gulf cooperation council

The ongoing geopolitical turmoil has affected supplies from several key oil-producing regions that traditionally cater to India, requiring refiners to process crude varieties that were not part of their usual feedstock mix.

Gulf allies UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar urged President Trump to pursue diplomacy with Iran, fearing renewed conflict would destabilize regional economies. Leaders argued military action wouldn't achieve US objectives, reflecting a shift for the UAE after recent hostilities. All three nations remain wary of further escalation.

Kerala Plus Two results for 2026 are out. Over 4.25 lakh students appeared for the exams. The overall pass percentage stands at 77.97 percent. Students who did not pass can apply for the Save A Year exam. Those unsatisfied with marks can opt for revaluation or scrutiny. Updates will be on official websites.

Kerala's Plus Two results are out, with girls once again significantly outperforming boys, achieving an 86.89% pass rate compared to boys' 68.41%. The overall pass percentage saw a slight rise to 77.97%. Science emerged as the top-performing stream. Over 4.25 lakh students appeared for the examinations.

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, represent a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy by officially uniting Israel with several Arab nations. This groundbreaking initiative not only opens doors for joint ventures in technology, security, and commerce but also draws inspiration from Abraham, a revered figure across the major monotheistic religions.

The UAE sought a joint military response from Gulf nations against Iran after Tehran's attacks, but Saudi Arabia and Qatar refused, citing it as "not their war." This disagreement strained UAE ties with its neighbors and contributed to Abu Dhabi's growing frustration with regional partners.

Global powers are now vying for India's attention, recognizing its growing influence. While the US seeks to bolster trade, India has been actively forging significant trade agreements, positioning itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

The recent drone strike near the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, though causing no damage, has heightened regional tensions. Iran, accused by the UAE of numerous attacks, denies involvement but warns of limited patience. Meanwhile, reports suggest the UAE's covert operations in Iran just before the announcement of the ceasefire. The incident underscores the escalating conflict, with potential for greater UAE involvement if the ceasefire collapses.

Saudi Arabia conducted unpublicized airstrikes on Iran in late March, marking the first direct military action on Iranian soil in retaliation for attacks within the kingdom. This shift in approach followed Iranian strikes on gulf cooperation council states, leading to an informal de-escalation understanding between Riyadh and Tehran.

While the US and Israel engaged in conflict with Iran, China quietly leveraged the situation to expand its influence. By positioning itself as a diplomatic alternative and stabilizing energy supplies, Beijing benefited from a weakened American strategic position and growing uncertainty about US reliability among allies.

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.

Pakistan's economy faces sustained pressure with double-digit inflation likely to persist due to surging global oil prices amid the Middle East crisis. Rising energy costs and regional instability are projected to slow GDP growth and widen the current account deficit, impacting the stock market and currency.

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.

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.

UAE exits Opec, impacting global oil dynamics amid regional tensions. Ukraine escalates attacks on Russia, forcing Moscow to scale back Victory Day parades. King Charles' US trip strengthens UK-US ties. Syria begins its first transitional justice trial. China pressures African nations, forcing Taiwan's President to cancel a trip.

Moody's has revised India's FY27 growth forecast down to 6% due to weaker consumer demand and slower industrial output, exacerbated by rising energy costs from the West Asia conflict. Higher import bills and subsidy spending will strain government finances. While strategic reserves offer short-term relief, persistent high energy prices could widen the trade deficit and impact inflation.

NITI Aayog's report highlights the Middle East conflict's potential impact on India's trade and economy, risking the current account deficit and exchange rate. Instability also slows India-GCC FTA talks, hindering market access. Despite global uncertainty, merchandise trade remains steady, with services showing strong performance.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal discussed supply chain issues, particularly food, with UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain officials. He emphasized regional peace amid tensions and thanked Gulf nations for supporting the large Indian diaspora. Discussions also covered UAE's logistics solutions to counter disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade, vital for India's global trade.

Emigrants form 8% of the state electorate, and are active participants in homeland affairs. The extent to which war has deterred them from travelling to vote this time, may affect a closely fought election’s outcome

As tensions rise in the Gulf due to the West Asia conflict, Karnataka is on high alert for the looming threat of job losses affecting its eight lakh NRIs. The focus of concern has pivoted from mere safety to the harsh realities of employment instability, with many grappling with salary cuts and increased time off work.