| |
 |
|
Weekly News Platter |
|
14 Mar, 2026, 05:12PM IST, PTI |
|
|
|
| |
Hello Reader,
In case you had a busy week, these are the top stories you need to get caught up to speed...
|
|
 India stands tall in shaky world economy as Fitch lifts FY26 growth view to 7.5% |
| India's economy is poised for robust growth, with Fitch Ratings projecting 7.5% expansion for the fiscal year ending March 2026, exceeding earlier forecasts. Strong domestic demand, fueled by consumer spending and investment, is the primary driver. Despite a recent slowdown, resilience persists, supported by services and infrastructure investment, making India a global economic bright spot. Read more |
|
|
 US launches ‘unfair’ trade probe into India & 15 other countries |
| The administration of Donald Trump has launched a new trade investigation into excess industrial capacity across 16 major trading partners after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the core of Trump’s global tariff programme last month. Jamieson Greer said the probe under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 could result in new tariffs on countries including China, European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico as early as this summer. Read more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Iran lists three conditions to end war with US, Israel as Mideast conflict escalates |
| Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated conditions for ending the ongoing conflict. He demands acceptance of Iran's rights, reparations, and international guarantees against future aggression. Meanwhile, Iran's IRGC reported conducting further retaliatory strikes, including against US bases. The conflict, now in its thirteenth day, shows no signs of de-escalation. Read more |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 Kharg vs Hormuz: Will Trump's new gamble set the Gulf on fire? |
| The Iran conflict has escalated as US strikes Kharg Island's military targets, warning of further action if shipping is disrupted. Simultaneously, Iran leverages the Strait of Hormuz for diplomatic gains, striking deals for safe passage with nations like India and Europe, bypassing US sanctions and potentially fracturing global unity. Read more |
|
|
|
|
 Iran war unsettles India's packaged water makers as bottles, caps get pricey |
| India's bottled water market faces rising costs. Disruptions from the Iran war are increasing prices for plastic bottles, caps, and packaging. Smaller manufacturers are raising rates for resellers, with potential impacts on consumer prices soon. Premium water brands are also increasing their prices. This situation affects the industry ahead of the summer season. Read more |
|
|
 US economic growth sharply lower than estimated in fourth quarter |
| The US economy grew at a significantly slower pace than initially estimated for the final months of 2025, government data showed Friday, a major downgrade that comes as fallout from war in the Middle East looms. Trump was quick to blame a lengthy government shutdown late last year for the slowdown in growth when early estimates were released last month. Read more |
|
|
|
|
 Bengal assembly elections likely in two phases: EC official |
| West Bengal assembly elections for 294 seats will most likely take place in two phases starting next month. The Election Commission is considering this to help check poll-related violence. Political parties had suggested one or two-phased elections. The final decision will be made after further meetings. Law and order remains a key concern for the EC. Read more |
|
|
|
|
 Andhra milk contamination: Toll rises to 14 |
| Tragedy has struck Rajamahendravaram, where fourteen lives have been lost due to suspected milk contamination. The victims reportedly experienced multi-organ failure after ingesting milk tainted with ethylene glycol. Meanwhile, six others are currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have uncovered that the milk was supplied by a vendor who failed to heed warnings regarding the product's unusual taste. Read more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 ISRO conducts sea level test of cryogenic engine |
| ISRO has successfully tested its CE20 cryogenic engine at a higher thrust level. The engine achieved 22 tonne thrust during a sea level hot test. This development is crucial for enhancing the payload capacity of the LVM3 launch vehicle. Future missions will utilize an uprated C32 stage. The test demonstrated key technologies and met expected performance parameters. Read more |
|
|
 US allows countries to buy Russian oil stranded at sea for 30 days |
| The United States has issued a 30-day license allowing countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea, as part of efforts to stabilize global energy markets disrupted by the war involving Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government. Read more |
|
|
 Lok Sabha rejects opposition-sponsored motion to remove Om Birla as Speaker |
| An opposition move to oust Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was defeated after a heated debate. Union Home Minister Amit Shah countered Rahul Gandhi's claims of being silenced, citing Gandhi's low attendance and foreign trips. The motion was rejected by a voice vote amidst opposition protests. Read more |
|
|
Experience your trusted ET newspaper. Now in a brand new way.
The Economic Times print edition. Experience it now with your ET Prime membership. |
| Read Today's Print Edition |
|
|
|
|
|
MORE NEWSLETTERS
|
 |
Special stories that round up the major developments of the day SUBSCRIBE |
|
| | | | |
Reliance to invest in first new US oil refinery in 50 years, says Trump; calls $300 billion Texas project ‘historic deal’
India to hold off on US trade deal amidst new probe by Trump, sources say
Homeward Ho! Indian professionals in West Asia looking east
IndiGo introduces new fuel charge on tickets to ride out ATF price storm unleashed by Iran war
India to scrap bids for majority stake in IDBI Bank: Report
PM Kisan 22nd instalment released: If your bank account is not credited, know why and what to do, how to check beneficiary status
First India-bound vessel with 1,35,335 MT crude, reaches Mumbai via Strait of Hormuz amid war
Trump tariff refunds of $166 billion inch closer as US system is 40–80% complete
Musk ousts more xAI founders as AI coding effort falters, FT reports