Everyday life in Asia is being upended by Iran war fuel crisis
Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam are boosting coal-fired power. High prices will also hurt Southeast Asia, the world’s third largest coal-consuming region.Continued reliance on coal exposes Asia to future shocks, says expert. For countries with limited coal, like Thailand, the impact on electricity prices would be minimal.
Albanese urged to help Australians struggling with fuel crisis, as NZ offers first-of-its-kind cash relief
Seven charts that reveal how unprepared Australia was for the fuel crisis. Disruptions to Middle East oil shipments have rippled along the world’s longest supply chain through Asia. At the turn of this century, Australia produced 563,000 barrels of oil a day. From that high point, oil and petroleum production has slumped to the point where the country relies on imports for 90% of its liquid fuel needs.
Vietnam and India are the two countries most exposed to rising shipping costs and route disruption from the Hormuz closure. The countries most responsible for manufacturing the clothes, shoes, and household goods sold in American retail stores sit either directly within the affected shipping corridors or in adjacent routes that are now severely congested and expensive.
High Oil and Gas Prices Could Outlast Trump’s War With Iran
About two-thirds of Americans say the U.S. should prioritize keeping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. About 8 in 10 Republicans say this is at least “very” important, compared with about half of Democrats. Only about 3 in 10 say it’s at least "very" important to replace Iran's government.
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz will be difficult without a deal with Iran.
The U.S. wants Iran to completely dismantle its nuclear program and abandon any ambition of doing enrichment on its soil ever again. The other option is to target Iranian energy infrastructure, which could result in Iran retaliating against the Gulf states and torching the entire regional infrastructure. They do not want this war to end with an Iran that can still project power beyond its borders and threaten their interests.
Gas tax holidays, which temporarily suspend or reduce state fuel taxes, gained traction in 2022. “Reductions in the supply of petroleum, oil-based products affect the entire economy,” the U.S. Energy Department says. ‘Actions have consequences, and consumers are very much feeling the effects,’ the agency says.
Talk show host Stephen Colbert to write new Lord of the Rings film
US TV host Stephen Colbert has announced his next move after his late-night talk show ends - co-writing a new Lord of the Rings film. Colbert already has a new job lined up for when he ends his 11-year run as host of ‘The Late Show’ in May.
'Truly magical woman': Tributes to Married at First Sight's Mel Schilling
He wrote: "To most of you, she was Mel Schilling - matriarch of Mafs and queen of reality TV" Natalie Appleton shared: “I am absolutely devastated to hear this news. god bless your precious Mel’s.” Australian Celebrities Pay Tribute to Beloved TV Star.
Packed cinemas and whistling fans: A spy thriller sequel revives Bollywood
Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026) – A Loud, Violent, and Hyper-Nationalistic Spectacle. Ranveer Singh reprises his titular lead role as the shady and fearsome Indian spy Jaskirat Singh a.k.a Humza Ali in a louder and bloodier direct sequel to the 2025 mega-action blaster.
Supreme Court Sides With Internet Provider in Copyright Fight Over Pirated Music
Supreme Court sides with internet service provider Cox in fight with record labels over pirated music. The ruling says Cox didn’t provide a service dedicated to copyright infringement; it ‘simply provided internet access. Several record labels, led by Sony Music, sued Cox in 2018, alleging the company allowed 60,000 internet subscribers to download over 10,000 copyrighted songs illegally.
Brazil's Bolsonaro gets temporary house arrest for ill-health
Dr. Brasil Caiado says Bolsonaro's health status is stable and he can return to house imprisonment unless new circumstances emerge. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes allowed the 71-year-old to return to his residence in capital Brasilia after he is discharged from the ho.
US weight-loss drugmakers slash prices in fight to win customers
The president recently launched a website that connects customers directly with manufacturers for a select group of drugs. The price drops have stirred interest in whether the direct-to-consumer model might help bring down the country's high drug costs. Drugmakers, who have long blamed PBMs for driving up US medicine costs, have also been receptive.
Democrats flip Florida state seat that includes Trump's Mar-a-Lago home
Democrat Emily Gregory won a special election Tuesday for the Florida state House district that includes President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, flipping the seat from Republican control. Gregory's victory is the latest flip of a Republican-held seat since Trump's second presidency began, giving Democrats fresh confidence in a midterm election year.
As Denmark Goes to the Polls, Here’s What to Know About the Election and Key Issues
The latest polls give the left-wing bloc, for which Frederiksen is the self-proclaimed candidate, a nine-seat lead. Neither side is projected to win a majority of the 179 seats in Denmark's parliament, the Folketing. The four overseas seats held by Denmark's two autonomous territories – two for Greenland and two for the Faroe Islands – could tip the balance.
'There's no safety anymore': Palestinians warn of expanding West Bank settler violence
Settler violence is increasingly focused on built-up Palestinian villages. Six Palestinians have been killed by settlers, the UN says. Palestinian Authority has civil powers in Area B, where Israel has kept security control. The Palestinian people will remain steadfast, defending their land and their lives, says Barhan Omar.
The US has destroyed major components of Iran’s military, including ballistic missile sites. But Iran still has cheap, easy-to-assemble drones that pose a real threat on the battlefield. Iran is using them to do things like target American air defense radars, which are necessary to find other drones and shoot them down.
Some States Already Preparing for Potential Supreme Court Ban on Late Ballots
The case involves Mississippi's deadline for late-arriving mail ballots. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled that federal law trumps Mississippi's law. The Supreme Court agreed in November to decide whether states can count ballots that are mailed after Election Day.
Senate Republicans Again Block Bid to Halt Iran War Without Authorization
Senate Democrats again forced a vote on a war powers resolution to rein in Trump’s military authority in Iran. The vote was held less than a week after Democrats used the resolution to force a vote. Republicans again didn’t budge against Senate Democrats’ bid to handcuff President Donald Trump's war powers.
Iran Says ‘Non-Hostile’ Ships Can Sail Through the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil traffic. The U.N. says ships will be allowed to pass “provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran.” The move comes after the U.S.-Israeli military campaign in the region.
Trump Had His Eye on China, Then Plunged Into a New Mideast War
Trump has demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender and suggested he already won the war. He has also previously said he wants a say in who will lead Iran. Trump has yo-yoed from demanding surrender to talking about getting a deal in talks with Iran. He also said he wanted to pick a president that “was not gonna be leading their country into a war.”
Iranians Reject Trump’s Offer for Cease-Fire but Signal Openness to Talks
Iran says it will allow the passage of "non-hostile" ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is a key conduit for about 20 percent of the world's global supply of oil. Oil prices have surged globally since Iran's blockade of the strait began on Feb. 28. Iran's chokehold on the Strait has also interrupted the global Supply of natural gas and fertilizer.
Inside Trump’s Secret Deal to Deport Migrants to Cameroon
Epstein was awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges and had previously attempted suicide. The events that unfolded at the now-shuttered Metropolitan Correctional Center, and the cascade of staff failures that precipitated Epstein’s suicide, are documented in interview transcripts and other investigatory files, videos and photos that the Justice Department recently made public.
Israel Keeps Up Strikes in Lebanon as Hezbollah Signals Defiance
The Marine deployment could be a tactic to pressure Iran on negotiations. Iran and the U.S. held negotiations in early 2025, and when a two-month deadline set by Trump ran out, Israel hit Iran. Israel has depicted itself as following Trump’s lead, and it seems unlikely to continue with its strikes on Iran.
Islamic clerics and scholars from both Pakistan and Afghanistan have jointly called for extending a temporary ceasefire to hostilities in both nations. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 established the Board of Peace, the International Stabilization Force, the National Committee on the Administration of Gaza, and the funding mechanisms to pay for those operations and reconstructions.
Israel Plans to Control Large Parts of Southern Lebanon, Defense Minister Says
Israel says it will occupy southern Lebanon up to the Litani River. Move would place Israeli troops inside an area amounting to nearly a tenth of Lebanon. It would mark a shift from cross-border strikes to potential long-term control of territory. The move would create a "defensive buffer," Defense Minister Israel Katz says.
Three of the Lives Lost in One Day of Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
The U.S. list of demands is said to closely mirror the original 15-point plan presented to Iran, before Trump called a halt to negotiations and ordered the full-scale attack. Trump remains adamant that, despite the bellicose rhetoric coming out of Tehran, Iran is anxious to make a deal.
Has banning phones improved performance at Dutch schools?
Dutch government wants to restrict social media for under‑16s. Calls for EU‑wide 15+ age limit for apps like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. Unicef survey of more than 1,000 Dutch children and teenagers found that 69% favoured a social media ban for under-18s.
Meta and Google found liable in landmark social media addiction trial
A Los Angeles jury on Wednesday found Meta and Google liable in a closely watched trial accusing social media platforms of designing their products to get young users addicted. The jury awarded the plaintiff $3 million in damages. Meta 'evaluating our legal options' in wake of verdict, company says. The trial was the first-of-its-kind lawsuit that aimed to hold social media Platforms responsible for harm to children using their services.
Sexual Misconduct Report Leaves I.C.C.’s Path Ahead Unclear
‘I-5 Flasher’ previously arrested for exposing himself to two women on the freeway. He rolled down his window and exposed himself to the women. The incident happened on the way to work on July 13, 2010. The women reported him to the police. He was arrested for public indecency.
Savannah Guthrie says her family is ‘in agony’ in first interview since mother’s disappearance
Fox News senior correspondent Alicia Acuna reports on Savannah Guthrie’s first sit-down interview since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, was kidnapp. Savannah spoke about how "God's holding her hand" and admitted she couldn't help but "marvel" at the way she was able to "sit there with an outfit on"
Skeleton of Three Musketeers hero d’Artagnan may have been found
D'Artagnan was the hero of Alexandre Dumas' 1844 novel "The Three Musketeers" His remains may have been found in front of a church in the Dutch city of Maastricht. "This has truly become a top-level investigation," a church spokesman said.
Philippines Declares National Emergency Over High Fuel Prices
Even China is making adjustments, limiting a fuel price hike as citizens are faced with a 20% jump in price. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Israel began their war with Iran in late February has sent shockwaves across the globe. Tehran effectively blocked the only sea connection between the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Russia launches 948 drones at Ukraine in largest attack over 24-hour period
Russia launches 948 drones at Ukraine in largest attack over 24-hour period. Almost 400 drones were fired by Ukraine towards several Russian regions overnight, including the Moscow region. Russia has launched the largest aerial attack on Ukraine over a 24- hour period since the war began. The attack hit cities across the country, killing and injuring multiple people.
We need more plumbers and fewer lawyers in AI age, says BlackRock boss
Fink says countries need to be pragmatic about their energy mix. He says providing cheap energy is key to driving growth and raising living standards. Fink also discussed the US-Israel war with Iran which has triggered wild moves in financial markets as people try to assess what will happen to energy costs.
The fire truck involved in the deadly LaGuardia Airport plane crash was not equipped with a key device to track its movements around the runway. It's unclear if the driver could even hear the air tower’s desperate pleas to stop, NTSB officials said Tuesday. At least one of the involved air-traffic controllers remained on duty for several minutes — a departure from normal practice.
Australia and EU agree sweeping trade deal in face of global uncertainty
European carmakers welcomed the deal but farmers in both Europe and Australia were unhappy at export quotas agreed for Australian beef and lamb. Almost all EU tariffs will be lifted on Australian agricultural products such as wine, fruit and vegetables, olive oil, seafood, most dairy products and wheat and barley. For Australian consumers, the deal will mean cheaper European wine, spirits, biscuits, chocolates and pasta.
U.S. and Iran Are Talking About Ways to End the War: What to Know
"The most important message I would want parents to hear is that kids learn by watching us," Scher Lisa said. "It was so much fun. I love it," Farley said of the trip. "I had this great picture, it is probably my favorite picture from the trip," she said.
Air Canada C.E.O. Draws Scorn for Delivering Condolences Only in English
Quebec’s identity has been contentious since the 1760s when the British completed their takeover of what was then called New France. Air Canada is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, where French is the primary language. “I don’t want to make political hay over what remains a tragedy with people still in hospital,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carn says.
Ukraine Finally Got Battlefield Momentum. Now Comes a Russian Offensive.
Ukraine’s ability to fight back the Russian offensive has been attributed to its rapid, war-time innovations. Its drone and anti-drone technology evolving to be among the best in the world. Officials predict Moscow will continue to burn through thousands of troops in ever-failing “meat assaults” as its spring offensive begins.
Matt Brittin, Former Google Executive, Named the New BBC Head
Former Google executive Matt Brittin named new director general of the BBC. Brittin replaces Tim Davie who quit last year after a misleading edit of a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump. The BBC is in the process of identifying major cuts as it negotiates with the government over its future.
What to Know About Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a Meat Allergy Linked to Ticks
Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy to red meat and other mammalian byproducts, such as dairy and gelatin, that comes from the bite of the lone star tick. There has also been a huge spike in ticks known to be carrying alpha-gal antibodies, while experts also fear the syndrome is “underdiagnosed.”
President Donald Trump dispatched Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to some U.S. airports to aid TSA officers in airport security operations. The move has sparked outrage from Democratic lawmakers. Other TSA agents continue to work without paychecks, while ICE agents theoretically take on some of their responsibilities.
U.S. Said to Have Sent Iran a 15-Point Plan to End the Middle East War
US sends 15-point plan to end war with Iran as Trump says the regime has agreed to scrap nuclear program. Iran is also insisting on the ability for it to collect fees from ships that transit the Strait of Hormuz; guarantees that the war won’t restart; an end to Israel’s strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon; and the lifting of all sanctions.
Taliban release US academic held in detention for more than a year
Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old academic, was detained in Kabul by the Taliban in January 2025. Coyle was detained for what were called "violations of Afghanistan's applicable laws" A statement from the ministry said the academic researcher had been released in Kabul, the country's capital, following an appeal from his family.
Bond between dogs and humans dates back more than 15,000 years, study finds
The research pushes back the oldest genetic evidence for domestic dogs by 5,000 years. It suggests hunter-gatherers were feeding the animals and giving them ritual burials long before the emergence of agriculture. The findings confirmed that dogs were already widespread across Europe and western Asia by at least 14,000 year ago.
Trump says he could send National Guard to airports 'for more help'
Senate Republicans are trying to negotiate a deal with Democrats while appeasing the president. The House Committee on Homeland Security will hear from FEMA and TSA officials affected by the DHS shutdown at 10 a.m. The official running the Transportation Security Administration and other senior Department of Homeland Security officials testified to House lawmakers today.
Private credit’s ‘zero-loss fantasy’ is coming to an end as defaults and fund exits rise
Risks remain concentrated in highly leveraged, rate-sensitive debt. ‘Shadow defaults’ and ‘amend-and-pretend’ tools may delay failures. Morgan Stanley recently warned default rates in private credit direct lending coul. underlines the need to better distinguish between investment-grade and sub-investment-grade private debt.
Mortgage demand drops more than 10% as rates hit the highest level since October
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said there might be talks between Iran and the US soon in Pakistan. The move would see Iran end its proxy strategy in the region, stop funding and arming proxy groups, and keep the Strait of Hormuz open as a free maritime zone. It follows the Trump administration earlier offering a 15-point ceasefire deal to Iran.
Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton says regulators would scrutinize trading ahead of Trump post
"Any move like that in advance of any announcement, the regulators are going to look at," Jay Clayton says. Clayton is a former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. "They'll go back and track every single thing, everyone," he says. "The law is not as clear as it should be," he adds.
Scher Lisa: "Kids learn by watching us" "It does not teach skills we want kids to develop, like emotional regulation, communication or problem solving" "That is not easy, but it is absolutely possible and it makes a meaningful difference in how kids grow and relate to others"
Ghalibaf is a former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) He was appointed to the post of speaker of Iran's parliament in 2020. Reports claim he is being eyed as a potential successor to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He is the son of former Iranian Prime Minister Rafizadeh, who was killed in an Israeli strike in 2007.
Israel Races to Hit Iran Hard While It Still Can, Leery of Possible Talks, Officials Say
The U.S. has agreed in principle to join talks in Pakistan, according to three Pakistani officials, one Egyptian official and a Gulf diplomat. mediators are still working to convince Iran. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X that Pakistan is ready to ‘facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks’
Iraq Summons U.S. Diplomat After Attack on Military Base
Strikes and missile attacks have been reported in Iran, Israel and across the Gulf. Iran wants to end the war on its ‘own terms’ and establish enough deterrence to ensure the conflict does not resume. Iraq has denounced the attacks as the country has been dragged into the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Here’s What Happened in the War in the Middle East on Tuesday
Pakistan "stands ready" to host talks to end Iran war, prime minister says. "Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks," Shehbaz Sharif says. Islamabad is prepared to host negotiations to stop the US-Israeli war with Iran, he says.
Iran Signals Resilience With Volley of Missiles Across Middle East
The U.S. has agreed in principle to join talks in Pakistan, according to three sources. One diplomat from the region said the talks could happen by early next week. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to represent the US.
Pakistan Offers to Host Talks Between Iran and the United States
Even a short-term truce could slow missile exchanges, reopen shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, and stabilise global oil prices. Islamabad is one of the few countries near Iran that has not been attacked by Tehran in this war. With the world’s attention fixed on Iran, Pakistan has more freedom to deal with these threats quietly, without attracting much outside criticism.
Lebanon Expels Iranian Envoy as Rift With Tehran Deepens
The decision is the latest step taken by Lebanon’s government against Iran. Hezbollah triggered the latest war by firing rockets into Israel two days after the attacks on Iran. Even before the resurgence of war between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanon had made moves to reduce Iran's once-considerable influence.
Qatar Is Not Mediating U.S.-Iran Talks, Foreign Minister Says
Swati has worked at Business Standard, covering national affairs, politics, and business. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations. She is particularly interested in the intersection of statecraft and society on how governance, ideology, and institutions shape lived realities, and how politics shape today's world order.
Americans were even more pessimistic about oil and gas prices, with 58% expecting the war to make them higher over the long term, compared to 27% who thought it would make them lower. Tellingly, when it comes to priorities in the Iran war, 67% of Americans said it was extremely or very important for the administration to prevent rising gas prices.
Iran’s New Security Chief Is a Hard-Line Former Guards Commander
Israel's military has finished a "wide-scale wave of strikes" on Iranian production sites across the country. Iraq's presidency issued two separate statements Tuesday denouncing deadly attacks on both the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and Kurdish units. The incidents were described as violations of national sovereignty at a moment of widening regional conflict.
2,000 U.S. Troops From 82nd Airborne Division to Be Sent to Middle East
Iran is firing an average of 10 missiles a day at Israel, military says. Israeli airstrikes battered Iran as Iranian missiles and drones struck sites across the Mideast. A missile fired from Iran exploded over Lebanon, the Israeli military said. The Israeli military says alongside the Iranian launches toward Israel on Tuesday was a ballistic missile that fell in Beirut.
Iranians Fear Trump’s Threat to Strike Power Plants
U.S. officials appear willing to engage indirectly with Iran through intermediaries, regional sources say. Senior sources in Tehran said Iran’s negotiating stance has hardened sharply since the war began. Any serious talks could come at a steep price for Trump, the sources said. Iran's leadership has previously said it cannot negotiate with the U.S as Washington has attacked the country.
