Limited economic impact? Here’s how the Middle East crisis is impacting job market and your household bills – for now

The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has triggered ripples for economies and sectors across the globe. Even so, India’s economy still appears firm, with only a few early signs of pressure, according to a recent report by HDFC Bank’s treasury research team.The report, Macro Billboard: 40 Charts, Early Signals dated April 20, 2026, says … Read more

US stocks today: Wall Street inches higher as markets eye ceasefire deadline; Dow jumps 300 points, S&P 500 remains flat

US stocks moved higher on Tuesday, as investors remained optimistic over a possible extension of the US-Iran ceasefire. Markets showed early strength, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.56% or 279 points to 49,721.56 around 8 pm IST. The S&P 500 inched up 0.2% to 7,129, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 96 points or … Read more

Leave, holidays and encashment: What India’s changing labour laws mean for employees

National and festival holidays are largely decided at the State level. Employers are expected to follow notified holiday lists. (AI image) Leave is often seen as a simple workplace benefit – an approved absence from work. In reality, it is one of the more structured and regulated aspects of employment in India. With the implementation … Read more

Gadkari urges shift to 100% ethanol blending, flags energy security and import risks

Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari India should aim for 100 per cent ethanol blending in the near future to strengthen energy self-reliance, road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said on Tuesday. He said that vulnerabilities in oil supplies due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia have made it essential for the … Read more

Billions to be paid! US starts refund process for Trump tariffs: Can Indian exporters claim?

To receive repayments, importers in the US are required to submit claims which include shipment details, applicable tariff classifications. (AI image) The US government has rolled out a system to facilitate refunds of over $166 billion from tariffs introduced by Donald Trump and later invalidated by the US Supreme Court. In February, the court struck … Read more

India Economy Growth: UN outlook: India’s economy to grow 6.4% amid global headwinds

India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.4 per cent in 2026 and 6.6 per cent in 2027, according to a United Nations report, indicating the country’s continued position as a key driver of growth in the Asia-Pacific region.The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in its latest Economic … Read more

Asian Markets: Asian stocks today: Markets mixed as US-Iran talks offset geopolitical jitters

File photo (Picture credit: AP) Asian markets traded mixed on Tuesday as investors weighed fresh hopes of possible US-Iran peace talks against lingering geopolitical risks and elevated oil prices, while technology shares lent support to key regional indices.Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.1 per cent to 59,485.54, driven by strong gains in technology counters. As per … Read more

Oil Prices: Oil prices today: Crude falls as upcoming US-Iran talks offsets supply disruption fears

Oil prices declined on Tuesday, reversing sharp gains from the previous session, as expectations of imminent US-Iran peace talks eased concerns over prolonged supply disruptions from the Middle East.Brent crude futures fell 95 cents, or 1%, to $94.53 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May dropped $1.54, or 1.72%, to $88.07. … Read more