The H-1B visa program is back in the spotlight in Texas. After weeks of reporting and political discussion, Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a statewide freeze on new H-1B visa petitions filed by state agencies and public universities.
Exporters are facing major challenges due to the return of agricultural product consignments from West Asia to Indian ports such as Mundra, Gandhidham, and Mumbai's JNPT. Only a few consignments have been terminated at Khorfakkan, Dubai, and Salalah, Oman instead of Jebel Ali, the region's busiest port.
The CCI rejected a complaint against IndiGo and Air India for unfair cancellation charges, stating that the airlines have transparent refund policies and do not discriminate against consumers. The commission also noted that collective dominance is not covered under the Competition Act and dissatisfaction with contractual terms is not a violation.
Economists are concerned about the potential consequences of the US-Israel-Iran conflict on India's GDP growth in FY27. With Brent crude prices soaring to $91.37 per barrel, experts predict a 50-70 basis point decrease in GDP growth. This is mainly due to higher import bills, a wider current account deficit, and increased input costs for industries.
The Indian government has relaxed restrictions on investments from land border countries, but Chinese EV maker BYD will still face scrutiny for its manufacturing plans. The changes aim to expedite investments in manufacturing inputs, not finished vehicles.
John Deere India has launched a 130 HP tractor for domestic and international markets, targeting high-end farming in Punjab and Haryana. Priced at Rs 65 lakh, it plans to expand into the mass market with tractors under 50 HP. Its operations in India are crucial for global manufacturing, research, and development.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, fell on Wednesday due to high energy prices and LPG supply disruptions. Investors lost Rs 5.14 lakh crore, making the Sensex and Nifty the worst performers in Asia. The India VIX index also rose, indicating market volatility. Rising inflation, FII outflows, and a potential "death cross" are causing further selling pressure.
The Centre has decided to maintain the successful inflation target of 4% with a tolerance band of 2% for the next five years. The flexible inflation targeting framework has gained credibility and helped manage trade-offs between growth and inflation during the pandemic. The new CPI series with revised weighting for components is not expected to affect the current framework.
The war in Iran has caused a global oil crisis, leading to production disruptions and storage constraints. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has forced producers to shut wells, impacting downstream infrastructure and hindering recovery. Asian markets, heavily reliant on Gulf crude, are experiencing rising prices and export restrictions.
DC to start their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1 at Ekana Stadium. Tournament begins on March 28 with RCB facing SRH. DC aims to make it to the playoffs after finishing fifth in the last season. Squad includes players like Axar.
Global rating agencies have warned that India's oil companies are under pressure due to increasing global oil prices and limited domestic fuel price adjustments. Their dependence on imported energy and the ongoing conflict in West Asia are also expected to affect their margins and credit risks. The Indian government is taking steps to mitigate these issues
Nuvama remains positive on key Asset Management Companies (AMCs) as SIP flows remain resilient despite market volatility in February. The brokerage house prefers HDFC AMC, Nippon Life India Asset Management (NAM), and CAMS as top investment picks, with potential upside of almost 50%, 26%, and 32% respectively.
The US-Israel conflict with Iran is expected to have a limited impact on headline retail inflation, but wholesale inflation will be affected immediately. The rise in Brent crude prices has raised concerns about imported inflation in energy-importing countries like India. The government has typically controlled retail fuel prices, but the increase could impact production costs in various sectors.
The Union Cabinet has approved changes to the IBC to reduce resolution timelines and introduce structural reforms. The revised Bill, to be presented in Parliament, includes provisions for creditor-initiated and group insolvency. It also addresses delays and introduces a cross-border framework.
India's cement sector is facing challenges due to rising oil and gas costs and global price increases for thermal coal and pet coke. Elara Capital predicts a significant impact on profits in Q2 FY27 and suggests a 1.8% price hike to offset costs. However, past attempts at price hikes have not been successful. Companies with renewable energy sources and plants near coal mines may have an advantage.
An Air India Express flight from Hyderabad to Phuket encountered a nose-wheel problem during a hard landing, causing damage to the aircraft. The incident was captured on video and shared on social media, prompting confirmation from the airline. The airport has been temporarily closed and other flights have been diverted. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
The stock market experienced a steep decline, with the Sensex and Nifty dropping significantly. The BSE Small Cap and midcap indices also saw a notable decrease, while the Nifty Auto Index fell by 3%. The current state of the Middle East, rising crude oil prices, and continued FII selling are key factors causing the negative sentiment. Experts advise monitoring FII vs DII for further developments.
Indian EPC company Dilip Buildcon has been awarded a Rs 1,850 crore order from the Government of Karnataka for a power transmission project. The project will be completed in 24 months under a tariff-based annuity model and Dilip Buildcon will acquire 100% stake in the project's SPV and operate and maintain it. The company's share price has remained stable, but has seen intraday fluctuations.
IAF has released the AFCAT 1 Result 2026 for the January 31st exam. Candidates can view their results on the official portal with login details. This exam is held twice a year to hire candidates for Flying and Ground Duty branches. Those who pass the written test will undergo an interview by the Air Force Selection Board.
SEDEMAC Mechatronics, a Pune-based technology company, saw a surge of 19.34% on the National Stock Exchange, reaching a high of Rs 1,613.50 from the issue price. The IPO raised Rs 1,087.35 crores through an offer for sale of 0.80 crore shares, with an issue price of Rs 1,352 per equity share. The allotment for IPO shares was finalised on March 09.
At a time when immigration is dominating political conversations in the United States, comedian Vir Das shared a story from his Seattle show that offered a real-life reminder of the role immigrants often play in keeping things running.
"ElonTrades, a social media influencer with a large following, voices concerns about Dubai amidst the Iran war and shares the strict regulations for content creators in the UAE. His recent viral fame resulted in his account being banned and he urges others to leave the Gulf region. The UAE has implemented new rules and warned against sharing false information on social media.
Nuvama, a top brokerage firm, sees great potential in the IT sector despite recent market correction. They have a 'Buy' rating on the Top10 IT Services companies and predict high returns in 12-15 months. They dismiss concerns about Gen-AI disrupting the industry, citing past resilience and potential for growth. Nuvama also observes a positive trend in IT earnings.
The Supreme Court has allowed the first-ever plea for passive euthanasia of Harish Rana of Ghaziabad, who has been in a permanent vegetative state since 2013. The court noted that he has not responded to treatment and has been dependent on others for all activities. This landmark ruling will allow medical authorities to withdraw his artificial life support, giving him a dignified death.
Kathryn Hahn, known for her versatile acting skills, will be a part of Disney's live-action remake of Tangled. Despite initial speculation of her playing the villain, her recent Instagram post and Disney's confirmation have confirmed her role. Directed by Michael Gracey, the film is set to begin filming in June 2026 and will feature Hahn in a yet-to-be-announced role.
Motilal Oswal has rated Jio Financial Service as 'Buy' with a target of Rs 320 per share, citing its operating advantage and access to a large digital and consumer ecosystem. They see it as a long-term platform opportunity and a structural play on India's digital economy. The success of Jio BlackRock AMC and Jio Payments Bank, along with strong customer acquisition, are also crucial factors.
The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran is sending shockwaves through the energy world. According to a fresh report from Wood Mackenzie, we are looking at a massive supply gap of 15 million barrels of oil every single day
Air India and Air India Express will operate 58 flights to and from West Asia on March 11, 2026, in response to the evolving geopolitical situation. The aim is to maintain connectivity and provide options for affected passengers. The carriers will operate scheduled and ad-hoc flights to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE.
US President Donald Trump announced the opening of a new oil refinery, with investment help from India's Reliance Industries, which will fuel American markets and strengthen national security. The $300 billion deal is the biggest in US history and the refinery is touted to be the cleanest in the world, creating thousands of jobs.
Shots were fired at the US Consulate in Toronto, causing damage and increased security at other US and Israeli consulates in Canada. No injuries were reported. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the violence and promised an investigation. The US State Department is monitoring the situation, with speculation of a connection to the US-Israel war on Iran.
The Indian Navy is inviting applications for Agniveer entries for the 2027 batch, with the online application process starting on March 14. Selected candidates will serve for four years and receive a monthly package of Rs 30,000. Eligibility requirements and exam pattern are specified, and interested applicants can apply through the official website.
Britney Spears was arrested for DUI and released the next day after undergoing a blood test and being booked into jail. Concerns have been raised about her well-being and newfound financial independence. However, her mugshot will not be released as she is not considered a threat to the public.
Federal prosecutors have accused a Dallas-area visa consulting operation of submitting fraudulent immigration filings for several years. The case, United States v. Murshid et al., involves two men and two business entities allegedly running a long-running scheme to cheat the US immigration system, Dallas Express reported.
InterGlobe Aviation's CEO Pieter Elbers has stepped down, with MD Rahul Bhatia assuming operations. The airline has been struggling with flight disruptions and rising crude oil prices, resulting in a hefty fine from the aviation regulator. Elbers, who took over in 2022, faced criticism after a major crisis in December. The company's performance has also been impacted by the Middle East crisis.
18-year-old media personality and YouTuber Kai Trump, granddaughter of US President Trump, recently splurged on expensive supplements and groceries at a store in Los Angeles, more than 3000 km away from her Florida estate. With over 14 lakh subscribers, Kai's vlog sparked backlash for her use of Secret Service and extravagant spending. Netizens criticised her for mocking American taxpayers.
NASA's Van Allen Probe A, launched 14 years ago, is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere on March 10. The US Space Force predicts it will mostly burn up, but some components may survive. Its twin spacecraft won't re-enter until 2030. The probes gathered data on Earth's radiation belts, important for protecting humans and technology. The mission ended in 2019 after 7 years of data collection.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced the opening of an oil refinery in Brownsville, Texas, thanking Indian energy giant Reliance Industries for investing in the project.
US and UAE are key markets for healthtech startups due to faster adoption cycles and willingness to pay for technology-led healthcare products. Practo, Dozee, HealthPlix, Docstribe AI, and Respyr are expanding in these regions. Indian startups are building globally competitive products and tapping diaspora networks for early adoption.
Fortune teller predicted ENHYPEN's future before debut, resurfaced video shows her foreseeing a "change of numbers" in the group. Fans were shocked when eldest member Heeseung announced his departure for a solo career, making the prediction come true. The fortune teller also predicted individual success for Heeseung. Fans are now reexamining the video and its accuracy after Heeseung's exit.
A prolonged conflict in West Asia could potentially disrupt urea and phosphatic fertilizer supplies, causing a negative impact on India's agricultural output. However, for the next month, there is expected to be enough supply due to the 'agricultural lean' season.
Indian rupee rebounds to 91.80 against the dollar, making it the fourth-best performing Asian currency. Crude oil prices eased to $91.50 per barrel after Trump hinted at ending the war earlier. Year-to-date depreciation falls to 7.42%, but pressure remains due to high oil prices. Dealers expect the currency to trade at 92-92.5 by March-end.
The Centre has proposed a Rs 1 lakh crore Economic Stabilisation Fund (ESF) to mitigate the impact of sudden economic shocks, with an additional allocation of Rs 23,641 crore for food and Rs 19,230 crore for fertiliser subsidies.
Emami Agrotech, an unlisted company with an estimated turnover of Rs 20,000 crore, is targeting a revenue of Rs 2,000 crore from the HoReCa segment within the next two to three years. To achieve this, the company has created a dedicated food services vertical and launched a new sub-brand, For Chef, under its Healthy & Tasty brand.
Recent political tensions in West Asia and concerns over inflation have caused a significant increase in OIS rates in India. The one-year OIS rose by 24 bps to 5.72% and the five-year OIS jumped by 28 bps to 6.27% in March. This increase is also attributed to rising oil prices and expectations of interest rate hikes. The RBI's intervention in secondary markets has helped stabilize G-Secs rates.
IndiGo's CEO, Pieter Elbers, has stepped down for personal reasons. Rahul Bhatia will take over as interim CEO until a replacement is found. Under Elbers' leadership, the airline saw growth in fleet and international network, as well as partnerships with global carriers. Elbers expressed gratitude and will assist with the transition.
The rise in global aluminium prices caused by supply issues in the Middle East has brought temporary benefits to Indian primary producers, but could lead to long-term difficulties. With the region contributing 8-9% of global production, Indian companies like Nalco, Hindalco, and Vedanta are vulnerable due to their dependence on imports from the US and Middle East.
K-pop fans were stunned by Heeseung's sudden departure from ENHYPEN, drawing parallels to Zayn Malik's exit from One Direction 11 years ago. Both main vocalists left their groups at 22/24 to pursue solo careers, sparking speculation and conspiracy theories. Despite their departures, fans are still hopeful for a reunion in the future as both groups were formed on survival shows.
The Canadian government department Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it is making the path for permanent residence "simpler" for international medical doctors to support a "stable health care system" for Canadians. This is in response to the ongoing shortage of doctors in Canada, which has resulted in long wait times for medical procedures and surgeries.
Innovision's IPO raised Rs 322.84 crores with a price band of Rs 521-548 per share. The company has 35 offices in India and operates in 23 states and 5 union territories. Allotment will be on March 13, and listing on March 17. Emkay Global Financial Services is the lead manager, and KFIN Technologies is involved.
Happiest Minds Technologies, an IT firm, has raised its revenue growth outlook for FY27 to 12.5% due to strong momentum from its AI-led strategy and growing demand across sectors. The company's share price surged 17.85% on Tuesday. It also aims for 15% growth in FY28. The company has launched an AI First initiative, reorganizing its model, delivery, and engagement around AI.
Dixon Technologies India's joint venture with HKC Overseas has been approved by the government to manufacture display modules in India. The news has led to a 6% increase in share price and Nomura predicts a potential upside of 50%. The venture is expected to boost margins and value addition for Dixon through significant investment and production.