Swiss food giant Nestlé reported a major theft of 12 tons of KitKat bars during transit in Europe, involving over 413,000 units of a new product range. The truck, travelling from Italy to Poland, disappeared en route and remains untraced. Authorities are investigating the incident with supply chain partners. While the company warned the stolen stock could enter unofficial markets and potentially affect availability ahead of Easter, it later clarified that overall supply remains stable and there are no consumer safety concerns. The unusual “chocolate heist” has drawn attention due to its scale and timing during peak seasonal demand.

Stock markets closed sharply lower on March 30, with heavy losses in banking shares pulling indices down. The Sensex dropped 1,635 points, while the Nifty fell below 22,400. Vinod Nair of Geojit Investments said markets remained cautious due to global tensions, rising oil prices, and continued foreign investor outflows. He added, "Banking stocks were among the key laggards" after RBI restrictions on banks’ foreign exchange positions. The move aimed to support the rupee but led to declines in major lenders. Analysts said valuations look better after the fall, but earnings outlook remains uncertain. Oil price swings and rupee weakness may increase cost pressures. (PC: India Today)

Indian markets opened higher on March 24 after Monday’s sharp decline, tracking global optimism following Donald Trump’s claim of “productive talks” with Iran and a five-day pause on planned strikes. The BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 rebounded, while the rupee strengthened 34 paise to 93.63 against the dollar after hitting a record low earlier. US markets also closed over 1% higher overnight, supporting sentiment. Meanwhile, gold and silver prices fell over 3% amid easing geopolitical tensions. Analysts note gold’s decline is driven by rising oil prices, inflation fears, stronger US yields, and a firmer dollar, which are outweighing safe-haven demand despite ongoing uncertainty. (PC: NDTV)

Gold and silver prices witnessed a sharp decline in domestic and global markets despite ongoing tensions in West Asia. Contrary to their traditional safe-haven appeal, bullion prices dropped due to a stronger U.S. dollar, rising bond yields, and profit booking by investors. Analysts note that geopolitical risks were already priced in, reducing fresh demand. Additionally, liquidity pressures and shifting interest rate expectations triggered heavy selling. Silver saw steeper losses compared to gold. Experts suggest that while short-term volatility may persist, long-term prospects for precious metals remain stable amid uncertain global economic conditions. (PC: Reuters)

Premium petrol prices in India have been increased by Rs 2–2.3 per litre, while regular petrol and diesel rates remain unchanged. The hike affects high-octane variants like Indian Oil Corporation’s XP95 and Hindustan Petroleum’s Power petrol, with revised prices effective immediately in select cities. The rise is driven by global crude oil crossing $100 per barrel amid West Asia tensions and a weaker rupee, increasing import costs. Officials said pricing is deregulated and the move is a corporate decision. Stable regular fuel prices limit immediate public impact, though sustained crude price pressures could trigger broader fuel price revisions later. (PC: India Today)

Indian stock markets saw a sharp fall, with Sensex dropping over 2,400 points by close. Nifty also declined heavily after a weak opening. The total market value of BSE-listed firms fell by over Rs 12 trillion. The fall came after Iran struck key energy sites in the Gulf, pushing Brent crude above $110 per barrel. Shares of HDFC Bank also dropped after its chairman resigned suddenly. The US Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged, making US bonds more attractive. This led to continued foreign investor selling. GIFT Nifty had already signalled a negative start earlier in the day. (PC: NDTV)

Indian stock markets fell sharply on Thursday, erasing about Rs 7.6 trillion in investor wealth within an hour. The Sensex dropped over 1,500 points, while the Nifty fell more than 2%. The fall came amid rising crude oil prices, which crossed $110 per barrel after fresh Middle East attacks. Investors also reacted to continued foreign outflows and weak global markets. Banking stocks led the losses. “This looks like a global risk-off move,” said Bruce Keith of InvestorAi. The US Federal Reserve’s signal of no early rate cuts also weighed on sentiment, reducing liquidity support for emerging markets like India. (PC: NDTV)

Global oil prices surged following Israel’s strike on the South Pars Gas Field, driven by fears of retaliation from Iran targeting Gulf energy infrastructure. Within hours, Qatar reported a ballistic missile strike on a key natural gas facility, triggering a fire and causing “extensive” damage. The incident heightened concerns over supply disruptions in a region critical to global energy markets. In response to escalating tensions, Qatar ordered some officials from the Iranian Embassy to leave the country. The developments underscore rising geopolitical risks and volatility in energy prices as conflict spreads across key production and export hubs.

Oil prices surged sharply after Iran confirmed the killing of Ali Larijani, intensifying fears of deeper conflict and supply disruption. Brent crude rose above $103 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $96, reflecting heightened market volatility. The spike comes amid ongoing US-Israel-Iran tensions that have already disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Analysts warn that continued escalation could further tighten supply and sustain upward pressure on prices. Earlier trends also showed oil crossing $100 amid war-driven uncertainty, with global markets reacting strongly to geopolitical risks and potential prolonged disruption. (PC: X)

Concerns over possible cooking gas shortages linked to the West Asia conflict have triggered a surge in demand for electric kitchen appliances across India. Many households are buying induction cooktops, microwaves, electric kettles and air fryers as backup cooking options amid fears of disruptions in LPG supply. Retailers and e-commerce platforms report sharp increases in sales. Online grocery platform BigBasket recorded a fivefold jump in induction cooktop demand on March 10, followed by a 30-fold spike the next day. Meanwhile, Flipkart said sales have risen nearly 25 times in recent days, particularly in cities such as Kolkata, Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh. (PC: X)