The Economic Times

In an official ceremony, RN Ravi has officially taken the oath as the newly appointed Governor of West Bengal, succeeding CV Ananda Bose. Bose, reflecting on his term, likened his resignation to concluding a cricket match, emphasizing his strategic choice. He is heading back to Kerala to lend his efforts towards the ambitious 'Viksit Bharat' initiative.

A tragic incident unfolded in Annapolis County where an ice fisherman was found deceased. A search continues for a second missing individual. In a separate event, a collision between a car and a school bus in North Sydney claimed the life of a 53-year-old man. Students on the bus sustained minor injuries. Authorities are investigating both incidents.

IPL 2026 tickets: IPL 2026 kicks off March 28 with RCB vs. SRH in Bengaluru, concluding May 31. Pre-sale registrations for MI vs. GT are open on BookMyShow, offering early access but no guaranteed tickets. The initial 20 matches span 10 cities until April 12, with the full schedule pending Assembly election dates.

Players from South Africa and the West Indies have finally left India after being stranded post the T20 World Cup. Their departure was delayed due to the closure of airspaces amid the West Asia conflict. The International Cricket Council confirmed the safe travel of all remaining players. This concludes a complex logistical operation under challenging global travel conditions.

Karunya Plus KN 614 Lottery Result (12/03/2026): The Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Karunya Plus KN 614 weekly lottery today, March 12, 2026. The event will be held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a grand first prize of 1 crore.

The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Pawan Bishnoi and Jagtar Singh, two individuals accused in the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala. This decision allows their release from custody as the trial for the high-profile case progresses. Moose Wala was fatally shot in May 2022, shortly after his security cover was reduced.

A senior manager discovered he had thyroid cancer during a company health check, only to be terminated weeks later. After battling illness and job loss, including a hunger strike, he now advocates for a new law to protect employees facing serious medical conditions from workplace discrimination.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused Rahul Gandhi of being involved in a conspiracy to reak India, suggesting Gandhi would only find peace if China, Russia, and the US attacked the nation. Dubey also criticized the opposition's stance, highlighting India's better position regarding LPG availability compared to neighboring countries facing severe shortages.

Australian shares fell on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as oil prices climbed due to Middle East conflict. This surge fueled inflation worries and increased expectations for an interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia next week. The S&P/ASX 200 index saw significant drops, with energy stocks being the only sector to gain.

Delhi Lok Adalat Token Date: The National Lok Adalat in Delhi will now take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Earlier, it was supposed to take place on March 14. The Delhi Traffic Lok Adalat token will be available from Monday, March 16, by scanning a QR code. The Lok Adalat will be held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla defended his actions in the House. He stated parliamentary rules apply to all members. Maintaining the institution's dignity sometimes requires firm decisions. Birla addressed concerns about impartiality and microphone control. He explained that presiding officers do not control microphones directly. Decisions were made to protect Parliament's dignity. The Speaker thanked members for their views.

Panic LPG buying: Long queues are seen at LPG dispensing stations and gas agency offices across West Bengal. Auto drivers and domestic consumers are facing hours of waiting to refill cooking gas. Online booking systems are crashing due to heavy traffic. Restaurants are also affected, with some trimming operations. The state government is taking steps to restore booking servers and ensure supply.

Today's word of the day: Yeetlord is a humorous internet slang term describing someone who throws things or makes bold decisions with carefree enthusiasm.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav highlighted the widespread frustration over LPG cylinder shortages in North India with a satirical couplet. He alleged that the ruling BJP government's 'achhe din' have run empty, leading to long queues and black marketing of cooking gas, impacting even wedding preparations.

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah. He was arrested in 2019 in a terror funding case. The National Investigation Agency had booked him for allegedly facilitating a separatist movement. The court noted anomalies in the trial and Shah's long incarceration. A detailed order with stringent bail conditions will follow.

LPG crisis in India: The LPG crisis has hit the small street food vendors in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and other parts of the country as they are being forced to pay higher prices for cylinders. Left with no option, many poha, samosa and tea sellers have increased the prices of food items as the Strait of Hormuz choke continues. Many dhaba owners are also planning to return back homes if the LPG crisis continues.

The IranIsrael conflict has reached Madhya Pradeshs hotel and catering industry, with several business owners claiming they are running low on LPG stocks at a time when the sector is expected to witness its busiest period of the year, with approximately 2,500 weddings scheduled to take place till March 15.

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday appointed a new minister of hydrocarbons, a key position in the oil-rich nation that she previously held under ousted leader Nicolas Maduro. Rodriguez said in a post on Telegram that she was naming petroleum engineer Paula Henao as the new Minister of Hydrocarbons.

In a fiery address, Rahul Gandhi has taken aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a troubling LPG shortage. He accuses the PM of being rattled by the Epstein documents and the ongoing Adani controversy. The opposition's frustration was palpable as MPs rallied around the issue, with restaurants and catering businesses feeling the heat from disrupted supplies.

A sudden blaze at the Capital Power System Limited factory in Noida's Sector 4 sent shockwaves through Thursday morning's routine. Approximately 240 workers were present when the fire ignited. First responders acted quickly, breaking windows to facilitate an urgent evacuation. In the aftermath, 26 workers were injured and required hospital treatment, with a few in the ICU.

Australian-American actress Nicole Kidman's famous quote You're not anyone in America unless you're on TV reveals television's power in shaping fame in the US. For decades, TV has been a key media. Being on television means reaching millions, making someone a household name. Kidman's words show how screen presence can define success.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. A man allegedly tried to shoot him at a marriage function in Jammu. Security personnel intervened and overpowered the assailant. Abdullah stated he is fine and God saved him. The incident has raised concerns about security for protectees in the Union Territory.

Opposition parties are demanding a parliamentary discussion on the West Asia crisis and its impact on India, but the government is reportedly refusing, sparking accusations of fear and exposing foreign policy failures. Concerns are mounting over deepening energy shortages and the government's handling of the situation, with the opposition criticizing its response and assurances.

Strikes in Iran have damaged ancient sites including palaces and a mosque. Iran and Lebanon have asked UNESCO for more protection. UNESCO confirmed damage to Golestan Palace and Chehel Sotoun Palace. This destruction impacts cultural identity and world history. Human rights advocates highlight the civilian cost of such damage.

Effective March, China will cease exports of refined fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, as a measure to secure its domestic supply amidst the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. This swift action is expected to reverberate across global fuel markets, compelling refiners to adhere strictly to the directives issued by the National Development and Reform Commission.

iQOO Z11x, a smartphone featuring a massive 7200mAh battery and a segment-first 6-year battery health guarantee, the device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo chipset, which crosses the 1 million mark on AnTuTu. Available in Black and Green, this device will be launched today, March 12 by 12 noon.

JJK S3 Ep 10 release: The official synopsis for Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 57 (Season 3, Episode 10), titled Tokyo No. 1 Colony, Part 4, confirms a high-stakes confrontation for Megumi Fushiguro. After being led into a trap by Remi, Fushiguro finds himself cornered by Reggie Star and a group of reincarnated sorcerers from the past.

Twenty passengers detained on the Imphal-Ukhrul route have been released following an appeal by Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand. The Chief Minister expressed concern over the incident near Litan Police Station. He urged for the safe release of all civilians and assured strict action against those responsible. The government is committed to citizen safety.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the subject-wise schedule for the Common University Entrance Test [CUET (PG)] 2026, slated to begin on March 6, 2026. The examination, which covers 157 subjects, will be held in a Computer Based Test (CBT) format across 44 shifts, concluding on March 27, 2026.

The International Monetary Fund has reported significant progress in its discussions with Pakistan regarding funding facilities. Talks are set to continue in the coming days. This ongoing dialogue will further assess the effects of recent global events on Pakistan's economy and the Extended Fund Facility program. Both sides are working towards a resolution.

Assam Congress has hit the brakes on potential alliances with Raijor Dal as the assembly elections approach. Gaurav Gogoi reflected on the negotiations, noting that a conducive atmosphere for collaboration wasn't realized. The ultimate aim remains clear: winning seats. Meanwhile, Congress has rolled out its candidate selections, and rival opposition groups are mobilizing for coordinated campaigning efforts across the state.

Three crew members were elieved to be trapped aboard a Thai bulk carrier that was hit by two projectiles on Wednesday while travelling through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the vessel's owner said. Three crew members are reported missing and believed to be trapped in the engine room of the Thai-registered Mayuree Naree which was damaged in the strikes, Thai transport company Precious Shipping said in a statement Wednesday evening.

Middle East war: Bahrain is responding to Iranian attacks. A blaze in Muharraq Governorate prompts public advisories. Earlier, an Iranian strike killed one person in Manama. Bahrain's air defenses neutralized numerous missiles and drones. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar also intercepted attacks. Global oil prices have surged due to the conflict.

Hardik Pandya Flag Complaint: Cricketer Hardik Pandya is under scrutiny after a legal complaint alleged disrespect to the national flag during T20 World Cup victory celebrations. Simultaneously, fans noted the absence of his brother Krunal Pandya and sister-in-law Pankhuri Sharma from the celebrations and their lack of social media posts.

UPSC 2026: Two Chennai youths, one a power-loom weaver's son after eight attempts and another a daily wager's son in his first try, have conquered the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Their journeys, marked by perseverance and support from initiatives like the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme, highlight that humble beginnings need not be barriers to achieving national service dreams.

Gas shortage is hitting restaurants hard in Hyderabad. A restaurant owner said that the fuel shortage is affecting their business big time, and with wood prices allegedly skyrocketing, especially in Ramdhan, it is challenging.

Galileo Galilei, a pivotal figure in the scientific revolution, revolutionized astronomy and the study of motion with his telescopic discoveries and formulations of key physical laws. Despite his groundbreaking work, his advocacy for the Copernican heliocentric system led to an Inquisition process. His enduring quote emphasizes the universal potential for learning from every individual, regardless of their perceived knowledge.

Iran's military vowed on Wednesday to launch strikes against US and Israeli economic interests in the region, including banks, while an Iranian news agency listed tech giants as possible future targets. Iran's Tasnim news agency also published a list of potential targets for Iran on Telegram, including the offices of tech giants such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Nvidia in Gulf countries and Israel.

Philosopher Rene Descartes championed questioning everything. One of his work includes the book Meditations on First Philosophy. He believed that if something deceives us once, it warrants caution. This approach helps find dependable truths. Descartes' method encourages critical thinking, not constant suspicion. Learning from past experiences is key to forming sound judgments. His ideas laid groundwork for modern rationalism.

Iran War News Day 13: The Iran-Israel conflict escalates into its second week with widespread violence. Strikes hit Beirut and oil tankers off Iraq. Iran and allied groups claim attacks on Israeli targets. The US military's involvement costs billions. Global oil markets are tense as strategic reserves are released. Lebanon faces a severe humanitarian crisis. Businesses in the Gulf evacuate offices amid rising security concerns.

A container ship has been struck by a projectile off the coast of the UAE, near Jebel Ali port. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident, raising concerns about maritime security in the region. Details regarding the origin of the projectile and any potential damage are still emerging.

Petrol, Diesel Price March 12: There has been no change in the prices of petrol and diesel on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata and other cities. This comes despite crude Brent jumping $100 per barrel amid the ongoing escalating tensions in the Middle East region. The government has said the fuel prices would remain stable for now.

Truck drivers on the Iran-Iraq border say the war and closure of key crossings have disrupted trade and daily life. Drivers who usually cross nearby borders are now taking long detours, waiting days at checkpoints and seeing far fewer trucks as imports slow due to the conflict and sanctions.

Archana Puran Singh son Pakistan match: Actor Archana Puran Singh's son, Aaryamann Sethi, shares his challenging journey. Once a promising international footballer, Aaryamann battled bullying and injuries. A severe leg fracture derailed his dreams, leading to depression and anxiety. With family support, he is now exploring music and content creation, advocating for mental health awareness.

Amidst fears of West Asian conflict disrupting gas supply, Uttarakhand government prioritizes commercial gas cylinders for hospitals and educational institutions. Preparations are underway for wood as an alternative fuel, while authorities assure no shortage of domestic cylinders and vow to curb black marketing and misinformation.

In a precautionary move amid rising tensions, Oman is reportedly shifting vessels away from its Mina Al Fahal oil terminal. This development, reported by Bloomberg News, signals a heightened state of alert in the region, with authorities taking steps to safeguard maritime operations and potential disruptions to oil exports.

In a letter addressed to NCW Chairperson Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa urged the commission to take immediate cognizance of the matter and initiate action against the Chief Minister.

Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi sarcastically questioned the Jammu and Kashmir police about a potential third FIR following his pro-Iran and anti-Israel/US statements. He had previously faced two FIRs for allegedly circulating misleading content and making an inflammatory speech during pro-Iran protests.