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Weekly News Platter |
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21 Mar, 2026, 05:10PM IST, PTI |
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Hello Reader,
In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
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 New I-T Act framework notified; taxpayer relief with stricter compliance from April 1 |
| New Income Tax Act rules are now in effect from April 1. These rules offer relief to taxpayers with increased house rent allowance limits in major cities. Employer-provided benefits like food coupons and cars are also expanded. Stricter disclosure requirements are introduced for businesses and professionals. Auditors and companies face greater responsibility in this compliance-driven regime. Read more |
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 India-China border trade via Lipulekh Pass to resume after six years |
| Border trade between India and China via Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh is set to resume. Preparations are underway for the trade session, typically from June to September. This move follows government directives and clearances. Traders can retrieve goods stored in Tibet. The resumption aims for better coordination and facilitation. Read more |
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 Epic Fury Acts: Trump’s three phases of war on Iran with an unknown endgame |
| West Asia faces geopolitical anxiety as a US-led campaign targets Iran's financial and energy lifelines. The conflict has entered a dangerous new phase, crippling energy hubs and causing oil prices to surge. Assassinations have decapitated Iran's leadership, leaving a power vacuum. The war's endgame remains unclear, with global powers expressing concern over its prolonged nature. Read more |
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 Govt amends norms for exporters availing the interest subvention support |
| New rules for export credit interest subvention are now in effect from January 2. Exporters will not receive benefits if their loan becomes a Non-Performing Asset. Early loan repayment will only receive subvention for the actual outstanding period. Digital processes are introduced for smoother claims. These changes aim to streamline benefits for trade and banks. Read more |
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 RBI imposes penalty on HSBC |
| In a statement, the Reserve Bank said a statutory inspection for supervisory evaluation of the bank was conducted with reference to its financial position as of March 31, 2025. Read more |
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 Air India sends 'wrong' Boeing 777 to Canada, recalls flight over China |
| On March 19, an Air India flight from Delhi to Vancouver had to make an unexpected turn, returning to its departure point due to some operational challenges. Fortunately, the landing was smooth, and everyone on board—passengers and crew alike—disembarked without incident. Air India stepped up to provide necessary support, including hotel accommodations for those affected. Read more |
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 Thailand considers cutting visa-free stay to 30 days to address security risks |
| Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to propose reducing the visa-free stay for tourists from 60 to 30 days. This move aims to curb misuse of the system, including illegal business operations and online scams, while allowing for a 30-day extension if needed. The policy targets broader issues of visa misuse and security, not specific nationalities. Read more |
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 MNS chief Raj Thackeray slams Centre, says India should stand by Iran |
| Raj Thackeray criticizes the central government's foreign policy regarding Iran. He states India should have supported Iran due to past alliances. Thackeray also alleges the government distracts citizens with entertainment and social media. He further criticizes the Maharashtra government's debt and infrastructure spending, claiming law and order has collapsed. Read more |
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 Iran's Mojtaba Khamanei says enemy 'defeated' in Nowruz message amid war with US and Israel |
| Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, praised citizens' resilience in a written statement read on television for Nowruz. He asserted that U.S. and Israeli attacks, aimed at overthrowing the government by targeting leaders, have failed. Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since his father's death on the war's first day, claimed Iranian defenses delivered a bewildering blow to the enemy. Read more |
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 'Paper tiger': Trump calls NATO 'cowards' over lack of support in Iran war |
| President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for their perceived lack of support in the U.S.-Israel conflict against Iran, labeling them "cowards." He stated that without U.S. involvement, NATO is ineffective and allies are unwilling to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, despite complaining about oil prices. Trump vowed to remember their inaction. Read more |
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 US sues Harvard over treatment of Jewish and Israeli students, seeks billions of dollars |
| The United States government is suing Harvard University. The lawsuit seeks billions of dollars. This action is due to allegations that Harvard failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students. The government claims the university showed indifference to hostility on campus. This is the latest move in ongoing disputes between Harvard and the Trump administration. Read more |
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RBI sees no governance concerns at HDFC Bank after Atanu Chakraborty's exit, approves interim transition
Highest FD rates for Senior citizens: Compare best interest rates from PSU, private and small finance banks
US President Donald Trump says Pentagon's $200 billion funding request a 'small price to pay'
India forms panel to rewrite controversial NCERT judiciary chapter; Supreme Court closes case
About 90 ships cross Strait of Hormuz as Iran exports millions of barrels of oil despite war
More trouble brewing? HDFC Bank fires 3 executives for mis-selling bonds, says report
SBI receives Rs 6,338 crore income tax demand for AY24
Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet oppose govt's 60 pc free seat selection decision
Seven arrested for illegal arms supply, running betting racket in Delhi