The Times of India

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will represent India at the swearing-in of Bangladesh's PM-elect Tarique Rahman, following the BNP's landslide victory. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will accompany Birla. This event marks a significant diplomatic shift for Dhaka, especially after former PM Sheikh Hasina's ouster and subsequent exile in India. The new BNP government's stance will be closely observed.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of betraying farmers through the India-US trade deal, raising concerns about GM maize imports and potential pressure on Indian crops. Union Home Minister Amit Shah refuted these claims, calling them lies and asserting that farmers' interests are protected in trade agreements with the US, EU, and UK.

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar urged deep inner reflection and devotion this Mahashivratri, emphasizing meditation and chanting to elevate spiritual practice. Prime Minister Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh extended greetings, praying for well-being and prosperity. The festival celebrates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, observed with reverence across India.

According to the Pew Research Centers global demographic study How the Global Religious Landscape Changed From 2010 to 2020, the actual Hindu rate of growth today turns out to be strikingly literal. The worlds Hindu population has been expanding almost exactly in line with the growth of humanity itself. Neither surging dramatically nor shrinking in relative terms, Hinduisms demographic story is one of stability in a century defined by rapid religious change.

Kedarnath Temple will welcome devotees from April 22, concluding its winter hiatus. The auspicious reopening date was fixed on Mahashivratri at the shrine's winter seat. This marks the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra, with Badrinath opening on April 23, and Gangotri and Yamunotri on April 19. Thousands are expected to participate in the pilgrimage.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be debated and voted on March 9. The second part of the Budget session, starting the same day, is expected to be interesting with crucial legislation. Rijiju warned that continued opposition protests could be detrimental to them and suggested potential cracks in opposition unity.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has courted controversy by comparing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan. His remarks have led to a police case against him. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the comparison. Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Sawant accused the BJP of double standards and a polarization agenda, citing past BJP endorsements of Tipu Sultan.

UAE's property market is seeing a surge in first-time homebuyers in 2026, driven by government support and a shift towards long-term value. Buyers now prioritise build quality, practical design and community infrastructure over speculation. Affordability and tech-driven mortgage solutions are making ownership more accessible, fostering a generation committed to homeownership as a lifestyle choice.

Contrary to fears, generative AI isn't causing mass layoffs in India's IT sector. A new ICRIER-OpenAI study reveals AI is boosting productivity and transforming roles, not replacing workers. While entry-level hiring has seen a slight dip, mid and senior positions remain stable, indicating a shift towards skill enhancement rather than job elimination.

Young Indians, across Gen Z and Millennials, overwhelmingly favor gold as their top investment choice, with 62% preferring it over mutual funds, stocks, and crypto. Even with modern options available, gold is seen as the safest bet, especially during uncertain economic times. Purchases are increasingly personal and smaller, driven by income and investment goals rather than just tradition.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed India committed to halting additional Russian oil purchases, amidst ongoing US sanctions. However, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized strategic autonomy and decisions guided by ational interest and market dynamics. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov disputed claims of India stopping oil buys, accusing the US of coercion.

The Centre has greenlit over Rs 11,000 crore in highway projects across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana. These crucial upgrades, including road widening and new four-lane stretches, aim to significantly boost freight movement and regional connectivity. Projects on NH-160A in Maharashtra, NH-56 in Gujarat, and NH-167 in Telangana are set to enhance industrial links and slash travel times.

India has significantly boosted climate action spending, now at nearly 5.6% of GDP, up from 3.7% six years ago, demonstrating strong domestic commitment. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for adaptation alongside emission cuts and advocated for a polluter pays principle in global climate finance, highlighting India's own substantial investments in renewables and carbon capture.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday attended the 8th Convocation Ceremony of Swami Rama Himalayan University at Jolly Grant, Dehradun.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized that actual vijay lies in demonstrated evidence, referencing India's counterterror actions. He stressed that victory isn't built on rhetoric but on tangible outcomes like damaged terror infrastructure and dysfunctional air defence systems, urging a sober assessment of India's defense preparedness for future challenges.

Bangladesh's BNP chief Tarique Rahman vowed a people-first foreign policy post-victory. Meanwhile, Piyush Goyal defended the India-US trade deal against Rahul Gandhi's criticism, highlighting benefits for textiles and farmers. In Mumbai, a Metro Line-4 parapet collapse tragically killed one and injured three.

The Union Cabinet has greenlit the Urban Challenge Fund, allocating Rs 1 lakh crore to spur market-linked urban infrastructure over five years. This initiative aims to attract Rs 4 lakh crore in investments, focusing on reform-driven development and citizen-centric projects. A Rs 5,000 crore credit support aims to boost market access for smaller cities.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for acknowledging their election victory, expressing eagerness to work with India. PM Modi congratulated BNP leader Tarique Rahman on the party's decisive win, which secured a two-thirds majority and signals a move towards political stability in Bangladesh.

Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized PM Modi for visiting Assam instead of Manipur, which has been experiencing unrest. Khera shared mock flight tickets from Guwahati to Imphal, urging the PM to visit the troubled state. This comes as Manipur faces renewed tensions and violent protests.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized that judicial leadership thrives on acknowledging imperfections and embracing continuous growth, not on feigning flawlessness. He advocated for a radical redefinition of judicial leadership, proposing a Commonwealth Apex Body to unify judicial education, the Bar, and the bench across member nations.