The Economic Times

Iran is leveraging its geographic advantage in the Strait of Hormuz, creating chaos in energy markets and forcing buyers to negotiate safe passage. This disruption has intensified shipowner fears and pushed the US to seek international assistance for reopening the vital waterway, a process expected to take weeks.

Primus Partners has appointed Neelu Khatri as an independent director. Khatri brings over three decades of experience from defence, aviation, and consulting. Her expertise in scaling up Akasa Air will guide Primus Partners' growth. The firm also includes GenZ staff in board meetings. Khatri will focus on corporate governance as Primus Partners expands globally.

Temperature today: India is experiencing unusually high temperatures much earlier than expected this year. New Delhi recorded its hottest day of the year on March 11, with daytime temperatures rising well above the seasonal average. Meteorologists say the early heat suggests that winter is becoming shorter and the spring season is gradually disappearing, a trend that is increasingly visible across northern India. Experts also warn that climate change is beginning to override natural cooling cycl

Suryakumar Yadav desires to play Test cricket. He finds One Day Internationals difficult. T20 cricket is his forte. He has played red-ball cricket for years. He had one Test inning against Australia. He also played in the ODI World Cup final. He acknowledges the different charms of all formats.

Australian shares dipped on Monday, March 16, 2026, as weaker commodity prices hit miners. Investors grew cautious ahead of an anticipated central bank rate hike and ongoing Middle East tensions. Despite this, rate-sensitive financials and energy stocks saw gains. IperionX Limited and Deep Yellow Limited were among the day's biggest decliners.

The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) is expected to announce the Class 12 results between March 21 and March 25. Students can check their results online using their roll numbers on the official BSEB websites after a press conference reveals key statistics like pass percentages and toppers.

Artificial intelligence poses new competition risks, including algorithmic collusion and AI-driven entry barriers. NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba highlighted these challenges at the 11th National Conference on Economics of Law. India's competition law has evolved significantly, moving from a command-and-control model to a facilitator role.

India is actively boosting its aerospace manufacturing sector. New joint ventures with Embraer and Sukhoi are set to establish final assembly lines. This collaboration with international firms will enhance the country's manufacturing ecosystem. More investment is expected as component production and assembly capabilities grow.

The ECI asserted that the privacy of every citizen must be respected, with no demonstrations or picketing outside private residences. Land, buildings, or walls shall not be used for flags, banners, or posters without the owner's consent, it said.

TotalEnergies is set to begin the second phase of production at Azerbaijan's Absheron gas-condensate field on September 1, 2029. A final investment decision is anticipated in July this year. This expansion aims to significantly boost daily gas and condensate output.

EU foreign ministers are considering expanding their Red Sea naval mission, Operation Aspides, to secure the vital Strait of Hormuz. This move aims to counter disruptions to global oil and gas supplies caused by regional conflicts. The bloc's top diplomat suggested adapting the existing mission as the quickest route to bolster security in the strategically crucial waterway.

Iran has declared that logistics and service centers supporting the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier are potential targets. Iranian armed forces spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari stated the carrier in the Red Sea poses a threat. These centers enabling the carrier's operations are now considered targets by Iran. This declaration highlights escalating regional tensions.

Tragedy struck off Henoko, Okinawa, as two boats carrying students capsized. Twenty-one people were in the water. Rescuers saved everyone, but a 17-year-old student and the boat captain died. Two others sustained injuries. The incident occurred near a controversial US military base relocation site. Investigations into the cause are underway.

Italian bank UniCredit is making a move on German lender Commerzbank. UniCredit is launching an unsolicited offer to boost its stake to over 30 percent. This aims to encourage Commerzbank to enter merger discussions. UniCredit already holds a significant stake. The offer is designed to overcome a legal threshold and foster engagement. The price is set at 0.

The Election Commission has cancelled the contract of a web camera supplier following major irregularities in footage from the 2021 West Bengal assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Serious discrepancies were found during examination of recordings. Three new vendors have been selected through fresh tenders to supply equipment for future polls.

Galwan Release Date: Salman Khan's upcoming war drama, inspired by the Galwan Valley clash, now has a new title 'Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace'. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, will star Chitrangda Singh. It aims to explore the human cost of war and the value of peace. The movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 17, 2026.

The Rajasthan Board is expected to announce the RBSE Class 10 Result 2026 by March 20, 2026, nearly two months earlier than last year. Students who appeared for exams held from February 12 to February 28, 2026, can check their results on official websites. A minimum of 33% in each subject is required to pass.

Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, clarified timing of PM Modi's visit and joint military actions against Iran. He stated the visit and strikes were not synchronized. Operational opportunities dictated the strikes. The aim is to encourage internal change in Iran. This serves Iranian people and regional stability. Israel seeks a Middle East free from Iranian threats.

Israel's military announced the destruction of a plane at Tehran's Mehrabad airport. This aircraft was reportedly used by Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials. The plane facilitated domestic and international travel for Iranian dignitaries. Mehrabad airport is a key facility in Tehran, handling civilian and military operations.

The Delhi High Court granted time for Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and others to reply to the CBI's plea challenging their discharge in the excise policy case. This comes as the accused have approached the Supreme Court seeking a transfer of proceedings from the current bench due to alleged prima facie observations.

Bhagyathara BT 45 Lottery Result (16/03/2026): The Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Karunya BT 45 weekly lottery today, March 16, 2026. The event will be held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a grand first prize of 1 crore.

China is actively engaging with all parties involved in the Strait of Hormuz situation. The nation is committed to easing tensions and preventing further escalation. Beijing has reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. This move aims to avert wider economic repercussions. China's foreign ministry confirmed these communications during a regular press briefing.

West Bengal Elections: As West Bengal gears up for elections, Mamata Banerjee's TMC faces a critical task in crafting its candidate list to counter anti-incumbency and maintain dominance. The party is balancing experienced leaders with younger faces, considering performance, winnability, and generational change amid shifting political narratives and electoral roll revisions.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday carried out search operations at the residential and office premises of real estate firm Mantri Developers Private Limited and its directors in Bengaluru in connection with a money laundering investigation, officials said.

Weight loss Tips: Indias food regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, has introduced the C-A-L-M approach to address obesity. This strategy focuses on Conscious Activity, Active Learning about nutrition, Lifestyle Modifications, and Mindfulness to help manage stress and emotional eating. The authority emphasises the importance of consistent, holistic lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes to achieve sustainable and long-term health.

Word of the day today: Groaker refers to someone who watches another persons food with hopeful interest, waiting for an invitation to share.

From October to March, Indian sugar mills have achieved a colossal production of over 26 million metric tons of sugar, showcasing a notable increase of 10.4% compared to the previous year. The rise in output can be largely attributed to the robust performance of Maharashtra and Karnataka, complemented by a slight boost from Uttar Pradesh.

India's merchandise trade deficit widened to $27.1 billion in February 2026, driven by increased imports. While overall exports saw a slight rise year-on-year, rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and tariff disputes are beginning to impact trade flows and exporter sentiment, with potential for further widening of the deficit.

Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the sacred month of Ramadan and its fasting, is anticipated around March 20 or 21, 2026, in India. This date is contingent on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Political parties in Kerala are actively campaigning following the election schedule announcement. CPI(M) and CPI candidates have already started their outreach, visiting constituencies and interacting with voters. Ministers G R Anil and P A Muhammad Riyas are among those leading the charge. Other parties are in the final stages of candidate selection.

Explosions were heard over Kyiv on Monday as air defence systems repelled a rare daytime barrage of Russian projectiles. Drone debris fell in the city center with no reported casualties, while the air force warned of a high-speed target. This attack occurs amidst intensified Russian long-range strikes.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra claims election schedules for four states and one union territory are aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party's convenience. The Election Commission announced polling dates for West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry. Voting will occur in phases, with counting scheduled for May 4. The terms of the current assemblies are ending at different times.

India's wholesale inflation reached a new high in February. Prices for food and other goods increased significantly. This trend mirrors rising retail inflation. Experts predict further price hikes ahead. Deflation continues in fuel and power. Food inflation saw a notable rise. Manufacturing prices also edged up.

Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, stated that Iran is intensifying its stance as the conflict enters its third week. He indicated that a diplomatic resolution is possible if Iran cooperates with the international community, emphasizing that neither the US nor Israel intends to invade Iran but rather to empower the Iranian people to seek regime change.

West Bengal Elections: In a significant move, the Election Commission of India has reshuffled top police officials in West Bengal, appointing Siddh Nath Gupta as the new DGP and IGP, and Ajay Kumar Nand as the Commissioner of Kolkata Police. These changes, along with other senior appointments, aim to ensure peaceful and violence-free elections in the state.

Indian basmati rice exports are projected to stay stable this fiscal and next. Growth of up to two percent is anticipated over last year's volume. While exports to Iran may dip, increased demand from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, and Yemen will compensate. Logistical issues might stretch working capital, but exporters can pass on costs.

A Palestinian national has died near Abu Dhabi. Their car was hit by a missile in the Al Bahia area. This incident occurred as Iran continued missile strikes in the Gulf region. Authorities confirmed the death following the attack on the civilian vehicle. The event took place on Monday.

The Central Board of Secondary Education has completed its Class 10 board examinations. Nearly 25 lakh students await their results. Past trends suggest the announcement will be in the second week of May 2026. Students can check their marks on official websites like cbse.gov.in and results.nic.in. The process involves entering roll numbers and other details.

The Supreme Court will hear a suo motu case concerning victims of digital arrest scams next week. These scams involve fraudsters impersonating law enforcement to extort money. The court previously described such frauds as robbery and directed the Centre to draft a standard operating procedure.

Vijay Sales has introduced a sharp price correction for the OnePlus 13 5G, now retailing at 45,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage configuration in Midnight Ocean. This offer is applicable to store display units and marks a significant drop from the 72,999 MRP.

Trinamool Congress members walked out of the Rajya Sabha protesting the Election Commission's decision. The poll body removed West Bengal's Chief Secretary and Home Secretary. This move happened hours after announcing assembly poll dates. The Trinamool Congress condemned the midnight reshuffle. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the Election Commission's authority. He stated that questioning constitutional bodies is not wise.

Indian cricket is achieving global dominance. Mithali Raj sees men's, women's, and junior teams winning major titles. She credits BCCI and Jay Shah for transforming women's cricket. Rahul Dravid and Roger Binny also received awards. Binny shared his journey from player to administrator. This marks a proud era for Indian cricket.

Himachal Pradesh's higher regions saw fresh snowfall on Monday morning. This caused over a thousand vehicles to get stranded near the Atal Tunnel. Authorities are working to move them. Many areas experienced a significant drop in minimum temperatures. The state has also received rain in some parts.

Vivo T5x 5G price: Vivo is set to expand its T-series lineup with the official launch of the Vivo T5x 5G in India on March 17 at 12 p.m. IST. The smartphone is confirmed to feature a segment-leading 7,200mAh battery paired with a MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Turbo chipset, achieving an AnTuTu benchmark score exceeding one million.

The Enforcement Directorate searched ten locations in West Bengal today. This action is part of an investigation into an alleged illegal call centre operation. Simultaneously, the ED presented arguments in a Delhi court. The agency stated there is enough evidence to frame charges against RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and others in a land-for-job money laundering case.

Gaming firm NODWIN Gaming is preparing for a public listing. The company has appointed Arnd Benninghoff to its board. NODWIN Gaming is also starting a pre-IPO fundraising round. This move supports global expansion and strategic acquisitions. The company has shown improved financial performance. UBS is the lead advisor for the fundraising and listing.

The Haryana government has decided to close the case against Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad. The Supreme Court was informed that sanction to prosecute the professor has been refused. This decision means proceedings in the trial court will now stand closed. Professor Mahmudabad was booked for social media posts.