The Economic Times

Congress leader K C Venugopal has challenged Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He demands a clear stand on the Sabarimala women entry issue. Venugopal criticized the state government's stance in the Supreme Court. He also questioned the withdrawal of cases against devotees. The Congress party opposes the entry of women of menstruating age into the temple.

Heavy snowfall stranded thousands of tourists near Himachal Pradesh's Atal Tunnel, with over 1,000 vehicles stuck for nearly 20 hours. Rescue operations by police and BRO successfully evacuated travellers. The region faces continued harsh weather, with further disruptions anticipated, prompting advisories for travellers to avoid high-altitude areas.

India's Supreme Court faces a crisis with over 3,500 public interest litigations pending. Many cases have been stuck for years, some for decades, even outliving original petitioners. Environmental and land issues dominate these delayed cases. The court's capacity is strained by a constant influx of new petitions, exacerbating the judicial backlog and hindering access to justice.

The petroleum ministry has clarified that biometric Aadhaar authentication for LPG customers is only for those who haven't completed e-KYC yet, easing concerns amid the cooking gas crisis. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries need it annually for subsidies, while others who've done it before are exempt. This move aims to enhance transparency and prevent diversion of LPG.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged potential missteps in his relationship with senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, admitting human error during his tenure. Despite speculation about a rift, Gambhir emphasized his commitment to honesty and transparent communication within the dressing room, even as the team achieved significant success.

Israel announced the killing of Gholamreza Soleimani, head of Iran's Basij force. This volunteer force is crucial for suppressing protests within Iran. The Israeli military stated Soleimani's forces were responsible for severe violence and arrests during recent demonstrations. Iran has not yet confirmed Soleimani's death. The Basij is described as part of the Iranian terror regime's armed apparatus.

A parliamentary committee wants the mines ministry to speed up plans to make money from gold-rich waste dumps at Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. These dumps in Kolar Gold Fields hold millions of tonnes of material with recoverable gold. The government is exploring options for the closed mine.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb urged India to play a diplomatic role in achieving a ceasefire between the US-Israel bloc and Iran amidst escalating Middle East conflict. Stubb highlighted India's foreign minister's calls for de-escalation and suggested a revamp of the world order with greater influence for nations like India.

Delhi Police are warning residents about a surge in phishing scams targeting LPG cylinder bookings amid West Asian conflict concerns. Scammers are sending fraudulent SMS messages and APK files, urging users to click suspicious links or update KYC details on fake websites. Authorities advise extreme caution and reporting any suspicious activity.

Renault has introduced the new Duster SUV in India. Introductory prices begin at Rs 10.49 lakh. Turbo-petrol variant deliveries start in April 2026. Strong-hybrid buyers will receive their vehicles around November 2026. The R-Pass offers benefits like priority delivery and special pricing. The Duster features a modern cabin with Google built-in and advanced driver assistance systems.

A former BJP panchayat chief, Pabitra Kar, has rejoined the ruling TMC. Kar was known to be close to senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. His return fuels speculation that he may contest against Adhikari in the Nandigram assembly seat. Kar had previously quit TMC to join BJP. This move comes ahead of the TMC candidate list announcement.

A 12-year-old girl from central China invested her Spring Festival savings into a stationery shop. She hired her mother to manage daily operations, paying her a monthly salary. The young entrepreneur handled supplier negotiations and business planning. She later shifted the business to selling food items. The story has generated mixed reactions online.

A distant war is impacting India's economy. Soaring oil prices and gas shortages are affecting homes and businesses. This energy crisis threatens economic growth and raises inflation concerns. Industries are halting operations. The situation is creating strain for everyday citizens and impacting employment. The external sector faces significant risks as well.

Former Bengal cricketer Shib Shankar Paul, Santal academic Tanushree Hansda, and Islamic scholar Md Mufti Abdul Matin joined the Trinamool Congress. State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya welcomed them. The minister highlighted the government's focus on sports and empowerment of Scheduled Castes and Tribes. West Bengal assembly elections are scheduled for April 23 and 29. Vote counting is on May 4.

The Supreme Court has ruled that adoptive mothers are entitled to maternity leave regardless of the child's age. A law restricting this benefit to children under three months old was struck down. The court emphasized adoption as part of reproductive autonomy. It also urged the government to consider paternity leave as a social security benefit.

Swapan Dasgupta, a prominent figure in the BJP, is making waves by contesting in Rashbehari, South Kolkata. He perceives this as a return to his roots while executing a tactical plan.

Kerala's Kottayam district sees a unique political contest as veteran P C George and his son Shone George vie for votes as NDA candidates. They are contesting in Poonjar and Pala constituencies, areas with significant Christian populations. The father-son duo aims to make a mark for the NDA in the upcoming Assembly polls.

JEE Main 2026 Session 2 City Intimation Slip is anticipated soon on the NTA website. This slip will inform candidates about their allotted exam city for the examination scheduled between April 2 and April 9, 2026. Students can download it using their application number and password. This document is crucial for planning travel and accommodation in advance.

Cadence Design Systems has appointed Alok Jain as managing director for India to lead its regional growth and operations. He will focus on expanding operations, driving innovation and strengthening partnerships with government, academia and industry to support Indias semiconductor ecosystem.

A candid video of Sanju Samson is going viral. It features a surprising language exchange and a personal revelation. Samson shares a simple daily habit that keeps him grounded. Fans are reacting positively to his charm and calm demeanor. The clip offers a glimpse into the cricketer's real personality beyond the game.

Odisha Congress has suspended three MLAs for voting for a BJP-backed Independent candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections. The party stated these MLAs betrayed Congress and the nation. The suspended MLAs are Ramesh Chandra Jena, Dasarathi Gomango, and Sofia Firdous. Their disqualification from the assembly is being pursued. This action follows a strategic understanding where Congress supported a BJD candidate.

Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul, escalating tensions with Afghanistan, which claimed the attack killed 400 people at a hospital. Islamabad denied targeting civilians, saying it hit military infrastructure. The strikes mark a sharp escalation after weeks of border clashes and an open war declaration in February.

Parliamentary tempers cooled as the Lok Sabha reinstated eight opposition MPs suspended for unruly conduct. The decision followed an appeal for normal functioning. A call was made to maintain decorum, with a clear boundary set for parliamentary proceedings. This move signals a thaw in political tensions, with all sides agreeing to adhere to new guidelines for smoother sessions.

The Election Commission has ordered the transfer of several IAS and IPS officers in Kerala. This reshuffle is part of the poll preparedness for the upcoming Assembly elections on April 9. Key appointments include new district police chiefs and collectors. The transfers are effective immediately. Officers transferred out cannot be assigned election duties until the polls conclude.

Former Naxalites in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, are embracing new lives. They are learning skills like sewing and driving. This initiative by the police aims for their reintegration into society. Families of Naxalite victims are also receiving support. These efforts are bringing positive change and hope to the region.

A shocking incident unfolded in east Delhi's Dallupura area. A 28-year-old man reportedly shot himself in the chest. His cousin was filming him loading a pistol at the time. The victim was admitted to a hospital in an unconscious state and later declared dead. The entire event was captured on video.

Indore authorities have shut down an ice candy manufacturing unit. The unit operated without a license and used unsafe water. Poor hygiene was also noted. Food safety officials seized 200 kg of items and collected samples for testing. This action is part of a larger crackdown on food safety violations across Madhya Pradesh.

Baghdad's US embassy faced a fierce drone and rocket assault. The Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar system swiftly engaged multiple threats. Video shows the C-RAM system in action, intercepting incoming projectiles. This attack highlights escalating regional tensions. Iraqi forces increased security in response to the incident.

TVK chief Vijay has formally requested the CBI to spearhead the investigation into the unfortunate stampede incident that shook Karur, Tamil Nadu. He cited his pressing commitments linked to the forthcoming Assembly elections, making it clear he could not dedicate more time to the inquiry process.

Indian exporters are facing significant challenges due to global shipping route disruptions. The Bharat Chamber of Commerce has requested the Reserve Bank of India to provide crucial banking support. This includes enhanced working capital, flexible credit, and extended repayment periods. The aim is to safeguard exporters from financial strain and ensure continued trade flow amidst these global uncertainties.

Nora Fatehi's new dance track faces calls for an immediate ban. An advocate has lodged a complaint with the CBFC and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting against the song. The complaint has alleged that the song has obscene lyrics and visuals'.

Global central banks are meeting this week amid an oil price shock. Policymakers must decide whether to signal higher interest rates to combat inflation. This decision is complicated by past lessons from oil shocks and pandemic-era inflation. The Federal Reserve may signal no rate cuts this year by adjusting its economic projections.

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan will begin Class 1 admissions for the 2026-27 academic year in March. Parents can apply online through the official KVS portal. Selection is through a lottery system, with no written tests or interviews. Document verification and fee payment will follow the list release. Classes commence in June.

Ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday launched a fierce attack on the DMK government, calling Chief Minister MK Stalin a puppet and accusing his administration of failing to maintain law and order across the state.

The film industry breathes a sigh of relief as celebrated screenwriter Salim Khan has been discharged from a Mumbai medical facility. Admitted last month after a serious brain haemorrhage, the 90-year-old writer, renowned for his collaboration with Javed Akhtar, overcame a challenging health ordeal in the ICU.

US Israel Iran war: In Iran's northeast, Tasnim is reporting that ten foreign nationals have been nabbed by authorities. The reason? They're accused of spying. This is a pretty serious development, and it's definitely a developing story that will be worth keeping an eye on.

Iran has launched new attacks on the United Arab Emirates and Israel. The war with the U.S. and Israel is in its third week. The critical Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. Allies are refusing to help reopen the waterway. This is causing energy prices to rise and fears of inflation. Rockets and drones have targeted the U.S.

The Delhi High Court has stopped the spread of online material falsely linking Himayani Puri to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The court found a clear case of defamation. Puri sought damages and an apology. Her legal team argued the posts were part of a malicious campaign. Social media platforms stated they would comply with Indian court orders.

Former BJP MP Dilip Ghosh has returned to contest from the Kharagpur Sadar Assembly constituency, a seat he won in the 2016 Assembly elections, as the party released its first list of 144 candidates for the West Bengal Assembly elections.

2026 Ugadi Date: Ugadi 2026, marking the Hindu New Year, will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19th. This lunisolar festival, also known as Yugadi in Karnataka, signifies renewal and prosperity. Celebrations across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka involve vibrant traditions, special meals like Ugadi Pachadi, and spiritual rituals, coinciding with Gudi Padwa and the start of Chaitra Navratri.

A Pakistani national was killed after falling shrapnel from an intercepted ballistic missile struck the Bani Yas area, authorities said.

Gangaur 2026 Date: Gangaur 2026, a significant Hindu festival honouring Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, will be celebrated on Saturday, 21 March. Observed primarily in Rajasthan and other northern states, it is a time for women to pray for marital happiness and an ideal life partner. The festivities include fasting, devotional rituals and traditional folk practices, culminating in the ceremonial farewell of Goddess Gawarja.

Kolkata Knight Riders face a setback as pacer Harshit Rana is expected to miss a large portion of the upcoming IPL. He is recovering from knee surgery. This adds to KKR's existing fitness concerns. Matheesha Pathirana is also nursing a calf strain. Mustafizur Rahman is unavailable. Blessing Muzarabani has been signed as a replacement.