IBTimes

Gold and silver prices plunged sharply despite the West Asia conflict, with gold falling 9.41% and silver 10.21%. The decline was driven by profit booking, rising interest rate expectations, and global market sell-offs. Experts say this is a temporary correction, not a trend reversal, and advise investors to remain cautious.

Jinee Greencard is redefining the extraordinary ability visa process for the U.S. and U.K. by combining AI-driven tools, expert legal guidance, and a collaborative professional network. Their approach helps applicants strengthen their profiles, navigate complex requirements, and successfully secure self-petition visas with confidence

Two Indian LPG ships, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, are transiting the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over cooking gas shortages amid regional tensions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's energy preparedness, citing 53 lakh MT of petroleum reserves with plans for an additional 65 lakh MT.

The move aims to curb irregularities and ensure smoother distribution. The Chief Minister highlighted a supply-demand gap, with only 1,000 cylinders being supplied daily against a demand of 50,000, causing closures of establishments. A follow-up meeting with hotel associations is planned to review the situation

The Sensex closed at 72,696.39, down 2.46 per cent or 1,836.57 points, while the Nifty settled at 22,512.65, losing 601.85 points or 2.60 per cent.

Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Finance Bill 2026 in Lok Sabha to implement Budget 2026-27 proposals, including tax and duty changes, and introduced the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill 2026 to ease compliance and decriminalise minor offences for businesses, startups, and farmer-run companies.

PM Modi highlighted the economic, security, and humanitarian challenges India faces due to the conflict, including its impact on trade, crude oil and gas supplies, and the safety of Indians in Gulf countries. He also called for swift action against those spreading fake news or trying to exploit the crisis.

LFW 2026 saw Bollywood stars like Tamannaah Bhatia and Nimrat Kaur impress, while Radhika Madan, Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, and Aneet Padda drew criticism for awkward, masculine walks. Fans compared them to Mahieka Pandya, saying B-town stars should take notes from her.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh went out for a cozy lunch date while Deepika is facing harsh trolling for not posting anything about the success of Dhurandhar or praising Ranveer. Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt gave a shoutout to Ranveer and Aditya Dhar.

CBDT has notified the Income Tax Rules, 2026, introducing revised provisions for salaried individuals, including higher HRA exemption thresholds, increased allowances for children's education and hostel expenses, and enhanced limits for tax-free benefits like gifts and meal vouchers.

Two pilots were killed after an Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck on the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York. At least two firefighters were critically injured in the crash. The incident triggered a ground stop and emergency response, with authorities yet to confirm the exact cause.

A deep dive into the engineering leadership of Sephora's Krishna Kumar Neelakanta, exploring his strategies for scaling microservices, modernizing retail monoliths, and integrating AI into the digital commerce operating model.

After his release from detention under the NSA, Sonam Wangchuk called for unity, dialogue, and a constructive path forward for Ladakh. He expressed hope for a win-win solution through engagement with stakeholders and announced consultations with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance to decide the future course of the movement.

Recently, Alia Bhatt was featured by National Geographic among 33 changemakers for her work in animal and environmental welfare, with Priyanka Chopra also making the list. However, netizens called out both actors, pointing to their fashion choices as their outfits were made from animal skin, mainly Alia's association with Gucci.

The government is closely monitoring maritime operations amid the Middle East conflict. Over 547 Indian seafarers have been repatriated, and all remaining personnel in the region are reported safe. The Ministry of External Affairs, continue to assist Indian nationals

A viral post on X falsely claimed that Hardik Pandya was driving his Ferrari shirtless after a Mumbai Indians practice. However, if you zoom in, he was wearing a maroon sleeveless t-shirt.

HDFC Bank was the biggest loser among India's top companies last week, with its market valuation dropping over Rs 56,000 crore to Rs 12,01,267.28 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made history. He is now India's longest-serving head of an elected government. This milestone combines his time as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister. Modi's leadership journey spans nearly 25 years. He has achieved significant political relevance and public support.

The Nifty slipped 0.16 per cent to close at 23,114.50, while the Sensex ended 0.04 per cent lower at 74,532.96.

Amid internal conflicts, the Congress party has announced candidates for the Karnataka bypolls in Bagalkot and Davanagere South. Umesh Meti, son of former minister H.Y. Meti, will contest Bagalkot, while Samarth Mallikarjun, grandson of the late Shamanur Shivashankarappa, will contest Davanagere South.

CII also highlighted the importance of accelerating investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and biofuels to reduce dependence on volatile global energy markets. The industry body praised the government's timely support measures and its outreach to Indian nationals in the Gulf region.

Iran has strongly warned against British involvement, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi cautioning that support for US or Israeli actions could trigger escalation. Tensions further rose after Iran reportedly launched ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia, a key strategic base in the Indian Ocean

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Indian airlines including IndiGo and Air India have announced limited but continued flight operations for March 22, while issuing travel advisories to passengers.

The article argues that the global economy in 2026 has entered a phase of permanent, conflict-driven instability, where multiple systemsenergy, food, trade, military, and digital infrastructureare being simultaneously disrupted. Rather than temporary shocks, the world is facing a structural breakdown of the traditional global economic order.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran is seeking a complete and lasting end to the war, rejecting temporary ceasefire calls and insisting on guarantees against future attacks and compensation for damages. He termed the US-Israel strikes as illegal aggression and said diplomatic efforts are ongoing.

The price of 10 grams of 24-carat gold was at Rs 1,47,218 on Friday, down from Rs 1,56,436 seen on Monday, according to data published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).

Deepika Padukone skipped the special screening of her husband Ranveer Singh's film Dhurandhar 2 and, the next day, attended the Sitar for Mental Health concert by sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma in Mumbai, along with her in-laws. Social media users questioned her absence from the film's screening, noting that she has not shared any promotional support for Ranveer Singh or the movie.

Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is observed with early morning congregational prayers, charity, feasts, family gatherings, and festive clothing. While global celebrations continue, parts of West Asia experienced muted festivities due to ongoing conflicts.

Eid-ul-Fitr is among the most significant celebrations in Islam and marks the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. During this sacred period, Muslims across the globe observe fasting from dawn to dusk, engage in prayers, and focus on spiritual growth and self-discipline.

The United States has issued a short-term, narrowly tailored authorisation allowing the sale of Iranian oil already loaded on vessels, aiming to stabilize global energy markets amid ongoing conflict. The waiver, valid until April 19, permits the sale of crude already at sea but does not allow new purchases or additional production,

Newlyweds Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda hosted a young fan at their Hyderabad home after her viral Instagram video revealed she wasn't invited to their wedding. The fan described the visit as unforgettable, praising the couple's warmth, kindness, and humility.

Students raise objections to inclusion of a chapter on political thought of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the political science syllabus; varsity orders review as agitation gathers momentum.

A mentally unwell woman, presumed dead by her family, returns home after 11 years as the humanitarian efforts of SHO Abid Bukhari turn grief into an extraordinary reunion during Navratra and Ramadan.

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has finally hit theatres, and its explosive climax is already the biggest talking point among fans. As audiences rush to decode the final moments, one question is trending everywhere, but the important question is, did Hamza, aka Jaskirat Singh Rangi, played by Ranveer Singh, actually die in the end?

Oil marketing companies in India have increased the prices of premium petrol variants (such as XP95, Speed, and Power) by 2.09 to 2.35 per litre, effective March 20, 2026. This hike, driven by rising global oil prices from Middle East tensions, does not affect the rates of regular petrol and diesel.

New rules aim to simplify procedures while strengthening transparency, compliance, and reporting standards. A key change relates to house rent allowance (HRA). While exemption limits remain unchanged50% of salary for metro cities and 40% for non-metrostaxpayers must now disclose their relationship with landlords.

Flipkart CFO Sriram Venkataraman has resigned after over a decade, just ahead of the company's planned India IPO. He will assist during the transition period. Ravi Iyer will take interim charge, while leadership changes signal restructuring as Flipkart prepares for its next growth phase.

Sensex gained 325.72 points to close at 74,532.96, while Nifty rose 112.35 points to 23,114.50. The market ended higher due to positive sentiment and buying across sectors, showing improved investor confidence and steady upward momentum during the trading session.

Human rights groups report surveillance, intimidation, and enforced disappearances, with activists raising concerns at the UN Human Rights Council over suppression of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that enemies must have their security stripped away in a message sent to President Masoud Pezeshkian. The statement comes after Israel killed Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, escalating tensions further.

Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of violating the ceasefire along the Durand Line, with Chief of Armed Forces Fasihuddin Fitrat condemning continuous attacks by Pakistani forces. Despite refraining from retaliation to uphold the ceasefire.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, saying its airdefence systems struck the aircraft in central Iranian airspace early Thursday, a claim that, if verified, would mark the first time Iran has successfully hit a US combat aircraft during the current conflic