On Turkey’s bustling border crossing with Iran, inflation and shortages are driving a surge in cooking oil trade as economic pressures deepen inside Iran. At the Kapikoy crossing near Van in eastern Turkey, merchants and travelers described a growing demand for basic goods, particularly cooking oil, as Iranian consumers grapple with soaring prices and limited supply. Shopkeepers at the crossing said demand has risen sharply in recent days, with dozens of individuals carrying multiple large bottles of oil back into Iran. The trade has become a small but vital source of income for both Turkish vendors and Iranian buyers seeking to resell or use the goods domestically. Rising food prices and subsidy reforms reshape consumer behavior Iran’s inflation crisis, projected by the International Monetary Fund to approach 70 percent in 2026, has significantly eroded purchasing power. Cooking oil prices surged after the government removed subsidies on certain essential imports in January, a move intended to reduce state spending amid ongoing sanctions. Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, have defended the policy, arguing that subsidies were being exploited without effectively lowering prices. However, many consumers report difficulty finding affordable cooking oil in local markets, forcing them to look beyond the country’s borders. Border trade becomes a lifeline for struggling households For some Iranians, cross-border trade offers a modest financial cushion. Individuals interviewed at the crossing described buying cooking oil in Turkey for just over $10 per five-liter bottle and reselling it in Iran at slightly lower prices than domestic shops, earning small profits. The Kapikoy crossing has remained one of the few consistent links between Iran and the outside world during recent disruptions, including airspace closures and an ongoing internet shutdown that has limited access to information within the country. Economic strain intensifies amid conflict and job losses Beyond inflation, Iran’s economy is facing additional strain from conflict-related disruptions and layoffs. The country’s minimum wage, roughly $108 per month, has failed to keep pace with rising living costs, leaving many households under severe financial pressure. Recent protests driven by economic discontent have been met with government crackdowns, adding to an atmosphere of uncertainty. While the government has introduced monthly cash payments equivalent to about $7 to offset rising costs, analysts say the measure is unlikely to significantly ease the burden on most families. Limited relief despite growing cross-border activity Although the increase in cross-border trade highlights the resilience of individuals adapting to economic hardship, the overall impact remains limited. The modest profits generated by transporting goods like cooking oil do little to offset the broader challenges posed by inflation, unemployment, and supply shortages. For many Iranians, the scenes at the Turkey-Iran border underscore a deeper economic crisis, where even basic necessities require creative—and often difficult—solutions to obtain.  

How is U.S. pressure on Iran intensifying? It combines sanctions, blockade, and enforcement as economic and geopolitical forces converge to place unprecedented strain on Tehran, according to a former U.S. Treasury sanctions expert who described the current moment as a rare alignment of leverage. Converging tools create peak economic pressure Miad Maleki, a former Treasury Department sanctions specialist, said the United States is applying multiple pressu

Hours after the US Justice Department announced the lifting of the federal moratorium on capital punishment and the reinstatement of firing squad executions, Pope Leo XIV issued a strongly worded message condemning the death penalty. Delivered through a video address to DePaul University in Chicago, the Pope’s remarks coincided with the 15th anniversary of Illinois abolishing capital punishment, underscoring the significance of the moment. In his message, Pope Leo XIV emphasized t

A fatal road accident in Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh, India, around 8:00 PM IST on Wednesday, April 22, 2026evening resulted in the deaths of 11 people after a truck collided with multiple vehicles and triggered a fire, authorities confirmed. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety and traffic enforcement in the region. According to police officials, the crash occurred when a speeding truck rammed into a Swift car. The force of the impact pushed the smalle

Jay Shah has been named to the Young Global Leaders Class of 2026 by the World Economic Forum, marking a significant milestone in his rising influence within global cricket governance. The annual list highlights individuals under the age of 40 who are shaping industries worldwide, with this year’s cohort re

In the heart of Chennai’s bustling T Nagar, the atmosphere was electric as Tamil cinema’s iconic superstar Vijay, also known as "Thalapathy," transformed a political rally into a cinematic spectacle. This wasn’t just another election campaign; it was an event that blurred the lines between cinema and politics, captivating both his fans and political observers alike. With Vijay leading the charge for the Tamil Nadu political party, TVK, the streets of T Nagar became a stage for what coul

​REDWOOD CITY, California — Revolution Medicines announced positive results from a late-stage clinical trial evaluating its experimental drug daraxonrasib, showing a significant survival benefit for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who had previously undergone treatment. According to the company, patients receiving the once-daily oral therapy lived a median of 13.2 months, compar

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

A large protest by factory workers in Noida turned violent, with protesters vandalizing vehicles and throwing stones while police tried to control the situation. The protest took place in Phase 2 of Noida, an area home to several factories. Workers are demanding a salary increase and better benefits. As the situation escalated, police reinforcements were called in to prevent further unrest, and the protests caused heavy traffic congestion on key roads in Noida on Monday morning. The

The United States’ decision to engage Pakistan as a facilitator in a recent two-week ceasefire has sparked debate in India, but analysts say the move reflects broader strategic calculations rather than a slight against New Delhi. The discussion over why India was not selected overlooks the evolving nature of global power dynamics, where decisions are driven less by status and more by immediate geopolitical utility. In today’s international system, major powers—including the U

Mounting political and public pressure is building in the United Kingdom over Kanye West’s scheduled appearance at the Wireless Festival in London, as concerns grow over his past antisemitic comments and actions. West, who now goes by Ye, is set to headline the event at Finsbury Park from Thursday, July 10 to Saturday, July 12, with attendance expected to reach tens of thousands daily. The controversy intensified on Sunday when major sponsors began distancing themselves from the event. Pepsi withdrew its sponsorship, while Diageo also pulled its support. Payment partner PayPal has reportedly requested the removal of its branding from promotional materials. The backlash follows renewed scrutiny of West’s previous behavior, including the release of a song titled Heil Hitler and the sale of merchandise featuring swastikas. UK political leaders have voiced strong objections. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the booking as “deeply concerning,” emphasizing that antisemitism must be addressed firmly. Opposition figures have urged authorities to deny West entry into the country, arguing that allowing him to perform would send the wrong message. Several lawmakers have echoed calls for action, citing a pattern of conduct that has caused distress within Jewish communities. Jewish advocacy groups have also called for intervention, urging officials to consider blocking West’s entry. Local authorities overseeing the festival venue have indicated they will seek assurances that performers comply with conditions prohibiting offensive or discriminatory content. Despite the backlash, West remains a commercially successful artist, with strong album sales and sold-out performances. However, industry observers note that the growing controversy presents both reputational and financial risks for festival organizers. With sponsors withdrawing and public criticism intensifying, uncertainty remains over whether the event will proceed as planned.

On Saturday, April 4, 2026, Warren Buffett revealed that his longstanding friendship with Bill Gates may be nearing an end due to recent revelations involving Gates' ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The news has raised significant concerns, not only about their personal relationship but also regarding Buffett's future contributions to the Gates Foundation. In a candid interview, Buffett admitted that he has not spoken to Gates since the Epstein connection came to light. He stat

Severe storms sweeping across the state of New Jersey caused dramatic damage to rail infrastructure after a tree crashed through the cab of a moving train, narrowly avoiding serious injuries. The incident occurred on the Atlantic City Rail Line, highlighting the intensity of the overnight weather conditions that battered parts of the region. According to officials, the tree struck the engineer’s cab during the height of the storm. Despite the severity of the impact, the train engine

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has set a new benchmark by becoming the most-watched edition of the tournament ever, with viewership crossing an impressive 500 million in India alone. This remarkable milestone was confirmed by ICC chairman Jay Shah on March 4, 2026. The tournament’s digital reach has also been staggering, with JioHotstar registering a peak of 60.5 million concurrent viewers, marking a significant surge in streaming numbers. Jay Shah, in a social media post, exp

Bangladesh has signaled a major shift in its cricket diplomacy, expressing its willingness to repair strained cricket relations with India following the fallout over the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The move comes shortly after the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party government took office, with newly appointed Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque emphasizing the importance of restoring friendly relations through dialogue and cooperation. His remarks have raised hopes among cricket fans and

Ramadan Mubarak 2026 has officially begun, bringing a period of deep spiritual reflection, fasting, prayer, and charity for Muslims across the world. Observed during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is considered the holiest month in Islam. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to be observed from the evening of February 17 until March 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon. During this time, millions of Muslims in countries such as India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia

Pakistan has signaled a possible change in its stance regarding the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash at the T20 World Cup 2026, but only if certain conditions are met. According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board has conveyed three specific demands to the International Cricket Council, stating that it would consult the Pakistani government about reversing the boycott of the February 15 fixture only if the ICC agrees to these terms. The match is scheduled to be played at a neutra

Ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed concerns over Pakistan's threat to boycott their scheduled group-stage clash. Yadav firmly stated that India's preparations for the match remain unchanged, regardless of Pakistan's stance on participation. During a captain's meet ahead of the tournament, Suryakumar emphasized that India's focus remains on the game. "Our mindset is very clear. We haven’t said no to playing them; they are the ones who??

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a high-level conversation that emphasized the continued growth and future potential of the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. During the discussion, Prime Minister Modi expressed his anticipation of welcoming President Lula to India in the near future, underscoring the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across economic, technological and geopolitical fronts. Modi des

Operations at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport were significantly disrupted Tuesday after a burst water pipe forced the evacuation of the airport’s primary air traffic control tower, triggering a prolonged ground delay program and affecting hundreds of flights throughout the day. Federal aviation officials confirmed the incident occurred during the early morning hours and continued to impact air traffic well into the evening. The situation began at approximately 1:10 a.m. when a water pipe failed inside the main air traffic control tower. The incident prompted the immediate evacuation of air traffic controllers working in the facility as a safety precaution. Controllers were temporarily relocated to the airport’s south control tower, where they resumed operations under adjusted procedures to maintain essential flight management functions. Shortly after the evacuation, the Federal Aviation Administration implemented a ground delay program for O’Hare. The measure was designed to manage air traffic flow while staffing and operational capacity were reduced. As of mid-morning, the FAA indicated that the ground delay program remained in effect and was expected to continue for much of the day, with projected delays extending into the evening hours. Flight tracking data showed widespread disruption across the airport, one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States. More than 400 flights were reported delayed by Tuesday morning, with many experiencing wait times exceeding 45 minutes. The delays affected both arriving and departing flights, creating a ripple effect across domestic and international travel schedules. FAA officials confirmed that the main air traffic control tower remained closed as crews assessed the extent of the damage caused by the water intrusion. The full impact on equipment and infrastructure had not yet been determined, and officials said it was too early to estimate when normal operations would be fully restored. An investigation was launched to determine the cause of the pipe failure and to evaluate any structural or maintenance issues that may have contributed to the incident. Airport authorities worked alongside federal officials to manage passenger flow and minimize congestion within terminals. Travelers were advised to check directly with airlines for updated flight information and to allow extra time when traveling to or from the airport. Airlines adjusted schedules and staffing as they worked to accommodate delayed passengers and reposition aircraft. Despite the disruption, officials emphasized that safety remained the top priority and that the relocation of controllers allowed critical air traffic services to continue. The incident underscored the complexity of airport operations and the cascading impact that infrastructure issues can have on air travel, particularly at major hubs such as O’Hare. As repair efforts and inspections continued, officials said updates would be provided as more information became available. The FAA noted that restoring full capacity would depend on the outcome of the damage assessment and the completion of necessary repairs, while reiterating its commitment to maintaining safe and efficient air travel operations.