The Economic Times

Renault India has launched the 2026 Duster SUV, with pre-bookings open for five variants priced from 10.29 lakh. The base Authentic trim emphasizes safety and functionality, featuring six airbags and advanced stability systems. In contrast, the Kia Seltos HTE base variant offers a more tech-focused package with a larger infotainment screen and cruise control.

Around 460,000 Americans could lose low-cost health coverage as New York rolls back its Essential Plan. The change follows federal funding cuts and restored income limits. Many residents who recently qualified may no longer be eligible. Officials say notices and other insurance options will be offered. The move adds to concerns about rising healthcare costs and possible coverage losses nationwide.

Your heart often provides warning signs weeks before a cardiac event. From unexplained fatigue and shortness of breath to atypical pain in the jaw or back, recognizing these seven silent signals can save your life. Learn the difference between a stomach bug and a heart distress signal in 2026.

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that financial burden cannot be a reason to deny fair compensation in land acquisition cases. The National Highways Authority of India's plea to reduce its liability was rejected. However, the court clarified that benefits like solatium and interest will only be provided to landowners whose claims were pending.

Quote of the day by Martin Luther King Jr.: His powerful message on love's ability to transform enemies into friends is highlighted. His philosophy, rooted in compassion and active empathy, offers a revolutionary approach to conflict resolution, applicable from personal relationships to global affairs.

The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has entered its 40th day, amplifying political strains in the Senate. A proposal backed by Donald Trump to fund most DHS operations while delaying ICE funding initially featured promise but quickly faced bipartisan opposition. Republicans like Josh Hawley rejected any cuts to ICE, while Democrats led by Chuck Schumer demanded major reforms. Negotiations remain stalled, with both sides preparing counteroffers.

Revitalize your mornings with seven traditional Indian breakfasts that are naturally packed with probiotics, fiber, and plant-based proteins. From fermented Idlis to iron-rich Poha and protein-dense Moong Dal Chilla, these time-tested dishes provide the perfect nutritional foundation for a high-energy, healthy lifestyle in 2026.

SpaceX is preparing one of the biggest IPOs in history, targeting $75 billion, according to insiders. The move could value Elon Musks company at $1.75 trillion, surpassing all previous public offerings. Starlink, with over 9,500 satellites, drives the companys growth, while Musks recent xAI acqu isition boosts tech integration. Investors reacted instantly, lifting shares of Rocket Lab, AST SpaceMobile, and Firefly Aerospace. The IPO could fund massive Starlink expansion, orbital AI data centers,

Quote of the day: George R.R. Martins quote asks the readers to understand that embracing ones flaws is not about resignation but liberation. In accepting imperfections, individuals reclaim control over their narrative, turning vulnerability into an unshakeable form of strength.

Eliminate mid-morning fatigue with these seven low-glycemic breakfasts designed for 2026. By focusing on slow-release carbohydrates like Ragi and steel-cut oats, combined with high-quality proteins and healthy fats, you can stabilize your blood sugar, enhance mental focus, and maintain peak energy levels throughout your most demanding workdays.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Chief Ministers via video conference on Friday evening. The meeting will review state preparedness for the West Asia conflict. Discussions will focus on coordinated action and Team India synergy. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged citizens not to panic about fuel shortages.

The West Asia conflict could significantly impact Asia Pacific's economic growth and inflation, with disruptions lasting over a year potentially lowering GDP by 1.3% and raising inflation by 3.2%. The Asian Development Bank highlights that prolonged energy disruptions will force a difficult trade-off between weaker growth and higher inflation for developing economies.

Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl hiding from Nazis, penned a powerful message of hope on July 15, 1944. Despite enduring immense fear and hardship in the Secret Annex, she maintained her belief in the inherent goodness of people. Her words offer a profound reminder of human resilience and the choice to embrace kindness even in the darkest of times.

New DGCA rules, effective March 26, 2026, mandate faster air ticket refunds without extra charges to combat passenger complaints. Airlines must now issue refunds within strict timelines, offer full visibility, and cannot force credit shells, addressing delays and deductions. A 48-hour free cancellation window is also introduced, with caps on cancellation charges.

Why is gold price down by 2% and silver by 4.2%, and will precious metals continue to drop or rise again? Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium fell after oil crossed $100, Treasury yields rose, and the U.S. dollar strengthened. Markets reduced expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Investors now track inflation, Federal Reserve policy, global conflict, and energy prices for the future direction of precious metals.

Elevate your morning routine with these six oats-based breakfasts tailored for long-term energy and mental clarity. From savory sprouted moong oats to nutrient-dense oat chillas, these recipes utilize the high-fiber power of beta-glucan to ensure you remain productive, satiated, and metabolically balanced throughout your demanding 2026 schedule.

Iran is reportedly shifting its focus to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint in the Red Sea. This move could threaten Saudi Arabia's alternative oil export route, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption here would significantly impact global energy supplies and trade.

IPL 2026 Opening Ceremony: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially decided to skip the traditional opening ceremony for IPL 2026, scheduled for March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. As reported by The Times of India, the decision serves as a tribute to the 11 victims who lost their lives in a tragic stampede in Bengaluru on June 4, 2025, during celebrations following Royal Challengers Bengalurus (RCB) maiden title win.

India's cricket home season is set to be exciting. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia will be a major highlight. India will also host West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. This packed schedule includes Tests, ODIs, and T20Is across multiple cities. Cricket fans can look forward to a thrilling international calendar.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Thursday that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran were being held to end their war, using Islamabad as an intermediary. Islamabad has been touted as a go-between given its longstanding ties with both neighbouring Iran and the United States, as well as its network of regional contacts.

Actor Boman Irani has humorously responded to reports of Donald Trump seeking to speak with 'Iranis'. Irani offered peace talks from Dadar Parsi Colony, suggesting Trump's delegation join them for Parsi food. The actor's witty video has gone viral, with celebrities and fans appreciating his lighthearted approach to geopolitical matters. Irani is also busy with upcoming film projects.

US President Donald Trump stated Iranian negotiators are seeking a deal with Washington. He alleged they are privately pushing for an agreement while publicly reviewing a US proposal. Trump warned of serious consequences if negotiations do not progress soon. He described the negotiators as 'strange' and emphasized the urgency for Iran to act before it is too late.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. He questions the government's urgency to amend the women's quota law. Kharge suggests an all-party meeting after April 29, 2026. This meeting will discuss the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023. The law is set to take effect from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

BTS Documentary: Directed by Bao Nguyen, known for works such as The Stringer and The Greatest Night in Pop, the documentary provides a close, behind-the-scenes portrait of BTS as they come together again and reshape their artistic identity.

Major violence erupted in Basanti, South 24 Parganas. Miscreants allegedly attacked BJP workers and police during a campaign event. Several police personnel and BJP workers sustained injuries. Eight miscreants were arrested. A large contingent of CAPF and police forces arrived at the scene.

The government is introducing Aadhaar biometric authentication for land acquisition compensation. This ensures payments go directly to landowners' bank accounts. A pilot program is underway in five states. This new system replaces cheque handovers with instant direct bank transfers. OTP-based biometric authentication will confirm the identity of actual landowners, preventing any diversion of funds.

Delhi Police busted a major arms smuggling ring. Ten individuals were arrested. Twenty-one foreign weapons and cartridges were seized. The weapons were intended for criminal gangs planning targeted killings. The smuggling route involved Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Investigations are ongoing to identify all recipients.

Delhi Weather Update: Delhi is likely to witness partly cloudy skies, very light rain accompanied with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds at a speed of 30-40 kmph during evening today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted. Delhi might also see thunderstorms with light on Friday, March 27, 2026. No rain has been predicted for March 28.

India is enhancing its digital security. New rules mandate stricter compliance for telecom equipment and CCTV systems. Data protection measures are also strengthened. These steps address concerns over surveillance infrastructure vulnerabilities and espionage risks. Government departments must procure approved CCTV equipment. Existing video surveillance networks are being secured. This strengthens India's interconnected digital infrastructure.

GLP-1 weight loss drugs: Renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Naresh Trehan has issued a stern warning against the unsupervised use of GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs, which have flooded the Indian market following recent patent expirations. While originally developed in the U.S. for severe obesity and Type 2 diabetes, the entry of low-cost generic versions has led to widespread misuse via online pharmacies and wellness clinics.

Iranian IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri has reportedly been killed in a strike. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is conducting retaliatory military operations against US and Israeli installations. These actions follow earlier airstrikes on Iran. The IRGC has warned US-Israel forces against a ground operation. Missile and drone strikes have targeted Israeli military facilities and US bases across the region.

Bab El-mandeb News: Iran warns that Yemen's Houthis could control the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if its southern islands face a land attack, potentially escalating the conflict. This strategic chokepoint, vital for global trade, could become a pressure point if tensions rise, mirroring past disruptions in the Red Sea.

In a case of alleged negligence, Kalyan civic officials in Maharashtra sealed a house from the outside to recover property taxes, leaving an ailing woman trapped inside for nearly six hours. Despite residents' warning the recovery team about the woman, the officials reportedly continued their action and only unsealed the property after the owner intervened.

Nuclear weapons are on the rise globally. Monitors report more warheads are ready for use. This is a worrying trend as conflicts intensify. The world now holds enough nuclear power to destroy cities many times over. This development signals a dangerous shift away from disarmament efforts. Countries are urged to join global efforts for a total ban on these weapons.

A Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament has called for a national population management policy. This policy would focus on education and family planning services. Region-specific strategies are also proposed. The aim is to ensure sustainable and balanced development for India.

India can lead in technology diffusion reaching millions. Deep-tech startups and SMEs will drive job creation. Upskilling is replacing traditional degrees for many roles. The Wadhwani Foundation is investing in biosciences and innovation to accelerate growth and create jobs by 2030. This focus on practical training prepares individuals for in-demand mid-skill jobs.

Karunya Plus KN-616 Lottery Result (26-03-2026): The Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Karunya Plus KN-616 weekly lottery today, March 26, 2026. The event will be held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a grand first prize of 1 crore.

Top 10 Batters of IPL 2026: the forthcoming season promises explosive batting. Top players like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav will be key. Explosive openers such as Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal will set the tone. Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head bring power for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sai Sudharsan offer stability. Rinku Singh is the go-to finisher.

CBSE Class 10 Results 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to release the results of Class 10 around mid-May, past years' trends suggest. The results will be declared on CBSE's official website cbse.gov.in. Though CBSE has not yet given an official date, in 2025, the results were announced in May.

You are a Chief Minister. As a Chief Minister, you must be somewhat educated. You must have some knowledge. In a democracy, the government will obviously be formed within the borders of India. If you insist on Congress forming a government in Pakistan, your government should form in Israel, as it is your fatherland. Your Prime Minister has said so, Tiwari told ANI.

Yogi Adityanath held a Janata Darshan in Gorakhpur, where he heard grievances of around 200 people and directed officials to resolve issues promptly and sensitively. He ordered strict action in cases of crime and illegal land encroachment, especially to protect the rights of the poor, and advised dialogue in family disputes before legal steps.

India faces a potential Rs 20,000-25,000 crore increase in its fertiliser subsidy bill. Domestic production of fertilisers may also fall by 10-15 percent. These impacts stem from ongoing Middle East conflicts disrupting raw material and fertiliser imports. The government's allocation of gas and existing inventory offer some buffer. However, the industry will need additional subsidy support.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly condemned remarks made by a UDF leader against Kayamkulam MLA U Prathibha. Vijayan stated that criticism should not compromise dignity and that such comments reflect a perverted mindset. He highlighted that women in public life deserve respect. The IUML has suspended the leader responsible for the remarks.