The Times of India

Hoteliers in Gulmarg, facing eviction after lease expiry, have withdrawn their High Court petitions. The Jammu and Kashmir government assured the court of a fair resolution, allowing hoteliers to submit representations for consideration. This development follows the introduction of new land grant rules that bar lease extensions and permit open bidding for properties.

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.

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the West Bengal government's challenge to the Enforcement Directorate's plea regarding alleged obstruction by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a raid. Justices questioned where the ED would seek recourse if not in courts, emphasizing no entity should lack remedies. The court also raised constitutional concerns over the alleged obstruction.

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.

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.

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?

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda responded to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks by calling his alliance with the Congress a forced marriage that ended in an abusive relationship.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has criticized the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) for linking the RSS and VHP to a recent Assam Rifles operation at a church. VHP president Alok Kumar stated these accusations are misplaced and aim to sow societal division, asserting neither organization was involved.

Prime Minister Modi conveyed Eid greetings to Kuwait's Crown Prince and condemned attacks on the nation's sovereignty amidst regional conflict. He emphasized India's priority on safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and discussed diplomatic solutions for peace. Similar concerns were raised with the UAE President, highlighting India's energy ties and diaspora welfare.

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.

Lord's Mark Industries Limited is set to manufacture a new AI-powered breast screening wearable device. This collaboration with CMET promises a radiation-free and non-invasive method for early breast cancer detection. The device will be convenient, portable, and designed for widespread accessibility across India and eventually global markets.

Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has demanded royalty from Rajasthan for water supplied since 1960, citing a 1920 tripartite agreement. He claims Rajasthan owes Rs 1.44 lakh crore under this pact, which facilitated water flow through the Rajasthan feeder. Mann stated Punjab has formally written to Rajasthan and plans to involve the central government to resolve the unpaid dues.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

India has dispatched its first medical aid shipment to Iran, a gesture met with gratitude from the Iranian Embassy. This assistance arrives as Iran faces significant casualties and attacks on healthcare facilities due to ongoing military campaigns. Despite challenges, Iran's healthcare system remains largely functional, with contingency plans in place for worsening conditions and potential health risks from environmental factors.

Assam MP Pradyut Bordoloi has switched from Congress to BJP, a day after leaving his former party. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed him, suggesting Bordoloi will contest assembly elections. Bordoloi cited internal party issues and feeling insulted. This move precedes the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, with the BJP seeking a third term.

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.

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.

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%.

The Lok Sabha MP said that neither side was benefiting from the ongoing hostilities, while other nations were bearing the cost through disruptions in global oil, gas and supply chains. The Congress leader said that both American and Iranian objectives had largely been met, making the continuation of the conflict detrimental to global interests.

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.

A top counterterrorism official, Joe Kent, resigned, stating Iran posed no imminent threat and the US-Iran conflict was driven by Israeli pressure and misinformation. Kent, who served as director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), announced his decision saying, after much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position effective today.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices lack an immediate bullish bias, though the current phase is more consolidative than corrective, says Maneesh Sharma, AVP - Commodities & Currencies at Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers.

Middle East conflict escalates, disrupting global oil flow. Iran's Strait of Hormuz threats push crude to the Red Sea, but even this route faces danger. Iran warns of targeting US-linked facilities, raising fears of further supply disruptions and potential oil price spikes, impacting consumers worldwide.

Airlines must now allocate at least 60% of seats free of charge, ensuring families and groups on the same PNR are seated together, preferably adjacently. This directive aims to address passenger grievances regarding seat selection fees and separation of travel companions. The DGCA also mandates transparent policies for sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets, alongside prominent display of passenger rights.

Asian equities rose as oil prices paused their rally, despite escalating Middle East tensions. Investors await U.S. Federal Reserve signals on interest rates, with markets anticipating no rate cuts this year. The U.S. dollar weakened, while Treasuries found support after a strong bond auction.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex continued their upward trend for the third day on Wednesday. While Nifty50 went above 23,650, BSE Sensex was up over 300 points.

American, 6 Ukrainians In NIA Custody