Xi and Sánchez say China and Spain should help safeguard multilateralism
The leaders of China and Spain on Tuesday pledged to strengthen their relations and work to safeguard multilateralism at a time when the world is being impacted by various conflicts, including the recent war in Iran, during a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday. "We should strengthen communication, conso»»»
Annual inflation rate rose to 9.87% in March
“The consumer price index in March 2026 compared to February 2026 was 100.78%. The year-to-date inflation rate (March 2026 compared to December 2025) was 2.3%. The annual inflation rate in March 2026 compared to March 2025 was 9.9%. The average rate of change in consumer prices over the last 12 mon»»»
Media Review: April 14
FALLOUT OF IRAN CONFLICT 24 Chasa writes that premium diesel has surpassed the EUR 2 mark. At least three of the major gas station chains are selling this fuel at EUR 2.00, 2.02, and 2.03 per liter. Since Sunday, the prices of regular diesel and petrol have also increased by EUR 0.01, according to »»»
Mideast war revs up electric car demand in Asia
Hanoi, Vietnam: Electric vehicle sales have jumped in Southeast Asia as cost-conscious buyers have poured into dealerships looking to dodge the fuel price spikes driven by the Middle East war. Asian nations have been particularly hard hit due to a sharp fall in the crude shipments they rely on -- a»»»
Israel says 250 Hezbollah members killed on April 8, Safa says all were civilians
Israel's military said Monday that a massive wave of strikes in Lebanon last week killed five Hezbollah commanders, as well as more than 250 of the group's fighters. The Lebanese health ministry has said Wednesday's attacks killed more than 350 people in total and wounded more than 1,200. Israel ha»»»
New toll gates installed on Dubai-Abu Dhabi highways
Abu Dhabi’s ‘Darb’ toll system is expanding to other external roads in the emirate, and new gates have been installed at strategic locations. The toll gates, installed by the Department of Transport under Abu Dhabi Municipality, operating as Abu Dhabi Mobility, have come up in areas such as Ghantoo»»»
Israel summons Italy envoy over comments on Lebanon attacks
Israel summoned Italy's ambassador Monday to protest after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Israel's "unacceptable attacks" on civilians in Lebanon during a visit to Beirut, an Italian diplomatic source said. Tajani, a senior member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, visited Be»»»
S. Korea dispatches envoys to Algeria, Libya for alternative supply chains amid Mideast crisis: FM - UPI.com
President Lee Jae Myung (R) asks Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (L) a question during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Tuesday. Photo by Yonhap Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Tuesday that the foreign ministry has dispatched envoys to Algeria and Libya and plans to send another envoy to the»»»
UN Official: War Pushes Seven in 10 Sudanese Into Poverty
Around seven in 10 people in Sudan are now living in poverty, a senior UN official told AFP on Tuesday, nearly twice as many as before the war between the army and paramilitary forces broke out three years ago. "Before the war, we were probably looking (at) around 38 percent of people living in pov»»»
Breakthrough expected in LD-dollar FX market: Central Bank launches comprehensive cash sales plan and distributes US$ 1 billion to banks
The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) announced a comprehensive package of new measures to regulate the foreign exchange market, ahead of an expanded meeting with commercial bank managers. The meeting aimed to establish implementation mechanisms that ensure smooth sales and enhance transparency. The news»»»
Germany's Merz urges Netanyahu to end Lebanon fighting
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to end fighting in southern Lebanon and engage in direct peace talks with the Lebanese government, a spokesman said. Merz also expressed his "grave concern" about developments in the Palestinian territories i»»»
Xi Calls for Tighter Ties to Spain in Face of Global ‘Chaos’
China's President Xi Jinping warned against a return to the "law of the jungle" in international relations and called for closer economic ties with Spain as he met Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on Tuesday, according to Chinese state media. The meeting of the two leaders comes on the secon»»»
War-weary Lebanese weigh giving talks with Israel a chance
From his small shop in Beirut, facing a building destroyed by an Israeli airstrike, Qassem Saad said he was exhausted by repeated Israeli wars on Lebanon, and hoped negotiations could end decades of suffering. "We know that Israel will remain an enemy to us, but we are tired," 49-year-old Saad, who»»»
Gold Rises as Dollar Softens, Lower Oil Prices Ease Inflation Fears
Gold prices rose on Tuesday, supported by a softer dollar and easing inflation fears as oil prices dropped on hopes of further US-Iran peace talks. Spot gold was up 0.8% at $4,775.20 per ounce, as of 0755 GMT. US gold futures for June delivery rose 0.7% to $4,798.40, Reuters reported. Oil prices fe»»»
Australia to Spend Billions on Drones as Warfare Changes
Australia will boost spending on drones by up to Au$5 billion ($3.6 billion) in response to shifts in warfare seen in the Middle East, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Tuesday. Australia's vast coastline and small population have spurred a focus on developing large autonomous submarines and fig»»»
Trump’s Blockade of Hormuz Strait to Have Severe Economic Implications
The global economy enters a new stage of uncertainty as the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces began implementing a blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports. US President Donald Trump ordered the naval blockade after marathon peace talks with Iran in Islamabad,»»»
China’s Exports Slowed in March While Imports Soared
China's exports grew at a slower pace last month after starting the year with a surge, official data showed Tuesday, as the global economy reels from war in the Middle East. The world's second-largest economy produced a record-breaking trade surplus last year at $1.2 trillion. Booming overseas ship»»»
Why Islamabad’s Serena Hotel is suddenly in the global spotlight after high-level talks
Dubai: Tucked away in one of Pakistan's most scenic pockets, the highly discreet Islamabad Serena Hotel has long been known as a quiet luxury escape. But in recent days, the five-star property (located close to the diplomatic enclave and key government institutions) has found itself at the centre o»»»
Lebanon, Israel to meet for tough talks in Washington
Lebanese and Israeli representatives are scheduled to meet in Washington Tuesday for U.S.-mediated talks on ending the war in Lebanon, but the prospects of an agreement appear slim. Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem called for the talks to be scrapped before they even began, describing them as "f»»»
Pakistan proposes new US–Iran talks as Vance, Trump signal progress
Pakistani officials said on Tuesday that Islamabad has proposed a second round of talks between the United States and Iran, even as senior US leaders signalled cautious optimism following the latest negotiations. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to»»»
Greenpeace Warns of Potential ‘Catastrophic’ Chernobyl Collapse
An uncontrolled collapse of the internal radiation shell at the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power station in Ukraine could increase the risk of radioactivity release in the environment, Greenpeace warned on Tuesday. In 1986, while Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, a reactor at Chernobyl exploded,»»»
How UAE startups can survive uncertainty: Smart cuts, key protections, and priorities
When cash flow tightens, instinct often swings between panic and paralysis. But according to founders and operators on the frontlines, the difference between startups that stall and those that stabilise is what they choose to protect. Here’s a sharp, founder-led breakdown of how to rethink costs wi»»»
Two congressmen resign as US House faces rare expulsions over scandals
Two US lawmakers stepped down on Monday and two others faced possible expulsion amid scandals roiling Congress. Democrat Eric Swalwell resigned after misconduct allegations, while Republican Tony Gonzales said he would retire following pressure over an affair with a former aide, deepening turmoil i»»»
On This Day, April 14: First abolition society founded in North America - UPI.com
On April 14, 1775, the first slavery abolition society in North America -- the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage -- was founded by Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush in Philadelphia. 1 of 5 | A sculpture of Benjamin Franklin from the workshop of Jean-Antoine Houdon »»»
Pakistan Says Looking at Options to Repay $3.5 Billion UAE Loan
Pakistan is considering Eurobonds, loans from other countries and commercial debt to replace a $3.5 billion facility from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and manage its foreign reserves, its finance minister said. Muhammad Aurangzeb also told Reuters the shock from the ongoing war in the Middle East»»»
Saudi Arabia Urges US Back to Iran Talks as Other Oil Routes Face Risk
Saudi Arabian officials are warning the US that its move to impose a blockade on Iranian ports following failed negotiations could backfire, triggering even wider global energy disruption, according to media reports. Trump aims to pressure Iran into loosening its grip over the Strait of Hormuz, but»»»
New RO-ALERT message in Tulcea County against backdrop of war in Ukraine
People in the north of Tulcea County received, on the night from Monday to Tuesday, a new RO-ALERT message against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, and two F-16 aircraft monitored drones flying near Romanian airspace.In the message sent at 3:48, the population was warned about the possibility of»»»
CBSE Class 10 exams 2026 results due for UAE students today: Why they won’t be final
Dubai: More than 13,600 CBSE Grade 10 students in the UAE are about to receive their long-awaited results but there is a crucial catch. The scores coming out are not final, and the student sitting at the top of the class today may not hold that position a month from now. Schools and educators acros»»»
EU chief touts electric power strategy as energy crisis bites
BRUSSELS, Belgium — Brussels next week will present plans to tackle high energy costs caused by the Iran war and before the summer will unveil a broader package to boost Europe's electrification, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Monday.The energy crisis has already cost the 27-nation bloc more th»»»
Oil surges, stocks drop as Trump threatens to block Hormuz
LONDON — Oil prices surged and stock markets broadly fell Monday after US-Iran peace talks broke down and President Donald Trump announced a plan to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz, ratcheting up fears for Middle East energy supplies.The news dealt a blow to hopes for an end to the six-week co»»»
Kim Jong Un oversees cruise, anti-ship missile tests from warship - UPI.com
North Korea test-fired strategic cruise missiles and anti-warship missiles from the destroyer Choe Hyon, state media reported Tuesday. The missile test, as seen in this image, took place Sunday from an undisclosed location. Photo by KCNA/EPA SEOUL, April 14 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un »»»
Middle East war live: US-sanctioned tanker passes Strait of Hormuz despite Trump's blockade
A Chinese tanker sanctioned by the United States passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, shipping data showed, hours after US President Donald Trump vowed to block the chokepoint entirely. Earlier, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah urged Lebanon to pull out of direct »»»
US Says Ball in Iran’s Court as Push Grows to End War
The United States said "the ball is in the Iranian court" on ending the Middle East war, as diplomats accelerated efforts on Tuesday towards a new round of peace talks after weekend negotiations failed to produce a deal. US Vice President JD Vance had left talks hosted by Pakistan on Sunday, saying»»»
France reaffirms Qatar as ‘trusted partner’, pledges continued support
Doha, Qatar: France has reaffirmed Qatar’s position as a “trusted partner” and pledged to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the country, while highlighting the importance of continued mediation and diplomacy to ensure lasting regional stability. Director General for Political and Security Affairs a»»»
Russia warns of danger of war resuming as US blockade of Iranian ports takes effect
The Kremlin has warned that the danger of war resuming in the Middle East has not been averted after US-Iran negotiations ended without result, as a US naval blockade of Iranian ports came into effect on April 13. "The dan»»»
South Korean industry faces crisis over critical material shortages
South Korea’s semiconductor and pharmaceutical sectors face critical supply disruptions as uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint deepens, the Korea JoongAng Daily reports. The economic consequences of a blockade could prove more debilitating than surging energy prices, as the coun»»»
Russia warns of danger of war resuming as US blockade of Iranian ports takes effect
The Kremlin has warned that the danger of war resuming in the Middle East has not been averted after US-Iran negotiations ended without result, as a US naval blockade of Iranian ports came into effect on April 13. "The dan»»»
Iraq's Coordination Framework Close to Naming Candidate for PM's Post
Iraq's pro-Iran Coordination Framework is leaning towards nominating Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for a second term days after the election of Nizar Amedi as president. This would mean abandoning the nomination of former PM Nouri al-Maliki, whose chances of becoming premier are nil after »»»
Military Technology Museum in Germany bars entry to citizens of Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
A military technology museum in Germany has banned entry to citizens of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, and 21 other countries. «Due to military security requirements, access to the collection is currently prohibited for citizens of states included in the list defined in Section 13 (17) of»»»
Bahrain banks offer loan deferrals as central bank injects liquidity
Dubai: Bahrain has moved to cushion households and businesses with a broad package of loan relief and liquidity support, aiming to keep credit flowing and ease repayment pressure during a period of economic strain. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The Central Bank of Ba»»»
Fewer tourists, fuller local crowds: How Dubai hospitality is riding out the crisis
Dubai: Even as flight disruptions and jet fuel shortages unsettle travel across the region, Dubai’s community-driven hospitality venues are proving unexpectedly resilient — a sign, says McGettigan’s owner Dennis McGettigan, that the emirate’s strong resident customer base is helping steady the food»»»
How Would a Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz Work?
Washington: Ephrat Livni After weekend peace talks in Pakistan between the United States and Iran ended with no agreement, President Trump on Sunday said the US Navy would impose a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping waterway that Iran has mostly choked off since the war began in lat»»»
Another boat strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean leaves 2 dead, US military says
WASHINGTON: The U.S. military said it carried out another strike Monday (April 13, 2026) on a boat accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people. The campaign of attacks on vessels that the Trump administration says are trafficking drugs in Latin American waters has »»»
Mexican man is 16th migrant to die in ICE custody this year - UPI.com
A Mexican immigrant died Saturday in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Louisiana. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 13 (UPI) -- A 49-year-old Mexican man died in U.S. immigration custody late last week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said, becoming the 16th »»»
Quality matters: how the Hormuz crisis tests refinery flexibility
The disruption highlights a key reality often overlooked in the oil market: while volumes may be globally fungible, crude quality is not. WHAT: The disruption to Hormuz flows has left many refiners struggling to replace lo»»»
Iran war is pushing the CRINK alliance closer together, turning it into a military alliance
One of the upsets of the war in Iran has been to drive the members of the CRINK alliance (China, Russia, Iran and North Korea) into a closer military cooperation that is not in the West's interests. In the same way that th»»»
Quality matters: how the Hormuz crisis tests refinery flexibility
The disruption highlights a key reality often overlooked in the oil market: while volumes may be globally fungible, crude quality is not. WHAT: The disruption to Hormuz flows has left many refiners struggling to replace lo»»»
Quality matters: how the Hormuz crisis tests refinery flexibility
The disruption highlights a key reality often overlooked in the oil market: while volumes may be globally fungible, crude quality is not. WHAT: The disruption to Hormuz flows has left many refiners struggling to replace lo»»»
Quality matters: how the Hormuz crisis tests refinery flexibility
The disruption highlights a key reality often overlooked in the oil market: while volumes may be globally fungible, crude quality is not. WHAT: The disruption to Hormuz flows has left many refiners struggling to replace lo»»»