The Union government has announced a new fiscal architecture with the goal of reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio to 50% by 2031. This will allow for more spending in priority sectors. The 2025-26 budget includes tax cuts, increased revenue from disinvestment and asset monetisation, and a projected 10% growth in nominal GDP. The fiscal deficit is estimated at 4.3% of GDP.
Police have taken action against rapper Badshah by issuing a Look Out Circular to prevent him from leaving the country after he was booked for objectionable lyrics and visuals in his music video. He has apologized and the police are conducting raids to ensure his arrest while the Haryana State Commission for Women has summoned him for investigation.
India's World Cup final preparations involve analyzing the performances of Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy. Mohammad Kaif suggests a break for Sharma and the inclusion of Rinku Singh. The bowling department faces a dilemma with Varun's struggles and the option of bringing in Kuldeep Yadav to counter New Zealand's batting.
Anuj Agnihotri, the 2022 UPSC topper, achieved his goal through hard work, self-correction, and consistency. His study strategy evolved with guidance from friends and free online resources. He aims to contribute to human development in education and healthcare through the civil services. Anuj did not take any coaching, relying on self-study for both prelims and mains.
Olivia Rodrigo's cover of "The Book of Love" supports children in conflict zones through a charity project. The music video, filmed by children in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and Yemen, sheds light on their experiences and raises funds for humanitarian aid. This project is a continuation of the 1995 HELP album and includes contributions from modern artists. All proceeds benefit children affected by war.
YouTube's reaction content, focused on Bollywood, has become a huge hit with dedicated channels and millions of subscribers. Copyright laws restrict the use of film footage, prompting reactors to create Patreon accounts for full-length reactions. Despite this, reaction channels have become a unique way for Indian media to reach a global audience.
Annabel Sutherland, at just 24 years old, made history on March 7 by becoming the first woman to score three consecutive centuries in Test cricket. Her latest feat, a masterful 129-run knock against India, solidifies her as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. Ellyse Perry also achieved a milestone of becoming Australia's highest-ever Test run-scorer.
Dr Vinay Prasad, the controversial top vaccine official at the FDA, is leaving the agency for the second time in less than a year. He had taken a one-year sabbatical to bring about significant changes at the FDA, but his resignation in April is not due to any animosity. He will be succeeded by a new official.
Pratham Swayampak Ghar, a women-run eatery in Aurangabad, is challenging traditional notions of formal employment by empowering women through food. This small kitchen in New Osmanpura provides visibility, income, and identity to saree-clad women who cook with practiced ease.
Women in India are playing a significant role in car purchase decisions, with 60% being influenced by them. This is particularly evident in the luxury car market, where women account for 11-15% of sales. The trend is driven by rising aspirations, financial independence, and demand, as more women hold high-paying jobs.
Indian Railways has launched a special AC train from New Delhi to Sabarmati for cricket fans who couldn't secure flight tickets to watch the T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand on March 8. Tickets can be booked through the IRCTC website or app, with prices for 2nd and 3rd AC tickets at Rs 2285 and Rs 1695 respectively. The match will take place at the iconic Narendra Modi stadium.
"Triumph of the Indian Republic" by Ram Nath Kovind is a revealing memoir of his time as President of India, providing a unique perspective on the workings of presidential power. "The Rules That Make Us" by Oliver Sweet explores the strategies of successful individuals and the impact of cultural understanding on achieving goals.
The World Cup Football tournament, a major global sporting event, is examined in Simon Kuper's book, World Cup Fever. He delves into the behind-the-scenes politics and money involved, exposing the hypocrisy of hosting countries like Russia and Qatar. Despite its controversies, the tournament remains a highly anticipated event for fans and a profitable business for sponsors.
Hollywood stars and tech moguls are investing in remote land as a way to secure their wealth, replacing their previous trend of buying luxury properties in global cities. In Hawaii, 37 billionaires own 11% of private land, keeping it undeveloped for their personal use. This has led to strict zoning and limited construction, making it challenging for locals to afford housing.
Shinjini Kumar's "Busy Women" delves into the lives of women in rural India, showcasing their strength and determination in reshaping the country's modernity. Through extensive travel and interviews, Kumar challenges traditional ideas of progress and sheds light on the quiet yet powerful transformation happening in districts and tier-two towns.
NHAI assures highway builders and contractors of monitoring and addressing concerns regarding rising input costs. Contractors advised to approach NHAI in case of supply disruptions. Concerns raised over potential price hikes due to conflicts in West Asia. NHAI promises to maintain adequate supplies and closely monitor the situation.
The India vs England T20 World Cup semi-final set a new record for peak concurrent viewership of 65.1 million, surpassing the previous record held by the ICC Champions Trophy final. The upcoming India vs New Zealand final is expected to break this record. The rise of digital platforms, particularly in India, has solidified cricket's dominance in digital engagement.
The SBI Research report states that the ongoing West Asia conflict could have negative economic consequences for India, such as increased oil prices, disruptions in energy supply routes, and potential effects on remittances and trade. India's main concerns are the impact on crude oil supplies, inward remittances, and trade, despite efforts to reduce vulnerability.
The trailer for Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, featuring Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun, has gained over 5 million views in under an hour. Fans are excited for the intense portrayal of Singh and a shocking gun-wielding scene by Arjun. The sequel follows the rise of a new Lyari king, with Arjun Rampal's character adding to the tension.
The T20 World Cup 2026 has been dominated by bowlers, with Varun Chakaravarthy, Adil Rashid, Blessing Muzarabani, Shadley van Schalkwyk, and Lungi Ngidi emerging as the top 5 wicket-takers. Chakaravarthy's variations and accuracy have been key for India, while Rashid's ability to break partnerships has been vital for England.
Shah Rukh Khan, a Bollywood billionaire, has been surpassed by young Indian entrepreneurs on the Hurun Rich List 2026. The list includes 57 new Indian entrants, highlighting the expanding entrepreneur segment. Notable new entrants include the founders of online learning platform Physics Wallah and budget hotel network OYO, with a net worth higher than Shah Rukh Khan's.
The 2026 International Women's Day celebrates women's empowerment and achievements with the theme of 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.' This AI-powered cocktail guide, created by psychologists, offers drinks tailored to the 16 major personality types based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator - these cocktails are a fun way to celebrate and learn more about yourself.
The Simpsons, a popular animated sitcom, marked its 800th episode, known for its uncanny predictions of global events. However, it has not predicted the current Iran war or any potential World War III, despite online speculations. Photos and videos circulating online have been edited and taken out of context, disproving any claims of the show's ability to foresee the future.
The T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium has caused a surge in hotel tariffs and airfares in Ahmedabad. With a capacity of 132,000, the match has driven ticket prices up to Rs 71,980. Hotel rooms that usually cost Rs 4,000 are now being sold for over Rs 1 lakh. Airfares have also increased by 50-75%.
The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final will see India and New Zealand, two teams with contrasting fan bases and resources, face off in a highly anticipated clash. This historic rivalry is fueled by past high-stakes matches and a desire for redemption, making for an unpredictable and intense final.
The 2026 T20 World Cup has been defined by fearless batting and high-scoring encounters, with openers and middle-order anchors stepping up with impactful performances. Five players, including Sahibzada Farhan, Brian Bennett, Finn Allen, Aiden Markram, and Jacob Bethell, have separated themselves from the rest with remarkable consistency and big scores.
The US Court of International Trade has suspended a previous order for immediate compliance on tariff refunds worth $166 billion. Judge Richard Eaton will hear lawsuits from importers seeking refunds on Trump's reciprocal tariffs. CBP is preparing a system to process refunds and expects to begin issuing them by late April, saving over 4 million hours of work.
Iran's automotive industry has a rich history and has produced popular cars like the Paykan, Samand, and Reera. Despite challenges like international sanctions, they have managed to survive and export cars to other countries. Their success is due to local talent and the ability to reverse engineer Western platforms.
Advertisers are flocking to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with ad rates for the final expected to reach Rs 50 lakh for a 10-second spot. The tournament has already broken viewership records, with digital streaming playing a key role. While the IPL remains the safer bet for brands, the current World Cup highlights the growing value of the shortest format of cricket.
Flipkart, with backing from Walmart, is downsizing around 1.5% of its workforce, approximately 250-300 employees, through its annual performance review. It is also shifting its headquarters to India and preparing for a public listing. The company is working towards profitability and growth, with initiatives such as Flipkart Minutes and expanding its dark store network to 1,000 by March-April.
The Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited has been chosen as the Premium Airport Partner for the Airport 360 Expo 2026 in Mumbai. The event will gather airport experts to discuss solutions for terminal development and airside operations, in light of India's growing aviation market. It aims to provide a comprehensive view of the airport ecosystem and promote practical discussions on its future.
The conflict in West Asia is causing disruptions in India's natural gas supply chain, leading to potential rationing and prioritization of supply to critical industries. This could result in reduced fertiliser output, increased subsidy costs, and potential shutdowns in gas-based power plants and industrial clusters.
The Indian government assures farmers of ample fertiliser supply for the upcoming kharif season, despite tensions in West Asia. Current stock at a record high of 17.73 MT acts as a buffer against global disruptions. Measures like imports and resource optimization have been taken to ensure uninterrupted supply.
Noida International Airport has received its aerodrome licence, allowing for cargo and domestic flights to begin within 45 days. However, concerns have been raised about potential interference with navigation aid, prompting the need for a permanent solution. The airport is expected to handle 12 million passengers annually and will serve as the second major airport in the NCR region.
The shipping ministry is addressing the problem of stalled shipments to Gulf countries at Mumbai's JNPT due to the US-Iran conflict. Exporters are requesting for extended storage time and discussions are being held with DP World to aid in shipments. The conflict has also caused delays and increased demand for Ramadan exports.
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, predicts a smooth growth in road construction activities in FY27. He acknowledges a slowdown in highway projects due to land acquisition and clearance issues. He aims to build 60 km of highways per day and elevate India's road infrastructure to match the US standards in three years.
Global concerns and war-related worries caused benchmark indices to decline, with banking stocks leading the way. The Sensex and Nifty experienced their biggest drop in a year. Experts believe the market will remain uncertain until the war ends but see potential for long-term investors due to attractive valuations.
Under new tax regime, credit card cashbacks and reward points are tax-free unless they exceed Rs 50,000. NPS deductions are still allowed for employer contributions, but not for personal contributions. Rental income can be reduced by 30% and municipal taxes. Capital gains tax on inherited agricultural land varies based on rural or urban classification.
ULPPs are a beneficial option for retirement planning, providing a combination of long-term investing, pension accumulation, and regulatory safeguards. With a mandatory lock-in period of five years, they encourage a focus on long-term goals. ULPPs offer flexibility in fund management and tax benefits, allowing for a lump sum withdrawal and the purchase of an annuity for regular pension income.
Fuel credit cards are a great option for consumers with high petrol or diesel bills, as they offer reward points and fuel surcharge waivers. These cards are often offered in collaboration with major oil companies and can be used at partner fuel stations. Co-branded cards provide higher rewards for specific brands, while regular cards offer more flexibility.
The Finance Ministry cautions about the potential economic impact of the West Asia conflict on India, including a wider current account deficit, weaker rupee, and higher inflation. The US-Israel strikes on Iran have disrupted oil flows and damaged energy infrastructure, potentially reshaping global energy geopolitics. This could also affect industries like fertilisers and petrochemicals.
Indian Railways' freight loading for the 11 months of FY26 stood at 1503.8 million tonnes, with revenues reaching Rs 1.61 lakh crore. The railways is expected to carry 1700 MT of freight and generate Rs 1.78 lakh crore in revenues in FY26. Coal, cement, iron ore, and foodgrains are the major commodities driving traffic.
Zach Yadegari, a 19-year-old college student, sold his start-up, Cal AI, to MyFitnessPal. The app uses AI to track nutrition through photos and videos and has over 15 million downloads and generates $40-$50 million in annual revenue. Yadegari will continue working on the app as a standalone division within MyFitnessPal and aims to revolutionize how people interact with their health using AI.
Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has expanded his growing real estate portfolio with a 2.67-acre land purchase worth Rs 35 crore in Ayodhya. The investment reflects a wider trend among wealthy investors who are moving beyond luxury apartments and focusing on land banking in rapidly developing cities.
Indian cricket team's victory over England in the T20 World Cup 2026 was a result of four key moments - a dropped catch by Harry Brook, a missed opportunity by Tom Banton, and two crucial catches by Axar Patel. These moments led to India's win and ended England's chase just seven runs short.
Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's journey to fame was filled with challenges, from growing up in a small town with financial struggles to facing years of rejection and minor roles. However, his mother's sacrifice and his determination led him to pursue his dream of acting, eventually gaining recognition with his powerful performance in Gangs of Wasseypur.
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have banned social media access for children under 16, sparking a debate on state governments' ability to regulate minors' online activity. Similar measures are being considered in Australia and Europe due to concerns about the impact of social media on young users. Technology companies warn that selective restrictions may not effectively address the issue.
The Hurun Global Rich List 2026 reveals that the world’s richest celebrity is neither a pop superstar nor a sports icon. While names like Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Michael Jordan and Shah Rukh Khan dominate entertainment headlines, the top spot actually belongs to a legendary filmmaker whose fortune comes from owning some of the most valuable intellectual property in Hollywood history.
India's T20 World Cup final has boosted reservations and walk-ins at bars and restaurants nationwide, as the spectator sports market is projected to reach $2.56 billion by 2031. The popularity of shared sporting experiences, especially cricket, is driving this trend, with other global sports like Formula 1 and football also shaping nightlife programming.
The India-Australia women's cricket Test is not just a competition, but an opportunity for players to achieve career milestones and extend impressive streaks. With Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy playing her final international match and Indian opener Smriti Mandhana and Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry nearing batting records, the game could also set team records.
The India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to be ready by July and operationalized by the end of 2026. Negotiations lasted almost two decades, with the first attempt abandoned in 2013. The FTA secures market access for over 99% of Indian exports to the EU and eliminates tariffs on 96.6% to 97.5% of EU exports to India, including high-end cars and wine.