emir of qatar

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.

Iran has criticized a US-backed UN Security Council draft resolution as politically motivated, stating it won't resolve the West Asian crisis. Tehran argues the only solution is ending the US naval blockade and restoring normal passage in the Strait of Hormuz, urging member states to reject the proposal.

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.

Iran has responded to a US ceasefire proposal through Pakistani mediators, seeking a permanent end to regional conflicts and guarantees for maritime security. President Trump rejected Tehran's position, calling it "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!" amid rising tensions and drone incidents in the Gulf.

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."

Did you know? Parents can unlock free airline perks that can transform flights from stressful to serene when travelling with kids. Experts reveal major carriers that offer these complimentary amenities. Requesting these during booking a flight or at the gate of the carrier ensures a peaceful journey for the entire family.

India is developing four airport hubs, including Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, to mirror international transit points like Dubai and Singapore. This hub-and-spoke model aims to streamline international-to-domestic transfers, allowing passengers to check baggage only once and clear customs and immigration at their initial or final Indian airport.

The United Arab Emirates' exit from OPEC has stirred up a whirlwind of uncertainty in the oil sector, prompting analysts to ponder the future of the cartel. While the UAE boasts considerable production capabilities, the market's reaction has been surprisingly subdued, likely due to distractions from other geopolitical shifts. However, Opec is unlikely to collapse overnight.

Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved an $81 billion sale to Paramount, a deal valued at $111 billion including debt. This mega-merger, if cleared by regulators, could significantly alter Hollywood, combining major studios, streaming services like HBO Max and Paramount+, and news outlets such as CNN and CBS.

Pakistan faces severe electricity shortages due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing Middle East conflict has impacted energy supplies, leading to extended power outages for homes and industries. Businesses are struggling with up to eight hours of loadshedding daily. Pakistan relies heavily on Qatar for LNG imports, and supply issues are intensifying.

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.

Pakistan is set to receive $5 billion in financial support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, easing pressure on its external position and foreign exchange reserves. This crucial aid comes as Islamabad prepares to repay $3.5 billion to the UAE this month, with Finance Minister Aurangzeb engaging in economic outreach at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings.

Munir is using Pakistan's crypto deal with Trump's family as leverage to promote his fundamentalist Islamist ideology even as he regards India as an existential enemy

Ongoing disruptions to energy flows from the Gulf linked to the US-Iran war continue to unsettle global oil and gas markets, and a ceasefire in place for about a week has done little to improve the availability of cooking gas.

Second round of US-Iran talks to ease Middle East tensions is expected in Islamabad, with Pakistan offering full support. Pakistani Army Chief met Iranian Parliament Speaker as diplomatic efforts intensified. US President Trump indicated he might visit Pakistan if a deal is finalized.

America's military supplies are stretched thin. Deliveries of weapons to European nations face delays. This is due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and support for Ukraine. European allies are concerned about their defense readiness. The situation highlights global demand on US arms production. This could impact alliances and defense strategies.

US forces are enforcing a blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, a move experts deem an act of war. This directly impacts China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, and could cripple Iran's economy. While India's direct exposure is minimal, global energy markets face significant disruption.

India's Unified Payments Interface now leads the world in real-time payment transactions, accounting for 49 percent globally. This homegrown system has transformed financial inclusion, reaching informal markets and enabling seamless transactions. UPI's success is a global reference model, expanding its reach internationally and evolving into a comprehensive financial platform.

Gulf nations, facing depleted air defence stockpiles due to sustained air bombardment, are urgently seeking alternative weapons suppliers beyond the US. Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar are exploring options from South Korea, Ukraine, and Britain, driven by Iranian retaliatory attacks and US delivery delays. This diversification highlights global arms production strains and a shifting defence landscape.

The CBSE Class 12 2026 marks upload portal has gone live today, April 8, for schools in West Asian countries. Principals must submit student marks through the online platform by April 17, as no corrections will be accepted later. The notification, following CBSE’s March 27 assessment guidelines, has been shared with Indian embassies and consulates across the region. Students appearing for exams on April 11 and April 13 must carry fresh admit cards for entry.

India's financial landscape has been revolutionized by UPI, the nation's digital payments centerpiece. Launched in 2016, it has become the world's largest real-time payment system by volume, processing billions of transactions monthly. UPI has significantly expanded financial inclusion, bringing millions into the digital economy and setting a global benchmark for inclusive financial innovation.

Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel as the Middle East conflict intensified, disrupting supply routes. US benchmark WTI climbed to $113.62 and Brent crude to $110.30 amid escalating tensions involving Iran and the United States. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passage, remains under threat, impacting global energy markets.

The Middle East conflict's sixth week sees global energy markets reeling. Soaring crude prices offer windfalls to some Gulf producers like Iran and Saudi Arabia, despite export drops. Others, heavily reliant on the Strait, face severe revenue plunges. The disruption, following airstrikes on Iran, has led to significant oil supply shocks worldwide.

A fragile two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, has temporarily halted US-Israel strikes on Iran, shifting focus to fundamental changes and the truce's durability. While Iran has absorbed significant military pressure and its apparatus continues functioning, the conflict has inflicted heavy economic and civilian costs, impacting regional security.

Iran's proposal to levy transit fees on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, is emerging as a new flashpoint. This move, aimed at generating revenue and exerting geopolitical leverage, challenges international maritime law and could disrupt global trade, pushing energy markets into uncertainty. Nations like India have rejected the idea.