Bangladesh has initiated new measures to conserve electricity, vital for its manufacturing sector, particularly the garment industry which is crucial to the nation's economy. The measures come in the wake of an ongoing conflict impacting energy supplies globally, making it increasingly difficult for factories to maintain production levels. This initiative reflects Bangladesh's struggle to balance its economic needs with the realities of external circumstances affecting energy availability. According to reports, the energy crisis has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict, which has disrupted supply chains and increased operational costs for manufacturing industries in Bangladesh. The factory sector is significantly reliant... [Continue Reading]
Severe flooding in Kenya has reached a tragic milestone, with reports confirming that at least 66 people have died in the last week due to the continuing downpour. Recent heavy rains have exacerbated the situation, particularly impacting the capital city, Nairobi, where further rainfall occurred overnight. However, no additional fatalities have been reported in the city following this recent deluge. According to police sources, four victims succumbed to the effects of the flooding, bringing the death toll to its current total. The situation has been dire, as flash floods have overwhelmed rivers, causing them to spill over and inundate homes,... [Continue Reading]
As platforms make less from advertising, creators are struggling to monetise work – leading to calls for more government investment and tax breaksOn a humid afternoon in Lagos, a shoot for a comedy skit is under way on a set that looks more like a small film production.Dozens of people mill about: lighting assistants, a sound engineer, a makeup artist and even a content creator recording unscripted behind-the-scenes footage. At the centre is Broda Shaggi, born Samuel Animashaun Perry, who is issuing instructions, rehearsing lines and performing caricatures. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
The UK government has issued a strong travel advisory against visiting both the Federal Iraq and Kurdistan Region amid heightened regional conflict. This move follows a series of Iranian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure such as roads, bridges, energy sites, oil production facilities, and airports, intensifying instability across Iraq. The advisory warns of fast-moving and unpredictable developments that pose significant security threats. Travelers to these areas face increased disruptions and the UK’s consular services will be severely limited, reducing available support in crises. Furthermore, insurance providers could invalidate coverage for those who travel against official advice, raising the potential financial and... [Continue Reading]
Fuel shortages have reached a critical level in Robinvale and Hattah, two towns in Victoria's north-west, marking them as the first in the state to completely run out of fuel. This situation emerged on Sunday, prompting urgent calls for support from the federal government to assist the local farming industry, which is severely affected by the continued lack of fuel supply. Fuel is expected to be resupplied on Sunday afternoon, but the immediate impact on local operations is already being felt. The cause of the fuel shortages in these regions appears to be a combination of increased demand stemming from... [Continue Reading]
Australia is currently grappling with significant economic repercussions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This blockade has critically impacted the global oil supply chain, disrupting approximately 20% of the world's oil production and leading to immediate consequences felt even in remote regions like Western Australia. The fallout from the war has resulted in fuel shortages across the state, causing panic buying and driving up prices at the pump. As fuel becomes more scarce, this situation has sent ripples through various sectors, notably affecting the mining industry, a... [Continue Reading]
With two main-stage productions already under her belt in 2026, Margaret Thanos has cemented her place as a rising star of Australian theatre. [Continue Reading]
Ahead of the Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles, RTÉ's Arts and Media Correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke reports on the Irish film industry looking to promote their business in order to build Ireland as a global production hub. [Continue Reading]
The United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a strong travel advisory against visiting Bahrain amid heightened security risks linked to regional tensions. Iran has reportedly carried out multiple strikes targeting civilian infrastructure such as hotels, roads, bridges, energy plants, oil production sites, water systems, and airports. These attacks pose significant safety threats for travelers and residents within Bahrain and neighboring countries. This advisory highlights the potential invalidation of travel insurance for those traveling against official warnings. UK citizens in Bahrain are urged to register their presence with government authorities to receive timely updates. The advisory specifically... [Continue Reading]
Since the 2017 embargo, one of Qatar’s greatest nightmares has been that a war or geopolitical crisis would isolate Doha from the rest of the world. In late February, renewed tensions following the Israeli-American offensive against Iran brought these concerns to the fore once again. Over the past nine years, Qatar has built up strategic reserves, but has mostly invested heavily in boosting local food production. This has been a major challenge, given the country’s harsh climate. Yet today, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and even mushrooms are being cultivated in the desert. For some, eating Qatari produce has even become a... [Continue Reading]
Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel held a phone call addressing the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Hussein stressed that the continuation of war poses a direct threat to Iraq’s oil export capabilities, which could negatively affect global energy supply and markets. This raises concerns for international economic stability given Iraq’s significant role in oil production. Portugal’s minister warned that the conflict now threatens to spread to other nations in the region, complicating efforts at peace. He affirmed Portugal’s intention to work through the European Union and potentially NATO to promote a ceasefire and... [Continue Reading]
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a new phase, with military operations escalating as both nations adopt opposing strategies. The situation has reached a critical juncture following a series of airstrikes, intensified military actions, and shifting geopolitical dynamics that underscore the complexities of their engagement. Reports indicate that as the conflict continues, both military tactics and potential economic ramifications for global energy supplies are significant aspects of the unfolding crisis. In recent developments, the U.S.-led campaign against Iran and its allied proxies has intensified markedly. Following the assassination of key figures in Iran's military leadership,... [Continue Reading]
In the first half of March, there has been a notable rise in violent attacks against synagogues and Jewish community centers across several Western countries. A powerful explosion in Liege, Belgium damaged a historic synagogue, while three synagogues in Canada were hit by separate shootings. In Michigan, a man drove a truck into a synagogue and preschool before being killed by police; he reportedly sought revenge related to casualties from Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The Netherlands is investigating a synagogue arson in Rotterdam. These attacks have heightened fear among Jewish communities and broadened fears of escalating antisemitic violence. The wave... [Continue Reading]
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel has launched heavy airstrikes on Tehran and other locations as the conflict with Iran continues to intensify. These strikes are part of a broader confrontation that has seen increased military actions from both sides, with Iranian allies also initiating retaliatory assaults across the Gulf region. The situation has led to severe disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply, raising global energy prices. The United Nations Security Council has expressed concern over the escalating violence, urging both parties to seek diplomatic solutions. New reports confirm that... [Continue Reading]
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that military strikes conducted by Israel resulted in the deaths of several Iranian nuclear scientists. In his remarks, Netanyahu emphasized that these actions are part of a broader campaign, stating that a "new path of freedom" for Iran is on the horizon, implying a significant shift in the region's geopolitical dynamics. He addressed the Iranian populace directly, suggesting that their future is now contingent on domestic decisions and reforms. The announcement, made during a recent address, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, both of which have been... [Continue Reading]
The ongoing conflict in Iran has significantly escalated, resulting in the largest disruption of oil production ever recorded, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). As Iranian forces ramp up their attacks on key infrastructure and energy transport networks across the Gulf, oil prices have surged back above $100 a barrel, igniting fears of a severe global economic crisis due to escalating tensions in the region. This crisis marks a pivotal point in the conflict, which has seen Iran targeting commercial shipping as well as civilian facilities. On Wednesday, reports highlighted Iran's tactical shifts, with strikes on commercial vessels and... [Continue Reading]
Recent reports indicate that King penguins on the Crozet Islands are now breeding earlier and achieving higher success rates compared to two decades ago. This phenomenon, noted by researchers studying these unique birds, appears to be a direct response to changing environmental conditions and food availability in their habitat. Over the last 24 years, observations of the breeding patterns of King penguins have illustrated a notable shift. In earlier breeding seasons, the challenges faced by these animals were more pronounced. However, today's data suggests that not only are these penguins breeding earlier, but they are also experiencing better reproductive success.... [Continue Reading]
As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Thailand faces mounting energy challenges that threaten its economic recovery efforts under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Following the start of hostilities centred on Iran, Thai civil servants have been instructed to limit their office attendance to conserve dwindling energy supplies as panic buying of diesel ensues among the public. The Prime Minister's office has confirmed this decision, urging government workers to work from home to mitigate the strain on the country's energy resources. The Thai Energy Ministry stated earlier that there were currently no fuel shortages in the country; however, reports indicate... [Continue Reading]
As the air strikes in Iran continue, recent military actions have resulted in significant pollution issues for the capital, Tehran. These strikes, part of an ongoing US-Israeli campaign that initiated on February 28, have reportedly targeted multiple oil facilities, with satellite imagery revealing smoke plumes affecting the city. As of March 10, experts have warned that the resulting pollution could be classified as "unprecedented," leading to substantial health concerns for the nearly 10 million residents of Tehran and its surrounding environments. Reports indicate that at least four oil facilities have been struck since the start of hostilities, severely impacting air... [Continue Reading]
In a significant turn of events, oil prices have dropped dramatically after former US President Donald Trump stated in a recent CBS News interview that the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Iran could conclude "very soon." This announcement has dissipated fears surrounding a potential deepening energy supply crisis, which had previously driven Brent crude oil prices up to a staggering $119.50 per barrel. Following Trump's statement, prices rebounded to approximately $91.70 a barrel within a span of hours. The shift in oil prices reflects a broader response from global financial markets. The FTSE 100 and other European indexes have seen... [Continue Reading]
The conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran continues to escalate, significantly impacting global oil markets. As the war restricts oil exports from the Gulf region, producers are beginning to cut output, resulting in a substantial supply shock. Recent reports indicate that crude oil prices are approaching $85 per barrel, a significant increase that has caused turmoil in financial markets, heightened gasoline prices at the pump, and intensified economic concerns worldwide. This development stresses the global economy's precarious reliance on energy supplies from the Middle East. Currently, approximately 20% of the world's crude oil supply transits through the... [Continue Reading]
As tensions rise in the Middle East, oil prices are surging significantly, marking a worrying trend for both global markets and consumers. Reports indicate that Brent crude oil has reached its highest price since the onset of the conflict, attributed largely to disruptions in supply from this critical energy region. The escalating crisis has resulted in a 17% increase in U.S. gasoline prices since the conflict began, further impacting American drivers as fuel costs rise sharply. The G7 finance ministers are convening to address the situation, amidst discussions around the potential release of strategic oil reserves to stabilize prices. The... [Continue Reading]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukrainian drone experts will be deployed to the Middle East this week to provide assistance to Gulf states facing drone attacks from Iran. The Iranian military has increasingly utilized Shahed drones in recent operations across the region, prompting concerns about the effectiveness of current air defenses among Gulf nations. Reports indicate that these patrols mark a significant escalation in Iran's regional military posture. The recent increase in drone activity from Iran has put pressure on Gulf states to enhance their aerial defense capabilities. The Ukrainian team will share their expertise gained from four... [Continue Reading]
Power, Greed, Oil, and the Theater of Modern Geopolitics The Business Model of Power Donald Trump does not govern like a traditional politician. He governs like a negotiator who believes every geopolitical crisis is leverage, every war threat is a bargaining chip, and every market panic is an opportunity. When markets tremble, someone profits. The question is, who? Global markets react instantly to political tension. Gold rises when conflict looms. Oil spikes when instability threatens production. Stock markets collapse on fear, then rebound on reassurance. Volatility is not chaos, it is opportunity. Historically, gold has surged during major geopolitical crises,... [Continue Reading]