Just a day after India wrapped up negotiations on its Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, a deal being called the “mother of all deals”, attention has now shifted to the United States.
India's upcoming financial year will bring significant changes to the income tax system, including the introduction of the Income-tax Act 2025 and proposed Income-tax Rules 2026. These changes will impact the way individual taxpayers, especially salaried employees, file tax returns and claim deductions and exemptions.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman plans to keep fiscal deficit target at 4.4% GDP for FY26 and establish a Rs 1 lakh crore Economic Stabilisation Fund to handle global shocks. Supplementary demands will not impact fiscal consolidation, with Rs 30,000 crore for MNREGA, Rs 19,230 crore for fertiliser subsidies, and Rs 23,641 crore for the PM included in the second batch.
India and the US are working on an agreement to protect India's advantage in the US market. The agreement was delayed due to US Supreme Court's decision to strike down tariffs. The US has launched investigations against India and other trade partners for excess capacities and forced labor. India is studying the situation and will respond accordingly.
The global oil market is experiencing its biggest supply disruption as the Strait of Hormuz is closed, removing 17 million barrels per day. Gulf exporters are trying to find alternative routes, but production risks are increasing. S&P Global Energy predicts a price range of $70-$100 per barrel for Dated Brent crude, assuming the strait reopens within weeks.
Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, featuring Ranveer Singh, has broken records in the North American Box Office with $2.8 million in pre-sales. It has surpassed opening weekend earnings of top blockbusters and is set to earn $4 million with its release in five languages, thanks to the first film's success and the sequel's hype among moviegoers.
The teaser for The Devil Wears Prada 2 has sparked excitement on social media with the introduction of Simone Ashley's enigmatic character. Fans are intrigued by her potential to challenge Miranda Priestly and are eagerly anticipating the film's release on May 1, 2026, which will also bring back the original trio and explore new power dynamics.
The exclusion of MacKenzie Scott from the 2026 Philanthropy 50 list caused controversy due to her record-breaking donations of $7 billion in 2025. The Chronicle of Philanthropy's strict reporting rules and Scott's refusal to provide official receipts were cited as reasons. Despite this, Scott's Giving Pledge commitment has led her to donate over 75% of her original Amazon shares.
Ben Affleck, the successful filmmaker, has ventured into the tech world with the sale of his AI startup, InterPositive, to Netflix for $600 million. This unconventional move highlights the impact of technology in filmmaking and has earned Affleck a Senior Advisor role at Netflix, thanks to his team's practical approach and partnerships with major directors.
The T20 World Cup 2026 has come to an end, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the earnings of each team. India, who won the World Cup for the third time, received a whopping $2,639,423 (approx. ₹23.74 crore), while Pakistan only earned $522,692 (approx. ₹4.70 crore). The difference in earnings highlights the importance of consistency and success in the tournament.
The hit animated film K-Pop: Demon Hunters is officially getting a sequel, with Netflix confirming that Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans will return to write and direct the next chapter. With the original movie becoming one of the platform’s most-watched releases and even earning nominations at the 98th Academy Awards.
The BCCI annual awards, also known as the 'Naman Awards,' will be held on March 15, 2026, in New Delhi. The term "Naman" is derived from the Hindi word meaning "paying respect," and was adopted in 2017 to honor former captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. The event will celebrate India's five ICC titles in the past year and will be live-streamed on JioStar and BCCI's official website.
The 98th Academy Awards will bring Hollywood’s biggest night back to the spotlight as stars gather at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the ceremony will also feature presenters including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Robert Downey Jr., and Anne Hathaway. Here’s everything Indian viewers need to know about the timing, streaming platforms, and TV broadcast details.
Ranveer Singh's film, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, has exceeded expectations in terms of pre-release interest and ticket sales, breaking records set by South Indian stars. With a predicted opening day of over Rs 100 crore and the potential to join the Rs 1,000 crore club, the film has already surpassed several domestic records and is attracting a wide audience before its official release.
HFCL, an Indian technology company, has signed a five-year agreement worth Rs 10,159 crore with a global multinational corporation. The contract will be executed through its subsidiary and is estimated to have a total potential value of $1.10 billion. This deal, which will run until December 2030, marks HFCL's entry into the global OFC market and will boost its position in the industry.
Motilal Oswal remains bullish on VA Tech Wabag, a water technology company, due to its strong order book of over Rs 16,300 crore, with potential for further growth. Despite concerns about its Middle East exposure, the company's projects remain on track. The brokerage believes VA Tech Wabag's growth will accelerate and recommends a 'Buy' with a target price of Rs 1,900.
Authorities have identified the man behind Thursday’s attack at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali. The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed his identity and shared details about his immigration background, according to a report by Fox News.
The new Income-tax Act, effective from April 1, has only 54 out of 190 forms ready. The Department of Revenue assured that critical forms will be functional by the deadline, while others will undergo modifications. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance urged for timely notification of the Income-tax Rules and forms.
Metal stocks took a hit in today's cautious market, with Nifty Metals Index dropping over 4% and key shares like NALCO and Hindalco plunging. The Hormuz crisis and rising crude oil prices have disrupted markets, but surprisingly, metal prices have seen a sharp correction. Indian markets also opened lower, with the auto index dropping around 3%.
The latest report by CLSA suggests that worries about AI taking over IT jobs may be unwarranted. Data shows that hiring in India's IT and software services sector and BPO sector has increased, indicating that AI is not yet negatively affecting jobs. Companies are actively seeking specialized AI talent and plan to add thousands of employees, potentially increasing productivity.
Thalapathy Vijay's last film Jana Nayagan suffers a blow as Amazon Prime Video backs out of a Rs 120 crore deal for digital rights. The film's dispute with CBFC and delays in release have caused Amazon to withdraw, leaving the producers searching for new streaming partners. The project is now in limbo due to financial pressure and delays.
Some controversies flare and fade quickly, but the one surrounding Laura Loomer shows no sign of cooling down. The far-right American activist, known for her hardline pro-Trump and anti-India rhetoric, is arriving in New Delhi this week to speak at the two-day summit at the Taj Palace Hotel. And the reaction has been explosive.
PM Narendra Modi emphasized the need for energy security through domestic infrastructure and self-sufficiency, while addressing the Opposition's fearmongering about LPG shortage. The government has made significant progress in increasing energy capacity, including strategic petroleum reserves and LPG connections. PM Modi promised further efforts to mitigate any impact on energy supply.
The Trump administration has allowed other countries to buy Russian oil at sea to reduce rising oil prices caused by the US-Iran conflict. This decision aims to stabilize global energy markets and maintain low prices. The US Treasury Secretary assures that this move will not greatly benefit Russia, and credits President Trump's energy policies for record levels of US oil and gas production.
In a rare diplomatic manoeuvre, India has managed to safely navigate its crude oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, currently the world’s most volatile maritime chokepoints right, without military intervention or confrontation.
Trump welcomes Iranian national football team to 2026 FIFA World Cup but warns about safety concerns due to ongoing conflict between US and Iran. Iranian Sports Minister says country cannot participate due to US killing Supreme Leader. FIFA President says Trump welcomes Iranian team. President of Iran's Football Federation questions sending team to US due to conflict.
U.S. stocks experienced a significant decline of over 1.5% due to Iranian attacks on oil tankers and rising inflation concerns. The S&P 500 saw its largest three-day drop in a month, while Iran's Supreme Leader promised to continue shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. The upcoming Fed meeting may address the impact of increasing fuel costs.
Trump believes that the US will benefit from higher oil prices due to the conflict with Iran, but some lawmakers criticize him for only caring about the rich. Gasoline prices continue to rise and the White House is considering waiving a shipping rule to control costs.
Markets extended losses for the second consecutive day as Brent crude prices hit $100 per barrel mark after a recent dip, amid no signs of de-escalation in the US–Israel–Iran conflict. Brent crude prices surged 10.45% to $101.6 per barrel. The Sensex and Nifty fell 1.08% and 0.95%, respectively, with concerns over inflationary pressures.
India and Iran are discussing ways to ensure safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. However, two tankers with their transponders off have already crossed the strait, indicating the rise of stealth shipping. In response, Saudi Arabia has increased crude loadings from its west coast, using the East-West pipeline to bypass the strait.
The Food Ministry has instructed state governments to distribute rice and wheat under PMGKAY for three months in advance to address storage problems caused by excess foodgrain stocks. The FCI has a surplus stock of 60.73 MT, 185% more than needed, and is taking measures to manage it. Distribution must be completed promptly after lifting the stock.
Honda Motor is restructuring its EV roadmap and focusing on India for market expansion opportunities. The company has cancelled two models from its global EV programme, but the smaller 0 Series Alpha electric SUV remains on track for production in India. Honda plans to strengthen its product portfolio and cost structure in high-growth markets like India.
India's reliance on Russian crude has been disrupted by US sanctions, making it difficult to find alternative supplies at reasonable costs. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz could further disrupt supply chains. India's strategic reserves and commercial inventories may provide some relief, but the country needs to diversify its routes to mitigate potential challenges.
India's retail inflation hit a 10-month high of 3.21% in February due to increasing food and precious metal prices. Experts predict the RBI will keep policy rates unchanged, citing rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions. The surge in global bullion prices has also affected domestic inflation, particularly in silver and gold jewellery.
The NSE has selected 20 merchant banks and 8 law firms, including Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan, to help with its upcoming IPO. These intermediaries will handle regulatory filings, due diligence, and marketing. The company's valuation, currently at ₹4.89 lakh crore, will be determined by these banks. Rothschild & Co India's role as independent IPO advisor has ended, and the IPO has been approved.
Investors took advantage of rising silver prices through ETFs but booked profits in February, causing the first net outflows in over two years. Despite this, experts believe interest in silver remains strong, with a rise in investor folios and new schemes launched. Silver prices fell due to profit booking and seasonal patterns, but experts advise against tactical bets and suggest including silver.
Rahul Dravid, the former Indian cricketer, will be awarded the prestigious CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025-26. He is one of the greatest cricketers to have not won a World Cup himself, but has guided the Under-19 and Senior men’s team to world titles. The award will be conferred on March 15, 2026, at the BCCI Naman Awards ceremony.
Food inflation increased by 3.47% in February, driven by higher prices of tomatoes and coconuts. However, it decreased by 0.15% compared to January and remained negative for seven months before December. Prices of essential items like pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits are low due to surplus stocks, but may rise in the future. This is according to the new CPI series.
"Indian equity market sees tremors from US-Iran war, but utility and power companies thrive. BSE Power and Utilities indexes rise by 3% each, with Adani Power, JSW Energy, BHEL, and Torrent Power as top performers. Investors turn to energy sector for high demand and potential for price increases due to LPG shortage.
Shubman Gill to be awarded the Indian Men’s Cricketer of the Year for the 2024-25 session at the Naman Awards 2026, also known as the Polly Umrigar Awards. Gill previously won the award in 2024 for the 2022-23 season. The first recipient of the award was Sachin Tendulkar, with Virat Kohli winning it a record five times.
An analysis by Wood Mackenzie forecasts that a sudden loss of 15 million barrels a day in Gulf oil exports could cause global crude prices to reach $150 a barrel, resulting in one of the biggest supply shocks in the oil industry's history. Asia and Europe will be the most affected as import-dependent markets search for alternative sources.
In February, India's share of gold in total foreign exchange reserves dropped to 18.1% from a record high of 19% in January. This was due to a 1.9% increase in foreign currency assets, which reached $573.1 billion, while gold reserves fell by 4.4% to $131.6 billion.
The BCCI annual awards, also known as the NAMAN Awards, have been a hot topic in the cricket world since the T20 World Cup 2026. Surprisingly, top captains MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have never won the BCCI cricketer of the Year award, along with other notable names like Anil Kumble, Yuvraj Singh, and Sourav Ganguly.
TVS Motor Company has launched a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) ownership model for its electric scooters, enabling customers to buy the scooter without the battery and subscribe to battery usage through monthly plans. This aims to reduce upfront costs and increase accessibility for first time buyers. The company has also introduced the TVS Orbiter V1, priced at Rs 49,999, as part of this plan.
The NSE IPO, one of the most highly anticipated events in the Indian market, has taken a major step forward with the appointment of 20 merchant banks to manage the offering. This marks the largest number of bankers ever selected for a public issue in India. The country's largest stock exchange has also chosen eight law firms and other intermediaries to assist with the listing process.
Audi India to raise prices by 2% from April 1, 2026 due to rising input costs and currency fluctuations. This is the first price hike of the year for the luxury carmaker, with other competitors also increasing prices. Fluctuating euro-rupee exchange rate a major factor affecting pricing strategies in the luxury car segment, with more revisions expected.
The February CPI inflation increased to 3.21%, with a year-on-year increase of 47 basis points. This is the second reading under the new CPI series with a revised base year of 2024. Rural inflation was 3.37% and urban inflation was 3.02%. Food inflation was 3.47% in February, with a decrease in the prices of tomatoes, peas, and cauliflower. The housing inflation rate for February was 2.12%.
This Friday, entertainment enthusiasts can enjoy a diverse range of new titles spanning multiple languages and cultural backgrounds. From the highly-anticipated third season of TVF's Aspirants to a supernatural legal drama and a controversial courtroom thriller, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your loved ones, snacks, and drinks, and get ready for a weekend of binge-watching.
HCLTech and Google Cloud have joined hands to create industry-specific AI agents, using HCLTech's AI force platform and Google Gemini models. The partnership will also involve unified migrations and the launch of physical AI innovation hubs. Despite a decline in stock due to AI risk, HCLTech's management is optimistic about their business mix. HSBC predicts a guidance range of 4.5-6.5% for HCL.
Elon Musk, the world's richest man, lives in a small apartment near SpaceX launch site in South Texas. His mother, Maye Musk, shared a rare look into his minimalist living space, reflecting his preference for efficiency and work over material possessions.
Nomura expects Indian steel majors to generate higher-than-historical mid-cycle EBITDA per tonne through FY26-28, leading to a bullish outlook on the sector. The brokerage maintains a 'Buy' recommendation for Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Jindal Steel, and Lloyds Metals & Energy due to factors such as safeguard duties, margin improvement, and steady production and consumption growth.