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The Times of India

Business / The Times of India

HDFC board, RBI, govt enter firefighting mode

Central Bank Moves Quickly To Contain Any Contagion Risk, Says Lender's Financials Stable

20 Mar 2026 7:45 am
Top stocks to buy today: Stock recommendations for March 20, 2026 - check list

Stock market recommendations: Bajaj Broking Research has recommended Belrise Industries, and Jayaswal Neco Industries as the top stock picks for March 20, 2026. The brokerage also shares its views on Nifty and Bank Nifty:

20 Mar 2026 7:32 am
Asked to work on Eid ul Fitr 2026? Get 50% paid extra; know your rights and compensation as per UAE law

As Eid ul Fitr nears, UAE workers can be asked to work but are entitled to either a compensatory day off or at least 50% extra pay on top of their regular wage. This ensures businesses can operate during peak periods while protecting employee rights. Uncompensated work is a violation, with recourse through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

20 Mar 2026 3:54 am
Dubai souks buzz as gold prices crash over Dh50: Eid shoppers rush to buy

Gold prices in the UAE have seen a significant drop, falling over Dh50 from recent peaks, just in time for Eid ul Fitr. This price relief has spurred a rush of last-minute shoppers to Dubai's gold souks, eager to capitalise on the dip. The market experienced hesitation followed by a sudden surge in demand, driven by global factors and profit-taking.

20 Mar 2026 12:10 am
European powers, Japan back Hormuz security effort; condemn Irans attacks on shipping

Six major powers, including Britain and France, have pledged support for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, condemning Iran's recent attacks on commercial vessels and energy infrastructure. While ready to contribute to maritime security, immediate naval deployment is not planned due to high threat levels. They also back emergency oil releases to stabilize global energy markets.

19 Mar 2026 11:01 pm
Big oil relief soon? What Trumps possible unsanctioning of Iran crude means for India

India has not been buying crude oil from Iran since mid-2019 after the US ended waiver for sanctions on Iran crude. Around 35-40% of Indias crude oil needs are met through cargoes that make their way towards Asia through the Strait of Hormuz.

19 Mar 2026 10:20 pm
Armageddon scenario! Why Irans missile strikes on Qatars LNG spell nightmare for Europe, Asia

Under normal conditions, roughly one-fifth of the worlds LNG supply originates from Ras Laffan, which is a sprawling industrial hub developed over three decades at a cost of hundreds of billions of dollars and covering an area nearly three times that of Paris.

19 Mar 2026 9:32 pm
How Iran's strikes on Qatar's Ras Laffan, world's largest LNG hub & other Middle East oil & gas infra, will impact India

India gets around 40% of its LNG requirements from Qatar. Reacting to the damage to key energy infrastructure in the Middle East, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, India had previously called for the avoidance of targeting civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, across the region.

19 Mar 2026 9:01 pm
US may unsanction Iranian oil to cool prices as Gulf war shakes energy markets

The Trump administration is considering releasing 140 million barrels of Iranian oil to stabilize global prices amid escalating Gulf conflict. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated a potential move within days to boost physical supply, describing it as a reak the glass plan.

19 Mar 2026 8:50 pm
Govt launches Rs 497cr RELIEF scheme to support exporters hit by Middle East conflict

India has launched the Rs 497 crore RELIEF scheme to aid exporters facing Middle East conflict disruptions. The initiative, managed by ECGC, offers extended export obligations, enhanced insurance cover, and crucial support for MSMEs grappling with increased freight and insurance costs. This aims to maintain India's market share and prevent shipment delays.

19 Mar 2026 8:19 pm
Which are top 10 losers on NSE, BSE today? Check list as one Nifty stock bucks trend

Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Thursday, with both Sensex and Nifty plunging over 3%. Surging crude oil prices due to escalating West Asia attacks, coupled with weak global cues, triggered a broad market rout. Financials, autos, and industrials were heavily impacted, while ONGC was the sole gainer.

19 Mar 2026 6:59 pm
Gulf crisis: Govt classifies energy data as national security matter

India is mandating detailed operational data from its entire oil and gas sector, classifying it as a national security matter. This move aims to enhance government oversight of energy supplies amid Middle East war disruptions. The new order requires real-time reporting on production, imports, and consumption, enabling faster responses to crises and better procurement decisions.

19 Mar 2026 5:28 pm
Gold price today: Yellow metal plunges over Rs 3,600; check 24K, 22K city-wise rates

Gold prices experienced a significant drop in futures trade, influenced by a stronger US dollar and global market weakness. Rising US Treasury yields and inflation data further pressured the precious metal, making it less attractive as a safe-haven asset. This decline was reflected across major Indian cities, with varying degrees of reduction in gold rates.

19 Mar 2026 4:03 pm
Top stocks to buy today: Stock recommendations for March 19, 2026 - check list

Top stock market recommendations: Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals, Ather Energy, and KSB are the top stocks that Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group recommends buying today. He also shares his views on Nifty and Bank Nifty, lets take a look:

19 Mar 2026 7:32 am
Qatar expels Iranian military, security attachs and staff after strikes on key energy facilities

Qatar expelled key Iranian military and security officials following missile strikes on its energy infrastructure. The Qatari Foreign Ministry declared the attachs and their staff persona non grata, citing repeated Iranian aggression and violations of sovereignty. This diplomatic fallout follows significant damage to the Ras Laffan Industrial City, a critical gas processing hub.

19 Mar 2026 4:46 am
After 2 attempts, govt fails to divest IDBI Bank

A Ten-Year Long Drive Raises Questions Over Process, Future Disinvestment Plans

19 Mar 2026 3:43 am
War forces rethink on travel insurance cover and limits

Underwriters, Policyholders Weigh Effectiveness Of Plans

19 Mar 2026 3:29 am
FOMC policy meeting: Jerome Powell-led US Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged; flags 'uncertainty' related to impact of Iran war

Experts had said that fears of oil prices stoking inflation were unlikely to push the Federal Reserve toward raising interest rates at this weeks meeting. hile markets and economists had earlier anticipated that the next move would be a rate cut, that conviction has weakened since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28.

18 Mar 2026 11:31 pm
Govt sends additional warships to Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage of Indian vessels: Report

India has deployed additional naval assets in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman to ensure safe passage for its fuel-carrying vessels amid escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian Navy's precautionary deployment aims to escort Indian ships to safer waters, as the strait's closure disrupts crucial energy imports for India.

18 Mar 2026 8:35 pm
Trump suspends Jones Act for 60 days as Iran war drives up US fuel costs - what it means

In a bid to curb soaring energy costs, President Trump has temporarily waived the Jones Act for 60 days. This move permits foreign ships to transport goods between US ports, aiming to ease oil market disruptions caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

18 Mar 2026 8:30 pm
US-Iran war: Is Indias Gulf remittance lifeline at risk? Billions at stake!

India continues to be the largest recipient of remittances in the world. Indias share in the world remittances stood at 14% in 2024. What does the current US-Iran war and the Middle East conflict mean for remittance flows to India? What is the dependence, macro importance?

18 Mar 2026 7:29 pm
Gold price today (March 18, 2026): How much 24K, 22K gold costs in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai & more - check rates

Gold prices dipped across major Indian cities on Wednesday, mirroring a decline in domestic futures. This cautious sentiment stems from anticipation of the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision and ongoing assessment of oil price impacts on inflation. Retail rates saw a noticeable drop in key urban centers.

18 Mar 2026 5:13 pm
India opens anti-dumping probe into ethyl chloroformate imports from China

India has launched an anti-dumping probe into Chinese ethyl chloroformate imports following a complaint by domestic producer Paushak, alleging unfair pricing that harms local industry. The investigation, initiated by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies, will assess if duties are needed to protect Indian manufacturers. This move is part of a broader effort to curb cheap imports.

18 Mar 2026 4:04 pm
Risk vs roti: Indians stay back in Gulf as war intensifies - here's why

Amidst escalating Middle Eastern tensions, many Indian blue-collar workers are staying put for jobs and family support, despite recruiters warning of potential layoffs. While salaries remain consistent, some workers are on mandatory leave as demand for labour declines. Experts foresee a hiring surge post-conflict, but current uncertainty impacts operations and domestic hiring.

18 Mar 2026 3:46 pm
'Issue still worrisome': Govt offers extra 10% commercial LPG to states backing PNG transition push

The government is incentivising states to transition to piped natural gas (PNG) by offering an additional 10% commercial LPG allocation. Despite ongoing global supply disruptions causing a worrisome LPG situation, improvements in online bookings are noted. States can earn extra LPG by forming committees, simplifying permissions, and implementing infrastructure schemes.

18 Mar 2026 3:44 pm
Bank holidays in March 2026: How many days are banks closed this week? Check state-wise list for Ugadi, Eid-Ul-Fitr & more

March 2026 brings a series of bank holidays across India, impacting branch operations significantly. Customers should note closures for festivals like Gudhi Padwa, Ugadi, Eid-Ul-Fitr, and Ramzan, alongside state-specific observances and the second and fourth Saturdays. Digital banking remains available for routine transactions, but services requiring branch visits must be rescheduled.

18 Mar 2026 3:33 pm
Raghav Chadha proposes joint tax filing for married couples heres how it could work

Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha proposed reforms to ease financial burdens, advocating for optional joint income tax filing for couples, full tax exemption on disability pensions for all wounded soldiers, and removal of bank minimum balance penalties. These proposals aim to create a fairer financial system for ordinary citizens amidst ongoing pensioner concerns.

18 Mar 2026 2:57 pm
30 million barrels in a week! India grabs more Russian crude amid US-Iran war; tankers headed to China make U-turn

Data from Vortexa Ltd. indicates that at least seven vessels transporting Russian crude have altered their routes mid-journey, changing course from China to India. At present, all major Indian refiners are actively sourcing Russian oil.

18 Mar 2026 1:16 pm
LPG crisis: Centre pushes states to fast-track switch to PNG amid Hormuz supply disruption

Escalating Middle East tensions are impacting Indian households and businesses reliant on LPG imports. To counter supply disruptions, the government is urging a swift shift to Piped Natural Gas (PNG), fast-tracking approvals and waiving charges for pipeline infrastructure. This initiative aims to ease the strain on LPG supplies, with hospitality and industrial sectors already facing significant challenges.

18 Mar 2026 12:48 pm
Indian IT stocks surge! Infosys, TCS, Wipro rise up to 4%; why are they rallying?

Among individual stocks, Coforge and Persistent Systems surged more than 4% each. TCS, the countrys largest software exporter, advanced around 3%, while LTIMindtree also posted gains of over 3%.

18 Mar 2026 12:34 pm
LPG cylinder rate, petrol, diesel price today (March 18, 2026): Check city-wise list of latest prices amid Middle East conflict

The ongoing US-Iran war has meant that shipments from the Middle East and in particular the Strait of Hormuz have been held up. India imports a major chunk of its LPG needs, and a substantial percentage of that comes from the Middle East.

18 Mar 2026 12:07 pm