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WorldMar 06, 2026

U.S. grants India 30-day waiver to purchase Russian oil amid Iran conflict

The United States says it will allow India to continue purchasing Russian oil for 30 days as global energy markets face pressure during the ongoing conflict involving Iran. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the temporary waiver is intended to help maintain stability in global oil supply while shipments already in transit are completed. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday the decision was made to prevent disruptions in the international oil market. Bessent said the measure applies only to oil cargoes that are already moving through maritime routes and would other
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WorldMar 04, 2026

Sri Lanka recovers 87 bodies after U.S. submarine sinks Iranian warship in Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka’s navy says it has recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 people after a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean off the island nation’s southern coast. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament that authorities received information the vessel, identified as IRIS Dena, was in distress with about 180 people on board. He said Sri Lanka dispatched naval ships and air force aircraft to carry out a search-and-rescue operation. According to Sri Lanka Navy spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath, there was no sign of the ship when rescue teams arrived.
WorldMar 03, 2026

More than 250 flights cancelled at major Indian airports amid US-Israel-Iran tensions

More than 250 flights were cancelled at four major Indian airports as tensions escalate between the United States, Israel and Iran, airport authorities said. According to airport officials, 80 flights were cancelled at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, while 107 flights were cancelled at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. In Bengaluru, approximately 42 flights were cancelled for the day at Kempegowda International Airport, and 30 flights were cancelled at Chennai International Airport. Officials said the cancellations are linked to disruptions in inter
WorldMar 03, 2026

Israeli military orders evacuations in southern Lebanon after cross-border strikes with Hezbollah

Israel’s military has entered parts of southern Lebanon and ordered evacuations in 59 areas following renewed cross-border attacks involving the Lebanese group Hezbollah. According to statements carried by international media, the Israeli military said the evacuation orders were issued as it targeted what it described as Hezbollah positions. Israeli forces carried out airstrikes for a second consecutive day, with the military saying the operations were aimed at degrading Hezbollah’s capabilities. Lebanese authorities reported that more than 50 people were killed and over 150 injured in str
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CanadaMar 02, 2026

Air Canada suspends Israel and Dubai flights until March 22 amid Middle East conflict

Air Canada says it is suspending all flights to Israel and Dubai until March 22 because of ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In a passenger advisory, the airline said services are expected to resume March 23 if conditions permit. The suspension applies to flights to Tel Aviv and Dubai, according to the company’s statement. Air Canada said customers affected by the cancellations can change their bookings without additional charges. Travellers who choose to cancel their trip will receive a full refund, the airline said. The carrier also issued a flexibility policy for some Middle East route
WorldMar 02, 2026

U.S., Israel launch strikes on Iran; Tehran rejects Trump negotiation claim

The United States and Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes Sunday on multiple sites inside Iran, targeting what officials described as ballistic missile facilities and naval assets. The action follows reports circulating in regional media and online claiming the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As of publication, there has been no independent confirmation from Iranian state authorities regarding those claims. U.S. President Donald Trump said nine Iranian naval vessels were destroyed in the operation and claimed senior Iranian officials had expressed interest in nego
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WorldMar 02, 2026

Hezbollah exchange fire after reported U.S.–Israel strike on Iran

Heavy exchanges of fire were reported Monday between Hezbollah and Israel following what officials described as a joint U.S.–Israeli military strike on Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would respond to the deaths of American troops and warned that any conflict involving Iran could last “several weeks.” It was not immediately clear how many U.S. personnel were killed or where the deaths occurred. U.S. officials had not publicly released further operational details at the time of publication. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed its missile strikes tar
WorldFeb 27, 2026

Pakistan and Afghanistan exchange heavy fire after cross-border attacks, officials report casualties

Pakistan has announced a state of open hostilities with Afghanistan following reported cross-border attacks late Thursday night that sharply escalated tensions along the frontier. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the government would respond decisively after Afghan-based Taliban fighters allegedly targeted Pakistani military checkpoints near the border. Taliban officials claimed they launched attacks around 8 p.m., capturing 19 Pakistani military posts and two bases, and said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed. Those figures have not been independently verified. Pakistan
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WorldFeb 26, 2026

U.S. Vice-President says federal Medicaid payments to Minnesota paused amid fraud probe

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily suspend part of Minnesota’s Medicaid funding while federal officials investigate suspected fraud, Vice-President JD Vance said on Wednesday. Vance described the step as part of a broader effort by the administration to address what it calls “waste, fraud and abuse” in federally supported programs. The funding pause affects certain federal matching dollars that help the state deliver Medicaid services to eligible residents. Medicaid is the principal public health insurance program for low-income Americans. According to fede

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BCMar 25, 2026

Taxpayers group urges B.C. to suspend fuel tax amid high gas prices

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the Government of British Columbia to suspend its provincial motor fuels tax, arguing the move would reduce costs for drivers as gasoline prices remain elevated. In a statement, the group said drivers in regions including Metro Vancouver and the Capital Regional District are paying more than $2 per litre for fuel, while prices in other parts of the province are մոտ $1.80 per litre. “B.C. drivers pay the highest gas prices in the country because of the highest gas taxes from the province and regional districts,” said Carson Binda. He added
WorldMar 25, 2026

South Africa arrests 12 senior police officers in corruption probe tied to service contract

South African anti-corruption investigators have arrested 12 senior police officers on allegations of corruption and fraud, according to a statement released Wednesday by the National Prosecuting Authority’s investigative directorate. The officers appeared in court in Pretoria following their arrests. Authorities allege the case is linked to a contract involving the provision of health and wellbeing services to police personnel. A 13th individual, identified as a company director connected to the contract, was also taken into custody, the agency said. According to the prosecuting authority,
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BCMar 25, 2026

Three arrested in Abbotsford drug trafficking investigation; police seize cocaine and cash

Three people in their twenties were arrested Monday night in Abbotsford in connection with a suspected drug trafficking investigation, according to a police release. The Abbotsford Police Department said patrol officers responded shortly after 9 p.m. and located two men and one woman near the area of Gillis Avenue and McCallum Road. Police allege the individuals, who do not reside in Abbotsford, had come into the community to sell drugs. Officers seized approximately 73 grams of suspected cocaine and more than $4,500 in cash during the arrest. A 2014 Honda Civic was also seized as offence-rela
WorldMar 25, 2026

Australia to temporarily restrict Iranian tourist visa entries over overstay concerns

Australia’s federal government says it will temporarily bar Iranian nationals from entering the country on tourist visas, citing concerns about visa overstays. According to a government announcement, the measure takes effect Thursday and is expected to remain in place for about six months. Home Affairs officials say the restriction applies specifically to new arrivals on short-term visitor visas. The federal home affairs minister said the decision was made due to concerns that some travellers may remain in Australia after their visas expire. Authorities estimate about 7,000 Iranian nationals
AlbertaMar 25, 2026

Wetaskiwin residents raise concerns as mayor remains barred from city hall

Residents in Wetaskiwin, a city south of Edmonton, say frustration is growing over a lack of information surrounding restrictions placed on Mayor Joe Branco that have kept him out of city hall for more than two months. Branco has been attending council meetings virtually since mid-January. The city has said the decision relates to “confidential personnel matters,” but has not provided further details, citing privacy obligations. According to statements made during recent council discussions, the lack of public information has contributed to speculation in the community. Resident Maggie Tol