Electric mobility infrastructure firm Cargo Matters has announced plans to establish 550 electric vehicle charging stations across South India, marking a significant step in strengthening the region’s clean transportation ecosystem. The initiative is expected to support the rapid adoption of electric vehicles by addressing one of the industry’s key challenges—charging accessibility.
India’s benchmark equity indices staged a strong recovery on Monday after experiencing significant declines during the previous three trading sessions. The BSE Sensex surged by 938.93 points, or 1.26 percent, to close at 75,502.85, while the NSE Nifty gained 257.70 points, or 1.11 percent, to settle at 23,408.80. The rebound was largely fueled by value-buying in blue-chip banking stocks and strong gains across key sectors including financial services, cement, and automobiles.
India’s basmati rice exports are expected to maintain steady growth despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia, one of the key export regions for the commodity. Export volumes are projected to rise by up to 2 percent from the 6.06 million tonnes recorded in the financial year 2024–25. While shipments to Iran may face disruptions due to regional uncertainties, increased demand from other markets such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen is likely to offset the decline.
India’s banking sector has written off loans totaling approximately Rs 9.75 lakh crore over the past 11 financial years, reflecting the ongoing challenge of managing non-performing assets (NPAs) within the financial system. The write-offs peaked in the financial year 2019–20 at Rs 1.59 lakh crore before gradually declining in subsequent years. Despite these accounting adjustments, banks continue to pursue recovery from borrowers through legal and regulatory mechanisms. Government officials emphasize that loan write-offs do not imply waiver of borrower liabilities.
India’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refill bookings have declined to around 77 lakh from an earlier 88.8 lakh, signaling a gradual easing of precautionary buying among consumers. Authorities have reiterated that the country faces no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas, even as geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to influence global energy markets. Domestic refineries are operating at high capacity and maintaining sufficient crude oil reserves to ensure uninterrupted supply.
Gold prices began the week with a notable decline in the domestic futures market, reflecting bearish sentiment in global commodities and the strengthening of the US dollar. Gold futures dropped by Rs.2,225, or 1.4%, settling at around Rs.1,56,241 per 10 grams during Monday’s trading session. The correction was influenced by rising global energy prices and speculation that the US Federal Reserve may postpone anticipated interest rate cuts. These developments have strengthened the US currency and reduced investor appetite for bullion in the short term.
Gold prices began the week under pressure as futures declined sharply in domestic commodity markets. The price of gold futures dropped by Rs.2,225, or 1.4%, settling near Rs.1.56 lakh per 10 grams in early trading. The decline was primarily driven by bearish sentiment in global markets, a strengthening US dollar, and rising energy prices that have intensified speculation that the US Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts.
India’s wholesale price inflation continued its upward trajectory for the fourth consecutive month in February 2026, reaching 2.13%, according to government data. The increase was primarily driven by higher prices across several sectors, including food articles, non-food commodities, basic metals, textiles, and other manufacturing segments. While vegetable prices recorded a modest month-on-month easing, broader commodity inflation contributed to the overall rise in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
Indian equity markets experienced a sharp correction last week, resulting in a massive erosion of Rs 4.48 lakh crore in the combined market valuation of the country’s ten most valuable companies. The decline followed a steep fall in benchmark stock indices, as investors reacted to rising global crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Banking giants State Bank of India and HDFC Bank were among the hardest hit, recording significant losses in market capitalization.