World News

From rapper to Nepal's likely PM: All you need to know about Balendra Shah

From rapper and civil engineer to Kathmandu mayor and now prime minister-in-waiting, Balendra 'Balen' Shah has emerged as the face of Nepal's youth-driven political shift

Crude oil prices spike near $120 a barrel as Iran war impedes production

The price for a barrel of Brent crude, the international standard, surged to $119.50 per barrel early in the day but later was trading at $107.80 per barrel

IMF urges preparation for 'unthinkable' amid prolonged West Asia conflict

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warns a prolonged West Asia conflict could hit market sentiment, growth and inflation, urging policymakers to prepare for a "new normal" of global shocks

West Asia crisis complicates rate outlook for Asian central banks

Share markets plunged and the safe-haven US dollar rose in Asia on Monday as oil surged past $110 a barrel, stoking fears of a protracted West Asia war on global energy supplies

GM's ACDelco re-enters India via licensing pact with Assurance Intl

Under the agreement, Assurance Intl Ltd will be the official licensee for ACDelco in India, responsible for manufacturing, marketing and distribution of select aftermarket products

Oil over $100: How the Strait of Hormuz crisis is shaking the world economy

Within days of the US-Israel attacks on Iran, crude oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel for the first time since the early fallout of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Iran war could raise challenges for emerging market sovereigns: Fitch

Fitch said oil and gas imports are the most direct channel for contagion from the conflict, given its effect on global energy prices

G7 nations to consider emergency oil release amid global price surge

G7 nations are set to discuss a coordinated oil release from strategic reserves via the International Energy Agency as the West Asia conflict pushes crude prices higher and raises supply concerns

Saudi Aramco offers spot crude as war disrupts global oil supplies

Some of the oil was offered on a delivered basis from a supertanker, carrying 2 million barrels of crude, positioned near Taiwan, which was eventually purchased by a Japanese refiner

Bangladesh closes universities to save electricity, fuel amid energy crisis

Authorities said the decision applies to all public and private universities across the country

Human Rights Watch says Israel used white phosphorus in southern Lebanon

Human rights advocates say the use of white phosphorus is illegal under international law when the white-hot chemical substance is fired into populated areas

Bahrain's state oil firm declares 'force majeure' after Iran attack

Force majeure is a legal manoeuvre that releases a company from its contractual obligations because of extraordinary circumstances

China's billions of dollars are at risk from a widening war in West Asia

The region became a hub for China's investments and a growing market for its steel, EVs and solar panels, now all at risk

China inflation hits 3 year high after holiday boost as oil shock looms

Core CPI, which excludes volatile items such as food and energy, hit 1.8 per cent - the highest since 2019

Ex-Google AI researcher launches robotics startup 'Integral AI' in Tokyo

The 15-person startup is holding initial discussions with Toyota Motor, Sony Group, Honda Motor, Nissan Motor and Mitsui Chemicals to pitch them on how AI can advance manufacturing processes

Nepal polls: RSP wins 124 seats, heads toward two-thirds majority

Nepal is set to witness its first Madhesi prime minister, Balendra Shah, who will also be the youngest elected executive head in the history of Nepal

Why China cut its GDP growth target to 4.5-5% as risks mount in 2026

China has lowered its 2026 growth target to 4.5-5%, the lowest since 1991, as weak domestic demand, property sector troubles and rising global tensions add uncertainty to the nation

Saudi, UAE pipelines may cushion oil shock, decide outcome of Iran war

The strait is a choke point for about 20 million barrels a day of crude and refined products - equal to a fifth of global consumption

Japan set to deploy first batch of home-developed long-range missile

The upgraded Type-12 missile, developed and produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has a range of about 1,000 km and can reach mainland China

Asia's ultra-rich having second thoughts on Dubai as Iran war rages

Dubai's ascent as a burgeoning finance and wealth hub faces a test as the US-Israeli war with Iran hits close to home