The escalating conflict in West Asia has led to numerous merchant ships being stranded upstream of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas supplies. The U.S. has pledged to deploy its Navy to escort ships and fund war risk insurance. War risk insurance premiums for transit through the Strait have surged by 10 to 15 times, reaching 1-3% of the vessel's cost, due to increased risks including attacks on vessels like Sonangal Namibe and Skylight. Governments like Denmark have started providing such cover for their ships. The crisis has resulted in a 95% decrease in ship transits through the Strait, impacting global trade and energy security.
- The West Asia conflict has stranded merchant ships near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane.
- War risk insurance premiums for transit through the Strait of Hormuz have increased dramatically, up to 15 times normal rates.
- Attacks on vessels, including crude oil carriers like Sonangal Namibe and sanctioned ships like Skylight, highlight the heightened risks.
Marilyne Andersen, Director General of GESDA, emphasized the need for scientists and diplomats to engage in discussions about quantum computing's evolution. Given its nascent stage, forming governance frameworks, partnerships, and collaborations now is crucial before the technology fully matures. Quantum computing, with its non-binary architecture, promises exponential calculation acceleration but also poses significant cybersecurity threats. Traditional reactive governance models are inadequate for the rapid pace of technological change. Scientists, with their deeper insight into development stages, have a special voice in anticipating the impacts and guiding the ethical deployment of such advanced technologies.
- Experts advocate for scientists and diplomats to collaborate on governance frameworks for quantum computing.
- Quantum computing's non-binary architecture offers exponential calculation but threatens existing cybersecurity measures.
- The rapid pace of technological change renders traditional reactive governance cycles inadequate.
The U.S. Treasury Department issued an order permitting India to import Russian oil for 30 days, aiming to mitigate price and supply shocks caused by global constraints, including Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest Russian oil may no longer be available at a discount due to competition from China. India's current fuel reserves stand at 50 days. The move comes as Brent crude prices have surged and India's Russian oil imports had previously fallen to a 44-month low in January 2026. The U.S. views India as an essential partner and anticipates increased purchases of U.S. oil.
- The U.S. Treasury Department granted India a 30-day reprieve to import Russian oil to alleviate global energy pressure.
- Global oil supplies are constrained due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to increased Brent crude prices.
- India's current fuel reserve is 50 days, split equally between crude oil and petrol/diesel.
The article critically examines the legality of recent U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran, particularly focusing on a missile strike that reportedly hit a girls' primary school in Minab. Under the UN Charter, the use of force is generally prohibited, with self-defense (Article 51) allowed only against an actual armed attack, not a "pre-emptive" or "anticipatory" strike as claimed. The strike on the school raises concerns about violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), specifically the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution. IHL protects civilians and civilian objects like schools, and any incidental harm must be proportionate to military advantage, with all feasible precautions taken.
- U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran are legally questionable under the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force except in self-defense against an actual armed attack.
- The claim of "pre-emptive" or "anticipatory" self-defense is not widely recognized in international law for justifying military action without an ongoing armed attack.
- The reported missile strike on a girls' primary school in Minab raises serious concerns about violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
The article highlights the urgency of protecting women's rights amidst escalating global conflicts and instability, coinciding with International Women's Day 2026. Despite the UN's theme "Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls," the reality shows women and children are disproportionately vulnerable in war zones, facing gender-based violence, food insecurity, and disrupted access to health and education. The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security aimed to protect women and include them in peacebuilding, but implementation remains weak. The world is experiencing record high conflicts, with women largely excluded from peace negotiations, underscoring the collective responsibility to ensure their rights and participation.
- International Women's Day 2026 theme is "Rights, Justice, Action: For All Women and Girls," emphasizing the need for concrete action.
- Women and children are disproportionately affected by global conflicts, facing increased violence, displacement, and lack of essential services.
- UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) aims to protect women in conflicts and ensure their participation in peace processes, but implementation is lagging.
Nepal is holding a landmark general election, called two years early due to youth-led protests against corruption and misgovernance. Voters will elect 275 members to the House of Representatives through a mixed electoral system (First-Past-The-Post and Proportional Representation). Analysts anticipate a hung parliament, continuing a cycle of coalition governments. Key political forces include the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Maoist Centre, and new entrants like the Rastriya Swatantra Party, which is gaining traction among youth and those fatigued by traditional politics. The election's outcome is crucial for addressing systemic issues and implementing reforms.
- Nepal's general election was called ahead of schedule following youth-led protests demanding accountability and economic reform.
- The election employs a mixed electoral system, combining First-Past-The-Post and Proportional Representation for electing 275 members to the House of Representatives.
- A hung parliament is widely anticipated, likely leading to continued coalition-building among political parties.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) announced they have total control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy waterway, amidst the fifth day of the West Asia war. This claim follows new Israeli air strikes on the Iranian capital and missile/drone barrages across the region. Energy prices have surged, and major shipping firms have suspended transit through the strait, with reports of ships being attacked. The Omani navy rescued crew members from a Malta-flagged container ship struck by missiles while transiting the Strait, underscoring the heightened risks in the region.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim full control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy transit.
- The announcement comes amidst escalating hostilities in West Asia, including Israeli strikes on Iran and regional missile attacks.
- The conflict has led to a surge in energy prices and disruptions in global shipping, with major firms suspending transit through the Strait.
The escalating conflict in West Asia is severely impacting India's oil and gas imports, with around 200 international crude oil and product tankers, including Indian-flagged vessels, stranded in the Persian Gulf due to a stoppage of ship movement across the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar has halted LNG production, disrupting supplies to India, which relies on long-term contracts for 40% of its annual natural gas needs. This situation threatens to erode CNG's price advantage and could lead to a shift towards EVs, despite India having a 'reasonably comfortable position' with crude oil reserves.
- The ongoing West Asia conflict is causing significant disruptions to India's oil and gas imports, leading to numerous tankers being stranded.
- The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transit point, has experienced a total stoppage of ship movement, affecting supply chains.
- Qatar's halt in LNG production directly impacts India, which depends heavily on Qatari long-term contracts for its natural gas needs.
The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England, has returned a 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Thirumangai Alvar to the Government of India. The handover, following detailed provenance research and liaison with Indian authorities, took place at the High Commission of India in London. The statue belongs to the Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. The museum acquired the statue in 1967, which was later identified as having been replaced by a modern replica in the temple in 2020. This act is seen as restoring cultural continuity.
- The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford has repatriated a 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Thirumangai Alvar to India.
- The statue originally belongs to the Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
- The return follows extensive provenance research, which linked the museum's acquisition to a 1957 photograph of the original statue in the temple.
Climate change's severe impacts are pushing for a renegotiation of fundamental international law principles, including permanent sovereignty over natural resources (PSNR), statehood, and maritime zones. The urgency to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C demands phasing out fossil fuels, requiring developed nations to provide finance and technology to developing countries. Sea-level rise threatens the statehood of small island nations and unsettles maritime baselines, necessitating new legal frameworks for climate refugees and a reinterpretation of UNCLOS rules. States must prioritize these renegotiations to address climate-induced risks effectively.
- Climate change is compelling a re-evaluation of core international law principles like permanent sovereignty over natural resources and the criteria for statehood.
- The global imperative to restrict temperature rise necessitates a phase-out of fossil fuels, with developed countries expected to support developing nations with finance and technology.
- Sea-level rise poses an existential threat to small island states' statehood and complicates the definition of maritime zones, requiring new legal interpretations.
Nuclear facilities worldwide face unprecedented threats, exemplified by Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant and targeted strikes on Iranian sites by the U.S. and Israel. Such attacks, including those on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, risk releasing long-lived isotopes like caesium-137, causing acute radiation sickness and contaminating land for decades. The article highlights that military force fails to achieve strategic resolution and can accelerate clandestine nuclear activities, emphasizing diplomacy and verification frameworks as the safest path to stability. Military action risks refugee exodus, asymmetric retaliation, and nuclear disaster.
- Nuclear facilities globally are under unprecedented threat, with examples including Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant and Iranian sites.
- Targeted strikes on nuclear facilities, such as those enriching uranium, risk catastrophic environmental and humanitarian consequences, including widespread radioactive contamination.
- Military actions against nuclear sites are counterproductive, potentially leading to accelerated clandestine operations and undermining diplomatic efforts.
A U.S. submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka, bringing the West Asian conflict closer to the Indian subcontinent. The attack resulted in 83 deaths, with 32 sailors rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike, calling it the "first sinking of an enemy ship" by torpedo since WWII. The Iranian frigate was returning from the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam. Sri Lanka expressed deep concern over the escalating hostilities, urging restraint from all parties involved.
- A U.S. submarine attacked and sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka, marking a significant escalation in the West Asian conflict.
- The incident resulted in 83 fatalities, with the Sri Lankan Navy conducting rescue operations for 32 sailors.
- The U.S. Defense Secretary confirmed the attack, stating it was the first torpedo sinking of an enemy ship since World War II.
U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," have escalated into a regional war, with Iran retaliating by targeting U.S. bases and threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz. This has caused a massive ripple effect on global energy security, leading to a surge in oil prices (Brent crude to $78.31/barrel, up 12% in a week) and suspension of LNG production in Qatar. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for 20% of global oil exports and 31% of seaborne crude flows, if closed, would severely impact major importers like China and India. China, heavily reliant on West Asian oil and Iran's cheap crude, faces significant energy security pressure, while India claims sufficient crude oil stocks for 25 days.
- The U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran have triggered a regional war, with Iran retaliating against U.S. bases and threatening the Strait of Hormuz.
- The conflict has severely impacted global energy security, causing Brent crude oil prices to surge by 12% in a week.
- The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for 20% of global oil exports, poses a major threat to global fuel trade.
Iran has escalated attacks on economic targets and U.S. missions across West Asia, with drones and missiles hitting oil facilities and U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and UAE. This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran it was "too late" for talks, following wide damages inflicted by U.S.-Israel strikes. The conflict, now in its fourth day, has seen Israel bombard targets in Iran and push deeper into Lebanon against Hezbollah. Loud explosions were heard in Iraq, Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, with UAE authorities attributing some to air defense interceptions. Iran has widened targets to include infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, leading to suspended LNG production and soaring European energy prices.
- Iran has intensified attacks on economic infrastructure and U.S. diplomatic missions across West Asia, including oil facilities and embassies.
- The escalation follows significant U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, with President Trump declaring it "too late" for diplomatic resolution.
- Israel has simultaneously increased its military operations in Iran and Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah.
India's Defence Acquisition Council cleared the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, valued at ₹3.25 lakh crore. While France committed to 'technology transfer', reports suggest restrictions on sharing critical source codes for electronic warfare and radar systems, limiting India's autonomy in customising and integrating indigenous weapons. This raises concerns about India's 'Make in India' goal and its pursuit of strategic autonomy, which is measured by domestic value-add, control over mission software, and freedom for upgrades. The article emphasizes that true geoeconomic asset is proprietary design architecture and software-defined warfare means source codes determine autonomy, highlighting the importance of owning the code for India's ascent in the defence hierarchy.
- India's Defence Acquisition Council approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation.
- Concerns exist regarding the extent of technology transfer, specifically the sharing of critical source codes, which could limit India's strategic autonomy.
- True strategic autonomy in defence is measured by domestic value-add, control over mission software, and freedom to integrate indigenous weapons.
The Defence Ministry has signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to significantly boost India's maritime security capabilities. This includes the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH Mk-III) for the Indian Coast Guard from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) for ₹2,901 crore, promoting indigenous manufacturing. Additionally, Shtil surface-to-air vertical launch missiles will be procured for the Indian Navy from Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport for ₹2,182 crore. These acquisitions, aligned with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, aim to enhance air defence capabilities, protect artificial islands and offshore installations, and generate employment, while reinforcing India's strategic defence partnership with Russia.
- India's Defence Ministry has signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to enhance maritime security.
- The deal includes six ALH Mk-III helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard from HAL, promoting indigenous manufacturing.
- Shtil surface-to-air missiles will be acquired from Russia for the Indian Navy to bolster air defence capabilities.
The escalating U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran and Iran's retaliatory actions, including targeting U.S. bases and closing the Strait of Hormuz, have severely impacted global energy security. The closure of the Strait, a critical chokepoint for 31% of seaborne crude flows, caused Brent crude oil prices to soar by 12% to $78.31. This escalation has disrupted oil and LNG production in the Gulf, posing a significant threat to major importers like China and India. China, heavily reliant on West Asian oil and facing disruptions from other discounted sources, is particularly vulnerable despite having strategic reserves. India also faces potential detrimental effects if the closure persists.
- Escalating U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran and Iranian retaliation have led to a major regional conflict.
- Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint, has caused global oil prices to surge.
- The conflict threatens global energy security, particularly for major crude oil importers like China and India.
Iran has intensified attacks on economic targets and U.S. missions across West Asia, with U.S. President Trump warning against talks. Drones and missiles struck oil facilities and U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and UAE. Concurrently, Israel has bombarded targets in Iran and expanded operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The conflict has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, causing oil prices to surge and impacting global energy security, particularly for major importers like China and India. The U.S. State Department has ordered evacuations from several Gulf nations.
- Iran has escalated attacks on economic infrastructure and U.S. missions in West Asia, leading to a regional conflict.
- Israel has simultaneously conducted bombardments in Iran and expanded operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
- The conflict has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, causing oil price surges.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have engaged in intense military clashes along the Durand Line, marking a significant breakdown in their bilateral relationship. Pakistan has conducted air and missile strikes inside Afghanistan, targeting Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) members, while the Taliban has retaliated against Pakistani military posts. The conflict stems from Pakistan's accusation that the Taliban provides a safe haven for the TTP, which has increased attacks within Pakistan. This 'open war' reflects a deep-seated mistrust between the Pakistani establishment and the Taliban leadership, despite their historical ties and shared religious ideology.
- The Durand Line is the 2,640-kilometer border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which the Taliban does not formally recognize.
- Pakistan's military action follows a surge in militant activity by the TTP (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan) targeting Pakistani security forces.
- The conflict has displaced thousands and disrupted trade, particularly at the Karachi port which Afghanistan relies on for imports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney signed a landmark $1.9 billion, 10-year uranium supply deal for Indian nuclear power reactors. This agreement marks a significant step in resetting bilateral ties that were strained following the killing of activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Beyond energy, the two nations agreed to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) within the year and established a Strategic Energy Partnership covering renewable energy and critical technologies. Canada also announced its decision to join the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuel Alliance as a member.
- The 10-year uranium deal is valued at $1.9 billion and aims to fuel India's growing nuclear energy sector.
- Both nations have committed to finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2025 to double bilateral trade.
- Canada has officially joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Global Biofuel Alliance, supporting India's green energy initiatives.
Tensions in West Asia have escalated significantly as Iran and its allied groups launched missile strikes against Israel, Arab states, and U.S. military targets. The conflict has expanded to several fronts, resulting in casualties and the downing of multiple aircraft, including American F-15E Strike Eagles. In response, oil prices have surged by over 8%, hovering around $80 a barrel. The situation is further complicated by reports of Iran potentially shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global energy supplies. India is monitoring the situation closely, placing warships on standby for humanitarian operations under Operation Sankalp.
- Iran's strikes targeted U.S. assets, Israel, and Gulf Arab states in response to previous attacks on its territory and nuclear facilities.
- Global oil prices spiked significantly due to fears of supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles one-fifth of global oil.
- The conflict has led to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his wife following strikes in Tehran.
The prospects of an interim trade agreement between India and the U.S. have become uncertain after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977. The court ruled that the President requires congressional approval for such levies. This decision complicates the removal of 'reciprocal tariffs' that were part of the proposed deal. While Indian officials were prepared to finalize the agreement in Washington, the visit has been postponed to evaluate the legal implications. The U.S. administration maintains that it expects partners to stand by signed deals despite the judicial setback.
- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the President cannot unilaterally levy certain tariffs without congressional approval, affecting the 'reciprocal tariffs' strategy.
- The proposed interim deal aimed to reduce reciprocal tariffs on various goods, including aluminium and steel, which currently face a 50% tariff.
- India has postponed the visit of its chief negotiator to Washington to assess the impact of the court's ruling on the legality of the proposed agreement.
The United States and Israel have launched a significant military offensive against Iran, targeting leadership offices and military installations in Tehran. This marks a major escalation in the long-standing conflict, with Iran retaliating via drone and missile attacks on Israeli and U.S. bases in West Asia. The strikes occurred during Ramzan, signaling a shift in U.S. policy under the Trump administration. The conflict has disrupted regional aviation and led to the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. International reactions are mixed, with concerns over a full-scale regional war and the humanitarian impact on civilians, including reports of casualties at a girls' school.
- The strikes targeted members of Iran's leadership and military infrastructure in Tehran and other regions as part of a major combat operation.
- Iran responded by launching drones and missiles at U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.
- The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime chokepoint for oil, was reportedly shut down by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
Amidst global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, Prabhash Ranjan argues that international law remains a vital normative framework. While Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force, is frequently breached, states still feel compelled to justify their actions within legal frameworks. Beyond high-profile conflicts, international law 'works silently' to facilitate global trade, civil aviation, and climate action. Recent milestones like the High Seas Treaty and the Pandemic Agreement, along with the continued functioning of international courts, demonstrate that the judicialization of international relations is flourishing rather than dying.
- Article 2(4) of the UN Charter remains the primary normative framework for prohibiting the threat or use of force.
- International law provides a necessary framework for powerless states to demand accountability from global powers.
- The 'silent' operation of international law governs critical areas like maritime resources, outer space, and human rights.