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March 25, 2026
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Month: March 2026

World
Philippines, South Korea leaders pledge closer cooperation as geopolitical uncertainty mounts

Philippines, South Korea leaders pledge closer cooperation as geopolitical uncertainty mounts

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos met South Korean President Lee Jae ‌Myung in Manila Tuesday, where ‌they discussed ways to ‌deepen ⁠economic and ‌security ties.Lee ‌was in Manila on ⁠a state visit.Marcos said both sides 'recognise growing uncertainty in geopolitical developments,' and agreed on the need to uphold a rules-based international ​order, including in the maritime domain.The Philippines and South Korea ‌agreed to ⁠expand cooperation in ​shipbuilding, nuclear energy and ​artificial intelligence.Lee said the two countries will also cooperate in infrastructure and defence industries.Lee added that South Korea and the Philippines plan to work together on ‌critical minerals and ‌supply chains.The two leaders also ⁠discussed ⁠the situation in the Middle East during their talks.South Korean companies will help the modernisation of the Philippine ​military, Lee saidThe countries signed MoUs in various sectors, including digital technology, procurement of specific defence equipment, agriculture, intellectual property, foreign language education, culture, and police investigations. 

World
Stranded in resort island: Mideast war traps thousands in Bali

Stranded in resort island: Mideast war traps thousands in Bali

Passengers wait amid flights disruptions as a result of the Israeli-US strikes on Iran, at Ngurah Rai International Airport , Bali, on Monday. (AFP) Passengers stranded on the Indonesian resort island of Bali clamoured for flight news Tuesday as the outbreak of war in the Middle East grounded planes and turned a tropical holiday dream into an ordeal for many.Hundreds were crowded at Ngurah Rai International Airport, many dressed in shorts, flip-flops and summer dresses, their expressions dour.Many sat on the floor, exhausted, and one man repeatedly hit a wall in frustration."I just kind of want to see my family.... right now it's a bit stressful," British tourist Adam Woo, transiting through Bali after holidaying on the neighbouring island of Lombok, told AFP.The 23-year-old student said he saw the missiles start flying on the news "and I was a bit worried about my flight" — especially after Dubai International Airport was hit in Iran's response to a US-Israeli attack."Obviously, everyone around the world at the moment is kind of stuck," said Woo."All the travel agencies are swamped with people calling in. So, it's literally impossible to even get on the phone with someone."He said he was looking for an alternative flight via China.Around Woo, many at the airport were lugging around heavy luggage with slumped shoulders, frustration etched on many a face.Many queued on foot and on chairs outside information centres hoping for news on replacement flights, receiving occasional briefings with little news.The airport's immigration office said in a statement at least 4,400 people had flights to Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi cancelled between Saturday and Monday.With would-be passengers at risk of overstaying their visas, the Bali immigration office introduced a same-day emergency stay permit free of charge for affected foreigners.Thirty-five have applied so far, according to immigration head Felucia Sengky Ratna.Airports company Angkasa Pura said 15 flights from Bali to Doha and Abu Dhabi, and vice versa, have been cancelled between Saturday and Monday.National carrier Garuda Indonesia has grounded all flights to Doha until further notice.  Related Story

World
‘Blood Moon’ – Gulf Times

‘Blood Moon’ – Gulf Times

A total lunar eclipse as Makha Bucha Day, a Buddhist holiday, is marked at Wat Khao Wong Phrachan in Lopburi province, Thailand, March 3, 2026. REUTERS A total lunar eclipse as Makha Bucha Day, is marked at Wat Khao Wong Phrachan in Lopburi province, Thailand, Tuesday.  

World
Canadian PM in Australia to talk minerals, defence

Canadian PM in Australia to talk minerals, defence

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney (top) are welcomed by officials upon their arrival at Sydney Airport Tuesday. (AFP) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney landed Tuesday in Australia, kicking off a trip aimed at bringing in investment and deepening ties with a fellow "middle power" partner.Carney landed around midday (0100 GMT) in Sydney, where he will address today a meeting of the Lowy Institute think-tank.He is then expected to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and address the nation's parliament in the capital of Canberra.The trip is part of a multi-country tour of the Asia-Pacific aimed at reducing reliance on the US — a hedge against what Carney has described as a fading US-led global order.His arrival in Australia comes just days after a US-Israeli strike on Iran killed the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and plunged the Middle East into war.Both Canada and Australia have backed those strikes.Albanese's office has framed Carney as a like-minded leader and said his trip will focus on economic security and critical minerals — of which Australia has vast reserves — as well as defence."As our countries face new challenges and opportunities, we must deepen our cooperation with partners to promote our national interests," the Australian prime minister said last week.  Related Story

Business
Global digital economy witnessing structural transformation

Global digital economy witnessing structural transformation

Staff Reporter, Gulf TodayDubai: The world is witnessing a profound transformation in the structure of the digital economy. The way software and applications are sold and consumed has fundamentally changed, said Engineer Ahmed Bahgat Hassan,

Sports
New rules, same old suspects as Formula One revs up for 2…

New rules, same old suspects as Formula One revs up for 2…

The start of any Formula One season is a game of smoke and mirrors: this one, which gets underway in Melbourne on March 8, has the added intrigue of sweeping changes that could shake up

Sports
South Africa juggernaut faces knockout test vs New Zealand

South Africa juggernaut faces knockout test vs New Zealand

South Africa and New Zealand head into the semi-finals following impressive yet contrasting campaigns.This will be the first time South Africa and New Zealand meet in a T20 World Cup semi-final. They have competed four

Sports
Juve stay in Champions League hunt with last-gasp Roma draw

Juve stay in Champions League hunt with last-gasp Roma draw

Juventus maintained their hopes of reaching next season’s Champions League after bouncing back from two goals down to draw 3-3 at top-four rivals Roma with nearly the last kick of Sunday’s game.Federico Gatti lashed home

News
Authorities allow trucks to use all roads across Dubai un…

Authorities allow trucks to use all roads across Dubai un…

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police General Headquarters have announced that trucks will be permitted to use all roads across the Emirate of Dubai around the clock until Wednesday evening (March 4,

News
Iran operations are likely to last 4 to 5 weeks but could…

Iran operations are likely to last 4 to 5 weeks but could…

US President Donald Trump says Iran operations are likely to last 4 to 5 weeks but that he’s prepared "to go far longer than that.” Trump spoke Monday at a White House ceremony.Trump said he