The Union Budget 2026 aims to boost India's position in the global AI market by offering tax incentives to foreign companies providing cloud services through Indian data centers. It also includes a safe harbor for related entities and plans to turn India into an export hub for cloud computing.
The Food Ministry has instructed state governments to distribute rice and wheat under PMGKAY for three months in advance to address storage problems caused by excess foodgrain stocks. The FCI has a surplus stock of 60.73 MT, 185% more than needed, and is taking measures to manage it. Distribution must be completed promptly after lifting the stock.
Honda Motor is restructuring its EV roadmap and focusing on India for market expansion opportunities. The company has cancelled two models from its global EV programme, but the smaller 0 Series Alpha electric SUV remains on track for production in India. Honda plans to strengthen its product portfolio and cost structure in high-growth markets like India.
India's reliance on Russian crude has been disrupted by US sanctions, making it difficult to find alternative supplies at reasonable costs. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz could further disrupt supply chains. India's strategic reserves and commercial inventories may provide some relief, but the country needs to diversify its routes to mitigate potential challenges.
India's retail inflation hit a 10-month high of 3.21% in February due to increasing food and precious metal prices. Experts predict the RBI will keep policy rates unchanged, citing rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions. The surge in global bullion prices has also affected domestic inflation, particularly in silver and gold jewellery.
The NSE has selected 20 merchant banks and 8 law firms, including Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan, to help with its upcoming IPO. These intermediaries will handle regulatory filings, due diligence, and marketing. The company's valuation, currently at ₹4.89 lakh crore, will be determined by these banks. Rothschild & Co India's role as independent IPO advisor has ended, and the IPO has been approved.
Investors took advantage of rising silver prices through ETFs but booked profits in February, causing the first net outflows in over two years. Despite this, experts believe interest in silver remains strong, with a rise in investor folios and new schemes launched. Silver prices fell due to profit booking and seasonal patterns, but experts advise against tactical bets and suggest including silver.
Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricketer, will be awarded the prestigious CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025-26. He is one of the greatest cricketers to have not won a World Cup himself, but has guided the Under-19 and Senior men’s team to world titles. The award will be conferred on March 15, 2026, at the BCCI Naman Awards ceremony.
Food inflation increased by 3.47% in February, driven by higher prices of tomatoes and coconuts. However, it decreased by 0.15% compared to January and remained negative for seven months before December. Prices of essential items like pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits are low due to surplus stocks, but may rise in the future. This is according to the new CPI series.
"Indian equity market sees tremors from US-Iran war, but utility and power companies thrive. BSE Power and Utilities indexes rise by 3% each, with Adani Power, JSW Energy, BHEL, and Torrent Power as top performers. Investors turn to energy sector for high demand and potential for price increases due to LPG shortage.
Shubman Gill to be awarded the Indian Men’s Cricketer of the Year for the 2024-25 session at the Naman Awards 2026, also known as the Polly Umrigar Awards. Gill previously won the award in 2024 for the 2022-23 season. The first recipient of the award was Sachin Tendulkar, with Virat Kohli winning it a record five times.
An analysis by Wood Mackenzie forecasts that a sudden loss of 15 million barrels a day in Gulf oil exports could cause global crude prices to reach $150 a barrel, resulting in one of the biggest supply shocks in the oil industry's history. Asia and Europe will be the most affected as import-dependent markets search for alternative sources.
In February, India's share of gold in total foreign exchange reserves dropped to 18.1% from a record high of 19% in January. This was due to a 1.9% increase in foreign currency assets, which reached $573.1 billion, while gold reserves fell by 4.4% to $131.6 billion.
The BCCI annual awards, also known as the NAMAN Awards, have been a hot topic in the cricket world since the T20 World Cup 2026. Surprisingly, top captains MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have never won the BCCI cricketer of the Year award, along with other notable names like Anil Kumble, Yuvraj Singh, and Sourav Ganguly.
TVS Motor Company has launched a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) ownership model for its electric scooters, enabling customers to buy the scooter without the battery and subscribe to battery usage through monthly plans. This aims to reduce upfront costs and increase accessibility for first time buyers. The company has also introduced the TVS Orbiter V1, priced at Rs 49,999, as part of this plan.
The NSE IPO, one of the most highly anticipated events in the Indian market, has taken a major step forward with the appointment of 20 merchant banks to manage the offering. This marks the largest number of bankers ever selected for a public issue in India. The country's largest stock exchange has also chosen eight law firms and other intermediaries to assist with the listing process.
Audi India to raise prices by 2% from April 1, 2026 due to rising input costs and currency fluctuations. This is the first price hike of the year for the luxury carmaker, with other competitors also increasing prices. Fluctuating euro-rupee exchange rate a major factor affecting pricing strategies in the luxury car segment, with more revisions expected.
The February CPI inflation increased to 3.21%, with a year-on-year increase of 47 basis points. This is the second reading under the new CPI series with a revised base year of 2024. Rural inflation was 3.37% and urban inflation was 3.02%. Food inflation was 3.47% in February, with a decrease in the prices of tomatoes, peas, and cauliflower. The housing inflation rate for February was 2.12%.
This Friday, entertainment enthusiasts can enjoy a diverse range of new titles spanning multiple languages and cultural backgrounds. From the highly-anticipated third season of TVF's Aspirants to a supernatural legal drama and a controversial courtroom thriller, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your loved ones, snacks, and drinks, and get ready for a weekend of binge-watching.
HCLTech and Google Cloud have joined hands to create industry-specific AI agents, using HCLTech's AI force platform and Google Gemini models. The partnership will also involve unified migrations and the launch of physical AI innovation hubs. Despite a decline in stock due to AI risk, HCLTech's management is optimistic about their business mix. HSBC predicts a guidance range of 4.5-6.5% for HCL.
Elon Musk, the world's richest man, lives in a small apartment near SpaceX launch site in South Texas. His mother, Maye Musk, shared a rare look into his minimalist living space, reflecting his preference for efficiency and work over material possessions.
Nomura expects Indian steel majors to generate higher-than-historical mid-cycle EBITDA per tonne through FY26-28, leading to a bullish outlook on the sector. The brokerage maintains a 'Buy' recommendation for Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Jindal Steel, and Lloyds Metals & Energy due to factors such as safeguard duties, margin improvement, and steady production and consumption growth.
Central Bank of India and IIFL Finance have joined forces to provide loans at competitive interest rates, in accordance with RBI's revised Co-Lending Arrangements guidelines. This collaboration will result in a wider lending portfolio and increased access to credit for borrowers, utilizing IIFL Finance's retail network and Central Bank of India's extensive branch network.
The stock market rebounded in the afternoon, with the Sensex down 360 points and Nifty 50 reaching 23,700. Independent counters saw significant movements due to US-Iran conflict, partnerships, and quarterly earnings. Coal India and NTPC Green Energy gained, while Mahindra & Mahindra and Adani Total Gas suffered losses. Crude oil prices and gas supply disruptions were contributing factors.
The NTA has opened the NEET UG 2026 application correction window for a short period until March 14, allowing candidates to update certain details in their forms. Key details like name, mobile number, and email ID cannot be changed after submission. The exam is for undergraduate medical courses and candidates must regularly check the official website for updates.
ACME Solar has signed multiple power purchase agreements with SJVN, delivering 450 MW/1800 MWh of power under a FDRE project. The company received the Letter of Award on November 10, 2025, with a 25-year tenure. To meet the increasing demand for Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy, ACME Solar is expanding its battery energy storage capacity. Its stock has gained 21% in the last year and its Q.
In 2026, IT stocks have dropped 20% due to investor fears of AI disruption. Despite this, Nomura maintains a 'Buy' rating and sees potential for long-term growth. Analysts suggest that AI adoption may drive future success for the sector.
FII outflows continue to be a concern for the Indian markets, with foreign institutional investors net selling equities worth nearly Rs 40,000 crore in March. This is the largest monthly outflow since last August. Experts believe that global risk-off sentiment and the rupee's weakness are the main triggers for the outflows.
Domestic equity markets opened lower for the second day due to a rise in crude oil prices. The Nifty 50 dropped 200 points and the Sensex declined 802 points. External factors such as Brent crude hitting $100 and sustained selling by FIIs are causing headwinds. The rupee is also under pressure and the LPG shortage is a growing concern. FIIs have been selling for 8 consecutive months.
A fire broke out at a fish market in Delhi, spreading to nearby slums and damaging homes and businesses. The fire department arrived with 23 fire engines to control the flames. No casualties were reported and investigations are ongoing. A separate fire at a private company in Noida was also controlled with no injuries. Another fire in Gorak was also reported.
Russia is reportedly helping Iran use advanced drone strategies from its war in Ukraine to target the US and Gulf nations, according to a CNN report citing a Western intelligence official.
IndiGo and Air India are restarting flights to the Middle East on March 12, with IndiGo offering service to nine destinations and some routes to Europe. Air India and Air India Express will operate 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia, and may add more flights if possible. Passengers impacted by suspended routes can rebook or receive a full refund.
Kelly Clarkson, the first winner of American Idol in 2002, recently revealed on her talk show that the promised $1 million cash prize for the winner is actually just an investment in their career. She also shared that she was promised a car, which she never received. Clarkson called out the show for misleading contestants and even joked that the recent winner may not receive their prize money.
At a rally in Kentucky, President Donald Trump predicts that former Disney actor turned boxer, podcaster, and social media influencer Jake Paul will enter the world of politics. Trump endorses Paul, highlighting his courage and talent. Despite a failed Disney show, Paul has found success as a boxer and online entrepreneur, with a massive following of nearly 30 million on Instagram.
LPG shortage leads to temporary shutdowns in the hospitality and restaurant sectors. The government prioritises LPG supply to education and hospitals. Food delivery apps and gas companies are closely monitored. The electric stove market was also impacted. The government ensures domestic LPG delivery within 2.5 days and widens the inter-booking gap.
The US government’s public database that tracks employers who hire H-1B visa workers has suddenly gone offline, according to a recent report from the Dallas Express. Key tools on the site no longer work, and recent data is missing.
U.S. intelligence reports show that Iran's leadership remains intact and in control of the country despite the U.S. and Israeli bombardment. President Trump has suggested ending the war soon, but finding an acceptable end could be difficult. The U.S. and Israel have struck various Iranian targets, but the objective is not to oust the leadership.
India's coal inventories have hit record levels, reaching 210 MT, enough to meet 88 days of consumption. This is due to robust production and supply growth, outpacing consumption. The coal stock at mines and power plants has reached 156.58 MT, with an additional 54.05 MT at thermal power plants.
India's LNG imports have decreased by 15% in March due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, with 18-19 additional cargoes expected to arrive later this month. The country imports roughly 2.2 million tonnes of LNG per month, leaving it vulnerable to supply disruptions.
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.