Business

Mumbai markets rebounded sharply on Friday as Sensex and Nifty surged following a previous steep fall, aided by easing crude oil prices amid hopes of Middle East de-escalation, while most stocks gained, despite continued foreign investor selling pressure in markets today

The Centre launched a Rs 497 crore RELIEF scheme to support exporters hit by West Asia conflict disruptions, offering logistical support, extended export obligations and financial relief to offset rising freight, insurance costs and operational uncertainties in key Gulf trade routes

Indian stock markets plunged sharply as rising global tensions and a surge in crude oil prices triggered the steepest single-day fall in nearly two years, with benchmark indices, broader markets and key sectors witnessing significant selling pressure.

Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran was conferred an honorary KBE by the British government for strengthening UK-India business ties. The award recognizes his leadership in Tata’s investments, employment, and innovation across technology, automotive, steel, and consumer sectors.

Atanu Chakraborty resigned as part-time chairman of HDFC Bank citing ethical concerns, marking an unprecedented mid-term exit. Keki Mistry was appointed interim chairman as the RBI approved leadership transition

Mumbai markets plunged early Thursday as Sensex and Nifty fell sharply, ending a three-day rally amid surging crude oil prices, weak global cues, and heavy FII outflows. Banking and financial stocks led losses, while energy shares showed limited resilience

Consumption is not merely market behaviour — it reflects deeper economic resilience and vulnerability

The rupee fell to a record low of 92.63 against the US dollar, pressured by foreign fund outflows, strong dollar demand and geopolitical tensions, even as domestic equities gained and crude prices showed slight easing in global markets.

The Indian-flagged crude tanker Jag Laadki safely docked at Adani Ports Mundra, carrying ~80,886 tonnes of UAE crude oil. The shipment supports refinery operations amid regional supply challenges, following safe passage of LPG carriers through the Strait of Hormuz

Despite conflict, nearly 90 ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz as Iran sustains oil exports amid selective restrictions. “Dark” vessels and diplomatically cleared ships continue transit, while tensions involving Donald Trump keep global energy markets volatile

Global oil prices fell over 3 percent after recent gains, amid volatile West Asia tensions. Despite conflict escalation involving Iran, the US and Israel, concerns over restricted Strait of Hormuz flows and stalled security efforts continue to unsettle markets and supply outlook

Despite recognising gig workers under the Code on Social Security, the Budget fails to allocate funds or outline implementation plans

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar concluded a productive Brussels visit, meeting EU leadership to advance the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The talks prioritized strategic cooperation in technology, de-risking supply chains, security partnerships, and connectivity initiatives like the IMEC corridor

Gold and silver prices rose on MCX ahead of the US Federal Reserve policy meeting, supported by cautious sentiment and geopolitical tensions. Despite gains, both metals remain in a consolidation phase after recent highs, with investors closely watching inflation signals and interest rate outlook

Tata Motors on Monday announced that it will raise prices of its commercial vehicle range by up to 1.5 per cent from April 1 to partly offset rising commodity prices and input costs. The hike will vary depending on the model and variant

If measurement itself becomes a subject of debate, the informational foundations of economic policymaking inevitably weaken 

The government has claimed $2.81 billion from Reliance Industries Limited and BP for allegedly drawing gas from ONGC’s KG basin fields. The matter is now before the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court set aside an earlier arbitration award favouring RIL

The Supreme Court appointed former CJI U U Lalit as sole mediator to resolve a dispute over enforcement of a UAE court decree of about Rs 500 crore in favour of RAKIA against industrialist Nimmagadda Prasad in the Vanpic project case

The government is preparing to relaunch the Stand-Up India scheme with modifications aimed at providing enhanced benefits to SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed Parliament that lessons from the original scheme, which ended in March 2025, are being incorporated into the new version.

Air India and Air India Express will operate 72 flights to and from West Asia despite tensions, including services to Jeddah and Muscat. Meanwhile, airlines including IndiGo and Akasa Air introduced fuel surcharges due to rising ATF prices

The ongoing West Asia conflict has disrupted LPG supplies in India, hitting smaller restaurants hardest. Orders initially dipped by 5–10 per cent but are recovering as eateries adopt induction stoves, wood-fired cooking, and electric ovens.

India’s top-10 firms lost Rs 4.48 lakh crore in market value as equities plunged, tracking a sharp fall in BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty. Banking giants State Bank of India and HDFC Bank led losses amid rising crude prices and Middle East tensions

India’s GDP growth between 2012 and 2023 may have been overstated, with actual expansion closer to 4–4.5% a year than the official estimate of about 6%, says a working paper by Abhishek Anand, Josh Felman and Arvind Subramanian

Mercedes-Benz India has announced a 2 per cent price increase across its portfolio effective April 1, 2026, citing foreign exchange volatility and rising input costs. Audi India also declared a similar 2 per cent increase earlier this week.