The Times of India

Karnataka has suspended online sales of its famed Mysore silk saris due to overwhelming demand exceeding production capacity. The state-owned Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation will now prioritize limited stock for in-person buyers at its outlets. Online sales will resume once production stabilizes, following efforts to secure premium cocoon supply and increase loom capacity.

India faces a nearly 40% hit to its LNG supply due to the West Asia conflict, prompting the government to devise an optimisation plan for industries. While fertiliser remains a priority, some supply reduction is possible, though the sector is currently buffered by high urea stocks and the agricultural lean season.

The UPSC clarified that Akanksha Singh from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, secured rank 301 in the Civil Services Examination 2025, resolving confusion over two candidates with the same name claiming the same rank. The commission confirmed the successful candidate's details, including roll number and parentage, amidst reports of another Akanksha Singh from Bihar also claiming the rank.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals in Iran against approaching land border points for exit without prior coordination. The mission emphasized it cannot assist individuals stranded after leaving Iranian territory without entering a third country. This advisory follows the External Affairs Minister's statement on India's focus on dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate Middle East tensions.

A Delhi court has granted Sharjeel Imam 10-day interim bail in a 2020 Delhi riots case, months after the Supreme Court denied him regular bail. The Supreme Court had previously stated that long incarceration alone isn't enough for bail under UAPA, especially in cases affecting public order and national security.

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Manchester returned to Delhi shortly after takeoff. This happened due to sudden airspace restrictions. These restrictions are linked to the evolving situation in West Asia. IndiGo is working with authorities to resume the journey. The airline is also informing passengers about potential delays and diversions on other international routes.

Gold futures experienced a significant drop of Rs 1,052 on Monday, closing at Rs 1,60,582 per 10 grams due to weakened local spot demand and soft global cues. Conversely, silver futures saw an advance, gaining Rs 4,362 to end at Rs 2,63,923 per kilogram on the MCX amid market uncertainties.

Congress MPs Shashi Tharoor and K.C. Venugopal criticized External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for delivering a statement on the West Asia conflict without allowing parliamentary debate. They emphasized the need for discussion on energy security and international law, urging the government to involve the opposition in its response to the escalating regional instability.

G-7 nations are considering a joint release of strategic oil reserves to stabilize surging crude prices amid the ongoing Middle East war. Finance ministers will discuss the coordinated drawdown, which would be in conjunction with the International Energy Agency. This move aims to alleviate supply disruptions impacting global consumers and industries.

India's external affairs minister emphasized national interest, including energy security, as paramount amid Middle East conflict. He highlighted concerns over supply chain disruptions and instability, stressing the government's commitment to managing energy availability and costs for Indian consumers. India advocates for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy.

India advocates for dialogue and diplomacy to ease Middle East tensions, with PM Modi closely monitoring the situation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted concerns for over a crore Indians residing in the Gulf and the region's importance for energy security. The conflict's escalation has led to significant disruption and the tragic loss of two Indian mariners.

Asian stocks plummeted Monday as surging oil prices, driven by Middle East supply concerns, rattled markets. South Korea's Kospi led the decline, falling over 7.8%. Brent crude surpassed $118 a barrel, reaching a 14-year high, fueling fears of significant global economic harm.

Middle East conflict intensifies, driving oil markets past $100 a barrel as Brent crude reached $118. Fears of energy supply disruption and blocked shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, have caused significant price surges. This volatility impacts global energy supplies and the cost of everyday goods.

The Indian Rupee faced significant pressure, nearing a record low due to soaring crude oil prices and a stronger US dollar, exacerbated by Middle East tensions. Foreign investor outflows and a sharp decline in domestic equities further impacted the currency. Experts warn of further weakening if oil prices remain elevated, potentially pushing the rupee to 93.00.

Employees from major tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are demanding their companies reject Pentagon contracts that compromise AI safety guardrails. These workers are concerned about the potential for mass surveillance and AI-powered weaponry without human oversight, urging transparency and ethical practices.

Amazon's Leo has urged the FCC to reject SpaceX's ambitious one million-satellite proposal, citing a lack of critical orbital and RF data. Amazon argues the plan is speculative, lacks space safety details, and would take centuries to deploy, potentially monopolizing orbital resources. The filing questions the feasibility and intent behind SpaceX's massive constellation.

Indian stock markets, Nifty and Sensex, opened the week lower amid escalating Middle East conflict, following a significant market cap erosion last week. Analysts anticipate geopolitical developments, particularly their impact on global crude oil prices, will dictate market direction. Investors are also closely monitoring foreign investor flows and global cues for sentiment shifts.

Jefferies initiated coverage on Shriram Finance with a buy rating and a Rs 1,220 target, citing healthy commercial vehicle demand and strong AUM growth prospects. Macquarie downgraded Nykaa to underperform, questioning its ability to replicate Dot & Key's success with other owned brands.

Indian investors are significantly fuelling Dubai's booming real estate market in 2026, injecting billions annually. Attracted by tax-free returns, strong rental yields and investor-friendly policies, they are now the largest foreign buyer group. This trend highlights Dubai's appeal as a secure global wealth hub, with even middle-class Indians diversifying portfolios overseas.