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By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: The war that began with a lightning decapitation strike has settled into something far more uncertain. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that U.S. military operations against Iran could last “four to five weeks” — and possibly “far longer.” Across the Atlantic, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s decision to […]

The article Trump-Netanyahu’s Iran War May Be Prolonged Involving More Countries appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The sell-off was driven by escalating military strikes between the United States and Israel against Iran, which led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader and triggered retaliatory actions across the region. This surge in hostilities has directly affected energy markets, pushing Brent crude oil prices upwards as disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint for roughly a fifth of global oil shipments — raised concerns about supply. Higher oil prices have increased input costs for energy-importing economies and amplified inflationary pressures, prompting investors to reassess risk assets.

The immediate impact on Indian markets was stark. On Monday, the Sensex closed more than 1.3 per cent lower, its lowest finish in nearly six months, while the volatility index jumped sharply, reflecting heightened unease among traders. Nifty 50’s weakness on the trading floor mirrored broader pressure across key sectors, with energy, infrastructure and export-linked stocks bearing the brunt as sentiment deteriorated. Safe-haven assets such as gold saw notable gains as buyers sought refuge from equity market turmoil.

Analysts point out that crude oil’s swift ascent — fuelled by concerns over prolonged conflict and chokepoint disruptions — directly affects inflation and corporate margins. India imports a significant share of its crude from the Middle East, meaning sustained higher oil prices could widen the current account deficit and constrain monetary policy flexibility. As the cost of imported fuel rises, transport and manufacturing sectors may face margin pressure, posing broader economic challenges.

Sector-specific reactions were evident as aviation and consumer discretionary firms underperformed sharply, enduring heavier selling than other segments. Airlines canceling or rerouting flights due to closed Middle Eastern airspace compounded operational uncertainties for carriers with significant exposure to that region. By contrast, stocks of certain energy producers saw modest strength, as rising oil benchmarks can enhance their near-term earnings prospects.

Foreign institutional investors have been net sellers, exacerbating downward pressure on domestic bourses. Data from market intermediaries show significant outflows amid rising global risk aversion, with liquidity flowing into traditional safe havens including U. S. Treasuries and precious metals. This rotation underscores how geopolitical stress can quickly reframe investment priorities, often to the detriment of emerging market equities.

Currency markets reflected the strain, with the rupee depreciating against major currencies as capital outflows intensified. A weaker rupee further amplifies the impact of higher crude prices, raising import bills and potentially catalysing inflation. Bond markets reacted in kind, with yields on government securities climbing as investors demanded higher compensation for perceived risk and inflation expectations shifted.

Corporate India is also grappling with broader trade and supply chain disruptions. Chambers of commerce and industry bodies have flagged operational headwinds for exporters and manufacturers due to heightened shipping costs and logistical bottlenecks triggered by the conflict. Industries dependent on Middle East trade corridors or commodities now expect cost pressures and delivery delays that could dampen growth prospects over the quarter.

Global markets have not been immune to the fallout. European indices also slid as energy prices climbed and investor risk appetite waned, while U. S. equity futures oscillated amid mixed signals from corporate earnings and macroeconomic data. The global ripple effect highlights how interconnected financial systems are with geopolitical developments, where shocks in one region can quickly transmit across borders.

By K Raveendran Brent crude ended the week near seven-month highs at roughly $73 a barrel, extending gains of about 16 per cent since the start of the year and injecting a fresh layer of uncertainty into the global macro outlook. Traders are now modelling far wider trading bands for the coming sessions, with several […]

The article A New Oil Shock For India: Crude At $80 Means Serious Trouble appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

South Korea has approved the export of high-precision digital map data to Google, reversing a stance that had restricted full functionality of Google Maps for nearly two decades and placing strict security conditions on how the information can be used.

The decision, confirmed by government officials in Seoul, means that Google will be able to access detailed geospatial data that had until now been kept on domestic servers. For years, South Korea was among a small group of countries where Google Maps could not provide full navigation and mapping services comparable to those available elsewhere, largely because authorities refused to allow sensitive map data to be transferred overseas.

At the centre of the dispute has been a law requiring foreign companies to store high-resolution map data within the country and to obscure sensitive military and national security sites. Successive administrations had argued that exporting such data could pose security risks, given the peninsula’s unresolved conflict with North Korea and the concentration of military facilities across the country.

Government officials said the new approval was contingent on compliance with domestic security requirements. Google must ensure that certain locations, including military bases and other designated facilities, remain blurred or restricted. Authorities also require that the company adhere to data protection rules and co-operate with regulators in the event of security concerns.

Google has sought access to South Korea’s detailed mapping data for more than a decade, arguing that restrictions placed it at a disadvantage compared with domestic platforms such as Naver and Kakao, which provide comprehensive navigation services. Visitors to South Korea have long found that Google Maps lacked turn-by-turn driving directions and detailed public transport information, relying instead on locally licensed data sets with limited functionality.

The dispute dates back to 2007, when Google first requested permission to export high-resolution maps. Further requests were submitted in 2016 and 2023, but regulators rejected them, citing national security. The approval now marks a significant policy shift as Seoul seeks to balance security concerns with digital competitiveness and foreign investment.

Officials familiar with the review process said the government assessed technological safeguards, including the ability to mask sensitive sites automatically and to comply with takedown requests. The review involved multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and security agencies, reflecting the political sensitivity of the issue.

The move comes at a time when South Korea is positioning itself as a hub for advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and smart city development. High-precision mapping is considered a critical component of these sectors. Industry analysts note that restrictions on cross-border data flows can deter global technology firms and complicate integration into international digital ecosystems.

Domestic mapping companies have built strong businesses under the existing regulatory framework. Naver’s Map service and KakaoMap dominate local navigation, offering features tailored to South Korean users, including real-time traffic data and detailed indoor mapping for shopping centres and transit hubs. Some industry observers say opening access to global competitors could intensify competition, though others argue that the overall market may expand as services improve.

Security experts have long warned that high-resolution mapping data could be exploited for hostile purposes if improperly handled. South Korea’s proximity to North Korea, where tensions periodically flare over missile tests and military exercises, has shaped policymaking on sensitive technologies. The government’s conditions are designed to mitigate such risks while avoiding outright prohibition.

Civil society groups have also raised privacy concerns, urging regulators to ensure that location data collected through mapping services is not misused. South Korea has some of the world’s most stringent personal data protection laws, and regulators have previously imposed fines on global technology firms for breaches.

The approval aligns South Korea more closely with other advanced economies that permit cross-border transfer of geospatial data subject to safeguards. Countries such as Japan and members of the European Union allow global platforms to operate mapping services with local compliance requirements, rather than mandating domestic data storage.

For foreign tourists and business travellers, the change is expected to improve usability of Google Maps within South Korea. Travel industry representatives have long argued that the limitations caused confusion for visitors accustomed to relying on Google’s navigation tools. Enhanced functionality could support tourism and international business activity, particularly in major cities such as Seoul and Busan.

Technology policy specialists say the decision reflects a broader recalibration of digital regulation. As data becomes central to economic growth, governments are reassessing rules designed in an earlier era of the internet. South Korea has faced pressure from trade partners to ease data localisation requirements, especially under digital trade provisions in bilateral and regional agreements.

By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: When Narendra Modi walked into the Knesset and told Israel’s parliament during his visit to Israel on February 25-26, that “peace and stability in West Asia are directly linked to India’s security,” he was doing more than delivering a diplomatic courtesy. He was planting a flag. India, under its […]

The article How Narendra Modi Shattered The Indian Foreign Policy Tradition During Visit To Israel appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

• Searches on Airbnb by Malaysian travelers in 2025 increased year-on-year by over 200% for check-ins during Ramadan and by nearly 50% for check-ins during Hari Raya.
• Group travel continues to lead festive travel patterns.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – With Chinese New Year, Ramadan and Hari Raya falling in close succession in early 2026, Malaysians are planning ahead for meaningful reunions and shared celebrations.

Airbnb data shows that searches in 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins during Ramadan grew by over 200% year-on-year, reflecting heightened festive travel intent*. Searches during the same period for travel during Hari Raya also grew by nearly 50%**, as families and friends plan trips to reconnect and celebrate together.

Festive travel spreads beyond major cities

While Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Ipoh and Malacca emerged as the most popular domestic destinations during the festive season***, travel demand extended well beyond urban hubs.

Hari Raya saw growing interest in states such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Perak, reflecting the enduring balik kampung tradition. Meanwhile, Chinese New Year saw travel dispersed even further afield to East Malaysian destinations including Kuching, Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah***.

International travel also peaked during the festive stretch, with Malaysians leveraging public holidays for overseas getaways. Top outbound destinations searched included Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, as well as Perth, Australia.***

Togetherness drives travel behaviour – Group and family travel dominate

Whether travelling within the country or heading overseas, Malaysians continue to centre their celebrations on togetherness and shared moments. Across all three celebrations, group and family stays accounted for an average of over 80% of the searches, underscoring a clear preference for shared travel experiences.****

Searches by Malaysians for entire homes increased by an average of approximately 95% during the festive period– signalling a preference for stays that can comfortably host families and larger groups for family reunion****.

Top searched amenities for this period included pools, washing machines, Wi-Fi, parking and air conditioning, highlighting the practical considerations that shape longer festive stays***.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head, India and Southeast Asia, states, “Festive moments in Malaysia are deeply rooted in togetherness. With major celebrations converging this year, we’re seeing travel become an integral part of how Malaysians reconnect, whether returning home for balik kampung, gathering with extended family, or planning meaningful getaways. On Airbnb, we’re seeing strong demand for larger homes that allow families and friends to celebrate comfortably, reflecting how shared spaces continue to shape the way people travel during important cultural moments.”

*Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made between Jan-Dec 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins between 18-20 February 2026 vs searches made between Jan-Dec 2024 for check-ins between 1-3 March 2025

**Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made between Jan-Dec 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins between 20-22 March 2026 vs searches made between Jan-Dec 2024 for check-ins between 30 March – 1 April 2025

***Based on Airbnb internal data of searches made between Jan-Dec 2025 by Malaysian guests for check-ins between 16-18 February 2026 (CNY), 18-20 February 2026 (Ramadan) and 20-22 March 2026 (Hari Raya) vs searches made between Jan-Dec 2024 for check-ins between 28-30 January 2025 (CNY), 1-3 March 2025 (Ramadan) and 30 March-1 April 2025 (Hari Raya)

**** Based on Airbnb internal data of searches by Malaysian guests in 2025 for check-ins between 16-18 February 2026 (CNY), 18-20 February 2026 (Ramadan) and 20-22 March 2026 (Hari Raya) for group, family travel and entire homes.

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