Shares of Bajaj Finance extended their decline for the second consecutive session on Friday and have declined nearly 18% in March so far as the war between Iran and Israel-US spooked investors. This comes as experts highlight the prolonged geopolitical conflict’s possible macroeconomic impact on India.The war between Iran and Israel-US is about to enter its fourth week, which has rattled markets, with Dalal Street being no exception. A significant portion of investors’ wealth has been wiped off since the beginning of the war, as rallying oil prices and the gas crisis weighed.

If the Middle East conflict continues to push up energy prices and disrupt supplies, India could face pressure on the rupee, higher inflation and a widening current account deficit, Moody’s Ratings had said. “Costly energy imports would weaken the rupee, raise inflation, worsen the current account balance and complicate monetary policy as well as fiscal management if they lead to expanded subsidies to help offset the economic shock,” it added.

“But a prolonged disruption in navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, beyond our baseline of a few weeks, would likely trigger sustained supply shortages; prices averaging higher than USD 100 per barrel for Brent, the main international benchmark crude; higher inflation; tighter financial conditions; and slower global growth,” it further said. Rising inflation expectations will lead to concerns over the RBI having lower margin to ease monetary policy.

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“India is a resilient country with strong fundamentals. While we have war raging on, Indians understand the challenges and are willing to work with the government. There will be a shortfall in economic activity in the short run, but we will make up for it in the coming months,” said Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during a fireside chat with CNBC-TV18 earlier this month.

Notably, some ships have been able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, easing oil prices slightly today. Yet, worries over the continuing war are keeping investors on edge.
The recent decline in Bajaj Finance’s share price comes amid an overall drop in financial services and banking stocks. Bajaj Finance shares have declined more than 20% in the past one month, wiping off more than Rs 1 lakh crore from its market capitalisation since the beginning of the war in early March to fall to nearly Rs 5 lakh crore.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Oscar-winning actress is set to star as the female lead in the upcoming “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” marking her entry into one of cinema’s most iconic fantasy franchises after previously turning down a role in Peter Jackson’s original trilogy.

The announcement, reported March 11 by industry outlets including Deadline and Variety, comes as Winslet continues a prolific phase in her career. Directed by Andy Serkis, who reprises his motion-capture role as Gollum, the film is scheduled to begin principal photography in New Zealand from May through October 2026, with a planned release date of Dec. 17, 2027.

Sources close to the production described Winslet’s role as the female lead, though specific character details remain under wraps. Jackson, who helmed the groundbreaking 2001-2003 trilogy, has been involved in development alongside Serkis, and reports indicate efforts to secure Winslet spanned much of 2025.

Winslet’s casting follows her recent work in James Cameron’s “Avatar” sequel “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” which wrapped prior to this announcement. Her addition to the Middle-earth saga has generated significant excitement among fans, given her history of powerful, transformative performances in period dramas, biopics and intense character studies.

The news caps a year of bold career moves for the 50-year-old British actress. In late 2025, Winslet made her feature directorial debut with the intimate family drama “Goodbye June,” which she also produced and starred in. Written by her son Joe Anders when he was 19, the film explores themes of loss, grief and family bonds, drawing from personal experiences including the death of Anders’ grandmother.

Released in select theaters in December 2025 and streaming on Netflix shortly after, “Goodbye June” features a stellar ensemble including Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, Amy Adams, Andrea Riseborough and Timothy Spall. Winslet has described the project as a deeply personal milestone, undertaken in her 50th year as a deliberate step toward creative control.

In interviews promoting the film, Winslet spoke candidly about the challenges and rewards of directing. She emphasized creating a set environment rooted in “integrity, grace and kindness,” drawing on lessons from her decades as an actor. She convinced Mirren to join by persuading her to break one of her personal rules, though details of that conversation remain private.

Winslet also reflected on the emotional toll of past roles. In a January 2026 appearance on the “Lessons from Our Mothers” podcast and other outlets, she revealed needing “proper help” after portraying detective Mare Sheehan in the 2021 HBO limited series “Mare of Easttown.” The critically acclaimed performance earned her widespread praise, but Winslet admitted the role left her “a bit mad,” prompting her to seek support to process the intensity.

The actress has been vocal about broader industry issues. In recent interviews, she criticized the “terrifying and devastating” prevalence of plastic surgery and the pressure on women in Hollywood, including the rise of weight-loss drugs. She has long advocated for body positivity, drawing from early career experiences where she faced harsh commentary about her appearance.

Winslet’s journey in the spotlight began with her breakout in 1994’s “Heavenly Creatures,” followed by global fame as Rose DeWitt Bukater in 1997’s “Titanic.” Despite the film’s massive success, she has spoken about the invasive media scrutiny that followed, describing it as “appalling” in a December 2025 BBC interview. She coped by focusing on personal grounding — “a good meal and a good poo,” as she quipped — and prioritizing family.

Beyond acting and directing, Winslet has ventured into producing and narration. She narrated the Prime Video documentary “Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision,” premiering in February 2026, praising King Charles III for uniting diverse communities. She also appeared in promotional discussions for festive projects, nodding to her enduring association with “The Holiday” (2006), whose iconic cottage continues to captivate fans.

As Winslet prepares to head to New Zealand for “The Hunt for Gollum,” the project represents a full-circle moment. Having declined involvement in the original “Lord of the Rings” films, her decision to join now underscores her ongoing evolution as an artist unafraid of epic-scale storytelling.

Industry observers anticipate the film will draw on the visual and narrative legacy of Jackson’s trilogy while introducing new elements centered on Gollum’s pursuit. Serkis, known for his groundbreaking performance work, brings a unique perspective as director.

For Winslet, the role adds another layer to a career defined by versatility — from the emotional depths of “The Reader” (for which she won the 2008 best actress Oscar) to the quiet strength of “Lee” (2023), where she portrayed war photographer Lee Miller and took on producing duties.

As production looms, Winslet’s fans and the fantasy community await further details on her character and how she will inhabit the world of Middle-earth. With her recent directorial success and outspoken advocacy, the actress continues to redefine what it means to thrive in Hollywood on her own terms.

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BRISBANE, Australia — Former Brisbane Lions captain and three-time premiership hero Jonathan Brown is recovering from surgery to remove a low-grade brain tumour, the AFL great announced Friday in a heartfelt social media post that has drawn an outpouring of support from the football community.

The 44-year-old Brown, widely regarded as one of the Brisbane Lions’ all-time greats, underwent the procedure on Wednesday after a routine scan revealed a shadow on his brain that turned out to be the tumour. He described the outcome as positive and said he plans to share more details once he has recuperated, but for now is focusing on rest and recovery.

“After undergoing a routine scan, I was recently made aware of a shadow on my brain that turned out to be a low-grade brain tumour,” Brown wrote on Instagram alongside a photo from his hospital bed, showing him embracing his wife Kylie with a bandage visible on his head. “I underwent surgery Wednesday with a positive outcome.

“I understand a surgery of this nature creates interest and once I have recuperated, I will share my experience but for now I need to take some time to rest and recover.”

The news sent shockwaves through the AFL world, where Brown remains a beloved figure both for his on-field dominance and his post-retirement work as a respected television commentator on Fox Footy. Colleagues and former teammates quickly rallied with messages of support.

During Friday night’s Fox Footy broadcast, co-host Garry Lyon delivered a touching tribute, saying, “We send you our love, big fella. Take it easy, rest up, recuperate and we look forward to seeing your ugly mug back on here in the not too distant future.” Lyon described Brown as “one of the genuine good blokes of footy,” echoing the sentiment shared across social media and fan forums.

Brown’s career with the Brisbane Lions spanned from 2000 to 2014, during which he played 246 games, kicked 594 goals and captained the club. He was a key member of the Lions’ historic three-peat premiership sides in 2001, 2002 and 2003 under coach Leigh Matthews. Known for his powerful marking, accurate goal-kicking and leadership, Brown earned All-Australian honours four times and finished second in the Brownlow Medal in 2007.

His retirement in 2014 came after a series of concussions, a reminder of the physical toll the game can take. Brown has since become a prominent voice in media, offering insightful analysis while maintaining close ties to the Lions and the broader AFL community.

The discovery of the tumour during a routine medical check-up highlights the unpredictable nature of health issues that can affect even the fittest former athletes. Low-grade brain tumours, while serious, are often slower-growing and more treatable than higher-grade varieties, with surgery frequently offering a strong prognosis when caught early.

Brown’s announcement comes at a time when the AFL continues to grapple with player welfare concerns, including concussion management and long-term health impacts. His experience may prompt further discussion about regular health screenings for retired players.

The Brisbane Lions issued a statement expressing their support. “The entire Lions family is behind Browny during this time,” the club said. “He’s been an inspiration on and off the field, and we’re confident he’ll approach his recovery with the same determination that made him a champion.”

Tributes poured in from across the league. Former teammates, rival players and fans flooded social media with messages wishing him a speedy recovery. Many highlighted Brown’s humility and warmth, qualities that have endeared him to generations of supporters.

James Brayshaw, another Fox Footy personality, added his voice to the chorus of well-wishes, calling Brown a “true legend” whose resilience would carry him through this challenge.

Brown’s family has remained by his side throughout the process. Kylie Brown, his wife of many years, appeared in the hospital photo, underscoring the personal support network bolstering his recovery.

As Brown begins the rehabilitation phase, medical experts note that recovery from brain tumour surgery can vary depending on factors such as the tumour’s location, the extent of the procedure and individual health. Patients often require time to regain strength, manage potential side effects and resume normal activities.

The former forward’s decision to go public reflects his straightforward approach, a trait that defined his playing days. By sharing the news, he aims to reduce speculation while emphasizing privacy during his initial healing period.

The AFL community has a long history of rallying around its own in times of adversity. From past instances of players facing serious illnesses to recent welfare initiatives, the sport prides itself on solidarity.

Brown’s case serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility, even for those who once seemed invincible on the field. His positive outlook and the early success of the surgery offer hope to others facing similar battles.

As he rests and recuperates, the football world waits patiently for his return to commentary or whatever path he chooses next. For now, the focus remains on his health and the love pouring in from every corner of the game.

Jonathan “Browny” Brown, the big-hearted Lion who delivered so much joy to fans, now asks only for time and space — a request the entire code is happy to honour.

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