The Economic Times

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed optimism during his appearance on ABC's 'This Week,' suggesting that the current conflict with Iran might be resolved soon. This resolution is expected to restore oil supply flows, resulting in lower energy bills for consumers. The outlook suggests a significant rebound in global energy conditions, making waves across markets worldwide.

Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have moved the Supreme Court. This follows the Delhi High Court Chief Justice's refusal to transfer a CBI plea. The plea challenges their discharge in the excise policy case. The Chief Justice stated the case was being heard as per roster. The Supreme Court will now consider the matter.

Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh has faced repeated missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran. The base, which houses US warplanes, has seen Saudi defenses intercept at least 10 drones. Iran's Fars news agency reported a missile salvo targeting the air base.

Harish Rana, in a coma for 13 years, received an emotional farewell from his family. The Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. Rana suffered a severe brain injury in 2013. Medical reports indicate no awareness or interaction. He will receive basic care at AIIMS following legal protocols for passive euthanasia.

The international energy landscape is in turmoil as Iran's maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz complicate oil and gas supply lines. With Saudi Aramco and other key players scaling back production, the flow of shipping remains fraught with risk. The future stability of the market hinges on Iran's decisions, going beyond mere promises for peace.

Actor Anil Kapoor recently revealed that he still receives payments from the 2008 Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, nearly 17 years after its release. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026, the veteran star shared that he had received a cheque of 3,000 pounds (over Rs 3 lakh) just a day before the event. Kapoor also disclosed that the total amount he expects to earn from the film will reach nearly half a million pounds.

Television actor Dipika Kakar is recovering after surgery to remove a cyst during her cancer treatment. She is now home, focusing on rest, disciplined eating, and lifestyle adjustments. Her husband, Shoaib Ibrahim, shares updates, noting her fluctuating energy levels and the upcoming transition to immunotherapy.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced clearance of DA arrears for state employees and a hike in honorarium for religious clergy. These announcements came just before the Election Commission revealed poll schedules. The DA arrears disbursement is set to begin from March 2026. Opposition parties criticized the timing of these announcements, calling them election gimmicks.

The Supreme Court of India has permitted the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for Harish Rana, who has been in a coma for over 13 years. Following a plea by his father, the court ordered AIIMS-Delhi to provide palliative care for a humane cessation of life support. Medical boards unanimously agreed that continuing treatment only prolonged biological survival without recovery prospects.

Quote of the day: Todays Quote by B.F. Skinner shows readers that progress often depends less on avoiding failure and more on the determination to keep trying.

A remote worker's decision to stay in his hometown for a lucrative job, while financially beneficial, led to missed networking opportunities and reduced professional visibility. Despite significant savings, the lack of proximity to industry hubs and corporate ecosystems hindered career growth and connection, sparking debate on the true cost of remote work.

Indian AI expert Devendra Chaplot has joined Elon Musk's xAI, collaborating with SpaceX. Chaplot expressed enthusiasm for merging physical engineering with digital intelligence, aiming to contribute to advanced AI projects. His background includes work at Thinking Machines Lab and Meta Platforms, alongside academic achievements from IIT Bombay and Carnegie Mellon University.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticised Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, accusing them of protesting against India and normalising infiltrators. Shah highlighted the BJP government's significant increase in Assam's health budget and its commitment to development and removing infiltrators from electoral rolls.

India's Ayushman Bharat health scheme is a lifeline for cancer patients, improving access to treatment. A new study highlights its strengths and areas for improvement. While the scheme covers many treatments, a funding gap exists. Experts suggest smarter spending, early detection, and revised benefit caps to save lives and reduce costs. Policy changes are underway to enhance cancer care.

West Bengal Election 2026: 10 Key Constituencies: West Bengal Assembly elections are announced. Key constituencies in Kolkata and surrounding areas are set for intense political contests. Bhabanipur, Nandigram, Ballygunge, Kolkata Port, Bhangar, Baruipur Paschim, Diamond Harbour, Tamluk, Asansol Dakshin, and Kharagpur Sadar are among the seats to watch.

Fuel and cooking gas supplies remain stable despite the West Asia conflict. The government assures adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Panic buying has eased with a decline in LPG refill bookings. Online bookings are increasing. Citizens are advised against panic buying and encouraged to use digital platforms. Priority sectors continue to receive uninterrupted supplies.

In a significant move, the Congress party has rolled out its second batch of 23 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, increasing their total nominations to 65 contenders vying for 126 seats. As part of a strategic alliance, they've reserved 15 seats for coalition partners.

Delhi is set to launch its Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 soon. A key feature will be a dedicated framework for recycling EV batteries. This initiative aims to manage growing battery waste from electric vehicles. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee will oversee the process. The policy also plans to boost EV adoption with incentives and expand charging infrastructure.

India's mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy is under the spotlight after a high economy rate at the T20 World Cup. Despite taking wickets, his performance has raised questions. Former spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Chakravarthy is a champion bowler and will return to form. He suggests focusing on execution and accuracy. Chakravarthy aims to regain his best for future tournaments.

Adani Power has received a Letter of Award from MSEDCL for 1,600 MW. This power will come from an upcoming ultra-supercritical thermal project. Supply is expected to begin in FY30-31 under a 25-year agreement. Adani Power is expanding its capacity significantly to meet India's growing electricity needs. This project will create jobs and boost industrial activity.

Delhi is set to get a new Water Master Plan. The city's water distribution network will be modernized. This plan aims to fix old problems like leaks and contamination. The system will be divided into nine zones. Private companies will manage command centers. This will ensure better water supply across the capital.

As we approach 2030, India's vibrant Gen Z is set to revolutionize the marketplace, representing nearly a quarter of the population and commanding an impressive $1.3 trillion in disposable income. With a strong emphasis on experiential living, sustainability, and digital convenience, this generation is leaving a profound impact on industries such as beauty, fashion, and fitness.

The Bharatiya Janata Party gears up for the West Bengal assembly elections. Key leaders such as Suvendu Adhikari, Dilip Ghosh, Shankar Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, and Rekha Patra are set to lead the campaign. The party aims to build on its expanded footprint against the ruling Trinamool Congress.

In a revolutionary move for healthcare in Delhi, officials are consolidating Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, the Delhi State Cancer Institute, and Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital into a formidable medical hub. This initiative is not just about maximizing efficiency; its about reimagining patient care with cutting-edge resources and comprehensive services at their fingertips.

Bangladesh will receive an additional 45,000 tons of diesel from India by April. This comes after a recent arrival of 5,000 tons. The Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline will facilitate these imports. The government has lifted fuel rationing to ensure smooth travel for Eid celebrations. This move aims to prevent panic buying and facilitate public movement.

The International Energy Agency has announced the release of 400 million barrels of oil, a significant gesture aimed at mitigating worldwide energy supply hurdles. However, S&P Global Energy emphasizes that this relief may be minimal if the Strait of Hormuz remains inaccessible.

The Aluminium Association of India is asking the government to keep RoDTEP rates for aluminium exports unchanged. This move aims to help Indian exporters compete globally. The association wants these rates fixed based on actual taxes paid. Indian aluminium exports face rising trade barriers and increased competition from abroad.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his powerful message, which underscores an enduring commitment to the principles and traditions of parliamentary democracy. Birla emphasised that Modi's faith in democratic institutions is steadfast, highlighting that the essence of Parliament lies in fostering meaningful dialogue and healthy debates.

West Bengal Election 2026 Result Date: The Election Commission of India has announced a two-phase polling schedule for West Bengal's 294-member assembly elections on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting on May 4, 2026. This makes West Bengal the sole state among the five assemblies going to polls to have a multi-phase election.

The Kurdish ministry placed conditions that have no relevance to exporting crude, the Iraqi ministry said in a statement. Iraq's oil ministry also said it was ready to resume exports of no more than 300,000 barrels through the Ceyhan pipeline to Turkey.

Assam will go to the polls on April 9 for all 126 assembly constituencies. Vote counting is set for May 4. The election process officially begins with the gazette notification on March 16. Candidates can file nominations until March 23. Scrutiny of these papers will happen on March 24. Get ready for the electoral battle.

West Bengal Election Date 2026: West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026. Vote counting is set for May 4, 2026. Over a crore young voters will participate. The Election Commission is ensuring transparency with webcasting at all 80,719 polling stations. Security arrangements are a key focus for the upcoming elections.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Result Date: Tamil Nadu will vote for its 234 assembly constituencies on April 23. The formal election process begins with the gazette notification on March 30. Candidates can file nominations until April 6. Vote counting is set for May 4. The entire election process will conclude by May 6. This schedule outlines the key dates for the upcoming polls.

Kerala Election 2026 Date: In an exciting development for the political landscape, the Election Commission of India has revealed the timeline for the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections. Citizens can participate in the polling on April 9, with the eagerly awaited results to be declared on May 4. As we gear up for the elections, the Model Code of Conduct has officially commenced.

Assam Election 2026 Result Date: Assam gears up for its assembly elections. Voting for all 126 constituencies is set for April 9. The gazette notification will be issued on March 16. Nominations close on March 23. Candidates can withdraw until March 26. The final list of contestants will be announced. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4.

Assembly Elections 2026 dates: The Election Commission of India has announced the election schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. Voting will take place in April, with results declared on May 4, 2026. This significant electoral exercise involves approximately 17.4 crore voters. The commission has reviewed preparedness and ensured electoral rolls are accurate for a free and fair democratic festival.

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the 2026 Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections. Polling will take place across all 30 constituencies. The Model Code of Conduct is now in effect. This sets the stage for a contest between the ruling AINRC-BJP alliance and the opposition DMK-Congress. The results will determine the next government for the Union Territory.

F1 Race: The start of the Formula 1 season has been difficult for Verstappen, with a sixth-place finish in Melbourne and a DNF at the China Grand Prix affecting his position in the F1 standings.

Ahead of the 98th Academy Awards, six individuals from the entertainment industry face bans from the prestigious ceremony due to serious controversies. These expulsions, ranging from copyright violations to sexual assault convictions, highlight the Academy's stricter stance on member conduct. Notable figures like Will Smith, Harvey Weinstein, and Bill Cosby are among those excluded.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Brussels for crucial talks with European Union foreign ministers. This visit follows a significant Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU. Discussions will focus on deepening the strategic partnership. The ongoing Iran-US conflict and its impact on energy supplies are also on the agenda.

West Bengal government will begin paying pending Dearness Allowance arrears to employees and pensioners from March 2026. This decision fulfills a government promise. The payments will cover state government employees, pensioners, teachers, and staff in educational and grant-in-aid institutions. Arrears will be disbursed as per finance department notifications. This move aims to address cost-of-living adjustments for a significant workforce.

A recent X discussion highlighted the surprisingly high cost of living in Bengaluru for interns. An intern's detailed breakdown revealed an average monthly expenditure of nearly 26,000, with accommodation being the largest expense at 12,500. Food and transportation also contributed significantly to the budget.

Filmmaker Farah Khan recently recalled the 1990s, a turbulent period in Bollywood marked by the underworld's growing influence. The murder of producer Mukesh Duggal and threatening messages received by Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan highlighted the pervasive fear and vulnerability within the industry during that era.

Companies anticipate a surge in fixed-term jobs following new labour code implementation. This signals a move towards formal employment. While many firms are preparing, a readiness gap exists. The Code on Wages is expected to bring significant changes. Overall, the new codes are seen as a positive step for formalisation and compliance in India.

Yemen's Houthi rebels are currently observing the escalating Middle East conflict. Analysts believe their entry into the fight depends on Iran's strategic decisions and the conflict's expansion. The Houthis possess drones and are reportedly recruiting more fighters, signaling potential future involvement. Their actions could target oil shipping routes and Israel, impacting global energy supplies.