New UN report urges action to restore navigation through Strait of Hormuz
NEW YORK: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) confirmed in a new report released Wednesday that maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly come to a standstill, recording a 95% decrease in the number of vessels passing through daily over the past month. »»»
Trump’s Nato threat rattles alliance as global economy reels from Iran's choking of Hormuz
Of all the pressure tactics in Donald Trump’s playbook, threatening to pull the United States out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) has always been one of the most powerful—and destabilizing. Asked by The Telegraph whether he was reconsidering US membership in the Western military al»»»
New UN report urges action to restore navigation through Strait of Hormuz
NEW YORK: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) confirmed in a new report released Wednesday that maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly come to a standstill, recording a 95% decrease in the number of vessels passing through daily over the past month. »»»
Venezuela opens for business, but investors weigh promise against reality
The months since Nicolás Maduro's capture have brought Venezuela closer to the global economy than at any point in a generation. New laws, a US sanctions rollback and a resumption of international engagement have redrawn the investment landscape with striking speed. Yet for many of the large Wester»»»
Aircon: from comfort to matter of life and death
The last three years were the hottest ever recorded and it’s only going to get worse – to the point where people will start to die from overheating. Unless you have an air conditioner. As a species, humans can only t»»»
Aircon: from comfort to matter of life and death
The last three years were the hottest ever recorded and it’s only going to get worse – to the point where people will start to die from overheating. Unless you have an air conditioner. As a species, humans can only t»»»
Aircon: from comfort to matter of life and death
The last three years were the hottest ever recorded and it’s only going to get worse – to the point where people will start to die from overheating. Unless you have an air conditioner. As a species, humans can only t»»»
Aircon: from comfort to matter of life and death
The last three years were the hottest ever recorded and it’s only going to get worse – to the point where people will start to die from overheating. Unless you have an air conditioner. As a species, humans can only t»»»
Tisza needs supermajority victory in Hungarian elections to unlock EU frozen funds
Hungary’s ability to unlock billions in frozen EU funding will depend heavily on the outcome of its parliamentary election on April 12. The opposition Tisza party led by Peter Magyar will need to win a supermajority if it is to undo laws that have blocked the release of billions of euros in frozen »»»
Ex DHS chief Kristi Noem’s husband led secret cross dressing double life
The husband of former US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem allegedly led a double life as a cross dressing fetishist who spent thousands of dollars on online models and shared photos of himself in exaggerated feminine attire, according to a Daily Mail investigation. Kristi»»»
Germany growth forecasts slashed as Mideast war hits economy
BERLIN — Leading economic institutes more than halved their growth forecasts for Germany on Wednesday, warning that the energy shock caused by the Middle East war would hit Europe's top economy hard. A group of leading institutes slashed their joint growth forecast for 2026 to 0.6 per cent, down »»»
Jordan-Syria bilateral trade rebounds to JD 334m — ACC
AMMAN — Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) data on Wednesday announced that total bilateral trade surged to JD 334 million last year, a nearly three-fold increase over the JD 116 million recorded in 2024.This significant growth trajectory aligns with recent Standard & Poor’s (S&P) assessments,»»»
Florida baby dies after being left in a car, marking first US hot car death this year - UPI.com
A baby died in Florida this week after being left in a hot car in Winter Haven, local police and safety advocates say, becoming the first child to die in a hot car this year. The infant died Tuesday after being left in a hot car in Winter Haven, Fla., according to FOX 13 and the Winter Haven Police»»»
The Observers - Bedouins in Israel’s Negev desert face bomb shelter shortage
As Iranian and Hezbollah air strikes on Israel continue, tens of thousands of Bedouins living in the country’s southern Negev desert have no access to shelters. While some NGOs are attempting to install mobile shelters, they are primarily calling on the government to take action, denouncing "discri»»»
Anthropic has mistakenly leaked its own internal Claude code
AI giant Anthropic has mistakenly published its own top secret internal code, triggering a viral wave of github rewrites and inflicting potentially catastrophic commercial damage on the Amazon-backed business model. The developer of the Claude chatbot described the incident as a release issue “caus»»»
NATO 'doesn't really exist anymore other than on paper', experts say
US president Donald Trump has once again branded the NATO alliance a 'paper tiger' in an interview with Britain's Daily Telegraph, saying he had moved "beyond reconsideration" of U.S. membership. FRANCE 24's Brussels correspondent Dave Keating explains that "Donald Trump has no intention of defendi»»»
Iran using AI clips to counter US media machine (VIDEOS)
RT has looked into how Iran has used cheap, AI-generated clips to mock US President Donald Trump and the American military, countering the multibillion-dollar US media machine during the conflict in the Middle East. Videos by Tehran address the latest developments in the war, warning that US troops»»»
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs state version of SAVE Act into law - UPI.com
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law Wednesday making voters prove their citizenship. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI | License Photo April 1 (UPI) -- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law Wednesday a state bill similar to the federal Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. The law will take ef»»»
Iran’s President to US People: Choosing Confrontation Will Affect Future Generations
The Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian sent on Wednesday a message to the American people, stressing that the Iranian people harbor no enmity toward other nations, including the people of America, Europe, or neighboring countries. Continuing along the path of confrontation is more costly and futi»»»
Healey to Asharq Al-Awsat: UK Has More Jets Flying in the Region Than at Any Time in the Last 15 Years
British Defense Secretary John Healey revealed Wednesday that UK pilots and aircrew have flown over 1,200 hours on defensive missions across the Middle East since the conflict with Iran erupted, saying they have now had over 80 engagements together with RAF Regiment Gunners. In an interview with As»»»
Report: US and Iran discussing ceasefire for reopening strait
The U.S. and Iran are discussing a potential deal that would involve a ceasefire in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, three U.S. officials told U.S. news portal Axios on Wednesday. The officials did not say whether those discussions had taken place directly or only through mediators»»»
ADCMC, Abu Dhabi Youth Council launch new initiative
The Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi (ADCMC), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Youth Council, has launched the “Abu Dhabi Youth in Emergency Response” initiative. It aims to strengthen preparedness and reinforce the role of society as an active partner in the respons»»»
Judge rules Trump not immune for Jan. 6 actions, Georgia phone call - UPI.com
President Donald Trump's speech at the Ellipse on Jan. 6, 2021, was not part of his official duties as president, a judge ruled Wednesday. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/UPI | License Photo April 1 (UPI) -- A federal judge ruled that a civil suit against President Donald Trump for his actions on Jan. 6, 2»»»
Caretaker Government Drafting Regular Budget for 2026
The caretaker government is drafting a regular budget proposal to be submitted if the next parliament fails to form a governing majority, caretaker Minister of Finance Georgi Klisurski said on Wednesday. Speaking in a television interview, Klisurski said the draft had not yet been completed, but wo»»»
Houthi Red Sea attacks could drive oil to $140, Bloomberg Economics says
Global oil prices could surge to $140 per barrel if Houthi rebels target shipping in the Red Sea, potentially worsening what is already considered the largest energy disruption in history, according to a report by Bloomberg Economics. Analysts Dina Esfandiary, Ziad Daoud, and Becca Wasser estimate »»»
Russia says it has full control of Ukraine’s Luhansk region
The Russian Defence Ministry said on Wednesday its forces have seized full control of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine, as Kyiv continues a campaign of drone strikes against Russian energy infrastructure. Russia has long held more than 99% of Luhansk, one of four Ukrainian regions Moscow said »»»
FRA chair meets mortgage finance firms to boost activity, efficiency
Islam Azzam, Chairperson of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), held a meeting with representatives of the Egyptian Mortgage Federation and companies operating in the sector, as part of the Authority’s ongoing engagement with non-banking financial activities. The meeting reflects FRA’s commit»»»
Tax revenues surge 30.8% in first eight months of FY 2025/26: Finance Ministry
The Ministry of Finance announced that tax revenues rose by 30.8%, equivalent to EGP 380.3bn, during the first eight months of FY 2025/2026, bringing total collections to EGP 1.614trn, compared to EGP 1.234trn in the same period of the previous fiscal year. In a report issued on Wednesday, the mini»»»
Houthi Schools in Yemen Turned into Early Recruitment Camps
Since rising to power in 2014, Yemen’s Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, has systematically entrenched itself within the education system, rewriting curricula, renaming schools, and embedding ideological programs. Classrooms have become a frontline in a broader struggle over identity and influence, and»»»
How ghost robotic kamikaze boats broke the back of Iran's 'swarm' tactics in Hormuz: What happens next
For decades, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) built a strategy around one narrow stretch of water — the Strait of Hormuz, just 33km (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point, yet carrying nearly a fifth of the world’s oil every day. It was designed as a trap. Mines seeded beneath the surfa»»»
Restaurants and Hotels in Bulgaria Seek Tax Relief to Curb Price Hikes and Protect Business
Representatives of the hotel and restaurant sector in Bulgaria are calling for a reduced VAT rate of 9%, arguing that rising fuel prices are putting serious pressure on their businesses. According to industry organizations, such a measure is necessary to avoid closures and stabilize the sector duri»»»
What Bulgaria and Ukraine Actually Signed in Kyiv
The political noise around the agreement signed by Acting Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov and President Volodymyr Zelensky on March 30 in Kyiv has largely drowned out what the document actually says. The caretaker government has since published the full text, and the picture it paints is considerably »»»
How ghost robotic kamikaze boats broke the back of Iran's 'swarm' tactics in Hormuz: What happens next
For decades, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) built a strategy around one narrow stretch of water — the Strait of Hormuz, just 33km (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point, yet carrying nearly a fifth of the world’s oil every day. It was designed as a trap. Mines seeded beneath the surfa»»»
UAE could join US-Israeli war against Iran – WSJ
The United Arab Emirates is getting ready to become the first Gulf nation to commit its military to the US-Israeli war against Iran, the Wall Street Journal has reported, citing Arab officials. Since the start of the conflict a month ago, the UAE has been hit by some 2,500 Iranian missiles and dron»»»
How many times has the EU screwed itself over in the past year?
Hey, good news! The EU has found a new source of desperately needed gas amid the current energy crunch. The bad news? It’s in the US. So it will serve America, first. With Europe getting any sloppy seconds that Daddy Trump feels like overcharging it for when he isn’t threatening to invade. It’ll be»»»
Hormuz hangs in balance as Trump eyes quick Iran exit
Dubai: Signs are growing that Donald Trump may be preparing to wind down the war with Iran — even as the fate of the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved — raising the risk that a quick exit could translate into a strategic setback. According to CNN, US officials have indicated Washington may not ta»»»
Hiker's Dog Lost in New Zealand Forest Rescued by Helicopter after Strangers Fund Search
When a hiker fell from a 55-meter (180-foot) waterfall in wild New Zealand bush, rescuers were forced to evacuate the badly hurt woman without her dog, which couldn't be found. After strangers raised thousands of dollars for a search, border collie Molly was flown to safety by a helicopter pilot wh»»»
Caretaker Finance Minister Klisurski Says State Is Preparing Regular Budget Draft
The caretaker government is drafting a regular budget proposal to be submitted if the next parliament fails to form a governing majority, caretaker Minister of Finance Georgi Klisurski said on Wednesday. Speaking in a television interview, Klisurski said the draft had not yet been completed, but wo»»»
Sheikh Hamdan directs Dubai government entities to integrate all services
In a landmark step in Dubai’s digital transformation journey, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, announced that the emirate has entered a new era in which »»»
Polish deficit greater than during pandemic
Poland has entered a fiscal shock with a public finance deficit exceeding pandemic levels despite solid economic growth. In 2025, the deficit reached 7.2% of GDP and public debt rose to 59.7%, nearing the critical 60% threshold. Unlike during COVID-19, the deficit is not driven by crisis support bu»»»
Artemis II prepares to launch of crewed moon mission - UPI.com
1 of 3 | NASA's Artemis II moon rocket with the Orion Spacecraft atop rests on Launch Complex 39B in the early morning light at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday. Artemis II, with a four-person crew, is scheduled to lift off later today at 6:24 p.m. EDT, with a two-hour window. It will b»»»
The 'million dollar' Senna helmet bought at Japan GP
Suzuka, Japan: When Canadian collector Darren Jack discovered that an Ayrton Senna helmet he values at a million dollars was for sale in Japan, he jumped on a plane to acquire the piece of sporting history that the legendary Brazilian driver had with him during his fatal final Formula One Grand Pri»»»
Iran Guards say Hormuz strait 'will not be opened to enemies'
Iran's Revolutionary Guards insisted on Wednesday that the strategic strait of Hormuz will remain closed to the country's "enemies" as U.S. President Donald Trump said he would only consider a ceasefire if it was reopened. "The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is also firmly and dominantly under t»»»
Cyberattacks Surge, Exposing Public Sector Weaknesses
A sharp rise in cyberattacks is turning the security of public institutions into one of the most urgent challenges facing governments and local authorities. From hospitals to schools and administrative offices, the public sector is increasingly reliant on digital systems—while simultaneously becomi»»»
Germany Growth Forecasts Slashed as Mideast War Hits Economy
Leading economic institutes more than halved their growth forecast for Germany on Wednesday, warning that the energy shock caused by the Middle East war would hit Europe's top economy hard. A group of leading institutes slashed their joint GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 0.6 percent, down from a Se»»»
Silistra MP Candidate Bogomil Petkov, CC-DB Deputy Leader Nikolay Denkov Meet Business Representatives in Silistra
The leader of the coalition Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria list in Silistra 20th constituency, Bogomil Petkov, and the deputy leader of Continue the Change, Nikolay Denkov, meet with representatives of local businesses. At the event, serious structural problems and corrupt practices in B»»»
Parliament Bill Would Let Foreign Workers Switch Employers
A bill amending the Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria Act was published for public consultation on Wednesday, proposing to let holders of a single residence and work permit change employers while remaining in Bulgaria. The proposed amendments were meant to fully transpose Directive (EU) 2024/1»»»
Hegseth questions NATO’s future as allies refuse to join Iran war
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has refused to reaffirm Washington’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense, pointing to the bloc’s refusal to assist or participate in the American-Israeli war on Iran. Speaking at a Pentagon press briefing on Tuesday, Hegseth stated that the future of US involvement»»»
Slistra MP Candidate Bogomil Petkov, CC-DB Deputy Leader Nikolay Denkov Meet Business Representatives in Silistra
The leader of the coalition Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria list in the 20th constituency of Silistra, Bogomil Petkov, and the deputy leader of Continue the Change, Nikolay Denkov, meet with representatives of local businesses. At the event, serious structural problems and corrupt practic»»»