The Economic Times

India's services sector growth slowed in February, with new business rising at its slowest pace in over a year due to intensifying competition. Despite this, international sales surged, and firms passed on rising costs, primarily from food, energy, and labor, to customers. Overall private sector growth accelerated, driven by a brighter outlook and increased hiring.

Thirty-seven Indian ships carrying over a thousand seafarers are stranded in the Persian Gulf. The crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route is closed due to ongoing military actions. Some vessels are carrying crude oil and LNG to India. The government is monitoring the situation and assisting affected sailors and their families. Maritime operators are advised to assess voyage risks.

Gaurs Group is investing Rs 100 crore to establish a precast manufacturing plant in Greater Noida, partnering with Elematic India for advanced concrete technology. This backward integration aims to enhance construction capabilities, improve efficiency, and reduce project timelines by approximately 30 percent. The facility will produce key structural components and is expected to be operational within six months.

Japanese shares experienced their sharpest decline in months on Tuesday, with the Topix and Nikkei indices slumping significantly. Escalating Middle East tensions, rising crude oil futures, and a stronger dollar fueled inflation concerns, impacting investor sentiment and weighing on the equity market.

European shares extended their decline on Tuesday, mirroring a global equity selloff as investors grappled with the prospect of a prolonged Middle East conflict. A sharp jump in oil prices, fueled by Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, raised fears of increased living costs and upward pressure on inflation.

India has launched a probe into Chinese PVC resin imports. Domestic companies claim China unfairly subsidizes these products. This allows Chinese firms to sell at lower prices, harming Indian manufacturers. The Directorate General of Trade Remedies will investigate.

Iran war: India is the world's largest exporter of aromatic, premium basmati rice, with buyers in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, accounting for more than half of its shipments.

The warming El Nino weather phenomenon could return later this year as its cooling opposite La Nina fades away, the United Nations said Tuesday. La Nina is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon that cools surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Bitcoin trades near $68,000 after its fifth consecutive red monthly close, with a 3% gain in the past 24 hours. Despite geopolitical tensions, the crypto market shows signs of stabilization, with $1 billion inflows into investment products last week, signaling renewed institutional interest and a cautiously optimistic outlook for March.

Iran-Israel War: Indian industries are scaling back on natural gas supplies following Qatar's suspension of liquefied natural gas production. Heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are casting shadows on energy markets worldwide. For India, one of the largest LNG buyers, this situation poses a troubling threat of supply interruptions.

Rising US-Iran tensions and higher crude oil prices have increased market volatility, prompting brokerages to highlight select Indian stocks as potential beneficiaries. Energy producers, metals firms, IT exporters, defence companies and private banks are seen as relatively resilient plays if oil prices remain elevated and geopolitical risks persist.

Indian stock exchanges will remain open on Wednesday, March 4, despite Holi celebrations in several states, as the official holiday was observed on March 3. The clarification comes amid heightened market volatility, with the Nifty under pressure due to global weakness, rising crude prices and geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

BMI warns that the Iran-Israel conflict could dent Indias growth outlook by discouraging investment and raising energy costs, potentially offsetting gains from upcoming trade deals with the US and EU. While it retains a 7% GDP forecast for FY27, risks are risingespecially if disruption in the Strait of Hormuz pushes up oil prices, which could directly shave up to 0.5 percentage points off growth.

The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia faced an attack from Iranian drones. Americans are advised to stay away from the diplomatic mission. The Saudi Defense Ministry confirmed the drone strike. Non-emergency staff and families are being evacuated from Bahrain and Jordan due to safety concerns. Americans in the Middle East are urged to depart amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Ahead of Holi 2026, several Indian stocks have emerged as multibaggers since last Holi, delivering exceptional returns despite market volatility. While strong performers span sectors from infrastructure to manufacturing, experts caution that geopolitical tensions and uncertain earnings could keep markets volatile, urging investors to remain selective and patient.

India GDP revision: In absolute terms, India's fiscal deficit for April-January FY26 stood at Rs 9.81 lakh crore, or 63 per cent of the revised estimates, compared to Rs 11.70 lakh crore, or 74.5 per cent of the RE, in the corresponding period last year.

Indias heavy reliance on Middle East crude and relatively low inventory buffers leave it vulnerable to prolonged supply disruptions amid escalating regional tensions. With Brent crude rising and alternative supplies uncertain, analysts warn that sustained instability around the Strait of Hormuz could significantly impact fuel prices and Indias macroeconomic stability.

Prediction markets are under renewed scrutiny in Washington after large wagers on geopolitical and military outcomes raised ethical and legal concerns. Lawmakers question whether such platforms enable profiting from nonpublic information, intensify conflicts, or undermine public interest, as regulators consider tighter oversight amid rapid growth.

Between last Holi and this years festival, 15 smallcap stocks delivered multibagger returns ranging from 150% to 500%. Backed by sectoral momentum and earnings triggers, these counters turned into standout wealth creators, highlighting the high-risk, high-reward potential of the smallcap segment over a one-year horizon.

Indian markets brace for fresh volatility after Donald Trump indicated the Iran war could last up to five weeks. Following a Rs 6.59 lakh crore wealth erosion on Monday, investors will track crude prices, rupee movement and global cues. Technical indicators suggest oversold conditions, but risks remain elevated.

The U.S. dollar rebounded sharply after strikes on Iran triggered a surge in oil prices and a global risk-off shift. A Reuters report showed the dollar index posted its strongest single-day gain in seven months, reviving confidence in the greenbacks traditional safe-haven role during externally driven geopolitical crises.

Renewed Middle East tensions following the Israel-Iran conflict have revived safe-haven demand for gold and silver. After a sharp correction earlier this year, both metals are regaining momentum, with analysts flagging potential breakouts above key resistance levels. Some strategists even see gold testing $10,000 over the medium term.

Oil prices climbed above $70 as escalating US-Iran tensions raised fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn that while momentum remains strong, resistance near $77 could trigger consolidation. Markets are weighing inflation risks and the possibility of further geopolitical escalation driving crude higher.

Former Union Minister K.P. Unnikrishnan, a significant political figure of the 1980s and 1990s, passed away at 89. He represented Vadakara in the Lok Sabha six times and served as Union Minister for Surface Transport and Communications, notably overseeing the Gulf War Indian evacuation. His career spanned journalism, various Congress factions, and a close association with V.K. Krishna Menon.

Iran war: The recent turmoil in the Middle East could have serious economic repercussions for India. With more than just oil at stake, the potential impact on electronics exports and remittances from Indian workers in the Gulf has already raised alarms. As the rupee continues to falter, these challenges could lead to increased inflation and a growing current account deficit.

India is preparing for potential fuel shortages. The govt is exploring options like limiting fuel exports and increasing Russian crude imports. Demand management measures, including LPG rationing, are also under consideration. These steps are being taken due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

India's government is actively addressing the trade impact of the West Asia conflict. Discussions with exporters and logistics firms are underway to manage disruptions. Measures are being planned to ensure smooth cargo movement and protect exporter interests. The focus is on maintaining supply chain resilience and continuity of trade flows.

Public sector enterprises are experiencing a concerning omission in governance, with an insufficient number of independent directors being appointed. In FY25 alone, 36 companies failed to fulfill the basic requirement, and some lacked any independent oversight whatsoever. This pervasive issue demands immediate attention to prevent further deterioration of governance standards.

India and the US are progressing towards a trade agreement. Both nations are working to improve market access and lower trade barriers. An interim agreement will see India reduce tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products. It also addresses barriers for US medical devices and IT goods.

India's gold loan sector is evolving rapidly and redefining the way wealth is perceived and leveraged. Historically seen as a specialty service, it is now a popular financing option for the well-to-do. The prevalence of loans over 5 lakh is a clear indicator of this cultural evolution. This phenomenon is largely propelled by soaring gold prices and progressive government policies.

Japan and South Korea have voiced concerns over delayed Indian import clearances, citing regulatory issues like quality control orders and safeguard duties. Indian officials state that only shipments with inadequate documentation are being held, emphasizing no country-specific bias. Meanwhile, India's domestic steel sector anticipates a significant boost in capital expenditure.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Zou Jiayi, the new President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), here in the national capital, where they discussed strengthening the India-AIIB partnership.

The Reserve Bank of India reports nearly all Rs 2,000 banknotes have been returned. Since May 2023, the central bank announced their withdrawal. Most of the currency has been exchanged or deposited. The remaining Rs 2,000 notes are still legal tender. This marks a significant step in currency management.

India and Canada have officially begun talks for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. This pact aims to boost economic ties between the two nations. Both countries are committed to concluding the agreement swiftly. The Terms of Reference for these negotiations were signed in New Delhi. This marks a significant step towards a more robust trade relationship.

India's current account deficit widened to $13.2 billion in Q3, primarily due to a larger merchandise trade deficit. However, this was an improvement from the revised Q2 deficit. Net services receipts increased, while primary income account outgo dipped, and personal remittances rose.

India's current account deficit increased to $13.2 billion in the October to December quarter of 2025-26. This is a rise from the previous year's deficit. The Reserve Bank of India reported this widening. A larger merchandise trade gap primarily caused this increase. Services exports and remittances continued to show strength.

India's industrial output growth slowed to 4.8 percent in January. Manufacturing and electricity generation showed steady expansion. Basic metals, motor vehicles, and construction goods were key drivers. Consumer durables saw growth, but non-durables contracted. This indicates mixed demand conditions across sectors.

India's external sector has demonstrated steady resilience in the current financial year, with cumulative exports touching USD 720.76 billion during April-January 2025-26, marking a 6.15 per cent growth over USD 679.02 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year.

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation has decided to keep the provident fund interest rate at 8.25 percent for the financial year 2025-26. This rate remains unchanged from the previous year. The decision follows a period of softer equity markets and easing bond yields.

Godavari Biorefineries is set to launch a new grain-based distillery in the June quarter. This facility will allow the company to use both sugarcane and corn as feedstock, depending on market prices. The move aims to diversify operations and ensure year-round production.

TARC Ltd anticipates Rs 4,500 crore revenue from its ultra-luxury housing project in Delhi. The company is launching a new tower with 110 units priced between Rs 11-14 crore. Construction is underway, with completion expected by March 2030.

India and Canada have signed a uranium supply agreement and several pacts. Cooperation in critical minerals and renewable energy is set to grow. Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. This partnership signifies strong confidence and shared democratic values between the two countries.

A live television slip two weeks ago when an Iranian reporter mistakenly said death to Khamenei instead of death to America highlighted growing resentment toward Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Saturday in US and Israeli airstrikes. The 86-year-old cleric, who ruled Iran for nearly four decades, died along with four family members when his compound in Tehran was destroyed.

Indian ships are told to avoid West Asian ports and the Strait of Hormuz. Major shipping companies have suspended bookings and rerouted vessels. The Strait of Hormuz is closed. This is a precautionary measure amid regional conflict. About 25 Indian vessels are being monitored.

Escalating Iran-Israel tensions threaten India's energy security, potentially raising oil prices and inflation. Disruptions in West Asia, a crucial $178.5 billion trading bloc for India, could impact the rupee and force exporters to find new routes. The Strait of Hormuz, vital for energy imports, remains a key chokepoint.

Indian onion exports to West Asia have stopped. Major ports in the region closed operations on Sunday. This has suspended vessel movements. Consignments are now stranded. The disruption occurs during the Ramadan shipping window. Overseas demand typically surges by 30% at this time. Farmers in northern Maharashtra face subdued prices.