The Economic Times

Gold and silver prices are crashing despite the USIran war, with gold below $4,700 and silver under $70. Investors expected a safe-haven rally, but rising inflation, a stronger U.S. dollar, and fading rate cut hopes are pushing metals lower. Gold dropped 4.18% to $4,691.70, while silver plunged 8.91% to $70.68, hitting one-month lows. The weakness wasnt limited to bullion, as platinum (PL00) slipped to $1,938.20 (-5.76%), and copper (HG00) also edged lower to $5.44 (-2.78%).

President Trump faces a critical decision regarding Iran's enriched uranium. The United States has conducted military actions against Iran's nuclear program. Securing nearly 1000 pounds of enriched uranium is a complex challenge. Experts suggest a significant troop deployment may be necessary. This move carries considerable risk for the President. Lawmakers express concerns about achieving objectives without a physical presence.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag stated Sanju Samson's departure cannot be filled. Parag, now captain, emphasized better planning and finishing close games for the upcoming season. He thanked the franchise for their support. Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara backed Parag, citing his maturity and suitability for leadership after a thorough selection process.

The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced the schedule for submitting the List of Candidates for the Class 10 second board examinations in 2026. This new system, part of the National Education Policy 2020, allows students to reappear in up to three subjects. The aim is to reduce exam stress and offer flexibility for score improvement.

You do not need a gym to get fit. Just two basic strength training sessions weekly can boost your health. Simple exercises like squats and push-ups improve strength and balance. This helps with daily tasks and prevents falls. Consistency is key, not exhausting workouts. Even short routines make a difference for long-term health.

Bangalore Ola Driver Scam: A Bengaluru commuter reported a cab driver attempted to charge 5,950 for a 285 Ola ride, demanding payment via a personal device. The situation escalated with aggressive behavior and a language barrier, only defusing when the passenger's landlord intervened. The driver fled before reaching the police station.

The Democratic Social Justice Party has declared its full backing for the NDA in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. Party leaders stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government implemented the 10 percent EWS reservation for forward communities. They accused state governments of minority appeasement, neglecting the poor among forward communities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with leaders from Oman, Malaysia, and France. Discussions focused on the escalating tensions in West Asia. Leaders agreed on the need for diplomacy and dialogue to restore peace. India reiterated its stance against violations of sovereignty.

Meta is ending its Horizon Worlds virtual reality platform for Quest headsets. After a massive investment of $80 billion, the company is removing the VR app by June 2026. This move follows a significant shift in focus towards artificial intelligence. Horizon Worlds will continue as a mobile-only app. This marks the end of an era for Meta's metaverse ambitions.

A new layer of real estate technology is taking shape in the city, backed by execution, investor interest, and stronger institutional access

Airbus is escalating a dispute with engine maker Pratt & Whitney. The aircraft manufacturer is seeking damages over delayed engine shipments. This is impacting Airbus's ability to meet production targets. Scarce engine supplies are grounding jets and straining airlines.

A new report reveals a significant number of Rajya Sabha MPs face criminal charges. Over 30% have declared cases, with some facing serious accusations. The report also highlights wealth disparities, showing 14% of MPs are billionaires. Average assets for a Rajya Sabha member are substantial, with some individuals possessing vast fortunes.

For now, the Fortnite down phase remains a waiting game. While downtime can be frustrating, it is an essential part of maintaining and evolving a live-service game of this scale.

The Election Commission of India has withdrawn two police commissioners from observer duties in Tamil Nadu. Muralidhar Sharma of Bidhannagar and Waqar Raja of Siliguri will no longer serve as central observers. This comes amid a series of bureaucratic and police reshuffles announced by the ECI for the upcoming assembly polls in West Bengal.

A political storm is brewing in Bihar's Mahagathbandhan. Four opposition MLAs missed crucial Rajya Sabha voting, handing a win to the ruling NDA. The Congress has issued notices to its absent members. Disagreements over candidate choice and party respect are cited. Other alliance partners are urging unity and action against such lapses.

Delhi Electric Vehicle policy explained: The Delhi government is set to introduce a new policy aimed at accelerating electric vehicle adoption by offering financial incentives for scrapping old vehicles. Under the scheme, individuals who scrap BS-IV or older Delhi-registered vehicles can avail the benefits of up to 1 lakh when purchasing new EVs, along with exemptions on road tax and registration fees until 2030.

Sarke Chunar song singer Mangli has publicly apologized and removed the song 'Sarke Chunar' from all platforms following backlash over its explicit Hindi lyrics. The controversy reached Parliament, prompting the government to confirm a ban. The song's removal and a promise of a revised version aim to address public sentiment, though the film it's from remains on track for release.

Iran's football team plans to participate in the World Cup but will boycott the United States. Talks are underway with FIFA to relocate matches from the US. Mexico has offered to host Iran's games. US President Donald Trump raised safety concerns for Iranian players. Iran's participation was in doubt due to the Middle East conflict.

LIK release date: Seven Screen Studio has officially announced the theatrical release date for the upcoming Tamil feature film Love Insurance Kompany (LIK). Directed by Vignesh Shivan and starring Pradeep Ranganathan alongside Krithi Shetty, the film is scheduled to premiere on April 3, 2026, coinciding with the Good Friday holiday.

Kerala bird flu scare: Bird flu (H5N1) has been confirmed in Alappuzha's Muhamma grama panchayat, prompting authorities to cull over 5,000 birds. Rapid response teams are implementing containment measures within a one-kilometre radius of the epicentre. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual bird deaths.

Cricketer Dinesh Karthik and squash star Dipika Pallikal have welcomed their baby girl, Raaha Pallikal Karthik. The couple shared the joyous news on social media, with their sons Kabir and Zian reportedly thrilled to have a baby sister. This marks a new chapter for the family.

India's oilmeal exports to China saw a massive jump this fiscal year. Competitive prices and trade policies favored Indian products. However, this advantage is now challenged. Meanwhile, overall oilmeal exports have declined. Geopolitical conflicts are disrupting shipments to the Middle East and Europe, increasing transit times and costs. This situation threatens India's export competitiveness in key markets.

Patna High Court granted bail to Janata Dal (United) MLA Anant Singh. He was arrested in connection with the murder of Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav. Singh had won the Mokama assembly seat while in custody. The court's decision comes after the Bihar Assembly election last year. Dularchand Yadav was killed during a violent clash in Mokama.

The Reserve Bank of India is creating new ways for Russian businesses to use their accumulated Indian rupees. These rupees can now be used to pay for imports into India or for making investments. This move aims to boost trade in local currencies between India and Russia. Increased transactions will help the market for INR-Rouble trade to grow.

The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education will announce Class 10 results on March 20, 2026. Over 10 lakh students appeared for the exams held in February. Students can check their scores on official websites. Those who need to improve can appear for compartment exams in August 2026. This announcement comes earlier than previous years.

Karachi experienced a severe storm overnight. Heavy rains and strong winds caused widespread damage. Walls and roofs collapsed, leading to at least 15 fatalities. Several people were injured. The storm uprooted trees and disrupted traffic. Authorities advised residents to stay indoors. More rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Karachi and other parts of Sindh province.

Seat-sharing talks between the BJP and AIADMK for the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls are proceeding smoothly. BJP Tamil Nadu chief Nainar Nagenthran confirmed no issues are affecting the discussions. The number of constituencies will be finalized soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Kanyakumari and Coimbatore for campaigning. Several national leaders will also campaign in Tamil Nadu.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India's need for a strong drone manufacturing ecosystem. He highlighted the crucial role of drones and counter-drone technologies in modern warfare, drawing lessons from ongoing global conflicts. Singh stressed the importance of complete self-reliance, from components like software and engines to the final product, for India's defence preparedness and strategic autonomy.

As the Middle East conflict enters its 20th day, Iran shows no signs of backing down amid US pressure. Reports suggest President Trump plans to send troops to clear the Strait of Hormuz blockade, potentially reigniting global energy supplies. This move comes as historical invasions of Iran, like the Iran-Iraq War, highlight significant challenges for the US.

The Iran war has disrupted regional stability and energy markets, with Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz and targeting infrastructure. This has led to higher oil prices and underscored global economic vulnerability to Middle East disruptions. The conflict is expected to reshape trade flows and investment for years.

The Pentagon has requested over $200 billion from the White House. This funding aims to rapidly replenish critical weapons stockpiles. US and Israeli forces have struck thousands of targets recently. The proposal faces significant resistance in Congress. Budget pressures and political divisions add to the challenge. Expanding weapons production will take time.

US-Israel Iran War: Italy's economy faces new challenges. Recent strikes in Iran have impacted oil and gas prices. This affects Italian businesses and families. Higher borrowing costs and rising energy bills are concerns. The manufacturing and agriculture sectors are also feeling the strain. Tourism from the Middle East is disrupted. These issues could affect Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's popularity.

Sanju Samson's exit from Rajasthan Royals marks a major shift. Former captain Faf du Plessis highlights Samson's iconic status. Yashasvi Jaiswal now faces increased responsibility. Lakshmipathy Balaji expresses surprise at Riyan Parag's captaincy appointment. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi aims for consistency in his second season. Kumar Sangakkara's guidance will be key for the team.

The Delhi High Court has asked the Election Commission of India to consider K Kavitha's plea to register her political party, Telangana Praja Jagruti. Kavitha's application deficiencies have been addressed. The court ordered the ECI to consider the application. Kavitha's lawyer requested a four-week timeline, citing upcoming local body elections in Telangana.

The National Commission for Women has summoned Nora Fatehi, Sanjay Dutt, and others over obscenity allegations in the song 'Sarke Chunar'. The song's content is deemed sexually suggestive and violative of laws. Lyricist Raqueeb Alam and producers have also been summoned to appear on March 24.

Iran War: India faces a potential riple threat from a West Asian crisis, with rising energy costs, declining remittances, and reverse labour migration posing risks to the domestic economy. A report highlights the country's deep structural linkages to the Gulf, impacting over eight million Indian workers and significant financial flows.

At a time when the world is grappling with oil crisis due to the Middle East conflict, a Chinese startup Carbonology has announced a big breakthrough and claimed that it can make fuel from air and water. The company co-founded by former Tesla Vice President has claimed to develop a method to capture carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and other products. The process uses solar and wind energy, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

China urged the United States on Thursday to stop hyping the theory that China is a threat, after a US intelligence report said Beijing does not have plans to invade the self-ruled island next year. The US should... speak and act cautiously on the Taiwan issue, should correct their understanding of China, and stop hyping up the China threat theory, Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a press conference, when asked about the report. pfc-dhw/jm

The Congress party has raised significant objections to the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill. They claim the bill infringes upon the federal structure of India's Constitution. Key concerns include a lack of state government consultation, constitutional overreach, and the bureaucratization of higher education. The party argues the bill centralizes power, moving away from academic control.

Kuwait experienced two major fires at its oil facilities on Thursday. Drone attacks targeted the Mina Abdullah and Mina Al-Ahmadi refineries. Emergency crews worked to control the blazes. The incidents highlight growing drone threats to oil infrastructure in the Gulf region. Kuwait, a significant oil producer, relies on these refineries for its energy sector.

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan announces admission guidelines for the 2026-27 academic year. Online registrations for Class I and Balvatika-1 begin March 20, 2026, closing April 2. Offline admissions for other classes and Balvatika-2 and 3 will follow. Age criteria are set for March 31, 2026. Parents can apply online via the KVS portal. Document verification is crucial.

Indian Railways is running special trains to manage the festive travel rush for Chaitra Navratri and Eid. This initiative aims to ease passenger pressure and provide more travel options. Special services will connect Mumbai and Nagpur, and Pune and Nagpur. These trains will stop at key stations across Maharashtra.

Karunya Plus KN-615 Lottery Result (19/03/2026): The Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Karunya Plus KN-615 weekly lottery today, March 19, 2026. The event will be held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a grand first prize of 1 crore.

A Sichuan aviation college urges students to see the flowers and enjoy romance during April 1-6 spring break, aligning with China's push for new school holidays, travel, and leisure to counter declining births and spur consumption. The move follows record-low 2025 birth rates and NDRC guidelines for child-friendly cities.

Anutin Charnvirakul has been elected Thailand's prime minister by the new parliament. His party secured a significant victory in the recent elections. The government faces challenges including economic slowdown and border tensions with Cambodia. Anutin previously championed cannabis decriminalization. The new administration will navigate global economic turmoil and domestic issues.

India and Russia are boosting economic and financial ties. Sergey Glazyev highlighted the importance of this partnership. They are working on free trade and common financial markets. Initiatives like BRICScoin aim to reduce currency capital issues. This collaboration seeks to counter US dominance in global capital markets.