The Times of India

Amid escalating Iran conflict and rising oil prices, the Trump administration is considering a temporary waiver of the Jones Act. This maritime law requires US ships for domestic transport. The move aims to ensure free flow of vital energy and agricultural products to US ports by allowing foreign-flagged ships to operate domestically.

Prime Minister Modi downplayed the energy crisis, urging collective efforts and national interest over panic. He highlighted government initiatives like increased LPG connections and LNG terminals to boost self-reliance. Efforts are underway to shield citizens and farmers from the impact of global conflicts, with measures to manage LPG distribution and supply.

According to the aviation ministry, over 1.5 lakh people have flown from GCC to India between Feb 28 and March 11. Indian carriers resumed Riyadh flights from Thursday, with Day One seeing four flights by Air India, IndiGo and AI Express. The Indian embassy in Qatar said on X Thursday 1-2 flights of Qatar Airways are expected for India daily in the coming days.

In simple terms, fixed term employment means hiring an employee directly on the employers payroll for a clearly defined period, backed by a written contract.

US stock markets plunged on Thursday as surging oil prices and escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran rattled investor confidence. Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.1 per cent to 46,879.09 while S&P 500 declined 1.0 per cent. Crude prices briefly surpassed $100 per barrel amid fears of Middle East supply disruptions, with no end in sight to the ongoing hostilities.

India's retail inflation climbed to 3.21% in February, primarily driven by a surge in food prices. While this rise is within the RBI's target, specific items like gold and silver saw price acceleration. Core inflation remained steady, suggesting underlying price trends are moderate. Experts anticipate potential upside risks from oil prices but view them as temporary.

In a more pessimistic outlook outlined by Goldman Sachs, crude prices could climb back to around $100 per barrel and remain elevated. Such a development could reduce global economic growth by roughly half a percentage point while increasing inflation by nearly one percentage point over the next year.

President Donald Trump said that US gains from higher oil prices. However, his main focus is stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He described Iran as an evil empire whose nuclear ambitions threaten global stability. The conflict with Iran has entered its thirteenth day. The US has reportedly spent over $11.

Lok Sabha witnessed a heated exchange as Rahul Gandhi's speech on the energy crisis was cut short by Speaker Om Birla. Gandhi was questioned for targeting Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and deviating from the stated notice regarding gas shortages. The opposition had previously accused the Chair of limiting Gandhi's speaking time.

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.