The Economic Times

Vietnamese citizens are voting for parliament members. The Communist Party has nominated almost all candidates, ensuring its continued dominance. This election is a democratic nod in a one-party state. New leaders are expected to be approved in April. Voters hope for modernization and better policies.

As people age, they often realize the profound value of the present moment, a realization Marie Curie captured by comparing it to a state of grace. This shift in perspective encourages a deeper appreciation for ordinary experiences, fostering a sense of calm and gratitude. She captured this idea with remarkable clarity in her quote on the importance of the present moment.

The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment Board is investigating a controversial question in a sub-inspector exam that offered Pandit as an option for a word describing an opportunist. BJP leaders objected, stating it hurt Brahmin sentiments. The government has ordered an inquiry, promising strict action against those responsible after the probe.

Indian Navy ships are actively monitoring India-bound cargo vessels in the Gulf. Operation Sankalp ensures safe passage for merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Two Indian LPG tankers have successfully crossed the strait under naval escort. This deployment addresses rising geopolitical tensions and protects Indian maritime interests. Another Indian oil tanker has also departed the region.

LPG Price March 15: Domestic LPG prices saw a significant Rs 60 jump to Rs 913.00 in New Delhi. Commercial LPG distribution has resumed for industries. Authorities assure sufficient supply and urge the public to avoid panic booking. Two LPG carriers have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with enhanced monitoring in the Persian Gulf region.

Israel Iran Conflict Day 16 Latest Updates: The Iran-US-Israel war escalates on its 16th day with escalating threats and missile strikes. President Trump warned of further attacks on Iran's Kharg Island, while Tehran vowed intensified retaliation, ruling out a ceasefire until its territory stops being attacked. The conflict raises concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and has led to a drone attack disrupting UAE energy infrastructure.

Turbulence in the Middle East extends beyond its immediate impact on human lives; it poses a grave threat to the environment. The rampant consumption of jet fuel and the burning of oil facilities send plumes of greenhouse gases into the air. Moreover, assaults on energy systems lead to hazardous pollutants infiltrating our air and waterways.

Chinese air force activity around Taiwan has resumed after a two-week pause. Taiwan detected 26 Chinese military aircraft in the Taiwan Strait. This comes after a period of no reported aircraft from February 27 to March 7. Beijing has not explained the absence. Taiwan's government rejects China's sovereignty claims.

Little & Co., India's oldest law firm, is strategically balancing its 165-year legacy with modern market demands. The firm is modernizing systems and client engagement while preserving core values. Key growth areas include Real Estate & Project Finance, Dispute Resolution, Private Client Practice, and General Corporate, reflecting the evolving Indian economy and client needs.

Alberta shooting: A fatal shooting occurred on Highway 2 in Alberta on March 14, 2026. A white or grey pickup truck reportedly pulled alongside a black Honda Civic before a weapon was discharged. The driver of the Honda Civic died at the scene. Authorities are seeking public assistance to identify the vehicle and gather evidence. Highway 2 was closed for investigation.

Iran's IRGC launched Operation True Promise 4, striking US military bases in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan with missiles and drones. These retaliatory strikes followed alleged US-Israeli aggression, with Iran claiming to have intercepted enemy drones. Tehran also warned of further action against US industrial facilities and urged regional neighbors to expel US forces.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering deploying thousands of UK-manufactured Octopus interceptor drones to the Middle East. Military officials are assessing if this system, currently used by Ukraine against Russia, can enhance British defenses against Iranian Shahed drones. The Telegraph reported the potential move.

Lebanon is open to direct peace talks with Israel, but insists on a ceasefire first, according to Al Jazeera. This comes as Israel threatens a major ground invasion. Discussions could involve US figures and potentially take place in Paris or Cyprus, though France denies proposing specific peace terms.

Dubai is actively working to restore its image as a secure destination following Iran's missile and drone attacks. Authorities are promoting a message of continued safety, with influencers supporting the government's narrative, while simultaneously cracking down on the sharing of strike footage to mitigate reputational damage.

Longreach is bracing for significant flooding. River levels are predicted to reach a peak of 6.7 metres, mirroring the 2000 flood. Residents are actively sandbagging homes as water seeps into streets. Authorities warn of potential isolation for estates outside the town for over a week due to anticipated road closures. Wildlife is also being displaced by the rising waters.

Federal Reserve officials are likely to keep interest rates steady next week. The ongoing US-Israel war on Iran is creating market uncertainty and impacting oil prices. Recent economic figures also indicate a slowdown. Policymakers face a challenge balancing inflation concerns with employment figures. Traders are adjusting expectations for rate cuts.

Former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaee stated Iran will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and ban US warships from the Persian Gulf. He blamed US presence for regional insecurity, demanding a complete withdrawal and reparations for recent strikes before considering an end to retaliatory operations.

Six American airmen have died in a plane crash over Iraq. The airmen were on a KC-135 aerial refueling tanker. The aircraft was supporting U.S. attacks on Iran. The crash involved another aircraft. It was not the result of hostile fire. An investigation is underway. The airmen were from Florida and Ohio.

President Trump's decision to initiate conflict in Iran has significantly impacted the U.S. economy. Rising energy prices are pinching American families and businesses. This surge threatens to derail projections for robust growth and raises concerns about a potential recession. The economic fallout comes as Trump faces midterm elections, with voters already showing dissatisfaction with his economic handling.

Elon Musk's X is struggling to control AI-generated war videos. Lifelike deepfakes showing captured soldiers and destroyed cities are circulating widely. X has introduced a new policy to demonetize creators posting AI war content without disclosure. However, researchers remain doubtful about its effectiveness. The platform's revenue-sharing model may still incentivize the spread of sensational fake news.

U.S. and Chinese economic officials are meeting in Paris to address trade issues ahead of President Trump's Beijing visit. Discussions will focus on tariffs, rare earth minerals, tech exports, and agricultural purchases. Analysts suggest limited breakthrough potential due to time constraints and U.S. focus on the Iran conflict.

Delhi Weather: Delhi experienced early Sunday rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds, prompting a yellow alert from the IMD. This weather activity is expected to bring a slight drop in temperatures over the next few days, with minimums potentially reaching 14-16C by Monday. The pre-monsoon showers, triggered by a western disturbance, arrived about 10 days earlier than usual.

Iran threatened regional escalation in response to U.S. airstrikes, while President Trump urged allies to deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides appear entrenched, with no diplomatic resolution in sight as oil supply disruptions continue. Iran has rejected a ceasefire until U.S. and Israeli strikes cease.

President Trump indicated that the U.S. might conduct further strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub. He stated that while Iran seems open to a deal, the current terms are unsatisfactory. Trump also claimed U.S. strikes had significantly damaged the island, suggesting additional strikes could occur.

The US embassy in Baghdad faced an attack on Saturday. This incident followed strikes that killed three members of a powerful Iran-backed group. Security sources reported a drone attack on the embassy complex. The US issued a security alert for citizens in Iraq. Several Iran-aligned groups have claimed attacks against US bases.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a stern warning to the United States. They urged the US to relocate industries from the region. Citizens were advised to avoid factories where the US holds shares. This comes after recent strikes claimed the lives of several civilian workers at non-military factories in Iran. The situation highlights escalating regional tensions.

Indian companies are embracing new ways for employees to connect. Activities like horse riding and pizza making are replacing traditional large offsites. This shift focuses on building deeper relationships through shared experiences. Companies like SAP, Flipkart, Accenture, and InMobi are adopting these formats. They offer better engagement and fit diverse workforces. Employees are encouraged to design their own bonding activities.

Nelson Mandela, a pivotal leader, championed the fusion of a sharp mind with a compassionate heart. His life exemplified this philosophy, guiding South Africa through apartheid's end. Mandela's legacy continues to inspire, emphasizing that true strength lies in balancing wisdom and empathy for societal transformation. His words offer timeless guidance.

Halle Berry's quote about sunflowers closing to regenerate in darkness highlights the importance of stepping back for healing and growth during difficult times. This powerful metaphor emphasizes resilience, suggesting that periods of pause are essential for renewal and emerging stronger after adversity. Berry's career, marked by significant achievements and a commitment to growth, exemplifies this philosophy.

The Congress in Kerala is facing fresh internal tensions ahead of the Assembly elections as Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran seeks to contest the polls, aiming for a chance at the chief ministers post if the party-led front wins. Party leadership, however, is hesitant, preferring to promote new leadership and avoid triggering a Lok Sabha bypoll.

About 117.6 million taxpayers are owed $461.2 billion in IRS tax refunds, making Wheres my tax refund one of the most searched tax questions. The Internal Revenue Service says most refunds arrive within 21 days after e-filing with direct deposit. Check your IRS tax refund status using the Wheres My Refund? IRS tool or IRS2Go app. Delays may happen due to EITC claims, filing errors, identity checks, or paper returns.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Trinamool Congress for allegedly disrespecting President Droupadi Murmu during her West Bengal visit, calling it an insult to the President, the Constitution, women, and the tribal community. Speaking at a rally in Kolkata, he warned that infiltrators were threatening local jobs and land, accused the state government of appeasement politics, and asserted that regime change in Bengal was imminent.

Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation, Tidco, is injecting 25 crore into space-tech firm AgniKul Cosmos and electric mobility startup Raptee Energy. This marks the initial phase of the Tidco Startup Investment Policy 2025. The initiative aims to strengthen the state's startup financing ecosystem. Tidco is rebranding as a venture catalyst to support future growth sectors.

The government revoked Sonam Wangchuks detention under the NSA after nearly six months, citing efforts to restore peace and promote dialogue in Ladakh. Wangchuk, detained amid protests for statehood and tribal self-governance, had been considered a key instigator of violence in September.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated the war on Iran must end. People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti passed a resolution supporting Iran. Both leaders emphasized Iran's right to self-determination. Mufti urged Muslim nations and India to support Iran. She also called for the release of detained protesters and highlighted the economic impact of the conflict on Kashmir.

India is striving for a unified BRICS stance on the West Asia crisis. Differing viewpoints among member nations have so far hindered consensus. Some BRICS members are directly involved in the conflict, complicating efforts for a joint statement. India, as the current BRICS chair, is facilitating discussions among the 11 member states to find common ground.

India has reverted to the 2016 seismic code after withdrawing IS 1893 (2025), sparking debate over earthquake safety. While the 2025 draft offered stronger, internationally aligned standards, higher costs and enforceability issues raised concerns. Experts advocate a balanced approach prioritising critical structures, retrofitting vulnerable homes, and improving compliance to enhance safety without overwhelming budgets.

Himachal Pradesh's Congress government has removed the Anti-Corruption Bureau and Vigilance Bureau from the Right to Information Act. This move prevents citizens from seeking information on these bodies. The opposition BJP has strongly condemned the decision. Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur stated the action is undemocratic and against constitutional spirit.

Americans have a limited time to claim cash from a $4 million data breach settlement. Medical equipment company Numotion is offering payments to those affected by breaches in March and September 2024. Claimants can receive up to $15,000 for documented expenses. Free credit and medical monitoring are also available. The deadline to submit claims is March 18.

A fierce contest is underway for the fourth Rajya Sabha seat in Odisha. The ruling BJP and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's BJD are locked in a direct battle. The BJP is set to secure two seats comfortably. The BJD, with support from Congress and CPM, is backing a joint candidate for the crucial fourth seat.

USPS Mail Deadline: Over 160 million IRS tax returns move through the United States Postal Service every year. A new USPS postmark rule change now raises risks for taxpayers and voters. Since December 2025, the official postmark appears when mail reaches a regional sorting center, not when it enters a mailbox. The Internal Revenue Service uses postmarks to verify deadlines. Late processing could delay tax returns, mail-in ballots, and legal documents, experts warn.

The U.S. flag was raised over its embassy in Venezuela for the first time since 2019, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations. This move follows former President Nicolas Maduro's capture and President Trump's support for his successor, acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who seeks continued negotiations with the U.S.

Hollywood star Tom Hanks believes feeling good is more important than looking good. This philosophy guides his career and personal life. Hanks, known for his relatable characters, has achieved immense success through his acting. His words encourage prioritizing genuine happiness and emotional health over superficial standards. This message remains relevant in today's comparison-driven world.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emerged as a pivotal architect of President Trump's bold foreign policy, steering a course that prioritizes a raw exercise of power and strategic negotiations. His vision diverges from the conventional focus on overthrowing regimes, instead advocating for a pragmatic stance that compels authoritarian regimes to acquiesce.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government is working to minimise the impact of ongoing global conflicts on India, assuring that efforts are being made to protect citizens from disruptions caused by war-like conditions worldwide. Speaking at an event in Silchar, where he launched and laid the foundation for development projects worth Rs 23,550 crore, Modi also criticised the Indian National Congress for allegedly spreading panic and misinformation.

The directive follows instructions from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and intends to ensure that essential services continue to receive fuel amid the escalating military conflict between Iran and the US that has put international supply routes in distress.