Weather alert: Thunderstorms and heavy rain sweep across UAE
Rain sweeps across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other parts of the UAE as a low-pressure system moves through, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reports. Gusty winds are stirring dust and reducing visibility in some areas. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a weather update for Satu»»»
Democracy fading as autocractic rulers gain ground – Statista
Released on March 19, the latest Freedom in the World 2026 report finds that global freedom declined for the 20th consecutive year in 2025, with more countries experiencing a deterioration in political rights and civil liberties than improvements, Statista reports. »»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
Georgians continue fight for democracy after almost 500 days of protest
It's Saturday night in Tbilisi. A crowd is gathering outside the city's State Concert Hall, chatting among themselves. For some, the gathering offers a brief respite from the exhaustion of prolonged demonstration. For others, it is an act of defiance against a government that opposition figures, We»»»
Kyrgyzstan: Ousted security services chief now facing corruption allegations
Ousted former Kyrgyz security services boss Kamchybek Tashiyev, a former boxer who until last month was President Sadyr Japarov’s right-hand man, is on the ropes. A little more than a month after Japarov uncere»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
Kosovo’s PM warns of rising tensions as Serbia holds military drills near border
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has described recent Serbian army exercises near the border with Kosovo as “extremely worrying,” accusing Belgrade of using its military to exert pressure and destabilise the Western Balkans, Koha.net reported on March 19. »»»
Kosovo’s PM warns of rising tensions as Serbia holds military drills near border
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has described recent Serbian army exercises near the border with Kosovo as “extremely worrying,” accusing Belgrade of using its military to exert pressure and destabilise the Western Balkans, Koha.net reported on March 19. »»»
EU Council meeting achieves little
EU leaders had a heavy agenda at a summit in Brussels on March 19. They had to deal with a mushrooming energy crisis, a Ukraine funding fiasco and the stalled passage of twentieth sanctions on Russia. Little progress was made on solving any of these issues. »»»
EU Council meeting achieves little
EU leaders had a heavy agenda at a summit in Brussels on March 19. They had to deal with a mushrooming energy crisis, a Ukraine funding fiasco and the stalled passage of twentieth sanctions on Russia. Little progress was made on solving any of these issues. »»»
Belarus frees another 250 political prisoners as US eases sanctions
Belarus has released another 250 political prisoners, the largest single release to date, after cutting a new sanctions relief deal with the US, Associated Press reported on March 19. President Alexander Lukashenko ordered»»»
Middle East tensions rise: Iran targets tourist spots as US deploys more marines - here's what to know
Three weeks into escalating Middle East tensions, Iran warned it could expand attacks to recreational and tourist sites worldwide. The threat came as Gulf nations intercepted multiple drones near oil installations, and Israel reported continued missile fire from Iran. Stay updated: Get the latest f»»»
US Issues License for Sale of Iranian Oil Loaded On Vessels As of March 20
The US Treasury Department has issued a license for delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products loaded onto vessels as of March 20. "Except as provided in paragraph (b), all transactions prohibited by the above-listed authorities that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the s»»»
Potanin’s T-Technologies to acquire Auto.ru from Yandex for $0.4bn
Sanctioned oligarch Vladimir Potanin's fintech group T-Technologies has closed the deal to to acquire leading car classifieds platform Auto.ru from Russian technology giant Yandex (YNDX) for RUB35bn ($380mn), financed through debt, according to The Bell citing company disclosures. »»»
T-Technologies reports strong revenue growth and higher profit for 2025
Leading Russian online bank T-Technologies, formerly known as Tinkoff Bank, reported a 49% year-on-year increase in total revenue to RUB1.4 trillion ($15.6bn) for the year ended December 31 2025, supported by customer growth and higher interest income, according to a company press release on March »»»
Ukraine risks aid shortfall as reform delays and EU divisions test financial lifeline
Ukraine faces a growing risk of losing critical international support in 2026-2027 as reform delays at home coincide with mounting political divisions within the EU over future financing for Kyiv, reported Ukraine Business News. »»»
Polish industrial production rebounds in February
Poland’s industrial output expanded 1.5% year on year (y/y) in constant prices in February, a changeover from a decline of 1.5% y/y the preceding month, unadjusted data from the statistics office GUS showed on March 19. Th»»»
Young man beaten after warning driver at Abu Dhabi crossing
Abu Dhabi: A young man who was physically assaulted after asking a driver to stop at a pedestrian crossing and comply with traffic rules has been awarded Dh10,000 in compensation, according to a ruling by the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court. The case followed a prior criminal»»»
US‑Israel war with Iran, Day 22: What you need to know
Airspace disruptions and rising regional tensions are impacting travel and security across the UAE, with flights delayed and routes altered. Authorities confirmed the situation remains stable after intercepting missiles and drones, while travellers face uncertainty over schedules and rights. Meanwh»»»
From storming WWII beaches to Iraq’s streets: How Marines fought America’s toughest battles
Dubai: From storming World War II beaches to spearheading urban combat in Iraq, the US Marines have long served as America’s first force into battle, built for speed, adaptability and frontline fighting. That role is back in focus as the United States moves additional Marine forces into position am»»»
Socialists battle to hold Paris in key mayoral elections across France
Mayors for France's major towns and cities will be chosen on Sunday, in the last vote before next year's presidential elections. Excitement is especially high in Paris and Nice. The capital could shift to the right after 25 years under a Socialist-led coalition, if Rachida Dati comes from behind in»»»
Russia's school propaganda was highlighted by Oscar-winning film - but does it work?
When her seven-year-old daughter was told to learn a poem about Russia's "glorious army" for a school event, Nina from Moscow thought it was too much. She has struggled to shield her daughter from an ever-increasing number of "patriotic" activities and lessons. That ramping up of war propaganda dir»»»
Chuck Norris memes were undefeated for a generation of young fans
Chuck Norris will always be remembered for his iconic film and television performances, such as a crime-fighting sheriff in Walker, Texas Ranger. But many young people only know the late actor for his starring role in thousands of memes. Originating on message boards in the early 2000s, the memes, »»»
Nepal’s reset moment: Can Balen deliver real reform?
In a political earthquake that has stunned South Asia, 35-year-old former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah — popularly known as “Balen” — has led the insurgent Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to an overwhelming parliamentary victory in Nepal. The election followed months of political turmoil and youth-»»»
Iranian strikes on bases used by US caused $800m in damage, new analysis shows
Iranian strikes on military bases used by the US in the Middle East caused about $800m (£600m) in damage in the first two weeks of the war, a new analysis shows. Much of the damage was caused in initial retaliatory strikes by Iran in the week after the US and Israel launched the war, according to a»»»
Hubble catches comet breaking apart by accident - UPI.com
This series of Hubble Space Telescope images of the fragmenting comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), or K1 for short, was taken over the course of three consecutive days: November 8, 9, and 10, 2025. Captured by Hubble&rsquos STIS instrument. Photos courtesy of NASA, ESA, D. Bodewits (Auburn). Image processing»»»
The attack on Iran’s South Pars, world’s largest gas field, and Tehran’s retaliation threatens energy supply
Israel’s recent strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field and Tehran’s retaliation on key energy infrastructure in several Gulf countries is more than just another escalation of the war roiling the Middle East. What began as a campaign of decapitation strikes and base‑to‑base missile exchanges has esca»»»
Flight cancelled or delayed in UAE? 10 things you’re entitled to right now
Dubai: Flight disruptions linked to Middle East airspace closures have left thousands of UAE travellers stranded or scrambling for alternatives. For many, the key question is simple: what can you actually claim when your flight falls apart? Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balan»»»
Trump rules out Iran truce as more Marines head to Middle East
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday ruled out reaching a ceasefire agreement with Iran, as more Marines headed to the Middle East in a possible sign of a coming ground operation. Trump insisted Washington had the upper hand in the three-week-old war, despite Iran effectively blockading the Strait»»»
Monarch population up in Mexico; California falls near record lows - UPI.com
In coastal California, where western monarchs spend the winter, numbers remain dangerously low. File Photo by Matthew Cavanaugh/UPI | License Photo A key monarch butterfly population is showing signs of improvement this year, but scientists warn the species remains in long-term decline -- especiall»»»
White House releases AI laws framework to prevent state laws - UPI.com
The White House Friday released a legislative framework for artificial intelligence. File Photo by Fazry Ismail/EPA March 20 (UPI) -- The White House released a new legislative framework for artificial intelligence creating a federal policy to prevent states from making their own laws about it. "Th»»»
‘Ending Soon’: Netanyahu Shifts Iran War Goals
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is gradually scaling back his sweeping ambition to end the war with Iran by toppling its regime, bringing his rhetoric closer to that of US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu now speaks of “achieving tremendous gains” through three objectives: curbing Iran’s»»»
Simultaneous megaproject filings signal Chile mining shift - UPI.com
Analysts say these investments in planned Chilean copper mines respond to sustained growth in global demand, driven by electrification, power grids and the energy transition File Phot by Pedro Tapia/EPA SANTIAGO, Chile, March 20 (UPI) -- Mining companies BHP and U.S.-based Freeport-McMoRan submitte»»»
Why Critical Financing Inc Believes Lending Models Will Continue to Fragment in 2026
As the financial landscape evolves, securing capital is no longer a straightforward process for business owners. Once dominated by traditional banks, financing now includes digital lenders, fintech platforms, and alternative methods such as peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding. This growing fragme»»»
Norway's Mette-Marit says Jeffrey Epstein 'manipulated and deceived' her - UPI.com
Magnus Haakon, the crown prince of Norway, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway attend the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize presentation ceremony at Oslo City Hall. Mette-Marit gave her first interview about her friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. File Photo by Paul Treadway/UPI | License Photo March 20 (UP»»»
Elderly woman loses €44,000 in cash to phone scammers
Four men have been arrested in central Greece for allegedly defrauding an elderly woman out of tens of thousands of euros worth of cash and jewellery using a widespread but highly effective phone scam, authorities said Friday. A police statement said the suspects aged 19-25 were members of a gang o»»»
Hottest March temperature in US history recorded in Arizona
A desert community in Arizona has broken the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in March in the US. Temperatures reached 43C (110F) in the area, located just outside Martinez Lake in the Yuma Desert on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The record-breaking temp»»»
French foreign minister calls on Iran to make ‘major concessions’ – Ya Libnan
Share: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on a visit to Israel that Iran must make major concessions as part of any long-term political solution following the Middle East war. “Whatever the outcome of the ongoing military operations, it must be complemented by a political solution that p»»»
Italy in Talks with US, Azerbaijan, Algeria to Offset Loss of Gas from Qatar
Italy is talking to several countries, including the United States, Azerbaijan and Algeria, to secure gas supplies now that Iranian strikes on Qatar appear to have halted its exports for an extended period, Energy Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said. Iranian attacks have knocked out 17% of Qatar»»»
Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria Start Campaigning in Dobrich
Dobrich became the first city where the Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria (CC-DB) coalition started campaigning for the April 19 parliamentary elections on Friday. Ivaylo Mirchev, co-chair of Yes, Bulgaria, called for citizens’ democratic vote to remove GERB leader Boyko Borisov and MRF - N»»»
NBS: Serbian financial, corporate sectors expect 3-4 pct one-year ahead inflation
BELGRADE - According to a February Ninamedia survey, short-and medium-term inflation expectations of the Serbian financial sector stand at the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) midpoint target value - one-year ahead inflation expectations stayed unchanged relative to the January survey and stood at 3.0»»»
Vucic: Measures for next several months prepared, gas price a bigger problem
BELGRADE - Speaking to reporters after a session of an extended National Security Council that addressed the energy situation, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Friday the current natural gas price of 735 euros per thousand cubic metres was an even bigger problem than the crude oil price, »»»
President Donald Trump: NATO 'cowards' for not helping to open Strait of Hormuz - UPI.com
President Donald Trump arrives for the Commander in Chief Trophy presentation in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Friday. Earlier in the day, he criticized NATO countries for declining to assist the United States in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | L»»»
Israel strikes Syria after Druze clashes
Israel says it has carried out air strikes on Syrian government infrastructure in the south of the country, in response to what it described as attacks on Druze civilians in Suweida province. In a statement, the Israeli military said it hit a command centre and weapons stored at army compounds over»»»
‘Resistance Economy in Light of National Unity, Security,’ Leader Announces Slogan of New Year
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a message on the occasion of the Persian calendar New Year. In a message on Friday, Ayatollah Khamenei congratulated both the Eid of Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr, which have coincided this year, to the Iranian nation and to the»»»