US stocks rallied, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closing higher as investors grew hopeful over potential Middle East de-escalation and Iran talks. Softer US producer inflation and a solid earnings season boosted risk appetite. Tech, software and semiconductor stocks led gains, with indices nearing record highs.

The Hindu Best Places to Work Awards 2026, a partnership between The Hindu Group and WorkL, sets a new national standard by measuring workplace excellence by employee opinion over policy, affirming that people are the most critical asset for business success

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According to preliminary information, the blast occurred in a boiler tube at the Vedanta Ltd. power plant in Singhitarai village in the afternoon, Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur said.

The Aussie all-rounder has been unable to bowl his fill-quota of four overs and is also misfiring with the bat.

The NSEFI forecasts that India will achieve double-digit energy storage capacity within the next 18 months.

As of December 2025, outstanding gold loan borrowings surpassed personal loans, totaling ₹16.8 lakh crore from 4.7 crore borrowers, as per a TransUnion CIBIL report. It also noted increasing ticket sizes and borrower exposure.

More than 10,000 US sailors, Marines and airmen, backed by over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft, are enforcing a naval blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports.

Attrition continues to be a key area of concern for organisations with a majority 55% of respondents anticipating attrition levels between 10-20%

This comes after Global aviation body International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that jet fuel supply constraints could persist for months even if Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz.

On the professional front, both actors will also share screen space in Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-starring Vicky Kaushal.

If an EPF member dies while in service, the nominee, beneficiary, or legal heir can apply for benefits of provident fund and pension using specific forms.

According to the statement, the blockade applies to vessels of all nations seeking to enter or depart Iranian ports and coastal areas, including facilities on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Oracle shares extended gains after a major energy deal with Bloom Energy to secure 2.8 GW of fuel cell capacity for AI-driven data centres. The partnership highlights rising power demands from AI infrastructure and strengthens Oracle’s cloud expansion strategy.

The incident took place on April 11, with close to 4,000 people attending the concert at the NESCO Centre and paying an entry fee of Rs 2,000.

Wipro is also expected to announce share buyback for the first time in three years and potential dividend along with Q4 results announcement.

Xi Jinping unveiled a four-point plan urging Gulf peace through sovereignty, cooperation, UN-based law, and security-led development, presenting it during talks with Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan amid rising tensions.

BlackRock shares gained after stronger-than-expected Q1 earnings driven by robust ETF inflows, higher performance fees, and steady AUM growth. The firm reported $130 billion in net inflows and rising profitability despite weak broader market conditions and private market volatility concerns.

While Mumbai is already connected to the national grid, the HVDC link enhances this connectivity by enabling more controlled, efficient, and higher-capacity power flows, particularly for renewable energy integration.

Globalstar shares surged after Amazon announced a $11.57 billion acquisition to expand its satellite internet ambitions. The deal boosts Project Kuiper, accelerates LEO deployment, and strengthens competition with Starlink, signaling Amazon’s deeper push into space-based connectivity infrastructure.

Amid rising stagflation fears and a broad retreat from global equities, the latest Bank of America survey reveals that deep-pocketed investors remain heavily overweight on emerging market assets.

The talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump come after Washington and Tehran agreed to a ceasefire deal to bring peace in West Asia.

U.S. Treasury ​Secretary Scott Bessent ​on Tuesday said he ​was quite confident that core inflation would continue to go down in the ‌United ⁠States ⁠despite the Iran war, and repeated ​his call for the Federal Reserve to cut ​its interest rates.

Gold and silver prices surged in India, tracking global trends, weaker dollar, and US-Iran dialogue hopes. Gold rose 1% while silver jumped 4%, amid thin MCX trading due to holiday, with analysts warning of continued volatility and key resistance levels ahead.

The RBI’s proposed one-hour payment pause on select transactions aims to curb digital fraud. However, experts highlight potential friction, delayed settlements and challenges to a seamless payment experience.

Chicago Federal ​Reserve President Austan ​Goolsbee on Tuesday ​said interest-rate cuts may need to wait until 2027, ‌depending ⁠on ⁠how long oil ​prices stay high.

Domestic institutional investors raised their stake to a record 23.1% in the March quarter, up 2.8 percentage points sequentially and 9.1 percentage points from a year earlier, according to regulatory filings.

Kevin Warsh, the former Federal Reserve governor chosen by President Donald Trump to lead ​the central bank, has submitted financial disclosures that suggest he holds assets worth well over $100 million.

Changing weather patterns and poor air quality in Delhi-NCR are seen as factors that may be weakening immunity and supporting faster spread of infections.

U.S. wholesale prices surged last month as the Iran war drove up the cost of energy.

A potential deal between ​United Airlines and American Airlines would create an industry behemoth and invite extraordinary scrutiny from regulators, labor unions and consumer advocates, all wary of higher fares and reduced competition.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 1.05% to 23,426, whereas the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.29% at 48,358.75.

Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers posted 126% YoY profit growth in Q4 to Rs 41.5 crore, driven by strong non-broking segments, margin expansion, and diversified revenue, despite weak broking income and volatile markets.

Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers posted 126% YoY profit growth in Q4 to Rs 41.5 crore, driven by strong non-broking segments, margin expansion, and diversified revenue, despite weak broking income and volatile markets.

According to preliminary information, the blast occurred in a boiler tube at the Vedanta Ltd. power plant in Singhitarai village in the afternoon, Sakti Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur said.

US stocks climbed as optimism over possible US-Iran talks lifted sentiment, while investors digested mixed earnings from major firms. Tech stocks led gains, helping benchmarks rise, with markets also tracking producer price data and awaiting cues from Federal Reserve officials.

IMD notes shifting La Nia to ENSO-neutral conditions, with a possible El Nio developing, which typically weakens monsoon rainfall and may reduce 2026 precipitation.

For India, the revision reflects relative resilience, even though the country remains exposed to higher crude prices due to its heavy dependence on imported oil.

Iran, Iraq and Qatar will be particularly hard-hit, the IMF’s World Economic Outlook warned, as it revised down its January prediction of 3.9% regional growth this year

Jefferies downgraded Indus Towers to underperform, cutting its target amid contract renewal risks, rising capex, and competitive pressures. Potential tenant discounts, lower renewals, and high maintenance costs may weaken revenues, earnings growth, and limit dividend payouts over the medium term.

The move is expected to bring low-grade resources into viable use.The amendment provides a framework for pricing iron ore with iron (Fe) content below the threshold level of 45%

BlackRock reported a ​rise in first-quarter profit on Tuesday, as the asset manager ​saw strong inflows into its exchange traded funds and earned more from performance fees, sending its shares up 2.8% in trading before the bell.

In the Fed with the bread

The geopolitical standoff in the Middle East has entered a dangerous new phase. Following the collapse of high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad over the weekend, US Central Command (CENTCOM) officially initiated a maritime blockade of all Iranian ports on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Italy will also stop cooperating with Israel with regards to military training.

Before Tuesday’s pricing rules, there was no specific mechanism to compute the royalty and selling price of lower grade of iron ore.

The latest project would spur GAIL’s installed renewable energy capacity to over 1,000 MW.

Inflation steadily reduces the value of money. What you can buy today costs more tomorrow. This impacts investments by eating into returns. Investors must focus on real gains, not just nominal ones. Certain assets like stocks and real assets can help preserve wealth. Cash loses value during inflation. Understanding inflation is key for smart investment decisions.

Under US tax law, individuals who give up citizenship or relinquish a long-term green card (held for eight years or more) may be subject to the exit tax provisions under the internal revenue code

The proposal is part of a broader set of constitutional changes expected to be taken up during a special session of Parliament scheduled from April 16-18.

The US and Iran are weighing further negotiations to extend a ceasefire.

The ratings upgrade follows completion of the transaction after receipt of necessary regulatory approvals.

Muzarabani was signed as a replacement player for Islamabad United but he decided to withdraw from PSL after being approached by Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.

Near-record-high prices are reshaping gold and silver buying decisions for Akshaya Tritiya this year. While pre-booking ensures price protection, it carries risks, making cost evaluation and smarter investment choices essential for aspiring buyers before locking in on any offers. 

The statement has drawn attention because it comes weeks after Naqvi had cited fuel constraints in Pakistan while announcing changes to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) schedule.

Once the results are made public, students who appeared for the board examination can view and download the CISCE results from the official website of CISCE at cisce.org.

Om Power IPO allotment is expected on April 15, with listing on April 17. Grey market premium suggests modest listing gains of approximately 1.26%.

Realty firm Puravankara Ltd on Monday reported nearly 3-fold jump in pre-sales to Rs 3,547 crore in the fourth quarter of the last fiscal year on better demand for residential properties.

U.S. stock index futures rose on Tuesday as traders held ​onto hopes of a de-escalation in the Middle East conflict, while awaiting March producer price data and a fresh round of corporate earnings.

European shares rallied to their highest intraday level ​in over a month on Tuesday, as investors welcomed signs of possible Middle East peace talks, even as LVMH and other companies warned of fallout from the war.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance reported a 58% jump in March-quarter profit to Rs 609 crore, while FY26 profit rose 35% to Rs 1,600 crore. Premium growth remained strong, led by one-time policies. The insurer expects retail demand to benefit from tax cuts, though market-linked product demand may stay subdued amid ongoing volatility in equity markets.

The government has kept interest rates on small savings schemes unchanged for the eighth consecutive quarter (April-June 2026).

Banking companies are not required to deduct tax where such interest does not exceed the prescribed threshold.

Gideon Saar and S Jaishankar discussed West Asia tensions after failed US-Iran talks, focusing on nuclear issues, the Strait of Hormuz, and concerns over rising violence in Lebanon.

The occupancy on Day 27 remained in the low-to-mid range at around 15-16%. Morning shows recorded nearly 15.69% occupancy, reflecting a steady but expected weekday slowdown.

In 2024-25, total domestic vehicle sales stood at 2,56,09,399 units, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said

Film maker Kunal Kolhi shared how Dhurandhar 2 surprised everyone in the industry by gaining momentum instead of slowing down after its opening weekend.

The Chinese Rich Starry became the first vessel to make it through the strait and exit the Gulf since the blockade began.

Tom Blomfield argued that governments may shift toward taxing "compute," meaning data centres and AI systems, rather than human workers.

The ratings upgrade follows completion of the transaction after receipt of necessary regulatory approvals.

The main event will take place at Ramlila Ground from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. while a public meeting is scheduled between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Domestic gold funds saw folios jump by over 54 lakh in a year. March inflows reached ₹2,266 crore, marking a steady shift toward liquid, paper-form gold.

In Q3FY26, Angel One reported a rise in consolidated revenue to Rs 1,337 crore from Rs 1,264 crore.

Transport vehicles found with an overload between 10% and 40% will be required to pay twice the base toll rate.

Hinge and Hussain have toiled hard in the the obscurity of domestic cricket. However, the demolition job that they carried out against Rajasthan has ensured that they will be closely followed in the future.

Confusion around PPF investment rules often leads to the misconception that both parents can contribute ₹3 lakh to a child’s PPF account, however the annual PPF investment limit is capped at ₹1.5 lakh per individual account as per regulatory guidelines, regardless of parental contributions.

BNP Paribas turned cautious on India’s markets after the crude spike, cutting its 2026 Nifty target to 25,500 and warning of fiscal and earnings pressure. Still, the brokerage sees opportunities in defensives and strong private-sector lenders, naming nine stocks—including M&M, Infosys, Titan and HDFC Bank—as likely outperformers.

BNP Paribas turned cautious on India’s markets after the crude spike, cutting its 2026 Nifty target to 25,500 and warning of fiscal and earnings pressure. Still, the brokerage sees opportunities in defensives and strong private-sector lenders, naming nine stocks—including M&M, Infosys, Titan and HDFC Bank—as likely outperformers.

Russia earned $19 billion last month as crude and oil product exports soared to 7.1 million barrels per day from just 320,000 barrels a day in February, the IEA said

Copper prices hit a one-month high as renewed hopes for US-Iran dialogue lifted sentiment across global commodity markets. LME and Shanghai copper futures jumped, supported by stronger Chinese demand, tighter supply conditions and a softer US dollar. Other base metals, including aluminium, nickel and zinc, also advanced amid improving risk appetite.

Petrol losses hit Rs 18 and diesel Rs 35 per litre. State-owned firms are losing Rs 1,600 crore daily as retail rates remain unchanged since April 2022.

The US and Iran may resume talks on April 16 after failed negotiations, with Geneva or Islamabad as venues.

Hot and humid conditions are very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over North Konkan. The maximum temperature in Mumbai could reach 34 degrees Celsius on April 15.

SIAM data shows broad-based growth as two-wheelers and three-wheelers post double-digit gains despite ongoing geopolitical volatility in the Middle East.

360 ONE Asset attracted strong investor confidence by raising ₹2,000 crore for its PIPE strategy, reinforcing demand for structured private equity deals.

IT stocks may rally on Wednesday as Infosys and Wipro ADRs surged overnight, supported by strong gains in US tech stocks and easing fears of AI-driven disruption. Optimism over renewed Iran-US peace talks and falling crude prices softened macro concerns, boosting sentiment for Indian IT companies heavily exposed to the US market.

Improving global cues on optimism around US-Iran talks are likely to push the Nifty back towards the 24,000 level, signaling renewed bullish momentum.

After several hours of inspection, the police confirmed that no explosives were found and declared the threat to be a hoax.

Kumar, who heads the Janata Dal (United) and became a Rajya Sabha MP last week, tendered his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain shortly after chairing the final meeting of his cabinet at 11 am.

Waaree Renewable Technologies Ltd. is set to report its financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, later this week.

A major highlight of the film is the reunion of Akshay Kumar with filmmaker Priyadarshan after a gap of 16 years.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly warned that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz risks escalation by Iran, possibly triggering closure of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Avoid costly errors when choosing a term insurance policy to secure long term financial protection for your family by understanding coverage, riders, disclosures and insurer reliability across different policy offers. 

As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, taxpayers can request an automatic extension until October 15 by submitting a form. However, payments are still due by April 15 to avoid penalties, which can accrue for late filings and unpaid taxes.

As an interim step, the UP government has increased minimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers, with effect from April 1, on a retrospective basis.

When a product fails in the South, few FMCG majors would ever go ahead with it, industry experts say.

Intel has emerged as one of the hottest S&P 500 stocks, adding over $100 billion in market value during a nine-day, 53% rally. A string of positive developments has revived confidence in its turnaround prospects after years of underperformance, with investors increasingly betting the chipmaker can regain its competitive edge in semiconductor manufacturing.

DIIs raised stakes in nine Nifty 500 stocks in Q4, signalling strong institutional conviction and expectations of sustained earnings momentum.

Japan’s Nikkei surged to a six-week high as easing oil prices and renewed optimism over US-Iran talks boosted investor sentiment across global markets.

The brokerage remains positive on the two-wheeler major, citing healthy demand trends, improving market share in scooters and motorcycles, and a sharp recovery in exports, even as rising input costs pose near-term margin risks.

Mutual funds significantly increased holdings in 46 stocks in March, signalling strong institutional interest. Filtering for performance, five stocks delivered over 15% gains, while several laggards declined despite accumulation. Heavy buying in HDFC Bank and Yes Bank amid price weakness suggests possible bottom fishing by institutional investors.

Despite a volatile start to FY27 driven by geopolitical risks, oil price swings, and rate uncertainty, the outlook for Indian equities remains positive. Rahul Bhuskute of Bharti AXA Life Insurance expects near-term volatility and range-bound markets, but sees sector-led opportunities in financials, consumer discretionary, and metals supporting growth.

Indian stock markets present attractive opportunities now. Investors with an 18-month outlook should consider deploying funds, especially in mid and small-cap stocks. Experts highlight companies with strong earnings visibility. Key sectors like banking, asset management, auto ancillaries, pharmaceuticals, electronics manufacturing, metals, and infrastructure offer potential. Quality stocks bought now are expected to deliver solid returns by FY27.

With the government boosting AYUSH institutes and medical tourism ambitions, policyholders must check whether Ayurveda and other traditional treatments qualify for cashless insurance cover.

Rising yields after the US-Iran conflict have dragged long-duration debt funds into losses. But fund managers see selective opportunity at the long end of the curve.

Sooryavanshi shot into the limelight when Rajasthan Royals bought him for Rs. 1.1 crore before the 2025 season of the IPL. Since then the teenager has continued to impress with his attacking style of batting.

Tom Blomfield, founder of Monzo, suggests replacing income tax with a levy on AI infrastructure within five to six years, as AI technology rapidly transforms the job market. 

Based on the comics by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, and developed by Eric Kripke, The Boys has built a strong fanbase over the years.

This is about high technology protecting the highest value — human life, wrote Zelenskyy.

Pakistan’s stock markets surged on Tuesday, with the KSE-100 jumping nearly 4,000 points amid renewed optimism over possible fresh US-Iran peace talks. The rally comes after intense volatility, including a 6,000-point crash on Monday. Easing crude prices and hopes of diplomatic progress boosted overall sentiment across global markets.

The proposed SB 3444 limits liability for catastrophic incidents involving mass casualties or $1 billion in property damage if safety reports are made public.

Both CSK and KKR are desperate to gain some winning momentum, as they sit at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table.

Students will be able to access their MP Board Class 12 exam results 2026 on the official website at mpbse.nic.in.

Avoid pension delays with this step-by-step Digital Life Certificate guide on SPARSH, helping defence pensioners in the country ensure smooth verification, timely payments and hassle-free annual compliance. 

Apart from the posters, a clip from Spider-Man: Brand New Day also debuted at CinemaCon on Monday night.

The service comes at a time of soaring hardware prices, and gambles on Indian gamers’ appetite for high-end games

Indian markets are shut today, but offshore futures point to a strong Wednesday opening as Brent crude retreats below the $100 mark.

oh dang

Nifty closed lower amid global uncertainty, though technical indicators signal resilience with a bullish counterattack pattern and higher low formation. Analysts see near-term upside intact. Brokerages recommend select stocks, including MCX, Sona BLW Precision, Adani Energy Solutions and Olectra Greentech, citing bullish setups and improving momentum across charts.

The crypto market rallied on Tuesday as Bitcoin neared $75,000 and Ethereum traded above $2,300 amid $1.1 billion in crypto ETP inflows. Major altcoins surged, while analysts attributed the rebound to institutional buying, short covering, and improving global risk sentiment, lifting overall market capitalisation to $2.52 trillion.

Foreign investors have pulled ₹1.8 trillion from Indian equities in FY26 — a 34-year record. But history suggests such sentiment-driven sell-offs may offer long-term investors rare entry points.

Andhra Pradesh launches India’s first quantum testbeds to boost local research, reduce foreign reliance, and support startups and students, advancing its vision to develop Amaravati as a global quantum hub.

Nissan Motor Co plans to reduce the number of models from the current 56 to 45 and streamline 80% of its volume into a three main "families" of vehicles built on shared platforms and which are geared for its biggest regions

PPF is backed by the government and currently offers an annual interest rate of 7.1%.

Uttar Pradesh government has raised minimum wages for workers across categories, effective April 1, following unrest in Noida, with rates approved by the Chief Minister.

Shares of Tata Chemicals and Tata Investment Corporation have surged on renewed buzz around a potential Tata Sons IPO, supported by key Tata Trusts trustees. While Tata Investment rose over 19% in five days and Tata Chemicals gained 12%, analysts say one rally is largely sentiment-driven, while the other has stronger fundamentals.

India’s IPO market has slowed amid volatility and weak sentiment, despite a robust pipeline of over Rs 3 lakh crore. Companies are adopting a cautious, tactical approach to listings, while experts see the slowdown as temporary. A recovery in secondary markets and FII flows could trigger a revival, with backlog-driven launches accelerating once sentiment improves and valuations become more realistic.

Dalal Street may witness a relief rally on Wednesday as GIFT Nifty surged nearly 200 points following reports of continued US-Iran peace talks. Despite initial plunges, global markets rallied as oil prices cooled and hopes for a diplomatic resolution emerged, with Wall Street and Asian markets showing gains.

F1 exited India in 2013 after just three successful editions due to tax-related regulatory hurdles.

The sharp fall in indices created pockets of opportunity in niche and under-owned stocks.

Foreign institutional investors have pulled out $18 billion from Indian equities since the Iran war began, dragging the Nifty down over 9% from its peak. Rising oil prices and capital flight have turned India from a preferred market into a cautious bet. Despite corrected valuations, global investors remain unconvinced, with weak dollar returns limiting fresh inflows.

HDB Financial Services has scheduled an earnings call with investors and analysts at 6:30 p.m. on April 15 to discuss the results for Q4FY26.

Equity MFs, which invest in global markets and ETFs, have surged 55.2% on an average in the one-year timeframe and provided 6.7% returns on an annualised basis so far in 2026

The two teams, which have a combined eight IPL titles between them, are languishing at the bottom of the points table this season.

LIC has announced its first-ever 1:1 bonus issue, signalling strong financial health and rewarding shareholders. The move will increase liquidity without impacting market capitalisation. Backed by robust Q3 earnings growth, the insurer continues to deliver steady performance, though its stock shows mixed trends in the short and medium term.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to announce the Class 10 Board Examination Results 2026 today, April 14 on their official websiteresults.cbse.nic.in.

Oil prices retreated below $100 after fresh signs of US-Iran dialogue despite escalating tensions and a naval blockade. Markets remain volatile as supply disruptions persist and peace prospects stay uncertain. Analysts warn prices could stay elevated, with risks of further spikes if geopolitical tensions prolong and energy flows remain constrained.

Oil prices retreated below $100 after fresh signs of US-Iran dialogue despite escalating tensions and a naval blockade. Markets remain volatile as supply disruptions persist and peace prospects stay uncertain. Analysts warn prices could stay elevated, with risks of further spikes if geopolitical tensions prolong and energy flows remain constrained.

Oil prices retreated below $100 after fresh signs of US-Iran dialogue despite escalating tensions and a naval blockade. Markets remain volatile as supply disruptions persist and peace prospects stay uncertain. Analysts warn prices could stay elevated, with risks of further spikes if geopolitical tensions prolong and energy flows remain constrained.

India and France reviewed bilateral ties in civil nuclear energy, defence, space, and digital cooperation amid Middle East conflict during talks in Paris.

Japanese stocks surged to a multi-month high as hopes for an end to the Iran conflict boosted market sentiment. Oil prices dipped on optimism surrounding ceasefire talks, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance indicating progress.

With March CPI at 3.4%, BofA forecasts a rate hike by year-end, while Citi and Kotak expect a prolonged pause despite rising geopolitical and climate risks.

Oil prices dropped as talks between the U.S. and Iran offered hope for de-escalation. This eased worries about supply disruptions from the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent and WTI crude futures saw declines. Analysts suggest tight oil balances could keep prices elevated. International bodies urged nations to avoid hoarding energy supplies.

The Group has marked its entry into the electric mobility segment through investment in a Bengaluru-based company

In India, asset transfers are subject to capital gains tax in the year of transfer, with mandatory reporting in ITR-2 or ITR-3. All you need to know about the filing process. 

Wall Street anticipates the Federal Reserve will adopt a gradual strategy for reducing its balance sheet expansion. The central bank began purchasing approximately $40 billion in short-term Treasuries monthly in December to alleviate funding market pressures. Officials suggest the pace of these purchases will be significantly reduced, moving cautiously to avoid missteps as the Fed aims for an end state.

In 2026, Indian stock markets will observe sixteen holidays, including Ambedkar Jayanti, Maharashtra Day, and Diwali.

The US and Iran failed to reach an agreement in the 21-hour marathon peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend.

Analysts anticipate divergent March quarter earnings for banks, with private lenders projected to see nearly 12% net profit growth while public sector banks expect a modest 2% expansion. Margins may face pressure, though asset quality is expected to remain stable despite geopolitical uncertainties impacting business loans.

Asian stocks rose as the U.S. indicated ongoing dialogue with Iran for a deal, despite port blockades. Oil prices and the dollar declined as market sentiment favored diplomacy over supply disruption fears. Investors are trading on hope for an agreement, pushing equities higher for now.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar discussed the Middle East crisis and the welfare of Indians in Kuwait with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, most physical bank branches will remain shut on Tuesday.

Retail investors are shunning IPOs in early 2026, a stark reversal from previous years, as weak market conditions and tepid listings dampen enthusiasm. Many mainboard IPOs failed to fully subscribe their retail portions, with some seeing significant under-subscription.

Bitcoin climbed to its highest level in four weeks, reaching around seventy four thousand four hundred dollars amid optimism over a potential US Iran peace deal.

Gold and silver prices fell on Monday. This drop occurred after US-Iran ceasefire talks failed and President Donald Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Indians are now rushing to book gold. This is for the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya and the upcoming wedding season. Demand momentum is picking up across key markets.

Asian stocks rose as optimism grew over a potential Iran deal after Trump signaled willingness to resume talks despite a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement said the situation in West Asia remains very uncertain, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is yet to normalise

In 2026, Indian stock markets will observe sixteen holidays, including Ambedkar Jayanti, Maharashtra Day, and Diwali.

NSE Holidays 2026: Domestic stock exchanges NSE and BSE will be shut for trading on Tuesday due to Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti holiday. There will be no trading on NCDEX, while MCX will resume trading in the evening session.

NSE Holidays 2026: Domestic stock exchanges NSE and BSE will be shut for trading on Tuesday due to Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti holiday. There will be no trading on NCDEX, while MCX will resume trading in the evening session.

Nifty fell 207 points or 0.9% to close at 23,842. Sensex declined 702 points or 0.9% to end at 76,847. Both Nifty and Sensex had declined as much as 2% during the day, but traders covered some of their bearish bets ahead of the financial markets holiday on Tuesday.

QQQ quake