Production rates at Ghadames Basin's B1-NC 216A exploration well of 2,000 barrels per day exceeding expectations: NOC
Libya’s state National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported yesterday that the production rates of the B1-NC 216A exploration well, located within Block NC 216 in the Ghadames Basin of western Libya, have achieved outstanding and unprecedented results, exceeding expectations. The well recorded a flow rat»»»
Energy trade deficit drops 16% in January 2026 (National Observatory of Energy)
Tunis, March 28 (TAP) — Tunisia’s energy trade deficit, factoring in fees for Algerian gas exports, dropped 16% in January 2026, reaching 945 million dinars (MD), according to the latest report by the National Observatory of Energy and Mines.Energy...»»»
Energy and grain: Imports from CIS help Kyrgyzstan offset domestic shortages - | 24.KG
In January 2026, Kyrgyzstan saw a decline in export activity in the agricultural and raw materials sectors. A report of the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic says. Import trends Supplies of vegetables and root crops fell 1.6 times, while fruit imports dropped by 22.1 percent. Ag»»»
Israel, Hezbollah Brace for Prolonged Fighting in South Lebanon
Hezbollah is preparing for a prolonged fight in south Lebanon and is insisting on an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory before any ceasefire takes effect, to avoid a repeat of the last war’s outcome, Lebanese sources following the group’s talks with officials said. Continued Israeli troop b»»»
Kyrgyzstan's leasing market nearly doubles, reaching 14.8 billion soms - | 24.KG
In 2025, leasing in Kyrgyzstan grew significantly: 28 companies signed 6,900 contracts, 1.9 times higher than in 2024. The total value of transactions reached 14.8 billion soms, a two-fold increase, the National Statistical Committee reported. A significant shift in priorities has been noted over t»»»
Kyrgyzstan’s trade: China and Russia account for 63 percent of imports - | 24.KG
China and Russia dominate Kyrgyzstan’s imports. Report of the National Statistical Committee for January 2026 says. Who drives Kyrgyzstan’s imports It is noted that imports from China account for 36.6 percent of the total ($338.6 million), while Russia accounts for 26.4 percent ($244.3 million). Th»»»
Israel Presses Washington to Amend War Plan
Israeli political sources said the government is pushing back against key elements of a US proposal to end the war with Iran, describing the dispute as fundamental rather than technical. They said three of the plan’s 15 clauses are at the heart of disagreements with the administration of US Preside»»»
Hamas to Seek Changes in Response to Disarmament Plan
Sources in Hamas and other Palestinian factions say there’s growing pessimism over a plan presented by the high representative of the US-backed Board of Peace, Nikolay Mladenov, to the movement’s leadership, proposing the full and unconditional disarmament of the Gaza Strip. Two Hamas sources, insi»»»
Knife Attacker in Sofia Previously Detained for Armed Robbery and Hooliganism
The 39-year-old woman who attacked four German citizens with a knife in central Sofia has a prior criminal record that includes an armed robbery committed in 2020, for which she was detained. According to Deputy Director of the Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs Nikolay Peltekov, she was later s»»»
Central Election Commission to Determine Polling Stations' Locations Abroad
The Central Election Commission (CEC) is expected on Saturday to determine the locations in the countries where polling stations will be set up abroad, as well as their number. According to the schedule for the April 19 vote, March 28 is the deadline for the CEC to do so. “We expect to receive the »»»
Top WTO official sounds fertiliser warning over Middle East war
YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — Disruptions to fertiliser supplies caused by the Middle East war pose a double threat to global food security through scarcity and high prices, a top World Trade Organisation (WTO) official has warned.Iran has virtually shut the Strait of Hormuz, choking a vital transit route fo»»»
After US Terror Listing, Sudan’s Brotherhood Faces Tough Choices
Sudan’s Muslim Brotherhood-linked Islamic Movement has remained silent after the US designated it a “foreign terrorist organization,” a decision that took effect on March 16. Nearly two weeks later, the group’s leadership, at home and abroad, has issued no statement clarifying its position or the p»»»
How Earth Hour 2026 is bringing UAE families together for climate action
Dubai: What began in 2007 as a symbolic gesture has grown into one of the world’s largest environmental movements. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International has launched "Earth Hour" to encourage people to switch off non-essential lights for one hour, raising awareness about climate change and bi»»»
Cloudy weather over most regions
Tunis, March 28 (TAP) — The weather, on Saturday, will be cloudy over most regions. These clouds will sometimes be dense over the western areas of the north and the far south, with scattered rainfall, according to forecasts from the National...»»»
UAE announces end of unstable weather, conditions return to normal
Abu Dhabi: The National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, has announced the end of the recent weather situation and confirmed that conditions across the country have stabilised. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the »»»
Singapore seizes record Asian pangolin scales disguised as 'dried fish skin'
Singapore: 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»»»
UAE announces end of weather disturbance as heavy rain alert lifted
Abu Dhabi: The National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, has announced the end of the recent weather situation and confirmed that conditions across the country have stabilised. The announcement followed a meeting of the Joint Asses»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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»»»
Total of 155 Ukrainian Drones Shot Down Overnight - Russian Defense Ministry
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian air defenses shot down 155 Ukrainian drones overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. "This past night, from 23:00 Moscow time [20:00 GMT] on March 27 to 7:00 Moscow time [04:00 GMT] on March 28 this year, air defense systems on duty intercepted and des»»»
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»»»
PWL League: Kyrgyzstani Akzhol Makhmudov faces Nao Kusaka from Japan - | 24.KG
In Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Greco-Roman wrestler Akzhol Makhmudov competed against Japan’s Olympic champion Nao Kusaka. The bout was broadcast on wrestlingtv.ru. Competing in the 82 kg weight category, Makhmudov secured an early victory over his opponent with a score of 19:6. The two athletes h»»»
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»»»
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»»»
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. »»»
Washington, Tehran could hold talks this week, US Middle-East Envoy says
Washington: US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said today that the US and Iran could hold talks this week. Witkoff did not provide further details on the potential meeting, but confirmed that Iran had received its 15-point plan, and that Washington was still awaiting Tehran's respons»»»
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»»»
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»»»
Reporters - Opus Dei: Spain under influence of ultra-conservative Catholic movement
The ultra-conservative Catholic organisation Opus Dei was founded a century ago in Spain. Today, it's an international movement with around 90,000 members. In its home country, it has managed to infiltrate all spheres of modern society, from schools to hospitals. Despite serious allegations against»»»
Revisited - Soviet famine still haunts Moldova, 80 years on
Eighty years ago, Moldova was struck by a famine that killed more than 150,000 people. Long shrouded in silence, this episode remains a blind spot in the country's history. But gradually, survivors' accounts, combined with the work of researchers, have shed light on a tragedy largely orchestrated b»»»
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»»»
France rebukes Lavrov, says Russia does not defend international law
France’s foreign minister on Friday accused Russia of flouting international law in both Ukraine and Iran, rebuking remarks by his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov after he defended Moscow’s stance in a French television interview. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Friday t»»»
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»»»