India's smartphone market faces a grim outlook as the Middle East crisis impacts demand and supply. Analysts have slashed shipment forecasts for 2026, citing rising essential goods prices and component shortages. The conflict's ripple effects, including disrupted trade routes and potential helium supply issues, are expected to worsen the situation, particularly in the latter half of the year.

A devastating Middle East war, now in its third week, sees no de-escalation from the US, Israel, or Iran. Iranian strikes have inflicted an estimated $800 million in damage to US bases, targeting critical radar and communication systems. Aircraft losses mount for both sides, with significant financial strain on the US.

Rishabh Pant faces immense pressure heading into IPL 2026 after a disappointing 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants. Bought for a record Rs 27 crore, Pant's batting form was underwhelming, and LSG failed to reach the playoffs. Former captain Faf du Plessis believes Pant's captaincy and batting performance are under the spotlight.

The box office tsunami unleashed by Aditya Dhar’s espionage thriller, 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge,' has officially crossed the monumental Rs. 500 crore mark in global gross collections on its first Sunday. As of Day 4 live tracking on March 22, 2026, the Ranveer Singh-starrer continues its historic rampage, netting above Rs. 360 crore in India. Despite its 'A' certificate and massive 229-minute runtime, the film has shattered records previously held by 'RRR' and 'KGF: Chapter 2', fueled by a visceral performance from Singh as the deep-cover operative Hamza.

The BJP has finalized its Puducherry assembly election candidates, naming M Arulmurugan for Karaikal South. This completes their list for the April 9 polls, where they contest 10 seats alongside allies AINRC, AIADMK, and LJK. Preparations are in full swing for the 30-seat election, with EVMs and VVPATs readied for over 9.44 lakh voters.

Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) founder T Velmurugan has exited the DMK-led alliance over seat-sharing disputes, stating his party won't join the BJP either due to religious division. Velmurugan expressed frustration with the DMK's "big brother attitude" and alleged Chief Minister Stalin is influenced by RSS-aligned officials on caste surveys. TVK will decide its next move, potentially contesting alone.

<img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/129729879.cms">India's smartphone market faces a grim outlook as the Middle East crisis impacts demand and supply. Analysts have slashed shipment forecasts for 2026, citing rising essential goods prices and component shortages. The conflict's ripple effects, including disrupted trade routes and potential helium supply issues, are expected to worsen the situation, particularly in the latter half of the year.

<img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/129729280.cms">Global airlines face their worst financial crisis since COVID-19 due to the Iran conflict, wiping over $50 billion off major carriers' market value. Soaring jet fuel prices, now double, threaten ticket price hikes and potential shortages. Executives warn of dampened demand from sustained high fares, while Middle Eastern airlines are hit particularly hard by airspace closures and tourism collapse.

<img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/129728501.cms">

<img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/129728070.cms">Middle East crisis fuels oil market volatility, with prices holding above $100 due to disrupted supplies and infrastructure damage. Experts warn of prolonged high prices, potentially lasting years, as key shipping routes remain impacted. Airlines are preparing for sustained elevated fuel costs, while LNG exports face significant cuts.

<img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/129727706.cms">Gujarat fishermen will continue to receive subsidised diesel after the Centre rolled back a steep Rs 22.43 per litre price hike for bulk fuel. The state government's intervention successfully shielded the fishing community from increased costs, ensuring diesel remains at previously agreed concessional rates.

<img border="0" hspace="10" align="left" src="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/photo/129727281.cms">The Iran war's fourth week sees a stark divergence between rising physical oil prices and futures, driven by the Strait of Hormuz closure and infrastructure attacks. Refiners face steep premiums, while trucking, shipping, and airline industries grapple with escalating fuel costs, impacting consumers and the broader economy.

The BCCI had to suspend the tournament due to the surge in cases within the team bubbles, just 29 games into the season.

Prithvi Shaw's long association with Delhi came to an end after seven seasons when the franchise released him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has postponed their tour of Ireland in September in hope of playing India in a white-ball series in that window, according to a report.

Stakes are high for Rishabh Pant going into second season as LSG skipper with the franchise having shelled out a record Rs 27 crore for his services at the 2025 mega auction.

Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in the tournament's history last year when LSG secured the wicketkeeper-batter for Rs 27 crore.

After last year's heartbreaking loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the final, PBKS will have their eyes on scripting a redemption story for ages.