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Indian banks face widespread closures this week due to festivals and annual account settlements. Several states will see branches shut on March 31 for Mahavir Jayanti. April 1 sees a nationwide closure for accounting, with exceptions. Further closures are scheduled for April 2 and 3 for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday respectively.

Rs 7,104 crore approvals cleared, but Vaishnaw warns funds may be withheld without local design push

Global crude markets are strained as Middle East conflict escalates, pushing oil prices up and impacting fuel supplies worldwide. Countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh are implementing measures such as price adjustments, import increases, and conservation efforts to manage the crisis.

Saudi Arabia has fully operationalized its East-West pipeline, moving 7 million barrels of oil daily to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. This crucial alternative route aims to maintain export supplies following disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz. While not fully replacing Hormuz volumes, the pipeline’s operation is mitigating significant price increases amid escalating regional

The National Stock Exchange is launching Dated Brent Crude Oil futures on April 13, 2026, following SEBI approval. These contracts, based on the globally recognized Platts benchmark, aim to enhance price discovery and hedging for domestic participants. Trading will occur in 100-barrel units with initial daily price bands, and settlement will be in rupees based

India’s top companies faced a significant market capitalisation loss of Rs 1.75 lakh crore last week, with Reliance Industries bearing the brunt. Broader market indices also tumbled amid global uncertainties and Middle East tensions. While most major firms saw their valuations shrink, Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Finance, and Infosys managed to post gains.

Global helium supplies face a critical shortage due to Middle East tensions disrupting production and shipping. This invisible gas, vital for MRIs, semiconductors, and advanced tech, is irreplaceable and lost forever once released. India, heavily reliant on imports, sees soaring prices and potential disruptions in healthcare and its burgeoning chip industry.