The Economic Times

Halle Berry's quote about sunflowers closing to regenerate in darkness highlights the importance of stepping back for healing and growth during difficult times. This powerful metaphor emphasizes resilience, suggesting that periods of pause are essential for renewal and emerging stronger after adversity. Berry's career, marked by significant achievements and a commitment to growth, exemplifies this philosophy.

The Congress in Kerala is facing fresh internal tensions ahead of the Assembly elections as Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran seeks to contest the polls, aiming for a chance at the chief ministers post if the party-led front wins. Party leadership, however, is hesitant, preferring to promote new leadership and avoid triggering a Lok Sabha bypoll.

India is striving for a unified BRICS stance on the West Asia crisis. Differing viewpoints among member nations have so far hindered consensus. Some BRICS members are directly involved in the conflict, complicating efforts for a joint statement. India, as the current BRICS chair, is facilitating discussions among the 11 member states to find common ground.

India has reverted to the 2016 seismic code after withdrawing IS 1893 (2025), sparking debate over earthquake safety. While the 2025 draft offered stronger, internationally aligned standards, higher costs and enforceability issues raised concerns. Experts advocate a balanced approach prioritising critical structures, retrofitting vulnerable homes, and improving compliance to enhance safety without overwhelming budgets.

Himachal Pradesh's Congress government has removed the Anti-Corruption Bureau and Vigilance Bureau from the Right to Information Act. This move prevents citizens from seeking information on these bodies. The opposition BJP has strongly condemned the decision. Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur stated the action is undemocratic and against constitutional spirit.

Italian teenager Kimi Antonelli has made history by becoming the youngest Formula One driver to secure pole position for a Grand Prix. He achieved this feat in China for Mercedes. His teammate George Russell encountered significant car issues during qualifying. Lewis Hamilton secured third place for Ferrari, setting up an exciting race ahead.

Americans have a limited time to claim cash from a $4 million data breach settlement. Medical equipment company Numotion is offering payments to those affected by breaches in March and September 2024. Claimants can receive up to $15,000 for documented expenses. Free credit and medical monitoring are also available. The deadline to submit claims is March 18.

A fierce contest is underway for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat in Odisha. The ruling BJP and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's BJD are locked in a direct battle. The BJP is set to secure two seats comfortably. The BJD, with support from Congress and CPM, is backing a joint candidate for the crucial fourth seat.

USPS Mail Deadline: Over 160 million IRS tax returns move through the United States Postal Service every year. A new USPS postmark rule change now raises risks for taxpayers and voters. Since December 2025, the official postmark appears when mail reaches a regional sorting center, not when it enters a mailbox. The Internal Revenue Service uses postmarks to verify deadlines. Late processing could delay tax returns, mail-in ballots, and legal documents, experts warn.

The U.S. flag was raised over its embassy in Venezuela for the first time since 2019, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations. This move follows former President Nicolas Maduro's capture and President Trump's support for his successor, acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who seeks continued negotiations with the U.S.

Hollywood star Tom Hanks believes feeling good is more important than looking good. This philosophy guides his career and personal life. Hanks, known for his relatable characters, has achieved immense success through his acting. His words encourage prioritizing genuine happiness and emotional health over superficial standards. This message remains relevant in today's comparison-driven world.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emerged as a pivotal architect of President Trump's bold foreign policy, steering a course that prioritizes a raw exercise of power and strategic negotiations. His vision diverges from the conventional focus on overthrowing regimes, instead advocating for a pragmatic stance that compels authoritarian regimes to acquiesce.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government is working to minimise the impact of ongoing global conflicts on India, assuring that efforts are being made to protect citizens from disruptions caused by war-like conditions worldwide. Speaking at an event in Silchar, where he launched and laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 23,550 crore, Modi also criticised the Indian National Congress for allegedly spreading panic and misinformation.

The directive follows instructions from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and intends to ensure that essential services continue to receive fuel amid the escalating military conflict between Iran and the US that has put international supply routes in distress.

Ahead of Assam's assembly elections, the Congress party unveiled its second list of candidates, reserving 15 seats for its alliance partners. This follows their earlier declaration of 42 candidates for the state's 126 assembly seats. The party is actively strategizing its campaign for the upcoming polls.

Quote of the day: Anthony Hopkins once said, Today is the tomorrow I was worried about yesterday. That single line dismantles the entire architecture of anxiety. According to the American Psychological Association, 31.1% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, making fear of the future one of the most common psychological barriers to human performance and well-being. A 2023 global Gallup survey found that worry and stress are at a 15-year high worldwide, with

President Trump's administration has rejected diplomatic overtures from Middle Eastern allies seeking to end the two-week-old Iran war, with Tehran also refusing a ceasefire until U.S. and Israeli strikes cease. Both nations appear poised for a prolonged conflict, despite escalating civilian casualties and soaring oil prices due to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Italy's Constitutional Court has signaled its intent to uphold a new law restricting citizenship by descent, effectively ending the long-standing jus sanguinis principle for distant ancestors. This change, set to take effect in March 2025, will limit eligibility to those with parents or grandparents born in Italy, impacting millions worldwide.

The US has launched a new trade investigation into excess industrial capacity among 16 partners, including India, potentially leading to new tariffs. This probe, alongside another targeting forced labor imports, could impact Indian exporters relying on Chinese components. Stricter documentation and compliance costs are anticipated as US authorities demand proof of origin for inputs.

$166 billion in disputed tariffs could soon return to U.S. businesses. The Trump tariff refund process is now taking shape. Officials at U.S. Customs and Border Protection are building the CAPE online portal to process claims. The move follows a ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that certain tariffs were illegal. Companies may soon file refund requests. Payments will go directly to bank accounts once approved.

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav married his childhood sweetheart Vanshika Chadha in Mussoorie on Saturday. Vanshika, who works in an administrative role at LIC, has maintained a private life away from the spotlight, supporting Kuldeep through his cricket career.

Quote of the day today highlights a message by Oprah Winfrey about friendship and support. The quote of the day explains the value of people who stay during difficult times. The quote of the day meaning shows why loyalty and shared struggle matter more than comfort and success.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, without naming any country, said some BRICS members are directly involved in the conflict, which has impacted finding a unified stance for the grouping.

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's recent airstrikes inside Afghanistan. These attacks resulted in civilian deaths and damage to infrastructure. India views these strikes as another aggressive act by Pakistan, which it believes is hostile to Afghanistan's sovereignty. India emphasizes that Afghanistan's territorial integrity must be fully respected.

Leonardo DiCaprio's powerful Quote of the Day, Only you and you alone can change your situation. Don't blame it on anything or anyone, underscores the importance of personal responsibility. The article highlights DiCaprio's journey from a young actor to a global star, emphasizing his consistent message of self-empowerment and accountability as a driving force for meaningful change.

Jean-Claude Van Damme became a global action star with his martial arts skills. He is famous for his flexibility and fight scenes. His career began with films like Bloodsport and Kickboxer. Van Damme also gained attention for his Epic Split commercial. He continues to be a recognizable figure in action cinema.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he hoped that China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and others would send ships to the area.

Explore six powerful Indian foods rich in Vitamin C that aren't Amla. From the nutrient-dense Guava and spicy Green Chilies to the miracle Moringa leaves, this story details how these local, accessible ingredients can fortify your immune system and enhance skin health for a vibrant 2026.

Tensions between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other escalate perilously. A missile struck the helipad at the US Embassy in Baghdad, raising alarms. Meanwhile, drone wreckage caused chaos at an oil facility in the UAE, heightening fears as Iran issued stark warnings to Emirati cities.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated India's economic resilience amidst the Middle East war, acknowledging a potential short-term dip in economic activity. He expressed confidence in India's strong fundamentals and the public's willingness to collaborate with the government to overcome challenges and recover in the coming months.

Elevate your cognitive performance with these seven vegetarian Omega-3 powerhouses. From the high-potency ALA in flaxseeds to the direct DHA in algal oil, this story outlines how to naturally sharpen your mental clarity, reduce brain fog, and protect your long-term brain health using accessible plant-based Indian ingredients.

Iran war LPG crisis: The West Asia conflict has impacted the supply of crude oil and petroleum products, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow water passage between Iran and Oman.

Stop hair fall at the root by incorporating these seven nutrient-dense foods into your 2026 diet. From protein-packed eggs and iron-rich spinach to the traditional power of curry leaves and walnuts, this guide explains how specific vitamins and minerals work together to strengthen follicles and promote thick, healthy hair growth.

TMC MP Saayoni Ghosh told a press conference that while Modi claimed to have sanctioned thousands of crores for the state's development, the Centre had actually withheld around Rs 2 lakh crore of dues to the state.

Elevate your workday with six high-protein Indian lunches that require no gas stove or heating. From the traditional power of Sattu and sprouted Moong to modern Tofu salads and Paneer wraps, these stove-free meals ensure you stay satiated, build muscle, and maintain energy without spending hours in the kitchen.

US stock market outlook: S&P 500 falls to 2026 low as Dow Jones and Nasdaq drop amid Iran war and oil price surge. The US stock market ended last week under pressure as investors reacted to rising oil prices, Iran war tensions, and inflation risks. The S&P 500 closed at 6,632.19, falling 0.61% on Friday and marking its lowest level of 2026 so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 119.38 points to 46,558.47, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 206.62 points to 22,105.36, down 0.93% for th

Today's word of the day: Doppelgnger refers to a person who looks strikingly similar to someone else.

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan has sharply rebuked the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan, declaring drone strikes in Pakistani territories have breached an unacceptable threshold. This stern message comes amidst a backdrop of violent skirmishes along the border, with mediation efforts from China and Turkey proving ineffective thus far.

Addressing a Badlav rally, Shah said the BJP, in a way, has launched its poll campaign today from Moga for the assembly polls early next year. I have come to appeal to people of Punjab to give us your blessings, the Union minister said, seeking support for his party.

Small food businesses across Delhi, from iconic dhabas in Sadar Bazar to tea stalls in Connaught Place, are facing an existential threat due to an acute shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. Small-scale vendors told TOI they have been forced to reduce expansive menus to basic staples like rajma chawal and dal to conserve fuel.

Authorities are facing scrutiny over the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. The Pima County Sheriff's Department is analyzing evidence, including lab materials and camera footage. Concerns have been raised about the initial investigation, with allegations of wasted time. The search for Nancy Guthrie continues as pressure mounts on the department.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved salary cuts for employees of state-owned firms. Deductions will range from five to thirty percent. This move is part of a wider austerity drive to manage economic challenges. The government is also reducing fuel for official vehicles and taking many off the roads. Cabinet members' salaries will also be used for public welfare.

LPG Cylinder shortage: Despite a tightening commercial LPG shortage triggered by geopolitical tensions, Delhis major food assistance programmes, including Atal Canteens and the Akshaya Patra Foundation, remain operational. By utilizing centralized steam-based cooking, electric boilers, and Piped Natural Gas (PNG), these entities have significantly reduced their reliance on cylinders.