BENGALURU: Beer and wine are likely to become cheaper as Karnataka launches a new alcohol-in-beverage (AIB)-based excise tax regime from April, becoming the first state in the country to directly link liquor tax to alcohol content. The new framework will comprehensively loosen government pricing controls and halve pricing standards to eight. While presenting the government’s 2026-27 budget on Friday, CM Siddaramaiah said the uniform excise duty per liter of alcohol will be phased out over 3-4 years and prices will be adjusted gradually to avoid market disruption. The reforms are aimed at modernizing the consumption tax system, increasing transparency, simplifying pricing and promoting ease of doing business.“The AIB-based excise structure is recognized globally as the gold standard for alcohol tax as it directly targets alcohol content, which is a major source of negative externalities,” the CM said while setting an ambitious revenue target of Rs 45,000 crore for the excise department for the next fiscal.In India, typical beer ABV (alcohol by volume) range is 4%-8%, with a strong variation of 8%. Whiskey generally contains 36%-50% alcohol content. The AIB system imposes higher taxes on high-alcohol alcoholic beverages, which may prompt consumers to choose lower alcoholic beverages.Industry representatives welcomed the policy. Vinod Giri, director general, Beer Association of India, said: “AIB-based tax is a historic milestone and a beacon for excise policy reforms across India… The product being taxed is alcohol and not water. It is widely followed across the world and encouraged by organizations like the World Health Organization.”A spokesman for United Breweries praised the “government’s intention to strengthen the regulatory and policy framework for the industry”. United Breweries shares soared following the announcement.Sanjit Padhi, CEO of the International Spirits and Wine Association of India, welcomed the move to liberalize alcohol pricing. “Reducing the slabs to eight can provide brands with pricing flexibility. While the final tax structure has not yet been determined, we hope that stable policy will promote investment and premiumization, moving consumers from low-end products to higher value options,” he said.The government also plans to promote alcohol-related tourism, allowing tastings and on-site sales at distilleries. Breweries and breweries will be allowed to operate 24 hours a day, and beer labels will no longer require mandatory disclosure of malt and sugar content.The tax announcement comes amid controversy over alleged corruption of Rs 5,000 crore in liquor licenses. The opposition demanded the resignation of Excise Minister RB Timmapur. He denies the accusations.
Oklahoma tornado tracker: Where are the tornadoes now? Owasso, Tulsa, Kellyville scenes
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued tornado warnings for parts of Oklahoma on Friday, prompting emergency warnings for communities including Owasso, Tulsa and Kellyville.
At 6:16 PM CST, a severe thunderstorm producing a tornado occurred 4 miles northeast of Little, moving east at 35 mph. Northeast Seminole County in east-central Oklahoma is under a tornado warning until 645 PM CST.
This story is being updated.
Qatar partially reopens airspace amid Iran, US-Israel war: limited flights allowed as missile attacks continue in Gulf
Qatar has begun partially reopening its airspace after days of a near-total paralysis of the Gulf region’s aviation industry, offering a small but significant sign of relief for thousands of stranded travelers and airlines grappling with one of the region’s worst aviation disruptions in years. The move comes amid an ongoing military confrontation between Iran, Israel and the United States, which has triggered missile strikes, drone strikes and widespread airspace closures around the world. middle East.Although Qatar’s skies are gradually reopening, authorities warn the situation remains unstable and commercial flights remain severely restricted.
Why Qatar closed its airspace during Iran and US-Israel war
The crisis began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, resulting in retaliatory missile and drone attacks on U.S. military bases in parts of the Gulf. Qatar, UAE, Bahrain and many other countries Kuwaitquickly closing or restricting its airspace as a precautionary measure to protect civilian aircraft from potential missile threats.Security concerns have intensified as missiles and drones target infrastructure and military bases in the region. According to reports, Iranian missiles attacked Al Udeid Air Base near Doha, which is one of the largest U.S. military installations in the Middle East.As risks to commercial aviation rapidly escalate, authorities ground most flights while airlines scramble to reroute planes and protect passengers.
Qatar partially reopens airspace amid Iran, US-Israel war
Now, Qatar’s aviation authorities have partially reopened the country’s airspace, allowing certain flights, notably evacuation and cargo operations, to resume under strict monitoring. However, reopening does not mean that aviation operations return to normal. Airlines’ operations remain severely restricted due to ongoing missile threats and security concerns.Most scheduled commercial services remain suspended, with officials saying operations will only resume fully once authorities determine the situation is safe. Even a limited reopening is a crucial development for the global aviation industry, as Doha is one of the world’s busiest transport hubs, connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Qatar Airways Rescue flights launched during Iran and US-Israel war
Amid aviation chaos, Qatar Airways has launched limited “rescue flights” to help passengers stranded in the area. The airline no longer operates from its main Doha hub and has begun organizing flights from nearby regional airports, including those in Muscat and Riyadh in Oman. Saudi Arabiatransporting passengers to major European cities.These flights are mainly for:
- Evacuate stranded passengers
- repatriation of foreigners
- Maintaining vital freight routes
Government agencies and foreign embassies are also coordinating with airlines to arrange emergency evacuation flights for their citizens.
Qatar flights canceled, thousands stranded due to war between Iran and US-Israel
The regional conflict triggered one of the worst aviation disruptions in the Middle East’s recent history. Thousands of flights in the region were canceled or diverted, leaving hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded, according to aviation analytics data.Some flights trying to cross the area have even been forced to reroute mid-air due to missile warnings or airspace restrictions. Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways and other global airlines have also reduced flight schedules while waiting for clearer safety conditions.The Middle East is at the center of global air routes linking Europe, Asia and Africa, meaning the crisis has caused disruption far beyond the Gulf. Major impacts include:
- Long-haul flight rerouting – Planes flying between Europe and Asia are taking longer routes to avoid conflict areas, adding to flight times and fuel costs.
- Air ticket prices rise – With fewer routes available and higher operating costs, airfares are expected to rise in the coming weeks.
- Tourism disruption – Travel plans across the region, including popular hubs such as Dubai and Doha, have been affected as airlines adjust flight schedules.
Analysts say Gulf airlines are particularly vulnerable because their business models rely heavily on connecting passengers through regional hubs.
Governments issue travel warnings amid Iran and US-Israel war
As conflicts escalate, governments around the world have issued emergency travel warnings and evacuation plans. Some countries have begun organizing charter flights or coordinating with airlines to evacuate their citizens from Gulf countries and other parts of the Middle East.Meanwhile, Gulf governments urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions as missile warnings and drone interceptions continued in parts of the region. While Qatar’s reopening of some airspace has brought some relief, aviation experts say the situation remains very unpredictable.Missile and drone threats are still being reported, meaning airlines may continue to reduce flight operations until the security situation stabilizes. For travelers and airlines, the crisis highlights how geopolitical tensions can quickly disrupt global mobility, especially in a region that is one of the world’s busiest aviation crossroads.At present, the information sent by the authorities is that rescue flights have begun to take off. However, the skies over the bay are far from completely open.
Global conflicts show wars are not short-lived, need to build resilient defense industry capabilities: Navy secretary
Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
NEW DELHI: Stressing the need for greater industrial preparedness for modern warfare, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi on Friday said recent global conflicts have challenged long-held assumptions that wars will be short and decisive, highlighting the urgent need for countries to build resilient defense industrial capabilities.The Admiral, while speaking at the ongoing Resina Dialogue 2026 in Delhi, said developments in the past few years have highlighted the importance of continuous military preparedness, technological adaptability and large-scale defense production. “Obviously, the thought process is that the post-Cold War peace dividend has definitely ended. So, countries have to prepare for their own national security, which requires building their own defense industrial complex,” Gen. Tripathi said.The Chief of Naval Staff spoke about the need to keep up with the rapidly evolving technology in the defense sector. “One must not only produce [military equipment] Scale, but you must also be ready to upgrade during production because technology is changing at the speed of thought. We have seen the need to do this and we have to prepare for it,” he said.Rapid adaptation is necessary because time waits for no one, and surge capacity must be sufficient to meet the challenge, he said.“It’s not that you’re going to be in a situation when your equipment is ready. Managing inventories is critical and we need the ability to surge when needed. That requires a very advanced defense industrial base. These are some of the lessons learned from what’s happening around the world,” the Navy chief said.
Kristi Noem affair dispute: Shocking reason husband Bryon didn’t file for divorce despite being humiliated
Byron Noem had to sit in on his wife, former boss at Department of Homeland Security, Christy Noms During the deposition, the 54-year-old was asked about her romance with top aide Corey Lewandowski. A report revealed the South Dakota businessman was “humiliated” but decided to stay in his marriage.
A day earlier, President Donald Trump announced that he would succeed Noem as secretary of Homeland Security. he said oklahoma senator Markwayne Mullin has been selected for this role. The appointment requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate.
“We at the Department of Homeland Security have made historic achievements to make America safe again,” Noem wrote on social media. Her personal life has come under scrutiny during congressional hearings this week. She was asked if she had sex with Lewandowski. Both are married. The former Homeland Security boss called the questions raised by Rep. Sydney Kamlager Dove “tabloid garbage.”
However, now a report details her husband Byron Noem’s reaction.
Why Byron Noem Won’t File for Divorce
The New York Post reported on Friday, citing a family source, that Byron’s family wanted him to move on from Kristi Noem. But he decided not to file for divorce. Reports say his decision was based on his Christian faith and commitment to his oath.
Members of Byron’s extended family told The Washington Post that the businessman “has long considered it his religious duty to support his wife — even as the public scandal rocked their marriage.”
“He said about 20 years ago he decided that he would support her in whatever she decided to do and that was God’s calling. So he endured the humiliation. We’ll see if he’s going to be with her now. I think it was him respecting God’s calling. But it seems like there would be some limitations to that.”
The two have been married since 1992. They attended the same high school and began dating when Christie was a junior at Hamline High School in Haiti. Brian is a freshman at Northern State University. They have three children together.
Bihar: Nitish Kumar steadfastly supports Rajya Sabha move, son Nishant to join JDU tomorrow
Patna: Nishant Kumar Already set to join Janata Dal United In a grand political debut on March 8, the party announced on Friday that even though his father Nitish Kumar It was made clear that his decision to move to the Union House and resign as Bihar chief minister was his own and irreversible.At an important JDU meeting held at Nitish’s residence, national working president Sanjay Jha moved a resolution to congratulate Nishant on joining the party. Nishant was earlier reluctant to join politics but relented after discussions with his father, party supporters and other family members. JDU spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, “The resolution was unanimously endorsed by all MLCs and MLAs and Sanjay Jha later announced this historic decision.”Speculations are strong that the low-profile Nishant – an alumnus of Jharkhand Engineering College BIT Mesra – might be appointed deputy chief minister in the new NDA government or, if Nitish shifts to Delhi, he might be given a key organizational role to prevent a leadership vacuum. The move is significant as Nitish has long been staunchly opposed to dynastic politics, but now his only son will enter public life at the age of 50. “The chief minister gave the green signal for Nitish’s entry,” JDU senior Vijay Choudhary said. Spokesperson Neeraj said Nishant will immediately take action after joining the party and will tour Bihar and interact with party officials and workers.Later, JDU chief Nitish told party legislators that he would spend more time in Bihar despite the action by the Lok Sabha. He denied that he was pushed or forced to step down and stressed that “everything” would continue to be monitored in the interest of national development. Nitish requested party legislators to allow him into Parliament. “When I was working with former Prime Minister Vajpayee at the Centre, Vajpayee ji had advised me to stay in Delhi. But I told him that my first priority was Bihar and then came back. Now I have decided to go to RS. I will arrange a house in Patna and spend more time in Bihar. You will not face any difficulty. All the work started by our government will continue without interruption,” Nitish said, assuring his party.
Daylight Saving Time 2026: When does Daylight Saving Time start in the United States and Canada? Date, time, why it matters and whether it could affect your health
As spring approaches in North America, millions of people are preparing for a familiar ritual: setting their clocks forward one hour. Daylight Saving Time (DST) is about to begin in 2026, and the nights will get longer, the mornings will get darker, and people will start anew over whether practices from decades ago still make sense in today’s world.While many welcome more daylight after get off work, scientists and policymakers still question the health, economic and social impacts of changing the clocks twice a year.
When will daylight saving time start in the United States in 2026? Canada
In 2026, Daylight Saving Time will begin on Sunday, March 8, when clocks in much of the United States and Canada jump forward one hour at 2:00 AM, immediately changing to 3:00 AM. The change means people will actually get an hour less sleep that night, but also brings longer daylight hours at night for months to come.Daylight saving time will last until November 1, 2026, when clocks will “go back” one hour and return to standard time. Seasonal time changes apply to most U.S. states and many areas of Canada. However, Hawaii and most areas Arizona Not observing Daylight Saving Time, some U.S. territories also maintain standard time year-round.
Why does daylight saving time exist?
The idea behind daylight saving time is simple: adjust clocks so that daylight appears later in the evening during the warmer months, allowing people to take better advantage of natural light. The concept dates back more than a century. Daylight saving time is widely adopted first world war As a way to save fuel for lighting and heating.In the United States, the practice was standardized under the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which established a consistent national schedule for when clocks should change. Since 2007, daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November, extending the time by several weeks compared to decades ago.By moving the clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall, the society aims to better utilize daylight during the longer summer, reduce the need for artificial lighting and potentially save electricity. Today, supporters argue that daylight saving time still offers several advantages, including:
- The sunshine is longer at night, which is suitable for leisure and shopping.
- Potential boost to tourism and retail activity.
- Nighttime crime rates have dropped in some areas.
However, critics say many of the original benefits, especially energy savings, are now minimal in a modern economy.
The healthy debate surrounding daylight saving time changes
Despite its long history, the twice-yearly clock switching remains controversial, especially among health experts. Medical researchers say that suddenly losing an hour of sleep can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep, metabolism and hormone cycles.Research has linked the spring transition to a number of short-term health risks, including:
- Increased rates of heart disease and stroke
- The incidence of traffic accidents is high
- Lack of sleep and fatigue
- Decreased concentration and mood changes
Research cited by the health organization also suggests the risk of heart attack may rise in the days after the clocks move forward. Some scientists believe the real problem isn’t daylight saving time itself, but the biannual switch between time systems, which creates what experts call “social jet lag.”
The economic impact of daylight saving time
In addition to health concerns, economists say daylight saving time may also have hidden financial costs. One analysis estimates that time changes could cost the U.S. economy about $672 million annually, primarily due to health effects, accidents, and lost productivity due to lack of sleep.However, supporters of daylight saving time argue that longer nights boost consumer activity, retail sales and outdoor recreation, which can benefit businesses during the warmer months.
Road Safety and Daylight Saving Time Productivity Issues
Sleep disruptions associated with daylight saving time can also affect alertness, especially during the morning commute. Traffic safety groups warn the shift could lead to an increase in drowsy driving, which can be as dangerous as drink-driving.Some economists estimate that the broader costs of daylight saving time could run into hundreds of millions of dollars annually in the United States alone due to health effects, lost productivity and accidents.
Movement to end clock changes grows
The ongoing debate has sparked political efforts to eliminate the twice-yearly time shift altogether. In the United States, lawmakers have repeatedly introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, proposing to permanently implement daylight saving time nationwide.Although the bill passed the Senate in 2022, it has not yet become law. If the bill passes, Americans will no longer change their clocks every spring and fall. Meanwhile, some regions have begun experimenting with permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time policies, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with clock changes.
How to prepare for daylight saving time changes
Experts recommend taking some simple steps to ease the transition:
- In the days leading up to the change, go to bed 10-15 minutes earlier.
- Exposure to sunlight in the morning can help reset your body clock.
- Avoid caffeine in the evening.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
These strategies can help minimize fatigue and help the body adjust to a new schedule more smoothly. For now, spring clock changes remain a reality for hundreds of millions of people in North America, but as scientific evidence and public debate grow louder, Daylight Saving Time may be approaching a tipping point.Whether governments end up keeping Daylight Saving Time permanently, switching to year-round standard time or maintaining the current system, one thing is clear: The centuries-old practice of changing clocks twice a year is increasingly coming under scrutiny. As March 8, 2026 approaches, millions of people will once again “rush forward” and lose an hour of sleep in the process.
Strategic autonomy at risk: Congress debates Russian oil exemption
NEW DELHI: Congress on Friday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was being “blackmailed” by the US, citing the temporary “permission” given by the US to Indian refiners to buy oil from Russia. The party stated that India’s strategic autonomy and sovereignty are seriously threatened, and the Modi government has reduced India to an almost “vassal state.”Congress MP Rahul Gandhi posted onHe had delivered a budget speech in the Lok Sabha in February, in which he said: “The United States will tell us who we can or cannot buy oil from… If it is Russia or Iran, the United States will decide. But our prime minister will not decide. They will monitor…” Congress and its networks shared the speech on social media, saying Rahul’s words had proved prophetic.Congress president Mallikarjun Haq claimed that India’s strategic autonomy and national sovereignty were at stake as Modi was “blackmailed over the Epstein dossier and the Adani case”. He said the kind of language the U.S. uses — “allow” and “permit” — is for “sanctioned countries” rather than for equal partners in the global order. He said: “From Nehru, Indira to Vajpayee, no prime minister has ever yielded to pressure from any country.“
Stephanie Buttermore Cause of Death: What Happened to Jeff Nippard’s Fiancé? detail
stephanie buttermore, fitness influencer Canadian bodybuilder and fitness YouTuber Jeff Nippard’s fiancé has died. Nippard announced Buttermore’s death in an Instagram post on Friday. One reason is die Nothing disclosed.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Jeff’s fiancée and partner of ten years, Stephanie,” an update on Nippard’s Instagram profile read.
“As many of you know, Stephanie meant the world to Jeff. She will be remembered for her warmth and compassion, her love of her family, and her doctoral research into ovarian cancer.”
What happened to Stephanie Buttermore?
Buttermore’s death came as a shock to many of Jeff Nippard’s fans, but for fans of the Canadian influencer it was the culmination of something they had long suspected. For at least the past year, Stephanie Buttermore has been completely absent from social media. Her Instagram profile shows her last post was in April 2024, almost 12 months ago.
This is in stark contrast to before, when Buttermore was nearly ubiquitous on social media, including appearing on Nippard’s account.
As shown in the post, Buttermore said she’s doing better. Her anxiety issues are under control and she revealed that her “mental health is the best it’s ever been”.
Also read: Was Andrew Tait “arrested” in Saudi Arabia on suspicion of terrorism? it’s a fact
This is her last post on Instagram:
Who is Stephanie Buttermore?
Stephanie Buttermore is a fitness influencer and scientist from the United States. She is known for combining evidence-based research with fitness and nutrition advice. She holds a PhD in Pathology and Cell Biology from a UK university south florida.
Buttermore has built a massive following by sharing workout routines, nutritional advice, and videos of “cheat days” and dietary experiments that explain fitness through science.
Middle East Sports: PV Sindhu withdraws, ATP canceled, Formula 1 and football friendlies under threat: US-Israel war hits Middle East sports tourism
Geopolitical tensions continue to escalate middle East The impact now reaches far beyond politics and aviation, sending shockwaves through global sporting events amid wars between Iran, the United States and Israel. From canceled tennis tournaments and stranded athletes, to high-profile withdrawals from major events, the crisis is increasingly disrupting international sports travel, forcing organizers to rethink the logistics of events around the world.
Iran, US-Israel conflict disrupts global travel routes
The unrest, linked to escalating tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran, triggered widespread airspace closures, flight cancellations and heightened security alerts across the Gulf. These disruptions not only affect commercial passengers but also athletes competing in international competitions.Many global sports circuits rely heavily on Middle Eastern aviation hubs such as Dubai International Airport and Hamad International Airport as transfer points between Europe, Asia and Australia. When flights through these hubs are suspended or rerouted, athletes, teams and officials suddenly find themselves stranded on the road.
ATP tennis event canceled in UAE due to Iran and US-Israel war
One of the earliest casualties of the crisis was a tennis tournament in the United Arab Emirates. The ATP Tour has canceled the ATP Challenger Tour event in Fujairah after a security alert was issued due to regional tensions.Players are scrambling to leave the country, and the situation sparked controversy when the tour initially offered to provide players with €5,000 for charter flights. After fierce opposition from the tennis community, especially given the tournament’s modest prize pool, the ATP eventually agreed to cover the cost of the players’ evacuation flights.The cancellation illustrates how quickly geopolitical developments can upend sporting events, especially those taking place in areas affected by travel disruptions.
PV Sindhu The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran escalated and they were forced to withdraw their troops
The crisis has also had a direct impact on star athletes. Indian badminton Two-time Olympic medalist and champion PV Sindhu was stuck in Dubai for several days while traveling to Birmingham to participate in the prestigious All England Badminton Open.Due to the suspension of flights due to regional conflicts, Sindhu was unable to reach the UK in time to participate in the competition and eventually withdrew. After the ordeal, she later returned safely to Bengaluru. Her withdrawal is a major blow to the competition, where she was expected to be one of the top contenders.
Other athletes stranded or affected by Iran and US-Israel wars
Sindhu’s experience is not an isolated case. Several high-profile athletes have also been caught up in travel chaos. Russian tennis stars Daniil Medvedev and Andrei Rublev are among the players stranded in Dubai as they try to travel to the United States to compete in the Indian Wells Open.In addition to tennis and badminton, several sports have also reported disruptions. Teams traveling to international fixtures face delays, forcing organizers to adjust schedules and contingency plans.The knock-on effects of the crisis are being felt across multiple sports. Several competitions and leagues across the Middle East have reportedly been postponed or suspended due to safety concerns.Major events affected include:
- The World Endurance Championship has postponed its season opener in Qatar.
formula one racing bahrain match andSaudi Arabia It is reportedly under review.- Some AFC Champions League matches are suspended.
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football Some countries have even suspended international friendlies as authorities reassess security risks and travel feasibility.
Iran and the US-Israel war also affected Olympic preparations
The disruptions also affected preparations for upcoming global events. Athletes heading to the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Cortina, Milan, have suffered delays due to airport disruptions and flight diversions across the Middle East.The International Paralympic Committee acknowledges that some delegations are having difficulty reaching host venues on time and is working with organizers to arrange alternative travel routes.
Middle East matters for sports travel: What happens next in Iran, US, Israel wars
The Middle East is one of the world’s most important aviation crossroads. Gulf airlines connect continents, making cities like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi important stopovers for athletes traveling between competitions. When the region’s airspace closes, even temporarily, it can disrupt a tight global sports tour schedule. Athletes often compete in multiple countries within a few weeks, and any delays could result in forced withdrawals or cancellations.At present, sports organizations are closely monitoring the development of the situation. Tournament organizers, federations and airlines are working together to reroute players to ensure safety remains the top priority. However, experts warn that if the conflict continues, the fallout could spread further, potentially affecting major tournaments, Olympic qualifiers and professional leagues around the world.In a globalized sports ecosystem with constant travel and closely synchronized schedules, the crisis in the Middle East is a stark reminder of how geopolitics are rapidly reshaping the world of sports.