The Economic Times

A tragic accident occurred in Nepal when a passenger bus carrying Indian pilgrims veered off a mountain road. Seven Indian pilgrims lost their lives in the incident. Nine others, including seven Indian pilgrims and two Nepalis, sustained injuries. The bus was returning from the Manakamana Temple. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

With the Election Commission ready to disclose the assembly election timetable, the Congress party is quick to voice its concerns, suggesting that the decisions come with a 'G2' stamp of approval. They've branded this electoral phase as 'Modi's Code of Campaigning', allegedly rife with tactics aimed at intimidation and defamation.

Toxic smoke from U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian oil facilities has returned to Earth as lack rain, causing burning eyes and breathing difficulties for residents. This hazardous precipitation, formed from soot, ash, and toxic chemicals, poses significant short- and long-term health risks, including increased cancer risk and lung damage.

Israeli forces killed four Palestinians, a mother, father, and two children, in the occupied West Bank. Another Palestinian was killed by settlers. Rights groups report settlers are attacking Palestinians amid movement curbs. At least five Palestinians have been killed by settlers since February 28. The Israeli military is investigating the reports.

Lakhimpur Kheri's border villages are set for a major upgrade. Forty-seven villages near Nepal will receive all-weather roads and telecommunication. This initiative under Vibrant Village Programme II aims to boost infrastructure and livelihoods. The program seeks to strengthen frontier communities, promoting tourism and skill development. Planning is underway for comprehensive development across several border districts.

Dubai-based Solstice Data will invest Rs 52,600 crore in Mattannur's KINFRA Industrial Park. The company secured 100 acres for advanced AI-driven data centers. This project aims to unlock digital opportunities in Kerala. The investment will be realized over five to seven years. This marks significant industrial growth for the region.

The Allahabad High Court has directed Budaun district administration to not interfere with prayers at a mosque on private property. The court agreed that there is no legal prohibition against religious prayer meetings in private premises. Relief was granted to a petitioner seeking to prevent authorities from obstructing peaceful namaz offerings.

Restaurants are adapting to a shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. Many eateries are adjusting menus and using alternative cooking methods like induction stoves and electric ovens. Food delivery platform magicpin is assisting affected restaurants. The industry is showing resilience, with the issue expected to be short-term. India has also allowed alternate fuels for hotels and restaurants.

Pooja Bhatnagar saw her mother find love again. Her mother left a difficult marriage years ago. She built a career and raised Pooja. Later, she met someone new. Pooja supported her mother's decision. A small wedding celebrated their love and resilience. Pooja watched her mother's happiness. This showed life's beautiful second chances. A new bond formed with her stepfather.

Iran has revealed footage of its drone arsenal. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims it conducted its 48th wave of Operation True Promise 4. Targets included northern Israel and several American military bases in the region. The IRGC stated the attacks were coordinated with Hezbollah. Solid-fuel and liquid-fuel missiles along with drones were reportedly used. Panic was claimed in Israel.

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered all recruitment boards to avoid offensive remarks. This directive follows a controversial question in a police recruitment exam that caused outrage. The question, which included 'pandit' as an option for someone who changes with opportunity, hurt community sentiments. Habitual offenders will be blacklisted. An inquiry is underway.

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry announced the destruction of numerous drones targeting its Riyadh and eastern regions. This follows a significant increase in aerial threats. Israel has also launched strikes in Tehran and Lebanon. US President Donald Trump indicated an intensified campaign against Iran. Regional stability remains a concern amid these developments.

Indian designers are turning textile waste into new fabrics and products. Brands like Paiwand Studio and Doodlage are leading this movement. They are creating running fabrics and elevated basics from discarded materials. This practice is moving beyond patchwork to become a structured part of the fashion supply chain. It offers a sustainable alternative to virgin raw materials.

UN chief Antonio Guterres highlights a significant problem with the Security Council. He states it no longer mirrors today's world, reflecting instead the post-1945 era. Guterres points out the absence of permanent members from Africa and Latin America. He emphasizes the Council's legitimacy and efficiency issues stemming from vetoes, hindering conflict resolution. India advocates for reform, seeking permanent membership.

Indian chefs are elevating dining with multi-course tasting menus. This trend focuses on ingredient storytelling, nostalgia, and regional diversity. Restaurants in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai are offering unique experiences. Diners are seeking adventurous, narrative-driven meals. This format allows chefs to showcase their skills and connect with local produce.

Life's milestones, from college admissions to career advancements and property purchases, often bring fleeting satisfaction as comparisons to others quickly emerge. Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo's viral post highlights this cycle, urging a shift from external benchmarks to personal gratitude and fulfillment. He advocates for redefining success based on individual priorities rather than societal expectations.

In a landmark achievement, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises has wrapped up 364 innovative projects designed to strengthen the economic landscape. A key highlight is the initiative to enhance traditional industries, reaching out to more than 300,000 artisans in the process.

The U.S. military is rapidly advancing high-energy laser weapons as a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile defense. While the cost per shot is significantly lower, operational limitations like weather and the technology's developmental stage present challenges. Several nations are also pursuing similar laser capabilities, highlighting a global race for this emerging defense technology.

The Congress party criticized Prime Minister Modi, stating the Chabahar port is no longer on India's horizon, marking a second strategic setback in Central Asian diplomacy. This follows the closure of India's air force base in Ayni, Tajikistan. The party recalled the previous government's initiative and investment in the port.

Filmmaker David Dhawan has defended actor Govinda against lateness accusations. He also talked about Govinda's talent, recalling a remarkable single-take performance from the film Partner. The director said all of this on The Great Indian Kapil Show with his son Varun Dhawan. Their past collaborations defined 90s Bollywood comedy. Read on to know more about it.

Vietnamese citizens are voting for parliament members. The Communist Party has nominated almost all candidates, ensuring its continued dominance. This election is a democratic nod in a one-party state. New leaders are expected to be approved in April. Voters hope for modernization and better policies.

The rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic is posing a challenge to the fitness industry, with cheaper generic versions expected to enter India soon. While some fear this could lead to a decline in gym memberships, others see it as an opportunity to offer specialised training and integrated wellness programmes to support people using these medications.

Financial expert Nitin Kaushik warns that flashy spending can drain finances. Luxury items like cars lose value quickly. Everyday expenses, if invested, could grow into crores over time. True wealth is often hidden in growing assets, not visible possessions. Financial independence offers freedom, not just appearances. Prioritizing real wealth builds security and choices.

LPG Price March 15: Domestic LPG prices saw a significant Rs 60 jump to Rs 913.00 in New Delhi. Commercial LPG distribution has resumed for industries. Authorities assure sufficient supply and urge the public to avoid panic booking. Two LPG carriers have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with enhanced monitoring in the Persian Gulf region.

Airlines like IndiGo and Air India are experiencing flight disruptions between India and the UAE due to operational restrictions in the region. Several flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been cancelled or rescheduled, impacting passengers. This crisis also contributes to rising aviation fuel prices, leading airlines to implement fuel surcharges.

Aamir Khan's sports comedy-drama Sitaare Zameen Par, after an experimental pay-per-view release, is finally heading for its digital debut. This marks the first Hindi theatrical film to premiere directly on the platform SonyLiv, nearly a year after its theatrical debut and successful box office run. Read on!

Israel Iran Conflict Day 16 Latest Updates: The Iran-US-Israel war escalates on its 16th day with escalating threats and missile strikes. President Trump warned of further attacks on Iran's Kharg Island, while Tehran vowed intensified retaliation, ruling out a ceasefire until its territory stops being attacked. The conflict raises concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and has led to a drone attack disrupting UAE energy infrastructure.

Turbulence in the Middle East extends beyond its immediate impact on human lives; it poses a grave threat to the environment. The rampant consumption of jet fuel and the burning of oil facilities send plumes of greenhouse gases into the air. Moreover, assaults on energy systems lead to hazardous pollutants infiltrating our air and waterways.

An LPG shortage is prompting a return to older cooking methods. The Icmic cooker, invented in Calcutta, offers a slow-cooking solution. Induction cooking, with roots in early 20th-century patents, is also gaining traction. Maintaining a variety of cooking options is crucial. Kolkata could revive the Icmic cooker. This ensures preparedness for future fuel challenges.

Nick Jonas once shared touching words about love and vulnerability. His song Find You explores the complicated emotions of seeking connection. Jonas believes love can be intimidating, exposing fears, yet the desire for it remains strong. This perspective resonates today, stating that the balance between fear and hope in building genuine relationships. Read on!

Iran's IRGC launched Operation True Promise 4, striking US military bases in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan with missiles and drones. These retaliatory strikes followed alleged US-Israeli aggression, with Iran claiming to have intercepted enemy drones. Tehran also warned of further action against US industrial facilities and urged regional neighbors to expel US forces.

Ancient Greek thinker Democritus believed human fate is shaped by character and choices. He argued people blame nature and fate for misfortunes. However, Democritus proposed that our own mistakes and weaknesses create our destiny. This ancient wisdom encourages self-awareness and personal growth. Understanding this can help individuals influence their future outcomes.

Investing a fixed amount monthly may seem slow but patience is key to wealth creation. Nitin Kaushik explains how consistent SIPs can grow into crores over decades. The real magic of compounding happens in later years. Human behavior, not market volatility, is the biggest investment risk. Sticking to a plan unlocks significant financial growth.

Lebanon is open to direct peace talks with Israel, but insists on a ceasefire first, according to Al Jazeera. This comes as Israel threatens a major ground invasion. Discussions could involve US figures and potentially take place in Paris or Cyprus, though France denies proposing specific peace terms.

What do you get when music, dance and drama are folded together? Directed and choreographed by Shiamak Davar, Tesseract: The Geometry of Truth, runs till March 22 at Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA Mumbai.

Dubai is actively working to restore its image as a secure destination following Iran's missile and drone attacks. Authorities are promoting a message of continued safety, with influencers supporting the government's narrative, while simultaneously cracking down on the sharing of strike footage to mitigate reputational damage.

Its the 98th edition of the Academy Awards today. So grab your popcorn, read our primer, and get into the Oscars groove.

Longreach is bracing for significant flooding. River levels are predicted to reach a peak of 6.7 metres, mirroring the 2000 flood. Residents are actively sandbagging homes as water seeps into streets. Authorities warn of potential isolation for estates outside the town for over a week due to anticipated road closures. Wildlife is also being displaced by the rising waters.

Federal Reserve officials are likely to keep interest rates steady next week. The ongoing US-Israel war on Iran is creating market uncertainty and impacting oil prices. Recent economic figures also indicate a slowdown. Policymakers face a challenge balancing inflation concerns with employment figures. Traders are adjusting expectations for rate cuts.

Elon Musk's X is struggling to control AI-generated war videos. Lifelike deepfakes showing captured soldiers and destroyed cities are circulating widely. X has introduced a new policy to demonetize creators posting AI war content without disclosure. However, researchers remain doubtful about its effectiveness. The platform's revenue-sharing model may still incentivize the spread of sensational fake news.

U.S. and Chinese economic officials are meeting in Paris to address trade issues ahead of President Trump's Beijing visit. Discussions will focus on tariffs, rare earth minerals, tech exports, and agricultural purchases. Analysts suggest limited breakthrough potential due to time constraints and U.S. focus on the Iran conflict.

Delhi Weather: Delhi experienced early Sunday rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds, prompting a yellow alert from the IMD. This weather activity is expected to bring a slight drop in temperatures over the next few days, with minimums potentially reaching 14-16C by Monday. The pre-monsoon showers, triggered by a western disturbance, arrived about 10 days earlier than usual.

North Korea conducted a test of its state of the art, nuclear-capable multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS), state media reported Sunday, a day after Seoul identified the launch of around 10 ballistic missiles. North Korea also recently carried out missile tests from the naval Choe Hyon destroyer, claiming the country was in the process of arming the Navy with nuclear weapons.

Iran threatened regional escalation in response to U.S. airstrikes, while President Trump urged allies to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides appear entrenched, with no diplomatic resolution in sight as oil supply disruptions continue. Iran has rejected a ceasefire until U.S. and Israeli strikes cease.