Times of India

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.

Kolkata Knight Riders face pace bowling woes for IPL 2026 with key players injured. Despite a massive auction spend, including record signing Cameron Green, the team's strategy is reshaped. The predicted XI features new faces and retained stars, with Umran Malik poised for an impact role in a bid for redemption.

US Congressman Greg Landsman has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking to recognise the atrocities committed by the Pakistani army and its allies against Bengali Hindus in 1971 as war crimes and genocide. The resolution cites the 'Blood Telegram' and details the systematic targeting of Hindus for extermination, urging condemnation of these actions

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.

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.

Kolkata Knight Riders are scrambling for replacements ahead of IPL 2026 after Harshit Rana's injury. Mid-preseason trials at Eden Gardens are underway, with Navdeep Saini and Akash Madhwal among those being assessed. The team also faces concerns with Mustafizur Rahman's departure and Matheesha Pathirana's delayed return, intensifying their bowling worries.

OpenAI is reportedly planning a massive hiring spree, aiming to double its workforce to 8,000 by year-end. This aggressive expansion is driven by intense competition from rivals Anthropic and Google. The company is focusing on product development, engineering, research, and sales, particularly with 'technical ambassadors' for businesses. This strategic shift aims to solidify its market position.

Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the "larger conspiracy" case related to the Delhi riots of 2020, reached his ancestral village Kako after six years to attend his younger brother Muzzammil Imam's wedding and spend time with his ailing mother. The Imam arrived here following a 10-day interim bail by a Delhi Court.

Kevin Pietersen unveiled his all-time IPL XI, notably excluding stars like Rohit Sharma. He lauded Yuzvendra Chahal, calling his release by RCB the league's worst decision. Pietersen's XI featured Gayle, Kohli, de Villiers, Raina, Dhoni, Russell, Jadeja, Narine, Chahal, Malinga, and Bumrah, prioritising impact over strict overseas limits.

Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 14-year-old batting sensation, faces a crucial IPL 2026 season. Following a stellar Under-19 World Cup, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlights the importance of this phase for the young prodigy. Pathan believes opposition teams are closely analyzing Sooryavanshi's game, making this season a significant learning curve for him to evolve and prove his mettle.

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.

Jerusalem's Old City experienced a fragment of an Iranian ballistic missile landing near its holiest sites during Eid al-Fitr. While Israel's air defense intercepted the main threat, debris impacted a parking lot close to the Western Wall and Al-Aqsa Mosque. This incident, occurring amidst escalating regional tensions, highlights Iran's alleged indiscriminate missile fire, as confirmed by the IDF.

US President Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, demanding the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face the obliteration of its power plants. Tehran's military has vowed retaliation, warning of attacks on US infrastructure if its energy facilities are targeted. This escalation comes amid rising oil prices.

Tulsi Gowda, a tribal woman from Karnataka, dedicated nearly five decades to the Forest Department, nurturing countless saplings and becoming an "Encyclopedia of the Forest." Despite humble beginnings and a life of quiet, uncelebrated labor, her profound knowledge of indigenous plants earned her the Padma Shri award, recognizing her lasting environmental impact.