Experts have cautioned that the ongoing Middle East conflict will impact India’s growth story. (AI image)

In the first signs of the impact of the US-Iran war on the Indian economy, the private sector recorded its slowest expansion in more than three years in March, according to the latest HSBC PMI survey. Rising prices linked to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran have weighed on domestic demand. However, despite the subdued conditions at home, export orders climbed to an all-time high, according to a survey released on Tuesday.The figures point to a loss of economic momentum in the closing month of the fiscal year for one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. They also underline the potential downside risks to both India’s growth outlook and the global economy stemming from tensions in the Middle East.Economic growth in India had already moderated last quarter, with GDP expanding at 7.8%, down from 8.4% in the quarter before, amid softer government expenditure and a slowdown in private investment.

US-Iran war impact: What indicators suggest

Experts have cautioned that the ongoing Middle East conflict will impact India’s growth story by feeding into inflation, current account deficit, fiscal deficit, rupee depreciation, and eventually hitting growth – though the exact impact would depend on the length of the war.Also Read | Fragile footing: How India, China face sizeable economic damage prospects from US-Iran war; outlook has grown more dauntingThe flash India Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global for HSBC, fell to 56.5 in March. This was significantly below the Reuters poll median estimate of 59.0 and lower than February’s final reading of 58.9, which had been expected to remain largely unchanged.Although the index stayed above the 50-mark that separates growth from contraction, the decline marked the steepest slowdown in a year and a half, indicating a clear easing in business activity.The manufacturing sector was hit the hardest, with its PMI dropping to a four-and-a-half-year low of 53.8 from 56.9. Heightened uncertainty and volatility linked to the Middle East conflict weighed on sentiment, leading to the weakest pace of factory output growth since August 2021.The services sector, which makes up the largest share of India’s GDP, also showed signs of slowing, with its PMI slipping to 57.2 from 58.1.Factory activity was scaled back as gas shortages, triggered by the conflict in Iran, disrupted production. The indices, which gauge business sentiment in the economy, are derived from preliminary survey data and may be subject to revision when the final PMI numbers are released next month.Also Read | PM Modi on Middle East war; lists key steps taken on oil & LPG – warns of lasting falloutPrice pressures escalated significantly during the period, as the cost of inputs such as oil, energy, food items, aluminium, steel and chemicals increased at the fastest rate since June 2022. At the same time, companies raised their selling prices to the highest level seen in seven months.“Cost pressures intensified, but companies are absorbing part of the increase by squeezing margins,” said HSBC’s chief India economist Pranjul Bhandari.India, the world’s third-largest importer of oil, depends on overseas sources for about 90% of its crude requirements and nearly half of its natural gas. This reliance leaves the country highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices, particularly as Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz. Since the onset of the conflict, oil prices have surged by more than 40%.In response to the situation, the government introduced emergency steps and rationed gas supplies, giving priority to household consumption after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial channel for India’s energy imports. The resulting supply crunch has affected a wide range of industries, including fertiliser and aluminium manufacturing as well as helium supplies used in semiconductor production, increasing the likelihood of a sustained drag on economic growth.The shortage also forced several hotels, restaurants and gas-dependent industrial units across the country to temporarily halt operations.According to HSBC, the rise in manufacturing output in March was the weakest since August 2021. The manufacturing sector bore the brunt of the slowdown, with companies citing the Middle East conflict, volatile market conditions and rising inflation as key factors weighing on growth.Businesses absorbed a significant portion of the higher input costs, while pricing pressures were more pronounced in the services sector. Even so, private sector firms continued to add employees, though the pace of hiring remained modest, HSBC noted.This spike in oil prices is likely to drive inflation higher from its pre-war level of 3.21% and could weigh on economic growth.

Minecraft continues to grow. Every year, the world seems bigger, brighter, and a little more chaotic. Minecraft Live 2026 showed off all the new updates, upcoming games, and real-world experiences that bring players closer to the universe we love. A lot is going on, and it might feel overwhelming if you try to take it all in at once. The developers have been busy, from adorable baby mobs getting a complete makeover to immersive real-world adventures and even theme parks, Minecraft seems to be everywhere now.If you haven’t been paying attention, this might be the perfect time to catch up. According to the official website of Minecraft, as of March 2026, Minecraft announces everything. New features, cross-platform expansions, and creative tools continue to redefine gameplay, offering players endless possibilities to build, explore, and connect globally.

Mojang Studios announces new content at Minecraft Live March 2026 event

Minecraft Live 2026 made a clear statement: ‘The Minecraft universe keeps expanding,’ that is, it is bigger than ever. From adorable mobs to immersive real-world experiences, a new theme park, and entirely new games, there’s something for every kind of player. And judging by the chaos, creativity, and smiles from the team, it’s just getting started.Check below all the latest updates Minecraft announced.

Minecraft Live 2026 reveals all the latest updates, new features and upcoming games

Tiny Takeover, moonlight trail and villager rescue update

One of the first big reveals was Tiny Takeover. The baby mobs in Minecraft were just smaller versions of adults but apparently, “not cute enough,” as Agnes reportedly said while holding a chicken plush. Now, each baby mob has a unique look. Pigs, rabbits, chickens, even bees, have all been redesigned to maximise cuteness. The team, including Jasper, Sarah, and Felix, talked about the inspiration behind the changes, while Sandra explained the challenges on the audio side. Some of those pigs apparently have more personality than you might expect.Minecraft is not just a game anymore. Torfi talked about real-world experiences like Villager Rescue. Players can explore biomes, mine resources, and even face mobs in physical spaces. It’s travelling globally soon, hitting Herning, Singapore, Mexico City, and Chicago.Next up is Minecraft Experience: Moonlight Trail, a nighttime adventure in a real forest. It’s opening in Buenos Aires first and might travel to other cities later. Experiencing Minecraft outside your console is a little surreal. It’s something you have to see to believe.

Minecraft world theme park

Big news here. Minecraft World is coming to Chessington World of Adventures in London in 2027. Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios are teaming up for the first-ever Minecraft rollercoaster, the largest Minecraft shop in the world, themed food, and, of course, mob meet-and-greets. Creators were involved to help bring tricky ideas to life. Daisy and Filip seemed really excited, though they might have overestimated how edible the merchandise is.

Chaos cubed: Sulfur caves and absorbing mobs

Another highlight was Chaos Cubed. First look at the sulfur caves: warm, glowing, but definitely not a swimming spot. Sulfur cubes are new mobs with crazy abilities. They absorb blocks, and how they act depends on what they consume. Feed them wood, and they bounce. Ice, and they slide. It seems like pure chaos, but the team is excited to see what players do. Creativity will likely reach new levels here. Mini-games, builds, experiments and anything goes.

Minecraft Dungeons II

Finally, Minecraft Dungeons II is coming. A full action-RPG with new challenges, locations, and of course, loot. You can play solo or co-op with up to three friends. It’s set to release on consoles, PC, and Game Pass. If you missed the first Dungeons, now’s the time to catch up. The developers promise intense encounters and plenty of surprises.

The Deep Dig and mini-games

During The Deep Dig segment, Chaos Cubed got its mini-game spotlight. Players like Agnes, Jens, Elisabeth, Camman18, and Bekyamon explored new features, battling sulfur cubes and discovering hidden secrets. Vu kept the chaos under control, more or less.

Australia Women continued their dominant run on the West Indies tour with a comprehensive 40-run (DLS method) victory in the third T20I at Arnos Vale Ground. A breathtaking century from Georgia Voll set the tone for the visitors, helping them seal a 3-0 clean sweep in the series.

Georgia Voll’s masterclass hundred headlines massive total for Australia

After being asked to bat first, Australia Women produced a batting exhibition, piling up a formidable 211/7 in their 20 overs. The star of the show was Voll, who smashed a sensational 101 off just 53 deliveries, laced with nine fours and six towering sixes. Her innings provided the backbone of Australia’s dominance and left the West Indies bowlers searching for answers.

Phoebe Litchfield chipped in with a brisk 15 off 8 balls, while Ellyse Perry added a steady 18. Nicola Carey contributed 24 runs in the middle overs before Sophie Molineux provided a late flourish with a quickfire 25 off just 12 balls, ensuring Australia crossed the 200-run mark comfortably.

For West Indies Women, skipper Hayley Matthews was the standout performer with the ball, picking up 3 wickets for 29 runs in her four overs. Jahzara Claxton supported well with two scalps, but the rest of the bowling unit struggled to contain Australia’s aggressive batting approach.

Rain interruption halts chase despite Hayley Matthews’ effort

Chasing a daunting target, West Indies Women got off to a shaky start, losing Qiana Joseph early for a duck. Matthews tried to anchor the innings with a fighting 30 off 23 balls, while Eboni Brathwaite contributed 18 runs. However, regular interruptions and a disciplined Australian bowling attack derailed the chase.

At 61/3 in 10 overs, the match was interrupted by rain, and the revised DLS target left the hosts well short, handing Australia a 40-run victory. Deandra Dottin remained unbeaten on 11 but couldn’t accelerate in time.

Australia’s bowlers kept things tight, with Megan Schutt and Lucy Hamilton picking up early wickets. Perry was particularly economical, conceding just one run while taking a wicket, effectively choking the scoring rate during a crucial phase.

Also READ: Jess Kerr, Sophie Devine power New Zealand to series-clinching win over South Africa in 4th T20I

Australia seal dominant 3-0 series win in the T20I leg

With wins in all three matches—by 43 runs, 17 runs, and now 40 runs (DLS)—Australia Women completed a commanding clean sweep of the T20I series. Voll was deservedly named Player of the Match for her match-winning century, while Alana King earned the Player of the Series award for her consistent performances throughout the tour.

The action now shifts to the ODI leg of the tour, with the first match scheduled for Friday, March 27 at Warner Park in St Kitts, where West Indies Women will look to bounce back against a confident Australian side.

Also READ: Alana King steers Australia to series-clinching win over West Indies in 2nd Women’s T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Supreme Court (File photo)

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday held that the denial of Permanent Commission (PC) to women Short Service Commission (SSC) officers in the armed forces stemmed from a flawed and discriminatory evaluation system, particularly in the way their performance was assessed.A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and N Kotiswar Singh, while delivering its verdict, observed that the Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) of women officers were often assessed casually, undermining their chances of securing PC.“ACRs of appellants were written with presumption that they will not undergo career progression. Adversely affected overall merit,” the bench noted as per Live Law.“Model was rational, non-discriminatory and implemented as 1 time measure. Failure of respondents to disclose evaluation criteria etc. has adversely impacted officers,” the bench futher said.The ruling comes after a prolonged legal battle in which women officers challenged the criteria used to evaluate them, arguing that it placed them at a disadvantage compared to their male counterparts.During earlier hearings, the Centre had denied allegations of bias. It also submitted that following its 2022 approval, women officers are now being inducted through the National Defence Academy, and those completing training will be granted PC directly.While reserving its verdict earlier, the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant was informed by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that structural changes had already been initiated to address gender disparities in the forces.The court, however, remained critical of the evaluation process. During hearings, it questioned why women and men were assessed differently despite undergoing the same training and assignments.“How can there be two criteria based on gender? Is there a different format for evaluating SSC women officers and male officers? Is this format different for SSC officers and those in permanent commission?” the bench had asked.Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for 13 women officers, argued that their ACRs were graded casually and, in some cases, frozen before they became eligible for PC in 2020. In contrast, male officers continued to be assessed with PC in mind.She pointed to the service records of officers such as Lt Col Vanita Padhi, Lt Col Chandni Mishra and Lt Col Geeta Sharma, who had served in United Nations missions, high-altitude areas and counter-insurgency operations. Despite holding key operational roles, including ‘criteria appointments’ in difficult areas, their contributions were not fully recognised in their evaluation reports, unlike similar postings held by male officers.The court noted that such differential treatment could violate constitutional guarantees of equality under Articles 14 and 15, and may reflect entrenched biases within the system. Guruswamy also submitted that several women officers were denied pension and medical benefits proportionate to their service conditions.The petitioners relied on the Supreme Court’s 2020 judgment, which had directed the Army to grant PC to women officers and held that excluding them from command roles was unjustified and hindered career progression.Since then, the court has passed multiple orders expanding the scope of PC for women across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.The matter had also involved submissions from serving and retired officers, as the court examined similar concerns across different branches of the armed forces.