Need to strengthen supply chains amid crisis: Ficci report

NEW DELHI: Indian companies should secure additional funding and strengthen supply chains, while govt should consider emergency financing for MSMEs and tax reforms to mitigate impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict, according to a Ficci report. “The ongoing disruption in West Asia carries far-reaching implications for import-dependent economies, such as India, with likely impact…

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Middle East crisis: Govt reviews shipping, packaging issues with exporters; relief measures discussed

The commerce ministry on Thursday held consultations with exporters to address disruptions in shipping, port operations and packaging arising from the ongoing West Asia crisis, PTI reported.Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal chaired two meetings attended by Shipping Secretary Vijay Kumar, export promotion councils (EPCs), commodity boards, shipping lines, ports and exporters.Officials said the discussions focused on…

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US stock market today (April 9, 2026): Dow slips, S&P 500 dips; oil climbs toward $100 as ceasefire doubts weigh

US stock markets opened muted on Thursday while crude oil prices surged toward $100 per barrel, as doubts over the durability of the US-Iran ceasefire dampened investor sentiment, AP reported.The S&P 500 slipped 0.1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 40 points, or 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% in early trade after…

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US jobs data: Weekly jobless claims rise to 2.19 lakh; labour market steady despite global uncertainties

Applications for unemployment benefits in the US rose last week but remained within a stable range, indicating resilience in the labour market despite global economic uncertainties, AP reported.Initial jobless claims increased by 16,000 to 2,19,000 for the week ending April 4, up from 2,03,000 in the previous week and higher than analysts’ expectations of 2,10,000,…

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India-US trade talks: Indian delegation to visit Washington DC ‘later this month’; Misri visit reviews ties

The United States has said it looks forward to hosting an Indian delegation in Washington later this month, indicating renewed momentum in bilateral trade engagement as both sides seek to advance the proposed trade agreement.“Highly Productive meeting with @USTradeRep Ambassador Greer to discuss advancing @POTUS trade priorities in South and Central Asia. The United States…

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India witnesses ‘record’ PNG transition as Centre urges nation to switch from LPG to piped natural gas

India is witnessing a major shift in household cooking fuel consumption, with piped natural gas (PNG) emerging as a rapidly expanding choice across the country. Energy sector officials say adoption has accelerated sharply in recent months, marking a clear transformation in consumer preference.Petroleum and natural gas regulatory board (PNGRB) chairperson Anil Kumar Jain and Indraprastha…

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