Hormuz flashpoint: Why Indian-flagged ships are in focus as Middle East tensions hit global shipping

As tensions rise in Middle East and vessel safety in the Strait of Hormuz comes under renewed focus, the flag a ship flies has emerged as a key factor in maritime security, regulation and state protection.Flagging a vessel means it is registered with a country and must comply with that nation’s maritime laws and regulations. … Read more

Govt clears Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool with Rs 12,980 crore guarantee for shipping risks

The government has approved a Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool with a sovereign guarantee fund of Rs 12,980 crore to support maritime insurance amid disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday.The scheme aims to address rising insurance premiums and tighter approvals for shipping cover, which are currently being granted … Read more

ACs, TVs, smartphones to get more expensive? Here’s why consumer electronics may cost more again this month

Prices of consumer electronics such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions and smartphones are set to rise again by the end of April, marking the third round of increases in four months amid sustained cost pressures on key inputs.Industry executives, cited by ET, said elevated prices of crude-linked derivatives like plastics, along with a … Read more

DA hike: Govt approves 2% dearness allowance raise for central govt employees

The Cabinet on Saturday approved a 2 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central government employees, as per sources.This comes amid wider demands from employee bodies for major changes in pay structure under the proposed 8th Pay Commission.In its memorandum, the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has sought a higher fitment factor of … Read more

Iran rejects ‘traditional toll’ but plans fees to secure Strait of Hormuz – what it means

Iran is planning to tighten its grip over the Strait of Hormuz with new transit fees to regulate ship movement through the route. However, the country has ruled out charging any “traditional fees” on ships passing through it.Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for Iran’s National Security Committee told Al Jazeera that a law is being drafted to … Read more

US stock market: Wall Street at record high after Trump says ‘Hormuz is open’; Dow jumps over 800 points, Nasdaq up 1.5%

Wall Street benchmarks closed at record highs on Friday, as easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia fuelled a broad risk rally across global markets, sending equities higher and oil lower.The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite notched their third straight record closes, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average posted its strongest finish since late February. Gains … Read more

Russian oil sanctions: US extends waiver for cargoes already at sea

The US administration has decided to extend a narrow window for global buyers to purchase Russian oil shipments already at sea, despite earlier indications that such relief would not continue.Late Friday, the US Treasury Department published a new licence granting a roughly month-long waiver, which allows nations to buy Russian oil and petroleum products loaded … Read more