India's Supreme Court has surprisingly cautioned against a mandatory menstrual leave law, fearing it could actually harm young women's career opportunities by making employers hesitant to hire or promote them. Rejecting a nationwide mandate, the court suggested voluntary policies are preferable, warning that a legal requirement might unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes and limit professional advancement.
Global stock markets, including India's Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, plunged on March 13, 2026, with the Sensex dropping over 1,200 points and Nifty50 falling below 23,250. This sharp downturn, marking the steepest weekly fall in over a year, was primarily driven by escalating Middle East tensions, rising oil prices, and fears surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Sony Honda Mobility has partnered with acclaimed artist Hajime Sorayama to unveil a unique "AFEELA Prototype Tuned Up by Hajime Sorayama," merging advanced technology with artistic expression. This groundbreaking vehicle, designed to transcend traditional functionality, will be a highlight at Sorayama's major retrospective exhibition in Tokyo, opening on March 14, 2026.
Washington State lawmakers have approved a "millionaires' tax" on high earners, a new income tax policy projected to generate nearly $4 billion annually to boost state revenue. This significant measure now awaits Governor Bob Ferguson's signature, though critics warn it could prompt a substantial exodus of wealthy residents from the state.
Scientists have uncovered a puzzling cellular energy imbalance in young adults with major depressive disorder, where their cells produce excess energy at rest but fail to ramp up production when needed. This groundbreaking finding suggests that depression's symptoms may stem from fundamental cellular energy utilization issues, potentially paving the way for earlier diagnosis and more targeted treatments.
Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has dramatically escalated regional tensions by advocating for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and vowing continued attacks on Gulf Arab neighbors. This aggressive declaration, following existing Iranian strikes on commercial ships and oil infrastructure, intensifies confrontation with the U.S. and Israel, leading to billions in U.S. costs and the displacement of millions in Iran and Lebanon.
