The project includes a 13.3-km-long stretch built at a cost of around Rs 6,700 crore. It aims to bypass the steep mountain pass section, improving road safety and reducing travel time between the two cities.

The expressway upgrade is expected to generate economic activity worth Rs 70,000 crore. The new route cuts travel time by 25–30 minutes and reduces the distance by approximately 6 km.

The project features tunnels, viaducts, and elevated sections that bypass the Khandala ghat. A notable highlight is a 182-metre-high cable-stayed bridge over Tiger Valley, designed to withstand wind speeds up to 240 kmph.

Speed limits are set at 100 kmph for cars and 80 kmph for buses. Initially, the route is open only to light motor vehicles and passenger buses; heavy vehicles will not be allowed until at least October 31.

The inauguration’s timing on Maharashtra Day resulted in heavy traffic congestion. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis apologized for the inconvenience caused during this event.

Fadnavis remarked, “The ‘missing’ is over… Maharashtra moves forward with stronger connectivity.” He described the Missing Link project as an “engineering marvel” and an “iconic project.”

Experts have warned about potential dense fog during monsoon and winter months, which may affect visibility on the new route.

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Imports surged by 25.8%, contributing significantly to the total GST revenue. The import-related GST revenue stood at ₹57,580 crore.

In comparison, last year’s April 2025 GST collection was ₹2.23 lakh crore. This indicates a strong upward trend in the country’s import activities.

Domestic revenue also saw a year-on-year increase of 4.3%, totaling ₹1.85 lakh crore. However, signs of easing domestic demand have emerged.

The overall refund process also demonstrated growth, with total refunds increasing by 19.3% to ₹31,793 crore. Domestic refunds rose sharply by 54.6%, while export refunds declined by 14%.

This boost in GST collection is significant for India’s economic landscape as it reflects both increased import trade and domestic consumption patterns.

Historically, the GST collection was ₹1.67 lakh crore in April 2022 and reached ₹2.10 lakh crore in April 2024, showing consistent growth over the years.

The current figures indicate that while imports are thriving, the underlying factors affecting domestic demand will require monitoring.

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The Noida International Airport has opened in Jewar after years of delays, heralding a new era for infrastructure development in the National Capital Region (NCR). This landmark project is expected to unlock a wave of growth, particularly benefiting various districts of Western Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Etawah, and Faridabad.

With an initial passenger handling capacity of 12 million per annum, the airport is designed for scalability, allowing it to accommodate up to 70 million passengers annually upon full development. The first phase of the airport has been developed at a total investment of approximately ₹11,200 crore under a Public-Private Partnership model.

The launch of the Noida International Airport is seen as a transformative trigger for investment and infrastructure in the NCR. Anshuman Magazine, a prominent industry figure, stated, “The Jewar Airport is a landmark infrastructure project, not just for the NCR but for India’s broader economic geography.”

Yash Miglani, another industry expert, emphasized the airport’s potential, saying, “The launch of Noida International Airport is a defining moment for this region and will unlock tremendous potential for growth in terms of commercial and retail developments.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted the significance of the airport, remarking, “Airports are not just basic facilities in any country, they give wings to progress.” This sentiment underscores the broader implications of the airport for regional development.

As one of the largest greenfield airport projects in India, the Noida International Airport is expected to facilitate not only air travel but also spur economic activities in the surrounding areas. Sanjay Sharma noted, “With the launch of the Noida International Airport, the region is poised to enter a new era of planned urban development with the backing of world-class infrastructure.”

Despite the excitement surrounding the airport’s opening, details remain unconfirmed regarding the full impact on local economies and the timeline for subsequent phases of development. The airport has faced years of missed deadlines before its opening, raising questions about future operational efficiency and growth.

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As of March 18, 2026, Dow Jones futures are trading lower by 0.4%, reflecting ongoing economic concerns. This decline comes as investors brace for the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision, which is expected to hold interest rates steady.

Contributing to the market’s cautious sentiment, Brent crude oil prices have dropped to $100 per barrel. This decline in oil prices often signals broader economic challenges, particularly in sectors sensitive to energy costs.

The dollar index remains largely unchanged at 99.56, although it had recently climbed above 100.3 on March 13, 2026, marking its highest level since mid-May 2025. This fluctuation in the dollar’s strength can impact international trade and investment flows.

Recent labor market data has also raised alarms, with employers cutting 92,000 jobs in the previous month, indicating a weakening job market. This follows a period of economic growth that has slowed significantly, with the last three months of 2025 showing growth at just 0.7%, down from an initial estimate of 4.4%.

The US central bank continues to grapple with inflation, striving to bring it down to its long-term target of 2% since the pandemic. The challenges posed by rising prices and a sluggish job market complicate the Fed’s decision-making process.

Market analysts are closely watching these developments, as the stock market is likely to open lower in response to the futures’ performance. The economic landscape remains uncertain, and investors are keen to gauge the implications of the Fed’s upcoming decisions.

Overall, the combination of lower futures, declining oil prices, and a weak job market paints a challenging picture for the US economy as it navigates these turbulent waters.

Details remain unconfirmed.

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As of March 18, 2026, Dow Jones futures are trading lower by 0.4%, reflecting ongoing economic concerns. This decline comes amid a backdrop of significant economic indicators that suggest a weakening job market and slower growth.

Brent crude oil prices have also seen a notable drop, falling to $100 per barrel on the same day. This decline in oil prices is part of a broader trend affecting various sectors of the economy.

The US Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady during its policy decision today, a move that indicates a cautious approach in light of recent economic data. The dollar index remains largely unchanged at 99.56, although it had climbed above 100.3 on March 13, 2026, marking its highest level since mid-May 2025.

Recent labor market data reveals that employers cut 92,000 jobs in the previous month, highlighting the challenges facing the job market. This figure is indicative of a broader trend of economic uncertainty.

Polycab India, the largest manufacturer of wires and cables in India, has recently experienced notable volatility in its share price. On February 27, 2026, the stock reached a record high of Rs 8724.35, marking a peak that many investors had anticipated would lead to sustained growth. However, the situation took a sharp turn as the stock tumbled by 18.20%, or Rs 1588, within just ten sessions, primarily due to the escalating tensions from the US-Iran war.

This decline has placed Polycab shares below their 5-day, 10-day, 20-day, 30-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages, indicating a significant shift in market sentiment. As of the latest trading session, the stock was priced at Rs 7109, reflecting a stark contrast to its earlier high and raising concerns among investors about the company’s immediate outlook.

Despite the recent downturn, Polycab’s market capitalization remains robust at Rs 1.06 lakh crore. The company has shown resilience, with a notable 56.56% gain from its 52-week low of Rs 4574.55 recorded on April 7, 2025. Furthermore, Polycab reported a 35% increase in net profit for Q3, reaching Rs 620 crore compared to Rs 460 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. Revenue also climbed significantly, up 46% to Rs 7640 crore from Rs 5230 crore last year.

Market analysts have varied perspectives on the future of Polycab’s share price. Brokerage firm YES Securities has set a target price of Rs 8,775 for the stock, suggesting a potential upside of 22% from current levels. Additionally, JM Financial and ICICI Securities have maintained their ‘Buy’ ratings, with target prices of ₹9,000 and ₹7,800 respectively. The general consensus among analysts indicates a positive outlook, with average 12-month price targets suggesting a potential upside of over 20% from the current share prices.

Expert voices highlight that structural tailwinds such as renewable energy, data centers, and housing demand continue to support industry growth. Despite the short-term challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, many believe that Polycab’s long-term growth prospects remain strong, bolstered by India’s overall economic expansion. This sentiment underscores the importance of viewing the recent fluctuations in share price within a broader context of market dynamics and potential recovery.

As Polycab navigates these turbulent waters, investors are advised to consider both the immediate impacts of external factors and the company’s underlying fundamentals. The stock’s Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio, which ranges from 41.85 to 44.39 over the last twelve months, reflects a premium valuation that may warrant caution among potential buyers.

In summary, while the recent decline in Polycab’s share price has raised concerns, the company’s strong financial performance and positive market outlook suggest that it may still be well-positioned for future growth. Investors will be closely monitoring developments in both the geopolitical landscape and the company’s operational performance as they make decisions moving forward.

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