The Times of India

The rate will be formally notified by the Government of India, after which the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation will credit the interest to subscribers accounts.

India is closely monitoring its crude oil and fuel supply amid escalating Middle East tensions. The government assures domestic availability and affordability of petroleum products. Disruptions in Qatar's LNG production and Saudi Arabia's oil refinery have already impacted global markets, with European gas prices surging.

Estimates placed IIP at 169.4 for January 2026, compared with 161.6 in January 2025. This follows a stronger reading in December 2025, when industrial production had grown by 7.8 per cent.`

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C T R Nirmal Kumar asserted the ruling DMK would struggle to win over 30 seats without the Congress, citing the national party as a 'natural partner'. Kumar also criticized the BJP's 'religious-based politics' and accused the DMK of inaction, while TVK finalized its preparations for all 234 constituencies.

Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Monday, with the Nifty50 and Sensex both registering substantial losses. Escalating Middle East tensions, rising crude oil prices, and consistent foreign investor withdrawals fueled widespread selling. Upstream oil producers and defense stocks bucked the trend, showing gains amidst the broader market decline.

An Indian national has died after an oil tanker, the MKD VYOM, was attacked by an unmanned boat off the coast of Oman. The strike caused a fire and explosion in the vessel's engine room. This incident occurs amid heightened tensions and ongoing retaliation campaigns in the Gulf region.

Ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran is impacting India's economy, particularly through rising crude oil prices and potential trade disruptions. Policymakers are monitoring the situation, with immediate effects seen in energy costs and stock market declines. Broader consequences include inflation, current account deficit widening, and supply chain interruptions.

Dalal Street will observe a holiday on March 3rd for Holi, providing a break for traders and investors. The stock market operates on weekdays, excluding weekends and exchange-declared holidays, with specific timings for pre-open, regular trading, closing, and block deal sessions.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched key women-centric initiatives at the Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi programme, including the free LPG cylinder scheme for ration card holders and the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana.

Escalating Middle East tensions are significantly impacting India's oil imports, with crude prices surging due to concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. This could lead to higher inflation and increased costs for everyday products. Experts warn of potential price hikes and widening deficits, urging investors to prepare for a volatile market.

India and Canada aim to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030, accelerating negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Leaders discussed critical minerals, uranium, and defense cooperation, with several MoUs exchanged, including those on CEPA Terms of Reference and critical mineral collaboration.

Aviation and travel stocks experienced sharp sell-offs as fresh Middle East hostilities disrupted regional air traffic. Several countries shut their airspace, impacting major hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. IndiGo suspended flights to the Middle East, offering customers flexibility for bookings made before February 28, 2026, for travel until March 7, 2026.

The appeals arose from consumer complaints filed by flat purchasers between 2017 and 2019 before the NCDRC. The respondents had booked residential flats in the developers Parsvnath Exotica project between 2007 and 2011 and had paid almost the entire sale consideration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced deep concern over the escalating Middle East situation. This follows significant military action by the United States and Israel against Iran. The strikes led to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. India will work with regional nations to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Global oil markets are preparing for potential supply disruptions after US airstrikes on Iran over the weekend revived concerns that shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could be affected.

The escalation has raised expectations of increased export opportunities and strengthened investor sentiment toward the sector. Paras Defence led the gains, climbing 13.5%. Meanwhile, HAL, BEL and Bharat Dynamics advanced by up to 3.5% on the BSE.

Gold price prediction today: Rising tensions in the Middle East and developments around US, Israel and Iran are expected to keep gold prices volatile this week, says Manav Modi, Senior Analyst, Commodity Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has alerted states to potential tensions due to the Iran conflict, urging vigilance against inflammatory religious gatherings and radical preachers. Authorities are monitoring individuals and groups to prevent unrest, with precautionary measures already implemented in Jammu and Kashmir following protests over the killing of Iran's supreme leader.

India is updating its seasonal flu vaccine for the 2026-27 season to combat a rapidly spreading new A(H3N2) variant. The World Health Organization's recommendations highlight the need for this change due to the strain's increased transmissibility. Experts urge early vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups, to prevent severe illness and hospitalizations.

Asian markets opened lower, impacted by Middle East tensions and stronger-than-expected U.S. inflation data. Gold and oil prices surged as investors reacted to potential supply disruptions. U.S. futures also declined, reflecting broader market concerns about inflation and geopolitical instability.

Stock market crash today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex crashed in opening trade on Monday amidst rising Middle East tensions and global market turmoil, with impact on crude oil prices and trade in focus

Gold prices surged as major strikes on Iran, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, intensified geopolitical tensions and fears of economic instability. The attacks triggered further retaliatory actions, creating a volatile environment that benefits gold as a safe-haven asset. Analysts predict continued price increases, with major banks forecasting gold to reach $6,000-$6,300 per ounce.

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan expressed shock at Huawei's 100+ CPU architects, developing alternatives to advanced chip tools and lithography. He warned China is rapidly closing the semiconductor gap through engineering and infrastructure optimization, even excelling in open-source AI. Tan urged the US against complacency, stating China could soon lead.

Reflects Growing Anxiety Over Potential Supply Disruptions Via Strait of Hormuz

Stock market recommendations: Siemens Energy, and Polycab are Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltds top stock recommendations for this week starting March 2, 2026. Below is the rationale and target prices:

India's top car companies saw strong sales in February. Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, M&M, and Toyota Kirloskar Motor all reported significant growth. This surge was fueled by steady domestic demand and a notable increase in exports. Carmakers are optimistic about future production scaling up. However, geopolitical risks are a concern for the industry.

War-risk insurance premiums are set to skyrocket, with insurers anticipating cancellations for vessels navigating the Persian Gulf. Following recent strikes, some marine insurers have already issued notices for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz due to closure fears. Airlines are also suspending flights in the region, impacting coverage and leading to route diversions and increased costs for many.

The rupee is poised for a volatile start to March, driven by global capital seeking safe havens amid escalating Gulf tensions. Dealers anticipate pressure from portfolio outflows and concerns over India's trade deficit and energy supplies, with the RBI expected to intervene to manage volatility.

Dalal Street investors anticipate a volatile week, with initial market dips expected due to West Asian developments. Crude oil prices are poised to jump, potentially pressuring the rupee, while gold and silver are set for safe-haven demand-driven gains. Government bonds face a mixed outlook amid potential haven buying and inflation concerns.

India is closely monitoring West Asian tensions for potential economic impacts, particularly on oil prices and goods movement. While immediate effects on the current financial year's budget are unlikely, prolonged conflict could disrupt critical supplies and necessitate longer shipping routes, affecting trade.

Thousands of Indians are stranded across West Asia as US-Israel strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory actions, leading to widespread airspace closures. Dubai, a major transit hub, is severely affected, with numerous flights cancelled. Tourists, expatriates, and families are facing financial hardship and uncertainty, with some seeking shelter with locals.