The Economic Times
Elections 2026Economy / The Economic Times
Air India and Air India Express will operate 58 flights connecting India and West Asia on March 12. These flights include scheduled services and special operations to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Two special flights are planned for Riyadh. Air India Express will also run eight flights to and from Muscat.
Actor Hansika Motwani and businessman Sohael Khaturiya have officially ended their marriage after nearly four years together. The couple, who got married in a grand ceremony in Jaipur in December 2022 after a viral proposal near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, were granted a divorce by the Bandra Family Court in Mumbai. According to Hansikas lawyer Adnan Shaikh, the separation was by mutual consent after both acknowledged that the marriage had irretrievably broken down.
India's crude oil imports from Russia surged by 50 percent in March, a compelling response to the instability wreaking havoc in the Middle East. With the urgency to secure alternative supplies, India is prioritizing its energy needs against the backdrop of geopolitical turmoil.
PieterPieter was a much sought-after global executive who played a key role in developing Dutch carrier KLM and Schiphol as an international connector, and was popular among employees. Former CEO Ronojoy Dutta's tenure ended early because IndiGo risked losing the race to hire Elbers to a Middle Eastern carrier.
Actress Amber Heard's powerful motto, 'Today is what I have,' underscores the importance of living in the present. Her career, marked by diverse roles from 'North Country' to the blockbuster 'Aquaman,' highlights resilience in Hollywood's unpredictable landscape. This philosophy, emphasizing mindfulness and appreciating current opportunities, offers a grounding perspective for navigating life's uncertainties.
A legal challenge has emerged in Andhra Pradesh concerning land allotments for major projects. An YSRCP MP has filed a public interest litigation questioning the state government's policy of allocating land at a nominal rate. This move has drawn criticism from the ruling TDP, which labels it as anti-investment. The court has directed the government to respond to the petition.
India's economy faces risks from West Asia conflict affecting oil prices. Real GDP growth is expected at 7.1 percent in FY27. This growth will be supported by consumer spending and investment. Exports are also set to grow. Retail inflation may rise to 4.3 percent. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to maintain interest rates.
The Supreme Court has permitted the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for Harish Rana, 32, who has been in a vegetative state for 13 years. Medical boards confirmed no chance of recovery. Rana suffered a severe brain injury in an accident in 2013. His family has fought for three years for this decision. The court acknowledged the family's dedication and compassion.
Chaired by Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the meeting brought together members of the National Shipping Board (NSB), industry leaders, maritime stakeholders and senior ministry officials to deliberate on operational issues and policy priorities affecting the sector, an official release said.
4,000 workers went offline after the Stryker cyber attack hit global systems. The breach disrupted operations at Stryker Corporation across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Investigators suspect the Iran-linked Handala hacker group behind the attack. Early reports indicate hackers deployed wiper malware, a destructive cyber tool that deletes data and disables devices instead of demanding ransom. The incident shut down company laptops, network access, and internal platforms. Experts say the S
The ongoing West Asia conflict has triggered a worrying scarcity of commercial LPG cylinders across India, leaving many businesses, especially eateries and food vendors, in a difficult position. As they scramble to adapt, some are shifting to alternative cooking solutions like induction plates or reverting to firewood, creating a palpable sense of unease among proprietors.
The vibrant hospitality scene in Kerala is dimming as hotels and eateries grapple with an alarming shortage of commercial LPG. Operations are in jeopardy as many establishments struggle to procure enough cylinders to meet daily demands. This crisis eerily mirrors the hardships experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing owners to revise menus and navigate heavy financial burdens.
India is launching a groundbreaking Virtual Asset Lab to identify unregistered offshore virtual asset service providers. This initiative targets firms that exploit international boundaries to evade Indian regulations and facilitate money laundering. With this proactive measure, India is reinforcing its financial security and enhancing regulatory monitoring in the burgeoning realm of virtual assets.
India has eased foreign investment rules. Overseas firms with up to ten percent Chinese shareholding can now invest automatically. Companies from China and nations sharing land borders with India will get faster approvals for investments in key manufacturing sectors. This aims to boost domestic production and attract foreign capital. The government is streamlining processes for greater certainty for investors.
Weight loss drug risks: The government has warned of strict regulatory action against those found using surrogate advertising to promote GLP-1 drugs. A detailed advisory on the use of GLP-1 drugs is expected to be released in the next few days, sources told ET.
An employee shared his frustration on Reddit after claiming that his manager regularly worked from home while denying the same option to the rest of the team. According to the post, staff were technically allowed to work remotely once a week with approval, but the manager repeatedly blocked the request citing departmental needs. When the employee questioned the decision in a reply-all email and later escalated the issue to a department head, he was warned against making generalizations.
In a bid to curb soaring crude prices amidst Middle East tensions, the International Energy Agency is reportedly planning its largest-ever oil reserve release. This significant move, exceeding past interventions, is under discussion among member nations, with a decision expected soon.
The One Big Beautiful Bill updates several tax deductions for homeowners starting in the 2026 tax year. These include mortgage interest, property tax limits, home equity loan interest, and home office deductions. Some profits from selling a primary home may also be tax-free. However, experts say people should buy a home mainly for lifestyle or family needs, not only for tax savings.
College hostels have also cut down on the use of cooking gas, avoiding deep fry items to stretch the existing stock for more days as supply situation remained precarious.
Tata Group's Croma said it has observed a threefold jump in demand for induction cooktops over the past few days, while Stovekraft Ltd, the company behind the popular kitchen appliance brand Pigeon, noted that its average weekly online sales have jumped four times.
Two marsupial species believed to have gone extinct at least 6,000 years ago have been rediscovered alive in the forests of New Guinea. The animals the pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider were earlier known only through fossil remains found in Australia. Researchers say further studies are needed to understand the animals population size, behaviour, and conservation needs.
A software developer in Navi Mumbai faces a tough choice: buy an Rs 80 lakh Mumbai property with significant savings depletion and high EMIs, or continue renting and investing. His Rs 3.3 lakh monthly income supports a family of four, but a contract job adds financial caution. Netizens suggest securing a permanent role first.
Saudi Arabia significantly boosted oil production in February as a safeguard against potential disruptions from U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Despite this, OPEC maintained its forecast for robust global oil demand growth this year, while acknowledging the need to closely monitor geopolitical events. The International Energy Agency is set to release updated oil forecasts soon.
The UPSC has released the marks for the Civil Services Examination 2025, with Anuj Agnihotri topping the list with 1,071 marks. A total of 958 candidates were recommended for various services, with category-wise breakdowns and vacancy details also provided. A reserve list of 258 candidates has also been prepared.
Ishan Kishan has risen to world No. 2 in T20I batter rankings with 871 points, just behind Abhishek Sharma. Rashid Khan reclaims the No. 1 bowling spot, while Sanju Samson achieves a career-best 22nd ranking. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel also gain in the bowlers' list.
India will host the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems from March 12-14, 2026, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu.
Bloating is a common issue. Doctor Saurabh Sethi, a hepatologist, offers simple home remedies. Peppermint tea relaxes intestinal muscles. Fennel seeds aid digestion and reduce gas. He also advises avoiding dairy if lactose intolerant. These natural solutions can help manage bloating effectively. A healthy gut is key to overall well-being.
The state-owned lender Wednesday announced that it will increase the marginal cost of funds based lending rates (MCLR) from Thursday. The two year MCLR will be 8.95% from Thursday, revised from 8.85% while three year MCLR will be 9% against 8.90%, the bank said in a regulatory filing to stock exchanges.
Xunzi, through his famous quote, 'Human nature is evil; goodness is the result of conscious activity' tries to say people are not naturally moral or kind and are born with desires like greed, jealousy, and self-interest. But they can learn and cultivate good behaviour through education, discipline, and conscious effort. Xunzi says goodness is something people learn and practice, not something they are born with.
New York City $30 minimum wage proposal: New York City may soon see its minimum wage climb to $30 an hour. Councilmember Sandra Nurse introduced a plan to gradually increase pay over several years. This move aims to help over a million workers struggling with daily expenses. The proposal reflects a campaign promise to improve New Yorkers' quality of life.
The March 18 Federal Reserve meeting will shape Social Security COLA for 2027. Retirees face a 2.8% benchmark from 2026. Inflation trends in CPIW will decide next years adjustment. Fed rate signals hint if prices rise or cool. Housing, healthcare, and food costs matter most. Early Fed insights let retirees plan budgets and protect buying power. Watching March 18 data now helps predict 2027 benefit changes.
Filing an amended tax return can help fix mistakes in a previously submitted tax filing. Taxpayers use Form 1040-X to update information like income, dependents, or deductions. The process includes submitting documents, checking deadlines, and tracking the return status. The IRS may take several weeks to review the changes before issuing refunds or asking for additional tax payments.
The National Testing Agency is preparing to release the CUET UG 2026 examination schedule. Exams are set to take place from May 11 to May 31, 2026. This computer-based test will be conducted in multiple shifts across India and abroad. Candidates can expect the exam city intimation slip and admit card to be released soon.
The consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.4 percent year-on-year, the same increase as reported a month prior. The price index rose 0.3 percent month-on-month, also in line with market expectations.
Indian digital platforms faced a surge in swift and focused cyberattacks in 2025. Malicious requests exceeded nine billion, a significant rise from the previous year. Attackers are now using automation and AI for rapid exploitation. APIs have become a prime target, especially for smaller businesses. Financial services remain highly vulnerable to these evolving threats.
Florida lawmakers have advanced a bill to designate October 14th as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, honoring the late conservative activist. The proposal, which passed the Florida House, would allow the governor to issue annual proclamations. Supporters emphasize free speech and remembrance, while opponents question recognizing a divisive figure.
Excessive sugar consumption can lead to serious health issues. Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal suggests incorporating chromium-rich foods like broccoli, cinnamon, and berries to manage sugar cravings and balance insulin levels. These foods offer a naturally sweet and flavorful way to support your body's needs while promoting mindful eating habits.
IDFC First Bank fraud case: The agency conducted searches in Haryana and Chandigarh against various business entities who helped the accused persons get accommodation entries to conceal the money trail and proceeds of crime, they said.
I'm just a girl from a little town in Georgia who had this giant, absurd dream, Julia Roberts quote highlights the power of ambition and humble beginnings.The actress reflects on how big dreams can emerge from the most ordinary places. It resonates with many individuals who aspire to achieve more despite modest beginnings and seemingly impossible ambitions.
Iran's military has issued a stern warning. Any ships belonging to the United States, Israel, or their allies transiting the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted. The military stated that not a single drop of oil will be allowed to pass. This action is a response to conditions imposed by the US and Israel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will digitally transfer the amount to 9.32 crore registered farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from Guwahati, Assam.
TAM Sports has enhanced its cross-platform monitoring to include live streaming on CTV and mobile, alongside linear broadcasts. This expansion strengthens its sports sponsorship analytics by capturing brand presence across the evolving media landscape. The integrated framework now offers comprehensive insights for advertisers and rights holders to measure advertising occurrences and brand appearances across all platforms.
China has cautioned the United States about the dangers of unchecked artificial intelligence in its military. Beijing fears this could usher in a dystopian future akin to the movie 'The Terminator'. The Pentagon has also blacklisted the AI firm Anthropic. This action follows Anthropic's refusal to allow its technology for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons.
Iran's government is sending a stark warning to the global community, essentially telling them to brace themselves for oil prices to skyrocket to an astonishing $200 per barrel. This bold declaration suggests a significant escalation in tensions or a deliberate strategy by Iran to influence the international energy market, potentially impacting economies worldwide.
In a recent announcement, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reassured residents that there is no shortage of domestic LPG in the state. He highlighted that India is sourcing gas from various international partners, including Russia, ensuring a steady supply. The Chief Minister expressed unwavering faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ability to mitigate any potential LPG crises.

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