The Economic Times

CPI(M) MLA H Salam states senior leader G Sudhakaran's independent run from Ambalapuzha will not affect the party. Salam emphasizes the party's collective strength over individuals. He maintains respect for Sudhakaran but clarifies public statements when necessary. Salam highlights his own clean tenure as MLA.

The Kerala government will acquire 230 acres for the Vizhinjam International seaport. This land acquisition will cost approximately Rs 810 crore. The decision was made in a cabinet meeting. Funds will come from the PSTSB account and a NABARD loan. The cabinet also approved a policy for street children's safety and rehabilitation.

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav marks five years in international cricket. He made his debut on March 14, 2021. Yadav has achieved significant milestones, including leading India to a T20 World Cup title. He holds numerous batting records and has a strong winning record as captain. His journey showcases remarkable growth and success in the shortest format of the game.

In a new footage, Iran's IRGC showcases its capabilities, launching drones towards key US-Israeli positions. This development coincides with the announcement of the 48th phase of their Operation True Promise, directing fire at strategic locations including Galilee, Golan, and Haifa along with American bases. The operation features a blend of drone and missile strikes.

North Korea launched a projectile towards the sea on Saturday. South Korea and Japan confirmed the event. Tokyo indicated it might be a ballistic missile. This occurred as the United States and South Korea were conducting joint military drills. These exercises are described as defensive. North Korea has previously objected to such drills.

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge alleged the BJP created the LPG cylinder shortage. He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy decisions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman countered, criticizing the opposition's protests. She stated the government is preparing for supply chain disruptions. The opposition, she added, is pursuing its own agenda instead of national interest.

Jaipur is set to get an elevated traffic corridor along the Dravyavati river. The Jaipur Development Authority has approved a detailed project report for this. The plan aims to reduce traffic pressure and improve city infrastructure. Funds have also been allocated for culvert construction and a new sports complex. These developments will strengthen Jaipur's traffic system and planned growth.

Meena Sankranti arrives on Sunday, March 15, 2026. This Hindu solar calendar event signifies the sun's move into Pisces. It is a highly auspicious time for charitable acts and religious observances. Devotees engage in prayers and donations to gain spiritual merit. The day offers a chance for reflection and positive karma.

Recent disruptions in the Middle East have sparked short-term swings in liquefied natural gas prices worldwide. Despite this turbulence, analysts foresee a stabilization of prices in the long run as fresh supplies come online. In the midst of this, Venture Global is moving ahead with its CP2 LNG initiative, poised to add substantial capacity to the market by next year.

Tendresse signifies gentle affection and warmth. This French term describes a soft, caring feeling for another. It is used in literature and cultural writing to convey deep kindness and emotional softness. The word highlights compassion and tenderness. It is a refined way to express affection, more delicate than simple love or kindness.

Maharashtra minister for Social Justice, Sanjay Shirsat on Friday said that a decision has been taken to induct eligible persons from the family of the deceased in atrocity cases involving Scheduled Castes and Tribes, particularly in cases of murder or death related to atrocities, into government service under the Social Justice Department.

Synopsis: RRB NTPC Admit Card Hall Ticket: The Railway Recruitment Board has released admit cards for the RRB NTPC CBT 1 Graduate Level exam. The first phase begins March 16. Candidates can download hall tickets from regional RRB websites. The exam will be held nationwide until March 27. Candidates need their admit card and photo ID for entry. This recruitment drive aims to fill over 5,800 posts.

China enjoys a distinct edge as oil prices surge. Decades of investment in electric vehicles and renewable energy sources are now paying off. This strategy reduces reliance on foreign oil, making China less vulnerable to global energy market disruptions. Many new cars run on electricity, with power generated domestically. This positions China favorably amidst international energy challenges.

Residents of Arab towns in northern Israel face rocket threats with inadequate public shelters. Sakhnin's mayor highlights the absence of safe havens. Many schools remain open, and small concrete boxes serve as emergency shelters. These facilities are often in poor condition. A 2025 report indicates a significant shelter deficit for non-Jewish Israelis, particularly in northern Arab localities.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed that President Trump is under Netanyahu's control, as the IRGC launched the 48th wave of Operation True Promise 4. The strikes targeted Israeli cities and US regional bases with missiles and drones. Additionally, Iran sent psychological warning messages in Hebrew to residents in the occupied territories.

Former US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran is completely defeated. He believes the country is seeking a deal. However, Trump has indicated that any such agreement would not be acceptable to him. He also criticized the media for not reporting on the US military's performance against Iran.

The IRGC has launched the 48th wave of Operation True Promise 4, using missiles and drones against Israeli cities and US regional bases. This latest escalation, coordinated with Hezbollah, follows claims of downing 114 enemy drones. Iran also issued psychological warnings via Hebrew text messages to residents in occupied territories.

A missile hit a helipad within the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad. Smoke was seen rising over the embassy on Saturday morning. The U.S. Embassy had previously warned of potential attacks by Iran-aligned groups. This incident follows a renewed security alert issued by the embassy.

During the operation, authorities seized 64 filled 4-kg and 19 filled 12-kg cylinders of Super Gas Company, along with six filled and 58 empty 5-kg cylinders of HP Gas Company. Additionally, 25 empty cylinders of various sizes --12 kg, 4 kg, and 2 kg--were confiscated.

India offers relief to foreigners affected by the West Asia conflict. Visas and e-Visas expiring soon will be extended for one month free of charge. Overstay penalties incurred after February 28 are waived. Exit permits will also be issued without cost. Temporary Landing Permits are available for arriving passengers due to flight diversions.

Gujarat will now provide new piped natural gas connections to restaurants, hotels, educational, and socio-religious institutions. This decision applies to areas with an existing city gas distribution network. The move comes amid global energy supply concerns. The state assures sufficient natural gas and LPG stocks for domestic use. Authorities are monitoring supply chains to ensure uninterrupted delivery across Gujarat.

West Asia War: War between United States, Israel and Iran escalates. United States strikes Iran's oil export hub. Iran expands missile campaign across the region. Conflict widens beyond original battlefield. Gulf states are drawn in. Energy infrastructure is threatened. Thousands have been killed and millions displaced. The war is increasingly centered on strategic energy routes.

A TAFE campus in NSW was placed on lockdown after a 16-year-old girl was seen with a water pistol, mistaken for a real firearm. Police responded to the incident, which stemmed from a viral TikTok game called Senior Assassin. Authorities are now warning that such games can be perceived as real threats, leading to serious police responses.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for calm and dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan. He stressed that force will only worsen the situation. This comes after Pakistan bombed a fuel depot near Kandahar airport. Wang Yi also discussed the situation in Iran with his Afghan counterpart. Beijing is ready to work with the international community for peace in Iran.

The US State Department offered a USD 10 million reward on Friday for information on Iran's new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Amid rising regional conflict, President Donald Trump claimed Iran is about to surrender and asserted he had got rid of a cancer via military operations.

Saudi Arabia has sought Pakistans backing amid the Iran war, summoning Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah after Pakistans army chief visited the kingdom last week. Riyadh is looking for support from Islamabad under a defence pact signed last year to deter potential Iranian attacks.

America is set to release oil from its strategic reserves. Early deliveries are expected by next week. This move aims to tackle rising energy prices. The release is part of a loan system. Companies will return extra barrels as a premium. This initiative is at no cost to taxpayers. It is a global effort with the International Energy Agency.

US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's leader but have not toppled the government, which now, from its perch on the Strait of Hormuz, has put the entire world economy on the war's frontlines. The government quickly put in place a new supreme leader, while its decentralised mosaic defence allowed the military to retaliate without losing much of a step.

Iran's military has warned of retaliation against oil companies linked to the US if its energy infrastructure is targeted. This comes after US forces struck military sites on Kharg Island, a vital oil export hub. Tensions are escalating around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.

A vehicular homicide charge against Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, has been dropped. This follows the tragic death of high school teacher Jason Hughes during a late-night prank. The victim's family requested the charges be dismissed. Wallace and four other teenagers were involved in the incident. Hughes died after being struck by a pickup truck.

For the first time, the United States and Israel are fighting a war together, marking a major shift in their decades-long alliance. Earlier U.S. administrations had avoided direct military cooperation with Israel in conflicts, fearing backlash from Arab countries and wider regional tensions.

Is Jeffrey Epstein alive and living in Florida? A viral video from Florida shows a man in a convertible who looks like Jeffrey Epstein. Social media users claim it could be Epstein. Fact checks say Epstein died in jail in 2019. The video has revived conspiracy debates online again.

America will soon escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz to counter Iranian attacks. This move comes as oil prices surge due to the ongoing conflict. The US military has also targeted Iranian oil infrastructure. European allies express concern over a US waiver on Russian oil purchases. The war is causing widespread displacement and impacting global supply chains.

A man drove his car into a synagogue in Michigan. He had recently learned his family died in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. Dozens of children were inside the synagogue. Security guards intervened. The gunman later died by suicide. Officials found fireworks and gasoline. The FBI is investigating the incident.

journalists, after Qatar's interior ministry said it was evacuating some key areas. Earlier, the interior ministry said in a statement it was evacuating several key areas as a temporary precautionary measure, within the framework of ensuring public safety until the danger has passed.

India and Iran leaders held successful talks on West Asia's security. Iran's representative stated Iran did not start the war but will defend its land. Indian leaders, including the External Affairs Minister and Prime Minister, have engaged in multiple conversations with Iranian counterparts. Discussions focused on regional stability, shipping safety, and energy security.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has withdrawn a proposed rule on AI chip exports that had been sent for inter-agency review in late February, without giving a reason. The plan, titled AI Action Plan Implementation, aimed to regulate global access to AI chips and reportedly considered requiring foreign countries to invest in U.S. data centres or provide security guarantees to receive large shipments.

American forces are increasing their presence in the Middle East with the deployment of Marines and an assault ship. Meanwhile, a large explosion occurred in Tehran during a state-organized rally. Iran continues missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states. The conflict has impacted global oil trade and caused a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

A US judge has stopped subpoenas targeting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The judge ruled the criminal probe was an improper attempt to pressure the Fed. The Justice Department plans to appeal the decision. This development impacts the ongoing investigation and President Trump's efforts to influence monetary policy. Republican senators have also voiced opposition to the probe.

United States forces struck military targets on Iran's Kharg Island. President Donald Trump warned of further action against oil infrastructure if Iran obstructs shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has expanded across the Middle East, causing casualties and displacement. Additional US forces are being deployed to the region.

India Inc's factory operations face disruption due to commercial LPG rationing. The Gulf war's impact on supplies is affecting manufacturing processes and even canteen menus. Companies are switching to electric cooking equipment and offering simpler meals to workers. This situation presents daily challenges for manufacturers across the country.

In the wake of the Gulf War, India is grappling with a shortage of LPG cylinders. However, the government remains steadfast, promising ample cooking fuel supplies and advocating for a transition to piped natural gas wherever feasible. Meanwhile, domestic LPG production has surged, and measures are being taken to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers navigating the Gulf waters.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed a Rs 1 lakh crore Economic Stabilisation Fund. This fund will help the government manage external economic challenges. The minister assured Parliament that the fiscal deficit target will be met. Additional funds are allocated for defence, rural employment, and fertiliser subsidies. This proactive measure aims to protect farmers and the economy from global disruptions.

Why has US attacked Kharg Island, where is it located, and why is it very important for Iran? The strike was announced by Donald Trump. US forces targeted military sites on Kharg Island. The island handles most Iran oil exports. The move follows tension in the Strait of Hormuz and global energy concerns.