The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Europe grapples with a crisis over the Strait of Hormuz. High oil prices demand action, but war opposition grows. President Trump's stance complicates matters. European leaders are caught between voter anger over energy costs and political resistance to military intervention. This situation impacts European politics and international relations.
LPG shortage: There has been no change in the prices of domestic and commercial LPG cylinder prices in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and other cities on March 26, 2026. The government has said that there is no shortage of LPG in the country and urged people not to indulge in panic buying. Households in areas with available piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure must switch from LPG within three months or face supply cessation, the government has said.
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting in France. He will join discussions on key global issues. These include the war in Ukraine and maritime security. The meeting will also focus on global governance reforms. Several partner countries are invited to the event. Mr. Jaishankar will also hold bilateral talks with his counterparts.
President Trump aims for a swift end to the Iran conflict within weeks. He views the war as nearing its conclusion, despite ongoing peace talks. Trump is managing multiple priorities, including domestic issues and upcoming elections. The U.S. is reinforcing military pressure while exploring diplomatic avenues. The situation remains complex with international involvement.
One Vengeance For Al video Iran: Iran's state media released a provocative AI video depicting a missile striking a reimagined Statue of Liberty, coinciding with claims of shooting down a US fighter jet and rejecting a ceasefire. These actions escalate military tensions in West Asia as both sides signal readiness for further confrontation.
Israel Iran Day 27 News Updates: The Gulf war is in its fourth week. Diplomatic progress remains elusive. Conflicting messages from Tehran and Washington create uncertainty. The United States has proposed an end to the conflict. Iran's response is cautious. Oil markets reflect this instability. The war is expanding geographically and strategically. A dangerous phase may be emerging without a clear diplomatic path.
Farmers milk recall: Agropur has voluntarily recalled certain milk products, including Farmers, Qubon, and Natrel brands, manufactured at its Bedford, Nova Scotia facility. The recall was initiated due to a consumer complaint identifying a potential risk of glass-like material in the products. The company is cooperating with the CFIA and urges consumers to check for affected products and return or discard them.
Israel Defence Forces said it carried out extensive strikes in Irans Isfahan and earlier hit weapons production sites and defence systems in the Tehran region. The attacks targeted infrastructure linked to Irans military capabilities.
Indian Oil Corporation has bought LPG from Iran for the first time in nearly eight years as India faces a supply crunch due to the Middle East conflict disrupting shipments via the Strait of Hormuz. The cargo, about 43,000 tonnes, will be shared with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, but is enough for only half a days demand. Shortages have forced rationing and pushed some households to alternative fuels.
Dhurandhar 2 is a box office hit. A doctor from Ludhiana, Dr Sunny Ashok, was called to the set to treat Arjun Rampal's injury. He later met Ranveer Singh. The director asked Dr Ashok to act in a scene. He played a doctor treating Ranveer Singh. Read on to know how it all happened.
Despite government assurances of ample fuel, panic buying has led to long queues and dry pumps in Telangana's capital, Hyderabad. Rumors of shortages and price hikes fueled unprecedented demand, overwhelming supply chains. Several petrol pumps in Hyderabad and many parts of Telangana shut their operations on Wednesday due to depletion of stocks. Dealers cite delayed replenishments and payment issues, leaving many stations with 'no stock' signs.
The Israeli military said Wednesday it had struck a submarine development facility in Isfahan, a day after its air force carried out a wave of strikes on the central Iran city. The centre is the only facility in Iran responsible for the design and development of submarines and support systems for the Iranian navy, it said, adding that the site also produced various types of unmanned vessels.
The Dhurandhar franchise has redefined Hindi cinema. Its massive success highlights the power of a director's vision and authentic storytelling. The films broke old filmmaking molds, focusing on depth and engaging narratives. Innovative editing, bold music choices, and a blend of genres have captivated audiences. This approach has set a new benchmark for the industry.
A modest Telugu film, released in 2005, defied expectations to become a massive hit. Directed by Prabhu Deva and starring Siddharth and Trisha Krishnan, its heartfelt love story about overcoming family disapproval resonated deeply. The movie's success led to an astonishing number of remakes in various Indian languages, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Ram Navami 2026 kab hai: This year, Ram Navami 2026 is being celebrated today, March 26, 2026. The Navami Tithi begins at 11:48 AM on Thursday and will end on Friday at 10:06 am. Ram Navami is the birth of Lord Rama and people celebrate this day as Ram Janmotsav. Devotees chant prayers, religious recitations, and visit Ayodhya to honour the revered deity, seeking his blessings.
Hundreds of oil tankers are stranded as Iran blockades the Strait of Hormuz. Soaring oil prices are impacting the global economy. Experts warn that reopening the vital shipping route will be challenging without a diplomatic solution or a lengthy military occupation. Iran's geography favors its asymmetric warfare tactics, making it difficult to fully restore traffic.
The United States has hit two-thirds of Iran's production facilities for missiles and drones, and a similar proportion of its naval production, a top officer said Wednesday. We have damaged or destroyed over two-thirds of Iran's missile drone and naval production facilities and shipyards, and we're not done yet, he said, adding that US forces had now struck over 10,000 military targets.
Malayalam film Masthishka Maranam, a sci-fi drama mixing dark humour and emotional storytelling, is set for its digital premiere. The movie, starring Rajisha Vijayan as superstar Frida Soman, explores a futuristic Kochi where memories can be traded, following a grieving father's journey into a complex digital network. Read on to know more about its digital debut.
Dhurandhar: The Revenge is a box office success. The film has crossed Rs 600 crore in India. Globally, it is nearing Rs 1000 crore. The movie stars Ranveer Singh and has a strong ensemble cast. It builds on the legacy of the first Dhurandhar film. Audiences are showing strong support for the action-packed sequel. Read on to know how much it earned on day 7.
Israel is intensifying attacks on Iranian arms targets. This action comes as the United States and Iran may be nearing peace talks. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered maximum effort to destroy Iran's arms industry. Israel fears a deal before achieving its war aims. These aims include curbing Iran's missile and nuclear programs.
Despite pushing for talks with Iran, the US has deployed thousands of troops to the region, raising fears of a risky ground invasion. Iran has rejected diplomacy and threatened massive retaliation if US forces land. Analysts outline three difficult options: occupy Kharg Island, capture nuclear material, or control the Strait of Hormuz, all carrying high risks.
Iran has allowed vessels from friendly countriesincluding India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistanto pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Thursday. The move follows UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres call to reopen the strait, warning that its prolonged closure is disrupting oil, gas, and fertilizer supplies and worsening global economic and humanitarian impacts.
The scheme subsidises airlines flying to remote destinations at fares capped by the government. Its performance has been uneven so far. Of the 649 routes where flights had been launched, only about half remain operational as some airlines stopped flights after the threeyear subsidy window closed. Of the viability gap funding, 80% comes from a Rs 6,500 levy imposed on each metro flight.
Iran is considering a US proposal to end the Gulf war. However, the nation has no plans for direct talks to resolve the broader Middle East conflict. The US has sent a 15-point plan through Pakistan. Global markets reacted positively to the news, with oil prices falling. Military movements are also underway in the Gulf region.
A bizarre, tentacled object photographed on the International Space Station by astronaut Don Pettit sparked online alarm, with many mistaking it for an alien egg. Pettit revealed the 'Spudnik-1' is actually a purple potato, part of his off-duty space gardening experiments. He explained potatoes are vital for future long-duration space missions, citing their nutritional efficiency.
Quote of the Day: Desiderius Erasmus, a Northern Renaissance scholar, advocated for reason and humanity during tumultuous times. His quote, The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war, challenges the justification of conflict. Erasmus believed that even flawed peace preserves life and offers opportunities for growth, while war brings irreversible destruction and moral decay.
Quote of the day by Cameron Diaz focuses on the idea that regret comes from missed opportunities rather than actions taken. The article explains quote of the day meaning, quote of the day relevance, and life lessons from the quote. It also highlights Cameron Diaz career journey, personal experiences, and how her words connect with real-life decisions and growth.
The International Energy Agency has issued emergency energy saving guidelines. These recommendations aim to reduce fuel consumption amid fears of global crisis. The measures include working from home and reducing speed limits. Public transport is encouraged over private vehicles. These steps are designed to address potential fuel shortages stemming from the Middle East conflict.
What is Discord Awaiting Endpoint error and how to resolve it? This issue surfaced during a Discord outage that impacted thousands of users worldwide. Many users faced problems connecting to voice channels due to server issues. The report explains the error, its causes, affected services, user reactions, and steps users can follow to resolve connection failures.
Discord is experiencing a major outage impacting voice chat services, with thousands of users reporting connection issues. The company believes it has identified the problem and is actively working to restore voice traffic. Users encountering the awaiting endpoint message are not alone as the platform addresses the widespread disruption.
Alice Walkers quote reminds people to believe in themselves. It says many people lose their power because they think they are weak. The message encourages confidence, self-belief, and inner strength. It inspires readers to take control of their life, trust their abilities, and stop doubting themselves. The quote works as daily motivation for students, workers, and anyone seeking encouragement today.
NorthPark Center was evacuated Wednesday afternoon due to a potential security issue, with multiple sources indicating a possible bomb threat prompted a significant law enforcement response. Police are investigating the incident, leading to traffic disruptions and a warning for residents to avoid the North Dallas area. No injuries or arrests have been reported as the investigation continues.
Restaurants in India face a directive from the consumer watchdog. The Central Consumer Protection Authority has instructed eateries not to add extra charges for LPG costs to customer bills. This move aims to ensure transparency and prevent unjustified costs for consumers. Restaurants are advised to increase menu prices if needed instead of levying separate fees.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India is aggressively pushing to overtake Hero MotoCorp in the two-wheeler market. The company is offering significant dealer incentives for scooters. This move aims to boost sales and retail traction. Honda seeks to close the gap with its main competitor. The final push for the fiscal year is underway.
Unexpected rains and inflation from the West Asia war are impacting summer sales for beverage and appliance companies. Manufacturers face rising costs for packaging materials like PET resin and polyolefins. Some are cutting promotions and absorbing losses. Companies are also paying premiums for glass and cans to avoid shortages. This comes after a poor sales season last year.
India is compiling detailed industry data following a US Section 301 probe into alleged excess capacity in sectors like petrochemicals and steel. The commerce ministry is gathering information on production, employment, and policy support to address US concerns about practices potentially burdening American commerce.
UltraTech Cement has finally settled a lengthy arbitration dispute with Jaiprakash Associates, paving the way for a fresh financial landscape. Under the newly minted agreement, 1,000 crore worth of preference shares tied to the Dalla Super cement project will be redeemed. This resolution is strategically aligned with the Adani Groups recent acquisition, potentially easing their initial cash burden.
The Indian rupee is weakening, raising concerns about rising imported inflation. Higher global oil and commodity prices, coupled with increased logistics costs due to the Gulf conflict, are being passed on to consumers. Economists warn that continued conflict and elevated prices will add to future inflationary pressures. Businesses are already increasing prices as input costs rise.
The White House has issued a stern warning to Iran. President Trump is prepared to take severe action if Iran does not agree to a peace deal. This comes as the US military reports significant successes against Iranian capabilities. Talks between Washington and Tehran are reportedly ongoing, despite conflicting statements from Iran.
India has maintained its retail inflation target at 4 percent for the Reserve Bank of India. This decision ensures continuity and price stability amidst global economic uncertainties. The framework, set for another five years until March 2031, obligates the RBI to manage monetary policy for price control. This move influences government fiscal measures, aiming for overall economic stability.
The minister directed officials of a high-level committee with representatives of various government departments to safeguard the interests of the Indian agriculture sector and farmers amid current global volatility and to ensure strategic preparation for the upcoming kharif season.
The rule will apply to households that can be supplied natural gas by city gas distributors due to their proximity to pipeline infrastructure. City gas companies will first send a communication by registered post, asking such households to apply for and become PNG subscribers. If they do not apply within three months, their LPG supply will be discontinued.
Prudential Plc and HCL Group are close to launching their health insurance joint venture. Regulatory approvals are progressing well. Eased Press Note 3 rules are facilitating the deal. This partnership was delayed for over a year. The venture is structured as a 70:30 partnership. Relaxations in rules are expected to improve foreign investment.
Quote of the day by Oscar Wilde: Oscar Wilde's timeless quote on forgiveness offers a unique perspective. It suggests that forgiving enemies is not just an act of kindness but a strategic move that can disarm them. This approach demonstrates inner strength and control. By choosing forgiveness, individuals free themselves from negative emotions like anger and bitterness.
A new bill aims to speed up bankruptcy resolution in India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The proposed changes focus on creditor-led, out-of-court settlements. This aims to reduce delays and improve the process for resolving insolvent companies. The bill also addresses cross-border and corporate group insolvency cases.
Starting April 1, the prices of essential medicines will experience an increase of 0.6%. This change aligns with the annual alterations in the Wholesale Price Index. Approximately 1,000 medications listed in the National List of Essential Medicines will be impacted.
President Trump will visit Beijing on May 14-15 for a summit with Xi Jinping, a trip rescheduled from earlier this month. The delay was to allow Trump to focus on the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested the conflict could conclude within weeks, aligning with the new travel dates.
February 2026 witnessed a subtle decline in credit card transactions compared to the previous month, January. Despite this, a year-on-year comparison reveals increased consumer spending. Banks are enthusiastically welcoming new credit card clientele, which hints at a thoughtful growth strategy. The sustained expansion is primarily fueled by advancements in digital services and e-commerce.
The Lok Sabha approved the Finance Bill, introducing enhanced tax authority powers and changes to share buyback taxation, capping the surcharge at 12%. The bill also allows retrospective tax case reopening and revalidation of past orders. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated the aim is to reduce litigation and compliance burdens for small taxpayers and businesses.

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