The Economic Times

Safe haven assets are investments people choose during market volatility and global tension. These include gold, silver, Treasury bills, cash, safe currencies, and defensive stocks. They usually stay stable when stock markets fall. However, they may give lower returns. Investors must balance risk and safety before investing in safe haven assets.

X, formerly Twitter, is cracking down on undisclosed AI-generated war videos. Creators failing to label synthetic footage depicting armed conflicts risk a 90-day suspension from the platform's revenue-sharing program for a first offense, with repeat offenders facing permanent removal. This move aims to combat misinformation during sensitive times.

In Lebanon, the Israeli military told residents south of the Litani River to move north, warning that the army was compelled to take military action against Hezbollah in the area.

Basque meaning: The word Basque refers to the people and culture of a region in northern Spain and southwestern France, known for their unique language, Euskara. In fashion, a basque describes a fitted bodice or jacket extending below the waist, accentuating the figure. This style, popular since the 19th century, adds structure and elegance to garments.

NATO air and missile defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Iran as it approached Turkish airspace, marking the first time Turkey has been directly involved in the escalating regional conflict. The Turkish Defence Ministry stated that necessary steps would be taken to defend its territory and airspace, warning all parties against actions that could further escalate the conflict.

US stock futures turned green early Wednesday. Dow futures jumped to 48,598. S&P 500 futures climbed to 6,837. Nasdaq futures rose to 24,824. The rebound followed a sharp sell-off on Wall Street a day earlier. Markets reacted after reports said Iran quietly approached the US for talks to ease the conflict with Israel. That signal cooled oil fears. Brent crude hovered near $82 while WTI stayed around $75. Lower panic brought buyers back into equities. Investors now watch ADP payroll data and the

Hezbollah's decision to enter the regional war in support of Iran has created a significant rift with its main political ally, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and other Lebanese factions. The move, which caught many by surprise, has left the group isolated as Lebanon faces renewed conflict with Israel, sparking internal criticism over prioritizing foreign interests.

Maharashtra Transport Strike March 5: Maharashtra transport unions announced a statewide strike on March 5 due to grievances over e-challans, taxation, and toll collections. Failed talks with the Transport Minister led to the protest, with drivers demanding fair treatment and reforms to the punitive e-challan system and excessive taxes.

In the context of the Middle East, water has emerged as a vital strategic resource. Desalination facilities across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are crucial for supplying millions with safe drinking water. Presently, these key installations are facing assaults from Iranian military actions. The implications of such attacks are profound, potentially leading to widespread humanitarian crises and mass relocations.

The U.S. military has joined Israel in a massive assault on Iran, targeting over a thousand locations and eliminating key figures like Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This action is sparking debate over President Trump's constitutional powers and adherence to international law. Legal experts are scrutinizing the legality of these strikes, particularly concerning presidential authority and the War Powers Resolution.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child has voiced grave concerns over the safety of children in the Middle East conflict. The committee highlighted an alleged air strike on an Iranian school in Minab, which Iran claims killed over 150 students.

Young men who voted for Donald Trump show divided opinions on recent US strikes in Iran. While some welcome the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, others fear a prolonged conflict and a lack of clear strategy. This sentiment could impact Republican support in upcoming elections. The situation in Iran is unfolding, with global markets reacting to the developments.

President Trumps strikes on Iran escalate risks for the US economy, compounding existing pressures from overvalued equities, tariffs, persistent inflation, and a fragile fiscal outlook. Rising energy prices, potential disruptions to trade, and geopolitical instability could trigger stagflation and test financial markets. With public debt near record levels and a weakened tariff strategy following the IEEPA ruling, Washington has limited fiscal space to respond. The combination of policy missteps

MLA Rohit Pawar alleges a cover-up attempt for VSR Ventures following the fatal plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar. He claims the preliminary AAIB report, while noting visibility issues and runway concerns, contains inaccuracies and doesn't fully address the company's alleged past lapses, including a prior incident involving CM Eknath Shinde.

Dassault Aviation's chief declared the Future Combat Air System project is finished. He noted Airbus's refusal to cooperate on the next-generation fighter. This dispute threatens the 100 billion euro development involving France, Germany, and Spain. The core issue is leadership of the fighter component. Dassault wants clear leadership, while Airbus prefers existing rules. The project's future is uncertain.

Plank Exercise Benefits: The plank exercise, a simple yet effective move, significantly improves core strength and overall stability without equipment. Practicing it daily can combat issues arising from modern sedentary lifestyles, such as lower back pain and poor posture. This exercise engages deep core muscles, leading to enhanced strength, better posture, and increased confidence over time.

Through his quote, Rumi means we should cherish what truly matters while releasing what harms or no longer serves us. True peace comes from knowing when to keep and when to move on. You can use this mantra in relationships too by appreciating what matters, letting go of the negativity, balancing efforts and acceptance, and learning to forgive.

Hezbollah executed drone strikes targeting the headquarters of Israel Aerospace Industries located in central Israel. They confirmed launching a precision-guided missile aimed at a drone control facility in northern Israel. These operations were characterised by Hezbollah as retaliatory measures against what they termed Israeli provocations, taking place in the shadows of night, just before dawn.

Russia accused the United States of fabricating an Iranian threat as a pretext for regime change, calling U.S. calls for Iranians to seize power cynical and inhumane. Moscow stated that Washington used negotiations with Iran as a cover for its long-held plan to violently overthrow the sovereign state's constitutional order.

France will host a G7 finance ministers and central bankers meeting next week. The gathering aims to discuss the Middle East crisis and its global market impact. Discussions will focus on the evolving conflict and potential responses. Investors are worried about rising fuel prices due to supply disruptions. French officials are monitoring the situation and ensuring reasonable fuel price increases.

As unrest grows in West Asia due to the fallout from US-Israel military actions in Iran, Britain is stepping up efforts to bring its citizens back home. A dedicated flight from Oman is being arranged, prioritizing the well-being of vulnerable individuals.

People often eat excess sweets, namkin, and fried food during Holi and are concerned about the sudden weight gain. You can try simple tips the next day in the morning, like drinking warm lemon water, going for a short brisk walk, eating protein, staying hydrated and doing yoga to get back on track quickly. Dont try crash dieting the next day.

The BJP has charged the Karnataka administration with misallocating funds intended for the development of SC/ST communities to prop up its guarantee programs. Opposition leader R Ashoka did not hold back, calling out Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and expressing his frustration over Rahul Gandhi's lack of response.

Lottery Sambad Results: The Nagaland State Lottery announced results for its March 4, 2026, Wednesday draws, including the Dear Indus Sambad Morning and Dear Spark Wednesday 1 PM lotteries. Participants vied for a 1 crore first prize, with secondary prizes also available. The state-run lottery operates daily with multiple draws and a structured prize system. Officials also remind participants to rely only on official or trusted platforms to check results

International Women's Day, observed annually on March 8, has evolved into a global movement celebrating women's achievements and highlighting ongoing challenges. In 2026, it falls on Sunday, March 8, with worldwide events focusing on gender equality, representation, and opportunity. The day serves as a crucial platform for reflection and continuous effort towards a more equitable future.

The Bombay High Court has set aside a divorce decree that was granted solely on the basis of WhatsApp chats, underscoring the importance of a fair hearing. The court ruled that digital evidence must be properly proved in accordance with the law, and that the other spouse must be given a reasonable opportunity to rebut allegations of cruelty before a divorce can be granted.

Iran-Israel War: The skies over Tehran witnessed a dramatic incident as an Israeli F-35 fighter jet engaged and downed an Iranian aircraft, a groundbreaking moment for the fighter program. This confrontation is part of a larger Israeli mission focused on crippling Iran's security apparatus, including precision strikes on military command posts and missile launchers.

Japan and the United States are planning a significant nuclear power project. This initiative, involving Westinghouse, is part of Japan's substantial investment package. The project aims to bolster energy security for both nations. Discussions are ongoing for potential announcements during Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's meeting with President Donald Trump. This move strengthens bilateral economic ties and energy cooperation.

Iran-Israel conflict: A small village in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district, Kintoor, is mourning the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The villagers shut shops and held demonstrations after the news of Khamenei's death reached Kintoor. Khameneis lineage can be traced to Sayed Ahmad Musavi Hindi, a cleric who migrated from Kintoor to Iran in 1834.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said India will provide technical equipment for earthquake relief activities to Myanmar next month as he underlined the shared cooperation between the two countries, emphasising that New Delhi has always stood with Naypyidaw in times of need.

Speaking passionately to his supporters, actor-turned-politician Vijay referred to the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as oceanic emotion. He called upon the community to rally behind him, exuding optimism that the TVK's iconic 'whistle' symbol would resonate with voters, leading to a substantial victory.

Kerala Nurses Strike: Nurses in Kerala's private hospitals have begun an indefinite strike, demanding a minimum monthly salary of Rs 40,000 and the implementation of pending wage revisions. The United Nurses Association is leading the protest, citing dissatisfaction with pay structures last updated in 2018. Concerns about a rain drain of skilled professionals seeking better opportunities abroad are also highlighted.

Kuwait's health ministry confirmed an 11-year-old girl died from shrapnel during Iranian attacks. The Gulf region faces significant fallout from a US-Iran air campaign. Multiple people have died, and infrastructure has been targeted. US soldiers were killed in Kuwait, and its embassy was attacked. Stock markets dropped sharply in the UAE. Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles and drones.

Jaggery purity test: Concerns over jaggery adulteration have led India's food regulator, FSSAI, to share a simple home test for detecting baking soda. This common adulterant, used to improve appearance, can be identified by fizzing when mixed with hydrochloric acid. Consumers are advised to be vigilant and report suspected cases to ensure food safety.

Finland's President Alexander Stubb arrived in New Delhi early Wednesday and Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced optimism that this visit signals a transformative era for India-Finland relations. As President Stubb meets with influential figures in India, the agenda will prioritise enhancing economic connections and strategic collaborations.

Iran war: Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren have sharply criticised President Donald Trump's actions regarding Iran. Following a classified briefing, they described the ongoing conflict as illegal and lacking a clear plan for resolution.

SKIMVB Result 2026 OUT at result.samastha.info: Samastha Kerala Islamic Medical and Vocational Board has announced the 2026 Public Examination Results. Students can now check their scorecards online. The results are available for Classes 5, 7, 10, and 12. A total of 166,840 students appeared for the exams, with 160,945 successfully passing. Candidates need their roll number to access their marks.

Insulin Theft News: A stolen consignment of Lantus SoloStar insulin has triggered a nationwide safety alert in India, with regulators warning that any break in the required cold chain storage could compromise the drugs potency. Authorities are monitoring the market to prevent the affected batch from entering circulation, as experts caution that improperly stored insulin may lead to poor blood sugar control and serious health risks.

Four children were killed in southern Djibouti in an explosion, authorities said late Tuesday, with a human rights group saying it was a drone strike. Two children, aged six and seven (a girl and a boy), were killed at the scene, and on Tuesday two others succumbed to their injuries due to a lack of evacuation and medical care, the Djiboutian League for Human Rights (LDDH) said in a press release.

War between Iran and the US and Israel intensifies. Israel vows to eliminate Iran's next supreme leader. Explosions rock Tehran as air defenses activate. Bahrain and Qatar report missile launches. Hundreds have died in Iran and Lebanon. US and Israeli forces strike Iranian targets including nuclear sites. The conflict's end remains uncertain.

Sri Lanka rescued 30 sailors aboard the Iranian frigate Iris Dena, which was sinking on Wednesday just outside the island's territorial waters, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said. Herath said two Sri Lankan navy vessels and an aircraft were deployed for the rescue operation, but did not say what caused the Iranian warship to sink.

Middle East Flight Disruptions: Escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has severely disrupted Middle East air travel, stranding thousands and impacting global networks. Airlines are rerouting flights and suspending services, leading to significant operational costs and passenger uncertainty. Experts warn these disruptions and potential price hikes could persist.

Tensions in Kashmir escalate as the region enters its third day of intense restrictions. In the wake of the assassination of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, protests have surged throughout the valley. Schools are shuttered until Saturday, and mobile internet access is severely limited.

Iran-Israel War: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is encountering obstacles in his quest to challenge the Iranian leadership. His partnership with U.S. President Donald Trump reveals a rift in their military strategies. While Netanyahu passionately calls for an uprising among the Iranian populace, Trumps focus is primarily on neutralizing Iran's missile capabilities and naval power. Additionally, the growing U.S.

Arjun Tendulkar's fiance, Saaniya Chandhok, is the granddaughter of Ravi Ghai, a big name in India's hospitality and hotel industry. Ravi Ghai is the chairman of Graviss Group and he has led brands like Kwality ice-cream and has introduced Baskin-Robbins to India. Saaniya Chandhok, 27, is the daughter of Sunny Chandhok and Gaurika Ghai Chandhok.

The United States and Ecuador have launched joint operations against drug trafficking. US Southern Command confirmed the partnership. This collaboration targets narco-terrorists impacting the region. Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa is leading the charge. The operation aims to disrupt cocaine smuggling routes. Security cooperation between the nations has increased.