Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty ended nearly 2 per cent higher on Wednesday, starting the new financial year on a firm footing as global markets rallied on hopes of a potential de-escalation in the ongoing West Asia conflict.The 30-share BSE Sensex jumped 1,186.77 points or 1.65 per cent to settle at 73,134.32. During intra-day trade, it surged 2,017.03 points or 2.80 per cent to 73,964.58.The broader NSE Nifty rose 348 points or 1.56 per cent to close at 22,679.40. A decline in crude oil prices also supported investor sentiment.

Nifty50 top gainers

Nifty50 top losers

Sensex top gainers

Sensex top losers

“Indian equity markets opened the new financial year on a positive note, with stocks soaring on fresh optimism surrounding a potential de-escalation of the Middle East conflict and easing of energy supply disruptions,” said Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money.He added that US President Donald Trump’s remarks suggesting the US could withdraw from Iran “whether we have a deal or not” within the next two to three weeks provided the trigger for a broad rally in global risk assets.“Indian equity markets opened FY27 on a strong note, driven by improving risk appetite following US President Donald Trump’s remarks hinting at a potential resolution to the West Asia conflict,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments Limited.In the US, markets ended significantly higher on Tuesday, with the Nasdaq Composite surging 3.83 per cent, the S&P 500 rising 2.91 per cent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 2.49 per cent.Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, declined 0.22 per cent to USD 103.7 per barrel.Stock markets were closed on Tuesday on account of Shri Mahavir Jayanti.Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 11,163.06 crore on Monday, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 14,894.72 crore, according to exchange data.

While the notion that we might be approaching Earth’s maximum, or its breaking point, has previously been associated with environmentalism, there is now a growing amount of scientific research to support this notion. With our population exceeding eight billion, we are finding it increasingly difficult to deny the pressure we are placing on our environment. However, the problem is not as simple as “too many people,” and it has a great deal to do with how we use our resources, how we dispose of our waste, and how we interact with our environment. Scientists who study our planet and its health are concerned that we are, in fact, destabilising our environment and posing a question to ourselves: are we approaching Earth’s breaking point?

Planetary boundaries: Understanding Earth’s limits

To get an understanding of the extent of the problem, the concept of planetary boundaries has been created, which refers to the environment in which human beings can safely operate. The boundaries include climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater use, and land system change, among others. Crossing these boundaries increases the chances of irreversible damage to the environment.According to the researchers from the Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the boundaries can be referred to as the “safe operating space for humanity,” which indicates that once these boundaries are crossed, the Earth will no longer be able to function in a stable and predictable manner.Recent research indicates that human beings have crossed several boundaries, including those concerning biodiversity loss and climate change. This indicates that human beings are no longer affecting the environment but are actually changing it.

Population growth and resource demand

The global population crisis has been regarded as the major cause of environmental stress. With more human beings, there will be a greater demand for food, water, energy, and land use. The increasing human population will result in more urbanisation, agricultural production, and energy consumption, thereby causing environmental stress.However, environmental scientists now tend to be more careful in explaining that human population growth, per se, does not tell the entire story. According to a major study at the University of Leeds, no country today succeeds in meeting human needs without surpassing sustainable limits.As researcher Daniel O’Neill explains:“Almost everything we do, from having dinner to surfing the Internet, uses resources in some way.”This approach shifts the debate away from human population growth and towards consumption. In many countries, particularly in more affluent countries, human consumption patterns now use many more resources than what is sustainable.

Are we nearing Earth’s breaking point

The term “breaking point” may sound somewhat dramatic, but it is in fact an expression of genuine scientific worry. A study published in the Lancet Planetary Health journal on the safe and just planetary boundaries reveals the following: “The degradation of the environment is becoming more rapid due to overuse of resources and unequal consumption patterns. While some people are consuming far more than the planet can sustainably support, others are unable to access the minimum they need.” The scientists involved in the study explain: “The safe operating space for humanity is decreasing, which means the margin of error is becoming smaller year by year.”

The actual challenge: Rethinking how we live

The question, however, is not how many people inhabit the Earth, but how they choose to inhabit it. Overconsumption, inefficient use of resources, and neglect of the environment are among the main reasons for the current problems. To solve these problems, we do not just need new technologies; we also need a new mindset.According to experts, the sustainable future will bring about a reduction in our resource-consuming lifestyle, clean and renewable energy, and equitable use and distribution of resources. The idea is not just to exist, but to exist in a manner that will enable us to flourish.As research continues to prove, our planet is not yet beyond repair, but it is definitely under stress, and our actions will determine whether we can heal our planet or take a step closer to its limits.

Reserve Bank of India (File photo)

With the beginning of the new financial year, India’s digital payments landscape is poised for a major security overhaul as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rolls out stricter authentication norms from April 1.The move comes in response to rising transaction volumes and increasing fraud risks. RBI aims to strengthen the country’s payment ecosystem with more robust and adaptive safeguards.

What is changing in digital payments?

Under the updated rules, all digital transactions will now require two-factor authentication (2FA). This means that every transaction must incorporate at least one dynamic element such as a one-time password, biometric verification (fingerprint, face ID, etc.) or device-based authentication, according to ET. Previously, OTPs alone were sufficient, but experts have raised concerns over vulnerabilities to phishing and SIM-swap attacks.According to Sanjay Tripathy, CEO and Co-Founder of cross-border payments platform BRISKPE, “The RBI by mandating risk-based checks has formalised a framework that encourages a variety of authentication mechanisms beyond just SMS-based OTPs. The requirement for an Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) in cross-border card-not-present transactions is a critical step to increase trust and reduce risks, benefiting both businesses and customers.” The RBI’s new framework signals a shift from rigid rule-based compliance to principle-driven regulation, promoting innovation while establishing a strong baseline for payment security.

Other banking and financial changes from April 1, 2026

Several banking and financial rules are set to change from April 1 affecting credit card users, FASTag holders, RuPay debit cardholders, PAN applicants and bank customers. SBI Card, for instance, has revised the redemption structure for its Cashback SBI Card, allowing statement credit redemption only in multiples of 4,000 reward points.The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has increased the annual FASTag pass fee from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,075 for the financial year 2026–27.RuPay Platinum debit card holders will no longer be able to access airport lounges, both domestic and international, as well as train lounges, following a circular issued by the National Payments Corporation of India. PAN card applications will also face stricter requirements: from April 1 applicants will need to submit additional documents beyond Aadhaar and the name on the PAN will now exactly match the Aadhaar card, making it crucial for citizens to ensure their Aadhaar details are correct.HDFC Bank has announced several updates affecting lending rates, fixed deposit interest rates, ATM withdrawals and locker charges, while other banks including Punjab National Bank and Bandhan Bank are revising ATM withdrawal limits, fees and related rules.New income tax frameworkFrom April 1, the Income-tax Act, 1961, will be repealed and replaced by the New Income-tax Act, 2025. Certain transitional provisions have been included to ensure pending proceedings under the old Act continue without disruption, allowing for a smooth transition.

Why these changes matter

The RBI’s 2FA mandate is a significant step towards enhancing digital payment security, reducing fraud and aligning India with global best practices.The changes to PAN rules and the tax framework aim to streamline compliance while making citizens more accountable for accurate documentation. Meanwhile, banking changes, including modifications to credit card redemption, FASTag fees, and ATM access, will directly impact how customers manage their daily transactions. Collectively, these measures mark a substantial shift in India’s financial and digital payment ecosystem, laying the groundwork for a safer, more regulated and technologically aligned financial system.

Gold prices in India remained firm on Wednesday tracking gains in the futures market, even as retail rates across cities showed an upward trend.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures continued to trade higher with all major contracts posting gains. The June 5, 2026 contract was trading at Rs 1,52,113 per 10 grams, up Rs 1,352 or 0.90%, after moving between Rs 1,51,068 and Rs 1,52,758 during the session.The August 5, 2026 contract rose Rs 1,777 or 1.16% to Rs 1,54,378 per 10 grams, while the near-term April 2, 2026 contract gained Rs 2,281 or 1.55% to trade at Rs 1,49,200 per 10 grams, indicating broad-based strength across maturities.Here is how gold prices stand across major cities today:

Gold price in Delhi today

Gold prices in the national capital rose, with 24K gold quoted at Rs 14,884 per gram, up Rs 141, while 22K gold increased by Rs 130 to Rs 13,645 per gram.

Gold price in Mumbai today

In Mumbai, 24K gold was priced at Rs 15,148 per gram, up Rs 279, and 22K gold stood at Rs 13,885 per gram, higher by Rs 255.

Gold price in Chennai today

In Chennai, 24K gold was selling at Rs 15,327 per gram, up Rs 414, while 22K gold moved up by Rs 380 to Rs 14,050 per gram.

Gold price in Kolkata today

Gold prices in Kolkata were higher, with 24K gold quoted at Rs 15,148 per gram, up Rs 279, while 22K gold stood at Rs 13,885 per gram, gaining Rs 255.

Gold price in Hyderabad today

In Hyderabad, 24K gold was priced at Rs 14,869 per gram, up Rs 141, and 22K gold was at Rs 13,630 per gram, higher by Rs 130.

Gold price in Bangalore today

Gold prices in Bangalore edged higher, with 24K gold quoted at Rs 14,869 per gram, up Rs 141, while 22K gold increased to Rs 13,630 per gram, up Rs 130.

Gold price in Ahmedabad today

In Ahmedabad, 24K gold was priced at Rs 15,153 per gram, up Rs 279, while 22K gold stood at Rs 13,890 per gram, higher by Rs 255.

Gold price in Patna today

Gold prices in Patna were up, with 24K gold quoted at Rs 15,153 per gram, up Rs 279, and 22K gold at Rs 13,890 per gram, gaining Rs 255.

Gold price in Jaipur today

In Jaipur, 24K gold was priced at Rs 15,163 per gram, up Rs 279, while 22K gold rose to Rs 13,900 per gram, higher by Rs 255.

Gold price in Lucknow today

Gold prices in Lucknow edged up, with 24K gold quoted at Rs 15,163 per gram, up Rs 279, and 22K gold at Rs 13,900 per gram, gaining Rs 255.

Top 10 changes to your finances (AI image)

It’s the start of a new financial year 2026-27, and from today, April 1, 2026 several small and big changes in the way you manage your finance, and income tax come into effect. Some of the changes affect credit card users, FASTag subscribers, RuPay debit cardholders. Here are some of the key revisions scheduled for implementation from the start of the new financial year.