India’s foreign exchange reserves recorded a sharp increase of $19.4 billion, according to the latest data released by the Reserve Bank of India. The substantial rise bolsters the country’s external position at a time of heightened global volatility and currency market fluctuations. The accretion was driven by gains in foreign currency assets, valuation effects and possible central bank interventions. A stronger reserve base enhances India’s ability to manage exchange-rate pressures, stabilize capital flows and cushion against external shocks.

Precious metals surged sharply as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East triggered a flight to safety across global financial markets. Gold climbed to multi-week highs, while silver posted strong gains, reflecting renewed investor demand for traditional safe-haven assets. The rally comes amid heightened uncertainty following military confrontations in the region, which have rattled equities and commodities alike. Market participants are recalibrating risk exposure, shifting capital toward assets perceived as stores of value.

Global crude oil markets rallied sharply, climbing nearly 9 percent after escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran heightened geopolitical risk across the Middle East. Brent crude approached USD 80 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark prices rose to USD 72.79. Despite the spike in international benchmarks, retail petrol and diesel prices in India are not expected to increase in the immediate term, according to industry sources.

The Reserve Bank of India has announced that 98.44 percent of Rs. 2,000 banknotes in circulation at the time of withdrawal have been returned to the banking system, marking one of the most comprehensive currency phase-outs in recent years. The update reflects the steady progress of the central bank’s calibrated liquidity management strategy following its decision to withdraw the high-denomination note. While the note remains legal tender, its presence in active circulation has diminished sharply.

Air India has announced a significant leadership reshuffle within its engineering division as part of its broader transformation agenda under the Tata Group. Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer Sisirakanta Dash will assume the newly created role of Group Chief Strategy Officer – Engineering from April 1, focusing on long-term capability building and infrastructure expansion. Jeremy Yew, a seasoned aviation engineering executive with over two decades of experience, will take charge of day-to-day engineering and maintenance operations.

Non-banking financial companies focused on gold-backed lending are projected to deliver improved profitability in the coming fiscal year, supported by sustained demand, operational efficiencies and historically low credit losses. Industry estimates suggest average return on managed assets could rise to between 4.25 percent and 4.5 percent, reflecting strengthened balance sheets and favorable asset quality trends. Despite intensifying competition from banks and diversified NBFCs, the gold loan segment remains structurally resilient due to its secured nature and short-tenor profile.

India and Canada have formally commenced negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signaling a renewed push to deepen economic engagement between two major democracies. The proposed pact aims to expand trade in goods and services while addressing broader policy coordination across strategic sectors. Officials from both nations have articulated an ambition to elevate bilateral trade to Rs. 4.15 lakh crore (approximately $50 billion) by 2030.

Transport unions across Maharashtra have declared an indefinite statewide strike beginning March 5, escalating tensions between operators and the state government over electronic traffic fines and regulatory grievances. The Maharashtra Transporters Action Committee, representing truckers, private bus operators and taxi unions, said recent discussions with authorities failed to yield concrete assurances. If implemented, the strike could disrupt freight movement, school transport and urban mobility across key economic corridors.

Gold prices recorded a dramatic surge of Rs. 7,000 in a single trading session, driven by escalating war-related tensions and heightened global uncertainty. The sharp rally underscores bullion’s enduring appeal as a safe-haven asset during periods of geopolitical instability. In Hyderabad, retail gold prices mirrored the national upswing, reflecting robust investor demand and precautionary buying. The sudden spike has reignited concerns over inflation hedging and portfolio rebalancing, while traders caution that volatility may persist.

Mahindra has expanded its electric vehicle portfolio with the launch of the XEV 9e Cineluxe special edition, priced at Rs. 29.35 lakh (ex-showroom). Positioned above the Pack Three Select variant equipped with an 11kW AC charger and priced at Rs. 28.65 lakh, the new edition commands a Rs. 70,000 premium. The incremental pricing reflects primarily cosmetic enhancements aimed at strengthening the model’s aspirational positioning rather than mechanical upgrades.