The Times of India

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.

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.

Tushar Ahluwalia's new AI startup, GeneralMind, has secured $12 million in early-stage funding just months after launching. The company offers an autonomous workflow automation platform for enterprises, integrating with legacy ERP systems to automate repetitive operational tasks. Several major listed enterprises are already utilizing GeneralMind's technology.

Indian mobile companies, citing China's export curbs, are urging the government to slash import duties on components like PCBs and wearables. They seek reduced tariffs on capital goods and machinery for mobile and battery manufacturing to lower production costs and boost domestic capacity. This move aims to enhance India's self-reliance and export competitiveness.

HRV Pharma and Haleos Labs have joined forces in a multi-year strategic partnership to fast-track the development and manufacturing of specialized active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for rare diseases and niche therapies. This collaboration leverages HRV's global market access and Haleos' manufacturing expertise to introduce 5-7 new high-value molecules annually, targeting underserved patient populations worldwide.

Indian equity benchmarks opened flat-to-negative on Tuesday, mirroring cautious investor sentiment due to foreign fund outflows and geopolitical tensions. The BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 saw minor declines in early trading. Experts cite US tariff actions and persistent foreign selling as key factors weighing on the market, with domestic institutional buying providing some stability.

President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on European nations if a deal for Greenland isn't reached, stating he would 100% proceed. He also linked his stance to the Nobel Peace Prize decision, claiming Denmark cannot protect Greenland. Greenland's Prime Minister asserted the territory's right to self-determination.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a spouse in a void marriage is eligible to seek permanent alimony and interim maintenance under Sections 25 and 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act, even if the marriage is declared null under Section 11.

Real estate leaders are urging the Union Budget 2026 to revive affordable and rental housing, citing an uneven growth skewed towards luxury developments. They recommend policy changes like tax holidays, updated affordable housing definitions, and incentives for rental projects to foster broad-based sector growth and boost consumption.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Nitin Nabin his oss as the party worker after Nabin, the BJP's youngest-ever national president at 45, assumed office. PM Modi highlighted Nabin's millennial status, emphasizing his blend of youthful energy and organizational experience as crucial for building a developed India over the next 25 years.

India faces a strategic dilemma as the US invites it to join the Gaza Peace Board, a US-led initiative for post-war reconstruction. A GTRI report urges caution, citing concerns over political imbalance, bypassing UN norms, and potential commercial interests overshadowing Palestinian rights. The report highlights risks to India's credibility.

Gold and silver prices reached record highs Tuesday, driven by fears of a US-EU trade war following US President Trump's tariff threats. Investors sought safe-haven assets amid heightened global uncertainty. Both metals saw significant gains on MCX and in international markets, with silver hitting a lifetime high.

Rahul Gandhi's 'TINA' jibe, meaning 'There Is No Accountability,' targeted the government following a techie's tragic death in a Greater Noida pit. The 27-year-old engineer's family claims repeated warnings about the accident-prone site were ignored. Authorities have filed an FIR against developers and formed an SIT to investigate the incident and rescue delays.

Priyanka Chopra's mother, Madhu Chopra, revealed that her son Siddharth suffered due to Priyanka's early stardom. Madhu's extensive travel to support Priyanka's career meant Siddharth often grew up without significant parental presence. She expressed regret over this, acknowledging him as 'collateral damage' to her daughter's success.

The BJP on Monday declared Nabin as its sole candidate for the post after the nomination and scrutiny process concluded without any rival contenders. This cleared the path for his unopposed election as the partys 12th national president. In a late-night statement, BJP National Returning Officer K. Laxman said that only Nabins name remained after the completion of nominations and the withdrawal window, confirming his election by consensus.

Asian markets opened lower Tuesday amid renewed trade tensions and political developments in Japan. Investors reacted to US President Trump's tariff threats and a potential parliamentary dissolution in Japan, which boosted government bond yields. Attention now shifts to US corporate earnings and inflation data ahead of the Federal Reserve's meeting.

Punjab is set to modernize its major bus terminals in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Patiala, and Bathinda through a Public Private Partnership. This initiative aims to significantly enhance passenger facilities, safety, and overall efficiency at these vital transport hubs. The upgrades will focus on improved waiting areas, sanitation, accessibility, and integrated commercial spaces, ensuring better connectivity for millions daily.

A study on Car Nicobar Island revealed that nearly 10% of Nicobarese adults have oral lesions potentially leading to cancer, primarily linked to high smokeless tobacco and alcohol consumption. Researchers found these concerning rates concentrated within this specific community, highlighting urgent needs for targeted screening and cessation programs.

The Indian Council of Medical Research is fast-tracking an experimental RNA-based antiviral therapy for Chikungunya, inviting Indian companies to develop and manufacture it. Developed by ICMR's National Institute of Virology, the therapy showed complete viral suppression in pre-clinical studies by targeting essential viral genes.

Gold price prediction today: Praveen Singh of Mirae Asset Sharekhan says that gold prices may have faced downward pressure in the near term, had it not been for the heightened geopolitical tensions. Heres his outlook on gold prices:

The WHO warns that alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages are becoming more affordable in India due to weak tax designs, failing to curb consumption despite strong health links. This public-health failure is leading to rising rates of liver disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, particularly among younger populations.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi staged a walkout from the state assembly, citing disrespect for the National Anthem and his microphone being switched off. Raj Bhavan alleged the speech ignored critical issues like Dalit atrocities. This marks a repeat of a similar incident last year, intensifying political tensions ahead of upcoming elections.

Delhi residents will soon dial a single emergency number, 112, to access police, fire, ambulance, and disaster management services simultaneously. This unified system, ERSS 2.0, will also allow alerts via a mobile app, emergency button, SMS, and online platforms, automatically detecting caller locations for faster response.

Small memory lapses and focus issues can signal deeper brain health concerns. Dr. Amit Kumar Agarwal from Amrita Hospital Faridabad suggests simple daily brain exercises. These include mindful attention, memory chunking, dual-tasking, visual memory training, and learning new things. Consistent practice for 15-20 minutes daily can significantly boost cognitive function. Brain training is now essential preventive care.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmarks, Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, opened flat in trade on Tuesday on weak global cues. While Nifty50 was above 25,550, BSE Sensex was just above 83,200.

India and the UAE have inked a significant energy pact, with ADNOC Gas agreeing to supply Hindustan Petroleum with over $2.5 billion worth of liquefied natural gas annually for ten years. This deal positions India as ADNOC Gas's largest customer.

Budget 2026 expectations: The government had in the past considered the option of one uniform ITR form for all taxpayers, to make tax filing simpler and user friendly. It is desirable that the same be re-evaluated.

Stock market recommendations: Somil Mehta of Mirae Asset Sharekhan recommends buying NTPC, and Mphasis, while Blue Star is a sell call. Lets take a look:

The Delhi High Court denied suspended jail term for expelled BJP leader Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the custodial death case of the Unnao rape survivor's father. The court cited the grave nature of the offense, Sengar's criminal history, and the trial court's findings, emphasizing that the delay in trial was partly due to Sengar's legal team's actions.

The Supreme Court has asked the government to respond to a Public Interest Litigation seeking concessional AC train fares for acid attack survivors. The NGO 'Atijeevan Society' argues that survivors, often from weaker economic backgrounds, need AC travel for frequent medical treatments but cannot afford it.