IBTimes

The Bharat Progress Report 2025-26 by the NXT Foundation highlights India's rapid economic and technological growth, noting that the country became the world's fourth-largest economy in 2025, overtaking Japan with a GDP of about $4.18 trillion.

Popular comedian Zakir Khan recently announced a long break from his career, expected to last until 2029 or 2030, sparking concerns among fans about his health. On Saturday, his brother Arbaaz Khan shared a vlog showing Zakir at Lilavati Hospital in a hospital gown.

The IMF has withheld a $1 billion loan tranche to Pakistan due to weak tax collection and concerns over the credibility of the current budget. Pakistan's tax-to-GDP ratio remains low at 910%, with a narrow tax base and a large informal economy

Rohit Shetty's Golmaal franchise began in 2006 with Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Sharman Joshi, and Tusshar Kapoor, later joined by Kunal Kemmu and Shreyas Talpade. Now, 20 years on, the team reunites for Golmaal 5, with Rohit Shetty officially starting filming and revealing two big surprises: Akshay Kumar's entry and Sharman Joshi's comeback.

Domestic carriers Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo cancelled multiple flights to the Gulf region, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, due to UAE airport restrictions amid rising regional tensions. Air India and Air India Express curtailed most of their Dubai and Abu Dhabi flights

China's HQ9B air defence system, once promoted as a capable rival to Western systems, has come under intense scrutiny after reportedly failing to perform effectively in realworld conflicts in Pakistan, Venezuela and Iran.

Israel denied viral social media rumours claiming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been assassinated, confirming he is safe. Speculation began after a video posted on X showed what some users claimed was a sixth finger, suggesting AI manipulation.

India faces a pivotal moment: to secure its place as a major global power, it must combine economic strength, military modernization, technological leadership, and strategic confidence while navigating regional challenges and great-power rivalry.

Amid the USIsraelIran conflict in March 2026, PM Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging India to play a stabilising role as BRICS chair. The crisis tests India's balance between historical ties with Iran and growing partnerships with the US and Israel, with key concerns including the Strait of Hormuz, Chabahar Port, and China's regional influence.

The White House has strongly rejected a CNN report claiming the US had not planned for Iran potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz amid Operation Epic Fury. Officials said the network misrepresented US military preparedness, stressing that the possibility has been considered for decades

The wedding reception of filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya's daughter Eesha Barjatya and her husband Abhishek in Mumbai turned into a nostalgic reunion for the Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Hum Saath Saath Hain cast. Celebrities including Salman Khan, Sonali Bendre, Aamir Khan, Junaid Khan, Rekha, Rani Mukerji, Neena Gupta, Anil Kapoor, Anupam Kher and others

India has repatriated more than 100 non-essential crew members of the Iranian naval ship IRIS Lavan that docked at Port of Kochi earlier this month, Indian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely amid heightened naval activity in the Indian Ocean region.

The Biju Janata Dal has cancelled its annual Iftar and Eid Milan events due to the ongoing Middle East war and heavy loss of lives. Party vice-president Pratap Jena said the move was taken in solidarity with victims and in hope for peace.

The government said commercial LPG cylinder distribution has resumed for select industries across several states, while retail outlets continue to have adequate LPG supplies with no shortages reported. Officials urged consumers to avoid panic booking, assuring that supply is being closely monitored despite geopolitical tensions. I

Ahead of Alia Bhatt's 33rd birthday, she is in Hong Kong with husband Ranbir Kapoor and their daughter Raha Kapoor. Photos and videos from their quiet getaway have gone viral, showing Alia holding and kissing Raha. The family was also seen spending time together at a resort and a kids' amusement park.

620.57 crore has already been disbursed to 23 shipyards for building 204 vessels. The Centre has also launched initiatives such as the Shipbuilding Development Scheme and the Maritime Development Fund to boost domestic shipbuilding capacity, improve global competitiveness and generate employment in the maritime sector.

Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said Iran has allowed some Indian vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, citing strong ties with India. Speaking at the India Today Conclave, he said two LPG tankers

Gold prices fell 0.73% over the week due to profit booking and a stronger US dollar, with MCX February gold futures at Rs 1,58,400 and silver futures at Rs 2,59,279 per kg. Despite the pullback, geopolitical tensions and elevated crude oil prices continue to support safe-haven demand.

US President Donald Trump expressed his admiration for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a message read out by far-right activist Laura Loomer at the India Today Conclave 2026. Trump called PM Modi a fantastic leader and hinted at a possible visit to India in the near future.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of double standards on Russian oil, saying Washington once pressured India to cut imports but is now urging countries to buy Russian crude.

US President Donald Trump said Iran's plans to dominate the Middle East are dead after US forces carried out strikes on military targets on Kharg Island. He also warned Tehran against disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated that Iran will never obtain nuclear weapons.

The announcement of the waiver of fines comes at a time when thousands remain stranded worldwide as the conflict in the Middle East has led to airspace closures and flight cancellations.

Within hours of Vinai Kumar Saxena taking oath as the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, the Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. Wangchuk had been lodged in Jodhpur jail since September 2025 following violence in Leh.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the US over global oil trade, accusing Washington of hypocrisy for urging countries, including India, to buy Russian crude while previously pressuring them to stop. He also condemned Europe for supporting what he called an illegal war on Iran.

A new study by the SETI Institute suggests that the alien signals might be right here, surrounding us all of the time, and we're just unable to pick them out.

The operation, codenamed Operation White Hammer, uncovered a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing unit operating as a chemical factory. Officials seized raw materials, chemicals and industrial equipment used to produce the drug, and arrested two alleged masterminds, including an experienced chemist.

Israeli Prime Minister said Iran is o longer the same after nearly two weeks of Israeli and US strikes, claiming key nuclear scientists were killed and the IRGC and Basij forces severely damaged. He also called Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei a puppet of the Revolutionary Guards.

The Nifty declined 488.05 points, or 2.06 per cent, to settle at 23,151.10. Meanwhile, the Sensex dropped 1,470.50 points, or 1.93 per cent, ending the session at 74,563.92.

Spread across 27 cities, the extended list of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 features some of the most trailblazing restaurants in the region.

Explosions shook buildings in Dubai on Friday morning, a day after twin drone incidents were reported. Authorities later confirmed that an aerial interception had been successfully carried out, with debris damaging a building in Dubai's financial hub.

As companies like OpenAI and Anthropic push the limits of model scale, AI chip startup dMatrix says the next phase of the industry will be decided by the cost and efficiency of inference.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Trump assured Iran they are welcome. Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali and Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj cited the escalating war and unsafe conditions as reasons for potentially withdrawing from the tournament.

Donald Trump said Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was 'damaged but probably alive', as reports suggested he was critically injured in the airstrike that killed his father.

US President Donald Trump issued a fresh threat to Iran on Truth Social, claiming its military capabilities were being destroyed, as his remarks escalated tensions amid the ongoing conflict and drew global attention to rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East.

An advocate has filed a complaint with Pune Police seeking an FIR against cricketer Hardik Pandya for allegedly insulting the national flag during India's T20 World Cup celebrations in Ahmedabad. Clips show Hardik draping the flag while lying on the podium and kissing his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma.