The Economic Times

Dow Jones, S&P 500, Nasdaq today April 1: Stocks surged on Wednesday, led by major tech companies, as optimism grew regarding a potential end to the US conflict with Iran. Major indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed higher, influenced by President Trump's comments on de-escalation and a potential US military withdrawal. Oil prices fell as tensions eased, while airline stocks gained.

Gen X retirement savings are under pressure as many near retirement with less money than needed. Rising inflation, late saving, and economic shocks made it harder to build large 401(k) balances. Experts say boosting contributions, investing for growth, and delaying retirement can help. Many Gen X workers are now trying to catch up before retirement.

Advances in DNA technology have officially linked Ted Bundy to the 1974 murder of Utah teen Laura Ann Aime. While Bundy had confessed to her killing, authorities lacked sufficient evidence for independent confirmation until now. Aime disappeared after a Halloween party and her body was found weeks later, with recent forensic analysis solidifying the connection to the notorious serial killer.

Who is Lindsey Buckingham, and what is his net worth, wife and children details? The former Fleetwood Mac guitarist was targeted in a stalking incident in Santa Monica where a suspect threw an unknown substance before fleeing. This explainer details the police investigation, his $150 million net worth, career milestones, catalog sale, lawsuit with Fleetwood Mac, real estate deals, marriage to Kristen Messner, and information about his three children and family life.

Trump announcement today: President Trump is set to address the nation amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict, now in its second month. Shifting signals from the administration have left the war's direction uncertain, with Trump suggesting both escalation and a potential end. Rising gas prices and economic impacts are being felt domestically due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Indian businesses and banks are navigating the West Asia conflict with resilience. Deal pipelines remain largely unaffected, with only war-linked transactions paused. While supply chain disruptions pose a risk, India's economic buffers are strong. Business activity in Gujarat's GIFT City is growing, and deposit mobilization is a key challenge for banks. The regulatory focus is on curbing mis-selling.

Artemis II crew: Artemis II will mark a major step in space exploration, sending four astronauts around the Moon on a 10-day mission. Led by Reid Wiseman, the crew includes Victor J. Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. The mission will test deep-space systems and pave the way for future lunar landings and Mars exploration.

Actor and TVK chief Vijay will file his nomination papers for the Tiruchirappalli (East) assembly constituency on April 2. This marks a significant electoral contest in central Tamil Nadu. Vijay is also contesting from Perambur in Chennai. His campaign plans include public addresses at key city locations. Concerns have been raised regarding police restrictions on campaign activities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a crucial meeting to tackle challenges in key sectors like agriculture and logistics. The government is boosting coordination with states to ensure essential supplies and combat misinformation. Efforts are underway to diversify energy sources and secure supply chains. Measures are in place to maintain stable prices and availability of commodities for citizens.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused the ruling TMC and other parties of exploiting West Bengal's Muslims for votes without ensuring their development. Addressing a rally, Owaisi urged the community to elect leaders from within to secure economic progress and political representation.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are seeking US waivers to import fuel from Russia. This move follows India's similar request. The Iran war has disrupted global energy markets, impacting developing nations. Bangladesh plans to import diesel. Sri Lanka also approached Russia for energy sourcing. Discussions are underway for bilateral energy cooperation.

Icra projected GDP growth at 6.5% in FY27, assuming average crude price remains in excess of $85 a barrel this year, while Care Ratings projected a similar growth on higher average fuel-price assumptions-at $100 per barrel. However, Crisil expects robust balance sheet structures to provide sufficient undergirding against credit risks for an overwhelming percentage of industries it covers.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of plotting to incite violence in the state. He stated that the DMK government has successfully thwarted these alleged conspiracies. Stalin highlighted the peaceful environment and effective governance under the DMK's rule, which he claims is attracting investments.

The IRS Fresh Start program helps taxpayers manage tax debt but does not erase everything. It makes it easier to apply for payment plans, settlements and lien relief. Eligibility depends on income, assets and tax compliance. Not everyone qualifies and approval is not automatic. Taxpayers must apply with documents, and the IRS decides based on ability to pay and financial situation.

The BJP's outreach to Kerala's Christian community faces a hurdle. A proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act has sparked concerns. Church leaders and opposition parties allege the bill targets charitable work. BJP leaders deny this, stating the law ensures transparency. The controversy arises as the BJP fields Christian candidates in the region.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has accused the BJP government in Assam of exploiting women-focused schemes. She claims women are compelled to attend party rallies, facing threats of removal from beneficiary lists. Gandhi Vadra also highlighted stagnant wages for tea garden workers and unfulfilled promises of Scheduled Tribe status for tribal communities.

The Rajya Sabha approved the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026. This legislation allows Indian Police Service officers to occupy a significant percentage of senior positions within the Central Armed Police Forces. Opposition members walked out, citing concerns about fairness and promotion opportunities for CAPF officers.

America has identified several trade barriers in India. These include India's preference for local satellites for DTH services and the exclusion of US payment firms from UPI. Data localization rules and high tariffs on agriculture products are also cited. The US is pushing for more access to India's dairy market. Discussions for an interim trade agreement are ongoing.

US recession fears 2026: Soaring gas prices are fueling worries of a US recession, with economists citing a nearly 50% chance within a year. Elevated oil costs, exacerbated by the Iran conflict, are squeezing consumer budgets, potentially leading to reduced spending, job cuts, and further economic pressure. Experts advise building emergency funds and managing finances proactively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed rallies in Assam, criticizing Congress for a divisive law and promising development. He emphasized the BJP's commitment to protecting tribal traditions and implementing the Uniform Civil Code. Modi highlighted Assam's progress in the hydrocarbon sector and plans for job creation and infrastructure investment.

India has announced a one-time relief for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, allowing them to sell goods in the domestic market at a lower customs duty for one year. This measure, along with a six-month extension of fiscal benefits under RoDTEP, aims to support exporters amid global crises and enhance export competitiveness by enabling better capacity utilization and liquidity.

The government has postponed the Foreign Contribution (Amendment) Regulation Bill in the Lok Sabha. Opposition MPs protested the bill, demanding its withdrawal. The bill's provisions could impact charitable work. This move comes ahead of the Kerala assembly elections. The BJP is trying to appeal to the Christian community in Kerala.

India's Census 2027 has commenced with Phase I, the Houselisting and Housing Census. This significant undertaking introduces digital data capture and a self-enumeration option for citizens. President Murmu, Vice-President Radhakrishnan, and Prime Minister Modi have initiated the process. The self-enumeration facility is now active in eight States and Union Territories, with many households already participating.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has released the Deportation Manual 2026. This manual provides guidelines to states and Union Territories for managing illegal migrants. It covers prevention, detection, movement restrictions, and deportation. The procedures are also shared with border forces and immigration bureaus.

The Trinamool Congress has written to Chief Justice Sujay Paul. They want judicial officers to record rejection reasons in supplementary lists. This will help appellants address issues. The party also seeks a decentralised system for filing appeals. This aims to make the process easier for many voters. Trinamool also requested the Chief Justice to publish notification for offline appeals soon.

Chime down and when will popular mobile banking app be back up? Thousands of users report a Chime outage today with login failures, frozen screens, and Chime server error messages. Many are asking is Chime down right now, is the Chime app down, and how to fix Chime not working issues. This report tracks Chime outage updates, explains Chime outage users issues, and shares what to expect as Chime works to

Biju Patnaik's strategic vision challenged India's non-alignment policy during critical national security moments. His approach involved seeking US collaboration for defense, a move that proved crucial after the 1962 China war. Patnaik's legacy includes the formation of the Special Frontier Force and facilitating US intelligence sharing, influencing India's defense strategies even today.

India's Goods and Services Tax collections ended the fiscal year strongly. March collections surpassed two lakh crore rupees for the third time. This indicates robust consumption despite rate reductions. Import-linked revenues drove much of this growth. Experts remain cautious for the coming months due to global turmoil. Rising crude oil prices pose a risk.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed the Supreme Court's observation on the Supplementary list of electors. She stated her efforts resulted in 22 lakh names being added and 18 lakh deleted. Banerjee warned of future NRC implementation and detention camps. She urged people to remain vigilant during polling and counting.

Parliament's budget session will not conclude on Thursday. It is planned to resume in the third week of April for a few days. The government intends to introduce a bill to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816. This expansion will reserve 273 seats for women.

President Trump publicly chided his press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, during a briefing. He stated she was doing a terrible job handling his press coverage. Trump complained about receiving 97 percent negative press, which he labeled as fake. He questioned Leavitt's performance in managing public perception. This incident follows previous criticisms of her team's work.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh alleged that God was not secure in Kerala, accusing the ruling LDF of betraying Lord Ayyappa over gold loss cases. He also criticized both LDF and UDF for corruption, dividing society, and economic mismanagement, citing alleged gold smuggling and money laundering links to the CM's family.

Eli Lilly (LLY) stock today: Eli Lilly's stock surged over 5% following the US FDA's approval of its new oral weight-loss drug, Foundayo. This marks a significant expansion for Lilly in the lucrative obesity market. Clinical trials showed substantial weight loss, and the drug's accessible pricing strategy is expected to boost its adoption, strengthening Lilly's portfolio.

BJP MLA A.L. Hek has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct a consultative review of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. He expressed serious apprehensions about the bill's implications for the non-profit sector, particularly its impact on operational viability and autonomy. Hek emphasized the crucial role of non-profits in nation-building and called for a balanced regulatory framework.

California may face fuel price rises after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz. Oil shipments dropped sharply, creating fears of shortages. Experts say West Coast supply is more at risk due to heavy Middle East dependence and refinery closures. Asia is hit harder, but U.S. costs may still increase. Even if shipping resumes, normal supply could take weeks to return.

Where will SpaceX IPO get listed, and how will largest stock market listing affect CEO Elon Musk net worth? SpaceX has confidentially filed for a US IPO that may value the company above $1.75 trillion and raise more than $50 billion. The expected Nasdaq listing could revive the IPO market, reshape space and AI investments, increase public investor access to SpaceX, and significantly influence Elon Musk net worth and global stock market trends.

Horoscope 2026 suggests that these six dates could mark defining moments for all zodiac signs. While some periods may bring challenges or uncertainty, others offer opportunities for growth, healing and transformation.

Global financial bodies are uniting to tackle the Middle East conflict's fallout. The International Energy Agency, IMF, and World Bank will coordinate responses to energy and economic shocks. This group will assess impacts, coordinate aid, and mobilize support for affected nations. Higher prices for oil, gas, and fertilizers are already a concern, impacting food security and global supply chains.

What is Muskonomy, and why is SpaceX IPO the largest ever in history? SpaceX IPO explained as Elon Musk prepares to take SpaceX public in a listing that could raise over $50 billion and value the company above $1.75 trillion, surpassing past records including the Saudi Aramco IPO and reshaping investment across space, AI, satellites, and global financial markets.

A Fortnite leak has revealed a possible new cosmetic tied to the viral Tung Tung Tung Sahur meme, reportedly part of a Brainrot set. According to dataminer ShiinaBR, the skin may debut on April 1, 2026, when the Item Shop resets at 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET, though it is labeled rumored and remains unconfirmed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review preparedness for the West Asia conflict. The focus is on ensuring uninterrupted supply of fuel, fertilisers, and power. Measures are being taken to diversify sourcing of petroleum products and ensure adequate power availability.

India will export essential goods to Maldives for 2026-27. This includes eggs, rice, sugar, and construction materials like sand and stone aggregate. These exports are part of a bilateral trade agreement. India's commitment to supporting Maldives' development is highlighted. The agreement ensures supply of crucial items for Maldives' growing construction sector.

Verizon has warned users about a new price increase for its streaming bundle. The plan with Netflix and HBO Max will cost more starting soon. The company says customers will still get some savings. The change comes as streaming platforms raise their own prices. Verizon also admitted higher prices may affect customer growth and cause some users to leave the service.

SSC has released the exam city intimation slip for the CHSL Tier-II examination. Candidates can check their allotted city on the official website. The Tier-II exam is scheduled for April 10, 2026. Admit cards will be issued on April 7, 2026. Scribe registration rules have been revised, requiring fresh registration linked with Aadhaar authentication.

Intel stock jumped 8% to $47.50 on Wednesday. AMD stock gained 3% near $209 as AI chip demand surged. Intel announced a $14.2 billion repurchase of its Ireland fab stake. This strengthens its balance sheet and backs the 18A process node launch. AMD benefits from enterprise AI deals, including Upstage exploring a 10,000-chip purchase. CPU prices rose 10%15% driven by AI supply constraints. Investors favor company-specific catalysts over sector-wide caution. Intel focuses on manufacturing credibil

Supreme Court justices heard arguments on President Donald Trump's order to limit birthright citizenship. Justices showed doubt about the legality of the directive. The order would change a key constitutional provision. Trump attended the proceedings. The court's decision could impact many babies born in the US. The ruling is expected by June.