As of March 31, 2026, Rs 9,330.56 crore remains in inoperative Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) accounts, as revealed by the government in Rajya Sabha. The EPFO is conducting outreach to inform members, who can claim funds by transferring or withdrawing them.
Microsoft, Amazon, and Google's combined carbon emissions increased by nearly a fifth in the past year, reaching 119m mTCO₂e, largely due to datacentre construction for AI. This surge contrasts with previous efforts to reduce emissions and highlights concerns about the ecological impact of cloud computing and AI development.
Google restricted Meta's access to Gemini AI computing capacity, impacting internal projects and forcing Meta to rely more on its own Llama and Muse Spark models. This comes as Meta faces rising AI token costs and seeks to reduce dependence on rivals.
The Walt Disney Company has agreed to pay $50 million to settle a class-action antitrust lawsuit. The suit alleged Disney inflated live TV streaming prices by forcing services like YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream to bundle ESPN, creating an artificial price floor. Millions of subscribers from 2019-2026 may be eligible for payouts.
Brent crude oil futures for August 2026 delivery fell below $76 per barrel on London's ICE exchange, marking the first time since March 2, 2026. WTI crude futures also saw a decline.
Victoria recorded its first crime rate decrease in four years, with a 0.2% drop in total offences and a 6% fall in youth offending. However, theft, particularly from retail stores and e-bikes, surged, mirroring trends in New South Wales. Adult crime rose 10%, driven by breaches of bail, retail theft, and family violence orders.
Tom Holland has confirmed his marriage to co-star Zendaya, addressing speculation fueled by Zendaya's stylist and AI-generated wedding photos. Holland expressed deep support and happiness in their relationship, noting their shared understanding of their high-profile lives.
Russian diplomat Rodion Miroshnik claims Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, owns Swift Beat, the manufacturer of Hornet drones used by Ukraine. Miroshnik stated these drones, capable of carrying 5kg of explosives and flying 145km, have been supplied in significant numbers and used against civilian targets in Russia.
Nationwide's CEO Debbie Crosbie received an 88% pay increase to £4.7m, largely due to a new bonus scheme, while eligible staff get a 3.8% pay rise. The move raises governance concerns among critics, citing the lack of a binding member vote on her pay package and the society's democratic values.
The US has proposed additional tariffs of 12.5% on India under its Section 301 probe, citing concerns over forced labor and excess industrial capacity. This move complicates ongoing trade deal talks between the two nations, with experts suggesting India challenge the findings legally and at the negotiating table.
The US has proposed additional tariffs of 12.5% on India as part of its Section 301 probe into forced labor practices. Experts warn this could significantly impact Indian exports and complicate ongoing trade deal negotiations.
The US has proposed additional tariffs on India as part of its Section 301 probe, potentially impacting Indian exports. Experts suggest India should actively challenge the findings and leverage ongoing trade deal negotiations.
The WHO reported 191 verified attacks on healthcare in Lebanon since March 2, 2026, resulting in 128 deaths and 371 injuries. Recent hostilities in Tyre damaged two hospitals, injuring health workers, yet they continue to operate. Iran warned of direct confrontation if Israeli strikes persist.
Following the March 2026 municipal elections, 11 French cities are reportedly under the control of migrants. Police unions are advising officers to leave left-wing cities, with mass resignations and transfer requests seen in Saint-Denis.
Political streamer Hasan Piker is under federal investigation following subpoenas related to his March 2026 Cuba trip. Authorities are probing potential violations of U.S. sanctions laws concerning financial or travel activities with Cuban government-linked entities. Piker denies wrongdoing, stating he "stayed at the right hotel."
EU liquor exports to Russia reached a record high of nearly €10 million in March 2026, a 52.5% increase month-on-month and a 2.6-fold rise year-on-year, according to Eurostat data cited by RIA Novosti.
Political streamer Hasan Piker is under federal investigation following subpoenas related to his March 2026 Cuba trip. Authorities are examining potential violations of U.S. sanctions laws concerning financial and travel activities with Cuban government-linked entities. Piker denies wrongdoing, stating he stayed at an appropriate hotel.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 80 new mining licenses in March 2026, including 49 exploration permits and 20 for building materials quarries. The total number of active licenses reached 3,017 by the end of February.
Russia's current account surplus decreased to $12.2 billion in Q1 2026 from $18.4 billion in Q1 2025, driven by a widening services deficit and a reduced income deficit, according to the Bank of Russia.
Hong Kong authorities have allocated HK$5 billion (US$638 million) for national security efforts, bringing the total to HK$18 billion over five years. This funding is separate from the general budget and approved by the chief executive.
Russia's foreign trade surplus grew to $13.966 billion in March 2026, up $1.676 billion from the same period in 2025, with exports rising to $41.064 billion and imports to $27.098 billion.
Russia supplied a record 2 million barrels per day of oil to India in March 2026, its highest since June 2025, aided by eased US sanctions. Saudi Arabia and Angola followed as India's top suppliers, while India's total oil imports declined from February. Meanwhile, Russia remained China's largest oil supplier, accounting for 20% of its imports.
Russia's foreign trade surplus decreased by 11.92% to $30.3 billion in January-March 2026, with exports decreasing by $0.1 billion and imports increasing by $4 billion.
The Board of School Education Haryana has declared the Senior Secondary (Academic) Examination result for February/March 2026 at www.bseh.org.in. The overall pass percentage stands at 84.67%, with girls outperforming boys by 6.52%. Science recorded the highest stream-wise result at 90.08%. A total of 2,42,856 students appeared, and 2,05,618 passed. Charkhi Dadri topped district performance, while Nuh was lowest. Re-evaluation applications will remain open for 20 days after result declaration.
