The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
The ruling BJP in Assam has launched the 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra'. This rally began from Gupteshwar Temple at Dhekiajuli. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and State unit President Dilip Saikia inaugurated the event. The Yatra aims to connect with approximately one lakh people daily. It is planned to cover 70-80 kilometers each day.
Saudi Arabia said in an announcement on state-run media that Iran had targeted its capital and its eastern region in an attack that was repelled. Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the US Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom. Witnesses heard sirens and explosions in Kuwait, home to US Army Central. Explosions could also be heard in Qatar.
US-Iran war has evoked sharp and strong reactions from Russia and China even as President Donald Trump called for regime change in Tehran.
Russia has strongly condemned U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Moscow demands an immediate halt to the military campaign and a return to diplomacy. Russia accuses Washington and Tel Aviv of pursuing regime change. The attacks risk a regional catastrophe and uncontrolled escalation. Russia is ready to help broker peace.
Iran: The launch of what the Pentagon called Operation Epic Fury on Saturday plunged the Middle East into a new and unpredictable conflict. The U.S. and Israeli militaries struck sites across Iran, triggering retaliatory Iranian attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf Arab countries.
Gen Z workers are increasingly opting for blue-collar professions, drawn by strong pay and job stability as an alternative to expensive college degrees. Skilled trades and technical roles offer lucrative careers, with many high-paying jobs requiring only a high school diploma and vocational training.
Ajit Pawar plane crash: In its 22-page preliminary report on the VSR Venture's Learjet plane crash near Baramati in January that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, the aircraft accident probe agency AAIB also said that all aspects of the plane crash will be investigated to bring out facts, root causes and contributory factors.
Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi will continue as Drugs Controller (India) at CDSCO. His reappointment is on a contract basis for one year starting March 1, 2026. This decision follows a proposal from the Department of Health and Family Welfare. Dr Raghuvanshi heads the CDSCO, responsible for drug quality and new drug approvals.
Xiaomi has unveiled its global flagship Xiaomi 17 Series, including the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra, ahead of MWC 2026. Both run on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, with India pricing yet to be announced. The launch underscores Xiaomis broader strategy of AI-driven, vertically integrated growth, spanning smartphones, AIoT devices, and electric vehicles.
Word of the day: English offers numerous words for passion, yet fervid remains distinctive because of its blend of brevity and intensity. It is neither colloquial nor archaic. Instead, it occupies a refined middle ground suitable for formal writing.
Kolkata Metro Railway will operate special services on the Blue Line late on March 1. These trains will run from Esplanade to Dakshineswar and Esplanade to Sahid Khudiram. The special services aim to assist spectators attending the India-West Indies T-20 match at Eden Gardens. Both trains will depart from Esplanade at 11:15 pm.
Iran war: With Indian airlines suspending their Middle East operations and thousands of passengers facing travel disruptions, civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu held a high-level review meeting with the stakeholders.
Baba Vanga predictions for 2026: The current scenario has not escalated into World War 3 like situation but there are geo-political conflicts which must be checked at the earliest.
Social Securitys trust fund is now projected to run out in 2032. That is one year earlier than expected. The Social Security depletion date matters for nearly 70 million Americans. After insolvency, benefits could drop by 28%. Payroll taxes would cover only about 72% of payments. Lawmakers face pressure to reform retirement benefits, payroll taxes, and the funding gap before automatic cuts hit seniors.
The United States and Israel have launched significant attacks on Iran, targeting multiple locations including the capital, Tehran. President Donald Trump urged the Iranian people to take control of their destiny and overthrow the current leadership. Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military installations in the region. The conflict escalates regional tensions.
Will Iranians finally take over government and will Iran proxies join war? The US and Israel launched major strikes on Iran. President Trump urged Iranians to rise against their leadership. Iran responded with missiles and drones. Regional airspace closures and global impacts followed. The situation remains tense.
Iran war: Israel launched what it described as a pre-emptive strike against Iran on February 28, with the United States also carrying out attacks, sharply escalating tensions in the Middle East and casting doubt on efforts to secure a diplomatic solution to Tehrans nuclear standoff with Western powers.
Wordle is a simple word-guessing game that launched in 2021 and quickly turned into a worldwide sensation. Developed by software engineer Josh Wardle, it surged in popularity as players shared their spoiler-free, emoji-style score grids across social media.
Maintaining high protein levels on a vegetarian diet requires strategic pairing of ingredients. For a busy office schedule in 2026, the best recipes are those that stay fresh for hours and provide sustained energy without the post-lunch slump.
In view of the evolving situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on international air operations, Minister of Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu has undertaken a comprehensive review of preparedness and response measures with all concerned stakeholders.
Building on the principles of holistic nutrition, Vitamin C is the cornerstone of collagen production, the structural protein that keeps your skin firm, elastic, and youthful. While often praised for immunity, its true magic lies in neutralizing the free radicals caused by pollution and UV exposure. Here is the story of seven Vitamin C-rich foods that act as an internal skincare routine for a radiant complexion in 2026.
Across a growing group of American AI startups, a surprising habit is taking hold: employees leave their shoes outside their offices. Observed at Cursor and Replo, the ritual helps keep floors clean and fosters a calmer, home-like atmosphere.
President Trump ordered airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, escalating tensions after weeks of warnings. Iran, suspected of nuclear ambitions despite its denials, had its program capped in 2015 but the US withdrew from the deal. Recent talks collapsed after previous strikes, with a new deadline looming.
European nations are holding urgent security talks following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Leaders are evacuating staff and coordinating responses amid fears of a wider conflict. France, Germany, and the UK are discussing the dangerous escalation. The European Union calls for restraint and diplomacy to ensure peace and nuclear safety in the region.
Mortgage rates today are hovering near 5.99%, down sharply from the 7.8% peak seen during the recent housing affordability squeeze. That drop followed a $200 billion mortgage-backed securities purchase plan aimed at stabilizing the U.S. housing market. The move injected massive liquidity into mortgage bonds and immediately pushed yields lower. As a result, 30-year fixed mortgage rates eased to multi-year lows. Borrowers are already seeing lower monthly payments. Refinancing activity is rising ag
The excise policy controversy dealt a serious blow to the Aam Aadmi Party's reputation. The Bharatiya Janata Party capitalized on the liquor-discount angle to accuse AAP of corruption. Street protests and public campaigns amplified the charge. Investigations and arrests followed, with BJP presenting court rulings as proof of guilt.
BTS singer Jungkook left fans worried after a late-night Weverse live revealed he may be receiving death threats. In the now-deleted broadcast, the singer said, Honestly, there must be a lot of people who dont support me and people who want to kill me. There must be a lot of people who hate me. But so what? I dont care. Fans expressed concern for his safety and well-being, while also criticizing media focus on his drinking and smoking instead of the threats.
Qatar's defense forces successfully intercepted and repelled attacks targeting its territory. The Ministry of Defense confirmed the threat was addressed immediately. Qatar reiterates its right to respond to strikes. Saudi Arabia condemned the aggression against Qatar and other nations. The European Union expressed concern and is in contact with regional partners.
In 2026, focus on high-fibre Indian staples like oats, lentils, and millets to naturally reduce belly fat. These nutrient-dense foods regulate blood sugar, increase satiety, and target visceral fat storage. This story highlights seven accessible ingredients that make achieving a leaner midsection both delicious and sustainable for long-term health.
Haryana is pursuing land acquisition of more than 17,000 acres in Gurgaon and 4,500 acres in Faridabad through a voluntary, consent-based framework to develop new planned sectors. Landowners have a two-month window to submit their details online, and agreements will be finalized at mutually agreed rates. This initiative is part of a broader statewide plan to create new zones.
India's domestic carriers, including four major ones, IndiGo, Air India Group, SpiceJet and Akasa Air, together had flown a total of 146.11 lakh passengers in January 2025 on local routes, data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) late Friday evening showed.
Why did US attack Iran and will it lead to World War 3? The United States launched Operation Epic Fury, targeting Iranian military bases. Iran retaliated with missile strikes across the Gulf. The conflict has involved Israel and Gulf states, raising fears of a wider regional and global war.
An Israeli strike hit a girls primary school in Minab, southern Iran. State media reports that the death toll has risen to 51.
India is set to procure 16 more domestically manufactured bullet trains, with two Japan-made Shinkansen trains also arriving by 2029-30 for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor. This project, developed with Japanese collaboration and funding, is progressing well, with foundation work complete at eight of its twelve stations.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced major combat operations against Iran, citing Tehran's nuclear program and support for terrorism. He said U.S. forces would target Iran's missile program and navy, urged Iranian forces to surrender, and encouraged the Iranian people to press for a change in their government.
Traditional Indian diets are secretly loaded with high-quality protein sources. From the energy drink Sattu to the nutrient-dense Amaranth and the mighty Pumpkin seed, this story reveals seven local foods that offer surprising protein levels, helping you build muscle and stay fit using affordable, everyday Indian ingredients in 2026.
Iran war: The sounds of warplanes were heard repeatedly in the skies over Syria on Saturday, after the United States and Israel announced a military operation against Iran.
Will Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain and other Gulf countries attack Iran now? Iranian missiles targeted multiple Gulf states, including Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait. Countries condemned the strikes, intercepted missiles, and stated their right to respond. The situation escalates after US military operations in Iran.
The appellate tribunal NCLAT has refused to halt a National Company Law Tribunal order. This order allows a class action lawsuit against Jindal Poly Films. Minority shareholders allege over Rs 2,500 crore was siphoned off. The NCLAT found the petition met legal requirements. Jindal Poly Films' appeal to stay the proceedings was dismissed.
Israel and the United States have initiated Operation Lion's Roar. This joint military campaign targets Iran's ruling regime and its military facilities. The operation aims to neutralize threats posed by Iran's nuclear and missile programs. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the operation is designed to empower the Iranian people to take control of their destiny.
Iran war: Israel carried out a pre-emptive strike against Iran on Saturday, while the United States also launched attacks, escalating tensions in the Middle East and undermining prospects for a diplomatic resolution to Tehrans nuclear standoff with Western powers.
The UAE's air defense systems successfully intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles in a blatant attack today, though some debris caused material damage and one civilian death. The Ministry of Defense condemned the act as a dangerous escalation and a violation of sovereignty, asserting the UAE's right to respond and protect its territory and people.
USIran war news: S&P 500, Dow Jones and Nasdaq reaction: The U.S. and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran Saturday, and markets responded immediately. Dow Jones dropped 521 points, the S&P 500 fell 0.43%, and the Nasdaq shed 0.92% before Friday's close. Gold prices jumped nearly 11% in February. Oil rose above $72. The S&P 500 fell 0.43%. Now investors are asking: are defense stocks the real winners, or are gold and silver the ultimate safe havens in the USIran conflict? Defense
What is Operation Epic Fury and who was the target? The United States launched a large-scale military operation targeting Iranian military sites. The strikes followed President Trumps warning to Tehran over nuclear programs. Iran retaliated by targeting US bases, escalating tensions in the Middle East.

25 C