NEW DELHI: The cost of crude for Indian refiners has soared 93% since the conflict in the Gulf broke out on Feb 28 and hit $136.56 a barrel on Friday, eroding profits for domestic players ranging from IndianOil, HPCL and BPCL to Reliance Industries. Several countries, including the US, let retail prices rise in line with increase in crude prices. In India, oil companies have so far kept pump prices unchanged and have taken a hit on their margins after pocketing gains for months. It’s unlikely that govt, which has been raking in revenue, will make any changes until March 31 to ensure that taxes and fiscal balance are in line with budget targets.

Crude prices to remain volatile until ship movement normalisesWith elections due in four states and the UT of Puducherry, the political green light is unlikely until the last phase of voting on April 29. In the US, gasoline prices were estimated at $3.7 a gallon on Monday, according to AAA data. Since the war broke out, benchmark Brent crude has seen an increase of over 40%, while Russian Urals crude has risen by over 50%. The Indian basket — which comprises sour crude from Oman and Dubai, as well as the sweet grade of Brent Dated — was estimated at $70.9 a barrel on Feb 26 and rose to $127.2 on March 12, before soaring $9.3 a barrel, or 7.3%, to $136.5 on Friday, official data showed. India was in a sweet spot for months, buying discounted Russian crude, whose prices have now increased. The spike is on account of a global scarcity caused by Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for 20% of global oil and gas supply. For India, the impact is even greater, as the narrow channel supplies around 60% of the energy processed in the country. Crude prices are expected to remain volatile until the movement of vessels from Hormuz is normalised. Brent rallied to a threeyear high of $120 a barrel on March 9 but cooled later after International Energy Agency members decided to release 400 million barrels from emergency reserves to try to quell soaring prices. Axis Bank chief economist Neelkanth Mishra, who is also a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the PM, said if crude remains around $100 per barrel for a year, India’s import bill would rise sharply and hurt the trade balance by about $80 billion, or 2.1% of GDP. In a recent report, ratings agency ICRA said prolonged conflict risks disruption of energy supplies and shipping routes, impacting India’s macroeconomic outlook and multiple sectors. It added that a $10 increase in the average price of crude oil for the year (vis-a-vis the baseline estimate) would raise the country’s current account deficit by 30-40 bps. Gita Gopinath, professor of economics at Harvard University, said higher crude prices will impact global economic growth. “If we are now looking at an average of $85 a barrel for 2026, then that could shave off around 0.3-0.4pp from global growth. Headline inflation could rise by 60 bps,” she posted on X on Sunday

US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that the United States has “literally obliterated” Iran’s military capabilities, saying American forces have struck more than 7,000 targets across the country since the start of the conflict, even as he urged other nations to join efforts to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.Speaking ahead of a meeting with the Kennedy Center board of trustees, Trump offered one of his most sweeping assessments yet of the US-led campaign against Iran, declaring that Tehran’s air force, navy, air defences and command structure had been devastated.

“Our powerful military campaign to end the threats posed by the Iranian regime continued in full force over the past few days. They have been literally obliterated. The Air Force is gone. The Navy is gone. Many, many ships have been sunk,” Trump said.“They’re war-fighting ships, anti-aircraft is decimated, their radar is gone, and their leaders are gone. Other than that, they’re doing quite well,” he added.

Trump claims over 7,000 US strikes, sharp drop in Iranian attacks

Trump said the US had struck more than 7,000 targets across Iran since the war began, targeting both commercial and military sites, and claimed the operation had sharply degraded Tehran’s offensive capabilities.“Since the beginning of the conflict, we’ve struck more than 7,000 targets across Iran, and these have been mostly commercial and military targets. We’ve achieved a 90 per cent reduction in their ballistic missile launches and a 95 per cent reduction in drone attacks,” Trump said.He added that the US had also hit facilities involved in missile and drone production.“We’ve also attacked the manufacturing plants, the places where they manufacture the missiles and the drones, and that’s going on today. We just hit three of them today,” he said.Trump further claimed that more than 100 Iranian naval vessels had been “sunk or destroyed” over the last week and a half, including 30 mine-laying ships, as Washington seeks to blunt Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Gulf.“We are aggressively dismantling Iran’s defence industrial base, and its ability to rebuild its missiles and drone capability is getting close to zero,” he said.

Kharg Island strike claim and warning on Iranian oil infrastructure

Trump also said the US had struck Kharg Island, home to Iran’s main oil export terminal, but claimed Washington had deliberately avoided completely destroying energy infrastructure.“We attacked Kharg Island and knocked it. We destroyed everything on the island except for the area where the oil is. We left the pipes,” Trump said.“We didn’t want to do that, but we will do that… But for purposes of someday rebuilding that country, I guess we did the right thing,” he added.Tehran has accused the United States, without evidence, of using “ports, docks and hideouts” in the United Arab Emirates to launch strikes on Kharg Island.

Trump says Strait of Hormuz is in ‘very good shape’ but asks other countries to ‘come and help us’

Despite his claims of battlefield success, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz — the strategic waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world’s traded oil normally flows — remains vulnerable because of its narrow geography and Iran’s ability to launch short-range attacks.“We have it (Strait of Hormuz) in very good shape. We’ve already taken care of Iran, but now, because of the fact that literally a single terrorist can shoot a missile, and it’s fairly close range, because it is a tight area… Iran has always used that as an economic weapon,” Trump said.“It’s not going to be able to be used very long. Numerous countries have told me they’re on the way. Some are very enthusiastic about it, and some are countries that we’ve helped for many, many years,” he added.Earlier, Trump said he wanted countries that rely on Gulf oil flows to step up.“Come and help us with the Strait,” he said, according to CBS News, while adding that he would not specify which nations had agreed to assist.Trump’s comments came as the US continues trying to assemble a coalition to protect shipping through the waterway after Iranian strikes and mining threats effectively disrupted tanker traffic.

Allies respond coolly to Trump’s call for naval support

But Trump’s appeal has so far met a cautious — and in some cases outright negative — response from allies.American allies around the world have responded coolly or rebuffed Trump’s call to send warships to escort merchant vessels through the Persian Gulf, reflecting strain in Washington’s alliance relationships after the US and Israel launched the war without broad prior consultation.The sharpest refusal came from Germany, where defence minister Boris Pistorius said, “This is not our war; we did not start it,” according to the New York Times.Japan, Italy and Australia signalled on Monday that they would not participate in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while France, South Korea and Britain were more non-committal.In London, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not be “drawn into wider war”, while still working with allies on what he called a “viable collective plan” to restore freedom of navigation in the strait.Starmer said Britain is discussing with the US and partners in Europe and the Gulf whether to use mine-hunting drones already stationed in the region, but signalled the UK is unlikely to send a warship.Italy also showed reluctance. Foreign minister Antonio Tajani said Rome supports reinforcing EU naval missions in the Red Sea, but added, “I don’t think these missions can be expanded to include the Strait of Hormuz.”Trump has also publicly warned that a lack of allied support could damage the alliance. He told the Financial Times on Sunday that if Nato members refused or gave a negative response, “it will be very bad for the future of Nato.”

Chaitra Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals and marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar New Year in many parts of India. The nine-day celebration is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as Navadurga. During this time, devotees across the country observe fasts, offer prayers, perform rituals, and decorate homes and temples to welcome the divine feminine energy.In 2026, families and societies will be celebrating Chaitra Navratri with great zeal and enthusiasm by worshipping the goddess as well as seeking the blessings of prosperity, health and happiness. The festival also represents the triumph of good over evil and the reinvigorating of faith, hope and positivity.

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During these nine auspicious days, devotees worship the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga—Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri and Mahagauri along with Siddhidatri. Each day of the festival is devoted to one of these forms with special prayers, rituals and offerings made to each. Besides religious rituals, people also greet and wish their family, friends and colleagues during Navratri. Harbingers of festive cheer and strengthening ties, messages of goodwill and devotion are shared on social media, through messaging apps and exchanged via greeting cards. We bring to you 50 of them, wishes messages quotes that you can share with your loved ones to mark the occasion.

Chaitra Navratri wishes

Wishing you strength, wisdom and prosperity this Chaitra Navratri — may Goddess Durga bless you abundantly. Happy Navratri 2026. Happy and blessed Chaitra Navratri for you and your family with happiness and devotion. Wishing you a Dussehra that brings with it the goodness of Maa Durga, peace and prosperity into your life. Happy Navratri. May the nine nights of Navratri fill your life with positivity, happiness and new beginnings!

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May all the obstacles in your path be overturned by Goddess Durga and you succeed in life. Happy Chaitra Navratri. Wishing you nine days of devotion, happiness and spiritual growth. Happy Navratri 2026. May the blessings of Maa Durga be always with you in your life, may all joys, health and wealth surround you. Wish this festival of Navratri introduces new hope and opportunities in your life. May Goddess Durga bless you and your family with divine energy forever. May your home be filled with happiness and divine blessings this Navratri.

Chaitra Navratri messages

May Maa Durga shower you with courage, strength and wisdom to overcome every hurdle in your life on this auspicious day of Chaitra Navratri! May your Navratri be filled with devotion, positivity and the divine grace of Goddess Durga. May the nine forms of Maa Durga bless you with all nine in your life—health, happiness, peace, prosperity, wisdom, strength success harmony and love.

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This is the time for celebration of the supreme divine power; lets pray to Maa Durga to give us a bright future ahead. Happy Navratri. May Maa Durga’s divine blessings are with you on every aspect of life leading to success and happiness. May your heart be full of devotions and your life be filled with wealth on this holy festival. Navratri is a festival celebrating faith, devotion and the triumph of good over evil. Wishing you a blessed festival. Let this Navratri enter your home with peace and into your life with success. May Goddess Durga bless you on these nine nights of Navratri. Wishing your family good health this Chaitra Navratri, may Maa Durga shower love happiness and prosperity.

Chaitra Navratri wishes for family and friends

Have a happy and spiritually fulfilling Chaitra Navratri to you and your family. Wishing you and your family happiness, success and good health this Navratri. Hope this nine holy days bring all positivity and prosperity to your home by the grace of Maa Durga. Warm wishes from the bottom of my heart to you & your family at a festive occasion like Chaitra Navratri. May the happiness of Navratri fill your soul with hope and happiness. Navratri symbolizes the victory of good over evil and may this festival increases your beliefs and bring you closer to divine.

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May the nine nights of your devotion leads you to eternal happiness. Happy Navratri. The grace of Maa Durga may simmer your space, a blissful and prosperous life. May Goddess Durga bless you and lead you to success forever.

Inspirational Chaitra Navratri quotes

“May Goddess Durga’s divine power gives you strength to fight all obstacles in life.” “Navratri teaches us that faith and dedication always guide us towards light and positivity.” “The power of Maa Durga is courage, compassion and wisdom.” “May nine nights of Navratri bring devotion in heart and happiness in life.” “Divine mother’s blessings, may it take you the way of success and peace.” “Navratri embodies the victory of virtue over vice and the strength of faith.” “The blessings of Maa Durga fill us with strength, courage and positivity.” “May this Navratri encourage you to face positivity and defeat negativity.” “May Navratri inspire you to achieve greatness.” “The true spirit of Navratri is faith, devotion and positivity.”

Navratri wishes for social media

Happy Chaitra Navratri. Happy Durga Puja | May Maa Shakti shower you with joy and prosperity. May you have nine days of worship and blessings this Navratri. Let the blessings of Maa Durga fill your life with peace and prosperous. Happy Navratri.

Happy Navratri, rest on your devotion and love to the divine spirit.May your life be gratified with positivity from the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Wishing you and your family warm Navratri wishes. May the blessings of Maa Durga be always with you. Happy Navratri 2026.This Chaitra Navratri, may you be blessed with joy, peace and prosperity.Wishing you a Happy Navratri, may it spread happiness and devotion in your life.Happy Chaitra Navratri. Wishing you success, health and prosperity in your life.Devotees across India observe these nine holy days by praying, following rituals and celebrating this auspicious time period; exchanging Navratri greetings is a great way to show devotion and goodwill. These wishes encapsulate the spirit of Chaitra Navratri, shared via messages, social media posts or personal greetings filled with faith and well-wishes.

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Monday rejected the annual report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom for 2026, which recommended targeted sanctions on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Research and Analysis Wing for violations of religious freedom.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a statement, said that the commission has persisted in presenting a distorted, selective picture of India by relying on questionable sources and ideological narratives rather than objective facts.

“We have taken note of the latest report of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). We categorically reject its motivated and biased characterization of India. For several years now, USCIRF has persisted in presenting a distorted and selective picture of India, relying on questionable sources and ideological narratives rather than objective facts. Such repeated misrepresentations only undermine the credibility of the Commission itself,” Jaiswal said.“Instead of persisting with selective criticism of India, USCIRF would do well to reflect on the disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, selective targeting of India, and growing intolerance and intimidation of members of the Indian diaspora in the United States, which merit serious attention,” he added.This comes after USCIRF designated India as a “country of particular concern” and asked United States to link arms sales and trade policies to religious freedom.USCIRF said its report, Systematic Religious Persecution in India, provides an overview of India’s social, political, and criminal justice systems as they relate to issues regarding freedom of religion or belief (FoRB).“It also examines the relationship between Hindu nationalist groups like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the implications of this dynamic for FoRB. Despite offering some constitutional protections for FoRB, India’s political system facilitates a climate of discrimination toward religious minority communities,” the report alleged.USCIRF also argued that conditions for religious freedom in India have “continued to deteriorate” and accused the Indian government of “targeting” religious minorities and houses of worship.“Several states undertook efforts to introduce or strengthen anti-conversion laws to include harsher prison sentences. Indian authorities also facilitated widespread detention and illegal expulsion of citizens and religious refugees and tolerated vigilante attacks against religious minority communities,” the report said.Created in 1998 by an act of the United States Congress, the USCIRF “monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) abroad” and makes recommendations to the President of the United States, the United States Department of State, and Congress.The agency says it acts independently, but the US President and senior political leaders in the House of Representatives and the Senate appoint its nine commissioners.In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF had recommended that the US Department of State designate India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) “for engaging in systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations”.Jaiswal noted in March this year that India is home to 1.4 billion people who are adherents of all religions known to mankind.He had said that USCIRF should be designated as an entity of concern.“We have no expectation that the USCIRF will engage with the reality of India’s pluralistic framework or acknowledge the harmonious coexistence of its diverse communities. Such efforts to undermine India’s standing as a beacon of democracy and tolerance will not succeed. In fact, it is the USCIRF that should be designated as an entity of concern,” he said.MEA had earlier termed USCIRF “a biased organisation with a political agenda” and said it continues to misrepresent facts and peddle a motivated narrative about India.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday posted another video of himself as rumours about his death continue to circulate on social media.In a video shared on his social media account, Netanyahu was seen chatting with people at an outdoor location.“Sticking to the guidelines and winning together,” the post read.

This comes a day after the Israeli prime minister mocked rumours about his death and the “six fingers” claim.In the video posted on his personal X handle, Netanyahu can be heard saying, “Great (he tells the seller giving him coffee), Thanks.”“What did you ask me?” he is seen asking the videographer.When told that channels were saying he is dead, Netanyahu mocks, “I am dying for coffee.”The speculation surfaced during a period of heightened regional tensions that began on February 28, when Israel and the United States carried out coordinated strikes on targets in Iran.The “six fingers” rumour gathered pace after the Israeli prime minister shared a video of a press conference on Friday, addressing the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.Some social media users claimed the footage was AI-generated, alleging that the prime minister appeared to have six fingers on his right hand.In particular, users pointed to a moment around the 0:35 mark when Benjamin Netanyahu raises his hands. They argued that what looked like extra flesh near his little finger was a “classic AI finger glitch,” suggesting the video had been artificially generated.Responding to queries about the claims, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said the reports were completely false.“These are fake news; the prime minister is fine,” the office told Anadolu News when asked about posts claiming Netanyahu had been killed in retaliation for recent Israeli and US strikes on Iran.Earlier in the day, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar also scotched rumours about Netanyahu, saying “PM Netanyahu is alive”.Interacting with reporters in Delhi, he also said a video of Netanyahu’s visit to a cafe in Israel was not “AI-fabricated”, dismissing the claim as spreading of “disinformation”.“PM Netanyahu is alive. I saw him when I was in Israel more than once. The video at the cafe is not AI-fabricated. A lot of disinformation is being spread,” Azar said.He also accused Iran and its “accomplices” of spreading disinformation.

Many non-resident Indians (NRIs) invest heavily in Indian real estate, however experts have flagged that these properties may not give the financial returns or security buyers expect. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) who have concentrated their wealth in Indian real estate are facing increasing challenges, with experts cautioning that such investments may not deliver the financial returns or security many expect. The trend of investing in homes or land back in India has long been popular among NRIs, often motivated by plans to return, family expectations, or the perception of property as a safe, tangible asset. However, market observers note that these holdings frequently underperform as an investment.In a column for ET, Uma Shashikant, chairperson of the Centre for Investment Education and Learning, highlighted the risks of investing in property in India.

Older flats can become outdated

Housing in India has changed fast. Older properties risk becoming outdated, as housing standards in India have evolved rapidly in recent decades. Flats purchased even five to ten years ago may lack modern amenities, efficient layouts, or the design features that newer developments offer, reducing their attractiveness to potential buyers or renters. “The houses bought for occupation after serveral years run the risk of obsolescence. Many of them admitted they were unhappy with the flats they had purchased just a few years ago. Hence, that 1,500 sq ft flat in a crowded complex could run the risk of becoming unattractive over the years,” she wrote.

Family-related purchases can further complicate the picture. Many NRIs buy property to provide better living conditions for parents or relatives, often leaving the asset in the family member’s name. While such purchases may carry sentimental value, they rarely generate income for the buyer and can limit legal control over the asset. “It turns out to be an investment that yields no rent or return, but further commitments for upgradation and possible loss of ownership of the asset,” she added.

Currency depreciation compounds the problem. Investments funded in foreign currency lose value over time as the rupee weakens, reducing the international purchasing power of these properties. “These investments are made mostly due to pressure from families and parents to invest in property back home as a safety net or hook for possible return.” With children growing up abroad, and NRIs increasingly unlikely to return, many find themselves holding large, illiquid assets that no longer serve their intended purpose.

NRIs often avoid property management services due to cost. But leaving flats empty or relying on distant oversight can lead to expensive repairs, tenant issues, and legal hassles. Experts say that NRIs should consider buying property where they live. Local real estate is easier to manage, less affected by currency swings, and can provide rental income or inheritance benefits.She added, that by purchasing property where they live they “will benefit from laws and processes that they understand; proximity and better level of control; ease of sale without the fear of black money; availability to children as a bequest; and no loss from currency depreciation.”

Komal Jamwar was only 33 when it happened.One morning, she woke up to find her left leg drooping. She limped out of bed and went to her husband and mother-in-law to tell them about it. They rubbed her feet and suggested it might have happened because of her sleeping position. The matter was dismissed, and Komal went about doing her daily chores.By afternoon, however, the weakness began to worsen, and the family grew worried. Komal went to a doctor with her husband. After examining her, the doctor prescribed a few medicines and told her not to worry, saying it might just be a normal cramp. That evening, there was a family function. Her husband suggested that she come along so that she might feel a little better. Komal went to the party, returned late, and went to sleep. The next morning, when she woke up, both her legs seemed to have stopped working. As she tried to get out of bed, she fell. Startled and frightened, Komal began to cry. Hearing the commotion, her husband, sister-in-law, and mother-in-law rushed to her.

She was immediately taken to a hospital in Jammu, where she was admitted for five days. But doctors were initially unable to determine what had caused the sudden paralysis. On the sixth day, they finally diagnosed her with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and said she needed immediate treatment.GBS is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, often after a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. The condition usually begins with tingling or weakness in the legs and can rapidly progress to paralysis. Thankfully, the disease does have treatment, and the prognosis is generally good if treated in time. But the treatment was expensive. “The doctors told us that one injection would cost around ₹1 lakh and that several doses would be required over a few days,” Komal said. “Later, my family discovered that the medicine was available in the market for around ₹15,000–₹16,000. They managed to arrange the injections, and the doctors began the treatment.” “But instead of feeling better my condition started worsening. I started feeling a heaviness in my chest and could not breathe. The next day the doctors declared me dead and asked my husband to take me home.”

“But my parents and my husband were not ready to accept this. My husband, who is not a doctor and works as an electrician in the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine shrine board, refused to give up. He began giving me CPR. He kept doing it for nearly 35 minutes, or maybe even longer. After some time, I slowly started responding and they could hear me breathing again, ” says Komal.The hospital did not have a ventilator, so Komal was rushed to a hospital in Ludhiana, where she was admitted and put on a ventilator. Doctors placed her on antibiotics and began treating her condition. Gradually, her chest cleared, and she started showing signs of improvement. “It was there that the doctors told me that the injections that had been given to me at a duration of 5-6 days, were all inhected within 24 hours. They said that this led to my condition worsening,” she said. But despite the treatment, Komal remained paralyzed and could not even lift a finger.“I remained bedridden for eight to nine months. When I was in the hospital, my husband and parents took care of me. After we returned home, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law looked after me with great care. It is because of them that I am alive and able to walk today. We also hired a physiotherapist, and she worked really diligently to help me get back on my feet. The therapy was painful, but she kept encouraging me. My children were very young at the time and they would keep hovering around me, which was such a comfort and motivation to get better.” she recalled.

“It was after four to five years that I finally started walking with the help of a walker. Now I can walk on my own, but my walk is not completely stable. If you see me walking, you can still tell that there is a problem,” says Komal. “I always believed that I would survive because I had to take care of my children, and my husband simply refused to give up on me. I think when you truly believe in something and want it deeply, you find the strength to achieve it.“It is true that I had moments of weakness, but my will to live was strong. The love and support of my family were so powerful that I had no option but to overcome this,” Komal says. Today, Komal is healthy and living a normal life with her family. Her story is a reminder of what hope and faith can do for a person. Declared dead at one point, it was her husband’s determination that helped bring her back, and her own belief and perseverance that helped her fight her way back from the brink of death.Faith can move mountains—and Komal’s journey proves it.