The Times of India

An overhaul of the 153-year-old Cattle Trespass Act will decriminalise key offences, replace jail terms with financial penalties and route collected fines to animal welfare. The definition of cattle, so far limited to bovines, is being expanded to include camels, buffaloes, horses, pigs, sheep and goats. Govt has proposed to reduce the jail term for interfering with seized items, such as food and vehicles, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, from a maximum of six months to three month

For the moment, it has managed to ensure that consumers are fully protected as the oil retailers and govt will split the burden of higher crude prices. For the oil marketing companies (OMCs), which will have to take a hit during the March quarter, the impact will not be significant if the Indian basket remains around the current level of $112 a barrel.

Credit growth outpaced deposit mobilisation through the current financial year, with incremental credit at Rs 25.3 lakh crore exceeding incremental deposits of Rs 24.3 lakh crore. As a result, the incremental credit-deposit ratio stood at 103.9%. Historically, an 80% credit-deposit ratio is seen as healthy as it factors in the 3% of bank deposits that have to be maintained as cash reserves (CRR) and 18% in liquid govt bonds (statutory liquidity ratio)

The sell-off left investors poorer by nearly Rs 9 lakh crore with BSEs market capitalisation now at Rs 422.2 lakh crore, exchange data showed.Foreign funds were again the main sellers of stocks with the net outflow figure at Rs 4,367 crore, BSE data showed. Since the war between the US-Israel and Iran started, the sensex has lost a little over 7,700 points or 9.5% while investors are poorer by about Rs 41.4 lakh crore.

Pankaj Chadha, chairman of engineering exports body EEPC India, said the measure will help steel mills, particularly smaller units, maintain production. Steel is a key segment of the engineering goods sector, and its shortage could severely impact the production chain. The additional LPG allocation should minimise supply bottlenecks and ensure steady output, he added.

Many analysts are forecasting that oil prices will remain above $100 per barrel for several weeks, pushing up the import bill and inflation. Dealers said that pressure on the rupee has been driven more by heavy foreign investor selloffs than by the West Asia conflict, with outflows crossing $13 billion this month, an all-time high.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured that India will maintain fiscal prudence while shielding citizens from rising global crude oil prices. She highlighted India's stable fuel prices compared to other nations, dismissing lockdown rumors as baseless and aimed at creating fear. The government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to protect consumers.

The government has imposed export duties on diesel and turbine fuel to boost domestic availability and energy security, estimating Rs 1,500 crore in revenue. Simultaneously, special excise duties on petrol and diesel were reduced to shield consumers, keeping retail prices stable amid global oil supply concerns.

FTC allows individual taxpayers to claim a credit in India for taxes paid in a foreign jurisdiction on the same income, thereby reducing the tax payable in India.

Apart from crude oil disruptions, the supply of LPG and LNG have also been hit. India imports a big portion of its LPG and LNG needs and has been looking to step up procurement from alternative sources.

Amidst global energy supply concerns due to Middle East conflict, India has boosted commercial LPG allocation to 70% for industries like steel, auto, and textiles. This move aims to support labour-intensive sectors and those with specialized heating needs. The government also assured fuel security, refuting shortage claims and increasing refinery output.

The government has announced a reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel. While excise duty on petrol has been cut, the levy on diesel has been removed altogether with an aim to cushion consumers from the surge in global crude oil prices.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are seeing a steady recovery and Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities recommends a buy on dip strategy.

Amidst the Middle East conflict impacting global oil supplies, India has implemented measures to ensure domestic fuel availability. The government has imposed export duties on diesel and aviation fuel while simultaneously reducing excise duties on petrol and diesel for local consumption, aiming to shield citizens from price hikes.

Stock market crash today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex dropped in trade on Friday as US-Iran war tensions and crude oil prices continued to weight on sentiment. While Nifty50 went below 22,850, BSE Sensex was down almost 1,700 points.

India has reduced its fuel duty, lowering the special additional excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and removing it entirely on diesel. This move comes amid global oil supply disruptions and follows a price hike by Nayara Energy. Crude prices retreated as US-Iran negotiations showed progress.

The Trump administration is proposing to feature the President's signature on US dollar bills for the nation's 250th anniversary. Officials cite economic achievements and national pride as reasons. This move, however, faces scrutiny due to historical laws restricting living individuals on currency and a separate plan for a Trump commemorative coin.

Analysts have adjusted targets for several companies, with UBS neutral on Cipla citing supply headwinds despite a healthy pipeline. Motilal Oswal initiated coverage on Bajaj Finserv with a neutral rating, highlighting its strong customer base and predictable earnings. Jefferies is bullish on LG India, anticipating price hikes due to rising costs and a weak rupee.

Stock market recommendations: Granules India, and RBL Bank are the top two stocks that Bajaj Broking Research has recommended for March 27, 2026. Views on Nifty, and Bank Nifty have also been shared:

Iran is experiencing a dual benefit from rising oil prices, with daily revenue increasing significantly in March. Despite ongoing tensions, crude exports remain near pre-war levels, with activity at Kharg Island terminal picking up. Iran has also blocked ships to aggressor nations via the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices are soaring past $100 a barrel as the Middle East conflict nears a month, impacting global supply. Brent crude is trading above $107, while WTI is near $94. Goldman Sachs predicts further increases before a gradual decline. Iran's tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz and potential new fees on ships are key factors driving these price hikes.

Deutsche Bank's Indian Global Capability Center is accelerating AI adoption with a startup-style incubator, drawing 100 ideas in its first 100 days. Employees are embracing AI transformation with less resistance than in mature markets, a cultural shift attributed to India's rapid digital progress.

India's e-commerce and quick commerce sectors are experiencing a hiring surge, with a significant 35% increase in roles. Companies are now prioritizing technology and operational capabilities, particularly in AI, machine learning, and supply chain, to drive platform strength and efficient fulfillment, especially in smaller cities.

India advocates for World Trade Organisation reform, emphasizing development for poorer nations and consensus-based decisions. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stressed the need to revive the dispute settlement mechanism and address long-pending issues like public stockholding for cotton-growing countries. India also signaled reservations about incorporating plurilateral agreements and continuing customs waivers for e-commerce.

India's UDAN 2.0 scheme, with a Rs 28,000 crore outlay, aims to significantly boost regional air travel over 10 years. The revamped initiative will develop 100 airports, support aerodrome operations, build helipads, and provide financial aid to airlines, enhancing connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Prior to the conflict, analysts had projected global LNG supply to increase by up to 10% this year, reaching between 460 million and 484 million metric tonnes, supported by new capacity additions.

The Middle East war has intensified an oil crisis as Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt global energy supplies. While the Red Sea's Bab el-Mandeb Strait is considered an alternative, it also faces threats. Reopening Hormuz is complicated by its geography and requires significant security measures, including a multinational coalition, to overcome the risks of attacks and minefields.

Gold and silver price prediction today: Gold and silver prices may sustain their up move in the coming sessions, says Abhilash Koikkara, Head - Forex & Commodities, Nuvama Professional Clients Group.

Iran has opened the Strait of Hormuz for friendly nations like India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan. This comes as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an end to the conflict and the reopening of the vital waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial oil route, and its volatility impacts global energy flows amid regional tensions.

The LPG shipment will be distributed among three state-run fuel retailers: Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.

Oil prices rebounded past $100 as markets reassess Middle East conflict developments. Iran's mixed signals on US peace proposals, coupled with Trump's tougher stance, create market uncertainty. Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict severely impacts global supply chains, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to significant oil disruptions.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is expanding in Asia. Kiran Mani, former JioStar CEO, will lead the company's operations in the Asia-Pacific region. He joins in June. This move signals OpenAI's focus on growing its user base in key markets like India. Mani will oversee regional strategy and operations.

Sammaan Capital shares surged 6% following the RBI's approval for a controlling stake acquisition by UAE's International Holding Company (IHC). IHC will invest approximately Rs 8,850 crore through its entity, Avenir Investment, marking a significant development for the company.

Indian stock markets surged today, with Sensex crossing 75,000 points. This rally, driven by hopes of a West Asia conflict resolution and easing crude oil prices, saw global markets also perform strongly. Foreign fund selling slowed, while domestic investors bought heavily, adding significant wealth to investors.

Lok Sabha approved the Finance Bill with key amendments. Promoters' capital gains from share buybacks will now face a 12% surcharge. Startup tax holidays have been extended, with the turnover threshold raised to Rs 300 crore. Taxpayers will now receive a minimum of 30 days to respond to reassessment notices, fostering a trust-based tax administration.