New Balance is known to have a knack for making foam that feels immediately convincing underfoot, and the Ellipse lives up to that expectation. Positioned as an everyday running shoe, it is comfortable, fun, and might very likely make runners want to come back for more. On the first two counts
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the United States has “militarily defeated" Iran, adding that King Charles III “agrees with me even more than I do" that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. In his first public remarks on the issue during a state dinner at the White House attended by
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to pass additional directions to curb acts of hate speech, saying that existing laws are sufficient to deal with the problem, Bar and Bench reported. The notion that the offence is unoccupied by the law is misconceived
![Harare [Zimbabwe], April 29 (ANI): Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced its Women’s squad for their upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan on Wednesday](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/zimbabwe-women-name-squad-for-pakistan-white-ball-tour.webp?height=154)
Harare [Zimbabwe], April 29 (ANI): Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has announced its Women’s squad for their upcoming white-ball tour of Pakistan on Wednesday. The 15-player squad features 10 new faces, signalling a bold shift towards youth development and future competitiveness on the international stage
Tensions in the Middle East are rippling far beyond the region - and are now being felt in India's "glass city" Firozabad, where thousands of jobs are at risk. In this city in northern Uttar Pradesh state, about 50km (30 miles) from the famed Taj Mahal, glass is at the centre of life
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, an approach that modifies a patient’s own immune cells to hunt down cancer, has transformed treatment for blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma. But the same strategy has struggled when applied to solid tumours such as kidney or ovarian
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into the circumstances that led to an Adivasi man in Keonjhar district exhuming his sister’s body and taking her skeletal remains to a Odisha Grameen Bank branch to prove that she had died two months ago, PTI reported
CGBSE Chhattisgarh Board 10th, 12th Result 2026 Release Time, Link Live Updates: The Chhattisgarh Board Class 10 and 12 results will be announced today, April 29, at 2:30 pm, as stated by the state Education Minister. Once released, students can check their results on the official websites cgbse
A faraway conflict threatens livelihoods in India's glass hub
Tensions in the Middle East are rippling far beyond the region - and are now being felt in India's "glass city" Firozabad, where thousands of jobs are at risk.
In this city in northern Uttar Pradesh state, about 50km (30 miles) from the famed Taj Mahal, glass is at the centre of life. Firozabad produces 70% of the country's glass, much of it in small and medium-sized factories.
The industry employs some 150,000 people who earn between 500 rupees ($5.29; £3.91) and 1,000 rupees a day - incomes that leave little margin for rising prices.
Now, those factories are under strain - and the biggest reason is gas.
Glassmaking depends on a steady supply of natural gas to keep furnaces running at extremely high temperatures. But as tensions disrupt energy flows from the Middle East, supplies have become uncertain and costs have risen.
Much of the disruption is linked to the Strait of Hormuz - a narrow shipping route in the Gulf through which nearly half of India's gas imports pass. While some shipments have resumed in recent weeks, factory owners say the benefits are yet to reach them.
Sanjay Jain, who has run a glass bangle unit in Firozabad for four decades, said production has dropped sharply after the Indian government cut commercial gas supplies by 20% in a bid to tide over the supply squeeze.
"These furnaces have to keep running - if they cool, they can be damaged," he said, adding that restarting them is "time-consuming and expensive".
To cope, he keeps the furnaces on but at lower temperatures and halts production for three to four days at a time to ration gas.
Jain's situation reflects a wider vulnerability. India's heavy dependence on gas - across industry, transport and households - leaves factory towns like Firozabad particularly exposed to supply shocks.
More than 400 small manufacturing clusters here make glass items ranging from car headlamp covers and bangles to light shades, decorative items and chandeliers, feeding a domestic market worth over $200mn.
Some owners report losses of 25-40% since the war began, and say they are uncertain how long they can continue if supplies remain unstable.
But gas shortages are only part of the problem.
Industry experts say a mix of other pressures is also making things harder.
The chemical components used to melt glass are sourced from across India, with some imported from the Middle East, says Mukesh Bansal of the All India Glass Manufacturers' Federation.
"With fuel supplies disrupted and imports affected, the cost of raw materials has gone up," he said, adding that his business has seen losses of more than 45% since the conflict began.
This, combined with the gas shortage, is making matters worse.
Exports have also been hit. Bansal says higher shipping costs have made it more expensive to send decorative glass items abroad, particularly to the US.
Last week, the federal government said it "recognises the need for uninterrupted furnace operations" and is taking steps to manage supplies.
But experts say that for many smaller units, the situation is not sustainable.
"Since the labour-intensive sectors are small and micro units with only a little working capital, they are not able to cope with the shortages," said economist Arun Kumar.
"If this goes on, these units are at risk of shutting down, or working at curtailed levels," he added.
The situation reflects the fragility of the industry - and how quickly disruptions can ripple through the livelihoods it supports.
Glass production is a key part of India's small and medium-sized sector, which accounts for about 30% of gross domestic product and employs hundreds of millions of people. Disruptions to industries like this can, therefore, have a direct impact on incomes, particularly for low-wage workers.
That pressure is already being felt in everyday life.
The conflict in the Middle East has hit workers who were already grappling with rising living costs. Wages for many families have failed to keep pace with inflation, while recent increases in cooking gas prices - linked to global supply disruptions - have added to the strain.
A recent UN Development Programme report warns that the conflict could push as many as 2.5 million people in India into poverty.
Frustration spilled over earlier this month, when thousands of factory workers in parts of northern India blocked roads demanding higher wages and better working conditions. What began as largely peaceful protests escalated in some areas, turning violent in parts of Uttar Pradesh. The state later announced a temporary wage increase, but workers said it fell short of their demands.
The government says it is stepping in to manage the fallout.
Federal ministries have been holding regular briefings and say they are taking steps to ensure stable supplies of petroleum products and cooking gas. The petroleum ministry says it has prioritised energy supplies to key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, steel, automobiles and agriculture.
But economist Kumar says longer-term measures will be needed to manage the crisis.
During the fighting in March and early April, energy infrastructure across parts of the Middle East was targeted - damage that could take months to repair and delay a return to stable supplies.
"For months after the Strait reopens, the situation will not return to normal," he said.
For workers in Firozabad, that uncertainty is already part of life.
Umesh Babu, 35, spends long hours in sweltering conditions making bangles in an open-air workshop under a tin roof that offers little relief from the heat.
The furnace, burning at more than 1,000C, is something he has learned to live with.
What worries him is how he will provide for his family if the work dries up.
"Earlier we would get at least six days of work a week, now it's down to four," he said. To cut costs, Babu says he has withdrawn his children from school.
If the factories stop hiring us, I don't know what else to do. This is the only skill I have.
Additional reporting by Neyaz Farooquee and Pritam Roy
Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: This yield from Jharkhand’s trees might hold the key to rural livelihoods IIT Guwahati sets up centres to boost rural livelihoods Gulf war batters India's glass heartland Odisha gets India’s first 3D glass chip packaging plant Apple deepens ties with a Kentucky plant that produces cover glass for iPhone Glass vase for flowers that brighten any room with minimal effort In the shattered glass of Cuttack’s calm Hyundai car’s modification into vistadome-like glass bus goes viral Broken glass makes Horner return difficult - Wolff Raise A Glass To Love
Want to live near Ambani family’s Antilia? This historic Mumbai 4BHK will cost…A 4BHK flat inside the historic Marlboro House in Mumbai has gone up for rent, and a video showing a glimpse of its tasteful interiors is now going viral online Updated on: Apr 29
2 minutes ago
![Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 29: For patients living with severe aortic stenosis, everyday life can become an exhausting battle. Climbing stairs](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/a-life-saving-breakthrough-now-available-for-aortic-stenosis-patients.webp?height=520)
Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 29: For patients living with severe aortic stenosis, everyday life can become an exhausting battle. Climbing stairs, walking short distances, even getting dressed can leave a person breathless and drained. Left untreated, the condition
2 minutes ago
Yash’s much-anticipated film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups has been delayed, with the makers confirming that it will no longer release on its earlier announced date. The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas, was initially slated for a June 4, 2026 release but has now been pushed to a later
2 minutes ago
Kerala Board Result 2026 Dates: SSLC, Plus two results releasing on May 15 and 22Kerala Board Result 2026 dates have been announced. The SSLC results will be out on May 15 and Plus two results on May 22, 2026. Updated on: Apr 29, 2026 1:26 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share
2 minutes ago
Tech Tonic | Paying more, getting more, but wanting lessWhile India still has some of the most affordable data prices anywhere in the world, the value of that data has significantly reduced in the last few years Updated on: Apr 29, 2026 9:48 AM IST By Vishal Mathur Share via Copy link There was a
2 minutes ago
PM Modi said, “This is my last rally in this election…I am returning with confidence that after results on May 4, I will have to come back to attend BJP’s oath-taking ceremony.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed a ‘Vijay Sankalp’ rally in Barrackpore ahead of the second
2 minutes ago
RCB thrashed DC by nine wickets in Delhi. The game wrapped up quickly after DC were bowled out for 75, and it helped the teams script big records. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off one of the greatest bowling performances on a stormy night in Delhi to decimate Delhi Capitals (DC) by nine
2 minutes ago
Assembly Election Exit polls Failure History: Exit polls for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and Assam are awaited. However, past elections in Haryana, Lok Sabha 2024, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Lok Sabha 2014 and 2004 show these forecasts can be
2 minutes ago
The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday announced that it will withdraw from the OPEC and OPEC+ groupings on Friday to focus on “national interests”, the state-owned news agency WAM reported. This came after energy prices escalated in light of the war in West Asia
2 minutes ago
Will Jee Le Zaraa get a new cast instead of Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif? Farhan Akhtar reactsFarhan Akhtar admitted that the journey of Jee Le Zaraa has been far from smooth, adding that it almost feels like the universe is testing him in some way. Apr 29, 2026
2 minutes ago
The country is reeling under an intense heatwave, with temperatures nearing 45°C across several parts of north-western India, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest temperature at 45.6°C on Tuesday
2 minutes ago
Stop ignoring blood pressure medicines: Heart surgeon shares why only relying on healthy lifestyle may not be enoughTaking medicines is not a shortcoming! Dr London recounts how a woman trying to manage blood pressure through healthy choices ended up on the operating table. Published on: Apr 29
2 minutes ago
In a historic move that has sent shockwaves through the global energy market, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Tuesday its formal withdrawal from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ alliance. The exit, effective May 1, 2026
2 minutes ago
West Bengal Election Bhabanipur Mamata vs Suvendu: Bhabanipur witnessed high-tension drama as BJP's Suvendu Adhikari faced 'Joy Bangla' slogans from alleged TMC workers. Police resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. Adhikari alleged outsiders were influencing polls and sought additional
2 minutes ago
Bengaluru’s dining scene is turning up the flavour this summer with menus that are vibrant, refreshing, and built for the season. From bold Pan-Asian plates at Yuki to mango-forward cocktails at Maize & Malt and playful, fruit-led creations at Brooks & Bonds
2 minutes ago
Rohit Sharma’s IPL 2026 return remains uncertain as Mumbai Indians struggle with injuries, poor form, and ninth-place standings. The uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s return continues to loom over the Mumbai Indians as they prepare for their next fixture
2 minutes ago
Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, offered on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) to take hippos descended from those introduced to Colombia by drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, rather than have the animals killed. Mr. Anant Ambani said he had formally requested the Colombian government to stay a decision to kill
2 minutes ago
Ahead of the second and politically crucial phase of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Election, Howrah has been placed under an extraordinary security blanket, with authorities transforming the district into what officials and observers are calling an ‘Iron Fort’
2 minutes ago
Just when the 2026 season needed less confusion, not more, FIA has stepped in with another late tweak. Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, the governing body has updated regulations in a bid to improve safety and address early issues in F1’s new era
2 minutes ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.From heatwave to comfort: 1.5-ton ACs that deliver steady cooling at homeWith heat rising across North India, choosing the right 1.5 ton AC can help manage cooling, comfort
2 minutes ago
Even away from the Anfield touchline, Jurgen Klopp hasn’t softened his stance on football’s packed calendar, especially when it comes to FIFA. Speaking to BBC Sport, the former Liverpool boss once again criticised the expansion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
2 minutes ago
If you love samosas but want to skip potatoes, here’s a delicious alternative you’ll want to try—raw banana samosas. Light, flavourful, and surprisingly healthy, this snack brings a fresh twist to a classic favourite. Packed with fibre and essential nutrients
2 minutes ago
INDIA bloc regional constituents plan Lucknow meet after assembly poll resultsThey seek to form a pressure group consisting of SP, TMC, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Aam Aadmi Party, which is no longer a part of the bloc Updated on: Apr 29
2 minutes ago
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday (April 28, 2026) won a crucial Parliament vote as MPs voted against a motion calling for him to face an ethics inquiry into his conduct. Members of Parliament voted 335 to 223 against a Privileges Committee investigation into whether he had misled the
2 minutes ago
US Fed Meeting Outcome Today: The rate decision from the FOMC will be announced at 2:00 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, which translates to 11:30 PM IST on April 29, 2026. Global markets will closely watch the April 2026 policy decision of the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday
2 minutes ago
As India and New Zealand inks a trade deal, it opened up new opportunities for Indian workers by providing a quota of 5,000 temporary employment visas and 1,000 working holiday visas. Here’s all need to know about these visa categories. If you are aged 18 to 30
2 minutes ago
The India Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for several regions as India faces a sharp weather divide, with heatwave conditions in the west and central belt and thunderstorms in the north and east. Several cities are set to cross 40oC even as parts of the higher Himalayas may
2 minutes ago
