Strait of Hormuz disruption threatens trade flows: UNCTAD

• Based on shipping flows during the week preceding the military escalation that began on February 28, crude oil accounted for about 38% of trade moving through the strait.
• Liquefied petroleum gas represented 29%, while liquefied natural gas and refined oil products each accounted for around 19%.

Saudi, Qatar airlines adjust flights as regional tensions disrupt travel

• Saudi Airlines extends flight suspensions to several Gulf destinations while monitoring developments and evaluating gradual service resumption.
• Qatar Airways launches limited schedule from Doha to reconnect passengers following temporary authorization from civil aviation authorities.

G7 ministers consider oil reserves as markets face volatility

• They added that proactive measures—including the possible use of strategic oil reserves—remain under consideration as part of efforts to stabilize global energy markets.
• The ministers said coordination is ongoing among G7 members as well as with IEA member states and other partners.

The shift from innovative to native: Unlocking where real AI value lies

Meta, YouTube face trial over children harm

• The case may influence thousands of lawsuits alleging social media features harmed young users’ mental health and wellbeing.
• Meta and YouTube have denied the allegations, saying they have implemented tools and policies aimed at improving safety for younger users.

Bapco Energies declares force majeure on operations

• The company said the move follows the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East and a recent attack on its refinery complex.
• Bapco Energies said all local market needs remain fully secured through proactive plans to ensure the continuity of supplies and meet domestic demand without disruption.

US assets outperform as geopolitical shock reshapes markets

• Before hostilities erupted, global positioning had leaned heavily toward non-US outperformance
• Emerging markets, Europe and parts of Asia had been enjoying one of their strongest relative runs against US assets in years

OpenAI faces backlash over Pentagon AI deal

• The controversy has also boosted rival AI platform Claude, developed by Anthropic, which recently overtook ChatGPT as the top AI app
• Critics warn that the Pentagon partnership could allow AI technology to be used for surveillance or military purposes

US, Russia to appoint negotiators for Ukraine talks; Kyiv protests exclusion, Europe awaits role

• Some European leaders, alarmed by President Donald Trump's overhaul of US policy on Russia, fear Washington will make serious concessions to Moscow
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed his nation's exclusion from the Riyadh gathering, which lasted for more than four hours, saying talks should involve European nations

More than one million Syrians return to their homes: United Nations

• The returnees include 280,000 Syrian refugees and more than 800,000 people displaced inside the country.
• Syria's war has killed more than half a million people and displaced millions from their homes.