Business

Crude oil prices surged up to 2 per cent as Brent hit $107 per barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions and supply concerns via the Strait of Hormuz. Despite a reported ceasefire move, geopolitical risks kept markets volatile and bullish.

Gold and silver prices declined nearly 1% on Multi Commodity Exchange amid global pressure. Strong US dollar, rising bond yields, and geopolitical tensions weighed on sentiment, while crude oil above $100 per barrel added inflation concerns

Meta Platforms and Microsoft plan major job cuts and buyouts amid rising AI investments. Workforce reductions and restructuring aim to streamline operations while expanding data centres and infrastructure to support growing artificial intelligence initiatives globally

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty fell sharply in early trade on Friday as rising crude oil prices, persistent foreign fund outflows, weak global cues, and geopolitical tensions in West Asia dampened investor sentiment, with IT stocks leading the losses.

The rupee weakened for the fifth consecutive session, falling to 94.25 against the US dollar amid rising crude oil prices, a stronger dollar, and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, while continued foreign fund outflows and weak equities further pressured the domestic currency.

India’s telecom sector added 92.7 lakh subscribers in March 2026, taking the total base to over 133 crore, according to TRAI. Bharti Airtel led retail mobile additions, while Reliance Jio dominated broadband and wireline growth.

A report shows women made up nearly one in three hires in CY2025, with strong presence in entry-level and BFSI GCC roles. However, leadership hiring declined, and significant gender gaps persist in advanced tech and core engineering fields across India

US President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to target Iranian small boats allegedly mining the Strait of Hormuz and intensify mine-clearing operations. The directive escalates military tensions in the critical global oil route amid ongoing US-Iran maritime conflict

The US seized an oil tanker linked to Iranian crude smuggling in the Indian Ocean, escalating tensions after Iran captured vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has disrupted global shipping, pushed oil prices above $100, and increased economic strain worldwide

India confirmed 14 ships have safely exited the Strait of Hormuz while 14 remain in the Persian Gulf amid rising tensions. Iran has attacked multiple vessels, including India-bound ships, prompting diplomatic protests from New Delhi over maritime safety and regional instability

Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has stalled after Iran seized vessels, disrupting a key global energy route. Rising geopolitical tensions pushed oil prices above $103 per barrel, while India faces supply concerns but maintains normal fuel operations and diversifies imports

Indian stock markets fell for a second straight session as escalating West Asia tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions triggered risk-off sentiment. Sensex and Nifty dropped around 1%, with broad-based selling across sectors, while rising crude and rupee weakness added pressure

Indian oil companies are tapping commercial crude stocks as Strait of Hormuz disruptions tighten global supply due to West Asia tensions. Rising freight and insurance costs, strong domestic demand, and falling import volumes are reshaping India’s fuel import and pricing dynamics

India’s ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverage market is set to double to $40 billion by 2030, driven by quick commerce and shifting consumption habits. Low per capita intake, rising demand for healthier drinks, and convenience-led purchases are fueling sustained long-term growth

Morgan Stanley reported India’s gross FDI rose to $90.8 billion in January 2026, driven by strong demand and investments. However, net FDI stayed कमजोर due to higher repatriation and outward flows despite improving investment momentum

Mumbai reports rising global oil prices amid a prolonged Strait of Hormuz blockade linked to stalled US-Iran talks. Supply disruptions pushed Brent and WTI futures higher, raising concerns over India’s import bill, despite stable domestic fuel supply and ongoing geopolitical tensions

Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty fell sharply in early trade as Brent crude surged past $100 per barrel amid stalled US-Iran talks. Foreign fund outflows, weak Asian markets, and geopolitical tensions in West Asia further dampened investor sentiment.

The rupee weakened for the fourth straight session, breaching the 94 mark against the US dollar amid rising crude oil prices, foreign investor outflows, and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, with uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz further pressuring markets.

While the Steve Jobs era was defined by groundbreaking innovation, Tim Cook’s leadership will be remembered for driving Apple’s exceptional financial growth

Tata Communications reported a steep 74.7 per cent fall in consolidated net profit to Rs 263.25 crore for Q4 FY26, despite a 9.4 per cent rise in revenue and stronger operating margins. EBITDA grew 14.4 per cent year-on-year, with margins expanding to 19.58 per cent.

Amazon revealed it blocked fake reviews and seized millions of counterfeit products in 2025. Using AI and legal action, the company is intensifying efforts against online fraud and expanding its Counterfeit Crimes Unit to India.

Tesla has launched the six-seater Model Y L electric SUV in India with a claimed range of 681 km. Bookings are open, deliveries begin in June 2026, and the vehicle offers premium comfort, advanced features and improved ride quality

Gold and silver prices rose up to 2% on MCX amid global uncertainty and extended US-Iran ceasefire. Gold crossed Rs 1.53 lakh/10g while silver neared Rs 2.50 lakh/kg, with analysts noting consolidation and potential breakout or correction levels ahead

In New York, Sanjay Malhotra said short-term FDI outflows and exchange fluctuations are cyclical and monitored. He highlighted reforms, strong fundamentals, low inflation, robust forex reserves, and India’s growth trajectory at a financial round-table discussion