Bio
Saqib is COO and co-founder at A47 AI, where he runs operations and leads the prediction-markets initiative. He covers crypto, Web3, and the decentralization of the sport and entertainment economy.
Editorial Responsibility
As A47's prediction-markets and crypto editor, I am responsible for our coverage of these markets and Web3 — ensuring it is grounded in real product, data, and revenue rather than speculation.
Previous experience · 14+ years
- · WPP Media (GroupM PK, Wavemaker PH)
- · MYCO
- · ARY Digital Network
Education
MBA Marketing, SZABIST
Areas of expertise
Categories overseen
Stories from Saqib Pathan’s desk
8714 stories- Economy· MENA
IEA Reports 10 Million Barrels Per Day Oil Production Loss Due to Iran War
The International Energy Agency has announced a staggering loss of 10 million barrels of oil per day as a result of the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran. This disruption, triggered by airstrikes on February 28, 2026, has severely damaged energy infrastructure in the Gulf states and restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In the long term, this crisis is likely to lead to heightened global oil prices and a push for diversification in energy sources among affected nations.
3 sourcesMar 25Low
- Economy· MENA
2026 Iran War Disrupts Global Energy Markets and Threatens Economic Stability
The ongoing 2026 Iran War, triggered by US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, has led to significant disruptions in oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation has resulted in a loss of over 11 million barrels per day of oil production, prompting urgent warnings from the International Energy Agency about severe economic repercussions. The long-term implications include potential global inflation surges and recessions as countries grapple with unprecedented energy supply challenges.
3 sourcesMar 25High
- Business· World
Danone Acquires Huel for €1 Billion to Enter Complete Nutrition Market
On March 23, 2026, Danone announced its acquisition of Huel for €1 billion, aiming to enhance its functional nutrition portfolio. This strategic move is driven by the growing demand for plant-based meal replacements and Danone's desire to leverage Huel's direct-to-consumer model. In the long term, this acquisition positions Danone to capitalize on the expanding $5.9 billion complete nutrition market and strengthen its competitive edge in the health-focused food sector.
3 sourcesMar 25Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop 14% as Trump Delays Military Action Against Iran
On March 23, 2026, global oil prices fell sharply, with Brent crude dropping over 14% following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement to postpone strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. This decision was triggered by indications of productive negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, easing fears of further disruptions in oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication may involve a stabilization of oil prices if diplomatic efforts continue, but volatility is expected as the situation evolves.
4 sourcesMar 25Low
- Business· World
Explosion at Valero Port Arthur Refinery Leads to Complete Shutdown
An explosion occurred at the Valero Port Arthur refinery in Texas, resulting in a full facility shutdown. The incident was triggered by a process fluid release that ignited a fire in the diesel hydrotreater unit amid rising global oil market volatility linked to the Iran conflict. This shutdown raises concerns over U.S. fuel supply and could further tighten global refined product markets, exacerbating price pressures.
6 sourcesMar 25High
- Economy· World
Spike in Oil and S&P 500 Futures Trading Precedes Trump Announcement on Iran De-escalation
On March 24, 2026, oil futures trading volumes surged to 16 times the daily average just before President Trump's announcement to postpone strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. This unusual trading activity, valued at over $650 million, raised suspicions of insider trading amid ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. The long-term implication may involve increased regulatory scrutiny and potential reforms in trading practices to prevent market manipulation during geopolitical events.
5 sourcesMar 25High
- Business· World
Leonid Radvinsky, Owner of OnlyFans, Passes Away at 43
Leonid Radvinsky, the majority owner of OnlyFans, died on March 20, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. His death comes at a time when OnlyFans has seen significant growth, expanding its creator base and revenue under his leadership. The long-term implications may include shifts in the platform's management and potential changes in its business strategy as it navigates the future without its influential founder.
11 sourcesMar 25Very High
- Business· World
Air Canada Express Flight 8646 Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia Airport Resulting in Pilot Deaths
Air Canada Express Flight 8646 collided with a Port Authority fire truck during landing at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in the deaths of two pilots and injuries to dozens. The incident was triggered by the fire truck being cleared to cross the runway in response to an emergency from another aircraft, compounded by failures in vehicle tracking systems. This tragedy is likely to prompt a thorough investigation into air traffic control protocols and runway safety measures in the aviation industry.
3 sourcesMar 25High
- Business· World
Estée Lauder and Puig Brands Confirm Merger Talks for $40 Billion Beauty Conglomerate
Estée Lauder Companies and Puig Brands have confirmed ongoing discussions regarding a potential merger to create a $40 billion beauty conglomerate. The talks are prompted by the need for both companies to adapt to slowing consumer spending and inflation pressures affecting the beauty industry. If successful, the merger could reshape the competitive landscape in the prestige beauty market, particularly in fragrances, and position the new entity against major competitors like L'Oréal.
5 sourcesMar 25Moderate
- Business· World
Explosion at Valero Port Arthur Refinery Extinguished with No Injuries Reported
A significant explosion occurred at the Valero Port Arthur refinery on March 23, 2026, leading to a fire that prompted a shelter-in-place order for local residents. The incident was triggered by a failure in the diesel hydrotreater unit's industrial heater amid ongoing global oil supply disruptions due to the Iran war. Long-term implications may include short-term U.S. diesel supply constraints and increased scrutiny on refinery safety protocols and regulations.
3 sourcesMar 25High
- Business· World
Air Canada Express Jet Collides with Fire Truck at LaGuardia Airport
An Air Canada Express jet collided with a Port Authority fire truck on the runway at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in the deaths of two pilots and injuries to dozens of passengers. The incident was triggered by the fire truck being cleared to cross the runway shortly before the jet's landing, despite lacking a transponder and amidst air traffic control warnings. This collision highlights ongoing issues with air traffic controller shortages and procedural lapses, prompting a comprehensive investigation and potential regulatory changes in airport safety protocols.
31 sourcesMar 25Moderate
- Business· MENA
Saudi Ports Authority Launches Five New Shipping Services Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions
The Saudi Ports Authority has introduced five new maritime shipping services to enhance logistics flexibility and supply chain continuity. This initiative is a direct response to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have disrupted traditional Gulf shipping routes. In the long term, this move is likely to reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a key logistics hub in the region, attracting more cargo and partnerships with global carriers.
3 sourcesMar 24Low
- Economy· UAE
Gold Prices Drop Sharply as US Dollar Strengthens Amid Inflation Concerns
Gold prices fell to approximately $4,371 per ounce on March 24, 2026, marking a significant market correction. This decline was triggered by rising inflation expectations due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance on interest rates. Analysts predict that this correction may lead to a stabilization phase before a potential rebound in gold prices later in the year.
5 sourcesMar 24Low
- Crypto· UAE
Resolv Labs' USR Stablecoin Experiences Major Depeg After $80 Million Minting Exploit
Resolv Labs' USR stablecoin depegged on March 22, 2026, following an unauthorized minting of 80 million tokens due to a compromised private key. The immediate trigger was an attacker exploiting the minting mechanism, leading to a rapid decline in USR's value from $0.27 to $0.025 before partial recovery. This incident highlights vulnerabilities in decentralized finance protocols and may prompt increased scrutiny and regulatory responses in the stablecoin sector.
4 sourcesMar 24High
- Crypto· MENA
Gold Prices Decline and Bitcoin Volatility Increases Amid Ongoing US-Israel-Iran Conflict
Gold prices have plummeted 2.36% to $4,494.10 per ounce, marking the largest weekly drop in over 14 years, while Bitcoin has shown increased volatility, dipping below $70,000. This shift is driven by liquidity pressures and rising energy costs due to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, which has also strengthened the US dollar. In the long term, investors may continue to reassess their safe-haven asset strategies, potentially favoring cryptocurrencies over traditional commodities like gold.
3 sourcesMar 24High
- Crypto· MENA
CoinDCX Co-Founders Arrested in ₹71.6 Lakh Fraud Investigation
On March 22, 2026, Thane police arrested CoinDCX co-founders Sumit Gupta and Neeraj Khandelwal in connection with an alleged ₹71.6 lakh fraud. The arrests were triggered by a complaint from an insurance advisor who claimed to have been defrauded through false promises of cryptocurrency returns and franchise opportunities. This incident underscores the growing threat of brand impersonation scams in India's cryptocurrency sector, potentially leading to increased regulatory scrutiny and consumer protection measures.
3 sourcesMar 24Low
- Economy· MENA
US-Israel-Iran conflict disrupts global energy supply and escalates inflation risks
The ongoing military conflict initiated by US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran has led to significant disruptions in energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting 20% of global oil and LNG flows. This escalation follows a 48-hour ultimatum from US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait, which has been extended amid continued hostilities. The long-term implications include soaring oil prices and potential stagflation risks for the global economy as countries respond with emergency measures and conservation efforts.
3 sourcesMar 24High
- Business· Americas
Lux Optics CEO files lawsuit against co-founder for alleged financial misconduct and theft of source code
Ben Sandofsky, CEO of Lux Optics, has initiated a civil lawsuit against former co-founder Sebastiaan de With, alleging misuse of $150,000 in company funds and theft of proprietary source code. This legal action follows de With's termination in December 2025 after internal investigations revealed financial irregularities, coinciding with his recent employment at Apple. The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact Lux Optics' future operations and its relationship with Apple, particularly regarding the Halide camera app's development.
3 sourcesMar 23High
- Crypto· Europe
Coinbase Introduces 24/7 Stock Perpetual Futures for Non-U.S. Traders
Coinbase has launched stock perpetual futures on its international exchange, allowing non-U.S. traders to access leveraged synthetic exposure to major U.S. stocks and ETFs. This move is driven by the growing global demand for continuous equity trading beyond traditional U.S. market hours. In the long term, this initiative may reshape the landscape of equity derivatives by integrating crypto and traditional assets into a seamless trading experience.
3 sourcesMar 23Low
- Crypto· Americas
Bitcoin Wallet Dormant for 13.7 Years Reactivates with 2,100 BTC Transfer
A Bitcoin wallet that had been inactive since July 5, 2012, executed its first transaction in 13.7 years on March 20, 2026, transferring 0.00079 BTC. This reactivation is attributed to the wallet holder testing access amid heightened blockchain surveillance. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on dormant wallets and potential future movements of significant Bitcoin holdings.
3 sourcesMar 23Low