Equities tumble amid global selloff, private lenders hit

The deepening conflict in West Asia has placed the Indian economy and the broader Asian region in the "eye of the storm," as supply chain disruptions and surging energy costs threaten to trigger a significant negative growth shock.

New Delhi [India], March 12: There is something quietly powerful about a window... It neither confines nor escapes. It simply allows us to look, to pause, to breathe between inner and outer worlds. In The Painted Window, multi-award-winning contemporary artist Nandita Desai turns this everyday architectural element into the soul of her fifth solo exhibition, transforming vintage and handcrafted windows into luminous works of art. Running from 16th to 21st March 2026 at the Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, Nariman Point, Mumbai, the exhibition brings together 50 artworks - windows that look outward at the world, and inward at memory and quiet reflection.

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], March 12: Car insurance renewal is often seen as a routine administrative task, but it is much more than that. It presents an excellent opportunity to review your existing policy, assess whether your coverage still matches your needs, and take steps to optimise your premium. By understanding the key factors that influence car insurance costs, such as vehicle value, driving history, add-ons, and usage patterns, you can make informed adjustments that reduce expenses without compromising protection. Thoughtful planning and small, strategic choices at renewal can help you save money, maintain comprehensive coverage, and enjoy greater peace of mind on the road.

Indian stock markets settled in the red on Thursday as escalating tensions in West Asia and again a sharp rise in crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment.

Accra [Ghana] / Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 12: Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, has been recognized among the "100 Most Impactful Voices 2026" by ABCD Africa, a prestigious recognition celebrating influential women of African descent who are using their platforms to inspire change, amplify important social conversations, and drive meaningful impact across communities. The list features prominent women leaders and changemakers from 54 African countries and also includes the President of Tanzania. The list came out on the occasion of International Women's Day 2026.

Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], March 12: As a strategic move to refresh and strengthen its core vision, Hong Leong Islamic Bank ("HLB Islamic" or the "Bank") is transitioning to a refreshed consumer-facing brand identity, now known as HLB Islamic, and a strengthened core proposition that approaches financial services not as a series of siloed products and transactions, but as total wealth stewardship through a Shariah-principle-guided life-cycle approach known as Hayat @ HLB Islamic. This evolution is rooted in the Bank's new philosophy, 'Timeless Principles Guiding Tomorrow's Wealth', introduced during its 20th anniversary last December to signal a new chapter in wealth stewardship.

India's non-bank financial companies (NBFCs) are expected to expand faster than traditional banks over the coming decade as lenders adopt artificial intelligence and expand into new loan segments, according to a research report by Nomura.

The annual awards of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) represent one of India's enduring traditions of honouring individuals whose work embodies service, courage and dedication to society. The awards were instituted in 1980 by Bhagwat Singhji Mewar, the 75th Custodian of the House of Mewar. Conceived with the vision of recognising individuals who uphold the values associated with Mewar's legacy, the awards have grown over the decades into a respected platform celebrating contributions across culture, social service, governance, environmental stewardship and heritage preservation.

Dubai [UAE], March 12: Wizz Financial, the global fintech company specializing in cross-border payments and digital wallets, today announced the completion of its first stablecoin-powered cross-border remittance and treasury transaction originating from the United States, with capabilities into 80 countries, in partnership with BitGo Bank & Trust, N.A. ("BitGo"), an OCC-regulated digital asset trust bank and subsidiary of BitGo Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BTGO). Through the partnership, Wizz Financial is utilizing BitGo's institutional-grade wallet infrastructure and e-trade services to facilitate the conversion of fiat currency into stablecoins, enabling near-real-time settlement, enhanced liquidity management, and compliant, scalable cross-border remittance flows across its global network as new corridors are progressively launched.

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 12: Swiggy, India's pioneering on-demand convenience platform, and HDFC Bank, India's largest private sector bank, today announced the expansion of their co-branded credit card portfolio with the launch of two new variants: the Swiggy BLCK HDFC Bank Credit Card and the Swiggy Ornge HDFC Bank Credit Card. The Swiggy BLCK and Ornge HDFC Bank Credit Cards are designed to maximize value across food, quick commerce, lifestyle, and travel. Card members will enjoy enhanced, category-leading cashback on Swiggy and premium partner platforms, alongside exclusive instant discounts on Cleartrip and Nykaa. The expanded portfolio offers up to ₹48,000 in annual savings, bringing elevated, everyday benefits to a wider segment of consumers.