The Times of India

Highway users failing to pay toll charges due to FASTag issues or insufficient balance will receive an e-notice. They will have three days to pay the exact toll, after which double the amount will be charged and vehicle-related services suspended. This measure is crucial for the upcoming multi-lane free flow tolling system.

Congress party has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party stated the US gave India 'permission' to buy Russian oil. This move is seen as a humiliation for India. Congress demands an explanation from the Prime Minister. The US Treasury Secretary confirmed the permission to ease global oil supplies.

The US has granted India a temporary waiver to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea, aiming to stabilise global supplies amid West Asian conflict disruptions. This move, praised by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, allows India to ease short-term supply pressures while maintaining its commitment to reducing sanctioned Russian oil imports.

Emirates NBD is waiving ATM withdrawal fees across the UAE and GCC until March 31, 2026, to ease financial access amid regional disruptions. This move also includes free debit card replacements and delivery, offering crucial support to stranded travelers and residents navigating travel uncertainties. The initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted access to funds during a turbulent period.

The Indian rupee weakened against the dollar, closing at 91.75 on Friday, influenced by rising crude oil prices and foreign investor withdrawals. Despite central bank intervention and domestic stock market declines, losses were somewhat contained. Analysts anticipate continued pressure on the rupee due to firm crude prices, with a trading range of 91.25-92.50 expected.

The Indian government will utilize all policy tools and export promotion missions to support exporters facing disruptions in West Asia. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal assured daily engagement with exporters through an inter-ministerial group to address concerns like higher freight rates and shipping delays. India remains committed to meeting international buyer commitments, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted global partner.

India's strong foreign exchange reserves and low deficits provide a buffer against rising oil prices, ensuring energy security. However, a prolonged West Asia crisis could impact the rupee and inflation. Despite this, the economy is well-positioned for growth, with GDP projected at 7.0-7.4% for FY27, though global uncertainties persist.

Indian ports are offering relief to cargo ships stranded due to West Asian conflict. The Shipping Ministry has directed major ports to consider reducing or waiving charges like storage rent and reefer plugging. Ports will also facilitate transshipment, domestic return of export cargo, and priority handling for perishables, aiming to prevent congestion and container shortages.

Shipping lobby and an oil company have requested security escorts for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz and suggested alternative ports like Yanbu to ensure uninterrupted energy and commodity flow. Companies also urged the government to waive demurrage charges for stuck cargo. The Indian Navy's role in ensuring maritime security was also discussed.

While women constitute a significant portion of the IT workforce, a notable gap persists in their representation among top dealmakers. However, a growing number of women leaders are now emerging as key figures driving multi-million and billion-dollar deals, reshaping the sector's traditional narrative.

India's medtech sector is poised for growth with the launch of MedArtha Capital, a Rs 1,000 crore fund. Spearheaded by industry veterans, it aims to back 10-12 high-growth companies, boosting 'Make in India' and reducing import reliance. The government may invest Rs 500 crore, supporting innovation in critical medical devices.

RBI's 25K Compensation To Be Applicable Only For One Time Gross Loss Up To 50K

Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Friday, with the Sensex plummeting nearly 1,100 points to close below 79,000 for the first time since April 2025. Deteriorating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and global market conditions, coupled with substantial foreign fund outflows, led the decline. Banks were particularly affected as investors adopted a risk-off approach.

The Madras High Court ruled that the principle of equal pay for equal work applies only to employees within the same institution and under identical service conditions. The court clarified that comparisons cannot be made between employees of public sector undertakings and government departments due to differing service rules.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged farmers to make Indian agriculture export-oriented by leveraging the country's diverse climate to boost productivity and farm produce exports. He highlighted the growing global demand for natural and chemical-free products, suggesting this could open up world markets. The government is considering certification and laboratory support for these initiatives.

Mumbai airport received 13 repatriation flights from Fujairah and Dubai on Friday, bringing home Indian travellers. Despite these arrivals, flight disruptions persisted with 73 air traffic movements cancelled. Appeals for urgent support for Indians stranded in the West Asia war situation continue, with families expressing deep worry.

Karnataka is introducing a new alcohol-in-beverage (AIB) based excise duty system from April, becoming the first state to directly link liquor taxation to alcohol content. This reform aims to modernize the system, improve transparency, and simplify pricing, potentially making beer and wine cheaper. The state also plans to promote alcohol tourism and allow 24-hour operations for distilleries and breweries.

The Enforcement Directorate has attached properties worth Rs 441 crore in the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam. The probe, based on an AP CID FIR, uncovered a multi-crore fraud involving manipulation of liquor procurement and distribution, allegedly causing a Rs 3,500 crore loss to the state exchequer. The ED has traced a money trail of Rs 1,048 crore in kickbacks.

Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi emphasized the critical need for robust industrial preparedness in modern warfare, citing recent global conflicts that have shattered assumptions of short, decisive wars. He highlighted the imperative for nations to cultivate resilient defense industrial capacities, stressing the importance of large-scale production, continuous technological upgrades, and sufficient surge capacity to meet evolving security challenges.

Goa Cashew Fest 2026, from April 10-12 in Panaji, will highlight feni and cashew products while championing safe driving awareness. Organized by GFDC, the event features discussions on cultivation, production, and rural livelihood support. Efforts to rejuvenate cashew plantations are already showing positive results, increasing cultivation areas.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that left-wing extremism will be completely wiped out by March 31, ending the ambition of a ed corridor from Tirupati to Pashupati. Speaking at CISF's raising day, he lauded security forces for curbing Naxal activities and launched housing projects for the paramilitary force.

Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, is set to join the JDU on March 8, marking his political debut. Nitish Kumar has affirmed his decision to move to the Rajya Sabha is final and irreversible, assuring party members he will remain involved in Bihar's development. Nishant's entry sparks speculation about his future role within the party or government.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee launched a sit-in protest, accusing the BJP and Election Commission of a conspiracy to disenfranchise voters by removing genuine names from electoral rolls. She highlighted instances of living individuals being declared dead, vowing to expose the alleged plot ahead of the EC's visit and upcoming assembly polls.

Karnataka plans to ban social media for children under 16, aligning with global efforts to curb digital exposure. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the policy, aiming to address concerns over screen addiction and mental health. While welcomed by educators, experts caution about potential FOMO and withdrawal, urging careful implementation and support for children.

Days before the sinking of IRIS Dena, India granted permission for the Iranian ship IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi port due to technical issues. This decision, made on March 1, allowed IRIS Lavan and its 183 crew members to safely shelter, avoiding the fate of IRIS Dena which was sunk by a US submarine.

The BJP highlighted a substantial decrease in India's crude oil imports from Iran during the UPA era, which secured the nation an exemption from US sanctions. This revelation came as a response to Congress's criticism of the current government's oil dealings with Russia. Communications from former US Secretaries of State John Kerry and Hillary Clinton confirmed these significant reductions.

Congress has accused Prime Minister Modi of being lackmailed by the US, citing American permission for Indian refiners to buy Russian oil. Party leaders claim India's strategic autonomy and sovereignty are threatened, with Rahul Gandhi asserting foreign policy should stem from India's ethos, not a compromised individual's actions.

Two IAF pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj Vashishth and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, were killed when their Su-30MKI jet crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district during a training sortie. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat airbase and lost contact shortly after. Duragkar was known for his participation in Operation Sindoor last year.

Domestic cooking gas prices are set to rise from Saturday, with a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder increasing by Rs 60 nationwide. Commercial cylinders will also see a Rs 115 hike. This marks the first significant domestic LPG price change since April 2025. Despite global energy concerns, the government assures comfortable energy supply and diversified import sources.

A Bangladeshi national walks free after 21 years in jail for murder. The Calcutta High Court ruled he was a minor when the crime occurred. Another convict from Birbhum district also gained freedom after 14 years on similar grounds. The court emphasized juvenile justice laws.

The Bombay High Court ruled that religious symbols in a home do not prove conversion to Christianity, emphasizing the need for documentary evidence like baptism certificates. The court set aside a caste scrutiny committee's decision, which had denied a Scheduled Caste certificate based on such inferences, and directed its issuance.

AIIMS graduate Anuj Agnihotri has clinched the top spot in the Civil Services Examination 2025, with 958 candidates recommended for various services. Medical, engineering, law, and commerce graduates once again dominated the prestigious exam. Rajeshwari Suve secured the second rank, followed by Ekansh Dhull at third.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized self-reliance as crucial for navigating global uncertainty, citing supply chain realignments and rising maritime activities. He highlighted India's growing domestic defence production, which surpassed Rs 1.5 lakh crore in FY24-25, with exports reaching Rs 24,000 crore. Singh also stressed the importance of technological dynamism and private sector participation in achieving defence 'atmanirbharta'.

The National Commission for Women is launching nationwide 'Mahila Jan Sunwais' in 500 districts across 25 states until March 14. This initiative aims to resolve approximately 15,000 complaints, with a focus on domestic violence and dowry harassment. NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar will lead hearings in five states lacking commission chairpersons, bringing support directly to women in distress.

The US has granted India a temporary waiver to buy Russian oil, aiming to stabilize global prices amid Middle East supply disruptions. This short-term measure allows India to access millions of barrels of Russian crude currently at sea, easing immediate pressure on refineries worldwide.

The highway developers said they anticipated an increase in transportation cost on the back of increase in diesel price and rising input material costs are expected to escalate transportation expenses. They also suggested NHAI to reduce the price indexation lag from three months to one month to better reflect real-time market conditions and prevent under-compensation to contractors.

Noida International Airport in Jewar has secured its aerodrome licence from the DGCA. This crucial step brings the airport closer to commencing flight operations. All necessary infrastructure is in place. The airport is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Commercial flights will begin after final security programme approval.

The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, serves as a major hub for refining and exporting gold to buyers across Asia. It also acts as a transit point for shipments arriving from Switzerland, the United Kingdom and several African countries.

Just days before the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a US strike, India provided urgent assistance to another Iranian vessel, IRIS Lavan. The ship, facing technical issues, was granted emergency docking at Kochi port on March 1st and arrived on March 4th. Its 183 crew members are currently housed at Indian naval facilities.

Lok Sabha will debate a rare motion to remove Speaker Om Birla on Monday, with 118 opposition MPs backing the notice. Allegations include partisan conduct and silencing dissent. The resolution requires 50 MPs to stand in support to proceed. Both BJP and Congress have issued whips for MPs to attend.

German media conglomerate Axel Springer has announced its intention to acquire the UK's Telegraph Media Group for 575 million, a deal subject to regulatory approval. Axel Springer, owner of POLITICO, aims to enhance the right-leaning publication's reach and intellectual influence globally. The company emphasized shared values with The Telegraph, while UK authorities confirmed they will assess the proposed transaction.

Janata Dal (United) leaders expressed pain over Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's move to Delhi as a Rajya Sabha MP, but he reassured them, stating main hoon na and clearing the path for his son Nishant's political debut. Party lawmakers were assured of his continued guidance for Bihar. This decision follows Nitish's Rajya Sabha nomination alongside Amit Shah.

He questioned the Union govts silence on the sinking of Irans warship IRIS Dena.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured citizens there is no energy shortage in India despite West Asian geopolitical tensions. The country has diversified its crude oil imports, with significant supplies now coming from Russia and new LPG contracts with the US, ensuring comfortable availability of fuel.

Shipping data compiled by Bloomberg shows that roughly 15 million barrels of Russian oil are currently held on tankers in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. In addition, vessels carrying about 7 million barrels are anchored near Singapore.