Russia remains India’s main source of weapons even as the nation has drastically trimmed purchases, highlighting the challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi of recalibrating New Delhi’s dependence on Moscow, while its borders with both China and Pakistan remain tense.

Russian weapon imports dropped by 19% for the five year period starting 2018 compared to a similar time frame earlier, according to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, an independent think tank which studies conflict, weapon sales and disarmament.

India is likely to import 1.5 million tonnes of duty-free sunflower oil during the current fiscal year to March 31, trade and government sources said, half a million tonnes less than the quota allocated by the government.

India, the world's biggest vegetable oil importer, buys sunflower oil from the Black Sea region, which accounts for 60% of the world's sunflower oil output and 76% of exports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the "RRR" team after its hit track "Naatu Naatu" became the first Indian film song to win Oscar.

Taking to Twitter PM Modi said, "Exceptional! The popularity of 'Naatu Naatu' is global. It will be a song that will be remembered for years to come. Congratulations to @mmkeeravaani, @boselyricist and the entire team for this prestigious honour. India is elated and proud."

India logged 444 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases increased to 3,809, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

The death toll increased to 5,30,782 with one death reported by Tamil Nadu, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.46 crore (4,46,90,936).

The second leg of the Budget session of Parliament will begin today and it will continue till April 6.

While the focus of the second part of the Budget Session will be on demand for grants and passage of the Union Budget.

As per the records, about 26 Bills are currently pending in the Rajya Sabha and close to 9 in the Lok Sabha for passage.

Shares of Tech Mahindra surged 9 per cent to Rs 1,159.95 on the BSE in Monday’s intra-day trade after the company announced appointment of Mohit Joshi as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.

Mohit will take over as CEO & MD from CP Gurnani after his retirement on December 19, 2023. The joining date of Mohit is not mentioned in the press release. He is finishing his tenure at Infosys on June 9, 2023.

Leading digital payments and financial services company Paytm on Monday announced its business operating performance for the two months ended February 2023.

Consumer engagement on the Paytm Super App continues to see robust growth with the average Monthly Transacting Users (MTU) for the two months at 89 million, registering a growth of 28 per cent (year-on-year).

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli's period action blockbuster "RRR" charted history by becoming the first Indian track to win the Academy Award in the Best Original Song category for "Naatu Naatu".

In the category, the Telugu song was nominated alongside 'Applause' from from “Tell It Like a Woman”, 'Hold My Hand' from “Top Gun: Maverick”, 'Lift Me Up' from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and 'This Is a Life' from “Everything Everywhere All at Once”.

The CBI has summoned Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav to appear for questioning in connection with the alleged land-for-jobs scam on Saturday, officials said.

Yadav was earlier called for questioning on March 4 but he had not appeared before the CBI sleuths, following which a fresh date was given for Saturday, they said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday slammed Governor RN Ravi for returning the online gambling prohibition bill four months after it was passed by the State legislature.

On Wednesday, the Governor sent back the bill to prohibit online gambling and to regulate online games in the State. The Governor sent back the bill after four months and has sought further clarifications regarding the bill.

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