US consumer confidence rose marginally in March even as fuel prices surged due to the Iran war, highlighting resilience in spending but growing concerns around inflation and economic outlook, according to AP.The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index increased to 91.8 in March from 91 in February, indicating a modest improvement despite rising cost pressures.While the headline number remained stable, underlying indicators pointed to rising anxiety among consumers. The survey noted increasing pessimism, particularly around inflation expectations, as oil and gas prices climbed sharply amid the Middle East conflict.Mentions of oil, gas and the war rose significantly in respondents’ feedback, while 12-month inflation expectations jumped to levels last seen in August 2025, when concerns over tariffs had peaked.US gasoline prices crossed $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, with the national average reaching $4.02, according to AAA. Prices have risen by over $1 since the conflict began.“This is the key concern as the war in Iran enters the second month – will the oil price shock turn into a demand destruction shock?” said Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union.She noted that consumer spending remained steady in March, based on credit card data, but warned that pressures could intensify in the coming months “as the worst of the inflation shock hits consumers.”A key gauge of short-term expectations for income, business conditions and employment declined by 1.7 points to 70.9 — the 14th straight month below 80, a level often associated with recession risks.In contrast, the index measuring current economic conditions rose 4.6 points to 123.3.Inflation remains elevated. Government data showed a key inflation gauge rose 2.8% in January, even before the recent surge in energy prices. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, increased to 3.1%, the highest in nearly two years.Elevated prices and the likelihood of further inflation due to the Iran war have reduced expectations of near-term rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.The Fed had cut rates three times in 2025 to support the labour market but has paused further action in recent meetings amid persistent inflation above its 2% target.Labour market signals remain mixed. While views on current employment conditions improved slightly, expectations for the next six months weakened.Data from the Labour Department showed US employers cut 92,000 jobs in February, contrary to expectations of job gains, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%.Another report showed job openings declined to 6.9 million in February from 7.2 million in January.Economists describe the current labour market as “low hire, low fire”, with businesses cautious on hiring amid uncertainty over tariffs and high interest rates.Economic growth also slowed to 1.4% in the final quarter of last year, weighed down by a government shutdown and softer consumer spending.Survey data showed demand trends remain uneven. Plans to purchase cars increased in March, particularly for used vehicles, while homebuying expectations declined amid a prolonged housing slowdown.Expectations for stock market gains over the next year also dropped sharply, reflecting growing uncertainty among consumers.

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Tensions in the Middle East have reached a critical level. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened major American technology and aerospace companies, including Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp-parent company Meta, Google and Apple, with an attack and urged the staff to evacuate their office in the region. The Iran’s multi-service primary force has said that these these Silicon Valley companies are now legitimate targets because they are ‘responsible’ for high-tech warfare that has led to the termination of the country’s leadership.In a statement released via Iran’s state-aligned Tasnim news agency (as per Al-Jazeera), the IRGC warned on Tuesday (March 31) that it will begin targeting US tech companies operating in the region starting at 8:00 pm local time tomorrow (April 1). The military wing has urged employees and residents living near these corporate facilities to evacuate immediately.

US tech companies declared ‘Legitimate Targets’

The IRGC’s threat is a significant shift in its strategy as it moves beyond traditional military infrastructure to focus on the technology companies it claims are responsible for enabling high-tech warfare like use of artificial intelligence (AI) for pin-pointing targets.“Since the main element in designing and tracking terrorist targets are American and ICT [Information and Communications Technology] and AI companies… from now on, [these] main institutions will be our legitimate targets,” the statement read, as per Al-Jazeera.The IRGC specifically named more than 15 high-profile companies in its hit list, including Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Google and Apple; Transportation and energy conglomerates Boeing and Tesla; and defense and AI firms involved in AI and satellite tracking.The threat is directly tied to the ongoing attacks led by Israel and supported by US intelligence. Iran stated that these strikes will start if any more Iranian leaders are killed in “targeted assassinations”.This follows weeks of intense attacks where Israel has used advanced AI platforms to track and kill over 250 senior Iranian officials, including Iran’s supreme leader, according to The Wahsington Post which cited a count maintained by the Israeli military.Amazon AWS operations were hit twice earlier this month due to US-Iran war, with company confirming disruptions in its cloud infrastructure in Bahrain and in the UAE due to drone activity.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru star all-rounder Krunal Pandya has finally broken his silence on his India snub. Despite performing consistently well in the last season, he did not get a chance to make a comeback to the Indian team.

Pandya finished the previous edition of the tournament as the second-highest wicket-taker for the Bangalore-based franchise, picking up 17 wickets throughout the season. Sharing his thoughts on a potential national comeback in a recent interview, he admitted, “sometime it hurts”.

It has been five years since Pandya last wore the Men in Blue jersey on the field. However, he still believes that he can represent India again, as he feels he has a lot of cricket left in him.

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Why is Krunal Pandya not being considered for the Indian team?

Krunal Pandya can be a valuable asset for the Indian team due to his all-round ability. However, if we look at the current Indian setup, there are limited openings for this role. In T20Is, India already has strong all-round options like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel, who have been crucial to the team’s recent success in ICC events.

In ODIs, the team features young talents like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, along with the experience of Ravindra Jadeja. Although Hardik Pandya has not been a regular in ODIs recently, his past performances suggest he will return to the format as well.

In Tests, India already has options like Jadeja, Reddy, and Axar Patel fulfilling the all-rounder role effectively. Considering this depth, it is clear that the selectors are reluctant to disturb the current combination and are also looking at younger players who can contribute across formats.

Krunal Pandya said, “Virat Kohli’s unmatched hunger sets him apart from every generation”

Krunal Pandya also spoke about Virat Kohli, highlighting his unmatched passion and consistency in the game. Pandya believes that Kohli’s hunger to score runs and win matches is what makes him stand apart from other cricketers. Having played for Royal Challengers Bangalore for nearly two decades, Kohli continues to show the same intensity and desire every season.

Virat is a classic example. You can see that hunger; you can see that passion in how he sees the game and how much he wants that victory. If Virat Kohli had been born in any (some other) generation, he would still be one of the greats. He is not competing with anyone else,” he said.

Krunal Pandya opens up on RCB’s team atmosphere this season

Krunal Pandya shared that the team atmosphere this season is much calmer and more settled compared to last year, as players now have a better understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

“I feel that this year there is a much calmer atmosphere. Last year it was a new team, and everyone got to know each other. This year many players understand their roles and each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Pandya said in a release by the franchise.

“When I get into the big occasions, I feel that if God has got you here, then there is a reason behind it and sometimes I think that these big occasions are actually made for me. I feel the pressure, but I think about how I can be calm and in the present moment and do what is required,” he said.