Kuwait

Air connectivity to West Asia is gradually resuming after an elusive ceasefire. Kuwait's Jazeera Airways relaunched direct flights to India and other countries, with plans to expand its network. Gulf Air also resumed services to India, while Saudi Arabia's airspace is nearly fully open. Preparations for Indian Haj pilgrims are underway.

The US State Department has fast-tracked over $8 billion in arms sales to Israel and Gulf allies, bypassing Congress via emergency powers. Citing regional threats, Secretary Rubio approved precision weaponry and missile defense systems. This move escalates a dispute over executive authority, with President Trump deeming war powers limits unconstitutional amid rising Iran tensions.

The US has approved over $8.6 billion in arms sales to Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE amidst escalating regional tensions with Iran. Qatar will receive Patriot missile defense replenishment and precision weapon systems. President Trump defended the US military's campaign against Iran's nuclear program, asserting it has weakened Tehran's capabilities and that the US will not rush negotiations.

Russia continues to be India's top crude oil supplier in April, despite a dip in shipments. While Saudi Arabia and UAE increased their supplies, India resumed imports from Iran and Venezuela to compensate for disruptions in West Asian supplies. LPG imports saw a significant fall, with domestic production bridging the gap.

The International League T20 (ILT20) has advanced its Season 5 schedule to November-December 2026, aiming for a cleaner global T20 window. This strategic shift, building on Season 4's success, promises improved player availability and commercial metrics. The league also emphasised its regional identity and commitment to developing Associate nation players.

Manas Dhamne finished runner-up in his first-ever ATP Challenger final in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. The 18-year-old has had two quarter-final runs at this level this year while clinching an M15 title and playing the qualifying rounds of two Masters tournaments. His progress has many parties, chief, perhaps, is his own mature head.

The Pentagon estimates the war with Iran has cost $25 billion, though sources suggest the true figure could reach $50 billion due to unincluded repair costs. Officials defended the ongoing conflict, calling it an "existential fight" and dismissing concerns of it becoming a "quagmire."

Israel has reportedly sent its advanced 'Iron Beam' laser defence system and surveillance tech to the UAE to counter Iranian threats, marking a significant defence cooperation step. This deployment, alongside US military sales to regional allies, underscores escalating tensions and a bolstered regional security posture amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

Kuwaiti actress Hayat Al-Fahad, a pioneering force in Gulf television and theatre, has passed away at 78 after a prolonged illness. Her death marks the end of an era for the region's entertainment industry, where she was a defining cultural voice for over five decades. Al-Fahad's career spanned acting, writing, and producing, leaving an indelible mark on Arab drama.

India is securing LPG cargo through spot purchases to meet demand for gas cylinders among households as well as commercial establishments. People aware of the development said state-run oil marketing companies have tied up with the US to bridge the supply shortfall.

Iran faces a critical storage crunch, with only weeks of capacity left, potentially forcing production cuts of 1.5 million barrels per day. Despite a sharp drop in oil exports due to a naval blockade, the immediate financial impact on Tehran may be delayed for several months.

Kuwait has enacted significant changes to its citizenship law, empowering the government to grant and revoke nationality with greater authority. The new decree tightens eligibility criteria, particularly for naturalisation and marriage-based applications, while reinforcing strict rules against dual nationality. These reforms aim to safeguard national identity and address past irregularities, ensuring citizenship is granted strictly by law.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries or OPEC is a group of major oil-producing nations. This group coordinates their petroleum production policies to help effectively manage global oil supply and influence crude prices.

'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge', directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi and Sara Arjun, is on the verge of becoming the second highest-grossing Indian film of all time globally, with a worldwide gross of Rs. 1,777.52 crore, just Rs. 10.54 crore away from surpassing 'Baahubali 2: The Conclusion's Rs. 1,788.06 crore record. On Day 40, the film's India net stands at Rs. 1,130.69 crore, approximately Rs. 103 crore away from 'Pushpa 2: The Rule's all-time domestic record of Rs. 1,234.1 crore.

Oil prices dipped Tuesday, reversing Monday's surge, as hopes for US-Iran peace talks eased supply disruption fears. Despite Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure and vessel seizure, investors are watching potential ceasefire extensions. However, Tehran's participation remains uncertain, with supply risks persisting and analysts warning of significant price hikes if talks falter.

Hyderabad's Jawahar Nagar and Mumbai's Kanjurmarg landfills are among the world's top 25 super-polluting methane emission sites, a UCLA study reveals. These facilities are releasing significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing heavily to global warming. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved waste management practices globally.

As a two-month conflict with Iran escalates, cracks are appearing in the US-Israel alliance. While both nations initially targeted Tehran, their post-strike objectives diverge, with Washington seeking negotiation and Jerusalem aiming for regime change. This fundamental difference, exacerbated by past events and differing pressures, raises questions about their long-term alignment.

Luxury labels are navigating uncharted waters in the Middle East, as recent regional conflicts have drastically shaken up sales and tourism trends. The bustling malls and airports of Dubai, once thriving hubs of luxury shopping, are now seeing a notable downturn in visitors and revenue.

A nearly 50-day Iran war has crippled global oil markets, removing over 500 million barrels and costing $50 billion. This unprecedented energy shock, impacting Gulf producers severely, could have long-lasting effects. While the Strait of Hormuz has reopened and a ceasefire is anticipated, a full recovery for energy supplies is expected to be a slow, multi-year process.

A global promise to shift from fossil fuels faces significant hurdles. Economic ties to oil and powerful industry lobbying impede progress. Political will is also a key factor. Despite these challenges, renewable energy sources are expanding rapidly worldwide, offering a glimpse of future change.

Mumbai police have detained a 48-year-old man in connection with a hawala racket. Investigators are examining his potential involvement in terror funding. The accused allegedly used a passport under a different name for travel to Kuwait. Authorities seized foreign currency, electronic devices, and fake Indian currency notes during raids. The probe is ongoing.

Vanuatu's climate justice push at the UN General Assembly faces hurdles. A draft resolution, seeking to implement the ICJ's climate ruling, was watered down after pushback from major nations, including oil producers. The proposed "International Register of Damage" was removed, sparking debate over reparations and the future of fossil fuels.