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India Growth Slows As Energy Shock Bites: PMI Flags Weak Demand, Rising Costs

The output growth eased across both manufacturing and services sectors in India in the month of March as the energy shock unfolds amid the West Asia tensions, the HSBC Flash India PMI data showed on Tuesday. The PMI Composite Output Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of India’s manufacturing and service sectors – stood at 56.5 in March. “Softer domestic demand weighed on new orders, which rose at the slowest pace in more than three years, despite a record surge in new export orders. Cost pressures intensified, but companies are absorbing part of the increase by squeezing margins,” said Pranjul Bhandari, Chief India Economist at HSBC. Companies indicated that the Middle East war, unstable market conditions and inflationary pressures all dampened growth. Input costs and selling charges increased at the fastest rates in 45 and seven months, respectively. There were softer increases in new orders placed with manufacturing companies and their services counterparts. Collectively, sales rose at the slowest pace since November 2022, showed the data compiled by S&P Global. Outstanding business volumes at the composite level rose for the fourth successive month in March, but the pace of accumulation was only marginal. Manufacturing-specific data showed further increases in buying levels and stocks of purchases at the end of the last fiscal quarter. In both cases, however, rates of expansion eased from February. In terms of delivery times, companies reported a marked improvement in vendor performance. “Firms absorbed a large part of their additional cost burdens, as indicated by a rise in selling prices that trailed that of input costs by a considerable margin. Nonetheless, the rate of charge inflation was marked and the strongest in seven months,” said the PMI data. The Indian private sector firms were optimistic of an increase in output levels over the course of the coming 12 months. Efficiency enhancements, marketing campaigns and new client enquiries were some of the reasons companies gave for their positive assessments. (This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

RGV BASHES 'War 2' while hailing 'Dhurandhar 2'

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma lauded 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' for its realistic portrayal of human emotion and vulnerability, contrasting it with the "expressionless" superheroism in big-budget films like 'War 2'. Varma praised Aditya Dhar's nuanced characters, highlighting Ranveer Singh's pain as 'real', unlike the 'supermen' who don't feel pain, sparking debate on evolving Indian heroes. Read on to know more in detail.

ABP Live Doc Talk | Is Extreme Heat Damaging Your Skin? Here’s The Science You Need To Know

The dreaded Indian summer season is almost here. Summers in India are not just about high temperatures, heat strokes, and water shortages. They present unique challenges to skin health, which are defined by environmental factors such as extreme UV indices and relentless heat. Geographically speaking, most of India is in a zone where the sun’s rays strike at a direct angle, which leads to higher concentration of radiation caused by both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. ALSO READ: World Tuberculosis Day 2026: Understanding Its History, Importance, Theme And More Why Indian Skin Needs Barrier-First Care Unlike the milder sunlight found in temperate climates, the Indian sun causes persistent dehydration, stripping the skin of its natural moisture and undermining the integrity of the acid mantle. This specific climatic pressure makes barrier-first skincare a necessity rather than a luxury or a choice for the Indian people. Early Signs of Ageing You Shouldn't Ignore The skin barrier, or the stratum corneum, also known as the body’s first line of defense, acts like a shield during a typical Indian summer. The combination of intense heat and high humidity creates a paradox that leads to skin appearing oily due to increased sebum, yet it is often structurally dehydrated.  This dehydration leads to transepidermal water loss, where the microscopic mortar (lipids including ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids that combine to act like glue) between skin cells begins to crack. Once this barrier is breached, the skin becomes hyper-reactive, making it susceptible to heat rashes and deep-seated inflammation caused by urban pollution and UV exposure. As early as the 30s, nine visible changes can begin to appear, such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, reduced firmness, loss of elasticity, dryness, dullness, and changes in texture. As awareness around long-term skin health grows, many people are shifting their focus towards preventive care focused on healthy ageing and everyday skincare habits rather than relying only on corrective treatments later or regressive anti-aging routines. Smart Skincare For Heat And Humidity To counter the ill-effects of damaging heat exposure, dermatological solutions for the Indian consumer have shifted focus to include peptides, specifically purified peptides. While the term ‘peptide’ is common in skincare, purified peptides represent a higher level of efficacy against sun and heat exposure.  These are short-chain amino acids that have been refined to become highly bioavailable, meaning they can penetrate the skin’s surface more effectively, even in humid conditions. They act as biological messengers that specifically signal the skin to produce more of the essential proteins, such as collagen and elastin, which are required to knit a damaged barrier back together. The beauty of purified peptides lies in their weightless nature. When it comes to facial skin, people prefer lightweight and easy-to-absorb textured products which don’t leave a thick, white cast. Peptides are also better for sensitive skin since sensitive skin ages differently because its barrier is already compromised. Peptides help preserve this barrier. Heavy, occlusive creams often lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Therefore, they are not considered suitable for skin types in urban centers (like Delhi) which experience sweltering heat or coastal centers like Mumbai, which experience much humidity.  Peptides: The Key To Barrier Repair And Resilience Purified peptides provide a sophisticated alternative, offering structural reinforcement and cellular firming without the heavy texture. When we integrate these molecules into daily skincare, the skin learns to retain its moisture, while defending itself from heat stress. Products which have a barrier-focused formulation often include a combination of ingredients that support the skin’s natural protective layer. Ingredients like vitamin B3 (niacinamide) are commonly used for maintaining the skin barrier, while pro-vitamin B5 helps keep the skin hydrated and comfortable. Some formulations also include antioxidant plant extracts, such as edelweiss, for their protective and soothing properties. Targeted approach like this ensures that the skin’s internal scaffolding remains robust and prevents sagging and fine lines which are often accelerated by collagen breakdown due to sun exposure. Protecting Indian skin in the harsh summer season needs more than sunscreens and face washes. It demands a scientific commitment to barrier health. The structural repair that purified peptides offer helps to keep skin resilient, soothed, and hydrated from the inside. Studies have also shown visible improvements in aspects such as 70% radiance, along with a reduction in the appearance of fine lines. In a climate as demanding as the typical Indian summer, a barrier-centric approach is the best way to maintain a healthy skin that can truly face the elements. Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is shared by experts and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty Jump Over 1% Amid Global Relief Rally

Market Update at 12:15 PM: The Nifty 50 and the Sensex were trading higher on Tuesday, supported by gains in Banking, financial, and IT stocks. The Nifty 50 was up 1.30 per cent or 293.75 points at 22,807.65, while the Sensex rose 1.33 per cent or 968.50 points to 73,664.44. Among the Top Gainers in the Nifty 50 index were Apollo Hospitals Enterprise, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Shriram Finance, contributing to the market’s upward momentum. In the broader markets, indices came off their opening highs but continued to trade in positive territory. The Nifty MidCap index was up 1.66 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index gained 1.43 per cent. On the sectoral front, the Nifty Auto index outperformed its peers with gains of nearly 2 per cent. The Nifty PSU Bank and Nifty Metal indices also registered strong performance. Meanwhile, the Nifty IT index emerged as the worst performer, posting the least gains among sectors. In the commodities market, Brent crude prices surged 4.2 per cent to cross the USD 104-per-barrel mark after Iran denied holding talks with the U.S. and reported a fresh attack on its energy infrastructure. Earlier, Brent crude had slipped below the USD 100-per-barrel level after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that energy strikes were delayed by five days following productive discussions with Iran.   Market Update at 09:34 AM: India’s benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty 50, opened higher on Tuesday, tracking positive global cues after the U.S. delayed strikes on Iran’s power infrastructure, easing immediate geopolitical concerns. As of 9:17 AM, the Sensex was trading 1,014.18 points or 1.40 per cent higher at 73,741, while the Nifty 50 gained 297.10 points or 1.32 per cent to trade at 22,819.75. The broader markets also witnessed strong buying interest, with the Nifty MidCap rising 1.84 per cent and the Nifty SmallCap advancing 1.64 per cent. In the commodities market, Brent crude hovered near the USD 100-per-barrel mark during the Asian session amid mixed signals from the U.S. and Iran regarding possible de-escalation in the Middle East. The June futures contract was trading 4.32 per cent higher at USD 99.9 per barrel. On the sectoral front, the Nifty Auto index outperformed with gains of nearly 2 per cent. The Nifty PSU Bank and Nifty Metal indices also registered strong performance. In contrast, the Nifty IT index emerged as the worst performer, posting the least gains among sectoral indices. Earlier, Brent crude had slipped below the USD 100-per-barrel mark after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that energy strikes were delayed by five days following productive discussions with Iran. However, Iranian officials denied any talks with Washington, stating that the conflict continued, which limited the decline in oil prices.   Pre-Market Update at 7:53 AM: India’s benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open higher on Tuesday, tracking a global market rally amid signs of easing tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict. As of 7:26 am, GIFTY Nifty was trading around the 22,836 level, up by nearly 371 points from the Nifty futures’ previous close, indicating a gap-up start for the Indian stock market indices. Asian markets traded higher on Tuesday, following signs of de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran war. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.59 per cent, while the Topix rose 1.49 per cent. South Korea’s Kospi and Kosdaq traded flat. The Hong Kong Hang Seng index was up 0.7 per cent. Meanwhile, U.S. equities closed higher overnight after Washington delayed planned strikes on Iranian power plants, boosting investor sentiment. In the latest development on the U.S.-Iran conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump extended the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and delayed strikes on Iranian power plants by five days. He stated that U.S. envoys are in talks with a “respected” Iranian leader and suggested Iran may be open to a deal, although Iranian officials denied such negotiations. On the regulatory front, the SEBI board approved a broad set of proposals, including easing fund settlement norms for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) and revising regulatory frameworks for market intermediaries. It also cleared recommendations related to conflict of interest and disclosure norms for SEBI officials. Japan’s economic data showed moderation in March, with the S&P Global flash manufacturing PMI easing to 51.4 from 53.0 in February. The services PMI slipped to 52.8 from 53.8, while the composite PMI declined to 52.5 from 53.9, marking the slowest expansion in three months. The U.S. dollar index rose nearly 0.2 per cent to 99.35 after dipping to a two-week low in the previous session. From a derivatives perspective, the Put-Call Ratio (PCR) stands at 0.69. On the Put side, the 22,300 and 22,000 strikes saw meaningful addition in open interest, with 22,000 emerging as a key support level. The 22,300 level also holds significant open interest, making it another crucial support zone. On the Call side, open interest was concentrated from 22,500 to 23,000, indicating strong resistance at higher levels. This suggests that any upside may face selling pressure, while 22,300 remains a key level on the downside. Technically, Monday’s high of 22,856 is likely to act as immediate resistance for the Nifty. A fall below 22,700 could trigger a move towards 22,400 and 22,300. On the upside, 23,075 is seen as the next resistance level. Sammaan Capital and SAIL will remain in the F&O ban list for March 24. On March 23, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers, offloading equities worth Rs 10,414.23 crore. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 12,033.97 crore. FIIs have been net sellers for 17 consecutive trading sessions. On Monday, Indian markets ended sharply lower amid concerns over the prolonged U.S.-Iran conflict. The Sensex fell 1,836.57 points, or 2.46 per cent, to close at 72,696.39. The Nifty 50 declined 601.85 points, or 2.60 per cent, to settle at 22,512.65. U.S. markets closed higher on Monday after the delay in military action against Iran. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 631 points, or 1.38 per cent, to 46,208.47. The S&P 500 rose 1.15 per cent to 6,581.00, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.38 per cent to 21,946.76. Among stocks, Nvidia rose 1.59 per cent, Apple gained 1.41 per cent, and Tesla jumped 3.5 per cent. Airline stocks rallied, with Alaska Air and United Airlines rising over 4 per cent each, and American Airlines up 3.66 per cent. Cruise stocks also advanced, with Norwegian Cruise Line up 6.17 per cent, while Carnival and Viking Holdings gained more than 5 per cent. Banking stocks were higher, with JPMorgan Chase up 1.2 per cent and Goldman Sachs rising 2.2 per cent. Gold prices initially rose after the postponement of U.S. strikes but later declined. Spot gold fell 2 per cent to USD 4,318 per ounce, while silver prices dropped over 3 per cent to USD 67.  (Disclaimer: This article uses information originally published by Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ). The views expressed are those of the original authors and not necessarily of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd. This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, legal or tax advice. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and/or consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as investment advice. ABP Network, its employees and associates shall not be responsible or liable for any losses or damages arising directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on this article or any information contained herein.)

5 unusual morning habits of US presidents you never knew

It is said that the routines people follow in the morning often show a lot about them, even more so than what they show to the world. The same is true when it comes to the world’s most powerful leaders, like the presidents of the United States. Despite their busy lives and responsibilities, the routines followed by the US presidents vary from disciplined to bizarre.Although some presidents had formal routines, others had routines that reflected their individual characteristics or their opinions on health. Historical records from official sources, like the White House Historical Association and the National Archives, show us the lesser-known sides of the US presidents.It is important to look beyond the official responsibilities of the presidents to understand the unusual routines they followed in the mornings, which show us the real sides of these powerful people.

Should You Quit The Markets Now? What War, Volatility And Falling Assets Mean For Investors

Should I quit the markets now?? In wars, there is nothing right. Only what is left!!! As I sit down to write this article, the clouds have gotten darker and definitely more ominous. But for those who are in the capital markets as well as everyone who is saving and investing, the situation is definitely more than alarming. The consumers, across the world, which consists of pretty much everyone are equally compromised with rising costs and overall inflation. Wars, even though a reality was not something that we expected to happen on a scale that will affect the world. But it has. And in an area, geographically, that is very important for everyone in the world and amongst parties that are dug in deep to see it to the end. Without going into the politics of it, suffice to say that two countries are there and who cannot be moving out of their landmass and geographies. And there is another which brings in heft and influence much beyond the immediate warring countries. But there are other countries too which are obliquely playing a part, one way or the other. Markets Under Pressure Across Asset Classes So how has all this affected us?? Of course stock markets are down significantly. So are every other option, except the US Dollar (against the INR). NIFTY 50 trading below the 22,500 levels (near the 1 year level) BSE SENSEX trading below the 72,700 levels (near the 1 year level) Gold (24 carat) trading below the Rs.14,000 level having shed 7 per cent just today Silver trading below the Rs. 230 per gram level. Fallen even more than gold, just today 10 year GSECS trading at 4.4 per cent Crude (West Asia) hovers around the $113 per barrel, having touched 119 this morning Not a single asset class apart from currency showing an upward trend. Essentially, whatever should have been up isn’t and whatever should be is up. The USD /INR is just shy of touching the 94 mark. Even though the professionals encourage us to shut out the noise of war and upheavals, it is easier said than done. What Should Investors Do Now? What do I suggest? Let’s rationalise this. This war is by far the biggest we have had to face this century. And there are no easy measures that I am expecting. Of course, it would be easy if the players were to check their egos, but that isn’t happening. So, for the shorter end, the first thing to do is “instead of panicking, lower the expectations” BUT FOR THE YEAR ONLY. No war has gone on for ever and such choke point conflagrations that tend to suck in the world will have an end sooner or later. Revisit And Simplify Your Portfolio Second: downsides are great times to take relook at the portfolio and check out the under performers. Obviously, many will be showing negative returns over a period but that is not the way to judge. Check out if the scheme has returned worse than its peers and moreover if it has consistently underperformed the benchmark. Make the portfolio more compact. Check to see the portfolio does not resemble a market page from a business daily and make every effort to compress it to 8/9 schemes. Anything more is a sure shot signal that the portfolio will regress to the mean. Always happens whenever the number of holdings go up. And limits the upside that will happen. Essentially use this time to correct portfolio imbalances. Avoid Panic, Focus On Strategy Stop looking at your portfolio every day. And ask yourself if you are in the right mix. There are plenty of options who want to take equity exposure minus the risk and for such investors the SIF route (if you have more than 10 lacs rupees) could be a great way forward and for others the MAAF (multi asset allocation funds) are the best fits. In pure equity, the entire basket is so cheap now that everything -sector wise, style wise, capitalisation groups wise is a buy. But the current buys should be done over the next 6 months, stagger it. So that the lows and the uncertainty is best made use of. Managing Current Investments In Volatile Times But what about your current investments? The time for doing drastic things is gone and do as detail above. The markets could go down further and it might not. No one knows. But trust me on this…it will do a lot of unexpected twists and turns. And none will be predictable. As we stand now, the equity values are screaming “buy”. And everyone seems to want an exit. If you have short term losses then this could be the time to book losses and buy back immediately. So that some relief from taxes can come about as and when profits happen over the allowed period. The Bigger Lesson For Investors Over the last couple of years, the investment money was happening in auto mode and many of us were of the opinion that is how it works. But it does not. We have only one job- to allocate. Let’s do that foremost and we will be doing the best favour to ourselves. That’s the only thing we have on which to exercise control. And having done so, let time do the rest. And as and when the good times come back, and they will, what do you think will come back the fastest??? Did you stay invested after the Russia-Ukraine war and make money? Did you stay invested after covid and make money? The lessons of the past is the marker for your current action. (The author is the Founder & CEO, Plexus Management Services) Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd.

'Dhurandhar 2' Day 6 LIVE: Ranveer Singh film eyes Rs 650 cr India gross milestone

'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' continues its historic dominance at the box office, amassing a staggering Rs. 844.76 crore in worldwide gross collections. This global haul is fueled by a robust Rs. 619.76 crore from the domestic Indian market and a powerful Rs. 225.00 crore from overseas territories. Currently, the high-octane sequel has already secured a domestic net collection of Rs. 519.12 crore, firmly establishing it as one of the fastest Indian films to reach these elite milestones.

Qatar orders employees back to offices as remote work rule ends

Qatar has officially ended its temporary remote work arrangement, directing employees back to offices after weeks of flexible working. Introduced in early March 2026 due to regional tensions, the policy's withdrawal signals a return to normal operations as conditions stabilize. Exemptions for essential workers and customer-facing roles remained throughout the period.

Renault Duster Authentic Vs Kushaq Classic+: Best Base SUV Compared

The base variant is normally to draw buyers in but are they really well equipped? Here is a look at the new Skoda Kushaq and the Renault Duster base variants. The Kushaq Classic+ gets a surprising amount of kit with LED DRLs and LED projector headlamps, alloy wheels and LED turn indicators. The bigger surprise is on the inside with features like a sunroof which is standard while being a single pane but again this feature is never expected on a base variant for sure. There is also a proper infotainment system but smaller while it has speakers and steering mounted controls. There are fabric seats, height adjusted headrest too, plus features like automatic climate control with rear AC vents, cruise control and steering paddles even for the automatic model. There are safety features like 6 airbags too while the engine on offer is a 1.0 TSI with 110bhp. The car is priced at Rs 10.69 lakh starting. What the Duster Offers In comparison the Duster is cheaper at Rs 10.4 lakh but what do you get for your money? Well, the base Authentic variant has LED headlamps, DRLs but gets no alloy wheels as it gets black steel wheels. Inside, the new Duster base variant does not get a sunroof or importantly an infotainment system even but has a 7inch TFT display. There is tilt and telescopic steering adjustment but a manual air con with rear AC vents. There are six airbags, a rear park assist and auto headlamps. Compared with both cars, the new Kushaq being slightly more expensive has more features clearly over the Duster base variant.

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