India and the GCC have signed a Free Trade Agreement after 20 years of talks, bringing numerous benefits. The agreement will boost bilateral relations, facilitate trade and investments, and benefit the 10 million Indians living and working in the GCC. With a trade value of $178.56 billion, the GCC is India's largest trade partner, making the FTA a step towards economic growth and stability.
Indian-origin restaurant owner Harman Singh Kapoor was arrested in London after speaking out against halal meat and Muslims. He accused the police of discrimination and received support from influencers. Despite announcing closure, his restaurant Rangrez remains open with a focus on non-halal food.
Amid tensions in West Asia, Indian-flagged LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi successfully cross the Strait of Hormuz, bringing 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG to Mundra and Kandla ports on March 16 and 17. This provides relief to India's cooking gas supply chain, which has been disrupted by the conflict and shortage of LPG due to 28 affected Indian-flagged vessels.
The Tata Nexon has become the best-selling car in India for five of the last six months, beating out popular models like Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Creta. The implementation of GST 2.0, which lowered taxes on compact cars and SUVs, has contributed to this success. The Nexon's availability in all fuel types and its emphasis on safety have also made it a popular choice among Indian buyers.
Professional golfer Rahil Gangjee explains the love-hate relationship golfers have with their putters, the most innocent-looking club in the bag. The putter can make or break a round, and even the best players in the world are not immune to its split personality. But in the end, the unpredictability of the putter is what makes golf so magical.
IndiGo has suspended flights to seven Middle Eastern destinations until March 28, 2026 due to geopolitical disruptions. However, it will operate 252 weekly flights to and from West Asia, primarily serving Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE. The airline is aligning capacity with current conditions and ensuring safe operations. Passengers are advised to check for updates before traveling.
"Building India's Upstarts" by R Narasimhan reframes the country's entrepreneurial success model, arguing that the next wave of breakout companies will be built on operational discipline and customer depth, rather than just investor capital.
Safeena Husain's book, "Every Last Girl," sheds light on the struggles of Indian girls who are denied education and opportunities. Through her NGO, Educate Girls, Husain works to change this mindset and bring girls back to school. Despite challenges, her efforts have been recognized, but the battle for girls' education continues.
The iPod is making a comeback among Gen Z, who are rediscovering the joy of dedicated music players for a simpler, more focused listening experience. This trend aligns with a broader revival of retro technology and a desire to disconnect from constant distractions. Refurbished iPod sales are increasing, reflecting the trend towards intentional and high-fidelity listening.
YouTube secures rights to live stream Academy Awards from 2029 to 2033, expanding global access and benefiting both Academy members and film community. This trend of major film titles and events being released on YouTube highlights the platform's growing influence and potential for higher revenue for producers and audiences.
"Maneesh Dangi, a prominent figure in the stock market, shares his expertise in his new book 'Booms, Busts and Market Cycles' where he reveals valuable insights on becoming a successful investor. He discusses different market phases and offers guidance on making smart investments, including the revelation that housing returns are comparable to equities with less volatility."
Nudity has become a powerful tool for protests around the world, from topless feminist demonstrations to environmental activism. The body is being used as a symbol of vulnerability, defiance, and resistance, drawing attention to issues of power, gender, and injustice.
Amol Palekar, a veteran actor, director, and theatre practitioner, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 21st META. The festival will showcase 10 shortlisted plays, chosen from a record-breaking 422 submissions. The jury, led by esteemed theatre professionals, has selected the nominees for their diverse themes and performance styles.
Sayyada from Delhi's Jamia Nagar has revolutionized her Ramazan cooking by using healthier techniques like air-frying. She spreads the spirit of community by sharing iftar meals with neighbors and the less fortunate. The trend of lighter, less oily dishes for iftar is gaining popularity, while restaurants are also adapting by offering complimentary meals and new dishes inspired by Aw.
In fact, the National Family Health Survey 2019-20 found that the total fertility rate of India had dropped from 2.2 in 2015-16 to 2.0 in 2019-20, with the highest fertility rate being recorded in Bihar with 3.2 children per woman, and the lowest in Andhra Pradesh with 1.4 children per woman.
CSK's record sixth IPL title chase in 2026 could be MS Dhoni's last season with the team, according to former cricketer Irfan Pathan. Sanju Samson will benefit from being part of the leadership group, while uncapped all-rounder Prashant Veer could fill the void left by Ravindra Jadeja. With Dhoni's guidance, CSK is known for nurturing young talent and keeping things simple.
Pakistan's interim chief selector Aqib Javed made a bizarre and nonsensical comparison between Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq during a press conference. Javed claimed that Bumrah is the Usman Tariq of fast bowlers due to his unique run-up and action that makes it difficult for batters to hit him. Both players had a successful T20 World Cup 2026.
At the India Today Conclave 2026, Laura Loomer, a staunch Trump supporter, denounced Pakistan as the main source of "Islamic terrorism" and questioned Trump's ties with the country. She equated Islam with terrorism and cited recent events as evidence, including a Pakistani man's plan to kill Trump and a mass shooting in Texas.
India saw a significant increase in electric car sales in 2025, reaching 4% from 2.5% in 2024. This indicates a promising future for the electric car market, with the ongoing oil crisis in the Middle East. Electric cars are proven to be more efficient and eco-friendly, making them a superior option for the future.
German carmakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz have introduced their new electric models, the Neue Klasse iX3 and CLA Electric, setting higher standards for the industry. The latter, built on the 800-volt MMA platform, offers a 792km range and a price range of Rs 57-60 lakh. It features a luxurious cabin, efficient driving dynamics, and a two-speed gearbox for a comfortable ride.
Steve Jobs used a 10-80-10 rule to manage projects, focusing his efforts at the beginning and end while letting his team handle the middle. This approach is now being applied to managing AI, with a focus on setting the direction and adding the human touch at the start and end, while letting the AI handle the technical work in the middle.
The US Department of Justice released surveillance footage of a gang of masked thieves executing a "mob-style takeover" of an Indian-origin jewellery store in Fremont, Northern California. The robbers escaped with $1.7 million worth of merchandise in just over a minute. Despite the arrest of four suspects, others involved in the heist are still at large.
Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song have upgraded their family home by purchasing a $10.3 million mansion in Sherman Oaks. The spacious property includes a recreation level, private gym, home theatre, and outdoor amenities, providing a more private and comfortable space for raising their two young sons.
The increasing use of generative AI in the workplace has led to a new form of exhaustion called "brain fry," caused by the constant need to monitor and verify its output. This has resulted in decreased productivity and decision fatigue among workers. Experts recommend limiting the use of AI tools and taking breaks from screens to prevent mental fatigue.
The government has revoked climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's detention under the National Security Act in Ladakh to promote peace and dialogue. The Supreme Court has reserved its order on a plea by Wangchuk's wife challenging his detention. The government remains committed to addressing Ladakh's issues through dialogue and denies accusations of instigating protests.
Lloyd Blankfein's rise from public housing in Brooklyn to CEO of Goldman Sachs is a rare example of social mobility. His memoir and public talks offer a guide for those trying to move from the middle class to the global elite. Blankfein credits his difficult upbringing for his success, emphasizing the value of a liberal arts education and urgency in achieving career goals.
Sanju Samson's success in the 2026 T20 World Cup can be attributed to the guidance of cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar. His patience and determination, along with his ability to read the game like Sachin, led India to victory. This highlights the impact of mentorship and the value of staying positive and patient.
Eleven Indian nationals, all with the last name Patel, have been charged with visa fraud conspiracy for staging armed robberies to falsely claim U non-immigration status. The alleged organizer, Rambhai Patel, and his co-conspirators carried out at least six robberies in 2023, paying store owners for their participation.
After living in Dubai for 10 years, Lindsay Lohan made a sudden return to New York City with her family due to escalating tensions in the UAE. She was trapped in Dubai for two weeks due to missile strikes and has now returned to the US for work and to ensure her family's safety. Other celebrities, such as Tamil actor Ajith Kumar and actress, have also been affected by the situation.
India has granted a 30-day visa extension and waived overstay penalties for foreigners stranded due to the West Asia crisis. Visa and e-visas expiring soon will be extended for free, and exit permits will be issued at no cost. Limited flight operations are in place due to the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, causing disruptions to global energy.
Aryan Saksena, an Indian American student, won the 2026 High School Entrepreneurship and Artificial Intelligence Pitch Competition with his project 'GradeLift.' The competition had over 100 participants and Saksena received a $500 prize. His idea was inspired by the misuse of AI in writing assignments and aims to bridge the gap between students and teachers.
Air India and Air India Express are operating 80 scheduled and special flights on March 14 to and from West Asia, including UAE and Saudi Arabia. Long-haul flights connecting India with North America, Australia, Europe, and other regions are operating as usual. 62 ad-hoc flights are also running between India and West Asia.
FAA halts flights at busy US airports due to strong odor at air traffic control facility. Operations at four major DC-area airports impacted. Transportation Secretary notes development caused by "strong odor." Flights began leaving after 7 pm ET, but ground stop still in place. Situation still developing.
ICRIER research paper recommends using West Asia conflict to reduce import dependence through direct cash transfers of fertiliser subsidies to farmers. This would encourage balanced nutrient usage and reduce urea diversion, resulting in ?40,000 crore annual savings. Strategic import source diversification is crucial to decrease vulnerability to geopolitical tensions.
President Droupadi Murmu will serve the 5 billionth meal provided by The Akshaya Patra Foundation as part of the PM POSHAN scheme at Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 17. The Foundation has been a partner of the government since 2001 and aims to disburse 3 million more meals by 2030.
The government is taking measures to address cooking gas supply disruptions caused by tensions in West Asia. They are urging households near city gas networks to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) and have advised 700,000 households to make the switch. Panic bookings for LPG cylinders have increased, but no dry-outs have been reported.
Investors faced a nightmare during the week of Friday the 13th as benchmark indices saw a sharp decline due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia and rising crude oil prices. The Sensex and Nifty recorded their worst weekly performance in six years and four years, respectively, with the auto sector being the hardest hit. Foreign portfolio investors also sold billions of rupees worth of shares.
India's expensive market has seen a decline in valuation due to the West Asia crisis, but its P/E remains higher than other Asian countries. Experts believe this is justified by the quality of its corporate balance sheets and return on equity, but ongoing crisis could impact earnings and lead to a reevaluation of India's valuation. Market is expected to remain expensive.
The US has opened investigations against 60 countries, including India, to determine if they failed to stop the import of goods produced with forced labor. This comes after a previous investigation against India, EU, China, and others for building excess capacities for exports.
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will take effect in a month, making it the fastest agreement to be approved by the UK Parliament. The agreement, along with the Double Contribution Convention, will boost professional mobility and tariff liberalization between the two countries.
Sebi has issued strict guidelines for intraday borrowing by mutual funds, limiting it to redemption payouts and not for investment or leverage. The borrowing must be approved by the AMC board and trustees, with an upper limit set by the regulator. AMCs must bear the cost of borrowing and any losses incurred due to unforeseen events.
Fitch Ratings has raised India's growth forecasts for 2025-26 and 2026-27, citing strong domestic demand and a comprehensive revision of national accounts data. The rating agency expects consumer spending to grow 8.6% and investment to rise 6.9% in the current fiscal year.
The Indian government is working to ensure the flow of goods to West Asia through alternate arrangements such as air cargo and alternate routes and ports. Due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, major ports like Dubai's Jebel Ali and others have stopped cargo movement.
The parliamentary panel has advised the finance ministry to allocate enough funds for fertiliser subsidy to prevent disruptions and consider historical trends and global factors in budget estimation. The budget for imported urea is unstable and the diversion of fertilisers to industries is a major issue.
The US Department of Treasury has allowed countries to buy Russian oil stranded at sea for 30 days to stabilize global energy markets. This move, which won't benefit Russia financially, is in response to the war in West Asia disrupting energy supplies. Asian countries are expected to absorb the large volumes of Russian crude currently floating in global waters.
Taxpayers have until March 31 to file updated returns and avoid scrutiny, penalties, or prosecution. The longer the delay, the higher the tax burden. The last date to file for AY21-22 is March 31, 2026. Errors or omissions can be corrected, but not for refunds or reducing tax liability. Updated returns can be filed by anyone.
Chaitali Dutta suggests a six-month repayment period for gold loans, with pledged ornaments returned upon full payment. For construction loans, the landowner must be the loan applicant with their name on the documents. Mohit Gupta questions the cost and maximum tenure of a loan against property compared to a personal loan.
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.