Here are the top business news stories in India today:

 Here are the top business news stories in India today: 

* Indian equity benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty, started the trading session with a sharp decline on Thursday, March 19, 2026, amid weak global cues as oil prices surged after Iran struck Middle East energy facilities in retaliation for an Israeli attack on the South Pars gas field ¹.

* The Sensex tumbled 1,953.21 points or 2.54 per cent to start the session at 74,750.92, the Nifty slipped 580.05 points to open at 23,197.75 ¹.

* India Inc has backed Budget 2026's push on manufacturing, infrastructure and competitiveness, saying it enhances the country's competitiveness globally while boosting industrial self-sufficiency ².

* India's capital markets have entered 2026 with remarkable momentum, with IPO fundraising projected to reach $25 billion, marking a third consecutive record year ³.

* Earnings revival signals a turnaround for Indian firms in fiscal year 2026, brokerages say .