New Delhi, April 8: Global crude oil prices on Wednesday plunged sharply up to 20 per cent, after US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran that includes a pledge to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway at the heart of the world’s most acute energy crisis in decades.

The international benchmark Brent crude futures shed nearly 16 per cent or $17.39 to $91.88, hitting an intraday low, while US WTI crude declined almost 20 per cent or $21.90 to $91.05.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global oil flows, has been at the centre of the conflict. Iran had restricted passage for several weeks, contributing to rising prices and supply concerns. Markets had been on edge ahead of Trump’s deadline for Iran to reach a deal, with traders fearing a major escalation could disrupt shipments across the Gulf and send prices sharply higher.

Oil prices had surged in recent weeks amid fears that the strait could be closed or severely restricted. The waterway handles shipments critical to global supply chains, including crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

The US-Israel-Iran conflict has been paused for two weeks after approximately 40 days of hostilities that began in February.

President Trump’s shift in stance came just ahead of his stated deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or risk extensive strikes on its civilian infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Iran indicated it would halt its military operations provided attacks against it ceased simultaneously. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a formal statement, confirmed that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured for two weeks in coordination with Iranian armed forces.

The conflict had triggered an unprecedented surge in oil prices in March, with gains exceeding 60 per cent during the period.

Additionally, Indian equity benchmarks also rallied sharply on the development, trading more than 3 per cent higher in early trade. The Sensex jumped nearly 4 per cent, while the Nifty surged 3.5 per cent to their respective intraday highs.

Shiv Sena-UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi defended India’s stand on not being part of the negotiating table between the US and Iran and questioned why it should be involved, saying the conflict ‘wasn’t our war.’ Her remarks come amid an ongoing debate over India’s stance on the escalating West Asia tensions.

Taking to her official handle on X, Chaturvedi also mocked Pakistan’s role as a mediator, and said, “And for them, it is like that tort who, for a fee will say it will resolve the crisis- best described by India’s FM in an all party meeting.”

She also spoke on the ceasefire, saying that Iran kept its position, the US saved face, Israel faced a reality check, while Pakistan got a ‘thank you note,’ and India secured its oil supply.

US President Donald Trump agreed to a 14-day ceasefire after talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, according to a post shared by him on his official Truth Social account. Trump also accepted the 10-point proposal from Iran. The Iranian side then accepted Trump’s peace overture and agreed to safe passage via the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, as well as a pause in military operations.

Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, of Pakistan, and wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East. We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate. Almost all of the various points of past contention have been agreed to between the United States and Iran, but a two week period will allow the Agreement to be finalized and consummated. On behalf of the United States of America, as President, and also representing the Countries of the Middle East, it is an Honor to have this Longterm problem close to resolution. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

New Delhi, April 7: Millions of Central government employees and pensioners await the outcome of the drafting committee of the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery) on April 13 to get cues on the 8th Pay Commission salary revision, a report said on Tuesday.

The drafting committee meeting scheduled for 11:00 am at the JP Choubey Memorial Library (AIRF office premises) here will review a final common memorandum and discuss pay scale revisions, annual increments, allowances and other benefits, the report from NDTV Profit said.

“The April 13 meeting is in continuation of the March 12, 2026, meeting when all drafting committee members of the 8th Pay Commission met to discuss the common memorandum of all employee and pensioner bodies,” said NC-JCM secretary, Shiv Gopal Mishra, in a letter to members of the drafting committee.

The government has not yet announced the official date for the salary increase. Arrears will be calculated based on the date fixed for the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission

even as employee and pensioner groups press for arrears to be calculated from January 1, 2026, the report said.

The Federation of National Postal Organisations has asked the government to merge the 58 per cent dearness allowance with basic pay and give interim relief from the same date.

The salary increase will hinge on the fitment factor the government adopts which analysts expect to exceed 2.5. Some employee groups have sought a fitment factor of 3.15, even though the official decision may take over a year, the report said.

Pankaj Chaudhary, MoS Finance, told Parliament in March that the 8th Pay Commission will make its recommendations on pay, allowances, pensions, and other benefits for central government employees. The 8th Pay Commission is expected to complete this work within 18 months from November 2025.