The Economic Times

Chennai MTC Premium Bus: Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) Chennai has officially launched its Premium Bus service, introducing a fleet of AC Electric Buses designed for a high-end commuting experience. Starting with two strategic routes connecting Siruseri IT Park, Koyambedu, Thiruvanmiyur, and Kilambakkam.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's patriotic poem 'Rijal Wallah Rijal' was performed by the UAE National Orchestra. The tribute, titled 'Men, by God, Truly Men', honors those protecting the nation. This comes as the UAE faces significant Iranian attacks. The President stated the UAE has 'thick skin and bitter flesh'.

In the past year, more than 100,000 pension-related issues were logged on the CPENGRAMS platform. The Ministry of Defence, along with the Department of Financial Services and the Ministry of Railways, topped the list for the most complaints. Thanks to regular meetings and awareness campaigns, the average resolution time has now plummeted to just 19 days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that the Indian government is providing security and all facilities to Indians in the Gulf region. He stated that India protects its citizens. Modi also criticized the Congress party for making provocative statements during the global crisis. He urged Keralam to elect the BJP-NDA for development.

Explosions rocked Qatar's capital Doha on Wednesday. Iran's retaliatory strikes have continued for twelve days. Residents heard multiple blasts. Authorities urged people to stay indoors. Neighboring Bahrain and Dubai also reported loud sounds. Tensions are escalating across the Gulf region. Security forces are on high alert. The conflict shows signs of spreading.

Iran has announced intentions to target the financial infrastructures tied to the United States and Israel throughout the region. This decision comes on the heels of a recent assault on a Bank Sepah office in Tehran. A representative from Irans Khatam al-Anbiya military command warned citizens to avoid banking facilities.

Amid rising fuel costs, a Bengaluru couple's eco-friendly mud house offers a glimpse into self-sufficient living. Their 770 sq ft home, built with natural materials, relies on rainwater harvesting, natural light, and traditional food storage, demonstrating minimal dependence on conventional utilities and inspiring a growing interest in sustainable earth homes across India.

At a time when the Supreme Court gave permission to Harish Rana for passive euthanasia, a woman in Bareilly got a new lease of life in an unexpected and miraculous way. A pothole jerk on the Bareilly-Haridwar NH-74 jolted Vineeta Shukla back to life and she started breathing normally again. On the other hand, Harish Rana, who was in coma for over a decade, got the permission to die from the apex court.

NIOS Date Sheet 2026 PDF: NIOS students can anticipate the April 2026 exam schedule next week. Practical exams for Class 10 and 12 are set from March 17 to April 1, 2026. The official date sheet for theory papers will be available on nios.ac.in. Students should check the website for updates and download the PDF timetable. Results are expected in June 2026.

Saudi Aramco is seeking April crude loading plans from Asian buyers for both Ras Tanura and Yanbu. This move comes as the U.S.-Iran conflict disrupts Middle East exports. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is largely halted. Saudi Arabia is rerouting some crude exports via the Red Sea to Yanbu.

Uttarakhand is set to boost spiritual tourism with significant budget allocations. The state government is investing in projects like the Haridwar Kumbh Mela in 2027 and the Haridwar-Rishikesh Ganga Corridor. Funds are also designated for the Nanda Devi Raj Jat pilgrimage and riverfront development. These initiatives aim to enhance religious tourism and economic activity across Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.

LPG Cylinder Shortage: A nationwide rush for induction stoves has left major quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto struggling with massive stockouts as consumers hedge against a deepening LPG crisis. Fueled by the West Asia conflict and a 90% drop in imports through the Strait of Hormuz, the Indian government has restricted commercial gas supplies, causing a 10X to 20X surge in demand for electric alternatives.

India has eased foreign investment rules for bordering nations, paving the way for Chinese capital in critical manufacturing sectors. This move aims to boost domestic capacity for components and intermediate goods, supporting the 'Make in India' initiative by allowing controlled Chinese investments to build local factories and create jobs.

LPG shortage: Amid nationwide LPG shortage in India, Indian Railways is considering suspending cooked meal service on trains. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has also asked its vendors to change their cooking methods like microwaves and induction, as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and LPG shortages stemming from the West Asia conflict.

More than 15 crore rural homes in India now receive tap water. The Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, has freed women and children from fetching water. The mission is now extended to December 2028 to cover remaining households. Over 89 percent of schools and 85 percent of anganwadi centres also have tap water.

LPG Cylinder Price Delhi: The Lawyers' Canteen at the Delhi High Court has suspended main course meal preparation due to an LPG cylinder shortage, leaving advocates with limited food options. This disruption coincides with a national LPG price hike and reports of supply issues in several states, prompting government measures for equitable distribution.

Turkey's competition regulator has turned its spotlight on 65 auditing and financial consultancy firms, including heavyweights like KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, and EY. This comprehensive probe aims to unveil any collusion concerning service fees and anti-competitive maneuvers within the job market.

NITI Aayog released its 2026 Fiscal Health Index for 2023-24. Odisha, Goa, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh lead the top 10 fiscally-wise states. Arunachal Pradesh topped the north-eastern and Himalayan states category. The report suggests prioritizing infrastructure, health, and education for growth.

Taranjit Singh Sandhu was sworn in as the 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Delhi on Wednesday, administered the oath by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya. A seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in US affairs, Sandhu previously served as India's ambassador to the United States. His predecessor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has been appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.

Morgan Stanley is hiring contract staff in Hong Kong. This move aims to manage costs while handling a surge in stock listings. Volatile markets make permanent hires difficult. A talent shortage also impacts the booming IPO market. This strategy allows the bank to take on more deals efficiently. Hong Kong remains a top venue for IPOs.

Energy ministers of the G7 said on Wednesday they stand ready to take all necessary measures in coordination with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to tackle the rise in crude oil prices due to the Middle East war. We agreed to stand ready to take all necessary measures in coordination with IEA Members, the statement said.

India LPG crisis: As the West Asia conflict has widened amid the ongoing Iran-US-Israel tensions, long queues of residents were seen outside gas agencies in Indian cities. Residents in Delhi, Lucknow, Pune, Noida, Bhubaneswar and Gorakhpur were seen standing outside distribution centres as the fear about the LPG shortage has sparked panic.

A bus fire in Kerzers, Switzerland, claimed six lives and injured three people. Authorities suspect a deliberate act by someone on board. Passengers escaped the burning vehicle in panic. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause. This incident follows a recent deadly bar fire in Crans-Montana, highlighting a concerning trend of serious fires in Switzerland.

New technology is bypassing UPI app security. Fraudsters are using a toolkit called Digital Lutera to steal money. This attack manipulates device trust, making traditional safeguards unreliable. Transactions worth lakhs have been processed in just two days. Victims' UPI accounts can be controlled on different devices without their SIM cards leaving their phones. Regulators and financial institutions have been informed.

Iran Israel war news: North Korea supports Iran's new supreme leader. Kim Jong Un oversees a strategic missile test. These actions show the US-Israel war is drawing in nuclear powers. The conflict's reach extends far beyond the Middle East. Global energy markets and security are affected. This highlights growing geopolitical tensions.

Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has spoken out against social media's negative influence. He believes protecting players from outside distractions was key to their T20 World Cup victory. Gambhir stressed that players need freedom to make mistakes without fear of online criticism. His focus remains on supporting his team and genuine fans, not social media opinions.

China condemned indiscriminate strikes on civilians and non-military targets in the Gulf, marking rare criticism of ally Iran amid escalating regional tensions. The statement follows Iran's intense missile barrage against Israel and incidents involving cargo ships in strategic waterways, highlighting a widening conflict.

India's first bullet train corridor, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, will commence operations in August 2027 on the Surat-Vapi stretch using the indigenous B28 bullet train. This marks a significant step towards domestic manufacturing capability in high-speed rail technology, with work on signalling and infrastructure progressing.

Google Chrome now features Gemini, an AI assistant, for users in India. This tool helps summarise webpages and compare information across different tabs. Users can access Gemini through a side panel to ask questions or generate content. The integration extends to Google apps like Gmail and Calendar. Image editing is also available directly within the browser.

Over 140 US military personnel are wounded in the West Asia conflict. Tensions rise over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route. Iran may deploy naval mines. US forces destroyed mine-laying boats. Military operations are intensifying, with significant strikes planned. Iran's missile capacity is reportedly degraded. The situation remains volatile.

Reports of injury to Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, have been denied. The son of the Iranian president stated Khamenei is safe and sound. Khamenei, successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was declared supreme leader on Sunday. He has not yet addressed the nation. The New York Times reported Khamenei suffered leg injuries and is sheltering securely.

Harish Rana euthanasia case: Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state for nearly 13 years, has been allowed passive euthanasia by the Supreme Court. Once a young and bright man, Harish Rana, a student of Punjab University, fell from the fourth floor of a PG accommodation in 2013 and had been suffering with 100 percent disability and quadriplegia. Passive euthanasia refers to allowing a person to die naturally by withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining medical treatment when recovery is

A striking gold statue of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein recreating the Titanic ship's bow scene has appeared on the National Mall. The anonymous artist collective 'Secret Handshake' created the installation. It references their past association with a pointed message. Banners nearby displayed their images with the phrase 'Make America Safe Again'. The artists secured a permit for the display.

Adani Sportsline has appointed Randhir Singh Sehrawat as the new head coach for Gujarat Giants. Sehrawat, a seasoned kabaddi coach, brings extensive experience to the Pro Kabaddi League. He aims to guide the Gujarat Giants to a championship title in the upcoming season. His appointment signals a strong focus on building a competitive team for the next PKL season.

Opposition and NDA members traded charges in Lok Sabha on Tuesday during the no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla with Congress members alleging that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to raise his points during the debate on motion of thanks to the President's Address as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members rejected the allegations and recalled the contributions of the Speaker in favour of members.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor lauded India as a great partner in stabilizing global oil prices, acknowledging New Delhi's Russian oil purchases as part of these efforts. This statement follows US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement of a permission for India to buy Russian oil already on ships, aiming to ease global supplies amid the West Asia conflict.

Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st ODI predicted playing 11: A transitional Pakistan side, led by Shaheen Afridi, faces a rejuvenated Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium this Wednesday. With superstars Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman absent, Pakistan is handing debuts to Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain. Host captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz looks to exploit a bowling-friendly Dhaka pitch as both teams begin their long-term preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

El Nino impact on India monsoon: The World Meteorological Organization indicates a growing possibility of El Nio developing later this year, potentially impacting India's monsoon. While forecasts suggest a moderate intensity, experts stress that it's too early for definitive predictions. A clearer picture of El Nio's influence on the monsoon is expected by June.

As the T20 World Cup winds down, players find themselves stuck in India. In response, the ICC is seeking alternative travel solutions, ensuring that safety and welfare take precedence. The unrest in West Asia has severely impacted air travel routes, prompting the ICC to work closely with airlines and travel agencies to guarantee that every player can return home safely.

Congress MPs have accused the Central Government of misleading the public about the LPG gas shortage, exacerbated by the West Asia conflict. They claim commercial LPG supplies are being restricted, while the government states it has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritize domestic and essential services, directing refineries to boost household LPG production.

The Congress party has criticized the Indian government. This follows remarks from the White House. The US has permitted India to accept Russian oil already at sea. Congress calls this a capitulation certificate for Prime Minister Modi. They question the government's silence on this perceived insult to India's sovereignty. The party demands answers regarding external dictation of India's decisions.

Tarun Uttam Nagar case: Tarun Butolia was killed on March 4 in Delhi's Uttam Nagar after a minor Holi water splash in his neighbourhood turned deadly. Tarun was enrolled in a digital marketing course and was dedicated to fitness and combat sports. His Instagram feed showed he deadlifted 100 kgs and also posted high-energy reels. According to his family members, he wanted to do something big in his life and was also spiritual.

NAPLAN testing for 1.3 million Australian students resumed after a technical issue disrupted access to the online platform. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority confirmed the problem was resolved, allowing schools to continue administering the nationwide assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. The authority apologized for the inconvenience caused to students and schools.

Xiaomi 17 Price in India: Xiaomi has officially unveiled its latest flagship, the Xiaomi 17, featuring a high-performance Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a 50MP Leica Triple Camera system. The device boasts a 6.3-inch compact design with a peak brightness of 3500 nits and an industry-leading IP69 rating for water and dust resistance.

A West Midlands trade mission to India has boosted economic and cultural links. The delegation met with Indian business leaders to explore new partnerships. Agreements were signed in energy, technology, and education. This collaboration follows the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. The mission aimed to create jobs and investment for the West Midlands region.

The house listing and house census for Census 2027 begins May 1 in Andhra Pradesh. This first phase documents houses and assets, concluding May 30. A self-census facility is available April 16-30. The second phase in February 2027 enumerates people. This digital census uses mobile apps and web portals for the first time.

China Travel: An Indian travel vlogging couple sparked an online debate by claiming China is significantly cheaper than India. They cited affordable luxury hotels, premium transport like a BMW ride for Rs 600, and cheap local noodles as evidence. However, other users shared contrasting experiences, suggesting China can be more expensive.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on March 13 and 14. He will inaugurate development projects worth Rs 10,000 crore. A key event will be the distribution of land rights certificates to the tea garden community. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the Silchar-Shillong-Guwahati Express Highway.

Tensions escalate as Israel and Iran exchange fire. Iran targets ships in the Strait of Hormuz and oil infrastructure in Gulf nations. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia intercept Iranian drones. Israel launches new attacks on Lebanon, causing casualties. Oil prices surge amid fears of prolonged shipping disruption. Foreign nationals are fleeing the region as conflict intensifies.