The Economic Times

Andhra Pradesh will prohibit social media access for children under 13 years old within the next 90 days. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the move in the Assembly. The government is also considering a ban for teenagers aged 13 to 16. This decision follows a similar announcement by the Karnataka government. The aim is to protect young users online.

Word of the Day: Though rarely used in casual conversation, crepuscular remains one of the English languages most evocative adjectives. Rooted in Latin and enriched by both science and literature, it captures the gentle ambiguity of twilight, a moment when daylight fades but night has not fully arrived.

Anuj Agnihotri, a medical graduate from Rajasthan, has secured the top rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. Already serving in DANICS, Agnihotri's achievement highlights his dedication to public service. The results saw 958 candidates recommended for various civil services.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar urged political parties to ensure Kerala Assembly elections are a global model. He met party representatives to review preparations. Parties praised the Election Commission for smooth electoral roll revisions. Kumar assured fair and transparent elections. Minimum facilities will be provided at polling booths for voter comfort.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticises the BJP's role in Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha. Ramesh labels the development a 'coup' and a betrayal of the mandate given by the people of Bihar. He states the voters elected Kumar as chief minister, not a BJP leader. This political shift marks a significant change in Bihar's leadership.

In a recent address, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasised that the upcoming trade agreement with India is centered around safeguarding American interests. He pointed out the importance of securing equitable agreements, aiming to avoid previous oversights. Landau reiterated that 'America First' embodies a spirit of collaboration rather than retreat.

A video of actor Govinda dancing at a school function in Uttar Pratapgarh has gone viral on social media and has sparked bankruptcy rumours. The 'Hero No 1' actor responded to the video and said social media is beyond people's control, addign that people say things online without confirming the facts. In February, Govinda's manager dismissed the speculations that the actor had gone bankrupt after he was seen taking a taxi for the airport.

Indian government sources have strongly refuted claims that the Indian Navy shared intelligence with the United States regarding an Iranian frigate. The frigate was sunk by a US submarine off Sri Lanka. Sources stated there was no involvement from the Indian Navy in this incident. The sinking of the Iranian warship has led to a strong response from Iran.

Ahmedabad Curse: Despite a historic victory over England at the Wankhede, Indian cricket fans are gripped by anxiety as the team heads to the Narendra Modi Stadium for the T20 World Cup 2026 final on March 8. Dubbed the Ahmedabad Curse, this superstition stems from Indias history of losing massive winning streaks and high-pressure ICC knockouts at this specific venue, most notably the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

India faces sweltering summer nights as Middle East conflict disrupts natural gas supply. This could limit electricity generation from gas-fired plants, crucial for cooling homes when solar power is unavailable. Demand for electricity is expected to surge, potentially breaking records. Utilities must carefully plan to manage this demand, as gas power is vital for evening needs.

EU defense commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated Friday that the US cannot supply sufficient missiles to Gulf states and Ukraine. He emphasized Europe's urgent need to increase air and anti-ballistic missile production due to immense Ukrainian needs, estimating Ukraine requires nearly a year's worth of US production for winter alone.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has started a protest in Kolkata. She alleges the Election Commission and BJP are conspiring to remove voters from electoral rolls. This action comes ahead of assembly elections. Banerjee claims this move aims to disenfranchise voters.

A woman and her husband have been charged for dragging out an autorickshaw driver from his vehicle, pouring petrol on him and setting him ablaze in Uttar Pradesh's Agra. Police said the victim refused to delete the old photos and videos of him and the woman from his phone. The incident happened on February 27 and police have filed a case.

The flagship partner summit highlights agentic AI as the next frontier of ServiceOps.

India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal is in discussions with the shipping ministry and industry players to address cargo disruptions caused by Middle East conflicts. The government is exploring measures to alleviate the financial strain on exporters, including the elevated costs of insurance and shipping.

UPSC CSE Result 2025 Toppers List: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the final results for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 on March 6. The first position has been secured by Anuj Agnihotri and Rajeshwari Suve M has got the second position. Candidates can check UPSC CSE Final Results on psc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in.

Kerala Lottery Result Live: The Kerala State Lotteries Department has conducted the high-stakes draw for the Suvarna Keralam SK-43 weekly lottery today, March 6, 2026. The event, held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, features a grand first prize of 1 crore.

Tensions flare between Pakistan and Afghanistan as clashes erupt along their contested border. The United Nations estimates that more than 115,000 individuals have fled their homes amid the ongoing violence. Both countries report attacks on military installations, with Pakistan declaring that peace talks are not currently on the agenda.

Actor R. Madhavan chose to openly reveal his marriage early in his career, defying industry advice that it would harm his romantic hero image. He believed in authenticity, and his straightforward approach resonated with fans. Later, a failed film taught him to interpret industry advice wisely rather than blindly follow formulas.

Latest OTT releases this week (March 2-8) feature the dialogue-free experiment Gandhi Talks on ZEE5 and Guy Ritchies Young Sherlock on Prime Video. From the Alakh Pandey biopic Hello Bachhon on Netflix to Anil Kapoors Subedaar, here is your definitive weekend binge guide.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi observed a worrying trend in politics and international relations. He noted a move away from knowledge towards darkness. Gandhi highlighted a lack of understanding between people. Disagreements are met with violence, not dialogue.

JD(U) workers are protesting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha. They allege a conspiracy by party 'traitors' and the BJP to remove him. Workers believe this is linked to prohibition and a deal with the liquor lobby. Some express anguish, feeling orphaned by his departure from Bihar. The party leadership is expected to address the turmoil.

The final report into the Baramati plane crash is now being prepared. The incident claimed the lives of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. A preliminary report indicated low visibility and runway issues. Other agencies are also investigating potential sabotage or negligence. Meanwhile, efforts continue to bring back Indian citizens stranded in Middle East countries.

UP Scholarship Status 2026 scholarship.up.gov.in: Students can check the status of their Uttar Pradesh scholarship by logging into the official website scholarship.up.gov.in. Students can also check the status of their application by using their registration number to ensure timely disbursement of funds. Applicants are advised to download the Status Slip as a PDF for the records.

Authorities in Hyderabad busted an illegal dairy unit producing fake ghee and cream using palm oil and vanaspati. More than 3,000 kg of adulterated products worth Rs 18 lakh were seized, with the accused allegedly selling them to consumers, hotels and event organisers. The raid underscores growing concerns over food adulteration in urban markets.

Tragedy struck in Assam's Karbi Anglong district as a fighter jet crash took the lives of Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar and Squadron Leader Anuj. The Su-30 MKI went off the radar during a training mission shortly after taking off from Jorhat airbase.

UPSC CSE Final Result 2026 Date: The Union Public Service Commission is set to release the Civil Services Examination 2025 final results this week. This announcement will finalize appointments to prestigious services like IAS and IPS. The merit list will detail candidate ranks and service allocations. Successful candidates will undergo training at specialized academies. This marks the culmination of a highly competitive recruitment process.

MumbaiPune heatwave alert: Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Palghar are experiencing an early heatwave with temperatures soaring to 38.9C, significantly above seasonal averages. An anticyclone over Gujarat is pushing hot air towards coastal Maharashtra, leading to these unusually high temperatures. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid peak afternoon sun.

Kristi Noem was questioned about her alleged sexual relationship with Corey Lewandowski during a House hearing attended by her husband, Bryon Noem. Corey Lewandowski served as Donald Trump's campaign manager in 2016 and was a long-time adviser to Kristi Noem. There were reports that Kristi and Corey often fly around the country together in a luxury 737 with a private cabin in the back.

Arvind Kejriwal, Aam Aadmi Party convenor, has called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation. This demand follows the US granting a waiver to Indian refiners for purchasing oil from Russia. Kejriwal questioned India's need for American permission to buy oil.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge trailer: The high-stakes box office battle between Ranveer Singhs Dhurandhar 2 and Yashs Toxic has been averted, with the latter officially shifting its release to June 4, 2026, due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While initial rumors suggested a trailer drop on March 3rd, lead actor Ranveer Singh and Jio Studios have now confirmed that the official trailer for Dhurandhar: The Revenge will unveil on Saturday, March 7, at 11:01 AM.

India faces potential rupee pressure, higher inflation, and a wider current account deficit due to the Middle East conflict impacting energy prices and supplies. The nation imports a significant portion of its crude oil and LNG from the region, making it vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has denied reports of closing the Strait of Hormuz. The country's Deputy Foreign Minister stated that any such decision would be announced. He confirmed that the Strait has not been closed by Iran and there are no current intentions to do so. These remarks were made at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.

The Australian sharemarket has seen a significant drop of A$130 billion this week. Investors are on edge as the Middle East conflict escalates. This volatility follows a period of record earnings. The S&P/ASX 200 index closed lower on Friday, losing 1.00%. Several stocks experienced sharp declines, while others saw notable gains.

Gujarat authorities seized over 1,400 kg of suspected adulterated paneer in Surat during a raid on an unlicensed dairy. This action highlights the risks of consuming fake paneer, which can contain harmful substances. Consumers are advised to buy from trusted sources or make paneer at home to ensure safety.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha. This move is his personal decision, according to ministers. He aims to continue his efforts for a developed Bihar. The opposition is reportedly distressed by the united NDA government. Kumar expressed his commitment to guiding the new cabinet.

Delhi Metro Phase V: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate two critical extensions of the Delhi Metro networkthe Majlis Park to Maujpur-Babarpur section (Pink Line) and the Deepali Chowk to Majlis Park corridor (Magenta Line)on March 8, 2026. These projects, costing over 18,300 crore, will introduce Indias first fully operational 'Ring Metro' and include one of the systems highest elevated sections at 28.36 metres.

Thomas Edison, a prolific inventor with 1,093 patents, championed relentless experimentation and unwavering determination. His philosophy, highlighted by a famous quote, emphasizes that worthwhile goals demand persistent trials and learning from each attempt. Edison's approach, exemplified by his work on the light bulb, underscores that true innovation stems from continuous effort and a refusal to quit until success is achieved.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee begins a dharna Friday at Kolkata's Metro channel. This protest targets the Bengal Special Intensive Revision process. She will announce future protest plans from the site. The dharna commences March 6. This action follows a significant number of cases sent for adjudication. Judicial officers are reviewing these cases across several districts.

ChatGPT 5.4: OpenAI has launched ChatGPT for Excel in beta, a specialized add-in powered by the new GPT-5.4 Thinking model designed specifically for financial workflows. OpenAI introduced deep data integrations with trusted providers like FactSet, S&P Global, and LSEG, enabling finance professionals to pull real-time market data into ChatGPT to automate research, due diligence, and valuation tasks.

Indian cricket icons Rahul Dravid and Ravichandran Ashwin are set to acquire a franchise in the upcoming European T20 Premier League. The Glasgow-based team is part of the six-team tournament. South African investors are also buying a Dutch franchise. Other teams have been sold to Australian and New Zealand investors.

Sharing his grief over their loss, he wrote on X, Deeply saddened by the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar in the tragic Su-30 crash. Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with them in this hour of grief.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised agriculture's crucial role in India's development. He detailed significant financial aid to farmers through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. The government has also enhanced credit access and insurance coverage. Reforms in Minimum Support Price have boosted farmer incomes.

T20 World Cup 2026 closing ceremony: India and New Zealand are set to clash in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final on Sunday at 7 PM IST. Global pop icon Ricky Martin will headline the closing ceremony, promising a spectacular conclusion to the tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Nepal Election Result 2026 Live Updates: Nepal's new Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by former rapper Balendra Shah, is dominating early vote counts in the capital region during the country's first general election since mass youth protests. The RSP is leading in a significant majority of Kathmandu Valley constituencies, signaling a strong public response to the emerging political force.

Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has proposed a ban on social media for children under 16 in the state's 17th budget. This move comes amid growing concerns about digital addiction among young people. The budget also outlines a significant outlay of Rs 4,48,004 crore for Karnataka's development.