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Sirens sounded across several northern communities as air defense systems were activated to intercept incoming rockets, News.Az reports, citing Aljazeera.
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No immediate information was available on casualties or damage.
The post Hezbollah strikes barrage on Israel – VIDEO appeared first on azeritimes.com.
It also said that Iran-backed militias have targeted hotels frequented by Americans throughout Iraq and its autonomous Kurdish region, News.Az reports, citing Al Jazeera.
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The embassy reiterated its call for US citizens to leave the country.
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However in recent years economists and policymakers have begun focusing on a new trend. India is increasingly emerging as one of the fastest growing major economies in the world and in several years its growth rate has surpassed that of China, News.az reports.
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This shift has raised important questions for investors, governments and businesses worldwide. Why is India’s economy accelerating while China’s growth appears to be slowing? What structural factors are driving India’s expansion? And could India eventually challenge China as Asia’s leading economic powerhouse?
This FAQ explainer examines the key reasons behind India’s rapid growth and what it means for the global economy.
What is happening to India’s economic growth?
India’s economy has experienced strong and consistent growth over the past several years.
Economic forecasts from international financial institutions suggest India is likely to remain the fastest growing large economy in the world in the near future. Growth rates in recent years have often been above 6 percent and in some periods have approached or exceeded 7 percent.
In contrast China’s economic growth has slowed compared to the extremely rapid expansion it experienced during the 1990s and 2000s.
Although China remains a far larger economy overall its growth rate has declined as the country faces structural challenges including an aging population a struggling property sector and rising debt levels.
India’s faster growth rate does not mean it has overtaken China economically. China’s economy remains roughly five times larger than India’s. However the trend indicates that India is becoming an increasingly important engine of global growth.
Why has China’s growth slowed?
China’s economic slowdown is the result of several structural changes.
For decades China relied heavily on manufacturing exports and large infrastructure investments to drive economic expansion. This strategy produced extraordinary growth but also created imbalances within the economy.
One major challenge is the property sector crisis. Real estate development played a huge role in China’s growth model but excessive borrowing by developers created financial vulnerabilities. Several large property companies have faced severe debt problems which weakened investor confidence and slowed construction activity.
Another factor is demographics. China’s population is aging rapidly and the country’s working age population has begun to decline. A shrinking labor force can limit long term economic growth.
China also faces increasing geopolitical tensions with Western countries. Trade restrictions technology controls and supply chain diversification efforts by multinational companies have reduced the pace of export growth.
As a result China is transitioning from a high speed growth model to a slower but potentially more sustainable economic structure.
Why is India growing faster?
India’s faster growth is driven by a combination of structural advantages and policy reforms.
Unlike China India still has a relatively young population and a rapidly expanding workforce. This demographic advantage provides the country with a large pool of labor and a growing consumer market.
India has also implemented economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment attracting foreign investment and expanding manufacturing capacity.
Key factors contributing to India’s growth include strong domestic consumption expanding digital infrastructure growth in technology services government infrastructure investment and a young growing workforce.
These elements together have created a favorable environment for sustained economic expansion.
How important is India’s population advantage?
Demographics are one of India’s greatest economic strengths.
India recently became the world’s most populous country surpassing China. More importantly a large share of India’s population is relatively young.
A young population means more people entering the workforce each year which can boost productivity and economic output.
In contrast China’s population is aging rapidly. The country’s decades long one child policy significantly reduced birth rates creating demographic pressures that are now becoming visible in the labor market.
India’s demographic profile gives it a potential advantage known as the demographic dividend. If properly harnessed through education job creation and economic reforms this advantage can support economic growth for decades.
What role does technology play in India’s growth?
Technology is one of the most important drivers of India’s economic expansion.
India has become a global hub for information technology services and software development. Cities such as Bengaluru Hyderabad and Pune host thousands of technology companies and startups.
Indian technology firms provide services to businesses around the world including software development data analytics artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
India also benefits from a large pool of highly skilled engineers and technology professionals.
The country’s digital infrastructure has expanded rapidly through initiatives such as digital identity systems electronic payments and nationwide internet connectivity.
This digital transformation has allowed businesses and consumers to participate more actively in the modern economy.
How has India’s digital payment system changed the economy?
India has built one of the world’s largest and most advanced digital payment ecosystems.
The Unified Payments Interface has revolutionized how transactions are conducted across the country.
This system allows users to send money instantly using mobile phones making financial transactions faster and more accessible.
Millions of small businesses street vendors and service providers now use digital payments.
This has helped formalize parts of the economy that previously relied heavily on cash transactions.
Greater financial inclusion also encourages entrepreneurship and economic participation.
What role does manufacturing play in India’s growth strategy?
Manufacturing is becoming an increasingly important part of India’s economic strategy.
The government has launched initiatives aimed at expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and reducing reliance on imports.
One of the most notable initiatives is the Make in India program which encourages companies to establish manufacturing facilities within the country.
India is also benefiting from global supply chain shifts.
Many multinational companies are seeking to diversify production away from China in order to reduce geopolitical risks and supply chain vulnerabilities.
India has emerged as one of the leading alternative destinations for manufacturing investment.
How are global companies investing in India?
Several multinational corporations have significantly expanded their presence in India.
Technology companies are investing in data centers research facilities and engineering teams.
Electronics manufacturers are building factories to produce smartphones components and other devices.
India has also become an important production hub for pharmaceuticals and automotive components.
Foreign direct investment plays a crucial role in supporting economic growth by creating jobs transferring technology and expanding industrial capacity.
How important is domestic demand for India’s economy?
Domestic consumption is a major pillar of India’s economic expansion.
With a population of more than 1.4 billion people India represents one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
As incomes rise demand for goods and services increases across many sectors including retail transportation housing and entertainment.
A growing middle class is driving consumption of technology products automobiles and consumer electronics.
Strong domestic demand makes India less dependent on exports compared to many other emerging economies.
This helps protect the economy from global trade disruptions.
What role does infrastructure investment play?
Infrastructure development has become a central focus of India’s economic policy.
The government has invested heavily in transportation networks highways railways and ports.
Improved infrastructure reduces logistical costs and increases efficiency for businesses.
Major infrastructure projects also create jobs and stimulate economic activity in multiple sectors.
Modern transportation networks make it easier for companies to move goods across the country and connect to international markets.
How does India’s startup ecosystem contribute to growth?
India has developed one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems.
Thousands of new companies are emerging in areas such as financial technology e commerce education technology and artificial intelligence.
The availability of venture capital funding has encouraged innovation and entrepreneurship.
Several Indian startups have become global companies serving international markets.
This entrepreneurial culture contributes to economic dynamism and technological progress.
What challenges does India still face?
Despite its strong growth India still faces several economic challenges.
One major challenge is job creation. Although the economy is expanding rapidly generating enough employment opportunities for millions of young workers entering the labor force each year remains difficult.
Infrastructure gaps persist in some regions particularly in rural areas.
Income inequality and poverty also remain significant concerns.
Education and workforce training will be crucial for ensuring that India’s large population can fully participate in economic growth.
Could India eventually overtake China economically?
Some long term projections suggest that India could eventually become one of the world’s largest economies.
However overtaking China would require decades of sustained growth.
China still possesses enormous industrial capacity advanced infrastructure and strong technological capabilities.
India would need to continue expanding manufacturing improving productivity and strengthening institutions in order to narrow the gap.
Even if India does not surpass China soon its growing economic influence will reshape the global economy.
What does India’s rise mean for the global economy?
India’s economic expansion could have significant global implications.
As one of the fastest growing major economies India is likely to become a key driver of global growth.
International companies increasingly view India as an important market for investment and business expansion.
India’s growing middle class could create new opportunities in sectors ranging from consumer goods to technology services.
At the same time India’s rise could reshape global supply chains and economic partnerships.
The bottom line
India’s economy is growing faster than China’s largely because of demographic advantages expanding technology industries strong domestic demand and policy reforms aimed at attracting investment.
While China remains a far larger economic power India’s rapid growth is positioning it as one of the most important emerging economies in the world.
If current trends continue India could play a central role in shaping the future of the global economy in the coming decades.
The post Why India’s economy is growing faster than China’s appeared first on azeritimes.com.
Oil prices have already surged in recent weeks as military escalation involving Iran, Israel and the United States has created fears of supply disruptions, News.az reports.
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Attacks on merchant ships, threats to energy infrastructure and concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz have pushed energy markets into a period of extreme volatility.
Iranian officials and some energy analysts have warned that crude prices could climb dramatically if the war expands or if oil exports from the region are interrupted.
Although many economists still consider $200 oil a worst case scenario, the discussion reflects growing anxiety about the vulnerability of the global energy system during geopolitical crises.
This explainer examines the key questions surrounding oil prices, the risks posed by the Middle East conflict and whether crude could realistically reach $200 per barrel.
What is happening in the oil market right now?
The global oil market has entered one of its most uncertain periods in years.
The current tensions began after the war in the Middle East escalated and military strikes triggered fears that the conflict could spread across several energy producing regions.
Oil prices quickly reacted to the growing instability. Traders began buying crude contracts in anticipation of supply disruptions, which pushed prices upward in global markets.
Markets are extremely sensitive to developments in the region because the Middle East remains the world’s most important oil producing area. Several of the largest exporters operate there, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Even small disruptions in production or transportation can have major consequences for global supply.
Recent incidents involving attacks on merchant vessels and threats to shipping routes have heightened concerns that the conflict could affect oil flows from the Persian Gulf.
Because energy markets depend heavily on stability in this region, traders closely monitor military developments and political statements that might signal further escalation.
Why are analysts talking about $200 oil?
The discussion about $200 oil reflects the possibility of a severe supply shock.
Under normal circumstances, oil prices fluctuate within relatively predictable ranges based on global demand and production levels.
However, when geopolitical crises threaten major energy supplies, prices can spike dramatically.
The current Middle East conflict raises several risks that could potentially drive oil prices much higher.
These include:
• disruption of shipping routes in the Persian Gulf • attacks on oil fields, pipelines or export terminals • the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz • production cuts by major exporters • panic buying by countries attempting to secure energy supplies
If global oil supply were reduced significantly, prices could rise very quickly.
Some analysts believe prices could reach $150 in an extreme scenario. Others warn that if the conflict expands or lasts for a prolonged period, prices could potentially climb toward $200.
Although such an outcome is not currently expected, the possibility is now being seriously considered by energy experts.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?
The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as the world’s most critical oil chokepoint.
Located between Iran and Oman, the narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and the wider global shipping network.
A large portion of the world’s oil exports passes through this corridor every day.
Producers in the Persian Gulf rely heavily on this route to ship crude to international markets.
Major exporters whose oil travels through the strait include:
• Saudi Arabia • Iraq • Kuwait • the United Arab Emirates • Iran
In total, roughly one fifth of global oil supply normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Because the waterway is narrow and strategically sensitive, it has long been considered one of the most vulnerable points in the global energy system.
If the strait were disrupted, even temporarily, global markets would immediately feel the impact.
Could the Strait of Hormuz actually be closed?
A complete closure is unlikely but not impossible.
Iran has repeatedly warned that it could block the strait if it faces military attack or severe economic pressure.
There are several ways shipping through the strait could be disrupted.
These include:
• naval confrontations • mining shipping lanes • missile attacks on tankers • drone strikes on maritime targets
Even without a full closure, partial disruptions could have significant consequences.
Shipping companies might avoid the area due to security concerns, insurance costs for tankers could surge and delays could slow the movement of oil supplies.
In such circumstances markets might react as if a major supply shortage were already underway.
What are current oil prices?
Oil prices fluctuate constantly depending on market expectations.
At present, global crude prices remain well below the extreme levels being discussed.
However, prices have risen significantly compared to previous months as geopolitical tensions intensified.
Markets remain highly volatile because traders are trying to predict how the conflict might evolve.
If the situation stabilizes, prices could fall again.
But if tensions escalate or supply disruptions occur, prices could continue climbing.
Has oil ever reached $200 before?
No.
Oil has never reached $200 per barrel in modern history.
The highest price recorded occurred in 2008 when crude surged to nearly $147 per barrel during the global commodities boom.
That surge was driven by strong economic growth, rising demand from emerging markets and tight supply conditions.
However, prices collapsed later that year as the global financial crisis reduced demand.
Another major price spike occurred in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which created fears about global energy shortages.
Even during that crisis, prices did not reach $200.
This illustrates how extreme the current scenario would be.
What would need to happen for oil to reach $200?
Energy analysts say multiple events would likely need to occur at the same time.
The most important triggers could include:
Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
A shutdown of the strait would prevent millions of barrels of oil from reaching global markets.
Major attacks on oil infrastructure
Strikes against refineries, pipelines or export terminals could remove large volumes of supply.
Expansion of war across the region
If fighting spreads to major oil producers such as Saudi Arabia or Iraq, global supply could fall sharply.
Severe production disruptions
Oil fields or facilities damaged by conflict could reduce exports for extended periods.
Panic buying by governments
Countries might rush to secure supplies, pushing prices higher.
Only a combination of several of these factors would likely push oil toward $200.
What steps are governments taking?
Governments and international organizations are already preparing for possible disruptions.
One of the main tools available is the release of strategic oil reserves.
Many major economies maintain emergency stockpiles designed to stabilize markets during crises.
If supplies are interrupted, these reserves can be released to offset shortages and reduce price spikes.
Other steps governments may take include:
• increasing oil production • coordinating international energy policies • securing shipping routes • encouraging diplomatic negotiations to reduce tensions
These measures are intended to prevent the worst case scenarios.
Which countries would be most affected by $200 oil?
The impact of extremely high oil prices would be global, but some countries would face greater challenges.
Major oil importers
Countries that depend heavily on imported energy would suffer the most.
These include China, India, Japan and South Korea.
Higher oil prices would increase manufacturing costs and slow economic growth.
Developing economies
Many developing countries already struggle with inflation and financial instability.
Sharp increases in energy costs could create severe economic pressure.
Europe
European economies would likely experience renewed inflation and rising transportation costs.
What would $200 oil mean for the global economy?
Economists warn that extremely high oil prices could trigger a global recession.
Oil is a critical input for transportation, manufacturing and agriculture.
If prices rise sharply, businesses and consumers face higher costs across the entire economy.
Possible consequences include:
• increased transportation costs • rising food prices • higher inflation • reduced consumer spending • slower economic growth
Historically, large oil shocks have often preceded economic downturns.
For example, the oil crises of the 1970s triggered global recessions and long periods of inflation.
If prices were to approach $200, similar economic pressures could emerge.
Would any countries benefit from high oil prices?
Yes.
Oil exporting countries would earn significantly higher revenues if prices rose dramatically.
Major producers such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Norway could see large financial gains.
The United States, which has become one of the world’s largest oil producers, could also benefit from higher export revenues.
However, these gains could be offset if high prices cause a global economic slowdown that reduces demand.
How would $200 oil affect everyday life?
For ordinary consumers, the impact would be immediate.
Fuel prices would rise sharply as gasoline and diesel become more expensive.
Transportation costs would increase across many industries.
Airline tickets could become more expensive due to higher fuel costs.
Food prices could rise because agricultural production and transportation depend heavily on fuel.
In many countries electricity bills might also increase.
All of these factors could contribute to higher inflation and reduced purchasing power.
Could renewable energy reduce the impact?
Renewable energy is gradually reducing dependence on fossil fuels in many countries.
Solar, wind and other renewable technologies are becoming increasingly important in electricity generation.
However, oil remains essential for transportation, aviation and shipping.
Because these sectors still rely heavily on fossil fuels, global economies remain vulnerable to oil price shocks.
Over time, energy transitions could reduce these risks, but in the near future oil will continue to play a central role.
What do analysts expect in the coming months?
Most energy analysts believe oil reaching $200 remains an extreme scenario rather than the most likely outcome.
Current projections suggest prices could rise significantly if the conflict continues, but reaching $200 would likely require a major escalation or severe supply disruption.
The future of oil prices will depend largely on how the Middle East conflict develops.
If tensions ease and shipping routes remain open, prices could stabilize.
But if the war intensifies or energy infrastructure is targeted, markets could experience further shocks.
The bottom line
The possibility of oil reaching $200 per barrel reflects growing uncertainty in global energy markets.
The Middle East conflict has raised concerns about the security of critical oil supplies and shipping routes.
While current prices remain far below that level, the risks associated with geopolitical escalation mean the scenario cannot be completely dismissed.
For now, governments and energy companies are closely monitoring developments and preparing contingency plans.
The global economy will be watching carefully as events in the Middle East continue to unfold.
The post Will oil price reach $200 per barrel? appeared first on azeritimes.com.
The strikes are intended to thwart additional fire toward Israel, after the terror group launched around 100 rockets at the north this evening, News.Az reports, citing The Times of Israel.
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Shortly after the barrage, the largest Hezbollah has carried out amid the war in Iran, a ballistic missile was launched from Iran at northern Israel.
The post Israeli Air Force hits Hezbollah appeared first on azeritimes.com.
However, getting a job in global tech requires more than technical skills. Candidates must understand the industry, build the right skills, create a strong professional profile, and strategically search for opportunities. This guide explains how to prepare for and secure a job in the global technology sector, News.Az reports.
Before starting your job search, it is important to understand how the global technology industry works. The sector includes companies that develop software, hardware, digital platforms, cloud services, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.
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Major tech hubs include:
The United States (Silicon Valley, Seattle, Austin)
Europe (Berlin, London, Amsterdam)
Asia (Singapore, Bangalore, Tokyo)
Emerging hubs in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
Many global companies also operate fully remote teams, allowing professionals to work from different countries. This has opened new opportunities for talented individuals worldwide.
The most in-demand roles include:
Software developers and engineers
Data scientists and analysts
Cybersecurity specialists
DevOps engineers
AI and machine learning experts
UX/UI designers
Product managers
Technical writers and content specialists
Understanding which roles are growing fastest can help you focus your preparation.
Technical expertise is the foundation of any career in global technology. The specific skills required depend on the field you choose, but several core areas are consistently valuable.
Programming and development
Learning programming languages is essential for many tech careers. Popular languages include:
Python
JavaScript
Java
C++
Go
Python and JavaScript are particularly popular because they are used in web development, data science, automation, and artificial intelligence.
Data and AI skills
Companies increasingly rely on data-driven decision making. Skills in data analysis, machine learning, and AI tools are highly valuable.
Important tools include:
SQL
TensorFlow
PyTorch
Power BI
Tableau
Cloud computing
Many global companies operate on cloud platforms. Knowledge of cloud technologies can significantly improve your chances of getting hired.
Key platforms include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform. Even basic certification in cloud technologies can strengthen your profile.
English is the dominant language of the global tech industry. Even if a company is based in a non-English-speaking country, internal communication often happens in English.
Professionals must be able to:
Write clear emails and documentation
Communicate in meetings
Explain technical ideas
Collaborate with international teams
Improving professional English can be just as important as learning new technical skills. Reading tech blogs, watching industry talks, and practicing speaking regularly can help build confidence.
For people who work with languages or writing, such as translators or editors, strong English skills can also open roles in technical writing, localization, and content creation for tech companies.
A portfolio is one of the most powerful tools for entering the global tech job market. Employers want to see practical evidence of your abilities.
A strong portfolio may include GitHub repositories with coding projects, web applications you developed, data analysis reports, design prototypes and technical articles or blog posts.
Even small personal projects can demonstrate problem-solving ability and creativity.
For example, you could build:
A task management app
A personal finance tracker
A data visualization project
A simple AI chatbot
These projects help employers evaluate your skills beyond your resume.
LinkedIn has become one of the most important platforms for international job searching. Many recruiters actively search for candidates there.
A strong LinkedIn profile should include:
A professional headline describing your role or skills
A clear summary explaining your experience and career goals
Detailed descriptions of your projects or work experience
Links to your portfolio or GitHub
Professional certifications and courses
Regularly posting about your projects, learning progress, or industry insights can also increase your visibility.
Networking on LinkedIn is equally important. Connecting with recruiters, developers, and industry professionals can lead to unexpected job opportunities.
Certifications are not always required, but they can significantly increase your credibility in the global job market.
Popular certifications include:
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Google Professional Data Engineer
Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Scrum Master Certification
These certifications demonstrate that your skills meet international standards.
For beginners, online learning platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer affordable courses that prepare you for these exams.
When applying for international tech jobs, a strategic approach is essential. Sending hundreds of generic applications rarely leads to success.
Instead, focus on:
Researching companies carefully
Tailoring your resume for each job
Writing personalized cover letters
Highlighting relevant projects
Many companies use automated systems to filter résumés. Including keywords from the job description can improve your chances of passing these filters.
Remote job platforms can also help you find international opportunities. Popular sites include:
Remote OK
We Work Remotely
AngelList Talent
LinkedIn Jobs
These platforms often list positions open to global applicants.
Technical interviews in global tech companies can be challenging. Candidates are often tested on both technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
Common interview formats include:
Coding challenges
Algorithm questions
System design discussions
Behavioral interviews
Practicing coding problems on platforms such as LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeSignal can help you prepare.
It is also important to practice explaining your thought process clearly. Many interviewers value communication and structured thinking as much as the final answer.
One of the biggest changes in the tech industry has been the growth of remote work. Many companies now hire international employees without requiring relocation.
Remote tech jobs offer several advantages:
Access to global salaries
Flexible working hours
Opportunity to work with international teams
Freedom to live in your home country
However, remote work also requires strong self-discipline, communication skills, and time management.
Technology evolves rapidly. Professionals who continuously learn and adapt have the best chances of long-term success.
Ways to stay updated include:
Following technology blogs and newsletters
Watching conference talks and webinars
Participating in developer communities
Contributing to open-source projects
Continuous learning not only improves your skills but also demonstrates commitment and curiosity — qualities highly valued by global employers.
Getting a job in the global technology industry is achievable for professionals from many backgrounds, but it requires dedication, strategic planning, and continuous learning.
Success typically comes from combining several factors:
Strong technical skills
Good English communication
A visible portfolio of projects
Professional networking
Strategic job applications
With the expansion of remote work and international hiring, opportunities in global tech are more accessible than ever before. Professionals who invest in their skills, build a strong online presence, and remain curious about new technologies can position themselves for exciting careers in one of the world’s most innovative industries.
The post How to get a job in global tech appeared first on azeritimes.com.
The burger chain is looking to attract diners worn down by economic woes. It has been sharpening its focus on affordability as consumers become more price-conscious. Rivals such as Burger King are also intensifying efforts with more economical menu options, News.Az reports, citing Reuters.
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McDonald’s has been investing heavily in marketing cheaper meals and said last month its value push was helping bring back lower-income customers.
The company launched its $5 meal in June 2024 as a limited-time offer, but extended it as consumers continued to prioritize value due to higher costs of essentials.
The new offers — internally called “McValue 2.0” — include a McMuffin, a hash brown and coffee breakfast bundle, and low-priced items such as a sausage biscuit or 4-piece chicken McNuggets, the Journal reported, citing an internal company message.
McDonald’s did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The company last year began subsidizing franchisees’ “extra value” meals as costs of some commodities such as beef remained high, but CEO Chris Kempczinski said last month that the company would not subsidize pricing on a permanent basis.
Last year, McDonald’s offered a 15% discount on combo meals and introduced $5 and $8 specials.
McDonald’s and other fast-food chains had raised menu prices following the pandemic to offset higher input costs.
In February, McDonald’s beat Wall Street estimates for fourth-quarter global comparable sales and profit, as meal deals and strong marketing promotions pulled in budget-strapped U.S. diners.
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