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Indian indices log biggest single-day decline in nearly two years

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Indian indices log biggest single-day decline in nearly two years
Mumbai: India’s equity benchmarks slumped more than 3% Thursday – the steepest single-day drop in nearly two years – as attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in West Asia rattled investors and fuelled inflation concerns. The 5%-plus drop in HDFC Bank, the biggest Nifty stock by weighting, after the abrupt exit of its non-executive chairman, Atanu Chakraborty, citing ‘ethical’ concerns further pressured bourses.

The NSE Nifty closed at 23,002.15 – the lowest since February 2025, down 775.65 points or 3.3%. The BSE Sensex ended 3.3% lower at 74,207.24 – the lowest since March 2025, shedding 2,496.89 points. Thursday’s slide wiped out gains from the previous three sessions and punched a ₹13 lakh crore-hole in the total market capitalisation of BSE-listed companies.

“The recent attacks on gas reserves are a serious concern that may have spooked investors and pushed oil prices higher,” said Hitesh Zaveri, head – Listed Equities Alternatives at Axis Mutual Fund. “Till this war is resolved, further declines cannot be ruled out.”

Iran’s strikes caused extensive damage to the world’s largest gas plant in Qatar, targeted a refinery in Saudi Arabia, forced a shutdown of UAE gas facilities, and triggered fires at two Kuwaiti refineries, Reuters reported. The retaliation followed Israel’s attack on Iran’s gas infrastructure.

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Market participants do not rule out further downside amid the escalating West Asia tensions.


“There is scope for further downside since oil facilities were hammered, raising concerns that production and transport capabilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran may be significantly impaired,” said UR Bhat, co-founder & director, Alphaniti. “This has added pressure on the markets while the closure of the Strait of Hormuz remains unaddressed. Consensus expectations for crude moving towards $150 a barrel may not be far-fetched if escalations persist.”

Screenshot 2026-03-20 062840Agencies

Fear Gauge Rises 21.8%
Across Asia, Japan dropped 3.4%, South Korea fell 2.7%, Hong Kong slid 2%, while Taiwan and China declined 1.9% and 1.4%, respectively.
At home, all NSE sectoral indices ended lower. The Nifty Auto index tumbled 4.3%, while Nifty Realty fell 3.8%. Consumer durables, IT and metal gauges lost more than 3% each. The Bank Nifty fell 3.4%, dragged by HDFC Bank.

Analysts said the sell-off has prompted traders to initiate fresh bearish bets on the Nifty.

“Around 12-18 Nifty heavyweights saw not just unwinding of long positions but formation of short positions as well,” said Ruchit Jain, head of technical research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

Jain pegged 22,500 as the near-term support level but said a durable bottom depends on an easing of geopolitical stress.

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Foreign portfolio investors sold a net ₹7,558.2 crore worth of shares on Thursday, while domestic institutions bought ₹3,864 crore. In March, global investors sold ₹79,805.7 crore of equities.

The India VIX jumped 21.8% to 22.8 – the sharpest rise since March 4 – signalling heightened near-term volatility. “With the VIX at extremely high levels, the swings are sharp and could continue,” Jain said.

The Nifty Midcap 150 fell 3.1%, and the Smallcap 250 dropped 2.6%. Of the 4,404 shares traded on the BSE, 3,359 declined and 913 advanced. Both indices were down about 3.3% over the past week till Thursday.

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School uniform reuse scheme launches in London

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School uniform reuse scheme launches in London

The School Uniform Reuse Network aims to help schools and families reduce waste and save money.

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Service stations change pricing mechanisms to avoid volatility

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Service stations change pricing mechanisms to avoid volatility

Fuel retailers are setting prices based on the cost to restock, rather than the cost paid for current supplies, according to data collected by the nation’s competition watchdog.

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Treasury Yields Hit Session Highs After Fed Decision

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Treasury Yields Hit Session Highs After Fed Decision

The yield on the 2-year Treasury, which often rises and falls with expectations for central-bank policy, was recently around 3.746%, according to Tradeweb, near their level prior to the Fed’s announcement and Chairman Jerome Powell’s news conference.

The yield on the 10-year note recently traded around 4.257%, up from around 4.23% prior to the decision.

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6 Business Use Cases For Perforated Metal

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6 Business Use Cases For Perforated Metal

Perforated metal has long been valued for its strength, versatility, and clean visual appeal. Created by punching patterns of holes into metal sheets, it offers a practical balance between airflow, light control, and structural support.

Across industries such as architecture, construction, mining, and interior design, perforated metal has become a go-to material for projects that require both function and style.

From industrial screening media to striking architectural façades, modern manufacturing techniques allow businesses to adapt perforated metal to a wide range of applications. Below are six common ways companies use perforated metal in commercial and industrial environments.

Rubber Flip Flow Screens In Quarrying And Mining

In heavy industries like quarrying and mining, screening media plays a major role in material processing. Rubber flip flow screens are a specialised form of screening system that often works alongside perforated metal components to sort and separate materials.

Flip flow screens use flexible rubber panels that vibrate to prevent clogging when handling wet or sticky aggregates. Perforated metal supports or frames can be used within these systems due to their strength and resistance to wear.

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This combination offers several advantages:

  • Consistent material separation
  • Reduced blockages during screening
  • Long-term durability in harsh environments

For operations that handle high volumes of raw materials, robust screening systems are essential. Perforated metal provides the stability and support required for reliable processing equipment.

Picture Perf For Architectural Branding

Turning Metal Panels Into Visual Displays

Picture perf, sometimes called perforated imagery, allows designers to transform plain metal sheets into large-scale graphics. The technique uses thousands of precisely placed holes to form images, patterns, or gradients when viewed from a distance.

Businesses often use picture perf panels for building exteriors, car parks, and commercial developments. Logos, landscapes, or custom artwork can be recreated directly into the metal façade.

Because the design is formed through the perforation pattern itself, the result is highly durable and resistant to fading or weather damage.

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Combining Function With Creative Design

Picture perf panels also serve practical roles such as ventilation, shade, or screening. This means a building can include branding or artwork without sacrificing airflow or light control.

Materials such as aluminium, stainless steel, and corten steel are commonly used, depending on the visual style and environmental conditions of the project.

Metal Cladding For Modern Building Exteriors

Perforated metal cladding

has become increasingly popular in contemporary architecture. It offers an attractive alternative to solid panels while still protecting the structure underneath.

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Cladding systems made from perforated metal help regulate sunlight, airflow, and heat. The perforations allow partial visibility and ventilation while still acting as a protective outer layer.

Architects often select materials like stainless steel or corten steel for exterior cladding due to their strength and corrosion resistance. Brass, copper, and bronze can also be used when a more distinctive appearance is required.

Perforated metal cladding is commonly used for:

  • Commercial buildings
  • Car parks
  • Public infrastructure
  • Cultural venues

The result is a façade that combines durability with a distinctive, textured appearance.

Interior Fitout And Decorative Panels

Inside buildings, perforated metal sheets offer both decorative and practical benefits. Interior designers often use them in office spaces, retail environments, and public buildings where ventilation and light diffusion are useful.

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Applications include partition walls, ceiling panels, and feature screens. The perforation patterns can soften lighting, improve acoustics, and create visual interest within a space.

Metal finishes such as brass, bronze, and copper are especially popular in interior fitout projects because they introduce warmth and character to modern interiors.

Custom perforation patterns also allow designers to create unique decorative metal sheets that complement the wider design scheme.

Sunscreens And Rain Screens For Climate Control

Buildings often need protection from both sunlight and weather exposure. Perforated metal is widely used in sunscreens and rain screens to help manage these challenges.

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Solar Shading Systems

Perforated metal sunscreens are installed over windows or façades to reduce direct sunlight. By filtering the amount of light entering the building, they can help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce glare.

Unlike solid shading systems, perforated panels still allow outward visibility and natural airflow.

Ventilated Rain Screens

Rain screens act as a secondary layer on a building’s exterior. Perforated metal panels can form part of a ventilated façade system that allows moisture to escape while shielding the inner wall from rain and wind.

This approach is common in large commercial buildings where long-term durability and weather protection are key concerns.

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Decorative Metal Sheets For Architectural Detail

Decorative perforated metal sheets are often used to add detail to architectural features. Their strength and customisable patterns make them suitable for both functional and aesthetic elements.

Examples include stair treads, ladder rungs, balcony panels, and flooring systems. In public buildings, perforated steps and walkways provide slip-resistant surfaces while allowing dirt and water to pass through.

Decorative panels can also be used for enclosures, security mesh, and feature walls. When paired with materials such as stainless steel, copper, or corten steel, they create visually striking structures that remain practical for everyday use.

Across many sectors, perforated metal continues to offer businesses a flexible material that meets both structural and design requirements. Whether used in heavy-duty screening media or refined architectural features, it provides a balance of durability, airflow, and visual impact that few other materials can match.

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WA fastest growing state in Australia at 2.2pc

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WA fastest growing state in Australia at 2.2pc

Western Australia continues to be the fastest growing state in the country with a population growth rate of more than 2 per cent.

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Aussie shares hit nine-month low as war wipes $270b

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Aussie shares hit nine-month low as war wipes $270b

Australia’s stock market is trading at its weakest level in nine months after the Iran war and the resulting energy shock prompted multiple central banks to brace for higher interest rates.

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BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

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BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

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Work from home, avoid air travel to deal with higher energy prices, IEA says

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Work from home, avoid air travel to deal with higher energy prices, IEA says


Work from home, avoid air travel to deal with higher energy prices, IEA says

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Three Flight Attendants Hospitalised After LA-Sydney Flight Hits Severe Turbulence

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Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines
Stroopsniper Lenn / Unsplash

Delta Air Lines crew members have been taken to the hospital after Delta Flight 41, which departed from Los Angeles, encountered brief but severe turbulence as it was descending into Sydney.

Four flight attendants have sustained injuries, and three of them had to be treated at Royal Prince Alfred.

Delta Flight Attendants Injured Due to Turbulence

According to The Guardian, the plane, an Airbus 350, was carrying 245 passengers and 15 crew members. No passenger had been injured.

Despite the turbulence it encountered, the plane landed safely after 6.40 a.m., and ambulances were called to the airport at around 6:45 a.m.

According to 9News, NSW Ambulance said they assessed five people on the scene before three were taken to the hospital.

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Those who have been hospitalised have declined to share their condition to the media. However, The Guardian notes in its report that some of those in the hospitalised sustained injuries to their backs.

Delta Releases Statement

A spokesperson for Delta has assured that the company is focusing on taking care of its crew members that were hurt due to the turbulence.

“Delta flight 41 from Los Angeles encountered brief turbulence upon descent into Sydney, and four flight attendants reported injuries,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and our customers, and our priority is taking care of the impacted crew members,” the spokesperson added.

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The Handwriting Lab Introduces a Scientific Handwriting Improvement Course to Address Declining Writing Skills

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The Handwriting Lab Introduces a Scientific Handwriting Improvement Course to Address Declining Writing Skills

As digital tools continue to dominate communication, concerns around declining handwriting quality among both children and adults are becoming increasingly prominent. The Handwriting Lab has introduced its Handwriting Improvement Course, a structured and scientifically designed program with the aim of improving writing skills through a systematic approach grounded in cognitive science and motor skill development.

Research from institutions such as Princeton University and the University of Washington highlights that handwriting supports deeper cognitive processing, improves memory retention, and strengthens learning outcomes. Despite this, handwriting quality has shown a noticeable decline, creating a need for structured intervention.

Addressing the Limitations of Traditional Methods

Conventional handwriting improvement techniques often rely on repetitive copying, which may not just address underlying issues affecting writing quality. Common challenges observed among learners include irregular letter sizing and spacing, inconsistent slant, poor letter formation, weak pencil grip, hand fatigue, slow writing speed, and lack of confidence in written work.

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The Handwriting Lab’s course addresses these foundational challenges by focusing on the process of writing rather than solely on the visual outcome.

The Handwriting Lab Introduces a Scientific Handwriting Improvement Course to Address Declining Writing Skills

A Scientific Framework for Skill Development

This Handwriting Improvement Course is built on principles derived from motor skill development, cognitive science, and educational psychology. This methodology emphasizes structured skill-building and technique refinement.

Key components of the framework include muscle memory training, alphabet grouping based on stroke patterns, hand–eye coordination development, fine motor skill enhancement, and posture and grip correction. This structured approach aligns with research from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, which indicates that targeted motor training improves writing fluency and accuracy.

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A Structured Three-Workbook System

The course is delivered through a three-stage workbook system designed to ensure progressive learning and long-term improvement:

  • Foundations of Handwriting: Focuses on strokes, letter formation, spacing, and alignment
  • Connecting Letters & Forming Words: Introduces flow, rhythm, and consistency
  • Refining and Maintaining Handwriting: Enhances writing speed, neatness, and retention

This structured progression is designed to support sustainable handwriting development rather than temporary improvement.

Designed for Diverse Learners

The Handwriting Improvement Course is intended for a wide range of users, including students preparing for exams, professionals seeking improved handwriting clarity, adults revisiting writing skills, and individuals with long-standing handwriting challenges.

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The program is based on the premise that handwriting is a skill that can be developed through the right system and structured practice.

Measurable Outcomes Beyond Writing

Improved handwriting contributes to broader benefits, including increased writing speed and efficiency, improved academic performance, enhanced confidence in written expression, better focus and concentration, and reduced hand fatigue.

Research published by the National Institutes of Health further indicates that handwriting strengthens neural pathways associated with learning and memory.

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Growing Adoption Across India

The Handwriting Lab reports that more than 11,000 users have benefited from the program, contributing to its recognition as a widely trusted handwriting improvement solution in India.

Feedback from users highlights improvements in handwriting quality, structure, and confidence, while educators have recommended the course for its systematic and practical methodology.

Flexible and Accessible Learning Model

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The course is designed to accommodate modern learning preferences, offering flexibility and accessibility without reliance on classroom-based instruction. Learners can progress at their own pace, and the program is suitable for all age groups. The course materials are delivered across India via postal service and are structured for independent practice.

Course Offerings

The Handwriting Lab provides handwriting improvement courses in multiple languages, including:

  • English
  • Malayalam
  • Hindi
  • Tamil

Supporting Long-Term Skill Development

The Handwriting Improvement Course focuses not only on enhancing writing quality but also on building confidence and consistency. By addressing foundational techniques and integrating structured practice, the program aims to support long-term handwriting improvement across diverse learner groups.

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For more information, visit:
https://thehandwritinglab.com/

Disclaimer –

This article is a work of original content created for public relations and informational purposes only. It may be published across multiple digital platforms with the full knowledge and consent of the author/publisher. All images, logos, and referenced names are the property of their respective owners and used here solely for illustrative or informational purposes. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of this article without prior written permission from the original publisher is strictly prohibited. Any resemblance to other content is purely coincidental or used under fair use policy with proper attribution.

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