Middle East Shock to Food Prices: The World Food Programme warns the Iran conflict could push 45 million more people into severe food insecurity by June, as higher fuel costs and disrupted trade hit vulnerable countries, with UN funding cuts forcing aid rationing. Geopolitics Meets Markets: Fresh US-Iran strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and wider regional retaliation keep pressure on energy and shipping, while analysts flag knock-on effects for growth and public finances. Oil Price Spillover for India: India faces a prolonged oil-price hit as analysts cut growth forecasts and the rupee comes under strain; refiners are shifting supply toward Russia and other sources to plug gaps. Central Banking Watch: The Bank of Japan is widely expected to lift rates toward 1% to curb inflation risks tied to crude-price pressures. EU Sanctions and Trade Friction: The EU is expanding sanctions pressure on Russia’s war economy, including energy and crypto-related measures, while drug-trafficking routes and violence remain a growing policy concern. UK Cost-of-Living Jobs Push: Major retailers urge the UK government to act on youth unemployment, warning the “ladder of opportunity” is wobbling. Kenya Ebola Quarantine Row: Protests over a proposed US-funded Ebola quarantine facility are turning into a sovereignty and governance dispute, with courts ordering disclosure of deal details.