Times of India

Starting April 1, 2025, various regulatory and financial changes, including revised income tax slabs, updated UPI regulations, and the introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme, will impact taxpayers, digital payment users, and pensioners. These changes aim to lower tax burdens, offer TDS relief, and adjust tolls, medicine, and gas prices.

OpenAI has acquired $40 billion in new funding from SoftBank and other investors, valuing it at $300 billion. This funding will drive advancements in AI research, aiming for artificial general intelligence. The investment will also help improve OpenAI's infrastructure and expand its generative AI system amid competition from China’s DeepSeek and Meta.

US President Donald Trump revealed plans to visit Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia next month to strengthen ties and secure economic benefits. The visit aims to bolster security and trade relations, focusing on Saudi Arabia's pledge to invest USD 1 trillion in US companies. Additionally, Trump hinted at the possibility of seeking a third presidential term.

Swati Thapa of Rastriya Prajatantra Party advocates for restoring the constitutional monarchy, removing Nepal's federal structure, and reestablishing a Hindu state. She believes most Nepalis support these changes and criticizes foreign influences for altering Nepal's cultural identity.

In a conversation with Fox News, President Trump expressed eagerness about potentially facing Barack Obama in an election. Despite hints about a third-term run, Trump acknowledged the constitutional limitation of two terms. While he enjoys his role, his focus remains on his current term without exploring legal possibilities for another run.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party leaders Rabindra Mishra and Dhawal Shumsher Rana were remanded into custody for five days to face charges related to crimes against the state following a violent pro-monarchy protest. The incident led to widespread damage in Kathmandu, and authorities are considering similar charges against former king Gyanendra Shah.

As Trump imposes 25% additional tariffs, Indian exporters, particularly in engineering and leather goods sectors, face significant financial strain. Shipments worth $5 billion are on hold, with many US buyers demanding price adjustments or discounts. Industry leaders emphasize the need for market diversification amid uncertain trade relations with the US.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis dismissed claims of his potential PM candidacy in 2029, reaffirming Narendra Modi as BJP's leader. He countered remarks by Sanjay Raut regarding Modi's retirement and defended the National Education Policy amid criticisms by Sonia Gandhi, emphasizing the need for Indianizing the education system.

Senior RSS leader Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi stated that the issue of Aurangzeb's tomb in Maharashtra was raised unnecessarily and highlighted the inclusiveness of Bharat by referencing Shivaji's respect for even Afzal Khan. Meanwhile, CM Devendra Fadnavis opposed the tomb's glorification but noted it is an ASI-protected site. Tensions continue with recent violence following VHP's actions against the tomb.

Iran has lodged a complaint with the United Nations Security Council, condemning US President Donald Trump’s threats of military action and describing them as a violation of international law. Iran warns it will respond decisively to any aggression. This follows Trump’s warning of severe bombing if Iran does not agree to a new nuclear deal.

India and the US are set to begin their major tri-service exercise 'Tiger Triumph' in the Bay of Bengal, focusing on military interoperability for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The exercise includes operations at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, with India deploying warships, aircraft, and troops, while the US contributes amphibious warships and marines.

Qari Abdul Rehman, a member of the banned anti-Shia outfit ASWJ, was killed in a targeted attack by masked assailants in Karachi's Qaid Abad. The incident, believed to be sectarian in nature, has heightened concerns over Pakistan's sectarian violence. The ASWJ condemned the act as terrorism.

The Indian government has dismissed a New York Times report alleging Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's involvement in transferring sensitive British technology to Russia as inaccurate and misleading. Officials emphasize that the Indian entity adhered to all international trade obligations and laws, highlighting the need for reputable media to ensure accuracy before publication.

Reimbursements to private hospitals under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) have surged from 24% in 2019-20 to 60% in 2023-24. A significant rise in the number of beneficiaries has driven this increase. Instances of fraudulent billing and overcharging by empanelled hospitals have raised concerns about proper oversight and cost-effectiveness in the scheme.

A historic colonial-era structure, Mahafezkhana, has been demolished by the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority to facilitate the Brahmaputra riverfront expansion. The heritage building, which withstood major earthquakes in 1897 and 1950, was demolished despite public outcry and suggestions for its preservation.

The US Department of Energy has granted regulatory clearance for Holtec International to transfer small modular reactor technology to India, partnering with Indian firms. This approval marks significant progress in the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, potentially leading to the construction of US-designed nuclear reactors in India.

The Delhi High Court ruled that individuals with HIV cannot be denied employment or promotion, emphasizing the obligation for 'reasonable accommodation.' It ordered the CAPF to review the cases of three personnel denied promotions or appointments due to their HIV status, stating such denials violate the HIV Act and are discriminatory.

Khar police visited comedian Kunal Kamra's Mahim home to investigate his remarks about Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde in a recent show. Kamra criticized this action as a waste of resources, and he currently resides in Puducherry. Police have begun recording statements from audience members.