The Times of India

Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being 'compromised' and controlled by US President Donald Trump, criticizing his speech on the West Asia conflict. Gandhi also voiced concerns over a trade deal he claims will harm Indian farmers and alleged the BJP-RSS are undermining tribal rights by promoting the term 'Vanvasi'.

Global markets surged Monday as President Trump announced talks with Iran and a delay in planned strikes, easing fears of Middle East conflict. US stocks rallied significantly, oil prices tumbled, and European markets reversed earlier losses. However, Iran challenged the negotiation claims, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the de-escalation.

In times of geopolitical uncertainties, gold is the go to investment - its a time-tested safe haven that investors rush to. Then why are gold prices plunging amidst the ongoing war? Does this mean that golds safe haven appeal is fading?

The Indian rupee hit an all-time low against the dollar, breaching 94 for the first time amid Middle East tensions, significant foreign fund outflows, and soaring crude oil prices. This sharp decline, extending since the regional conflict began, has put pressure on Asia's third-largest economy, highly reliant on imported energy. The Reserve Bank of India is reportedly offering mild support.

IndiGo has appointed Aloke Singh, former Air India Express MD & CEO, as its Chief Strategy Officer. This move, by interim CEO Rahul Bhatia, signals an aggressive talent acquisition strategy. Singh's expertise in aviation strategy and operations is expected to drive IndiGo's global expansion and enhance its competitive edge in a dynamic market.

Veteran Indian sports journalist S Thyagarajan, a renowned hockey writer, passed away at 85 after a battle with age-related ailments. He covered six Olympics and nine Asian Games during his extensive career with 'The Hindu' and 'The Indian Express'. His contributions to sports journalism and hockey were immense, leaving an irreparable loss for the fraternity.

What does this latest disruption mean for the growth prospects of Asian economies that are in large part dependent on oil and energy imports. Since the start of the Middle East conflict, passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has been curtailed.

Indian stock markets experienced a severe downturn Monday, mirroring a global sell-off. Escalating Middle East tensions, rising crude oil prices, consistent foreign investor withdrawals, and a record-low rupee significantly impacted investor confidence, leading to broad-based losses across major indices and sectors.

Oil prices experienced a sharp decline as President Trump ordered a five-day halt to planned military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, easing fears of Middle East conflict escalation. Brent crude fell over 13%, and WTI slid significantly, reversing earlier gains driven by concerns over disrupted oil transit routes.

A Tamil Nadu court convicted nine police officers for the 2020 custodial torture and deaths of father and son Jeyaraj and Beniks. The CBI investigation revealed the victims were subjected to brutal torture and evidence was destroyed to conceal the crime. The court's verdict brings a measure of justice for the victims.

US President Trump has paused planned strikes on Iran for five days following productive talks, a move Iran claims as a acking down. This de-escalation saw Brent crude fall sharply. Meanwhile, PM Modi highlighted the Middle East conflict's unprecedented challenges for India, as markets crashed, wiping out Rs 14 lakh crore amid surging oil prices and war fears.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday marked four years of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, emphasising its guiding mantra of development as well as heritage while fulfilling the dreams of the statehood agitators and the aspirations of the state's 1.25 crore residents.

As the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy supplies, Saudi Arabia has activated its 1,200-kilometer East-West pipeline to maintain oil exports. This crucial inland route, rerouting crude to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, is now a pivotal alternative to the closed Strait of Hormuz, ensuring continued market access despite escalating tensions and past attacks.

PM Modi pointed out that cargo movement through the Strait of Hormuz has been challenging since the conflict began, but the government is taking steps to ensure that supplies of gas and fuel face minimal disruption.

Trans rights activists protested in Hyderabad against the proposed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) amendment bill. They demanded its withdrawal and explicit recognition of transmen in all laws. Protesters also called for the removal of medical boards for transgender certificates. They warned of nationwide protests if their rights are not granted.

The vessels, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, both classified as very large gas carriers, moved northward from the UAE coast toward Irans Qeshm and Larak islands early on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha on the West Asian crisis, highlighting its negative impact on the global economy and India. He assured that the government is providing full support to the nearly one crore Indians living and working in the Gulf region, with missions in constant contact and advisories being issued.

Middle East tensions are significantly impacting global financial markets, pushing the Indian Rupee to record lows near 94 against the US dollar. Analysts believe crude oil prices and geopolitical developments, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, will dictate the currency's next move. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to intervene to manage volatility.

Argentina has increased its supply of LPG to India as shortages emerge following disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict, according to people aware of the development.

Stock market recommendations: Coal India, and JB Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals stocks that Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical Research and Derivatives, SBI Securities recommends buying for the week starting March 23, 2026. There is also a detailed analysis on Nifty and Bank Nifty:

The Middle East conflict is impacting global markets, causing a sell-off in cryptocurrencies and pushing Bitcoin below $70,000. Rapid liquidations and macroeconomic pressures like elevated oil prices are weighing on digital assets. Analysts suggest a cautious consolidation phase, with short-term volatility expected to persist due to geopolitical events and reduced US rate cut expectations.

Gold futures experienced a significant sell-off, dropping by Rs 8,089 to Rs 1.36 lakh per 10 grams on Monday, mirroring global trends. This decline, attributed to inflation fears and a stronger US dollar, marks the fourth consecutive week of losses for the yellow metal. Analysts anticipate continued downward pressure amid geopolitical tensions and potential interest rate hikes.

The selloff was triggered by the resignation of Atanu Chakraborty, who said that certain happenings and practices within the bank over the past two years did not align with his personal values and ethics.

.

Gold price prediction today: Gold is seeing intense selling pressure and this is likely to continue this week amid global tensions, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

Asian markets experienced a significant sell-off, with South Korea's Kospi plunging 6%, as fears of a deepening energy crisis gripped investors. Geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz and potential US-Iran conflict, fueled the market panic. Investors fled technology and consumption sectors, while energy-linked stocks saw inflows amid concerns over global supply chains and rising oil prices.

Gold prices have plummeted to their steepest weekly fall in nearly four decades, dropping significantly from recent highs. Despite Middle East tensions, the precious metal's safe-haven appeal has waned, with broader financial factors now dominating. Analysts suggest current lower prices could offer opportunities for long-term investors, though short-term volatility persists.

Tension flared in Churachandpur as a mob attempted to storm the residence of Kuki Zo Council chairman H Thanglet. Protesters, alleging militants were present, first pelted stones and tried to force entry, prompting tear gas deployment. Later, armed individuals fired blank shots to deter a renewed attempt to breach the property, while separate tyre-burning protests were also dispersed.

The world faces an unprecedented energy crisis, a potent mix of oil and gas shocks, warns the International Energy Agency. With infrastructure damaged and the vital Strait of Hormuz threatened, global economic stability is at risk. The agency stresses the need for international cooperation to resolve the escalating situation and prevent widespread fuel shortages.

The Indian Rupee hit a record low against the US dollar, plummeting to 93.86 amid escalating Middle East tensions and fears of disrupted energy supplies. Crude oil prices have surged over 50% this month, exacerbating the currency's weakness. Indian stock markets also experienced a significant downturn, reflecting the global economic strain.

Stock market crash today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex plunged in opening trade on Monday with oil prices continuing to remain high amid the ongoing US-Iran war. Investor sentiment continues to weaken amid escalating tensions between Iran and the US, a falling rupee, and other global concerns.

Stock market recommendations: Ipca Laboratories, and Hindalco are the top stocks that Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk has picked for this week starting March 23, 2026.

Government seeks clarity on recovering hefty penalties from carmakers for missing fuel efficiency targets. With stricter norms ahead, the PMO is pushing ministries to define who evaluates, approves, and recovers the dues. Over Rs 8,800 crore in penalties have been levied for past non-compliance, yet no recovery has occurred.

Indian Railways has boosted Kilometrage Allowance and Allowance in lieu of Kilometrage by 25% for over two lakh running staff, effective January 2024. This decision aligns compensation with the 50% Dearness Allowance hike, addressing long-standing demands for better financial benefits for essential operational personnel.

The March 31 deadline for eliminating Left-wing extremism may pass without fanfare, having successfully created a psychological impetus for stakeholders. This pressure led to the neutralization or surrender of most CPI(Maoist) leadership, fracturing the group and pushing remaining members towards surrender.

SC judge Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized that a developed India by 2047 requires greater tolerance for debate and dissent, without criminalizing them. He highlighted that thousands arrested under the UAPA with minuscule convictions indicate overuse or misuse of the law, hindering justice delivery and the ideal of a developed nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the longest-serving head of government, surpassing the record previously held by Pawan Kumar Chamling. This milestone marks 25 continuous years in leadership, beginning with his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001 and continuing as Prime Minister since May 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet committee on security discussed measures to diversify import sources for key sectors like chemicals and pharmaceuticals due to the West Asia conflict's global economic impact. The government is preparing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to safeguard citizens and ensure the availability of essential goods like fertilizers and coal.

Former Pakistani envoy Abdul Basit stated that striking Indian cities like New Delhi and Mumbai would be Islamabad's default move if Pakistan were attacked by the US. He asserted that Pakistan's nuclear deterrence is India-specific, not aimed at the US, and that any aggression would be met with retaliation against India.

Veteran BJP leader Datta Meghe passed away at 89. A four-time Lok Sabha MP and former state minister, Meghe joined the BJP in 2014. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari remembered him as an elder brother, highlighting his significant contributions to education and healthcare in Vidarbha, particularly in tribal areas.

Released activist Sonam Wangchuk urged the Union government for win-win talks with Ladakhi leaders, emphasizing a give and take approach. He vowed to continue his struggle if necessary, highlighting his fight for Ladakh's culture and environment. Wangchuk expressed hope for justice regarding the September 24 firing and the release of arrested individuals.

Transgender community members, part of the National Council for Transgender Persons, met with ministry officials to reiterate that self-affirmation must remain the foundation of transgender identity.