Indian Rupee drops to fresh low of 92.36 as Brent oil surges past $100

The rupee hit a record 92.36/$, sliding 32 paise as Brent spiked above $100 on West Asia tensions, fueling inflation and supply fears. RBI reportedly sold dollars to curb losses while the USD firmed. Analysts warn costlier crude could widen India’s current account deficit

IRGC Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri said ships must obtain Iran’s permission before crossing the Strait of Hormuz, criticising vessels hit in recent attacks. Iran also warned it could target tankers bound for the US and its allies, raising concerns over global shipping and oil prices.

Apple released iOS 16.7.15/15.8.7 and iPadOS 16.7.15/15.8.7 for older iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch, backporting security fixes for kernel/WebKit flaws tied to the Coruna exploit. Updates block risks seen in watering-hole attacks and are available for devices like iPhone X, 8, 7, 6s, iPad Air 2

WhatsApp is launching parent-managed accounts for under-13s, letting guardians set up and supervise kids’ messaging and calls. Parents control contacts, groups, and privacy via a PIN; chats stay end-to-end encrypted. Gradual rollout; setup links the child’s phone to a parent’s app.

Adani Total Gas jumped up to 14.8% to ₹651, extending a three-day, 35% rally after India prioritized gas for domestic PNG/CNG. Volume hit 70x the 30-day average as Nifty fell 1%. Industrial supply faces curbs amid West Asia tensions; peer gas stocks were mixed as Brent rose to $101.5.

A fire broke out at Capital Power System Limited in Noida’s Phase 1; cause unknown. Joint CP Rajeev Narayan Mishra said fire teams led by the CFO contained it. About 250 night-shift workers were rescued using 30 tenders and hydraulic platforms; many hospitalized, some in ICU but stable.

Market reels as US-Iran war hits equities: about 75% of Nifty 500 are YTD losers; roughly half are down over 10%, and 21 have shed up to 46% (ACE Equity). Analyst Muthuselvaraj M flags TCS, HUL, Ashok Leyland, GSPL and TI India for further downside amid pattern breaks and weakening RSI.

India beat Wales 4–1 in Hyderabad to top Pool B at the FIH Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2026 and clinch a World Cup berth. Navneet Kaur scored a hat-trick after Sakshi Rana’s opener; Betsan Thomas netted for Wales. India avoid England in the semis and will face Italy. WC is in Belgium/Netherlands.

Meta unveiled a four-chip MTIA roadmap as it expands data centers: MTIA 300 is live for ranking/recs; MTIA 400 adds a liquid-cooled rack-scale system; MTIA 450/500 target inference. Rollouts run this year to 2027 on a 6‑month cadence. 

Iran war has upended global air travel: airspace closures over Iran, the Gulf and Russia funnel Europe-Asia flights into narrow corridors, adding time, fuel costs and fares. Hormuz disruption spikes oil, hits hedging and stocks. Tens of thousands of flights canceled; Gulf hubs cut service

Review of viral fitness trends: Japanese interval walking is evidence-based; 75 Hard’s no-rest rule risks overtraining; dead hangs improve grip, not spinal decompression; Pilates boosts flexibility/balance but won’t create “long, lean” muscles. Takeaway: progress gradually, recover, favour evidence

Borosil shares fell over 6% after OMCs curtailed LPG under force majeure linked to the West Asia conflict, halting its Jaipur borosilicate furnace and cutting opal output. Heavy-volume stock is down 12% YTD, even as the board okayed a new Gujarat plant and Rajasthan capacity expansion.

Nut butters provide healthy fats, protein, fibre and minerals, but the best pick depends on ingredients. Choose 100% nuts (minimal salt; avoid added oils/sugars). Peanut leads protein; almond tops fibre, calcium, magnesium, fats; cashew shines in iron, zinc, selenium but is lowest in protein/fibre.

Antique Stock Broking initiates Buy on Britannia (TP ₹7,000; +18%). Drivers: premiumisation of biscuits, scaling higher‑margin adjacencies (dairy, cakes, croissants, wafers), rural/Hindi belt expansion, GST cut tailwinds. EBITDA margin seen 18–19% FY26–28; in‑house mfg to ~70%; premium mix 65–70%.

Day 13 of the U.S.–Israel–Iran clash: fresh strikes near the Strait of Hormuz stoke oil-supply fears. Iran-linked explosive boats reportedly hit two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, killing one, after projectiles struck three other Gulf vessels. Update as of 9 a.m. Thursday.

An Indian national was killed when an Iranian “suicide” boat hit the US-owned, Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Safesea Vishnu off Khor Al Zubair in Iraqi waters. The other 27 crew were rescued to Basra. The company urged India to condemn the attack amid rising regional risks to Indian seafarers.

Jefferies names Sai Life Sciences its top CRDMO pick, reiterates Buy with ₹1,300 PT (29% upside). Backs integrated ‘follow-the-molecule’ model, robust pipeline, and 17–20% FY26–28 sales/EBITDA CAGRs. Net debt-neutral, PE overhang cleared; valuations near sector avg with scope for earnings upgrades.

Climate Trends’ 2024–25 CPCB-based analysis finds Delhi the most polluted city, Patna second, with severe winter PM2.5 driven by stagnation (sub-1 m/s winds, high humidity). Bengaluru/Chennai worsen in winter; Mumbai/Chennai see annual rises. It urges NCAP Phase-III reforms.

Fears of PNG/LPG disruptions from the West Asia conflict have sparked an unprecedented rush for induction cooktops in India. Retailers face stock strain; TTK Prestige is ramping output. Online demand has surged (Amazon ~20x, Flipkart 4x), with Delhi/Kolkata/UP hottest; electric cookers also rising.

Two oil tankers—Safesea Vishnu (Marshall Islands) and Zefyros (Malta)—were attacked in Iraqi territorial waters in a suspected sabotage, killing one crew member. Iraq halted operations at its oil terminals (commercial ports unaffected). SOMO condemned the act and vowed legal action.

UN Security Council condemns Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Gulf states, urging a halt and protection of shipping, including the Strait of Hormuz. Vote 13-0-2 (China, Russia abstained); Russia’s draft failed. Attacks disrupted energy and air travel; Dubai airport halted, UAE refinery paused.

Brent crude topped $100 as Oman evacuated Mina Al Fahal and tankers were attacked in Iraqi waters, compounding a near-closure of Hormuz. Gulf cuts (6% of demand) overshadow a record 400m‑bbl IEA release. Prices surge, inflation fears rise, as Iran hardens ceasefire terms and the US resists.

Amid West Asia LNG disruptions via Hormuz, India invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise gas. IGL has told commercial and industrial users to cap drawal at 80% of their six‑month average from Mar 11. Priority: PNG/CNG/LPG/pipeline ops at 100%, fertilisers 70%, others 80%.

India’s Supreme Court okayed withdrawing tube nutrition from a 32-year-old in a persistent vegetative state, the first use of the passive euthanasia framework. Relying on medical boards, it waived the 30-day wait, ordered AIIMS palliative care supervision, and urged the Centre to frame a law.

War in West Asia has sparked an LPG shortage and price spike in India, disrupting the peak wedding season. Planners trim guest lists and menus, cut live counters, switch to wood stoves, and pay 2–3x for cylinders. Hotels weigh postponements, though sarees and matchmaking report limited impact.

Gig drivers for Ola, Uber and Rapido warn LPG/CNG shortages and price spikes are causing long queues, fewer trips and income loss. West Asia tensions threaten supplies via the Strait of Hormuz. Platforms report normal operations for now but are monitoring and may support drivers.

India’s DGCA draft AIC tightens rules for foreign airlines: mandatory eGCA registration; verified Indian local representative with airline liable for lapses; deemed suspension of unused airport approvals after four IATA seasons; and a passenger grievance system. Comments due by April 9.

SEBI chief T.K. Pandey urged stricter, transparent AIF valuations and stronger governance as PE-backed IPOs rise. He proposed light-touch rules for accredited investors and a faster "larger launch" model, and urged ESG-led discipline and long-term capital for priority sectors.

BCCI unveiled IPL 2026 phase one: 20 matches from Mar 28–Apr 12 across 10 venues. Opener RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru; MI-KKR on Mar 29. Four double-headers (3:30/7:30 IST). RR start in Guwahati; PBKS split Mullanpur/Dharamsala; RCB also in Raipur. Key: RCB-CSK Apr 5, MI-RCB Apr 12. 

Mission Mausam and IMD upgrades have improved cyclone/extreme rainfall forecasts, cutting track, landfall and intensity errors and extending lead time, enabling evacuations and fewer deaths. Odisha’s network is growing, with new Doppler radars for Sambalpur, Balasore, Bhubaneswar and Puri by 2026.

The U.S. is reviewing the Optional Practical Training program over impacts on American workers, fraud, and national security. Spurred by Sen. Schmitt’s critique, DHS may overhaul rules. OPT lets F‑1 grads work 12 months (STEM +24). Critics call it cheap labor; ~295k used it in 2024–25.

US Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman’s WISA bill seeks to roll back Trump’s Sept 2025 H-1B limits—canceling the proclamation, slashing the $100k filing fee, and easing stricter wage/lottery rules. It counters bids to end H-1B, heavily affecting Indian workers. Must pass Congress and get the President’s OK.

RBI aligns CCR rules to Basel; lowers IR/FX add-ons, raises for long-dated equity/commodity swaps; clarifies clearing member capital, requires CCR reporting, nudges CCP use with limited impact.

SEBI’s FY25 income rose 31% to ₹2,713 cr, lifting corpus ~30% to ₹7,235 cr. Settlement fees surged to ₹815 cr (₹104 cr FY24). Investments: ₹2,857 cr in G-secs, ₹2,215 cr in deposits, ₹30 cr in NCFE. CAG flagged balance mismatches, unreconciled lease deposits, and unwritten-off assets.

Embassy Developments sold 500+ units worth ₹495 crore in four days after launching Embassy Verde Phase II at Embassy Springs, North Bengaluru. The 7.38 lakh sq ft, 702-unit (1–3 BHK) project anchors a North Bengaluru push: FY26 GDV ₹4,300 crore, pipeline ₹12,500 crore; also eyeing MMR/NCR.

Skye Air secured the first close of a $9M Series B (B1 $4M, B2 $5M) led by IAN Alpha with AVNM, Faad and Bajaj Capital. Funds will expand beyond Delhi-NCR to five metros and upgrade tech for drone ops, Skye UTM and autonomy. Since 2019 it’s done 3.6M deliveries. 

S&P warns India’s heavy energy import reliance and thin reserves raise risks amid West Asia tensions. With flows through Hormuz and limited SPR/LPG/LNG cover, shocks could bite. Upstream may gain on prices; OMCs face margin squeeze. Govt support remains uncertain.

Adobe launched an AI Assistant for Photoshop (web/mobile public beta) that edits via text or voice, plus AI Markup for on-image prompts. Firefly Image Editor adds Generative Fill/Remove/Expand/Upscale, supports 25+ models. Promo: unlimited gens for paid to Apr 9; free gets 20. Firefly live globally.

Fitch: Iran-linked supply risks and a Hormuz closure may strain Indian OMCs and GAIL cash flows. BPCL strongest; IOC/HPCL adequate. GAIL leverage to 2.5x–3x; standalone refiners face mixed effects.

Google rolls out Gemini AI in Workspace: Docs can draft, refine, and match style/format; Sheets auto-builds and fills data; Slides creates/edits slides with full decks coming; Drive adds AI summaries and cross-file Q&A. Beta now for AI Ultra/Pro; global English, Drive US-only at launch.

Instagram experienced a global outage on March 11, peaking around 12 PM IST (9 AM–1 PM). Downdetector logged 13,000+ US, ~1,300 India, and ~200 UK reports. ~85% couldn’t access the app; others saw broken DMs, missing chat themes, and feed/timeline/search issues. Actual impact may be higher.

Some early Samsung Galaxy S26 buyers are seeing a “This device isn’t Play Protect certified” alert, potentially limiting sensitive apps. Reported on Reddit; some say it clears after a reboot. Samsung’s first S26 update may fix it. 

Xiaomi 17 series launches in India (Mar 11): 17 and 17 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Ultra offers Leica system with 1-inch main + 200MP telephoto, 6,000mAh/90W; 17 has triple 50MP Leica cameras, 6,330mAh/100W. Prices: Rs 89,999 (17), Rs 139,999 (Ultra). Sale from Mar 18 with launch offers.

War in West Asia has disrupted LPG shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, causing delays and panic buying in India. Lakhimpur Kheri saw queues; restaurants in Goa and Chennai face closures. Centre boosts output and extends booking gaps to 25 days under Essential Commodities Act.

Bank stocks in India declined in trade on Wednesday as the West Asia conflict stoke energy-led inflation fears. The Nifty Bank index fell 1.8 per cent, led by Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank. Analysts said supply shocks may lift CPI, delay RBI cuts, slow economic growth, and lift G-sec yields. 

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said India’s continued purchases of Russian crude are helping stabilise global oil markets amid volatility caused by the West Asia conflict. The US has temporarily "permitted" the imports to bridge supply gaps as crude prices swing sharply.

Samsung Galaxy S26 series—S26, S26+, S26 Ultra—is now on sale in India via Samsung, Flipkart, Amazon, and retail. Prices start at Rs 87,999 (Ultra from Rs 139,999). Highlights: Privacy Display, Galaxy AI, new camera design; 120Hz AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, up to 16GB/1TB, IP68, cashback/EMI offers.

Donald Trump announced the first new U.S. refinery in 50 years, planned for Texas as part of a $300B deal, thanking Reliance for investing. The move echoes Reliance’s high‑complexity Jamnagar (NCI 21.1). NCI gauges converting heavy crude into high‑value fuels; U.S. Gulf refineries also score high.