The Economic Times

What is Uber's new women-only feature in US, and why is it being challenged in court? Uber launched a feature that allows women riders and drivers to match with each other. The option aims to address safety concerns but is facing a class action lawsuit in California that claims the policy discriminates against men.

Global fuel prices are rising after tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran disrupted oil supply from the Middle East. The key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, is facing major problems, which is affecting crude oil movement. Countries are now dealing with higher energy costs, and governments and drivers around the world may feel the impact in the coming weeks.

National Napping Day, observed the Monday after daylight saving time begins, encourages rest to combat lost sleep and highlights napping's health benefits. Created in 1999, the day also serves as a crucial reminder from safety officials about the dangers of drowsy driving and the importance of adequate sleep.

The matter was discussed at a meeting involving the RBI, government officials and representatives from the NBFC sector at the department of financial services on February 26. While Section 10 of the Banking Regulation Act mandates banks to follow the rotation policy at the top management and staff levels, there is no such guideline for NBFCs.

Expats in Dubai are reportedly abandoning pets or seeking euthanasia for healthy animals to facilitate easier escape from potential Iranian missile threats. Animal charities and boarding services are overwhelmed with abandoned animals, with some owners citing relocation costs and paperwork as reasons for their actions.

The National Restaurant Association of India has alerted the Petroleum Minister about a possible shortage of commercial LPG cylinders. This could lead to widespread restaurant closures. The Bangalore Hotels Association is considering a protest. The government must ensure uninterrupted supply as the hotel industry is an essential service.

Saudi Arabia is reducing oil output as the Strait of Hormuz faces a near-blockage. Storage tanks are filling up. Other nations like UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq are also lowering production. This move aims to prevent overwhelming storage and a complete halt in oil exports. The conflict in West Asia has severely impacted maritime traffic through the Strait.

The Maharashtra government fulfilled its poll promise waiving loans up to Rs 2 lakh and also offering a Rs 50,000 incentive for farmers regularly paying their loans. The government has earmarked Rs 20,000 crore for the waiver and Rs 15,000 crore for the incentive for non-defaulters. The decision is estimated to benefit 5 million farmers that have outstanding crop loan dues up to September 30, 2025.

IRDAI has issued Certificates of Registration to Allianz Jio Reinsurance and Kiwi General Insurance, granting them final approval to begin operations. Allianz Jio Reinsurance is a joint venture between Allianz Group and Jio Financial Services, while Kiwi General Insurance is supported by WestBridge Capital and former Tata AIG chief Neelesh Garg.

Fears of a U.S. recession are rising as the Iran conflict pushes oil prices higher and shakes global markets. Prediction markets show growing concern about economic slowdown. Higher fuel costs could affect spending, businesses, and inflation. Stock markets are also reacting to the uncertainty. The situation is creating new economic risks for the United States and the global economy.

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has formed a multi-departmental task force. This is to ease vessel schedules and export cargo movement. Disruptions are due to the Iran war. Stranded containers at the port have reduced significantly. The task force includes officials from various government departments. JNPA is committed to supporting the EXIM community.

Life insurance new business premium surged 18% in February, propelled by a 24% jump at LIC. This growth is partly attributed to GST tailwinds, making individual life insurance policies cheaper and boosting demand for protection products. The industry saw a significant rise in policies sold and overall premium collection.

A woman from Manipur faced assault in Delhi after protesting harassment near Saket Court. The incident involved a group of men making inappropriate remarks. When she objected, the situation escalated into a physical attack. Leaders from Northeast India have strongly condemned the act, calling for strict action against racial bullying.

Fast-moving consumer goods companies are revisiting packaging strategies. Rising crude oil prices are forcing them to consider reducing product weight or increasing prices. This comes after recent GST cuts had brought relief. Global supply disruptions and inflation are key concerns. Packaging companies are already seeking alternative polymer sources.

In bustling cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Punjab, commercial LPG consumers are grappling with supply shortages. This crisis has been exacerbated by the ongoing US-Israel tensions with Iran, prompting alarming warnings from restaurant owners about potential closures. While household bookings take precedence, commercial users are left in the lurch.

Oil price forecast 2026: Global oil prices are soaring due to escalating Middle East tensions and threats to the Strait of Hormuz. This vital shipping lane, through which a fifth of the world's oil passes, faces potential closure. Experts warn of prices reaching $215 per barrel if the strait is blocked. This disruption impacts global trade and economies, particularly in Asia.

In a recent political twist, leaders from Shiv Sena-UBT have expressed their distrust towards the NCP-SP alliance. The uneasy feeling surged as talks of a merger with NCP and a shift to the NDA surfaced. Tensions escalated when figures from the Thackeray clan opposed Sharad Pawar's bid for the Rajya Sabha.

It comes as mounting evidence points to U.S. culpability for the Feb. 28 strike, which hit a school adjacent to a Revolutionary Guard base in Minab, Iran, in the countrys southern Hormozgan Province. Experts interviewed by The Associated Press, citing satellite image analysis, say the school was probably struck amid a quick succession of bombs dropped on the compound.

The three main U.S. equity indexes slid more than 1% at the open, but later pared losses while trying to regain footing after last weeks heavy selloff.

In an unprecedented development, the Court of Arbitration has allowed Pakistan access to classified project documents from India for ongoing arbitration. The Neutral Expert has facilitated this sharing as the court gears up to deliver its final judgment regarding water storage disputes.

The realm of Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises is brimming with potential. Union Minister Jitin Prasada points out that the convergence of free trade agreements and a flourishing domestic market is creating new opportunities. With trade pacts now reaching 65% of the developed nations, an expansive global market is available for India's high-quality products.

The Trinamool Congress is preparing to move a motion in Parliament to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This comes after allegations of disrespect towards women and a heated exchange with a Trinamool delegation in Kolkata. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced concerns over electoral roll revisions.

Young Indians are embracing premium spirits and cocktails, not abstaining from alcohol, according to Diageo India MD Praveen Someshwar. Consumption is rising, especially among women, as alcohol becomes more normalized. The company targets distinct consumer tiers, with luxury expected to lead growth, and uses smaller pack sizes and innovation to drive sales and unlock aspirations.

A protracted Middle East conflict could trigger a significant stagflationary shock for the global and European economies, according to top EU official Valdis Dombrovskis. He warned that continued maritime disruption and attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure would likely lead to higher energy prices. However, a conflict contained within weeks is expected to have minimal economic impact.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged state officials to resist pressure from the Election Commission of India and its Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Banerjee alleged that Kumar threatened government officers during a recent meeting. She also raised concerns about potential vote and EVM manipulation in Bengal.

A new cross-media advertising measurement system from BARC and Nielsen aims to give brands a single view of campaign reach across TV and digital. Its success depends on major broadcasters and streaming platforms joining the initiative. Currently, only JioHotstar has adopted the framework. This system could help advertisers plan media mixes more accurately by showing platform value.

If you love two people at the same time, choose the second. Because if you really loved the first one, you wouldnt have fallen for the second. This quote by Johnny Depp reflects the complexity of human emotions and the honesty required in relationships. It suggests that genuine love is deep, focused, and rarely divided between two people. The message encourages people to reflect on their feelings with sincerity and courage.

The gesture ahead of the team's Asian Cup match against South Korea last week was seen by many as an act of defiance against the Islamic republic just two days after the United States and Israel attacked it. I just spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, of Australia, concerning the Iranian National Women's Soccer Team. He's on it! Five have already been taken care of, Trump said Monday on his Truth Social network, less than two hours after an initial post urging Australia to take them in.

At a recent business summit, India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal passionately invited companies to explore the vast opportunities presented by free trade agreements. He pointed out that around two-thirds of the worlds trade market is now within reach for Indian enterprises. The government's commitment to innovation and streamlined intellectual property processes is palpable.

MK Stalin, the DMK leader, has vowed to expose the BJP's hidden agendas in Tamil Nadu. He accused them of slowly incorporating the AIADMK into their structure, using Edappadi Palaniswami as a mere pawn in their game.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Indian leaders Mehbooba Mufti and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi shared heartfelt tributes. Mufti expressed her deep sympathy towards the Iranian people and spotlighted the struggles of Kashmiri students amidst this global sorrow. Naqvi's remarks focused on the futility of war, asserting that it only breeds further issues rather than solutions.

The Election Commission of India has pledged zero tolerance for election violence in West Bengal. Major political parties met the ECI, requesting single or two-phase polls. Concerns were raised about the adjudication of 60 lakh voters. The ECI assured impartial and transparent elections, urging stringent measures against anti-social elements to prevent voter intimidation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has appointed central observers for upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Nitin Nabin, the BJP chief, made these appointments on Monday. Harsh Malhotra and Vijay Sharma will oversee the polls in Bihar. Harsh Sanghavi is the observer for Haryana. Chandrasekhar Bawankule will be the central observer for Odisha. These appointments are for states where elections are necessitated.

Electric carmakers are aggressively targeting corporate buyers this month with substantial deals, including cash discounts and corporate perks up to 5.2 lakh. This push is driven by financial year-end tax planning, leveraging accelerated depreciation benefits of up to 40% on EVs. Automakers aim to boost sales and clear inventory while businesses seek to optimize taxable income before March 31.

Social Security tax changes 2026: Over 70 million Americans receive benefits from the Social Security Administration, and about 40% still pay federal taxes on them. The new One Big Beautiful Bill Act did not eliminate Social Security benefit taxes. Instead, it adds a temporary $6,000 senior tax deduction starting in 2026. This deduction may lower taxable income for retirees. But the provisional income rules and tax thresholds remain unchanged, meaning many seniors will still pay taxes on benefit

The Delhi High Court has put a hold on critical remarks made by a special CBI court against the CBI and its investigator. These remarks were part of a judgment that discharged all accused in the Delhi excise policy case. The High Court also directed the trial court to delay proceedings in the related money laundering case.

INDIA bloc floor leaders met in New Delhi. A disagreement arose between Congress and Left MPs. This was over Rahul Gandhi's recent comments about the Left Democratic Front in Kerala. MPs from CPI(M) and CPI objected to Gandhi's remarks. Other leaders intervened to keep the focus on parliamentary matters. Congress leaders defended Gandhi's statements.

India has made a significant stride by returning nearly 67,000 of its citizens from West Asia, showcasing effective crisis management. The establishment of a specialized control room under government oversight provided essential assistance to the stranded individuals. Indian embassies were instrumental in negotiating safe border crossings and organizing commercial flights for repatriation.

Boutique investment bank Dominari Holdings Inc., which has worked on other Trump family transactions involving drones and cryptocurrencies, advised on the deal. The Korea Climate & Governance Improvement Fund invested $50 million in the transaction, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

As tensions in West Asia escalate, Indian pharmaceutical exporters are grappling with surging costs. In response, Pharmexcil is advocating for government interventions, including freight subsidies and enhanced logistical support. Meanwhile, companies are pivoting towards alternative shipping routes and ramping up their buffer stocks in anticipation of potential disruptions.

Gold and silver prices slipped on Monday as international market values took a hit. The strengthening dollar combined with lowered expectations for a US rate cut influenced the precious metals negatively. As crude oil prices rise, many investors are reallocating their assets accordingly.

Banks are urged by the finance ministry to work together on insolvency cases. This aims to get more money back and resolve issues faster. A review meeting monitored progress in key cases. Twenty high-value accounts have already been resolved. Banks must reduce delays in filing applications. Public sector bank chiefs will oversee top pending cases.

Government's combined disinvestment and asset monetisation receipts have surpassed 34,400 crore this fiscal year, exceeding revised estimates. Dividend collections from public sector enterprises have reached 70,577 crore, nearing the annual target. These strong revenue streams are crucial for meeting the FY26 fiscal deficit goal.

In a decisive move to reinforce national energy security, India's Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is enhancing domestic LPG output. This strategy guarantees a steady supply for homes, especially during international fuel crises. Meanwhile, hospitals will receive a prioritized allocation of imported LPG, with a specialized committee assessing the needs of businesses in the food sector and industrial clients.

Police in Los Angeles arrested Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, in connection with a shooting that targeted the home of global music star Rihanna. Authorities say the suspect allegedly fired multiple shots from a vehicle toward the property in the Beverly Hills Post Office area on Sunday afternoon. The singer was reportedly inside the home at the time, but no injuries were reported.