The Times of India

Indian Railways is gearing up to lay fifth and sixth lines on crucial High Density Network (HDN) corridors connecting Delhi, Howrah, Mumbai, and Chennai. This expansion aims to significantly boost passenger and freight train capacity on these vital routes, which currently handle a disproportionate amount of traffic, often exceeding line capacity.

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Micron Technology's semiconductor facility in Sanand, Gujarat, marking India's significant stride into hardware manufacturing. This US collaboration underscores India's growing global role in the semiconductor value chain, positioning the nation as a competitive and reliable investment destination. The ATMP plant signifies a new era for India's technological prowess.

India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues, the statement read. Israel and US on Saturday launched a daylight attack on Iran, closing the window for a diplomatic solution to Tehran's long-running nuclear dispute with the West.

A fatal Learjet 45XR crash in Baramati, killing five, has been attributed by the AAIB to low visibility and a lack of meteorological facilities at the uncontrolled airfield. The aircraft experienced a go-around before crashing during its second landing attempt. The preliminary report highlights operational gaps and recommends enhanced safety measures for uncontrolled airfields.

Several flights to the Middle East have been cancelled already. The Civil Aviation Minister conducted a detailed review of preparedness and response arrangements in coordination with all relevant stakeholders.

Customers visiting Indian bank branches in March 2026 should check holiday schedules as many will be closed for national and state-specific festivals like Holi. Branches will also be shut on the second and fourth Saturdays. Digital banking services will remain operational for essential transactions.

Indian stock markets will observe closures on March 3rd for Holi, March 26th for Shri Ram Navami, and March 31st for Shri Mahavir Jayanti. Investors should note these public holidays to effectively plan their trading activities and capitalize on market opportunities throughout the month.

Rahul Gandhi questioned PM Modi's swift Indo-US trade deal, alleging it harms Indian farmers and industries. He claimed the Prime Minister gave away data and guaranteed annual purchases of US products. Gandhi also alleged a lack of political response to Chinese border movements, citing an unpublished book by a former Army Chief.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has sharply criticised Prime Minister Modi's recent Israel visit, calling it morally cowardly following a joint US-Israel strike on Iran. Ramesh highlighted Modi's declaration of India's support for Israel, which occurred just before the military action. The article also details the elevated strategic partnership and agreements signed between India and Israel during Modi's trip.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide HPV Vaccination Programme in Ajmer, Rajasthan, targeting 14-year-old girls to prevent cervical cancer. The free, voluntary vaccination initiative aims to cover 1.15 crore girls annually, bolstering women's health and preventive healthcare efforts across India.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has sharply criticized US President Donald Trump's praise for Pakistan's leadership amidst the Afghanistan conflict, calling it a diplomatic setback for India. Ramesh also highlighted concerns over India's trade and strategic diplomacy with the US, citing a one-sided trade deal and the US imposing duties on Indian solar modules. He argued that India's 'Vishwaguru' image has been exposed.

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi is reportedly set to contest the upcoming Assam assembly elections from the Jorhat constituency. This move follows the party's finalization of candidates for 40 seats. Gogoi, currently an MP from Jorhat, gained national attention for initiating the no-confidence motion against the Modi government.

OpenAI will deploy its AI models on the Department of War's classified network. This follows an agreement on safety principles. Meanwhile, OpenAI and Amazon have formed a major partnership. Amazon will invest $50 billion in OpenAI. This collaboration aims to accelerate AI innovation. The developments occur amidst US President Donald Trump's ban on Anthropic.

AI firm Anthropic is suing the Pentagon after President Trump ordered a ban on its technology, citing national security risks. Trump labelled the company 'Leftwing nut jobs', accusing them of jeopardizing American lives. Anthropic defends its safeguards against mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, leading to a contract dispute and a split in Silicon Valley.

Trump Media & Technology Group plans to spin off its Truth Social platform into a separate publicly traded company. This move would separate its social media business from its fusion energy venture, which is merging with TAE Technologies. The company reported a widened net loss in 2025, despite increased financial assets.

At 7.8%, Third Qtr Growth Dips But Still Robust

The Central Bank of the UAE has launched the world's first sovereign financial cloud services infrastructure, a secure, AI-powered digital backbone for its financial sector. Developed with Core42, this initiative ensures national control over data, integrates advanced AI for enhanced operations and offers unified multi-cloud management, positioning the UAE as a leader in secure digital finance.

The Supreme Court reprimanded the West Bengal government for repeatedly filing vague complaints to delay the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court clarified that while the High Court Chief Justice would decide deployment modalities, judicial officers alone would assess voter claims and document validity, urging the state to cooperate for expeditious completion.

At 80, Silicon Valley pioneer Kanwal Rekhi shares his inspiring journey in 'The Ground Breaker'. From humble beginnings in India to becoming the first Indian-American founder to take a venture-backed company public on NASDAQ, Rekhi's memoir details his rise and lifelong mission. He now mentors thousands, investing in startups and fostering entrepreneurial growth globally through TiE.

The government has temporarily halted rice fortification under free food schemes after a study revealed micronutrient loss during prolonged storage. IIT-Kharagpur's research highlighted that moisture, temperature, and packaging critically impact fortified rice stability, shortening its effective shelf life. This decision aims to ensure nutritional outcomes are met while exploring better delivery methods, assuring beneficiaries no reduction in foodgrain entitlements.

Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal's new health tech venture, Temple, has secured $54 million in its first funding round from friends and family, valuing the company at approximately $190 million. The startup is developing a wearable device for elite athletes and is actively recruiting individuals with a strong commitment to fitness and scientific expertise.

Indian investors are facing regulatory action for not following Foreign Exchange Management Act rules when buying foreign property. Recent enforcement actions highlight the need for careful adherence to Liberalised Remittance Scheme limits and authorized banking channels. Failure to comply can lead to attachment of Indian assets and penalties under the Black Money Act.