The government on Wednesday extended the mandate for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to maintain retail inflation at 4 per cent, with a tolerance band of 2 percentage points on either side, for another five years ending March 31, 2031.The move continues the flexible inflation-targeting framework first introduced in 2016 and retained once earlier in March 2021.“The central government, in consultation with the Reserve Bank, hereby notifies the inflation target for the period beginning April 1, 2026, and ending on March 31, 2031,” a gazette notification issued by the Department of Economic Affairs dated March 25 said, quoted PTI.According to the notification, the inflation target remains at 4 per cent, with an upper tolerance level of 6 per cent and a lower tolerance level of 2 per cent.India formally adopted the inflation-targeting regime in 2016, when the six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), headed by the RBI governor, was tasked with keeping annual retail inflation aligned to the 4 per cent target until March 31, 2021. The framework was subsequently extended for another five-year period in 2021.Over the past decade, retail inflation has remained within the prescribed band for nearly three-quarters of the time, although volatility increased during the pandemic years.The latest official data showed retail inflation rising to 3.21 per cent in February from 2.74 per cent in the previous month. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) released earlier this month is based on a new series with base year 2024.Against the backdrop of the upcoming review effective from April 1, 2026 and evolving global and domestic economic conditions, the RBI had undertaken an assessment of the nature and format of the inflation target.In August 2025, the central bank issued a discussion paper seeking stakeholder feedback on several issues, including whether headline inflation or core inflation should guide monetary policy, whether the 4 per cent target remains optimal for balancing growth and stability, and whether the tolerance band around the target requires revision.The paper also explored whether the target level should be replaced with a range-based framework while maintaining flexibility and policy credibility.It noted that inflation performance during the nine years of flexible inflation targeting showed a “hump-shaped” trajectory. The first three years and the most recent three years broadly aligned with the target, while the intervening period saw inflation trends move closer to the upper tolerance band amid disruptions such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.“The experience of the FIT framework, introduced in 2016 and first reviewed in 2021, has broadly performed well. From the inception of FIT till about the end of 2019, inflation was low and stable, averaging around 4 per cent,” the RBI paper said.It emphasised that monetary policy frameworks require both certainty and credibility, particularly in an environment marked by heightened global uncertainty, and suggested that the existing framework’s built-in flexibility should be used to steer macroeconomic outcomes.Globally, inflation targeting has become the most widely adopted monetary policy framework since New Zealand first introduced it in 1990. The RBI paper noted that average inflation in India has moderated to around 4.9 per cent since the adoption of flexible inflation targeting, compared with an average of 6.8 per cent in the pre-framework period under the current data series.

Meta appears to be days away from its largest round of job cuts in company history. On Tuesday night, employees in the wearables and ads divisions received HR emails directing them to work remotely on Wednesday, with a note that leadership would share more information. A Meta spokesperson declined to comment. Business Insider, which first reported the remote work directive, cited two sources who received the email.The timing is notable. Meta’s wearables unit—which covers AI glasses and its augmented reality business—was described in the company’s latest earnings report as one of its “key investment areas” for 2026. Getting told to stay home the day layoffs are expected to drop is not a coincidence.

Up to 20% of Meta’s 79,000 employees could be cut, and that’s roughly 16,000 jobs

Reuters reported earlier this month that Meta is planning cuts affecting 20% or more of its workforce. With nearly 79,000 employees on the books as of end-2025, that translates to roughly 15,800 jobs — surpassing the twin waves of the 2022–23 “year of efficiency,” when Meta cut 11,000 jobs in November and another 10,000 the following spring. In January, it had already trimmed 1,500 from Reality Labs. This time, the cuts would be the deepest in the company’s history.

Meta is spending $600 billion on AI infrastructure, and trimming headcount to pay for it

The reasoning is straightforward, if brutal. Meta has committed $600 billion to build out data centres by 2028, with 2026 capex projected as high as $135 billion. It’s also handing out pay packages worth hundreds of millions of dollars to lure top AI researchers to its superintelligence team, led by Alexandr Wang, formerly of Scale AI. To finance those bets without rattling Wall Street, the company is pulling the most obvious lever: headcount. Zuckerberg said as much in January, noting he was already seeing “projects that used to require big teams now be accomplished by a single very talented person.”The urgency is compounded by internal turbulence. Meta’s new frontier model, codenamed Avocado, has reportedly fallen short on reasoning and coding benchmarks and been pushed back to May. Before that, it shelved Llama 4 Behemoth entirely. With billions committed and a new AI engineering org running manager-to-employee ratios of 1:50, Meta is clearly betting on a leaner, AI-native future—and the people who built the old one may not have a seat in it.

What Meta has to say on layoffs

Meta has responded to the layoffs but did not specificy how many jobs are being cut.“Teams across Meta regularly restructure or implement changes to ensure they’re in the best position to achieve their goals. Where possible, we are finding other opportunities for employees whose positions may be impacted,” a Meta spokesperson was quoted as saying by CNBC.Meanwhile, citing a source familiar with the company’s plans, CNBC said that the cuts are happening across several different units, including Facebook, global operations, recruiting, sales and its virtual reality division Reality Labs. It added that some impacted employees are being offered new roles within the company, and some new positions will require relocation.

With the excitement building around Indian Premier League 2026, fans are eagerly waiting to see how teams shape their strategies for the upcoming season. Among the franchises under focus, Delhi Capitals remain one of the most talked-about sides, especially due to the presence of their star batter KL Rahul. After a strong showing last season, expectations are high for Rahul to anchor the batting lineup and deliver consistent performances in a format that continues to evolve rapidly.

Faf du Plessis names ideal batting position for KL Rahul

Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has weighed in on Rahul’s ideal batting position, suggesting that the Indian batter should open the innings to maximize his impact. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Du Plessis highlighted the importance of role clarity and tempo in modern T20 cricket.

“I like KL opening so he can play the tempo the game demands him to play. I know KL can do that, but he just needs direction and role clarity. He’s good enough to do that because we know the game is moving so fast because of the powerplay, where you have to be 65 after six,” Du Plessis said.

He also reflected on Rahul’s role last season, where he was often used at No. 4—a move that required him to adapt his approach. While acknowledging Rahul’s versatility, Du Plessis noted that opening remains the position where he is most effective.

“They had a role planned for him last season, which made sense at the time with him at No.4. He had to play a different style, but KL is that good to adapt to any style. But towards the end, they realized opening is the position that’s best for him and the team,” he added.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Punjab Kings: PBKS’ report card ahead of IPL 2026

Big season awaits Rahul in IPL 2026

Having scored 539 runs in the previous edition, Rahul heads into IPL 2026 with strong momentum. His ability to switch gears and adapt to match situations makes him a crucial asset for Delhi Capitals. However, with expectations soaring, the upcoming season will test his consistency and leadership within the batting unit.

If the Capitals decide to follow Du Plessis’ suggestion and promote him to the top of the order, Rahul will have the opportunity to dictate terms early in the innings—something that could significantly boost the team’s chances. With fans expecting big runs and match-winning performances, IPL 2026 could prove to be a defining season for the stylish right-hander.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Delhi Capitals: DC’s report card ahead of IPL 2026

NEW DELHI: Congress on Wednesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government for their remark that India does not see itself as a “dalaal” (broker) like Pakistan, questioning it’s past diplomatic outreach.Congress leader Pawan Khera, in a post on X, said, “Was India a ‘Broker Country’ when Modi was desperate to mediate between Russia & Ukraine? Selective brokering or selective memory?”His remarks came after external affairs minister S Jaishankar told leaders at an all-party meeting that India does not act as a “dalaal” nation, amid growing reports of mediation efforts in the ongoing Iran conflict.“We are not a dalaal nation,” Jaishankar is learnt to have said during the meeting convened at the Parliament complex to discuss the West Asia crisis. He also noted that there was nothing new in Pakistan’s mediation efforts, adding that the country has been “used” by the United States since 1981, according to PTI sources.The meeting took place as countries such as Pakistan and Turkey have stepped up efforts to act as intermediaries between Washington and Tehran in a bid to de-escalate tensions.The sources added that the government refuted the opposition’s charge that New Delhi was silent on the situation, asserting that “we are commenting and responding”.When the Iran embassy was opened, the foreign secretary visited immediately and signed the condolence book, the government told the parties in response to the Opposition’s charge that India displayed moral weakness in not condoling the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader sooner.The government is also said to have informed the parties that its prime concern is ensuring the security of the Indian diaspora living in the Gulf region and fulfilling domestic energy needs.The Opposition, however, said the answers provided at the meeting by the government were “unsatisfactory” and demanded that a debate be held on the West Asia situation in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.Lashing out at the government, Congress’s Tariq Anwar said Pakistan is performing the mediator’s role while “we are still mute spectators”.He said there should be a debate on the situation in Lok Sabha under rule 193 and in Rajya Sabha under rule 176.All Union ministers part of the cabinet committee on Security, defence minister Rajnath Singh, home minister Amit Shah, Jaishankar and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman — represented the government.Union health minister JP Nadda and Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju also attended. foreign secretary Vikram Misri made a presentation before the gathering.Tariq Anwar and Mukul Wasnik of the Congress, Dharmendra Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Sasmit Patra of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Sanjay Jha of JD-U, Srikant Shinde of Shiv Sena, Sanjay Singh of Aam Aadmi Party, John Brittas of CPI-M, Supriya Sule of NCP (SP), Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena (UBT), Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM were among the Opposition leaders who attended the meeting, which lasted for nearly two hours.The sources said the government conveyed that there is no need for panic as India has enough stock with more crude oil and gas coming.“We have already done advance order. Diversification of sources of oil and gas has been undertaken and now we are procuring from 41 countries,” the government told the meeting.

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Mumbai: More than a month after the city’s first melody road was inaugurated, the BMC has decided to barricade it for now. This comes after residents from Breach Candy wrote to the municipal commissioner, raising strong objections to the music being played along the northbound stretch of the city’s coastal road, which cuts through residential neighbourhoods.A BMC official said, “Earlier this month, we asked the contractor to measure the decibel levels at the nearest building and found that it was within permissible limits. But then, as many residents aren’t in favour of it, we decided to barricade the road, and maybe we will keep it open only on special days or during weekends.”Nandini Chabria, on behalf of Breach Candy ALM and Breach Candy Residents Forum, said, “We are grateful to the municipal commissioner and the coastal road team for acknowledging and addressing the concerns of Breach Candy residents, who were subjected to the continuous ‘Jai Ho’ noise 24/7 for over a month. The sound was echoing into over 25 residential buildings, making it extremely difficult, especially for senior citizens, to rest peacefully. Due to its tonal nature, the noise carried across several homes in the area. We urge the authorities to ensure that such noise and light installations are located away from residential zones in the future.”It was on Feb 12 that the initiative was inaugurated by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The musical road begins after motorists exit the underground tunnel at Breach Candy. There are special grooves that were laid over a 500-metre stretch in the first lane next to the divider. When vehicles travel over these grooves at a speed of 70–80 kmph, the tune of ‘Jai Ho’ from the film Slumdog Millionaire can be heard inside the vehicle. Similar musical roads exist in countries such as Hungary, South Korea and the UAE, but the Mumbai installation is the first of its kind in India.In a letter sent to the BMC and also marked to the Chief Minister’s Office, members of the Breach Candy ALM and the Breach Candy Residents Forum (BCRF), representing over 650 families, said the initiative has caused “significant distress” and serves no essential public necessity.Kavita Chawla, a Breach Candy resident whose home faces the coastal road, said that this prompt action by the BMC has come as a big relief to them. “We deserved a peaceful neighbourhood,” said Chawla.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused Democrats of attempting to “create inner chaos” to distract from what he described as a “great military achievement” in Iran, while also escalating his rhetoric on immigration and signaling he may deploy the National Guard to address issues at airports.In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump alleged that political opponents were undermining national interests and border enforcement efforts, even as he praised immigration authorities and hinted at stronger federal action.“The Radical Left, Country-Hating Democrats are trying to create inner chaos to take away from the great military achievement we are having in Iran. They hate seeing us WIN so completely and decisively, but the American public sees what is going on. AMERICA FIRST! President DJT,” Trump wrote.The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and ongoing domestic debates over immigration policy and border security. Trump also claimed Democrats were obstructing legislative agreements unless provisions for amnesty and citizenship were included.“The Democrats don’t want to make any deal unless Amnesty and citizenship are given to millions of Criminals who have entered our Country illegally, many of whom have been convicted of serious crimes. PROTECT AMERICA! President DJT,” he said.Turning to domestic infrastructure concerns, Trump blamed Democrats for issues at U.S. airports, accusing them of prioritizing undocumented immigrants over American citizens. He suggested that federal intervention could be expanded if necessary.“Blame the Democrats for the Airport’s mess. They want our Country to do badly. They want our Country to fail. They broke the already signed Bill because they want to take care of Criminals who enter our Country illegally, rather than American citizens. Thank you to our great ICE Patriots for helping. It makes a big difference. I may call up the National Guard for more help. President DJT.”The posts reflect Trump’s continued focus on immigration enforcement, national security, and partisan criticism as key themes in his public messaging, while underscoring the sharp political divide over border policy and federal authority.

Prithvi Shaw. (File photo)

NEW DELHI: “I like to be in the present.” That sums up Prithvi Shaw’s outlook after a turbulent phase that saw him lose his IPL spot and his place in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad. Back after a mental reset, the Delhi Capitals batter is choosing clarity over noise.“Last year when I didn’t play IPL, I enjoyed my life a lot. I went to a couple of places to refresh my mind a little, and then I came back. The same routine, I practised, worked hard… whatever I used to do, I started doing it three times. And I think it was a good break for me. I can’t say that I took a step back,” Shaw told reporters ahead of Delhi Capitals’ intra-squad match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.