The Economic Times

MacBook Neo Price and Specs: Neo marks a historic shift in Apples hardware strategy, debuting as the company's most affordable laptop at 69,900. Powered by the A18 Pro chipthe first time an iPhone processor has transitioned to the Macit targets the education sector and entry-level users.

China's government has taken a significant step by announcing its new Five-Year Plan, aspiring for economic growth of 4.5% to 5%. Highlighting the importance of technological innovation and national self-reliance, the plan addresses increasing defense expenditures by 7%.

RJD MP Manoj Jha likened speculations about Nitish Kumar's Rajya Sabha nomination to a desi version of the Maduro model or kidnapping by consent. He suggested the widespread reports indicate underlying truth, signaling the end of a political chapter. Bihar Minister Ramkripal Yadav, however, called it an internal JD(U) matter, emphasizing Kumar's paramount decision and dismissing opposition concerns.

JJK S3 Ep 9 India release date and time: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 9 titled 'Tokyo No. 1 Colony, Part 3'will start streaming today, March 5th 2026. Check where to watch, what to expect and release timings here

Apple unveiled the iPhone 17e, MacBook Neo, and new iPad Air, all available for pre-order March 4th and shipping March 11th. The iPhone 17e starts at $599 with increased storage, while the MacBook Neo begins at $599 ($499 for education). The iPad Air, now featuring the M4 chip, starts at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch.

Punch The Monkey update: Punch, the orphaned macaque, has gone viral again after months of clinging to a plush toy at a zoo in Japan. Punch is now making new friends and was also seen climbing onto the back of another monkey in a new video. Punch has been using the Plush toy less. Punch, eschewing the toy most of the time now, is a good thing.

Middle East conflict presents short-term challenges for India's economy, including oil price hikes and export disruptions, but is unlikely to derail long-term growth. An RBI panel member highlighted the need for coordinated fiscal and monetary policies to achieve an 8% GDP growth trajectory, supported by manufacturing and services. Inflation remains benign, offering a 'Goldilocks' scenario.

China's parliament is set to ramp up efforts to bolster its already dominant rare earths industry. Over the next five years, from 2026 to 2030, the country plans to significantly strengthen the development of this crucial sector, solidifying its global position in the supply of these vital materials.

A British repatriation flight from Oman, intended for UK nationals following Middle East conflict, was delayed and rescheduled for Thursday. Passengers were informed the delay was due to pilot rest requirements after slow check-in procedures. This flight is part of efforts to assist Europeans stranded in the Gulf region.

Some ships are signalling their ownership while passing through the Strait of Hormuz to reduce the risk of attacks amid the Middle East conflict. A bulk carrier, Iron Maiden, broadcast CHINA OWNER while transiting the strait, similar to another tanker that earlier identified itself as Muslim-owned and Turkish-operated. Shipping traffic through the key oil chokepoint has sharply declined as fighting between the U.S., Israel and Iran escalates.

Iran said it carried out missile strikes on the headquarters of Kurdish opposition groups in Iraqs Kurdistan region. According to Irans state news agency IRNA, three missiles were launched targeting groups Tehran describes as opposed to the revolution. The strikes come amid ongoing tensions and previous attacks on Kurdish regions in both Iran and Iraq.

China's latest budget announcement reveals a significant boost to its defense spending, jumping over 10% to an impressive 275 billion US dollars. This financial commitment signals a dedicated effort to revamp its armed forces and narrow the gap with US military prowess.

Millions across western Cuba faced a massive power outage. A major thermoelectric plant shutdown caused the blackout. The island is grappling with low oil reserves and a deteriorating electricity network. Officials estimate at least 72 hours for repairs. Critical infrastructure like hospitals are receiving power. This situation highlights ongoing energy challenges in Cuba.

Indian auto firms saw strong double-digit growth in wholesale volumes in February 2026. Demand across all segments remained robust. Commercial vehicles and two-wheelers led the surge. Passenger vehicles and tractors also showed good momentum. New model launches and positive consumer sentiment fueled this expansion. The electric vehicle sector continues its rapid penetration, driven by government support and new initiatives.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda celebrated their wedding with a grand reception in Hyderabad, attended by numerous industry stars. Their reception outfits were a beautiful mix of tradition and modern elegance, paying homage to their cultural heritage. Read on to know about their outfits in detail.

The Staff Selection Commission has postponed the Constable GD examination for 2026. The computer-based test was scheduled to begin on February 23, 2026. New dates for the examination will be announced shortly. Candidates can expect city intimation slips and admit cards in March. Aspirants should monitor the official SSC website for updates.

Three suspended Assam Congress MLAs have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. This move comes ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The switch is expected to create challenges for the Congress party. Union Minister Pabitra Margherita stated that leaders are joining the BJP due to its ideology. He also criticized the Congress candidate list for lacking freshness and being dynastic.

India has strongly denied allegations that its ports are being used by the United States for strikes against Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a clarification calling the claims fake and false. These assertions were made by a former US Army Colonel in a US-based interview. India's FactCheck division cautioned against spreading such baseless misinformation.

The Raisina Dialogue commences in New Delhi. Global leaders, policymakers, and experts gather to discuss the future of geopolitics, geo-economics, and technology. Discussions will focus on technological disruption, strategic competition, and economic security. India's Digital Public Infrastructure and climate geopolitics are key themes. The dialogue examines security challenges, technological competition, and the future global order.

Iran war: The two Army Reserve soldiers died on Sunday in a drone attack on a U.S. military facility in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait that also killed four other reservists.

Petrol, Diesel prices today: There has been no change in the petrol and diesel prices in major metropolitan cities in India on March 5, 2026. In Delhi, the price of petrol per litre stands at Rs 94.77 and that of diesel is Rs 87.67. The petrol and diesel rates are relatively higher in Mumbai at Rs 103.54 and Rs 90.03 perlitre, respectively.

The Congress party has revealed six candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Senior leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi is among those nominated. Elections for 37 seats across ten states are scheduled for March 16. The nominations mark a significant step in the electoral process. The party is gearing up for the biennial polls.

China plans a childbirth-friendly society in five years. Policies will boost employment, income, and social security. Marriage and childbearing will be encouraged. Housing support for families is coming. Medical costs for pregnancy and IVF will be covered. Childcare subsidies will expand. Education spending will increase. The silver economy for seniors will develop. Elderly care services will grow.

Iranian sailors are recovering in Sri Lanka after a U.S. submarine strike in the Indian Ocean. Eighty-seven lives were lost in the attack. Rescue operations continue for dozens still missing. The incident marks a significant escalation of regional tensions. Survivors are being treated for minor injuries.

India Post GDS Result 2026 pdf download: The Indian Postal Department is set to announce the India Post GDS Result 2026 for 28,636 vacancies. Candidates can download the merit list from indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. Selection is purely merit-based on Class 10 marks, with no written exam or interview. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to document verification and medical examination rounds. The result is anticipated from March onwards.

Hollywood icon George Clooney emphasized the limited time one has to make a significant impact. He believes success hinges on recognizing and seizing opportune moments with courage and purpose. Clooney's career, marked by numerous awards and a transition to directing and producing, exemplifies this philosophy of impactful action.

Chhattisgarh Congress has renominated Phulo Devi Netam for the Rajya Sabha polls. She is an incumbent member. The elections are scheduled for March 16. Netam, a senior tribal leader, is seeking a second consecutive term. The BJP has fielded Laxmi Verma. Both candidates will file nominations on Thursday.

India's retail vehicle sales surged 25.6% in February, reaching 24.09 lakh units, driven by robust demand for two-wheelers and passenger vehicles. Five out of six vehicle categories, including tractors, achieved their highest-ever February retail volumes, signaling strong underlying market demand and policy-led confidence.

President Donald Trump sent greetings for Holi, calling it a celebration of spring and good over evil. The festival of colours was celebrated globally. New York City's Times Square lit up for the occasion. India's Embassy in Washington DC also conveyed wishes. Texas became the third US state to formally acknowledge Holi, recognizing its themes of love and renewal.

Eddie Murphy's '75 Years' quote from Holy Man resonates deeply in today's fast-paced world. The actor's words urge a focus on what truly matters: love, family, and living presently, rather than getting lost in superficial pursuits or the 'rat race'. Read on to know more about it.

Canadian PM Mark Carney lauded PM Modi as a unique guy, praising his 25-year work ethic and focus on rural delivery and UPI. The visit marks a ew era of partnership to reset ties, featuring a major uranium deal and renewed defence cooperation between the two nations.

China has asked companies to halt new contracts for exporting refined fuel and try to cancel already committed shipments, according to industry and trade sources. The directive does not apply to jet fuel for international flights, bonded bunkering or supplies to Hong Kong and Macau.

Fuel prices Australia explained: Australian motorists face rising fuel costs partly because of Middle east war. Global oil market tensions are pushing prices higher. However, prices vary significantly between cities. Experts suggest some retailers are inflating margins. Motorists can find cheaper fuel by checking prices before filling up. Apps can help locate these stations.

A Pakistani man accused of plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump told a U.S. court he did not willingly work with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and acted under pressure to protect his family in Tehran.

Israel Iran Conflict Day 6 News: The Iran-Israel war has escalated into a multi-theater confrontation, marked by fresh missile barrages, expanding air strikes in Lebanon, and maritime flashpoints. Regional actors are on alert, with Turkey intercepting a missile and global powers like Canada and China weighing in on mediation efforts.

AP Class 10th hall ticket download: The BSEAP will release the Class 10th hall tickets on their official website bse.ap.gov.in, through which students can download it. The AP Class 10th exams will begin from March 16 and will go on till April 1. Candidates were required to log in using credentials and captcha verification to access and print the admit card. Students must carry a printed hall ticket and a school identity card to the examination centre.

West Asia crisis: Speaking at an event in Bangkok, Kristalina Georgieva said the conflict will place new demands on policymakers everywhere, and the world was potentially in a long period of flux.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the impact of the Iran conflict on global energy markets would be temporary and a small price for U.S. military objectives. Rising tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted oil and gas shipments and pushed up prices, but Wright said global supply remains strong and U.S. production is at record highs.

President Donald Trump said his decision to order strikes on Iran was based largely on instinct that Tehran might attack first, highlighting a decision-making style that relies on a small circle of advisers and limited bureaucracy.

Residents near the US embassy in Doha are being evacuated. This follows Iranian strikes hitting Qatar. Loud explosions were heard in Doha. An Iranian missile hit a US military base. Qatar had earlier reported thwarting attacks on its airport. This is a temporary precautionary measure. Affected residents are being provided with accommodation.

This week's South Indian OTT releases bring a diverse slate from March 2-8, featuring psychological thrillers, rural dramas, romantic comedies, and experimental cinema. Highlights include Vijay Sethupathi's silent film Gandhi Talks, the empowering Telugu remake Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi, and the rural Tamil sports drama Jockey. Read on to know when and where to watch them online.

The United States military has killed an Iranian official linked to a plot against President Donald Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared Trump had the final victory. U.S. strikes are now expanding further into Iran. Military leaders report significant reductions in Iranian missile and drone attacks. The conflict continues with the U.S. aiming for air superiority.

Flights cancelled today: Amid the ongoing Iran-Israel war, air travel remains largely disrupted, even though IndiGo and Air India have begun operating a limited number of flights. However, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates are yet to resume their respective flights due to airspace restrictions. Air India Express will continue operating flights to and from Muscat today.

Paramount Skydance's $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery signals a potential shift in the streaming landscape. The planned merger of Paramount+ and HBO Max aims to create a larger subscriber base, potentially reaching 200 million, and bolster sports rights, though its impact on viewing time is less significant. This move could pressure other services to reassess their strategies.

President Donald Trump declared the US war effort against Iran is going exceptionally well. He stated Iranian leaders are being eliminated quickly. The conflict is now in its fifth day with a US submarine sinking an Iranian warship. Trump vowed to continue the joint air campaign with Israel, which has already resulted in the death of Iran's supreme leader.

A federal judge in New York ruled that companies are entitled to refunds for tariffs invalidated by the Supreme Court, potentially totaling $175 billion. This decision mandates broad repayment for duties collected under emergency powers, initiating a complex administrative process for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has drastically reduced following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, with only a handful of vessels crossing. This de facto closure threatens global energy supplies, causing oil and gas prices to surge. Shipping companies are pausing operations due to safety concerns and rising insurance costs.

ARMY's wait is over as BTS drops the trailer for their comeback live performance, marking a highly anticipated return as a full seven-member team. The trailer hints at a reunion filled with nostalgia and emotion, with the group set to perform live in Seoul on March 21. Fans in India can watch it online. Read on to know when and where to stream it live.