The Economic Times

Andhra Pradesh is gearing up to establish a network of 10 new medical colleges through innovative Public Private Partnerships, with a projected investment of 8,480 crore over the next two years. In the midst of this educational initiative, a lively discussion sparked in the Legislative Council concerning allegations of ghee adulteration linked to the famous Tirupati laddus.

Kashmir is currently under stringent lockdown for the third day in a row as demonstrations sweep through Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh in response to the shocking death of Iran's supreme leader. In light of the unrest, educational facilities will stay closed until Saturday. Mobile and prepaid phone services are potentially affected, while businesses shutter and traffic is notably low.

That data changes everything. When the stock market crashes, panic spreads fast. Your 401(k) balance drops. Fear rises. But history shows markets recover. Long-term investing beats market timing. Most retirement planning works best with steady contributions and diversification. Do not rush to cash. Stay disciplined. Stock market volatility is temporary. A strong 401(k) strategy builds wealth over decades, not days.

India backs a Myanmar-led peace process for lasting peace and development. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted Myanmar's importance to India's foreign policy. India is assisting in building a literary center in Yangon. The minister shared India's experiences in federalism and constitutionalism. India and Myanmar share deep historical and cultural ties.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett conceded to state Rep. James Talarico in the Texas Democratic Senate primary after a legal dispute over poll closing times in Dallas. A state judge's order to extend voting hours due to mass confusion was reversed by the Texas Supreme Court, leading to concerns of disenfranchisement.

Gigglemug is a playful English term for someone who is always smiling, often radiating cheer and positivity. The word suggests more than a casual grin; it implies a perpetually happy, contagious expression that can lift the mood of everyone around. Dating back to the 18th century, it combines giggle (light laughter) with mug (face), literally meaning laughing face.

The 2026 NCAA March Madness tournament is set to electrify college basketball fans across the country with thrilling matchups and nonstop action. Starting with Selection Sunday on March 15 in Dayton, Ohio, the annual Division I mens and womens tournaments will showcase top teams competing in a high-stakes, single-elimination format. The event spans multiple U.S. venues for the opening and early rounds, progresses to regional stages for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, and culminates in the Final Fo

Force majeure is a legal term used in business contracts. It talks about sudden and uncontrollable events like war, floods, earthquakes, or riots. When such events happen, companies may not be able to follow their agreement. A force majeure clause protects them from legal trouble during these serious and unexpected situations beyond their control.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has distributed ministerial portfolios. Two Deputy Chief Ministers and two Cabinet Ministers received their departments. The Chief Minister kept most important ministries for himself. Seven ministerial positions are still unfilled. This move aims to strengthen governance and leadership across key areas of the state.

Quote of the day by Winston Churchill: Winston Churchill's enduring quote, If you're going through hell, keep going, encapsulates the power of resilience and persistence. This message, rooted in his wartime leadership, emphasizes that enduring hardship and continuing forward is the only path to overcoming life's toughest phases and achieving eventual triumph.

Apple has launched the $599 MacBook Neo, its first budget laptop in over a decade, targeting students and budget-conscious buyers. Powered by the A18 Pro chip, this 13-inch device offers extended battery life and colorful finishes. The move aims to broaden Mac ownership and compete in the affordable laptop market.

Karnataka challenges the Reserve Bank of India's debt figures. The state government has written to the Accountant General seeking a review of certain financial entries. These disputed amounts total around 60,500 crore. Karnataka argues these are not actual debt obligations. The State Budget is set to be presented soon. The government hopes for a swift resolution to the matter.

Bihar's political landscape is set for a major shift. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will file his Rajya Sabha nomination on Thursday. Following this, he is expected to resign. The Bharatiya Janata Party is poised to form the next government with its leader becoming the Chief Minister. This marks a significant change in Bihar's leadership.

Iran's drone and missile attacks threaten to block the Strait of Hormuz for months. Intelligence suggests Iran can produce many drones, but missile supplies are a concern. Disrupting this vital oil route has caused energy prices to jump. If missile supplies dwindle, Iran may resort to sea mines, prolonging the disruption for an extended period.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing accusations of damaging ties with the United States. President Donald Trump has criticized Starmer's stance on Iran. This has raised concerns about the future of the special relationship and potential trade impacts. British officials hope the disagreement will be temporary. The article highlights past strains in the trans-Atlantic bond.

Rising Iran tensions may lead to higher gas prices, making it harder for people to manage daily expenses. Many Americans are already worried about money, so saving on fuel is important. Experts suggest simple steps like checking gas prices on apps, driving carefully, avoiding engine idling, using the right fuel type, and planning trips ahead to cut fuel costs.

The state funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, originally set for Wednesday night in Tehran, has been delayed. Authorities expect a massive turnout of grieving citizens, leading to the rescheduling of this significant event. A new date will be shared soon.

Chennai, the DMK has finalized its seat-sharing agreement with the Congress for the upcoming Assembly elections. The Congress will contest 28 seats and has been allocated one Rajya Sabha seat. Top leaders from both parties met at the DMK headquarters to conclude the deal. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai expressed satisfaction with the outcome.

North Carolinas 2026 primary elections on March 3 determined party nominees for U.S. House, state legislature, and other offices. Several districts showed decisive victories, while others reflected intra-party competition. The outcomes set the stage for competitive general elections in November.

Oprah Winfrey's powerful quote, We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are, encapsulates her life's journey of continuous transformation. From her humble beginnings to becoming a media mogul and philanthropist, Winfrey's story exemplifies the courage required to evolve beyond comfort zones and embrace personal growth.

US stock market rebounds today despite geopolitical tensions. The Dow Jones falls 95 points to 48,405. Yet the S&P 500 rises to 6,821 and the Nasdaq jumps to 22,627. Strong US jobs data drives early optimism. ADP reports 63,000 new private payrolls, beating the 50,000 forecast. Tech stocks lift the Nasdaq Composite. Meanwhile oil prices near $82 Brent and $75 WTI keep markets cautious. The Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz risks add volatility. Investors now watch the Federal Reserve outlook an

Britain, historically a staunch ally of Washington, initially refused to allow its military bases to be used by the U.S. for its assault on Tehran, only tempering that position when Iran attacked its neighbours - allowing UK bases to be used for limited defensive strikes.

Bitcoin BTC USD price rally March 2026: Bitcoin's price has crossed the $72,000 mark, extending a recent rally. This surge is linked to escalating global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, prompting investors to seek safer assets like gold and silver. Despite a generally cautious market, Bitcoin's rise is also supported by ETF inflows and evolving market dynamics.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to file his Rajya Sabha nomination. This move signals a potential leadership change in Bihar. The Bharatiya Janata Party is poised to take over the chief minister's post. Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Patna fuels speculation about the transition. Kumar's shift to national politics is anticipated.

More than 30 million workers live in states that offer fewer than 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. A new Senate bill could change that fast. The Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act would set a 26-week federal minimum for unemployment insurance nationwide. States like Florida and Georgia now cap benefits at 12 to 14 weeks. Lawmakers say longer unemployment benefits would protect families during layoffs and economic downturns. The bill keeps eligibility rules but ext

An American submarine has sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan authorities rescued 32 crew members. 148 sailors remain missing. The attack marks the first US sinking of an enemy ship by torpedo since World War II. The US is engaged in a war against Iran. Sri Lanka remains neutral in the conflict.

Mojtaba Khamenei is emerging as the leading candidate to become Iran's next supreme leader. He has cultivated strong ties with the Revolutionary Guards and the clerical establishment. The Assembly of Experts is expected to announce its decision soon. Mojtaba faces challenges from US sanctions and potential domestic unrest. His rise follows the death of Ebrahim Raisi.

The word transmogrify describes a complete change, often surprising or magical. It applies to personal growth, art, and even everyday renovations. This expressive word highlights how change can be bold and inspiring. It's used for dramatic shifts, from caterpillars to butterflies or simple ideas becoming extraordinary. The term adds a whimsical quality to describing significant transformations.

Private employers added 63,000 jobs in February, ADP said, gaining more than the 48,000 that economists projected.

The average IRS tax refund in 2026 has reached $3,804, according to the latest IRS filing season data. That is 10.2% higher than last year. It brings refunds close to the widely discussed $4,000 tax refund under Trumps tax plan. The increase links to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The law introduced no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, larger standard deductions, and expanded Child Tax Credit. Tax experts say another factor matters. Many workers overpaid taxes in 2025 due to outdated IRS

American and Israeli forces have seized control of Iran's airspace and waterways. Military operations against Tehran are now in their fifth day. The Iranian air force has been neutralized. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the campaign is in its early phase. Operations have significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities.

Many retirees feel their Social Security money is not enough each month. There is a simple way to increase future payments. By delaying benefits past Full Retirement Age, checks can grow every year until age 70. Some people can also pause payments to boost them later. This strategy depends on savings, health, and income.

A mysterious trader on Polymarket earned over $553,000 by betting on Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's removal from power. This occurred just before United States and Israeli strikes killed him. The bets, placed by an account named 'Magamyman', have sparked debate about prediction markets and potential insider trading. Lawmakers are calling for bans on such platforms.

Ancient strategist Sun Tzu's wisdom on provoking choleric opponents and feigning weakness remains relevant today. By exploiting an adversary's temper and fostering their arrogance, a commander can induce impulsive decisions and overconfidence. This psychological edge, rooted in understanding human nature, allows for strategic advantage, proving that intelligence and patience often triumph over brute force, shaping outcomes before conflict even erupts.

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.