The Times of India

The Indian rupee hit a record low of 93.12 against the US dollar on Friday, driven by escalating Middle East tensions and soaring crude oil prices. Despite this currency weakness, domestic equity markets staged a significant recovery. Analysts anticipate continued pressure on the rupee as foreign investors withdraw funds, potentially impacting India's growth and inflation.

Indian airlines may continue operating over Oman and Saudi Arabia, subject to conditions. The regulator said flights must not operate below FL 320, or 32,000 feet, in specified parts of these airspaces. About the nine airspaces, the DGCA asked airlines to efrain from operating within the affected airspace...at all flight levels and altitudes.

Stock market today: Benchmark indices Nifty50 and BSE Sensex opened in green on Friday after a big selloff on Thursday that saw markets tank over 3%. While Nifty50 opened above 23,200, BSE Sensex rose over 700 points, just shy of 75,000.

Global crude prices saw a dip on Friday. Statements from US President Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu helped calm fears of more attacks on energy facilities. Brent crude moved towards $107 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate for May hovered around $94. This follows a sharp rally due to supply disruptions in the Persian Gulf region.

Meta is ending its virtual reality social network Horizon Worlds on Quest headsets. The app will be removed from the Quest store by March 2026 and fully discontinued on VR devices by June 2026. Horizon Worlds will then operate solely as a mobile application.

Central Bank Moves Quickly To Contain Any Contagion Risk, Says Lender's Financials Stable

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The National Building Code (NBC) is set to be replaced by a National Building Standard (NBS) by April-end, granting states and municipal bodies greater authority over development control, fire safety, and administration.

Six major powers, including Britain and France, have pledged support for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, condemning Iran's recent attacks on commercial vessels and energy infrastructure. While ready to contribute to maritime security, immediate naval deployment is not planned due to high threat levels. They also back emergency oil releases to stabilize global energy markets.

The Delhi High Court has ordered Tamil media outlet Nakkheeran Media to remove defamatory videos and articles targeting Isha Foundation and Sadhguru. The court's interim order follows a defamation suit filed by the Foundation, which has welcomed the decision and vowed to continue legal action against those spreading false content.

India has not been buying crude oil from Iran since mid-2019 after the US ended waiver for sanctions on Iran crude. Around 35-40% of Indias crude oil needs are met through cargoes that make their way towards Asia through the Strait of Hormuz.

Under normal conditions, roughly one-fifth of the worlds LNG supply originates from Ras Laffan, which is a sprawling industrial hub developed over three decades at a cost of hundreds of billions of dollars and covering an area nearly three times that of Paris.

Preparing for a first race looks different for everyone. Some runners follow structured training plans, others rely on simple consistency, social accountability, or technology-driven routines to stay motivated. Technological innovations make it easy to track your progress and goals. As March 29, the date of the Times Internet Delhi Half Marathon approaches at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi, heres what one can do to stay in prime form.

India gets around 40% of its LNG requirements from Qatar. Reacting to the damage to key energy infrastructure in the Middle East, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, India had previously called for the avoidance of targeting civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, across the region.

The Trump administration is considering releasing 140 million barrels of Iranian oil to stabilize global prices amid escalating Gulf conflict. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated a potential move within days to boost physical supply, describing it as a reak the glass plan.

India has launched the Rs 497 crore RELIEF scheme to aid exporters facing Middle East conflict disruptions. The initiative, managed by ECGC, offers extended export obligations, enhanced insurance cover, and crucial support for MSMEs grappling with increased freight and insurance costs. This aims to maintain India's market share and prevent shipment delays.

Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Thursday, with both Sensex and Nifty plunging over 3%. Surging crude oil prices due to escalating West Asia attacks, coupled with weak global cues, triggered a broad market rout. Financials, autos, and industrials were heavily impacted, while ONGC was the sole gainer.

India is actively seeking LPG from all available sources, including Russia, to secure energy supplies. This move comes as the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy markets. India is also continuing to provide energy assistance to neighboring nations like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Maldives. Consumers are urged to use LPG wisely.

Ukraine called for a transparent investigation into the detention of six of its nationals in Mizoram, denying any involvement in terrorist activities. Kyiv suspects Russia is attempting to create discord between Ukraine and India, urging that allegations be based on verified facts and intergovernmental cooperation.

Operation Epic Fury has plunged the Middle East into chaos, prompting India to manage a multi-faceted crisis. Over 2.2 lakh Indians have returned home amidst escalating conflict, while energy supplies face strain. New Delhi navigates a delicate diplomatic tightrope, balancing global powers to protect its citizens and economic interests.

Rahul Gandhi alleges the BJP is creating a riot-like situation in Delhi. This follows the Uttam Nagar murder of Tarun and concerns over Eid violence. The Delhi High Court has ordered police to make arrangements. Gandhi urges Delhi residents to resist provocation and unite.

India is mandating detailed operational data from its entire oil and gas sector, classifying it as a national security matter. This move aims to enhance government oversight of energy supplies amid Middle East war disruptions. The new order requires real-time reporting on production, imports, and consumption, enabling faster responses to crises and better procurement decisions.

Gold prices experienced a significant drop in futures trade, influenced by a stronger US dollar and global market weakness. Rising US Treasury yields and inflation data further pressured the precious metal, making it less attractive as a safe-haven asset. This decline was reflected across major Indian cities, with varying degrees of reduction in gold rates.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has unveiled its initial list of 88 candidates for the Assam assembly elections, with chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma contesting from Jalukbari. The party has finalized seat-sharing with AGP and BPF, aiming to retain power. The announcement follows the declaration of the poll schedule for the 126-member assembly.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has ruled himself out of the Kerala chief ministerial race, stating he is not contesting the upcoming assembly elections. Tharoor emphasized that the chief minister should be chosen from elected MLAs and expressed confidence in the UDF's prospects, predicting a strong seat tally.

Vikram K Doraiswami will be India's new Ambassador to China. The ministry of external affairs announced his appointment. Doraiswami is a senior Indian Foreign Service officer. He currently serves as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He is expected to take up his new role shortly. This appointment occurs as India and China continue diplomatic discussions on bilateral issues.

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