Switzerland closes airspace for US military planes amid Iran war, cites neutrality Switzerland's government rejected two requests for US reconnaissance planes to cross its airspace on Sunday, citing its longstanding commitment to neutrality in armed conflicts. The decision comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with the United States and Iran engaged in a protracted military confrontation. The Swiss Federal Council emphasized that its neutrality law would apply to the ongoing war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, prompting the rejection of overflight requests linked to the conflict. The government statement clarified that while two military overflight applications tied to the Iran war were denied, three other requests were approved. These included a maintenance flight and two transport aircraft missions. The Swiss authorities stated that their neutrality policy mandates non-participation in armed conflicts and prohibits involvement in military alliances. This stance has led to the refusal of US military aircraft requests, even as the US president, Donald Trump, called on other nations to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's threats of retaliation. The rejection of the US reconnaissance flights follows a broader pattern of Switzerland's refusal to engage in the conflict. Since February 28, 2026, when the war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran began, the country has maintained its neutrality, even as the fighting has intensified. The Swiss government reiterated that its legal framework requires non-intervention in hostilities between states, a principle that has guided its actions amid the escalating violence. The conflict has already claimed over 2,000 lives, predominantly in Iran, and has caused the largest-ever disruption to global oil supplies.#us #iran #strait_of_hormuz #us_israel_alliance #switzerland
LPG Shortage Crisis in India: Hotels and Restaurants Struggle Amid Global Supply Disruptions The ongoing conflict in West Asia has triggered a severe shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, causing significant challenges for hotels and restaurants across India. On March 11, 2026, many establishments reported difficulties in obtaining supplies as oil marketing companies rationed gas amid disrupted supply chains. The government has prioritized domestic cooking gas for households, leaving commercial users like restaurants and hotels facing a critical shortage. State hotel associations have urged governments to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG cylinders, citing the impact on the hospitality sector. The crisis has been exacerbated by the war between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance, which has disrupted global fuel supplies, including India’s LPG imports. To address the issue, the government formed a three-member committee to tackle grievances and prioritize domestic LPG distribution. Reliance Industries announced plans to boost cooking gas production at its Jamnagar refinery and divert gas from the Bay of Bengal KG-D6 fields to the priority sector. This move aims to mitigate the effects of the West Asia conflict on India’s energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, panic buying of LPG cylinders occurred in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, as rumors of supply disruptions spread. Despite assurances from officials that supplies remain adequate, customers rushed to distribution centers to secure cylinders. In Mumbai, the shortage has forced 20% of eateries to shut down, with fears of further closures as tensions with Iran and Israel escalate. The situation has also affected Goa’s tourism industry, where restaurants face closure threats.#iran #mumbai #us_israel_alliance #west_asia #lakhimpur_kheri
Another Bruising Day on D-Street, Sensex Ends Session Deep in Red MUMBAI: A deteriorating geopolitical situation in West Asia and weak global market conditions triggered a sharp sell-off on Dalal Street on Monday, leading the Sensex to plunge nearly 2,500 points. However, late in the session, stocks recovered some losses as traders speculated about an address by US President Donald Trump later in the day. The index closed at 77,566 points, down 1,353 points (1.7%), marking its lowest close since April 16, 2025. The Nifty 50 also followed a similar trend, ending at 24,028 points, a decline of 422 points (1.7%). This marked the fourth consecutive losing session for both indices in the last five since the war began on February 28. The weekend’s events, as the conflict entered its second week, saw the US-Israel alliance intensifying attacks on Iran with bombs and missiles. In response, Iran launched heavy retaliation, targeting US military assets in Gulf nations and surrounding areas. This escalation sent Asian markets plunging at the start of the week, dragging investor sentiment on Dalal Street. By the close of trading, investors faced a loss of nearly Rs 8.6 lakh crore, with BSE’s market capitalisation standing at Rs 441.1 lakh crore. Ajit Mishra, SVP—Research at Religare Broking, attributed the domestic market’s decline to negative global cues and rising geopolitical tensions. Since the war began on February 28, the Sensex has lost over 3,700 points (4.6%). Mishra highlighted that escalating tensions in West Asia drove crude oil prices to a peak of $119.5, raising concerns about inflation and economic growth. The surge in oil prices, a weak rupee, and continued foreign fund selling exacerbated the sell-off in domestic equities.#iran #gulf_nations #sensex #us_israel_alliance #religare_broking
