The Economic Times

Indian businesses are seizing opportunities after the Iran war ceasefire. Exports are resuming, and factories are returning to full capacity. Companies expect a surge in orders for reconstruction activities in war-affected nations. Pharma and packaged food sectors see increased demand.

The UAE has reported its first day without air strikes since the conflict started on February 28. No missiles or drones were detected from Iran. However, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

The European Union has stated that ships must be allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz freely. Iran had suggested charging for passage. The EU emphasized that international law guarantees freedom of navigation. This freedom is considered a public good that must be protected. No payment or toll will be accepted for passage.

Social Security benefits check 2026: Many Americans may not be receiving their full Social Security payments. Small errors in earnings records or personal status can lead to underpayments. Checking your earnings history and ensuring your personal details are updated with the Social Security Administration is crucial.

India's economic growth for FY27 is projected at 6.6 percent. The World Bank notes potential risks from the Gulf conflict impacting global energy prices. However, India's economy is strong, supported by reserves and low inflation. Growth is expected to average 7.1 percent from FY28 to FY29. Boosting private sector growth is key for job creation and achieving Viksit Bharat.

A Chinese proverb offers wisdom on life's unpredictable nature. It suggests good fortune is rare and may not repeat, while difficulties often arrive together. This ancient saying encourages appreciating moments of success and preparing for challenges. Understanding this rhythm helps people navigate life's ups and downs with gratitude and strength. It's a reminder to value blessings and endure hardships.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami supported the Election Commission's decision to transfer top officials in Tamil Nadu. He stated the move was necessary for fair elections. Palaniswami questioned Chief Minister MK Stalin's objection to the transfers. He mentioned that officials had been with the DMK government for a long time.

Indian markets expect a prolonged pause in policy rates. Economists foresee no immediate tightening as higher global energy prices have a limited impact. The Reserve Bank of India is likely to maintain rates through FY27. While most anticipate a pause, a rate hike is considered more probable than a cut if the Iran conflict persists and affects growth.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding plans are getting attention as a tight NFL schedule creates pressure. A mandatory minicamp happens just days before their expected June ceremony. Kelces football duties may reduce time for final preparations. Fans are watching closely as the couple balances career commitments and wedding planning, leading to talk about possible last-minute stress before their big day.

Punisher one last kill: Marvels The Punisher: One Last Kill brings Jon Bernthal back as Frank Castle in a dark, action-heavy special. The trailer shows the vigilante battling enemies across a chaotic New York while struggling with his inner demons.The story hints at Castle searching for purpose beyond revenge. The special arrives May 12 on Disney+.

Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is still blocked. Only a few Iran-linked ships have departed. Chinese oil tankers are waiting to enter. Iran is formalizing control and requires permission for passage. The waterway remains effectively shut, impacting global oil supply. A two-week ceasefire offers little immediate relief for shipping.

The Congress Working Committee will convene on Friday. The meeting will focus on the party's stance regarding a government proposal. This proposal aims to amend the Women's Reservation Act. The bill seeks to delink its implementation from the census and delimitation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's traditional minority vote base in Murshidabad and Malda faces challenges. Electoral roll issues, Waqf protests, and OBC reservation concerns are causing anger. Alliances of AIMIM with Humayun Kabir's party and Congress with CPI-M-AISF may divide Muslim votes. Minority community members express dissatisfaction with the government's actions over the past two years.

Bangladesh's ruling party is sending a large delegation to China. This visit aims to boost cooperation and exchange experiences with the Communist Party of China. The delegation includes senior party leaders and ministers. This move rekindles decades-old ties. Bangladesh's foreign minister is also scheduled to visit China later this month. He is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged the US to control Israel and halt bombing in Lebanon. He believes this action is crucial for a successful ceasefire with Iran. Abdullah suggested India's close ties with Israel might be a disadvantage.

Residents near the Habibpur Border in Ahio face challenges. A closed primary health centre forces villagers to travel for medical care. While some infiltration occurs, locals say it is low due to BSF presence. Development and basic facilities remain a concern for these long-term residents.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledges a 'double-engine government' for West Bengal post-assembly polls. He promises to remove infiltrators and ensure government employees receive Seventh Pay Commission benefits. Modi also vows to end the 'mafia raj' and 'syndicates' plaguing the state. Corrupt Trinamool workers will face punishment, and all scam-related files will be reopened.

Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister MK Stalin has voiced skepticism regarding the introduction of the 33% women's reservation bill at this juncture. He perceives it as a politically motivated maneuver designed to attract voters as elections loom. With grave concerns surrounding delimitation and the potential dilution of OBC representation, Stalin underscores the additional fiscal burden it places on state governments.

The Social Security windfall is now real. Over $17 billion is being paid out. More than 3.1 million retirees are impacted. The Social Security windfall average retroactive payment stands near $6,710. This Social Security windfall follows the Social Security Fairness Act. Monthly benefits between $1,500 and $4,000 can quickly build substantial retroactive payouts. However, claiming Social Security retroactive benefits reduces future monthly income permanently for retirees. Experts warn delayed re

Americans can look forward to a summer filled with extra time off thanks to a calendar quirk in 2026. Four federal holidays will result in three-day weekends, offering extended breaks for many. This comes as research suggests a four-day work week could boost productivity and employee well-being.

NASA Artemis II return to Earth: Artemis II is set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean at 1:07 am BST on Saturday, concluding its historic lunar journey. The mission's most perilous phase, re-entry, involves extreme heat and speeds, with the spacecraft's heat shield playing a critical role. Recovery teams will be on standby following the intense 13-minute descent.

Scientists say the Kikai volcano near Japan is slowly filling with magma again after thousands of years. The underwater caldera shows steam and small earthquakes. Researchers warn this may signal future eruption risk. Studies suggest possible tsunamis and climate effects if it erupts. Experts are monitoring closely to understand supervolcano cycles and improve early warning for potential disasters in future.

Pakistan is hosting crucial peace talks between Iran and the United States. This mediation aims to stabilize the global economy and ease tensions. Security is tight in Islamabad for the high-stakes negotiations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir are leading the diplomatic efforts. Success could boost Pakistan's international standing.

Coachella: Manon Bannerman will not perform with KATSEYE at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival after HYBE confirmed she remains on hiatus. The singer has been on a health-related break since February, with no timeline for her return. Her absence from promotions and new music, including Pinky Up, has sparked speculation about her future in the group.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojataba Ali Khamenei announced a new phase in managing the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran will seek retribution for attacks on the country. Iran is resolute in taking revenge for its late supreme leader and its martyrs. The nation is not seeking war but will not forfeit its rights. This signals a firm stance on its perceived entitlements.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri convened with top US officials in Washington to deliberate on key areas of cooperation, including defense and trade. The summit emphasized the urgency of fortifying supply chains in light of global economic fluctuations. Additionally, both parties shared insights on the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific and West Asia.

Best companies to work for 2026: American employees have spoken about what makes a workplace great. A new survey reveals the top companies for employee satisfaction in 2026. These firms excel in pay, benefits, leadership, purpose, and appreciation. Fannie Mae, Fairway Home Mortgage Corp, Plante Moran, Progressive Insurance, and The Baldwin Group lead the rankings.

The Masters returns with top golfers and their stylish partners drawing attention. Rory McIlroy remains a big name after last years success, while Scottie Scheffler enters as favourite. WAGs like Paulina Gretzky and Presleigh Bhatia add glamour. Families, relationships, and support from sidelines make the tournament more exciting beyond just golf action.

Allowing an application filed by Rampur resident Dilip, Justice Saurabh Srivastava directed the regional passport officer to renew his passport without any delay.

Artemis II astronauts are nearing Earth after a historic moon trip. They describe the journey as surreal and profound. The crew is preparing for a fiery reentry into Earth's atmosphere. This mission marks humanity's return to lunar exploration after decades. The safe return of the astronauts is the top priority for NASA and the Defense Department.

At the Pokhran Firing Range, these advanced helicopters showcased precision strike capabilities by successfully launching AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, rockets and an active display of gunfire.

While Lopezs life may seem extraordinary, her message is strikingly universal. In a fast-paced world filled with comparison and pressure, affirmations offer a moment of pause, a chance to reconnect with ones own voice.

The US housing market is showing unexpected strength this spring. Mortgage rates are rising again. Yet buyers are still entering the market in large numbers. The average 30-year mortgage rate now stands at 6.356%. That is a fresh increase of 3 basis points. At the same time, global war uncertainty continues to pressure financial markets. Still, the US housing market is not slowing down. The biggest factor supporting the US housing market right now is seasonal demand. Spring is historically the b

Bengaluru Police have debunked claims of a 'zombie drug' affecting a man seen in a viral video. Investigations revealed the man was suffering from arthritis and had consumed prescribed pain medication with alcohol. Authorities urge the public to avoid sharing unverified information to prevent panic. The police are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Nancy Guthries disappearance is getting more confusing as a new ransom note appears. Investigators are checking if the message is real while a mystery person asks for Bitcoin. Police warn the demand could be fake. Officials say there is already a reward for real tips. The search continues as authorities try to find answers and confirm whether the latest clue is genuine.

West Asia War: The International Monetary Fund will reduce global growth predictions because of the Middle East war. IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned of lasting damage from the conflict. Spiraling energy costs, damaged infrastructure, and supply disruptions will slow growth. The IMF anticipates providing up to 50 billion dollars in financial aid to affected nations.

Quote of the day by Ringo Starr: He emphasizes learning through experience and embracing mistakes, rather than formal study. His journey from childhood illness to global fame with The Beatles highlights the power of persistence and taking action. Starr's philosophy encourages starting new endeavors without fear of imperfection, trusting the process of growth.

He said he was campaigning for his sister Vanathi Srinivasan and praised the hardworking nature of Coimbatore's people, adding that they were as cheerful as she was. He described Tamil Nadu as an economically strong and beautiful state, but alleged that development had stagnated over the past five years due to corruption.

Whats happening with WTI and Brent crude oil today? Why oil prices are surging $1 every hour. Oil price today is rising at an extraordinary pace across global energy markets. Brent crude is hovering near the $100 mark again. WTI crude is also climbing sharply with intraday gains nearing $1 every hour. Brent crude jumped over 12% within just 24 hours recently. WTI crude followed with similar sharp gains across trading sessions. These moves are rare and usually tied to supply shocks or war-like co

Jose Maria Olazabal, at 60 years old, surprisingly led the Masters after a strong start on Thursday. This remarkable performance, with birdies on the second and third holes, placed him atop the leaderboard, a feat that would make him the oldest first-round leader in the tournament's history if he maintains his position.

Businesses are now deciding whether to buy AI tools or build custom systems. AI-as-a-service offers quick solutions for simple tasks. Lab-as-a-service provides embedded teams for complex, tailored AI. This shift is crucial for high-trust, domain-specific AI applications. A hybrid approach combining both models is emerging for a layered AI ecosystem.

Foreign investors reduced their purchases of U.S. Treasury notes last month. This trend was observed across two-, five-, and seven-year maturities. The U.S. Treasury Department data revealed a significant drop in foreign buying. Meanwhile, large investment managers increased their holdings in five- and seven-year notes.

Sri Lankan Navy apprehended ten Indian fishermen and seized their trawler. The incident occurred in Sri Lankan waters north of Mannar. This year, the Navy has seized sixteen trawlers and arrested one hundred twelve Indian fishermen for alleged poaching. Thirty Indian fishermen were repatriated to India recently.