The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Actor R. Madhavan, at 55, attributes his fitness to kanji, a fermented South Indian rice preparation. This simple, nourishing dish, enhanced with yogurt and spices, offers digestive benefits, boosts immunity, and aids weight control. Madhavan highlights kanji as a cooling, calming, and energizing breakfast alternative.
Safe haven assets are investments people choose during market volatility and global tension. These include gold, silver, Treasury bills, cash, safe currencies, and defensive stocks. They usually stay stable when stock markets fall. However, they may give lower returns. Investors must balance risk and safety before investing in safe haven assets.
X, formerly Twitter, is cracking down on undisclosed AI-generated war videos. Creators failing to label synthetic footage depicting armed conflicts risk a 90-day suspension from the platform's revenue-sharing program for a first offense, with repeat offenders facing permanent removal. This move aims to combat misinformation during sensitive times.
In Lebanon, the Israeli military told residents south of the Litani River to move north, warning that the army was compelled to take military action against Hezbollah in the area.
Basque meaning: The word Basque refers to the people and culture of a region in northern Spain and southwestern France, known for their unique language, Euskara. In fashion, a basque describes a fitted bodice or jacket extending below the waist, accentuating the figure. This style, popular since the 19th century, adds structure and elegance to garments.
NATO air and missile defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Iran as it approached Turkish airspace, marking the first time Turkey has been directly involved in the escalating regional conflict. The Turkish Defence Ministry stated that necessary steps would be taken to defend its territory and airspace, warning all parties against actions that could further escalate the conflict.
The hospitality sector in India is gearing up for a robust surge in revenue, estimated at 9-12% growth by 2025-26. This optimistic forecast stems from a consistent influx of domestic tourists, thriving business conferences, extravagant weddings, and a healthy demand from corporate clients.
US stock futures turned green early Wednesday. Dow futures jumped to 48,598. S&P 500 futures climbed to 6,837. Nasdaq futures rose to 24,824. The rebound followed a sharp sell-off on Wall Street a day earlier. Markets reacted after reports said Iran quietly approached the US for talks to ease the conflict with Israel. That signal cooled oil fears. Brent crude hovered near $82 while WTI stayed around $75. Lower panic brought buyers back into equities. Investors now watch ADP payroll data and the
Air India is increasing international flights to Toronto, Frankfurt, and Paris. This is in response to strong travel demand. The conflict in West Asia is disrupting aviation. Additional services will run between March 5 and March 11. More options are available on these long-haul routes. Air India continues to assess the situation.
Hezbollah's decision to enter the regional war in support of Iran has created a significant rift with its main political ally, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and other Lebanese factions. The move, which caught many by surprise, has left the group isolated as Lebanon faces renewed conflict with Israel, sparking internal criticism over prioritizing foreign interests.
In a significant move towards enhancing economic opportunities in India, DEG, the German development finance institution, has joined forces with Citi to deliver a remarkable USD 76 million co-financing package to Shriram Finance.
During the pandemic, Shreya Singhal pursued a dual academic path, enrolling in an IIT Madras online Data Science program alongside her BCA degree. This challenging endeavor, which required her to revisit mathematics, fostered discipline and led to a Teaching Assistant role at IIT Madras. Her initiative in research ultimately paved the way for her admission to Harvard University.
Maharashtra Transport Strike March 5: Maharashtra transport unions announced a statewide strike on March 5 due to grievances over e-challans, taxation, and toll collections. Failed talks with the Transport Minister led to the protest, with drivers demanding fair treatment and reforms to the punitive e-challan system and excessive taxes.
Tyre giant MRF Ltd has announced plans to pour in Rs 5,300 crore over the next 12 years to set up a cutting-edge manufacturing plant in the Sivaganga district. This investment is expected to generate around 1,000 new jobs, signaling a pivotal advancement in the region's industrial landscape.
In the context of the Middle East, water has emerged as a vital strategic resource. Desalination facilities across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are crucial for supplying millions with safe drinking water. Presently, these key installations are facing assaults from Iranian military actions. The implications of such attacks are profound, potentially leading to widespread humanitarian crises and mass relocations.
Newlyweds Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are hosting their grand reception in Hyderabad today, March 4, coinciding with Holi. The exclusive, invite-only event and will see a mix of film personalities and political dignitaries. The couple emphasised safety and privacy, requesting fan cooperation for this closed-door celebration.
The U.S. military has joined Israel in a massive assault on Iran, targeting over a thousand locations and eliminating key figures like Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This action is sparking debate over President Trump's constitutional powers and adherence to international law. Legal experts are scrutinizing the legality of these strikes, particularly concerning presidential authority and the War Powers Resolution.
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has voiced grave concerns over the safety of children in the Middle East conflict. The committee highlighted an alleged air strike on an Iranian school in Minab, which Iran claims killed over 150 students.
Young men who voted for Donald Trump show divided opinions on recent US strikes in Iran. While some welcome the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, others fear a prolonged conflict and a lack of clear strategy. This sentiment could impact Republican support in upcoming elections. The situation in Iran is unfolding, with global markets reacting to the developments.
Vehicle owners will no longer need to visit transport offices to remove hypothecation from registration certificates. A new online system, launched on March 1, automates this process after loan repayment. This initiative aims to simplify procedures and save time for borrowers. Initially integrated with one nationalised bank and five NBFCs, more lenders will be added soon.
President Trumps strikes on Iran escalate risks for the US economy, compounding existing pressures from overvalued equities, tariffs, persistent inflation, and a fragile fiscal outlook. Rising energy prices, potential disruptions to trade, and geopolitical instability could trigger stagflation and test financial markets. With public debt near record levels and a weakened tariff strategy following the IEEPA ruling, Washington has limited fiscal space to respond. The combination of policy missteps
MLA Rohit Pawar alleges a cover-up attempt for VSR Ventures following the fatal plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar. He claims the preliminary AAIB report, while noting visibility issues and runway concerns, contains inaccuracies and doesn't fully address the company's alleged past lapses, including a prior incident involving CM Eknath Shinde.
India's services sector saw a slight slowdown in February, with new business growth at a 13-month low and operating costs at a two-and-a-half-year high. Despite this, overall services activity remained robust, supported by strong domestic demand and international sales, leading to increased optimism for the coming year.
This weekend comes with a new list of shows and movies to binge on different streaming platforms. From thrillers and emotional dramas to romantic stories, this Fridays OTT releases have something for everyone. There are international series, Korean dramas, and Indian films, giving viewers plenty of options to choose from. Read on!
Dassault Aviation's chief declared the Future Combat Air System project is finished. He noted Airbus's refusal to cooperate on the next-generation fighter. This dispute threatens the 100 billion euro development involving France, Germany, and Spain. The core issue is leadership of the fighter component. Dassault wants clear leadership, while Airbus prefers existing rules. The project's future is uncertain.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has secured a significant approval from the US FDA for its inhaler fluticasone propionate. This marks a key step in strengthening the company's respiratory offerings in the US market. The product is set for distribution starting March. Glenmark's achievement includes a Competitive Generic Therapy designation, granting them 180 days of market exclusivity.
A company's onboarding process unraveled on day one when a new hire refused to use a company-issued laptop. The HR executive suspected the recruit was juggling two jobs and the mandatory corporate device would expose his dual commitments. He ultimately resigned, leaving the company to reconsider its hiring practices.
Plank Exercise Benefits: The plank exercise, a simple yet effective move, significantly improves core strength and overall stability without equipment. Practicing it daily can combat issues arising from modern sedentary lifestyles, such as lower back pain and poor posture. This exercise engages deep core muscles, leading to enhanced strength, better posture, and increased confidence over time.
Through his quote, Rumi means we should cherish what truly matters while releasing what harms or no longer serves us. True peace comes from knowing when to keep and when to move on. You can use this mantra in relationships too by appreciating what matters, letting go of the negativity, balancing efforts and acceptance, and learning to forgive.
In a troubling trend, India now ranks second in the world for childhood obesity, with millions of its young citizens facing overweight challenges. This alarming situation signals an impending public health crisis, potentially leading to chronic diseases at earlier ages.
In response to rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has firmly declared its authority, Russia is set to increase its oil shipments to both China and India. The US Navy is on alert, ready to protect tanker routes through this vital corridor.
Hezbollah executed drone strikes targeting the headquarters of Israel Aerospace Industries located in central Israel. They confirmed launching a precision-guided missile aimed at a drone control facility in northern Israel. These operations were characterised by Hezbollah as retaliatory measures against what they termed Israeli provocations, taking place in the shadows of night, just before dawn.
Saudi Arabia's vital oil export terminal at Ras Tanura has been hit by an unidentified projectile. This is the second such incident in days. The facility is crucial for global energy supplies. The attacks raise concerns over regional security and oil shipments. Ras Tanura's strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz amplifies these worries. Operations and damage extent remain unclear.
Russia accused the United States of fabricating an Iranian threat as a pretext for regime change, calling U.S. calls for Iranians to seize power cynical and inhumane. Moscow stated that Washington used negotiations with Iran as a cover for its long-held plan to violently overthrow the sovereign state's constitutional order.
France will host a G7 finance ministers and central bankers meeting next week. The gathering aims to discuss the Middle East crisis and its global market impact. Discussions will focus on the evolving conflict and potential responses. Investors are worried about rising fuel prices due to supply disruptions. French officials are monitoring the situation and ensuring reasonable fuel price increases.
As unrest grows in West Asia due to the fallout from US-Israel military actions in Iran, Britain is stepping up efforts to bring its citizens back home. A dedicated flight from Oman is being arranged, prioritizing the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
People often eat excess sweets, namkin, and fried food during Holi and are concerned about the sudden weight gain. You can try simple tips the next day in the morning, like drinking warm lemon water, going for a short brisk walk, eating protein, staying hydrated and doing yoga to get back on track quickly. Dont try crash dieting the next day.
Qatar has stopped liquefied natural gas production following attacks. This halts supplies to India, affecting industrial consumers and city gas companies. Petronet LNG cannot send ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This disruption impacts India's energy needs and domestic sectors. Companies are seeking clarity on future gas availability.
In India's vibrant urban landscape, obesity and diabetes are becoming formidable adversaries. A new analysis highlights that while countless individuals are caught in the grip of these health challenges, there's a startling lack of awareness about innovative GLP-1 weight loss medications. Interestingly, informed individuals express considerable eagerness to explore these options.
The BJP has charged the Karnataka administration with misallocating funds intended for the development of SC/ST communities to prop up its guarantee programs. Opposition leader R Ashoka did not hold back, calling out Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and expressing his frustration over Rahul Gandhi's lack of response.
Lottery Sambad Results: The Nagaland State Lottery announced results for its March 4, 2026, Wednesday draws, including the Dear Indus Sambad Morning and Dear Spark Wednesday 1 PM lotteries. Participants vied for a 1 crore first prize, with secondary prizes also available. The state-run lottery operates daily with multiple draws and a structured prize system. Officials also remind participants to rely only on official or trusted platforms to check results
International Women's Day, observed annually on March 8, has evolved into a global movement celebrating women's achievements and highlighting ongoing challenges. In 2026, it falls on Sunday, March 8, with worldwide events focusing on gender equality, representation, and opportunity. The day serves as a crucial platform for reflection and continuous effort towards a more equitable future.
The Bombay High Court has set aside a divorce decree that was granted solely on the basis of WhatsApp chats, underscoring the importance of a fair hearing. The court ruled that digital evidence must be properly proved in accordance with the law, and that the other spouse must be given a reasonable opportunity to rebut allegations of cruelty before a divorce can be granted.
Following coordinated US-Israel attacks on Iran and subsequent blasts in Gulf cities, rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh reassured followers from Dubai that the situation is stable. He shared updates from a dining venue and his studio, urging people to disregard exaggerated news amidst escalating regional conflict and travel disruptions.
Iran-Israel War: The skies over Tehran witnessed a dramatic incident as an Israeli F-35 fighter jet engaged and downed an Iranian aircraft, a groundbreaking moment for the fighter program. This confrontation is part of a larger Israeli mission focused on crippling Iran's security apparatus, including precision strikes on military command posts and missile launchers.
Xander had acquired the Pinehurst asset in 2018 for Rs 340 crore as part of its India office investment strategy. The sale at Rs 852 crore implies a gross multiple of over four times on invested equity over an eight-year holding period, according to primary research and market data.
The gripping Korean action drama Bloodhounds returns for a second season in India, escalating the stakes with an underground international boxing league. Returning stars Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi face a new, ruthless adversary, promising more intense action and emotional depth as their bond is tested. Read on to know when and where to watch them online.
Cricket viewership in India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has surpassed 500 million. This event marks the highest viewership for any T20 World Cup. Concurrent viewers on JioHotstar reached 60.5 million. The tournament's knockout stage begins now. New Zealand faces South Africa in the first semifinal. India plays England in the second semifinal.

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