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Airlines have opposed the government’s mandate for free selection of 60 per cent seats, warning it will lead to higher airfares. The FIA urged withdrawal of the rule, citing revenue losses, rising costs and potential impact on affordability for passengers

Premium petrol prices were hiked by Rs 2 per litre and bulk diesel by about Rs 22 amid rising global crude prices, while retail petrol and diesel rates remain unchanged. The government said consumers will continue to be shielded for now

The Centre launched a Rs 497 crore RELIEF scheme to support exporters hit by West Asia conflict disruptions, offering logistical support, extended export obligations and financial relief to offset rising freight, insurance costs and operational uncertainties in key Gulf trade routes

India termed the arrest of six Ukrainian nationals a legal matter under investigation, while considering Kyiv’s consular access request. The Ukrainians, charged under UAPA, remain in custody as Ukraine denies terror links and seeks transparency

Ukraine has sought a transparent probe into the detention of six of its nationals in Mizoram, denied any terror links, and offered cooperation to India, even as New Delhi said investigations are underway and a request for consular access is under consideration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with leaders of France, Oman and Malaysia, emphasising de-escalation in West Asia, diplomatic resolution of the crisis, and ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions

Agnihotri has done MBBS from AIIMS, Jodhpur, while Rajeshwari holds a BE degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, and Akansh is a BCom graduate from the University of Delhi

Narendra Modi will visit Ajmer to launch a nationwide HPV vaccination drive, distribute appointment letters to 21,863 youths, and unveil development projects worth ₹16,686 crore, focusing on healthcare, infrastructure, and employment generation

Gold and silver prices surged in Mumbai amid geopolitical tensions and a weaker US dollar. MCX gold rose 1.83% to Rs 1,59,749/10g, while silver gained 5.10% to Rs 2,65,836/kg, driven by Iran-US negotiations, US tariff rulings, and safe-haven demand

Indian Youth Congress workers staged a ‘shirtless protest’ at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, raising slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal. Police arrested four protesters as BJP and Congress traded sharp accusations

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw apologised for crowd management issues at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 after overcrowding, connectivity problems and theft complaints marred the opening day, which saw over 70,000 attendees at the global AI event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The five-day event will host global firms, 600 startups, 13 country pavilions, 500 sessions, and over 2.5 lakh visitors, promoting AI collaboration and innovation.

The Defence Ministry has cleared the long-pending proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets under a government-to-government deal with France, as the DAC approved defence capital acquisitions worth Rs 3.60 lakh crore to boost the combat readiness of the armed forces

Opposition parties have moved a notice seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, accusing him of partisan conduct and denying speaking opportunities to Opposition MPs. Around 120 MPs backed the move, which will now be examined as per parliamentary rules

Union Budget 2026 allocates funds for the Dankuni–Surat freight corridor, East Coast Industrial Corridor, tourism under Purvodaya, and 4,000 e-buses, drawing political debate as West Bengal prepares for Assembly elections, with TMC dismissing the moves as campaign-driven.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 that interest on compensation awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) will be tax-free and exempt from TDS, effective from April 1, 2026, to ease hardship for victims and families.

The Union Budget 2026–27 proposes a Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund and a three-pronged approach—Equity, Liquidity, and Professional Support—to help MSMEs become ‘Champions’, with TReDS, GeM, and Corporate Mitras enhancing finance, compliance, and growth.

The Union Budget 2026 proposes Rs 73,990 crore for the Telecom Ministry, driven by capital support for BSNL, rural broadband project BharatNet, and North East development. The move aims to boost connectivity, modernize infrastructure, and strengthen state-run telecom services.

The Union Budget 2026 allocates Rs 6,000 crore for Census 2027, delayed due to Covid-19. The two-phase exercise will cover houselisting and population enumeration, including caste enumeration, with digital devices and self-enumeration options for citizens.

The Union Budget 2026–27 proposes a tax holiday till 2047 for foreign cloud companies using data centres in India to serve global customers. The move aims to attract investment, boost data centre capacity and position India as a global AI and digital infrastructure hub.