Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
NASA’s Artemis II astronauts have moved into the Moon’s gravitational reach as their mission approaches a record-breaking Earth distance. On the dark-side approach, they’re set for stunning visuals: a lunar eclipse alongside the dramatic sight of Earth rising above the lunar horizon—turning the deep-space journey into a rare celestial event.
Israel’s parliament passed a law making the death penalty the default punishment for Palestinians convicted of terror offenses, a move critics describe as advancing a broader dehumanization campaign. The legislation, enacted on Monday, is framed by supporters as a response to terrorism, while opponents argue it targets Palestinians in ways meant to undermine their rights and humanity.
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The Income Tax Department has launched Form 141, a consolidated challan-cum-statement that merges four earlier TDS forms. The change is designed to simplify reporting for common transactions such as rent, property purchases, professional payments and TDS linked to virtual digital assets. Officials say it will improve clarity and cut duplicated entries for taxpayers.
Jammu and Kashmir authorities have assumed control of 58 schools previously linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and its Falah-e-Aam Trust. The takeover followed intelligence inputs and the expiry of the schools’ management tenures. Officials say the step is meant to protect students’ academic interests while ensuring consistent education standards across the Union Territory.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar voted in the Baramati Assembly bye-election at Katewadi on Thursday, alongside MP Parth Ajit Pawar. Speaking to reporters, she said voters in Baramati are shaping the election as a tribute to “Dada” and as recognition of community support. The remarks underline how the bye-poll is being perceived locally beyond standard party lines.
A FED report released Thursday argues that India’s high minimum wage floors are slowing down the creation of formal jobs. It says workers should be able to negotiate wages freely, while the government should allow regional flexibility in the national floor wage to reflect local realities and avoid shutting out poorer states from formal employment growth.
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Tech Mahindra posted Q4 FY26 revenue of ₹15,076 crore, up 12.6% year-on-year and beating market estimates, marking its first double-digit growth in three years. Net profit was ₹1,354 crore, slightly below some projections, yet the stock recovered quickly from an early 6% dip and moved flat. The company declared a final dividend of ₹36 per share.
Saudi Arabia has announced a tough enforcement drive for the upcoming Hajj season. Unauthorized pilgrims and those helping them can face fines up to SR100,000, along with deportation and a 10-year ban from the Kingdom. Authorities are urging strict compliance and encouraging people to report any breaches to help manage the massive crowds safely and effectively.
Larsen & Toubro has dispatched its seventh 700 MWe steam generator to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd ahead of schedule. Manufactured at the company’s Gujarat facilities, the equipment is intended to speed up NPCIL’s nuclear energy plans and strengthen India’s energy security. The early dispatch underscores continued momentum in critical infrastructure supply timelines.
Fifteen years after Basel III was meant to standardize bank capital rules globally, national regulators are applying it unevenly. The US, Europe and India are prioritizing local economic and political goals, creating different capital requirements across jurisdictions. The result is a less comparable international banking system where banks face shifting buffers rather than one common standard.
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Supporters of Karnataka Home Minister and Congress leader G Parameshwara gathered near Indira Bhawan in Delhi, urging the party to appoint him as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka. The crowd cited his backing within the SC/ST community and his efforts to consolidate support, while also pressing Congress to elevate a Dalit leader to the top post.
The Bombay High Court discharged four individuals in the 2006 Malegaon blast case, ruling there was insufficient evidence to proceed to trial. The NIA is reviewing the decision but is not expected to file an appeal. The case has been marked by conflicting investigations, with the ATS and NIA presenting divergent narratives.
The NTA has issued an advisory for CUET UG 2026 applicants facing a photograph mismatch on their application. Candidates who used a non-Aadhaar ID must complete identity verification by uploading an attested school or college certificate or a document from a Gazetted Officer, MLA, or MP. The verification window remains open until April 10, 2026, 10 PM.
Alcobev companies reported a slowdown in revenue growth in Q1 FY25, underscoring how election years can weigh on consumer demand. While firms leaned on premiumization and new product launches, the near-term momentum stayed muted. Executives now look to the festive season and continued launches to drive a turnaround after the early-year dip.
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NHAI’s latest tender ecosystem is raising eyebrows as participation by listed entities has reportedly fallen sharply, while newer bidders with sizable revenue and only moderate credit risk are entering. With IT raids, unpaid dues and corporate-governance concerns already in the mix, the call is growing to add corporate governance as a third scoring pillar alongside financial and technical checks.
Nestle India shares surged over 3% on Wednesday, climbing to an intraday high of Rs 1,425.20, after the company reported 23% year-on-year revenue growth in Q4FY26. The momentum also lifted broader sentiment, with the Nifty FMCG index rising about 1% to around 51,299.45. Investors reacted positively to the strong earnings backdrop.
A new report finds hiring-related discrepancies are becoming a serious risk for employers. In early FY 2025-26, resume discrepancies are as high as five percent, while background checks uncover gaps in employment history, addresses, and education. White-collar hires show 4.33 percent discrepancies and gig-workers 5.6 percent, straining organizational trust and increasing risk exposure.
The government has amended pricing norms for low-grade iron ore types like Banded Haematite Quartzite and Jasper to push greater use. By adjusting prices, it hopes to curb wastage and improve resource utilization while making beneficiation financially viable, helping secure a steadier supply of iron ore for the steel industry.
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A new UK immigration proposal would extend the path to permanent residency for care workers to 15 years. The plan could affect roughly one in three overseas staff, increasing the risk that many leave the country. That would deepen staffing gaps in care homes and threaten support for elderly and vulnerable residents who rely on continuity of care.
A Seattle data scientist resigned after her company cut 40% of staff, despite being offered a 75% pay hike. She said her discomfort was rooted in “survivor’s guilt” and challenged the firm’s AI-driven productivity claims. The move ignited debate online about integrity, employee value, and whether companies reward loyalty or performance in layoffs’ aftermath.
A Bombay High Court decision involving a widow’s case against CDSL may have wider fallout for investors. The ruling could allow many client claims tied to broker defaults involving major depositories CDSL and NSDL. If leveraged, wronged account holders may find new legal pathways to seek restitution, potentially reshaping how such failures are handled in India’s market infrastructure.
A Canadian Auditor General audit reports that more than 150,000 international students were flagged for possible study permit rule breaches, but only a fraction were investigated. Even more troubling, around 800 cases of fraudulent documents and misrepresentation from 2018 to 2023 reportedly received no departmental action, later enabling some applicants to pursue other immigration routes. The findings raise concerns about integrity and accountability.
A new government notice aims to stop pharmaceutical companies from influencing doctors through vacations, gifts, and free educational materials. While the move targets unethical prescribing incentives, experts argue it’s unlikely to be effective without stronger enforcement and accountability mechanisms across the healthcare ecosystem.
Ontario is introducing new laws that formally prioritize medical residency applicants with provincial ties. The policy includes international graduates, giving preference to those who have studied or lived in Ontario. Officials say the change is meant to retain and attract doctors by making residency placement priorities explicit, rather than leaving them to informal decisions.
Indian Railways has notified an increase in passenger train tariffs effective December 26. Long-distance ordinary, mail, express and premium services will see higher prices—1 paise per km for ordinary class journeys above 215 km and 2 paise per km for AC and non-AC. Suburban travel and season tickets will remain unchanged, sparing daily commuters.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condemned the killing of a Bengali-speaking migrant worker from Murshidabad after an altercation in Sambalpur, Odisha. She alleged the victim was targeted over language, announced financial aid for his family, and said arrests and police action have been taken following the incident.
The RBI’s latest “state of the economy” assessment flags rising upside risks to inflation, driven by potential disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz alongside domestic weather uncertainties. It warns that a prolonged West Asia conflict could create demand shocks and financial market stress, pushing up energy costs and disturbing trade flows—even as it notes India’s fundamentals remain broadly strong.
The Finance Ministry plans to update the Actuaries Act, 2006, widening the definition of actuarial science to include data science and risk management. It also proposes a new regulatory framework for actuarial firms. The bill is expected during the monsoon session, with stakeholder consultations already underway to shape the changes.
After a brutal heatwave that pushed temperatures above 45°C, powerful windstorms tore through central and northern Pakistan. At least 14 people were killed and more than 100 injured as high winds and dust reduced visibility, uprooted trees, and damaged infrastructure including collapsed buildings. Pakistan’s Meteorological Department warns more storms could strike, heightening fears of additional casualties.
Habil Khorakiwala’s turnaround of Wockhardt began amid near bankruptcy, including payment defaults to bondholders and troubled manufacturing units. After surviving the company’s worst crises, the focus has shifted to a single blockbuster antibiotic drug hailed as the biggest breakthrough after penicillin. If it scales, Khorakiwala could re-enter the top league again.
The dollar climbed to a week high as markets questioned the durability of an Iran ceasefire and reassessed US policy expectations. Traders parsed comments from Federal Reserve nominee Kevin Warsh as slightly hawkish, while upbeat retail sales data boosted confidence in the US economy—together steering currency sentiment higher for the greenback.
Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani urged the United Nations to press the United States to immediately and unconditionally release the Iranian commercial vessel Touska, its crew, and their families. He said the US capture violates international law and described the seizure as a “hostile act,” escalating tensions through multilateral diplomacy.
Union Budget 2026 reduces Tax Collected at Source (TCS) for overseas tour packages, setting a flat 2% rate on international travel. The move lowers the prior TCS structure, which ranged from 5% to as high as 20%, making foreign trips more affordable for Indian citizens and easing the upfront tax burden.
Welterweight striker Sam Patterson arrives at UFC Fight Night in London saying he’s at his peak, set to face UK standout Michael Page. Patterson is coming off four consecutive first-round finishes and insists a win could vault him into the welterweight top 15, while keeping his ultimate goal—world title contention—firmly in sight.
UN agencies warn that rising heatwaves are undermining global food systems as farmers and fishers face worsening conditions. Yields are dropping and harvests are failing more frequently, threatening supply and livelihoods. The agencies say the outlook will keep deteriorating unless climate change is urgently addressed.
Election authorities across multiple states have seized large amounts of cash, liquor, and election freebies ahead of polls, led by West Bengal. Tamil Nadu reported lower seizure values, while Assam and Kerala also saw cases. Officials and observers warn that the scale of these “welfare gifts” points to coordinated attempts to sway voters before voting begins.
Applied Digital has signed a long-term $7.5 billion lease with an unnamed US hyperscaler to secure computing capacity for AI workloads. The agreement covers 300 megawatts at its Delta Forge One site, and the company expects additional financing of up to $600 million. The hyperscaler partner remains undisclosed.
A new analysis suggests that quitting tobacco could improve the economic prospects of more than 20.5 million households across India. The biggest benefits are expected among the most disadvantaged, especially in rural areas, where health and spending shifts can translate into faster income growth. Middle-income families may also see meaningful gains as costs fall and productivity rises.
RBI’s monetary policy measures, including ECLGS, helped revive lending momentum for MSMEs. Credit to industry rebounded to 6.5% in February 2022 from just 1.0% a year earlier, supported by stronger flows to micro and small businesses and improving conditions in large industry. The turnaround is credited to policy-linked credit interventions.
A severe heatwave has triggered a sudden surge in air-conditioner demand, colliding with reduced production earlier in March. Retailers say they’re receiving only about half the units they ordered, with energy-efficient models hit hardest. Manufacturers are now ramping up production, while consumers are buying early to avoid expected price hikes.
A Lancet report warns prostate cancer incidence in India could double soon, making early detection a key defense against a looming health crisis. But the article argues that solving detection isn’t just about testing—it also requires unlearning assumptions tied to public awareness campaigns and how men respond to screening messaging.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) says the West Asia war may hurt India’s auto sector in the near term. SIAM president Shailesh Chandra warned of rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, and added pressure on logistics, all of which could impact production and timely movement of vehicles and components.
Rajeev Jain, Managing Director of Bajaj Finance, topped the FY25 list of best-paid NBFC CEOs with a package exceeding Rs 65 crore, including ESOPs valued at around Rs 40 crore. Arvind Kapil of Poonawalla Fincorp ranked second. Among bankers, HDFC Bank’s Sashidhar Jagdishan led with pay above Rs 12 crore.
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee has formed seven special teams to prepare for the May 4 vote count. Starting April 25, the teams will tour districts, inspect strong rooms, meet candidates, and coordinate with district administrations to ensure smooth handling ahead of counting day.
Saudi Arabia has begun tightening entry to Mecca for Hajj, allowing only six categories to obtain permits through the Absher Individuals platform. Eligible groups include Premium Residency holders, investors, GCC citizens, non-Saudi mothers of Saudi citizens and their families, plus domestic workers. The online process is designed to speed approvals while improving crowd safety during the pilgrimage.
HDFC Bank’s interim chairman Keki Mistry, 71, is attempting to calm jittery investors and customers by leaning heavily on personal credibility after the abrupt exit of his predecessor. The move signals a push to restore confidence in the bank’s leadership and stability, as the institution faces heightened scrutiny and the need to reset trust quickly.
ReNew Energy Global Plc hit a record 2.4 GW of new renewable capacity in FY2026, taking its total operating base to 12.6 GW and placing it among India’s largest players. The company’s manufacturing muscle in solar further strengthens its growth pipeline, marking a major milestone in its push to expand clean energy deployment.
NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL), a NTPC group firm, will begin supplying 150 MW of solar power from a Rajasthan project on April 18, 2026. The move comes from a 300 MW venture called Project Sixteen Renewable Power Private Ltd. With this launch, NGEL’s total installed capacity is expected to rise to 10,276 MW, marking a key growth milestone.
Natural Environment Solutions Pvt Ltd (NES) is entering India’s data centre market with a 5 MW facility in Hinjewadi, Pune. The company says it will rapidly scale capacity to over 100 MW across the country within the next three years. The move marks NES’s shift into a high-growth infrastructure sector and signals more capacity buildout ahead.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah attacked Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge after Kharge called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “terrorist” during the Tamil Nadu election campaign. Shah said Kharge’s language reflects “Rahul Baba’s influence” and escalated the political confrontation, tying the controversy to Kharge’s criticism of the AIADMK for aligning with the BJP while targeting Modi sharply.
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