On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures (April 2) were trading around 1 per cent, or Rs 1,313, lower at Rs 1,51,712, hitting an intraday low at around 10:22 am. Similarly, silver futures (May 5) declined to Rs 2,43,083, down 2 per cent or Rs 5,111.On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
Oil and gas prices have risen sharply after fresh strikes hit energy infrastructure in the Middle East, including Qatar's main gas facility. Gas prices jumped by about 25% on wholesale markets in the UK and Europe in early trading, before easing slightly
So far in 2026, more than 35,000 job cuts have been reported across over 50 companies, according to layoffs tracker Layoffs.fyi. HSBC Holdings Plc is evaluating a fresh round of deep job cuts that could impact as many as 20,000 roles over the coming years
GATE Result 2026 declared at gate2026.iitg.ac.in, direct link to check here Published on: Mar 19, 2026 3:06 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Prefer HTon Google Quick Read Share via Copy link Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati has declared GATE Result 2026
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said only those who haven’t completed the eKYC process need to act; existing compliant users, especially under the PM Ujjwala Yojana, are not required to update their KYC frequently. LPG consumers may need to complete the Aadhaar-based authentication
ECGC nudges exporters towards diverse markets
State-run export credit agency ECGC Ltd has upgraded risk rankings of two dozen countries, thereby substantially reducing insurance costs for Indian exporters in these geographies, to protect exporters from the adverse impact of US tariffs and encourage them to diversify in alternative markets, two officials said.
The country risk ratings of 24 countries were upgraded under short-term exports after a review, said the officials, asking not to be named. Often, short-term exports involve the realisation of the order amount within one year. ECGC Ltd — erstwhile the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India — supported exports worth ₹8.55 lakh crore in 2024-25, over 16.3% annualised growth. Its net profit in FY25 was ₹2,077 crore, a 3.8% dip from ₹2,159 crore in FY24.
A commerce ministry's year-ender confirmed the development. “Amidst the global economic uncertainty and the likely trade disruption caused by the US tariff hike, ECGC has undertaken strategic review of country ratings to liberalize underwriting and encourage market diversification,” it said. India's trade diversification strategy helped the country to post about 2.62% annualised growth in merchandise exports to $292 billion in April-November 2025 as exporters braved 50% tariff in the US market.
“This would assist exporters, particularly MSEs [micro and small enterprises], in de-risking their business and exploring new export destinations such as Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, and other emerging markets, thereby reducing over-exposure to markets affected by tariffs, protectionist policies or restrictive market access,” it added.
The ECGC review has analysed those countries that are affected by the recent geopolitical events, along with those having high potential for a mutually beneficial trade relationship with India, the officials said. Countries assessed include India's strategic partners as well as countries with potential for trade growth, they said.
The review upgraded Bhutan, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Congo, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ghana, Honduras, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zambia.
“In view of the increased uncertainty in the global trade landscape, it is imperative for the Indian export sector to explore and develop alternative markets, including new market destination countries… Post the upgradation in country ratings, the premium rates applicable for various ECGC policies will proportionally reduce, as the premium rates depend primarily on the country rating of the country of destination of goods,” one of the officials said.
Higher risks involve higher insurance premiums. While A1 denotes a minimal or “insignificant” risk category, A2 is low risk, B1 (moderately low risk), B2 (moderate risk), C1 (moderately high risk), C2 (high risk) and D is very high risk.
According to the recent review, Malaysia, Sweden, and Uruguay have been upgraded from A2 to A1. Bhutan, Panama, Peru, South Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago have been classified from B1 to A2. Upgradation is two notches up in the case of Turkey, from B2 to A2. Cape Verde, Honduras, Nicaragua, Nigeria and Uganda have been moved up from B2 to B1.
While Kenya and Liberia have been moved from C1 to the higher category of B2, El Salvador, Ghana, Sri Lanka and Venezuela moved up from C2 to C1. A two-notch jump from D to C1 is seen in two cases – Zambia and Eritrea. Similarly, Cameroon also moved up from the very high-risk category (D) to C2.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: MRF Ltd to invest Rs 5 ECGC Begins Recruitment For 40 Probationary Officer Posts Govt says it does not recognise external climate risk rankings for policymaking 2 key Interventions To Improve Access To Export Credit Flipkart Axis Bank credit card vs Flipkart SBI credit card Mahindra Vision X SUV Concept Revealed - Is This Upgraded XUV 3XO Google Maps upgraded with Gemini BSNL’s Indigenous 4G Network To Be Upgraded To 5G In Next 6-8 Months White House's secret bunker to be upgraded under Trump's East Wing plan Bus Terminals In Several Punjab City To Be Upgraded Through PPP Model
For Gudi Padwa 2026, actress Isha Koppikar has shared that she is focusing on teaching her daughter, Rianna, the core values behind the festival rather than just the rituals. New Delhi: As the country celebrates Gudi Padwa today, actress Isha Koppikar reflected on how she marks the festival
1 days ago
IMD issued a widespread alert for rain and thunderstorms across Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, and Central India starting today, March 18, 2026. Heavy snowfall is predicted for Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. A much-needed respite from the rising March temperatures is on the horizon
1 days ago
Ishan Kishan has been appointed stand-in captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2026, with opener Abhishek Sharma named his deputy. The India wicketkeeper-batter will lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is currently recovering from a back injury that also ruled him
1 days ago
rajresults-nic-in, Rajasthan Board RBSE Class 10th Results 2026 Date And Time Live: The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) is expected to declare the results for the class 10th board examination soon. According to media reports, the results could be released on March 20, 2026
1 days ago
Chhattisgarh tables anti-conversion bill, life term for mass conversionsChhattisgarh govt tables anti-conversion Bill with life term for mass conversion, defines allurement, coercion, and mandates prior declaration Published on: Mar 19, 2026 5:51 PM IST By Ritesh Mishra
1 days ago
Dhurandhar The Revenge actor Danish Iqbal says he didn’t know he was Bade Sahab: ‘Aditya Dhar was so secretive’Danish Iqbal, who plays Bade Sahab in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, revealed that he was initially unaware of his character's identity. Mar 19, 2026
1 days ago
The funding aims to provide direct price support to cotton farmers across the country. New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved minimum support price (MSP) funding of Rs 1,718
1 days ago
Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag stated Sanju Samson's departure cannot be filled. Parag, now captain, emphasized better planning and finishing close games for the upcoming season. He thanked the franchise for their support. Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara backed Parag
1 days ago
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared assets exceeding one crore rupees. His nomination papers reveal movable and immovable properties. His wife also declared significant assets. Vijayan faces six cases, including one under the Prevention of Corruption Act and an Enforcement
1 days ago
Ukraine’s embassy in Delhi on Thursday expressed concern about the arrest of six Ukrainians in the country under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, claiming that the circumstances in the case suggest that it may be “orchestrated and politically motivated”
1 days ago
Manchester United's fans won't have a chance to see JJ Gabriel in Premier League action at Old Trafford this season, so a good proportion of the 2,516 who saw him feature in the 3-2 FA Youth Cup win over Sunderland made sure they got their selfies
1 days ago
For the first time since the league's inception in 2008, Kohli enters the IPL as a one format international player. Batting maestro Virat Kohli has arrived in Bengaluru to join the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp, marking the beginning of a unique chapter in his storied career
1 days ago
The Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam released its list of candidates on Thursday for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. The party has fielded Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from the Jalukbari seat, which he has represented since 2001. Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi
1 days ago
With seven medals, including five golds, at the recent Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi, it is hard to believe Kurian Jacob took up swimming seriously at 70. “I might have started swimming before I started walking,” says Kurian who competed in the 75-79 years old category.With seven medals
1 days ago
The liver is a remarkably resilient organ. It absorbs stress quietly, adapts silently, and continues to function, even when damage has already begun. This is precisely why liver diseases are often detected late. Sometimes, liver care doctors come across patients whose blood tests look normal
1 days ago
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday released its second list of 39 candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly Elections. With this, the party has so far announced the names of a total of 86 candidates. The party has fielded former state BJP president and former Mizoram governor Kummanam
1 days ago
Chaitra Navratri 2026 day 2 wishes: Share these heartfelt wishes, messages, images, and quotes with your loved ones on the second day of Chaitra Navratri. Om Brahmacharinyai Namah! Chaitra Navratri 2026 day 2 wishes: The second day of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini
1 days ago
If there’s one thing Indian television never shies away from, it’s going all in—on drama, imagination, and moments that blur the line between the unexpected and the unforgettable. And now, a scene from Naagin 7 has taken that reputation to a whole new level
1 days ago
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed alarm over the "arbitrary removal of more than 50 senior officials" in the poll-bound state, calling it "political interference of the highest order." She alleged the Election Commission's actions amounted to "systematic politicisation of
1 days ago
The decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title is "abject" and "we have to denounce it", a senior figure at African football's governing body has said. Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in January's final but the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result on Tuesday
1 days ago
Most factories in Morbi, India's ceramics hub in the western state of Gujarat, have shut down for nearly a month due to gas shortages triggered by the Iran war, according to the local manufacturers' association. Morbi produces about 80% of India's ceramics - mainly tiles and sanitaryware - and
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Best oven toaster grills for Indian homes: Top 7 OTG picks for baking, grilling, toasting and moreOven toaster grills are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for baking
1 days ago
Delhi Capitals revealed their new jersey for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The design reflects the team's tiger spirit. For the first time, both men's and women's team captains are featured together. The franchise also appointed John Mooney as its new fielding coach
1 days ago
AFCON final controversy: CAF chief defends Morocco title decision amid Senegal corruption probe call Published on: Mar 19, 2026 6:10 PM IST Written by Neelav Chakravarti Share via Copy link CAF President Patrice Motsepe stands next to Senegal's Sadio Mane with the Man of the Competition award after
1 days ago
Why Did Share Market Fall Today? Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty fell sharply by over 3 percent on Thursday, snapping a three-day rally, as rising crude oil prices and weak global cues weighed on sentiment. The Sensex dropped 2,496.89 points, or 3.26 percent, to close at 74,207.24
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Ceiling fans for home: Top 7 options that fit different room needsPlanning to upgrade cooling this summer 2026? These ceiling fans for the home offer steady airflow, lower power use
1 days ago
US President Donald Trump has threatened to blow up a major gas field in Iran if it attacks the US's Gulf Arab ally Qatar again. Trump's threat came after a day in which Israel hit Iran's South Pars - part of the world's largest natural gas field
1 days ago
