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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a test of an upgraded solid-fuel engine designed for weapons capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, describing it as a major step forward in strengthening the country’s strategic military capabilities, state media reported Sunday. According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim observed a ground jet test of an engine built with composite carbon fiber material. The report said the engine produced a maximum thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons, up from around 1,970 kilonewtons recorded in a similar test in September. However, the agency did not specify the time or location of the test. Teen daughter Kim Ju Ae set to succeed Kim Jong Un in North Korea The development aligns with Pyongyang’s goal of building more mobile and less detectable missiles targeting the U.S. and its allies. Solid-fuel missiles are easier to transport and conceal compared to liquid-fuel systems, which require fueling before launch. KCNA said the test is part of a five-year weapons program aimed at upgrading “strategic strike means,” referring to nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. Kim called the test significant for elevating the country’s military strength. Some experts, including Lee Choon Geun, questioned the claim, noting missing technical details such as combustion time, suggesting possible exaggeration. Analysts say North Korea still faces challenges in developing reliable ICBMs, despite years of testing and claims of progress.

Disney has opened its much-anticipated “World of Frozen” attraction at Disneyland Paris, marking a major milestone in the company’s multi-billion-euro expansion and the first major international appearance of its new chief executive. The immersive themed land, inspired by the popular animated franchise, opened to visitors on Sunday as part of a €2 billion ($2.18 billion) redevelopment project at the resort. The expansion also includes renaming Walt Disney Studios Park to Disney Adventure World, as part of broader efforts to revamp the Paris complex. The inaugural programme several global celebrities were in attendance. The development is the largest in the 34-year history of Disneyland Paris and forms part of Disney’s almost $60 billion global investment across its parks, resorts and cruise businesses. New CEO Josh D’Amaro, who assumed office on March 18, took center stage at the event, highlighting the importance of storytelling across Disney’s operations. “Storytelling remains at the heart of everything we do,” he told the audience, describing the new attraction as a “transformational moment” for the company. The parks division — long a key revenue driver — accounted for more than half of Disney’s segment operating income last year, helping propel D’Amaro to the top leadership role. French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the resort ahead of the opening, described Disneyland Paris as Europe’s leading tourist destination and a major contributor to the national economy. He said the latest expansion would create around 1,000 new jobs, adding to the more than 20,000 people already employed at the resort. Once criticized at its launch in 1992 as “Euro Disney,” the park has since evolved into a major economic asset, attracting hundreds of millions of visitors over the decades. The new “Frozen” land recreates the fictional kingdom of Arendelle, featuring themed rides, character experiences and a Scandinavian-style village built around a central lagoon. Among the highlights is a boat ride experience with advanced animatronics, as well as interactive attractions and live entertainment shows. The revamped park will also feature new dining options, a large central lake, nighttime drone shows and additional themed areas, including a planned “Lion King” land currently under construction. Disney said more than 90 percent of the park’s attractions will be redesigned as part of the transformation, with the overall مساحة expected to nearly double upon completion. The opening underscores Disney’s continued focus on its parks business, which remains one of its most stable sources of revenue despite recent shifts in its streaming operations.  

Egypt has instructed shops, restaurants and cafés to close earlier than usual as part of temporary measures to tackle rising energy costs driven by the ongoing Iran war. Under the directive, retail outlets and dining establishments must shut by 9:00pm local time each day for a month starting Saturday officials said. The government described the move as “exceptional measures” aimed at easing pressure on energy consumption. Additional steps include dimming street lighting and billboard advertisements, as well as introducing one day of remote work per week in April for many employees. Egypt has been significantly affected by the Middle East conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The country’s dependence on imported fuel has made it particularly vulnerable to supply shocks. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Saturday that Egypt’s fuel import bill had surged to $2.5 billion in March, more than double the figure recorded in January. Hotels and tourist attractions will be exempt from the restrictions, as tourism accounts for roughly 10 percent of the country’s economy. However, some hotels have procured generators to cope with possible power outages and will keep their restaurants open for guests. Essential services, including hospitals, schools and factories, will also remain outside the scope of the work-from-home directive. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has largely stalled following Iranian threats targeting vessels, disrupting a route that typically carries around 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supply. In response to the crisis, Egypt has already increased fuel prices and public transport fares. The government is also slowing down large energy-intensive projects and cutting fuel allocations for state vehicles to manage public spending. Source BBC  

Oil prices are likely to climb further in the coming week, driven by rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and increasing indications that supply risks are expanding beyond major transit routes. Brent crude traded above $112 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate hovered near $100, reflecting a continued rebound from earlier declines. Prices have risen sharply from pre-conflict levels of around $70, underscoring the market’s increasing focus on potential supply disruptions, GulfNews reports. Escalation spreads across region The conflict entered its 29th day on Saturday with signs of widening regional spillover, adding to concerns about energy and infrastructure security. Iranian missile and drone strikes hit multiple targets, including the Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD). The escalation extended beyond the Gulf, with Iran-backed Houthi forces launching a missile toward Israel for the first time since the war began, while Israeli forces intensified strikes in Lebanon and Beirut. Additional incidents were reported at ports and infrastructure across the region, including disruptions in Oman, raising concerns over the security of key shipping and logistics hubs. The widening scope of attacks has reinforced market fears that the conflict is no longer contained and could begin to affect energy flows and industrial operations across the Gulf. Diplomacy fails to cap gains Markets initially reacted to comments from Donald Trump, who extended a deadline to April 6 for Iran to allow oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The move briefly eased prices as investors interpreted it as a potential window for de-escalation. However, that relief proved short-lived. Prices resumed their upward trend as trading moved across global markets, with continued hostilities and conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran reinforcing uncertainty. “The diplomatic dissonance this week between the U.S. and Iran dismayed investors,” said Doug Beath, global equity strategist at the Wells Fargo Investment Institute. “By the end of the week, risk appetite could not withstand the fog of war.” Markets focus on escalation Analysts said markets are increasingly discounting political statements unless backed by tangible progress, particularly as the conflict spreads to new locations. “Any further statements by Trump about a deal are white noise to the markets,” said Jim Bianco, president and macro strategist at Bianco Research. “Only if the IRANIANS say the talks are going well will it impact markets.” The lack of alignment between the two sides, combined with continued military escalation and attacks on infrastructure, has kept oil prices supported even after temporary pullbacks. Oil to stay above key levels Analysts pointed to the resilience of oil prices above key psychological levels as a sign of underlying strength. Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst at FOREX.com, said crude’s ability to hold above $100 reflects sustained upward pressure. “Oil has bounced back to climb above that $100 level… that move builds on gains from the previous session after Iran effectively rejected Trump's proposal for a ceasefire,” he said. Razaqzada added that geopolitical tensions remain the dominant driver. “If it does escalate, then we're likely to look at significantly higher oil prices and much lower stock markets,” he said, noting that inflation risks are already rising due to higher energy costs. “Higher for longer” outlook Market participants are increasingly shifting from expectations of a quick resolution to a prolonged period of elevated prices. Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management in Singapore, said the latest developments have not reduced underlying risks. “The ten-day extension is time bought, not risk reduced, and markets are pricing that distinction,” he said. He added that oil’s resilience reflects deeper concerns tied to the expanding conflict footprint. “Oil remains the anchor, and its refusal to stay lower signals persistent escalation risk beneath the headlines. The market is shifting from pricing a quick resolution to managing the probability of a longer, structurally embedded conflict.” Supply fears to keep costs up The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz remains central to price direction, but recent attacks suggest risks are no longer limited to shipping lanes. Strikes on industrial zones, ports and logistics hubs have increased concerns about broader disruptions to energy and supply chains across the region. Analysts said the combination of constrained shipping flows, attacks on infrastructure and lack of diplomatic progress is likely to keep prices elevated in the near term. While short-term volatility is expected to persist, the broader trend suggests oil prices could continue to edge higher this week unless there is a clear and credible de-escalation in the region.   #With inputs from Agencies

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Qatar on Sunday as part of his quick tour of Gulf countries, aiming to strengthen ties amid the ongoing war with Russia. Kyiv has developed advanced drone technology during the conflict with Russia. Zelensky’s government is now offering this expertise to help Gulf states counter recent Iranian drone attacks. Earlier this week, Ukraine signed a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. Zelensky also held talks in the United Arab Emirates to boost cooperation. Officials say Ukraine hopes these visits will improve relations with wealthy Gulf countries, which could help Kyiv strengthen its air defence against Russian missile attacks. Observers note the timing is critical, as the war in the Middle East has drawn global attention and stretched US defence resources, shifting focus away from Ukraine. Zelensky’s outreach reflects Ukraine’s need to secure broader international support to maintain its defence capabilities against Russia.   With inputs from BBC

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he held a detailed phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that lasted for more than an hour on Saturday, as regional tensions continue to escalate. In a post on X, Sharif said he briefed the Iranian leader on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach, including engagement with the United States and Gulf countries to help facilitate dialogue and de-escalation. Pakistan has earlier expressed its willingness to host talks between the US and Iran, positioning itself as a potential mediator in the crisis. Sharif also condemned Israeli strikes on Iran and conveyed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Iranian people, according to his statement.   With inputs from BBC

Police in Nepal have arrested former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over their alleged roles in the deaths of dozens of people during violent protests in September that led to the topple of the government and fresh elections. Oli was detained early Saturday from his residence on the outskirts of Kathmandu, while Lekhak was also taken into custody for allegedly ordering security forces to fire on demonstrators. Home Minister Sudan Gurung announced the arrests, stating that the move was aimed at ensuring justice and that no one is above the law. A government investigation commission recommended prison terms of up to 10 years for Oli, Lekhak, and the police chief at the time of the unrest. Police in riot gear carried out the arrests and transported the two leaders to the Kathmandu District Police Office. The arrests come a day after a new government led by Balendra Shah took office following a landslide election victory by his Rastriya Swatantra Party. Shah and Gurung have pledged accountability for those killed and injured during the protests. The election was the first since large-scale youth-led demonstrations on September 8 and 9 that left 76 people dead and over 2,300 injured. The unrest, driven by anger over corruption and poor governance, saw mobs attack government buildings and the homes of senior politicians, forcing many to flee. The protests eventually led to the appointment of Nepal’s first female prime minister, Sushila Karki, who oversaw the transition period ahead of the elections.  

Iran continued launching missile attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab states on Friday, including a strike on a military base in Saudi Arabia that left at least 10 U.S. service members injured, according to American officials. Two of the injured troops were reported to be in serious condition. The attack on Prince Sultan Air Base also caused damage to several U.S. refuelling aircraft, officials said, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the situation. At the same time, Israel signalled it would broaden its military operations against Iran, while U.S. forces also carried out strikes. President Donald Trump, however, postponed his earlier threat to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure over its closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Amid market instability, Trump extended a deadline for reopening the crucial waterway to April 6, saying Iran had requested more time and that negotiations were progressing positively. Iran, however, has publicly denied engaging in talks with Washington over a proposed plan to end the conflict. Meanwhile, Iran fired additional missiles toward Israel early Saturday, following earlier strikes that killed one person and wounded several others. Air raid sirens were heard in northern Israel near the لبنان border, where attacks from Hezbollah have been ongoing. In the occupied West Bank, Palestinian officials reported that Israeli forces killed three individuals during separate incidents. A 22-year-old man was killed during a raid in the Qalandiya refugee camp, drawing large crowds to his funeral. Another man was later killed during a follow-up raid in the same area. In a separate event, a 15-year-old boy died after being shot during an Israeli raid near Bethlehem. The Israeli military said troops responded with live fire after مواجهات involving stone-throwing. Speaking about his legacy, Trump said he views himself as a peacemaker, expressing hope that he would ultimately be remembered for promoting peace despite the ongoing conflict. The attack on the Saudi base marks a significant escalation, with multiple U.S. casualties highlighting the widening scope of the crisis.  

Israel carried out strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites just hours after warning it would intensify its campaign against Tehran. In response, Iran launched an हमला on a base in Saudi Arabia, injuring U.S. troops and damaging aircraft. About a month into the conflict, a possible breakthrough emerged as Iran agreed to permit humanitarian and agricultural shipments through the Strait of Hormuz following a U.N. request. Iran’s ambassador in Geneva said the country would help speed up the movement of such aid. The waterway is critical to global trade, handling a large share of the world’s oil and fertilizer shipments. While much attention has been on disrupted energy supplies, limits on fertilizer trade could also threaten agriculture and global food security. Iran described the decision as part of its commitment to ensuring aid reaches those in need quickly, while the U.N. has created a task force to deal with the war’s impact on aid distribution. Meanwhile, Iran’s strike on Prince Sultan Air Base injured at least 10 U.S. personnel, two of them seriously, and caused damage to several refueling aircraft. Earlier, Israel targeted two Iranian nuclear-related facilities, including sites linked to heavy water and uranium processing. Iran said the attacks caused no casualties or contamination but warned it would retaliate strongly. Tensions escalated further as Iran fired missiles toward Israel, killing a civilian in Tel Aviv and prompting air raid sirens across major cities. Israel responded with additional strikes on weapons production and missile infrastructure inside Iran. Former U.S. President Donald Trump renewed calls for Saudi Arabia and Israel to normalize relations, saying such a move could follow once the conflict ends, though obstacles remain, including Saudi demands for progress toward a Palestinian state. The U.S. continues to push for a diplomatic resolution, proposing a ceasefire plan that includes limits on Iran’s nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejected the proposal and offered its own terms, including compensation and recognition of its control over the waterway. Economic impacts are worsening, with global markets falling and oil prices rising sharply. In the U.S., growing fuel costs have sparked discussions about suspending gasoline taxes. Fighting intensified again, with airstrikes reported in Tehran and multiple தாக்குதல்கள் in Israel causing damage and casualties. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted missiles aimed at Riyadh, while other Gulf locations and infrastructure also sustained damage. International efforts to de-escalate continue, with countries attempting to broker talks and the G7 calling for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and infrastructure. At the same time, the U.S. has deployed additional troops to the region as a precaution. The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with widespread destruction in Iran and growing displacement risks. Thousands have been killed across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and other affected areas, including U.S. troops and regional security forces, raising fears of a broader crisis if the conflict continues.  

Farmers around the world are feeling the squeeze of the Iran war. Gas prices have shot up and fertilizer supplies are waning due to Tehran's near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli bombing. The fertilizer shortage is putting the livelihood of farmers in developing countries — already troubled by rising temperatures and erratic weather systems — further at risk, and could lead to people everywhere paying more for food. The poorest farmers in the Northern Hemisphere rely on fertilizer imports from the Gulf, and the shortage comes just as planting season begins, said Carl Skau, deputy executive director of the World Food Program. “In the worst case, this means lower yields and crop failures next season. In the best case, higher input costs will be included in food prices next year.” Baldev Singh, a 55-year-old rice farmer in Punjab, India, says smallholders — the bulk of the country's farmers — may not survive if the government cannot subsidize fertilizers when demand peaks in June. “Right now, we are waiting and hoping,” he said. The war halts supplies of key nutrients Iran is seriously limiting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage that usually handles about a fifth of the world’s oil shipments and nearly a third of global fertilizer trade. Nitrogen and phosphate — two major fertilizer nutrients — are under immediate threat from the blockade. Supplies of nitrogen including urea, the most widely traded fertilizer that helps plants grow and boosts yields, are the hardest hit because of shipping delays and the soaring price of liquefied natural gas — an essential ingredient. The conflict has restricted about 30% of global urea trade, said Chris Lawson of CRU Group, a London-based commodities consultancy. Some countries are already facing critical shortages, according to Raj Patel, a food systems economist at the University of Texas. For example, Ethiopia gets over 90% of its nitrogen fertilizer from the Gulf through Djibouti, a supply route that was strained even before the war began in February. “The planting season is now,” Patel said. “The fertilizer isn’t there.” Phosphate supplies, which support root development, are also under pressure. Saudi Arabia produces about a fifth of the world’s phosphate fertilizer, and the region exports more than 40% of the world's sulfur, a key ingredient and byproduct of oil and gas refining, Lawson said. Even after the war ends, producers in the Gulf would need clear security guarantees before resuming shipments through the strait, and insurance costs would almost certainly rise, said Owen Gooch, an analyst with London-based Argus Consulting Services. In India, the government has prioritized urea supplies for domestic use and provides fertilizer manufacturers with about 70% of their natural gas needs. Some plants are still running below capacity, leading to lower output. “The food system is fragile, and it depends on stable fertilizer supply chains to ensure farmers can produce the food the world relies on,” said Hanna Opsahl-Ben Ammar of Yara International, one of the world’s largest fertilizer companies. Shortages hit at a critical time Fertilizers are generally applied just before or at planting, so crops miss key early growth stages and yields can fall when deliveries are delayed, even if supplies improve later. The impact is already being felt in the United States and Europe, where the main planting season is underway, and it is expected to hit the first planting season in much of Asia in the coming months. “Our crops out in the field need nitrogen now — the sooner the better — so they can get off to a good start, helping them establish themselves and build up reserves for the harvest later this summer,” said Dirk Peters, an agricultural engineer who runs a farm outside Berlin. Fertilizer prices are below the peaks seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but grain prices were higher then, helping farmers absorb the costs, said Joseph Glauber of the International Food Policy Research Institute. Grain prices are lower now meaning margins are tighter and farmers may have to switch to less fertilizer-intensive crops — such as soybeans in the U.S. — or apply less fertilizer, reducing yields. Lower yields can lead to higher consumer prices. Other nations likely won't make up the shortfall. China, the world’s largest producer of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers, is prioritizing domestic supply, and urea shipments probably won't resume until May, Lawson said. Plants in Russia, another major producer, are already running near full capacity, he said. Developing nations are vulnerable The disruptions are already being felt across Africa, where many farmers rely on fertilizer imported from the Middle East and Russia. Early heavy rains in East Africa have left farmers with about a week of dry weather to prepare fields and apply fertilizer, said Stephen Muchiri, a Kenya maize farmer and CEO of the Eastern African Farmers Federation, which represents 25 million smallholders. Fertilizer shortages and price hikes hit farmers hard, forcing them to use less and leading to reduced yields. Even short delays can reduce maize yields by about 4% in a season, Patel said, citing research from Zambia. Governments can intervene by applying subsidies, promoting domestic production and controlling exports. India already subsidizes fertilizer to ease the financial strain on farmers, but those subsidies leave less money for long-term farming investments. It has budgeted $12.7 billion this year for urea subsidies alone, according to the U.S.-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. Efforts to produce domestic urea have increased India's dependence on imported gas, and excessive urea use has harmed local soil, said Purva Jain of IEEFA, who supports the use of organic fertilizers. Less reliance on imported fertilizers could protect farmers and consumers from energy price swings and climate shocks, said Oliver Oliveros, executive coordinator of the Agroecology Coalition. “This could be a turning point,” he said.