IBTimes

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

Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra were under one roof during the launch of Amazon Prime Video's 2026 slate announcement. Alia and Sid stayed away from each other despite being at the same event.

Here's the complete guide for Eid ul-Fitr prayer timings in Bengaluru as Muslims in India prepares for Eid celebrations on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

India's thermal power plants have sufficient coal stocks of 53.41 million tonnes, enough for about 23 days of consumption. Coal reserves at CIL, SCCL, and other mines are being proactively built up to mitigate potential disruptions from the Iran conflict

The government is negotiating with Iran to allow oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which could enable four crude cargoes to reach Pakistan. The country may also face an LNG shortage after April 14, as only two of eight expected cargoes arrived in March.

The Nifty dropped 775.65 points, or 3.26 per cent, to close at 23,002.15, while the Sensex fell 2,496.89 points, or 3.26 per cent, to settle at 74,207.24.

In the final analysis, the significance of HDFC Bank chairman's resignation lies not in what it reveals explicitly, but in what it implies.

As the region grapples with a worsening strategic environment, deeper India-Japan maritime cooperation under FOIP could serve as a powerful and increasingly necessary stabilising force, writes Samir Puri, visiting lecturer in war studies at King's College London.

PM Narendra Modi makes a cameo in Dhurandhar: The Revenge through his 2014 victory and 2016 demonetisation speeches, drawing strong reactions from audiences.

Non-Hindus must submit an affidavit affirming faith in Sanatan to pray at Badrinath and Kedarnath, according to BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi. The rule would also apply to Sara Ali Khan, who would need to provide such a declaration to enter the temples.

In Indore, a fire killed eight and injured two after an electric car short circuit sparked flames that spread to a house, causing gas cylinder blasts. Narendra Modi expressed grief and announced 2 lakh aid for victims' families and 50,000 for injured from PMNRF.

IMD has predicted light rain and thundershowers in Delhi-NCR from March 19 to 21, bringing relief from rising temperatures and improving air quality. While March 18 will remain clear with temperatures around 33C, a dip to 2829C is expected during the rainy period. Conditions will stabilise after March 22.

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A deadly fire in Delhi's Palam area has claimed nine lives after breaking out in a multi-storey residential building housing a cloth shop. The blaze, which started in the basement of the building in Ram Market, quickly spread, trapping residents on upper floors.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha warned that any attempt to disrupt peace or endanger civilians would be dealt with firmly, while addressing a passing-out parade of 430 constables in Reasi.

India has begun sourcing LPG from multiple global channels, including the US, to diversify supplies amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The government said there is no shortage, with LPG distribution remaining smooth and refineries operating at full capacity.

Israel Tuesday claimed it killed Ali Larijani, the top Iranian security official who was seen as a key decision maker in Iran. The Israeli military also said it had killed Gholam Reza Soleimani, the head of the Revolutionary Guard's all-volunteer Basij force.

Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, father of superstar Salman Khan, has finally returned home after spending nearly a month in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital. The 90-year-old was admitted on February 17 following a minor brain haemorrhage.

Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned, opposing the US war in Iran. He said Iran posed no imminent threat and blamed pressure from Israel and pro-war lobbying. Kent warned the conflict could repeat Iraq War mistakes and impose heavy human and strategic costs on America.

Gaurav Kapur and Kritika Kamra's wedding film is out, and it shows the couple exchanging heartfelt vows during an intimate sundowner ceremony on the terrace of their building.

Pouplar TV star Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, who played a doting mother on Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, is set to embrace motherhood in real life. She is reportedly six months pregnant and is expected to welcome her first child in June with husband Vivek Dahiya.

Manipur police and security forces arrested eight militants from Tengnoupal and Imphal East districts over the past 24 hours, recovering illegal arms and ammunition. Five militants from valley-based insurgent groups, including PREPAK, KYKL, and KCP-MFL, were apprehended near the Myanmar border.

India condemned Pakistan's airstrike on Kabul's Omid hospital, calling it arbaric and cowardly, MEA called it a violation of Afghan sovereignty and urged international accountability. At the UN, India accused Pakistan of politicising religion while reaffirming its commitment to religious coexistence and inclusive societies.

Crude oil prices rebounded sharply, with Brent crude rising nearly 3 percent to around 103 dollars per barrel and WTI climbing over 3 percent to about 96 dollars per barrel. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict have fueled supply concerns and inflation risks.

The Nifty closed 0.74 per cent, or 172.35 points higher, at 23,581.15. Similarly, the Sensex gained 568 points, or 0.75 per cent, to settle at 76,070.84.

Delhi High Court granted interim relief to Himayani Puri, directing platforms like X, Google, YouTube, Meta, and LinkedIn to take down posts falsely linking her to Jeffrey Epstein. Representing her, Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani termed the order a vindication against a defamatory and baseless campaign.