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»»»
Trump makes Pearl Harbor joke at meeting with Japanese PM to justify Iran war secrecy
US President Donald Trump joked about the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor in front of a visibly uncomfortable Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, as he defended his decision not to warn allies before striking Iran. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump was pressed on the lack »»»
Venezuela interim president replaces top military commanders in sweeping reforms
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez said on Thursday she had replaced all senior military commanders, expanding sweeping reforms after the US ousted Nicolas Maduro. The move follows the dismissal of a long-serving defence minister and the appointment of a former intelligence chief, as Car»»»
Serbian high jumper Topic wins silver at World Athletics Indoor Championships
TORUN - Serbian high jumper Angelina Topic won the silver medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, on Friday with a 1.99 m leap in the final. Twenty-year-old Topic, who made three unsuccessful attempts at 2.01 m, finished tied with Australian Nicola Olyslagers and Ukraini»»»
Bulgaria’s Tourist Season Faces Crisis as Foreign Workers Fill 85% of Jobs
Bulgaria is facing a turbulent start to its tourist season as the industry grapples with a severe shortage of staff, raising concerns over service quality. According to Veselin Nalbantov, deputy chairman of the Bulgarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, the reliance on foreign workers has become u»»»
Gasoline and diesel prices go up again
Skopje, 16 March 2026 (MIA) - As of Monday midnight, gasoline prices will go up by Mden 7 per liter, while that of diesel by Mden 6.5 per liter, said the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The new retail price of Eurosuper BS-95 is Mden 86.5 per liter, Eurosuper BS-98 - Mden 88.5, Eurodiesel (D-E »»»
Minister of State for Energy Affairs meets Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources
Doha: Minister of State for Energy Affairs HE Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi met Friday with Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources of the Republic of Korea HE Jung-Kwan Kim. During the meeting, held virtually via video conference, the two sides discussed the impact of the ongoing regional confl»»»
Travelling on Emirates? Delays, routes affected, FAQs answered
Dubai: Dubai's flagship carrier Emirates is operating a limited flight schedule from Dubai to over 100 destinations destinations, prompting questions from passengers about affected routes, flight status, and connecting travel. Many travellers have questions such as “Which routes are affected?”, “Wi»»»
Aoun calls for truce as French minister visits Lebanon and Israel
President Joseph Aoun said a proposed framework to halt fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah was "still on the table", as he hosted French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday. Lebanon was pulled into the regional war on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets toward neighboring»»»
Media Review: March 20
OVERVIEW The launch of the election campaign and the rising fuel prices are the dominant topics in the media on Friday. ELECTIONS In an interview for Bulgarian National Radio, Iva Lazarova, from the Institute for Public Environment Development, part of the Public Council of the Central Election Com»»»
34,500-Plus Bulgarians Abroad Have Applied to Vote in April Parliamentary Elections
More than 34,500 Bulgarians abroad have applied to vote in the country’s snap parliamentary elections in April, according to data published on the Central Election Commission (CEC) website. As of 12:20 p.m. on Friday, a total of 34,609 applications have been confirmed. Bulgarians living abroad have»»»
Pearl Harbor shadow: Trump remark rattles Japan ties
A remark by US President Donald Trump invoking the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor has sparked unease in Japan, overshadowing high-level talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. During an Oval Office meeting focused on the ongoing Iran conflict and »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
TEHRAN BLOG: Iran's new year Nowruz is not the same this year
For three millennia, nothing has stopped the Persian New Year, called Nowruz. Not the Arab conquest of Persia in the seventh century, not the Mongol destruction of entire cities, not the eight-year war with Iraq, not the Islamist revolutionary fervour of 1979. Every March, Iranians celebrate, »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Ex-president Radev declares war on oligarchs in Bulgaria election bid
Bulgaria’s former president Rumen Radev launched his party’s election programme on March 19, vowing to dismantle entrenched oligarchic influence and drive faster economic growth ahead of April’s snap parliamentary vote. Pr»»»
Bulgaria Faces Uncertain Elections: Challenges in Forming a Stable Government
As Bulgaria approaches the parliamentary elections on April 19, the prospect of forming a stable government is looking increasingly complex. Political scientist Georgi Prodanov, speaking on the National Radio, emphasizes that the balance of power between former President Rumen Radev’s formation (Pr»»»
Nasser Al Shahania claims Eraida Cup after strong late run
DOHA: Nasser Al Shahania produced a determined late surge to land the Eraida Cup and headline a compelling eight-race programme at Al Rayyan Racecourse on Wednesday night. The meeting also witnessed a series of standout performances, most notably a four-timer from Faleh Bughenaim. The feature, a Pu»»»
Dinar-to-euro exchange rate at RSD 117.4363
BELGRADE - The Serbian dinar's official median exchange rate against the euro is 117.4363 dinars for one euro on Friday, which is a slight change relative to Thursday, the National Bank of Serbia said. The dinar is steady against the euro m-o-m, down by 0.2 pct y-o-y and down by 0.1 pct relative to»»»
US's OFAC extends operating licence for NIS until April 17
BELGRADE - The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury has extended until April 17 an operating licence issued to the Serbian oil company NIS. Since October 9, 2025, NIS has been under US sanctions due to its Russian-majority ownership. "As President Aleksandar »»»
How US Marines could reopen the Strait of Hormuz — and break the blockade
The Strait of Hormuz is not just an oil tanker passage. It’s a key waterway in global trade. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) uses a brutally simple playbook here: squeeze the world economy through this narrow gate — and control the gate. At just 39 km wide at its narrowest, shipping is»»»
Early Southwest Heat is Latest in Parade of Weather Extremes as Earth Warms
The dangerous heat wave shattering March records all over the US Southwest is more than just another extreme weather blip. It’s the latest next-level weather wildness that is occurring ever more frequently as Earth’s warming builds. Experts said unprecedented and deadly weather extremes that someti»»»
Progressive Bulgaria: Radev's Blueprint for Dismantling the Oligarchy
After weeks of calculated silence, Rumen Radev finally unveiled his political vehicle on the eve of Bulgaria's April 2025 election campaign. "Progressive Bulgaria" represents Radev's calculated response to a decade of political chaos, positioning itself as the force that will finally break the olig»»»
Paris Fair 2026 (April 30-May 11): Strategic showcase for Tunisian artisans
Tunis, March 20 (TAP) - The National Federation of Handicrafts (FNA), affiliated to the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA), launched via its social media channels, a call for applications for participation in the Paris...»»»
Discover why the UAE is still the happiest country in Arab world
Dubai: The World Happiness Report 2026 has once again placed the UAE as the happiest country in the Arab world, keeping its place on the 21st spot globally and ahead of countries such as the US and UK. The UAE has maintained its position from last year, achieving a score of 6.821 out of 10 based on»»»
Qatar's Ministry of Interior cautions public on AI-generated videos
Doha: The Ministry of Interior urged the public to verify information and avoid the circulation or publishing of any false AI-generated videos, or news from unreliable sources via social media platforms using artificial intelligence techniques, or unreliable news via social media. The Ministry, in »»»
BR Analysis | How Romania’s new media art & technology industry is growing
Worldwide, prestigious institutions like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Tate Modern are incorporating digital art into their exhibitions, recognising its cultural and financial significance. These museums are pioneering new ways to engage visitors through immersive digital experiences. Mea»»»
EU digital identity wallet moves closer to rollout after interoperability tests in Romania
Between March 17–18, Romania hosted a major interoperability testing exercise dedicated to the European Digital Identity Wallet, the CSC Interoperability Event EUDI Wallet 2026. The event was organised by the Cloud Signature Consortium (CSC), with the support of certSIGN, and brought together digit»»»
Honouring our second home: Why Eid in the UAE feels more special this year
Dubai: As Eid 2026 arrives, many UAE residents are embracing a quieter, more meaningful way of celebrating, one that is shaped by reflection, resilience, and a deep sense of gratitude to the country they call their second home. Across communities, the focus has shifted from large gatherings to inti»»»
Saudi Arabia warns Iran against attacks on energy sites, threatens military action
Iran could face retaliation from its Gulf neighbors for attacks on their energy infrastructure, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Al Saud has warned, adding that the “patience” of the countries of the region is not “unlimited.” Iran must “recalculate” its strategy, Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat sa»»»
How Mobile and Desktop Platforms Are Influencing Online Slot Trends
The digital age has fundamentally reshaped how we consume news and entertainment, creating a dynamic interplay between different platforms. What begins as a headline on a desktop monitor might evolve into a viral video viewed on a smartphone, illustrating the fluid consumption habits of today's aud»»»
Interior Ministry, Prosecution Service, SANS Establish National Interagency Unit on Upcoming Elections
Acting Prosecutor General Borislav Sarafov, caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev and acting State Agency for National Security (SANS) Chair Denyo Denev signed an order to establish a National Interagency Unit in connection with the upcoming elections for the 52nd National Assembly, the press cen»»»
Syria Sets 2026 Budget at Around $10.5 Billion
Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Friday the 2026 budget was set at around $10.5 billion, nearly triple last year's level, state TV reported. He said GDP is estimated to reach $60 billion-$65 billion this year, adding the economy could return to 2010 levels and improve services. Speaking af»»»