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The Times of India

Business / The Times of India

OTP cant secure payments: RBI rolls out stricter digital payment rules from April 1 - what is changing

India's digital payments are getting a security boost from April 1 with stricter RBI authentication rules, requiring two-factor verification for all transactions to combat rising fraud. Beyond digital payments, changes affect credit cards, FASTags, RuPay cards, PAN applications, and banking services, alongside a new income tax framework, aiming for a safer financial ecosystem.

1 Apr 2026 3:37 pm
Top 10 things that change for your finances from April 1, 2026: From new PAN application norms, FASTag fee to income tax & ATM rules

Some of the changes affect credit card users, FASTag subscribers, RuPay debit cardholders. Here are some of the key revisions scheduled for implementation from the start of the new financial year.

1 Apr 2026 2:49 pm
'No choice': Asian nations tap Russian oil under US waivers amid Middle East war

Asian nations, facing an energy crunch due to Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions, are increasingly turning to Russian oil. Benefiting from US sanction waivers, countries like the Philippines and South Korea are receiving Russian crude and naphtha. This shift offers a vital alternative for energy-starved economies, with more nations potentially following suit as the situation unfolds.

1 Apr 2026 12:50 pm
GST collections rise 8.2% in March 2026 to hit Rs 1.78 lakh crore

Domestic GST revenue reached Rs 1.46 lakh crore, registering a growth of 5.9%, while revenue from imports was recorded at Rs 0.54 lakh crore, rising sharply by 17.8% during the period.

1 Apr 2026 12:24 pm
No quick reset for oil, gas prices even after war ends? EU issues warning

European Union energy chief Dan Jorgensen stated that energy prices will remain high for the foreseeable future. He noted that even if peace is achieved tomorrow, a return to normal levels is not expected soon. The EU is preparing measures to assist families and businesses. Efforts are underway to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian gas.

1 Apr 2026 10:39 am
Rupee at 100? Currency may slide further versus US dollar as crude oil prices rise, Middle East conflict persists

Even prior to the conflict, the rupee was facing downward pressure due to widening external imbalances and persistent capital outflows. The surge in oil prices has intensified these challenges for the worlds third-largest crude importer.

1 Apr 2026 10:33 am
'Only a partial, staggered increase': Government issues clarification on jet fuel price hike

The government has limited the rise in jet fuel prices for domestic airlines to 25 percent. This decision aims to ease the financial burden on airlines and air travelers. International routes will face the full price increase. Meanwhile, non-scheduled operators are experiencing a more than double surge in jet fuel costs.

1 Apr 2026 10:31 am
Asian stocks today: Markets rallied as hopes grew that Iran war could end soon; Kospi jumps 5.5%, Nikkei rises 3.9%

Asian shares surged Wednesday as hopes for an end to the Iran conflict grew, with US President Trump suggesting a resolution within weeks. Strong economic data further boosted South Korean and Japanese markets, while US futures also climbed. This positive sentiment overshadowed a slight dip in cryptocurrencies.

1 Apr 2026 10:09 am
Oil prices today: Crude climbs as markets weigh Trumps signal on possible end to Iran war

Oil prices surged on Wednesday, with Brent crude surpassing $100 per barrel and WTI also climbing. This rise is attributed to ongoing supply risk concerns, despite potential diplomatic progress. Analysts highlight that even a swift end to the conflict may not immediately ease tight supplies due to infrastructure damage and the critical Strait of Hormuz.

1 Apr 2026 9:58 am
Stock market today (April 1, 2026): Nifty50 opens above 22,800; BSE Sensex up over 1,600 points on hopes of US-Iran war ending

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex rallied in opening trade on Wednesday on hopes of an end to the US-Iran war. While Nifty50 went above 22,800, BSE Sensex was up over 1,600 points.

1 Apr 2026 9:18 am
US-Iran war bleeds Sensex! Rs 51 lakh crore gone, record $12 billion FII wipeout, stock market down over 11% - is there an end in sight to selloff?

The selloff by foreign institutional investors (FIIs) has been particularly pronounced. Rupee has seen its worst financial year in over 14 years, breaching the 95 per dollar mark in trade on the last trading day (March 30) of the fiscal year.

31 Mar 2026 9:29 pm
IndiGo appoints former British Airways chief William Walsh as new CEO

IndiGo Airlines has appointed former British Airways chief William Walsh as its new CEO, effective August 3, 2026. This strategic move follows the resignation of Pieter Elbers earlier this month. Walsh, currently with IATA, brings extensive global aviation experience and a customer-focused leadership style to guide IndiGo's next phase of growth and transformation.

31 Mar 2026 3:40 pm
Your income tax changes from April 1, 2026! Top 10 things salaried taxpayers should know about new rules & tax regime choice

Several changes are expected to reduce the tax burden for the salaried class in general. We take a look at top 10 things salaried taxpayers should know going into the new financial year 2026-27:

31 Mar 2026 3:06 pm
Could oil hit $200 a barrel? Experts warn of risks if Iran war drags on

Escalating Middle East tensions and a potential near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz could drive crude oil prices to $150-$200 a barrel. Millions of barrels of daily supply are already cut, with energy experts warning of astronomical losses and market choke if disruptions persist. Physical supply realities, not political statements, will dictate the surge.

31 Mar 2026 1:37 pm
Big drop! Why bench strength of TCS, Infosys, Wipro & other IT companies has fallen by around 75,000 people

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.

31 Mar 2026 12:35 pm
Bank holidays in April 2026: When will banks remain closed? Check state-wise list

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.

31 Mar 2026 11:52 am
Amid US-Iran war, Indias diesel exports see big 20% jump; petrol exports fall 33%

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.

31 Mar 2026 11:44 am
Gold price prediction today: What levels of gold should investors watch out for on March 31, 2026 amid US-Iran war?

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.

31 Mar 2026 11:09 am
Asian stocks today: Markets trail as Middle East conflict deepens; Nikkei drops 0.9%, MSCI Asia Pacific slips 0.5%

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.

31 Mar 2026 9:57 am
Bank holiday March 31: Are banks open or closed today for Mahavir Jayanti? Check state-wise list

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.

31 Mar 2026 9:38 am
Stock market holiday today: Are BSE, NSE closed for trading on March 31, 2026?

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.

31 Mar 2026 8:27 am
Oil prices today: Crude jumps after war disrupts supply routes, global shortage fear looms

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.

31 Mar 2026 7:33 am
Volatile ride for stocks, bullion sees big bets

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

31 Mar 2026 6:47 am