The Economic Times

Australian shares closed higher on Wednesday, driven by a robust performance in mining and materials sectors. The S&P/ASX 200 index saw a notable jump, though broader market sentiment remains mixed with some sectors experiencing declines. Investors are closely watching the mixed signals as the year-to-date performance remains largely flat.

The Supreme Court has permitted passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, a Ghaziabad student in a vegetative state for over 13 years. Doctors can now withdraw life-sustaining treatment. Medical reports indicated no recovery possibility. Justice Pardiwala referenced Shakespeare's 'To be or not to be' in the ruling. This marks the first full application of earlier euthanasia guidelines.

In a bold move, Arvind Kejriwal has lashed out at the central government for a dire LPG shortage that is leaving citizens scrambling across the country. He didn't hold back in questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, suggesting it marks a departure from India's long-standing non-aligned principles.

New Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah. They discussed public service and governance matters. Sandhu aims to develop Delhi to global capital standards. He expressed gratitude for his appointment. This is part of a larger reshuffle of Governors and Lieutenant Governors across India. VK Saxena is now Ladakh LG.

In a fiery session of Parliament, the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ignited fierce discussions. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed frustration over being obstructed from addressing topics related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the controversial book by former Army Chief General MM Naravane.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the central government's approval to rename Kerala as Keralam. He stated this fulfills a long-standing wish of the Malayali people. The Prime Minister highlighted that this change provides the beautiful state with its correct name and identity aligned with Malayali culture. This decision marks a significant moment for the region and its residents.

Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has spoken out against social media's negative influence. He believes protecting players from outside distractions was key to their T20 World Cup victory. Gambhir stressed that players need freedom to make mistakes without fear of online criticism. His focus remains on supporting his team and genuine fans, not social media opinions.

China condemned indiscriminate strikes on civilians and non-military targets in the Gulf, marking rare criticism of ally Iran amid escalating regional tensions. The statement follows Iran's intense missile barrage against Israel and incidents involving cargo ships in strategic waterways, highlighting a widening conflict.

India's first bullet train corridor, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, will commence operations in August 2027 on the Surat-Vapi stretch using the indigenous B28 bullet train. This marks a significant step towards domestic manufacturing capability in high-speed rail technology, with work on signalling and infrastructure progressing.

Google Chrome now features Gemini, an AI assistant, for users in India. This tool helps summarise webpages and compare information across different tabs. Users can access Gemini through a side panel to ask questions or generate content. The integration extends to Google apps like Gmail and Calendar. Image editing is also available directly within the browser.

Over 140 US military personnel are wounded in the West Asia conflict. Tensions rise over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route. Iran may deploy naval mines. US forces destroyed mine-laying boats. Military operations are intensifying, with significant strikes planned. Iran's missile capacity is reportedly degraded. The situation remains volatile.

Reports of injury to Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, have been denied. The son of the Iranian president stated Khamenei is safe and sound. Khamenei, successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was declared supreme leader on Sunday. He has not yet addressed the nation. The New York Times reported Khamenei suffered leg injuries and is sheltering securely.

Harish Rana euthanasia case: Harish Rana, who has been in a vegetative state for nearly 13 years, has been allowed passive euthanasia by the Supreme Court. Once a young and bright man, Harish Rana, a student of Punjab University, fell from the fourth floor of a PG accommodation in 2013 and had been suffering with 100 percent disability and quadriplegia. Passive euthanasia refers to allowing a person to die naturally by withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining medical treatment when recovery is

A striking gold statue of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein recreating the Titanic ship's bow scene has appeared on the National Mall. The anonymous artist collective 'Secret Handshake' created the installation. It references their past association with a pointed message. Banners nearby displayed their images with the phrase 'Make America Safe Again'. The artists secured a permit for the display.

Adani Sportsline has appointed Randhir Singh Sehrawat as the new head coach for Gujarat Giants. Sehrawat, a seasoned kabaddi coach, brings extensive experience to the Pro Kabaddi League. He aims to guide the Gujarat Giants to a championship title in the upcoming season. His appointment signals a strong focus on building a competitive team for the next PKL season.

Opposition and NDA members traded charges in Lok Sabha on Tuesday during the no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla with Congress members alleging that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to raise his points during the debate on motion of thanks to the President's Address as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members rejected the allegations and recalled the contributions of the Speaker in favour of members.

US Ambassador Sergio Gor lauded India as a great partner in stabilizing global oil prices, acknowledging New Delhi's Russian oil purchases as part of these efforts. This statement follows US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement of a permission for India to buy Russian oil already on ships, aiming to ease global supplies amid the West Asia conflict.

Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st ODI predicted playing 11: A transitional Pakistan side, led by Shaheen Afridi, faces a rejuvenated Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium this Wednesday. With superstars Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman absent, Pakistan is handing debuts to Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain. Host captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz looks to exploit a bowling-friendly Dhaka pitch as both teams begin their long-term preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

El Nino impact on India monsoon: The World Meteorological Organization indicates a growing possibility of El Nio developing later this year, potentially impacting India's monsoon. While forecasts suggest a moderate intensity, experts stress that it's too early for definitive predictions. A clearer picture of El Nio's influence on the monsoon is expected by June.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra Price in India: Xiaomi has launched its most ambitious flagship to date, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, featuring a groundbreaking 75-100mm mechanical optical zoom and a Worlds First Leica 1-inch Ultra Dynamic Main Sensor. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, the device introduces the Xiaomi 3D Dual-Channel IceLoop System for advanced cooling and a Xiaomi HyperRGB 6.9-inch 120Hz AMOLED display.

Responding to a Supreme Court ruling on disputed content found in a Class 8 Social Science textbook, the government has mandated NCERT to revisit and revise all educational texts. The Centre extended an apology in the court proceedings, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.

Raw vegetables health risks: A Delhi doctor warns that not all vegetables are safe raw, highlighting spinach, cabbage, and eggplant. Raw consumption of these can lead to bacterial infections, parasitic issues, and even neurological problems due to toxins. Cooking these vegetables is crucial for safety and digestion.

Congress MPs have accused the Central Government of misleading the public about the LPG gas shortage, exacerbated by the West Asia conflict. They claim commercial LPG supplies are being restricted, while the government states it has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritize domestic and essential services, directing refineries to boost household LPG production.

The Congress party has criticized the Indian government. This follows remarks from the White House. The US has permitted India to accept Russian oil already at sea. Congress calls this a capitulation certificate for Prime Minister Modi. They question the government's silence on this perceived insult to India's sovereignty. The party demands answers regarding external dictation of India's decisions.

Tarun Uttam Nagar case: Tarun Butolia was killed on March 4 in Delhi's Uttam Nagar after a minor Holi water splash in his neighbourhood turned deadly. Tarun was enrolled in a digital marketing course and was dedicated to fitness and combat sports. His Instagram feed showed he deadlifted 100 kgs and also posted high-energy reels. According to his family members, he wanted to do something big in his life and was also spiritual.

NAPLAN testing for 1.3 million Australian students resumed after a technical issue disrupted access to the online platform. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority confirmed the problem was resolved, allowing schools to continue administering the nationwide assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. The authority apologized for the inconvenience caused to students and schools.

Xiaomi 17 Price in India: Xiaomi has officially unveiled its latest flagship, the Xiaomi 17, featuring a high-performance Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a 50MP Leica Triple Camera system. The device boasts a 6.3-inch compact design with a peak brightness of 3500 nits and an industry-leading IP69 rating for water and dust resistance.

A West Midlands trade mission to India has boosted economic and cultural links. The delegation met with Indian business leaders to explore new partnerships. Agreements were signed in energy, technology, and education. This collaboration follows the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. The mission aimed to create jobs and investment for the West Midlands region.

The Supreme Court has permitted passive euthanasia for Harish Rana, a 31-year-old man in a coma for over 12 years. His artificial life support will be withdrawn. Rana suffered head injuries in 2013. AIIMS will facilitate the withdrawal of treatment with a plan to maintain dignity. Medical boards had previously indicated a negligible chance of recovery.

US-Israel vs Iran War News Day 12: The Iran-Israel conflict intensifies on its 12th day. Iran launched new missile barrages towards Israel. The US destroyed Iranian vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles and drones. Lebanon is drawn deeper into the war. Shipping and energy infrastructure face threats. Iran rules out a ceasefire, signalling continued escalation.

A gastroenterologist clarified common questions about oats, confirming their benefits for weight loss, cholesterol reduction, and blood sugar control in diabetics when consumed appropriately. He advised choosing plain varieties, gradually increasing intake to avoid bloating, and highlighted the nutritional advantages of rolled and steel-cut oats.

Iran's top police officer has issued a stern warning. Protesters aligning with the country's adversaries will face severe consequences. This comes amid fears of renewed anti-government demonstrations. The police are prepared to act decisively against anyone deemed an enemy. Authorities have previously cracked down on protests, citing 'riots' and 'terrorist acts'.

China and North Korea are strengthening their bond. New infrastructure projects are underway along their shared border. This collaboration aims to boost trade and influence. North Korea's economy is seeing increased Chinese investment. This development comes as global powers navigate regional stability. The renewed partnership signals a new era for both nations.

Assam BJP leader Numal Momin predicts a significant loss for State Congress President Gaurav Gogoi in the Jorhat constituency. Momin expressed confidence in the BJP securing a record-breaking victory in the upcoming assembly elections. Assam Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass also defended the Orunodoi 3.0 scheme.

Who is Kuldeep Yadav's wife: Kuldeep Yadav and Vanshika Chadha are set to tie the knot in Mussoorie on March 14, 2026. Vanshika and Kuldeep have known each other since childhood and they were neighbours while growing up in Kanpur. Vanshika Chadha reportedly works with the LIC and has mostly stayed out of the limelight.

Congress has criticized Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. He contrasted the time for a Lok Sabha Speaker removal debate. Congress stated Jawaharlal Nehru gave more time to the opposition in 1954. The debate is ongoing. The opposition accuses the Speaker of partisanship. The ruling party defends the Speaker.

A container ship sustained damage from an unknown projectile off the UAE coast. This incident occurs as Iran retaliates in the Gulf following US-Israeli strikes. Maritime authorities have urged caution in the region. Tensions are high with Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route. Several oil tankers have been targeted recently.

The house listing and house census for Census 2027 begins May 1 in Andhra Pradesh. This first phase documents houses and assets, concluding May 30. A self-census facility is available April 16-30. The second phase in February 2027 enumerates people. This digital census uses mobile apps and web portals for the first time.

China Travel: An Indian travel vlogging couple sparked an online debate by claiming China is significantly cheaper than India. They cited affordable luxury hotels, premium transport like a BMW ride for Rs 600, and cheap local noodles as evidence. However, other users shared contrasting experiences, suggesting China can be more expensive.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Assam on March 13 and 14. He will inaugurate development projects worth Rs 10,000 crore. A key event will be the distribution of land rights certificates to the tea garden community. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the Silchar-Shillong-Guwahati Express Highway.

Tensions escalate as Israel and Iran exchange fire. Iran targets ships in the Strait of Hormuz and oil infrastructure in Gulf nations. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia intercept Iranian drones. Israel launches new attacks on Lebanon, causing casualties. Oil prices surge amid fears of prolonged shipping disruption. Foreign nationals are fleeing the region as conflict intensifies.

Google Gemini Update: Google has announced a major update to Gemini for Google Workspace, introducing a suite of beta features designed to automate document creation, data entry, and file analysis in its apps slides, docs, sheets and drive.

A Microsoft employee's spouse shared on Blind about their husband's unexpected job loss, sparking discussions among tech workers. While Microsoft has denied major layoff rumors, employees report being let go, highlighting ongoing industry uncertainty and restructuring as companies invest in AI.

Instagram users worldwide experienced significant issues on Wednesday morning, with many unable to send or reply to messages. The outage primarily affected direct messaging, with over 10,000 users reporting problems, predominantly in the United States. The platform has not yet confirmed the widespread disruption.

Assam's ruling BJP has decided to rename the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College to Barpeta Medical College. This change aligns with the state's practice of naming medical colleges after their locations. Another institution will be named after the former President. Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Assam for various inaugurations and foundation stone laying ceremonies.