funding disruptions

India's second-largest shareholder, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), has launched a $10 billion fund to aid member nations grappling with the Middle East conflict's economic fallout. This facility offers crucial support for energy and food security, alongside economic resilience, through fast-disbursing aid and liquidity for affected countries and businesses.

In a significant step towards revitalizing its economy, Pakistan has wrapped up vital discussions with the IMF, centering on fiscal strategies and essential reforms. The dialogues emphasized changes in the energy sector, restructuring of state-owned enterprises, and efforts to draw in private investment.

Fuel retailers face mounting losses as global energy disruptions persist, potentially forcing further petrol and diesel price hikes. BPCL director Raj Kumar Dubey indicated limited options for policymakers, including price increases or government funding. India is diversifying oil sources and accelerating its push towards green energy to mitigate these challenges.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament on February 1, 2026 with a focus on driving economic growth and making India a developed country by 2047, under the Viksit Bharat vision.

The US State Department is offering up to $15 million for information on financial networks linked to Iran's IRGC, targeting its illicit oil trade. This move, part of expanded sanctions, aims to disrupt funding for proxy groups and regional aggression. The US also sanctioned a network involved in selling Iranian oil and three IRGC officials.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to study how to protect workers from AI-driven job displacement. The initiative will explore increased job training, new worker protections, and alternative economic models, including universal basic capital, to address potential labor disruptions across industries.

Ronda Stryker and William Johnston's $100 million endowment to Spelman College shifts college fundraising from building-centric models to direct student support. This trust-based capital strategy prioritizes scholarships, housing, and democratic initiatives, aiming to reduce debt and enhance student mobility. The donation focuses on human equity and institutional stability, empowering students and fostering academic advancement.

22.1 million excess deaths recorded globally between 2020 and 2023

India's economy has faced significant challenges from global oil price surges over the past fifty years. From the 1973 Arab embargo to the recent Hormuz disruption, these shocks have impacted inflation and foreign exchange reserves. Policymakers have continuously adapted strategies to manage these crises, balancing economic stability with consumer needs.

Oprah Winfrey's $25 million, 30-year endowment to Morehouse College redefines educational philanthropy. Moving beyond mere tuition, this initiative fosters holistic development, including leadership training and global expeditions. This long-term investment cultivates character and creates lasting impact, empowering students for lifelong success and demonstrating the power of sustained support over one-off aid.

Venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya warns major consulting firms like PwC and Accenture against close partnerships with AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic. He argues these collaborations strengthen AI firms while enabling them to become future competitors, potentially undermining the consulting businesses themselves.