The Times of India

Amid escalating Iran conflict and rising oil prices, the Trump administration is considering a temporary waiver of the Jones Act. This maritime law requires US ships for domestic transport. The move aims to ensure free flow of vital energy and agricultural products to US ports by allowing foreign-flagged ships to operate domestically.

In simple terms, fixed term employment means hiring an employee directly on the employers payroll for a clearly defined period, backed by a written contract.

US stock markets plunged on Thursday as surging oil prices and escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran rattled investor confidence. Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.1 per cent to 46,879.09 while S&P 500 declined 1.0 per cent. Crude prices briefly surpassed $100 per barrel amid fears of Middle East supply disruptions, with no end in sight to the ongoing hostilities.

India's retail inflation climbed to 3.21% in February, primarily driven by a surge in food prices. While this rise is within the RBI's target, specific items like gold and silver saw price acceleration. Core inflation remained steady, suggesting underlying price trends are moderate. Experts anticipate potential upside risks from oil prices but view them as temporary.

In a more pessimistic outlook outlined by Goldman Sachs, crude prices could climb back to around $100 per barrel and remain elevated. Such a development could reduce global economic growth by roughly half a percentage point while increasing inflation by nearly one percentage point over the next year.

President Donald Trump said that US gains from higher oil prices. However, his main focus is stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He described Iran as an evil empire whose nuclear ambitions threaten global stability. The conflict with Iran has entered its thirteenth day. The US has reportedly spent over $11.

Escalating West Asian conflict disrupts global energy supplies, triggering panic buying of LPG across India. Long queues at agencies and restaurants switching to alternatives highlight growing anxiety, despite government assurances of adequate domestic supply. Commercial distribution faces pressure, fueling fears of a wider energy crunch.

US financial and tech firms are enhancing security and reducing office presence in the Middle East following Iran's threats to target economic centers linked to America. Companies like Citigroup, Standard Chartered, and Google have implemented precautionary measures, including mandatory work-from-home policies for staff in the region due to heightened security concerns.

The proposed facility in Texas will be Reliance Industries second greenfield investment outside India. Reliance Industries, which has a market capitalisation of 18.82 lakh crore ($204 billion), runs the worlds largest integrated refinery complex at a single site in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global commodity markets beyond oil and gas, impacting aluminium, fertilisers, ethanol, and helium. Tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, with significant implications for essential goods and food exports. Authorities are working to ensure food supply stability amidst rising logistics costs.

Gold and silver price prediction: Gold prices are seeing a sideways-to-bullish bias and may rally to Rs 1.7 lakh mark while silver is likely headed to Rs 3 lakh, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head - Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group.

Following a Supreme Court setback on tariffs, the Trump administration has launched new Section 301 investigations into alleged unfair trade practices by 16 key partners, including China and India. These probes aim to restore tariff pressure and could lead to new import taxes by summer, with officials emphasizing a commitment to protecting US manufacturing and reducing trade deficits.

Stock market crash today: Continuing the down trend, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, crashed in opening trade on Thursday with the US-Iran war showing no signs of stopping and oil prices climbing again.

Top stock market recommendations: INOX India, and Apollo Hospitals Enterprise are buy calls from Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President - WM Research of Nuvama Professional Clients Group. The analyst recommends selling TVS Motor Company. Below is his views on on Nifty, Bank Nifty and each of the three stocks:

Oil prices rose above 9% despite significant releases from strategic reserves by major economies. The United States and the International Energy Agency announced substantial crude oil withdrawals to stabilise markets. However, escalating tensions in the Middle East and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz continue to fuel price volatility.

A crypto trader's viral tweet about needing a social media permit in Dubai has ignited debate. While framed as bureaucracy, experts clarify that the new UAE regulations target promotional content and influencer marketing, aiming for transparency and professionalisation. This reflects a global trend of governments regulating the burgeoning digital advertising landscape.

Indian equity markets experienced a significant downturn, with Sensex and Nifty shedding nearly 2% on Wednesday. A sharp rise in crude oil prices, fueled by escalating West Asian tensions, dampened investor sentiment. Persistent foreign fund outflows and selling in banking stocks further contributed to the market's decline.

Gold futures experienced a dip on Tuesday, with April 2026 and June contracts trading lower on the MCX. Meanwhile, retail bullion rates in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai saw a slight increase. Market participants are observing a cautious sentiment amidst mild profit-taking at current elevated levels.

India has secured approximately 30 million barrels of Russian crude following a US waiver, with refiners like Indian Oil and Reliance Industries swiftly acquiring stranded cargoes. This move comes as Middle East disruptions impact traditional oil flows, pushing India to seek alternative supplies. The US clarified the waiver is temporary, aimed at stabilizing global energy markets.