Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
South Korea told US lawmakers it will not impose discriminatory measures on American tech companies, including Coupang. The government said the ongoing investigation into Coupang’s data breach is handled under domestic law, regardless of where the company is from. The assurances were included in a US-South Korea trade deal fact sheet after lawmakers raised concerns.
TOEFL interest in India has rebounded sharply post pandemic, with test takers rising 59%. Indian students are increasingly sending score reports beyond the US and UK, with more activity seen in countries like Singapore, Australia, France, and Sweden. The shift is also linked to TOEFL updates, including a shorter, more user friendly test format.
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A Madurai court has sentenced nine policemen for custodial deaths, marking a sharp turn in India’s fight against custodial violence. The ruling underscores that law enforcement cannot hide behind procedural protections when human rights are violated. Legal accountability, once elusive in such cases, appears to be gaining traction.
After her husband died, a mother was pushed out of her family home by her sons. She lost an eviction effort under the Senior Citizens Act, but the Calcutta High Court still ensured she would receive Rs 25,000 per month as maintenance. The ruling stressed tribunals can only issue maintenance orders, not property eviction.
ETS says the GRE will be redesigned to be shorter and more convenient for test-takers, without sacrificing score validity. The company says the existing score scales remain consistent and section-level adaptability continues to work the same way, aiming to deliver a smoother experience while preserving how results are measured.
A Jharkhand High Court has overturned the dismissal of an employee who was fired for yelling at a company doctor, ending a 43-year legal battle. The court said the punishment was harsh, pointing to alleged medical negligence and the worker’s severe pain as mitigating factors. The family will receive 40% of back wages and all consequential post-death benefits.
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IIT Kanpur kicked off its 2025-26 placement season with a record 672 job offers on Day 1, up 16% from last year. Of 627 students who secured offers, the biggest driver was a 27% rise in pre-placement offers, reaching 253. Nine students also bagged international offers, signaling strong demand.
Reports say the top five Chinese solar manufacturers plan a 54% capacity jump by year-end to 465 gigawatts, even as existing supply already exceeds demand. Analysts warn capacity could balloon by 2030 beyond forecast market needs, raising questions among investors about whether the expansion is commercially or strategically justified.
UAE universities will restart in-person classes on April 20, 2026, following campus readiness and safety checks. The decision follows the reopening of schools and nurseries, while authorities say some private institutions could keep hybrid classes if required. Universities are urged to follow regulations and be ready to switch learning modes as regional conditions evolve.
Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) will now accept Pearson PTE Academic test centre scores for all applications. The change expands proof-of-English options beyond CELPIP and IELTS General Training, enabling eligible students from select countries to pursue an expedited study permit route when applying to Canadian study programs.
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Havildar Vikas Ramdas of the 18 Maratha Light Infantry, speaking on national television, recalled Operation Sindoor and a high-stakes moment when his team faced intensified enemy shelling. He says his quick decision to tactically move the weapon through concealed areas was critical—because waiting even briefly could have worsened the threat as fire from the Pakistan post escalated.
The government informed Rajya Sabha that over 93,000 posts remain vacant in the Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles. It said recruitment initiatives are underway to close the manpower gap. While resignations have risen since 2021, the government noted fewer suicides, fratricides, and voluntary retirements, pointing to changes in service outcomes.
Finland is considering a tourist tax that would let local municipalities collect revenue from visitors. The charge could apply to both domestic and international tourists staying in paid accommodation, with proceeds earmarked for local infrastructure and services. If the plan is approved, it could roll out from 2027, while individual municipalities decide in their 2028 budgets whether to adopt it.
A deadly explosion rocked a firecracker unit in Konsai village, Wada taluka, in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The blast on Tuesday around noon left at least two people dead and four injured, according to officials. Police have begun an investigation to determine what triggered the blast and whether safety and operating procedures were violated.
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A new survey finds nine in 10 Indian C suite leaders plan to raise AI investments in 2026, driven more by revenue growth than cost cutting. While the biggest obstacle remains a shortage of skilled talent, companies are still pushing ahead—deploying AI agents, redesigning workflows, and hiring. Employees appear cautiously optimistic about AI’s efficiency and business impact.
International students are increasingly moving away from traditional study destinations like the US and UK as immigration and post-study work rules evolve. Countries such as New Zealand, Ireland, France, and Germany are gaining attention for visa-friendly pathways, stronger employability prospects, and perceived long-term stability. Robust job markets and clearer post-graduation options are driving the shift.
Donald Trump said the US has largely completed its initial objectives in the West Asia conflict, with 78 percent of targets reportedly hit. He says Washington is now weighing options for a negotiated settlement, but warns that more military action could follow if talks fail. He also highlighted major disruption to the opposing side’s oil infrastructure.
Doctors and faculty are urging the early rollout of the National Exit Test, NExT, to replace the current patchwork of assessments for medical graduates. The proposed exam is meant to set a single, uniform competence benchmark for future doctors while making evaluations more streamlined and clinically relevant, potentially reshaping how MBBS candidates are measured for readiness.
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AI coding startup Cursor is reportedly nearing a fresh funding round worth over $2 billion, potentially valuing it at around $50 billion. The deal is expected to be led by returning investors Thrive and Andreessen Horowitz, as the company seeks to expand its AI-powered coding tools. Nvidia may also participate, signaling heightened interest in developer-focused AI.
CTET 2026 results have been announced on ctet.nic.in after CBSE finalized the answer key. Held in February, the exam drew over 2.5 million candidates. Qualifying marks differ by category, with 90 for General and 82 for SC/ST. The CTET certificate is crucial for teaching jobs in central government schools.
The UK’s financial watchdog, the FCA, says it has targeted illegal crypto trading sites in London through a joint effort with tax officials and police. Acting under money laundering and terrorist financing regulations, it issued cease and desist letters at each location. The move signals tighter enforcement against platforms suspected of operating outside legal and regulatory frameworks.
Union Budget 2026-27 aims for fiscal prudence while preserving growth, with deficit consolidation continuing and capital expenditure sustained. Although markets reacted cautiously to the STT increase, the government also signaled broader market reforms, including buyback easing, PIS liberalisation, bond-market development, and targeted support for sunrise sectors to strengthen long-term competitiveness.
NTA has released the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 city intimation slips, letting candidates see their exam city before the admit cards are issued. Paper 1 is scheduled for April 2, 4–6, and 8, 2026, while Paper 2 will be held on April 7, 2026. Check your slip details carefully to avoid last-minute surprises.
The Reserve Bank of India has issued a directive to curb banks’ foreign exchange reserves, signaling a renewed push to protect the rupee’s value. While framed as a safeguard measure, the move also hints that the central bank could consider further actions to influence capital flows and stabilize market dynamics.
Dubai’s booming property market cooled for the first time since 2020, with both home prices and sales volume falling in March. Regional conflict has weighed on demand, prompting developers to counter with incentives. Still, some analysts expect end-users to keep buying, though at a slower pace, betting on long-term resilience.
Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Government Examinations is expected to announce the SSLC (Class 10) results for 2026 soon. While the exact release date is still unconfirmed, early May is anticipated, mirroring last year’s May 16 declaration. The results will likely be shared via a press conference and will include pass percentages and performance highlights for students.
A massive fire broke out on Wednesday morning at a shoe factory in Delhi’s Narela area, with officials reporting the incident around 7:45 AM. Thick plumes of black smoke billowed from the Bhorgarh Industrial Area as local residents panicked. Firefighters rushed to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
India’s Income Tax Department has launched Kar Saathi, an AI chatbot on its revamped portal to make ITR filing simpler. The 24/7 tool is designed to explain complex tax rules clearly, provide step-by-step guidance, and help reduce filing errors. Officials say it also aims to lower taxpayers’ dependence on experts through proactive, on-demand support.
ISRO and Europe’s ESA have signed a new agreement to deepen their joint Earth observation work. The deal focuses on calibration, validation, and scientific studies, building on decades of cooperation between the agencies. Upcoming missions, including ESA’s FLEX, are expected to benefit from the stronger collaboration and help pave the way for future shared space science efforts.
Infosys has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on harassment and discrimination, saying reported issues are reviewed seriously by an independent committee. The move comes as claims from Pune are examined and a parallel investigation related to the TCS case in Nashik reportedly deepens. The company is also urging employees to “speak up” to flag concerns early.
Amid the US-Iran conflict and growing regional uncertainty, West Asian employers are ramping up protections for workers. Companies are offering extended leave, flexible work, mental well-being support, and relocation help so families can be reunited. Indian expatriates are among those benefiting from these measures designed to reduce stress and improve safety during volatile periods.
Allegations against Indiabulls Housing Finance and its former promoter Sameer Gehlaut—including evergreening of loans, kickbacks, share manipulation and roundtripping—have lingered for years without traction. Now, a fresh Supreme Court communication could revive attention and accelerate the stalled proceedings. The big question: will this latest move finally turn old claims into actionable scrutiny?
A balloon-like object shaped like a plane was found in agricultural fields in Ramgarh, Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir near Path Seekers School, officials said. Local residents reported it to police, and investigators are examining preliminary signs that suggest the balloon may have originated across the border in Pakistan. Further checks are underway.
New research from Anthropic uses “observed exposure” to measure how AI actually affects specific occupations. It finds no broad increase in overall unemployment, but signals an early warning: hiring has slowed for young workers in the most AI-exposed professions. The study blends AI capability data with real-world usage patterns to spot labor market shifts early.
The USDA has signed a $300 million agreement with Palantir Technologies to modernize how services reach American farmers and government staff. The contract will provide operational software supporting the National Farm Security Action Plan, with the aim of improving service delivery and overall program effectiveness for farmers.
Air-conditioners are shifting from luxury to everyday essentials in India, drawing startups such as Helium and Optimist into a market long controlled by major brands. These new players are betting on affordable, energy-efficient models suited for urban homes. At the same time, incentives for local manufacturing are lowering entry barriers and accelerating competition.
A new report finds stubborn gender stereotypes around “future-facing” skills like AI and data analysis. Nearly half of men view these roles as masculine, while women largely see them as neutral or even feminine. Even as perceptions of women’s effectiveness improve, this AI-linked bias could deepen the leadership gap.
D2C farm produce platform Pluckk has raised Rs 100 crore from its existing investor Euro Gulf Investment in an all-equity round, taking total funding to about $26 million. The company says it will deploy the money to build R&D for a new product range, upgrade its technology, and expand its market presence, according to founder and CEO Pratik Gupta.
Astranova Mobility, an EV financing platform, has raised Rs 60 crore from IvyCap, ADB and Trucks VC. CEO Mundra says the capital will largely bolster data, AI and engineering capabilities, positioning the company for more than five-fold growth over the next 18 months. The round signals intensified competition in India’s EV lending and fintech space.
US shortseller Viceroy is pressuring Vedanta over its Electrosteel (ESL) turnaround story, alleging the company is guzzling cash and pointing to audit red flags. Vedanta counters that ESL is still a key subsidiary and says revenues have doubled since the takeover. The dispute adds fresh heat to corporate governance concerns around the deal.
Indian markets bounced back sharply, with the Sensex gaining 407 points and the Nifty reclaiming 24,700. Steel stocks led the rally, while YES Bank jumped. However, Infosys shares fell and Indus Towers slipped, with investors reacting to concerns around its Africa expansion plans and the near-term impact on the business.
foundit’s Insights Tracker says employers increasingly favor candidates who can join immediately. With project deadlines shrinking, nearly one in three job ads mention immediate availability, and demand for quick joiners has risen 58% since 2022. But this speed preference outpaces the rate at which candidates become available, widening a growing talent gap.
Elon Musk has publicly supported H-1B visas, arguing the United States has benefited greatly from talented Indians working in America. His remarks land as Washington ramps up a crackdown aimed at limiting H-1B abuse, a program heavily used by US tech firms. Indian professionals, including engineers and physicians, are among the largest H-1B groups.
IndiGo has put Rs 10 crore into Bengaluru-based Sarla Aviation, backing its electric flying taxi project Shunya eVTOL for an urban launch targeted in 2028 in Bengaluru. The investment comes after IndiGo’s earlier non-binding collaboration with Archer Aviation broke down due to timeline issues, pushing IndiGo to seek a fresh eVTOL partner.
Andhra Pradesh SSC exams for 2026 kick off on March 16 and run until April 1. Students are advised to report early and bring their hall tickets without fail. Authorities have also prohibited mobile phones and other electronic devices inside exam centers, and strict discipline is required for every candidate. Follow the guidelines to avoid last-minute disqualification.
What began as a likely win for Ranjan Pai in the battle over Byju’s assets has escalated into a high-stakes billionaire showdown. Ronnie Screwvala’s sudden entry turns a perceived walkover into a contested fight, with both investors bringing significant education-linked interests. The outcome could reshape control of assets tied to the collapsed ed-tech giant.
The government has released updated Income Tax Return forms for Assessment Year 2026–27. The revised ITR-U enables taxpayers to correct past filings, with the facility available up to four years. Filing timelines determine applicable penalties. After filing, ITR-V acts as the verification document that taxpayers must submit to complete the process.
Mercedes-Benz India reported a 7% rise in Q1 2026 sales to 5,131 units, pointing to sustained strength in the luxury segment. The company expects another record year in 2026-27, led by high-end demand and growing interest in electric models. Mercedes-Benz also plans value-led expansion with launches including the CLA BEV and new AMGs.
Chilean scientists are gearing up for a landmark space mission designed to see how life behaves under space conditions. The spacecraft will carry six microorganisms taken from extreme habitats such as the Atacama Desert and Antarctica, then test their survival in an oxygen free environment. Researchers hope the results will clarify how life may begin and persist beyond Earth.
As New Delhi hosts G20 leaders representing most of the world’s GDP, the Bharat-versus-India identity debate is back in the spotlight. The question is bigger than branding: observers warn that shifting how the country is presented could blur the boundary between India’s foreign policy messaging and domestic politics, just as the global stage opens.
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