The proposed draft I-T rules for 2026 aim to revise employee perquisites for both old and new tax regimes. Notable changes include higher tax-free benefits for meals and vehicles, along with an overdue update to the taxable value of cars. The tax-free threshold for gifts from employers is also set to increase to Rs 15,000.
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.
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.