The Economic Times

The Bharatiya Janata Party in Assam is not predicting seat numbers for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. Instead, the party is emphasizing a goal of securing over 50 percent vote share. Leaders express confidence in an unprecedented and historic mandate. This shift from previous seat-targeting strategies suggests a learned approach from past electoral experiences.

The Indian government has officially clarified that rumors of a potential nationwide lockdown are entirely false. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated on X that no such proposal is currently being considered by the government. This announcement aims to dispel public concerns and provide clear information regarding any lockdown possibilities.

Chaos erupted in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly as Congress MLAs demanded action against BJP MLA Munirathna for alleged inappropriate behavior and personal comments towards Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The protest led to a stalemate, with the Speaker expunging remarks and urging decorum, eventually leading to the withdrawal of the protest.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government for facilitating oil exports from Iraq to global markets. He also offered condolences for Peshmerga fighters killed in a recent Iranian missile attack near Erbil. The ongoing Iran war has significantly impacted oil prices and global markets.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the ASEAN Leaders' summit will take place in May. The event will be streamlined to concentrate on critical issues such as fuel supplies, rising food prices, and the welfare of migrant workers. Leaders agreed that coordination is essential during the current global challenges. This decision reflects a commitment to addressing pressing regional concerns.

BSEB Bihar Board 10th Result Date Time: The results of the Bihar Board Class 10th results 2026 are expected to come out next week on March 30 or 31. Once results are declared, students can check Matric results on biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in. Students should keep their roll number, roll code and other details handy while checking the results.

Khasab, Oman, a town on the Strait of Hormuz, experiences a deceptive calm amidst regional war and choked oil trade. The town, usually a tourist hub, sees quiet docks and empty tour desks. Residents gather for Ramadan meals, aware of the conflict just over the horizon. The strait, vital for global oil, faces Iranian blockades.

An earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale shook Leh, Ladakh on Friday. The tremor occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. The National Centre for Seismology reported the event. Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon occurring at various depths within the Earth's crust. This seismic activity was recorded on March 27, 2026.

Two Israeli soldiers have died in southern Lebanon. This brings the total Israeli soldier deaths to four. Clashes with Hezbollah continue along the border. The conflict is the deadliest spillover of the war on Iran. Hezbollah fired at Israel on March 2. Israel launched an offensive killing over 1,000 people and displacing over 1 million in Lebanon.

European Union regulators are probing Snapchat. Concerns exist that the platform inadequately protects children. Risks include exposure to predators and criminal recruitment. The investigation focuses on Snapchat's age verification systems. These systems are suspected of being insufficient in preventing minors from accessing inappropriate content and adult users. This probe highlights ongoing scrutiny of social media's impact on young users.

Rafael Grossi has warned that strikes near Irans Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant could trigger a major radiological accident, urging restraint and adherence to nuclear safety norms, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Petrol, Diesel price today (March 27): There has been no change in the prices of petrol, diesel across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and other cities. In Delhi, petrol costs Rs 94.72 per litre and diesel costs Rs 87.62 per litre. Petrol, diesel prices have remained largely unchanged since 2022 in India. India has reduced the special additional excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and scrapped it on diesel amid heightened global crude market volatility.

The Reserve Bank of India will keep its key interest rate at 5.25%. This decision is expected to hold until mid-2027. Benign price pressures allow the RBI to assess the impact of the Middle East conflict. Inflation remains below the target. Economic growth is strong. The conflict poses risks to price stability.

The Trump administration seeks an exemption from the Endangered Species Act for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Environmental groups are alarmed, fearing it sets a dangerous precedent. They are working to block a meeting of the Endangered Species Committee, known as the God Squad.

Happy Ram Navami 2026 Wishes, Images: Ram Navami's celebration started on March 26 and will go on till March 27 till 10.06 AM. Ram Navami, the birth of Lord Rama, is celebrated on the last day of Chaitra Navratri and is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. In the world of digital era, you can send these 50+ wishes, images, quotes, greetings and messages to your loved ones to wish them a very Happy Ram Navami.

Carmen Electra's quote, For some reason if we hear 100 praises and one criticism, we focus on that one hurtful thing, highlights our tendency to dwell on negativity. This insight, drawn from her introspective side, encourages a shift in perspective to appreciate positive feedback amidst criticism, fostering emotional resilience.

The Pentagon is looking at sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East to give President Donald Trump more military options even as he weighs peace talks with Tehran.

Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong asserted that India and China's remarkable development stems from their people's hard work, not external generosity. He criticized unnamed elements for hyping the China threat to profit from discord, urging independent thinking among youth. Xu emphasized the importance of good-neighborly relations and mutual success for both nations.

Eyal Zamir has warned that the Israel Defense Forces risks collapse due to rising operational strain and a shortage of around 12,000 troops, The Times of Israel reported. He urged urgent laws on conscription, reserve duty, and extending mandatory service, saying the military may soon struggle to sustain operations.

Tornado warnings were issued across Ohio and Indiana on Thursday, March 26, with some expiring at 8:45 p.m. Severe storms brought heavy rain, damaging winds, and hail, with the greatest risk from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. A tornado watch remains in effect for central Ohio until 11 p.m.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced plans to feature President Donald Trump's signature on all new paper currency, a departure from tradition. This move, intended to honor the nation's 250th birthday, has drawn criticism from Democrats amid rising costs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the signature recognizes historic achievements.

The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards are set to be a grand event. Ludacris will host the ceremony, celebrating music's biggest stars. Taylor Swift leads with nine nominations. Viewers can watch the show live on FOX or stream it online. Special awards will be presented to Miley Cyrus and John Mellencamp. Many popular artists are scheduled to perform.

Quote of the day by Halle Berry highlights life lessons about winning and losing. This explainer covers quote of the day meaning, quote of the day relevance, and career history of Halle Berry to show how the message connects to real life and success.

William Faulkner's enduring quote, The past is never dead. Its not even past, highlights how history profoundly shapes our present. His life and works, deeply rooted in the American South, explored memory and identity, earning him the Nobel Prize. Faulkner's insights serve as a timeless reminder of history's persistent influence.

NBA superstar Kevin Durant's powerful quote, 'Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard,' underscores a profound truth. Durant's own journey from prodigy to multiple champion highlights that consistent effort and discipline, not just innate ability, forge lasting success. This principle transcends sports, proving dedication ultimately triumphs over complacency.

Dash Crofts, one half of the 1970s soft rock duo Seals & Crofts, has died at age 85. The band, known for hits like Summer Breeze and Diamond Girl, achieved commercial success in the early 1970s. Crofts' daughter confirmed his passing, noting he had been suffering from heart issues.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 4 release date, plot and how to watch details are gaining attention after Season 3 ended with episode 59. The anime will continue the Culling Game arc and adapt major manga chapters. Updates may arrive during AnimeJapan 2026 and MAPPAs anniversary event. Reports suggest the next season may release in 2027 due to production schedules and TV slot availability.

Quote of the day by Guy de Maupassant: His quote on leadership emphasizes the duty of governments to prevent war, likening it to a ship captain's responsibility to avoid disaster. This highlights the importance of foresight, care, and accountability in leadership, not just for political leaders but in all positions of power.

Mae Wests quote reminds people to live life fully and make every moment meaningful. She believed one good life is enough if lived wisely. The message encourages taking chances, enjoying experiences, and not wasting time. Mae West became known for bold opinions and witty lines. Her words inspire people to focus on happiness and purpose.

A former Indian Supreme Court Justice has informed the UK High Court about the risks faced by Nirav Modi. Justice Deepak Verma stated that Modi faces prolonged interrogation and a significant risk of custodial torture in India. This opinion was provided in response to Modi's plea to reopen his extradition appeal.

Corporate social responsibility spending by Indian companies has surged significantly over the last decade. However, a recent study reveals that aspirational districts, facing developmental challenges, have received only a small fraction of this investment. While over 1.22 lakh crore has been spent on CSR, just 12% reached these targeted areas, indicating an uneven distribution of funds.

The disruption at Hormuz prompted Saudi Aramco to reroute some crude supplies, channeling a portion of production via a pipeline across the Arabian peninsula to the alternative port of Yanbu on its Red Sea coast. However, the ambitious measure is only a partial workaround.

X layoffs explained details how X cut more than 20 nontechnical roles and removed chief marketing officer Angela Zepeda as part of a restructuring led by Elon Musk. The changes follow the merger with xAI, preparations linked to a possible SpaceX IPO, and the rollout of X Money payments within the platform.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's former company, Firestar Diamond International, is set to auction its precious inventory of gems and jewellery on April 27. The e-auction, under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, will feature natural loose diamonds and finished pieces, with prices ranging from 4 lakh to 18 lakh.

India's sugar sales are down this month. Restaurants and hotels are cooking less because of LPG supply issues. This means sugar mills are not meeting their government-set sales quotas. March usually sees lower sugar demand after the holiday season. Global sugar exports are also slow due to market issues and higher costs.

Quote of the day by Robert Frost: His insightful quote about banks lending umbrellas in fair weather but asking for them back in rain highlights how support often vanishes when most needed. This observation extends beyond finance to relationships, urging us to value consistent reliability.

Concerns over energy supplies are rising in Assam due to the West Asia crisis. Opposition parties are highlighting queues at fuel stations as an election issue. The state government, however, assures that petrol, diesel, and LPG are readily available. Local refineries produce more fuel than the state consumes, ensuring a surplus.

British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron seeks West Asia de-escalation and oil flow resumption. The UK supports defensive actions against Iran to prevent regional conflict. Cameron highlighted the strong UK-India relationship and the exciting trade deal signed in 2025. She also touched upon the legal process for fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's extradition. The focus remains on economic stability and peace.

The pressing priority is to actively promote peace talks, seize the opportunity of peace and promote the cessation of the war, Lin Jian, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, said at a regular briefing when asked if China was aware of any ongoing negotiations between Iran and the US.

Oscar Wildes quote of the day reminds people to truly live life instead of just going through daily routine. His words encourage enjoying moments, trying new things, and finding meaning in everyday life. The message is simple but powerful. It inspires readers to think differently, stay positive, and focus on living fully rather than only existing day by day.

India urged consensus on WTO plurilateral outcomes and careful reconsideration of the e-commerce duty moratorium. The US wants the moratorium made permanent. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal also called for restoring the dispute settlement system and effective special and differential treatment. Discussions are ongoing at the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon.

Russia faces a global fertilizer shortage. The nation's production plants operate at full capacity. Russia prioritizes its own farmers for fertilizer supply. Exports are being limited. This comes as global trade faces disruptions. Russia is shipping to BRICS nations and other emerging economies. The US and EU also receive Russian fertilizer.

Chinese professionals are returning to India in growing numbers for business. Companies like Oppo, Xiaomi, and Midea are sending executives for market visits. This marks a revival after nearly six years of limited visa issuance. The frequency of visits is nearing pre-2020 levels. Indian manufacturing firms are also hosting Chinese partners. This trend is expected to increase.

The government has identified unrestricted social media access for children as a significant concern, engaging in ongoing discussions with platforms to implement age-based restrictions. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the need for a balance between free speech, innovation, and regulation, citing a US judgment on addictive algorithms harming child development.

Why is silver price crashing rapidly by 5% to $67, and will gold price slip below $4,000 or move towards $5,000? Precious metals dropped as the dollar strengthened, oil rose, and interest rate concerns grew. Investors reassessed the Middle East situation and Federal Reserve policy outlook. Analysts shared possible price paths for gold and silver.

The Maldives economy faces a crisis due to West Asia disruptions. Tourist arrivals are down, impacting revenue. Significant debt repayments are due in April. International aid is unlikely. India's financial support is crucial for the Maldives to manage its economic challenges. Rating agencies flag high default risks for the nation.

The Indian Army's Corps of EME is joining forces with IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation. This collaboration aims to develop crucial military technologies within India. A new Nodal Indigenisation Centre has been established to boost local industrial capabilities. The partnership will enhance operational readiness and upgrade existing weapon systems. This initiative seeks to reduce reliance on foreign sources for defense technology.