India is boosting its shipbuilding capabilities by adopting a "structured tender" approach for specialized vessels like gas and oil tankers. This strategy mandates that a portion of these ships be built domestically, facilitating technology transfer and strengthening local manufacturing. The government aims to aggregate demand for hundreds of vessels to enhance self-reliance in the maritime sector.from Business News Today: Stock Markets, Financial News, India Business & World Business News https://ift.tt/NL3eq8D
The government has revived the strategic sale of its stake in IDBI Bank, along with LIC's holding, after previous bids were rejected. A fresh valuation is underway, with officials considering whether to re-engage existing bidders or restart the process to expedite the sale and maintain investor confidence.
The Reserve Bank of India has finalised new rules requiring banks to provision for expected loan losses from April 2027, shifting to a forward-looking approach. While stricter than current practices, the norms are less stringent than initially proposed, with a wider scope including small finance banks. Banks will have until March 2030 to fully implement the changes for existing loans.
Bengaluru-headquartered Infosys has fallen out of India's top 10 most valued companies, now ranking 11th, while Tata Consultancy Services has dropped to sixth. These shifts have been attributed to artificial intelligence-driven disruptions impacting the business models of major Indian software exporters. The information technology sector saw significant sell-offs on Monday.
Amidst global supply chain disruptions, India's economic leaders are prioritizing domestic strength. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the vast Indian consumer base as a key defense, while industry titans emphasised strategic self-reliance in manufacturing and a pivot to green energy. This approach aims to leverage India's demographic dividend and workforce to navigate international volatility and accelerate national growth.
Indian equity markets experienced a significant downturn, with the top ten most-valued firms losing over Rs 2 lakh crore. Tata Consultancy Services and Reliance Industries bore the brunt of this decline, influenced by geopolitical tensions and weak IT sector commentary. The broader market also saw substantial drops in benchmark indices.
O2C Division Hit Hard By Rising Costs, Supply Chain Disruptions
The US has tightened its grip on Iran's oil revenue by sanctioning a major Chinese refinery and numerous shipping entities involved in transporting Iranian crude. This move targets a "shadow network" and escalates pressure amid regional tensions. China has criticized the sanctions, urging an end to their political use and warning of harm to legitimate trade.
The Trump administration's 'Gold Card' visa program, offering US residency for a $1 million fee, has approved only one applicant to date. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated hundreds more are under review, with all applicants undergoing extensive vetting and paying a $15,000 processing fee. The initiative aims to attract wealthy and skilled individuals to the US.
Oil prices saw a slight dip after Wednesday's surge, as stalled Iran-US peace talks and ongoing shipping route restrictions, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, kept markets on edge. Iran's seizure of two ships and US interception of tankers highlight escalating tensions. Despite record US energy exports, domestic crude inventories unexpectedly rose, while fuel stocks declined.
India's life insurance sector saw a robust 15.7% growth in new business premiums for FY26, reaching Rs 4.6 lakh crore. While overall policy sales rose modestly, private players like SBI Life gained market share. The individual segment showed strong gains, with group insurance proving crucial for stabilizing some insurers' portfolios.
Withdraws directives as volatility eases, some controls stay
Stock market today: Sensex and Nifty opened in red on Monday on weak global cues as the closure of Strait of Hormuz led to an increase in oil prices. While Nifty50 went below 24,300, BSE Sensex dropped over 200 points.
Stock market recommendations: Bharat Electronics, and MTAR Technologies are the top stock recommendations by Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk for this trading week starting April 20, 2026. The brokerage shares the target prices and rationale.
Aspiring pilots face a steeper climb as jet fuel prices surge and the rupee weakens, pushing Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) costs in India to Rs 60-70 lakh. Training abroad now incurs 15-16% higher expenses. This financial strain, coupled with long waits for flying hours and jobs, makes the dream of flying increasingly challenging for many.
Today is Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendars, believed to bring lasting prosperity and good fortune. Buying gold on this day is considered auspicious. Experts believe that returns on gold over the last few years reinforce its role as a long-term wealth preserver.
State Refiners Largest Buyers Of Russian Fuel
Nadir Godrej will step down as Godrej Industries Group chair on August 13. His nephew, Pirojsha Godrej, will assume the role of GIG chair. Pirojsha will also chair Godrej Industries, the group's holding company. Nadir's son, Burjis Godrej, will become chair of Godrej Agrovet. This marks a significant generational leadership change within the prominent Indian conglomerate.
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway inauguration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, which is also being called the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Economic Corridor. The new expressway built under National Highways Authority of India is an access-controlled roadway corridor that will substantially reduce the travel time between Delhi and Dehradun. The full expressway will be thrown open on April 14, 2026. From a unique wildlife corridor to route map, here are top facts and photos of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway:
Global venture funding surged to a record $300 billion in Q1, largely propelled by AI deals, with four companies securing a significant portion. While early-stage funding shows growth, India's market lags in late-stage recovery, with capital remaining constrained and selective, particularly for AI ventures.
Consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending, prioritizing essentials and value purchases due to war-driven uncertainty and layoffs. This shift is leading to slower sales for non-essential items, with companies focusing on value packs and smaller formats to maintain accessibility amidst rising costs and a cautious job market.
President Trump has issued a stern warning to China, threatening a "staggering" 50% tariff if Beijing aids Iran militarily. He expressed confidence Iran would yield to US demands, asserting that tough rhetoric brought them to the negotiating table. Trump also detailed plans to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and warned of severe retaliation against any Iranian aggression.
India's electronics industry is seeking continued government support with a proposed PLI 2.0 scheme to boost mobile production and exports. Aiming to capture 30-35% of global mobile output by FY31, the industry projects annual manufacturing to reach $110-130 billion. This expansion hinges on sustained incentives to maintain competitiveness against China.
Global crude oil markets are in a frenzy as a severe shortage drives intense competition for prompt deliveries. Physical oil prices have surged to unprecedented levels, with buyers vastly outnumbering sellers. This scramble, fueled by reduced Middle Eastern flows, is forcing refiners to consider scaling back operations, potentially worsening fuel shortages.
The government has significantly increased export duties on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to prioritize domestic availability amidst West Asian tensions. Diesel export duty rose by over 150% to Rs 55.5 per litre, and ATF to Rs 42 per litre, aiming to deter exports and ensure sufficient supply within India.