The Economic Times

More than 30 million workers live in states that offer fewer than 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. A new Senate bill could change that fast. The Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act would set a 26-week federal minimum for unemployment insurance nationwide. States like Florida and Georgia now cap benefits at 12 to 14 weeks. Lawmakers say longer unemployment benefits would protect families during layoffs and economic downturns. The bill keeps eligibility rules but ext

An American submarine has sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan authorities rescued 32 crew members. 148 sailors remain missing. The attack marks the first US sinking of an enemy ship by torpedo since World War II. The US is engaged in a war against Iran. Sri Lanka remains neutral in the conflict.

Mojtaba Khamenei is emerging as the leading candidate to become Iran's next supreme leader. He has cultivated strong ties with the Revolutionary Guards and the clerical establishment. The Assembly of Experts is expected to announce its decision soon. Mojtaba faces challenges from US sanctions and potential domestic unrest. His rise follows the death of Ebrahim Raisi.

The word transmogrify describes a complete change, often surprising or magical. It applies to personal growth, art, and even everyday renovations. This expressive word highlights how change can be bold and inspiring. It's used for dramatic shifts, from caterpillars to butterflies or simple ideas becoming extraordinary. The term adds a whimsical quality to describing significant transformations.

Private employers added 63,000 jobs in February, ADP said, gaining more than the 48,000 that economists projected.

The average IRS tax refund in 2026 has reached $3,804, according to the latest IRS filing season data. That is 10.2% higher than last year. It brings refunds close to the widely discussed $4,000 tax refund under Trumps tax plan. The increase links to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The law introduced no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, larger standard deductions, and expanded Child Tax Credit. Tax experts say another factor matters. Many workers overpaid taxes in 2025 due to outdated IRS

American and Israeli forces have seized control of Iran's airspace and waterways. Military operations against Tehran are now in their fifth day. The Iranian air force has been neutralized. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the campaign is in its early phase. Operations have significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities.

Many retirees feel their Social Security money is not enough each month. There is a simple way to increase future payments. By delaying benefits past Full Retirement Age, checks can grow every year until age 70. Some people can also pause payments to boost them later. This strategy depends on savings, health, and income.

A mysterious trader on Polymarket earned over $553,000 by betting on Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's removal from power. This occurred just before United States and Israeli strikes killed him. The bets, placed by an account named 'Magamyman', have sparked debate about prediction markets and potential insider trading. Lawmakers are calling for bans on such platforms.

Ancient strategist Sun Tzu's wisdom on provoking choleric opponents and feigning weakness remains relevant today. By exploiting an adversary's temper and fostering their arrogance, a commander can induce impulsive decisions and overconfidence. This psychological edge, rooted in understanding human nature, allows for strategic advantage, proving that intelligence and patience often triumph over brute force, shaping outcomes before conflict even erupts.

Safe haven assets are investments people choose during market volatility and global tension. These include gold, silver, Treasury bills, cash, safe currencies, and defensive stocks. They usually stay stable when stock markets fall. However, they may give lower returns. Investors must balance risk and safety before investing in safe haven assets.

X, formerly Twitter, is cracking down on undisclosed AI-generated war videos. Creators failing to label synthetic footage depicting armed conflicts risk a 90-day suspension from the platform's revenue-sharing program for a first offense, with repeat offenders facing permanent removal. This move aims to combat misinformation during sensitive times.

In Lebanon, the Israeli military told residents south of the Litani River to move north, warning that the army was compelled to take military action against Hezbollah in the area.

Basque meaning: The word Basque refers to the people and culture of a region in northern Spain and southwestern France, known for their unique language, Euskara. In fashion, a basque describes a fitted bodice or jacket extending below the waist, accentuating the figure. This style, popular since the 19th century, adds structure and elegance to garments.

NATO air and missile defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Iran as it approached Turkish airspace, marking the first time Turkey has been directly involved in the escalating regional conflict. The Turkish Defence Ministry stated that necessary steps would be taken to defend its territory and airspace, warning all parties against actions that could further escalate the conflict.

US stock futures turned green early Wednesday. Dow futures jumped to 48,598. S&P 500 futures climbed to 6,837. Nasdaq futures rose to 24,824. The rebound followed a sharp sell-off on Wall Street a day earlier. Markets reacted after reports said Iran quietly approached the US for talks to ease the conflict with Israel. That signal cooled oil fears. Brent crude hovered near $82 while WTI stayed around $75. Lower panic brought buyers back into equities. Investors now watch ADP payroll data and the

Hezbollah's decision to enter the regional war in support of Iran has created a significant rift with its main political ally, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and other Lebanese factions. The move, which caught many by surprise, has left the group isolated as Lebanon faces renewed conflict with Israel, sparking internal criticism over prioritizing foreign interests.

Maharashtra Transport Strike March 5: Maharashtra transport unions announced a statewide strike on March 5 due to grievances over e-challans, taxation, and toll collections. Failed talks with the Transport Minister led to the protest, with drivers demanding fair treatment and reforms to the punitive e-challan system and excessive taxes.

In the context of the Middle East, water has emerged as a vital strategic resource. Desalination facilities across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are crucial for supplying millions with safe drinking water. Presently, these key installations are facing assaults from Iranian military actions. The implications of such attacks are profound, potentially leading to widespread humanitarian crises and mass relocations.

The U.S. military has joined Israel in a massive assault on Iran, targeting over a thousand locations and eliminating key figures like Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This action is sparking debate over President Trump's constitutional powers and adherence to international law. Legal experts are scrutinizing the legality of these strikes, particularly concerning presidential authority and the War Powers Resolution.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has voiced grave concerns over the safety of children in the Middle East conflict. The committee highlighted an alleged air strike on an Iranian school in Minab, which Iran claims killed over 150 students.

Young men who voted for Donald Trump show divided opinions on recent US strikes in Iran. While some welcome the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, others fear a prolonged conflict and a lack of clear strategy. This sentiment could impact Republican support in upcoming elections. The situation in Iran is unfolding, with global markets reacting to the developments.

President Trumps strikes on Iran escalate risks for the US economy, compounding existing pressures from overvalued equities, tariffs, persistent inflation, and a fragile fiscal outlook. Rising energy prices, potential disruptions to trade, and geopolitical instability could trigger stagflation and test financial markets. With public debt near record levels and a weakened tariff strategy following the IEEPA ruling, Washington has limited fiscal space to respond. The combination of policy missteps

MLA Rohit Pawar alleges a cover-up attempt for VSR Ventures following the fatal plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar. He claims the preliminary AAIB report, while noting visibility issues and runway concerns, contains inaccuracies and doesn't fully address the company's alleged past lapses, including a prior incident involving CM Eknath Shinde.

Dassault Aviation's chief declared the Future Combat Air System project is finished. He noted Airbus's refusal to cooperate on the next-generation fighter. This dispute threatens the 100 billion euro development involving France, Germany, and Spain. The core issue is leadership of the fighter component. Dassault wants clear leadership, while Airbus prefers existing rules. The project's future is uncertain.

Plank Exercise Benefits: The plank exercise, a simple yet effective move, significantly improves core strength and overall stability without equipment. Practicing it daily can combat issues arising from modern sedentary lifestyles, such as lower back pain and poor posture. This exercise engages deep core muscles, leading to enhanced strength, better posture, and increased confidence over time.

Through his quote, Rumi means we should cherish what truly matters while releasing what harms or no longer serves us. True peace comes from knowing when to keep and when to move on. You can use this mantra in relationships too by appreciating what matters, letting go of the negativity, balancing efforts and acceptance, and learning to forgive.

Hezbollah executed drone strikes targeting the headquarters of Israel Aerospace Industries located in central Israel. They confirmed launching a precision-guided missile aimed at a drone control facility in northern Israel. These operations were characterised by Hezbollah as retaliatory measures against what they termed Israeli provocations, taking place in the shadows of night, just before dawn.

Russia accused the United States of fabricating an Iranian threat as a pretext for regime change, calling U.S. calls for Iranians to seize power cynical and inhumane. Moscow stated that Washington used negotiations with Iran as a cover for its long-held plan to violently overthrow the sovereign state's constitutional order.

France will host a G7 finance ministers and central bankers meeting next week. The gathering aims to discuss the Middle East crisis and its global market impact. Discussions will focus on the evolving conflict and potential responses. Investors are worried about rising fuel prices due to supply disruptions. French officials are monitoring the situation and ensuring reasonable fuel price increases.

As unrest grows in West Asia due to the fallout from US-Israel military actions in Iran, Britain is stepping up efforts to bring its citizens back home. A dedicated flight from Oman is being arranged, prioritizing the well-being of vulnerable individuals.

People often eat excess sweets, namkin, and fried food during Holi and are concerned about the sudden weight gain. You can try simple tips the next day in the morning, like drinking warm lemon water, going for a short brisk walk, eating protein, staying hydrated and doing yoga to get back on track quickly. Dont try crash dieting the next day.

The BJP has charged the Karnataka administration with misallocating funds intended for the development of SC/ST communities to prop up its guarantee programs. Opposition leader R Ashoka did not hold back, calling out Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and expressing his frustration over Rahul Gandhi's lack of response.

Lottery Sambad Results: The Nagaland State Lottery announced results for its March 4, 2026, Wednesday draws, including the Dear Indus Sambad Morning and Dear Spark Wednesday 1 PM lotteries. Participants vied for a 1 crore first prize, with secondary prizes also available. The state-run lottery operates daily with multiple draws and a structured prize system. Officials also remind participants to rely only on official or trusted platforms to check results

International Women's Day, observed annually on March 8, has evolved into a global movement celebrating women's achievements and highlighting ongoing challenges. In 2026, it falls on Sunday, March 8, with worldwide events focusing on gender equality, representation, and opportunity. The day serves as a crucial platform for reflection and continuous effort towards a more equitable future.

The Bombay High Court has set aside a divorce decree that was granted solely on the basis of WhatsApp chats, underscoring the importance of a fair hearing. The court ruled that digital evidence must be properly proved in accordance with the law, and that the other spouse must be given a reasonable opportunity to rebut allegations of cruelty before a divorce can be granted.

Iran-Israel War: The skies over Tehran witnessed a dramatic incident as an Israeli F-35 fighter jet engaged and downed an Iranian aircraft, a groundbreaking moment for the fighter program. This confrontation is part of a larger Israeli mission focused on crippling Iran's security apparatus, including precision strikes on military command posts and missile launchers.

Japan and the United States are planning a significant nuclear power project. This initiative, involving Westinghouse, is part of Japan's substantial investment package. The project aims to bolster energy security for both nations. Discussions are ongoing for potential announcements during Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's meeting with President Donald Trump. This move strengthens bilateral economic ties and energy cooperation.

Iran-Israel conflict: A small village in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district, Kintoor, is mourning the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The villagers shut shops and held demonstrations after the news of Khamenei's death reached Kintoor. Khameneis lineage can be traced to Sayed Ahmad Musavi Hindi, a cleric who migrated from Kintoor to Iran in 1834.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said India will provide technical equipment for earthquake relief activities to Myanmar next month as he underlined the shared cooperation between the two countries, emphasising that New Delhi has always stood with Naypyidaw in times of need.

Speaking passionately to his supporters, actor-turned-politician Vijay referred to the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as oceanic emotion. He called upon the community to rally behind him, exuding optimism that the TVK's iconic 'whistle' symbol would resonate with voters, leading to a substantial victory.

Kerala Nurses Strike: Nurses in Kerala's private hospitals have begun an indefinite strike, demanding a minimum monthly salary of Rs 40,000 and the implementation of pending wage revisions. The United Nurses Association is leading the protest, citing dissatisfaction with pay structures last updated in 2018. Concerns about a rain drain of skilled professionals seeking better opportunities abroad are also highlighted.

Kuwait's health ministry confirmed an 11-year-old girl died from shrapnel during Iranian attacks. The Gulf region faces significant fallout from a US-Iran air campaign. Multiple people have died, and infrastructure has been targeted. US soldiers were killed in Kuwait, and its embassy was attacked. Stock markets dropped sharply in the UAE. Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles and drones.

Jaggery purity test: Concerns over jaggery adulteration have led India's food regulator, FSSAI, to share a simple home test for detecting baking soda. This common adulterant, used to improve appearance, can be identified by fizzing when mixed with hydrochloric acid. Consumers are advised to be vigilant and report suspected cases to ensure food safety.

Finland's President Alexander Stubb arrived in New Delhi early Wednesday and Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced optimism that this visit signals a transformative era for India-Finland relations. As President Stubb meets with influential figures in India, the agenda will prioritise enhancing economic connections and strategic collaborations.

Iran war: Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren have sharply criticised President Donald Trump's actions regarding Iran. Following a classified briefing, they described the ongoing conflict as illegal and lacking a clear plan for resolution.