Several changes are expected to reduce the tax burden for the salaried class in general. We take a look at top 10 things salaried taxpayers should know going into the new financial year 2026-27:
Escalating Middle East tensions and a potential near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz could drive crude oil prices to $150-$200 a barrel. Millions of barrels of daily supply are already cut, with energy experts warning of astronomical losses and market choke if disruptions persist. Physical supply realities, not political statements, will dictate the surge.
India's economy shows strength with robust domestic demand and positive high-frequency indicators. Auto sales and credit growth are up. GST collections remain steady. Manufacturing activity is improving. Labour markets are showing signs of strengthening. Corporate revenues are holding up. Financial flows are supportive. However, Middle East tensions create global uncertainty and a risk of stagflation.
The Lok Sabha has approved the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a move lauded by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for revitalizing India's banking sector. The amendments aim to expedite case admissions and curb system misuse, building on the IBC's success in resolving over half of stressed assets and improving corporate governance for rescued firms.
Indian stock markets brace for a volatile, shortened week. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, crude oil price fluctuations, and the rupee's stability are key concerns. Foreign investors have pulled significant funds amid the ongoing conflict. Analysts anticipate continued sensitivity to global developments, with domestic economic data also under scrutiny.
India's top companies faced a significant market capitalisation loss of Rs 1.75 lakh crore last week, with Reliance Industries bearing the brunt. Broader market indices also tumbled amid global uncertainties and Middle East tensions. While most major firms saw their valuations shrink, Larsen & Toubro, Bajaj Finance, and Infosys managed to post gains.
Global helium supplies face a critical shortage due to Middle East tensions disrupting production and shipping. This invisible gas, vital for MRIs, semiconductors, and advanced tech, is irreplaceable and lost forever once released. India, heavily reliant on imports, sees soaring prices and potential disruptions in healthcare and its burgeoning chip industry.
West Asia's escalating conflict is severely impacting India's premium basmati rice trade, with thousands of crores in payments pending and consignments stuck at ports. This disruption threatens significant losses for Indian traders and could negatively affect farming communities. The government is assessing the broader implications for various Indian sectors exposed to the region.
UAE car owners face a crucial choice: mandatory third-party insurance or optional comprehensive cover. While third-party is cheaper, it leaves your own vehicle and medical costs exposed. Comprehensive offers full protection against damage, theft, and weather, becoming increasingly vital due to rising repair expenses and extreme weather risks. Consider your vehicle's value and your risk tolerance.
Indian refiners have significantly increased purchases of Russian crude, securing around 60 million barrels for the upcoming month amidst Middle East conflict-driven supply disruptions. This surge is supported by a US waiver allowing imports of Russian oil loaded before March 12, with refiners also diversifying with Venezuelan and previously Iranian crude.
A large portion of the refinery’s output is sold within the domestic market, with exports having declined after the sanctions last year. A considerable share of production is supplied to state-run refiners.
Gold prices saw a fifth consecutive day of decline on Tuesday, despite rising retail rates in major Indian cities. Futures contracts on MCX and international markets fell due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Investors are now keenly awaiting key US economic data for insights into the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured India of sufficient crude oil storage and uninterrupted supply amidst the West Asia war's global fuel crunch. He highlighted the nation's strategic oil reserves and increased refining capacity, while emphasizing India's commitment to peace through dialogue and diplomacy in the region.
India's strategic oil reserves can cover approximately 9.5 days of supply during disruptions, with current reserves at two-thirds capacity. This announcement comes amid rising global crude oil prices due to the Middle East conflict. The nation, heavily reliant on imports, is diversifying its crude sourcing to mitigate supply risks.
Argentina has increased its supply of LPG to India as shortages emerge following disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict, according to people aware of the development.
Investor sentiment remains cautious as the Middle East conflict enters its fourth week, impacting global stock markets and crude oil prices. For the upcoming holiday-shortened week, market direction will be guided by geopolitical developments, foreign investor activity, and rupee fluctuations. Incoming data and global uncertainties are expected to drive market sensitivity.
Foreign investors have withdrawn Rs 88,180 crore from Indian equities in March, driven by rising global tensions, a weakening rupee, and high oil prices. This sharp outflow follows a strong February and highlights investor caution due to geopolitical risks and concerns over corporate earnings. Analysts anticipate continued market volatility until global uncertainties ease.
India sees a cautious easing of maritime movement as three crude oil tankers successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, with two more LPG tankers preparing to follow. This comes after diplomatic engagements with Iran, ensuring safe passage for Indian vessels amidst regional tensions. The successful transits underscore India's commitment to securing unhindered movement for its fleet.
Indian refiners are considering resuming Iranian crude oil purchases following a temporary US sanctions waiver. This move aims to ease an energy crunch caused by Middle East supply disruptions, with millions of barrels of Iranian crude already in transit. Clarification on payment terms from Washington is awaited before finalising shipments.
Iran has established a new safe shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz. Only ships with prior approval from Iranian authorities can use this route. Several countries are in talks with Tehran for their vessels. This controlled passage offers an alternative amid ongoing regional disruptions. Some Indian ships have already used this supervised route.
Premium petrol prices have seen a hike of over Rs 2 per litre across state-run oil companies, while regular fuel and diesel rates remain steady. This adjustment comes amidst global energy market volatility fueled by the Middle East crisis, impacting India's significant oil import dependence and potentially widening the import bill.
Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are range-bound and highly volatile in the current scenario, says Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities.
Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Thursday, with both Sensex and Nifty plunging over 3%. Surging crude oil prices due to escalating West Asia attacks, coupled with weak global cues, triggered a broad market rout. Financials, autos, and industrials were heavily impacted, while ONGC was the sole gainer.
India is mandating detailed operational data from its entire oil and gas sector, classifying it as a national security matter. This move aims to enhance government oversight of energy supplies amid Middle East war disruptions. The new order requires real-time reporting on production, imports, and consumption, enabling faster responses to crises and better procurement decisions.
Iran's strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure, including Qatar's LNG facility, have sent global oil and gas prices soaring. The attacks have disrupted supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, leading to significant price spikes and raising inflation concerns. Financial markets worldwide reacted negatively, with equities declining sharply amid growing uncertainty.
Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha proposed reforms to ease financial burdens, advocating for optional joint income tax filing for couples, full tax exemption on disability pensions for all wounded soldiers, and removal of bank minimum balance penalties. These proposals aim to create a fairer financial system for ordinary citizens amidst ongoing pensioner concerns.
The Department of Posts has launched three new premium delivery services, offering guaranteed 24-hour and 48-hour delivery for urgent consignments in six major cities. These services, including 24 Speed Post and 48 Speed Post, aim to capitalize on the growing e-commerce market with features like OTP verification and real-time tracking.
Gold prices surged on Tuesday, with April 2026 futures on MCX rising 1% to Rs 1,56,996 per 10 grams. Investors sought safe-haven assets amid escalating Middle East tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which also kept oil prices above $100 per barrel. Globally, spot gold edged up slightly.
Emirates faces drastically low passenger numbers on inbound flights to Dubai, with some routes seeing as few as 5% occupancy. This comes amid travel advisories and disruptions in the Persian Gulf region. While outbound flights are also impacted by no-shows, the airline continues cargo operations and maintains a faster pace than competitors, prioritizing safety.
A drone strike hit a petroleum facility at the Port of Fujairah in the UAE. Emergency teams controlled the fire. No injuries were reported. This attack occurs amid escalating Middle East tensions. The port is a vital alternative route for oil exports, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions here could impact global energy markets.
The turmoil has shaken Dalal Street, with benchmark indices sliding sharply and investors reassessing the risks posed by rising oil prices and the possibility of a wider regional conflict.
India is well-prepared for Middle East crisis disruptions, with ample fuel stocks and no supply issues reported. The government is diversifying gas import sources and will soon announce support for affected exporters, including insurance schemes. Despite short-term economic pressures and rupee stress, India remains confident in its growth trajectory.
Indian exporters are navigating Middle East conflict fallout, facing rising freight, insurance, and transit times. Businesses are adapting by adjusting inventory and contracts, while shipping lines reroute vessels around Africa, adding significant delays and costs. The government is exploring support measures, including airlifting perishables and alternative port options.
Foreign investors aggressively sold Indian stocks in early March, withdrawing over Rs 52,000 crore due to West Asian tensions, a weakening rupee, and rising oil prices. This follows a brief inflow in February, with analysts citing geopolitical risks and better prospects in other Asian markets. Despite outflows, opportunities arise for domestic investors.
Indian airlines are increasing ticket prices due to soaring aviation fuel costs, driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions. Akasa Air, following Air India and IndiGo, will implement fuel surcharges from March 15th, ranging from Rs 199 to Rs 1,300.
Iran has strategically prepared to leverage the Strait of Hormuz, employing asymmetric warfare with drones and missiles to disrupt global oil flows. This approach, learned from past conflicts, aims to inflict economic pain and pressure the US, rather than engage in direct confrontation. The strategy focuses on survival and demonstrating that coercion cannot force compliance.
The scarcity of commercial LPG has emerged after shipments from the Gulf region were disrupted amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. India relies heavily on imports from this region for its LPG requirements.
President Donald Trump said that US gains from higher oil prices. However, his main focus is stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He described Iran as an "evil empire" whose nuclear ambitions threaten global stability. The conflict with Iran has entered its thirteenth day. The US has reportedly spent over $11.
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