The Economic Times

Global economic growth faces a setback due to the Middle East conflict. Energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are nearly halted, risking a sharp rise in inflation. The OECD now projects slower growth for the coming years. This situation presents significant downside risks to the global economic outlook. Governments are advised to provide targeted support.

Iran and the U.S. remain at an impasse over Middle East war talks, with both sides hardening positions. Thousands of U.S. troops are deploying as Iran tightens its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, exacting tolls for passage and impacting global oil prices. Heavy strikes are reported in Iran and across the region amidst escalating tensions.

Iran is reportedly shifting its focus to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint in the Red Sea. This move could threaten Saudi Arabia's alternative oil export route, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption here would significantly impact global energy supplies and trade.

IPL 2026 Opening Ceremony: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially decided to skip the traditional opening ceremony for IPL 2026, scheduled for March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. As reported by The Times of India, the decision serves as a tribute to the 11 victims who lost their lives in a tragic stampede in Bengaluru on June 4, 2025, during celebrations following Royal Challengers Bengalurus (RCB) maiden title win.

India's cricket home season is set to be exciting. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia will be a major highlight. India will also host West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. This packed schedule includes Tests, ODIs, and T20Is across multiple cities. Cricket fans can look forward to a thrilling international calendar.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Thursday that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran were being held to end their war, using Islamabad as an intermediary. Islamabad has been touted as a go-between given its longstanding ties with both neighbouring Iran and the United States, as well as its network of regional contacts.

Actor Boman Irani has humorously responded to reports of Donald Trump seeking to speak with 'Iranis'. Irani offered peace talks from Dadar Parsi Colony, suggesting Trump's delegation join them for Parsi food. The actor's witty video has gone viral, with celebrities and fans appreciating his lighthearted approach to geopolitical matters. Irani is also busy with upcoming film projects.

US President Donald Trump stated Iranian negotiators are seeking a deal with Washington. He alleged they are privately pushing for an agreement while publicly reviewing a US proposal. Trump warned of serious consequences if negotiations do not progress soon. He described the negotiators as 'strange' and emphasized the urgency for Iran to act before it is too late.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. He questions the government's urgency to amend the women's quota law. Kharge suggests an all-party meeting after April 29, 2026. This meeting will discuss the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023. The law is set to take effect from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The Supreme Court has consolidated all pending petitions challenging the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act. These cases will now be heard by a three-judge bench. The law aims to combat organized crime and anti-social activities. The court has also made the Centre a party to the proceedings. This move seeks to streamline the legal process for these significant challenges.

The US Army is increasing its maximum enlistment age to 42. This change brings the Army in line with other military branches. Individuals up to 42 can now join the Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve. The new regulations also permit enlistment for those with one marijuana-related conviction. These updated rules take effect on April 20.

A classroom incident at Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre turned violent. A professor claimed a student proposed to him, sparking an argument. The dispute escalated outside the classroom, leading to a physical confrontation involving students. Videos of the event have circulated widely online. No official complaint has been filed yet.

BTS Documentary: Directed by Bao Nguyen, known for works such as The Stringer and The Greatest Night in Pop, the documentary provides a close, behind-the-scenes portrait of BTS as they come together again and reshape their artistic identity.

Major violence erupted in Basanti, South 24 Parganas. Miscreants allegedly attacked BJP workers and police during a campaign event. Several police personnel and BJP workers sustained injuries. Eight miscreants were arrested. A large contingent of CAPF and police forces arrived at the scene.

The government is introducing Aadhaar biometric authentication for land acquisition compensation. This ensures payments go directly to landowners' bank accounts. A pilot program is underway in five states. This new system replaces cheque handovers with instant direct bank transfers. OTP-based biometric authentication will confirm the identity of actual landowners, preventing any diversion of funds.

Delhi Police busted a major arms smuggling ring. Ten individuals were arrested. Twenty-one foreign weapons and cartridges were seized. The weapons were intended for criminal gangs planning targeted killings. The smuggling route involved Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Investigations are ongoing to identify all recipients.

Delhi Weather Update: Delhi is likely to witness partly cloudy skies, very light rain accompanied with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds at a speed of 30-40 kmph during evening today, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted. Delhi might also see thunderstorms with light on Friday, March 27, 2026. No rain has been predicted for March 28.

India is enhancing its digital security. New rules mandate stricter compliance for telecom equipment and CCTV systems. Data protection measures are also strengthened. These steps address concerns over surveillance infrastructure vulnerabilities and espionage risks. Government departments must procure approved CCTV equipment. Existing video surveillance networks are being secured. This strengthens India's interconnected digital infrastructure.

GLP-1 weight loss drugs: Renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Naresh Trehan has issued a stern warning against the unsupervised use of GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs, which have flooded the Indian market following recent patent expirations. While originally developed in the U.S. for severe obesity and Type 2 diabetes, the entry of low-cost generic versions has led to widespread misuse via online pharmacies and wellness clinics.

At the centre of Project Hail Mary is Dr. Ryland Grace, played by Gosling, a schoolteacher who wakes up alone on a spacecraft with no recollection of who he is or why he is there. As his memories gradually return, he comes to understand that he could be humanitys final chance to prevent a global disaster.

Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notices regarding a petition challenging Anurag Sharma's election as a Rajya Sabha member. The petition alleges Sharma held government contracts during nomination, making him ineligible. The court has directed respondents to file replies by May 21. The returning officer's scrutiny of the nomination is questioned.

A US-Israeli campaign against Iran has spiraled into a regional disaster. Casualty figures are rising sharply in Iran and Lebanon. The conflict has disrupted global oil markets, impacting economies like India. The war's human and economic toll is immense, highlighting diplomatic failures.

The Pentagon is considering shifting weapons meant for Ukraine to the Middle East. This move comes as the conflict in Iran strains critical U.S. military munitions. Air defense interceptor missiles are among the items that could be rerouted. U.S. forces in the Middle East have engaged numerous targets inside Iran. The Defense Department aims to equip forces for victory.

Tech giant Microsoft has made some sweeping changes in the HR department. In an email to employees, Microsoft Chief People Officer Amy Coleman announced the significant HR restructuring, saying that employees should keep learning and let go of old assumptions to make Microsoft a place where everyone can do their best work. The move signals a shift towards agility and a faster pace for Microsoft.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has criticized the Election Commission. He stated the EC's order to police regarding social media news is intolerance towards criticism. Vijayan called the BJP seal on an EC document unbelievable. The Chief Electoral Officer is investigating the matter. The Election Commission stated it was a clerical error and the official responsible was suspended.

A family from Uttar Pradesh seeks compensation and a government job for the widow of Ravi Gopal. Gopal, a driver in Riyadh, died in a suspected missile attack. His body was returned to his village for last rites. The district administration is assisting the family with their requests. Local MLA has assured prompt action.

Iranian IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri has reportedly been killed in a strike. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is conducting retaliatory military operations against US and Israeli installations. These actions follow earlier airstrikes on Iran. The IRGC has warned US-Israel forces against a ground operation. Missile and drone strikes have targeted Israeli military facilities and US bases across the region.

Bab El-mandeb News: Iran warns that Yemen's Houthis could control the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if its southern islands face a land attack, potentially escalating the conflict. This strategic chokepoint, vital for global trade, could become a pressure point if tensions rise, mirroring past disruptions in the Red Sea.

In a case of alleged negligence, Kalyan civic officials in Maharashtra sealed a house from the outside to recover property taxes, leaving an ailing woman trapped inside for nearly six hours. Despite residents' warning the recovery team about the woman, the officials reportedly continued their action and only unsealed the property after the owner intervened.

Nuclear weapons are on the rise globally. Monitors report more warheads are ready for use. This is a worrying trend as conflicts intensify. The world now holds enough nuclear power to destroy cities many times over. This development signals a dangerous shift away from disarmament efforts. Countries are urged to join global efforts for a total ban on these weapons.

Severe droughts and intense rainfall, usually seen with higher global warming, may happen even with a 2 degrees Celsius rise. This threatens food production, forests, and cities. Current policies point to 2.3 to 2.5 degrees Celsius warming. Researchers found some models show worse drought risks at 2 degrees Celsius than average projections for 4 degrees Celsius.

In a post on X, the Navy's official spokesperson said the interaction took place on Wednesday and focused on strengthening collaboration across maritime and aerospace domains.

Bengaluru and Hyderabad are India's twin growth engines. A new report highlights their economic competition. Bengaluru leads in startups and funding. Hyderabad is catching up in office space and affordability. Both cities contribute significantly to India Inc. Their growth trajectories are impressive. The report details their differing work rhythms and spending patterns.

The debut highlights its sustained contributions to agri-food systems, human capital development, and sustainable goals, positioning it as a leader in science-led agriculture.

Karunya Plus KN-616 Lottery Result (26-03-2026): The Kerala State Lotteries Department conducts the high-stakes draw for the Karunya Plus KN-616 weekly lottery today, March 26, 2026. The event will be held at Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a grand first prize of 1 crore.

CBSE Class 10 Results 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to release the results of Class 10 around mid-May, past years' trends suggest. The results will be declared on CBSE's official website cbse.gov.in. Though CBSE has not yet given an official date, in 2025, the results were announced in May.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly condemned remarks made by a UDF leader against Kayamkulam MLA U Prathibha. Vijayan stated that criticism should not compromise dignity and that such comments reflect a perverted mindset. He highlighted that women in public life deserve respect. The IUML has suspended the leader responsible for the remarks.

Australian shares saw a slight dip on Thursday. The ASX 200 index closed lower. This followed Iran's foreign minister stating no negotiations with the United States on a ceasefire plan. Iran had dismissed an American proposal earlier. Heavyweight miners and gold stocks faced losses. Financials, however, saw gains. Nickel Industries and Megaport Limited were the bottom performers.

Diabetes drug Metformin not just impacts your blood sugar level but also affects your brain activity by shutting down a protein called Rap1 in a part of the brain that helps control energy and glucose, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found. The study found that SF1 neurons are activated when metformin is introduced into the brain.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will release a chargesheet against the TMC government on March 28. The document will detail alleged misrule and economic collapse. The BJP will also launch its election manifesto in early April. Shah will meet with state leaders to strategise for upcoming elections.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Ram Navami 2026 Darshan Timings: Ayodhya is gearing up for a grand Ram Navami on March 27, expecting lakhs of devotees. The highlight is the 'Surya Tilak' at noon, where sun rays will illuminate the Ram Lalla idol's forehead for a few minutes. To manage the massive influx, VIP darshan is suspended, and screens are installed across the city.

The Middle East conflict is showing its impact on Australia's property sector. Rising fuel prices and interest rates are increasing construction costs. Building material and freight expenses have surged, putting many projects at risk. Builders face higher trucking and material prices. This situation is slowing down new housing developments across the nation.

Soham Naik Goa: The son of a BJP councillor in Curchorem Cacora Municipal Council in Goa has been arrested for allegedly sexually exploiting 25-30 underage girls, recording the abuse, and for threatening them. Soham Naik was arrested after a time period of three years after locals and political leaders staged a massive protest outside the police station.

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has confirmed he will open the batting with Sanju Samson for IPL 2026. Samson joins CSK after a successful trade. He was Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup. CSK aims for a record sixth title after a strong squad formation. Their season begins March 30 against Rajasthan Royals.