The Economic Times

Who is Chris O'Neal, and why was he arrested? The actor known for television roles was detained after a reported burglary in Malibu. Deputies responded to a call about intruders captured on security cameras. He was later released from custody.

India faces challenges in its privatisation program. Three planned sales are under consideration for shelving due to weak investor interest. This follows the failed sale of IDBI Bank. Dwindling buyer interest, high valuations, and geopolitical uncertainty are impacting the divestment drive. The government's ambitious plan to exit most sectors is encountering fresh setbacks.

Chand Raat 2026: India is preparing for Chand Raat, the sighting of the Shawwal crescent Moon, which marks the end of Ramadan. This significant moment signals the arrival of Eid ul-Fitr. In 2026, Chand Raat is expected to fall on 19 March, with Eid celebrations to follow depending on the Moons visibility. Families begin preparing for the festivities, markets come alive with activity, and special prayers are offered to mark the occasion.

Naval personnel from 16 nations are participating in the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR. This initiative strengthens India's maritime cooperation and the SAGAR vision. Participants will undergo training in Kochi and then sail on an Indian Naval Ship. They will engage in operational activities and port visits, fostering professional links and understanding of shared maritime challenges.

The US-led strikes on Iran have shifted focus from damaging military capabilities to dealing with large stockpiles of enriched uranium buried at nuclear sites like Isfahan and Natanz, posing a major security challenge.

Congress veteran Pradyut Bordoloi has joined the BJP just weeks before the Assam assembly elections. His move weakens the Congress party's organizational structure, especially in central Assam. The BJP gains a seasoned leader who can broaden its appeal and strengthen its networks. This defection highlights ongoing political shifts in the state ahead of the crucial polls.

Revolutionize your mornings with six high-protein Sattu-based breakfasts. From the traditional savory Sharbat to modern protein smoothies and fiber-rich Chillas, these recipes leverage the power of roasted Bengal gram to provide sustained energy, improved digestion, and muscle-building nutrients for the active 2026 lifestyle.

A bombing in Kabul claimed the lives of 143 according to a United Nations mission, while the Afghan Taliban government reports a staggering toll of over 400 fatalities. Meanwhile, Pakistan refutes allegations of targeting a drug rehabilitation center, asserting that its strikes were focused on military bases and terrorist networks. This tragic event unfolded on Monday night.

China confirmed it is in communication with the United States regarding a postponed visit by President Donald Trump. The trip, originally scheduled for March 31, has been delayed. Trump indicated the visit could happen in five to six weeks. China has not publicly confirmed any specific date for the high-stakes trip.

Amidst LPG cylinder supply concerns, Pune engineer Priyadarshan Sahasrabuddhe's 'Vaayu' biogas system is gaining traction. This compact unit converts kitchen waste into cooking fuel, with inquiries surging as households seek alternatives. The system, which requires daily organic waste input, has already seen over 450 installations across various cities.

Rajganj MLA Khageswar Roy has resigned from his Jalpaiguri district TMC post. He was denied a ticket for the upcoming West Bengal assembly polls. Roy alleges money power influenced the decision. He predicts a party defeat in the constituency. Asian Games gold medallist Swapna Barman will contest from Rajganj. Roy expressed his disappointment over the injustice.

Many consumers believe organic food is healthier. However, not all products labelled organic are genuine. Regulatory bodies like FSSAI warn against marketing claims alone. This guide explains the difference between organic and normal food. It details how to verify authenticity and understand labels. Consumers can make smarter, healthier choices by checking for official certifications like Jaivik Bharat Logo.

Rain in Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall for Delhi on Wednesday, March 18. You can expect a cloudy sky in the night with the possibility of drizzle, thunderstorms, lightning and strong surface winds today. The IMD has also sounded a yellow alert for Delhi for Thursday and Friday. No rainfall has been predicted for Noida and Gurugram today.

Iran's judiciary reported an attack on a site in southern Iran, causing civilian and staff casualties. This comes as Iran retaliated for the killing of a top leader with missile strikes on Israel and its Persian Gulf neighbors. Israel also intensified strikes in Lebanon. The conflict continues to escalate, impacting regional stability and global oil prices.

Iran War: Iran's military continues to operate despite significant losses to its leadership. A decentralized defense system, known as Mosaic Defence, allows regional units to act autonomously. This strategy makes it difficult for external forces to halt operations. The system is designed to survive strikes on the capital. This approach ensures continued defense capabilities even without central direction.

Supreme Court Industry Definition Reference: India's Supreme Court is re-examining the definition of 'industry'. This crucial decision will impact labor laws covering wages, disputes, and worker protections. The court considers the nation's economic shift towards privatization and liberalization. The ruling will clarify which organizations fall under labor regulations. This affects millions of workers across various sectors.

Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi has resigned from the party just weeks before the Assam Assembly elections. His departure has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which claims it highlights the Congress's declining influence. Congress leaders expressed disappointment, suggesting ticket allocation issues may have prompted the decision. The party plans to persuade Bordoloi to reconsider his resignation.

Ranveer Singh Dhurandhar 2 Records: Dhurandhar 2 The Revenge is poised for a significant impact. The film brings back Ranveer Singh as Hamza Ali Mazari. A strong cast including R Madhavan and Sanjay Dutt also features. This sequel follows the record-breaking success of the first Dhurandhar. It is expected to deliver another high-impact cinematic experience for audiences.

The Election Commission has reshuffled top police officials in West Bengal. BJP leader Rahul Sinha supports this move, calling it a way to ensure fair elections. He alleges Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had appointed loyalists to the police force. The reshuffle includes new Directors General of Police and Commissioners. Key district police chiefs have also been appointed.

The Election Commission has ordered the transfer of five IPS officers to new DIG positions in West Bengal. This move comes as the commission reviews poll preparedness for the upcoming assembly elections. The directives are effective immediately. This follows earlier transfers of top state officials and police chiefs.

Hindu New Year 2026 Calendar: India will celebrate its Hindu New Year on March 19, 2026. This day marks new beginnings and spiritual awakening. Various festivals like Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Poila Baisakh, and Puthandu will be observed across the country. These celebrations reflect regional traditions while sharing the core idea of a fresh start. The day holds deep spiritual importance.

Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state BJP president Dilip Saikia welcomed him. Bordoloi, a two-time MP from Nagaon, previously served as a Cabinet Minister. His move is seen as a boost for the BJP's strategy in Assam ahead of future political contests.

The ruling DMK party has finalised seat allocations for its ally CPI. The Communist Party of India will contest five Assembly seats in the upcoming Tamil Nadu polls. This decision follows extensive discussions between the two parties. The state assembly election is scheduled for April 23.

Samsung Electronics workers in South Korea have voted to authorise a strike. This move deepens a labor dispute over bonuses. The union plans an 18-day strike from May 21 if a deal is not reached. This could disrupt production at the world's largest memory chip maker.

Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad apprehended a 19-year-old BDS student. He is accused of radicalizing youth and recruiting for the banned terrorist organization ISIS. The student allegedly used social media and encrypted platforms for these activities. He was in contact with ISIS handlers and aimed to establish a Sharia-based caliphate. Further investigation is ongoing to identify other network members.

OPPO has launched its new A6s 5G smartphone in India. This device targets the mid-range segment with a strong emphasis on battery life, performance, and camera features. It boasts a large 6,500mAh battery and 45W fast charging. The phone also features a 50MP dual rear camera.

Garena Free Fire Max players can get free items using redeem codes. These codes are 12-character alphanumeric strings. They are valid for a short time and can be used only once. Players should redeem them quickly. The official redemption site is reward.ff.garena.com. Log in and enter the code to claim rewards.

Weather Today: Unstable weather, including rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms, is forecast across large parts of India until March 21. Delhi and nearby states will experience gusty winds and a noticeable dip in temperatures, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 kmph. Hill states and plains like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are also on alert for active weather conditions.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has clarified he is not retiring, expressing deep love for his role. This comes as the company faces leadership shifts and prepares for significant product launches. Analysts suggest a potential transition for Apple's leadership. Behind the scenes, Apple is reportedly grooming new leaders for future roles.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam general secretary Aadhav Arjuna revealed that party leader Vijay rejected a substantial offer. This included the chief minister's position and fifty percent of Assembly seats from an unnamed political party. Vijay prioritized public trust over the chief minister's post. The TVK will contest all 234 constituencies in the upcoming election.

The Indian Infrastructure Finance Company Limited has announced recruitment for 37 Grade A assistant manager and Grade B manager posts, with applications open from March 18 to April 10, 2026. The selection process involves a written exam, behavioural test, and interview to strengthen the organization's workforce for national infrastructure development.

Gen Alphachildren born between 2010 and 2025are growing up in a fully digital world shaped by gaming, algorithms and meme culture, making their language, behaviour and content consumption very different from earlier generations, according to a study by the Advertising Standards Council of India and Futurebrands Consulting.

Dhurandhar2: Dhurandhar: The Revenge faces controversy over a provocative dialogue in its trailer, leading to actor Vivek Sinha receiving backlash. Sinha clarified on social media that he is not a terrorist and the line was part of his scripted performance, highlighting audience sensitivity and the need to differentiate actors from their roles.

An Iranian strike hit near Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE. The attack damaged military accommodation and medical facilities. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed no Australian personnel were injured. This is the second time the base has been targeted. Al Minhad Air Base is a key logistics hub for Australian forces in the Middle East.

A devastating fire swept through a residential building in Palam, Delhi early Wednesday morning. Seven members of a family, including three young children, tragically lost their lives. Two individuals bravely jumped from the burning structure to escape the flames and are currently receiving hospital treatment. A large-scale firefighting operation was swiftly launched to combat the blaze.

Cricketer Shivam Dube chose a train journey home after India's T20 World Cup win. He felt anxious to see his child and father. Dube traveled in third AC to avoid attention. He wore a mask and cap. A ticket checker almost recognized him. His wife intervened. Dube reached Mumbai without airport fanfare. Local police helped him leave the station.

Seven people were killed in a fire triggered by an explosion at an electric car charging point outside a house in Indore early Wednesday, officials said. The blaze quickly spread to the three-storey building, with cooking gas cylinder explosions intensifying the fire.

A projectile hit the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran. Both Iran and Russia reported the incident. No nuclear material was released. This raises concerns for Iran's neighbors. The Bushehr plant has a history of construction and expansion. It was untouched during a previous conflict. A leak could impact Gulf Arab states' water supplies.

Amara Raja Design Alpha has entered the defence electronics sector. They have developed an indigenous Power Conditioning Cabinet for naval sonar systems. This initiative supports India's naval indigenisation efforts. The company plans to expand into other critical sonar system components. This development contributes to India's growing maritime capabilities.

A top counterterrorism official resigned, citing moral opposition to the US-Iran war and personal loss from past Middle East conflicts. His decision highlights the profound impact of war on individuals and families, drawing attention to his late wife, a decorated Navy intelligence specialist killed in Syria. The resignation sparks renewed debate on US military engagement abroad.

The Trinamool Congress faces a tough West Bengal assembly election. The party relies on its welfare schemes and Mamata Banerjee's leadership. It is also trying to refresh its image with new candidates. The BJP presents a strong challenge. Communal politics and voter roll issues are also key factors. The TMC aims for a fourth consecutive term.

TTD tickets online booking: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced the schedule for the online release of Darshan tickets for June, which will start from Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Devotees can book the tickets from the TTD official website, ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in. Special Entry Darshan (SED) tickets will be issued at 10 a.m. on March 24.

A sniper's presence at Waterloo's St. Patrick's Day festivities sparked concern, but experts explain it's a standard safety measure for large gatherings. While some local leadership expressed surprise without prior threat notification, police confirm the deployment as a proactive step to ensure attendee safety during the event.

IPL 2026 Ticket booking bookmyshow: Dhurandhar The Revenge is set for a grand release. Advance bookings are breaking records, especially at PVR INOX. Ticket prices vary across cities and seating options. Premium formats like IMAX are selling out fast. BookMyShow offers a simple booking process for movie tickets. IPL 2026 ticket registrations are also open.