Times of India

Arnold Schwarzenegger's journey from Austrian immigrant to global icon exemplifies his mantra: "You can't climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets." His relentless drive, evident from bodybuilding championships to Hollywood stardom and governorship, underscores a life built on active participation and unwavering ambition.

Hanuman Jayanti, celebrating Lord Hanuman's birth, is observed on April 2, 2026. This auspicious festival honors the deity's devotion, strength, and courage. Devotees engage in prayers, offer special items like sindoor and jasmine oil, and recite Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand to seek blessings. Temples are adorned for the grand celebration.

Google employees are buzzing about Agent Smith, an internal AI tool automating tasks and accessible via mobile. Its popularity led to restricted access, highlighting Google's focus on AI agents for productivity in 2026, as emphasized by cofounder Sergey Brin. AI adoption is becoming mandatory across the company, with usage even impacting performance reviews.

The US is expanding its military presence in the Middle East with hundreds of additional troops, including special forces, to bolster options amid escalating tensions with Iran. These forces are being positioned to potentially secure the Strait of Hormuz, seize Kharg Island, or target nuclear sites, reflecting a broader posture shift as the conflict evolves.

President Trump declared Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain are fully aligned with the US against Iran, stating they are "100% on our side." He noted these Gulf nations were surprised by Iran's missile and drone attacks but are now fighting back effectively. The ongoing conflict, now in its fourth week, has seen escalating exchanges and regional instability.

Stock market crash today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex plunged in opening trade on Monday. Nifty50 opened the trading day below 22,500 and BSE Sensex dropped over 1,100 points.

Iran claims to have destroyed a US E-3 Sentry aircraft during a missile and drone strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Images show a burned-out E-3 Sentry, a critical airborne surveillance and battle management platform. This incident occurs amidst escalating tensions and retaliatory attacks between Iran, the US, and Israel.

Stock market recommendations: Ipca Laboratories, and AU Small Finance Bank are the stocks that Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk recommends buying for the week starting March 30, 2026. Target prices and potential upsides are listed below:

Rohit Sharma's explosive 78 off 38 balls, coupled with Ryan Rickelton's 81, powered Mumbai Indians to a six-wicket victory over KKR in their IPL 2026 opener. The duo's record 148-run stand secured MI's highest successful home chase. Rohit also set a new IPL record for most runs against a single opponent.

Microsoft is reportedly taking over a data center construction project in Abilene, Texas, previously declined by OpenAI. This move positions both tech giants as neighbors within a significant AI hub. Crusoe, the data center developer, confirmed its partnership with Microsoft for two "AI factory" facilities, which will be larger than OpenAI's adjacent campus.

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a significant financial challenge in the 2026 offseason. With T.J. Watt's hefty contract and Aaron Rodgers seeking a substantial raise, the Steelers' cap space is severely strained. Watt's production has declined, raising questions about his value, while Rodgers' strong performance has inflated his market, forcing a tough decision on which star to prioritise. Now, they must choose. Stick with a high-priced defence led by Watt or adjust the books to bring Rodgers back. Either way, the margin for error is gone.

Chinese battery giant CATL asserts that the US cannot produce electric vehicles without China's involvement, citing its global dominance. Despite US lawmakers' efforts to block Chinese batteries, CATL and BYD remain unfazed, believing protectionist measures will hinder the American auto market. CATL's technology and low costs have propelled its leadership, with a significant portion of global EVs using its batteries.

A shocking incident unfolded in Vizag as a Naval technician allegedly murdered his girlfriend, dismembered her body, and disposed of some parts. The accused surrendered to police after confessing to the brutal crime. Investigators recovered some body parts from his refrigerator, but the head remains missing, prompting a dedicated search.

Oil prices surged as the Middle East conflict reached its one-month mark, with Brent crude exceeding $110 and WTI surpassing $100. The involvement of Iran-aligned Houthis and increased US military presence in the region are fueling market uncertainty and disrupting crucial oil supply routes.

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi addressed a controversial final over where teammate Fakhar Zaman was accused of ball tampering. The incident led to five penalty runs for the opposition, Karachi Kings, significantly impacting the match's outcome. Afridi stated the team would review the footage to understand the situation fully.

NFL trade rumors are gaining momentum again as Jauan Jennings is attracting significant trade interest from the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and Titans, with the 49ers having moved on. Jennings offers a valuable skill set, excelling in red zone situations and contested catches, making him a target for teams seeking dependable receiving options. As of now, Jauan Jennings ' situation is very clear. San Francisco has moved on, and three teams have shown interest. The next step now depends on who decides to act first.

A ball-tampering controversy has erupted in the Pakistan Super League, centering on Lahore Qalandars' Fakhar Zaman. During a crucial final over, Fakhar was seen altering the ball, leading umpires to award five penalty runs to Karachi Kings. A disciplinary hearing is underway, with a potential one-match ban if found guilty.

India's R Praggnanandhaa delivered a tactical masterclass on the opening day of the 2026 FIDE Candidates, defeating Dutch No. 1 Anish Giri. While only three games in the Open section saw decisive results, Praggnanandhaa's clinical precision highlighted a formidable start to his campaign. The Women's section saw all four games end in draws.

“A service building at a power and water desalination plant was attacked as part of the Iranian aggression against the State of Kuwait, resulting in the death of an Indian worker and significant material damage to the building,” ministry spokesperson Fatima Abbas Jawhar Hayat said. Amid rising tensions, Pakistan said it was willing to facilitate and host “meaningful talks” between Washington and Tehran in an effort to end the month-long US-Israel war with Iran.