Even as the Iran–Israel/US war has made global markets highly volatile, Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, said on Saturday that past disruptions show periods of extreme volatility do not last forever, and markets eventually stabilise. The Sebi chief said the market’s real test is not the presence of volatility but whether the existing system is able to function smoothly, fairly and efficiently.

He noted that past disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war showed that periods of extreme volatility are temporary and markets eventually stabilise. Pandey advised investors, especially retail participants, to remain patient during such phases. He added that the real test of financial markets is not the absence of volatility but their ability to function smoothly, fairly and efficiently despite uncertainty.

“… geopolitical tensions continue to influence economic relationships. Conflict in middle-east has disrupted energy supplies and created volatility in oil and gas markets across the world. Yet, when we look back at similar episodes in the past, one lesson becomes clear: periods of extreme volatility never last forever. In the recent past, we have witnessed the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the Russia–Ukraine conflict, which has triggered market volatility across the world. Markets experienced turbulence — but they eventually stabilised,” Pandey said, while speaking at an event organised by Moneycontrol.

“The real test of a market is not whether volatility appears. The real test is whether the system continues to function smoothly, fairly and efficiently when it does. In uncertain times, the strength of a capital market does not lie in the absence of volatility. Volatility is a natural feature of markets. The real strength lies in the confidence that the system will function fairly, transparently and efficiently even during periods of stress,” Pandey added as he spoke on the subject titled ‘Making Capital Markets More Efficient in Uncertain Times’.

Fear Index India VIX has shot up 124% in the past three months and is now hovering around the 22.65 mark. On Friday, it shot up over 5% as the markets witnessed a bloodbath. The Indian benchmark indices fell sharply yesterday, recording their third successive decline as the Iran-Israel/US war continued to dent market sentiments. The biggest drags were metals, auto, and financial stocks.

Also read: FIIs sell Indian equities worth Rs 52,704 crore in March, so far; Friday records its highest single-day outflow in 2026

In a volatile session, the broader Nifty plunged 488.05 points, or 2.06%, to close at 23,151.10, while the 30-share BSE Sensex declined 1470.50 points, or 1.93%, to settle at 74,563.92.
Pandey highlighted the role of efficient capital markets, which he said play a stabilising role in an uncertain world as they enable transparent price discovery while absorbing shocks without destabilising the broader financial system.
“And perhaps most importantly, they sustain investor confidence. Efficiency is the foundation of trust in the financial system. Without that trust,
capital hesitates. Investment slows. And growth becomes more difficult to sustain,” the Sebi Chief said.

The Sebi Chairman also said the global economy is currently marked by uncertainty due to rapid technological changes such as AI.

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

The Dominican Republic delivered a dominant performance in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, mercy-ruling South Korea 10-0 in just seven innings on March 13 at LoanDepot Park to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Cristopher Sánchez pitched five shutout innings, allowing only two hits while striking out six, setting the tone for a one-sided victory. The Dominican lineup exploded for three runs in the second inning and four more in the third, building an insurmountable lead early. Aggressive baserunning, timely hitting and power from stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero and Fernando Tatis Jr. overwhelmed Korean starter Hyun-Jin Ryu, who lasted just 1.2 innings and surrendered three runs.

The game ended dramatically in the bottom of the seventh when pinch-hitter Austin Wells crushed a three-run walk-off home run off reliever So Hyeong-jun, triggering the WBC’s mercy rule with the score reaching 10 runs. Wells, who started on the bench, delivered the decisive blow to send the Dominicans to the semifinals with a perfect 5-0 tournament record so far.

The Dominican Republic advances to face the United States on Sunday, March 15, in the first semifinal at loanDepot Park. The U.S. earned its berth Friday night with a 5-3 win over Canada in Houston.

South Korea, which finished second in Pool C with a 2-2 record, managed only two hits against Sánchez and the Dominican bullpen. Ryu, the veteran left-hander making his WBC return, struggled with command and was pulled after allowing three runs on three hits and two walks. Korean relievers kept the game scoreless for a stretch, but the offense could not generate any threat against the powerful Dominican pitching.

The Dominicans showcased their depth and firepower throughout. In the second inning, Junior Caminero doubled home Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for the first run, followed by Julio Rodríguez’s RBI groundout and a Tatis Jr. single to make it 3-0. The third inning saw more damage: a bases-loaded walk, an RBI single by Manny Machado and additional runs on aggressive plays to push the lead to 7-0.

Sánchez, the Philadelphia Phillies lefty, was masterful in his start, mixing fastballs and off-speed pitches to keep Korean hitters off balance. The bullpen closed it out efficiently, allowing no runs over the final two frames.

Attendance reached 30,805 at loanDepot Park, with a lively crowd cheering the high-energy Dominican squad. The victory underscored the team’s status as a tournament favorite, having topped Pool D with strong performances and now carrying momentum into the knockout rounds.

For South Korea, the loss marked a disappointing end to a campaign that saw them reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2017. The team relied on strong pitching in pool play but could not match the Dominican offensive barrage or contain their stars.

The mercy rule shortened the game, allowing the Dominicans to conserve arms ahead of the semifinal against the U.S., a rematch of the 2017 final won by the Americans. The Dominican Republic has not won the WBC since 2013 but has consistently been a powerhouse, boasting MLB talent across the roster.

Postgame, Dominican manager offered praise for Sánchez’s outing and the team’s execution. “We came ready to play every pitch,” he said. “This team has heart and talent — we’re not done yet.”

The win advances the Dominicans to Sunday’s semifinal at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, where they will face a U.S. team that survived a late rally from Canada. The winner will play in the March 17 championship at the same venue.

As the tournament progresses, the Dominican Republic’s blend of power hitting, solid pitching and clutch play positions them as strong contenders for the title. For South Korea, the focus shifts to future preparations, with the loss highlighting areas for improvement against elite international competition.

The 2026 WBC continues with Saturday’s quarterfinals: Puerto Rico vs. Italy at 3 p.m. ET on FS1 in Houston, and Venezuela vs. Japan at 9 p.m. ET on FOX in Miami.

Taylor Swift continues to dominate entertainment news in March 2026, with her net worth reaching an estimated $2 billion according to recent reports, fueling speculation about her personal and professional milestones as she prepares for a rumored summer wedding to Travis Kelce.

Forbes and other outlets confirmed March 12 that Swift’s fortune hit the $2 billion mark, making her the wealthiest female musician and one of the top celebrity billionaires. The surge builds on massive earnings from her “Eras Tour,” streaming royalties, merchandise and the 2025 repurchase of her early album masters for around $360 million. Her October 2025 album “The Life of a Showgirl” sold millions in its first week and sustained strong performance into 2026, contributing significantly to the wealth jump.

The milestone arrives amid fan theories about her next moves. Some speculate a 13th studio album could tie into personal events like her wedding, though no official announcement has come. Swift has kept a relatively low public profile in early 2026, focusing on private life after the “Eras Tour” wrapped and the “End of an Era” docuseries aired on Disney+.

Wedding rumors intensified in March, with multiple reports pointing to June 13, 2026, as a potential date. Fans dissected a Taylor Nation Instagram post featuring a chalkboard with partially erased text, interpreting remnants as “June 13” alongside possible “KC” and “NY” references — interpreted as nods to Kansas City and New York. A podcast tip from a listener claiming insider knowledge of a Rhode Island wedding on that date added fuel, though neither Swift nor Kelce has confirmed details.

Kelce addressed his NFL future in recent interviews, crediting Swift’s dedication to her craft for motivating his return to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 14th season. On the “New Heights” podcast with brother Jason, he discussed how her work ethic influenced his decision to delay retirement, highlighting their supportive dynamic. Jason playfully pressed Travis about wedding plans, keeping the topic light but prominent in media coverage.

Swift’s influence extends beyond music. She inspired Kelce’s career choices, donated generously to causes and maintained strong friendships, including with Selena Gomez, who recently shared details of a handmade gift from Swift. A separate controversy erupted when Jack White commented on songwriting, drawing backlash from fans who accused him of targeting her, though he later clarified his remarks.

On the music front, Swift’s single “Elizabeth Taylor” — released in late 2025 — continued charting, with a special limited-edition vinyl announced for Record Store Day 2026 on a “Cry My Eyes Violet Glitter” variant. The track peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 upon release and remains a fan favorite.

She skipped the 2026 Grammys, where she received no nominations due to eligibility timing for “The Life of a Showgirl.” Executive producer Ben Winston addressed rumors of her attending or performing, noting she was not involved this year. Swift led nominations for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards earlier in the year with nine nods.

No new tour plans have surfaced for 2026, with Swift enjoying a break after the record-breaking “Eras Tour.” Rumors of a 2026 tour were debunked when a charity auction mistakenly listed tickets, later corrected by organizers.

Swift’s low-key approach in early 2026 contrasts with her high-visibility years, prioritizing personal milestones. Fans continue theorizing on social media about future releases, including possible “Taylor’s Version” of her debut album around its 20th anniversary in October 2026.

As spring unfolds, Swift’s blend of business success, romantic developments and cultural impact keeps her at the forefront. Whether through new music hints, wedding preparations or quiet philanthropy, the pop icon shows no signs of slowing her influence.

A growing number of major U.S. airports are appealing to travelers for donations to support Transportation Security Administration employees working without pay during a partial government shutdown that began Feb. 14, 2026, leaving roughly 50,000 TSA officers to miss their first full paycheck on March 13 amid mounting financial hardship.

The funding lapse for the Department of Homeland Security — triggered when Congress failed to pass a spending bill over disputes on immigration enforcement and border security — has forced essential airport security personnel to continue screening millions of passengers daily without regular compensation. TSA officers received partial pay in late February but saw no funds deposited in many March 13 paychecks, according to union representatives and federal officials.

Airports nationwide have responded by reopening food pantries, setting up gift card collection points and urging passengers to contribute essentials. Denver International Airport (DEN) asked for $10 or $20 grocery and gas gift cards from stores like King Soopers, Safeway, Walmart, Costco and Target, emphasizing that Visa gift cards are not accepted due to federal rules limiting gifts to $20 or less per instance.

“Denver International Airport is seeking grocery store and gas gift card donations for federal employees working without pay,” DEN CEO Phil Washington said in a March 11 statement. “TSA employees just missed their first paycheck, and as we enter a busy spring break travel period, we want to do what we can to ease the stress of this moment.”

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) opened a food pantry for TSA agents, requesting non-perishable food, hygiene items, diapers and baby supplies. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas reactivated its Food & Essentials Pantry, accepting donations of toiletries, household items and pet supplies for affected federal workers.

Other airports participating include Orlando International, Cleveland Hopkins, Reno-Tahoe and more, with collection drives coordinated through airport management, employee unions and community partners. TSA guidance allows such donations from travelers via airport channels, provided they comply with ethics rules barring direct cash or excessive gifts.

The shutdown has strained TSA staffing. The agency reports about 300 officers have resigned since Feb. 14, with unscheduled absences rising to around 6% in some locations. Union leaders describe workers turning to side jobs like ride-sharing, plasma donation or food pantries to cover bills. Some report sleeping in cars or relying on family support after depleting savings from the previous 43-day shutdown in late 2025.

Travel disruptions have worsened, with reports of hours-long security lines at major hubs during peak spring break travel. Wait times of two to three hours have been documented at some checkpoints, though TSA insists expedited programs like PreCheck remain operational. Passenger security fees collected by airlines continue flowing to the government, creating a stark contrast: travelers pay for screening services while screeners go unpaid.

Senate negotiations remain stalled. A March 12 vote on a stopgap DHS funding bill failed, with Democrats blocking the measure over immigration provisions. Republicans have accused Democrats of obstructing progress, while Democrats point to GOP demands on border policy as the impasse. No breakthrough appeared imminent as of March 14.

The American Federation of Government Employees and travel industry groups, including Airlines for America, have launched campaigns urging on-time pay for TSA and FAA workers during lapses. Private operators highlight reliance on smooth airport operations for economic activity.

TSA officers, deemed essential, must report for duty or face termination. Many express frustration at repeated shutdowns, with some rebuilding finances from the prior fiscal year’s record closure.

As the shutdown nears one month, airports’ grassroots efforts underscore the human toll on frontline workers. Donations provide immediate relief, but union officials and advocates stress the need for permanent funding stability to prevent future crises.

Travelers encountering longer lines are encouraged to arrive early, use mobile apps for wait-time estimates and consider TSA PreCheck enrollment. For donation information, check individual airport websites or TSA union channels.

Taylor Sheridan’s latest neo-Western drama, “The Madison,” premiered Saturday, March 14, 2026, exclusively on Paramount+, launching the first three episodes of its six-episode debut season.

The series, starring Oscar nominee Michelle Pfeiffer and Golden Globe nominee Kurt Russell, marks Sheridan’s return to Montana-set storytelling following the conclusion of “Yellowstone” in late 2024. Unlike direct “Yellowstone” spin-offs such as “1883,” “1923” or the ongoing “Marshals,” “The Madison” stands as an independent series, though it shares the creator’s signature blend of family dynamics, grief and rugged landscapes.

The show follows the Clyburn family, a wealthy New York City clan relocating to the scenic Madison River valley in central Montana after a devastating loss. The move forces them to confront grief, adapt to rural life and navigate human connections in one of America’s most beautiful yet unforgiving regions. Sheridan wrote all six episodes, with Christina Alexandra Voros — who directed episodes of “Yellowstone” Season 5 — helming the series.

Paramount+ adopted an unconventional release strategy for the premiere season: the first three episodes dropped simultaneously on March 14 at 12 a.m. PT (3 a.m. ET), with the remaining three scheduled for Saturday, March 21, also at midnight PT. Episodes include “Pilot,” “Let the Land Hold Me,” “Watch Her Fall” on premiere day, followed by “Tomorrow Is Goodbye,” “No Name and a New Dream” and the finale on the second Saturday.

The staggered rollout differs from Sheridan’s typical weekly drops on Paramount+ for shows like “Landman” or “Lioness.” Paramount executives described it as a way to build immediate buzz while allowing viewers to binge the short season quickly. Season 2, already filmed back-to-back with Season 1 according to Kurt Russell in recent interviews, is expected in 2027, though no exact date has been confirmed.

Pfeiffer leads as the matriarch navigating profound loss, with Russell portraying a key figure in the family’s new Montana life. The ensemble includes Matthew Fox and Patrick J. Adams in supporting roles. First-look images and the official trailer, released in early 2026, highlighted sweeping Montana vistas, emotional family tension and Sheridan’s hallmark dialogue.

The series arrives amid Sheridan’s prolific output for Paramount, which has expanded its “Yellowstone”-verse with multiple shows. “The Madison” was initially developed under the working title “2024” as a potential spin-off but evolved into a standalone project. Kurt Russell noted in an Entertainment Weekly interview that Pfeiffer and Sheridan advocated for filming two seasons consecutively to accommodate schedules and storytelling needs.

Early reactions from critics and viewers have been positive, with Rotten Tomatoes assigning a 67% Tomatometer score based on initial reviews, praising the performances and scenic cinematography while noting the intimate, character-driven pace sets it apart from more action-heavy Sheridan fare. Some called it his “most heartfelt” work yet.

Paramount+ subscribers can stream all available episodes immediately, with no ads on the Premium plan. The service promotes the premiere with trailers, first-look galleries and behind-the-scenes content on its site.

As “The Madison” begins its run, anticipation builds for the March 21 conclusion of Season 1 and the already-completed follow-up season. The series reinforces Sheridan’s dominance in modern Western dramas, drawing fans eager for more Montana-based stories after “Yellowstone’s” long run.

With episodes now live, viewers can dive into the Clyburns’ journey of healing and upheaval in the Madison valley.