The Times of India

Across major firms such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech and Tech Mahindra, the number of employees on the bench has dropped by around 75,000, falling from nearly three lakh to about 2.25 lakh.

Banks across India will observe several closures in April 2026 due to national and state-specific holidays, including year-end finalization and Good Friday. Several states will also see branches shut for regional festivals and observances like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti and Bengali New Year. Digital banking services will remain operational for routine transactions.

Although crude prices have surged amid the near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, the effect has differed across fuels. Crack spreads for diesel and jet fuel have climbed to new highs, whereas those for petrol have remained broadly stable.

Gold price prediction today: Gold is trading as a risk asset and not a safe haven asset, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

Asian markets witnessed their sharpest decline since 2022 as the Middle East conflict enters its second month, sparking fears of escalating inflation and economic slowdown. Investors are increasingly risk-averse, with oil prices soaring and bond markets facing pressure from expectations of sustained high interest rates. The US dollar and gold are seeing gains as safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty.

Many banks across India are closed today for Mahavir Jayanti, impacting customers in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. However, agency banks handling government transactions will remain open on March 31st to facilitate financial year-end dealings. Digital banking services are unaffected, but check with your bank for specific details.

This holiday is the fifth among the 16 market closures planned for 2026. Trading will remain suspended again on April 3 (Friday) for Good Friday, followed by another holiday on April 14 (Tuesday) to mark Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti.

Oil prices have jumped significantly. Brent crude is over $110 and WTI is above $100. Supply worries are growing due to the conflict in the Middle East. Iran's actions and Houthi missile strikes are impacting key shipping routes. This situation threatens global energy flows. Saudi Arabia is rerouting its oil. The US has warned Iran about its energy infrastructure.

Year of records: Foreign investors sell Rs 1.8L Cr Equities | IPOs raise Rs 2L Cr

According to forex market participants, the domestic unit remains under pressure due to persistent outflows by foreign investors and the strengthening of the US dollar, driven by ongoing uncertainty linked to the West Asia conflict.

The Finance Ministry has released the latest interest rates for the first quarter of the new financial year FY 2026-27 from April to June. The interest rates for all small savings schemes have been kept unchanged.

Rs 7,104 crore approvals cleared, but Vaishnaw warns funds may be withheld without local design push

Indian banks face widespread closures this week due to festivals and annual account settlements. Several states will see branches shut on March 31 for Mahavir Jayanti. April 1 sees a nationwide closure for accounting, with exceptions. Further closures are scheduled for April 2 and 3 for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday respectively.

India's economy shows strength with robust domestic demand and positive high-frequency indicators. Auto sales and credit growth are up. GST collections remain steady. Manufacturing activity is improving. Labour markets are showing signs of strengthening. Corporate revenues are holding up. Financial flows are supportive. However, Middle East tensions create global uncertainty and a risk of stagflation.

The Lok Sabha has approved the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a move lauded by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for revitalizing India's banking sector. The amendments aim to expedite case admissions and curb system misuse, building on the IBC's success in resolving over half of stressed assets and improving corporate governance for rescued firms.

The Middle East conflict's global impact is escalating, disrupting supply chains and raising costs worldwide. From Australian farmers facing fertilizer shortages to South Koreans cutting shower times, nations are implementing energy-saving measures. This crisis, fueled by disruptions in vital shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, is reshaping daily lives and economies across continents, forcing significant adjustments.

Liquefied petroleum gas is extensively used across industries such as automobiles and electronics, particularly in processes like brazing and paint shop operations, as well as in segments like food processing.

For salaried individuals, this transition marks more than just a procedural change. It signals quite a shift in how income is reported, assessed, and taxed. The reforms seek to simplify compliance, reduce ambiguity, and align Indias tax administration with global best practices.

Last week, the government announced a big excise duty cut on petrol and diesel prices, in effect cushioning consumers from a hike, while also reducing the blow for oil marketing companies.

Stock market recommendations: Aster DM Healthcare, and Karur Vysya Bank are the top stocks that have been recommended by Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities for the week starting March 30, 2026. He also explains his outlook for Nifty and Bank Nifty:

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices seem to be exhibiting a corrective phase with a bearish tone, feels Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. The analyst shares his outlook on the yellow metal:

The Indian rupee saw a significant rebound, gaining 128 paise to 93.57 against the US dollar following RBI's directive to limit banks' currency exposure. This move prompts banks to reduce dollar holdings, offering temporary support.

Facing global energy disruptions, the Centre has launched a 60-day emergency plan, distributing extra kerosene to states for cooking and lighting. This move aims to support families experiencing LPG shortages, with authorities also intensifying raids against hoarding and black marketing to ensure supply chain integrity. Meanwhile, some consumers are switching to piped natural gas.

Stock market crash today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex plunged in opening trade on Monday. Nifty50 opened the trading day below 22,500 and BSE Sensex dropped over 1,100 points.

Stock market recommendations: Ipca Laboratories, and AU Small Finance Bank are the stocks that Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk recommends buying for the week starting March 30, 2026. Target prices and potential upsides are listed below:

Asian markets opened lower as surging oil prices and escalating US-Iran tensions impacted investor sentiment. Oil prices extended their rally amid Iran's retaliatory strikes and fears for the global economy. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Pakistan preparing to host talks, while the US considers seizing Kharg Island.

Oil prices surged as the Middle East conflict reached its one-month mark, with Brent crude exceeding $110 and WTI surpassing $100. The involvement of Iran-aligned Houthis and increased US military presence in the region are fueling market uncertainty and disrupting crucial oil supply routes.

For over 25 years, members of the WTO have upheld a rule no customs duties on electronic transmissions. While India has used it as a bargaining chip at every ministerial meeting. For India, the big win is managing to keep investment facilitation for development out of the WTO framework despite standing alone at the end. It has demanded guardrails against using plurilaterals, which are agreements between a select group of member nations.

People aware of the developments said since major car and two-wheeler manufacturers have their prototype FFV models ready, now govt needs to create the ecosystem for adoption of these vehicles. Govt has maintained that 20% ethanol blending in petrol has helped India save imports of around 4.5 crore barrels (700 crore litres) of crude annually.

TOI has learnt that the ministry also said in its presentation that the credit-debit registry of each original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will be established and maintained by the designated authority. Officials said this will ensure better enforcement of penalties and provisions along with providing greater clarity as govt is working to finalise the norms for CAFE-3.