Govt calls exporters, shipping firms meet on Monday to assess trade risks amid Middle East tensions

With tensions escalating in West Asia after US and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Tehran, the Commerce Ministry has convened a meeting on Monday with exporters, shipping lines and freight forwarders to assess the potential impact on India’s trade flows, PTI reported citing officials.The US and Israel jointly launched military strikes on…

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Khamenei dead, Middle East on edge: What will be the implications of Trump’s ‘Epic fury’ on stock markets, gold & oil?

Experience shows markets often come to view geopolitical disruptions as temporary. (AI image) The global markets are in for a phase of enhanced turmoil and uncertainty! The ongoing tensions in the Middle East after US and Israel’s strikes on Iran and Ali Khamenei’s death may have investors running for cover – looking for an asset…

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Auto demand stays firm as carmakers report higher February sales, strong retail momentum drive growth

India’s automobile industry sustained its growth momentum in February, with leading carmakers reporting higher dispatches to dealers as steady consumer demand supported sales across passenger vehicles and utility segments.Leading automakers Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Mahindra & Mahindra and Hyundai posted an increase in vehicle dispatches last month, reflecting continued strength in the domestic…

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Crude oil prices in focus: OPEC+ increases output by 206,000 bpd amid Middle East tensions

OPEC+ on Sunday announced a higher-than-expected increase in oil production quotas, days after US and Israeli strikes on Tehran triggered Iranian retaliation across the Middle East, according to AFP.The oil producers’ group, which includes Saudi Arabia, Russia and several Gulf states affected by the escalation, said it had “agreed on a production adjustment of 206…

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Cost Of Raising Kids: Raising kids in this economy: To DINK or not? Why more Indian couples are rethinking parenthood

Raising a child in today’s economy isn’t just about love, care, and dreams. It’s more about smart planning and careful budgeting. Even before the baby is born, mamma and papa are already thinking ahead, carefully categorizing their everyday savings to secure their child’s future.As the cost of raising babies into full fledged adults continues to…

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GST collections rise to Rs 1.83 lakh crore in February, FY26 tally crosses Rs 20.27 lakh crore

Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenues continued to show steady expansion in February, with collections reaching Rs 1.83 lakh crore, reflecting resilient economic activity and improved compliance as the financial year nears completion, according to official data released by government.The latest figures take total gross GST collections for FY26 (till February 28) to Rs 20.27…

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Middle East tensions: Will stock market open lower on Monday? Analysts warn of volatility as crude rises

Stock market is expected to react negatively when trading resumes, with analysts cautioning that escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could weigh heavily on investor sentiment and trigger a volatile start to the week, according to market experts quoted by PTI.The US and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, while Iranian state media confirmed early…

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FPIs pump Rs 22,615 crore into equities in February, highest inflow in 17 months

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) infused Rs 22,615 crore into Indian equities in February, marking the highest monthly inflow in 17 months, supported by improving market valuations, strong corporate earnings and easing trade uncertainties, according to depository data reported by PTI.The inflows follow three straight months of heavy selling, during which FPIs withdrew Rs 35,962 crore…

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EPFO may retain interest rate at 8.25% for FY 2026

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is likely to recommend 8.2-8.25% interest rate for its 31 crore members this year, in the wake of the ebbing stock markets and bond yields, combined with higher settlements of claims. The retirement savings body paid 8.25% last year. In…

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