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The Economic Times

Top News / The Economic Times

Kolkata weather update (March 21): IMD warns of rainfall, storms, lightning and 50 kmph winds this weekend in 'City of Joy'. Check full forecast

Kolkata weather today: 'The City of Joy' is likely to experience rainfall, thunderstorms with strong and gusty winds upto speed of 40-50 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted. An orange alert has been sounded for Kolkata for Saturday and IMD has predicted rain, thunderstorms and strong winds for the day and temperatures may plunge further.

21 Mar 2026 7:42 am
Iran ready to let Japanese vessels transit Hormuz, Kyodo reports

Iran has indicated readiness to allow Japanese vessels passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This vital oil route is crucial for Japan's energy needs. Talks are underway between Tehran and Tokyo regarding the strait's opening. The ongoing conflict and rising oil prices have prompted global action. Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil imports via this waterway.

21 Mar 2026 7:39 am
Israel-Iran war: Trump says 'don't need Strait of Hormuz; Japan, China should 'get involved little bit'

During a press conference, President Trump made it clear that the United States is not dependent on the Strait of Hormuz, pressing countries like China and Japan to play a role in safeguarding this key international shipping lane. He criticized NATO partners for their perceived hesitance in confronting Iran militarily, with the ongoing conflict adversely affecting worldwide energy resources.

21 Mar 2026 7:27 am
Pentagon's limits on press access unconstitutional, US judge rules

A federal judge has blocked a restrictive Pentagon press access policy. The policy threatened journalists with being branded security risks for seeking unauthorized information. The New York Times sued, alleging the policy violated free speech and due process. The government argued it was necessary for national security. The judge ruled the policy was vague and overly expansive.

21 Mar 2026 7:23 am
CBSA officer charged in alleged multi-million dollar cross-border drug smuggling operation, RCMP says

A Canada Border Services Agency officer has been charged after allegedly allowing a truck carrying millions in opium, cannabis, and tobacco into Ontario. The officer and the truck driver were arrested, with charges including conspiracy to import and trafficking controlled substances. Both are scheduled to appear in court in March 2026.

21 Mar 2026 7:22 am
Delhi weather update: Will it rain in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram today? Here's what IMD has predicted for the weekend

Delhi weather today: Delhi-NCR has been witnessing persistent rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds for the past few days. For the weekend, the IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies for Delhi, Noida and Gurugram. Delhi may again see light rain or drizzle with cloudy skies on Monday, March 23, 2026, the IMD said in its latest weather bulletin.

21 Mar 2026 7:07 am
Cuba refuses to let US Embassy in Havana import diesel for its generators

Cuba has denied a request from the US Embassy in Havana to import diesel for its generators. This comes as the US administration continues its fuel blockade on the island. The Cuban government's rejection could lead to a reduction in US embassy staff. Cuba faces oil shortages after Venezuela halted shipments.

21 Mar 2026 7:01 am
Pentagon to adopt Palantir AI as core US military system, memo says

The US military is officially adopting Palantir's Maven artificial intelligence system. This move secures long-term use of the technology for weapons targeting. Maven analyzes battlefield data to identify threats. The system will be integrated across all military branches. This decision aims to enhance warfighting capabilities and decision-making. The program is expected to be fully implemented by September.

21 Mar 2026 6:57 am
Brazil's Lula pitches Petrobras-Pemex partnership, signals plan to buy back refinery

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva proposed a partnership between Petrobras and Mexico's Pemex for oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. Petrobras has expertise in deepwater production. Lula also stated Petrobras will buy back a refinery in Bahia state. This refinery was sold in 2021. The repurchase is expected to take time.

21 Mar 2026 6:55 am
Quote of the day for Saturday: Best Chuck Norris quote: 'Exercise, prayer, and meditation are examples of calming rituals...'

Chuck Norris, six-time undefeated World Professional Middleweight Karate Champion, whose tough-guy image inspired satirical 'facts' that made him an Internet phenomenon.

21 Mar 2026 6:46 am
Middle East war: US allows temporary sale of Iranian oil to stabilise global markets, says US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

America is temporarily allowing the sale of Iranian oil stuck at sea. This move aims to stabilize global energy markets amid rising tensions. The US Treasury Secretary stated this will bring about 140 million barrels of oil to the market. This action is part of a strategy to counter disruptions caused by Iran.

21 Mar 2026 6:37 am
US lends oil companies 45.2 mln barrels from reserve, first batch of Iran war

America is releasing oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to manage rising prices. The government has lent over 45 million barrels to oil companies. This move is part of an international agreement to release 400 million barrels. Companies will return the oil with extra barrels. This system aims to stabilize markets without cost to taxpayers.

21 Mar 2026 6:33 am
Happy Eid 2026 wishes: 100+ Eid Mubarak wishes, images, quotes, greetings, WhatsApp status for friends and family

Eid Chand Mubarak wishes: Eid ul-Fitr, also known as Meethi Eid, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is one of the most significant festivals in Islam. In India, Eid is being celebrated on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Here we have compiled 150+ heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes, quotes, greetings, images and messages you can share with your friends and family.

21 Mar 2026 6:32 am
Nicholas Brendon cause of death: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' actor passed away at 54. Check Nicholas Brendan TV series roles, rare facts

Nicholas Brendon played Xander Harris on Buffy from 1997 to 2003 and Kevin Lynch on Criminal Minds from 2007 to 2014.

21 Mar 2026 6:28 am
Iran targeted but did not hit US' Diego Garcia base with missiles, WSJ reports

Iran launched two ballistic missiles targeting Diego Garcia. The U.S.-U.K. military base in the Indian Ocean was not hit. One missile failed during its flight. A U.S. warship attempted to intercept the second missile. The outcome of that interception remains undetermined. The Wall Street Journal reported these events citing U.S. officials.

21 Mar 2026 6:22 am
Israel-Iran war: Iraq declares force majeure on foreign-operated oilfields over Hormuz disruption, sources say

Iraq has declared force majeure on its oilfields. Military operations have disrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. This has halted most of Iraq's crude oil exports. Storage capacity is reaching its limits. The country's oil minister stated production has been cut significantly. This situation will strain Iraq's finances.

21 Mar 2026 6:11 am
When is Eid? Eid al-Fitr date, greetings messages, Muslims celebration in U.S., other parts of world

Eid al-Fitr means the feast, or festival, of breaking the fast. Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the month when devout Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset.

21 Mar 2026 6:10 am
Trump says considering 'winding down' Iran war but rules out ceasefire

America is contemplating reducing its military presence in the Middle East. Iran asserts it has inflicted a significant setback on adversaries. Meanwhile, escalating attacks impact energy infrastructure and global markets. The conflict, involving strikes and retaliations, continues to destabilize the region. International attention is drawn to the unfolding events and their potential consequences.

21 Mar 2026 6:04 am
Twitter shareholders were misled by Elon Musk, finds federal jury in California. What will be the impact?

After a three-week trial in a San Francisco federal court -- which included in-person testimony from Musk -- the jury found that two tweets posted in May 2022 by the Tesla and SpaceX CEO contained false statements responsible for a plunge in Twitter's share price.

21 Mar 2026 5:50 am
U.S.-Iran war impact: Major American carrier United Airlines to cut 5 per cent of planned

United Airlines is cancelling about three percentage points of capacity in off-peak periods during the second and third quarters.

21 Mar 2026 5:39 am
Eid vibes go missing on Dubais deserted streets amid war

Eid al-Fitr festivities in Dubai and across the UAE were subdued by intercepted Iranian missile and drone attacks early Friday. While residents later ventured out, staycation plans were largely shelved, and hotel occupancy plummeted due to cancellations. Luxury spending saw a significant decline, though gold shops experienced a sales increase.

21 Mar 2026 5:30 am
CBS News Radio is closing down after 100 years of operation. Here is the reason

CBS News Radio provides material to an estimated 700 stations across the country and is known best for its top-of-the-hour news roundups.

21 Mar 2026 2:27 am
Quote of the Day by Robin Williams: I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone a deep and emotional lesson on loneliness, relationships, and true human connection from the legendary comedian and actor

This quote by Robin Williams talks about real loneliness and emotions. It shows why having the right people in life matters more than just being surrounded by others. The message is simple but strong, helping people think about relationships, mental health, and true connection in daily life.

21 Mar 2026 2:23 am
U.S. Stock Market indexes S&P 500, Dow Jones, Russell 2000 hit record lows on Black Friday, Nvidia, Alphabet, Tesla, Meta Platforms, Microsoft fall big

U.S. Stock Market today: Nvidia , Alphabet, Tesla, Meta Platforms and Microsoft stocks fell on Friday.

21 Mar 2026 1:45 am
Quote of the day by Adam Levine: 'Yoga takes what you have and molds and sculpts it, which is a much more...' - lessons on yoga, fitness, health and wellness by Grammy-winning band Maroon 5 singer of This Love and Makes Me Wonder

Quote of the day by Adam Levine: Adam Levine's quote highlights yoga's natural approach to body sculpting and self-transformation, emphasizing its holistic benefits beyond physical appearance. The article also touches upon Levine's musical journey with Maroon 5 and his early life, underscoring yoga as a personalized path to well-being.

21 Mar 2026 1:41 am
IRS shake-up delays 830,000 refunds, some taxpayers waiting over two months

Many tax refunds in 2026 are getting delayed in the US. The main reason is missing or wrong bank details in tax returns. Because of new rules, the IRS prefers digital payments. If details are not correct, refunds take much longer. Some people may wait over two months, especially if they receive a paper check instead of a direct deposit.

21 Mar 2026 1:34 am
Quote of the Day by George Bernard Shaw: 'Progress is impossible without'Inspiring quotes by the renowned Irish playwright and critic

George Bernard Shaw's timeless quote, 'Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything,' underscores the necessity of mental flexibility for growth. Shaw, a playwright and social critic, championed challenging norms.

21 Mar 2026 1:23 am
Hawaii Flooding: Thousands evacuated after heavy rains, officials warn likely collapse of 120-year-old dam

Hawaii flooding: The state regulates 132 dams across Hawaii, most of them built as part of irrigation systems for the sugar cane industry, according to a 2019 infrastructure report by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

21 Mar 2026 1:22 am
Zegna flags Middle East war risk, says luxury demand outlook clouded despite resilience in US, China, Europe

Ermenegildo Zegna reported that the Middle East conflict has reduced luxury demand visibility, though China, the US, and Europe remain strong. While the war's duration could impact 2027 targets, the company noted direct consumer sales are trending higher in the first quarter compared to late 2025.

21 Mar 2026 1:05 am
UK approves US use of British bases to strike Iran missile sites targeting ships

Britain has authorized the U.S. to utilize military bases within the UK for strikes against Iranian missile sites. This decision follows a meeting of British ministers who discussed Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement allows for U.S. defensive operations to degrade missile capabilities threatening shipping in the vital waterway.

21 Mar 2026 1:04 am
Quote of the day by Steve Jobs: 'My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It's really clear that the most precious resource...' inspiring lessons on value of time, success and happiness by Apple co-founder and pioneer of Macintosh, Apple II

Quote of the day by Steve Jobs: Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, emphasized that life's most precious resource is time, not money. His profound words encourage us to prioritize experiences and relationships over material wealth. Jobs' journey, marked by innovation and resilience, offers timeless lessons on passion, purpose, and embracing life's inevitable changes.

21 Mar 2026 1:02 am
Spice exporters brace for tough times as US buyers stay away

American buyers have stopped contacting Indian spice exporters. This is due to the Iran war. This trade disruption affects India's valuable farm exports. The US is India's largest spice market. This situation could lead to excess domestic supply and lower prices. Exporters and farmers face increased stress. Trade routes are disrupted, and freight costs are high.

21 Mar 2026 12:58 am
US deploys amphibious warship, thousands of Marines to West Asia amid Iran war

Amidst the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, the US is ramping up its military presence by sending a formidable warship and troops to West Asia. The Iranian leader has recently highlighted the essence of national unity among their ranks.

21 Mar 2026 12:56 am
Iran refuses Hormuz talks amid attacks

Iranian officials are reportedly hesitant to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing US-Israeli attacks, impacting efforts to resume commercial shipping. This reluctance has stalled Western initiatives to escort vessels, with European leaders concerned about sustained economic disruptions and price shocks.

21 Mar 2026 12:53 am
Quote of the day by Colin Powell, A dream doesnt become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and ..... How Powell truly lived this quote and proved it right

Quote of the day by Colin Powell: Colin Powells quote A Dream Doesnt Become Reality Through Magic highlights hard work, leadership, and success principles. This motivational quote explains why dreams require consistent effort, not luck, making it highly relevant today. Drawing from Colin Powells life, the article shows how discipline and determination shaped his rise to global leadership. It also delivers key life lessons, meaning of the quote, and inspiring quotes, helping readers apply these p

21 Mar 2026 12:46 am
SC allows cutting of 45,000 mangroves for Mumbai Coastal Road project

The Supreme Court has permitted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to cut more than 45,000 mangroves. This is for the proposed Versova-Bhayandar coastal road project in north Mumbai. The project aims to significantly reduce travel time and distance. The court noted the BMC's commitment to compensatory afforestation and mangrove restoration.

21 Mar 2026 12:45 am
Gautam Singhania injured in speedboat accident in Maldives, recovering in Mumbai hospital

Raymond Group Chairman Gautam Hari Singhania has been injured in a speedboat accident in the Maldives. He was among tourists when the boat capsized. Singhania has been rescued and is recovering in Mumbai. Search operations are underway for two other Indian men who are missing. The incident involved seven people on board.

21 Mar 2026 12:41 am
Quote of the Day by Carolyn Keene: Read, read, read. Thats all I can say. simple yet powerful lessons on reading, knowledge, and lifelong learning from the creator behind Nancy Drew Mystery Stories

This quote by Carolyn Keene shares a simple message about the power of reading. It shows how books help us learn, grow, and think better. Reading can build knowledge and confidence over time. The idea is easy but strong, reminding us that small habits like reading every day can make a big difference in life.

21 Mar 2026 12:39 am
Properties worth over 5,000 cr attached in PACL investment case

The Enforcement Directorate has attached 126 properties valued at over 5,000 crore. This action is part of a massive land investment fraud investigation against PACL Ltd. The company allegedly defrauded thousands of investors of over 48,000 crore. Properties were acquired using investors' funds. This attachment brings the total attached assets to approximately 22,656 crore.

21 Mar 2026 12:38 am
Price, availability... Does a new gas crisis await Europe?

Iranian attacks on Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG hub have caused natural gas prices to surge, though Europe's impact is expected to be less severe due to reduced reliance on Qatari LNG. While wholesale prices have jumped, they remain significantly lower than during the Ukraine conflict, with storage levels below average for the upcoming winter.

21 Mar 2026 12:26 am
Nancy Guthrie case update: Could more than one person be responsible for her disappearance? Here's what a new theory suggests

A retired investigator believes multiple people were involved in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. He suggests between two to four accomplices may have coordinated the event. The suspect seen on camera likely did not act alone. Authorities are investigating leads, including DNA evidence and tracing the suspect's attire. Guthrie's family remains concerned for her safety.

21 Mar 2026 12:24 am
Quote of the day by Johnny Depp: 'When you have children, there is no room for lies, no room for anything but...' lessons on parenting, healthy family relationships and honesty by Oscar-nominated Pirates of the Caribbean actor

Quote of the day by Johnny Depp: Johnny Depp emphasizes the paramount importance of truthfulness in parenting, stating that children learn values through their parents' actions and that dishonesty sets a poor example. His career, marked by unconventional roles and a blend of music and film, showcases a journey of creative risk-taking and enduring success.

21 Mar 2026 12:21 am
ECI sets up 19 tribunals to hear appeals against judicial officers' orders

The Election Commission of India has established 19 Appellate Tribunals across West Bengal's districts. These tribunals will hear appeals against decisions made during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Supplementary lists are expected soon, with around 40,000 booths covered. Judicial officers have already adjudicated over 27 lakh cases.

21 Mar 2026 12:20 am
BJP fields turncoats in Assam, grassroots workers unhappy

The BJP in Assam is bringing in leaders from rival parties like AGP and Congress. Many new candidates are former Congress members. This has upset long-time BJP workers. Himanta Biswa Sarma's influence is seen in candidate selection. Senior leaders are addressing concerns from disgruntled party members.

21 Mar 2026 12:19 am
Ronnie O'Sullivan makes snooker history with a highest-ever break of 153

Ronnie O'Sullivan has set a new record for the highest break in professional snooker history, achieving an astonishing 153 at the World Open in China. This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record of 148 and further solidifies O'Sullivan's status as a legendary figure in the sport.

21 Mar 2026 12:16 am