The Economic Times

Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh has faced repeated missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran. The base, which houses US warplanes, has seen Saudi defenses intercept at least 10 drones. Iran's Fars news agency reported a missile salvo targeting the air base.

Harish Rana, in a coma for 13 years, received an emotional farewell from his family. The Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. Rana suffered a severe brain injury in 2013. Medical reports indicate no awareness or interaction. He will receive basic care at AIIMS following legal protocols for passive euthanasia.

The international energy landscape is in turmoil as Iran's maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz complicate oil and gas supply lines. With Saudi Aramco and other key players scaling back production, the flow of shipping remains fraught with risk. The future stability of the market hinges on Iran's decisions, going beyond mere promises for peace.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced clearance of DA arrears for state employees and a hike in honorarium for religious clergy. These announcements came just before the Election Commission revealed poll schedules. The DA arrears disbursement is set to begin from March 2026. Opposition parties criticized the timing of these announcements, calling them election gimmicks.

The Supreme Court of India has permitted the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for Harish Rana, who has been in a coma for over 13 years. Following a plea by his father, the court ordered AIIMS-Delhi to provide palliative care for a humane cessation of life support. Medical boards unanimously agreed that continuing treatment only prolonged biological survival without recovery prospects.

Quote of the day: Todays Quote by B.F. Skinner shows readers that progress often depends less on avoiding failure and more on the determination to keep trying.

In a pivotal move ahead of the Election Commissions announcement, West Bengals Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unveiled a series of reforms, including the long-awaited clearance of DA arrears for state employees, set to begin in March 2026.

Energy prices have soared across the world since Iran responded to the US-Israeli campaign by threatening shipping sailing though the strait, which connects major Gulf oil and gas exporters to the global market.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticised Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party, accusing them of protesting against India and normalising infiltrators. Shah highlighted the BJP government's significant increase in Assam's health budget and its commitment to development and removing infiltrators from electoral rolls.

West Bengal Election 2026: 10 Key Constituencies: West Bengal Assembly elections are announced. Key constituencies in Kolkata and surrounding areas are set for intense political contests. Bhabanipur, Nandigram, Ballygunge, Kolkata Port, Bhangar, Baruipur Paschim, Diamond Harbour, Tamluk, Asansol Dakshin, and Kharagpur Sadar are among the seats to watch.

In a significant move, the Congress party has rolled out its second batch of 23 candidates for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, increasing their total nominations to 65 contenders vying for 126 seats. As part of a strategic alliance, they've reserved 15 seats for coalition partners.

Delhi is set to get a new Water Master Plan. The city's water distribution network will be modernized. This plan aims to fix old problems like leaks and contamination. The system will be divided into nine zones. Private companies will manage command centers. This will ensure better water supply across the capital.

As we approach 2030, India's vibrant Gen Z is set to revolutionize the marketplace, representing nearly a quarter of the population and commanding an impressive $1.3 trillion in disposable income. With a strong emphasis on experiential living, sustainability, and digital convenience, this generation is leaving a profound impact on industries such as beauty, fashion, and fitness.

The Bharatiya Janata Party gears up for the West Bengal assembly elections. Key leaders such as Suvendu Adhikari, Dilip Ghosh, Shankar Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, and Rekha Patra are set to lead the campaign. The party aims to build on its expanded footprint against the ruling Trinamool Congress.

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for Tamil Nadu's Assembly elections, with voting set for April 23 and counting on May 4. This high-stakes contest will determine if the ruling DMK, led by M. K. Stalin, retains power or if the AIADMK, with Edappadi K. Palaniswami as its face, reclaims it.

Israel has approved an $827-million emergency budget allocation for military purchases, Israeli media reported Sunday, as the war with Iran entered its third week. A finance ministry document circulated to all ministers and reported by several media outlets, including Channel 12, said that given the intensity of the fighting the additional budget allocation was necessary.

Assembly Elections 2026 Phase-wise Voting Dates: WB, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry. Polling will occur in April 2026, with counting on May 4, 2026.

Two men from Odisha were caught attempting to bribe Congress MLAs with Rs 5 crore each for Rajya Sabha elections. Local BJP workers allegedly facilitated meetings. MLAs alerted party leaders, leading to the apprehension of two individuals carrying blank cheques. The Congress has lodged a complaint, and police are investigating.

Digital arrest scam: Scammers are using the names of famous police officials to trick people. They pretend to be senior officers and threaten victims with arrest. These fraudsters create fake police office settings and send forged documents. The goal is to scare people into complying with their demands. Awareness is the only defense against these impersonation scams.

Kerala will hold Assembly elections on April 9, with 2.71 crore voters across 140 constituencies participating. The Election Commission of India announced the schedule, triggering the immediate implementation of the Model Code of Conduct. Elections will proceed based on the final electoral roll published on February 20.

The Delhi High Court has directed the city police to file an affidavit detailing the circumstances and legal authority behind the recent detention of several activists. The court also ordered the preservation of relevant CCTV footage. Police counsel stated all detained individuals have been released. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 27.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his powerful message, which underscores an enduring commitment to the principles and traditions of parliamentary democracy. Birla emphasised that Modi's faith in democratic institutions is steadfast, highlighting that the essence of Parliament lies in fostering meaningful dialogue and healthy debates.

West Bengal Election 2026 Result Date: The Election Commission of India has announced a two-phase polling schedule for West Bengal's 294-member assembly elections on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting on May 4, 2026. This makes West Bengal the sole state among the five assemblies going to polls to have a multi-phase election.

The Kurdish ministry placed conditions that have no relevance to exporting crude, the Iraqi ministry said in a statement. Iraq's oil ministry also said it was ready to resume exports of no more than 300,000 barrels through the Ceyhan pipeline to Turkey.

Assam will go to the polls on April 9 for all 126 assembly constituencies. Vote counting is set for May 4. The election process officially begins with the gazette notification on March 16. Candidates can file nominations until March 23. Scrutiny of these papers will happen on March 24. Get ready for the electoral battle.

West Bengal Election Date 2026: West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026. Vote counting is set for May 4, 2026. Over a crore young voters will participate. The Election Commission is ensuring transparency with webcasting at all 80,719 polling stations. Security arrangements are a key focus for the upcoming elections.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Result Date: Tamil Nadu will vote for its 234 assembly constituencies on April 23. The formal election process begins with the gazette notification on March 30. Candidates can file nominations until April 6. Vote counting is set for May 4. The entire election process will conclude by May 6. This schedule outlines the key dates for the upcoming polls.

Kerala Election 2026 Date: In an exciting development for the political landscape, the Election Commission of India has revealed the timeline for the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections. Citizens can participate in the polling on April 9, with the eagerly awaited results to be declared on May 4. As we gear up for the elections, the Model Code of Conduct has officially commenced.

Assam Election 2026 Result Date: Assam gears up for its assembly elections. Voting for all 126 constituencies is set for April 9. The gazette notification will be issued on March 16. Nominations close on March 23. Candidates can withdraw until March 26. The final list of contestants will be announced. Vote counting is scheduled for May 4.

Assembly Elections 2026 dates: The Election Commission of India has announced the election schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. Voting will take place in April, with results declared on May 4, 2026. This significant electoral exercise involves approximately 17.4 crore voters. The commission has reviewed preparedness and ensured electoral rolls are accurate for a free and fair democratic festival.

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the 2026 Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections. Polling will take place across all 30 constituencies. The Model Code of Conduct is now in effect. This sets the stage for a contest between the ruling AINRC-BJP alliance and the opposition DMK-Congress. The results will determine the next government for the Union Territory.

F1 Race: The start of the Formula 1 season has been difficult for Verstappen, with a sixth-place finish in Melbourne and a DNF at the China Grand Prix affecting his position in the F1 standings.

Pakistan conducted strikes on military facilities and terrorist hideouts in southern Afghanistan, targeting infrastructure and a tunnel allegedly used by the TTP. This escalation follows Pakistan's interception of drone attacks launched from Afghanistan, prompting warnings of retaliation from Islamabad. The Taliban administration acknowledged limited damage to civilian facilities, denying accusations of cross-border militancy.

Karachi is grappling with a severe gas shortage this Ramazan. Suspended LNG shipments from Qatar have disrupted household supplies. Fasting residents struggle to prepare Sehri and Iftar meals. The Sui Southern Gas Company has implemented a revised, unannounced supply schedule. Many families are resorting to costly alternatives. Authorities have yet to provide a clear explanation for the ongoing crisis.

Ahead of the 98th Academy Awards, six individuals from the entertainment industry face bans from the prestigious ceremony due to serious controversies. These expulsions, ranging from copyright violations to sexual assault convictions, highlight the Academy's stricter stance on member conduct. Notable figures like Will Smith, Harvey Weinstein, and Bill Cosby are among those excluded.

West Bengal government will begin paying pending Dearness Allowance arrears to employees and pensioners from March 2026. This decision fulfills a government promise. The payments will cover state government employees, pensioners, teachers, and staff in educational and grant-in-aid institutions. Arrears will be disbursed as per finance department notifications. This move aims to address cost-of-living adjustments for a significant workforce.

Yemen's Houthi rebels are currently observing the escalating Middle East conflict. Analysts believe their entry into the fight depends on Iran's strategic decisions and the conflict's expansion. The Houthis possess drones and are reportedly recruiting more fighters, signaling potential future involvement. Their actions could target oil shipping routes and Israel, impacting global energy supplies.

Addressing rising tensions, Iran's leading diplomat has expressed concerns over potential actions that might exacerbate the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This warning arrives soon after a request from the US for nations like France to assist in protecting shipping routes through the vital Strait of Hormuz, an essential artery for the worlds energy supplies.

Representatives from Beijing and Washington are holding economic and trade talks in Paris. These discussions are expected to pave the way for US President Donald Trump's state visit to China. Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing in about two weeks. This visit marks the first for a US president since 2017.

In difficult times, let us all come together, exercise a little restraint, use alternative means, and very soon this entire situation will return to normal, CM Gupta assured.

A Nagpur consumer commission has ordered Axis Bank to refund Rs 5,000 and pay Rs 10,000 compensation. This follows a failed ATM transaction from 2018 where cash was debited but not dispensed. The bank was found deficient in service for not addressing the customer's complaints. The commission noted the bank's failure to provide evidence of inquiry.

Henry David Thoreau's quote highlights that success often arrives when individuals are engrossed in their work and passions, rather than actively seeking it. True achievement stems from consistent effort, dedication, and focusing on the process, allowing success to naturally follow without constant pursuit.