Both Houses cleared 6 bills, including legislations to make Amaravati the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh, to fix the quota for IPS officers in higher CAPF posts.

The acrimonious second half of the Budget session ended on Thursday after the passage of key legislations, including the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, a bill seeking to recognise Amaravati as the sole and new capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Both Houses will meet again on April 16 for a short session to push amendments for the implementation of the women reservation law.

During the Budget session, political narrative shifted from domestic issues and the upcoming assembly elections to the ongoing war in West Asia, which disrupted global fuel lifelines, including India’s LPG supplies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the country that the government was relentlessly trying to minimise the impact of the West Asia war even as he warned that difficult global conditions might persist for a long time and called upon people to be prepared and united, just as they had during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement in the Lok Sabha – his first after the war broke out on February 28 – Modi called the attacks on commercial ships and obstruction in the Strait of Hormuz unacceptable, addressed concerns related to the impact on fuel, fertilisers, and national security, and said a unanimous voice should go out to the world from India’s Parliament on this crisis.

The session also witnessed the Opposition moving a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla — the first such move in 39 years — but it was defeated. The Opposition has also moved the first ever no-confidence notice against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, which remains pending, even as a BJP lawmaker tried to move a substantive motion against Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

Both Houses cleared six bills, including legislations to make Amaravati the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh, to fix the quota for IPS officers in higher CAPF posts, and a controversial bill that significantly narrows the definition of transgender persons.

The Lok Sabha approved the Finance Bill 2026 before the Rajya Sabha returned it to the Lower House. The demands for grants or ministry-wise budgets were also cleared even as the government rejected the Opposition’s demand to debate the working of the external affairs ministry.

According to PRS — a non-profit that provides research support to MPs— the productivity of the budget session so far stood at 79% and 100% in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, respectively.

On Thursday, the Lok Sabha passed the CAPF bill by a voice vote, even as opposition members demanded sending it to a parliamentary panel for comprehensive discussion and deliberation. The bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The bill provides that to appoint officers from IPS in CAPFs, 50% of the posts will be filled by deputation in the rank of inspector general and a minimum of 67% of the posts by deputation in the rank of additional director general.

Responding to the debate, minister of state for home affairs Nityanand Rai said the opposition is confused about the measure and is, in turn, confusing people. He added that mutiplicity of rules for different central forces was a hurdle in their smooth functioning and the new law will take care of such issues. “Opposition tried to create confusion. Historically, Sardar Patel had dreamt of a strong system in India, and that has been developed over the years. CAPF’s role has been expanded. There were ambiguities. It was thought that for clarity, an umbrella structure should be formed. Earlier, there were different laws which led to ambiguities. The law also ensures financial benefits.”

In a video statement, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi slammed the CAPF bill, and asserted that his party will repeal such a “discriminatory law” when it comes to power.

He recalled that he recently met assistant commandant Ajay Malik, who he claimed did not get any promotion despite 15 years in service. “Despite over 15 years of loyal service — no promotion, not even the right to lead his own force. Because all top positions are reserved for IPS officers. This is not just one officer’s pain — it is institutional injustice happening to millions of CAPF personnel,” he said in the video he shared on X.

The session also saw the government withholding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after protests by the opposition and a controversy in poll-bound Kerala.

source/content: hindistantimes.com (headline edited)

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Titled Yashoda and Krishna, the work was made by the feted Indian artist, Raja Ravi Varma in the 1890s and bears his signature.

A 35 x 28.25-inch oil painting by Raja Ravi Varma sold for ₹167.2 crore at the Saffronart spring auction on Wednesday, making it the costliest Indian painting to be sold in an auction till date. Titled Yashoda and Krishna, the work was made by the feted Indian artist in the 1890s and bears his signature. “It shows the immense value of our culture, and the lengths that collectors are willing to go to acquire such a work,” Dinesh Vazirani, co-founder and CEO of Saffronart said after the sale.

The painting was bought by Cyrus S Poonawalla, the founder and managing director of the Pune-headquartered Serum Institute of India.

“I am privileged to have the opportunity to acquire, preserve, and care for the iconic Raja Ravi Varma painting Yashoda and Krishna. This national treasure deserves to be made available for public viewing periodically, and it will be my endeavour to facilitate this going forward,” a press release sent by Saffronart quoted him as saying.

Raja Ravi Varma’s works are classified as national treasures and are thus non-exportable, making the buyer an Indian collector.

“This is a defining moment for the Indian art market. Raja Ravi Varma’s Yashoda and Krishna — a universal subject reminiscent as much of Madonna and Christ, or of any mother and child, and arguably the most iconic and desirable work, the Mona Lisa of Indian art — has not only achieved a new world record, it has done so with conviction, more than doubling its lower estimate of ₹80 crore, exceeding it by ₹87.2 crore — an increase of over 100%,” said Ashish Anand, MD and CEO of DAG (formerly Delhi Art Gallery).

Last March, a work by Maqbool Fida Husain sold for a record $13.7 million (approximately ₹118.7 crore) at a Christie’s South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art auction in New York setting the world record for Indian art.

The Raja Ravi Varma work sale surpassed the record by ₹49.2 crore — an increase of over 40%.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headlines edited)

The delivery was carried out by PLR Systems, a joint venture between IWI and Adani Group, the first private company in India to manufacture small arms and ammunition.

Israeli small arms manufacturer Israel Weapons Industries has delivered the first batch of light machine guns to India, marking a key milestone in bilateral defence cooperation and local manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The initial consignment of 2,000 NEGEV 7.62×51 LMGs — part of a larger order of 41,000 units — was delivered over the weekend, with another 4,000 units slated for supply later this year, the company said in a recent press release.

The delivery was executed by PLR Systems, a joint venture between IWI and Adani Group, which is the first private firm in India to manufacture small arms and ammunition.

“The milestone follows the successful completion of the technology transfer process under India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and reflects IWI’s commitment to delivering advanced systems in accordance with contractual schedules and the highest quality standards, while supporting India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem,” the company said.

The NEGEV 7.62×51 — among the lightest in its class of 7.62 mm light machine guns — features both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes and is currently deployed by the Israel Defence Forces. It is engineered for reliability in harsh operational conditions, offering high precision and effective target acquisition.

Its lightweight build and 7.62 mm ammunition enhance its ability to penetrate fortified cover, making it suitable for urban warfare and critical missions. The weapon can also be mounted on helicopters, vehicles, and naval platforms, adding to its operational flexibility.

Equipped with Picatinny rails and tritium night sights, the system is optimised for improved targeting in low-light environments, while adherence to NATO standards ensures durability.

The NEGEV LMGs are also compatible with a computerised weapon system designed to enhance operational effectiveness by enabling precise engagement under stress, the release added.

In a sign of deepening defence ties, PLR Systems has also secured a contract to supply 170,000 close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines, with the first 18,000 units expected to be delivered this year.

India and Israel, in November last year, signed an agreement to boost defence, industrial and technological cooperation, facilitating the transfer of advanced technologies for co-development and co-production.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

Five Indian airports figure in the list, with Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport included in the world’s top 30 best airports.

Singapore’s Changi Airport has topped the list of world’s best airports for the fourteenth time since 2000 at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026.

The airport was also named the World’s Best Airport Dining, the World’s Best Airport in the 60–70 Million Passenger Category, the World’s Best Airport Immigration Service, and the Best Airport in Asia.

Five Indian airports figure in the list of top 100 world’s best airports, with Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport included in the world’s top 30 .

Indian airports among world’s top 100

There are five Indian airports among the world’s top 100, including Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, which has been ranked 28th this year. The airport, which was at the 32nd spot earlier, rose four spots this year. It was also named the best airport in India & South Asia.

Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport took the 41st spot, and was also recognised as the ‘Best Regional Airport in India & South Asia’ for third consecutive year at Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026.

Goa’s Manohar International Airport was ranked 64th, and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport took the 66th spot, with both also climbing up from their earlier spots.

Why did Changi retains world’s best airport title?

The Changi airport, which has retained the world’s best airport title for the 14th times, is not just an airport but also serves as a destination, which has inside it several gardens, art and entertainment areas, ANI news agency reported. The tallest indoor waterfall, the Jewel, is one of the most recognisable sights for tourists.

The airport is also a major connecting hub for international travel, providing a smoother experience for connecting flights to Southeast Asia. Singapore also offers various accommodation facilities for different budgets. Among the top five airports are Incheon International Airport in Seoul, Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita and Hong Kong.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

The WoW awards recognises exceptional women across business, science, arts, culture, education, sports and beyond.

The Hindu Group hosted the “World of Women (WoW) Awards 2026”, in Chennai on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Over the years, the WoW Awards have emerged as a powerful initiative that spotlights inspiring journeys of women who have broken barriers and created meaningful impact. The 2026 edition honoured distinguished achievers from diverse domains, reaffirming the platform’s commitment to recognising excellence and inspiring future generations. Themed “Breaking ceilings. Reaching for the Skies”, the edition celebrated women who continue to challenge norms, push boundaries, and build a more inclusive and progressive future.

The event brought together leaders, changemakers, and visionaries, who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also contributed to societal transformation.

The World of Women Awards 2026 was presented by GRT Jewellers and co-presented by Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University). The event was held in association with DRA Homes and Gold Winner.

The associate partner was Aqua Group and Gopuram, the banking partner was DBS Bank India Ltd, the beauty partner Mysore Sandal Soap, the television partners were Puthiya Thalaimurai and Puthu Yugam, and the industry partner was Madras Management Association.

The event can be viewed on newsth.live/THWOW

Here is the full list of winners:

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The ICHR will honor 160 young freedom fighters from 1857-1947 with events from May 2026 to inspire youth through their stories.

The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) will organise a programme to honour 160 young freedom fighters who died from 1857 to 1947, officials said on Sunday.

Under its the theme “martyrs under 20 years”, the ICHR will oraginse exhibitions, seminars and youth conclaves from May 2026 to “inspire youth through stories of unsung heroes”. Coinciding with the birth centenary of Baji Rout, India’s youngest freedom fighter and martyr who was shot dead by British police at the age of 12 in Odisha’s Dhenkanal, the first leg of the programme is slated to be held in Odisha. Rout’s ongoing birth centenary celebrations, which began last October, will conclude on October 5 this year.

“The activities, costing over ₹75 lakh, will feature stories of teenage victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to young revolutionaries like Khudiram Bose (19), and Kanaklata Barua (16), to child martyrs like Kali Bai (12) with an emphasis on reclaiming ignored histories,” officials said.

ICHR, an autonomous body under the ministry of education, in its latest research projects committee held in the last week of February 2026, has approved the proposal to organise academic activities on the theme martyrs under 20 years in collaboration with Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The objective of the project is “to spread awareness among youth and students about the sacrifice and patriotism of freedom fighters” and “to instill love for the motherland and a sense of national responsibility among the younger generation,” according to minutes of the meeting, approved in the third week of March 2026. HT has seen the minutes of the meeting.

The activities will include student and youth congregations, seminars and conventions across universities, colleges and schools; curated exhibitions on the theme; publications and monographs; talks and interactive sessions; essay competitions, debates and discussions; as well as the production and screening of documentary films.

Officials said the programme will highlight figures such as 12-year-old Kali Bai, who was shot in 1947 while trying to save her teacher; 16-year-old Kanaklata Barua, killed while leading a procession during Quit India; and 19-year-old revolutionary Khudiram Bose, executed in 1908. The list also includes several child victims of Jallianwala Bagh such as nine-year-old Hassan Mohammad and 12-year-old Hukam Singh, alongside teenage revolutionaries like Kartar Singh Sarabha, one of the youngest members of the Ghadar Party, who was executed in 1915 for his role in anti-colonial activities against British rule.

Historian Narayani Gupta said the approach of isolating teenage martyrs may miss a broader historical context, suggesting it would be more meaningful if it conveyed the diversity of places and moments in which these events occurred. “The theme could be an opportunity to convey a stronger sense of geography and the varied moments when history took unexpected turns… otherwise, there is a possibility it may remain broadly celebratory and shaped by present-day concerns,” Gupta said.

ICHR member secretary (officiating) Om Jee Upadhyay said the list of 160 Indian martyrs below the age of 20 has been drawn from primary archival sources and original documents. “The programmes on the theme of martyrs under 20 years old will be held nationwide. Through these programmes, ICHR aims to inspire youth, inculcate a sense of patriotism, and bring attention to lesser-known freedom fighters,” he said.

Among other proposals, the ICHR approved a two-day national seminar on Guru Tegh Bahadur to mark his 350th Shaheedi Diwas, as well as a two-day national seminar on the contribution of South Odisha to India’s traditional knowledge systems.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

A company spokesperson says total order for the LMGs stands at around 40,000. The first lot has 2,000 weapons.

Adani Defence and Aerospace on Saturday delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar light machine guns (LMGs), manufactured under the Make in India initiative, to the army.

The company manufactures the 7.62 mm-calibre weapon at its Small Arms Complex located on the outskirts of Gwalior.

A ceremony was held on the factory premises on Saturday to hand over the LMGs to the army. A. Anbarasu, DG Acquisition, ministry of defence; Adani Defence and Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi and other senior officials of the private firm were present.

Anbarasu later flagged off a series of trucks carrying the first batch of the LMGs meant for the army.”

The journey that has begun today took us six years, starting from bid submission, and we have delivered it 11 months ahead of schedule,” Rajvanshi said.

“The original timeline, which was given to us by the customer, was over seven years, but I can assure you that in the next three years the full order will be delivered.”

A company spokesperson said the total order for the LMGs stands at around 40,000.

Anbarasu praised the firm for saving several months by delivering ahead of schedule and said it shows there is the ability to “race and fire” against time in turning contracts into deliveries.

The government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with defence industry partners, he said.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

The new positions will span product development, support functions and financial services functions such as payment processing and fraud investigations.

European fintech firm Revolut plans to have around 40% of its global workforce based in India by the end of 2026 as it expands its India global capability centre.

The company, which in 2025 committed 500 million pounds ($669.8 million) to its India business and GCC over five years, said it will fill 1,600 roles in its India centre through 2026, taking its headcount in the country to 5,500 by year-end.

The new positions will span product development, support functions and financial services functions such as payment processing and fraud investigations.

Revolut currently employs 12,000 people globally.

Global capability centers in India, once seen as low-cost outsourcing hubs, now handle operations, finance, research and development for their parent corporations.

Jonathan Beaney, Revolut’s head of talent acquisition, called India one of the “deepest and most dynamic talent pools in the world”.

“Our India tech hub is central to our global scale… the technical caliber, ambition and excellence we see here make India a natural long-term home for Revolut,” Beaney said.

The GCC expansion is, however, separate from Revolut’s India business.

India CEO Paroma Chatterjee told Reuters that about a third of Revolut’s processes are now run from India, includingwork on routine transaction monitoring and AI-based alerts.

“Things made visible using the India tech stack, like video KYC – more intelligence came in from the India GCC to share that knowledge overseas to try to implement it in other markets to have tighter onboarding,” Chatterjee said.

Revolut, founded in 2015, is one of Europe’s leading fintech companies with a $75 billion valuation.

In India, the company is authorised to issue prepaid payment instruments and aims to launch its product next quarter, the company said in a statement.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)
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