Europe to Advance Clocks for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday.

Most countries across Europe and parts of North America will switch to Daylight Saving Time (DST) early Sunday morning, March 29, 2026. The seasonal time change marks the beginning of longer daylight hours during spring and summer.

Authorities confirmed that clocks will move forward by one hour at 2:00 a.m., shifting directly to 3:00 a.m. across many European countries, including the United Kingdom.

This adjustment follows the long-standing practice of advancing clocks on the last Sunday of March each year. The new time schedule will remain in effect until the last Sunday of October, when clocks move back again.

As a result of the time change, people will lose one hour of sleep on Sunday morning. However, the shift allows longer daylight hours in the evening, which benefits outdoor activities, travel schedules, and business operations.

Experts note that Daylight Saving Time supports energy efficiency and improves evening productivity during warmer months. Many residents also welcome the extended daylight as spring and summer approach.

AstraZeneca’s New COPD Drug Shows Strong Results in Final Trials

AstraZeneca has announced encouraging results from late-stage clinical trials of its new drug designed to support patients living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Researchers confirmed that the treatment significantly reduces sudden health complications linked to the condition.

The Phase 3 clinical study, known as Prestige, showed that the new therapy improves outcomes by 24 percent compared with standard treatments currently used for COPD patients.

Medical experts believe the drug could benefit people whose lungs have suffered damage from smoking and long-term exposure to air pollution. These groups face a higher risk of severe breathing difficulties and repeated hospital visits.

Researchers also confirmed that combining the new medicine with existing inhaler-based therapies improves lung function and stabilizes patient health more effectively than inhalers alone. Following these strong results, AstraZeneca plans to apply for approval from international drug regulators soon. If approved, the treatment could become available globally within the next stages of regulatory review.

Health specialists describe this development as a major step forward for respiratory medicine. COPD remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, so new treatment options offer hope to millions of patients affected by chronic breathing disorders. Despite ongoing global crises, advances like this highlight continued progress in medical research and innovation for respiratory disease treatment.

Strait of Hormuz Closure Threatens Global Oil Supply Routes.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised serious concerns about global energy security as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East. The narrow waterway plays a critical role in transporting oil supplies to international markets.

Recent attacks on commercial vessels in the region forced shipping companies to avoid key routes. As a result, Iran’s move to close the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted one of the world’s most important oil transit corridors.

Energy producers have already started searching for alternative export routes. Saudi Aramco confirmed plans to redirect millions of barrels of crude oil through pipelines leading to the western Saudi port of Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.

Data released by Kpler showed that daily oil exports from Yanbu have more than doubled this month compared with last year’s average levels. Analysts say this increase reflects urgent efforts to stabilize supply chains.

However, the Red Sea route now faces growing security risks. Since late 2023, Iran-aligned Houthis have carried out repeated attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea following regional military tensions involving Hamas and Israel. Shipping companies have responded by rerouting vessels around the southern tip of Africa. This longer route increases travel time by several weeks and significantly raises fuel, insurance, and crew costs.

Earlier this month, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations warned that threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea remain serious. Officials described the situation as a major risk to global trade stability. Experts now caution that continued disruptions in both the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea shipping lanes could reshape global oil supply networks and increase pressure on international energy markets.

SLTDA Supplies 400,000L Fuel to Tour Operators.

COLOMBO – The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has supplied a total of 400,000 liters of fuel to registered tour operators under a special QR-based allocation system, aiming to support the tourism sector during challenging times.

SLTDA Chairman, Buddhika Hewawasam, confirmed that the fuel allocation includes 200,000 liters of diesel and 200,000 liters of petrol. Additionally, the authority has provided 120,000 liters of fuel for hotels to ensure uninterrupted services for tourists.

Chairman Hewawasam also noted a decrease in daily tourist arrivals. Previously averaging 8,000–8,500 per day, the numbers have recently dropped to between 6,000 and 6,500. Despite the increase in fuel prices, tour operators have maintained current tourist package rates, planning adjustments only for the next season with revised packages.

This initiative by the SLTDA demonstrates a commitment to sustaining Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and supporting businesses affected by rising operational costs. By ensuring reliable fuel supplies, the authority aims to facilitate smoother operations for tour operators and hotel services, ultimately benefiting the overall tourist experience.

US Expects Iran Response to 15-Point Peace Plan as Trump Pushes for Deal

Steve Witkoff announced that the United States expects Iran to begin negotiations with Washington this week regarding a proposed 15-point peace framework aimed at easing regional tensions.

Speaking to reporters, Witkoff said officials remain optimistic about upcoming diplomatic discussions. He confirmed that the United States has already presented a structured 15-point proposal and now awaits Iran’s formal response. Meanwhile, Donald Trump repeated his commitment to reaching a negotiated agreement with Tehran. He emphasized that both sides currently engage in dialogue and show interest in reducing conflict risks through diplomacy.

Witkoff also confirmed reports that Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials described this move as a positive signal that may support ongoing negotiations. Trump described the tanker movement as a constructive development. He said the safe passage reflects goodwill and improves the environment for continued talks between both countries.

Despite earlier warnings directed at Tehran, Trump stated that Iran appears willing to move toward an agreement. He added that current discussions could help end tensions in the coming weeks if progress continues. Observers believe the diplomatic initiative could influence regional stability across the Middle East. Analysts also note that the outcome of the proposed agreement may affect global energy markets and international security cooperation.

Domestic Worker Arrested; 14 Pounds of Gold Recovered in Jaffna.

Police in Jaffna recovered 14 pounds of stolen gold jewellery after officers arrested a 53-year-old domestic worker linked to the theft.

The homeowners worked away from their residence during daytime hours. They had hired the woman to maintain the house while they remained absent.

Later, the family noticed that 14 pounds of gold jewellery had disappeared from the house. They immediately reported the incident to the Jaffna Crime Prevention Division.

Police officers launched a rapid investigation into the complaint. Investigators identified the domestic worker as the main suspect in the case.

Officers arrested the suspect during the operation. Police also recovered the entire quantity of stolen gold jewellery from her possession.

Authorities confirmed that legal action will continue against the suspect. Police advised residents to verify background details before hiring domestic workers for household duties.

Couple Killed, Seven Injured in Girandurukotte Cab–Tractor Collision

A tragic road accident in the 3rd Mile Post area of Girandurukotte has claimed the lives of two passengers and injured seven others after a cab collided with a tractor, police confirmed on Saturday. According to police reports, the victims were a 57-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman from Mahiyanganaya. They were among 13 passengers traveling in the cab at the time of the collision.

Authorities stated that the crash occurred when the cab struck a tractor along the Girandurukotte roadway. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured passengers and the tractor driver to Mahiyanganaya Hospital for medical treatment. Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Officials urged motorists to exercise caution, especially on rural roads where visibility and traffic conditions can change rapidly. Road safety experts continue to stress the importance of responsible driving practices to reduce accidents across regional transport routes in Sri Lanka.

Iran Warns Israel of Severe Conseqences After Strikes on Nuclear Infrastructure.

Tensions between Iran and Israel sharply escalated on the 28th day of the ongoing confrontation, after Israel launched coordinated strikes on several strategic Iranian infrastructure sites, including a uranium enrichment facility near Yazd. Following the attacks, Iran issued a strong warning, promising severe consequences in response to what it described as a serious violation of its sovereignty.

The Israeli military officially confirmed that its forces targeted a facility linked to Iran’s uranium enrichment operations. However, Iranian authorities quickly stated that the attack caused no casualties and did not trigger any radiation leakage. Officials emphasized that emergency safety systems functioned effectively and prevented further damage.

Reports also confirmed that a projectile landed near the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Iranian officials clarified that the missile caused no structural damage and did not affect plant operations. Despite the limited impact, the incident increased regional concerns about the safety of nuclear infrastructure during military escalation.

Israeli strikes reportedly formed part of a wider operation targeting several industrial and strategic sites across Iran. These included the Khondab heavy-water complex and major steel production facilities located in Khuzestan and Isfahan. Analysts believe these locations hold both economic and strategic importance for Iran’s industrial stability.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned the attacks and warned that Iran would respond decisively. He stressed that strikes on nuclear-related and industrial infrastructure represent a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security. Iran reiterated its commitment to defending national interests against further aggression.

Security observers note that the involvement of the United States in the broader regional tensions has further complicated the situation. Experts warn that continued escalation between Iran and Israel could significantly impact Middle East stability and global geopolitical dynamics.

Youth Remanded Over Drug Smuggling.

The Akkaraipattu Magistrate’s Court ordered the remand of a 20-year-old suspect accused of smuggling drugs hidden inside a CCTV camera parcel sent from Colombo. Authorities will keep the suspect in custody until March 30 for further investigations. Importantly, police launched the investigation based on prior intelligence information.

Police produced the suspect before the Akkaraipattu Magistrate’s Court on March 26, 2026. During the hearing, the court approved a request to continue detention while investigators examine the smuggling operation in detail. As a result, officers received additional time to collect evidence.

According to police reports, the parcel containing the CCTV camera arrived in Akkaraipattu through a private passenger bus operating from Colombo. The package included contact details and receiver information provided to the bus conductor. However, investigators suspected illegal activity after receiving intelligence alerts.

Acting on the information, a special team from the Akkaraipattu Police Major Crimes Division launched surveillance operations early on the morning of March 26. The team worked under the leadership of Police Inspector Bhagirathan. Consequently, officers arrested the 20-year-old suspect during the monitoring operation at around 3:00 AM.

Police believe the case may connect to a larger drug transportation network operating between Colombo and Akkaraipattu. Therefore, investigators continue questioning the suspect to identify additional individuals involved in the operation. Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that further legal action may follow based on investigation findings.

Police Warn of Online Banking Scams

Sri Lanka Police have issued an urgent warning to people who purchase goods online, as cybercriminals continue to target banking information through fake websites and suspicious links. Authorities say online fraud cases are increasing rapidly across the country. Therefore, officials urge the public to remain alert while making online purchases.

Police advised consumers to confirm product details directly through official company contact numbers before making payments. This step helps reduce the risk of falling victim to fraudulent sellers. In addition, authorities recommend verifying courier service communications before sharing personal information.

Police strongly warned the public not to click unknown links received through SMS or messaging platforms. These links often request users to update delivery information or account details. However, such messages frequently lead to phishing websites designed to steal sensitive data.

Investigations show that scammers now create websites that closely resemble legitimate company platforms. As a result, many users unknowingly share their personal and banking details with criminals. Consequently, police emphasize checking website authenticity before entering payment information.

Police stressed that public awareness plays a key role in preventing cybercrime losses. Furthermore, they encourage users to report suspicious online activities immediately to the nearest police station or cybercrime unit. Meanwhile, officials continue monitoring the growing number of online fraud attempts nationwide