Media Review: March 26
Thursday’s news coverage spans a wide range of topics, with fuel prices emerging as a central theme across television programmes. Speaking on Bulgarian National Television, Atanas Katsarchev, Chief Economist of the Podkrepa Confederation of Labour, and Vassil Velev, Chairman of the Governing Board »»»
Africa’s solar explosion: 10 countries smashing records
Amid energy lockdowns from Australia and Bangladesh to New Zealand and Slovenia — the war-induced oil crunch is imposing travel limits on an unprecedented scale. Result: Reduced workweeks, exposing the downside of a fossil-dependent planet. It's all "temporary", or at least until Hormuz Strait gets»»»
Gold Drops More than 1% as Markets Assess Mideast Ceasefire Prospects
Gold prices fell on Thursday, weighed down by increased expectations of US Federal Reserve rate hikes this year as elevated oil prices stoked inflation worries, with investors awaiting clarity on Middle East de-escalation efforts. Spot gold fell 1.2% to $4,451.47 per ounce by 0811 GMT. US gold futu»»»
Israel Reportedly Took Iran's Araghchi, Qalibaf Off Hit List after Pakistan Request to US
Israel took Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf off its hit list after Pakistan requested that Washington not target them, a Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Thursday. "The Israelis had their coordinates and want»»»
Sri Lanka to launch cargo clearance at Hambantota Port in May
Colombo: Sri Lanka will begin cargo clearance operations at Hambantota Port in May, as the Customs Department completes preparations to extend its services to the southern port. Customs Director General Seevali Arukgoda said all necessary arrangements have been finalized to support the commencement»»»
Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Tifn base east of the occupied city of Acre with a squadron of attack drones: Hezbollah Military Media statement no. 27 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Tifn base east of the occupied city of Acre with a squadron of attack drones: Hezbollah Military M»»»
“Iran Has Upper Hand, Washington Lost the Initiative”: Ex-Head of UK’s M16 - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe “Iran Has Upper Hand, Washington Lost the Initiative”: Ex-Head of UK’s M16 26-03-2026 11:42 AM Former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger in an inte»»»
UNSMIL calls for immediate release of political activist Mahdi Abdelati – arrested in Misrata
UNSMIL called for the immediate release of Mr. Mahdi Abdelati, a political activist who was reportedly arbitrarily detained in Misrata on 18 March by the Internal Security Agency. In its statement released yesterday, UNSMIL said this arrest and detention appears to violate Libyan law and Libya’s in»»»
Not a cyclone: UAE weather system explained as heavy rain continues
Dubai: The UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has stressed that the current weather system affecting the country cannot be classified or described as a cyclone, as heavy rains continued across several areas during the final phase of the unstable conditions. As the low-pressure system enters»»»
Lost or found a vehicle plate in Dubai amid rain? Here’s how to report it
Dubai Police have made it easy to report lost or found vehicle plates, even during rainy weather. Drivers can submit a lost item report and request a Lost Certificate, or file a found item report, quickly through the Dubai Police app on iOS and Android. Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downlo»»»
Defence minister inspects Kuwait International Airport after drone strike on fuel tanks
Kuwait’s Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah conducted an inspection visit to Kuwait International Airport on Thursday morning following a drone attack that targeted aircraft refuelling tanks, causing a fire at one of the airport’s vital facilities. In a statement, th»»»
Oil Climbs and Equities Sink amid Mixed Messages on 'Talks'
Oil prices jumped and equities fell Thursday as investors tracked developments in the Middle East amid hopes that US and Iranian officials will bring an end to a conflict that has ramped up fears of an unprecedented global energy crisis. Markets have been buoyed since late Monday after Donald Trump»»»
Indians panic-buying fuel despite government assurances
Ahmedabad, India: India's government says there are adequate fuel stocks despite shortages due to the Middle East war, but panicking citizens have triggered long queues at filling stations. In retaliation for US strikes that began more than three weeks ago, Iran has virtually closed the strategic S»»»
Estithmar Holding issues 4th tranche of Sukuk program
Doha, Qatar: Estithmar Holding, a Qatari public shareholding company, has launched the fourth tranche of its QR 3.4 billion Sukuk program, listed on the London Stock Exchange. In a Thursday disclosure to Qatar Stock Exchange, the company confirmed the fourth tranche is valued at QR 105 million. Est»»»
Bishkek leads in number of crimes against women and children - | 24.KG
The situation regarding child safety in Kyrgyzstan remains critical at the start of 2026. As a result of criminal acts in January and February, 13 minors were killed and another 55 sustained injuries. Report by the National Statistical Committee says, citing data from the Prosecutor General’s Offic»»»
Russian Forces Liberate Shevyakovka Settlement in Kharkov Region - MoD
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces have liberated the settlement of Shevyakovka in the Kharkov region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. "As a result of active and decisive actions, Battlegroup Sever established control over the settlement of Shevyakovka in the Kharkov region,»»»
Dubai moves up in global financial rankings
Dubai: Dubai has reached its highest-ever position in the Global Financial Centres Index, climbing to seventh place worldwide and reinforcing its standing among the world’s leading financial hubs. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The latest ranking places Dubai alongsid»»»
Iran says 'no negotiations' as US warns to accept 15-point deal
U.S. President Donald Trump is ready to "unleash hell" if Iran does not accept a deal to end the nearly four-week Middle East war, the White House warned Wednesday, but a defiant Tehran said it did not intend to negotiate. The ramped-up rhetoric dashed hopes of any imminent de-escalation as violenc»»»
At Least 28 Civilians Killed in Sudan Drone Strikes
Two drone strikes in Sudan, one at a market in Darfur and the other along a road in Kordofan, killed at least 28 civilians, health workers told AFP Thursday. The three-year war between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has seen a recent uptick in near-daily drone strikes that kill doz»»»
Bracing for impact: Why the Philippines is preparing early for an oil shock
Dubai: The Philippines’ declaration of a national energy emergency is not a reaction to an immediate crisis, but a calculated move to get ahead of one. By signing Executive Order (EO) 110, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has acknowledged a hard truth facing many import-dependent economies and that i»»»
Reports: Trump admin. again seeks to prosecute NY AG Letitia James - UPI.com
The Trump administration is again seeking to prosecute Letitia James, attorney general of New York, after failing to do so several times last year. File Photo by Derek French/UPI | License Photo March 26 (UPI) -- The Trump administration is again seeking to prosecute New York Attorney General Letit»»»
Americans Cutting Back on Food Due to Conflict Over Iran - US Senator
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Americans have had to skip meals due to rising prices linked to the US campaign against Iran, US Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has said. "Americans are already skipping meals thanks to [US President Donald] Trump’s reckless war of choice in Iran, and this is»»»
Germany Does Not Want to Be Involved in Middle East Conflict - Defense Minister
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Germany does not want to be involved in military action in the Middle East, as the US and Israeli conflict with Iran is not its war, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday. Earlier in March, Pistorius did not rule out German military participation in ensuring sa»»»
Lukashenko Says Belarus-North Korea Relations Entering New Phase
MINSK (Sputnik) - Relations between Belarus and North Korea are entering a fundamentally new phase, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Thursday. "Friendly relations between our states, which originated during the Soviet era, have never been interrupted. Today, as a result of comprehe»»»
Iran Threatens to Open 'Front' in Bab-el-Mandeb Strait to Counter US - Reports
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran has threatened to open a "front" in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait to counter the United States, the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported, citing a military source. Earlier, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Tehran could open new fronts of hostilities with the United »»»
Prosecutors demand life sentence for mother accused of killing 4-month-old - UPI.com
Wreaths are lined up in memory of a four-month-old boy allegedly murdered by his mother outside the Gwangju District Court in Suncheon on Thursday. Photo by Yonhap Prosecutors on Thursday demanded a life sentence for a mother accused of abusing and murdering her four-month-old son last year. The 30»»»
Families scramble after fiery Andhra bus crash kills 14
Dubai: Families are scrambling for information and medical help after a deadly bus fire in Andhra Pradesh killed at least 14 people and left more than 20 injured, prompting authorities to set up control rooms and helplines for victims. The accident, one of the deadliest in recent months in the regi»»»
Dhurandhar star Sara Arjun isn’t resting on Rs10 billion hit, joins Ishaan Khatter in new film
Dubai: Dhurandhar actress Sara Arjun isn’t letting her Rs 10 billion box-office triumph slow her down. The young actress, whose compelling turn in the spy thriller has won hearts, is proving she’s far from a one-hit wonder. In Dhurandhar franchise, she played Ranveer Singh’s feisty on-screen girlfr»»»
Man found dead after vehicle swept away in Oman flash floods amid unstable weather
Dubai: An Omani man was found after his vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in Wadi Manah, as unstable weather and heavy rainfall continue to affect parts of the country. The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority said the man was found dead in the Wilayat of Manah after his vehicle was carried aw»»»
Egypt moves to double currency swap with China amid regional war fallout
As military tensions continue to reshape the Middle East, Egypt is moving to solidify its financial defenses through deeper strategic cooperation with Beijing. In a high-level diplomatic call on Thursday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, discussed an ur»»»
Ministry of Municipality boosts rapid response to water accumulation
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Municipality affirmed its continued readiness for the rainy season, noting that water tankers are operating at full capacity. Municipalities are also closely monitoring the situation through the Unified Operations Center. In a post on X published Thursday, the ministry »»»
'Al Sarayat' disturbances are normal seasonal phenomenon, no cause for alarm: Qatar Meteorology
Doha, Qatar: Director of the Meteorology Department Abdulla Mohammed Al Mannai confirmed that the weather disturbances that the State of Qatar is witnessing during this period are a normal seasonal phenomenon known locally as 'Al Sarayat,' which is one of the characteristics of the end of winter, s»»»
US Tapping Into Oil Reserves Signals Conflict With Iran Could Drag Out - Ex-Trump Advisor
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States’ use of oil from its strategic reserve may indicate the risk that the conflict with Iran could drag out, George Papadopoulos, a foreign policy advisor to the first Trump presidential campaign, told Sputnik. "These reserves are designed to only access during »»»
Hotel stay in Abu Dhabi now comes with free museum access
Dubai: Visitors booking a stay in Abu Dhabi can now access some of the emirate’s top cultural attractions at no extra cost, with hotels rolling out a limited-period offer aimed at boosting post-Eid travel. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Guests staying at participating»»»
Iran's top envoy says S. Korean ships can transit Strait of Hormuz only after coordination with Tehran - UPI.com
Iranian Ambassador to South Korea Saeed Koozechi speaks during a press conference at the Iranian Embassy in Seoul on Thursday. Photo by Yonhap Iran's top envoy to Seoul said Thursday South Korean ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but only with prior coordination with Tehran, saying that »»»
Nuclearelectrica allots over 1.36 mln. lei for maintenance at Cernavoda NPP
Nuclearelectrica allocates 1.36 million lei, excluding VAT, for repair and maintenance services for measuring devices at the Cernavoda NPP, the contract to be concluded for a period of 49 months, according to a tender notice posted in the Electronic Public Procurement System (SEAP). “The object of »»»
24 Suspects Detained for Various Crimes, Including Vote Buying - Sofia Chief of Police Nikolov
Twenty-four people have been detained for various types of crimes, including vote buying. Twelve fast-track proceedings have been initiated for violations of citizens’ voting rights, said here on Thursday Sofia's police chief Lyubomir Nikolov. He added that so far the total number of investigations»»»
Pakistan delays SSC exams in four countries amid tensions
Dubai: Pakistan’s Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has partially postponed its Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations in several Gulf countries, in the wake of ongoing regional conflict. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by FBISE Chairm»»»
Venezuela's Maduro Back in US Court after Stunning Capture
Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro will appear Thursday in a New York court for the second time since his capture by US forces in an extraordinary nighttime raid. Maduro, 63, and wife Cilia Flores have been held in a Brooklyn jail for almost three months after American commandos snatched th»»»
Moon Race: How China is Challenging the US
Walking on the Moon by 2030, building a lunar base, and then perhaps on to Mars: after 30 years of honing its expertise, China is challenging the United States' supremacy in spaceflight. As US space agency NASA prepares for its crewed lunar flyby mission, Artemis II, we take a look at China's ambit»»»
UAE braces for final wave of heavy rain as weather system moves east
Abu Dhabi: The UAE is expected to see the final phase of the latest spell of unstable weather between March 25 and 28, with heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds gradually giving way to cooler and windier conditions, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The NCM said the lates»»»
UAE supply chains operating normally, minister says
Abu Dhabi: Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of the Supply and Transport Committee, affirmed that the transport system and supply chains in the UAE continue to operate efficiently and regularly within an integrated framework characterised by resilience a»»»
Bus Sinks in Bangladesh River, Many Killed
A bus carrying about 50 people plunged into a major river in central Bangladesh as it was driving onto a ferry, leaving at least 18 people dead, authorities said Thursday. The bus plunged into the Padma River on Wednesday afternoon in Rajbari district, about 84 kilometers (52 miles) from the capita»»»
Church of England gets first woman Archbishop of Canterbury
The Church of England has enthroned Dame Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury since the church’s establishment in 1534. The ceremony took place in Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday, and was attended by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as Prince William and his wife, Ca»»»
Possible remains of D’Artagnan, one of Dumas’ musketeers, found in Dutch town
Archaeologists say they may have discovered the skeletal remains of the legendary D’Artagnan, the figure immortalized by French writer Alexandre Dumas in ‘The Three Musketeers’, Dutch regional broadcaster L1 reported on Wednesday. The remains were found in the Dutch city of Maastricht. Historical a»»»
Kuwait says arrested six people planning 'assassinations' linked to Hezbollah
Kuwait arrested six people linked to Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group who were planning "assassinations" in the Gulf state, the interior ministry said on Wednesday. Those arrested were planning "assassinations targeting symbols and leaders of the state and recruited people to carry out these m»»»
Israeli soldier killed in south Lebanon as Hezbollah claims more than 80 attacks
An Israeli soldier was killed in fighting in south Lebanon on Thursday, the military said, after the army announced it was conducting ground operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah. "Staff sergeant Ori Greenberg, aged 21, from Petah Tikva, a soldier of the Reconnaissance unit, Golani Brigade, fell»»»
Police Arrest Dozens Across Bulgaria in Large Operation Against Vote-Buying
Police operations targeting vote-buying and violations of electoral rights are continuing across Bulgaria, with multiple coordinated actions reported in different regions. Authorities say arrests have already been made as part of ongoing investigations into alleged schemes involving electoral fraud»»»
Myanmar's Rebuild Stutters Year after Deadly Quake
The gaping holes torn in a road to Mandalay by last year's devastating earthquake have been filled in, and the route in northern Myanmar partly resurfaced. But only a few of the broken spans of the historic Ava Bridge have been removed, while the others still droop into the river where hundreds of »»»
US Activists Work to Connect Iranians Via Starlink
With the war in Iran leading to a near-total internet blackout in the country, activists around the world -- especially in the United States -- are mobilizing to help Iranians stay connected via Starlink. Despite being banned, billionaire Elon Musk's satellite internet system has gained ground in I»»»