Equity indices erase gains, financials drag

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.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 12: Aarti Industries Limited (AIL), a leading global manufacturer of speciality chemicals, has entered into a multi-year supply agreement with a top global agrochemical innovator for the supply of a critical agrochemical intermediate used in crop protection formulations. This agreement elevates the current annual engagement to a structured supply contract through 31st March 2030, with a significant increase in volumes.

New Delhi [India], March 12: As Artificial Intelligence reshapes industries, economies, and societies at unprecedented speed, Vice Chancellors across India are proactively preparing their institutions for the future. At I4IC 2026, a high octane Senior Leadership Workshop brought together top academic decision-makers to deliberate on AI's transformative impact on higher education.

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.

New Delhi [India], March 12: In the dynamic business landscape of the United Arab Emirates, Indian entrepreneurs have played a significant role in shaping several industries. Among them, Satish Sanpal, Founder and Chairman of ANAX Holding, has emerged as a prominent business leader whose ventures span real estate, hospitality, and financial services.

Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 12: As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates across industries, many enterprises are discovering a critical gap between AI-generated responses and real business execution. While most AI tools assist with information or automate isolated steps, they often fail to operate within the structured rules, permissions, and accountability systems that real organizations require. Noida-based FuturixAI Lab Pvt. Ltd. is aiming to address that gap by building governed AI systems designed not just to answer questions, but to execute work responsibly within enterprise frameworks.

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.