The Economic Times

India's retail inflation rose to 3.21% in February, driven by geopolitical tensions impacting global oil supplies. This marks the second reading under a revised CPI framework with a 2024 base year, reflecting updated consumption patterns. While food and fuel inflation figures are pending, economists monitor potential imported inflation risks.

Indian exporters face production challenges due to fuel disruptions. FIEO has requested the government for priority allocation of LPG and natural gas to export-oriented manufacturing units. This is crucial for maintaining production schedules and timely deliveries to international buyers. Ensuring fuel availability will protect existing orders and boost India's reliability as a sourcing destination.

Word of the Day: Taciturn highlights the richness of English vocabulary and its ability to capture the subtle complexities of human character.

BMW anticipates a challenging 2026. The German automaker expects a drop in pre-tax earnings and flat car deliveries. Trade barriers and fierce competition in China are major concerns. Global instability and rising fuel prices add to the uncertainty. BMW is focusing on new models and cost cuts to navigate these headwinds.

India is reviewing Bangladesh's request for diesel supplies, prioritizing its own domestic consumption needs. The decision will consider India's diesel availability and refining capacity. New Delhi has also received similar requests from Sri Lanka and Maldives, which are being examined.

Switzerland is currently assessing the ramifications of a new trade investigation launched by the United States. The US Trade Representative has notified Swiss authorities regarding a probe into potential unfair trade practices.

Whispers of secret U.S.-Cuba talks involving Raul Castro's grandson, Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, have emerged despite Havana's denials. These discussions, reportedly involving high-level U.S. officials, occur amid tightened sanctions and regional political shifts. Rodriguez Castro, known as 'The Crab,' is seen as a key confidant, potentially bridging political and economic spheres.

Monalisa Bhosle's marriage: Viral Mahakumbh girl Monalisa Bhosle, who married actor Farman Khan in Kerala, denied the allegations of love jihad, saying that the marriage was her personal decision. She also denied reports that she is underage and revealed that her parents wanted her to marry her own aunt's son. The couple, who met six months ago during the muhurat ceremony of a movie, expressed their desire to stay in Kerala.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, discussing critical issues concerning the safety of shipping routes and India's energy security. This conversation was part of multiple recent discussions between the two foreign ministers, highlighting the importance of these bilateral concerns.

Todays Quote of the day reflects that enduring philosophy. It reminds readers that the actions required to achieve success are often straightforward, but they demand consistency and commitment.

A mother in Adelaide has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for the criminal neglect of her six-year-old daughter, Charlie, who died from severe malnutrition. The child, weighing just 18 kilograms and infested with lice, lived in squalor. The mother showed callous disregard for her daughter's deteriorating health. Separately, search efforts for missing four-year-old Gus Lamont have been suspended.

LPG crisis in India: Amid the LPG crisis in the country, the food deliveries from Zomato and Swiggy have been severely impacted as the Iran-Israel war continues. Many gig workers have expressed concern over the grave situation as they have been receiving just five to ten orders in a day.

In a significant decision, the Supreme Court has opted not to entertain a request for the return of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's ashes from Japan. The court raised doubts regarding the authenticity of the ashes and questioned whether the family had reached a unanimous decision on the matter.

An attack on an Italian base in Iraqi Kurdistan caused damage but no injuries, Italian authorities said Thursday. It hit the Italian base and caused some damage to the base's infrastructure and equipment, he said.

Honda's recent pivot towards electric vehicles comes at a staggering cost of $15.7 billion, driven by shifting US policies, increased tariffs, and the cessation of tax incentives. As a result, the company is scrapping several EV models intended for the North American market.

In a pointed rebuke, the Kerala High Court has criticized the Railway Board for its continued inaction on a vital issue regarding Aadhaar authentication for tatkal bookings. The court has urged the board to take immediate action, imposing a final time limit of three weeks for a satisfactory response.

In an official ceremony, RN Ravi has officially taken the oath as the newly appointed Governor of West Bengal, succeeding CV Ananda Bose. Bose, reflecting on his term, likened his resignation to concluding a cricket match, emphasizing his strategic choice. He is heading back to Kerala to lend his efforts towards the ambitious 'Viksit Bharat' initiative.

A tragic incident unfolded in Annapolis County where an ice fisherman was found deceased. A search continues for a second missing individual. In a separate event, a collision between a car and a school bus in North Sydney claimed the life of a 53-year-old man. Students on the bus sustained minor injuries. Authorities are investigating both incidents.

IPL 2026 tickets: IPL 2026 kicks off March 28 with RCB vs. SRH in Bengaluru, concluding May 31. Pre-sale registrations for MI vs. GT are open on BookMyShow, offering early access but no guaranteed tickets. The initial 20 matches span 10 cities until April 12, with the full schedule pending Assembly election dates.

Players from South Africa and the West Indies have finally left India after being stranded post the T20 World Cup. Their departure was delayed due to the closure of airspaces amid the West Asia conflict. The International Cricket Council confirmed the safe travel of all remaining players. This concludes a complex logistical operation under challenging global travel conditions.

Karunya Plus KN 614 Lottery Result (12/03/2026): The Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Karunya Plus KN 614 weekly lottery today, March 12, 2026. The event will be held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a grand first prize of 1 crore.

The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Pawan Bishnoi and Jagtar Singh, two individuals accused in the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala. This decision allows their release from custody as the trial for the high-profile case progresses. Moose Wala was fatally shot in May 2022, shortly after his security cover was reduced.

A senior manager discovered he had thyroid cancer during a company health check, only to be terminated weeks later. After battling illness and job loss, including a hunger strike, he now advocates for a new law to protect employees facing serious medical conditions from workplace discrimination.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Rahul Gandhi of being involved in a conspiracy to reak India, suggesting Gandhi would only find peace if China, Russia, and the US attacked the nation. Dubey also criticized the opposition's stance, highlighting India's better position regarding LPG availability compared to neighboring countries facing severe shortages.

Australian shares fell on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as oil prices climbed due to Middle East conflict. This surge fueled inflation worries and increased expectations for an interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia next week. The S&P/ASX 200 index saw significant drops, with energy stocks being the only sector to gain.

Delhi Lok Adalat Token Date: The National Lok Adalat in Delhi will now take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Earlier, it was supposed to take place on March 14. The Delhi Traffic Lok Adalat token will be available from Monday, March 16, by scanning a QR code. The Lok Adalat will be held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla defended his actions in the House. He stated parliamentary rules apply to all members. Maintaining the institution's dignity sometimes requires firm decisions. Birla addressed concerns about impartiality and microphone control. He explained that presiding officers do not control microphones directly. Decisions were made to protect Parliament's dignity. The Speaker thanked members for their views.

Panic LPG buying: Long queues are seen at LPG dispensing stations and gas agency offices across West Bengal. Auto drivers and domestic consumers are facing hours of waiting to refill cooking gas. Online booking systems are crashing due to heavy traffic. Restaurants are also affected, with some trimming operations. The state government is taking steps to restore booking servers and ensure supply.

Today's word of the day: Yeetlord is a humorous internet slang term describing someone who throws things or makes bold decisions with carefree enthusiasm.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav highlighted the widespread frustration over LPG cylinder shortages in North India with a satirical couplet. He alleged that the ruling BJP government's 'achhe din' have run empty, leading to long queues and black marketing of cooking gas, impacting even wedding preparations.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah. He was arrested in 2019 in a terror funding case. The National Investigation Agency had booked him for allegedly facilitating a separatist movement. The court noted anomalies in the trial and Shah's long incarceration. A detailed order with stringent bail conditions will follow.

LPG crisis in India: The LPG crisis has hit the small street food vendors in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and other parts of the country as they are being forced to pay higher prices for cylinders. Left with no option, many poha, samosa and tea sellers have increased the prices of food items as the Strait of Hormuz choke continues. Many dhaba owners are also planning to return back homes if the LPG crisis continues.

The IranIsrael conflict has reached Madhya Pradeshs hotel and catering industry, with several business owners claiming they are running low on LPG stocks at a time when the sector is expected to witness its busiest period of the year, with approximately 2,500 weddings scheduled to take place till March 15.

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday appointed a new minister of hydrocarbons, a key position in the oil-rich nation that she previously held under ousted leader Nicolas Maduro. Rodriguez said in a post on Telegram that she was naming petroleum engineer Paula Henao as the new Minister of Hydrocarbons.

In a fiery address, Rahul Gandhi has taken aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a troubling LPG shortage. He accuses the PM of being rattled by the Epstein documents and the ongoing Adani controversy. The opposition's frustration was palpable as MPs rallied around the issue, with restaurants and catering businesses feeling the heat from disrupted supplies.

A sudden blaze at the Capital Power System Limited factory in Noida's Sector 4 sent shockwaves through Thursday morning's routine. Approximately 240 workers were present when the fire ignited. First responders acted quickly, breaking windows to facilitate an urgent evacuation. In the aftermath, 26 workers were injured and required hospital treatment, with a few in the ICU.

Australian-American actress Nicole Kidman's famous quote You're not anyone in America unless you're on TV reveals television's power in shaping fame in the US. For decades, TV has been a key media. Being on television means reaching millions, making someone a household name. Kidman's words show how screen presence can define success.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. A man allegedly tried to shoot him at a marriage function in Jammu. Security personnel intervened and overpowered the assailant. Abdullah stated he is fine and God saved him. The incident has raised concerns about security for protectees in the Union Territory.

Opposition parties are demanding a parliamentary discussion on the West Asia crisis and its impact on India, but the government is reportedly refusing, sparking accusations of fear and exposing foreign policy failures. Concerns are mounting over deepening energy shortages and the government's handling of the situation, with the opposition criticizing its response and assurances.

Strikes in Iran have damaged ancient sites including palaces and a mosque. Iran and Lebanon have asked UNESCO for more protection. UNESCO confirmed damage to Golestan Palace and Chehel Sotoun Palace. This destruction impacts cultural identity and world history. Human rights advocates highlight the civilian cost of such damage.

Effective March, China will cease exports of refined fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, as a measure to secure its domestic supply amidst the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. This swift action is expected to reverberate across global fuel markets, compelling refiners to adhere strictly to the directives issued by the National Development and Reform Commission.

iQOO Z11x, a smartphone featuring a massive 7200mAh battery and a segment-first 6-year battery health guarantee, the device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo chipset, which crosses the 1 million mark on AnTuTu. Available in Black and Green, this device will be launched today, March 12 by 12 noon.

JJK S3 Ep 10 release: The official synopsis for Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 57 (Season 3, Episode 10), titled Tokyo No. 1 Colony, Part 4, confirms a high-stakes confrontation for Megumi Fushiguro. After being led into a trap by Remi, Fushiguro finds himself cornered by Reggie Star and a group of reincarnated sorcerers from the past.

Twenty passengers detained on the Imphal-Ukhrul route have been released following an appeal by Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand. The Chief Minister expressed concern over the incident near Litan Police Station. He urged for the safe release of all civilians and assured strict action against those responsible. The government is committed to citizen safety.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the subject-wise schedule for the Common University Entrance Test [CUET (PG)] 2026, slated to begin on March 6, 2026. The examination, which covers 157 subjects, will be held in a Computer Based Test (CBT) format across 44 shifts, concluding on March 27, 2026.

The International Monetary Fund has reported significant progress in its discussions with Pakistan regarding funding facilities. Talks are set to continue in the coming days. This ongoing dialogue will further assess the effects of recent global events on Pakistan's economy and the Extended Fund Facility program. Both sides are working towards a resolution.