New Delhi, August 3, 2026: Indian benchmark equity indices ended higher for the fourth consecutive trading session on Monday, supported by broad-based buying across sectors.
The BSE Sensex gained 544 points (0.7%) to close at 78,639, while the NSE Nifty 50 surged 391 points (1.6%) to settle at 24,774.
The rally also extended to the broader markets, with the Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap indices closing firmly in positive territory, reflecting improved investor sentiment.
The gains came despite weakness in global crude oil prices, with investors focusing on domestic fundamentals and sustained buying across key sectors.
Global Crude Oil Prices Fall Over 5% After Trump Pauses Iran Strike
New Delhi, August 3, 2026: Global crude oil prices witnessed a sharp decline on Monday after US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would hold off a planned military attack on Iran while pursuing diplomatic negotiations.
Brent crude fell 5.4% to trade at around $83.16 per barrel during intraday trade, while WTI crude also declined sharply.
The fall in oil prices followed expectations that tensions in the Middle East could ease, reducing concerns over disruptions to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes.
Lower crude prices are generally viewed as positive for oil-importing economies such as India, as they can help ease inflationary pressures and reduce import costs.
Rupee Appreciates 5 Paise Against US Dollar
Mumbai, August 3, 2026: The Indian rupee strengthened against the US dollar on Monday, appreciating 5 paise to close at ₹95.34.
The domestic currency gained support amid positive sentiment in the equity markets, where benchmark indices extended their winning streak for the fourth consecutive session.
Market participants will continue to monitor global economic developments, crude oil prices and foreign institutional investor flows for further direction.
Gold, Silver Prices Edge Higher in Domestic Bullion Market
New Delhi, August 3, 2026: Gold and silver prices traded marginally higher in the domestic bullion market on Monday.
24-carat gold was quoted at around ₹1,43,520 per 10 grams, while silver traded at approximately ₹2,18,330 per kilogram.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures for the August contract were trading 0.2% higher.
Precious metals remained supported amid continued global economic uncertainty despite easing geopolitical tensions.
Lok Sabha Passes Bill to Increase Supreme Court Judges' Strength from 33 to 37
New Delhi, August 3, 2026: The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, paving the way for increasing the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India.
The move is aimed at reducing the mounting pendency of cases and improving the efficiency of the country's highest court. The proposal follows the appointment of additional judges earlier this year to strengthen judicial capacity.
Rajya Sabha Passes MSME Amendment Bill 2026 to Speed Up Dispute Resolution
New Delhi, August 3, 2026: The Rajya Sabha passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, aimed at simplifying dispute resolution and addressing payment delays faced by MSMEs.
The legislation seeks to strengthen the MSME ecosystem by ensuring quicker settlement of payment disputes and improving the ease of doing business for small enterprises.
Government Proposes Two-Wheeler Ambulances for Faster Emergency Medical Response
New Delhi, August 3, 2026: The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed introducing two-wheeler ambulances by amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
According to the draft notification, the initiative is intended to provide faster emergency medical assistance, particularly in congested urban areas and regions where conventional ambulances face accessibility challenges.
India Crosses 5 Lakh Aadhaar-Verified Organ Donation Pledges
New Delhi, August 3, 2026: India has crossed five lakh Aadhaar-verified organ donation pledges, marking a significant milestone in the country's organ donation programme.
The achievement comes within three years of the launch of the digital pledge portal in 2023. Addressing the 16th Indian Organ Donation Day event, Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said India now ranks third globally in the number of organ transplants.
CDS Highlights AI, Cyber Warfare and Space Technologies as Future of Modern Military Operations
New Delhi, August 3, 2026: Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani said emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, autonomous systems, information warfare, space technologies and data-driven decision-making are reshaping the future of military operations.
Speaking at an event on Monday, the CDS stressed that armed forces must rapidly adapt to technological advancements to remain prepared for evolving security challenges.
President Murmu Calls for Greater Focus on Education of Girls and Tribal Students
Cuttack, August 3, 2026: President Droupadi Murmu urged universities to prioritise the education of girls and tribal students, describing education as the foundation of character building, social transformation and nation-building.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Jagadguru Kripalu University in Cuttack, Odisha, the President called on educational institutions to nurture ethical, skilled and socially responsible citizens.
