Business

Pakistan faces severe electricity shortages due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing Middle East conflict has impacted energy supplies, leading to extended power outages for homes and industries. Businesses are struggling with up to eight hours of loadshedding daily. Pakistan relies heavily on Qatar for LNG imports, and supply issues are intensifying.

Ongoing disruptions to energy flows from the Gulf linked to the US-Iran war continue to unsettle global oil and gas markets, and a ceasefire in place for about a week has done little to improve the availability of cooking gas.

Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, marking a significant step in bilateral ties. Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, and renewable energy. Both leaders emphasized peace and global institutional reform, with MoUs exchanged to bolster partnerships in various sectors, including a new working holiday program.

Several Apple suppliers in India contributed to shipments to China, including Foxconn, Tata Electronics, Tata-owned Pegatron Technology India, Motherson, Salcomp, TRIL Bangalore and Yuzhan Technology.

Gold and silver price prediction today: Gold and silver prices may extend gains in the coming days, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head – Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group.

Asian stocks rose Thursday, mirroring Wall Street’s gains, on hopes of a US-Iran ceasefire extension and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic talks are ongoing in Islamabad, with both sides exploring de-escalation, though Iran has warned of further disruptions if a naval blockade isn’t lifted.