Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented the Finance Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. This bill enacts the government's financial plans for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Key proposals focus on growth, job creation, and inclusive development. The budget emphasizes infrastructure, private investment, and support for MSMEs. It also prioritizes green energy and digital governance.

Gold and silver prices plummeted on the MCX, extending losses due to Middle East tensions and inflation concerns. Rising crude oil prices fueled expectations of higher global interest rates, impacting precious metal futures. Experts advise caution and gradual accumulation amid high volatility.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday introduced the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha.

The agency flagged that while some Asia-Pacific economies are cushioned by sizeable strategic reserves, India depends more on administrative measures to shield consumers, making it vulnerable to sustained spikes in global energy prices.

The Indian rupee has reached a historic low against the US dollar. This decline is driven by escalating Middle East conflict and concerns over disrupted energy supplies. Asian currencies are also experiencing a downturn. The ongoing crisis has significantly boosted oil prices, impacting economies like India's. Analysts predict the rupee may trade at 94 by June 2026.

At 12:28 pm, the Sensex was down 1,930 points at 72,601, while the Nifty 50 slipped to 22,494. The sharp selloff wiped off nearly Rs 13 lakh crore from the total markcapitalisation of all BSE-listed companies, bringing it down to Rs 416 lakh crore.

India's insurance sector is set for a major accounting change from April 2026. Companies will adopt Indian Accounting Standards, aligning with global practices. This shift will alter how profits and liabilities are reported. Insurers are investing heavily in technology and expertise to meet new requirements. The transition promises greater transparency and a more realistic view of financial performance.

Vedanta Group has approached the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal. They are challenging the National Company Law Tribunal's approval of Adani Group's bid for Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. The Adani bid was approved for Rs 14,535 crore. Vedanta was also a contender for the acquisition. The appellate tribunal will hear the matter soon. Jaiprakash Associates has diverse business interests.

Around 40 countries, including India and Turkiye, have voiced concerns at the WTO regarding a China-backed Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) proposal. Proponents aim for a deal at MC14, but critics worry about constrained policy flexibility and the absence of special treatment for poorer nations.

Governments are rapidly adopting AI for routine decision-making, with 80% expected to deploy agents by 2028. While advancements in AI offer new automation possibilities, fragmentation and legacy systems hinder progress. Decision intelligence, focusing on governing the decisions themselves, is becoming crucial for ensuring transparency, fairness, and citizen trust in public services.

In May, senior officials from both sides are sto hold consultations on the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on maritime security, supply chain resilience and regional stability amid global disruptions.

Kotak Mahindra Bank is poised to acquire Deutsche Bank's India retail business for approximately Rs 4,500 crore, becoming the preferred buyer. The deal, expected next week, includes a retail loan and deposit book of Rs 27,000 crore, strengthening Kotak's franchise and aligning with Deutsche Bank's global strategy.

Markets witnessed a volatile session on Friday and ended marginally higher, taking a breather after the previous session's steep decline. Analysts maintain a cautious stance given the prevailing negative sentiment and recommend preferring hedged positions over naked trades until greater stability emerges.

Iran on Monday faces a deadline by President Donald Trump to open up the crucial Strait of Hormuz or face a major US assault on power plants, as Israel warned of weeks more of war. "If the United States' threats regarding Iran's power plants are carried out... the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed, and it will not be reopened until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt," a process that could take years, the operational command warned.

State-run oil companies are considering supplying only 10 kg of LPG in 14.2-kg cylinders to households to conserve dwindling stocks amid the Iran war. This move aims to stretch limited supplies, with prices cut proportionately, as imports shrink and domestic inventories fall. Companies worry about potential confusion and protests but warn supply conditions may worsen.

HDFC Bank will convene board meetings to review past decisions following Atanu Chakraborty's resignation as chairman citing "values and ethics", MD & CEO Sashidhar Jagdishan told in an interview. The bank will fix gaps, tighten controls and act "ruthlessly" against misconduct.

These property buyers had either swiped international credit cards (ICCs) on visits to the Emirates to pay the initial deposit or had clicked on payment links sent by UAE developers-probably, oblivious that they were trampling on Indian laws.

Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs), launched to capture market opportunities across all conditions, are facing their first major test amid war and uncertainty. These flexible funds, offering strategies beyond traditional mutual funds, are being closely watched to see if they can deliver on their promise of risk-adjusted returns and alpha generation during market corrections.

The government is exploring a new strategy to sell a stake in IDBI Bank. An Offer-for-Sale route is being considered to boost public shareholding. This comes after a previous attempt to divest a majority stake failed. The low public float had limited fair valuation. Expanding this float is seen as crucial for reliable price discovery.

The Sebi board will meet on Monday to discuss key proposals. These include allowing Foreign Portfolio Investors to net funds for same-day trades, reducing costs. Changes to 'fit and proper person' criteria for market intermediaries are also on the agenda. The board will review ease-of-doing business proposals for REITs and InvITs.