The Economic Times

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that the military has been authorised to target any senior Iranian official without requiring further approval. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorised the IDF to eliminate any senior Iranian official for whom the intelligence and operational circle has been closed, without the need for additional approval, Katz said in a statement.

Navratri 2026: Chaitra Navratri 2026 commences on March 19 and concludes on March 27. This auspicious period is dedicated to devotion, fasting, and spiritual reflection. Preparations include gathering essential items for vrat and puja. Key puja items include a Kalash, coconut, flowers, and incense. Fasting essentials comprise fruits, dairy, and specific flours.

C.S. Lewis's quote highlights how struggles build strength and character. Difficulties prepare individuals for future success. This message resonates today amidst constant pressure and uncertainty. Embracing challenges, staying resilient, and learning from setbacks are key. Patience and a positive mindset help navigate these experiences. These lessons shape individuals for greater achievements.

The government has approved Rs 1,718.56 crore for cotton procurement. This funding will support cotton farmers across India. The Cotton Corporation of India will undertake these operations. This move aims to strengthen farmer welfare and advance the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Cotton is a vital cash crop for millions of Indian farmers and supports many allied activities.

Dilip Ghosh, a prominent figure in the BJP, asserts that the party has successfully put Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee on the defensive within her Bhabanipur stronghold. He pointed out that Suvendu Adhikari's candidacy is a tactical choice aimed at strengthening BJP's foothold.

The Lincoln Lawyer Season 5: The forthcoming installment delves into one of the series most intense chapters, as defense attorney Mickey Haller grapples with personal revelations while handling high-stakes legal battles.

Nora Fatehi New Song Controversy: Actress Nora Fatehi has clarified her position on the controversial song 'Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke'. She stated she shot the song in Kannada three years ago and was unaware of the inappropriate lyrics. Fatehi also revealed that her visuals, including AI-generated images, were used without her consent.

Coffee prices may soon follow cocoa's dramatic fall. Experts at the National Coffee Association convention in Tampa, Florida, discussed this possibility. High prices have already led many Americans to cut coffee spending. While some mild arabica coffees have lost ground, cheaper robusta beans are gaining. Analysts predict coffee prices could drop significantly by year-end, potentially boosting demand again in 2026.

The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a fresh mandate through the Department of Personnel on March 16, requiring all state employees to strictly adhere to a professional dress code and disciplined social media conduct. The order specifically prohibits the use of jeans and T-shirts in offices and courts, discouraging casual or party wear in favor of formal, sober-colored attire.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge has achieved a significant milestone with over one million advance ticket bookings at PVR INOX. This success comes ahead of its March 19 global release. The film's pan-India strategy in five languages is driving strong early numbers. Advance bookings have reached 42.71 crore, with the Hindi version leading.

Chaitra Navratri, which marks the Hindu New Year, begins on 19 March 2026 and concludes on 27 March. This nine-day festival venerates Goddess Durga in her nine forms, highlighting renewal, spiritual growth, and the victory of good over evil. Celebrations include fasting, prayers, and the observance of daily colour themes.

A court has rejected Mayor Ritu Tawde's plea to be discharged from a 2016 case. She faces trial for allegedly assaulting school teachers. The incident involved a dispute over a teacher's transfer. The court found sufficient evidence to proceed. Tawde had sought discharge citing lack of intent and political targeting. The prosecution relies on eyewitness accounts.

Space is a cosmic junkyard filled with surprising items. From a Tesla Roadster to a lost toolbox, these objects tell tales of human endeavors. A lightsaber prop and Amelia Earhart's watch also float among the stars. These remnants highlight humanity's impact on the final frontier, showcasing both planned missions and accidental discards.

With stronger market access and clearer operating frameworks, companies are beginning to build for scale rather than test for visibility.

A doctor's video shows how patients can fight inflated hospital bills. The clip demonstrates questioning charges for consumables and room rent. It highlights the importance of knowing your insurance policy. Experts offer advice on practical approaches. The video aims to empower individuals facing unexpected medical expenses. Understanding policy details is crucial for managing healthcare costs.

OPPO Find N6: OPPO Find N6 has been launched by OPPO, a high-performance device powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform. The smartphone features an 8.12-inch inner AMOLED display and a 6.62-inch cover screen, both supporting 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rates. K

A Samajwadi Party MP raised concerns about the controversial song Sarke Chunar from Sanjay Dutt's KD The Devil in Lok Sabha. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the song has already been banned, emphasizing that freedom of speech has reasonable restrictions for societal protection, especially for women and children.

Protein is essential for good health, supporting muscle growth and helping you feel fuller for longer. Experts recommend aiming for around 20 grams of protein per meal. This can be achieved through options such as chicken, eggs, paneer, Greek yoghurt, and chickpeas. Simple meal ideas include rajma curry or paneer sabzi. Protein supplements are also available if needed. Making consistent and practical changes can help ensure a balanced, protein-rich diet for improved overall health.

Indian badminton star P.V. Sindhu emphasized the crucial role of education for aspiring athletes, warning that a sole focus on sports is risky due to potential career-ending injuries. She highlighted that while sports careers are finite, education remains a lifelong asset, urging a balance between academics and training for a secure future.

Karl Marx's quote 'The production of too many useful things results in too many useless people' means that if we focus only on making more products, then it can leave people without meaningful work. When machines and mass production replace human labor, many skills go unused and people may become frustrated. True progress should balance producing goods with giving people purpose and opportunities to contribute.

As todays Word of the Day demonstrates, some words do more than describe; they critique, exaggerate, and illuminate. And in doing so, antediluvian remains as relevant today as ever, even as it describes things that are anything but modern.

Eid Moon Sighting 2026 Saudi Arabia Time: The sighting of the Shawwal moon in Saudi Arabia today, March 18, will determine the Eid ul-Fitr 2026 date. If seen, Eid will be on March 19. If not, it will be observed a day later. India and South Asian countries may celebrate Eid on March 20, following their own moon sighting.

Who is Chris O'Neal, and why was he arrested? The actor known for television roles was detained after a reported burglary in Malibu. Deputies responded to a call about intruders captured on security cameras. He was later released from custody.

India faces challenges in its privatisation program. Three planned sales are under consideration for shelving due to weak investor interest. This follows the failed sale of IDBI Bank. Dwindling buyer interest, high valuations, and geopolitical uncertainty are impacting the divestment drive. The government's ambitious plan to exit most sectors is encountering fresh setbacks.

Chand Raat 2026: India is preparing for Chand Raat, the sighting of the Shawwal crescent Moon, which marks the end of Ramadan. This significant moment signals the arrival of Eid ul-Fitr. In 2026, Chand Raat is expected to fall on 19 March, with Eid celebrations to follow depending on the Moons visibility. Families begin preparing for the festivities, markets come alive with activity, and special prayers are offered to mark the occasion.

Naval personnel from 16 nations are participating in the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR. This initiative strengthens India's maritime cooperation and the SAGAR vision. Participants will undergo training in Kochi and then sail on an Indian Naval Ship. They will engage in operational activities and port visits, fostering professional links and understanding of shared maritime challenges.

The US-led strikes on Iran have shifted focus from damaging military capabilities to dealing with large stockpiles of enriched uranium buried at nuclear sites like Isfahan and Natanz, posing a major security challenge.

Congress veteran Pradyut Bordoloi has joined the BJP just weeks before the Assam assembly elections. His move weakens the Congress party's organizational structure, especially in central Assam. The BJP gains a seasoned leader who can broaden its appeal and strengthen its networks. This defection highlights ongoing political shifts in the state ahead of the crucial polls.

Revolutionize your mornings with six high-protein Sattu-based breakfasts. From the traditional savory Sharbat to modern protein smoothies and fiber-rich Chillas, these recipes leverage the power of roasted Bengal gram to provide sustained energy, improved digestion, and muscle-building nutrients for the active 2026 lifestyle.

A bombing in Kabul claimed the lives of 143 according to a United Nations mission, while the Afghan Taliban government reports a staggering toll of over 400 fatalities. Meanwhile, Pakistan refutes allegations of targeting a drug rehabilitation center, asserting that its strikes were focused on military bases and terrorist networks. This tragic event unfolded on Monday night.

China confirmed it is in communication with the United States regarding a postponed visit by President Donald Trump. The trip, originally scheduled for March 31, has been delayed. Trump indicated the visit could happen in five to six weeks. China has not publicly confirmed any specific date for the high-stakes trip.

Amidst LPG cylinder supply concerns, Pune engineer Priyadarshan Sahasrabuddhe's 'Vaayu' biogas system is gaining traction. This compact unit converts kitchen waste into cooking fuel, with inquiries surging as households seek alternatives. The system, which requires daily organic waste input, has already seen over 450 installations across various cities.

Rajganj MLA Khageswar Roy has resigned from his Jalpaiguri district TMC post. He was denied a ticket for the upcoming West Bengal assembly polls. Roy alleges money power influenced the decision. He predicts a party defeat in the constituency. Asian Games gold medallist Swapna Barman will contest from Rajganj. Roy expressed his disappointment over the injustice.

Many consumers believe organic food is healthier. However, not all products labelled organic are genuine. Regulatory bodies like FSSAI warn against marketing claims alone. This guide explains the difference between organic and normal food. It details how to verify authenticity and understand labels. Consumers can make smarter, healthier choices by checking for official certifications like Jaivik Bharat Logo.

Rain in Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall for Delhi on Wednesday, March 18. You can expect a cloudy sky in the night with the possibility of drizzle, thunderstorms, lightning and strong surface winds today. The IMD has also sounded a yellow alert for Delhi for Thursday and Friday. No rainfall has been predicted for Noida and Gurugram today.

Iran's judiciary reported an attack on a site in southern Iran, causing civilian and staff casualties. This comes as Iran retaliated for the killing of a top leader with missile strikes on Israel and its Persian Gulf neighbors. Israel also intensified strikes in Lebanon. The conflict continues to escalate, impacting regional stability and global oil prices.

Iran War: Iran's military continues to operate despite significant losses to its leadership. A decentralized defense system, known as Mosaic Defence, allows regional units to act autonomously. This strategy makes it difficult for external forces to halt operations. The system is designed to survive strikes on the capital. This approach ensures continued defense capabilities even without central direction.

Supreme Court Industry Definition Reference: India's Supreme Court is re-examining the definition of 'industry'. This crucial decision will impact labor laws covering wages, disputes, and worker protections. The court considers the nation's economic shift towards privatization and liberalization. The ruling will clarify which organizations fall under labor regulations. This affects millions of workers across various sectors.

Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi has resigned from the party just weeks before the Assam Assembly elections. His departure has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which claims it highlights the Congress's declining influence. Congress leaders expressed disappointment, suggesting ticket allocation issues may have prompted the decision. The party plans to persuade Bordoloi to reconsider his resignation.

Ranveer Singh Dhurandhar 2 Records: Dhurandhar 2 The Revenge is poised for a significant impact. The film brings back Ranveer Singh as Hamza Ali Mazari. A strong cast including R Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt also features. This sequel follows the record-breaking success of the first Dhurandhar. It is expected to deliver another high-impact cinematic experience for audiences.

The Election Commission has reshuffled top police officials in West Bengal. BJP leader Rahul Sinha supports this move, calling it a way to ensure fair elections. He alleges Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had appointed loyalists to the police force. The reshuffle includes new Directors General of Police and Commissioners. Key district police chiefs have also been appointed.

The Election Commission has ordered the transfer of five IPS officers to new DIG positions in West Bengal. This move comes as the commission reviews poll preparedness for the upcoming assembly elections. The directives are effective immediately. This follows earlier transfers of top state officials and police chiefs.

Hindu New Year 2026 Calendar: India will celebrate its Hindu New Year on March 19, 2026. This day marks new beginnings and spiritual awakening. Various festivals like Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Poila Baisakh, and Puthandu will be observed across the country. These celebrations reflect regional traditions while sharing the core idea of a fresh start. The day holds deep spiritual importance.