The Times of India

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.

A crude oil tanker has reached Mumbai Port after navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The Liberia-flagged Shenlong Suezmax brought crude from Saudi Arabia. It temporarily went off tracking systems in the high-risk strait. Iran has intensified shipping restrictions. Over 20 million barrels of oil pass through the strait daily.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held three recent talks with his Iranian counterpart, focusing on maritime shipping safety and India's energy security amid rising Middle East tensions. Iran has ensured safe passage for Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil trade and India's energy imports.

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.

A man opened fire at the cavalcade of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah and Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary. Both leaders escaped unhurt as security personnel deflected the shot and apprehended the assailant. The accused, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, is being interrogated.

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.

Naga men, women, and children were abducted by suspected militants along Manipur's Ukhrul-Imphal Road, potentially escalating ethnic tensions. A Naga organization blamed Kuki militants, demanding their immediate release. The Manipur Chief Minister appealed for the unconditional release of all civilians and urged stakeholders to maintain peace.