The Economic Times

Why is Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei not appearing on camera? The 56-year-old leader issued his first message during the war with the US and Israel but did not appear on video. Reports mention injuries from an airstrike, coma rumours and security concerns while officials claim he is safe.

Has Iran's new Supreme Leader lost one leg, and is Mojtaba Khamenei in coma? Reports claim he suffered injuries and lost a leg after an airstrike. Iranian officials deny the claims. Statements from Tehran and reports about his health and leadership role have raised questions.

Chipotle is celebrating Friday the 13th with a buy-one-get-one entre deal for dine-in customers between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. local time. To qualify, customers need to show any tattoo, including temporary ones or drawn designs, inspired by the restaurant's bag artwork. Rapper Swae Lee also collaborated on temporary tattoos for the promotion.

Quote of the day by Christina Grimmie: Christina Grimmie's powerful quote, Be yourself, champions individuality and self-acceptance, urging people to embrace their true selves rather than conforming to societal expectations. The article explores the meaning behind her message, highlighting her journey from YouTube sensation to a celebrated artist whose life and words continue to inspire.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah survived an assassination attempt in Jammu. He stated hate speech fueled such incidents. Union Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Abdullah and assured a thorough inquiry. The accused, Kamal Singh Jamwal, a relative of the host, claimed personal reasons for the attack.

Rajya Sabha leader of the opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns over an attack on Farooq Abdullah. He stated security was compromised and linked it to the lack of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir. Leader of the House JP Nadda assured a thorough investigation and assured that the attacker was arrested.

The United Arab Emirates stands strong amidst the ongoing Iran war. Its economy shows resilience due to robust finances and a diverse non-oil sector. Experts believe the UAE will navigate the conflict better than other Gulf nations. This is partly due to alternative oil export routes. The nation's fiscal surplus and substantial sovereign wealth funds provide a significant cushion.

India's defence forces are building a new drone force, a geo-spatial agency, a data force, and a cognitive warfare action force. These initiatives are part of a strategic roadmap to tackle future security threats by 2047. The plan emphasizes indigenous development and aims for a world-class military capable of operating across all domains. Project Sudharshan Chakra will also be deployed.

Pierce Brosnan is a famous actor known for playing James Bond in several hit films. His life story shows many struggles, personal loss, and career challenges. Despite difficulties, he continued working hard and building a successful acting career. His quote about believing in yourself reflects his journey and encourages people to stay confident even when others doubt them.

In several cases, individuals working in technology and consulting sectors allegedly received part of their compensation in Stablecoins or other cryptocurrencies that were parked in wallets linked with accounts outside India, in low-tax jurisdictions, sources said. The probe also flagged residents investing in overseas crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) through offshore brokerage accounts without reporting holdings or gains.

India is responding to energy supply requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The West Asia conflict has disrupted global oil flows, creating a regional fuel crunch. Bangladesh specifically seeks diesel. India will assess domestic availability and production before making any decisions. Energy security remains a priority for India.

New banking rules starting April 1 will empower lenders to boost credit by an estimated 7 percent. Banks can now use their existing liquidity for loans, increasing lending capacity. This shift is expected to benefit public sector banks significantly. Analysts believe this will ease concerns about lending growth constraints. Credit expansion may soon outpace deposit growth.

Quote of the Day: Whitney Houston's powerful quote, 'I'm a person who has life and wants to live, and always have,' encapsulates her resilient spirit amidst personal struggles and immense success. From gospel roots to global superstardom with hits like 'I Will Always Love You,' her journey highlights the enduring human will to persevere. This message of determination continues to inspire.

Indian refiners anticipate easing oil supply pressures following a major international release. The speed of this release is key for India to secure needed barrels. Meanwhile, India received its first crude cargo from the Gulf since the Iran war began. Crude supplies from non-Hormuz routes are increasing, and the government is promoting alternative fuels.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Shabir Ahmed Shah. He was arrested in a terror funding case in 2019. The court noted his long incarceration without conviction. His daughter expressed joy and hope for his early release. Political parties in Kashmir welcomed the decision, hoping for similar relief for other political prisoners.

During the past two years, about 23.29 lakh rooftop solar installations were achieved against the target of 61 lakh, with 80% fund utilisation at 22,402.97 crore out of the revised allocation of 28,100 crore, as per the panel's report on the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's 2026-27 demands for grants.

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution denouncing Iran's recent hostile operations against its neighbors. With India lending its support as a co-sponsor, the resolution has received overwhelming approval. The council's request for an instant halt to Iran's military activities signals a robust collective commitment to maintaining peace in the region.

Indian streaming platforms are moving away from a few trusted production houses. They are now seeking new creators to bring fresh stories to audiences. This shift aims to reflect India's diversity and boost growth. Platforms are using various methods to find and support emerging talent. This includes digital creators and new filmmakers.

Sequentially, retail inflation increased 0.1%, while food inflation fell 0.2%. Core inflation remained steady at 3.4%. The uptick was almost entirely led by the food and beverages (F&B) segment, which accounted for as much as 44 basis points of the 47 bps rise in the headline print between these months, said Aditi Nayar, chief economist at ICRA. One basis point is 0.01 percentage point.

India faces widespread disruption as tight LPG supplies impact major events. Weddings and iftar parties are being affected. Hotels and caterers struggle to secure gas cylinders, leading to menu changes and cancellations. The shortage stems from the West Asia conflict impacting global energy routes. Home consumption is prioritized, but businesses face significant challenges.

Packaged food manufacturers nationwide are halting production due to a severe LPG shortage, exacerbated by West Asian conflict disruptions. Alternative fuels like piped natural gas are also facing restrictions and hefty price hikes. This crisis impacts companies already seeing demand recovery, forcing them to consider production cuts if the situation persists.

PM Internship Scheme: The panel, chaired by senior BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab, has pitched for higher stipend to beneficiaries, keeping in view prevailing living costs.

In a striking address at Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi raised alarms regarding India's energy stability. He outlined the geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, warning that these conflicts could significantly shake global energy supplies, hitting India particularly hard. Gandhi accused the US of exerting undue influence, jeopardizing India's capacity to establish autonomous oil and gas alliances.

Canadas 2nd largest pension fund, also the largest institutional investor in infrastructure globally, looks to deploy about $3 bn in next 4-5 yrs.

Is Temple Israel active shooter dead or alive? Authorities in Michigan responded to a Michigan synagogue shooting at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield after a vehicle crash and gunfire. Police, FBI and security teams responded to the active shooter West Bloomfield incident as investigations continue.

India anticipates sufficient power supply this summer. New coal and renewable energy capacities will meet demand. Battery storage is also coming online. This comes as gas-fired power generation may be reduced. Peak power demand is projected to rise significantly. The government has alternative resources to ensure adequate supply.

As the world grapples with an intense energy upheaval, India remains steadfast in its commitment to its citizens by prioritizing access to cooking fuel. The government is actively protecting LPG supplies while maintaining consumer prices against the backdrop of global market shifts. Crude oil remains in supply, and LPG production has been ramped up to meet demand.

Banks will discuss internally how such schemes can be designed with a uniform loan application and other credit appraisal metrics. The retail loans will cover all consumer loans, including housing loans, subject to prudent lending guidelines, said an official.

Recent statistics show that IndiGo tops the chart among domestic airlines with the most efficient pilot-to-aircraft ratio, while SpiceJet lags with the highest ratio. Air India and its subsidiary also reflect a greater number of pilots per aircraft. These insights were shared by the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Companies are increasingly using outplacement services to help employees find new jobs. This trend is driven by AI disruption and economic pressures. Sectors like technology, IT, and financial services are seeing high demand. Indian firms are also adopting these services. This signals a shift towards more structured workforce exits and protecting employer brands.

The tender documents for the 1-GW capacity wind project are ready, but feedback from industry participants suggests the market may not respond adequately at this stage. The ministry of new and renewable energy has begun engaging with policy institutions and multilateral agencies to explore ways to improve investor participation.

The Supreme Court has ruled that all railway passengers must have equal access to travel insurance. This applies whether tickets are bought online or at counters. The court stated that a distinction in treatment is not justified. While misuse of insurance is a concern, solutions should be found instead of denying the facility.

What and where is Temple Israel, and who is the active shooter? Authorities are responding to an active shooter incident at Temple Israel West Bloomfield Michigan synagogue. Police said a vehicle rammed the building and shots were fired. Security engaged the suspect. Investigators are clearing the area and increasing security at Jewish facilities.

The Supreme Court will hear LG Electronics India's challenge to rules requiring foreign workers in Indian companies to join the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation. LG argues this is discriminatory compared to Indian employees. The Delhi High Court had previously upheld these rules. The court has issued notices and will hear the case further on March 20.

Bayer's CEO Bill Anderson believes India can become a top pharmaceutical market. He highlights the need for supportive policy frameworks, including stronger intellectual property protection. This will attract investment in cutting-edge drugs. India's young population and technological leadership offer significant opportunities. Bayer is investing in innovation centers in Bengaluru, leveraging Indian talent for global missions.

Observer numbers are set to rise for the upcoming Assembly elections. Discussions have taken place regarding supplementary lists and necessary software updates. Returning officers have been appointed for all 294 constituencies. Assembly polls are anticipated in April. This preparation aims to ensure a smooth electoral process across West Bengal.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has defended his running of the House. He stated that no member, including the Leader of Opposition, is above the rules. Birla emphasized that all members must seek permission from the chair to speak or quote documents. This comes after the Opposition's resolution to remove him was rejected.

Experts highlight RERA's ineffectiveness due to a lack of intent from chiefs, poor state coordination, and underutilization of powers. Reforms are needed to protect homebuyers, as the cost of violating laws often outweighs the benefits for developers, leading to a credibility gap.

Nicolaus Copernicus was a Polish astronomer who changed how people understand space. He introduced the heliocentric model, which says the Sun is at the center and planets move around it. His ideas later influenced many famous scientists and helped start modern astronomy. His book explained his theory and became one of the most important works in science history.

Global investors find India attractive due to its stable politics and policies. This stability contrasts with China's investor confidence issues. Alvarez & Marsal, a consulting firm, has significantly expanded its India operations. The firm sees strong growth in India's consulting sector, driven by transactions and performance improvement. Artificial intelligence is also shaping future consulting demand.

Israel's military reported Hezbollah fired about 200 rockets and 20 drones in its largest attack since the war started. This simultaneous action with Iran caused minimal casualties in Israel. The Israeli army responded with strikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut's suburbs. Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered preparations for expanded operations in Lebanon.

ISRO has successfully tested its CE20 cryogenic engine at a higher thrust level. The engine achieved 22 tonne thrust during a sea level hot test. This development is crucial for enhancing the payload capacity of the LVM3 launch vehicle. Future missions will utilize an uprated C32 stage. The test demonstrated key technologies and met expected performance parameters.

Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom is set to reopen on April 8, 2026, after being closed since August 2025 for its largest refurbishment since the ride launched in 1998. The interactive attraction will showcase many upgrades, including a new show scene, redesigned star cruiser vehicles, and updated blasters for riders. Guests will also meet a brand-new character named Buddy the robot, created by Walt Disney Imagineering and Pixar Animation Studios.

The Competition Commission of India has closed a case against BookMyShow. Allegations of antitrust violations were dismissed. The regulator found BookMyShow holds a dominant position in online movie ticketing. However, it did not abuse this dominance according to competition law. The decision followed a complaint about exclusive agreements with cinemas. The Commission noted these agreements promote business stability and efficiency.

A young boy from Delhi's Prem Nagar faced hardship but found hope in a 1 art class. Years of practice and mentorship transformed him into a renowned mural artist. He now paints city walls across India, creating inspiring art. His journey highlights the power of passion and perseverance. He also supports aspiring artists and his family.

Star Air is boosting air travel to Kolhapur and Belagavi. The airline is increasing its weekly flights and adding new routes. This expansion aims to connect these cities better with Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kishangarh, and Indore. Star Air is committed to making air travel accessible and affordable for more regions across India.

Heliophilous is a nature and science word used for plants that grow best in sunlight. It describes sun-loving plants that need strong light to develop well. The term is often used when talking about plant growth, sunlight, and natural habitats. Many common plants in gardens and open fields show this sun-loving quality in bright environments.