The US and UK have imposed separate sanctions targeting individuals, companies, and networks involved in Iran’s oil sales, financial transactions, and alleged hostile activities. These measures aim to disrupt Iran’s oil exports to China and cut off funding for the IRGC, while the UK focuses on shadow banking and destabilizing operations linked to criminal networks.
The Indian Rupee hit a record low of 95.63 against the US dollar amid escalating geopolitical tensions and fragile investor sentiment. Intensifying Middle East conflict, rising oil prices, and sustained foreign fund outflows are pressuring the currency. This economic uncertainty is also reflected in a significant dip in domestic stock markets.
The Indian government has rationalised royalty rates and methodologies for crude oil, natural gas, and casing head condensate to simplify regulations and boost the upstream energy sector. This move aims to bring greater clarity, consistency, and predictability to the oil and gas regime, encouraging fresh investments in exploration and production activities.
India has reportedly rejected Russian LNG cargoes under US sanctions, despite energy security worries. A sanctioned Russian LNG shipment is now stranded near Singapore as India navigates compliance risks. While India continues to import Russian crude, LNG is harder to conceal from global tracking systems. Discussions are ongoing for non-sanctioned Russian supplies.
Stock market recommendations: Somil Mehta, Head of Retail Research at Mirae Asset ShareKhan has picked Max Healthcare Institute, and Coal India as the top stocks to buy today (May 12, 2026). AU Small Finance Bank is a sell call from the analyst.
Middle East conflict jitters are pushing oil prices higher, with Brent crude and WTI futures seeing gains. Ceasefire talks with Iran are reportedly “on life support” following Tehran’s response to a US proposal, which included broader regional demands. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil passage, remains a key flashpoint, with Iran asserting control, raising
India must urgently develop its own frontier-scale AI models to avoid becoming a passive consumer and to shape global technology rules, according to Sarvam AI co-founder Pratyush Kumar. The company is preparing to train a trillion-parameter AI model, emphasizing the need for strategic capability and ownership of foundational models to capture economic value and prevent
Indians are increasingly recycling and exchanging old gold jewelry for new pieces due to rising prices and volatility. This trend has significantly boosted exchange programs at retailers like P.N. Gadgil & Sons and Tanishq, with consumers opting for lower caratages and alternative jewelry to manage costs.
Despite volatile markets, investors continued to pour money into mutual funds in April, with equity funds seeing Rs 38,440 crore in net inflows and debt funds experiencing a significant Rs 2.47 lakh crore. This marks the 62nd consecutive month of equity inflows, indicating a balanced, allocation-focused approach by investors seeking diversified strategies to navigate market
