IBTimes

After a Delhi court sentenced separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment in a terror conspiracy case, Mehbooba Mufti appealed to the Centre to review the punishment on humanitarian grounds. She sought parole for Andrabi, citing her age and long incarceration.

India has scrapped physical disembarkation cards for foreign travellers. From April 1, 2026, passengers must complete a digital e-Arrival form within 72 hours before travel or risk delays at immigration.

India strongly rejected Pakistan's remarks supporting a banned terror outfit, asserting it has no locus standi on internal matters. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused Pakistan of backing terrorism and spreading false narratives. The response followed the sentencing of separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and others under UAPA in a Delhi court.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Consumer Affairs Ministry, on March 25 flagged LPG, gas surcharge and fuel recovery fees in hotel bills as unfair trade practices. It said such charges bypass service charge norms and lack transparency.

Analysts say the decline could provide relief to India by lowering inflation, reducing the Current Account Deficit (CAD), and easing pressure on the rupee. However, markets remain cautious as crude prices test key support levels, with volatility expected due to ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

Gandhi also opted out of an all-party meeting in Delhi, though he welcomed broader consultations. The meeting, to be chaired by Amit Shah, will focus on the escalating West Asia crisis and its economic and security implications for India. Senior ministers, including S. Jaishankar.

After the FIR and controversy around Dhurandhar 2, R. Madhavan took to Instagram to share a video, clarifying that he was not smoking while reciting lines from the Dasam Granth in the scene. Meanwhile, Dhurandhar 2 continues its strong run at the box office, inching towards Rs 500 crore and shattering records.

US President Donald Trump has sparked speculation on Pakistan's role in mediating US-Iran tensions by sharing PM Shehbaz Sharif's offer to host talks. While Islamabad signalled readiness to facilitate dialogue, Washington called the situation fluid.

Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai disclosed that 292 drones were seized along the international border in 2025, while over 21,000 kg of narcotics were recovered in J&K over three years.

Apple has launched Apple Business, an all-in-one platform designed to help companies manage devices, deploy apps, and access expert support efficiently. The platform includes built-in mobile device management (MDM), allowing organisations to configure devices, security settings.

India's outlook remains positive due to strong consumption, improving investments, and a diversified economy that can absorb global shocks like rising oil prices. The Reserve Bank of India is expected to maintain a neutral stance on interest rates, while inflation is likely to stabilise at 4.3% in FY27.

The order focuses on expanding PNG networks, enhancing last-mile connectivity, and promoting cleaner fuel adoption for households, transport, and industries. It also introduces standardised processes, reduces bureaucratic bottlenecks, eliminates arbitrary charges, and ensures predictable regulations.

Sensex opened around 600 points or 0.80 per cent higher at 74,652, while Nifty began trading at 23,064, up 150 points or 0.66 per cent.

Khushi Kapoor faces flak for flaunting her assets. The actor, after partying with Orry in Mumbai, was seen inside her car, allowing paps to zoom in. For the outing, she wore a plunging pastel yellow mini dress.

Alia Bhatt's 33rd birthday celebrations continue. She celebrated her birthday at the padel court after playing the sport for two hours. Sharing glimpses from her sporty celebrations, Alia opened up about the challenges she has faced in recent weeks, mentioning difficulty staying focused due to ADHD.

A Delhi court has sentenced separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment in a terror conspiracy case investigated by the NIA. Her two associates were awarded 30-year jail terms.

The Border Roads Organisation has blamed the Ladakh UT administration for delays in the strategically important Khardung La tunnel project, citing a lack of funding despite completion of the DPR. The BRO informed a parliamentary panel that it will now take up the project through the defence budget.

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital after she felt unwell. She was accompanied by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Further details are awaited.

PM Modi emphasised that India's economic fundamentals remain strong despite the global uncertainty caused by the West Asia conflict, and assured that the government is taking continuous steps to minimise its impact. At the same time, he urged state governments to work together in the spirit of Team India.

SEBI flagged 1.33 lakh manipulative social media posts related to the securities market till February 2026, Parliament was informed. The regulator coordinates with platforms to remove such content and curb misleading advice by unregistered finfluencers.

PM Modi emphasised India's push for Atmanirbharta, announcing plans to build 'Made in India' ships with an investment of 70,000 crore. He highlighted India's heavy dependence on foreign vessels, handling about 90% of trade, and the need to strengthen domestic shipbuilding to reduce vulnerability during global crises.

A report claims Mojtaba Khamenei is open to negotiating with the United States, signalling a possible diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing conflict. Trump also indicated a deal could emerge within days and announced a five-day pause on potential strikes.

Aamir Khan reportedly gifted GF Gauri Spratt a rare aquamarine ring that grabbed attention. The ring is made of 40 diamonds, and its rare blue gemstone is part of the bespoke piece. As the videos of Aamir's gf flaunting the ring went viral, netizens asked whether Aamir and Gauri got secretly engaged.

BHIM App has introduced biometric authentication for UPI payments up to 5,000, allowing users to approve transactions using fingerprint or facial recognition instead of a PIN. Launched by NBSL, the feature aims to make digital payments faster, more convenient, and secure.

Government has stepped up surveillance against the unauthorised sale and promotion of GLP-1based weight loss drugs amid rising safety concerns. The Drugs Controller General of India, along with state regulators, is cracking down on misuse across pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics.

The Indian rupee opened slightly stronger against the US dollar after Donald Trump announced a temporary pause in strikes on Iran, easing immediate geopolitical concerns. However, gains remain limited as rising crude oil prices and ongoing tensions continue to pressure the currency.

Retailers in cities like Chennai are passing on the increased costs to consumers, raising the price of a 20-litre can from around 20 to 25. Experts warn that any rise in fuel prices could further escalate transportation costs, adding to the financial burden on households.

US is intensifying diplomatic outreach, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaging with global partners, including S. Jaishankar, Anita Anand, and William Ruto to coordinate on Iran and broader Middle East security.

Swiggy has increased its platform fee by 17% to 17.58 per order, following a similar move by Zomato. The hike reflects rising operational and input costs across the food delivery ecosystem, including fuel and energy expenses. Both platforms now charge nearly identical fees.

The National Investigation Agency has intensified its probe into the 2025 Red Fort bomb blast by conducting raids across Jammu and Kashmir, seizing crucial digital evidence. Eleven accused have been arrested so far, with authorities working to unravel a larger conspiracy involving radicalisation, terror financing, and cross-border handlers.

The PDP has proposed the trifurcation of Jammu province and introduced a private member's bill in the J&K Assembly. The bill seeks the creation of two new provincesChenab and Pir Panjaland several new districts across Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to improve administrative efficiency and ensure balanced regional development.

Gold and silver prices plunged sharply despite the West Asia conflict, with gold falling 9.41% and silver 10.21%. The decline was driven by profit booking, rising interest rate expectations, and global market sell-offs. Experts say this is a temporary correction, not a trend reversal, and advise investors to remain cautious.

Jinee Greencard is redefining the extraordinary ability visa process for the U.S. and U.K. by combining AI-driven tools, expert legal guidance, and a collaborative professional network. Their approach helps applicants strengthen their profiles, navigate complex requirements, and successfully secure self-petition visas with confidence

Two Indian LPG ships, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, are transiting the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over cooking gas shortages amid regional tensions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's energy preparedness, citing 53 lakh MT of petroleum reserves with plans for an additional 65 lakh MT.

The move aims to curb irregularities and ensure smoother distribution. The Chief Minister highlighted a supply-demand gap, with only 1,000 cylinders being supplied daily against a demand of 50,000, causing closures of establishments. A follow-up meeting with hotel associations is planned to review the situation

The Sensex closed at 72,696.39, down 2.46 per cent or 1,836.57 points, while the Nifty settled at 22,512.65, losing 601.85 points or 2.60 per cent.

Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Finance Bill 2026 in Lok Sabha to implement Budget 2026-27 proposals, including tax and duty changes, and introduced the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill 2026 to ease compliance and decriminalise minor offences for businesses, startups, and farmer-run companies.

PM Modi highlighted the economic, security, and humanitarian challenges India faces due to the conflict, including its impact on trade, crude oil and gas supplies, and the safety of Indians in Gulf countries. He also called for swift action against those spreading fake news or trying to exploit the crisis.

LFW 2026 saw Bollywood stars like Tamannaah Bhatia and Nimrat Kaur impress, while Radhika Madan, Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, and Aneet Padda drew criticism for awkward, masculine walks. Fans compared them to Mahieka Pandya, saying B-town stars should take notes from her.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh went out for a cozy lunch date while Deepika is facing harsh trolling for not posting anything about the success of Dhurandhar or praising Ranveer. Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt gave a shoutout to Ranveer and Aditya Dhar.

CBDT has notified the Income Tax Rules, 2026, introducing revised provisions for salaried individuals, including higher HRA exemption thresholds, increased allowances for children's education and hostel expenses, and enhanced limits for tax-free benefits like gifts and meal vouchers.

Two pilots were killed after an Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck on the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York. At least two firefighters were critically injured in the crash. The incident triggered a ground stop and emergency response, with authorities yet to confirm the exact cause.

A deep dive into the engineering leadership of Sephora's Krishna Kumar Neelakanta, exploring his strategies for scaling microservices, modernizing retail monoliths, and integrating AI into the digital commerce operating model.

After his release from detention under the NSA, Sonam Wangchuk called for unity, dialogue, and a constructive path forward for Ladakh. He expressed hope for a win-win solution through engagement with stakeholders and announced consultations with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance to decide the future course of the movement.

Recently, Alia Bhatt was featured by National Geographic among 33 changemakers for her work in animal and environmental welfare, with Priyanka Chopra also making the list. However, netizens called out both actors, pointing to their fashion choices as their outfits were made from animal skin, mainly Alia's association with Gucci.

The government is closely monitoring maritime operations amid the Middle East conflict. Over 547 Indian seafarers have been repatriated, and all remaining personnel in the region are reported safe. The Ministry of External Affairs, continue to assist Indian nationals

A viral post on X falsely claimed that Hardik Pandya was driving his Ferrari shirtless after a Mumbai Indians practice. However, if you zoom in, he was wearing a maroon sleeveless t-shirt.

HDFC Bank was the biggest loser among India's top companies last week, with its market valuation dropping over Rs 56,000 crore to Rs 12,01,267.28 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made history. He is now India's longest-serving head of an elected government. This milestone combines his time as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister. Modi's leadership journey spans nearly 25 years. He has achieved significant political relevance and public support.

The Nifty slipped 0.16 per cent to close at 23,114.50, while the Sensex ended 0.04 per cent lower at 74,532.96.