The Times of India

Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams visited India, calling it a homecoming. She shared her experiences aboard the International Space Station. Williams spoke about how seeing Earth from orbit fostered a sense of global unity. India has ambitious space plans, including its own space station by 2035 and a lunar mission by 2040.

Stock market crash: Indian equity benchmarks, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, closed at over three-month lows after a broad selloff driven by disappointing earnings, renewed global trade risks and sustained foreign investor outflows.

A political storm brews over Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat, with opposition parties accusing the BJP government of damaging ancient heritage during a beautification drive. Claims of destroyed idols and temples have surfaced, while authorities deny wrongdoing, stating the work protects heritage and corrects neglect. FIRs have been filed against those allegedly spreading misinformation.

The project, announced at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, involves a total investment of approximately $25 billion. This hub is designed to handle global AI workloads and will be one of the largest investments in India's digital infrastructure to date.

The Delhi government's Finance Committee has approved the construction of a new six-lane elevated road in South Delhi, at an estimated cost of over 1,400 crore.

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Bill Belichick will appear on ESPNs ACC Network broadcast of the College Football Playoff national championship game in South Florida. The TV role comes weeks after his first season as North Carolinas head coach ended at 48. Belichick is also focused on recruiting, including adding quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. ahead of the Tar Heels April 12 spring game.

Protests erupted in West Bengal districts over alleged harassment during electoral roll revision, with roads blocked and tyres set ablaze. The Supreme Court stressed transparency in the process, while demonstrators claim genuine voters are being unfairly targeted with logical discrepancies notices. Authorities have increased force deployment in affected areas.

China used its platform at the World Economic Forum in Davos to warn that trade and tariff wars help no one and risk deepening global economic tensions. Vice-Premier He Lifeng called for cooperation over isolation, saying China would open its economy further and focus on boosting domestic demand, even as global trade disputes escalate under US President Donald Trumps expanded tariff policies.

Silver has surged over 35% in early 2026, surpassing Rs 3 lakh per kg on MCX futures, driven by supply constraints and geopolitical tensions. Analysts see a perfect storm of industrial scarcity and global risks, with potential for further upside despite early signs of fatigue and calls for profit-taking.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen warned the US against imposing tariffs on European allies over Greenland, calling it a mistake that could damage partnerships. She emphasized that existing trade deals must be honored and offered increased European investment and cooperation on Arctic security, urging Europe to adapt to global changes.

MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, has donated millions to the Solidaire Network, which funds groups facing FBI and congressional investigations for alleged Hamas ties. While Scott's donations are unrestricted, the network supports organizations like Students for Justice in Palestine. Scott has given billions to various causes, impacting diversity programs and higher education.

Central government employees and pensioners await the 8th Pay Commission's recommendations on revised salaries and pensions. The commission, led by Ranjana Prakash Desai, will finalize a fitment factor, a multiplier crucial for determining salary hikes. Projections show significant increases based on potential fitment factors ranging from 2.15 to 2.86.

The government has enacted significant direct tax reforms to boost investment and ease compliance. Key changes include reclassifying AIF securities as capital assets, extending startup tax benefits until 2030, and introducing presumptive tax for non-resident electronics service providers. Inland vessels now qualify for the Tonnage Tax Scheme.

Oman's motor insurance sector is undergoing a major reform, mandating insurers to compensate drivers for delayed car repairs beyond a 30-day deadline. This groundbreaking move, a first in the Gulf, also introduces staged payments for workshops and expanded coverage for natural disasters. Policyholders now have more protection and flexibility, potentially setting a new regional standard.

India stands to gain from the US-EU trade friction as the EU finalizes its Free Trade Agreement with New Delhi. With US tariffs impacting European exports, the bloc may accelerate ties with India. Experts suggest this could lead to a more favorable deal and faster ratification, potentially boosting Indian exports amid global trade uncertainties.

Indian businesses anticipate a GST-like overhaul of customs duties in Budget 2026, seeking rationalized rates, fewer slabs, and a single-window clearance system. Key demands include streamlined AEO certification and a formal charter for DRI investigations, aiming to resolve Rs 1.52 lakh crore stuck in customs disputes.

Budget 2026 income tax expectations: Salaried taxpayers are looking at FM Nirmala Sitharaman to provide further relief under the new income tax regime, especially in the form of higher standard deduction limit.

Salesforce is enhancing its AI approach for businesses. Companies are finding it hard to use generative AI reliably. Salesforce is combining flexible AI with strict rules. This ensures systems work perfectly for critical tasks. The focus is shifting to real business results. 2026 is seen as a key year for enterprise AI adoption. The goal is to deliver consistent value.

Without naming any political party, but in an apparent attack on Trinamool Congress (TMC), which rules the poll-bound West Bengal, PM Modi lashed out at parties covering up for illegal immigrants and said: We must expose them to the public. PM Modi also said the world doesn't question the wealthiest and most powerful countries when they crack down on illegal immigrants.