Indian benchmark indices turned volatile on Wednesday after opening with marginal gains, as rising crude oil prices and continuing West Asia tensions weighed on investor sentiment. The BSE Sensex initially rose 75.64 points before slipping 182.60 points to 74,362.19, while the NSE Nifty fell below the 23,400 mark to 23,352.25. Power Grid, NTPC, Bajaj Finance, SBI, Titan and Axis Bank led the losses, while Asian Paints, Adani Ports and Tata Steel gained. Brent crude hovered near USD 106.6 per barrel amid fears surrounding the US-Iran standoff and energy supply risks linked to the Strait of Hormuz. FIIs also sold equities worth Rs 1,959.39 crore on Tuesday. (PC: The Telegraph)

India has raised import tariffs on gold and silver to 15% from 6% in a major move aimed at curbing overseas purchases of precious metals and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves. According to government orders issued on May 13, the decision is also expected to help narrow the country’s trade deficit and support the weakening rupee, currently among Asia’s worst-performing currencies. The higher duties could reduce demand in the world’s second-largest precious metals market, particularly as gold investment demand has surged amid rising prices and weak equity returns over the past year. The move comes amid broader government efforts to conserve foreign exchange during ongoing global economic uncertainty and rising energy pressures. (PC: ET Now)

Indian equity markets ended sharply lower on Monday as rising tensions in West Asia and surging crude oil prices triggered heavy selling across sectors. The BSE Sensex fell 1,312 points to close at 76,015, while the Nifty 50 dropped 360 points to settle at 23,815. Investor sentiment weakened after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s peace proposal, pushing Brent crude prices near $105 per barrel. Banking, auto, oil and consumer stocks led the decline, while pharma shares saw limited buying. Analysts warned that prolonged geopolitical tensions and high crude prices could continue to pressure Indian markets. (PC: ai)

Benchmark indices plunged sharply on Monday, with the BSE Sensex falling over 1,000 points in early trade as investors reacted to surging crude oil prices and fresh uncertainty in West Asia. Concerns deepened after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce consumption of imported goods such as petrol, diesel and gold. Analysts said the remarks reflected worries over India’s rising import bill and widening current account deficit amid crude prices crossing $105 per barrel. Banking, aviation, auto and jewellery stocks witnessed heavy selling, while defensive sectors like pharmaceuticals and FMCG showed relative resilience during the market turmoil. (PC: Time Today)

JPMorgan Chase offered $1 million to former banker Chirayu Rana before he filed a lawsuit accusing senior executive Lorna Hajdini of sexual assault and workplace harassment, according to The Wall Street Journal. The settlement talks reportedly failed after Rana sought a bigger payout. The lawsuit, filed in a New York court, alleges Hajdini abused her senior position to pressure Rana into sexual encounters and threaten his career. JPMorgan said it tried to avoid a lengthy legal battle and still believes the allegations “have no merit”. The bank also said its internal investigation found no evidence supporting the claims. Hajdini has denied all allegations against her. (PC: India Today)

Iran's national currency has collapsed to a historic low of 1.8 million rials per US dollar, raising severe inflation fears across the country. The plunge follows weeks of relative stability during the conflict that began February 28, when limited market activity had temporarily shielded the rial. The currency's renewed freefall is driven by a US blockade curtailing oil exports, ongoing international sanctions, and fragile ceasefire conditions. Economists warn that rising import costs for food, medicine and essential goods will intensify household hardship. This crisis echoes January's shock drop from 1.4 to 1.6 million rials, which triggered widespread public protests, raising fears that deeper economic deterioration and fresh civil unrest may lie dangerously ahead. (PC: X)

The United Arab Emirates will exit OPEC and OPEC+ from May 1, a move that could reshape global oil markets amid ongoing West Asia disruptions. As one of the bloc’s largest producers, its departure weakens OPEC’s ability to regulate supply through quotas. While immediate impact may be limited due to existing supply constraints and high prices, the UAE gains flexibility to increase output over time. This could eventually boost global supply and ease prices, though reduced coordination may trigger volatility. For India, the development poses short-term inflation risks but offers potential long-term relief if increased production stabilises oil markets. (PC: India Today)

Indian airlines, represented by the Federation of Indian Airlines, have warned that surging Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices driven by the West Asia crisis are pushing the sector toward a potential shutdown. With fuel accounting for over half of operating costs, carriers such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet face severe financial strain, particularly on international routes where prices have sharply increased. The industry has urged government intervention, including tax relief, suspension of excise duty, and pricing reforms. Without immediate support, airlines warn that rising costs could render several routes unviable and disrupt overall operations. (PC: Zee News)

Google will inaugurate its $15 billion artificial intelligence data centre near Visakhapatnam by August 15, 2028, according to Nara Lokesh. The project, backed by N. Chandrababu Naidu and supported by Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, is expected to position Andhra Pradesh as a global AI and data infrastructure hub. The 1 GW facility will power advanced services like Gemini AI and catalyse a broader ecosystem, including server manufacturing and power electronics. Officials say the investment will attract Fortune 500 firms, boost jobs, and strengthen India’s digital economy, marking a major milestone in the country’s technology ambitions.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and OPEC+ face a major setback as the United Arab Emirates announced its exit effective May 1, citing long-term market strategy and policy flexibility. The move comes during a global energy crisis triggered by Middle East conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. UAE’s departure weakens coordination within the bloc and challenges Saudi Arabia’s leadership. Officials indicated frustration over limited regional support amid tensions with Iran. Analysts warn the exit could destabilise oil prices, encourage further defections, and reshape global energy dynamics at a time when supply chains remain fragile and markets highly volatile worldwide. (PC: X)