The Competition Commission of India has ordered a detailed probe into French spirits giant Pernod Ricard and seven other entities for alleged cartelisation in the Indian-made foreign liquor market. The investigation will examine restrictive conduct by Pernod Ricard with retailers and wholesalers, potentially violating competition laws. The CCI's Director General will lead the inquiry, looking into responsible individuals.
Swiss pharma major Novartis is sharpening its strategy in India as a pure-play innovator across core therapy segments, including cardiovascular, oncology, and immunology. The company is moving further up the value chain in India, with early scientific discovery and Phase I studies beginning to take shape.
New rules under the Code on Social Security mandate gig and platform workers to work 90 days with one aggregator for social security benefits. Those working with multiple platforms need 120 days. Aggregators must register workers and face a 12% annual interest for delayed contributions.
Selling abates, foreign funds in no rush to buy: Goldman Sachs
ADB Chief Economist Albert Park anticipates crude oil prices will remain elevated for an extended period due to the prolonged Middle East crisis. This higher oil price expectation is projected to shave 0.6% off India's GDP growth, bringing it to 6.3%, and significantly stoke inflation in the current fiscal year.
Kotak Securities maintains an add rating on PNB with a revised target of Rs 125, citing steady profitability despite weaker core earnings than peers. Jefferies reiterates a buy on Marico, raising its target to Rs 960, with management confident in strong EBITDA growth.
Oil prices surged as President Trump rejected Iran's peace proposal, reigniting fears over global energy supply routes. Hopes for breakthrough talks faded, shifting market attention to Trump's upcoming visit to Beijing. Saudi Aramco warned of significant oil market losses, while tankers navigated the Strait of Hormuz with tracking systems off.
Noel Tata has voted against the reappointment of Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh as trustees of Tata Education and Development Trust, widening rifts within the powerful philanthropic group. This move, following Mehli Mistry's opposition, prevents the duo's extension due to unanimous consent rules. Their departure significantly impacts their influence within the wider Tata Trusts.
India faces pressure from the EU and US to adopt data exclusivity in trade deals, but a GTRI report warns this could harm its agrochemical industry. Such provisions would create extended monopolies, delay generic pesticide approvals, increase import reliance, and raise costs for farmers, potentially undermining a key export sector.
Government sources indicate no immediate plans to hike gold and silver import duties, despite calls to curb non-essential gold purchases. Meanwhile, India anticipates US trade talks addressing pending issues, including a Section 301 probe, though a comprehensive deal remains distant. India has contested US allegations of structural overcapacity, urging the termination of the investigation.
Amidst the escalating Middle East conflict, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed PM Modi's call for Indians to reduce import spending and conserve foreign exchange. He urged citizens and businesses to make conscious choices to save forex, highlighting fuel expenditure as a key area for reduction. This initiative aims to protect the nation's economic interests as global energy supplies face strain.
Delhi's Urban Extension Road-II now features Multi Lane Free Flow tolling. This technology allows vehicles to pass without stopping. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the system. This upgrade aims to improve connectivity for nearby villages and habitations. It also supports smoother urban traffic flow. This barrier-less tolling system is a significant step in modernizing India's transport infrastructure.
Jewellery stocks saw a sharp decline on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to reduce gold purchases. This call aims to preserve foreign exchange reserves. Major jewellery companies experienced significant drops in their share prices. Investors reacted quickly to the potential demand impact. Indian equities opened lower amid global concerns.
Government's net direct tax collections for FY26 reached over Rs 23.4 lakh crore, a 5.1% increase, though it fell short of the revised target. Corporate tax saw a healthy 11.4% rise, while non-corporate tax remained flat. Refunds saw a slight dip. These collections follow recent income tax cuts.
'Physical Delivery Of Commodities Needs GST Tweaks'
New National Education Policy Implementation Begins The government has officially begun implementing the new national education policy. Schools and colleges are updating their curriculum structures. Greater focus is being placed on skill-based learning. Digital literacy is becoming a mandatory component. Teachers are undergoing special training sessions. The reform aims to modernize the education system nationwide.",
Online Learning Platforms See Record Enrollment Online learning platforms reported record-breaking enrollments this year. Students are opting for flexible digital courses. Professional certification programs gained massive popularity. Remote education improves accessibility for rural areas. Universities collaborate with ed-tech companies. Digital classrooms continue to reshape traditional learning models.",
Education is the foundation of personal growth and career success. It empowers individuals with knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to face real-world challenges. From academic subjects to practical skill development, learning helps people adapt to changing technologies and opportunities. With digital platforms and modern teaching methods, education today is more accessible, flexible, and engaging than ever before, enabling learners to grow anytime and anywhere.
🇮🇳 India Politics Leaders Menaka Guruswamy and Rajeev Kumar recently entered active politics through nominations to the Rajya Sabha, marking their debut on the political stage in Kolkata. India will hold 2026 Rajya Sabha elections starting 16 March 2026, where multiple seats in the upper house of Parliament will be filled by state legislators. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government aims to eliminate left-wing extremism (Naxalism) across India by 31 March 2026, highlighting ongoing security operations. 🌍 International Politics In the United States, a new poll shows many Americans oppose military action against Iran, criticizing how Donald Trump is managing the conflict linked to the Middle East tensions. Global tensions remain high due to the ongoing U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict, raising fears of wider regional escalation. 🗳️ Upcoming Elections Worldwide 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly election in India is expected around March–April 2026, where the current government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma faces opposition from the Indian National Congress. Nepal held early elections after youth protests demanding political reforms and accountability. ✅ Summary: Politics globally in March 2026 is dominated by: Elections and leadership changes Security and conflict issues Domestic policy debates in major countries
Ariana Grande released her newest song featured in a hit musical film this week. Listeners immediately embraced the powerful vocals and emotive lyrics. Critics applaud Grande’s ability to blend cinematic storytelling with mainstream pop sounds. The accompanying visuals showcase dramatic choreography and film scenes. Fans shared their excitement across platforms, capturing trending moments worldwide. Radio stations have already added the track to heavy rotation.",