A new report from Policybazaar highlights a significant rise in term insurance purchases by non-resident Indians (NRIs), with overall demand doubling over the past two years and younger buyers playing an increasingly central role in the trend. According to the findings, individuals between the ages of 25 and 35 now account for 54% of total demand, up from 44% in 2024. This shift underscor

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, marking their first discussion since a ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, following nearly 39 days of intense conflict that disrupted ener

Europe’s airline industry is facing the risk of a widespread jet fuel shortage within weeks as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to strain global oil supply chains, according to energy analysts and aviation experts. The situation has intensified following escalating tensions involving the United States, Iran, and Israel, raising concerns about significant flight reductions across the region during the upcoming peak travel season. Claudio Galimberti, chief economist at

Ken Griffin, founder and chief executive of Citadel, warned that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could push the global economy into a recession, underscoring the fragile balance of energy markets and geopolitical stability. Speaking at the Semafor World Economy conference in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Griffin said that if the critical shipping route remains shut for an extended period, the economic consequences would be unavoidable. He noted that a disruption lasting between six and 12 months would almost certainly result in a global downturn, given the strait’s importance as a key transit point for oil shipments. The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of the world’s crude oil supply, and any sustained blockage would likely drive oil prices higher, intensifying inflationary pressures across major economies. While oil prices have eased slightly from peak levels reached during recent tensions, they remain elevated at around $100 per barrel, compared to under $70 before the conflict began. Griffin emphasized that global markets have so far shown resilience, with stock prices recovering to levels seen prior to earlier U.S. military actions in the region. However, he cautioned that investor confidence remains highly dependent on the duration and scope of the conflict. Many market participants, he said, may be underestimating the risk of further escalation and its potential impact on global growth. He also pointed to heightened vulnerability in Asian economies, which rely heavily on energy imports and are particularly sensitive to oil price fluctuations. A sustained increase in fuel costs could slow industrial output and consumer demand across the region. At the same time, Griffin suggested that prolonged disruption could accelerate a structural shift toward alternative energy sources, including wind, solar, and nuclear power, as countries seek to reduce reliance on volatile supply routes. His remarks highlight growing concerns among financial leaders that geopolitical instability in critical energy corridors could have far-reaching consequences for global economic stability.

​The United States has initiated a naval blockade of Iranian ports, significantly escalating tensions in the Middle East following the collapse of recent diplomatic efforts. The move came into effect at 2:00 PM GMT on Monday, April 14, 2026, according to US military officials, after weekend negotiations with Iran concluded without a breakthrough. The blockade applies to all Iranian ports along the Persian Gulf, restricting maritime access and placing additional pressure on Tehran am

Amazon has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Globalstar in a deal valued at $11.57 billion, marking a significant expansion of its satellite internet strategy as it seeks to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink network. The companies formally signed the agreement on Monday, April 13, 2026, with the transaction publicly announced on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The acquisition represents a major step in Amazon’s broader push into low Earth orbit connectivity under its Amazon Leo

Hungary experienced a dramatic political shift following its national elections held on Sunday, as Prime Minister Viktor Orban conceded defeat after a decisive loss to opposition leader Peter Magyar. The outcome triggered widespread celebrations across the capital, Budapest, with large crowds gathering along

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held a nearly 40-minute phone conversation on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, according to official reports. The call took place as tensions continue to rise amid the ongoing Iran conflict. The discussion comes shortly after peace talks betwee

China has expressed strong disapproval over the United States' blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a “dangerous and irresponsible act” that could escalate tensions in an already volatile region. In a statement issued on April 14, 2026, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the blockade, which began at 10:00 a.m. ET on Monday, along with increased U.S. military deployment in the area, risks undermining the fragile ceasefire that had

K-pop icons BIGBANG made a historic debut at Coachella 2026, delivering a high-energy, career-spanning performance that reaffirmed their legacy as pioneers of global K-pop. Performing as a trio—G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung—the group transformed the Outdoor Theatre into a celebration of their enduring influence and musical evolution. Opening with the explosive Bang Bang Bang, BIGBANG immediately captivated a diverse festival crowd that ranged from longtime fans to first-time li

Following unsuccessful diplomatic talks, Donald Trump announced a U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy trade. The move is aimed at increasing pressure on

 President Donald Trump faced significant backlash over a social media post featuring an image of himself styled in a manner reminiscent of Jesus Christ. The controversial image quickly spread across platforms, sparking outrage among various groups who accused Trump of attempting to portray himself as a religious figure. Critics were vocal in their disapproval, arguing that the post was disrespectful to both religious beliefs and the figure of Jesus Christ. In response to the m

President Donald Trump renewed criticism of NATO on Saturday, April 12, 2026, saying the alliance could face a “very serious examining” after it did not support the United States during its recent conflict with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump removed an AI-generated image from his account on Truth Social on Monday, April 13, 2026, after it remained online for nearly 13 hours and sparked significant backlash from segments of his political base, particularly religious conservatives. The image depicted Trump in

The United States has announced the start of a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime activity, marking a significant escalation in tensions in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters outside the Oval Office on Monday, April 13, 2026, President Donald Trump said the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz had begun, adding that other countries would assist in the operation, though he did not identify them. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, has b

Washington, April 13 — The Vatican issued a measured but firm response Monday after criticism from the US president targeting Pope Leo XIV, just days before the pontiff is set to embark on a high-profile visit to Africa. The remarks followed statements by the US president on April 12, in which he questioned the Pope’s stance on issues including global economic equity and migration, and criticized his broader approach to international affairs. The comments come as the Vatican prepa

The Anglo-Zanzibar War, widely recognized as the shortest war in recorded history, unfolded on Wednesday, August 27, 1896, in the East African island territory of Zanzibar. The conflict, which lasted between 38 and 45 minutes, involved forces of the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar, highlighting the stark imbalance of power during the colonial era. The confrontation began following the death of Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini, after which his successor, Sultan Khalid bin Bargh

Washington, April 13 — Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified Monday as Washington moved forward with plans to impose a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, prompting a swift response from Tehran asserting firm control over its maritime borders. Iran’s deputy interior minister said the country faces no significant security threats along its frontiers, emphasizing what he described as comprehensive oversight of both land and sea boundaries. He stated that Irania

Australia has appointed Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as the country’s first female Chief of Army, marking a historic moment in the nation's military history. The announcement was made on Monday, April 13, 2026, as part of a broader reshuffle in the Australian Defence Force leadership. Coyle, who is currently serving as the Acting Chief of Joint Capabilities, will officially take over the top army post in July this year. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the appointment, emp

Gold prices fell by Rs 602 to Rs 1,52,050 per 10 grams in futures trading on Monday, primarily due to a decline in spot demand. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, gold contracts for June delivery dropped by Rs 602, or 0.39%, to Rs 1,52,050 per 10 grams, with a business turnover of 1,491 lots. Analysts pointed to weak global cues as the reason for the drop in gold prices. On the international front, gold futures also saw a decline of 0.40%, trading at USD 4,730.59 per ounce in New York