The Times of India

Geopolitical tensions have left many expatriates stranded abroad, raising questions about salary continuation. UAE labour law dictates salary is tied to work but unavoidable absences due to conflict or travel bans are considered justified. Outcomes depend on remote work capability, employer agreement and clear communication, with flexibility and negotiation being key.

Beyond oil and gas, several other sectors of the economy will likely see a hit if the US-Iran war continues for a longer duration. According to Barclays, India's non-energy imports from the Middle East are sizable as well - at approximately 10% of total non-energy imports.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is expanding its portfolio with the acquisition of an ultra-luxury resort in Coorg, marking a significant step into nature-led and wellness hospitality.

Global tensions in the Middle East are directly impacting Indian households, causing a severe LPG shortage. Rising fuel costs and disrupted shipments have led to panic bookings, long queues, and black marketing, forcing businesses to adapt and highlighting India's heavy reliance on imports. The situation is escalating, affecting daily life and livelihoods across the nation.

Retail diesel prices in the U.S. have surpassed $5 a gallon for the second time, impacting global economic activity and consumer goods. This surge, driven by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, presents a challenge for the upcoming midterm elections. Gasoline prices also reached their highest since October 2023, with little sign of easing.

The Department of Posts has launched three new premium delivery services, offering guaranteed 24-hour and 48-hour delivery for urgent consignments in six major cities. These services, including 24 Speed Post and 48 Speed Post, aim to capitalize on the growing e-commerce market with features like OTP verification and real-time tracking.

Gold prices surged on Tuesday, with April 2026 futures on MCX rising 1% to Rs 1,56,996 per 10 grams. Investors sought safe-haven assets amid escalating Middle East tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which also kept oil prices above $100 per barrel. Globally, spot gold edged up slightly.

Emirates faces drastically low passenger numbers on inbound flights to Dubai, with some routes seeing as few as 5% occupancy. This comes amid travel advisories and disruptions in the Persian Gulf region. While outbound flights are also impacted by no-shows, the airline continues cargo operations and maintains a faster pace than competitors, prioritizing safety.

Middle East tensions are disrupting LPG supplies to India's food services sector, leading to operational stress. Restaurant owners warn of layoffs and salary cuts as commercial LPG access remains inconsistent, impacting smaller businesses and street vendors most severely. The industry braces for prolonged disruption with no clear recovery timeline.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HCL Technologies dropped nearly 2%, while Tech Mahindra slipped more than 1%. The declines pushed the Nifty IT index down by over 2%, making it the worst-performing sectoral index on the NSE.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices will continue to take cues from crude oil prices, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

Global oil prices are soaring due to Middle East conflict. Dubai crude reached an all-time high, becoming the world's most expensive. Supply disruptions are impacting Asian refiners. They are cutting operations or seeking oil from other regions. Middle East exports to Asia have significantly dropped. Trading activity is slowing, with some benchmarks considered broken.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex opened flat in trade on Tuesday after a day of gains. While Nifty50 was near 23,400, BSE Sensex was down around 50 points.

Middle East conflict intensifies, driving oil prices higher as fears of supply disruptions mount. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted, impacting production and leading to calls for strategic reserve releases. Analysts warn of further price hikes if tensions persist, potentially impacting global economies.

Stock market recommendations: MCX, Power Finance Corporation Limited, and BSE are the top stocks that Somil Mehta, Head of Retail Research, Mirae Asset ShareKhan has recommended for buying on March 17, 2026.

Middle East tensions are disrupting LPG supplies, pushing Indian households towards ready-to-cook meals and frozen snacks. Retailers report a significant surge in demand for these alternatives, with some anticipating a lasting shift in consumer habits. Despite government efforts, shortages persist, driving interest in electric cooking solutions.

A drone strike hit a petroleum facility at the Port of Fujairah in the UAE. Emergency teams controlled the fire. No injuries were reported. This attack occurs amid escalating Middle East tensions. The port is a vital alternative route for oil exports, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions here could impact global energy markets.

The comments assume significance at a time when the US Supreme Court has struck down the tariffs that were imposed by the Trump administration, calling them illegal.

India's exports reached $76.13 billion in February 2026, showing strong growth. Imports rose even faster, leading to a wider trade deficit. For the fiscal year, exports are on track for growth. The country previously set a record in exports for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Challenges like the West Asia crisis may impact March exports.

Gold futures experienced a significant drop of Rs 2,225 to Rs 1.56 lakh per 10 grams, influenced by a stronger US dollar and weaker international markets. Analysts attribute the decline to rising energy prices and diminished expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, impacting investor sentiment and leading to outflows from gold-backed ETFs.

Citi has revised its Nifty target to 27,000 from the earlier estimate of 28,500. The new projection suggests a potential upside of about 17 percent from the indexs last closing level.