The Economic Times

A South African woman, known as 'Cupcake Girl', shared an emotional video after the Proteas' T20 World Cup semi-final defeat. She questioned the team's inability to win high-pressure matches despite possessing world-class talent. The woman appealed to coach Shukri Conrad to consider mental therapy for the players.

Social media influencer Nancy Grewal has been found stabbed to death in her home. LaSalle Police confirmed the incident as a homicide. Grewal, known for her outspoken views, was discovered Tuesday night. Authorities are actively investigating and have not yet identified a suspect. Police are appealing for information from the public and asking residents to check surveillance footage.

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has launched an urgent humanitarian initiative to provide free-of-cost accommodation for travelers stranded in Dubai due to the escalating US-Iran conflict. Following the suspension of many flight services and regional unrest, Sood shared a video message on March 5, 2026, urging those without shelter to contact him via Instagram Direct Message.

In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, Australia has deployed military resources to the region as part of a proactive measure. This decision comes on the heels of military strikes against Iran, with concerns mounting about the potential for a broader conflict. Currently, six crisis response teams are on the ground, ready to support affected Australian citizens.

A fresh controversy has hit Pakistan as a T20 World Cup squad member was reportedly fined for misbehaving with a female staff at a hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The report said that the staff member shouted and called for help, following which the hotel staff came to help her. The Pakistan player is likely to be summoned before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) disciplinary committee.

Nepal elections: More than 18.9 million eligible Nepalese will be exercising their franchise to elect the 275-member House of Representatives from among the 3,406 candidates vying for 165 seats under direct voting, and 3,135 candidates vying for 110 seats through proportionate voting.

Fresh blasts were reported in Iran's capital on Thursday as Tehran said it had targeted Kurdish groups in Iraq and warned separatist groups against action in the widening war. On Thursday, Tehran said it had hit Iraq-based Kurdish groups opposed to the revolution, as reports said the United States was looking to arm Kurdish guerillas to infiltrate Iran.

A US submarine sank Iran's warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean. The incident occurred within Sri Lanka's waters. At least 87 sailors died. Iran's foreign minister warned of US regret. The IRIS Dena was in the region for naval exercises with India. Sri Lanka conducted a rescue and recovery operation.

Lok Sabha is set to consider a resolution for Speaker Om Birla's removal. Opposition members have submitted a notice citing alleged partisan conduct. Birla will have the right to defend himself during the discussion. This rare event marks a significant moment in parliamentary proceedings. The House will decide on the resolution.

For more than three weeks, Ukraine's F-16 jets struggled under a severe missile shortage. With support from allied nations dwindling, Ukrainian pilots found themselves at a disadvantage, unable to fend off Russian aerial threats. This situation starkly underscores Ukraine's dependency on Western partners for bolstering its air defense capabilities. Fortunately, in December, fresh missile supplies finally arrived, restoring some balance.

Kashmir faces disruptions for a fifth day as restrictions continue. Protests erupted after Iran's supreme leader was killed. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with leaders to restore normalcy. Educational institutions are closed, and internet speeds are reduced. Security forces are deployed to prevent gatherings. The Ghanta Ghar remains sealed after large-scale protests.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of a grave act at sea. He stated that the Iranian Frigate Dena, carrying nearly 130 sailors, was struck in international waters. Araghchi warned of severe repercussions for the precedent set by this action. The incident occurred far from Iran's shores.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un observed a strategic cruise missile test. The launch came from a new naval destroyer named Choe Hyon. This event occurred before the warship's official commissioning. Kim described the test as vital for the vessel's capabilities. He stated it represents a new symbol of sea defense for North Korea.

Zimbabwe cricketers are finally heading home from India. They were stuck in Delhi after their T20 World Cup campaign. The closure of Gulf airspace due to ongoing conflict disrupted their travel plans. The International Cricket Council arranged alternative flights. The first group of players departed on Wednesday. The remaining players will leave on Friday. Their original route was via Dubai.

Iran's military has denied launching any missile towards Turkey. This comes after Turkey's defense ministry reported a ballistic missile originating from Iran was intercepted. NATO air and missile defense systems destroyed the projectile over the eastern Mediterranean. The incident involved passage through Syrian and Iraqi airspace before reaching Turkish territory.

International Womens Day 2026 theme: In 2026, the International Womens Day 2026 theme is Give to Gain. The IWD's theme encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration to give support to gain advancement for women and girls. The theme also highlights that empowering women leads to shared prosperity and calls for rigid actions for women security, weak legal protections and less rights to women.

Unclassified Footage: US Central Command has released declassified footage showing the systematic destruction of Irans mobile missile capabilities. As Operation Epic Fury enters its sixth day, military officials report a massive decline in Iranian strike capacity following the deaths of top regime leaders and over 2,000 precision strikes.

An escalating Middle East conflict has significantly reduced global air cargo capacity by over one-fifth, leading to increased freight rates and potential backlogs. Key hubs like Doha and Dubai are grounded, impacting shipments from fresh produce to airplane parts. This disruption is particularly affecting Asia-Europe routes, with Chinese carriers potentially gaining an advantage due to airspace access.

MacBook Neo Price and Specs: Neo marks a historic shift in Apples hardware strategy, debuting as the company's most affordable laptop at 69,900. Powered by the A18 Pro chipthe first time an iPhone processor has transitioned to the Macit targets the education sector and entry-level users.

China's government has taken a significant step by announcing its new Five-Year Plan, aspiring for economic growth of 4.5% to 5%. Highlighting the importance of technological innovation and national self-reliance, the plan addresses increasing defense expenditures by 7%.

RJD MP Manoj Jha likened speculations about Nitish Kumar's Rajya Sabha nomination to a desi version of the Maduro model or kidnapping by consent. He suggested the widespread reports indicate underlying truth, signaling the end of a political chapter. Bihar Minister Ramkripal Yadav, however, called it an internal JD(U) matter, emphasizing Kumar's paramount decision and dismissing opposition concerns.

JJK S3 Ep 9 India release date and time: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 9 titled 'Tokyo No. 1 Colony, Part 3'will start streaming today, March 5th 2026. Check where to watch, what to expect and release timings here

Apple unveiled the iPhone 17e, MacBook Neo, and new iPad Air, all available for pre-order March 4th and shipping March 11th. The iPhone 17e starts at $599 with increased storage, while the MacBook Neo begins at $599 ($499 for education). The iPad Air, now featuring the M4 chip, starts at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch.

Punch The Monkey update: Punch, the orphaned macaque, has gone viral again after months of clinging to a plush toy at a zoo in Japan. Punch is now making new friends and was also seen climbing onto the back of another monkey in a new video. Punch has been using the Plush toy less. Punch, eschewing the toy most of the time now, is a good thing.

Middle East conflict presents short-term challenges for India's economy, including oil price hikes and export disruptions, but is unlikely to derail long-term growth. An RBI panel member highlighted the need for coordinated fiscal and monetary policies to achieve an 8% GDP growth trajectory, supported by manufacturing and services. Inflation remains benign, offering a 'Goldilocks' scenario.

China's parliament is set to ramp up efforts to bolster its already dominant rare earths industry. Over the next five years, from 2026 to 2030, the country plans to significantly strengthen the development of this crucial sector, solidifying its global position in the supply of these vital materials.

A British repatriation flight from Oman, intended for UK nationals following Middle East conflict, was delayed and rescheduled for Thursday. Passengers were informed the delay was due to pilot rest requirements after slow check-in procedures. This flight is part of efforts to assist Europeans stranded in the Gulf region.

Some ships are signalling their ownership while passing through the Strait of Hormuz to reduce the risk of attacks amid the Middle East conflict. A bulk carrier, Iron Maiden, broadcast CHINA OWNER while transiting the strait, similar to another tanker that earlier identified itself as Muslim-owned and Turkish-operated. Shipping traffic through the key oil chokepoint has sharply declined as fighting between the U.S., Israel and Iran escalates.

Iran said it carried out missile strikes on the headquarters of Kurdish opposition groups in Iraqs Kurdistan region. According to Irans state news agency IRNA, three missiles were launched targeting groups Tehran describes as opposed to the revolution. The strikes come amid ongoing tensions and previous attacks on Kurdish regions in both Iran and Iraq.

China's latest budget announcement reveals a significant boost to its defense spending, jumping over 10% to an impressive 275 billion US dollars. This financial commitment signals a dedicated effort to revamp its armed forces and narrow the gap with US military prowess.

Millions across western Cuba faced a massive power outage. A major thermoelectric plant shutdown caused the blackout. The island is grappling with low oil reserves and a deteriorating electricity network. Officials estimate at least 72 hours for repairs. Critical infrastructure like hospitals are receiving power. This situation highlights ongoing energy challenges in Cuba.

The Staff Selection Commission has postponed the Constable GD examination for 2026. The computer-based test was scheduled to begin on February 23, 2026. New dates for the examination will be announced shortly. Candidates can expect city intimation slips and admit cards in March. Aspirants should monitor the official SSC website for updates.

Three suspended Assam Congress MLAs have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. This move comes ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The switch is expected to create challenges for the Congress party. Union Minister Pabitra Margherita stated that leaders are joining the BJP due to its ideology. He also criticized the Congress candidate list for lacking freshness and being dynastic.

India has strongly denied allegations that its ports are being used by the United States for strikes against Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a clarification calling the claims fake and false. These assertions were made by a former US Army Colonel in a US-based interview. India's FactCheck division cautioned against spreading such baseless misinformation.

The Raisina Dialogue commences in New Delhi. Global leaders, policymakers, and experts gather to discuss the future of geopolitics, geo-economics, and technology. Discussions will focus on technological disruption, strategic competition, and economic security. India's Digital Public Infrastructure and climate geopolitics are key themes. The dialogue examines security challenges, technological competition, and the future global order.

Iran war: The two Army Reserve soldiers died on Sunday in a drone attack on a U.S. military facility in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait that also killed four other reservists.

Petrol, Diesel prices today: There has been no change in the petrol and diesel prices in major metropolitan cities in India on March 5, 2026. In Delhi, the price of petrol per litre stands at Rs 94.77 and that of diesel is Rs 87.67. The petrol and diesel rates are relatively higher in Mumbai at Rs 103.54 and Rs 90.03 perlitre, respectively.

The Congress party has revealed six candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Senior leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi is among those nominated. Elections for 37 seats across ten states are scheduled for March 16. The nominations mark a significant step in the electoral process. The party is gearing up for the biennial polls.

China plans a childbirth-friendly society in five years. Policies will boost employment, income, and social security. Marriage and childbearing will be encouraged. Housing support for families is coming. Medical costs for pregnancy and IVF will be covered. Childcare subsidies will expand. Education spending will increase. The silver economy for seniors will develop. Elderly care services will grow.

Iranian sailors are recovering in Sri Lanka after a U.S. submarine strike in the Indian Ocean. Eighty-seven lives were lost in the attack. Rescue operations continue for dozens still missing. The incident marks a significant escalation of regional tensions. Survivors are being treated for minor injuries.

India Post GDS Result 2026 pdf download: The Indian Postal Department is set to announce the India Post GDS Result 2026 for 28,636 vacancies. Candidates can download the merit list from indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. Selection is purely merit-based on Class 10 marks, with no written exam or interview. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to document verification and medical examination rounds. The result is anticipated from March onwards.

Chhattisgarh Congress has renominated Phulo Devi Netam for the Rajya Sabha polls. She is an incumbent member. The elections are scheduled for March 16. Netam, a senior tribal leader, is seeking a second consecutive term. The BJP has fielded Laxmi Verma. Both candidates will file nominations on Thursday.

President Donald Trump sent greetings for Holi, calling it a celebration of spring and good over evil. The festival of colours was celebrated globally. New York City's Times Square lit up for the occasion. India's Embassy in Washington DC also conveyed wishes. Texas became the third US state to formally acknowledge Holi, recognizing its themes of love and renewal.

Canadian PM Mark Carney lauded PM Modi as a unique guy, praising his 25-year work ethic and focus on rural delivery and UPI. The visit marks a ew era of partnership to reset ties, featuring a major uranium deal and renewed defence cooperation between the two nations.

China has asked companies to halt new contracts for exporting refined fuel and try to cancel already committed shipments, according to industry and trade sources. The directive does not apply to jet fuel for international flights, bonded bunkering or supplies to Hong Kong and Macau.

Fuel prices Australia explained: Australian motorists face rising fuel costs partly because of Middle east war. Global oil market tensions are pushing prices higher. However, prices vary significantly between cities. Experts suggest some retailers are inflating margins. Motorists can find cheaper fuel by checking prices before filling up. Apps can help locate these stations.

A Pakistani man accused of plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump told a U.S. court he did not willingly work with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and acted under pressure to protect his family in Tehran.

Israel Iran Conflict Day 6 News: The Iran-Israel war has escalated into a multi-theater confrontation, marked by fresh missile barrages, expanding air strikes in Lebanon, and maritime flashpoints. Regional actors are on alert, with Turkey intercepting a missile and global powers like Canada and China weighing in on mediation efforts.

AP Class 10th hall ticket download: The BSEAP will release the Class 10th hall tickets on their official website bse.ap.gov.in, through which students can download it. The AP Class 10th exams will begin from March 16 and will go on till April 1. Candidates were required to log in using credentials and captcha verification to access and print the admit card. Students must carry a printed hall ticket and a school identity card to the examination centre.