28, Mar 2026
Parliament Approves Finance Bill 2026 to Roll Out Union Budget 2026-27
The Parliament on Friday passed the Finance Bill 2026, paving the way for the implementation of the Union Budget 2026-27 from April 1. The Rajya Sabha returned the bill to the Lok Sabha by a voice vote after a brief discussion, during which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed questions raised by members.
The Lok Sabha had cleared the bill on March 25, incorporating 32 amendments. With its approval, the budget proposals now have legal backing for execution in the new financial year.
The Union Budget 2026-27 outlines total expenditure of ₹53.47 lakh crore, a 7.7% rise over the current fiscal year. Capital expenditure is set at ₹12.2 lakh crore, aimed at accelerating infrastructure projects, generating employment, and supporting economic growth—up ₹2.2 lakh crore from the previous year.
To facilitate major infrastructure initiatives, an Infrastructure Risk Development Fund will be established. The fiscal deficit is projected to fall to 4.3% of GDP in 2026-27, balancing growth support with fiscal stability.
The government plans net borrowing of ₹11.7 lakh crore through dated securities to fund the deficit, with gross market borrowing estimated at ₹17.2 lakh crore.
The Finance Bill’s passage ensures that key budget measures, including infrastructure investment and fiscal consolidation, will be implemented smoothly at the start of the new fiscal year.
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- By Neel Achary
28, Mar 2026
India Gate Goes Dark to Mark Earth Hour 2026
New Delhi’s iconic India Gate will switch off its lights on Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. IST in observance of Earth Hour 2026, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about climate change and environmental conservation.
The campaign encourages people and institutions to turn off non-essential lights for one hour as a simple yet powerful gesture in support of the planet. This year’s theme, “Give an Hour for Earth,” highlights the importance of small, collective actions in building a sustainable future.
Organised by the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour began in 2007 and has since grown into a worldwide movement, with participation from millions across over 190 countries.
By joining the initiative, India Gate becomes part of a global effort to spread awareness and inspire communities to take meaningful steps toward protecting the environment.
28, Mar 2026
Noida International Airport Project to Strengthen Connectivity and Boost Regional Growth
The Noida International Airport, developed with an investment of ₹11,200 crore, is set to significantly improve connectivity in the National Capital Region (NCR).
In its initial phase, the airport is designed to handle around 12 million passengers annually, with plans for gradual expansion to meet rising demand. It is expected to ease the load on Delhi’s existing airport while offering better travel options for passengers across the region.
Along with passenger services, the airport will also support cargo and logistics operations, helping boost trade and improve supply chain efficiency.
The project is likely to play a key role in driving economic growth by attracting investment, generating employment, and supporting the development of nearby areas. Improved connectivity is also expected to benefit businesses and industries in the region.
Overall, the airport marks an important step toward strengthening infrastructure and enhancing the region’s position as a major economic hub.
27, Mar 2026
Innovation Paradox at Work: 41% of U.S. Employees Fear Job Loss for Mistakes Despite Pressure to Innovate
New INTOO/Harris Poll Study Reveals Innovation Paradox in the American Workplace: Employees Are Expected to Innovate — Yet 41% Fear Being Fired for Making a Mistake
27, Mar 2026
Lamp of Unity Illuminated at IFFCO, New Delhi, Signaling Global Commitment to Unity and Sustainability
New Delhi, Mar 27: In a symbolic and powerful ceremony, the Lamp of Unity was lit at IFFCO, Saket, marking a significant milestone in the global movement We Are the New World, a vision dedicated to promoting unity, humanity, and sustainability worldwide.
The ceremonial lamp was illuminated by Dileep Sanghani, Chairman of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited, highlighting a shared commitment to dispel ignorance and foster collective consciousness.
The Lamp of Unity has previously been lit by several revered spiritual and humanitarian leaders, including Pope Leo at the Vatican, the Mother Teresa Foundation, Sudarshan Maharaj ji (ISKON), Mata Amritanandamayi AMMA, Aushim Khetarpal, and the Sai Baba Peace Foundation. Each act underscores a timeless message: One World. One Humanity. One Shared Future.
Commenting on the event, Dileep Sanghani said:
“Lighting this lamp is not merely symbolic—it is a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility towards unity, sustainability, and collective progress. In alignment with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we stand together as one global family working towards a better future.”
Dr. Sanjaanaa Jon, Founder of PACT & H2OMovement, added:
“From India to the world, this movement carries forward the profound vision of Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi—Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Each lamp lit across continents is a reminder that humanity is interconnected, and that peace, sustainability, and consciousness must guide our collective journey forward.”
The Lighting of the Lamp of Unity serves as a beacon of hope in uncertain times, uniting leaders, institutions, and communities to inspire awareness, action, and transformative change. This initiative is part of a growing global movement committed to shaping a future rooted in collective responsibility and human solidarity.
Created & Curated by:
Dr. Sanjaanaa Jon
PACT | H2OMovement | GIVE LIFE FOUNDATION – We Are the New World
27, Mar 2026
Indian Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Rising Oil Prices and Stronger Dollar
The Indian rupee weakened sharply on Friday, dropping 74 paise to touch a new record low of 94.70 against the US dollar in intra-day trading. The decline comes amid rising global crude oil prices and a firm US dollar, with ongoing tensions in West Asia showing no signs of resolution.
The currency opened at 94.18 and continued to fall through the session, slipping past the 94.50 level before hitting its lowest-ever mark.
Market participants say the rupee is under pressure from multiple fronts. Strong demand for dollars from oil-importing companies, coupled with continued foreign investor outflows from Indian equities, has weighed heavily on the local currency. Exporters, meanwhile, are delaying conversions in anticipation of more favorable rates, further tightening dollar supply.
The weakness in the currency also coincides with a downturn in domestic stock markets, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.
In the previous session on Wednesday, the rupee had already fallen to 93.96, which was its closing record low at the time. Financial markets remained shut on Thursday due to Ram Navami.
Experts note that sustained demand for the US dollar—especially from importers—continues to keep the rupee under pressure.
Globally, the US dollar remains firm, with the dollar index edging higher, indicating strength against major currencies. At the same time, Brent crude prices climbed significantly before easing slightly, hovering around $107 per barrel. Elevated oil prices are particularly impactful for India, which depends heavily on imports to meet its energy needs.
27, Mar 2026
Silver Prices Drop Sharply in Bhubaneswar Amid Global Uncertainty
Pic Credit: Pexel
Bhubaneswar: Silver prices witnessed a significant decline in Bhubaneswar today, falling by ₹15,000 per kilogram. As a result, the price of silver now stands at ₹2,45,000 per kg.
In recent days, both gold and silver prices have shown noticeable fluctuations. Market experts attribute this volatility to ongoing global uncertainties, particularly concerns related to geopolitical tensions and the possibility of war.
Meanwhile, gold prices have moved in the opposite direction. The price of 22-carat gold increased by ₹150, reaching ₹1,32,650. Similarly, 24-carat gold rose by ₹160 and is now priced at ₹1,44,710.
The current trend reflects an unstable market, with precious metal prices continuing to react to global developments.
27, Mar 2026
IMS Noida Students Win First and Second Prizes at National-Level Hackathon
Noida, Mar 27: Students of IMS Noida’s BCA program showcased exceptional talent at the exclusive GeeksforGeeks Classroom All India Level Grand Finale Hackathon, bringing laurels to the institute. The event was held in Sector-63, Noida, and witnessed participation from 50 teams representing prestigious institutions from Delhi-NCR and across the country.
The hackathon challenged participants to develop an AI-based fact-checking engine, incorporating key components such as claim extraction, real-time evidence retrieval, and accuracy reporting. Demonstrating remarkable innovation, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities, IMS Noida students impressed the judges with their impactful solutions.
Congratulating the students, Mr. Rajeev Kumar Gupta, President, IMS Noida, stated that this outstanding achievement reflects the students’ dedication, perseverance, innovative mindset, and strong technical skills. He emphasized that securing both first and second positions at a national-level competition is a matter of immense pride. He further added that such hackathons provide students with opportunities to solve real-world problems while strengthening their creativity, teamwork, and industry-ready skills.
IMS Noida Advisor, Professor (Dr.) J.K. Sharma, highlighted that the institute remains committed to providing a dynamic learning environment where students can apply their knowledge practically and prepare themselves to tackle global challenges. He expressed confidence that IMS students will continue to excel and contribute significantly to the fields of technology and innovation.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Gupta, Head of IMS School of IT, remarked that this achievement reflects the institute’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence. He congratulated the students and wished them continued success in their future endeavors.
Dr. Jyoti Kumari Tripathi, Coordinator of the IMS Coding Club, informed that in the GeeksforGeeks Classroom Hackathon, Team “Stack Sprinters” (Mudit Tyagi and Shubh) secured the First Position, winning a trophy along with a cash prize of ₹25,000. Meanwhile, Team “Jha Himanshu” (Himanshu Jha, Shivkant Mishra, and Nitin Prakash) secured the Second Position, winning a trophy along with a cash prize of ₹15,000.
This remarkable accomplishment stands as a testament to IMS Noida’s continuous efforts to nurture innovation, technical excellence, and industry-oriented learning among its students.
27, Mar 2026
La Nuit au Coeur (Night in the Heart) by novelist of Indian origin Nathacha Appanah wins the Goncourt Choice of India 2026
L TO R Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Gregor Trumel Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Action, French Embassy in India H.E. Mr. & Mrs. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India
New Delhi, Mar 27: La Nuit au Coeur (Night in the Heart) by Nathacha Appanah has been awarded the Goncourt Choice of India 2026. The winner was announced by a jury of Indian students following a day of deliberations held in New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished guests including Ms Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited and H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.
The prize honours a work of French literature from the shortlist of the prestigious Goncourt Prize. The winning title is subsequently translated into at least one Indian language. The jury members formally announced the winner for the 2026 edition: La Nuit au Coeur (Night in the Heart) by Nathacha Appanah.
The Goncourt Choice of India, supported by Apeejay Surrendra Group Director Priti Paul through the Apeejay Trust, aims to foster cultural exchanges and strengthen ties between Indian readers and French authors.
In La Nuit au cœur (Night in the Heart, 2025), Nathacha Appanah examines the unbearable enigma of intimate partner femicide, when the dark night takes the place of love, through the intertwined stories of three women who are victims of their partner’s violence. The book won the prestigious Prix Femina in France and has now become the Goncourt Choice of India.
Nathacha Appanah is a prize-winning French-Mauritian novelist of Indian origin. Born in Mauritius, she is descended from Telugu-speaking Indian indentured labourers who immigrated to the island. Her writing often addresses themes of identity, displacement, and the memory of her Indian heritage in a Mauritian context. Her debut novel, The Rocks of Gold Dust (Les Rochers de Poudre d’Or, 2003) traces the journey of Indian indentured labourers to Mauritius, and Washed-Out Memory (La Mémoire délavée, 2023) recounts the story of her grandparents.
Programme Expansion & Future Initiatives
Under a new partnership with the Apeejay Trust, the programme will expand with additional initiatives. A translation competition will be launched this month, inviting translators to submit excerpts of the winning title in languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, and Marathi.
The winning translator will receive a publication contract supported by Institut Français India and Apeejay.
Event Highlights
The jury members, literature lovers, publishers, and authors gathered at The Park Hotel for a distinguished literary soirée. A thought-provoking conversation between Meena Kandasamy, Prayaag Akbar, and Gautam Bhatia, moderated by Amrita Tripathi, on the theme, “In literature, are we always writing about ourselves?”
The theme reflects a growing trend in contemporary literature, particularly in France, where recent selections increasingly foreground intimate, personal narratives. The latest shortlist for the Prix Goncourt features works that intertwine family histories with broader historical events, prompting reflection on the autobiographical nature of writing.
About the Jury & Selection Process
For the fifth consecutive year, students of French from across India participated in the International Goncourt Prize programme, run by the Académie Goncourt and extended to more than forty countries by the French cultural network.
The Indian jury was composed of students from eight universities — The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Pondicherry University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Rajasthan, Banaras Hindu University, and University of Punjab — along with students from the network of Alliances françaises in India.
Over four months, the jurors read and discussed four shortlisted books in original French:
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Nathacha Appanah’s La Nuit au Cœur
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Emmanuel Carrère’s Kolkhoze
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Caroline Lamarche’s Le Bel Obscur
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Laurent Mauvignier’s La Maison Vide
A series of online sessions helped familiarise participants with the Goncourt Prize, literary criticism, and the publishing journey behind the titles.
This edition was particularly special as it was patronized by eminent Moroccan writer Tahar Ben Jelloun, member of the Prix Goncourt jury and winner of the prize in 1987.
The presidents of each of the nine juries met at the Embassy of France in Delhi on the morning of March 17, where they debated their choices before a lunch hosted by the Ambassador — following a tradition established by the Goncourt Academy over a century ago. The jury arrived at their decision early in the afternoon.
27, Mar 2026
Jan Dhan Accounts Turn Active as Deposits Cross INR 3 Lakh Crore
India’s flagship financial inclusion initiative, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), is showing remarkable progress as average account balances reach a record ₹5,233. Total deposits across the scheme have now crossed ₹3 lakh crore, reflecting a growing trust in the banking system.
Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia
As of March 11, 2026, aggregate balances stood at approximately ₹3.03 lakh crore, spread across nearly 578.6 million beneficiaries. The steady increase signals a shift from dormant, zero-balance accounts to actively used financial instruments for savings, direct benefit transfers (DBT), and daily transactions.
Analysts note that the trend highlights greater financial literacy and the increasing adoption of formal banking channels among rural and low-income populations. With PMJDY accounts now playing a crucial role in government benefit disbursements and routine financial activities, the program continues to strengthen India’s foundation for inclusive economic growth.
This milestone not only underscores the success of PMJDY but also points to a broader transformation in India’s banking ecosystem, where digital and formal financial access is becoming an everyday reality for millions.
