Oil prices edged higher on Monday as fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East persisted, with the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran continuing to weigh on market sentiment. The gains followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s indication that military action against Iran would continue.

Tensions intensified on Sunday after Trump issued a sharply worded Easter Sunday social media post directed at Tehran. He warned that Iran’s power plants and bridges could be targeted on Tuesday if the strategic Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.

Crude oil price on April 6

Brent crude futures advanced by $1.71, or 1.6%, to $110.74 per barrel as of 0057 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also rose, gaining $0.71, or 0.6%, to trade at $112.25 per barrel. In the previous session on Thursday, which marked the last trading day before the Good Friday holiday, both benchmarks saw sharp gains in highly volatile trade. WTI surged more than 11%, while Brent climbed nearly 8%, marking their largest absolute price increases since 2020.The conflict shows little sign of easing. Iran has conveyed to mediators that it is not willing to hold talks with U.S. officials in Islamabad in the coming days. According to a Wall Street Journal report on Friday, efforts to secure a ceasefire have stalled.

Meanwhile, OPEC+, which includes members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies such as Russia, agreed on Sunday to increase output by 206,000 barrels per day in May. However, the impact of this decision is expected to be limited, as several key producers are unable to ramp up supply due to the ongoing conflict.

Where are prices headed?

Crude oil is holding at elevated levels, reflecting sustained strength driven by supply disruption fears, while natural gas remains largely range-bound with mild volatility, indicating a balanced demand-supply scenario.International brokerage Macquarie has said that even if tensions ease in the near term, oil prices are likely to find support in the $85–$90 range, with a gradual move back toward $110 until normal flows through the Strait of Hormuz resume. The note added that if disruptions persist through April, Brent could still climb to $150 per barrel.

Looking ahead, crude prices could move higher from current levels. According to Kayanat Chainwala of Kotak Securities, oil may rise to $120 per barrel in the near term and potentially touch $150 if the conflict continues.

Nuvama Institutional Equities echoes the same view. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles around 20 million barrels per day, could push crude prices to the $110–150 per barrel range.

Experts say if ongoing tensions persist, the outlook for crude oil remains volatile and tilted upward. Continued conflict in the Middle East, especially disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, would keep supply chains constrained, pushing Brent and WTI prices higher and sustaining inflationary pressures worldwide.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

The Democratic Party drew sharp criticism over the weekend after an official Easter social media post evoked “better times at the White House” with an image of former President Barack Obama but made no mention of former President Joe Biden, sparking accusations of a deliberate snub and reigniting internal party tensions less than two years after Biden left office.

The post, shared Saturday on the official Democratic Party X account, featured a photo of Obama viewed from behind standing next to a person in an Easter Bunny costume with the Washington Monument visible in the background. The caption read simply: “Better times at the White House.” Biden’s name and image were absent, prompting an immediate wave of online backlash from both conservative critics and some Democrats who questioned why the party appeared to skip its most recent president in a holiday message.

The controversy erupted as Republicans and conservative commentators seized on the omission to portray the party as eager to move past the Biden era amid ongoing debates about his legacy, age and the 2024 election outcome. Former President Donald Trump and his allies quickly amplified the story, with Trump posting on Truth Social that Democrats were “trying to erase Joe Biden because even they know how bad he was.”

The Democratic National Committee did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the post or the resulting furor. Party officials have historically used Easter messages to highlight themes of hope, renewal and community, often featuring images of past Democratic presidents celebrating the holiday with their families. Similar posts in previous years included photos of John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Obama, sometimes with Biden included on other platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

This year’s X post, however, focused solely on Obama, fueling speculation about intentional distancing. Social media users flooded the replies with questions such as “Why skip Biden?” and “Better times without Joe?” Conservative accounts labeled it a “snub” and an “egg on their face” moment for Democrats. Some users noted that Biden, a devout Roman Catholic who frequently referenced his faith during his presidency, had been active in Easter observances, including hosting the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

The backlash extended beyond partisan lines. Moderate Democratic voices expressed discomfort with the optics, arguing that sidelining Biden risked alienating older voters and party loyalists who still view his administration positively on issues such as infrastructure investment, COVID-19 recovery efforts and judicial appointments. One anonymous Democratic strategist told The Associated Press that the post “looked tone-deaf at best and ungrateful at worst,” especially given Biden’s role in delivering the White House to Democrats in 2020.

Biden, now 83 and largely out of the public spotlight since leaving office in January 2025, has maintained a low profile in retirement. He has occasionally surfaced for private events and limited public remarks, focusing on family and his presidential library project. Allies say he remains proud of his record but has stepped back to allow the next generation of leaders to define the party’s future.

The incident comes at a sensitive time for Democrats, who are navigating a post-2024 landscape after losing the presidency and facing internal soul-searching about messaging, leadership and appeal to working-class voters. Speculation has swirled for months about whether the party is quietly shifting away from Biden’s brand, particularly as younger figures like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and others position themselves for future national roles.

Newsom himself drew attention in the replies to the Easter post, with some users tagging him and suggesting the image subtly promoted a return to an earlier Democratic era. The governor’s office did not comment on the social media reaction.

Political analysts offered differing interpretations of the post’s intent. Some viewed it as a harmless nostalgic nod to Obama’s popularity and polished image, noting that holiday messages often emphasize aspirational themes rather than exhaustive historical recaps. Others saw it as symptomatic of deeper fractures, with the party struggling to reconcile Biden’s mixed electoral legacy with a desire to project forward momentum.

Republican National Committee Chairwoman reacted swiftly, calling the omission “disrespectful” and evidence that “even Democrats know the Biden years were anything but better times.” She pointed to inflation peaks, border challenges and Afghanistan withdrawal controversies as reasons the party might prefer to highlight Obama’s tenure.

Defenders of the Democratic Party argued that social media posts are fleeting communications designed for engagement rather than comprehensive historical statements. They noted that Biden received recognition in other party channels and that focusing exclusively on one popular former leader is common practice across both parties during holidays.

The Easter timing amplified the controversy, as the holiday carries religious significance for many Americans, including Biden himself. Past debates over Biden’s Easter observances, including proclamations related to Transgender Day of Visibility when it coincided with the holiday in 2024, had already made the date politically charged. This year’s social media flap added another layer to the ongoing culture-war discussions surrounding faith and politics.

Biden’s supporters pushed back on social media, sharing photos and clips from his own Easter events during his presidency, including family gatherings and the traditional White House Easter Egg Roll. They emphasized his personal faith and public expressions of hope during difficult national moments.

The episode highlights the challenges political parties face in managing legacies in the social media era, where every post is scrutinized for symbolism and omission. Experts in political communication note that visual messaging carries disproportionate weight, and the choice of imagery can unintentionally signal priorities or preferences.

As Democrats prepare for midterm elections and the 2028 presidential cycle, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balancing act between honoring past leaders and projecting a fresh vision. Party insiders say internal discussions continue about how best to invoke the Biden administration’s achievements without dwelling on its electoral shortcomings.

Biden has not publicly commented on the post or the backlash. Close associates say he remains focused on personal matters and has expressed no bitterness toward the party he led for decades.

The Democratic National Committee’s broader Easter messaging included calls for unity, compassion and renewal — themes traditionally aligned with the holiday. Officials encouraged supporters to engage in community service and reflect on shared values.

Whether the controversy fades quickly or lingers as a talking point remains to be seen. In Washington’s hyper-partisan environment, even seemingly minor social media choices can ignite days of debate, particularly when they touch on generational shifts within a political party.

For now, the Easter post has become the latest flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about Biden’s place in Democratic history. Supporters credit him with steady leadership through crisis, while critics — including some within party ranks — argue his tenure left the party vulnerable in subsequent elections.

As Americans celebrated Easter with family gatherings, church services and traditional egg hunts, the political class found itself once again divided over symbolism and messaging. The Democratic Party’s attempt at a lighthearted holiday greeting instead opened a window into deeper questions about loyalty, legacy and the party’s direction heading into the latter half of the decade.

Political observers will watch closely to see whether the incident prompts any official clarification or adjustment in future communications. In the meantime, the backlash serves as a vivid illustration of how quickly online narratives can form and how past presidents continue to loom large even after leaving the stage.

The full story of the party’s relationship with Biden’s record will likely unfold over many months and years, shaped by electoral outcomes, historical assessments and the evolving priorities of a new generation of Democratic leaders.

Oil extended gains and equities wavered after President Donald Trump signaled a sharp escalation in the Iran war, heightening the risk of an energy shock already weighing on the global economic outlook.

Brent rose 1.9% to trade above $111 a barrel, as Trump renewed threats early Sunday to attack Iranian infrastructure if the key energy-shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. He followed it later with another that said: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!” with no further explanation.

US equity-index futures erased early losses to trade little changed, while Asian stocks edged up at the open. The Nikkei index in Japan rose 0.7% while shares in South Korea advanced 2%. Markets are closed in China and Hong Kong for a public holiday.

Trump’s comments came as OPEC+ warned that damage to Mideast energy assets will have a prolonged impact on oil supply even after the conflict ends. Yet there are few signs of progress toward a ceasefire as attacks have continued to flare around the region, keeping oil prices hovering well above $100 a barrel.

“The prediction game remains quite tricky for investors,” said Homin Lee, a strategist at Lombard Odier in Singapore. “Investors’ focus will squarely be on military actions on both sides of the Persian Gulf and whether or not Hormuz vessel crossings can improve further despite these attacks.”

The fallout from the war has rapidly darkened the economic outlook by threatening to cool growth and push up already elevated inflation, roiling bets on whether the Federal Reserve will resume cutting interest rates later this year. Attention remains firmly on energy prices and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a waterway crucial for the flow of oil from the Middle East.
Investors will watch for the impact of the surge in crude oil when monthly US inflation data is released Friday. The roughly $1-per-gallon increase in US gasoline pump prices probably drove the March consumer price index up 1%, the most since the post-pandemic inflation surge in 2022, according to an economist survey before the report is published. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic’s continued attacks damaged Kuwait’s oil headquarters and shut down an Emirati petrochemicals plant. Fifteen ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz with permission from Iran, semi-official Fars news agency reports, citing the latest data on strait traffic.

Trump has previously dialed back his escalation threats, including two weeks ago before markets reopened for the week. Trump also said he plans to hold a news conference at 1 p.m. New York time on Monday.

“Trump is probably serious in his expressed desire to step away after two or three more weeks,” Lombard Odier’s Lee said. “But the obvious path-dependency inherent in the conflict suggests that his attempt to carry out a final round of aggressive strikes can backfire significantly for the markets.”

Demand for artificial intelligence education has surged in 2026 as industries from healthcare to autonomous vehicles seek talent skilled in machine learning, robotics, ethics and large language models. Leading global rankings from QS, Times Higher Education and specialized sources highlight institutions excelling in AI-related computer science, data science and dedicated AI programs.

The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence place Massachusetts Institute of Technology at the top with a near-perfect score, followed closely by Stanford University and National University of Singapore. Carnegie Mellon University, long a pioneer in robotics and AI, consistently ranks among the elite across multiple lists. Times Higher Education’s 2026 Computer Science rankings, which heavily weigh AI and machine learning components, crown University of Oxford as the global leader, with strong showings from Cambridge, ETH Zurich and U.S. powerhouses.

A composite ranking of the 50 best universities for studying AI in 2026 draws from QS Data Science & AI, QS Computer Science, THE Computer Science, US News graduate AI programs and research output metrics. These institutions offer undergraduate, master’s and doctoral pathways emphasizing hands-on research, industry partnerships and ethical AI development. Many provide specialized degrees such as Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence or dedicated tracks within computer science.

Here is the list of the top 50 universities for AI studies in 2026, ranked by overall strength in research output, faculty expertise, industry connections and program reputation:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States — Renowned for its Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), MIT offers cutting-edge programs in machine learning, robotics and AI ethics. Students benefit from close ties to industry leaders and groundbreaking research.
2. Stanford University, United States — Located in Silicon Valley, Stanford’s AI Lab and interdisciplinary initiatives provide unmatched access to tech giants. Programs emphasize real-world applications and entrepreneurship.
3. Carnegie Mellon University, United States — A historic leader in AI with the School of Computer Science and dedicated Robotics Institute. CMU excels in autonomous systems, human-AI interaction and machine learning theory.
4. University of Oxford, United Kingdom — Tops THE Computer Science rankings with strong AI research across departments. Oxford’s programs blend technical depth with philosophical and ethical considerations.
5. National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore — Asia’s top AI hub, offering robust data science and AI curricula with strong government and industry funding.
6. Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore — Excels in AI research output and practical applications, with excellent facilities and international collaborations.
7. University of Cambridge, United Kingdom — Features world-class AI research and interdisciplinary centers, attracting top global talent.
8. ETH Zurich, Switzerland — Known for rigorous technical programs and innovation in machine learning and robotics.
9. University of California, Berkeley, United States — Home to the Berkeley AI Research Lab (BAIR), with strengths in deep learning and societal impact studies.
10. Tsinghua University, China — Leads in AI research volume and engineering applications, with close industry links to companies like Baidu and Huawei.
11. Harvard University, United States — Offers interdisciplinary AI programs through its John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
12. University College London (UCL), United Kingdom — Strong in machine learning and AI for healthcare and urban systems.
13. Imperial College London, United Kingdom — Focuses on AI-driven engineering and data science innovation.
14. University of Toronto, Canada — Home to the Vector Institute, a major AI research powerhouse.
15. Georgia Institute of Technology, United States — Renowned for its AI and machine learning master’s programs and robotics research.
16. University of Washington, United States — Features the Allen School with significant AI and NLP contributions.
17. Technical University of Munich, Germany — Strong European leader in AI engineering and autonomous systems.
18. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States — Excellent computer science department with AI specializations.
19. Princeton University, United States — Combines theoretical computer science with applied AI research.
20. Cornell University, United States — Offers robust AI programs with emphasis on human-centered design.
21. University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom — Scotland’s AI capital with the Informatics Forum driving innovation.
22. Peking University, China — Rising fast in AI research and talent development.
23. Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China — Strong engineering and AI research output.
24. University of Michigan, United States — Multidisciplinary AI initiatives across engineering and information schools.
25. New York University, United States — Center for Data Science and AI ethics programs stand out.
26. University of Texas at Austin, United States — Growing AI research hub with strong industry partnerships.
27. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland — Excellent technical AI and robotics programs.
28. University of Amsterdam, Netherlands — Leading European center for AI and computational science.
29. Delft University of Technology, Netherlands — Focuses on AI for engineering and sustainability.
30. University of British Columbia, Canada — Strong AI research in computer science and health applications.
31. Zhejiang University, China — Major player in AI and data science with large research funding.
32. University of Science and Technology of China, China — Excels in foundational AI and quantum-related computing.
33. Sorbonne University, France — Strong in AI theory and applications.
34. University of Melbourne, Australia — Leading Oceania institution for AI and data science.
35. Monash University, Australia — Growing strengths in AI ethics and applications.
36. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), South Korea — Top Asian tech university with robust AI programs.
37. Seoul National University, South Korea — Significant AI research contributions.
38. University of Sydney, Australia — Offers comprehensive AI and machine learning degrees.
39. RWTH Aachen University, Germany — Engineering-focused AI excellence.
40. KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden — Strong Nordic leader in AI and robotics.
41. University of Waterloo, Canada — Known for co-op programs and AI innovation.
42. McGill University, Canada — Interdisciplinary AI research hub.
43. University of Copenhagen, Denmark — Rising in European AI rankings.
44. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany — Solid AI and data science offerings.
45. University of Tokyo, Japan — Japan’s premier institution for AI and robotics.
46. Kyoto University, Japan — Strong theoretical and applied AI research.
47. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India — Leading Indian tech institute with growing AI focus.
48. National Taiwan University, Taiwan — Strong engineering and AI programs.
49. University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong — Asia’s international AI education leader.
50. Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, United Arab Emirates — Specialized AI university with dedicated focus and strong research output.

These rankings reflect a blend of academic reputation, research citations, employer feedback and program innovation as reported in 2025-2026 data. U.S. institutions continue to dominate due to funding, industry proximity and historical leadership, but Asian and European universities are closing the gap rapidly through targeted investments and talent attraction.

Prospective students should consider factors beyond rankings, including specific faculty expertise, research opportunities, internship access, cost of living and visa policies. Many top programs offer scholarships for international applicants in AI fields.

With AI projected to add trillions to the global economy, graduates from these institutions command high starting salaries and career prospects. Universities on this list often partner with companies such as Google, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Microsoft and DeepMind, providing pathways to cutting-edge roles.

For undergraduate applicants, strong mathematics, programming and statistics backgrounds are essential. Master’s and PhD programs typically require relevant bachelor’s degrees, research experience and competitive GRE or equivalent scores in some cases.

The rapid evolution of AI means curricula at these schools emphasize lifelong learning, ethical considerations and interdisciplinary skills. Programs increasingly incorporate responsible AI, bias mitigation and societal impact alongside technical training.

International students should verify English proficiency requirements (TOEFL/IELTS) and explore funding options early. Application deadlines for fall 2027 intake typically fall between December 2026 and March 2027 for competitive programs.

As AI reshapes industries, the institutions listed offer pathways to shape that future. Students are advised to visit university websites, attend virtual open houses and connect with current students for the latest program details.

The 2026 landscape shows a healthy global distribution, with strong representation from North America, Europe and Asia, ensuring diverse perspectives in AI development.

TOKYO, – Oil prices climbed on Monday on continuing fears of supply losses because of shipping disruptions in the key Middle East producing region from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Brent crude futures rose $1.71, or 1.6%, to $110.74 a barrel by 0057 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained $0.71, or 0.6%, to trade at $112.25 per barrel.

On Thursday, the last trading day before the Good Friday holiday break, WTI ‌settled up more ⁠than 11% ⁠and Brent soared nearly 8% in volatile trading, recording their biggest absolute price increase since 2020, as U.S. President Donald Trump promised to continue attacks on Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, which carries oil and petroleum products from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, remains largely closed by Iranian attacks on shipping after the war began on February 28.

Because of the Middle East supply disruptions, refiners are seeking alternative sources for crude, particularly for physical ⁠cargoes in ‌the U.S. and the UK North Sea.

“Global buyers are bidding aggressively for (U.S.) Gulf Coast barrels and Brent is rallying even faster,” the Schork Group said in ⁠a client note on Monday.
On Sunday, Trump ratcheted up pressure on Tehran, threatening in an expletive-laden Easter Sunday social media post to target Iran’s power plants and bridges on Tuesday if the strategic Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. Still, some vessels, including an Omani-operated tanker, a French-owned container ship and a Japanese-owned gas carrier, crossed the Strait of Hormuz since Thursday, shipping data showed, reflecting Iran’s policy to allow passage for vessels from countries it deems friendly.

The war threatens to linger on as Iran ‌has officially told mediators it is not prepared to meet with U.S. officials in the Pakistani capital Islamabad in coming days and efforts to produce a ceasefire have reached a dead end, ⁠the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

On Sunday, OPEC+, consisting of some members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies such as Russia, agreed to a modest rise of 206,000 barrels per day for May.

However, that decision will largely exist on paper as several of the group’s key producers are unable to raise output due to the war.

Russian supply has been disrupted recently by Ukrainian drone attacks on its Baltic Sea export terminal. Media reports on Sunday said its Ust-Luga terminal resumed loadings on Saturday after days of disruptions.