France’s Macron defiant on pension reform despite uproar

Paris, March 22 (AFP/APP): French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday defiantly vowed to push through a controversial pension’s reform, saying he was prepared to accept unpopularity in the face of sometimes violent protests. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, acting on the president’s instructions, last Thursday invoked […]

Sunken Philippine oil tanker found – officials

POLA 21 Mar (Online): A leaking oil tanker that sank in the Philippines three weeks ago has been found, officials said Tuesday, as the slick reached waters known for their rich marine life. The Princess Empress was carrying 800,000 liters (210,000 gallons) of industrial fuel […]

Afghanistan school year starts but no classes held

KABUL 21 Mar (Online): Afghanistan’s schools reopened Tuesday for the new academic year, but no classes were held as students were unaware of the start and hundreds of thousands of teenage girls remain barred from attending class. Afghanistan is the only country in the world […]

Saudi announces Ramadan to start Thursday

Riyadh, March 21 (AFP/APP): Saudi Arabia, home of the holiest shrines in Islam in Mecca and Medina, has announced that the fasting month of Ramadan will start on Thursday. The kingdom’s Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday evening that the Islamic calendar month of Shaban, which […]

Macron defiant as anger smoulders over French pension reform

Paris, March 21 (AFP/APP): French President Emmanuel Macron appeared defiant on Tuesday after his government narrowly survived no-confidence votes, telling allies he would stand by his beleaguered prime minister. Ignoring calls from opponents, Macron said there would be no government reshuffle, no fresh parliamentary elections […]

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