The Economic Times

Quote of the day by Charles Dickens: He emphasized that technology cannot replace the soul-stirring encouragement of human presence. His words resonate today, reminding us that true support, comfort, and understanding come from face-to-face interactions. Dickens' own life, marked by hardship and success, informed his deep insights into human nature and societal struggles.

Oil prices are rising fast as global tensions grow, and the US Oil ETF is hitting new highs. But the bigger story is not just oil, it is shipping costs. A small ETF linked to oil transport is growing very fast. This shows investors are now looking at how oil moves, not just how much it costs.

African proverb of the day, The eye never forgets what the heart has seen, meaning explained, highlights deep African wisdom on memory and emotions. This powerful proverb teaches that human memory is strongly shaped by emotional experiences rather than just visual observation. Feelings such as love, pain, happiness, and loss leave lasting impressions that remain long after details fade. The African proverb about emotional memory shows how the heart influences human nature, behavior, and life les

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the CUET-UG 2026 advance exam city intimation slip, allowing students to check their test locations. This preliminary document, released on April 29, helps candidates plan travel for the exam scheduled between May 11 and May 31. The official admit card with full details will be released later.

During the trial, two missiles were launched in quick succession from the same helicopter, making it the first salvo launch of an advanced air-launched anti-ship missile system.

US stock market today: Why Dow Jones Industrial Average falls while S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite hold steady? US stock market today shows a split. The Dow Jones drops nearly 200 points. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite hold steady. This divergence is not random. It reflects real pressure building under the surface. Oil prices surge above $100. Yields climb to 4.39%. Markets brace for the Federal Reserve decision. Investors watch Jerome Powell closely. At the same time, Big Tech earnings from Alp

India faces supply shocks from the West Asia conflict. This impacts inflation and trade. However, strong domestic demand and policy measures provide resilience. The economy is forecast to grow robustly. Government actions aim to manage costs in key sectors. Trade performance is being boosted by new schemes and agreements. India is positioned to leverage global shifts for economic gains.

HOOD stock down today after Robinhood earnings: Robinhood shares tumbled after the company announced its first-quarter results. Earnings and revenue fell short of analyst predictions. Crypto revenue saw a significant decline. Investors are concerned about near-term growth. The company's expansion into new services faces scrutiny.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth was due to testify before Congress later in the day, but US press reports suggested Trump has already decided to reject Iran's latest proposed deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The Reserve Bank of India has rejected several suggestions from Non-Banking Finance Companies. Equity investments in group entities will not be excluded from indirect public funds. Borrowings from promoters and related parties will be treated as public funds. Intra-group loans will be considered customer interface. These decisions are part of final directions for small NBFCs.

Quote of the day: Sylvester Stallones quote of the day offers more than a warning, it presents a choice. In moments of conflict, individuals can choose to escalate or step back. The path they take not only affects others but also defines their own future.

A young worker followed smart money advice but still faced trouble after suddenly losing his job. His savings were strong, but most of it was not easy to use in an emergency. This story shows why having flexible cash savings is important. It explains simple money risks and why balance in saving and investing matters for real life situations.

Quote of the Day by George Takei delivers a powerful message about unity, diversity, and human connection. It highlights how shared laughter can break barriers created by fear, prejudice, and misunderstanding. George Takei, an American actor, author, and LGBTQ+ social justice activist, uses his life experience and advocacy for equality to emphasize acceptance and inclusion. The timeless quote reminds us that when people connect through joy and humor, differences become less important, and humani

Why US oil and gas prices are rising today, April 29: Brent crude has crossed $114 per barrel, while WTI trades above $103. At the center of this rally is the growing disruption near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds most critical oil arteries. The latest trigger comes from stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations and reports of an extended U.S. naval blockade aimed at restricting Iranian oil exports. With US President Donald Trump reportedly preparing for prolonged pressure tactics, traders are pri

An elderly voter died in Howrah district during the second phase of West Bengal assembly elections. Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee alleged central forces assaulted the voter. He accused the forces of acting as the BJP's private army. Banerjee stated the elderly man collapsed after being pushed and assaulted. He warned of consequences for those involved in alleged excesses.

The goods trade gap increased 5.3% to $87.9 billion last month, the Commerce Department's Census Bureau said on Wednesday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the goods trade deficit at $86.95 billion. It totaled $83.5 billion in February.

Central Armed Police Forces will continue their deployment in West Bengal after polling concludes. Approximately 700 companies will remain in the state to ensure peace and prevent untoward incidents. This extended presence aims to maintain normalcy and assist the state administration. Further decisions on deployment duration will be based on ground assessments.

Pakistani forces launched a targeted assault on Afghan Taliban positions in response to unexpected provocations. In addition, they went after local Pakistani Taliban hideouts. This came after a tragic incident where a mortar shell from Afghanistan resulted in the death of a civilian. Despite Afghanistan's claims of cross-border strikes, Pakistan refutes these allegations.

Fed rate decision today: The Federal Reserve is set to announce its interest rate decision today. Economists predict rates will remain unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75%. This pause is driven by rising inflation, fueled by the ongoing Iran war. The labor market shows mixed signals. This is also Jerome Powell's final meeting as Fed Chair.

This Latin proverb by Horace teaches staying calm in hard times. It shows that problems are normal, but losing control makes them worse. The message is to keep your mind steady and think clearly. It also reflects Roman values of discipline, balance, and self-control in daily life and difficult situations.

The Israeli military reported killing three Hezbollah fighters and striking infrastructure north of the Yellow Line in southern Lebanon. Amid broadening operations, one Israeli soldier was lightly wounded and evacuated. The military remains active in the region, targeting threats to dismantle the group's operational sites.

West Bengal Exit Poll 2026 latest updates: Exit polls in West Bengal offer conflicting predictions for the upcoming election results. Some surveys suggest a significant win for the Bharatiya Janata Party, potentially unseating the Trinamool Congress. Other polls indicate the Trinamool Congress will retain power with a comfortable majority. The final results will reveal the state's political direction.

Ukraine has stepped up its attacks inside Russia in recent weeks, aiming to knock out oil refineries, depots and ports and cripple Moscow's biggest source of funding for its war in Ukraine as global prices rose due to the Iran war.

The May 9 parade on Moscow's Red Square is a highlight of the Russian calendar, commemorating victory over Nazi Germany in a conflict in which the Soviet Union - of which both Russia and Ukraine were part - lost 27 million people.

Kyiv has stepped up its attacks inside Russia in recent weeks, aiming to knock out oil refineries, depots and ports and cripple Moscow's biggest source of funding for its war in Ukraine, as global prices have risen due to the Iran war.

The first full moon of May is traditionally called the Flower Moon, a name that originates from Native American and early colonial traditions. It was later popularized by publications such as The Old Farmers Almanac.

Italian proverb of the day: Italian proverb Those who sleep do not catch fish highlights the importance of action, awareness, and timely effort in achieving success. It suggests that opportunities rarely wait and are often missed by those who remain passive or unprepared. Beyond its literal meaning, the proverb reflects human behavior, emphasizing how hesitation, procrastination, and comfort zones can limit personal growth. The timeless wisdom serves as a reminder that success is closely tied to

Why did SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ:SOFI) stock crash 9%? The sharp fall in SoFi Technologies stock shocked investors. SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ:SOFI) stock crashed 9% even after posting a strong $1.1 billion revenue beat in Q1 2026. Growth looked powerful on the surface. Revenue jumped 43%. Net income surged 134%. Members reached 14.7 million. Yet markets focused elsewhere. The real trigger was weak forward guidance. Full-year revenue outlook missed expectations. Q2 growth hinted at slowdown near

Exit polls suggest a clear direction for Kerala's assembly elections. Voter turnout remained strong, with women participating in large numbers. Campaign narratives highlighted women-centric promises. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. This follows the 2021 elections where the LDF secured a significant victory, retaining power.

Puducherry exit polls 2026: Exit polls for the 2026 Puducherry Assembly elections will be released at 6:30 PM. These polls will provide early insights into the election results. The contest is high-stakes and multi-cornered. Key factors include alliance arithmetic, minority sentiment, and the entry of actor Vijay. Voters will get a first glimpse of the potential outcome.

Tamil Nadu exit polls 2026: Exit poll projections for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are expected by 6:30 PM. Polling for all 234 constituencies concluded on April 23 with a high voter turnout of 84.29%. A majority requires 118 seats. Exit polls survey voters immediately after they cast ballots to predict election outcomes based on responses and trends.

Exit polls for the 2026 Assam Assembly elections indicate the ruling BJP may retain power. Projections show the BJP+ alliance winning a majority of seats. The Congress is expected to secure fewer seats in this closely watched contest. Voter turnout was high, signaling significant public engagement. The final results will be declared on May 4.

SpaceX IPO Valuation 2026: The biggest IPO in stock market history is coming. Fast. SpaceX filed confidentially with the SEC on April 1, 2026. The company targets a valuation of $1.75 trillion to $2 trillion. It wants to raise $75 billion in fresh capital. The roadshow begins June 8. Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Citigroup lead the offering with 16 additional banks handling distribution.

Indeed has launched its job search app within ChatGPT in India and more than 50 countries. Users can now find jobs through simple conversations. The platform uses AI to offer personalised recommendations based on user profiles. This integration aims to help job seekers turn career inspiration into action by simplifying the job search process.

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Central security forces allegedly baton-charged civilians, including women and a child, in South 24 Parganas during West Bengal elections. TMC leaders condemned the violence, calling for accountability. An Election Commission official stated action will be taken if any security personnel are found involved in injuring the child. The incident occurred amid heightened political activity and deployment of a special observer.

The 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal are set to be a thrilling showdown, positioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Each leader is harnessing the power of personal narratives and community engagement in their strategies. Emotional appeal and voter interaction are at the forefront, with welfare initiatives becoming pivotal in their campaigns.

A remarkable ichthyosaur fossil found in Germany is revealing secrets about ancient marine reptiles. This well-preserved specimen, belonging to the Temnodontosaurus genus, lived around 180 million years ago. It shows evidence of injuries and adaptations, suggesting survival despite physical challenges. Researchers are studying its anatomy and diet to understand Jurassic sea life better.

The White House state dinner hosted by Donald Trump for King Charles III became a viral global moment after the monarch presented a historic bell from HMS Trump, a World War II submarine. The symbolic gift highlighted the deep-rooted alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States. The elegant white-tie evening, attended by top dignitaries, reflected diplomatic warmth, shared heritage, and the enduring special relationship between both nations in a modern context.

BJP Kerala Elections Strategies: Bharatiya Janata Party is intensifying its electoral push in Kerala. The party is focusing on select constituencies and prominent local faces. A development-oriented pitch is central to its strategy. The BJP aims to break into a state long dominated by a bipolar contest. Exit polls later today will indicate the outcome of this closely watched election.

China will offer zero-tariff benefits to all African nations with diplomatic ties starting May 1. This initiative expands previous measures for least developed countries. The move aims to boost trade and economic partnership between China and Africa. This policy will be implemented in phases, with further agreements planned to enhance trade facilitation and agricultural exports from Africa.

Students in Maharashtra will soon receive their degree certificates digitally. The state government has directed universities to upload these certificates on DigiLocker right after results are announced. This move aims to prevent delays and ensure students do not miss academic or career opportunities. DigiLocker will provide a secure and easily accessible digital document for all their future needs.

A Ghaziabad couple's wedding at a riverside cremation site in Almora, Uttarakhand, has ignited public fury. Decorated for ceremonies with music and guests, the sacred ghat's use for celebration has been widely condemned as disrespectful. This incident underscores the urgent need for tourism guidelines to protect local traditions amidst Uttarakhand's growing destination wedding appeal.

FOMC meeting today: Jerome Powell speech, Fed interest rate decision, and US Fed policy outlook. The FOMC meeting today comes with a clear signal. Markets price a 100% rate hold. The Fed interest rate decision lands at 2 PM ET. The Jerome Powell speech follows at 2:30 PM ET. Inflation still sits near 3.3%. Oil prices remain elevated. Job data looks uneven. This keeps the US Fed policy today cautious. No rate cut is expected now. But forward guidance matters more. Powells tone may shift expectati

India and Kenya are exploring trade settlements in their own currencies. Discussions also covered digital payment systems like UPI. A joint trade committee meeting in Nairobi focused on boosting bilateral commerce. An agreement was signed to exchange customs information. Bilateral trade saw a significant increase in the last fiscal year.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced AstraZeneca will invest 300 million pounds in UK life sciences. This significant investment secures 1,000 jobs in Macclesfield and Cambridge. The deal follows a pharmaceutical arrangement with the United States. This move signals renewed confidence in the UK's life sciences sector.

Argentina and India are forging stronger economic bonds, with India becoming Argentina's sixth-largest trade partner. Their collaboration is focused on ensuring food security and accessing essential minerals. Notably, Argentina is a major exporter of edible oils to India, enhancing the strategic partnership that was amplified in 2019. Additionally, Argentina plays a pivotal role in supporting India's energy security requirements.