National News

Connor McDavid quickly endorsed the Oilers’ trade for Connor Murphy, stressing the need to add talent without subtracting key pieces. With Edmonton firmly in a win now phase and draft picks holding less value, the move reflects urgency around the Stanley Cup chase. Chicago gains a future asset, while the Oilers strengthen their blue line for an immediate playoff push.

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel expressed concern over the team's fielding standards ahead of their T20 World Cup semifinal against England. Despite reaching the last four, India's catching efficiency is the lowest in the tournament. Patel praised Sanju Samson's match-winning knock and Jasprit Bumrah's crucial wickets, emphasizing the need for early breakthroughs against England's strong batting lineup.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated President Trump's plan to raise universal tariffs to 15% could happen this week. While a temporary 10% levy is in place, authorities aim to reinstate previous tariffs within five months. Bessent also downplayed oil market risks from Middle East tensions, citing ample global supply and US support measures.

Petroleum and gas shipments coming from Gulf countries have been impacted, with consignments stuck at the Strait of Hormuz, which is under Iran's control

Oil marketing companies are absorbing recent crude oil price spikes, creating a buffer against inflation and GDP impacts. Despite a 16.8% rise in Brent crude, a full pass-through to consumers is unlikely, with OMCs expected to manage the increase through their margins. This strategy helps cushion India's economy from geopolitical shocks affecting its heavy reliance on imported oil.

Nepal's upcoming election sees a generational clash as Gen Z voters challenge traditional leadership. Despite facing constitutional crises and internal party dissent, veteran politician KP Sharma Oli, a former dissident who spent years in prison, remains a formidable force. He is now seeking re-election from his long-held constituency, facing a direct challenge from a younger contender.

A 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Tirumankai Alvar, taken from a Tamil Nadu temple, is returning to India from the UK. Acquired by the Ashmolean Museum in 1967, its provenance became questionable after a 2019 discovery. Following an investigation and a formal claim by India, the museum has agreed to its repatriation, highlighting a commitment to ethical collections.

The Charlotte Hornets, on a five-game winning streak, visit the Boston Celtics on March 4, 2026. Boston, despite missing Jayson Tatum due to injury, remains a top Eastern Conference team. Charlotte aims to improve its playoff standing with strong recent performances. This matchup promises significant implications for the conference standings as the season progresses.

US President Trump declared the campaign against Iran "about a 15" on a scale of 10, citing success in decimating Iranian leadership and missile capabilities. He reiterated the goal of preventing nuclear weapons, vowing to continue joint operations with Israel despite escalating regional conflict, rising oil prices, and domestic criticism.

Oklahoma City's star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's availability against the New York Knicks on March 4 is the key question. Dealing with an abdominal strain, his potential return could significantly impact the game. Despite injuries, the Thunder boast a strong 48-15 record, while the Knicks are 40-22 and formidable at home.

Amidst escalating Middle East tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, the United States has ordered non-emergency staff and their families to leave consulates in Pakistan's Karachi and Lahore. Similar directives were issued for Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Cyprus, with American citizens advised to reconsider travel to these nations due to rising safety risks and disrupted flights.

Transporters across Maharashtra have announced an indefinite strike starting Thursday midnight, protesting the alleged misuse of the e-challan system and arbitrary penalties. Talks with the transport commissioner failed, leading to the escalation of the protest, which has garnered support from private car owners and school bus operators. The strike aims to address issues like harassment by officers and unjustified fines.

Jayant Patil says reunification talks had been initiated at Ajit Pawar’s insistence and are no longer on the table. 

Airlines are intensifying evacuation efforts with special flights as Middle East air travel disruptions continue for the fourth day. Indian carriers planned 58 flights on Wednesday, with IndiGo and Air India increasing capacity on long-haul routes. Airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are handling limited repatriation flights, while services in Bahrain, Doha, and Kuwait remain suspended.

To File Nomination In Patna Today In Shah's Presence

While the Trinamool Congress under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee used SIR as an electoral opportunity and used the harassment of people to target the ECI and BJP led government at the Centre, the West Bengal BJP leadership appears to be disappointed with the outcome of the exercise as deletions in the electoral roll are far less than what they had wished for.

A diplomatic dispute has erupted between the US and Spain after the White House claimed Madrid agreed to cooperate with military operations against Iran. Spain's foreign minister categorically denied this, stating their position on base usage and the conflict remains unchanged. This follows Spain's earlier refusal to allow US forces to use its bases for strikes against Iran.

Iran's missile and drone attacks have significantly decreased, according to US military chief General Dan Caine. Despite this, Washington is expanding its offensive deeper into Iranian territory. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the US is winning, highlighting a submarine sinking an Iranian warship. The conflict has widened regionally, causing displacement and economic shockwaves.

The department booked over 30 cases under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act during an intensive drive held in district