Google's "Gemini for Government" offers AI and cloud services to US federal employees through a partnership with the GSA. This supports the US government's "America's AI Action Plan" and provides access to Google's latest AI tools and models at a low cost. The GSA is thrilled to add this to OneGov and fulfill the president's AI goals.
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.
Central Bank of India and IIFL Finance have joined forces to provide loans at competitive interest rates, in accordance with RBI's revised Co-Lending Arrangements guidelines. This collaboration will result in a wider lending portfolio and increased access to credit for borrowers, utilizing IIFL Finance's retail network and Central Bank of India's extensive branch network.
The stock market rebounded in the afternoon, with the Sensex down 360 points and Nifty 50 reaching 23,700. Independent counters saw significant movements due to US-Iran conflict, partnerships, and quarterly earnings. Coal India and NTPC Green Energy gained, while Mahindra & Mahindra and Adani Total Gas suffered losses. Crude oil prices and gas supply disruptions were contributing factors.
The NTA has opened the NEET UG 2026 application correction window for a short period until March 14, allowing candidates to update certain details in their forms. Key details like name, mobile number, and email ID cannot be changed after submission. The exam is for undergraduate medical courses and candidates must regularly check the official website for updates.
ACME Solar has signed multiple power purchase agreements with SJVN, delivering 450 MW/1800 MWh of power under a FDRE project. The company received the Letter of Award on November 10, 2025, with a 25-year tenure. To meet the increasing demand for Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy, ACME Solar is expanding its battery energy storage capacity. Its stock has gained 21% in the last year and its Q.
In 2026, IT stocks have dropped 20% due to investor fears of AI disruption. Despite this, Nomura maintains a 'Buy' rating and sees potential for long-term growth. Analysts suggest that AI adoption may drive future success for the sector.
FII outflows continue to be a concern for the Indian markets, with foreign institutional investors net selling equities worth nearly Rs 40,000 crore in March. This is the largest monthly outflow since last August. Experts believe that global risk-off sentiment and the rupee's weakness are the main triggers for the outflows.
Domestic equity markets opened lower for the second day due to a rise in crude oil prices. The Nifty 50 dropped 200 points and the Sensex declined 802 points. External factors such as Brent crude hitting $100 and sustained selling by FIIs are causing headwinds. The rupee is also under pressure and the LPG shortage is a growing concern. FIIs have been selling for 8 consecutive months.
A fire broke out at a fish market in Delhi, spreading to nearby slums and damaging homes and businesses. The fire department arrived with 23 fire engines to control the flames. No casualties were reported and investigations are ongoing. A separate fire at a private company in Noida was also controlled with no injuries. Another fire in Gorak was also reported.
Russia is reportedly helping Iran use advanced drone strategies from its war in Ukraine to target the US and Gulf nations, according to a CNN report citing a Western intelligence official.
IndiGo and Air India are restarting flights to the Middle East on March 12, with IndiGo offering service to nine destinations and some routes to Europe. Air India and Air India Express will operate 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from West Asia, and may add more flights if possible. Passengers impacted by suspended routes can rebook or receive a full refund.
Kelly Clarkson, the first winner of American Idol in 2002, recently revealed on her talk show that the promised $1 million cash prize for the winner is actually just an investment in their career. She also shared that she was promised a car, which she never received. Clarkson called out the show for misleading contestants and even joked that the recent winner may not receive their prize money.
At a rally in Kentucky, President Donald Trump predicts that former Disney actor turned boxer, podcaster, and social media influencer Jake Paul will enter the world of politics. Trump endorses Paul, highlighting his courage and talent. Despite a failed Disney show, Paul has found success as a boxer and online entrepreneur, with a massive following of nearly 30 million on Instagram.
LPG shortage leads to temporary shutdowns in the hospitality and restaurant sectors. The government prioritises LPG supply to education and hospitals. Food delivery apps and gas companies are closely monitored. The electric stove market was also impacted. The government ensures domestic LPG delivery within 2.5 days and widens the inter-booking gap.
The US government’s public database that tracks employers who hire H-1B visa workers has suddenly gone offline, according to a recent report from the Dallas Express. Key tools on the site no longer work, and recent data is missing.
U.S. intelligence reports show that Iran's leadership remains intact and in control of the country despite the U.S. and Israeli bombardment. President Trump has suggested ending the war soon, but finding an acceptable end could be difficult. The U.S. and Israel have struck various Iranian targets, but the objective is not to oust the leadership.
India's coal inventories have hit record levels, reaching 210 MT, enough to meet 88 days of consumption. This is due to robust production and supply growth, outpacing consumption. The coal stock at mines and power plants has reached 156.58 MT, with an additional 54.05 MT at thermal power plants.
India's LNG imports have decreased by 15% in March due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, with 18-19 additional cargoes expected to arrive later this month. The country imports roughly 2.2 million tonnes of LNG per month, leaving it vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Exporters are facing major challenges due to the return of agricultural product consignments from West Asia to Indian ports such as Mundra, Gandhidham, and Mumbai's JNPT. Only a few consignments have been terminated at Khorfakkan, Dubai, and Salalah, Oman instead of Jebel Ali, the region's busiest port.
The CCI rejected a complaint against IndiGo and Air India for unfair cancellation charges, stating that the airlines have transparent refund policies and do not discriminate against consumers. The commission also noted that collective dominance is not covered under the Competition Act and dissatisfaction with contractual terms is not a violation.
Economists are concerned about the potential consequences of the US-Israel-Iran conflict on India's GDP growth in FY27. With Brent crude prices soaring to $91.37 per barrel, experts predict a 50-70 basis point decrease in GDP growth. This is mainly due to higher import bills, a wider current account deficit, and increased input costs for industries.
The Indian government has relaxed restrictions on investments from land border countries, but Chinese EV maker BYD will still face scrutiny for its manufacturing plans. The changes aim to expedite investments in manufacturing inputs, not finished vehicles.
John Deere India has launched a 130 HP tractor for domestic and international markets, targeting high-end farming in Punjab and Haryana. Priced at Rs 65 lakh, it plans to expand into the mass market with tractors under 50 HP. Its operations in India are crucial for global manufacturing, research, and development.
Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, fell on Wednesday due to high energy prices and LPG supply disruptions. Investors lost Rs 5.14 lakh crore, making the Sensex and Nifty the worst performers in Asia. The India VIX index also rose, indicating market volatility. Rising inflation, FII outflows, and a potential "death cross" are causing further selling pressure.
The Centre has decided to maintain the successful inflation target of 4% with a tolerance band of 2% for the next five years. The flexible inflation targeting framework has gained credibility and helped manage trade-offs between growth and inflation during the pandemic. The new CPI series with revised weighting for components is not expected to affect the current framework.
The war in Iran has caused a global oil crisis, leading to production disruptions and storage constraints. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has forced producers to shut wells, impacting downstream infrastructure and hindering recovery. Asian markets, heavily reliant on Gulf crude, are experiencing rising prices and export restrictions.
DC to start their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1 at Ekana Stadium. Tournament begins on March 28 with RCB facing SRH. DC aims to make it to the playoffs after finishing fifth in the last season. Squad includes players like Axar.
Global rating agencies have warned that India's oil companies are under pressure due to increasing global oil prices and limited domestic fuel price adjustments. Their dependence on imported energy and the ongoing conflict in West Asia are also expected to affect their margins and credit risks. The Indian government is taking steps to mitigate these issues
Nuvama remains positive on key Asset Management Companies (AMCs) as SIP flows remain resilient despite market volatility in February. The brokerage house prefers HDFC AMC, Nippon Life India Asset Management (NAM), and CAMS as top investment picks, with potential upside of almost 50%, 26%, and 32% respectively.
The US-Israel conflict with Iran is expected to have a limited impact on headline retail inflation, but wholesale inflation will be affected immediately. The rise in Brent crude prices has raised concerns about imported inflation in energy-importing countries like India. The government has typically controlled retail fuel prices, but the increase could impact production costs in various sectors.
The Union Cabinet has approved changes to the IBC to reduce resolution timelines and introduce structural reforms. The revised Bill, to be presented in Parliament, includes provisions for creditor-initiated and group insolvency. It also addresses delays and introduces a cross-border framework.
India's cement sector is facing challenges due to rising oil and gas costs and global price increases for thermal coal and pet coke. Elara Capital predicts a significant impact on profits in Q2 FY27 and suggests a 1.8% price hike to offset costs. However, past attempts at price hikes have not been successful. Companies with renewable energy sources and plants near coal mines may have an advantage.
An Air India Express flight from Hyderabad to Phuket encountered a nose-wheel problem during a hard landing, causing damage to the aircraft. The incident was captured on video and shared on social media, prompting confirmation from the airline. The airport has been temporarily closed and other flights have been diverted. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
The stock market experienced a steep decline, with the Sensex and Nifty dropping significantly. The BSE Small Cap and midcap indices also saw a notable decrease, while the Nifty Auto Index fell by 3%. The current state of the Middle East, rising crude oil prices, and continued FII selling are key factors causing the negative sentiment. Experts advise monitoring FII vs DII for further developments.
Indian EPC company Dilip Buildcon has been awarded a Rs 1,850 crore order from the Government of Karnataka for a power transmission project. The project will be completed in 24 months under a tariff-based annuity model and Dilip Buildcon will acquire 100% stake in the project's SPV and operate and maintain it. The company's share price has remained stable, but has seen intraday fluctuations.
IAF has released the AFCAT 1 Result 2026 for the January 31st exam. Candidates can view their results on the official portal with login details. This exam is held twice a year to hire candidates for Flying and Ground Duty branches. Those who pass the written test will undergo an interview by the Air Force Selection Board.
SEDEMAC Mechatronics, a Pune-based technology company, saw a surge of 19.34% on the National Stock Exchange, reaching a high of Rs 1,613.50 from the issue price. The IPO raised Rs 1,087.35 crores through an offer for sale of 0.80 crore shares, with an issue price of Rs 1,352 per equity share. The allotment for IPO shares was finalised on March 09.
At a time when immigration is dominating political conversations in the United States, comedian Vir Das shared a story from his Seattle show that offered a real-life reminder of the role immigrants often play in keeping things running.
"ElonTrades, a social media influencer with a large following, voices concerns about Dubai amidst the Iran war and shares the strict regulations for content creators in the UAE. His recent viral fame resulted in his account being banned and he urges others to leave the Gulf region. The UAE has implemented new rules and warned against sharing false information on social media.
Nuvama, a top brokerage firm, sees great potential in the IT sector despite recent market correction. They have a 'Buy' rating on the Top10 IT Services companies and predict high returns in 12-15 months. They dismiss concerns about Gen-AI disrupting the industry, citing past resilience and potential for growth. Nuvama also observes a positive trend in IT earnings.
The Supreme Court has allowed the first-ever plea for passive euthanasia of Harish Rana of Ghaziabad, who has been in a permanent vegetative state since 2013. The court noted that he has not responded to treatment and has been dependent on others for all activities. This landmark ruling will allow medical authorities to withdraw his artificial life support, giving him a dignified death.
Kathryn Hahn, known for her versatile acting skills, will be a part of Disney's live-action remake of Tangled. Despite initial speculation of her playing the villain, her recent Instagram post and Disney's confirmation have confirmed her role. Directed by Michael Gracey, the film is set to begin filming in June 2026 and will feature Hahn in a yet-to-be-announced role.
Motilal Oswal has rated Jio Financial Service as 'Buy' with a target of Rs 320 per share, citing its operating advantage and access to a large digital and consumer ecosystem. They see it as a long-term platform opportunity and a structural play on India's digital economy. The success of Jio BlackRock AMC and Jio Payments Bank, along with strong customer acquisition, are also crucial factors.
The ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran is sending shockwaves through the energy world. According to a fresh report from Wood Mackenzie, we are looking at a massive supply gap of 15 million barrels of oil every single day
Air India and Air India Express will operate 58 flights to and from West Asia on March 11, 2026, in response to the evolving geopolitical situation. The aim is to maintain connectivity and provide options for affected passengers. The carriers will operate scheduled and ad-hoc flights to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE.
US President Donald Trump announced the opening of a new oil refinery, with investment help from India's Reliance Industries, which will fuel American markets and strengthen national security. The $300 billion deal is the biggest in US history and the refinery is touted to be the cleanest in the world, creating thousands of jobs.