National News

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium at Uppal is set to host Sunrisers’ first home clash against Rajasthan Royals on March 23 as well as Qualifier 1 and Eliminator on May 20 and 21

Over 1.49 crore devotees took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam by Sunday evening during Maha Kumbh, causing heavy traffic congestion for the second day. Authorities in Prayagraj are implementing strict crowd management protocols to ensure safety and ease congestion as the event nears its culmination.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the announcement of a trade deal with the US has instilled significant confidence among businesses on both sides. The agreement aims to strengthen economic ties and targets a bilateral trade of $500 billion by 2030, while promoting domestic manufacturing through initiatives like the National Manufacturing Mission.

Over 45% of Himachal Pradesh is highly vulnerable to natural disasters like floods, landslides, and avalanches, reveals a recent IIT Ropar study. Presented at the 2nd Indian Cryosphere Meet, the research identifies regions at high risk, aiding targeted disaster risk reduction. Hazard-prone areas include mid to high altitude slopes, with steep mountain regions at the highest risk.

Three more deaths from Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) have been reported in India: two in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and one in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, bringing the nationwide toll to 19. Maharashtra's fatality count is now 15, while Andhra Pradesh reported its first death. Both deceased patients in Kolhapur had prior conditions of hypertension and diabetes.

At an event in Bengal's Burdwan, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized India's intrinsic diversity and pluralism. He highlighted the ancient civilization's acceptance of different communities and called for unity among Hindus. Bhagwat noted the significance of respecting diverse languages and cultures and praised RSS expansion in Bengal, stressing the importance of equality and harmony.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) expelled a media studies student from the hostel after drugs were found in her room. The institute's empowered committee investigated the roommate's complaint, leading to the discovery of ganja. Despite the student's denial, the committee's findings prompted the action. The police registered an FIR under the NDPS Act.

India is set to resume free trade negotiations with the UK and EU, aiming to counter protectionist policies by Trump. Important talks with trade ministers are scheduled, and India shows commitment by reducing some tariffs and considering bilateral investment treaty changes.

Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman of TVS Capital Funds, criticizes the sustainability of India's quick-commerce sector, led by Zomato and Swiggy, as reliant on private equity without long-term viability. TVS Capital previously invested in Nykaa, viewing it as driven by a deeper market trend.

State Bank of India (SBI) reduced interest rates on new retail and business loans tied to external benchmarks, following the RBI's repo rate cut. Home loan rates now range from 8.25% to 9.2% based on credit scores. Business loan rates will depend on deposit rate adjustments.

The Central government has referred a case to the Karnataka labour commissioner after NITES alleged unlawful termination of hundreds of trainees by Infosys. Infosys dismissed around 350 freshers in Mysuru for failing internal assessments in Java programming and DBMS. This follows similar actions by Wipro, which recently sacked freshers for failing a technical proficiency test.

Police said that they had apprehended four youths in connection with the theft of almost all the furnishings in a CBI office. During a visit to the office on February 11, CBI officials discovered that ceiling fans, tables, chairs, almirah, plastic water tank, and electrical equipment were missing.

Ambedkar statues have been vandalised in U.P., but Mayawati remains mum

Enhertu, an oncology drug by AstraZeneca, led new drug sales in 2024 with Rs 58 crore, reflecting rising cancer cases. Over 3,100 new brands collectively earned Rs 1,097 crore, with significant launches in cardiac, anti-diabetic, and vitamins sectors, highlighting prevailing health patterns in India.

San Francisco authorities confirmed the death of 26-year-old OpenAI software developer Suchir Balaji as a suicide by self-inflicted gunshot. Despite his parents' claims of foul play, investigations found no evidence supporting homicide. The apartment had no signs of forced entry, and Balaji had alcohol and amphetamines in his system, the report said.

Market players are concerned as the sensex and nifty fell by around 2.5% last week due to continuous foreign fund selling, rupee weakness, and the US-initiated tariff war. Additionally, weak quarterly corporate results contributed to the declines. Analysts suggest that without stability in US trade relations, markets will remain cautious.