📰 India Business Brief: Top Headlines for April 08, 2026

Business Standard

• GIFT Nifty signals a massive gap-up opening for Indian benchmark indices, Nifty 50 and Sensex, tracking a global relief rally after the US and Iran agreed to a 14-day truce.
• Brent crude prices plummeted by over 13% to settle near $94 per barrel as Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing immediate global supply fears.
• Reliance Industries and Vedanta have joined pre-bid consultations with the government for a $780-million rare earth incentive scheme aimed at boosting domestic magnet manufacturing.
• Key stocks in focus today include rate-sensitive sectors like Banking, Auto, and Real Estate ahead of the RBI policy outcome, along with Infosys and GAIL.
• An IndiGo aircraft was reportedly hit by an unmanned catering truck at Kolkata airport; no injuries were reported, but the aircraft is undergoing inspection.

Economic Times

• The RBI Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, is widely expected to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% today while maintaining a "Neutral" stance.
• US President Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of attacks on Iranian infrastructure, a move brokered by Pakistan that has sent gold prices rising and oil prices crashing below the $100 mark.
• Indian oil refiners are reportedly diversifying their sourcing strategy, increasing intake from Venezuela and Russia to mitigate the volatility caused by the month-long West Asia conflict.
• The battle for the second spot in India's passenger vehicle (PV) segment intensifies as Tata Motors, M&M, and Hyundai report close competition in monthly sales volumes.
• MSMEs in India have approached the government seeking "force majeure" relief as the prolonged shipping disruptions in the Gulf have strained working capital and delayed export receivables.

Mint

• India's energy sector marks a milestone as the country’s first commercial fast breeder reactor goes critical, paving the way for advanced nuclear fuel recycling and long-term energy security.
• Markets are pricing in a "cautious hold" from the RBI today, with economists watching for the central bank’s revised GDP and inflation forecasts for FY27 amid the recent geopolitical shock.
• Asian markets, including the Nikkei 225 and Kospi, surged between 4% and 6% in early trade, reflecting investor optimism over the temporary de-escalation in the Middle East.
• Google has rolled out a new mental health integration for its Gemini AI, providing real-time support resources for users in India and other global markets.
• Air India Group has released a revised flight schedule for Gulf cities for April 8, ensuring connectivity remains stable as the Strait of Hormuz begins to reopen for commercial traffic.

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