As President Donald Trump stated that Tehran “would like to make a deal,” according to media reports, the United States has presented Iran with a comprehensive 15-point plan to end the war and dismantle its nuclear program.

According to officials quoted by The Wall Street Journal, the proposal, which was sent through intermediaries, outlines a comprehensive plan to end hostilities, rein in Iran’s nuclear goals, and alter its regional standing.

According to the paper, Iran should halt its ballistic missile program, cease any enrichment of nuclear materials on its territory, and destroy its three primary nuclear plants.

Additionally, it intends to reduce Tehran’s support for proxy organizations and guarantee the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report.

The strategy calls for a one-month ceasefire and stipulates that Iran must pledge to never seek nuclear weapons. Under an agreed schedule, it calls for Tehran to cease enrichment operations and turn over all enriched material to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

It also demands that the Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz nuclear facilities be decommissioned and destroyed, while giving the UN nuclear watchdog complete access to data from inside Iran.

The plan urges Iran to give up its proxy strategy and stop supporting and arming these organizations on the regional front. It also has clauses that protect the Strait of Hormuz as an unrestricted route for maritime traffic.

The problem of missiles would be handled at a later time, with restrictions on their number and range. Additionally, the plan suggests limiting Iran’s military capacity to solely defensive uses.

In exchange, all restrictions pertaining to nuclear activities would be lifted in Iran. According to authorities speaking to the publication, the United States would also back the creation of a civilian nuclear program in Bushehr to produce electricity while keeping an eye on it.

The measure would also do away with the “snapback” procedure, which permits the automatic reintroduction of sanctions.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the framework largely reflects earlier requests made during the Trump administration prior to the start of the war on February 28.

According to reports by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, the plan has been delivered via intermediaries, with Pakistan becoming a significant channel in the diplomatic effort, along with Turkey and Egypt, who are attempting to arrange talks between US and Iranian officials.

According to reports, despite the diplomatic push, the two sides are still at odds, with Iran carrying out attacks throughout the area, including attacks on Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

On Tuesday, President Trump adopted an upbeat demeanor, stating that Iran was willing to talk. During an Oval Office meeting, he told reporters, “They want to strike a deal. ” “They have agreed that they will never possess a nuclear weapon. ”

Additionally, he stated that discussions were in progress. “We’re talking to the right leaders, and they want to make a deal so badly,” Trump told The Washington Post.

The New York Times reported that the diplomatic push is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing military escalation and economic coercion connected to the war, which is currently in its fourth week.

The government stated on Monday that India Inc has prepared capital expenditure (CAPEX) plans worth more than Rs 11 lakh crore for the current financial year 2025–26, underscoring robust investment momentum in the private corporate sector.

The provisional aggregate CAPEX for FY26 is projected to be Rs 11. 44 lakh crore, according to a survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) between October and December 2025 and made public by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI).

The results also suggested that companies were doing a good job of carrying out their investment strategies. According to the government, the real CAPEX for 2024–25 was Rs 173. 5 crore per business, as opposed to the projected Rs 180. 2 crore, resulting in a great realization rate of 96. 3 percent. This suggests that, for the most part, businesses kept their word on their investment pledges.

In FY26, about 48. 63% of firms are concentrating on CAPEX toward core assets, while 38. 36% are concentrating on adding value to their current assets in terms of strategy. The majority of businesses, around 60. 13%, said that their main goal for making capital expenditures was income creation, followed by increasing capacity.

Additionally, the poll emphasized that internal accruals continue to be the main source of financing, making up 65. 35% of overall CAPEX in FY26. The government claims that equity and external sources like foreign debt and foreign direct investment made up a comparatively modest share, while domestic debt made up 23. 25% of the total.

The survey indicated that investment activity is expected to continue at a high level in the future. According to projections, the overall CAPEX expenditure for 2026–27 is Rs 9. 55 lakh crore. The NSO stated that such forecasts are generally cautious, implying that business investment confidence will remain high.

The goal of the poll, which included major firms in the private sector across sectors, is to shed light on investment trends in order to aid in strategic planning and policymaking.

In addition, according to the government, businesses in the energy and technology sectors are investing 6. 62% in green energy (solar, wind, biomass), 5. 83% in robotic equipment in the manufacturing industry, and 2. 83% in robotics across all industries.

The continuing geopolitical conflicts are already having an impact on the economy and the general public, according to industry leaders and worldwide specialists who spoke Monday. They said they hope the conflict does not get worse and is resolved soon.

At the Indiaspora AI Summit in this city, former Infosys CEO Kris Gopalakrishnan noted that the current conflicts are having a broader impact on daily life, not just on the technology industry.

“Already, small firms like neighborhood restaurants and roadside food booths are being impacted by LPG shortages, and many of them are being forced to return to traditional cooking practices,” he said.

He cautioned that increasing oil prices may drive inflation higher and have an impact on the overall economy if the trend persists.

Gopalakrishnan also emphasized worries about India’s sizable diaspora in the Middle East, stating that any disruption there could have an impact on remittances, which make up a large portion of India’s inflows.

“Travel routes throughout the region are also experiencing disruptions, which makes the difficulties even greater,” he continued.

At the same event, Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director of Indiaspora, noted that geopolitics has emerged as a significant worldwide worry and is a major topic of conversation at the summit.

He further stated that the organization hopes to bring together the Indian diaspora worldwide with leaders in India in order to work together on long-term objectives, such as India’s aim of becoming a developed country by 2047.

According to Joshipura, the summit is also concentrating on artificial intelligence and its practical applications in various industries, as well as on how communities around the world may help bring about positive change.

Indo-American economist Gita Gopinath, on the other hand, highlighted the precarious state of the world economy due to the ongoing conflict and other difficulties.

She continued, “Uncertainty surrounding oil prices remains high and may have an impact on global growth. ” She argued that continued high oil prices might stifle economic expansion everywhere, including India.

Despite US President Donald Trump postponing scheduled attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, early Tuesday trading saw a more than 4% increase in global crude oil prices.

At 9:30 a. m. , Brent crude increased by about 4% to about $104 per barrel, while U. S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased by 4. 39% to $92.

With Brent crude increasing 23. 38% from $77. 74 to $95. 92, crude prices soared as much as 25% between March 2 and March 23. The US WTI futures also rose 25. 60 percent, from $71. 23 to $89. 47.

The rise in crude prices follows a significant sell-off in the prior session, when oil fell more than 10% after Trump’s declaration of a five-day moratorium on planned strikes and hints of improvement in negotiations with Iranian authorities.

But after Iran refuted any talks, mood shifted once more in a cautious direction.

In a post on X, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, stated that there had been no discussions with the US and that “fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets. ”

Reports indicated that two energy installations had been struck by airstrikes, raising worries about an escalation in the area and contradicting predictions of an imminent de-escalation, which further exacerbated supply concerns.

Ongoing worries about a possible disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG supplies, continued to support prices throughout the continuing war.

In addition, Goldman Sachs’ analysts have increased their oil price predictions for 2026, anticipating that Brent crude futures will average $85 per barrel in that year, a 10. 38% increase from their previous projection of $77.

In a note, analyst Daan Struyven predicted a 9. 72% increase in US West Texas Intermediate (WTI), which is currently priced at $79 per barrel, from the previous projection of $72.

According to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), on Sunday, India is taking quick and well-considered steps to mitigate the economic effects of the current conflict in the Middle East, with collaboration between the government and business sector to protect energy security, supply chains, and overall economic stability.

India entered this difficult time from a position of strength, according to CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee.

He pointed out that the nation’s capacity to withstand external shocks has increased due to years of economic changes and the government’s emphasis on self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat program.

“The reaction from both the industry and the government has been prompt, measured, and consistent,” Banerjee stated.

“The government has taken numerous decisive steps to lessen the effects of the crisis, such as diversifying crude oil sources, maximizing LPG output, promoting exports, and maintaining currency stability,” Banerjeestated.

He further emphasized that India needs to hasten its shift to environmentally friendly and independent energy infrastructure.

Banerjee said, “Investments in renewable energy, green hydrogen, biofuels, and energy efficiency are not only climate goals but also crucial strategies to lessen reliance on unpredictable world energy markets. ”

Simultaneously, Indian business is aggressively responding to the situation by diversifying energy sources, boosting supply chain efficiency, and implementing measures to safeguard employment.

Additionally, CII highlighted the timely nature of government support initiatives designed to alleviate operational strain on enterprises.

The government’s proactive outreach to Indian citizens in the Gulf region and ongoing consular assistance were also praised by the industry organization as evidence of India’s readiness in a changing regional environment.

CII said it is collaborating closely with the government and other industries to track supply chain hazards, address shortages, and offer real-time feedback.

Despite the fact that the situation is still difficult, Banerjee said he is optimistic that India will be able to overcome the crisis and sustain its economic pace with a coordinated approach between the government and industry.

He came to the conclusion that, despite the enormity of the obstacles, India is capable of reacting successfully and defending its economic interests.

In the midst of worldwide disruptions caused by the Middle East war, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced in an update on Sunday that the supply of domestic LPG cylinders remains uninterrupted, panic bookings have decreased, and the government has raised the amount of commercial LPG that is allocated to states.

About half of the entire commercial LPG allocation is going to hospitals and educational institutions, which have been given priority.

Additionally, priority will be given to allocating 20% more commercial LPG to industries such as restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing, dairy, and food canteens operated by state governments or local organizations.

To encourage new PNG connections for both residential and business consumers, states have been instructed to take action. In addition, raids are still conducted in states and UTs to combat the black market and stockpiling of LPG.

Steps have been taken to ensure a steady supply of petroleum products and LPG nationwide in light of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

With sufficient crude stocks, all refineries are now operating at full capacity. Additionally, the nation has enough gasoline and diesel supplies. The ministry update stated that the national manufacture of LPG from refineries has been increased.

According to the oil marketing firms (OMCs), there have been no instances of fuel dry-outs at any of the retail locations. The government reaffirmed its recommendation to the public not to engage in panic purchases since there are sufficient supplies of gasoline and diesel and supplies are being replenished frequently.

The administration is still closely monitoring developments in West Asia and actively taking measures to maintain preparedness and response throughout important industries, according to the statement.

Priority sectors on the natural gas front have been safeguarded with 100% supply to domestic PNG for household cooking and CNG for cars. According to the statement, the supply to industrial and commercial consumers connected to the grid is 80% of their average consumption.

The government has also instructed compressed gas distribution (CGD) organizations to give PNG connections priority in all their areas for business establishments like restaurants, hotels, and canteens in order to alleviate worries about the availability of commercial LPG.

Businesses in the CGD sector, such as BPCL, GAIL Gas, MGL, and IGL, have provided incentives for consumers to get PNG connections for their homes and businesses. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has also instructed CGD organizations to reduce the time interval between submitting applications and beginning to provide gas to consumer homes.

Additionally, the Center has urged states and union territories to expedite the clearance process for applications necessary for the CGD network’s growth.

The conflict in the Middle East has entered a dangerous phase, with attacks reportedly hitting the Natanz Enrichment Complex in Iran and the Israeli city of Dimona, home to a nuclear plant, according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), on Sunday.

Incidents that occurred in southeastern Iran and in the Israeli city of Dimona are being investigated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

There have been no reports of elevated or unusual amounts of radiation offsite. The risk to the environment and public health increases with attacks against nuclear facilities, according to Ghebreyesus’ post on X.

In order to assist its own staff and UN employees in 13 nations in responding effectively to public health risks in the event of a nuclear incident, WHO has offered crucial training since the start of the conflict.

“I beg all parties to use extreme military restraint and refrain from doing anything that might cause nuclear events. The top priority for leaders should be to de-escalate conflicts and safeguard civilians. According to the head of the WHO, “peace is the best remedy.”

In addition, he argued that war does not lead to peace.

“All it does is give the next generation new reasons to hate,” he continued.

On the other hand, even as US President Donald Trump declared that Washington was on the verge of achieving its military goals in the conflict, he warned that if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, he would “hit and obliterate” the country’s power plants in 48 hours.

Trump delivered a direct ultimatum regarding the strategic waterway in a succession of postings, stating, “The United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST! if Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS.”

Even as Trump hinted that US military actions may soon cease, the warning signals a major escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy.

The US had also taken steps to weaken Iran’s military capabilities, such as “eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti-Aircraft Weaponry,” he said.

While recognizing the work that people and communities are doing to conserve water, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated on Sunday the necessity of conserving every drop of water and encouraged people to practice responsible use.

In celebration of World Water Day, which is observed annually on March 22, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for sustainable water management in the face of rising global issues.

“Water sustains us and molds the future of our world,” Prime Minister Modi stated on X. Let’s reaffirm our dedication on World Water Day to use water wisely and conserve every drop. Today is also a day to recognize those who use sustainable practices, raise awareness, and cultivate a culture of conservation.

Additionally, he delivered a video message emphasizing the necessity of cooperation.

“International Water Day is being observed today across the globe to promote the value of water. He urged efforts like water recycling, rainwater collection, and greater community involvement in order to “do anything you can to save every drop of water.”

The Prime Minister emphasized the part played by the younger generation and stated that children have the power to bring about change in water conservation initiatives.

“I have a great deal of optimism about the role that youngsters play in water conservation. Children’s ability to turn cleanliness into a movement is the same way they can help save water by becoming water warriors,” he continued.

The United Nations-recognized World Water Day highlights the worldwide water problem and advocates for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks to provide water and sanitation for everyone. The focus of this year’s theme is on gender equality and the leadership position of women in water resource management.

The theme for 2026, “Water and Gender: Where water flows, equality grows,” highlights the disproportionate load that women and girls bear in managing and collecting water, particularly in water-scarce areas.

World Water Day is a forum for raising awareness, promoting water conservation initiatives, and drawing attention to the increasing effects of climate change on water resources.

The publication of the yearly UN World Water Development Report, as well as workshops and public awareness programs, is used to monitor it worldwide.