gulf of arabia

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to CBSE over the alleged non-declaration of Class XII results and issuance of blank marksheets to students in Gulf countries. The petition, filed on behalf of Saudi Arabia-based student Pransu Patel by advocates Vineet Jindal and Rajkishore Chaudhary, argues that the issue affects students' futures and violates constitutional rights. The court directed CBSE to resolve the matter by Friday and sought its response before the next hearing on June 12, 2026.

He was one among thousands who left Kerala for Saudi Arabia. Then came an accident, a death sentence and a Rs 34-crore campaign to set him free and bring him back home

Around 5,000 Gulf students are from AP

OPEC+ agreed to a fourth consecutive oil production target increase of 188,000 barrels per day from July, despite ongoing US-Iran conflict disruptions. This decision comes as major Gulf producers struggle to meet demand due to export issues through the Strait of Hormuz.

The UAE's involvement in the Middle East conflict was deeper than previously known, with coordinated strikes on Iran, including energy facilities, even after an April ceasefire. These actions exposed divisions within the Gulf, as Saudi Arabia expressed concerns about escalating risks to regional energy supplies and global markets.

Saudi Arabia is capitalizing on the Iran war's disruption of the Strait of Hormuz to advance its goals as a regional energy and logistics hub. The kingdom's existing infrastructure and strategic Red Sea ports are facilitating continued oil exports and absorbing increased trade, boosting its revenue and accelerating development plans for a crucial East-West trade nexus.

Amidst Middle East chaos impacting the Strait of Hormuz, India's new free trade agreement with Oman, effective June 1, offers a strategic alternative. Oman's location outside the Strait provides a reliable gateway for trade and energy, as evidenced by recent import surges from the nation.

"A coordinated priority is prepared through which we try to get our ships out. Currently, there are about 13 Indian-flagged vessels there: one LPG tanker, five crude oil tankers, one chemical or product tanker, three container ships, two bulk carriers, and one dredger. Our priority is to get our ships out that are currently inside," said Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Despite fears of $200 oil following Strait of Hormuz disruptions, prices remain below $100. This resilience is attributed to increased US exports, weaker Chinese demand, and alternative supply routes. While some shipping through the strait continues, overall transits are down. Emergency measures and subdued demand have averted the worst-case scenario, but market stability hinges on temporary solutions.

Oil prices dipped Tuesday as Iran and Israel paused attacks, easing immediate supply disruption fears. This followed a sharp rise on Monday amid renewed Middle East tensions. Despite the de-escalation, concerns linger over the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi actions impacting Red Sea shipping. OPEC+ agreed to boost output, but analysts doubt its effectiveness due to production struggles.

Gulf allies UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar urged President Trump to pursue diplomacy with Iran, fearing renewed conflict would destabilize regional economies. Leaders argued military action wouldn't achieve US objectives, reflecting a shift for the UAE after recent hostilities. All three nations remain wary of further escalation.

India's crude oil and LPG supplies saw an improvement in May after disruptions in March and April, though not yet at pre-conflict levels. Russia remained the largest crude supplier, with the UAE emerging as the second-largest. While LPG imports from West Asia were disrupted, higher inflows from the US and domestic production helped meet demand.

Escalating Middle East tensions are now focusing on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial global shipping lane. Iran, via its Yemeni allies, may use this chokepoint to pressure adversaries, potentially disrupting vital oil and goods transit. This raises fears of wider conflict impacting international trade routes and energy markets.

Eid Ul Adha, also known as Bakra Eid, will be celebrated on May 28, 2026, in India after the Dhul Hijjah moon was not sighted. This major Muslim festival honors Prophet Ibrahim's devotion and willingness to sacrifice his son. While Gulf countries celebrate on May 27, India's date was confirmed later, with state governments updating holiday calendars accordingly.