All posts by Neel Achary

LONDON/HOUSTON/SINGAPORE, Mar 2: Higher oil and gas prices are certain as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens to disrupt 15% of global oil supply and 20% of global LNG supply, with oil prices potentially exceeding $100/bbl if tanker flows are not quickly restored, according to Wood Mackenzie. Following US and Israeli attacks on Iranian government, military and nuclear facilities, Iran warned shipping away from the waterway and insurers withdrew coverage, effectively halting tanker traffic.

The disruption creates a dual supply shock: not only are current exports through the Strait halted, but OPEC+ additional volumes and ultimately most of OPEC’s spare capacity—typically a key lever for balancing the global oil market—are inaccessible while the waterway remains closed.

“The key question is when do vessels re-establish export flows,” said Alan Gelder, SVP of Refining, Chemicals and Oil Markets at Wood Mackenzie. “No doubt, tanker rates and insurance will increase dramatically, but these costs would only be a small part of the oil price impact associated with a curtailment of oil flows if they last for more than a few days.”

Given the uncertainty around events, it is plausible that it takes a few weeks for export flows to re-establish themselves in the most optimistic scenario (in which the Iranian regime elects to co-operate with the US), Gelder added.

“During that time, oil prices are heavily risked to the upside,” Gelder said. “The most recent comparison is during the early days of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, when the fear of loss of Russian supplies drove the oil price to over US$125/bbl.”

In the current scenario, oil prices over US$100/bbl are possible if transit flows are not re-established quickly, according to Gelder.

OPEC+ production response

The group of eight OPEC+ countries responsible for voluntary production cuts – Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman – agreed on 1 March to resume unwinding the April 2023 1.65 million b/d cut. They will increase production by 206,000 b/d in April and meet again on 5 April to assess next steps.

“The OPEC+ decision does not come as a surprise, due to the uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran tensions, and that the market for non-sanctioned crudes is tight,” said Gelder. “There is, however, a risk that the OPEC+ decision is moot if flows do not resume through the Strait of Hormuz.”

While there are potential alternative supply routes available to Middle East producers—including Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline to the Red Sea and additional Iraqi volumes via the Mediterranean—no alternatives can fully compensate for the loss of exports that transit the Strait of Hormuz. Strategic stock releases by IEA member countries could provide some relief, but IEA members account for less than half of global oil demand.

Gas market implications

A halt in LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz would be equally disruptive for global gas and LNG markets, according to Wood Mackenzie. Around 81 Mt (110 bcm) of LNG transited the Strait in 2025—primarily from Qatar—accounting for nearly 20% of global LNG supply.

“Disruptions to LNG flows would reignite competition between Asia and Europe for available cargoes, particularly at a time when European storage levels are below seasonal norms and around 10% lower than at the same point last year, following a severe cold spell in January,” said Massimo Di Odoardo, Vice President, Gas and LNG Research at Wood Mackenzie. “With approximately 1.5 Mt (2.2 bcm) of LNG exports at risk for each week that flows through the Strait of Hormuz are halted, both Asian and European markets would need to draw more heavily on existing storage and would increase the need for restocking over the summer. This would tighten market conditions well beyond the eventual resumption of trade through the Strait.”

Precautionary closures of the Leviathan and Karish gas fields in Israel—which supplied more than 10 bcm to Egypt last year—could add further pressure, as Egypt would likely increase LNG imports to offset lost volumes. Potential disruptions to gas exports from Iran to Turkey, which accounted for more than 7 bcm in 2025, could compound the supply strain.

A halt in LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz would be comparable in scale to the curtailment of Russian gas supplies to Europe, which sent prices soaring to nearly US$100/mmbtu at their peak and averaging US$40/mmbtu in 2022, according to Di Odoardo.

“This time, however, the reaction is unlikely to be as extreme,” added Di Odoardo. “Unlike the prolonged disruption of Russian pipeline flows, a blockage in the Strait could be viewed as temporary, tempering the upside. Still, Monday will see a dramatic price jump at market opening, and any signal that disruptions could drag on would add further fuel to the rally.”

Looking forward

“The nearest historical analogue in our view is the Middle East oil embargo of the 1970s, which increased oil prices by 300 percent to around US$12/bbl in 1974,” said Gelder. “That is only US$90/bbl in 2026 terms. Eclipsing this in today’s market concerned about significant losses of supply seems very achievable.

“The global economy is now far less oil intensive than 50 years ago. The shock at the time of the oil embargo was the pace and scale of the price increase. Oil prices would need to reach well over US$200/bbl to exert a similar level of shock to today’s global economy.”

Bharathiya Hindu Parivar leaders meet Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to Discuss Religious and Sustainable Tourism Growth

Delhi, 01 Mar:

The Bharathiya Hindu Parivar has appointed Dr. Bhargav Mallappa as National General Secretary (Organisation and Administration) with immediate effect. The appointment acknowledges his public service background, leadership experience and commitment to organisational principles.

After the appointment, National President Dr. S. Selvaganesh and Dr. Mallappa met Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi to deliberate on strengthening India’s tourism ecosystem.
Discussions focused on enhancing India’s global tourism positioning, expanding religious tourism circuits and accelerating tourism-led economic growth in southern states. 

The leaders also reviewed infrastructure modernisation, sustainable destination development and policy-driven initiatives aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Dr. Mallappa appreciated flagship programmes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD and UDAN, noting that tourism has emerged as a critical driver of economic growth and employment generation. Dr. Selvaganesh emphasised coordinated policymaking and promotion of niche segments including wellness, eco and MICE tourism.

The organisation expressed confidence that Dr. Mallappa’s new role will further strengthen its national outreach and engagement on development-focused issues.

Cairo,  Mar 1 – MMD Singapore the manufacturer of Philips displays, announced the regional launch of its latest competitive gaming monitor, the 24M2N3200FQ and 27M2N3200FQ, designed to deliver championship-level performance and immersive visuals to the passionate gaming community across the Middle East. This 24 and 27 inch Fast IPS monitor combines blistering 200Hz speed with cutting-edge image clarity technologies, offering gamers the critical edge needed for victory.

The Middle East’s gaming scene is renowned for its intensity and competitive spirit. The Philips Evnia gaming monitor meets this demand head-on with its ultra-fast 200Hz refresh rate and a near-instant 0.3ms (Smart MBR) response time, effectively eliminating motion blur and ghosting. This ensures every panning shot in an FPS and every high-speed turn in a racing game is rendered with stunning sharpness, giving players a seamless and lag-free advantage.

“Gamers in our region deserve equipment that matches their skill and ambition”, said Carol Anne Dias, Sales Director, Middle East & Africa for Philips Monitors. “The 24M2N3200FQ and 27M2N3200FQ are engineered for those decisive moments where a split-second can mean the difference between victory and defeat. We’re bringing hyper-responsive performance and rich, immersive visuals to a broader audience of dedicated gamers”.

Beyond raw speed, the monitor features Stark ShadowBoost, a proprietary technology that illuminates dark scenes in games without overexposing bright areas, ensuring enemies lurking in shadows are clearly visible. The Smart Crosshair feature dynamically changes color based on the background for maximum visibility, enhancing targeting accuracy.

For a truly captivating visual experience, the monitor supports HDR10 content, delivering a wider range of colours, superior contrast, and more lifelike images. Gamers can further personalize their experience through the Evnia Precision Center software, which offers intuitive controls to fine-tune settings for different game genres or create custom profiles.

Designed with players well-being in mind, the monitor incorporates LowBlue Mode and Flicker-Free technology to reduce eye strain during marathon gaming sessions. It’s sustainable design, featuring chassis made with 85% post-consumer recycled plastic, aligns with a forward-thinking ethos.

The monitors are now available for purchase in the UAE with Naam Electronics. The monitors come with 3 years warranty.

Hyderabad, Mar 1– The Gachibowli Stadium was electrified today as Seva Bharathi Telangana successfully concluded the milestone 10th Edition of its marquee annual event, ‘Run for a Girl Child’. The event, which saw participation in 5K, 10K, and 21K categories, celebrated a decade of transforming lives through education, healthcare, and skill development. The run was organized with the support of Freedom Healthy Oil, PalTech, GlobalData, and 75 other corporate partners. The initiative continues to focus on empowering girls from underprivileged and economically weaker sections of society.

The 10th-anniversary run was officially flagged off by a panel of distinguished guests, including, Mithali Raj, Legendary Indian Cricketer and former Captain of the Women’s National Team, Smt. Hari Chandana, District Collector, Hyderabad, Mr. P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, Mr. Rahul Bhatia, MD, GlobalData, Smt. Shanti Palreddy – Co-Founder, PalTech, Dr. Sumalatha, Vice President, Seva Bharathi and other corporate dignitaries and Seva Bharathi Leadership.

The event served as a powerful platform to raise awareness about the socio-economic upliftment required for girls living in urban slums.

Mithali Raj lauded the initiative, stating: “Seeing thousands of Hyderabadis run today for this cause is truly inspiring. Seva Bharathi’s work in the slums is crucial; empowerment isn’t just about financial aid, it’s about giving these girls the confidence and the platform to lead. This run is a massive step toward an equitable future where every girl can be a champion.”

Smt. Hari Chandana, District Collector, Hyderabad, added: “This 10th edition marks a significant milestone in our city’s journey toward women empowerment. This event is not just a fundraiser but a vital awareness movement. By focusing on the empowerment of the girl child in our most vulnerable communities, we are building a stronger, more inclusive nation.”

According to, Mr. P. Chandra Shekhara Reddy, Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils said: ” Our decade-long association with Seva Bharathi Telangana reflects our firm belief that investing in the education and holistic development of a girl child is one of the most meaningful contributions to nation building. At GEF India, we see ‘Run for a Girl Child’ as a sustained commitment toward inclusive growth. A girl’s education has the power to transform families and the nation. Every step taken today helps provide a girl with the education and confidence she deserves”. 

“Over the last ten years, the ‘Run for a Girl Child’ has positively impacted the lives of more than 35,000 girls. Every registration today directly contributes to continuing this legacy by enabling access to the tools these girls need to build independent and successful future,” said Jayaprada Devi – Jt. Secretary, Seva Bharathi Telangana.

“This initiative aligns closely with our philosophy of promoting healthy living alongside social responsibility. By connecting fitness with empowerment, we have created a platform where every participant becomes part of a larger mission” added Mr. Chetan Pimpalkhute, General Manager – Marketing, Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils.

BOSTON – Mar 1: Vodia Networks, Inc., a provider of unified cloud communications solutions to enterprises, contact centers, and service providers, today announced the new Vodia Partner Portal and Partner Program. Vodia partners now have the exact tools they need to provide their customers with Vodia’s industry-standard phone system, in the cloud or on-prem, faster, more efficiently, and more profitably. 

The new Vodia Partner Portal and the Partner program help Vodia partners be truly competitive. Vodia partners need to get licenses quickly, access attractive pricing, reduce the burden on sales teams, and focus on CX and higher margins, and the portal and the program have been designed to address these day-to-day needs. Vodia partners can now purchase, manage, and track PBX licenses with just a few clicks. 

Partner certification is the first milestone in the Vodia Partner Program. Once certified, partners can move through different levels to gain more benefits. Partner levels and points structure apply to licenses purchased directly through the portal. 

The new Vodia Partner Portal and Partner Program

·        The partner program is structured around a transparent points system. Completion of the Vodia Partner Certification provides the points required to reach Silver level, after which partners accumulate points and progress to higher membership tiers.
Pre-qualified sales leads are accessible within the portal. Vodia partners receive contact information for potential customers who have already expressed interest in a VoIP solution.
Vodia partners have access to professionally crafted marketing collateral, sales presentations, and argumentation frameworks for immediate deployment in local markets. 

·        Partners can now access Vodia Professional Services, implementation support, and other technical assistance via the Portal. 

These capabilities are available now, with others to be introduced as the portal and program evolve:

·        Purchase experience: direct access to Vodia Professional Services, including training, implementation support, integration support, AI integration, call-flow optimization, and add-ons.

·         Knowledge transfer: certifications and regular webinars to help partners build their expertise and enhance their competitive advantage.

·         Ordering efficiency: integration of the portal with partner ordering systems.

·         Faster PBX customization: call-flow and industry-specific templates to accelerate deployments and tailor the Vodia PBX to customer needs. 

To celebrate the launch of the Vodia Partner Portal, every registered partner will receive an exclusive welcome package upon first login. To thank current Vodia partners for their loyalty, Vodia will give each partner complimentary premium support for the first 90 days after login, plus a starter kit with demo licenses and ready-to-use sales materials.

 India’s defence engagement with Russia will continue unaffected by the US trade deal, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said, underlining that New Delhi will maintain a diversified procurement strategy while accelerating indigenisation.

“The US trade deal doesn’t impede our defence engagement with Russia,” Singh said at News18 Rising Bharat 2026

He added that India will continue sourcing military equipment based on operational requirements. “We continue to procure from Russians and will continue to do so from the French, Americans — what is required,” he said.

Singh’s remarks signal continuity in India’s multi-aligned defence procurement approach, even as strategic and trade ties with Washington deepen.

At the same time, he stressed that boosting domestic manufacturing remains a priority

We would want to double down on indigenisation,” Singh said, reiterating the government’s focus on strengthening local defence production capacity.

India has in recent years sought to reduce import dependence through domestic manufacturing initiatives, while maintaining defence partnerships with a range of countries, including Russia, France and the United States.

Felicitated as the ‘Icon of the Month’

Chennai, Feb 28: The inaugural edition of Super Chennai’s Arattai featured legendary Carnatic vocalist Padma Shri Aruna Sairam, one of India’s most revered classical musicians and a global ambassador of Chennai’s rich musical heritage. In a heart-warming and candid session, she shared anecdotes from her musical journey, reflections on Chennai’s cultural evolution, and personal insights into the discipline and devotion that define classical music.

Building on its vision of celebrating the spirit, stories and changemakers of the city, Super Chennai has introduced ‘Super Chennai Arattai’. Designed as an engaging, up-close interaction platform, Super Chennai Arattai will feature iconic personalities from diverse fields – arts, sports, business, cinema, literature and public life – offering audiences an opportunity to listen, interact and connect in an informal yet inspiring setting. Fans can register online to receive exclusive invites to attend the sessions, making the experience personal and community-driven.

During the event, Padma Shri Aruna Sairam was also honoured with the title ‘Icon of the Month’, recognising her extraordinary contribution to music and her enduring impact on Chennai’s cultural identity. The felicitation was presented by Mr. C. K. Kumaravel- Co- Founder & CMD, Naturals Salon & Spa, who lauded her role in taking Chennai’s musical legacy to the global stage.

Responding to the honour, Padma Shri Aruna Sairam said: “There is a real thirst in this city for something beyond the mundane – for music, for culture, for meaningful artistic experiences. That is what makes Chennai so extraordinary. I have had people stop me in traffic and tell me, ‘Please don’t leave the city,’ and that kind of love is something you can never take for granted. Chennai is my home – there is simply no comparison to Chennai. Its warmth, its passion for the arts, and its deep cultural roots are what truly make it ‘Super Chennai.”

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director, Super Chennai, said: “Super Chennai was envisioned as a citizen-led movement to spotlight the positive narratives of our city. With ‘Super Chennai Arattai’, we are creating a meaningful platform where icons of Chennai can connect directly with the people who celebrate and support them. Padma Shri Aruna Sairam is not just a musical legend but a cultural force who represents the soul of this city. It is an honour to have her as the inaugural guest at Super Chennai Arattai and recognise her as our ‘Icon of the Month’.”

Presenting the award, Mr. C. K. Kumaravel- Co- Founder & CMD, Naturals Salon & Spa added: “Some cities create professionals; Chennai creates culture. Padma Shri Aruna Sairam embodies that culture in human form. When art, culture and entrepreneurship come together, we don’t just build institutions – we build a more beautiful world.” 

‘Super Chennai Arattai’ will be hosted periodically, each edition spotlighting a distinguished personality whose work has shaped the city’s cultural and social fabric. With limited seats and curated interactions, the series aims to foster deeper conversations and meaningful community engagement.

Registrations for upcoming editions will be announced on Super Chennai’s official platforms. 

Ajmer, Feb 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹16,000 crore in Ajmer, marking a major push for infrastructure and economic growth in Rajasthan.

Reacting to the announcement, prominent textile industrialist Riju Jhunjhunwala described the initiative as a historic step in the state’s development trajectory. He said the projects would significantly accelerate progress toward the vision of a “Developed Rajasthan.”

Jhunjhunwala said that key infrastructure initiatives such as the Bandikui–Jaipur Greenfield Expressway and the Amritsar–Jamnagar Corridor will strengthen road connectivity and improve freight movement across the region. He added that these projects will enhance logistics efficiency, reduce transportation time, and create fresh opportunities for trade and industry.

Highlighting the social impact of the announcements, he said the Nonera and Parvan Akawad drinking water projects will improve water security in several parts of the state. He also termed the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign an important public health measure that will support the well-being and empowerment of young girls.

Under the Rozgar Mela initiative, the distribution of appointment letters to more than 21,000 youth marks a commendable effort to integrate young talent into the nation-building process. Additionally, the expansion of the renewable energy grid is set to unlock new avenues for investment, industrial growth, and employment generation in Rajasthan. He emphasized that this comprehensive approach reflects the Prime Minister’s commitment to balanced and holistic development of the state.

He further pointed out that the expansion of the renewable energy grid will attract investment, promote industrial growth, and generate employment across Rajasthan. According to him, the combined impact of these initiatives demonstrates a clear and structured approach to balanced regional development.

Jhunjhunwala also expressed appreciation to Rajasthan Chief Secretary V. Srinivasan, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar Sharma, and other senior ministers and officials for their cooperation in advancing projects in the state’s interest.

Concluding his remarks, he thanked the people of Ajmer for their continued support and reiterated his commitment to contributing to the broader goal of “Developed India – Developed Rajasthan.”

Noida: Institute of Management Studies (IMS) Noida, Sector-62, organized a vibrant celebration of Flower Holi on its campus. During the cultural festivity, students celebrated Holi in a traditional manner with flowers, accompanied by folk dances and folk music. The event reflected the colorful and diverse spirit of Indian culture.

President Mr. Rajeev Kumar Gupta extended his warm wishes to faculty members and students for a happy and prosperous life. He stated that Holi is a festival of joy, enthusiasm, and positive energy. It also offers an opportunity to understand and imbibe the selfless love of Lord Krishna and Radha. He emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of the institution to prioritize character building among students and actively contribute to nation-building by instilling strong values and ethics.

Vice President Mr. Chirag Gupta conveyed his heartfelt greetings on the occasion and remarked that Holi symbolizes love, harmony, and social unity. Celebrating Holi with flowers not only preserves cultural heritage but also reflects responsibility toward nature and environmental consciousness.

Cultural Club Head Ms. Meetu Chaudhary informed that the program began with colorful cultural performances in which students presented mesmerizing dance and music performances on traditional Holi songs. The highlights included depictions of Sangla Ki Holi, Haryana Ki Holi, and Barsana Ki Holi, along with group dances, traditional Holi songs, Sufi singing, solo musical performances, poetry recitation, and folk music. The presentation of Barsana Ki Holi beautifully portrayed the divine love of Radha and Krishna and the traditions of Braj. 

Hyderabad, Feb 28: Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in snacking, pet care and food & nutrition, announced a USD $726,000 global grant through the Mars Impact Fund, its enterprise-wide philanthropic entity designed to accelerate meaningful and lasting impact in the communities where it operates. As part of this global commitment, India will be a key focus market for implementation, with Humane World for Animals leading a comprehensive, science-based approach to street dog population management, expanded access to veterinary care, and long-term municipal and professional capacity strengthening across high-need regions.

The programme prioritises science-led dog population management, institutional strengthening, and sustainable workforce development in high-need regions.

The programme integrates sterilisation and rabies vaccination efforts with mobile veterinary clinics, hands-on training for professionals, and meaningful partnerships with communities. Through these efforts, the project aims to deliver large-scale preventive care, public health interventions, and sustained community action helping animals across targeted geographies.

“Delivering impact starts with listening to communities and partnering with organisations that understand local needs,” said Michelle Grogg, Executive Director, Mars Impact Fund. “Our partnership with Humane World for Animals reflects this approach by helping expand access to veterinary care and training in communities where it is needed most.”

India is home to one of the world’s largest free-roaming dog populations. While the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, provide a clear legal and scientific framework for humane management, implementation across municipalities remains uneven due to funding constraints, limited veterinary infrastructure, and inconsistent operational capacity. Rapid urbanisation has intensified human–animal conflict in several cities, reinforcing the need for sustained, structured, and science-led solutions. Mars’ State of Pet Homelessness Report highlights that millions of dogs globally lack secure homes and underscores that sustained sterilisation coverage, often benchmarked at 70 per cent or higher, is essential to stabilise and humanely reduce street dog populations over time. In many Indian cities, achieving this threshold stays a structural challenge. This initiative seeks to close that gap through coordinated, systems-based intervention rather than episodic response.

In India, the partnership will work in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to deliver high-quality spay-neuter services and professional training for veterinary professionals, while fostering strong partnerships with communities and local governments. Humane World for Animals will facilitate the launch of the country’s first dedicated National Animal Birth Control Training Center in Lucknow and a Mobile Training and Capacity-Building Program for animal welfare NGOs across the country.

In Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, Humane World for Animals will launch a pet welfare initiative to improve access to vaccinations and encourage formal registration of owned dogs. This program will deliver a large-scale, city-supported pet welfare and rabies vaccination campaign, complemented by a targeted communications effort designed to raise awareness, increase registration, and promote long-term owner commitment.

Manish Syag, Managing Director, Mars Pet Nutrition India, said, “India is at a defining moment in how it manages human–animal coexistence. According to Mars’ State of Pet Homelessness Report 2023, nearly 69 million dogs and cats in India are without secure homes. These figures reinforce that free-roaming dog populations cannot be addressed through fragmented or short-term measures. Through this initiative, we aim to advance sterilisation coverage, vaccination access, and professional capacity building in alignment with the widely recognised 70 per cent sterilisation benchmark necessary for long-term population stability. This initiative is more than a grant; it represents a long-term blueprint for building safer, healthier, and more resilient cities for both people and animals.”

“What better partners than Mars to work together to address one of the biggest challenges surrounding street dogs – human – dog conflict. We are delighted to be partnering with them! By promoting science-led Animal Birth Control programs and strengthening human-dog interactions through community engagement, we are working towards long-term solutions. Through high-volume sterilisation, vaccination, and community engagement initiatives in states like Uttarakhand and cities like Lucknow, we are demonstrating how these programs effectively reduce conflict, dog bite incidents and rabies risks,” said Alokparna Sengupta, Managing Director, Humane World for Animals India. “Our expansion of mobile animal clinics in underserved regions is further supporting community-driven solutions that make our neighbourhoods safer and healthier and addresses street animal welfare.”

As a family-owned, principle-driven company, Mars has long believed that business should be a force for good. Building on this legacy, the Mars Impact Fund is designed to complement existing sustainability efforts and foundation activities with strategic, long-term investments. The Mars Impact Fund will contribute $85 million between 2025 and 2027. From 2028 onward, the company expects to distribute $50 million annually in philanthropic capital.