Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed marginally lower due to elevated crude oil prices, fresh US-Iran tensions, and expectations of a tighter monetary policy from the US Federal Reserve, despite strong domestic GDP growth.
Navigating this geopolitical minefield requires a cold-blooded blend of immediate tactical pleading, structural domestic diversification, and aggressive collective resistance, suggests Ambassador Rajasekhar.
One of the sessions at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi on Monday was specifically devoted to the problems faced by Indian nationals in the Middle East. Rediff.com's Rajendran P reports.
The US military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during the conflict with Iran, representing a quarter of its fleet and a significant financial blow. These losses, some due to communication failures, raise questions as India recently signed an agreement to procure 31 of these drones.
"We are working on getting into the Gulf countries. We are currently finding ways how we should get into those markets," Bisleri International Chairman Ramesh Chauhan said, but did not give details such as the timeline and investment required for the project.
The benchmark Sensex plummeted 813 points to a three-month low, with the Nifty settling below 23,450, as escalating tensions in West Asia drove crude oil prices above USD 100 per barrel, leading to widespread selling in IT, FMCG, financial services, and oil & gas shares.
The American military's air-defence missile inventories, including Patriot and THAAD interceptors, are significantly depleted due to the ongoing five-month confrontation with Iran. A CSIS assessment reveals a steep drop in reserve stocks, raising concerns about the US's capacity to maintain Middle East operations and address other global security challenges. This depletion could force the US and its allies to take higher operational risks.
Dubai Reliance Capital, the financial services arm of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, plans to expand its operations in the Middle East, chief executive Sam Ghosh has said.
On the 25th anniversary of that world-changing morning in New York, it is also for the rest of to reflect. Not only on those who were killed but also on why the event happened and what led to it and what came after it, asserts Aakar Patel.
This article details the quarter-century journey of BRICS, from its inception as an economic acronym by a Goldman Sachs economist to its current status as an expanded eleven-member international bloc. It highlights its growth, key historical moments, and the significance of its upcoming summit, particularly with Iran's renewed importance in discussions.
JK Tyre has announced its sponsorship of 11-year-old karting sensation Atiqa Mir, a move that reinforces the company's commitment to fostering young motorsport talent in India and supporting women's participation in the sport.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant slump in early trade, mirroring a bearish trend in global equities, as escalating conflict in West Asia drove up crude oil prices and intensified investor concerns.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the SCO summit in Bishkek, called for a united front against terrorism and its financing, rejecting double standards. He emphasised resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, not battlefields. Modi also highlighted that connectivity projects must respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a veiled reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative. India's vision for SCO rests on security, connectivity, and opportunity.
Among the Sensex firms, JSW Steel, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Consultancy Services, NTPC, Wipro, HCL Technologies, State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, UltraTech Cement, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Power Grid and Reliance Industries Limited were the major laggards. Mahindra & Mahindra and Bajaj Finance were the gainers.
India's foreign exchange reserves saw one of their largest weekly expansions, surging by USD 14.136 billion to reach USD 707.002 billion during the week ended August 7, according to the Reserve Bank of India.
Former US President Donald Trump stated that Gulf nations should reimburse the United States for safeguarding maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while asserting that recent American military interventions have profoundly crippled Iran's military capabilities, claiming Iran has been "brought back to the Stone Ages."
"One can't certainly guarantee that we will succeed but at least it is worth a try in view of all the troubles we are facing around the world," Musharaff said.
Indian benchmark equity indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced declines in early trade due to elevated crude oil prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainties, particularly following the expiry of the US-Iran ceasefire. Track Sensex, Nifty on August 19, 2026.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that Washington has launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. They come after what Trump claimed was in retaliation for Iran attempting to add sea mines to the Strait.
Indian benchmark equity indices, the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty, experienced a significant drop in early trade due to elevated oil prices, weak global market trends, and renewed fears of military operations in the Middle East following US President Donald Trump's statements regarding Iran. Track Sensex, Nifty on May 20.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is significantly investing in automation, robotics, and technology-led solutions to scale up its construction activities, as increasing traditional manpower is no longer a viable growth option, according to CFO R Shankar Raman.
With eyes set firmly on becoming a multi-national company by 2017, state-owned National Thermal Power Corporation is planning to foray into the Middle East market with two projects in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, bounced back significantly after two days of losses, with the Sensex climbing 443.97 points to settle at 76,922.64, driven by positive global market trends and a drop in crude oil prices.
India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant drop of USD 7.511 billion, settling at USD 681.384 billion for the week ending May 22, as the Reserve Bank of India intervened in the forex market due to rupee pressure and the lingering effects of the Middle East conflict.
Karun Nair, despite scoring a century in a local tournament, was controversially excluded from the South Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy final. This decision has drawn attention given South Zone's struggles against East Zone. Coach Vikram Verma cited team combination and "personal reasons" for Nair's absence, but his subsequent participation in another match suggests deeper issues.
A US Air Force colonel, identified by his call sign 'Bravo', survived nearly 50 hours behind Iranian lines after his F-15E fighter jet was shot down near Isfahan. Despite severe injuries, he evaded Iranian forces and was eventually rescued in a complex operation involving US military and intelligence personnel, highlighting a daring mission to leave no man behind.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained its key policy rates for the fourth consecutive time, keeping the repo rate at 5.25 per cent, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed 152 points higher in a volatile session, recovering from an intraday dip.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facilitating discounted tickets for members of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting for India's upcoming FIFA tier-1 friendlies against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. These high-profile matches will be held in Bengaluru and Kolkata, with the AIFF also planning Fan Parks across districts to promote grassroots football and allow wider viewership. The matches are seen as a significant opportunity for the Indian national team to test itself against top-ranked opponents.
Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami discusses his undiminished motivation and desire to reach the "next level" in his career, despite not playing for India since March 2025. He reflects on East Zone's Duleep Trophy final victory, which coincided with his 100th first-class match, and shares insights on playing domestic cricket, mentoring young players, and his tactical approach to bowling in challenging conditions.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has strongly defended India's decision to purchase Russian crude oil, stating that the country's energy choices are based on cost and availability, and highlighting the West's 'hypocrisy' in criticising India while historically supplying weapons used against it.
India's manufacturing sector experienced a mild recovery in April, with the HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 54.7 from 53.9 in March. However, inflationary pressures intensified, with input costs increasing at the fastest pace since August 2022, largely attributed to the Middle East conflict.
Ishan Kishan's stunning 2026 has thrown him into India's 2027 ODI World Cup plans -- and Rishabh Pant could be the biggest casualty. With the selectors already looking ahead to South Africa, Kishan's red-hot form has turned the wicket-keeper debate on its head.
The Indian stock market's movement this week will be significantly influenced by the outcome of US-Iran talks, global crude oil prices, and the trading activities of foreign institutional investors (FIIs), according to market analysts.
A Delhi Police constable allegedly shot his 30-year-old wife dead on her birthday in east Delhi's Vinod Nagar. The victim's family claims she was subjected to dowry harassment, and the accused has been absconding since the incident. Police are investigating the marital relationship and past complaints.
Record-breaking cold gripped the United States, leaving residents shivering and coping with snow accumulating up to 3 feet. The coldest place in the country was Estcourt Station, the northernmost point in Maine, with temperatures of -39 degree Celsius. Meanwhile, many parts of the Middle East and Levant are experiencing their first real taste of winter as cold, windy weather sweeps rain, snow and sandstorms across the region. Snow has fallen even at low levels; it began falling on Wednesday in northern Israel, the Golan Heights and in the mountains of Lebanon. Istanbul in Turkey saw snow falling on its major bridges, bringing travel disruption across the city.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty rallied in early trade, driven by a significant decline in Brent crude oil prices, which fell below the USD 73 per barrel level, and positive trends observed across most Asian equities.
India's foreign exchange reserves saw a significant drop of USD 8.094 billion, settling at USD 688.894 billion for the week ending May 15, as the Reserve Bank of India intervened in the forex market and global events like the Middle East conflict impacted the rupee.
Teen batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored just eight runs on his Duleep Trophy debut for East Zone before Sudip Gharami and Shahbaz Ahmed hit hundreds to power them to 355 for 6 against North East.
Indian benchmark indices closed marginally higher, with the Sensex gaining over 43 points and the Nifty remaining flat, as a spike in crude oil prices due to geopolitical uncertainties tempered risk appetite.
The Duleep Trophy reaches its semifinal stage with defending champions Central Zone and last year's runners-up South Zone receiving direct entry. They will face East Zone and North Zone, respectively, who advanced after winning their quarterfinal matches. The upcoming clashes promise intense competition as teams battle for a spot in the final.
