Author: Web Desk

New Delhi: India is examining petitions from industry stakeholders regarding a mandate to use domestically produced solar cells in renewable energy projects from June. The review has been confirmed by the clean energy ministry as concerns rise across the sector. The policy requires developers to use locally manufactured solar cells, part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce reliance on imports. However, both manufacturers and project developers have raised objections. Industry groups have warned that the new rule could lead to a shortage of solar cells, as domestic production capacity remains limited. India currently produces around…

Tehran: The Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened at present due to continued ceasefire violations, according to senior Iranian officials, signalling renewed uncertainty for global shipping and energy markets. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has stated that it is “not possible” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing what he described as ‘blatant violations’ by the United States and Israel. He pointed to the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports as a key factor. Iran has argued that the blockade effectively places pressure on its economy while undermining diplomatic efforts. Officials have also accused Israel of continuing military activity, further complicating…

Tehran: Tensions have escalated in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran confirmed it had seized two cargo ships following incidents involving gunfire on multiple vessels. The development has raised fresh concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most vital energy corridors. Iranian naval authorities, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have stated that the vessels were intercepted after allegedly ignoring warnings and violating maritime regulations. The ships have been taken towards Iranian waters for further inspection. According to reports, one of the targeted vessels was fired upon after failing to respond to instructions from Iranian forces. A second…

Singapore: Global oil prices have declined slightly after Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, signalling a temporary pause in escalating tensions. The decision has offered some relief to markets that have been reacting to uncertainty in the region. Brent crude has fallen by 0.8 percent to $97.60 (£72.14) per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate has dropped by 1 percent to $88.70 (£65.47). The movement in oil prices has reflected cautious optimism among traders as diplomatic efforts continue. The ceasefire extension has come as negotiations between the United States and Iran remain ongoing. Trump has indicated that…

New Delhi: India is expected to face a significant shortage of solar cells as new regulations mandating the use of locally produced components come into force from June. Industry bodies have warned that the move could disrupt clean energy projects and increase costs. According to the North India Module Manufacturer Association, the country’s solar cells production capacity stands at around 25.6 gigawatts, while demand is close to 50 gigawatts. The gap has been largely filled by imports, with over 90 percent of supply coming from China. The new rules require developers to use domestically produced solar cells, adding pressure on…

Cupertino: Apple has announced that John Ternus will become its new chief executive, replacing Tim Cook after 15 years in the role. The transition is set to take effect on September 1, marking a significant moment in the company’s leadership history. The Apple leadership change has come after months of speculation regarding succession planning. Ternus, who currently leads hardware engineering and has spent 25 years at the company, will take over day-to-day operations while Cook moves into the role of executive chairman. Cook has led Apple since 2011, following the resignation of co-founder Steve Jobs. During this period, Apple has…

Munich: Bayern Munich have clinched the Bundesliga title after a commanding 4-2 victory over Stuttgart, securing the crown with games still remaining in the season. The win has extended Bayern’s record as the most successful club in German football. Harry Kane has played a key role in the triumph, scoring his 32nd goal of the campaign. The England captain has continued an outstanding season, contributing significantly to Bayern’s attacking dominance. The Bundesliga title has been confirmed following Borussia Dortmund’s earlier defeat, which left Bayern needing only a point to secure the championship. The team capitalised on the opportunity with a…

Wellington: Severe floods have led to a state of emergency being declared in Wellington after torrential rain caused widespread disruption across New Zealand’s capital. Authorities have responded as record rainfall triggered flash flooding, landslides and evacuations. Mayor Andrew Little has stated that the city recorded 77 millimetres of rain in less than an hour, marking one of the most intense downpours in recent history. The extreme weather has resulted in submerged vehicles, uprooted trees and damaged homes. The floods have forced emergency services to act quickly, with residents in several areas advised to remain indoors. Evacuations have been carried out,…

Tehran: The Strait of Hormuz has been declared ‘completely open’ for commercial vessels by Iran, raising hopes of easing tensions in the region. However, officials have issued strong warnings that the situation could change if the US blockade continues. Abbas Araghchi has stated that all commercial ships would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire period. The announcement has contributed to a drop in global oil prices and improved market sentiment. Despite the statement, Iranian authorities have indicated that access to the waterway may still be controlled. Reports have suggested that vessels could be required…

London: Global oil prices have dropped significantly after Iran confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to commercial shipping during the ceasefire period. The announcement has reduced fears of supply shortages in global energy markets. Brent crude has fallen to $88 (£65) per barrel after previously trading above $98 (£72.85) earlier in the day. The sharp decline in oil prices has reflected renewed confidence among traders as one of the world’s most critical energy routes resumes operations. The Strait of Hormuz, located south of Iran, handles nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Its closure…