The Economic Times

The ongoing Iran war could severely impact Gulf economies if it continues, with Qatar and Kuwait potentially seeing GDP contract by about 14% if the Strait of Hormuz remains shut for two months, according to Goldman Sachs. That would mark their worst economic downturn since the early 1990s Gulf War.

Muslims worldwide are concluding Ramadan, a month of fasting and devotion, with the joyous festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. Expected around March 20-21, 2026, in India, the celebration begins with moon sighting on Chand Raat, followed by prayers, charity, and family gatherings. Known as Meethi Eid, it's a time for exchanging sweets and gifts, marking a period of gratitude and togetherness.

India is intensifying diplomatic engagement with Iran amidst severe gas shortages and economic threats due to Middle East conflict. New Delhi secured safe passage for LPG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, balancing its strategic ties with the US and Iran. This move follows recent high-level talks aimed at hedging its position.

France is sending its aircraft carrier and warships to the Middle East. President Macron is talking with leaders, including Iran, to prepare for future peace talks. This military move is described as defensive. France aims to protect its citizens and allies in the region. The country is also involved in diplomatic efforts to stop the conflict in Lebanon.

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Warner Bros dominated the Academy Awards with 11 wins. However, the studio's success is overshadowed by its impending sale to Paramount Skydance. This major deal will merge two iconic Hollywood studios. The consolidation comes as the industry faces challenges from streaming services and rising costs. The future of filmmaking is being reshaped by these significant changes.

Voting has begun for five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar. Five candidates from the ruling NDA and one from the opposition RJD are contesting. MLAs are casting their ballots at the Bihar Assembly complex. Counting will take place later today. The NDA aims to win all five seats but requires opposition support for one.

Elections India: Left parties face a crucial electoral test in five assembly elections, aiming to retain Kerala and revive their presence in West Bengal. Leaders express confidence in Kerala's LDF government's achievements and hope for a comeback in West Bengal, while also targeting the BJP in Puducherry and forming alliances in Tamil Nadu and Assam.

US President Donald Trump will proceed with tariffs in a new form. This follows a Supreme Court ruling impacting his trade policy. Trump stated the court's decision favors foreign nations. He asserted his right to implement tariffs differently. His administration will continue trade measures to protect American industries. These actions aim to counter unfair economic practices by rival countries.

Weather Today: India braces for unsettled weather as IMD forecasts thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds across several regions. Delhi can expect partly cloudy skies and strong winds, with a chance of light rain and thunderstorms by March 18. Northeast India faces heavy rainfall alerts, while the Western Himalayas may see snow and hailstorms.

Tensions rise as the Iran, United States, and Israel conflict enters its 17th day. Critical energy routes and civilian infrastructure face threats. Drone and missile attacks spread across the Gulf, Israel, and Lebanon. Global powers discuss securing the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts continue amid uncertainty. Oil markets react sharply as the conflict's reach widens.

An influencers street photoshoot in Bengaluru was interrupted by an elderly woman who criticised her attire. The now-deleted viral video showed the influencer calmly apologising, a response that attracted significant attention online. The incident has since sparked debate about personal freedom and moral policing in public spaces.

As the US-Israel war with Iran enters its third week, pressure is mounting on Donald Trump to clarify how and when the conflict will end. However, Trumps shifting statements about the wars goals have left allies and adversaries confused about the strategy and timeline.

America's President Donald Trump is asking several countries to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz. This vital shipping route is facing disruption due to conflict with Iran. Oil prices are rising. Many nations are responding cautiously, with some stating they are reviewing the request. Japan and Germany have indicated they will not send naval forces.

US President Donald Trump indicated a potential delay for his upcoming summit with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. The meeting in Beijing could be postponed as Trump seeks China's assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This request comes amid ongoing tensions related to the Iran war. Trump stated he would like to know China's position before the summit takes place.

LPG Price Today: Domestic LPG prices in New Delhi have risen to Rs 913.00 for a 14.2 kg cylinder, an increase from last month. Commercial LPG distribution has resumed for industries, and authorities assure consumers there is no supply shortage despite Middle East tensions. LPG tankers are safely transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile and drone attacks on four US airbases. The IRGC claimed significant damage to military infrastructure. Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes conducted strikes in southern Lebanon. These actions followed Israeli claims linking a Hezbollah commander to a recent synagogue attack in the United States. The events highlight escalating regional tensions.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States was in discussions with Iran as the war enters its third week but that Tehran was not ready for a deal to end it. Iran's foreign minister earlier denied any talks with the United States were taking place. dw/js

Top economic officials from the United States and China met in Paris. Discussions focused on agriculture, critical minerals, and managed trade. Potential agreements could be presented to President Trump and President Xi. These talks aim to stabilize the global economy. President Trump may delay his trip to China. Further technical discussions are scheduled.

President Trump has issued a stern warning to NATO allies and China regarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that allies must help secure the vital shipping route. Trump also indicated a potential delay to his planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He emphasized that nations benefiting from the strait should contribute to its protection.

Top economic officials from the United States and China met in Paris. Talks were described as stable and constructive. Discussions covered agriculture, critical minerals, and managed trade. Potential agreements could be presented to Presidents Trump and Xi. China showed openness to buying more U.S. farm goods. New trade and investment mechanisms were also discussed.

America's Trump administration is set to reveal a new coalition this week. Several nations have agreed to join forces. Their mission will be to escort ships through the vital Strait of Hormuz. This move aims to ensure safe passage for maritime traffic in the region. The Wall Street Journal reported this development, citing US officials.

Automakers are considering 2-3% increase in prices, while consumer electronics and appliances may become 5-6% costlier, reflecting their heavy use of plastic components. Luxury carmakers Mercedes-Benz and Audi have announced price increases of around 2% effective April 1, while mainstream carmakers are finalising their revisions. Manufacturers said prices of shoes, synthetic fibre-based apparel and decorative household paints could also rise by up to 910%.

The 2026 Oscars are hours away, with Sinners leading nominations in a wide-open best-picture race. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the ceremony addresses geopolitical tensions and industry anxieties like AI, while security remains tight due to a federal warning. No Indian films are nominated this year.

2026 Oscars Live Telecast in India: The 98th Academy Awards, or Oscars, are approaching on March 16, 2026. The event will be broadcast on ABC and E. In India, JioHotstar will stream the ceremony. Conan O'Brien returns as host. Josh Groban, Misty Copeland, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas are among the performers and presenters. The show promises entertainment and award presentations.

The Election Commission of India has removed West Bengal's Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty and Home Secretary Jagdeesh Prasad Meena. New officials have been appointed with immediate effect. These changes follow a review of poll preparedness and past non-compliance issues flagged by the ECI. The commission also suspended seven AEROs.

As the Rajya Sabha elections approach, political tensions are rising throughout India. Parties are actively devising tactics to capture important seats in states such as Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana. Negotiations and alliance-building are in full swing, with MLAs being strategically relocated to safeguard their votes. The results of this high-stakes electoral game will be unveiled on Monday.

As global energy crises amplify, nations are increasingly focusing on conserving fuel. The emphasis has transitioned from essential minerals to the fierce realities of Oil, Gas, and geopolitical conflicts. In this new landscape, gas has assumed a status even greater than that of gold and silver.

Key elections are underway in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Tamil Nadu, along with Puducherry. These polls are a significant challenge for opposition parties, particularly within the INDIA bloc. The outcomes will shape the future of alliances and the national ambitions of leaders like Mamata Banerjee and MK Stalin.

Global energy markets face severe disruption. The Strait of Hormuz closure and attacks on oil and gas facilities have halted vital supplies. LNG prices have more than doubled. Crude oil prices are soaring. Reserves offer limited relief. This situation threatens a major oil price shock. An undersea pipeline offers a potential long-term solution.

Elections for five states and union territories are scheduled from April 9 to May 4. This condensed timeline reduces the overall election duration significantly. Voters in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry will cast ballots on April 9. Tamil Nadu votes on April 23. West Bengal will have polling in two phases on April 23 and April 29.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to award the Bharat Ratna to BSP founder Kanshi Ram. Gandhi made this demand on Kanshi Ram's birth anniversary. This move is seen as an effort to connect with Dalit voters ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections. Gandhi stated the award would honor Kanshi Ram and the Bahujan movement.

A verified TikTok account carrying the name of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has sparked widespread speculation online after suddenly appearing on the platform and sharing a series of cryptic videos.

Major consumer companies are actively recruiting legal leaders. Stricter regulations and new labor rules are increasing operational complexity. Digitization, competition, and evolving laws are reshaping legal roles. Businesses are also growing through mergers and acquisitions, driving demand for experienced legal professionals.

In a recent statement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Rahul Gandhi of inciting protests across India, while suggesting that Congress has legitimised unlawful infiltration. He emphasised the enhancement of Assam's healthcare budget, crediting the BJP for its advancements. Shah expressed optimism regarding the NDA's robust prospects in Assam during his visit for health initiatives and a youth convention.

Global markets will soon see oil flowing from International Energy Agency emergency reserves. Member countries are pledging over 411 million barrels. This significant release includes crude oil and oil products. Stocks from Asia Oceania countries are available immediately. Europe and Americas will make their stocks available by the end of March. This action aims to stabilize global oil supplies.

Before the model code of conduct takes effect, both central and state administrations enjoy the liberty to implement policy changes, as reiterated by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Notably, the West Bengal government made two significant announcements right before the electoral timeline was disclosed.

Punjab is attracting major investments. Nahar Group will invest Rs 1,500 crore in Mohali for modernisation and a data center. Arisudana Industries and Tynor also announced substantial investments. Plaksha University plans a Rs 5,000 crore expansion. These commitments signal a strong future for industrial growth and job creation in the state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly dismissed viral social media claims suggesting he had died, responding with humour in a video that quickly spread online.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees, fulfilling a Supreme Court directive. Arrears from ROPA 2009 will be disbursed starting March 2026. This move comes ahead of the assembly poll announcement, with employee unions crediting their long-standing agitation for the outcome.

The Election Commission of India announced a two-phase poll for West Bengal on April 23 and April 29, drawing mixed reactions from political parties. While BJP welcomed the announcement, CPI-M questioned the ECI's ability to conduct fair polls with an incomplete voter list. Trinamool Congress expressed readiness for any poll schedule.

Oscar Awards Controversies list: From shocking on-stage altercations and major Best Picture mix-ups to protests for representation and unexpected streakers, the Oscars have a history of delivering unforgettable controversies. These moments have exposed deep-seated issues in Hollywood and provided headline-grabbing drama for decades.