The escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered a massive surge in global gold prices, pushing the value of all above-ground Gold to an estimated $30–$35 trillion. International gold benchmarks climbed above $5,400 per ounce and briefly approached $5,600 as investors rushed to the traditional safe-haven asset amid geopolitical uncertainty. The rally has been driven by war fears, inflation concerns and strong central-bank buying. Analysts say the metal’s notional value now exceeds the combined GDP of India and the United Kingdom, though some warn prices could ease if geopolitical tensions de-escalate. (PC: NDTV)

Rising tensions in the Middle East have erased about ₹31 lakh crore from Indian stock markets since the latest Iran war escalation on February 28. Data from the Bombay Stock Exchange shows the total market value of listed companies fell sharply during this period. On Monday alone, investor wealth worth about ₹12.78 trillion was wiped out. The BSE Sensex dropped 2,299 points to around 76,619. The NSE Nifty 50 fell more than 700 points to about 23,736. The sell-off comes as global crude oil prices surged above $110 per barrel. India imports about 85% of its oil. Analysts warn higher oil prices could raise inflation and pressure the economy. (PC: X)

Indian benchmark indices plunged sharply on Monday as rising crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions triggered heavy selling. The BSE Sensex fell more than 2,100 points while the Nifty 50 dropped nearly 3%, testing the 23,800 level in early trade. The sell-off came after global crude prices surged past $115 per barrel amid intensifying conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, raising fears of supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Banking and financial stocks led the decline, with the Nifty PSU Bank Index falling over 4%. Broader markets also weakened, as midcap and smallcap indices dropped more than 2%. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s announcement on closing the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about India’s energy supply and economy. The narrow waterway carries about a quarter of global oil trade and large volumes of liquefied natural gas. India imports more than 85% of its crude oil needs. Around 50–55% of these supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption could affect fuel supply and prices. Axis Mutual Fund said even a short disruption may affect “energy security, inflation trajectory and external balances”. Analysts warn that shipping risks could push oil prices higher. If the disruption continues, India may face pressure on fuel supply and energy companies. (PC: India Today)

The Indian rupee fell to a record low of Rs 92.17 against the US dollar on Wednesday as global tensions shook financial markets. Rising conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran increased uncertainty among investors. Crude oil prices also jumped on fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East. India imports about 85% of its crude oil, so higher prices put pressure on the economy and the rupee. A stronger US dollar added to the fall as investors moved money to safer assets. Stock markets across Asia also declined. Experts say the rupee’s movement will depend on oil prices and developments in the Middle East.

Amazon has confirmed drone strikes damaged three of its facilities across the UAE and Bahrain amid the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, forcing temporary operational shutdowns. No injuries were reported, but the attacks disrupted logistics and data centre operations across the Gulf region. Amazon activated contingency plans, rerouting shipments and shifting workloads to alternate facilities to maintain customer service continuity. The company did not directly attribute responsibility for the strikes. The incident exposes growing vulnerabilities of multinational commercial and tech infrastructure operating within conflict-affected zones. Amazon has significantly expanded its Gulf presence since acquiring Souq.com in 2017, making the region a critical node in its global logistics and cloud infrastructure network. (PC: X)

Indian stock markets closed sharply lower on Monday as global markets fell due to the Middle East crisis. The BSE Sensex dropped 1,048 points to settle at 80,238. The Nifty 50 fell 312 points to end at 24,865. Both indices had fallen over 2% during the day. Broader markets also declined. Nifty Midcap 150 and Nifty Smallcap 250 lost over 1.5% each. Reliance Industries fell around 2% and was among the top drags. Larsen & Toubro and InterGlobe Aviation were major losers. Brent crude rose to $80 per barrel. The rupee weakened amid higher oil prices. (PC: NDTV)

Indian stock markets suffered a brutal selloff Monday morning as escalating West Asia tensions rattled investor confidence. The Sensex crashed over 2,700 points at open, while Nifty 50 plunged 500-plus points, wiping out over ₹8 lakh crore in investor wealth within minutes. Five key factors drove the crash: US-Iran war fears following Khamenei's killing, crude oil surging over 8% to multi-month highs, the rupee breaching Rs 91 per dollar, aggressive FII selling marking their eighth consecutive month of net equity offloading, and broader geopolitical uncertainty. Analysts warn prolonged conflict could widen India's current account deficit, accelerate inflation, and trigger further foreign capital flight. (PC: Mint)

India and France have updated their 30-year-old tax treaty. The change lowers dividend tax for large French investors. Companies holding at least 10% in an Indian firm will now pay 5% tax, down from 10%. However, investors with less than 10% stake will pay 15%, up from 10%. The new pact also allows India to tax capital gains from share sales in some cases. It removes the most-favoured-nation clause after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling. Both sides said the update will “secure economic activity” and support more investment. The treaty will take effect after legal approvals in both countries. (PC: India Today)

India and Brazil have set a target to raise bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030. The decision was taken during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in New Delhi. The two sides also signed agreements on rare earth minerals and the steel supply chain. “Our trade is not just a figure, it’s a reflection of trust,” Modi said. Lula said the new mineral pact places “technology in service of inclusive development.” Both leaders also discussed defence, energy and digital cooperation. They agreed to study the impact of recent US tariff developments on global trade. (PC: HT)