The Economic Times

US-Israel war on Iran: Day 19 of the US-Israel war on Iran sees a major escalation. Ali Larijani, a key Iranian leader, was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike. The US expanded strikes to missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and across Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE. Regional security is a growing concern.

Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi's extradition appeal hearing has concluded in London. His lawyers argue he faces a real risk of torture during interrogations in India. The High Court has reserved its judgment. Modi is wanted in India for a multi-billion dollar loan scam. The Crown Prosecution Service opposes reopening the case. The court's decision is awaited.

Far North Queensland faces severe weather as Tropical Cyclone Narelle, a Category 4 storm, heads towards the coast. Destructive winds up to 200 km/h are expected. Heavy rainfall will trigger flash floods between Cape Melville and Port Douglas. Coastal communities should prepare for potentially record-high tides. Residents are urged to stay updated as the cyclone's path remains uncertain.

Telangana Hyderabad Weather Update: Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana are likely to receive rainfall or thunderstorms on March 18, 2026, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Maximum temperatures are expected to gradually fall by 2-4 degrees Celsius in the state for the next few days. Rainfall and thunderstorms are likely in many districts of Telangana for the next few days.

Eid 2026: In India, Eid-Ul-Fitr is likely to be celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026, a day after the moon is sighted. Eid al-Fitr, also called Meethi Eid or the festival of breaking the fast, is celebrated on the last day of the month, marking the end of Roza (the fast). ' 'Eid kab hai keyword has been trending on Google Search Trends, likely due to its upcoming celebration.

A shooting incident at Holloman Air Force Base near Alamogordo has resulted in one fatality and one injury. The base was placed on lockdown following reports of an active shooter. Emergency personnel responded swiftly. Security officials have confirmed the base is now secure and the lockdown has been lifted. The injured individual is receiving medical treatment.

America's President Donald Trump has promised swift action against Cuba's government. This comes as US sanctions, including halting oil exports, worsen the island's crisis. Power outages are widespread, causing food spoilage and hardship for citizens. Officials are working to restore electricity. The US seeks political and economic changes from Cuba.

The United Arab Emirates is considering joining a U.S. initiative to safeguard maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz. This vital waterway faces disruption due to Iran's actions. Talks are ongoing, with the UAE emphasizing shared responsibility for global trade and energy flow. The situation highlights regional security concerns and potential shifts in international alliances.

A projectile struck near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant on Tuesday evening. Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that no damage or injuries occurred. Radiation levels at the plant remain normal. Russia's state nuclear energy corporation condemned the strike. The incident occurred during the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel.

Chennai weather: Tamil Nadu is likely to receive light rainfall with thunderstorms or lightning on Wednesday, March 18. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Coimbatore, Dindigul, Theni and Thoothukudi may see light to moderate rain today. No rain forecast has been made for Chennai for March 19. It is normal for Tamil Nadu to experience thunderstorm activity during March, and weather systems over Kerala may also influence wet spell in parts of the State.

The Trump administration has defended the Pentagon's decision to blacklist AI company Anthropic. This move followed Anthropic's refusal to remove safety guardrails. The administration argues the action is lawful and related to contract negotiations and national security. Anthropic is challenging the decision in court, claiming it violates free speech rights. The Pentagon's designation could significantly impact the company's business.

U.S.-Israeli war has killed at least 1,300 people in Iran, more than 900 in Lebanon and 12 in Israel, according to officials in those countries. The U.S. military says 13 U.S. service members have been killed and about 200 wounded.

Cesar Chavez allegations: Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, his birthday, was named a federal commemorative holiday by President Barack Obama in 2014. UFW said it would not participate in any events this year, and media reports said some cities were canceling or renaming activities.

Daniel Dye apologized to David Malukas in a social media post, calling his comments 'careless'.

UEFA champions league: Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal progressed to the next round after defeating Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen.

U.S. Stock Market today: Shares of airlines and travel companies rebounded from losses in recent weeks related to the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran and surging energy prices.

Claude down, when will AI chatbot be back up, and how to fix API error 500 message remains a top search as users report outages. Thousands faced issues with Claude chat and code. Reports surged globally, while Anthropic confirmed mitigation steps and ongoing investigation into the error.

Donald Trumps indignant response to allies refusal to get involved in the war underscored that the conflict now in its third week and causing reverberations across the global economy.

New inherited IRA rules have changed how people take money after someone dies. The old stretch option is mostly gone, and many heirs must finish withdrawals within 10 years. Some may also need yearly withdrawals depending on timing. These tax changes affect planning, savings, and future income, making it important to understand the latest IRA rules clearly and early.

Strait of Hormuz is a difficult stretch of water to defend. Iran's conventional navy has largely been destroyed but the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps still has plenty of weapons in its arsenal to cause damage.

Rajasthan faces a significant employment challenge. Over 22 lakh unemployed youth are registered with state employment offices. Shockingly, no government jobs were filled through these offices in the last five years. This data highlights a critical gap in the job placement system for the state's job seekers. The numbers show a large pool of registered candidates awaiting opportunities.

India's trade shows resilience amidst global challenges. Minister Piyush Goyal stated that exports are stable, with services growth rapidly increasing. The trade deficit is manageable, supported by strong services surplus, rising remittances, and record FDI. Several developed nations are keen to boost trade ties with India. Upcoming free trade agreements will unlock significant opportunities for Indian businesses.

India's robust economy, built on sound policies, is well-equipped to handle global challenges. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted this strength in Parliament. The nation has absorbed shocks from the pandemic, inflation, and conflicts. Government capital spending is also rising significantly. Efforts are underway to boost domestic LPG production and ensure supply. BSNL has been revived with government support.

New $6,000 tax deduction for retirees can help seniors save money on taxes from 2025 to 2028. People aged 65+ with lower income may qualify and reduce their taxable income. Married couples can get even bigger benefits. This rule can lower tax bills and increase refunds, making retirement finances a little easier for many older Americans.

Amidst a critical worker deficit, factories and rapid delivery companies are enduring the aftershocks of the Holi holiday, with numerous staff opting not to return. A global crisis has disrupted LPG supplies, complicating canteen operations. Furthermore, the upcoming elections in West Bengal are spurring a migration from larger cities.

Meteors typically fall somewhere in the U.S. about once a day, while smaller pieces of space dust might fall 10 times an hour, astronomer said.

House Oversight Chair James Comer has subpoenaed Attorney General Pam Bondi for a deposition on April 14 regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Lawmakers are scrutinizing the Justice Department's handling of the case and the release of related files, citing concerns over redactions and transparency. Bondi is expected to provide insight into the department's compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Quote of the day by Jessie Buckley: Jessie Buckley's quote reveals how past difficulties shape us. What seems bad now becomes a source of strength later. Her journey from Ireland to stardom shows this. Buckley's career includes acclaimed roles. She has won major awards for her acting. Her words inspire reflection on life's lessons.

I don't know how to have a normal relationship because I try to act normal and love from a normal place and live a normal life, but there is sort of an abnormal magnifying glass, like telescope lens, on everything that happens, Taylor Swifts quote on love, normalcy and life reflects the struggle of living authentically under scrutiny. She shares the challenges of loving genuinely while every action is observed and amplified. This resonates not just with celebrities, but anyone facing judgment or

India, Pakistan, Morocco, and the Africa Group urged WTO members to commit to a fair and low-cost international financial system for cross-border remittances. Ahead of the ministerial conference, they called for a multilateral framework on transparency, interoperability, and competition in remittance services to reduce costs and promote trade.

Wangchuk addressed his first press conference since his release from Jodhpur Jail after the BJP-led Centre ordered revocation of NSA invoked against him last September. He was accompanied by his wife Gitanjali Angmo and a team of lawyers.

Armenia and Azerbaijan are helping Indians stranded in Iran return home. Over 660 Indians have transited through these nations. Many flew back to India from Azerbaijan's capital, Baku. More Indians are expected to use these routes. The Indian embassy in Tehran is coordinating assistance for citizens, including students and pilgrims.

India has expressed its strong outrage over the airstrike carried out by Pakistan on a hospital in Kabul, condemning it as a despicable act of aggression that has caused immense civilian suffering. The external affairs ministry criticized this action as an affront to Afghanistan's sovereignty, undermining the efforts towards regional stability.

This move aims to streamline administration and cut protocol expenses. The state faces a significant financial crunch with a debt of 1.40 lakh crore. Further strict measures are anticipated in the upcoming budget presentation.

Mamata Banerjee has made a significant announcement regarding Trinamool Congresss candidates for the upcoming 2026 assembly polls in West Bengal, nominating representatives for all 291 seats. With a significant shake-up, 75 sitting members have been replaced, as Banerjee aims for a majority with a target of 226 seats.

Jane Fonda emphasizes that mistakes are crucial for learning, challenging the pursuit of perfection. Her life, marked by both acclaim and controversy, demonstrates a commitment to growth through acknowledging and learning from missteps. This perspective highlights that embracing imperfection is essential for personal and professional development.

Diesel price surge US: Rising fuel prices are impacting American drivers as diesel crosses $5 a gallon and crude oil surges due to the Iran conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz. This global instability, coupled with seasonal demand shifts, is pushing gas prices higher, with analysts warning of potential $4 per gallon levels.

Tax Day 2026 is an important deadline for filing US income taxes on time. People must submit forms, report income, and pay any due taxes before the last date. New tax rules and deductions can help reduce tax amounts. Filing late can lead to penalties. Many options like free tools and experts are available to help taxpayers file easily and correctly.

Tragedy struck two Rajasthani families as Vikram Verma and Pappu Singh were killed in drone attacks in Oman on March 13. Both men, working on construction projects, hailed from Sikar and Beawar districts respectively. Their bodies arrived in their native villages Tuesday, bringing immense grief to their communities.

Tax filing in U.S.: IRS releases every year its Dirty Dozen of tax scams that target taxpayers. At the top of the list is impersonation of the agency by email, text, and phone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi connected with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to deliberate on the situation in West Asia. The two dignitaries emphasized the importance of safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Modi condemned the recent assaults on the UAE, underscoring India's stance on regional security.

Thought of the Day: T.S. Eliot also played a major role in literary criticism, arguing that poetry should connect with tradition while still embracing innovation. His essays helped establish new approaches to studying literature in universities across Britain and the United States.