The Economic Times

Consumers are raising concerns over Milky Mist paneer packets found puffed well before their expiry dates. Reports highlight swelling despite prompt refrigeration, prompting questions about product quality and cold chain integrity. This has led some consumers to opt for homemade paneer as a safer alternative.

Iran's intelligence ministry has reportedly offered to talk with the US Central Intelligence Agency about ending the war. The offer was made through an unnamed country's spy agency. However, officials in Washington express skepticism about readiness for an off-ramp. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva has ruled out negotiations for now.

While few Israeli nationals are currently in Kullu and Kangra, a prolonged war could significantly impact Himachal Pradesh's peak summer tourism. Thousands of Israelis typically visit the region between May and August, and their absence would be a major setback for the local economy. Meanwhile, over 45,000 Himachalis are reportedly stranded in Gulf countries due to escalating Middle East tensions.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, expressed his views on the Congress party's first candidate lineup, deeming it a clear manifestation of dynastic politics, populated by individuals with well-known political family connections. In stark contrast, he highlighted the BJP's Rajya Sabha selection, claiming it includes representatives from grassroots origins.

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.

India's services sector saw a slight slowdown in February, with new business growth at a 13-month low and operating costs at a two-and-a-half-year high. Despite this, overall services activity remained robust, supported by strong domestic demand and international sales, leading to increased optimism for the coming year.

Makkal Needhi Maiam, under the leadership of Kamal Haasan, recently held talks with the DMK about potential seat sharing arrangements for the imminent Assembly elections. With compelling data in hand, MNM claimed it could bolster the alliance's prospects. DMK officials will relay this information to Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Iran said on Wednesday it was trying to swiftly appoint a new supreme leader after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on the weekend. We are close, but the situation is a war situation, he told state TV. Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that any Iranian leader picked to succeed Khamenei will be a certain target for assassination.

Ahead of their T20 World Cup semifinal against England, Indian cricketers visited the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple in Mumbai. The team, having regained momentum after an earlier defeat, faces a strong English side. Key players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are crucial for India's prospects against England's potent bowling attack.

Excitement is building for the 2026 World Cup. Nearly two million tickets have already been sold, with demand far exceeding supply. Ticket prices for the final are significantly higher than in 2022. FIFA is introducing dynamic pricing and a limited number of affordable supporter tickets. Resale is permitted in the US and Canada, creating a hot market.

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.

Surprising animal behaviors, from birds to amphibians, are revealing deep biological processes. Scientists are uncovering how viruses manipulate cells, how the immune system balances defense, and how evolution shapes senses. Genetic diversity in reproduction, like in frogs, also drives rapid changes. These intricate mechanisms explain how animals adapt to their environments.

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.

Following strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, US counterterrorism officials are on high alert for potential retaliation within the United States. While no specific plots are confirmed, security agencies are vigilant against attacks from proxies or radicalized individuals, echoing past periods of heightened tension.

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

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.

The position of the government of Spain can be summed up in four words: no to war, he said in a televised address, a day after Trump threatened to sever all trade with Spain.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin accused the Central government of imposing Hindi through a one language, three scripts approach, citing transliterated Hindi names on government buildings. He warned the BJP against its obsession with Hindi imposition and demanded the use of proper Tamil names, threatening Tamil backlash otherwise.

Rajya Sabha election: The Election Commission of India has announced polls to 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states. Of these, 12 are currently held by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and 25 by opposition parties. Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by MLAs through a system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.

SA vs NZ Kolkata Weather Update: South Africa and New Zealand face off in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Eden Gardens. The pitch favors batters, but spinners might find help later. Dew is expected, potentially aiding the chasing team. Weather forecasts predict warm, dry conditions.

Two individuals have died by suicide in West Bengal. The deaths in Jalpaiguri and South 24 Parganas districts are linked to mental stress after the final voter list was published. One man's name was in the 'under abjudication' category. Another man, a momo seller, was found in the 'deleted' category.

Toxic Release Date: Yash's highly anticipated film, 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups,' has been postponed by three months, moving from March 19, 2026, to June 4, 2026. Producers cited ongoing Middle East unrest impacting global launch plans. All promotional activities have been paused. The multilingual action-thriller, directed by Geetu Mohandas, stars Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, and others.

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.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that US-Israeli strikes on Iran were inconsistent with international law, urging swift de-escalation. While Canada supports changing Iran's government, Carney expressed regret over the lack of UN engagement and allied consultation in the military actions.

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.

Iran war: The conflict erupted after the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes on Iran over the weekend, killing the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, after which Iran launched missiles at countries on the Arabian Peninsula.