US President Donald Trump has predicted a sharp decline in oil and gasoline prices once the United States achieves what he described as a victory in its ongoing conflict with Iran, saying petrol prices in the US could eventually fall below $2 a gallon.

In a post on Truth Social on September 7, Trump said oil prices would fall “precipitously” after the US wins the war with Iran. He first projected gasoline prices at around $3 a gallon before saying they could ultimately drop below $2. 

Trump also reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and said the developments would happen quickly.

Trump links fuel prices to Iran conflict

Trump's comments directly linked the current rise in energy prices to the conflict with Iran and the disruption surrounding key oil routes in the Middle East.

The prediction comes as global energy markets remain highly sensitive to developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for international oil shipments. Iran has recently threatened to establish a maritime exclusion zone in the Gulf, while shipping through the strategic waterway has declined amid the conflict. 

The continuing uncertainty has kept crude prices elevated, despite expectations that an eventual end to hostilities could ease some of the supply pressure.

US gasoline prices remain elevated

Trump's forecast comes at a time when US consumers are still facing comparatively high gasoline prices.

The national average was around $4.15 per gallon around Labor Day, according to data cited in recent reports, significantly above the level Trump is predicting for the period after the conflict. Diesel prices have also remained elevated. 

Energy Secretary Chris Wright has stopped short of guaranteeing a sustained decline in fuel prices, saying gasoline futures indicated prices were more likely to fall than rise. (Benzinga)

Crude oil prices remain near $100

The president's prediction also comes against a backdrop of rising crude prices.

Brent crude has moved close to $100 a barrel, with reports attributing the increase to concerns over supply disruptions and the continuing instability around the Strait of Hormuz. West Texas Intermediate has also traded above $90 a barrel.

The direction of oil prices will depend heavily on whether the conflict escalates further, how quickly shipping through the Gulf can normalise and whether additional supplies become available.

Iran warns against attacks on energy infrastructure

Trump's comments came as tensions between Washington and Tehran remained high.

Iranian officials have warned that attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure could trigger retaliation against US-linked oil and gas interests in the region. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that the country's energy facilities and regional US interests remain exposed to potential escalation. 

The warnings have added another layer of uncertainty for energy markets already dealing with disrupted shipping routes.

What could determine future fuel prices?

A sustained decline in US gasoline prices would depend on several factors, including the restoration of oil shipments, increased crude supply and a reduction in geopolitical risk.

A conclusion to the Iran conflict could remove some of the geopolitical premium currently reflected in oil prices. However, the extent and speed of any decline cannot be established from Trump's statement alone.

Analysts cited in recent market reports have offered varying projections, with some expecting significantly lower crude prices if the conflict ends and supply disruptions ease, while others warn that continued instability could push prices higher.

Trump also reiterates Iran nuclear warning

Alongside his prediction on fuel prices, Trump again said Iran would not obtain a nuclear weapon.

His remarks come as the US-Iran conflict continues with no clear end in sight. Iran has maintained its ability to threaten regional shipping and energy infrastructure, while Washington has continued military and economic pressure on Tehran. 

For consumers and financial markets, the immediate focus remains on developments in the Middle East and their impact on crude supply, shipping and fuel prices. Trump's projection of gasoline falling below $2 a gallon therefore remains a future political prediction rather than a confirmed price forecast.

India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship is set to reach its most important stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosting the expanded 11-member BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.

The summit at Bharat Mandapam comes as the grouping seeks to define its role after expansion and as India pushes a more practical agenda focused on economic cooperation, technology, security, sustainable development and a stronger voice for the Global South. The summit is expected to bring discussions on trade, finance, energy security and reform of global institutions to the forefront. 

India’s BRICS chairship enters crucial phase

India assumed the BRICS chairship at the beginning of 2026 and has sought to use the presidency to promote practical cooperation among member countries.

The government has framed the chairship around “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with a people-centric approach. The agenda has been reflected in a series of ministerial and sectoral meetings held across India during the year. 

The New Delhi summit will provide the political-level platform for bringing together the priorities developed through those engagements.

Expanded 11-member BRICS

The Delhi meeting will be the first BRICS leaders’ summit hosted by India since the grouping expanded to 11 members.

The enlarged grouping includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia, along with Saudi Arabia's position within the expanded BRICS framework being subject to differing descriptions in international reporting.

The expansion has increased BRICS' economic and geopolitical weight but has also made consensus more complicated because members have different foreign-policy priorities and relationships with major global powers.

For India, managing these differences while maintaining a workable agenda will be one of the central tests of its chairmanship.

Trade and economic cooperation on agenda

Economic cooperation is expected to remain a major pillar of the summit.

India has already secured progress during its chairship on the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2030 and initiatives aimed at strengthening trade, services and resilient global value chains.

At the BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur in August, members also agreed on guiding principles aimed at improving MSME access to credit and addressing trade-finance gaps. 

The summit could build on these discussions and seek stronger cooperation among member economies at a time of changing global supply chains and continuing trade tensions.

Technology and innovation gain importance

Technology is another area where India is seeking deeper BRICS cooperation.

New Delhi has emphasised collaboration in emerging technologies, digital infrastructure and innovation while also highlighting the need to address common challenges such as cybersecurity.

During a June meeting with BRICS national security advisers and senior security officials, PM Modi said the grouping had an important role in cooperation on terrorism, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. 

These priorities are expected to feed into the broader leaders’ discussions.

Global South and global governance

India is also expected to use the summit to strengthen the BRICS platform as a voice for developing and emerging economies.

New Delhi has consistently advocated greater representation for developing countries in international institutions and a more inclusive global governance structure.

The challenge for India will be to turn broad agreement on reform into practical proposals acceptable to an expanded grouping whose members do not always share the same geopolitical priorities.

Security cooperation remains significant

Security is another important component of India's BRICS agenda.

The country has sought greater cooperation against terrorism, cyber threats and other emerging security challenges. The June meeting of BRICS national security advisers was part of this broader effort to strengthen institutional cooperation among member countries. 

However, geopolitical differences within the expanded group could make consensus on sensitive security and international issues more difficult.

India builds BRICS cooperation beyond diplomacy

India's chairmanship has extended beyond traditional political and economic discussions.

The BRICS Urbanisation Forum held in New Delhi in June focused on inclusive and resilient urban development, while the Youth and Sports meetings in Visakhapatnam addressed cooperation in youth development, sports technology and manufacturing. 

The BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Bhopal also concluded with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration, creating a framework for deeper cultural cooperation among member and partner countries. 

These sectoral initiatives form part of India's attempt to make BRICS cooperation broader and more directly connected to development priorities.

Delhi summit will test India's diplomatic strategy

The September summit will ultimately test whether India can turn its chairmanship theme into concrete outcomes while holding together an increasingly diverse grouping.

The expanded BRICS has greater economic and diplomatic reach, but its members differ significantly on global conflicts, trade policy and relations with Western powers. India has therefore sought to position the grouping around practical cooperation rather than allowing it to become defined solely by geopolitical rivalry.

With PM Modi hosting leaders in New Delhi, India's central task will be to demonstrate that an expanded BRICS can still produce consensus and implementable initiatives.

The summit is consequently important not only for India's year-long chairmanship but also for determining how the enlarged BRICS positions itself in the evolving global economic and diplomatic order.

Singapore police are investigating racist and xenophobic comments posted online in connection with the deadly Nepal-Tibet disaster and Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India, Senior Minister K Shanmugam said on Saturday.

Shanmugam described the comments as “shameful” and unacceptable, warning that people should not be allowed to use online anonymity to spread racial hatred. The remarks have emerged as rescue and recovery efforts continue following the devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet, while Singaporean authorities are also dealing with concerns surrounding citizens affected by the disaster. 

Police investigating online comments

According to Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs, authorities have taken note of what Shanmugam described as “very nasty, racist comments” appearing online after the Nepal floods and amid discussions over the Singapore Airlines-Air India relationship.

The senior minister said the police are looking into the comments and indicated that those responsible could face action under Singapore’s laws. He stressed that people posting such material should not be able to avoid accountability simply by hiding behind anonymous online identities. 

Racist remarks target Indians

Some of the comments reportedly targeted Indians and Singaporeans affected by the Nepal disaster. Authorities have condemned the remarks as racist and xenophobic, particularly given that they appeared while families and communities were dealing with the consequences of a major disaster.

Shanmugam said Singapore has to maintain a firm position against racism and xenophobia to protect its multiracial and multi-religious society. 

The Singapore government has not treated the comments as merely offensive online speech, with police now examining the material and the circumstances surrounding its publication.

Nepal disaster adds to concerns

The online controversy comes after severe flooding and related disasters in Nepal and the Himalayan region. Singapore authorities have been closely involved because Singaporeans were among those affected by the disaster.

Shanmugam said more than 1,200 people had been killed in the Nepal floods and that nine Singaporeans were among those missing when he spoke about the issue. He also noted that Singapore police and health officials had sent officers to Nepal to assist with the response. 

The disaster has also involved wider international rescue efforts as authorities work to locate missing people and assist affected communities.

Air India investment also mentioned

The comments under investigation were also linked to online discussions about Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India.

Singapore Airlines has a financial interest in Air India following the transaction that brought the Indian carrier under the Tata Group-led ownership structure. The issue has generated online discussion in Singapore, although authorities' immediate concern is the racist and xenophobic nature of some of the comments rather than the commercial relationship itself.

Shanmugam's remarks put the focus on ensuring that discussions surrounding the disaster and the airline investment do not become a platform for racial abuse. 

Social media platforms may be asked to act

Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information is also expected to ask social media platforms to remove comments that violate their respective guidelines.

The government has indicated that online platforms have a responsibility to prevent material that crosses legal or community standards from remaining accessible. The move comes as Singapore continues to take a strict approach towards content that could inflame racial or religious tensions. 

Shanmugam warns against online anonymity

Shanmugam said Singapore cannot allow racist rhetoric to become normalised, stressing that the country's social stability depends on maintaining trust among its different racial and religious communities.

He also argued that individuals responsible for such comments should be identified and dealt with rather than being protected by online anonymity. 

The police investigation and possible action by social media platforms now mark the next steps in Singapore’s response to the controversy. The case has also renewed attention on the challenges faced by authorities in tackling racism and xenophobia on social media while preserving a cohesive multicultural society.

Two Turkish-flagged commercial vessels collided in the Sea of Marmara off Istanbul’s Silivri district early Wednesday. Authorities lost contact with one ship and its 10-member crew, triggering a sea-and-air search operation.

Two Turkish-flagged commercial vessels collided in the Sea of Marmara off Istanbul’s Silivri district early Wednesday, after which authorities lost contact with one of the ships and its 10 crew members.

The collision occurred at around 3 am local time, approximately 18 nautical miles south of Silivri, according to the Istanbul Governor’s Office.

The vessels involved were the Alsu, travelling from Kocaeli to Aliağa, and the Tugberk Imamoglu, which was sailing from the southern Turkish port of Iskenderun towards Karadeniz Ereğli on the Black Sea coast.

Contact lost with 10 crew members

Following the collision, Turkish authorities deployed vessels from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety and the Coast Guard Marmara and Straits Command, along with a Coast Guard helicopter, to the area.

Initial assessments found no visible damage to the Alsu. However, authorities were unable to establish contact with the Tugberk Imamoglu or its 10 crew members. Search-and-rescue operations were continuing by sea and air.

The status of the missing crew members was not immediately known. Authorities also had not established the cause of the collision.

Two different types of vessels

According to maritime information cited by Reuters, the Tugberk Imamoglu operates as a bulk carrier, while the Alsu is a chemical tanker. The Tugberk Imamoglu is about 90 metres long, while the Alsu is approximately 91 metres. 

The vessels were travelling on routes connecting Turkey's Black Sea, Mediterranean and Aegean ports when the collision occurred.

Search operation underway

Coast Guard and maritime safety teams continued efforts to locate the missing vessel and its crew.

The incident occurred in the Marmara Sea, part of the wider Turkish Straits system linking the Black Sea with the Mediterranean. The waterways around Istanbul are among the world's busiest maritime routes, making safe navigation particularly important for commercial shipping.

Authorities have not yet released information on casualties, possible environmental damage or the circumstances that led to the collision.

The immediate priority remains locating the Tugberk Imamoglu and the 10 crew members aboard the vessel.

Bishkek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Yrys Ordo Congress Hall in Bishkek on Tuesday to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, bringing together leaders of the grouping's member states and invited countries.The summit is being hosted by Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov and marks the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017.Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were also among the leaders attending the summit in Bishkek.

India to highlight security, connectivity and opportunity

Modi is expected to underline India's priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity in his address to the summit.India has consistently called for stronger cooperation against terrorism, separatism and extremism. New Delhi has also emphasised that connectivity projects should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries involved.The Prime Minister is also expected to focus on opportunities for young people and the potential of India's startup ecosystem to contribute to regional economic cooperation.

Modi holds bilateral meetings on summit sidelines

The SCO gathering comes after a series of bilateral engagements by Modi during his visit to Kyrgyzstan.On Monday, Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek. The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation across areas including trade, defence, energy, space and mobility, besides discussing regional and global issues, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region.Modi also met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and discussed progress in India-Kyrgyzstan relations, including economic and commercial cooperation and people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister has also held discussions with other regional leaders on the sidelines of the summit.SCO summit comes amid major regional challenges

The 26th SCO Summit is taking place against the backdrop of continuing geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have also affected maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers.For India, the summit provides an opportunity to engage simultaneously with major powers and Central Asian partners on security, connectivity, trade and regional stability.The SCO currently has 10 full member countries, with India, China, Russia, Pakistan and the Central Asian states among its members. The summit also includes partner and observer participation.Modi's participation is part of his two-day Kyrgyzstan visit, following his state visit to Uzbekistan. He is scheduled to address the summit as India sets out its priorities for cooperation within the regional grouping.

At least seven people have died and 24 remain missing after a passenger ferry travelling towards Türkiye capsized in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Northern Cyprus, according to reports. The vessel was carrying more than 270 passengers when the accident occurred on Sunday.

Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel said 237 people had been rescued so far, while search and rescue teams continued operations for those still unaccounted for. Several passengers reportedly climbed onto the overturned ferry to stay above the water and survive until help arrived.

The ferry had departed from Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus for Tasucu port in Türkiye's Mersin province. According to Turkish media reports, the vessel began taking on water around 15 minutes after leaving port amid bad weather before eventually capsizing.

Rescue operation continues

Coast guard vessels, civilian boats and ships operated by private companies have been involved in the rescue operation. Ambulances were also positioned along the coast to assist survivors.

The accident occurred about 7.5 kilometres from the Northern Cyprus coastline, according to reports. Authorities continued searching the surrounding waters for the missing passengers while rescued people were being brought to safety.

The circumstances that caused the ferry to take on water and overturn are expected to be examined as part of the investigation.

Ferry was travelling between Cyprus and Türkiye

The vessel was a catamaran-style ferry operating between Kyrenia and Tasucu. A catamaran has two parallel hulls, a design generally intended to provide greater stability compared with conventional single-hull vessels.

However, the design does not make a ferry immune to capsizing. Severe weather, strong winds, high waves or problems involving vessel loading and operation can increase maritime risks.

The ferry accident has drawn attention because large passenger-ferry capsizings are relatively unusual in the waters around Cyprus, even though smaller vessel accidents occur regularly in the wider Mediterranean.

Mediterranean has history of deadly boat accidents

The Mediterranean has witnessed numerous maritime disasters, particularly involving small and overloaded migrant boats. The region has remained a major route for people attempting dangerous sea crossings.

A migrant boat accident near Cape Greco in March 2025 reportedly killed seven people. However, the capsizing of a passenger ferry carrying more than 270 people represents a significantly different scale of maritime incident.

Authorities are now expected to establish whether weather conditions, flooding, mechanical problems, loading or other operational factors contributed to Sunday's accident.

Ferry safety rules strengthened after major disasters

International ferry safety standards have evolved following several major maritime disasters.

The 1987 Herald of Free Enterprise disaster, in which 193 people died after the ferry capsized near Belgium, led to stronger requirements concerning vessel doors, bridge indications and systems for detecting water ingress.

The 1994 Estonia disaster in the Baltic Sea, which killed more than 850 people, prompted further attention to vessel stability, emergency procedures and evacuation requirements.

Later international safety-management rules also placed greater responsibility on shipping companies rather than leaving safety solely to the captain and crew.

Further measures introduced over subsequent decades focused on ensuring that damaged vessels could, where possible, remain operational long enough to return safely to port rather than immediately requiring passengers to abandon ship.

The International Maritime Organization has also highlighted the safety risks associated with domestic ferry operations. Guidelines developed for domestic ferry services have addressed areas including vessel inspections, crew requirements, emergency communication and lifesaving equipment.

Investigation to determine cause

With seven deaths confirmed and 24 people still missing according to the figures cited in the supplied reports, rescue teams remain focused on locating survivors and recovering victims.

Officials are expected to assess the ferry's condition, weather at the time of departure, passenger load and other operational circumstances to determine how the vessel began taking on water so soon after leaving port.

The final assessment of the accident will depend on the findings of the authorities investigating the incident.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, according to Iranian media reports. The reported meeting would bring the two leaders together at a time when West Asia remains under intense geopolitical pressure.

The two-day SCO Summit is being held in Bishkek on August 31 and September 1, with leaders from the organisation's member states gathering to discuss regional security, counter-terrorism, trade, connectivity and other international issues. The summit is also taking place as the SCO marks 25 years since its establishment.

Modi and Pezeshkian at Bishkek summit

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday after completing his visit to Uzbekistan. He is attending the summit at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

Iranian President Pezeshkian is among the prominent leaders participating in the summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are also attending, while Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are among other leaders expected at the gathering.

The reported Modi-Pezeshkian meeting would be significant against the backdrop of developments in West Asia and Iran's wider diplomatic engagement with major regional powers.

West Asia tensions in focus

The SCO gathering comes amid continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The conflict involving Iran and its wider regional implications are expected to form part of the broader discussions among participating leaders.

Iran's engagement with India has strategic importance, particularly in areas involving connectivity, energy and regional cooperation. India has also maintained diplomatic engagement with Tehran while seeking to protect its interests amid changing conditions in the region.

SCO agenda includes security and trade

Regional security and counter-terrorism are expected to remain central themes at the summit. Leaders are also expected to discuss trade, energy, transport connectivity and digital cooperation. The ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine are among the international developments likely to influence discussions.

The SCO was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, while Iran joined the organisation in 2023 and Belarus followed in 2024. The grouping currently has 10 member states, along with dialogue partners and observer countries.

India-Iran ties in spotlight

A meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian could provide an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on regional developments and bilateral cooperation. India and Iran have longstanding economic and strategic interests, including connectivity initiatives linking India with Central Asia.

The discussions could also assume significance as India balances its relationships with countries across the region while advocating dialogue and diplomatic solutions to conflicts.

Modi's wider SCO engagements

The prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with other leaders on the sidelines of the summit. His reported meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is among the key engagements being watched during the Bishkek visit.

Modi has said India's approach to the region is anchored in security, connectivity and opportunity, while stressing the need for a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The SCO summit is therefore likely to provide India with a broad diplomatic platform to engage with Iran, Russia, China, Central Asian countries and other participating nations as geopolitical and economic issues remain closely intertwined.

The death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 788, while more than 2,500 people remain missing as rescue and relief operations continue across several flood-hit districts. More than 9,400 people have been rescued so far, while India has also stepped up efforts to assist its nationals affected by the disaster.

The floods struck parts of Nepal on August 26 after a massive flow of water, mud and debris moved downstream from the Himalayan border region. The disaster caused widespread destruction across northern and central Nepal, damaging homes, roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.

Death toll rises as search operations continue

According to figures reported by Nepal's disaster management authorities, the death toll has reached 788. At least 2,502 people were still reported missing, while 9,435 people had been rescued from affected areas. 

Search teams are continuing to recover bodies from affected districts as rescuers work through damaged settlements and debris. Authorities have warned that casualty and missing-person figures remain subject to change as search, identification and verification operations continue.

The Nepal government had earlier said that thousands of security personnel and helicopters had been deployed for rescue, relief and recovery operations. 

Indian nationals among those affected

India has also been closely monitoring the situation because a significant number of Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin were in the affected areas.

The Ministry of External Affairs had said that more than 275 Indian nationals and 128 persons of Indian origin were missing or non-contactable in Nepal at one stage of the rescue operation. The ministry subsequently shared a list of 149 Indian nationals who had been rescued. 

Indian authorities are continuing to coordinate with Nepalese officials to trace those who remain unaccounted for and facilitate the safe return of rescued Indian citizens.

Rescue teams face difficult conditions

Rescue operations have been complicated by difficult terrain, damaged infrastructure and rising water levels in some rivers. Authorities have urged residents and rescue personnel to remain alert after renewed increases in water levels were reported in the Bhotekoshi River. 

Specialised rescue teams from India, China and South Korea have also been assisting Nepal, particularly in operations involving people believed to be trapped inside tunnels at hydropower projects.

Nepal's Foreign Ministry said a specialised Indian team of 11 tunnel-rescue experts had been mobilised, along with teams from China and South Korea. An 18-member Indian forensic team specialising in DNA analysis has also reached Nepal to assist with identification of victims.

Hydropower projects remain a major focus

Several hydropower projects were severely affected by the flooding, with workers reported trapped in tunnels. Rescue teams have been working to reach these locations while dealing with debris and unstable conditions.

Reuters reported that hundreds of workers were believed to be trapped at hydropower projects, prompting Nepal to intensify rescue efforts and bring in heavy equipment and specialised teams.

The disaster has also damaged critical infrastructure and disrupted transportation links in affected parts of the country, increasing the difficulty of delivering relief supplies and reaching isolated communities.

Government urges reliance on verified information

The Nepal government has appealed to the public and media to rely on officially verified information because casualty, missing-person and damage figures are continuing to change.

Authorities are providing emergency medical care, food, drinking water, temporary shelter and other essential assistance to affected communities. The government is also monitoring river systems and downstream areas for the possibility of additional flooding during the ongoing rainy season. 

For India, the priority remains locating missing nationals, supporting those rescued and facilitating their onward travel. Meanwhile, Nepal's rescue teams continue searching affected areas as the country confronts one of its most severe recent flood disasters.

Pakistan’s electricity crisis has intensified, with the country facing a power shortfall of more than 4,000 megawatts as lower generation, transmission problems and fuel-supply concerns force longer periods of load shedding across several regions.

The situation has particularly affected Lahore and other parts of Punjab, where electricity outages have reportedly extended to around two to three hours in some areas. The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) is facing a shortfall of more than 1,200 MW, while repeated tripping incidents have further contributed to prolonged outages. 

The latest disruption comes as Pakistan’s power system continues to struggle with the gap between installed generation capacity and electricity that can actually be supplied to consumers. Analysts have previously pointed to fuel availability, transmission constraints, hydropower fluctuations and financial pressures within the power sector as major factors behind recurring load shedding. 

Power Shortfall Crosses 4,000 MW

Sources cited by ARY News said the overall electricity shortfall had crossed 4,000 MW as generation declined at several power plants.

The reduction in generation has increased pressure on the national grid, forcing distribution companies to manage supply through load shedding. In Lahore and parts of Punjab, consumers have faced longer interruptions as the shortage has widened.

The latest figures underline the continuing difficulty Pakistan faces in converting its installed generation capacity into reliable electricity supply for households and businesses.

LNG Supply Adds to Pressure

Fuel availability has emerged as another concern for the power sector. According to the latest reports, an RLNG vessel carrying fuel failed to arrive at the port, raising concerns about further disruption to gas-based power generation. 

Pakistan relies significantly on imported fuels for parts of its thermal generation fleet. Any disruption in LNG or other fuel supplies can therefore reduce the amount of electricity available to the national grid.

The problem becomes particularly significant during periods of high demand, when power plants need sufficient fuel to operate at full capacity.

Transmission Tripping Worsens Outages

Fuel shortages are not the only factor behind the current blackouts. Transmission and distribution-related tripping has also contributed to longer interruptions.

In the LESCO service area, repeated tripping incidents have added to the difficulties faced by consumers. Such disruptions can prolong outages even when electricity generation is available elsewhere in the system.

Pakistan’s electricity network has faced structural challenges for years, including transmission bottlenecks, distribution losses and financial problems. A recent analysis noted that the country can experience a significant gap between theoretical installed capacity and actual available generation because of fuel supply, hydropower availability, transmission limitations and financial constraints. 

Crisis Is Bigger Than Generation

Pakistan’s current power shortage highlights a broader problem in the country’s energy sector. The issue is not simply the amount of electricity-generating capacity installed but whether that capacity can reliably produce and deliver electricity when consumers need it.

Pakistan has more than 46,000 MW of installed generation capacity, according to a recent sector analysis, but actual available supply can be substantially lower during periods of stress. Fuel shortages, seasonal hydropower changes and grid limitations can all reduce usable generation. 

The country has also continued to face financial pressures across the electricity sector. High losses, weak recoveries and accumulated liabilities have affected the ability of different parts of the energy chain to maintain reliable supplies.

Blackouts Add to Public Pressure

The worsening outages are adding to public frustration at a time when Pakistani households and businesses are already dealing with high energy costs.

Earlier this month, prolonged power outages in Karachi triggered public protests, with residents blocking roads and demanding restoration of electricity. 

For businesses, repeated outages can disrupt manufacturing, retail activity and other services, while households increasingly depend on alternative sources such as generators, batteries and solar systems.

Long-Term Reforms Remain Key

Pakistan’s recurring electricity shortages point to the need for improvements across generation, fuel procurement, transmission and distribution rather than relying only on additional generating capacity.

Greater reliability will depend on ensuring adequate fuel supplies, strengthening transmission corridors, reducing distribution losses and addressing the financial weaknesses that affect the energy chain.

For now, however, the immediate concern remains the widening supply gap. With the national electricity shortfall above 4,000 MW and fuel-related uncertainties continuing, consumers in several parts of Pakistan are likely to remain vulnerable to extended load shedding until generation and supply conditions improve.

The United States has paused or rescheduled visa appointments at its embassies and consulates worldwide as the Donald Trump administration steps up its immigration crackdown. The US State Department said the adjustment is linked to a global training programme for consular officers, while reports indicate that applicants with already scheduled interviews have received notices about cancellations or rescheduling. 

The development could affect applicants waiting for US visas across different categories, with the exact impact depending on the embassy or consulate handling their case. The State Department has not specified how long the changes will remain in place or provided a detailed timeline for the resumption of regular appointments. 

Global Training Programme

A State Department spokesperson said a global training initiative has been launched across US embassies and consulates. Visa service appointments are being adjusted to accommodate the training, according to the department.

The training is intended to help consular officers assess visa applicants more comprehensively and consistently. Officials have also indicated that the programme will focus on identifying applicants who could become dependent on US public benefits. 

The department has not publicly provided details about the duration or full scope of the training.

Existing Visa Interviews Rescheduled

The pause has also affected some applicants who had already secured interview appointments. According to reports cited by Reuters and the Financial Times, applicants at US diplomatic missions have received emails informing them that their appointments were being cancelled or rescheduled and that they would receive information about new dates. 

This has created uncertainty for people who had already made travel, education, employment or relocation plans based on their expected visa interviews.

Trump's Immigration Crackdown

The appointment changes come against the backdrop of a broader immigration policy shift under President Trump.

The administration has pursued tighter immigration enforcement, including visa and green-card revocations and increased scrutiny of visa applications. Some decisions have also involved applicants' political views and participation in protests, measures the administration has defended on national-security grounds. 

The administration has also been moving to tighten scrutiny of legal immigration and employment-based visa programmes, adding to uncertainty for foreign nationals seeking to enter or remain in the US.

Court Challenges to Visa Policies

The latest development follows legal challenges to several Trump administration immigration measures.

A federal judge recently struck down a policy that had suspended immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries. The court found that the policy exceeded the authority granted to Secretary of State Marco Rubio under immigration law.

The ruling represents another legal setback for parts of the administration's immigration agenda, even as officials continue implementing stricter screening measures.

What Visa Applicants Should Know

For applicants with scheduled appointments, the immediate priority is to monitor communication from the relevant US embassy or consulate. Those who receive cancellation or rescheduling notices will need to wait for further instructions regarding a new appointment.

The State Department has not announced a single worldwide date for the restoration of normal appointment schedules. The situation may therefore vary between diplomatic posts and visa categories. 

For Indian applicants in particular, the development is significant because the US remains a major destination for students, professionals, tourists and immigrants. However, applicants should distinguish between an appointment being paused or rescheduled and a visa application being formally rejected. The current development concerns the scheduling of visa services and does not, by itself, mean that every existing visa application has been denied.

The latest move adds another layer of uncertainty to US visa processing as the Trump administration continues its broader immigration overhaul.

China has developed hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) capable of launching air-to-air weapons at high-value aircraft located thousands of kilometres away, according to a Bloomberg report cited by NDTV. The development could pose a new challenge to US military aircraft operating across the Indo-Pacific.

The reported capability could threaten aircraft such as aerial refuelling tankers, airborne early-warning and control aircraft and flying command posts. These platforms are important because they provide fuel, surveillance and command support to fighter aircraft during military operations.

China is reportedly the only country publicly known to be developing and operating HGVs capable of launching air-to-air missiles. The development is part of Beijing's broader effort to expand the roles of its large missile arsenal.

How China's Hypersonic Weapon Works

A hypersonic glide vehicle is launched by a missile and then travels through the atmosphere at speeds of more than five times the speed of sound. Unlike a conventional ballistic warhead following a predictable path, an HGV can manoeuvre during flight, potentially making it harder for missile-defence systems to intercept.

According to the report, an HGV launched from China's DF-17 missile could travel about 2,414 kilometres. That is slightly less than the distance between mainland China and the US territory of Guam, which hosts a major American military presence.

China's more advanced DF-27 missile has an estimated maximum range of around 8,000 kilometres, potentially bringing targets as far away as Hawaii within its range.

Why Targeting Aircraft Is Difficult

Despite the reported capability, using such a weapon against a moving aircraft at extreme distances would be complicated.

A ballistic missile travelling near its maximum range could take 20 minutes or more to reach its target. During that period, the aircraft could change its position, meaning the weapon would require highly accurate and continuously updated targeting information.

This creates a long “kill chain”, involving sensors, surveillance systems and communication links that must continuously track the target. Any disruption to that chain could make a long-range attack more difficult.

There is also a serious escalation risk. A long-range ballistic missile launch could potentially be mistaken for a nuclear attack, creating what experts describe as a discrimination problem. In a major conflict, such uncertainty could increase the possibility of an unintended escalation.

China Expands Missile Capabilities

The report also said China's military has added air-to-air capabilities to some hypersonic cruise missiles and anti-ship capabilities to several types of missiles.

China already possesses one of the world's largest missile arsenals, with US estimates putting its ballistic missile inventory at more than 3,150 missiles as of 2024. Beijing's continued development of long-range and hypersonic systems is expected to remain an important factor in future military planning in the Indo-Pacific.

The proposed action targets B1 and B2 business and tourist visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to foreign nationals who have sought or are seeking asylum.

The Donald Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourist visas of up to 2 lakh foreign nationals who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States, in what could become the largest single mass visa revocation in US history. The plan targets holders of B1 and B2 non-immigrant visas and is expected to be implemented in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

The US State Department has confirmed that it is working with DHS to identify people who entered the country as short-term visitors but later filed asylum applications. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the department was coordinating with DHS to revoke the relevant non-immigrant visas. However, the department has not confirmed the final number of visas that will be cancelled, saying the process will take place on a rolling basis. 

Which Visas Are Targeted?

The proposed action concerns B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 where the holders have sought asylum or are currently seeking asylum, according to State Department documents obtained by the Associated Press and cited by US officials. B1 visas are generally issued for business travel, while B2 visas cover tourism, family visits and certain medical trips. 

The administration argues that some foreign nationals are using short-term visitor visas to enter the US and subsequently pursue asylum as a way of remaining in the country. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has criticised what he described as “bogus” asylum claims and argued that asylum should not be used to circumvent immigration rules. 

Will Visa Holders Be Deported?

Revocation of a B1 or B2 visa would not automatically mean immediate deportation, according to officials cited by the Associated Press.

People with pending asylum cases could instead be re-categorised while losing their status as business or tourism visitors. The distinction is important because visa cancellation and removal from the United States are separate immigration processes. 

The State Department is expected to announce further details in the coming weeks. Until then, the exact number of people ultimately affected remains uncertain.

Part of Wider Immigration Crackdown

The planned visa cancellations are the latest step in the Trump administration's broader immigration enforcement drive. Since returning to office for a second term, the administration has tightened scrutiny of visa applicants and expanded measures involving visa revocations, deportations and restrictions on legal immigration. 

The State Department has said it has already revoked more than 175,000 visas during the administration's broader enforcement efforts. Those cancellations have involved a range of issues, including criminal allegations and other grounds cited by US authorities.

The administration has also introduced additional scrutiny of visa applicants, including examination of social media histories and other measures intended to strengthen immigration enforcement.

Legal Challenges Likely

The proposed mass revocation is likely to face legal challenges if implemented. Rights groups have already criticised the Trump administration's immigration policies, raising concerns about due process and the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers. 

The proposal also comes amid wider legal disputes over the administration's immigration measures. A US federal judge recently struck down a separate policy that had suspended immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, ruling that the policy exceeded statutory authority. 

For foreign nationals currently in the US on B1 or B2 visas who have filed asylum claims, the immediate issue is therefore not simply whether their visas will be cancelled, but how the government will classify their immigration status afterward.

If implemented at the scale reported by AP, the action would mark a major escalation in the Trump administration's use of visa revocation as an immigration enforcement tool.