The US Federal Reserve has maintained its benchmark interest rate at 3.5% to 3.75% for the second consecutive time following a two-day FOMC meeting on March 18, 2026.

https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/us-fed-keeps-rates-unchanged-for-second-straight-meeting-at-3-5-3-75-signals-one-rate-cut-this-year-5-key-takeaways-11773855402186.html

Read today's Mint e-paper here: https://epaper.livemint.com

➡️ Banks squeeze credit to solar module firms
➡️ Centre sets stage for 100 industrial parks
➡️ Trai to start work on connected car spectrum
➡️ IIMs scamper for LPG, trim food menu as shortage bites
➡️ Nazara to acquire two Spanish gaming firms

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a short-term cessation of hostilities over Eid al-Fitr, offering a fragile pause in a rapidly escalating conflict that has drawn international concern following a deadly airstrike in Kabul.

The truce, set to run from Thursday to Monday, comes amid mounting civilian casualties, diplomatic pressure, and sharply heightened rhetoric from both sides.

Read more: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/143-dead-thousands-displaced-pakistan-and-afghanistan-agree-eid-truce-amid-devastating-conflict-11773890914494.html

BJP releases second list of 39 candidates for Kerala assembly elections. Check names

https://www.livemint.com/elections/assembly-elections/bjp-releases-second-list-of-39-candidates-for-kerala-elections-cpm-congress-assembly-polls-check-names-11773897915162.html

What to know about Ras Laffan Industrial City— How Iran's missile attack on key LNG hub may cripple India
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/what-to-know-about-ras-laffan-industrial-city-how-irans-missile-attack-on-key-lng-hub-may-cripple-india-11773901984857.html

BHAVYA Scheme drives manufacturing growth through plug-and-play industrial parks, faster approvals, modern infrastructure, job creation, and investment opportunities, supporting sustainable industrial expansion and efficient business operations.

Read more: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/union-cabinet-approves-33-660-bhavya-scheme-7-key-questions-answered-on-industrial-parks-manufacturing-push-11773895081488.html

Big blow for HDFC Bank? Macquarie removes lender from ‘Maquee’ list, cites governance concerns: Reports

https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/big-blow-for-hdfc-bank-share-macquarie-removes-from-maquee-list-cites-governance-concerns-after-sudden-resignation-11773906254404.html

India works closely with the US on counter-narcotics through a dedicated working group, says MEA. On Pakistan, spokesperson flags concerns over activities posing global challenges.

Watch!

World merchandise trade volume growth is projected to fall to 1.9% this year from 4.6% in 2025, before recovering to 2.6% in 2027, says WTO outlook.

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/west-asia-conflict-energy-shock-drag-global-trade-growth-1-9-2026-downside-risk-1-4-wto-trade-outlook-11773930299366.html

Trump said Iran’s navy, air force and leadership have been “gone,” adding that US forces face virtually no opposition.

https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/donald-trump-hails-operation-epic-fury-did-what-no-president-had-the-courage-to-do-11773936313730.html

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor urges India to take a lead in ending the West Asia conflict, warning of severe LPG and LNG supply risks due to dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.

Watch!

Iran is not merely proposing that some bilateral trade occur in yuan. It is proposing that access to the world’s most critical energy chokepoint be conditional on currency denomination. The practical consequence, if even partially adopted, would be a bifurcated global oil market.

Watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uVTLQuoW5c

#MintMarkets | Indian stock market: 10 key things that changed for market overnight

https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/indian-stock-market-10-key-things-that-changed-for-market-overnight-gift-nifty-us-iran-war-gold-rate-to-oil-prices-11773939182854.html

#MintMarkets | Indian equity markets opened on a positive note on Friday, with the BSE Sensex rising 352.14 points to 74,559.38 in early trade, reflecting strong investor sentiment. The broader Nifty 50 also gained 108 points to reach 23,110.15.

https://www.livemint.com/market

#MintMarkets | Stock to watch: Amid this backdrop, these stocks are likely to remain in focus today

https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/stocks-to-watch-hdfc-bank-ntpc-wipro-among-10-shares-in-focus-today-11773943831003.html

India's dependence on West Asian neighbours like Qatar and Saudi Arabia is significant: over 40% of its crude imports and 90% of of its LPG imports are sourced from conflict-hit Middle East.

https://www.livemint.com/news/india/lpg-cylinder-price-on-20-march-how-much-does-domestic-and-commercial-gas-cost-in-delhi-mumbai-bengaluru-today-11773980389457.html