During an IANS interview, Sinha challenged: ‘Relations improved with Gulf nations? Then explain the oil shortage crippling households.’ He portrayed the government’s spin as a desperate bid to conceal incompetence, with everyday Indians footing the bill.

Particular ire was reserved for the Ujjwala program’s beneficiaries, now mired in gas access hurdles. ‘The center turns a blind eye while people suffer,’ Sinha fumed.

Delving deeper, Sinha referenced Iran’s candid admission: the Hormuz reopening stemmed from affection for Indians, not diplomatic maneuvering. ‘We’ve won neither hearts nor trust in the Gulf,’ he asserted.

Today, gas lines snake through cities, shortages hit peak, yet official responses ring empty. ‘Foreign policy failure is total. This regime lacks legitimacy after zero accomplishments,’ Sinha proclaimed.

Sinha’s salvo underscores a broader discontent: as global conflicts rage, domestic realities paint a picture of neglect. With public frustration mounting, the Congress leader’s call for truth cuts through the propaganda, demanding answers for a nation in distress.

Starting March 17, the Fed’s policy conclave will culminate in a March 18 verdict on interest rates—a decision amplified in importance by wartime oil shocks that have markets on edge for recessionary whispers.

Global crude benchmarks jumped 11% last week as conflict-related supply snarls tightened the market. For oil-import dependent India, sustained high prices spell trouble for inflation, trade deficits, and sectors from aviation to manufacturing, making every barrel tick a market mover.

Now in week three, the Middle East flare-up intensified with Trump signaling possible US strikes on Iran’s vital Kharg Island, a chokepoint for its oil exports. Escalation here could send energy markets into overdrive, battering global growth prospects and Indian exports.

FIIs yanked out a staggering ₹52,704 crore from Indian equities in early March, extending their bearish streak and eroding market sentiment. Domestic institutions have absorbed some pain, but the flow dynamics remain a sentiment barometer to watch closely.

The prior week delivered brutal losses amid regional strife: Sensex down 5.52% (4,354.98 points), Nifty off 5.31% (1,299.35 points). BSE’s aggregate market cap shrank by ₹20 lakh crore to ₹430 lakh crore from ₹450 lakh crore, underscoring the scale of the rout.

Losers dominated, with Nifty Auto plunging 10.64% on fuel woes, trailed by PSU Banks (-7.27%), Defence (-7.01%), Private Banks (-6.96%), Metals (-5.90%), Financial Services (-5.68%), Manufacturing (-5.60%), and Infra (-5.07%). Cyclicals suffered most from risk-off moves.

Looking forward, a softer Fed tone or war cease-fire talks might ignite buying, but entrenched oil highs and FII exits could prolong the slump. Savvy investors might hedge with gold or utilities, riding out the storm until clarity emerges from Washington and the warzone.