
Three quarters of the world's population live in fossil importing countries and bleed out at least 3% of GDP every year to import oil to run their cars and power plants. However, the rollouts of green energy are so rapid and have become so cheap that just the new renewable green energy capacity bui»»»