The Times of India

The conversation focused on the evolving situation in West Asia, with both leaders emphasising the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, secure and accessible. The key maritime corridor handles a significant share of global oil shipments and remains critical to international energy markets. However, it remains unclear why Musk was included in the call or whether he spoke.

Multiple avalanches struck the SrinagarLeh national highway on Friday, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people and injuring five others. The avalanches hit the stretch between Zero Point and Minimarg, trapping several vehicles. Rescue operations are underway, with officials personally monitoring the situation and providing assistance.

Tragedy struck Zoji La in Ladakh on Friday as an avalanche claimed at least seven lives and left several injured. The devastating snowslide also caused a significant disruption, blocking the vital Srinagar-Leh highway and halting traffic. Immediate rescue and relief operations are in full swing, with authorities expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to affected families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers. The focus was on the Middle East conflict's impact on fuel supply, inflation, and logistics. Discussions aimed to ensure coordinated action between the Centre and states. Preparedness for potential disruptions and maintaining stability in essential sectors were key. Contingency planning for fuel availability and price pressures was also reviewed.

Panjab University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof Renu Cheema Vig, has secured a four-month extension, averting a leadership vacuum. The Centre issued the notification just before her tenure ended, ensuring administrative continuity. This development comes amid delays in forming a new selection committee, granting authorities more time to appoint a regular VC.

India has strongly criticized Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's reported remarks telling Shias to go to Iran, labeling it as part of the systemic victimization of minorities. The MEA spokesperson highlighted the shrinking minority numbers in Pakistan as evidence of decades of fear and oppression by the state.

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.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, highlighting the state's development progress and seeking support for key infrastructure and connectivity projects. Dhami extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Uttarakhand and presented him with local specialties. The meeting also covered initiatives in tourism, spiritual economy, and entrepreneurship.

Rajnath Singh will lead a new inter-ministerial group addressing the Middle East conflict's impact. Union ministers Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Hardeep Singh Puri are members. The group will focus on energy security, supply chains, and global order disruptions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced seven empowered groups to assess and mitigate economic effects.

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.

National Conference MLAs protested the killing of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and US-Israel military actions in Iran within the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. The protest led to a scuffle with BJP MLAs, prompting an adjournment. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the conflict, stating regime change cannot be achieved through military bombardment.

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.

Meta is reportedly on the brink of its most significant job cuts ever, potentially impacting up to 16,000 employees. This move comes as the tech giant invests heavily in AI infrastructure and talent, aiming for a leaner, AI-driven future. Employees in key divisions received unexpected remote work directives, signaling imminent large-scale layoffs.

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.

The Indian Army is bolstering its armoured regiments with dedicated drone units, 'Shaurya Squadrons', to enhance surveillance, precision strikes, and electronic warfare. Recently tested in a realistic battle scenario, these units aim to significantly boost battlefield awareness and response times for tank formations. This move reflects lessons learned from global drone-centric conflicts.

The Supreme Court has ruled that vague and unsupported allegations are insufficient to initiate criminal proceedings, quashing a dowry harassment case against an elderly couple. The bench emphasized that citizens must be vigilant about their rights and take timely action, especially in matrimonial disputes, as delays can cast aspersions on a case.

The Supreme Court ruled that if a private vehicle is requisitioned by a district administration and meets with an accident, the government, not the insurance company, is liable for compensation. The court stated that the owner is divested of custody and control during requisition, making the requisitioning authority responsible for incidents.

Elderly individuals, especially those frail or with limited life expectancy, may no longer need all their long-term medications. A global review suggests carefully stopping some drugs can be safe, reducing risks like falls and confusion. Doctors emphasize a shift towards patient-centered care, where medication reduction, when supervised, can improve well-being and energy levels.

Iran has permitted India to use the Strait of Hormuz, allowing 20 Indian cargo vessels and 18 LPG tankers to pass. This decision, following diplomatic efforts by India, eases concerns about energy supply disruptions. Iran stated that ships linked to its adversaries will be denied passage through the strategic waterway.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the global challenge of social media's adverse effects on children. He also discussed the significant global impact of the West Asia conflict, asserting India's strong economic position. Vaishnaw criticized the opposition for what he termed a low level of political discourse. He stated that India's growth story remains robust.

India is actively participating in global discussions for 6G technology standards, a significant shift from previous generations. Communication Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted India's new role as a partner in setting international telecom standards. The Bharat 6G Alliance, formed in 2024, now boasts 85 members, underscoring the nation's commitment to shaping future communication networks.

The government has ruled out restrictions on petrol and diesel sales, assuring citizens of ample oil and gas availability and robust import arrangements. Despite global fuel use curbs and misinformation-driven queues, India's petroleum and LPG supply remains secure and under control, with reserves and ongoing procurements ensuring uninterrupted dispensing at all retail outlets.

Prime Minister Modi is set to convene a video conference with Chief Ministers, excluding those from poll-bound states, to assess national readiness for potential disruptions stemming from the West Asia conflict. The Team India spirit will guide discussions on energy supply concerns and preparedness, with the cabinet secretariat to engage excluded states separately.

India's diplomatic prowess in West Asia is highlighted by its ability to engage all parties in the conflict, according to Minister Kiren Rijiju. He emphasized that the nation's safe passage of ships and high-level dialogues with global leaders demonstrate its active role, countering claims of being a bystander.