The Economic Times

Did Kuwait mistakenly shoot down 3 US jets and will Trump send US troops into Iran? The Iran conflict has widened to Lebanon and Gulf states. Kuwait downed three US F-15E jets by mistake. Trump signaled possible ground troops. Oil prices, shipping, and air travel face disruption.

Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, is remembered for his raw honesty and dark humor. His quote, 'Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most,' captures his chaotic life. From Black Sabbath's heavy metal beginnings to solo success and reality TV fame, Osbourne navigated triumphs and struggles. His legacy continues to inspire.

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz and will ensure oil prices reach $200 after US and Israeli strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The move threatens global oil supply, raises gasoline prices, and increases military action across the Gulf, Lebanon, and Abu Dhabi.

Photographs revealed a red rash on Donald Trump's neck, sparking online speculation. The White House physician clarified it was from a preventive skin treatment. This topical cream, used for one week, is expected to cause temporary redness for several weeks. The mark appeared during a White House event, drawing significant attention.

Netflix will stop working on old devices: Netflix is ending support for millions of older devices this week. This includes PlayStation 3 consoles and decade-old smart TVs. Users have until March 2, 2026, to enjoy their favorite shows on these platforms. Newer devices will continue to support the streaming service. Sony is also innovating with its new car model, Afeela 1.

Happy Holi 2026 Images: Holi 2026 approaches, offering a vibrant occasion to share joy. The article provides 50 wishes, quotes, and messages for friends and family. These can be used for social media status updates and greetings. Celebrate the festival of colours with happiness and togetherness. Spread positivity and create colourful memories this Holi.

The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has escalated. Israel has attacked Lebanon following strikes by Hezbollah. Iran continues its missile and drone attacks on Gulf states. US forces have suffered casualties. New fronts are opening, with Hezbollah launching attacks towards Israel. This widening war shows no immediate signs of ending.

Word of the day: Onomatopoeia means a word that imitates real sound. Words like buzz, crash, boom, and whisper copy natural noise. Writers use this literary device to create sound imagery and stronger storytelling. Most people associate onomatopoeia with cartoon effects like POW or BOOM. But linguists identify several distinct categories that go much deeper.

A new study says gossiping about your boss is not always bad. It can make workers feel guilty and avoid their manager, which can hurt work. But it can also help coworkers feel closer and support each other more. Researchers say gossip has both good and bad effects, especially when a boss behaves badly toward employees.

India and Canada have signed significant agreements on uranium and critical minerals. Both nations aim to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. This partnership includes cooperation in defense, technology, and renewable energy. The leaders finalized terms for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. This move signifies a reset in relations and unlocks new opportunities for both countries.

Quote of the day by Roger Waters: Roger Waters, co-founder of Pink Floyd, asserts that war is highly profitable, driven by rapid spending on military endeavors and reconstruction. This economic incentive, he argues, encourages the promotion of conflict and the identification of 'others' for legitimate warfare, influencing political narratives and public perception.

John F. Kennedys famous inaugural quote, Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty, captures the essence of leadership, commitment, and resilience. Delivered during the Cold War the statement resonates universally, encouraging personal courage, steadfastness, and loyalty.

The body of a 55-year-old man separately was found in the rubble of a house in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, while a woman -- born in 1937 -- was killed in the northern Chernigiv region, local officials announced.

Global reinsurers are reviewing war risk insurance for ships and planes due to rising tensions in West Asia. The Strait of Hormuz is now seen as a high-risk combat zone. Premiums for war risk are expected to increase significantly. Some hull policies have already been cancelled or repriced. Cargo policies are still under review.

Shipping costs are increasing as carriers implement an Emergency Conflict Surcharge. This charge applies to cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East. One major shipping company is adding between $2,000 and $4,000 per container. More operators are expected to follow suit. This impacts India's imports of crude oil and fertilizers. Traders anticipate further cost hikes.

Budget smartphones under 10,000 are set to vanish. Rising component costs, particularly for memory, are forcing brands to increase prices. This shift means fewer budget options for consumers. Major brands are already moving to higher price segments. The market is experiencing a reversal of a decade-long trend of better specs at lower prices.

Cooking oil prices have increased by up to 5 percent. This rise is linked to higher crude oil prices and increased demand for biodiesel. Dry fruit prices, including dates, almonds, and pistachios, have also climbed. Disruptions in shipping routes from Iran, Afghanistan, and the UAE are affecting availability.

Aloke Singh, managing director of Air India Express, will depart on March 19. His five-year tenure saw significant changes including privatization and a merger. The airline expanded its fleet fourfold and became India's third-largest narrow-body operator. Capt Hamish Maxwell will assume the role of accountable manager.

American media giants are rethinking their India strategy. Recent years saw major players like Disney and Paramount adjust their stakes or exit operations. Lionsgate sold its streaming service. These moves reflect the challenges of India's competitive media landscape. Companies are now focusing more on content licensing rather than direct investment in local platforms.

Qatar's LNG output accounts for about 20% of global supply and is critical to balancing demand in Asian and European markets. The halt came as regional attacks entered a third day, also forcing the suspension of operations at Saudi Arabia's largest domestic oil refinery, most oil production in Iraqi Kurdistan and several Israeli gas fields, disrupting exports to Egypt.

Public sector banks are set to launch a global capability centre strategy by FY27. State Bank of India will lead this initiative. Banks will also develop advanced technology like AI stacks and blockchain. This move aims to modernize lenders and improve productivity. India's BFSI GCCs are projected for significant growth by 2032.

Former West Bengal minister Partha Chatterjee and aide Arpita Mukherjee have been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate. This is in connection with the ongoing teachers' recruitment corruption case. Both had previously received bail in the matter. Chatterjee was arrested in July 2022. Arpita Mukherjee was arrested after cash was found at her residence. The CBI is also investigating the case.

Public sector enterprises are experiencing a concerning omission in governance, with an insufficient number of independent directors being appointed. In FY25 alone, 36 companies failed to fulfill the basic requirement, and some lacked any independent oversight whatsoever. This pervasive issue demands immediate attention to prevent further deterioration of governance standards.

The Union Home Ministry has established two new committees in West Bengal to process Citizenship Amendment Act applications. These committees will expedite applications under the Citizenship Rules, 2009. Officers of deputy secretary rank and above will lead these groups. This move aims to manage the significant number of applications received.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Election Commission and the central government of bias. She claims widespread voter deletions are occurring in her Bhabanipur constituency. Banerjee announced she will observe a dharna on March 6. She expressed confidence in winning from Bhabanipur despite these alleged injustices. The Chief Minister stated her fight for people's rights will continue.

India and the US are progressing towards a trade agreement. Both nations are working to improve market access and lower trade barriers. An interim agreement will see India reduce tariffs on US industrial and agricultural products. It also addresses barriers for US medical devices and IT goods.

Passport Bhavan in Panaji received a bomb threat email early Monday morning. Authorities immediately evacuated the premises. A thorough search was conducted by the Bomb Disposal Squad. No suspicious items were found. The office was declared safe for operations. The incident was confirmed to be a hoax.

A 63 Supreme Court ruling has put Donald Trumps $2,000 rebate checks plan under fresh scrutiny in 2026. The Court blocked his tariff authority, the same revenue source he linked to funding the proposed stimulus payments. Now millions of Americans are asking: will the Trump $2,000 rebate checks actually arrive? Trump says he may commit to sending direct payments, calling them tariff refunds for taxpayers. Analysts estimate the plan could cost $600 billion. Eligibility rules remain unclear. Congre

In a bold move, Amit Shah and Nitin Nabin are set to tackle the issue of infiltration in Bengal with their ambitious 'detect, delete, and deport' initiative. They assure that the voting rights of Hindu refugees will be upheld, alongside a commitment to implementing the Seventh Pay Commission just 45 days after establishing their government in West Bengal.

Global markets became shaky in early March 2026 after tensions in the Middle East increased. Oil prices rose quickly, and investors rushed to safer assets like gold and the US dollar. Most stocks fell due to fear of economic trouble, but defence companies gained. Experts say investors are now staying careful and watching economic data and conflict developments closely.

A 50-year-old assistant teacher, Krishna Kumar Verma, who went missing five days ago, was found dead in the Yamuna River. Verma was on Special Intensive Revision duty for electoral rolls. His family reported him missing after he did not return home. Fishermen discovered his body floating near Mahila Ghat.

Amid mounting conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, a satirical website urging the drafting of Barron Trump surfaced online the same day military strikes began. The site, clearly parody in tone, features fabricated quotes and exaggerated admiration of inherited strength, drawing spotlight to debates concerning political leadership and military responsibility. The strikes, part of Operation Epic Fury, followed failed nuclear negotiations and resulted in American casualties, prompt

The Election Commission of India's full bench will visit West Bengal on March 9-10. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will lead the delegation. The ECI has instructed officials on the proper utilization of central forces during the upcoming polls. Discussions covered election preparedness, materials, EVMs, VVPATs, personnel, and logistics. Assured Minimum Facilities are reported as completed by the state administration.

A retired FBI agent believes a walkie-talkie was used in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. This explains why cell phone tracking yielded no leads. Surveillance footage showed a potential suspect with what appeared to be a walkie-talkie. This suggests the crime was not a solo act. Authorities continue their search for the missing 84-year-old.

India's gold loan sector is evolving rapidly and redefining the way wealth is perceived and leveraged. Historically seen as a specialty service, it is now a popular financing option for the well-to-do. The prevalence of loans over 5 lakh is a clear indicator of this cultural evolution. This phenomenon is largely propelled by soaring gold prices and progressive government policies.

Kashmir Valley observed a complete shutdown. Protests erupted against US-Israel actions in Iran and the killing of Ali Khamenei. Authorities imposed movement restrictions and internet slowdowns. Police used force against protestors. Businesses and transport remained shut. Educational institutions will also close. Similar shutdowns occurred in parts of Jammu and Ladakh.

The Supreme Court has taken serious note of a trial court using AI-generated fake judgments. Such decisions are now considered misconduct, not just an error. The apex court will examine the consequences and accountability. Notices have been issued to the Attorney General, Solicitor General, and the Bar Council of India.

India and Canada are boosting security cooperation. Leaders agreed to work together on terrorism, extremism, and organized crime. This includes tackling illegal narcotics and cybercrime. New mechanisms will streamline communication and information sharing. Both nations will strengthen cybersecurity and immigration enforcement. Military and maritime security partnerships are also set to expand.

ECI may begin polls with TN, Assam & Puducherry; Kerala, Bengal likely to be in sync

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin stated the state achieved double-digit growth. He attributed this success to the Dravidian model government. Stalin criticized the central government and the BJP. He highlighted Tamil Nadu's economic performance. The Chief Minister also addressed issues concerning the Maduravoyal road project. He spoke about upcoming assembly elections.

Pro-Iran protestors attacked and burned a key UNMOGIP field office in Skardu, Pakistan. This incident followed US-Israel strikes and resulted in casualties and a curfew. Meanwhile, protests in India, including in Kashmir, were peaceful. India maintains the UNMOGIP has outlived its relevance since the 1972 Shimla Agreement.

Sunny Leones 10-year-old adopted daughter, Nisha Kaur Weber, is already making her own money with a patented invention called the Boo Box. The idea came from a simple problem at home tissues lying around due to Nishas allergies and she turned it into a practical product priced at Rs 999 and available online.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held urgent talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Jordan's King Abdullah II. Discussions focused on the escalating West Asian crisis. Modi stressed the critical need for civilian safety and an early end to the conflict.

The Delhi High Court has granted relief to Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib. The court stayed a sessions court order that had halted his bail. Chib was arrested in connection with a protest at the AI summit. The High Court noted a lack of reasoning in the sessions court's order.