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Parliament on Friday approved the Finance Bill 2026, with the Rajya Sabha returning it to the Lok Sabha by a voice vote, completing the budgetary process for the financial year beginning April 1.The Lok Sabha had passed the Bill on March 25 along with 32 amendments. The Rajya Sabha cleared it after a brief discussion and finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s reply to queries raised by members.The Union Budget 2026-27 has pegged total expenditure at Rs 53.47 lakh crore, marking a 7.7% increase over the current fiscal ending March 31. Capital expenditure for the next financial year has been proposed at Rs 12.2 lakh crore.The government has estimated gross tax revenue at Rs 44.04 lakh crore and gross borrowing at Rs 17.2 lakh crore. The fiscal deficit for FY27 is projected at 4.3% of GDP, lower than 4.4% in the ongoing fiscal.A Finance Bill provides legal backing to tax and fiscal proposals announced in the Budget and, once enacted, will bring into force changes in income tax rates, duties and other levies, directly impacting individuals and businesses.Earlier in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said, “Finance Bill 2026-27 rests on five clear principles; trust- based tax administration is being improved; members mocking ease of living for common citizens and ease of doing business, we should continue on that process.”Referring to the West Asia crisis, she said the government would remain vigilant and manage its fiscal stance carefully.Among key proposals, the government did not announce any changes in the income tax system. The due date for filing income tax returns for non-audit businesses has been proposed to be extended by one month to August 31.In capital markets, the government proposed an increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures to 0.05% from 0.02%, and on options premium to 0.15% from 0.10%. No changes were announced in short-term or long-term capital gains taxes.On infrastructure, the Budget proposed seven high-speed corridors — Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bengaluru, Hyderabad-Chennai, Chennai-Bengaluru, Delhi-Varanasi, and Varanasi-Siliguri — along with one dedicated freight corridor. A new freight corridor has also been proposed in Dankuni, West Bengal.The government also announced deduction of TDS on the sale of immovable property by NRIs and introduced a foreign investment disclosure scheme, alongside allowing investments in equity instruments of listed Indian companies through the Portfolio Investment Scheme.In industrial policy, Rs 40,000 crore each has been earmarked for electronics manufacturing and semiconductor development under ISM 2.0, along with Rs 10,000 crore for the bio-pharma sector.For MSMEs, a Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund has been proposed, along with a Rs 2,000 crore top-up to the Self-Reliant India Fund to improve access to credit and scale up enterprises.The defence sector has been allocated about Rs 5.95 lakh crore to boost military capabilities and domestic manufacturing. Healthcare spending is pegged at around Rs 1.05 lakh crore, with duty relief announced on critical medicines and pharma inputs.Under energy transition initiatives, the government has earmarked Rs 20,000 crore for carbon reduction programmes and support for clean energy supply chains and renewable energy.Additionally, the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme aims to double modal share by 2047, as part of efforts to strengthen logistics efficiency.
MUMBAI: A Mumbai sessions court on Friday acquitted members of the Gurgaon Police and their civilian accomplices for the 2016 fake encounter of Haryana gangster Sandeep Gadoli in a Mumbai hotel. The court did not find evidence that the incident, originally reported by police as a retaliatory shootout in self-defence, was actually a premeditated contract killing orchestrated by a rival gang leader and carried out by rogue officers.The prosecution had argued that the “encounter” was a staged operation. On Feb 7, 2016, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Pradyumn Yadav entered Room 107 of the Airport Metro Hotel in Andheri. While the police claimed Gadoli opened fire first, the police cited forensic evidence and ballistic reports and alleged that Gadoli was unarmed and lying on his bed when he was shot. Investigators found that the police later planted a country-made pistol near the body and fired shots into the hotel walls to simulate a crossfire.The allegedly conspiracy involved a “honey trap” led by Divya Pahuja, who accompanied Gadoli on his trip to Mumbai. Divya allegedly provided constant location updates to her mother, Sonia Pahuja, who acted as a middleman. Phone transcripts revealed the use of medical code words to signal the hit team. Sonia allegedly instructed Divya to say “Main thik hu” (I am fine) to indicate Gadoli was alone, and “Main dawai leke aayi hu” (I have taken the medicine) to signal that he was with her and the team should move in.The motive behind the killing was allegedly rooted in a gang war for supremacy in Gurgaon. Binder Gujjar, a rival criminal, masterminded the hit from jail to eliminate Gadoli, whom he blamed for the death of his driver. Binder’s brother, Manoj Gujjar, served as the primary link between the incarcerated mastermind, the Pahuja family, and the police team. He was allegedly involved with Sonia in a romantic relationship. Call Detail Records (CDR) allegedly confirmed constant communication between the police and the Gujjar family leading up to the shooting.While Divya Pahuja was killed in early 2024 following her release on bail, the court acquitted the remaining accused—including PSI Pradyumn Yadav, several constables, and Sonia Pahuja.
One scene from Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is stealing the spotlight. A young, eager Jaskirat Singh Rangi (Ranveer Singh) suits up sharply for a family photo with his parents and two sisters. It captures him before he evolves into the intense, long-haired Hamza Ali Mazari from the movie’s initial chapter. On-screen sister Hitika Bali opened up about filming alongside Singh.
In ‘Dhurandhar 2’, Hitika steps into the role of Harleen Rangi, Jaskirat’s sister. The movie kicks off with gut-wrenching scenes showing why Ranveer’s character turns to violence for his family’s protection. “Since everybody is posting ‘Why Jaskirat Became Hamza?’ Phir mera bhi post krna banta hai (I decided I should post too),” wrote Hitika, dropping photos with Ranveer that exploded across social media. She raved about him, saying he was ‘amazing’ as Hamza but her top pick was the brother to Harleen and Jasleen—Jaskirat. “I genuinely can’t get over the little details and mannerisms you brought to the role and in this shot while u were constantly make me laugh with that tie-samosa joke,” she added.
She went on to thank viewers for their empathy toward her character Harleen’s fate,, “Also, the amount of love and empathy you all have shown towards my character Harleen Rangi and the story is honestly overwhelming in the best way possible. And the kind of support I’m receiving is just crazy,” she wrote.Hitika signed off with some fun, spotlighting a hilarious X (formerly Twitter) pic where Grok swaps her and Ranveer’s clothes. “I’m loving all the comments, messages, and posts you’ve been sharing. But I have to say the third slide that a friend sent me? I was like WTH, lol but it’s been living rent free in my mind ever since,” she shared. The photo she posted confirms her friend forwarded it through WhatsApp.
‘Dhurandhar 2’ serves as the sequel to the 2025 blockbuster ‘Dhurandhar’, released last December. The original depicted Hamza infiltrating a Baloch gang in Lyari, Pakistan, to dismantle a terror network. This follow-up explores Jaskirat’s transformation into Hamza amid his tough circumstances. Ranveer, Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Rakesh Bedi, Danish Pandor, and others reprise their roles in the film.
West Indies Women and Australia Women move from the T20I leg to the 50-over format, beginning their three-match ODI series today at Warner Park. Australia enter as the heavy favorite after a clinical 3-0 sweep in the T20Is, but West Indies will look to leverage their strong historical record at this particular venue to turn the tide.
Australia begin a new era in ODIs following the retirement of Alyssa Healy. Sophie Molineux takes the reins as captain of a side that remains incredibly deep despite some transition. The visitors are coming off a dominant 3-0 series win against India and have maintained their momentum with a flawless T20I performance last week. Youngster Georgia Voll, fresh off an international T20 century, and the ever-consistent Beth Mooney form a formidable batting core.
For the West Indies, the return to Warner Park is a welcome one—they have won six of their last seven ODIs at this ground. Captain Hayley Matthews remains the centerpiece of the team, supported by the veteran Stafanie Taylor and the explosive Deandra Dottin. However, the hosts’ middle order has been fragile recently, and they will need to find a way to handle Australia’s relentless spin duo of Alana King and Ashleigh Gardner to stay competitive.
Matches played: 18 | Australia won: 16 | West Indies won: 1 | No result: 1
The surface at Warner Park is renowned as a batting paradise, offering true bounce and a lightning-fast outfield that typically facilitates high-scoring encounters. While the fresh white ball may offer some initial swing for the pacers under the humid Caribbean skies, the pitch generally flattens out, allowing stroke-makers to thrive with relatively short boundaries. As the match progresses, the track often slows down and assists spinners, who have historically found success here by extracting sharp turn in the middle overs. Given the 30-35% chance of afternoon showers and the likely presence of dew later in the evening, the toss-winning captain will likely opt to bowl first to maintain control over a potential DLS-adjusted chase.
Also READ: Alana King steers Australia to series-clinching win over West Indies in 2nd Women’s T20I
West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Shawnisha Hector, Jahzara Claxton, Realeanna Grimmond, Shunelle Sawh
Australia Women: Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney (wk), Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux (c), Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Georgia Wareham, Tahlia Wilson, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Carey
Case 1:
Case 2:
Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest.
Also READ: Georgia Voll’s sensational century helps Australia whitewash West Indies in Women’s T20I series
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
NEW DELHI: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu on Friday wrote a touching tribute for Spanish badminton legend Carolina Marin. Marin announced her retirement from professional badminton on Thursday, saying she is still dealing with the aftereffects of the serious injury she sustained at Paris 2024. Marin won a gold medal at the Rio Olympics 2016 and is a three-time world champion.Sharing an emotional message for her long-time rival, Sindhu took to Instagram and wrote: “Some rivals become part of your journey forever. Carolina was one of them. We first played each other when we were 15 or 16-year-old girls in the Maldives, and from then on we went on to share so many battles.“To be honest, you were also a complete pain on court. The constant shouting, the intensity, the little tricks, they would get to anyone. But your skill, speed and fighting spirit were second to none,’ Sindhu wrote.Sindhu also recalled a verbal duel between the two shuttlers during the 2023 Denmark Open semifinal, where the chair umpire showed both players a yellow card.“People remember the big matches and even the ugly spat we had in that third set over picking the shuttle. I’ll admit I was completely infuriated that day.“But a few months later we sat across from each other over coffee in Madrid, talking and laughing, and in that moment there was nothing but respect. That’s the Carolina I’ll always remember,” she wrote.“I’ll also always be grateful for the incredible camaraderie our generation built. Our batch of girls made women’s singles such a special place to compete in, and I honestly don’t know if badminton has seen something like it before or will again.“Thank you for every battle, every lesson and most of all the friendship. I wish you the happiest retirement, Carolina. Badminton will miss you. And so will I,” Sindhu concluded.Marin’s career was marked by serious knee injuries, forcing her to withdraw from the defence of her Olympic gold and her home World Championships in 2021.However, she made a remarkable comeback, reaching a fourth World Championships final and coming close to an Olympic final in 2024. Leading He Bing Jiao comfortably in their semifinal at Paris 2024, Marin collapsed in pain — a moment that proved to be her final appearance on the biggest stage.
Government has revised its fuel duty structure, lowering the special additional excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre while removing it entirely on diesel. The decision comes against the backdrop of ongoing disruptions in global oil supply chains due to the conflict in the Middle East, where Iran continues to tighten control over the Strait of Hormuz. According to a government order dated Thursday, “the additional excise duty on petrol was cut to Rs 3 per litre from Rs 13 per litre earlier. Meanwhile, the excise duty on diesel was cut to Rs 0 from Rs 10 per litre earlier.” Read full story
Union minister Rajnath Singh is set to head an inter ministerial group to oversee issues arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict. According to ANI sources, while Rajnath will lead, the group will have union home minister Amit Shah, union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri are among the members, along with other ministers. Read full story
US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby concluded his official visit to India on Thursday. The visit focused on advancing the India-US defence partnership and key elements of the 2026 National Defence Strategy. The official trip, which began on Tuesday, involved high-level consultations with senior Indian officials and strategic discussions on defence cooperation. Read full story
In a surprising shift in stance, former India cricketer Yograj Singh has come out in strong support of MS Dhoni, urging the veteran to continue playing in the IPL while taking aim at those calling for his retirement. Yograj, who has been a vocal critic of Dhoni in the past, struck a markedly different tone ahead of IPL 2026. In an interview with InsideSport, he praised Dhoni’s longevity, discipline and commitment to the game, insisting that age should not be a factor in judging a player’s future. Read full story
As the Middle East continues to be shaken by near-daily missile attacks from Tehran, one key question stands out: what happened to Iran’s most advanced missiles? The likes of Qassem Basir, the Etemad and Fattah 2. According to a Financial Times report, Iran’s defence ministry unveiled its newest missile, the Qassem Basir, in May last year, claiming it could strike enemies “wherever they are and whenever necessary.” With a manoeuvrable 500kg warhead and an optically guided “terminal seeker” that cannot be electronically jammed, it is considered one of the most sophisticated weapons in Iran’s arsenal. Read full story
In a big boost for the capabilities of the armed forces, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of equipment worth Rs 2.38 lakh crore. DAC has cleared the procurement of major defence equipment such as Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and five additional squadrons of the battle tested S-400 Surface to Air Missile (SAM) systems, the Dhanush artillery gun and an Air Defence Tracked System. The MTA will replace the aging workhorse of the IAF’s transport fleet the An-32. The new aircraft is expected to carry a payload between 18-30 tonnes. The aircraft is expected to bridge the capability gap between the Il-76 and the An-32s. The frontrunners to replace this aircraft are the Brazilian Embraer C-390, which comes with a 26 tonnes payload capacity and the European Airbus A400M, with a 37 ton payload capacity. Lockheed Martin’s C-130J, an aircraft the IAF already operates is also in the fray.Embraer has already partnered with Mahindra Aerospace. Airbus is yet to announce a domestic partner. These aircraft will replace the aging workhorse of the IAF’s transport fleet the An-32. The new aircraft is expected to carry a payload between 18-30 tonnes. The aircraft is expected to bridge the capability gap between the Il-76 and the An-32s.Of these aircraft, 12 would be acquired in fly-away condition while the remaining aircraft will be manufactured in India. The frontrunners to replace this aircraft are the Brazilian Embraer C-390, which comes with a 26 tonnes payload capacity and the European Airbus A400M, with a 37 ton payload capacity. Lockheed Martin’s C-130J, an aircraft the IAF already operates is also in the fray. Embraer has already partnered with Mahindra Aerospace. Airbus is yet to announce a domestic partner.The IAF has also cleared five additional squadrons of the S-400 SAM system. The S-400 can take out targets as far as 400 kilometers away. The missile was used during the active phase of Operation Sindoor and has shot down a Pakistani aircraft at a distance of 300 kilometers, a world record. IAF currently has three squadrons of the S-400 system, while two other squadrons are expected to be delivered this year.The top defence ministry procurement body has also cleared the procurement of 300 additional units of the indigenously manufactured Dhanush artillery gun system. This is a follow-on order of the guns, previously the army had 114 of these guns. Procurement of armoured piercing ammunition for tanks has already been cleared.The defence minister has also cleared the deck for the procurement of various types of drones, over haul of Al-31 jet engines for the Su-30 MKI fleet and heavy duty hovercrafts for the coast guard.Most of the new equipment such as the will go through a set procedure set under the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. These steps are Request for Proposal (RFP), this will be followed by a series of technical, field and stall trials and evaluations. Post the trials there will be price negotiations and clearance from the Prime Minister chaired Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) before the signing on the dotted line, a process that may stretch for years.In the current financial year, that will end on March 31st, AoN for 55 proposals amounting to Rs 6.73 lakh cr has been accorded. In the same time frame, capital procurement contracts have been signed for over 500 proposals amounting to Rs 2.28 lakh crore.
NEW DELHI: With the IPL 2026 opener around the corner, Congress MLA Kashappanavar Vijayananda Shivashankarappa on Thursday kicked up a row, saying legislators were being forced to stand in queues or buy tickets at inflated rates despite being “entitled” to passes. He also alleged large-scale black marketing by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), even as the assembly speaker stepped in, directing the government to ensure VIP tickets for MLAs.“There is an IPL match on the 28th, but KSCA has not provided tickets to MLAs, ministers or their families. We can’t go and stand in queues like the general public. Last time, we were made to stand in line and then sent to a common gallery,” he told ANI, flagging both access and “protocol” concerns.Accusing the association of profiting from demand, the MLA claimed tickets worth Rs 5,000 were being sold for as much as Rs 35,000 in the black market. “They are taking all facilities from the government, including security, but not respecting elected representatives. Tickets are being sold through online channels and middlemen,” he alleged.The controversy gained traction in the assembly, where members across party lines complained of “disrespect” by KSCA. Acting on the concerns, speaker UT Khader directed the state government to ensure that each MLA is provided at least four VIP tickets for matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.The speaker noted that MLAs often face difficulties at entry points, including having to stand in queues and not being recognised by staff, which adds to the sense of indignity. He also asked the government to ensure proper seating arrangements for legislators and their families.Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said he would immediately speak to KSCA officials and update the House, asserting that MLAs have the right to seek such facilities.The row comes just days before IPL 2026 begins on March 28 in Bengaluru, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to host Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) kickstart their IPL 2026 campaign with a fresh leadership group and a schedule packed with intriguing storylines. For the first time, Riyan Parag will lead the side after the franchise made a bold call to trade longtime captain Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The season opener for RR on March 30 instantly grabs attention, as Parag begins his captaincy journey against his predecessor, adding an emotional and competitive edge to the contest.
One of the unique aspects of RR’s campaign this season is their split home schedule. The team will start by playing three home games at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, facing CSK, Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 7 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 10. These early matches give RR a chance to build momentum in front of a passionate northeastern crowd. After this phase, they shift back to their traditional base at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, where they will host key fixtures against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals (DC), Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
However, the journey won’t be smooth throughout. After their opening home stretch, RR face a challenging run of away matches in mid-April. They travel to Hyderabad on April 13, followed by tough encounters in Kolkata against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 19 and Lucknow on April 22. This phase will test the team’s resilience, especially as they adjust to different conditions and venues before finally returning to Jaipur. Adding to the challenge, RR will play two afternoon matches – against KKR on April 19 and against MI on May 24 – both starting at 3:30 PM IST. Handling the heat and pitch variations in these games will be crucial.
Heading into the season, RR boast a balanced squad featuring emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal alongside experienced match-winners such as Jadeja, Curran, Jofra Archer and Shimron Hetmyer. With a new captain at the helm and a favourable finish to their schedule, the Royals will be aiming to turn potential into performance in IPL 2026.
Also READ: SWOT analysis of Rajasthan Royals – RR’s report card ahead of IPL 2026
Note: IST= GMT+ 5:30 hrs
Also READ: IPL – Complete list of all Rajasthan Royals (RR) captains so far ft. Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson
