Times of India

The rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao is already generating huge excitement ahead of its planned date on September 19 in Las Vegas. That original “Fight of the Century” still stands as one of the most profitable events in boxing history. Now, with both superstars stepping back into the ring, promoters are aiming to deliver an even grander spectacle.

What does this latest disruption mean for the growth prospects of Asian economies that are in large part dependent on oil and energy imports. Since the start of the Middle East conflict, passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has been curtailed.

IBM Consulting is revolutionizing client work by integrating AI agents with human oversight. Their "Consulting Advantage" platform enables AI agents to handle tasks like security investigations in minutes, with humans verifying findings. This real-time human-AI collaboration is now IBM's new consulting model, impacting over 150 client engagements.

Indian stock markets experienced a severe downturn Monday, mirroring a global sell-off. Escalating Middle East tensions, rising crude oil prices, consistent foreign investor withdrawals, and a record-low rupee significantly impacted investor confidence, leading to broad-based losses across major indices and sectors.

Oil prices experienced a sharp decline as President Trump ordered a five-day halt to planned military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, easing fears of Middle East conflict escalation. Brent crude fell over 15%, and WTI slid significantly, reversing earlier gains driven by concerns over disrupted oil transit routes.

Under the new plan, the number of host cities has been cut from six to two, with all matches now set to be played in Lahore and Karachi.

Jasprit Bumrah has arrived at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Karnataka, with his presence not confirmed to be injury-related or for routine checks. This comes as Mumbai Indians' T20 World Cup winning players, including Bumrah, were granted an extended break. MI's IPL 2026 campaign begins against KKR on March 29.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stressed the critical role of AI tools for engineers, stating that those not extensively using them are unproductive. He believes engineers should leverage AI tokens heavily, comparing the technology to Industrial Revolution machinery that enhances mental work and creativity. This approach is gaining traction across tech companies aiming to boost productivity.

Travis Kelce is reportedly investigating a leak involving his wedding plans with Taylor Swift, after private details surfaced publicly. The breach has upset Swift and raised concerns about trust within their inner circle. With a summer ceremony expected at Swift’s Rhode Island estate, the couple is now reassessing security and access. The situation has shifted focus from celebration to control, as Kelce works quietly to identify the source and protect what remains private.

US President Donald Trump announced a five-day pause on planned military strikes against Iran, citing "very good and productive" talks. This follows a 48-hour ultimatum to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran stated the strait remains open to non-enemy vessels, prioritizing diplomacy but demanding an end to aggression. The conflict has escalated with missile deployments and rising casualties.

A wave of alleged honor killings across India sees families brutally murdering young couples who defy caste, interfaith, or societal norms. From UP's Moradabad to Gujarat's Rajkot, lovers are lured, attacked, and disposed of, highlighting a grim clash between personal choice and entrenched traditions. These premeditated acts underscore a disturbing national pattern.

Two "zombie ships," sailing under the identities of scrapped vessels, have reportedly transited the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating Middle East tensions. This tactic, seen with an oil tanker and an LNG carrier, suggests desperate measures by shipowners to move cargo through the war-hit chokepoint, raising concerns about global energy flows.

Rajasthan Board Class 10 results for 2026 are set to be announced tomorrow, March 24th, by the Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan. Over 10 lakh students who appeared for the examinations can check their scores online on official websites or via DigiLocker. The results will be declared at the board headquarters in Ajmer.

Indian Grandmaster (GM) Koneru Humpy withdrew from the FIDE Women’s Candidates in Cyprus citing safety concerns amid Middle East tensions and Level 3 travel advisories. She prioritised security over competing, despite potential fines and lost title chances. Criticising FIDE for not reconsidering the venue, Humpy called the decision mentally taxing but necessary, urging fans to understand her stance.

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has raised questions about Riyan Parag's appointment as Rajasthan Royals captain for IPL 2026. Srikkanth suggests Parag receives preferential treatment within the franchise. He noted Parag's inconsistent performance last season. The Royals' chances for the upcoming season are seen as unpredictable. Their top order has the potential to win matches.

Claims have emerged that Joe Kent leaked Charlie Kirk’s private messages to Candace Owens through an internal chain involving Turning Point USA figures. The texts, sent shortly before Kirk’s death, revealed tensions over donor pressure and political direction. Kent denies leaking them, but the controversy has intensified scrutiny and sparked backlash across conservative and pro-Israel circles.

As the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy supplies, Saudi Arabia has activated its 1,200-kilometer East-West pipeline to maintain oil exports. This crucial inland route, rerouting crude to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, is now a pivotal alternative to the closed Strait of Hormuz, ensuring continued market access despite escalating tensions and past attacks.

PM Modi pointed out that cargo movement through the Strait of Hormuz has been challenging since the conflict began, but the government is taking steps to ensure that supplies of gas and fuel face minimal disruption.

The development comes a day after the league was reduced to a closed-door event at two venues — Karachi and Lahore — amid the ongoing West Asia situation and related security issues.