The Economic Times

The Trump administration is set to issue its first tariff refunds around May 11, following the Supreme Court's ruling that the sweeping duties were illegal. A new process, CAPE, is handling the refunds, with approximately 3% of affected entries already in the payment stage. This process could cover billions in duties paid by hundreds of thousands of importers.

The Supreme Court significantly weakened a key Civil Rights-era law by striking down a majority Black congressional district in Louisiana. This 6-3 ruling, authored by Justice Alito, found the district an unconstitutional gerrymander, potentially enabling more Republican-friendly redistricting. The decision's full impact may be felt in 2028, as most filing deadlines for this year have passed.

India's economy faces significant challenges from the West Asia war and a predicted weak monsoon. These factors threaten to increase inflation and deficits while slowing growth. However, strong domestic demand, policy reserves, and public investment are expected to provide stability.

Microsoft stock price, earnings, investor relations and quarterly cloud revenue growth remained in focus after the company reported Azure growth, AI spending, and Copilot adoption updates. The market reacted after cloud growth matched estimates while rivals reported higher growth. Shares fell more than 2% in extended trading. Investors tracked Msft stock, Microsoft earnings, Microsoft investor relations updates, and Microsoft quarterly cloud revenue growth outlook.

Amazon stock price, earnings, profits and net sales increased after the company reported higher first-quarter profit and revenue driven by cloud growth, AI investment, partnerships, and delivery expansion. The company gave a strong sales outlook but shares slipped after hours as investors reviewed spending plans and rising tariff and shipping costs across global operations.

Sigmund Freuds quote suggests that being misunderstood by others is not necessarily a weakness, but can sometimes lead to a deeper awareness of human behavior and the world. It reflects his broader belief that people often hide their true thoughts, even from themselves, due to social pressure and unconscious influences. As a result, those who feel disconnected or misunderstood may observe life more closely rather than simply seeking approval, allowing them to notice patterns and motives that oth

Meta stock price, earnings and capital spending forecast stayed in focus after Meta raised its capital spending outlook and reported strong revenue. Shares fell in extended trading. The company expects higher AI infrastructure spending, steady ad growth, and continued regulatory risk in the US and EU. Meta also plans layoffs and more AI integration across products and workforce operations.

Google stock price, Alphabet earnings, revenue and profit moved higher after the company reported strong quarterly results. The company posted $62.6 billion profit and nearly $110 billion revenue. Growth came from AI investments, cloud demand, and partnerships. Shares rose in extended trading. Investors are watching spending, capacity limits, and competition across the cloud and AI market.

Quote of the Day: Fred Korematsu, a Japanese American, defied Executive Order 9066, leading to his arrest and a Supreme Court case that upheld his internment as a military necessity. Decades later, new evidence overturned his conviction, highlighting his courage and the importance of speaking up against injustice.

Why are gold and silver prices down now, and will precious metals continue to drop or rise again? Gold and silver prices dropped after the US central bank kept interest rates unchanged and signaled concern about inflation. Traders now expect no rate cuts soon. Oil prices and Middle East tensions also influenced markets. Analysts shared mixed views about the future path of precious metals.

Bitcoin BTC USD price surge analysis: Bitcoin hovers near recent highs, with billionaire Michael Saylor's firm Strategy a key player in its accumulation. Strategy's Bitcoin purchases have slowed due to funding pressures from its STRC shares, while broader market gains and macro concerns add to Bitcoin's uncertain trend.

Chien-Shiung Wus quote explains that blindly following old traditions can stop progress. She believed new ideas grow when people question accepted beliefs. As a famous physicist, her work proved old scientific rules wrong. Her message teaches critical thinking, innovation, and courage to challenge tradition for better learning, discovery, and growth in life and science.

Why are oil prices up today while natural gas futures continue to drop now? Oil prices moved near levels last seen in 2022 as geopolitical tensions and supply risks lifted Brent crude. At the same time, natural gas futures fell due to high storage and weaker demand forecasts. Stock markets dipped while bond yields rose. This report explains market moves, Federal Reserve signals, energy supply data, and what investors may consider next.

The SWAMIH Investment Fund is set to inject up to 600 crore into Ramky Estates, breathing new life into stalled residential projects across Bengaluru. This crucial funding will provide much-needed relief to over 1,800 homebuyers awaiting their dream homes.

A new study shows GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide may help reduce heavy drinking. A trial found weekly injections cut heavy drinking days by half. This drug, also used for obesity, showed significant results in adults with alcohol use disorder. The findings could impact millions globally. Further research is ongoing.

The Delhi High Court ruled shareholders do not own company assets. They only own shares. Therefore, they cannot be taxed on a company's income. Dividend income may be taxed. The court dismissed appeals by the Income Tax Department. It upheld a tribunal's order. Shareholders were not beneficial owners of company assets.

A solar wind from the Sun may bring a chance to see northern lights in late April. Scientists say space weather is becoming more active, which can create glowing skies in some regions. The best chance is at night in dark places away from city lights, especially in northern areas of North America if conditions improve.

India's credit card market has surpassed 119 million cards. HDFC Bank, SBI Cards, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank dominate this sector. HDFC Bank is expanding its lead in both card numbers and spending value. Public sector banks are showing strong growth, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 markets. This expansion is driven by wider networks and partnerships.

The Reserve Bank of India is enabling banks to provide immediate relief to borrowers impacted by natural disasters. Banks can now offer rescheduling, moratoriums, and additional finance without waiting for borrower requests. The implementation of a new resolution framework has been postponed to July 1. This move aims to support those facing financial stress due to weather-related disruptions.

Women continue to break barriers in the corporate world, with a notable increase in their presence in senior roles. The statistics regarding female representation on boards and in leadership positions reveal a remarkable upward trajectory. Entrepreneurship, too, is witnessing an exciting surge with more women at the helm.

Factory workers' protests in Noida have reignited India's minimum wage debate. Rising inflation erodes real wages, impacting workers' purchasing power. States show varied wage growth, with some narrowing gaps but disparities persist. Households increasingly rely on borrowing. A granular approach to minimum wages and support for migrant workers are crucial. Targeted support can help MSMEs manage wage hikes.

Accenture has secured a significant office space of over 600,000 sq ft in Pune. This new facility will house a global capability centre. The occupation will occur in two phases, concluding by June. This expansion is part of a larger strategy to enhance operational efficiency and consolidate teams.

Financial services secretary M Nagaraju on Wednesday reviewed the progress of financial inclusion schemes with public sector banks (PSBs) and major private banks.

Quote of the day by Bruce Lee: His messgae on overthinking warns against getting stuck in endless analysis, which paralyzes action and breeds doubt. He emphasizes that while planning is crucial, excessive thought prevents progress. Lee advocates for action, stating that doing leads to clarity and learning, urging readers to move beyond mental loops.

Cyberattacks are surging across the UAE and Gulf. Financial services, government platforms, and utilities face a sustained wave of breaches. Cyberattack attempts have tripled, disrupting business activity and causing delays. Experts warn of growing vulnerabilities and erosion of confidence in digital infrastructure. Demand for cybersecurity professionals is rising sharply in the region.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the grim situation at NCLT benches. Delays in approving resolution plans are causing significant problems. The court noted hundreds of pending applications with delays extending up to four years. Inadequate infrastructure and member shortages are key reasons.

India's road transport ministry is set to update vehicle emission rules. Higher ethanol fuels like E85 and E100, along with B100 biodiesel, will now be part of the country's emission testing and certification. This move aims to formalize the inclusion of these advanced fuels. The proposed changes are under Rule 115 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

Carrier Global will invest 863 crore to build a state-of-the-art chiller and cooling systems manufacturing facility at Sri City near Tirupati. This project aims to boost Andhra Pradesh's data centre ecosystem by localizing critical infrastructure. The facility is expected to create 721 jobs and supports the state's goal of 6 GW hosting capacity.

The move was initiated after many ministries were not able to complete the mandatory appraisal of schemes by the March 31 deadline. The Centre has allowed such schemes to continue on an interim basis till September 30, or until fresh approval is obtained as part of an interim funding arrangement.

Mitsubishi, the Japanese conglomerate, is poised to exit a power project located in West Bengal, prompting discussions with NTPC regarding the financial implications. The company has tabled an offer for penalties associated with their withdrawal from the incomplete project, while NTPC is advocating for a more substantial settlement. As dialogues continue, both parties are working towards an agreeable resolution.

Non-defense capital goods orders excluding aircraft, a closely watched proxy for business spending, jumped 3.3% last month after an upwardly revised 1.6% increase in February, the Commerce Department's Census Bureau said on Wednesday.

Sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Leh for a historic public exposition, commencing a major spiritual celebration. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena received the relics, which will be open for public viewing from May 1st, Buddha Purnima, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in attendance.

Financial services secretary M Nagaraju reviewed strategy documents for four public sector insurance companies. He directed them to boost investment opportunities and cut loss ratios. The companies must also maintain market share. Strengthening retail portfolios and expanding presence in rural and semi-urban areas are key priorities. These steps aim to enhance their overall performance and reach.

The public sector bank's chief executive, Ashwani Kumar, told ET that its loan portfolio performance behaviour is healthy on a year-on-year basis. The bank's special mention accounts in the MSME portfolio having exposure of 1 crore and above reduced to 1.05% of the MSME loan book in March, at 487 crore, as against 582 crore in December 2025, he said.

Confucius, a renowned Chinese philosopher, advocated for kindness and personal responsibility to achieve social harmony. His famous quote highlights the importance of doing to understand. He believed practical experience was the true teacher, shaping individuals beyond mere observation. Born in 551 BCE, his enduring philosophy continues to influence global thought.

Global consumer firms are seeing strong demand in India. Companies like Mondelez, Coca-Cola, Pernod Ricard, Reckitt Benckiser, and Carlsberg reported double-digit growth in the March quarter. This follows a period of volatility. Recent GST changes are now helping consumption. India remains a key growth market for these international brands.

A new study says the universe may not expand forever and could shrink one day. Scientists found that dark energy may change over time, which could reverse space growth. This idea is called the Big Crunch. If it happens, everything may move closer together. Experts say this is only a theory and more research is still needed to confirm it.

LinkedIn Top Companies 2026 reveals a sharp reality. Over 100,000 open jobs exist across top employers right now. Hiring continues despite layoffs. Growth is shifting inside companies, not outside. Firms like JPMorgan Chase and Microsoft are pushing AI into daily work. Skills now matter more than degrees. Internal mobility is rising fast. Employees switch roles and grow faster. Entry-level hiring is evolving, not disappearing. Companies invest billions in upskilling. AI fluency is becoming essen

Chinese proverb of the day: A traditional Chinese proverb uses a kite to explain patience and growth. It suggests that longer strings allow kites to fly higher, symbolizing how patience and time lead to greater success. This ancient wisdom offers a valuable perspective in today's fast-paced world. It encourages long-term thinking and trust in the gradual process of development.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth strongly defended the ongoing war with Iran before Congress. He criticized Democratic lawmakers for calling the conflict a quagmire and labeled them feckless. The war, which began in February, has seen a drop in public approval and a rise in gasoline prices. Hegseth urged lawmakers to support the troops and not undermine the mission.

A neurologist from Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad explains that the ideal sleep range is around 78 hours, but the way sleep is distributed across the week also matters. According to him, people who sleep very little during weekdays but catch up on sleep over the weekend may not face higher mortality risk compared to those with consistent 7-hour sleep. However, consistently sleeping 5 hours or less without recovery is linked to significantly higher health risks.