UK Unveils £50 Million Defence Deal to Boost Scotland's Maritime and Tech Sectors
The UK government announced a significant £50 million Defence Growth Deal focused on expanding Scotland’s strategic contribution to national defence and advanced manufacturing. The deal aims to position Scotland as a global leader in maritime defence, space technology, quantum computing, and advanced engineering. By targeting multiple regions from the Clyde to the East Coast, the plan seeks to create high-value jobs and boost skills development. Among the highlighted initiatives is a £5 million investment in the Arrol Gibb Innovation Campus at Rosyth. This facility will foster collaboration among major defence contractors, research institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, and local authorities... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 12 Mar 2026 12:18
Companies in Dubai's financial district evacuate amid threats from Iran towards US and Israeli-linked assets
In a significant escalation of tensions, various companies in Dubai's financial district have initiated evacuations following threats from Iran towards assets linked to the United States and Israel in the region. Major firms, including US group Citi and consultancies Deloitte and PwC, have either closed their offices or instructed employees to leave as of Wednesday. This move underscores the heightened state of alert among businesses in what is considered the heart of the Middle East's financial hub. The evacuations follow a series of Iranian attacks and retaliatory threats aimed specifically at the UAE, which has become a focal point for... [Continue Reading]
Iran Intensifies Military Operations in Gulf, Targeting Oil Tankers Amid Rising Tensions with US and Israel
Iran has escalated its military operations in the Gulf region, targeting oil tankers and critical infrastructure in retaliation for ongoing conflicts with US and Israeli forces. This recent wave of attacks marks a significant development in the broader Middle East war, as Iran seeks to assert its influence and send a message of resilience amidst both domestic and international challenges. On March 12, Iranian explosives struck two oil tankers off the coast of Iraq, adding to the growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit route for global oil supplies. This incident brings the total number of reported... [Continue Reading]
How Iran war laid bare the world's reliance on Gulf oil and gas
Countries around the world are feeling the impact of the conflict and the resulting energy price shock. [Continue Reading]
The Oscars’ newest category might already have a certified winner
On paper, the race looks almost embarrassingly straightforward. [Continue Reading]
The tiny Norwegian club that were ‘brainwashed’ into winning football games
They can't stop winning. [Continue Reading]
More Hong Kong drivers head to mainland China to refuel amid surging oil prices
Hong Kong drivers are increasingly crossing the border to mainland China to replenish their tanks, as authorities crack down on a case of an illegal filling operation amid the surge in global oil prices. Motorists are exploring different ways to mitigate the rising fuel cost after the ongoing conflict in the Middle East pushed up oil prices. Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, governor and honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, on Thursday highlighted a sharp rise in local... [Continue Reading]
Number of homes granted planning permission up 7.9% - CSO
The number of homes granted planning permission rose by 7.9% last year with 34,974 given the green light, up from 32,401 in 2024, according to the Central Statistics Office. [Continue Reading]
Maggie’s next murder victim ‘confirmed’ after major Coronation Street star quits show
There was a huge hint in today's episode... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong’s Wealth for Good Summit to highlight AI, robotics, biotech opportunities
As innovations arise from the artificial intelligence, robotics and biotechnology sectors, holders of family capital from around the world will convene in Hong Kong to discuss such investment opportunities at the city’s fourth annual Wealth for Good Summit on March 23 and 24. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu said the summit would showcase Hong Kong’s position as a premier hub for family capital seeking long-term growth and multigenerational... [Continue Reading]
Who wins and loses in the global energy crisis?
As oil prices surge, some economies benefit while others face rising costs. [Continue Reading]
How the Premier League run-in is shaping up
Who has the easier title run-in? Which teams will clinch the Champions League places? Who is getting relegated? [Continue Reading]
Listen: Is the alliance between right and far-right parties the new norm in Europe?
The European Parliament’s centre-right is increasingly voting with far-right parties , first on migration, now on deregulation. As similar alliances emerge in national governments across Europe, the long-standing political “cordon sanitaire” against the far right is weakening, raising questions about whether this shift could soon become the new norm. [Continue Reading]
Republicans add to pressure on Senate majority leader after Trump voter ID bill call – US politics live
Republicans join in with US president’s demand for John Thune to push through Save America act Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxHello and welcome to the US politics live blog.Republican Senate majority leader John Thune came under renewed pressure last night to change the rules to force a vote on the Save America act, a sprawling bill that would upend elections for American voters amid the midterms.He’s got to be a leader.I’ve got colleagues who just simply won’t believe the Democrats will actually do it, just because two of them held... [Continue Reading]
Qatari-backed fund offers $1.5bn for pizza giant Papa John’s: Report
Irth Capital offers $47 per share for Papa John's International, sources have told Reuters news agency. [Continue Reading]
Excited Emmerdale fans demand legend’s return amid ‘amazing’ new Robert story
It's time for a new era. [Continue Reading]
Annual inflation steady at 2.7% in February - CSO
New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the annual rate of inflation was unchanged at 2.7% in February from the previous month. [Continue Reading]
Air attack hits house in suburbs of Tel Aviv
Video shows a house in central Israel damaged by a rocket reportedly fired by Hezbollah. [Continue Reading]
UK backs OSCE efforts on Ukraine amid ongoing Russia war impacts
At a recent OSCE session, the UK Deputy Ambassador James Ford reaffirmed London's support for the OCEEA's initiatives tackling the fallout of Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. The UK highlighted key areas such as environmental cleanup, anti-corruption measures, data transparency, and addressing climate-induced mobility challenges. This support reflects concern over the broad damage wrought by the conflict , spanning economic hardships, environmental degradation, and humanitarian suffering within Ukraine, with ripple effects felt across neighboring countries. The UK's commitment aims to bolster regional stability and foster recovery efforts through targeted projects and international cooperation. The statement also implicitly contrasts the UK's... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 12 Mar 2026 11:18
Katie Price’s sister lays into her for ‘traumatising’ family with Lee Andrews marriage
'You’ve traumatised us all – again.' [Continue Reading]
Ant smuggling rises in Kenya as Chinese national caught with 2,238 insects at airport
A man was arrested with more than 2,200 live garden ants in his luggage at Nairobi’s main airport this week amid a rise in cases of smuggling of the insects in Kenya. Chinese national Zhang Kequn, 27, was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Tuesday while he was trying to leave the country, court filings on Thursday showed. Immigration officials flagged a “stop order” on Zhang’s passport after he evaded arrest in Kenya last year. Ant aficionados pay large sums to maintain... [Continue Reading]
Harris concerned over 'fractured' social contract
Economic and social factors are contributing to people having children later in their lives, the Tánaiste has said, as he raised concern over a "fractured" social contract. [Continue Reading]
Tánaiste concerned over 'fractured' social contract
Economic and social factors are contributing to people having children later in their lives, the Tánaiste has said, as he raised concern over a "fractured" social contract. [Continue Reading]
Former Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip swaps policy for photo cards at ComplexCon
Former Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee will hold a fan meet-and-greet at this year’s ComplexCon in the city, underscoring the senior government adviser’s enduring online popularity since ending her 17-year tenure in the Legislative Council. Seventy-five-year-old Ip, convenor of the government’s key decision-making Executive Council, will join guests including Jennie from K-pop group Blackpink, American rapper Yeat and Korean R&B singer Crush at the two-day event later this month. The... [Continue Reading]
Washington tracking if Iran has activated 'sleeper cells' on US soil
As the US-Israeli war against Iran escalates, fears are rising that covert agents lying low in Western countries could be activated to retaliate. US President Donald Trump said his administration is "on top" of the possibility of Iranian cells operating inside the United States, but has offered few details about the level of threat. [Continue Reading]
The war of signals: How Russia and China help Iran see the battlefield
Electronic warfare and intelligence sharing are eroding decades of US-Israeli dominance in the Gulf. [Continue Reading]
Saudi Arabia and UAE condemn Iranian attacks ahead of UN Security Council meeting on regional tensions
In the latest escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have publicly condemned Iranian attacks. This condemnation comes ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting, where the actions of Iran are expected to be addressed. The ambassadors of both countries to the UN made the statements, which underline the growing concern among Gulf nations regarding Iran's military activities and its influence in the region. This diplomatic move comes shortly after an incident in Beirut, where an Israeli strike targeted a residential area in the Aicha Bakkar neighborhood early on March 11.... [Continue Reading]
BBC confirms The Traitors and Celebrity Traitors aren’t going anywhere for years
'More twists, turns, secrets, epic missions, deception, banishments and of course murders' [Continue Reading]
Qatar Condemns Iranian Attacks on Infrastructure as Sovereignty Breach
Qatar’s Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim met with the United Kingdom’s ambassador to discuss bilateral relations and escalating regional tensions. A key focus was the recent attacks by Iran that targeted Qatar’s infrastructure, which Al Ghanim strongly condemned as breaches of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. The Iranian attacks have heightened security concerns in Qatar and the wider Gulf region, where tensions with Tehran have been increasing due to ongoing military escalations. Al Ghanim stressed that these acts violate the United Nations Charter and could have serious consequences for regional stability and security. The UK and Qatar... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 12 Mar 2026 11:09
Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new Supreme Leader signals continuity to international community
Amid the political uncertainty surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Nadia Massih is pleased to welcome Dr Anahita Motazed Rad, Visiting Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics. As the Islamic Republic navigates a moment of acute pressure, the elevation of Mojtaba Khamenei serves an important political function, explains Dr Motazed Rad. By maintaining him as the formal leader, the regime sends a message to both domestic elites and the international community that institutional cohesion remains intact during a time of war. [Continue Reading]
Four days in North Korea: no jeans, ‘fake restaurants’ and a lot of Celine Dion
When Janet Newenham saw an Instagram post about a trip to North Korea, she couldn't move fast enough. [Continue Reading]
Israel admits to planning shortcomings in recent bombings targeting Iran amid escalating conflict
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has recently escalated with a series of bombings targeting Iran, reports indicate. Israeli security sources have admitted that there was a lack of effective planning for regime change when launches began, suggesting that the expectation of a popular uprising was largely based on "wishful thinking" rather than solid intelligence. This situation continues to evolve as U.S. President Donald Trump contemplates the future direction of the costly military endeavor. Approximately two weeks into the conflict, Iranian leadership remains intact despite intense airstrikes. Among these was an operation that reportedly resulted in the assassination of... [Continue Reading]
Middle East war: Oil tankers set ablaze in the Gulf in latest Iranian attacks
Two #oil tankers were hit by Iranian explosives off the coast of #Iraq, as Tehran continues its blockade on the region. The attacks follow strikes in the Strait of #Hormuz, bringing up the number of #ships hit in the strategic passage point to at least 16. [Continue Reading]
Trump endorses Jake Paul even though he’s not running for office – why?
'You have my complete and total endorsement.' [Continue Reading]
Impact report for border crossing revamp approved despite concerns over temple
Heritage advisers have approved an impact report for the redevelopment of Hong Kong’s Sha Tau Kok border checkpoint despite concerns that construction could affect a nearby temple holding monument status. At a meeting on Thursday, members of the Antiquities Advisory Board gave the green light to the heritage impact assessment for the project and its associated works. The project will involve demolishing the existing control point facility and constructing two major buildings connected by a... [Continue Reading]
Missing in action: What we know about Mojtaba Khamenei's condition
Mojtaba Khamenei’s secretive rise as Iran’s new ayatollah and absence from public has fuelled speculation over his injuries, whereabouts and whether he really controls the IRGC. What is known so far? [Continue Reading]
Ground Down by War, Hezbollah’s Loyal Base Shows Cracks
“We just want to be back in our homes,” said a Lebanese man who, like many others in the latest round of fighting, has to flee. [Continue Reading]
Dubai high-rise building damaged in overnight drone hit
Video shows damage to a Dubai high-rise building hit by a drone. [Continue Reading]
Panel awards $3.8m to ‘mom and pop’ investors whose risky investments tanked
Florida investors featured in Guardian investigation claimed they lost most of their life savings after a financial adviser put their money into ‘alternative’ assetsIn a victory for everyday investors, arbitrators have awarded $3.8m to 13 Florida seniors who claimed a financial adviser squandered their retirement money by plowing it into risky investments.The award comes after the Guardian highlighted these investors’ losses as part of an investigation into dangers that so-called “mom and pop” investors face at a time when the Trump administration has thrown its support behind Wall Street’s efforts to sell them more higher-risk “alternative investments”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong export credit insurer keeps premiums low despite Middle East tensions
Hong Kong’s export credit insurer is keeping premiums low and expanding support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), even as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East raise concerns about risks to global trade. Unlike the typical trade credit insurance model – where insurers raise premiums when geopolitical risks increase – the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (HKECIC) said it had continued offering concessions to exporters to help them weather uncertainty. “In the... [Continue Reading]
Latest news bulletin | March 12th, 2026 – Midday
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this March 12th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel. [Continue Reading]
Trump’s tariff investigation ‘bluff’ will not work on China, analysts warn
The United States’ decision to launch Section 301 investigations into alleged unfair trade practices by China and several other economies – which could allow Washington to reimpose higher tariffs – is a “bluff” designed to give US President Donald Trump some perceived leverage ahead of his expected trip to China, analysts said. But the threat is unlikely to work on Beijing, which has grown used to the president’s “art of the deal” tactics, they added. “Trump’s move before his China trip is... [Continue Reading]
Iranian women’s football team lands in Malaysia as video fuels fresh asylum claims
The Iranian women’s national football team arrived in Malaysia on Wednesday after leaving Australia, where several members of the delegation had sought asylum, as a viral social media video fuelled unverified claims that some players might want to remain in the Southeast Asian country. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the Kuala Lumpur-based governing body for Asian football, confirmed the team was currently staying at a hotel in the Malaysian capital while onward travel arrangements were... [Continue Reading]
On the ground: Iran attacks Gulf infrastructures
Dubai reported a drone attack and fallen debris in two locations on Thursday while Kuwait's airport was damaged in yet another strike on the facility during Iran's Gulf campaign in the Middle East war. Iran has taken aim at US assets and civilian infrastructure around the Gulf in retaliation for US-Israeli attacks that sparked the conflict engulfing the wider region. Hoda Abdel-Hamid reports from Doha, Qatar. [Continue Reading]
Drone Attacks Damage Kuwait International Airport and Power Lines
Kuwait International Airport was struck by several drones on Thursday morning, damaging airport facilities but causing no casualties, according to Kuwait’s civil aviation authority. The attacks forced the airport to implement emergency protocols coordinated with state agencies to contain the disruption and maintain safety. In a related incident, debris from the drone activity caused the failure of six overhead power transmission lines, affecting electricity distribution across multiple locations. The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy reported the outages and is working to restore full service. These coordinated drone strikes highlight growing security risks to vital infrastructure in Kuwait amid... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 12 Mar 2026 10:57
Iran war fuels further threats to Europe's Jewish communities, experts warn
Europe faces rising terror threats to Jewish communities, with synagogue attacks, foiled plots and experts warning the Iran war is fuelling radicalisation even further. [Continue Reading]
What China’s OpenClaw divide reveals about local and central government priorities
Local governments across China have rushed to ride the OpenClaw AI boom in hopes of spurring economic growth, only for Beijing to step in swiftly to rein in the frenzy. Authorities in Beijing have issued a series of safety warnings that analysts say underscore the divide in priorities between local and central authorities. The rush to adopt the artificial intelligence (AI) software has seen major internet companies offer low-cost or easily accessible versions, while local governments have rolled... [Continue Reading]
Pete Hegseth’s Rhetoric of Violence
We examine the defense secretary’s view of war. [Continue Reading]
