Asia News & Trends

In an effort to alleviate strain on the energy supply since the beginning of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, the Trump administration on Friday, March 20, 2026, approved a 30-day waiver of sanctions for the purchase of Iranian oil at sea, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.In around two weeks, the United States has temporarily waived sanctions three times. According to the license posted on the Treasury Department's website, the U.S. has earlier loosened sanctions on Russian oil and on Friday, March 20, 2026, issued a general license for the sale of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products loaded on boats as of March 20 to April 19."The United States will swiftly bring about 140 million barrels of oil to global markets by temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world, expanding the amount of worldwide energy and helping to relieve the temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran," Mr. Bessent stated in a statement on X."As we continue Operation Epic Fury, we will essentially be using the Iranian barrels against Tehran to keep the price down," Mr. Bessent stated. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the waiver will assist ease strain on the energy supply and bring around 140 million barrels of oil to international markets. The action underscores the White House's worry that rising oil prices, which have risen by around 50% to over $100 per barrel, the highest since 2022, will negatively impact US consumers and businesses in the run-up to the November midterm elections, when Republicans aim to keep control of Congress. But Bessent's prior proposal for a waiver sparked worries that it might help Iran's military program.  

A conflict researcher with the Dutch fact-checking organization Bellingcat told X on Sunday night that a Tomahawk missile was responsible for the February 28 attack on a military installation in Minab, Iran, which resulted in the destruction of a school and the deaths of over 165 people, primarily children. Trevor Ball posted what he claimed to be previously unseen footage of the missile hitting a building in the compound associated with the elite Revolutionary Guard Corps from Iran's Mehr News in a thorough thread. He claimed that the footage demonstrated "for the first time, that the United States (had) struck the area."Bell also included a map showing the missile's wider impact area and satellite images of the IRGC property in his thread. Images reveal that only two buildings, including a clinic, were damaged inside this red cone. The other building looks to be a bunker coated with dirt.Washington and Tel Aviv launched hundreds of missiles at Iranian regime installations and facilities in Tehran and other major cities on February 28, the first day of the joint US-Israel war on Iran. Near the Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School, one of the strikes detonated.The United Nations and human rights monitors quickly denounced the hit, which had the largest recorded number of civilian deaths since the start of the conflict.Fact-Checker: "Iran School Hit By Tomahawk, Israel Not Known To Have It"Washington and Tel Aviv launched hundreds of missiles at Iranian regime installations and facilities in Tehran and other major cities on February 28, the first day of the joint US-Israel war on Iran. World News at NDTV News Desk    

For exclusive content and analysis on the actions of billionaires, businesses, and markets, follow Bloomberg India on WhatsApp. Register here. A source knowledgeable about the situation revealed that Indian officials plan to request US trade negotiators this week to facilitate access for thousands of skilled workers, following President Donald Trump’s sudden announcement regarding H-1B visa restrictions.According to the individual, who requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the negotiations, Indian negotiators headed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will bring up the matter of allowing skilled professionals like IT workers to move freely during their ongoing trade discussions in Washington. Until now, trade negotiations have focused on facilitating access for goods exclusively. However, due to Trump’s recent intensified immigration restrictions, New Delhi has been compelled to broaden the scope of these negotiations to encompass services sectors like IT. Services constitute over 50% of India’s gross domestic product, indicating a significant skew toward this sector in the economy.An email requesting comments went unanswered by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.Trump’s decision to impose a $100,000 charge on new H-1B applications for skilled workers will have a disproportionate impact on Indians, as they constitute two-thirds of the visa recipients. The action jeopardizes the country’s tech services sector, valued at $280 billion, endangering numerous jobs.  

Just moments before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the United States issued a pointed message reaffirming its commitment to its relationship with India. The U.S. Embassy described the India-U.S. partnership as one of the most significant of the 21st century, underscoring Washington’s ongoing effort to keep its ties with New Delhi close amid shifting global alignments. The timing of the message drew attention, coming as Modi held talks not only with Putin but also with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The rare interaction between the leaders of India, Russia, and China was widely viewed as a moment of diplomatic engagement in a complex geopolitical environment. During the meeting, Modi and Putin reaffirmed their long-standing cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Meanwhile, India continues to navigate international pressure over its oil trade with Russia. Washington recently raised tariffs on certain Indian exports in response to India’s growing energy imports from Moscow. Despite this, New Delhi has maintained its position, balancing its global partnerships while pursuing its national interests. The SCO summit has highlighted the fine line India walks between major global powers. While ties with Russia and China remain rooted in regional and historical contexts, the United States’ message served as a clear reminder that it values its strategic partnership with India—especially during moments when global alliances appear to be evolving.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cordial interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin stole the show at Monday's Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China.The internet responded with its usual sense of humor to the remarkable exhibition of friendliness between the three leaders during the summit, which took place in the northern Chinese town of Tianjin and featured hugs, huddles, and laughter.What happened to Kim Jong Un? One person inquired regarding the location of North Korea's supreme leader. Another reader commented, "In the train," in response to this post.In the midst of international tensions due to US tariffs, the three leaders' unity was particularly noteworthy. Days after US President Donald Trump placed 50% tariffs on Indian goods for New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi had bilateral discussions with Xi and Putin on the fringes of the SCO conference."100% tariff lagade who, is se zyada kya karega who," Modi allegedly told leaders at the SCO conference, including Xi and Putin, according to a phony audio overlay on the meeting's footage.For the first time in seven years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting China. Meetings with Putin and Xi are interpreted as Modi's attempt to improve ties with Russia and mend fences with China in the face of tense US relations.  

S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, criticized the US government for levying more duties on India because of the nation's decision to engage in commerce with Russia. He referred to the action as "unjustified and unreasonable," and he questioned why China, the "biggest importer" of Russian oil, did not receive comparable justifications.Jaishankar made the argument that the tariff issue was being misrepresented as a "oil dispute" during his speech at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025."There are (other) large buyers if oil is the point of contention. "There are bigger traders if the dispute is about who is trading more (with Russia)," he stated. He noted that trade between Russia and Europe is larger than that between India and Russia.The EAM further explained that although trade talks with Washington are still ongoing, New Delhi must defend certain positions. At the ET event, he stated, "We have some redlines in the negotiations, to be maintained and defended." Due to Washington's increased imports of Russian energy, Indian commodities are subject to additional US tariffs of up to 50%, which are among the highest. A 25% tax is already in place, and the remaining 25% will be applied starting on August 27.S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, stated on Saturday that US President Donald Trump conducts his foreign policy, particularly trade issues, in a very public manner. The Union minister said that until Trump's announcement, which increased tariffs on India to 50%, there had been no discussion about India purchasing Russian oil. The EAM emphasized during their speech at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025 that Trump often conducts his foreign policy in a more visible manner."The current US president has conducted foreign policy in a more public manner than any previous one. Jaishankar stated, "That in and of itself is a departure that is not limited to India." There has never been a US president that handles internal affairs as openly as Trump, the EAM continued. "President Trump's way of dealing with the world, even dealing with his own country, is a very major departure from the traditional orthodox manner of doing so," he stated. The minister went on to say that Trump's use of tariffs for both trade and non-trade issues is new. The EAM went on to say that the Trump administration frequently makes its initial announcement in public before addressing the relevant party.  

American tennis player Andre Agassi counsels young Indian businesspeople to use private-sector, scalable solutions to address societal issues. He discussed his experience establishing 130 schools using a sustainable infrastructure fund and emphasized the possibilities of technology in education. Agassi is also making a foray into the Indian sports scene by starting a pickleball league in Mumbai on December 13.Finding private sector solutions to difficult social issues is crucial and should be expanded, according to tennis legend Andre Agassi. He pointed out that there are a lot of opportunities to close these disparities.v    

Sanjay Malhotra, a former Revenue Secretary, has been named Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor. According to a statement from the administration, he will assume leadership on Wednesday and serve for three years. Mr. Malhotra is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Rajasthan cadre, having been drafted in the 1990 batch. He received a master's degree in public policy from Princeton University in the United States and a bachelor's degree in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur.In a career spanning over 33 years, Mr Malhotra has worked in several sectors including power, finance and taxation, information technology, mines etc.  

Manoj Jarange, an activist, stated on Monday that if the government does not declare Maratha reservation "within the legal framework" by Tuesday, he will go on to Mumbai to start an agitation.He stated that he has no interest in traveling to Mumbai for a "indefinite hunger strike," which he said would be a nonviolent protest, if the demand is met by Tuesday.Jarange has called for a protest to begin on August 29 in Mumbai's Azad Maidan, calling for the Maratha community to be given preference in government employment and education under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.He has been leading the push to recognize all Marathas as Kunbis, an agrarian caste that falls under the OBC category, so that they can be given preference in government employment and education.In order to demonstrate the Marathas' Kunbi identity, the activist has emphasized the community's need for the application of historical records, such as the Bombay, Satara, and Hyderabad gazettes."Give us reservation that fits in the legal framework," Jarange stated during a press conference held in the Jalna district's Antarwali Sarati hamlet, from which he intends to depart for the agitation on August 27. He claimed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is purposefully adopting a "stubborn stand". 29 castes were been added to the OBC category by the government. According to the activist, this is akin to inciting the Maratha community. "Today and tomorrow belong to the government. Give us our reservation; we don't want to travel to Mumbai," he remarked.Jarange has been demanding the quota under the OBC category, despite the state government's announcement last year of a 10% reservation for the Maratha community under a different category. "A quota ought to be granted to the Maratha group since they have records of Kunbis. We don't want the 10% reservation to be canceled at any time," he stated. He stated, "We will also stand with him if reservation is given," if the chief minister believes that the OBC community supports the BJP.  

Over the past 55 years, EROS and Hitachi have established an impressive legacy of innovation, reliability, and quality. Their collaboration started while EROS was just getting started, and it was the start of a journey that would influence household appliances and electronics in the UAE and worldwide.EROS was founded in the early 1960s with the intention of providing premium electronics to satisfy the expanding needs of the Middle East. Its first significant partner was the Japanese multinational corporation Hitachi, which opened the door to a fruitful and long-lasting partnership. The region's electronics sector was only getting started at the time, and Hitachi's inventive, dependable technology soon became well-known. The collaboration between EROS and Hitachi grew along with the region's need for contemporary electronics and home appliances. As a significant distributor, EROS brought Hitachi's appliances and home solutions to local customers.A common dedication to quality and innovation has been one of the pillars of the EROS-Hitachi collaboration. Customers of EROS have responded favorably to Hitachi's energy-efficient, long-lasting, and user-friendly products, which have continuously introduced new technology to the market.With its state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled dependability in household appliances, Hitachi continues to be a crucial brand in EROS' lineup. Customers around the region may readily access Hitachi's products thanks to EROS' extensive physical and online retail network. Hitachi sets the standard for home solutions that blend outstanding performance, contemporary design, and great value because to its constant innovation. Rajat Asthana, COO of EROS Group, states, "Our partnership with Hitachi is a testament to the power of collaboration, trust, and innovation." "We have been dedicated to providing our clients with quality, cutting-edge technology, and outstanding value for the past 55 years. Our shared commitment to the UAE's dynamic economy is reflected in the legacy we have created. We're excited to carry on with this journey and launch even more innovative products.  

It is anticipated that Samsung will release the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra sometime in early 2025. In the midst of online speculation over the flagship phones' features, a recent Korean rumor reveals Samsung's production schedule for the Galaxy S25 series. According to reports, the South Korean smartphone manufacturer plans to sell 37 million Galaxy S25 series phones in the upcoming year, which would be more than the number of Galaxy S24 series phones shipped this year. This shows how confident Samsung is in the demand for the next generation of phones.Samsung plans to sell about 37 million Galaxy S25 series phones next year, which is a little higher than the 35 million units of Galaxy S24 series phones that are anticipated, according to a report by The Elec. This implies that the business has high hopes for the next assortment of the Galaxy S series. According to the estimate, Samsung plans to produce 229.4 million handsets the following year. Compared to the October prediction of 237 million units, this is a 7–8 million unit decrease. According to reports, the company intends to manufacture over 7 million foldable phones in the upcoming year.Following Samsung's announcement that the Galaxy S24 series shipped more units than the Galaxy S23 range, the firm released the most recent update regarding its production schedule. The Galaxy S24 series phones with Galaxy AI features saw double-digit increases in shipments and revenue over their predecessors, according to the company's Q2 earnings report this year. The Galaxy S24 was among the ten best-selling phones in Q3 2024, according to market research firm Counterpoint Research.  

FibreCoat, a materials technology business based in Germany, has raised €20 million in Series B funding. NewSpace Capital, Goose Capital, Otto Krahn New Business, 212 NexT, Nova Saint-Gobain, Convergent Ventures, and TiE made the investment.Along with the investment, the business has partnered strategically with NewSpace Capital. With the financing, the company will be able to address the demand for materials that are resistant to heat, radiation, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), expand its presence in the rapidly expanding commercial space ecosystem, and spur innovation in the industry. FibreCoat was founded in 2020 in Germany by Robert Brüll, Richard Haas, and Alexander Lüking, who have a wealth of materials research and engineering experience. The creators of the company started working on their coated fiber technology at the Institute for Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen University in 2014. FibreCoat's creative approach to materials technology has been greatly influenced by their academic background.The necessity to reconsider the usage of fibers in materials science is where FibreCoat got its start. They combined the greatest qualities of each material by spinning traditional fibers with coatings of metal and plastic. Years of intense research and development, together with a goal to provide materials that were not only strong, conductive, and recyclable, but also lightweight, led to this achievement.  

The artificial intelligence (AI) startup Odyssey, which was established last year, unveiled information on its inaugural AI product on Monday. The company disclosed that, similar to OpenAI's Sora tool, which the company has not yet released, it is developing an AI video model that can produce Hollywood-caliber visual effects. According to Odyssey's co-founder, the AI model will enable users to modify and manage the output at a fine level. The company is collaborating with many large language models (LLMs) to produce distinct layers of the output video that can be independently controlled.The Operation of Odyssey's AI Visual Model Odyssey CEO and Co-Founder Oliver Cameron announced in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) that the AI startup had raised $9 million (approximately Rs. 75.1 crores) in funding during its seed round, which was headed by Google Ventures. Odyssey was also developing a tool that would provide users with the ability to customize and edit high-quality video. In addition, Cameron provided information regarding Odyssey's AI technology, stating that it was intended to produce "Hollywood-grade" footage. Additionally, the CEO revealed that the business was teaching customers how to take "full control of the core layers of visual storytelling" using four generative models.Cameron drew attention to the issue with current AI text-to-video models, namely the deficiency of controls or editing choices for the output. You can't really control your setting or the behavior of your characters, nor can you refine the finer points of your shot till it's perfect as a storyteller. We need more potent models," he continued. The business is employing several AI models to create a single layer of the composite video in order to fix the issue. Cameron says that each of the four models will produce geometry, materials, lighting, and motion on its own. The final video will be presented by combining these four layers, which will be generated concurrently based on a single text prompt. According to the company, consumers would be able to customize every layer.  

Users in EU nations won't be able to access Apple Intelligence anytime soon.Citing regulatory constraints, Apple recently stated that the release of its flagship AI offering in the EU has been postponed. In addition to Apple Intelligence, this year's rollout of new iOS features, including Phone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing upgrades, will not include customers in the EU.The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), a competition law that went into effect in 2022, is the cause of the rollout's delay. Apple stated that the criteria of the DMA, such as interoperability, "may force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security," despite the fact that the law was designed to counteract the dominance of large digital corporations.The producer of iPhones stated in a statement, "We are committed to working with the European Commission in an attempt to find a solution that would enable us to deliver these features to our EU customers without compromising their safety. "Citing regulatory constraints, Apple recently stated that the release of its flagship AI offering in the EU has been postponed. In addition to Apple Intelligence, this year's rollout of new iOS features, including Phone Mirroring and SharePlay Screen Sharing upgrades, will not include customers in the EU. The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), a competition law that went into effect in 2022, is the cause of the rollout's delay. Apple stated that the criteria of the DMA, such as interoperability, "may force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security," despite the fact that the law was designed to counteract the dominance of large digital corporations. We're determined to work with the European Commission in order to  

Review of the Apple iPad Air M2 2024: The brand-new iPad Air 13-inch boasts a potent M2 CPU, a large display, and adaptable accessories. Here's why I think it's an almost "Pro" quality device.I opted to purchase an iPad not quite a year into my first full-time position as a tech journalist. My father questioned why I preferred an iPad to a Mac. I was certain that the iPad Air from the first generation was what I needed. I can still picture myself entering a Croma store. I took it everywhere I went as my go-to writing tool and entertainment system for watching movies and playing video games. It is still functional and I own it. Since then, I've tried a variety of Apple and non-Apple accessories and reviewed nearly every iPad. I am an avid user of the iPad and have both strong opinions and criticisms about it.The iPad has undergone substantial change. Apple continues to refer to the new iPad Air 13-inch as the "Air," but in my opinion, it feels more like a "pro" tablet. If you believe this is the right iPad Air, its increased size, large expansive display, potent M2 chip, and compatibility with the new Apple Pencil Pro and Magic Keyboard are all indications that it's about to become a true personal computer. But in my opinion, the iPad Air 13-inch is the most developed model; it does all the functions I'm accustomed to from an iPad, without the bulk that the "iPad Pro" has.  

This method may guarantee 5G connectivity, but it may also shorten your phone's battery life.Nationwide deployments of 5G networks have been made by Airtel and Jio. 5G provides faster upload and download rates as well as reduced latency as compared to 4G. Activities like gaming and live streaming gain from this. In order to save battery life, the majority of smartphones intelligently switch between 4G and 5G. However, this can sometimes degrade network speed, particularly while doing data-intensive tasks.Your device can maintain a 5G connection with a straightforward trick, as long as coverage is available. Here's how to maintain your smartphone on 5G if you use Jio or Airtel 5G:You can force the option to use 5G on your phone by following the instructions listed later in this article, depending on your smartphone. But not every phone or provider lets you force 5G. If your alternatives are different from ours, bear that in mind. For instance, Samsung doesn't make this simple, as you can see below.If you have the option to force 5G, proceed with caution as doing so keeps your device from falling back to 4G even in situations when 5G isn't available. If you are unable to remain on a 5G network, you can still choose the 5G/4G or 4G-only option by following the same procedures. Despite significant advancements, 5G is still not as common as 4G and is still deficient in many places. At the same time, there may be times when a 5G network is so congested with devices (think concerts or athletic events) that switching to 4G will provide faster speeds. Either way, you might want to think about giving up on the network completely.Check out our guidelines below to locate the network settings on your phone; each Android manufacturer has a slightly different technique to control your 5G settings. Control your network mode and select a 5G and LTE option, depending on whether you want to use 4G, 5G, or a combination of the two. Your phone and provider will determine which choice is available. In relation to 4G, assess the strength of the signal on your Android device to identify any network or connectivity issues.It's easy to force Android to stick to one of the two networks, whether you want to force your phone to use 5G solely or to continue on the older LTE network. This is how phones from every big manufacturer should be set up.